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    Antarctic penguins are breeding significantly earlier than before as rising temperatures rapidly alter local conditions, according to a new scientific study. Researchers warn that the unprecedented shift could intensify competition for food and nesting space, threatening the stability of fragile Antarctic ecosystems. A study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology found that penguin colonies across parts of Antarctica are experiencing local warming at nearly four times the continental average. Camera-mounted temperature loggers revealed that colony sites are warming by around 0.3 degrees Celsius per year, compared with the Antarctic-wide average of 0.07 degrees Celsius. Colonies Advancing Breeding by Up to 24 Days Per Decade Scientists observed that penguins...

    After water hyacinth, another invasive species is emerging as a serious ecological concern in Coimbatore’s tanks and wetlands. Red-eared slider turtles, native to the United States and widely spread across the world through the exotic pet trade, are now being detected in local water bodies, alarming conservationists and forest officials. The concern resurfaced after fishermen recently caught two red-eared slider turtles from a tank within the city limits. The reptiles were later handed over to the Forest Department, prompting renewed scrutiny of the growing problem of exotic pets being released into natural ecosystems. Abandoned Exotic Pets Fuel the Spread of Invasive Turtles Experts say red-eared sliders enter India through exotic pet imports and are commonly ...

A fresh and intense Western Disturbance is set to affect large parts of north and northwest India on January 26, bringing snowfall in the hills, rain and thunderstorms in several regions, and cold wave conditions across the plains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned. The weather system will move across northwest India, triggering a fresh wet spell that could disrupt travel and daily life in multiple states on Republic Day. Snowfall and Strong Winds Expected in Western Himalayan Region According to the IMD, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh are likely to witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall. These areas may also experience lightning and squally winds, with wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 kilometres per hour and gusts rea...

    India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s growing military capability, technological self-reliance and constitutional values. The celebrations witnessed an impressive display of advanced weapon systems, aerial formations and cultural tableaux from across the nation. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was honoured with the Ashok Chakra ahead of the parade. He made history last year by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone for India’s space and defence journey. Advanced Missile Systems and Fighter Jets Dominate the Republic Day Parade The parade showcased key defence assets developed by the Defence Research and...

    Mangrove forests, long valued for protecting coastlines and supporting marine life, are increasingly turning into long-term traps for plastic and coastal waste, according to new research from Colombia. Scientists warn that while mangroves naturally slow water movement and capture sediment, the same characteristics now make them hotspots for accumulating human-generated debris, posing serious risks to ecosystems and nearby communities. Mangroves grow where rivers meet the sea, forming dense root systems that shelter fish, crabs and birds while supporting coastal livelihoods. Recent findings show these roots also trap plastic bottles, bags, food containers and other waste, allowing debris to persist for decades within mangrove soils. Colombian Study Reveals How Mang...

    Once labelled as “vacant” and earmarked for redistribution, the high-altitude grasslands of Eravikulam in Kerala’s Western Ghats narrowly avoided being lost to plantations and administrative oversight. Today, the landscape forms Eravikulam National Park, home to the world’s largest population of the endangered Nilgiri tahr and the famed Neelakurinji bloom. Located near Munnar in Idukki district, the park’s shola–grassland ecosystem was long misunderstood by colonial administrators and later by post-Independence revenue officials, who saw grasslands as unproductive land rather than a distinct ecological system. Colonial Classifications and Land Reforms Put Grasslands at Risk During British rule, estate records described Eravikulam’s upper slopes as “estate waste...

    Zambia and Zimbabwe have decided to move forward with the long-delayed Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme on the Zambezi River, brushing aside growing concerns that climate change and declining river flows could undermine the project’s viability. The two governments have jointly committed $440 million as seed capital, signalling renewed political backing for the $4.5 billion project. The decision was taken at a December 29, 2025 meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Zambezi River Authority, the bi-national body responsible for managing water resources on the shared river. Each country will contribute $220 million, representing about 10 per cent of the total project cost. Officials say the funding is aimed at improving the project’s bankability and attracting priv...

    Large quantities of onions, raw chips, vegetables and other goods have been washing up on beaches along England’s south and south-east coast since late December, puzzling residents and tourists. The unusual sight is the result of shipping containers falling into the sea during severe winter storms in the English Channel, according to ocean scientists. Over Christmas, at least 16 containers fell from the cargo ship Baltic Klipper during rough seas, sending vegetables, bananas and insulation foam into the water. In the new year, Storm Goretti caused a further 24 containers to be lost from two other vessels, with onions and chips appearing in large numbers along the Sussex coastline. How Storms and Ocean Currents Carry Cargo to Shore For oceanographers, the washed...

    Water supply was disrupted across several parts of Delhi on Wednesday after high ammonia levels were detected in the Yamuna river at the Wazirabad pond, officials from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said. The pollution spike affected operations at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants, leading to a reduction in water production by 25% to 50%. The DJB said residents may experience low water pressure until the situation improves. Water tankers will be provided on demand, and the public has been advised to use water judiciously during this period. Water Treatment Plants Operating at Reduced Capacity Officials said both the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants draw raw water directly from the Yamuna through the Wazirabad pond and supply treated ...

    A three-day state-level waste collection and segregation drive is being carried out with the objective of achieving “zero waste to landfill” by preventing waste from reaching dumping yards and promoting its conversion into usable resources. The initiative is being organised as a public festival to encourage citizens to move away from indiscriminate dumping and adopt responsible waste disposal practices. The drive, which began earlier this week, will continue until January 23. Authorities said the campaign focuses on segregation at source to ensure that different categories of waste can be processed efficiently. Segregated Waste Collected Across All Wards on First Day On the first day of the drive, unused and discarded materials were collected after being segreg...