Himalayan leap for yak genomic science
The first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak was assembled by specialists from four ICAR institutions
Why do Andhra Pradesh and Telangana get so hot during the summer?
A mix of geographical and climatic factors make Andhra Pradesh and Telangana extremely prone to heatwaves in summers.
Itel A90 entry segment phone launched in India with Unisoc processor
It ships with a 5,000 mAh battery along with a 10 W charger
Google is testing AI Mode on search homepage replacing the Im Feeling Lucky button
The company rolled out the option to a limited group of U.S. users who were on Google Labs to gather feedback
Nvidia CEO's net worth nears $120 billion as shares surge on Saudi chip deal
Nvidia hit $3 trillion in market value after it agreed to sell hundreds of thousands of AI chips in Saudi Arabia with many chips to an AI startup launched by its sovereign wealth fund, in a sign demand for its top-line processors is still booming
Major social media platforms fail to protect LGBTQ users: Report
Major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and X have failed to protect LGBTQ+ users from hate and harassment, per GLAAD
Scientists have found a cricket evolving rapidly to beat a new threat
Pacific field crickets in Hawaii are evolving to escape parasitoid flies in a surprising way
The sky is always a beautiful sight, and when birds soar in their perfect V-shape, its hard not to stop and admire them. But did you know this formation isnt just random? Birds are actually using science to fly smarter!
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses launch in India; pre-orders begin at 29,900
The smart glasses combine Ray-Bans established frame designs with integrated hardware and Metas AI technology
Urban temps turning cities into 'ovens,' UN Chief Heat Officer warns
Whether in Miami, Athens, or Santiago, dedicated ambassadors are stepping up to tackle extreme urban heat around the world. In Athens, we worked on the categorization of extreme heat, so that there are specific thresholds that trigger different types of policies and actions during heatwaves to make sure that we protect the most vulnerable populations.
Perplexity AI eyes $14 billion in valuation in fresh funding round: Report
Perplexity AI is in advanced talks to raise $500 million in a funding round that would value the startup at $14 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported
Mercury fuels gold mining in Senegal. And it's poisoning the people who use it
In Senegal's gold-rich Kedougou region, the widespread use of mercury in artisanal mining poses severe health and environmental risks, particularly for women and children. Despite government pledges to reduce mercury use, the lack of accessible, effective alternatives and weak enforcement perpetuate the dangerous practice. The lure of quick profits outweighs concerns about long-term health consequences, hindering efforts to implement safer gold processing methods.
Indias rising e-waste, the need to recast its management
A focus on floor price will help transform e-waste recycling and its management in India
Rare New Zealand snail filmed laying an egg from its neck for first time
The sight of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured on camera for the first time
Copenhagen to offer giveaways to eco-friendly tourists
The city of Copenhagen will offer special rebates and freebies to eco-friendly tourists this summer, including free bike rentals to those arriving by train and staying more than four days. Those who make climate-friendly and environmental choices, such as using bikes and picking up trash, will also be offered rebates at museums and tourist sites, as well as free yoga classes and vegetarian meals.
Green Humour | Hat-tip to sloth bears on Mothers Day
Single-use food, beverage packaging 84% of Himalayan plastic waste: report
The Zero Waste Himalaya Alliance was formed to combat the crisis in the eco-sensitive region
It is time to protect Indias workers from the heat
Millions of urban informal workers in India continue to bear the brunt of flawed Heat Action Plans
The Hindu Huddle 2025: Multilateral regime remains relevant in fight against climate change
The planet is warming because of human activities, and it is warming much faster than our models have anticipated, says expert at The Hindu Huddle.
Wolf protection downgrade gets green light in EU
EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to downgrading wolf protections in the bloc, which will allow hunting to resume under strict criteria. Downgrading wolf protection... panders to fear, not facts, he charged.
Column | Rosalind Pereiras quiet war against waste
From bags of Kurkure to a peculiar Indian swimming habit, she sees everything as a way to spark change
Curious and patient, chatterboxes and fitness freaks, lazy parents and troublemakers. Isnt it time to make a case for creating bird friendly cities?
