Why in NEWS Scientists have discovered travertine deposits in Puga Valley, Ladakh, which can trap prebiotic molecules like amino acids and fatty acids. This finding supports the theory that life may have originated in geothermal environments, similar to early Earth or Mars. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Travertine A form of calcium carbonate deposited […]
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Why in NEWS The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its second Sustainability Report (FY 2023–24), highlighting major strides in environmental performance, aligned with Mission LiFE and circular economy principles, amid rapid infrastructure expansion. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Mission LiFE Lifestyle for Environment initiative launched by India to encourage sustainable living Circular […]
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Why in NEWS The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has found that although 85% of the compensatory afforestation target has been achieved, only 67.5% of the CAMPA funds have been utilised, raising concerns over fund management and ecological integrity. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation CAMPA Statutory body under CAF Act, 2016 to manage […]
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Why in NEWS Scientists revealed that 96% of the ocean surface experienced marine heatwaves (MHWs) in 2023, raising fears of a permanent ocean temperature shift, with cascading impacts on marine life, climate, and economies. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Marine Heatwave (MHW) Period when sea surface temperatures remain abnormally high (3–4°C above normal) for […]
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Why in NEWS NHPC has started the tendering process for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project in Jammu & Kashmir, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project Run-of-river hydro project on Chenab River in Ramban district, J&K Chenab River Western tributary of Indus; […]
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Why in NEWS A road project through Anamudi Shola National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district has been stalled, raising concerns over restricted access for local tribal communities and the ecological sensitivity of the protected area. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Shola Forests High-altitude tropical montane forests in the Western Ghats, rich in endemic flora […]
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Why in NEWS ISRO successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite from Sriharikota, marking a landmark Earth observation mission and strengthening India–US space collaboration. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation NISAR NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite for dual-frequency Earth observation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Active radar system that creates high-resolution images by combining […]
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Why in NEWS Frequent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Nepal have raised alarm in India’s Himalayan states, where over 7,500 glacial lakes—many unstable—pose a growing threat from climate change-driven disasters. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation GLOF Sudden release of water from glacial lakes due to dam failure (ice/moraine), often catastrophic Moraine Accumulated rock […]
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Why in NEWS A long-term coral reef health monitoring study across Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls in Lakshadweep revealed that coral cover has declined drastically from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022, primarily due to repeated marine heatwaves and climate change. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Coral Bleaching Whitening of corals due to […]
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Why in NEWS The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) released the Underground Atlas, revealing that over 90% of mycorrhizal fungi hotspots—vital for plant nutrition and carbon storage—lie outside protected areas, raising concern about their overlooked ecological importance. Key Terms/Concepts Term Explanation Mycorrhizal Fungi Fungi forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient […]
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