Baring the biodiverse heart of the Thar desert Subject: Environment Section: Ecosystem Context: The Thar, one of the most populated deserts in the world, has long been perceived as a barren wasteland. However, a recent study by IIT-Jodhpur shows that this arid ecosystem harbours remarkable biodiversity, containing four distinct ecoregions. Details: The study […]
Where is the money for biodiversity? Subject :Environment Section: International convention Context: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill is now cleared by both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The new Act, which has been named the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, will come into force after the Centre notifies it in the official gazette […]
A 340-tonne whale species lived 39 million years ago Subject :Environment Section: Species in news Context: The newly discovered Perucetus colossus, an ancient species of whale, is thought to be one of the largest and heaviest animals on record. Perucetus colossus: The species is discovered in Southern Peru and estimated to be approximately […]
The enigmatic Indian eagle-owl Subject :Environment Section: Species in news Context: The Indian eagle-owl was classified as a species only in recent years, thus distinguishing it from the Eurasian eagle-owl. Indian eagle-owl: The Indian species is an imposing bird. The slightly larger female can reach a total length of two and a half […]
Lula to host South American summit on saving the Amazon Subject :Environment Section: International convention Context: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will host a regional summit with planetary stakes, as leaders of the countries that share the Amazon seek a roadmap to save the world’s biggest rainforest. Details: The meeting of […]
Green steels and carbon footprint Subject: ENVIRONMENT Section: Climate Change Section: Green steel to overcome EU’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) What is green steel? Essentially, green steel is the manufacturing of steel without the use of fossil fuels. So-called “green hydrogen” is one solution that could help reduce the steel industry’s […]
The Iberian wolf is extinct in Spain’s Andalusia: Report Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), the species of gray wolf native to the Iberian Peninsula comprising Spain and Portugal, has been extinct in the historic region of Andalusia in the extreme south of Iberia since 2020. […]
Assam’s Manas Tiger Reserve 63% short of staff, activist tells Environment Minister Subject: Environment Section: Protected Areas in news Context: While the western Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is moving from a low- to high-tiger-density area, it is almost 63% short of staff. Details: Manas had an effective staff strength of […]
Himalayan vulture bred in captivity for the first time in India Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: Researchers have recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. About the Himalayan vulture: The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Gyps himalayensis, is an […]