daily news analysis | Biodiversity Environment

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

A recent death in Karnataka due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, has brought renewed attention to this tick-borne viral disease, which can turn fatal if not detected early. About Kyasanur Forest Disease Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease that is mainly found in southern India. It was first reported in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, and hence the disease derives its name from this region. The disease is caused by

21 March, 2026 Biodiversity & Environment
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Rat-Hole Mining

A major disaster unfolded in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, when at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine. This incident highlights the continued prevalence of rat-hole mining despite bans imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India. Rat-hole mining is driven by thin coal seams, livelihood dependence, and weak enforcement under Sixth Schedule autonomy, exposing miners to severe risks and causing environmen

18 March, 2026 Environmental Pollution
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Sacred Groves in India

Recent reports from Kapena village, Odisha, highlight how communal tensions between tribal communities and Christians have disrupted the practice and sanctity of tribal sacred groves. Sacred groves are not only cultural and religious spaces but also ecological treasures, conserved for generations by local communities. What Are Sacred Groves? Sacred groves are patches of virgin or near-natural forests that local communities protect due to their religious, cultural, and spiritual signifi

18 March, 2026 Biodiversity & Environment
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Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

Recent scientific studies of human blood samples collected between 2003 and 2021 have revealed that the levels of older PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” dropped by 86%. This reduction occurred because manufacturers stopped producing certain older PFAS compounds. What Are Forever Chemicals? Forever chemicals, scientifically referred to as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a large family of man-made chemicals that are highly persistent in the environmen

17 March, 2026 Air Pollution
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Red-Eared Slider Turtle

The Red-eared slider, an invasive freshwater turtle, has become a growing ecological concern in Coimbatore. Originally introduced through the pet trade, these turtles are now being released into local water bodies, threatening native aquatic biodiversity. Their uncontrolled release can disrupt freshwater ecosystems and harm native turtle species. About the Red-Eared Slider The red-eared slider is one of the most widely introduced freshwater turtles in the world. Its native range includ

17 March, 2026 Wildlife & Fauna
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Steel Slag

Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology in India advocated the wider adoption of steel slag–based road construction and repair technology, particularly in hilly and Himalayan regions. The initiative aims to promote sustainable infrastructure and efficient use of industrial waste. About Steel Slag Steel slag is an industrial by-product generated during the steel manufacturing process. It is produced in large quantities during steel-mak

16 March, 2026 Environmental Pollution
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Indian Skimmer

Recently, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched a new conservation project under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in Dehradun to protect the Indian Skimmer in the Ganga Basin. The initiative aims to conserve this endangered riverine bird species and its fragile habitat. About the Indian Skimmer The Indian Skimmer is a unique water bird belonging to the genus Rynchops in the Laridae family. It gets its name from its distinctive feeding behaviour, where it flies l

14 March, 2026 Animals
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Irrawaddy Dolphin

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched the second nationwide range-wide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin. For the first time, this survey includes the Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Sundarbans and Odisha, marking an important step toward comprehensive conservation planning. About the Irrawaddy Dolphin Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris It is a euryhaline species of oceanic dolphin, mea

28 February, 2026 Wildlife & Fauna
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Indian Bison (Gaur)

Recently, the population of the Indian Bison in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded a remarkable increase of 189 individuals within a year, taking the total population to 848. This sharp rise reflects effective conservation management and habitat protection efforts in the sanctuary. About Indian Bison (Gaur) The Indian Bison, scientifically known as Bos gaurus, is the largest species of wild cattle in the world and belongs to the family Bovidae. Although commonly referred to as t

28 February, 2026 Wildlife & Fauna
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Pufferfish

Recently, scientists confirmed India’s first documented case of pufferfish poisoning, raising serious concerns about food safety and public health in regions where fish consumption is common. The incident has drawn attention to the toxic nature of certain pufferfish species and the need for greater awareness. About Pufferfish Pufferfish belong to the order Tetraodontiformes, a group of primarily marine fishes known for their distinctive defense mechanisms. Other Names Puffe