Berliners jump into Spree River to show it's clean enough for swimming
Intel to layoff factory workers in another round of job cuts: Report
The layoffs will mostly be implemented by Intel in July
Elon Musk's X sues New York to block content moderation law
In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, X said New York's law subjects it to lawsuits and potentially large fines unless it discloses highly sensitive and controversial speech that the First Amendment protects and the state may dislike
U.S. Senate passes stablecoin bill in milestone for crypto industry
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to create a regulatory framework for U.S.-dollar-pegged cryptocurrency tokens known as stablecoins
Rice reveals surprise ability to adapt to cold faster than evolution
A landmark study has shown that rice plants that have learn to tolerate cold temperatures by changing epigenetic marks on a gene could also pass the ability down five generations
Norway launches flagship large-scale carbon capture and storage project
Norway on Tuesday launched a flagship carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, a technology seen as crucial to curbing climate change but struggling to find a viable economic model. Norway has presented Longship as the world's first full-scale value chain for capture and storage of carbon in the greenhouse gases that cause harmful climate change.
Sony launches Bravia 8 II series premium smart televisions in India
The new Sony Bravia 8 II series comes in 65 and 55 screen sizes. It is IMAX enhanced and supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Humid phases once turned Arabian desert into a lush paradise: study
Mineral deposits, speleothems, and archaeological sites reveal a lush history for the Arabian Peninsula, challenging theories of human migration
DRDO and IIT-Delhi demonstrate free-space quantum secure communication over 1-km distance
Considered a major breakthrough in the field of cybersecurity, the use of quantum entanglement is being described as a landmark achievement in the new quantum era of secure communication
World Bank lifts ban on nuclear energy financing
The World Bank is set to re-enter the nuclear energy sector after decades, announced President Ajay Banga, aiming to meet the escalating electricity demands in developing nations. Collaborating with the IAEA, the bank will enhance non-proliferation safeguards and regulatory frameworks. This decision arises as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035, necessitating a surge in annual energy investment.
In year of negative news, UN climate chief says 1.5 C goal still achievable
Simon Stiell said countries must use the Bonn talks to finalise indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation.
What are flue gas desulphurisation units? | Explained
What are the different types of FGD systems commonly used in coal-fired thermal power plants? Why are emissions of sulphur dioxide a threat to the planet? Why is the government advocating for a rollback of FGDs in coal-fired power plants? What are the alternatives?
UN adopts convention on workplace biological hazards
The first convention on protecting workers from the devastating impact of uncontrolled biological hazards was adopted at the United Nations on Friday. The Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention was adopted by the UN's International Labour Organization.
Alexandr Wang | Metas data broker
The Scale AI CEO, who is set to lead Metas superintel research lab, says AI will dominate warfare in near future and data will become a new kind of ammunition
Google comes out on top as years-long Mexico antitrust case closed
The investigation by Mexico's Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), which began in 2020, focused on Google's digital advertising services via its search page as well as third-party websites
Google's $32 billion deal for Wiz gets antitrust review: Report
The deal, valued at about $32 billion, is Alphabet's largest acquisition to date
UN summit to end with boost for ocean conservation
A summit on the state of global oceans concludes Friday with nations having tested the waters on deep-sea mining and making strides towards protecting unpoliced reaches of the high seas. Alarmed at US President Donald Trump's unilateral push to fast-track deep-sea mining, leaders called for strict global rules to govern the ocean floor to stop a damaging race for critical minerals.
Valmik Thapar and the golden light | Tribute by publisher David Davidar
The conservationist remained in awe of tigers till the very end, his passion and tireless work changing our understanding of the big cat forever
Polluting incinerator in Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone draws ire
Set up to dispose of solid waste from increasing tourism, the unit has not been given necessary approvals, according to an Uttarakhand PCB official; eco-sensitive zone monitoring committee divided
May 2025 was the second-warmest on record, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing its second-hottest spring, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Although global temperatures dipped below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 22 months, experts warn that this threshold will likely be exceeded again soon.
