Category: Geography & Environment

Tuvalu has officially become the 90th State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. The Pacific island nation, among the most climate-vulnerable countries, relies on rainwater and wells due to the absence of rivers. Its porous soils restrict agriculture largely to coconuts, breadfruit, … Continue reading Environment & International Affairs – Tuvalu Joins IUCN as 90th Member

A major proposal to establish a Climate Change Research Centre for the Indian Himalayan Region in the North East emerged during the two-day Indian Himalayan Region Climate Change Conclave. Experts highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in research, climate modelling, and adaptation planning to strengthen sustainable development and resilience across the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

In a major scientific breakthrough, the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department has discovered three rare orchid species in Tawang district, reaffirming the state’s title as the Orchid State of India. The newly recorded species — Agrostophyllum flavidum, Neottia listeroides, and Hemipilia calcicola — were identified during field explorations by scientists from the Orchid Research Centre (ORC), … Continue reading Environment & Biodiversity – Discovery of rare orchid species in Tawang

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, creating India’s first legally binding framework for industrial emission reduction — a key milestone in meeting Paris Agreement climate goals. The rules apply to 282 industrial units across Aluminium, Cement, Pulp & Paper, and Chlor-alkali … Continue reading Environment – Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025

The IUCN has, for the first time, assessed the global green status of tigers (Panthera tigris), classifying them as “Critically Depleted.” Although local populations in India and Nepal have recovered due to conservation efforts, tigers now occupy less than 10% of their historical range. The Green Status Assessment evaluates: past conservation gains, dependence on ongoing … Continue reading Environment & Wildlife – Tiger Conservation Status

New research on twinning rates and twin mortality, including projections for India and a call to establish a national twin registry, has renewed policy focus on maternal and child health. The twinning rate, defined as the number of twin births per 1,000 deliveries, serves as a key indicator of how common twin pregnancies are. It … Continue reading Health – New Insights on Twinning Rates and Twin Mortality in India

Five beaches in Maharashtra have received the prestigious Blue Flag certification, an international eco-label recognizing excellence in environmental management, water quality, safety, and sustainable tourism. This achievement strengthens India’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly coastal tourism and marine conservation. The Blue Flag programme, launched in France in 1985 and expanded globally in 2001, evaluates beaches based … Continue reading Environment – Maharashtra Beaches Earn International Blue Flag Certification

The Tamenglong district administration in Manipur has imposed a ban on the killing and sale of Amur falcons during their annual roosting period. Known locally as ‘Akhuaipuina’, these migratory birds have begun arriving at Guangram village. The Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, will tag three more Amur falcons with satellite … Continue reading Environment – Manipur Bans Hunting of Amur Falcons to Protect Migratory Species

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the growing ground-level ozone pollution in major Indian cities. It directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to conduct an expert study and devise control measures. Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles, industries, and … Continue reading Environment – NGT Acts on Rising Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new balsam species, Impatiens rajibiana, in the natural forests of Shergaon, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The study was led by Dr. Krishna Chowlu and her team. The discovery highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and adds to the rich floral diversity … Continue reading Environment and Biodiversity – New Balsam Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

The IUCN has reclassified the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Endangered to Least Concern, marking a major global conservation success. The improvement reflects decades of protection of nesting beaches, feeding sites, and migratory routes. Despite progress, the species still faces threats from illegal harvesting, bycatch in fishing nets, coastal development, light pollution, and climate … Continue reading Environment and Ecology – IUCN Upgrades Green Sea Turtle Status

The Sikkim government’s plan to regularise the pre-1980 forest settlements of traditional forest workers known as Taungyadars has been put on hold. The Centre has asked the state to provide additional details on land use and layout plans before proceeding. The proposal involves diverting about 57 hectares of forest land to convert old Taungya settlements … Continue reading Environment – Sikkim’s Taungyadar Settlement Plan Put on Hold

Scientists have discovered a new Begonia species named Chowna Buku Chulu in the Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh. The name means “Noble Red” and honours Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein for his contribution to regional development and conservation. The plant is easily recognisable by its bright ruby-red leaves, giving it strong ornamental potential. The discovery … Continue reading Environment & Biodiversity – New Begonia Species in Arunachal Pradesh

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially declared the slender-billed curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) extinct, marking the first known global extinction of a once widespread migratory bird species. Once found across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, the bird’s last confirmed sighting was recorded at Merja Zerga in Morocco on February 25, 1995.

