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Tiny plastic particles carry toxic chemicals, disrupt hormones, and threaten the survival of species crucial to India’s ecosystems. Across India’s wetlands, coastlines, and cities, the familiar chorus of birds is fading. Plastic pollution often seen as a marine or urban problem is now infiltrating ecosystems where birds live, nest, and feed. The impact is both visible and insidious, with Punjab and other states seeing growing contamination in rivers, ponds, and even sediment. Microplastics fragments under 5 mm in size, are more dangerous than larger debris. Once in water bodies, they enter the food chain through fish and insects, making their way to birds and even humans. Laden with toxic chemicals such as PCBs and DDT, these particles disrupt hormones, weaken immunity, and impair gr...

A sweeping new study has revealed a troubling imbalance in global soil research with just 10 countries producing 70% of all scientific work on soil health leaving vast parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America without the data they need to protect their land. Just 10 Countries Dominate Soil Research The research, led by the University of São Paulo and published August 9, 2025 in Communications Earth & Environment, analysed nearly 32,000 studies from 1947 to 2024. China, the US, India, Brazil, and Spain topped the list of contributors, while large areas in the Global South despite being rich in biodiversity and highly vulnerable to climate change remain “blind spots” in soil science. Climate Justice Gap in Soil Science These neglected regions face mounting threats: defo...

Himachal Pradesh is battling one of its harshest monsoon spells, with continuous downpours causing major disruption across the state. One national highway and over 300 roads, including key routes in Mandi and Kullu, have been shut due to landslides and flooding. On Monday, Shimla was blanketed in dense fog, reducing visibility and adding to the travel chaos. The weather department has issued an Orange warning for heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur over the next few days, with Kullu and Shimla also expected to face similar conditions later in the week. In Bilaspur’s Ghaghas village, 61 mm of rain fell overnight, worsening an already disastrous season. The Aut-Sainj stretch of NH-305 is among the roads completely blocked, cutting off vital connections for locals. The State Eme...

The Kedarnath Yatra one of Uttarakhand most important pilgrimages, has been suspended for three days after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rain. The decision aims to safeguard pilgrims and residents as the state braces for intense weather from August 12 to 14. Rudraprayag District Magistrate Prateek Jain urged people living near rivers and streams to shift to safer areas. “We’re closely tracking water levels and will issue timely updates,” he assured. The Kedarnath temple located over 11,000 feet above sea level, attracts thousands of devotees each season. But the IMD’s forecast warns of potentially dangerous conditions in several districts, including Haridwar and Dehradun. Security forces and local authorities remain on high alert, while th...

Southwest France is battling an intense heatwave, with temperatures climbing to a scorching 43°C in parts of Charente and Aude. The extreme weather has also fuelled wildfires, burning through 16,000 hectares last week in Aude’s vineyards and scrublands. Hundreds of firefighters remain on standby to prevent flare-ups, as officials warn smouldering hotspots could linger for weeks. Meteo-France has issued a rare red alert its highest heat warning for 12 departments, while 41 more are under orange alert. The neighbouring microstate of Andorra is also on high alert. The red warning allows local authorities to cancel outdoor events and change public schedules to protect residents. Cities like Valence have seen streets empty, with people staying indoors, shielding windows with foil, or seek...

For the first time in decades, fishermen along Assam’s Barak river are returning home with empty nets. The floods in June, which usually bring an abundance of fish, have instead left the river strangely barren. In Madarpur village of Cachar district, Abdul Kalam, a fisherman for 37 years, says he has barely caught anything in the past two months. “Usually floods mean more fish, but this time it feels like the river is dead,” he said. His daily earnings, which once reached up to ₹500 on a good day, have now dropped to less than ₹20. The crisis is affecting hundreds of families in Madarpur and neighbouring villages like Niz Haritikar. Once teeming with Hilsa, Rohu, Catla and Ritha, the river now yields only baby Hilsa, leaving many without a source of income. Veteran fisherman Lilar...

August 12, 2025 — A new global study has predicted glacier erosion rates with the highest precision yet revealing how ice is reshaping landscapes across the world. Published in Nature Geoscience, the research covers more than 180,000 glaciers and offers the first detailed estimate of how fast they erode bedrock and move sediment. The study found that the most intense glacier erosion happens in regions with large modern ice cover including Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Scandinavia, and the southern Andes. Areas like Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and New Zealand also show some of the highest erosion rates. Led by Sophie Norris from Canada’s University of Victoria, the researchers used machine learning to combine data on glaciology, climate, and geolog...

Between 2015 and 2019 India lost 18 sq km of forest for every 1 sq km it gained, according to a new IIT Bombay study. Using high-accuracy satellite data, researchers found all states suffered net forest loss, with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal alone making up nearly half of the 1,032.89 sq km lost. While 56.3 sq km of forest cover was added, over half of it was fragmented “islets” with poor biodiversity support. Experts warn that such patchy growth can’t replace large, connected forests that sustain wildlife and prevent ecological collapse. Tigers and other species needing wide habitats face increased threats, and fragmented forests can worsen human-wildlife conflict. The team urges a shift from counting trees to planning forests with “structural connectivity” for long-term health. T...