Why multiple committees for reviewing pesticide ban, SC asks government Subject: Environment Section: Pollution Context: The Supreme Court criticised the Union government on July 25 for appointing multiple expert committees to reassess the expert committee recommendations on banning hazardous pesticides in agriculture. Details: Pesticide Registration Committee, an apex body that regulates pesticides in […]

    Sixth mass extinction will be worse than previously thought, say scientists Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: The planet’s sixth mass extinction, fuelled by human activities, may trigger a rapid biodiversity imbalance, according to scientists. About the Study: The researchers analysed more than 71,000 animal species from five strata, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians […]

    Himalayas losing glaciers and snow: more hazards in the offing, a new study finds Subject: Environment Section: Climate change Context: A recent report on the effect of climate change on the Hindu Kush Himalaya warns of glacier volume loss of 30% to 50% by 2100. Details: The rapid melting of glaciers, snow and […]

    Finally, microorganisms and pollinators receive much needed support: Technical working group formed by FAO Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: A new intergovernmental technical working group on microorganism and invertebrate genetic resources (MIGR) was set up during the 19th regular session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), which was […]

    Raigad landslide brings back focus on Madhav Gadgil report Subject : Environment Section: Ecosystem Concept : A landslide in Maharashtra’s Raigad district last week claimed 27 lives, flattened an entire village, and brought back into focus the 2011 Dr Madhav Gadgil report on conservation of the Western Ghats. During a discussion in the […]

    High Court directs Goa to notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby areas as tiger reserve within three months Subject :Environment Section: Protected Area in new Context: The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on July 24 directed the Government of Goa to notify the 208 sq. km. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and […]

    Silver cockscomb isn’t a troublesome weed for Karnataka’s Soliga tribe Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Silver cockscomb: Also known as lagos spinach, the weed belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which includes economically important plants like spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beetroot and quinoa. Believed to have originated in tropical Africa and grows abundantly in […]

    A different kettle of fish: Kashmir wants Europe to taste its trout Subject : Environment Section: Species in news Concept : Introduced in the early 1900s, trout fish has become a staple on the Valley’s menu, and an increasing number of farmers are now eyeing opportunities to export trout to meet European demand. […]