January 31, 2025 Introduction: The central government has signed agreements with three local miners to commence scientific coal mining in two districts (West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts). This decision comes after a decade-long ban on unscientific “rat-hole mining” imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). About Rat-Hole Mining Causes of Rat-Hole Mining Several factors […]

January 31, 2025 Introduction: The Ghaggar River, primarily flowing through India and Pakistan, has come under scrutiny due to severe pollution issues. A recent report by a joint committee established by the National Green Tribunal brought into light alarming levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river, rendering it unfit for bathing. The findings have raised […]

January 31, 2025 Introduction: The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the vital role glaciers play in our ecosystem and the urgent need for climate action. Glaciers, which store about 70% of the world’s freshwater, are critical indicators of climate change. Their rapid melting […]

January 31, 2025 Introduction: Recently, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board announced the designation of the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ in Kutch as the state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This initiative aims to protect a unique mangrove ecosystem that thrives in a non-tidal environment. The site spans 32.78 hectares and is for its ecological diversity. The declaration […]

January 31, 2025 Introduction: Recent events have brought into light the ongoing water crisis affecting Delhi, primarily due to ammonia pollution in the Yamuna River. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Haryana government of releasing excessive ammonia levels, which jeopardises the water supply for millions of Delhi residents. This situation has sparked a political […]

January 30, 2025. Introduction: Recent studies have revealed a promising bacterial strain that can degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” Researchers from the University at Buffalo have identified Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11), a bacterial strain capable of breaking down these hazardous substances effectively. About PFAS and Their Impact Discovery […]

January 30, 2025 Introduction: The recent conditional approval of the Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project has sparked controversy among environmentalists and local communities. The project is situated within the Sharavathy Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary in Karnataka. This sanctuary is crucial for the conservation of the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. The approval was granted by the State Board of Wildlife, […]

January 29, 2025 Introduction: Recently, the Africa Energy Summit took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Twelve African nations presented their National Energy Compacts. These strategies aim to tackle energy access deficits and promote clean energy solutions. The summit was part of “Mission 300,” a World Bank and African Development Bank initiative. The goal is to provide […]

January 28, 2025. Introduction: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India has recently addressed the pressing issue of sewage sludge management. With urban areas generating volumes of wastewater, effective disposal and reuse strategies are critical. The ministry has released an advisory aimed at promoting safe practices for handling sewage sludge. This advisory outlines methods […]

January 28, 2025. Introduction: Recent developments in Namdapha National Park have sparked renewed interest in wildlife conservation. An adult male elephant was recorded in the park after a 12-year absence. This sighting is for both ecological research and community engagement in conservation efforts. Namdapha National Park Overview Recent Elephant Sighting On January 13, 2025, a […]