Iceland is experiencing unprecedented heat, with temperatures soaring to record highs in May, exacerbating Greenland's ice melt at an alarming rate. Scientific analysis attributes this extreme weather directly to global warming, primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions. The accelerated melting threatens to disrupt global ocean currents and contribute to rising sea levels, impacting coastal regions and indigenous communities.
In search of Chilikas Irrawaddy dolphins
We set out at dawn on a boat from Rambha in Odishas Chilika lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin. Do we get lucky?
Nations call for 'quieter' ocean to help marine life
Dozens of countries at the UN oceans summit on Tuesday took a first step toward recognising an invisible but growing threat to marine life -- underwater noise pollution. In a step toward a quieter ocean, 37 countries led by Canada and Panama have launched a new effort to reduce harmful underwater noise pollution.
Indonesia revokes most mining permits in dive hotspot Raja Ampat after outcry
Indonesia has revoked permits for four mining companies in Raja Ampat after videos surfaced showing nickel extraction damage to the pristine islands. The decision follows public outcry and Greenpeace's exposure of forest and vegetation destruction. While one company will continue operations under close monitoring, activists urge further action to ensure complete cessation and prevent future permit reissuance.
How extracting and producing nickel can be made more sustainable
Nickel is an important metal used in several clean energy technologies, especially electric vehicles. The demand for it is expected to surpass six million tonnes a year by 2040. However, producing just one tonne of nickel can result in more than 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
Don't let deep sea become 'wild west', Guterres tells world leaders
At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Secretary-General Guterres cautioned against turning the deep oceans into a wild west, amid debates on seabed mining regulations. President Macron advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need to protect marine biodiversity. A global pact to protect marine life in international waters is nearing implementation.
Floods in Northeast India | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty
New study makes controversial weather-tweaking idea more realistic
Stratospheric aerosol injection is a method in which aerosols are injected into the earths stratosphere to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. Its controversial because its effects are global: if one country injects aerosols into the stratosphere, all countries will be affected and not always in a good way
UN Ocean Conference sets sail in France on World Oceans Day
A fleet of research vessels has gathered in Nice for the UN Ocean Conference, commencing with a parade to highlight ocean conservation. Delegates will address critical threats like rising temperatures and pollution, pushing for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty to protect international waters. The conference aims to accelerate ocean protection efforts and enforce existing marine protected areas.
IIT-Kgp app helps commuters pick greener routes on the road
The DRUM app has shown promise in simulations and will soon start real-world tests; its makers are also exploring integrating data from low-cost sensors on street poles and those carried by commuters
UK plans solar 'revolution' for new homes
Britain's Labour government announced that new homes will feature rooftop solar panels by default, aiming to lower energy bills and meet carbon-reduction goals. Energy secretary Ed Miliband highlighted this as a significant step towards a ooftop revolution. The initiative, part of a plan to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, includes low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency standards.
Incentive scheme for recycling of critical minerals on anvil, says Official
India is finalizing an incentive program for recycling critical minerals. This includes copper, lithium and nickel. The Union budget has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for this initiative. It falls under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The goal is to boost self-reliance and promote green energy. Public sector firms will invest significantly.
New Himalayan bat blurs India-Pakistan divide
The Himalayan long-tailed myotis recorded in Uttarakhand matched the unidentified find of a Hungarian scientist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 1998
Zimbabwe to cull dozens of elephants to curb population and distribute meat to communities
Zimbabwe has announced plans to kill dozens of elephants to manage the population within the Save Valley Conservancy, where the current elephant population far exceeds the land's carrying capacity. The initiative aims to mitigate ecological damage caused by overpopulation. Meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities, while the ivory will be secured by the state wildlife authority.