Scientists create first pangenome of Asian rice
The rice pangenome allows researchers to develop new rice cultivars and introduce new traits for disease-tolerance as well as resilience against climate shocks
Deadly April rainfall in US South, Midwest was intensified by climate change, scientists say
A recent analysis by the World Weather Attribution group reveals that human-caused climate change intensified the deadly rainfall in early April across states like Arkansas and Kentucky. The storms, which triggered tornadoes and floods, resulted in at least 24 fatalities. Researchers found that climate change increased rainfall intensity by 9 per cent and made such events 40 per cent more likely.
Climate change is disrupting the human gut in a new path to illness
Climate-induced changes in the yield and nutritional quality of various foods could tip the balance of gut microbiota towards strains associated with malnutrition
Successful urban birds sport different colours from unsuccessful ones
The findings of a new study challenge some long-held assumptions in urban ecology
Market forces have led to change and degradation of forest ecosystems in Goa: Study
The authors of the study attribute this to their value being poorly understood and not considered in the policy-making process
Assam villagers oppose transfer of wetland grazing field for logistics park
The Dorabeel Village Grazing Field Protection Convening Committee said the move to hand over the land in Kamrup district to a Kolkata-based company would affect more than 3,000 families
Spain's blackout highlights renewables' grid challenge
Grid operators must ensure that electricity is constantly balanced between demand and supply. A metric of this balance is the frequency of the electricity flowing through the grid
New research reveals where North American bird populations are crashing
A new study reveals North American bird populations are declining, especially in their traditional habitats, due to rapid environmental changes like climate change. Researchers analyzed vast eBird data using machine learning to pinpoint these trends. The study found that 97% of species face both population increases and declines, with 83% shrinking fastest in their most abundant areas.
Ministry tells parliamentary panel of Namami Gange successes, gaps in waste management
The Namami Gange programme has significantly improved the Ganga's water quality, meeting bathing standards in most stretches except for two areas in Uttar Pradesh. The initiative has also eliminated fish mortality since 2017 and conserved groundwater. However, the report highlights a considerable gap in achieving Extended Producers Responsibility targets for battery and plastic waste management across the nation.
Development at the cost of Nicobar Islands
What is the total allowable catch?
Elephant killers will be punished, says Assam tribal council chief
Carcasses of three elephants were found near the India-Bhutan border in Manas National Park on May 2
World Solar Day: From ploughs to panels, cultivating a solar-powered future
With benefits for food and energy production, agriphotovoltaics promise a dual harvest as well as prosperity for Indias smallholder farmers
Chile lifts tsunami alert after 7.4 Drake Passage earthquake
A significant 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Chile and Argentina, prompting a tsunami warning. Chilean authorities initially ordered coastal evacuations in the Magallanes region, anticipating potential tsunami waves. Fortunately, the evacuation order was later lifted as no immediate injuries or damage were reported, though Argentina issued a localized evacuation order.
Climate change made fire conditions twice as likely in South Korea blazes: Study
Human-induced climate change made the ultra-dry and warm conditions that fanned South Korea's deadliest wildfires in history this March twice as likely and more intense, researchers said Thursday. South Korea's deadliest wildfires were made much more likely by climate change, said Clair Barnes, a WWA researcher from the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London.
European Red Admiral butterfly sighted for first time in Himachals Dhauladhar mountain range
Rare migratory species recorded in Himachal Pradeshs Dhauladhar range; adds to States rich butterfly biodiversity
Climate solutions fund launched to support low carbon innovation in India
Iraq farmers turn to groundwater to boost desert yields
In drought-stricken Iraq, farmers like Hadi Saheb are drilling wells to tap into groundwater reserves, enabling them to cultivate desert lands and increase wheat production. While this government-backed initiative boosts food security, experts warn that unsustainable groundwater extraction threatens to deplete this vital resource, mirroring past experiences in neighboring countries and raising concerns about long-term water availability.
Australian State culls 700 starving koalas after bushfire, stoking controversy
Wildlife groups have expressed serious concern about how individual koalas had been chosen for culling, because the animals are assessed from a distance
High temperatures and mango production | Explained
Whats the quantum of growth in India? What are the challenges? How does mango production in India compare to that of China and Thailand? Does genetic diversity play a role in the hardiness and productivity of the fruit? How does it help it combat climate change?
New model finds locusts making complex decisions in deadly swarms
Understanding how locusts move has real-world consequences. Yet how these groups emerge or which exact factors determine the direction of their flight remains unclear
Can the world's oldest tree survive 'progress'?
