Purple swamphens found in China
Beijing, Feb 22 (IANS) At least three purple swamphens were spotted in China’s Yunnan province, said local forestry bureau on Monday. With blue and purple plumage, a red beak and yellow feet, the purple swamphen…
Environment
New map shows areas most sensitive to climate changes
Global map of the Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI), a new indicator of vegetation sensitivity to climate variability using satellite data. Red colour shows higher ecosystem sensitivity, whereas green indicates lower ecosystem sensitivity. Grey areas are…
Car free day observed in south Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) The car free day — an initiative by the Delhi government to curb rising air pollution in the city — was observed in a southern part of the national capital…
Australia risks missing climate change commitments: report
Sydney, Feb 22 (IANS) Australia risks not meeting its commitments agreed to under the Paris Climate Change agreement while also being ill-prepared to offset the local impact due to job cuts at the nation’s chief…
Delhi to observe fifth car free day on Monday
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The fifth car-free day — an initiative by the Delhi government to check air pollution — will be observed on Monday. An official statement said the car-free day will be…
Use water judiciously, crisis may worsen: Delhi minister
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Terming the water crisis in the national capital as “unprecedented”, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday warned that the situation might worsen in the next few days if the supply…
Air purifiers can prevent respiratory problems: Doctors
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Installation of air purifiers can be an easy way to prevent respiratory problems caused by indoor air pollution, doctors say. According to doctors, air purifiers are becoming more reliable for…
‘Agra remains dirty because of wrong government priorities’
By Brij Khandelwal Agra, Feb 21 (IANS) Having lost the race to be included in the list of smart cities, this Taj city has now slipped to 47/73 in the ranking of clean cities in…
Sarus crane population largely stable in India (Wildlife Feature)
By Vishal Gulati New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The population of the Sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, is surprisingly stable in India and showing increases in some areas, says a researcher….
China issues new measure on energy saving supervision
Beijing, Feb 21 (IANS) China’s top economic planner issued a new regulation on Saturday to oversee energy saving work in corporations, allowing authorities to warn or impose penalties on violators. The fine ranges from $1,534…
Approved solar parks rise to 33 in 21 states
New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) The total number of approved solar parks has risen to 33 in 21 states with an aggregate capacity of 19,900 MW, an official statement said on Saturday. “As against 25…
China issues regulations for duty-free shops
Beijing, Feb 20 (IANS) China has notified interim management measures for duty-free shops at ports of entry, the media reported on Saturday. The notice was jointly published by the finance and commerce ministry; General Administration…
Death of a justice Antonin Scalia raises hope of climate justice
By Rajendra Shende Perhaps never before in the history of America have its citizens mourned so deeply the death of a Supreme Court justice and at the same time vibrantly rejoiced with prospects of finally…
Tibetan antelope sanctuary applies for world heritage status
Beijing, Feb 19 (IANS) China’s remote western Hol Xil nature reserve, home to 70,000 Tibetan antelope, has applied for Unesco world natural heritage status, its administration said on Friday. The reserve, covering 60,000 square km…
How India will protect nuclear liabilities of US firms
By Amit Bhandari A $48-billion (Rs 3.26 lakh crore) penalty claimed by the US government from Volkswagen for cheating on diesel car emissions is about 200 times as large as the $225 million (Rs 1,500…
Thailand sanctuary records rise in tiger population
Bangkok, Feb 19 (IANS) A sanctuary in Thailand has become the only site in Southeast Asia where tigers are confirmed to be increasing in population, says a study. The Government of Thailand, in collaboration with…
Humans damaged Madagascar’s forests 1,000 years ago
New York, Feb 19 (IANS) A widespread and permanent loss of forests in Madagascar that occurred 1,000 years ago was due not to climate change or any natural disaster, but to human settlers who set…
Kerala agri varsity develops hybrid seedless watermelon
Kochi, Feb 19 (IANS) Venturing into the modern agri-farming, state owned INKEL Limited has introduced a yellow seedless hybrid of watermelons for the first time in the Kerala market. The unique variety of the thirst…
Beijing, five other cities to jointly fight smog
(151225) — BEIJING, Dec. 25, 2015 (Xinhua) — A cyclist takes photos of the smog-shrouded Palace Museum turret in Beijing, Dec. 25, 2015. An orange alarm has been issued to alert smog and air pollution…
Asia’s largest desert reservoir to be expanded
Beijing, Feb 19 (IANS) The largest desert reservoir in Asia, Hongyashan, in China’s Gansu province, will expand its storage by 49 percent to ease desertification in region, authorities said on Friday. The storage capacity of…