Month: March 2026

    In Rajasthan, a powerful grassroots movement is gaining attention as villagers undertake a 700-kilometre foot march from Jaisalmer to Jaipur. Their goal is to demand protection for sacred groves, grazing lands, and water catchment areas that are increasingly threatened by large-scale solar energy projects. The march began near the India-Pakistan border at the Tanot Mata temple and is expected to conclude in Jaipur by the end of March. What started with around 100 villagers has now grown into a large movement, with thousands joining along the route. Villages on the way are supporting the marchers with food, shelter, and solidarity. At the center of the issue are “orans,” sacred groves that have been protected for generations by local communities. These lands are no...

A new study highlights that climate change could significantly reshape the future of cassava farming across Sub-Saharan Africa, a region where the crop is a lifeline for millions. While warming temperatures may allow cassava to grow in more areas, they are also expected to accelerate the spread of a devastating plant disease. Cassava, a starchy root crop, supports the food security of more than 800 million people worldwide. It is especially crucial in African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique. Known for its resilience, cassava can grow even in poor soils and low rainfall conditions, making it a dependable crop in a changing climate. Researchers used climate models and historical data to predict how cassava cultivation and a major disease known as cass...

    A new study highlights how a simple plant like moss could play a powerful role in making roads more environmentally friendly, especially in regions facing rising pollution and extreme weather. Across Europe, roadside embankments are usually covered with grass to stabilise soil and maintain a neat appearance. However, researchers now suggest that moss could be a more effective and sustainable alternative. Unlike grass, moss does not rely on soil for nutrients. It absorbs water and minerals directly from the air, allowing it to grow in thin soils, shaded slopes, and exposed surfaces where grass often struggles. Once established, moss requires very little maintenance, as it grows slowly and does not need frequent cutting. This could significantly reduce maintenance c...

    In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified tiny ruby-like crystals embedded within rocks on Mars, marking the first time such mineral formations have been found on the Red Planet. The finding was made by Perseverance rover, which continues to explore Mars in search of clues about its geological history and potential for past life. The crystals, discovered inside Martian pebbles, are composed of corundum a mineral that forms rubies or sapphires depending on the trace elements present. On Earth, corundum is known for its hardness and brilliance, commonly used in gemstones and industrial applications. The discovery was led by Ann Ollila and her team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Researchers first detected signs of corundum while analyzing a rock named...

    A new global study has identified India as one of the four largest contributors to rising pesticide toxicity worldwide, raising concerns about environmental damage and human health risks linked to intensive agricultural practices. The research, published in the journal Science by scientists from University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, analysed 625 pesticides used globally and found that India, along with China, Brazil and the United States, accounts for 53–68 per cent of total global pesticide toxicity. The study assessed pesticide impact using a metric called “total applied toxicity” (TAT), which considers not just the volume of chemicals used but also their harmful effects on different species. This benchmark aligns with global biodiversity goals set under the Conv...

    A remote forest community in Gabon has successfully defended its ancestral rainforest from industrial logging by using participatory mapping to document its cultural and historical significance, highlighting the growing importance of local knowledge in global conservation efforts. The case centers on the village of Massaha, located in northeastern Gabon, where residents mobilised to protect a forest known locally as Ibola Dja Bana Ba Massaha, meaning “the reserve of all Massaha’s children.” The forest, long used for hunting, fishing, farming, and cultural practices, had been allocated as part of a logging concession, putting it at risk of large-scale destruction. What made the community’s effort unique was its use of “biocultural mapping” a collaborative process t...

    Scientists from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have made a major breakthrough in clean energy research by developing an advanced method to convert sunlight into fuel and useful chemicals. This discovery is expected to significantly accelerate the global search for sustainable energy solutions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The research was carried out by a team at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding, focusing on a special class of materials known as polyheptazine imides. These materials are part of the carbon nitride family and have a unique ability to absorb visible sunlight, making them highly effective for driving chemical reactions such as hydrogen production, carbon dioxide conversion, and hydrogen peroxide synthesis. One of the long-sta...

    A new study has found that climate change is significantly contributing to the decline of Japanese chum salmon, as warming oceans and changing marine conditions reduce the availability of suitable habitats for the species. The research, conducted by scientists at Hokkaido University, highlights how environmental changes in the North Pacific over the past 25 years have disrupted the natural migratory patterns and survival of chum salmon, known locally in Japan as “shirozake.” Once a major part of domestic seafood consumption in Japan, chum salmon populations have seen a noticeable drop in recent decades. Today, much of the salmon consumed in the country is imported from nations such as Chile and Norway, reflecting the declining local supply. The study analysed e...

    A major geological breakthrough has been reported in Argentina, where scientists have discovered one of the largest deposits of copper, gold, and silver found in the past three decades. The find, located in the Andean highlands near the Argentina–Chile border, is expected to significantly reshape the country’s economic future and strengthen its position in the global mining sector. The discovery was made by a joint venture involving global mining giants BHP and Lundin Mining, operating under a partnership known as Vicuña. The site is estimated to contain over 80 million ounces of gold and silver, along with more than 12 million tonnes of copper, making it one of the most significant mineral finds in recent history. Industry experts believe the discovery could unlo...

    Authorities have intensified efforts to address rising safety concerns along the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, with the National Highways Authority of India and the Nuh district administration planning a joint operation to remove illegal roadside eateries operating along the high-speed corridor. The move comes after multiple incidents linked to vehicles halting along the expressway to access unauthorised dhabas, creating dangerous conditions for fast-moving traffic. Officials believe that removing these encroachments will significantly reduce the risk of accidents, especially on stretches where vehicles travel at high speeds. Under the coordinated plan, NHAI will deploy bulldozers and demolition machinery to clear illegal structures, while the district administration w...