Unusual winter rains in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions on Earth, have triggered a rare bloom of fuchsia-coloured wildflowers, creating a stunning “Desierto Florido” or “Flowering Desert.” This phenomenon occurs when dormant seeds, preserved for years in the desert soil, sprout after heavy rainfall, turning the arid land into a vast, colourful … Continue reading Environment – Desierto Florido Phenomenon

Environment The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has inaugurated ‘Breathable Art’, a living art structure created with air-purifying plants to highlight air quality, sustainability, and eco-friendly lifestyles. The initiative is part of the ‘Breath of Change – Clean Air, Blue Skies’ campaign. The installation uses plants like Areca Palm, Money Plant, Spider … Continue reading MoEFCC Launches ‘Breathable Art’ for Clean Urban Living

International Affairs Pakistan has proposed allowing the United States to build and operate a commercial deep-water port at Pasni, Balochistan, as part of a strategic move to export critical minerals such as copper and rare earths. This signals a major shift in Pakistan’s foreign and economic policy orientation. The Port of Pasni, located in Gwadar … Continue reading Pakistan Proposes US-Built Deep-Water Port at Pasni for Mineral Exports

Environment and Energy According to the energy-monitoring organisation Ember, renewable energy sources—wind, solar, and hydropower—have, for the first time, produced more electricity globally than fossil fuels like coal. This marks a historic shift in the world’s energy landscape. The dominance of renewables is significant because fossil fuels remain the primary contributor to global warming and … Continue reading Renewables Surpass Fossil Fuels in Global Electricity Generation

Environment & Biodiversity The government has announced a series of targeted conservation projects to protect threatened species and address human–wildlife interactions. Project Dolphin (Phase II) will strengthen conservation efforts for river and marine dolphins, especially the Ganga River Dolphin and Indus Dolphin, ensuring habitat protection and monitoring. Project Sloth Bear marks the first national framework … Continue reading New Conservation Projects Launched

Disaster A powerful blizzard struck the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, leaving nearly 1,000 trekkers stranded in the remote Karma valley. Blizzards form when several atmospheric factors converge. Cold, dense air arriving from high latitudes ensures snowfall instead of rain, while moist air masses supply the water vapour needed for precipitation. As this … Continue reading Severe Blizzard Traps Trekkers in Tibet’s Karma Valley

Environment The Philippines has established Southeast Asia’s first coral larvae cryobank, designed to freeze and preserve coral “seeds” at ultra-low temperatures. This facility acts as a genetic seed vault for corals, ensuring their survival for future reef restoration and scientific research. The initiative is part of the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform, a regional … Continue reading Philippines Sets Up Southeast Asia’s First Coral Larvae Cryobank

Environment India will unveil its maiden Red List of Endangered Species at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The Congress, held every four years by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is the world’s largest forum on conservation policy, bringing together governments, scientists, civil society, indigenous groups, and industry leaders to … Continue reading India to Release First Red List of Endangered Species at IUCN Congress 2025

Environment & Sustainability Green packaging, or sustainable packaging, uses biodegradable, recyclable, and energy-efficient materials to reduce environmental impact. While costlier than traditional methods, it minimizes pollution and employs alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and biofuels. Green marketing promotes awareness through symbols like the Recycling Loop, Tidyman, and Eco-mark, and color coding for food products. … Continue reading Green Packaging: Eco-Friendly Consumer Goods

Environment & Biodiversity A new species of flowering plant, Corydalis shiyomiensis (family Papaveraceae), has been discovered in the forests of Shi Yomi district, a part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. The plant was found near Tato village, with only 12 flowering individuals recorded so far. Given its extremely limited population and distribution, it has … Continue reading Critically Endangered Flowering Plant Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91, was regarded as the world’s foremost authority on chimpanzees and a lifelong advocate for wildlife conservation. Beginning her research in 1960 at Gombe National Park, Tanzania, she went on to establish the longest-running continuous study of any wild animal species. Her groundbreaking discoveries transformed scientific … Continue reading Environment & Biodiversity – Legacy of Jane Goodall

