Category: Geography & Environment

Manipur has recorded its first documented evidence of the Asiatic wild dog (dhole) after camera traps installed in Shirui Village of Ukhrul district captured images of the species, marking an important milestone for wildlife conservation in the state. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population has declined … Continue reading First Dhole Sighting Recorded in Manipur

The proposed 1,200 MW hydropower project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has raised concerns over the survival of the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), one of the world's rarest and most threatened bird species, due to potential habitat loss and ecological disruption. The White-bellied Heron is the second-largest heron in the world and is … Continue reading White-bellied Heron Conservation in Focus

The degradation of wetlands has emerged as a major factor worsening floods in Assam by disrupting the natural hydrological connectivity between rivers and floodplains. At Panidihing Bird Sanctuary in Sivasagar, the Brahmaputra, Desang, and Demow rivers once sustained an interconnected wetland ecosystem. A study found that the sanctuary's wetlands shrank to 15 wetlands covering only … Continue reading Wetland Degradation Aggravates Floods in Assam

Desang, a major southern perennial tributary of the Brahmaputra, is flowing at its highest-ever recorded level in Sivasagar and Charaideo, causing flooding and transport disruptions. Originating in the Nagaland Hills, the river is highly flood-prone during the monsoon. The river drains a 2,029 sq km basin and has potential for micro-hydropower and irrigation. It also … Continue reading Desang River in Focus

Brahmaputra, along with the Ganga and Meghna, forms the delta that hosts the Sundarbans, where the Union Ministry of Home Affairs plans to fence about 90 km of the India–Bangladesh border. The BSF has begun feasibility studies to secure this difficult riverine terrain. At present, the BSF depends on Floating Border Outposts to guard the … Continue reading Brahmaputra Delta’s Sundarbans to Get Border Fencing

Researchers in Assam have found that invasive plant species such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata serve as important nectar sources for butterflies in Raimona National Park. The finding emerged from a study documenting 220 butterfly species, along with their larval host plants and nectar plants, in the Bodoland Territorial Region. Although Lantana camara and … Continue reading Invasive Plants as Nectar Sources for Butterflies

The Himalayan Mole (Euroscaptor micrurus), a rare species endemic to the Himalayan region, was rescued by the Assam Forest Department after being swept away by the currents of the Manas River. The animal was later safely released into its natural habitat inside Manas National Park. The Himalayan Mole is a burrowing mammal that spends most … Continue reading Himalayan Mole

Assam has launched the Purple City Project under which Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa) trees will be planted along the Jalukbari–Khanapara corridor to enhance Guwahati's urban greenery and improve the city's landscape. The initiative aims to beautify the city with the seasonal purple blooms of the Ejar tree while promoting a greener urban environment. Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa), … Continue reading Purple City Project

Cyananthus hookeri, a rare purple-flowered Himalayan plant, has been rediscovered in Chuna Valley after 158 years. This is the first confirmed record of the species from Arunachal Pradesh. The species was previously documented only from Sikkim in 1867 by the renowned botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker. The rediscovery highlights the rich floral diversity of the Eastern … Continue reading Cyananthus hookeri Rediscovered in India After 158 Years

CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) has approved a study to prepare a conservation and recovery action plan for Gangetic River Dolphin. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India's freshwater biodiversity conservation efforts through a scientifically guided recovery framework. The action plan is expected to enhance protection of the endangered species, particularly in … Continue reading CAMPA Approves River Dolphin Conservation Plan

The Khawthlangtuipui River, internationally known as the Karnaphuli River, is a major transboundary river flowing through Mizoram in Northeast India and southeastern Bangladesh. It serves as the principal drainage channel and hydrological lifeline for the southwestern region of the Mizoram hills. The river is ecologically significant for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining the region's … Continue reading Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) River

The Assam Government has announced the development of a natural history museum, an iconic tower, and a modern animal rescue centre at Kaziranga National Park. The initiative aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, improve rescue and rehabilitation facilities, enhance visitor experience, and promote Kaziranga as a premier eco-tourism destination. APSC Relevance: Environment; Tourism.

Researchers from Assam and Meghalaya have discovered a new species of firefly, Pygoluciola mawsynram, from Mawsynram, the world's wettest place. The species has been named after the region in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and the Khasi community's long-standing tradition of conserving nature. The new firefly species was identified through detailed morphological studies and DNA-based … Continue reading Pygoluciola mawsynram: New Firefly Species Discovered

The Wallacean shortfall refers to the lack of comprehensive knowledge about the geographic distribution of species, limiting our understanding of where organisms occur. Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the pioneer of biogeography, it highlights gaps in species distribution data essential for biodiversity research. Addressing the Wallacean shortfall is crucial for conservation planning, habitat management, species … Continue reading Wallacean Shortfall

