environment

Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ants, Habitat and Importance

Context: Recent research has revealed that the black parts of female velvet ants are ultrablack, absorbing nearly all visible and ultraviolet light. About Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ants Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ant, scientifically known as Traumatomutilla bifurca, is a fascinating and...

Captive Elephants in India: Paradox of Reverence and Exploitation

The Kerala High Court poignantly compared their plight to an “eternal Treblinka,” invoking the horrors of Nazi extermination camps. Despite being highly social animals and are sacred symbols of wisdom and strength, captive elephants often endure isolation and abusive training...

Octopuses and their kin are a New Animal Welfare Frontier

Context: Cephalopods’ unique intelligence and behaviours place them at the frontier of animal welfare considerations. Their advanced cognitive skills and adaptability challenge traditional ethical frameworks, highlighting the need for regulations similar to those for vertebrates. About Cephalopods Cephalopods are marine...

Kashmiri Artisans give Wings to the Dodo in Papier Mache

Context: Kashmir’s papier-mâché artisans are reviving the extinct dodo by crafting colourful models decorated with symbolic floral and forest prints. These handcrafted dodos are in high demand, particularly in Europe and Mauritius. About Dodo Dodo was a flightless bird that...

Global Warming Fight Has A Challenge For India

Key Developments Affecting Emission Targets Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): The European Union's CBAM is set to take effect in 2026. It will impose customs duties on imports unless exporting countries raise their carbon taxes to match EU levels. This...

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Key Findings and Concerns

Context: Recently, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023. Key stats of India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) Total Forest and Tree cover of the country - 8,27,357 sq...

Murder Hornets, Characteristics and Threat

About Northern Giant Hornet It is the largest hornet species in the world. It is Native to subtropical and temperate mountainous regions of Asia, including northern India, the Korean peninsula and Japan. Characteristics They are approximately 4 times the size...

Tree Census: Supreme Court Ruling on Tree Preservation in Delhi

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed strict measures for tree preservation in Delhi, mandating a comprehensive tree census and restricting tree felling without prior approval from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). This decision underscores the...

Wroughton’s Free-Tailed Bat, Distribution and Conservation Status

About Wroughton’s free-tailed Bat It is a highly rare species of molossus bat. Features: Physical Appearance: Large size, big ears extending beyond the muzzle and bicolored velvety fur. It is capable of flying long distances while foraging (Search for food)....

Strengthening the roots of an Agri-Carbon Market

Introduction to Carbon Markets and Carbon Pricing Carbon Markets: Carbon markets have the potential to transform Indian agriculture by making sustainable farming practices financially rewarding while combating climate change. Carbon Pricing: A critical tool for climate change mitigation, carbon pricing...