Kharungpat, a 227-hectare wetland in Kakching district, Manipur, will soon be declared a bird sanctuary. The move aims to protect threatened and vulnerable bird species, ensuring safe habitats for nesting, breeding, and feeding. The sanctuary will also promote research, education, and eco-tourism, marking a major step in avian conservation and safeguarding one of Manipur’s vital … Continue reading Environment – Kharungpat Bird Sanctuary

Mizoram is once again witnessing Mautam, the periodic famine linked to the flowering of Bambusa tulda (rawthing), which occurs roughly every 46 years. This phenomenon has historically caused widespread hardship, with recorded famines in 1862 and 1911 during the British era. The cycle begins when bamboo flowers attract rodents, leading to a sudden surge in … Continue reading Environment & Society – The Return of Mautam in Mizoram

India has added Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel in Bihar to the list of Ramsar sites, raising the national tally to 93 wetlands of international importance. With this addition, India has further consolidated its position as the leading country in Asia for Ramsar recognition. Globally, India now stands third in the world, after the United … Continue reading Environment – India Adds Two New Ramsar Sites

India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves at the 37th ICC-MAB session. The reserve, spread over 7,770 sq km in the Trans-Himalayan region, covers Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland, and adjoining landscapes. It represents a unique high-altitude cold desert ecosystem. … Continue reading Environment – Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in UNESCO WNBR

The term “landslide” broadly refers to the downward movement of rock, soil, or debris on a slope, while “landslip” is a milder form of the same process, often involving surface soil and vegetation shifting gently before coming to rest. This distinction has gained relevance as a critical stretch of the Shillong–Dawki road near Pomlum has … Continue reading Difference Between Landslip and Landslide, and Its Impact on Shillong–Dawki Road

Climate and Development In June 2025, the Government of India mandated that all new air conditioners must function within the 20°C–28°C range, with 24°C as the default setting, to reduce energy use and emissions. The move has reignited debate over cooling as both a public health safeguard and a climate adaptation need, particularly in India … Continue reading Cooling Policy and Global Climate Justice Debate

Environment The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi adopted a resolution recognising India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu as a global model for marine biodiversity conservation. The dugong, often called the “sea cow,” is a large marine mammal and the only strictly herbivorous species among marine mammals. Its protection … Continue reading India’s Dugong Reserve Recognised Globally

Environment & Innovation The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth award, recognising groundbreaking innovators from India, Kenya, and the United States. Jinali Mody from India was honoured for founding Banofi Leather, which produces eco-friendly leather from banana crop waste, significantly reducing water use, chemical pollution, and carbon … Continue reading UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2025 Announced

Environment & Ecology A new species of golden-haired tube-nosed bat, Harpiola isodon, has been recorded in Mizoram, increasing India’s bat diversity to 136 species. The specimen was collected in March 2025 from Hmuifang village in Aizawl district by Uttam Saikia, a bat researcher with the Shillong branch of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). This … Continue reading New Bat Species Harpiola isodon Discovered in Mizoram

Environment & Health At the Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Brazil in July 2025, world leaders shaped the Belém Health Action Plan, set to be launched at COP30. The plan represents a major shift in global climate policy, placing health at the core of climate action. The draft plan is built on … Continue reading Belém Health Action Plan: Linking Climate and Public Health

Environment & Energy The Central government has cleared the Oju hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, marking a major step toward one of India’s largest hydropower ventures in a geologically sensitive region along the China border. The project, developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt. Ltd., is designed to generate 2,220 megawatts … Continue reading Oju Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh

Geography & Environment India’s only active volcano at Barren Island in the Andaman Sea recorded two mild eruptions on 13 and 20 September 2025. The site holds major geological significance as the only active subaerial volcano between Sumatra and Myanmar. It also provides valuable insights for scientific research in plate tectonics, volcanology, and oceanic crust … Continue reading Barren Island Volcano Eruptions

Geography India has become the first country to receive a global licence to explore polymetallic sulphide (PMS) nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge. The contract area spans 10,000 sq. km. in parts of the Indian Ocean. Polymetallic sulphides are hydrothermal mineral deposits found along mid-ocean ridges and hydrothermal vents. They form when hot, mineral-rich fluids from … Continue reading Licence to Explore Polymetallic Sulphides in the Indian Ocean

