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In the upper reaches of Kerala’s Western Ghats, Pampadum Shola National Park is undergoing an ecological revival that is quietly reshaping conservation practices across India. Once dominated by dense stands of invasive Australian black wattle, the park’s native grasslands are returning, bringing back lost water streams, wildlife and ecological balance. Located at elevations between 1,900 and 2,300 metres, Pampadum Shola holds the southernmost stretch of the ancient shola–grassland mosaic. The park, spanning just over 1,300 hectares in Idukki district, is home to species found nowhere else on Earth including the Nilgiri marten, Kerala laughing thrush, and black-and-orange flycatcher. The grasslands here play a crucial hydrological role, feeding headstreams of the Pambar and Vaigai rivers, ...

A new nationwide assessment by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has revealed that vultures have disappeared from nearly 72 percent of their historically known nesting sites across the country. The study, part of the Pan India Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species – Vultures programme, found that although nesting continues in some regions, populations remain extremely vulnerable and show little sign of meaningful recovery. This is the first systematic national effort to document the nesting status of four critically endangered resident vulture species: the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture and red-headed vulture. Researchers examined historical nesting data from 425 sites across 25 states. However, field surveys conducted between February 2023 an...

The Green Revolution remains one of independent India’s most defining agricultural achievements. By promoting mechanisation, high-yield seed varieties and widespread use of chemical fertilisers, it enabled India to move from food scarcity to food security in key staples such as wheat and rice. However, decades later, the environmental and social costs of this transition are becoming increasingly evident. The shift to monoculture reduced agricultural biodiversity, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, which were at the centre of the Green Revolution. Heavy use of fertilisers and pesticides has degraded soil and contaminated water sources. Water tables have fallen sharply due to the cultivation of water-intensive crops in regions not naturally suited for them. As input costs rise and soil h...

As air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate, health experts are warning that the crisis extends far beyond respiratory concerns. The rising concentration of PM2.5 and other toxic pollutants is now being linked not only to lung diseases, but also to cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and mental health challenges. The worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) is contributing to a steep increase in inflammatory illnesses. Recent medical observations suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can trigger autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, alongside weakening the body's immune defense mechanisms. Highlighting the risk to heart health, Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, Senior Consultant in Cardiovascular and Aortic Surgery at Apollo Hospital, Indraprastha, explain...

Romania is moving to establish a national flood infrastructure fund to strengthen its defenses against severe flooding and to meet conditions required for accessing European Union recovery funds. The announcement comes after the country experienced some of the most damaging floods in two decades, with widespread destruction of homes, roads and agricultural land. Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu stated that the initiative forms a central part of a reform package agreed with the European Commission. Under the agreement, Romania must create a long-term resilience and management mechanism by 2026 in order to retain eligibility for EU recovery financing. The World Bank estimates that Romania will need between €10 billion and €40 billion over the next five years to restore and reinforce...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a leading role at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, currently being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3 to 5. The conclave is organized under the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment” and aims to advance India's innovation and self-reliance agenda. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced the launch of a ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme Fund. The initiative is expected to significantly boost private sector-driven R&D and strengthen India’s position in global technology development. The Prime Minister highlighted that innovation is no longer ...

At the Transition Accelerator event held in the capital, former Union Minister of State for Finance and Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha issued a strong warning regarding the future impact of climate change on India. He stated that New Delhi could witness temperatures rising up to 50 degrees Celsius in the coming years if immediate steps toward decarbonisation are not undertaken. The event was organised in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and the Confederation of Indian Industry, where experts and industry leaders discussed the urgent need for climate-responsive economic strategies. Rising Air Pollution and Heat Concerns Sinha highlighted that New Delhi is already experiencing deteriorating air quality and increasing temperature levels, a trend that is expected to intensi...

A leopard suspected of being involved in multiple fatal attacks was captured on Tuesday in Shirur tehsil of Pune district, following the death of a 13-year-old boy two days earlier. The incident has triggered widespread public concern, leading to protests and renewed discussions on human-wildlife conflict in Maharashtra. Recent Incident and Capture Forest officials stated that while the captured leopard is believed to be the same animal responsible for recent attacks, confirmation is still underway. The most recent victim, Rohan Bombe, was killed while returning home, prompting residents to demand immediate action. Following growing pressure, authorities imposed a shoot-at-sight order before the leopard was located and captured alive. Relocation Plans Forest Minister Ganesh Nai...

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, killing at least 50 people and displacing thousands as it moved out of the region. Jamaica bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, with power and water supplies crippled and towns left in ruins. According to reports, over 60 percent of Jamaica remains without electricity, while nearly half of its water systems have been disrupted. The historic coastal town of Black River suffered the most severe impact, with 90 percent of buildings losing their roofs and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Streets remain littered with debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines. Jamaica’s Information Minister, Dana Morris Dixon, confirmed 19 deaths so far, though officials fear the toll could rise as ...

India is ramping up its bid to break China’s near-total control over the global rare earths market with a new $788 million plan to boost domestic magnet manufacturing. The initiative, which awaits cabinet approval, aims to secure critical mineral supplies vital for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense production. According to report, the proposed expansion marks a sharp jump from the earlier $290 million incentive scheme. The move comes in response to China’s tightening of rare earth export rules in April a decision that sent shockwaves through global industries and exposed the dangers of relying on a country that processes about 90 percent of the world’s rare earth output. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly cautioned against “weaponizing critical minerals,” call...