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Recently, scientists have identified the culprit behind the mass die-offs of sunflower starfish since 2013. Over 5 billion sunflower starfish are estimated to have died due to a mysterious disease. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio pectenicida. This discovery sheds light on the ongoing devastation of this important marine species along the Pacific coast of North America. About the Sunflower Sea Star The Sunflower Sea Star, or Pycnopodia helianthoides, is one of the lar

Teak Defoliator Moth

The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has recently identified and mass-produced the Hyblaea puera Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV), offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. This virus effectively combats the massive defoliation of teak trees caused by the teak defoliator moth (Hyblaea puera). The biocontrol method promises to reduce the environmental impact of traditional chemical pesticides. About the Teak Defoliator Moth The teak defoliator moth (Hyblaea pue

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

About the District Flood Severity Index Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to assess and rank districts in India based on the severity of floods and their impacts over time. Purpose of DFSI The index accounts for the historical severity of floods in India, taking into consideration factors such as the number of people affected, the spread and duration of floods, and other related parameters. It is designed to help i

Biochar

Biochar is emerging as a critical technology in the global effort to combat climate change, especially in carbon capture and removal strategies. As India prepares to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar is expected to play a significant role in helping to meet carbon removal targets. What is Biochar? Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from agricultural residue or organic municipal waste through a process known as pyrolysis. This involves heating the biomass in the absence

Indian Flapshell Turtle

Recently, a rare albino Indian flapshell turtle with a striking yellow shell and skin was spotted in a freshwater lake at Chikodra village, Gujarat. This rare sighting has garnered attention due to its unusual appearance, as albinism is extremely rare among reptiles. About the Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) Habitat & Distribution Geographic Range: The Indian flapshell turtle is commonly found in tropical South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lan

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended the special registration drive for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) till 15th August 2025. About PMMVY The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched as part of the Mission Shakti initiative's sub-scheme Samarthya. It provides direct financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers in the form of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The primary focus of this sche

Yashoda AI

Recently, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development informed the Rajya Sabha about the Yashoda AI program, a significant initiative aimed at empowering women with AI literacy. About Yashoda AI Yashoda AI is an AI literacy program launched in May 2025 to equip women across India with the skills necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven world. This program focuses on enhancing digital inclusion and providing women with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape, w