In Chile's ancient rainforest, the 'Gran Abuelo,' a 5,400-year-old tree, faces a new threat from a proposed highway. Scientists warn the road will increase the risk of wildfires and endanger the Alerce trees, which are vital for climate research. Researchers are working to protect this ancient tree and its surrounding ecosystem.
Scientists unlock genetic key to higher peanut yield
A team of 19 researchers from Australia and China assessed the genome-wide diversity of 269 peanut accessions, including wild species, landraces, and improved species
Urban spider found building soundproof webs to keep noise out
Indias urban centres are notorious for their noise pollution; the new study raises questions about what its findings mean for spiders living in such places
Malabar Flash butterfly spotted at The Nilgiris
Malabar Flash, a reddish, dark brown butterfly makes an appearance in the Kundah slopes of the Nilgiris, making it its first ever photographic record in the hills
Mercury crosses 40 degrees mark in most places in Punjab, Haryana
Centuries-old museum specimens unlock mysteries of South Asian treeshrews
Study redefines taxonomy of South Asian treeshrews using century-old specimens and modern morphometric analysis
City Nature Challenge 2025 in Visakhapatnam: Join the biodiversity hunt with iNaturalist
Clock in your observations from forest edges to backyard gardens on iNaturalist app during the City Nature Challenge from April 25 and 28
In photos: From classrooms to cabinets, how India came together for Earth Day 2025
If it can weather some challenges, AI can supercharge forecasting
Despite several challenges, scientists believe AI/ML models can be particularly useful to predict extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, torrential rainfall, and floods
Reschedule work hours to mitigate effect of extreme heatwaves, Centre tells States
Along with special attention for construction and brick kiln workers, the Labour Ministry has recommended adequate drinking water facilities, ventilation and cooling, rest areas, and health check-ups
With growing tiger population, Madhya Pradesh to develop buffer zones around tiger reserves
The tiger population in the buffer zones of the States nine tiger reserves has increased from 526 to 785 over the past four years, underlining the importance of continued conservation efforts, the State govt. said
Scientists find green way to recycle toxic perovskite solar cells
Perovskites allow for solar panels to be produced at lower cost and higher efficiency, yet they also contain elements like lead that complicate their reuse
Is nitrogen, the building block of life, a latent time-bomb?
Nitrous oxide is the third most abundant of the greenhouse gases; it accentuates the greenhouse effect in the same way as carbon dioxide does by capturing re-radiated infrared radiation from the Earths surface and warming the troposphere; urgent action on it is critical to achieving climate goals
Climate experts seek 'right to cool', heat protection for informal sector workers during summer
In its seasonal outlook, the IMD warned that the number of heatwave days this summer might be significantly higher than usual, especially over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and western Madhya Pradesh.
Rejosari Senik: rising above the water
The waters around this hamlet in Central Java, Indonesia, have risen due to global warming and have swallowed the land
Pupy elephant arrives at Brazil sanctuary after 30 years in Argentine zoo
Pupy, a 35-year-old African elephant, has been relocated from Buenos Aires' Ecopark to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil after a 2,700-kilometer journey. The move follows criticism of her previous living conditions.
Earthquake of magnitude 2.9 hits Assam's Nagaon
A 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck Assam's Nagaon district on Saturday morning at 7:38 am, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor had a depth of 10 km, with coordinates of 26.50 latitude and 93.27 longitude. Further details about the impact and any potential damage are still pending.
Earth Day 2025 | Here are 10 essential reads
Reminders that the earth and what it sustains are not merely resources to exploit, barter, and conquer
Colossal squid caught on camera for first time in deep sea
The squid filmed was a juvenile about 1 foot in length. Adult colossal squids, which scientists have uncovered from the bellies of whales and seabirds, can reach lengths up to 23 feet
As Sterlite Copper shifts its machinery, questions arise over who gains or loses
How governmentality exacerbates the problem of farmers stubble burning
A new study by researchers Sujit Raghunathrao Jagadale and Javed M. Shaikh at the Indian Institute of Management, Amritsar analyses the problem of stubble burning from the lens of governmentality and market failure
A viable population of lions can easily be established in the space available at Kuno
It has been 12 years since the Supreme Court ordered the translocation of the Asiatic lions to Kuno in an attempt to provide them with a second home, but this never materialised, and the long-term survival of the big cats continues to be precarious. Bengaluru-based wildlife biologist and conservation scientist Ravi Chellam, who has been involved with the conservation of Asiatic lions since 1985, details some of the issues surrounding their conservation.
