What is Humboldt’s enigma? Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity About Alexander von Humboldt Explorers like Alexander von Humboldt have long studied biodiversity concentration, especially in mountainous regions. Humboldt suggested a link between temperature, altitude, humidity, and biodiversity, illustrated by mountains like Chimborazo in Ecuador. About Humboldt’s enigma: Humboldt’s enigma revolves around the observation that, […]
Dual role as air pollutant and warming agent makes black carbon a neglected player in policy Subject: Environment Section: Pollution Context: A policy brief from the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and Clean Air Fund suggests that increasing black carbon in the atmosphere is causing extreme rainfall in Asian […]
In Jambavan’s land: Sloth bears mostly coexist peacefully with humans in Karnataka; but conflict is not non-existent Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: Karnataka, known in Hindu mythology as the home of Jambavan, the bear king, is also home to a significant population of sloth bears (Melursus ursinus). Details: A survey by […]
Silent fields: a cocktail of pesticides is stunting bumblebee colonies across Europe, study shows Subject: Environment Section: Species in news In the news: In November 2023, the European Parliament voted against a proposal to limit the use of agricultural pesticides. These chemicals, which are crucial for protecting crops from pests, also pose a […]
Shark & ray meat consumption no longer restricted to India’s tribal & coastal peoples: Paper Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: According to a new study he meat of sharks and rays, for long consumed by tribal and coastal people in India, has found favour among new demographic categories such as foreign tourists and Indian […]
Invasion of non-native species can lead to ecosystem shifts Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: At a Kenyan conservancy, the invasive big-headed ant species disrupted a mutualism between native ants and acacia trees, in which the native ants protected trees from grazers in exchange for a place to live. Details: When the invasive ants […]
Rare golden tiger snapped in Kaziranga Subject: Environment Section: Protected Area Context: Gaurav Ramnarayanan, a wildlife photographer from Coimbatore, captured a rare golden tiger in Kaziranga National Park on January 24. About Genetic Study by Researchers: The golden appearance results from a genetic variant or mutation, with the absence of black pigmentation and […]
India one of the nine countries to sign a global pact to protect endangered river dolphins Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Global Declaration for River Dolphins: A meeting was held in Bogotá, Colombia, around International River Dolphin Day (Oct. 24), to discuss the political context, success stories, and collaborative efforts for river […]
Cabinet approves ₹8500 crore incentive scheme for coal gasification projects Subject: Environment Section: Climate change Context: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme for coal gasification projects. The adoption of gasification technology in India is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other essential […]
Albatrosses are threatened with extinction — and climate change could put their nesting sites at risk Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans): The wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) is the world’s largest flying bird, known for its immense wingspan of up to 3.5 meters. These birds, which can live up […]