Mizoram has recorded two bat species for the first time in India during biodiversity surveys, increasing the country's known bat diversity to at least 138 species. Researchers documented the Indo-Chinese Thick-thumbed Bat and the Indo-Chinese Mouse-eared Bat through surveys led by the Zoological Survey of India, Shillong, in collaboration with the Hungarian Natural History Museum. … Continue reading Mizoram’s New Bat Discoveries

Highest-known presence of the Asian elephant has been recorded at an altitude of 3,266 metres in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, based on elephant tracks and a camera-trap image of a juvenile elephant. The finding is documented in Arunachal Pradesh's Action Plan on Human–Elephant Conflict Management, demonstrating the species' remarkable ecological adaptability. The highest elephant record globally … Continue reading Highest-Altitude Asian Elephant Record

Kokrajhar has recorded the highest number of lightning-related deaths in Assam since 2016, with 43 fatalities, followed by Cachar (32), Dhubri (32), Barpeta (20), and Chirang (19). Lightning has claimed over 400 lives across the state during the last decade, emerging as one of Assam's deadliest natural hazards. By 3 July 2026, 39 deaths had … Continue reading Lightning Fatalities in Assam

Assam's Sonitpur district recently received a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), a legally protected area recognised for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, rare species, wild crop relatives, and ecological significance. BHSs are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 by State Governments in consultation with local bodies and community institutions. They conserve ecologically … Continue reading Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)

Assam has launched a statewide drive against illegal sawmills, leading to the seizure and dismantling of 14 unauthorised units. Licensed sawmills will also undergo strict inspections to ensure compliance with licence conditions and prevent the use of unauthorised machinery. Officials have been directed to verify timber stocks using valid Transit Passes (TPs), GST invoices, e-Way … Continue reading Assam: Crackdown on Illegal Sawmills

The Flamingo Revolution is a mass environmental movement in Albania opposing large-scale tourism projects in ecologically fragile coastal regions. The protests began in May 2026 after the approval of a US$1.6 billion luxury coastal development on Sazan Island and the Vjosa–Narta Wetland. The proposed project has been linked to an investment group associated with Jared … Continue reading Flamingo Revolution

In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Meghalaya's living root bridges as an outstanding example of harmony between nature and indigenous knowledge. Today, local communities maintain over 120 such bridges through regular inspections and conservation efforts. India has nominated the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for inclusion in the … Continue reading Mann Ki Baat – Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges

Scientists have discovered Eriocaulon meghalayense in the East Khasi Hills, adding a remarkable new species to India's floral diversity. It is the first corm-bearing species of the genus Eriocaulon recorded in India and only the third known corm-bearing species in the world. The discovery highlights the exceptional biodiversity of Meghalaya and the ecological significance of … Continue reading Eriocaulon meghalayense

Scientists have identified Selenocosmia meghalayensis, a striking metallic-blue tarantula from the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills, as a species new to science. With this discovery, India now has three recognised species of the genus Selenocosmia. Selenocosmia meghalayensis is the only species of the genus recorded from the karst and limestone landscapes of Northeast India, highlighting … Continue reading Selenocosmia meghalayensis

A powerful earthquake in Venezuela reportedly caused significant casualties and damage, highlighting the country's high seismic vulnerability. Venezuela lies along the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate, making its northern coastal and mountainous regions highly prone to earthquakes. The disaster has raised concerns over global energy supplies, as India has recently … Continue reading Venezuela Earthquake

The Meghalaya State Zoo has recorded its first successful breeding of the Stump-tailed Macaque, a significant milestone in ex-situ wildlife conservation. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Stump-tailed Macaques are threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, hunting, and increasing human interference across their natural range. … Continue reading Successful Breeding of Stump-tailed Macaque in Meghalaya

The Northeast Frontier Railway will introduce a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service between Agartala and Karimganj, strengthening rail connectivity between Tripura and Assam. The service is expected to provide faster, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation while reducing dependence on fossil fuels through electric traction. What is MEMU? A Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) … Continue reading MEMU Service Between Agartala and Karimganj

Russia has reportedly offered India access to the Tomtor Rare Earth Deposit, one of the world's largest undeveloped reserves of rare earth elements located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). India's Indian Rare Earths Limited is reportedly in discussions with Rosneft to obtain samples from the deposit for analysis and potential collaboration. Rare earth elements … Continue reading Tomtor Rare Earth Deposit and India–Russia Cooperation

Nitin Gadkari announced that 72 identified sinking zones on the National Highway 217 in Meghalaya will be developed with support from national and international experts at a cost of ₹160 crore. A sinking zone (or subsidence zone) is an area where the ground gradually settles or sinks due to the removal, erosion, or compaction of … Continue reading Sinking Zones on NH-217 in Meghalaya

An European Union (EU) delegation visited Assam under the India–EU Water Initiative, with the Brahmaputra Board hosting high-level discussions in Guwahati on sustainable water resource management and resilient water governance in the Brahmaputra basin. The visit focused on ongoing collaborations, future strategies and strengthening international cooperation for integrated river basin management. The engagement is part … Continue reading India–EU Water Partnership and EU Delegation Visit to Assam

