February 9, 2024 Introduction: NASA has begun conducting marathon research flights across Asia in order to improve air pollution forecasting models. The flights aim to collect detailed data on air pollution sources and behavior to enhance warning systems for the public. Millions of deaths each year are linked to air pollution. The flights involve NASA’s […]

February 8, 2024 Introduction: A report by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) says that the world experienced unprecedented heat in 2023, breaking temperature records and sounding the alarm on climate change. 2024 is on track to be even hotter. Main Points 2024: Continuing the Trend The Bigger Picture 2023 smashed the 1.5°C ceiling, and 2024 […]

February 8, 2024 Introduction: The government has proposed constructing a 6-lane elevated highway through Bangalore’s Bannerghatta National Park, sparking protests from environmentalists concerned about the impacts on wildlife and habitat. Bannerghatta National Park is an important biodiversity hotspot home to endangered Asian elephants, tigers, and other species. Project Overview The National Highways Authority of India […]

February 8, 2024 Introduction: The Mahmudia wetland is part of the vital Danube Delta ecosystem in Romania. Eight years ago, it was restored into a thriving wetland habitat using EU funds, transforming the area and providing livelihoods and climate resilience for locals. However, recent flooding in 2023 submerged nearly 1,000 hectares of nearby farmland, reverting […]

January 31, 2024 Introduction: The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, released India’s first nationwide snow leopard population assessment report titled “Status Report of Snow Leopards in India”. The assessment estimates 718 snow leopards in India based on systematic surveys covering over 70% of their potential habitat from 2019-2023. The Wildlife Institute […]

January 25, 2024 Introduction: The Union Cabinet has approved a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme worth ₹8,500 crore to promote coal gasification projects in India. This move aims to encourage adoption of cleaner coal technologies for power generation and production of chemicals. Three Categories of VGF Support The VGF scheme has been divided into three […]

January 19, 2024 Introduction: The Advertising Standards Council of India has introduced guidelines to prevent misleading environmental claims, known as greenwashing, frequently seen across sectors. Effective February 15, 2024, these mandate that green claims in ads are reliable, verifiable and transparent. Ensuring Reliable Green Claims Brands must provide robust supporting data or credible certifications for any environment-friendly […]

January 17, 2024 Introduction: A new study warns of increasing acidity in Antarctic continental shelves within Marine Protected Areas under high greenhouse gas trajectories. As carbon emissions mix vertically, severe acidification could occur at all water levels in these biodiversity hotspots by 2100. Coastal Areas Face Higher Risks Compared to the open ocean, the researchers highlight that […]

16 January 2024 Introduction; The population of saltwater or estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park has seen a slight increase, numbering 1,811 as per the 2024 census. This is up from 1,793 crocodiles counted last year through an extensive survey effort. Bhitarkanika National Park Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 sq km protected […]

January 13, 2024 Introduction: The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas. Its taxonomic status had been unclear until recently. The animal has now been assessed for the first time on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. The assessment was done on June 27, […]