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New Delhi, November 4, 2025– India joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of Biosphere Reserves, reaffirming its commitment to preserving biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods. With 18 designated biosphere reserves covering 91,425 square kilometers—13 of which are recognized by UNESCO India continues to set a strong example of harmony between nature and human progress. India Expanding Green Footprint India ranks ninth globally in forest area and third in annual forest gain, according to the FAO’s 2025 report. The inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve this year further highlights India’s growing international conservation profile. To strengthen its efforts, the government has doubled its biodiversity conservation budget from ₹5 crore i...

A team of researchers has documented alarming instances of bird collisions with glass-fronted buildings in the Nilgiris, revealing how reflective architecture poses a growing threat to avian biodiversity in the region. Conducted across Forestdale and Coonoor, the study recorded 35 incidents involving 22 bird species from 15 families, resulting in 16 deaths and 18 injuries. The study, titled “Glass Traps: Investigating Bird Mortality at Glass-Fronted Buildings in the Nilgiris,” was carried out between January and December 2024 by researchers N. Moinudheen, K. Rishi, A. Abinesh, Azad Kamil, Yeshwanth Kumar, E. Vignesh, and A. Samson, and published in the Ornis Hungarica journal on Friday. Among the affected species, the Indian blue robin (Luscinia brunnea) recorded the highest number o...

Nestled at the edge of Germany Black Forest, the city of Freiburg im Breisgau has emerged as one of the world’s most successful models of sustainable urban development. Known for its clean energy systems, pedestrian-friendly design, and community-driven planning, Freiburg offers a real-world glimpse of what eco-friendly cities could look like in the future. Over the years, Freiburg has transformed itself into what experts now call Europe’s “solar capital.” Thousands of rooftops across the city ranging from schools and public buildings to private homes are fitted with solar panels that supply renewable energy directly into the local grid. One of its most celebrated neighbourhoods, Vauban stands as a global example of sustainable living. Developed on the site of a former French militar...

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 260 others, according to Afghan health authorities. The US Geological Survey located the epicenter 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm, with tremors recorded shortly before 1 am local time. The quake severely impacted Balkh and Samangan provinces, where homes and buildings were damaged, and rescue operations are underway. In Mazar-e-Sharif, minor damage was reported at the city’s iconic Blue Mosque, a centuries-old site revered across the region. Officials confirmed that the structure remains intact but is being assessed for safety. The Afghan Ministry of Defence said emergency teams have been deployed to the affected districts to assist survivors and coor...

In a remarkable discovery for biodiversity research, scientists have confirmed the presence of the rare Black-spot Royal butterfly Tajuria luculentus in Sikkim, marking the first record of the species in the state. The finding, published in the March–June 2025 issue of Bionotes by the Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimtal, expands the known habitat range of the butterfly, previously confined to Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nepal. The discovery was made by local researchers Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, Monish Kumar Thapa, Sonam Pintso Sherpa, and Nosang M. Limboo during a field survey on April 19 in Noam Panang, Dzongu, North Sikkim. The butterfly was spotted perched high in a tree among 30 to 35 other species, confirming its existence in Sikkim’s thriving ecosystem. Sikkim, already renowned for it...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled one of India’s most ambitious science and technology initiatives yet, announcing sweeping reforms and a massive financial commitment aimed at placing the country firmly on the global innovation map. Speaking at the inaugural Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave in New Delhi, Modi outlined a renewed national vision centred on high-risk, high-impact research and stronger private sector participation. At the heart of this push is a newly established Research, Development and Innovation Fund worth Rs 1 lakh crore, designed to attract significant private investment and accelerate breakthroughs across cutting-edge scientific disciplines. The prime minister said the fund would open doors for transformative ideas, encourage deep-te...

BEIJING, November 3, 2025 — China has dispatched its 42nd Antarctic expedition, commencing a seven-month mission highlighted by the country's first-ever scientific drilling into the continent’s deep inland subglacial lakes. The endeavor marks a significant expansion of China's polar research capabilities and strategic presence on the icy continent. The expedition team, consisting of over 500 members, set sail from Shanghai supported by the polar research icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2. The primary scientific objective involves performing clean drilling and sampling operations through more than 3,000 meters of thick ice, targeting deep inland lakes that host unique, isolated ecosystems. New Technology and Strategic Focus According to Wei Fuhai, the leader and chief scientist of ...

GENEVA, Switzerland – November 3, 2025 – In a significant move to combat rising breast cancer mortality, particularly in developing nations, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the WHO Academy have officially launched a new online learning course for health professionals worldwide. The course, titled "Using the IARC Atlas of Breast Cancer Early Detection," is designed to rapidly enhance the capacity of frontline health-care workers in recognizing and managing breast abnormalities. The initiative comes as breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women globally, responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths annually, with a disproportionate number occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Bridging ...

NAIROBI, Kenya – November 3, 2025 – The death toll from the devastating landslide that swept through Kenya's Rift Valley has tragically climbed to 26, with rescue efforts temporarily suspended due to a new flash flood. At least 25 people remain unaccounted for following the disaster, which occurred early Saturday morning in the Chesongoch area of Elgeyo-Marakwet County following torrential rainfall. The initial rescue operations, led by police and military units, were hampered late Sunday when flash floods from a nearby hill forced teams to abandon the search site. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the updated casualty figures and the suspension of the search, stating that military aircraft had been deployed to intensify the mission and help access areas that were completel...

New Delhi, November 3, 2025 — Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, overseeing a portfolio including Science, Technology, and Personnel, today chaired an extensive brainstorming session on “Effective Government Communication,” urging departments to abandon traditional formats in favor of citizen-centric, engaging, and credible outreach. The high-level meeting, attended by Secretaries and senior officials from DoPT, DARPG, DST, and other key ministries, concluded with a collective resolve to make communication a strategic tool for nation-building and trust creation. Key Strategic Directives Dr. Singh set two crucial mandates for all ministries under his charge: Whole-of-Government Approach: The Minister stressed the need for unified, coherent messaging across all departments. This ...