A unique yellow-coloured puffball mushroom has been recorded in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the rich and largely unexplored fungal diversity of Northeast India. The specimen has been tentatively identified as Bovista colorata (Yellow Puffball Mushroom) based on its distinctive yellow globose fruiting body and puffball-like morphology. Researchers have noted that detailed microscopic examination … Continue reading Yellow Puffball Mushroom Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh

The Union Ministry of Coal has empowered designated executives and security personnel of Coal India Limited (CIL), including the North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), to strengthen action against illegal mining, coal theft and unauthorised transportation of minerals. The powers have been granted through Gazette notifications under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the Mines and Minerals … Continue reading Coal India Officials Empowered Against Illegal Mining

According to Global Forest Watch, Assam recorded the highest tree-cover loss among Indian states between 2001 and 2025, with an estimated loss of about 360,000 hectares of tree cover. In Kamrup Metropolitan, the decline is largely attributed to urban expansion, including roads, housing projects and infrastructure development. Forests around Guwahati play a vital role in … Continue reading Assam Records Highest Tree-Cover Loss in India

India has achieved a significant conservation milestone with the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as the country’s 100th Ramsar Site. Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention, 1971 for their ecological value and role in biodiversity conservation, water security, climate resilience and … Continue reading India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary

World Environment Day 2026 is observed with the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The theme emphasizes nature-based solutions to address climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. It highlights the importance of protecting ecosystems, restoring natural habitats and promoting sustainable practices to secure a climate-resilient future for present and future generations. … Continue reading World Environment Day 2026

Researchers from Kohima Science College and the Zoological Survey of India identified a new catfish species, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, from the Likimro River in Kiphire district of Nagaland. Locally known as Nupedro, the fish inhabits fast-flowing rocky streams and possesses adaptations that enable it to cling to stones in strong currents. The discovery highlights the rich … Continue reading Pseudecheneis likimroensis: New Catfish Species from Nagaland

Scientists exploring limestone cave systems in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya discovered two new microsnail species — Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni. The species were found in Krem Puri and Arwah Cave. The discovery highlights the rich but understudied biodiversity of Northeast India. Researchers also reported the first record of Georissa from Mizoram and additional … Continue reading New Microsnail Species Discovered in Meghalaya

Gynacantha khasiaca, a rare dragonfly species believed to have been lost for over a century, was rediscovered in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Commonly known as the Long-tailed Duskhawker, the species was last recorded in the erstwhile Abor Hills in 1914. The dragonfly is noted for its near-360° … Continue reading Gynacantha khasiaca Rediscovered After More Than a Century

A recent study by researchers from the Bose Institute found that air pollution levels across Northeast India have increased sharply over the last two decades, challenging the region’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest areas. Using 25 years of satellite data (2000–2024), the study reported substantial increases in particulate matter (PM) pollution, with concentrations rising … Continue reading Air Pollution Rising Rapidly in Northeast India

Researchers discovered a new cascade-dwelling frog species from Singrep village in Kiphire district of Nagaland and named it Amolops kamal. The species was named in honour of Kamal Choudhury for his contributions to zoological studies and education. The discovery adds to the rich amphibian diversity of Northeast India and highlights the region's significance as a … Continue reading Amolops kamal: New Frog Species from Nagaland

Residents of Bamsiakilwa village in Peren District declared the Daukeling Hebamlo Community Conserved Area (CCA) to protect the rare Asiatic Golden Cat. The initiative is regarded as the world’s first Community Conserved Area dedicated specifically to the conservation of the Asiatic Golden Cat. It represents a significant example of community-led conservation and highlights the growing … Continue reading Daukeling Hebamlo Community Conserved Area for Asiatic Golden Cat

While the Centre has adopted a cautious approach towards new hydroelectric projects in the upper reaches of the Ganga River in Uttarakhand, it continues to promote large-scale hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, approval was granted for the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project and the 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project. The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower … Continue reading Arunachal Pradesh Hydropower Expansion Amid Environmental Debate

Keyi Panyor was showcased as India’s first “Bio-Happy District” during the inauguration of the Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026 at Yazali. The two-day festival focused on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and the concept of biohappiness, which emphasises human well-being through harmony with nature, sustainable livelihoods and protection of ecological resources. … Continue reading Keyi Panyor – India’s First Bio-Happy District

Kharung Pat in Kakching district of Manipur has been notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the Manipur Government. Spread across around 227 hectares, Kharung Pat is the third largest freshwater lake in the state after Loktak and Pumlen lakes. The wetland is considered ecologically and historically significant and supports rich biodiversity and wetland ecosystems. APSC … Continue reading Kharung Pat Declared Wildlife Sanctuary in Manipur

Scientists from CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology discovered three new species of Berberis in Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The newly identified species — Berberis pseudovirescens, Berberis orbicularis and Berberis tawangensis — have been described as new to science, highlighting the rich botanical diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. APSC Relevance: … Continue reading Three New Berberis Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh