Wildlife Week 2025
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, alongside Haryana Cabinet Minister Shri Rao Narbir Singh, laid the foundation stone of 'Namo Van' at Manesar as part of Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations. The event included a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and recognized
Red Sanders
The National Biodiversity Authority has sanctioned ₹82 lakh to the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board for the conservation of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus). The initiative aims to raise one lakh saplings for farmers, contributing to the Trees Outside Forests program. This funding, part of the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism, supports
Biosphere Reserve
India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves, bringing the total to 13. Additionally, two new Ramsar Sites from Bihar have been added, increasing India's total Ramsar Sites to 93, reflecting the country'
Startup Conclave
The CSIR Startup Conclave in Lucknow, attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the rise of startups from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The event featured the inauguration of India's first Swastik-shaped 'Lotus Garden', aimed at promoting biodiversity and entrepreneurship. The
GIAHS
The Indian Ministry of Agriculture has announced a national policy to promote Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) sites, which include the Koraput region in Odisha, Kuttanad in Kerala, and the Saffron Heritage of Kashmir. These regions are recognized for their unique agricultural practices and biodiversity. The government is implementing
climate change
The Government of India has implemented a comprehensive National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) focusing on adaptation, resilience-building, and social protection. Key initiatives include the National Mission for Sustainable Habitat and Sustainable Agriculture, aimed at enhancing climate resilience in urban areas and agriculture. Additionally, the government is committed to
Sundarbans
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported a growth in mangrove cover in West Bengal, including the Sundarbans, from 2,097 sq. km. in 2013 to 2,119.16 sq. km. in 2023, attributed to afforestation and eco-restoration initiatives. The government has implemented various measures to protect mangrove
Lichen
A new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, revealing insights into ancient symbiotic relationships between fungi and algae. This crustose lichen, characterized by effuse soredia and norstictic acid, is the first of its kind in India confirmed through molecular data. The discovery highlights the ecological
M.S. Swaminathan
In his address at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, the Prime Minister honored the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, emphasizing his contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the importance of integrating traditional practices with modern science, promoting biodiversity, and addressing climate change challenges. The
Matri Van
Union Ministers Shri Manohar Lal and Shri Bhupender Yadav launched the 'Matri Van' initiative, a 750-acre urban forest in Gurugram aimed at ecological preservation and community participation. The project, part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' program, focuses on biodiversity, public well-being, and urban sustainability,
Namami Gange
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has made significant progress in improving water quality along the Ganga River and its tributaries. Key achievements include the completion of 136 sewage treatment projects, the establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plants, and a reduction in pollution levels from industrial sources. Biodiversity initiatives
Lichen
A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, highlighting its unique symbiotic relationship between fungus and photobiont. This crustose lichen exhibits rare chemical traits and contributes to the understanding of lichen diversity and symbiosis in tropical ecosystems. The study emphasizes the