environment

Jungle Cats: Habitat, Characteristics and Distribution

Context: A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has provided the first comprehensive baseline for the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) in India. About Jungle Cats Physical Features: Distinguishable by a white muzzle, yellow irises, and large ears with black tufts...

EV Charging Infrastructure: Background, Types, and Government Initiatives

Context: The Government informed Parliament about the status and expansion of EV charging infrastructure across India under schemes like FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE. EV Charging Infrastructure: Background EV Charging Infrastructure refers to a network of charging stations (EVPCS) that supply...

New Butterfly Species Euthalia Zubeengargi

Context: A new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (Leparada district) and named after Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg. New Butterfly Species Euthalia Zubeengargi A new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, has recently been discovered in the...

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Role, Functions and Importance

Context: A study reveals that Punjab, one of India's least forested states (less than 3.6% forest cover), has become a critical hub for high-intensity wildlife crime and international trafficking networks. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau...

Helium Production Explained: Sources, Uses and Supply Issues

Context: Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have tightened global helium supply, affecting industries dependent on the gas for high-precision manufacturing and cooling processes. Helium Production Source: Helium is primarily obtained as a by-product of natural gas processing, where it...

Hope Island in News: Significance, Location and Recent Developments

Context: In a significant conservation success, officials from the Wildlife Management Authority and the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary have successfully conserved nearly 20,000 Olive Ridley turtle eggs on Hope Island. The recent arrival of nearly 70 Greater Flamingos at Hope Island...

India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Context: The Indian government announced a bold update to its third set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2031–2035 period, significantly raising its climate ambition ahead of its formal communication to the UNFCCC. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): New 2035...

Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB): Growth, Causes and Effects

Context: In 2025, the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt reached a record length of 5,500 miles (twice the width of the US), signaling a massive ecological shift. About Sargassum Definition: A genus of large brown seaweed (algae) that floats in island-like...

Ancient Marine Snail Discoveries in Gujarat: Insights into Prehistoric Life

Context: A collaborative team from IIT Bombay, ISI, and IISER Kolkata has discovered four new species of 20-million-year-old marine snails in the Dwarka Basin. About the New Species of Ancient Marine Snail The fossils date back roughly 20 million years...

CSR and Environmental Sustainability in India

Context: While India was a global pioneer in mandating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the Companies Act, 2013, environmental funding remains a neglected ledger. Issues and Challenges with CSR in Environmental Sector Structural Gaps in CSR Allocation Human-Centric Bias in...