Environment & Agriculture The mass flowering of bamboo species, locally known as rawthing, has re-emerged in parts of northern and southern Mizoram, raising concerns of rodent infestations that historically trigger Thingtam, a famine-like situation. Agricultural scientists have long observed that such flowering events cause rat populations to multiply rapidly, leading to widespread destruction of ripening … Continue reading Bamboo Flowering in Mizoram Sparks Fears of Thingtam Famine

Environment & Conservation World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22, underscores global efforts to conserve rhinoceros species and their habitats. The year 2025 is pivotal, with rhino conservation high on the agenda at two key forums — the CITES CoP20 and the World Conservation Congress. Demand for rhino horn has shifted, with carvings and … Continue reading World Rhino Day 2025

Environment Lakshadweep is facing a waste crisis, now dubbed Plasticdweep. The recent Minicoy fire exposed nearly 4,000 tonnes of uncollected plastic and e-waste scattered across the islands. A 2024 survey found heavy litter on beaches and corals being smothered. After panchayats were removed in 2021, regular collection stopped, leading to dumping and burning. Limited transport … Continue reading Plasticdweep: Lakshadweep’s Waste Problem

Geography Located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Erra Matti Dibbalu are striking red sand dunes formed during the late Quaternary period around 50,000–20,000 years ago. Their vivid red colour is the result of iron-rich minerals undergoing oxidation over millennia. These dunes, standing 10–30 feet tall, provide a natural archive of past environmental changes, including variations … Continue reading Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes), Andhra Pradesh

Environment The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has issued strict directives for mining and land use in Meghalaya. All mining lease holders are required to submit digital maps of their lease areas, transport routes, waste-dump sites, and de-siltation pits within 30 days, failing which their operations will be halted. The State Environmental … Continue reading CEC Directives on Mining and USTM Encroachment in Meghalaya

Environment and Governance The Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has held the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) accountable for violations of forest laws, recommending restoration of its occupied land and surrounding areas, along with a minimum fine of ₹150 crore. In its broader findings on illegal mining and hill cutting in … Continue reading USTM and Illegal Mining in Meghalaya: CEC Report

Disaster & Environment The catastrophic landslide in Wayanad in July 2024 has been framed by scientists as a classic case of a “grey rhino,” according to the 2025 study Sliding Earth, Scattered Lives. The label reflects how repeated signals about ecological vulnerability, deforestation, and rainfall stress were overlooked until the disaster unfolded. The term “grey … Continue reading Wayanad Landslide and the Grey Rhino Lens

Environment & Biodiversity A new freshwater fish species, Garra nambashiensis, has been identified in Manipur. It belongs to the Labeonine group and was discovered in Taretlok, a tributary of the Chindwin river, near the Nambashi Valley in Kamjong district. The finding, published in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa, highlights the ecological richness of the region and … Continue reading Discovery of New Freshwater Fish in Manipur

Environment & Climate The recent floods and landslides in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir highlight the dangers of unchecked construction and deforestation in the Himalayas. Experts and the Supreme Court warn that unregulated development is destabilising the fragile mountain system. The Himalayas are geologically young and unstable, naturally prone to landslides and earthquakes. They … Continue reading Himalayan Fragility and Recent Disasters

International Affairs Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, projecting it as a symbol of national pride and development. Built on the Blue Nile River at Guba, about 30 km from the Sudan border, the dam is designed to boost Ethiopia’s power generation and strengthen regional energy trade. The … Continue reading Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

Environment and Ecology A recent wildlife survey in Arunachal Pradesh has yielded remarkable findings, including the first photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat in the state. Alongside this, five other wild cat species—snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat—were documented at elevations of 4,200 metres. The survey was carried out … Continue reading Rare Cat Species Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh

Environment & Urban Development The Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has rolled out Operation SWARNA (Swarnamukhi Waterbody Action for River and Nala Awareness), a flagship initiative to restore and protect the Swarnamukhi River. The project seeks to clear encroachments, rejuvenate river flow, and conserve the surrounding ecosystem, making it the first state-level mission in Andhra … Continue reading Operation SWARNA Launched for Revival of Swarnamukhi River

Environment & Energy India faces a “green energy paradox,” where 44 GW of renewable energy capacity is available for deployment but remains stranded. The issue arises mainly from demand-side weaknesses and the absence of sufficient Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The paradox highlights a contradiction: renewable energy capacity is expanding steadily, yet systemic barriers prevent its … Continue reading India’s Green Energy Paradox