Doronicum sanctum: Researchers from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) have announced the discovery of a new plant species and named it as Doronicum sanctum. Doronicum sanctum was discovered in the high-altitude wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the new plant species belonging to the sunflower family. It is the first time a member […]
Category: Environment Current Affairs
India’s First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed
India’s First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.It is an indigenously developed hybrid maize seed specifically designed for producing high-expansion popcorn, launched in association with Gourmet Popcornica. It is non-GMO, meaning its desired characteristics have […]
Periyar Cow
Periyar Cow: The ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources registered Periyar Cow as an indigenous cattle breed. Periyar Cow is also locally known as ‘Periyar Kullan’ (Periyar dwarf), is only the second native cattle breed from Keralam to receive national recognition. First was Vechur cow, which was recognised in 1996. It is locally known […]
What is Narwhal?
What is Narwhal? Scientists recently discovered that a narwhal’s uniquely straight tusk grows strong because opposing twists in its inner and outer collagen fibril layers create internal tension that keeps it straight. Narwhal is a medium-sized toothed whale that belongs to the family Monodontidae. The only other member of this family is the beluga whale. […]
Long Tailed Marmot
Long Tailed Marmot: Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra brings thousands of pilgrims into a fragile Himalayan ecosystem where long‑tailed marmots live. Long Tailed Marmot is a rodent of the high-altitude areas of the Kashmir Himalaya. It is also known as the golden marmot and is a member of the Sciuridae family. It has vibrant golden fur […]
What is Smew?
What is Smew? Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary recently recorded the Smew (Mergellus albellus), a rare migratory waterbird, for the first time. Smew is a medium-sized duck belonging to the family Anatidae. It was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. Scientific Name: Mergellus albellus The smew species breed in the northern taiga […]
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Researchers warned that climate change is destabilising Western Ghats’ forest ecosystems in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats. It encompasses parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It was the first biosphere reserve in India, established in 1986. Protected areas within this […]
216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises
216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises: 216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans) were successfully rehabilitated in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) from Mumbai and Thane.It is a medium-sized terrestrial tortoise.Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell.These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more […]
Impatiens Nimspurjai
Impatiens Nimspurjai: A newly discovered Himalayan plant has been named Impatiens nimspurjai in honour of the legendary Nepali mountaineer. Impatiens Nimspurjai is a new plant species of the touch-me-not family. It is endemic to western Nepal. It was named in honour of the celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Its botanical name combines “Nims Purja” with […]
Hara Mangrove Forests
Hara Mangrove Forests: The Hara mangrove forests of Iran’s Qeshm Island are facing a serious environmental threat after oil residues reached the island and parts of the protected mangrove ecosystem, amid continuing conflict and shipping-related oil spills in the Persian Gulf. Hara Forests located around Qeshm Island and the Khuran Strait near the Strait of […]


