environment

Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986. Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025: Key Provisions Definition of...

Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Location, Ecological Significance

Context: A study has found that invasive and native “grassland invader” plants are rapidly altering the riverine ecosystem of Assam’s Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP), the only habitat of feral horses in India. Oil India Limited (OIL) has requested the Ministry...

Flash Floods: Causes, Risk Factors and Mitigation Strategies

Context: At least 65 people were killed and over 50 reported missing after torrential rain triggered a flash flood in Chasoti village, Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir. Reasons for Flash Floods and Rain in J&K Impact Loss of lives: Dozens...

Ethanol Blending In India: Targets, Benefits and Current Status

Context: India pushes ethanol blending for fuel import savings and lower emissions, but faces challenges. What is Ethanol and Why is it Used Definition: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a renewable biofuel made by fermenting sugars from biomass (e.g., sugarcane, maize, broken...

Sloth Bear: Features, Habitat and Conservation Status

Context: The Puliyancholai eco-tourism site in Tamil Nadu was temporarily closed after a sloth bear wandered into the area, prompting safety concerns and a halt to visitor access. About Sloth Bear Global Presence: One of eight bear species found worldwide....

New Rules on Chemically Contaminated Sites, Key Provisions and Process

Context: The Environment Ministry has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 to legally address sites contaminated by hazardous chemicals and wastes. Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 Definition: Contaminated sites are areas where hazardous...

Lion Population in India as per 16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025

Context: According to the Gujarat Forest Department report, India's lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% (891 lions) between 2020 and 2025. India’s Asiatic lion population has grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, a 32.2% increase, per...

Groundwater Contamination in India, Reasons, Impacts and Solutions

Context: India’s growing groundwater contamination crisis has become a serious public health concern, with hazardous pollutants being linked to long-term illnesses in multiple states. The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024, released recently by the Central Groundwater Board, highlights alarming levels...

Rhisotope Project: Objective, Working and importance

News? A South African university launched an anti-poaching campaign involving the injection of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns, known as the Rhisotope Project. Rhisotope Project Rhisotope Project was launched by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, with support...

Asian Giant Tortoise, Key Features, Habitat and Conservation Status

Context: The Asian giant tortoise has been reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland’s Peren. About the Asian Giant Tortoise The largest land tortoise in mainland Asia. Geographical Distribution: Found in the tropical and subtropical forests of India (mainly...