Greenlands melting ice, unstable fjords vex extraction of oil and minerals Trump covets
Greenland banned drilling for fossil fuels in 2021 yet Trump remains eager to have exploration resume off the island at exceptionally high cost
Zoo in Spain helps elderly elephantsagegracefully
Like older people, elderly animals require regular health checks, arthritis treatment, nutritional supplements, adapted living spaces, and monitoring of mental health
White House aims to eliminate NOAA climate research in budget plan
The moves are part of a plan to downsize NOAA dramatically, slashing agency funding by around $1.67 billion, or 27%
Ecological disruptions are a risk to national security
National security depends on the ability of a nation to maintain productive ecosystems, resilient biological communities, and sustainable access to natural resources
The Beijing India Report as milestone and opportunity
The report has an inadequate climate-gender connection, which must be rectified with policy and ground-level changes
At least 25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms in several districts of Bihar
The IMD has issued an orange alert for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Nalanda and Patna; forecast heavy rainfall April 10 and April 11
Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty on myths surrounding the red sand boa
Exotic snake on the loose in Sydney, coastal residents alerted
Video posted to social media showed a Boa constrictor slowly worming across a waterside footpath next to a beach.
Delhi HC declines PIL for protecting peacocks from electrocution
The court said the petitioner should approach the authorities concerned with its grievances as courts couldnt legislate or frame laws.
As the world burns more, the Arctic biome is refusing more carbon
As wildfires become more common and more intense, they are disrupting the earths carbon balance
Heatwaves drove 1/3rd of rise in India's power demand during 2024 summer: Report
During the peak heatwave months from April to June, the demand was 10.8% higher than the previous year
West Africa chimps are losing their culture, in another human legacy
Significant changes in a population, like due to human-driven habitat loss, can have a long-lasting impact on the preservation of cultural traditions
Delhi government to control dust at construction sites, clean trees regularly to curb pollution
The Delhi government plans to implement micro-level interventions, such as strict dust control at construction sites, promoting electric vehicles, expanding the metro network, and cleaning inner roads with mechanized sweepers to combat air pollution. Experts emphasize sustainable urban mobility and data-driven strategies to improve air quality.
First alien beehive-invading beetle recorded in India
The small hive beetle has been a threat to the honeybee industry worldwide
Climate envoys from EU discuss climate action with Indian officials
The evironmental high-level talks come on the margins of a meeting between the Prime Minister and the European Commission in February, and the upcoming COP30 in November
ZSI study on blackflies offers hope for river blindness control
Researchers worked on four species collected from eight locations in the central Himalayan region
UP: Rare long-snouted vine snake rediscovered in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The discovery was made on March 28 during a rhino release operation in the Palia Kheri division, when a vibrant green snake emerged while officials were clearing a termite mound for safety, they said.
Kayaking on Kochis bioluminescent backwaters
Travel and adventure companies have curated bioluminesent kayaking packages as a sustainable and safe way to witness the stunning natural phenomenon in Kochi
Assam refinery discharging effluents in Brahmaputra tributary: Green activist
Refuting the allegation, the Numaligarh Refinery Limited said it will cooperate with the CPCB and other agencies for continued compliance with pollution norms
Why India needs to clean its air
Indias clean air future will be shaped not by dashboards but by people, partnerships, and purpose. Lasting solutions depend on those working on the ground: municipal officers, planners, engineers, and community leaders
Painted lady butterflies dont migrate like birds ask their genes
A boom in genomics and tracking technologies in miniature is allowing researchers to delve into insect migration with astounding precision
Forest areas encroached in 25 States, Union Territories; MP, Assam worst affected: Government report
Over 13,000 sq km of forest area under encroachment in India, with Madhya Pradesh having the highest encroachment.
All in a days work: making dead flowers bloom again, consistently
Sustainability is not just for the professionals in the environment space or for the diehard green enthusiasts. It is for everyone to pursue in their daily walk. Zero Waste Day was observed recently on March 30, and here are two residents of Chennai who have woven green thinking into their workaday lives, balancing a busy work schedule with composting of floral waste
El Nino ruled out during monsoon this year: IMD
Before the monsoons kick in, however, India will be reeling in above normal temperatures during the summer months; there could be more heatwave days this year, says the IMD
