Centre Reviews Forest Rights Act Rollout with Five Southern States in Bengaluru
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs convened the first regional review of Forest Rights Act implementation in Bengaluru with five southern states.
Environment & Ecology
Palakkad bans PoP, plastic idols for Ganeshotsav under green protocol
Palakkad will enforce a green protocol for Ganeshotsav, banning plaster of Paris, plastic, thermocol and toxic-paint idols, the District Collector has said.
Musi project faces public anger as residents, experts demand consultations
Residents facing displacement and experts at a Musi Jan Andolan meeting in Hyderabad demanded public consultations and a detailed project report for the Musi Riverfront Development Project.
Centre's subsidy terms inflate solar plant costs, Telangana Assembly told
Telangana's Energy Minister told the Assembly that central subsidy conditions raise solar plant investment costs, deterring developers from availing VGF.
BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra Accuses Congress of Misleading Public on ESA Notification
Tirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra alleges the Congress is misleading the public on the Western Ghats ESA notification and urges a ground survey to exclude habitations and farmland.
Odisha Zoo Uses Music Therapy to Calm Rescued Orangutans as Smuggling Probe Widens
Nandankanan zoo is playing soothing music for five rescued orangutans as Odisha police and central agencies probe how the critically endangered apes reached Balasore.
Chad bans grain exports, waives import duties after drought damages harvests
Chad has banned exports of several crops and exempted some grain imports from duties after drought and heat damaged harvests, with farmers and herders reporting heavy losses.
US forecaster flags over 90% risk of very strong El Nino in 2026-27
The US Climate Prediction Center sees a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Nino during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026-27.
Over 1,300 US Water Systems Miss Lead Pipe Inventory Deadline
More than 1,300 US water systems missed the October 2024 deadline to inventory lead service lines, leaving millions unsure about lead exposure in their tap water.
CPI Urges Tamil Nadu to Scrap Pattinapakkam Secretariat Plan, Citing Fisherfolk and Ecology
CPI's M. Veerapandian has asked Tamil Nadu to drop its plan for a new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam, citing fisher livelihoods, climate risks and turtle nesting grounds.
Vizag water storage plan seeks ₹23,000 crore as data centre demand looms
A Vizag Development Council proposal seeks ₹15,000–23,000 crore for reservoirs to close Visakhapatnam's water storage gap as data centre and industrial demand rises.
Kerala Coast May Get Floating Offshore Platform for Energy and Protection
A consortium including ULCCS and European partners has proposed a multipurpose offshore floating platform off Kerala to curb coastal erosion and generate renewable energy.
Kerala to modernise Forest department with advanced technology and vehicles
Kerala Forest department to get advanced technology, equipment and vehicles; 148 beat forest officers complete training at Walayar institute.
Midwest Farmers Find Spiritual Purpose in Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative farmer Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin's Minnesota farm anchors a growing Midwest movement blending soil health with spiritual practice.
California Panel Clears Path for Largest US Kelp Farm Off Ventura Coast
California coastal officials unanimously approved a phased plan for the largest US kelp farm, six miles off Ventura County, with construction possible by 2027.
UN climate chief links Europe's record heat to rising prices and winter fuel risk
UN climate chief Simon Stiell says Europe's summer heatwaves are worsening inflation, with another winter fuel crisis looming due to fossil fuel dependence.
Bamboo die-off after mass flowering can trigger ecological crisis, study warns
A KFRI study warns that synchronous bamboo flowering and die-off can set off invasive weed outbreaks, wildfires, rodent surges and human-elephant conflict.
Two leopards drive Chittoor villagers off terraces and indoors for three months
Two leopards have kept villagers in Chittoor rural mandal indoors for nearly three months, forcing an end to the customary practice of sleeping on terraces and in courtyards.
DRI seizes leopard pelts, live tortoises and pangolin scales in six operations
The DRI seized two leopard pelts, 180 live Indian star tortoises, 12 tokay geckos, about 24 kg of pangolin scales and 500 g of tiger bones in six operations, arresting 13 people.
Andhra Pradesh High Court Examines Data Centre Land Lease and Green Concerns
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has taken note of land allotment and environmental issues in a data centre case, with conflicting lease duration claims requiring scrutiny.