environment

De-extinction of Dire Wolf: Is the Once-extinct Dire Wolf Back?

Context: Recently, Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotechnology company, announced the birth of three dire wolf pups. What is De-Extinction? De-extinction is the process of reviving extinct species using technologies like: Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) Cloning Cross-breeding with modern relatives. Colossal’s...

Sanitary Waste Management Model of Karad, Maharashtra

Context: Sanitary waste disposal remains a neglected aspect of solid waste management in India, leading to severe environmental degradation, health hazards, and social stigma. Karad, a small city in Maharashtra’s Satara district, offers a replicable model by achieving 100% segregation,...

Hydrogen For Net-Zero Economy, Government Policy and Challenges

Context: For India to achieve a net-zero economy, hydrogen is a promising substitute for future electricity needs. Rising Power Demand in India Development-driven consumption: As India transitions into a developed economy by 2047, electricity demand is expected to grow significantly...

Mantis Shrimp – Latest Research News and Features

Mantis Shrimp Mantis shrimp is a small, colourful crustacean (~10 cm long). It uses a hammer-like appendage called the dactyl club to strike prey at a speed of 23 m/s (82.8 km/h). This strike speed is about 50 times faster...

Cheetah Project Steering Committee Key Responsibilities

Context: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee has cleared the proposal to relocate some cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. About Cheetah Project Steering Committee Cheetah Project Steering Committee was established by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)...

Alfalfa Flowering Plant, Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Context: The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) cleared the import of genetically modified alfalfa hay from the US but final approval from the Union Agriculture Ministry is pending. About Alfalfa Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae....

Bluewashing: New Categorisation by CPCB

Context: Recently the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has created a new 'Blue Category' of industries based on Essential Environmental Services (EES) — activities aimed at managing pollution from human activities. Industries under this category will receive: Extended ‘Consent to...

Malabar Grey Hornbill, Characteristics and IUCN Status

Context: A team of researchers from Kerala has been awarded the Future Conservationist Award by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) for their project on conserving the Malabar Grey Hornbill. CLP is a partnership between Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International...

Salt Pan Land Cleared for Dharavi Redevelopment Project

Context: The Maharashtra Government has approved the allocation of 256 acres of salt pan land to rehabilitate slum dwellers under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). What is Salt Pan Land? Salt Pan Lands are low-lying areas where seawater flows in and...

Kerala and Tamil Nadu Unite for Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025

Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu have decided to carry out a joint population survey for Nilgiri Tahr. About Nilgiri Tahr Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It is locally known as “Varayadu” in Tamil...