Greenpeace slams Coca-Cola for producing billions of plastic bottles
Greenpeace Africa protested Coca-Cola's massive plastic production, erecting a display outside their Johannesburg office on World Environment Day. The activist group highlighted Coca-Cola's status as a top plastic polluter, producing 120 billion throwaway bottles annually. They urged the company to reduce plastic use, invest in reusable packaging like glass and cans, and support a global treaty to cap plastic production, criticizing their recycling efforts as insufficient.
World Environment Day 2025: Why climate resilience needs development management leaders?
World Oceans Day, June 8 | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty
Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges committed efforts towards environmental protection
Missing climate disasters by focusing on global warming levels | Explained
Why are climate models for the distant future unreliable? Does an inordinate focus on global mean warming levels take away importance from climate disasters and mitigation strategies? What are some of the immediate measures that one must focus on to tackle climate-related catastrophes?
Has the environmental crisis in India exacerbated? | Explained
What are the major factors which contribute to the current environmental crisis?
The seeds of sustainability for Indias textile leadership
Strategic decisions made today will help Indias global leadership for a sustainable, future-proof, and resilient textile economy
Exposomics for better environmental health
Scientific developments in the field of exposomics will also help get a better picture of disease etiologies and craft holistic prevention strategies
Bengal plans 800-km green wall along Jharkhand border
Will act as a shield in intercepting pollutants entering the State, says W.B Pollution Control Board Chairperson Kalyan Rudra
Bacteria found at Rajgir hot spring shows antibacterial activity
While scientists have deemed hot springs around the world to be unexplored mines of antibiotic-producing bacteria, the hot springs of India are not very well studied. But driven by their putative value, researchers at the Vellore Institute of Technology in Tamil Nadu recently examined the Rajgir hot spring lake in Nalanda district
Wildfire smoke exposure may shorten lung cancer survival
Those living in neighborhoods with the highest levels of wildfire-caused air pollution in the year after their cancer diagnosis were more likely to die from the disease
CCMB team finds clues to Darwins abominable mystery in common plant
In the last 450 million years, as plants moved to drier land, their life-cycles changed significantly. But something curious happened 130 million years ago, soon after flowering plants first appeared
New-to-science urban frog named after Shillong
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India and local collaborators record the cryptic, cascade-dwelling amphibian from the Meghalaya capital
Rising black carbon heating Himalayan snow: Study
Eastern Himalaya records warmest snow surfaces, followed by the central and western Himalayas; light-absorbing particles like black carbon reduces the snows ability to reflect sunlight, accelerating surface heating
The Ekhomey Mowo Welfare Society, based in Anini, the district headquarters, said the project was illegal as the mandatory free, prior, and informed consent was not obtained from the Gram Sabha or the residents of Angrim Valley who would be affected.
Celebrate World Environment Day 2025 with animal adoptions and firefly spotting
Celebrate World Environment Day 2025 on June 5 with unique activities like animal adoptions, firefly spotting, and bird watching in Chennai and Bengaluru
Beware beaches near river mouths: the air may not be fresh
In a new study, scientists have found that some substances drained by filthy rivers can become aerosolised in beach spray and drift overland
Impact of Mumbai Coastal Road project | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty
Five-year forecast sees more killer heat, fires, temperature records
There's an 86% chance that one of the next five years will pass 1.5 degrees and a 70% chance that the five years as a whole will average more than that global milestone, said researchers and scientists
Why has the monsoon come early this year? | Explained
Does an early arrival signal a more bountiful rain? What roles do the El Nio and La Niaphenomena play? How do the rains reach Kerala?
Meghalayas new cave-dwelling fish adapts to streams overground
The loach, Schistura densiclava, was recorded from the Mawjymbuin cave in the East Khasi Hills district
From eco-anxiety to emotional fatigue: How climate change is affecting mental health
Climate change is not only causing environmental damage but also significantly impacting mental health, leading to eco-anxiety and ecological grief, especially among younger generations. Experts emphasize the need to acknowledge these emotional responses as valid and integrate mental health support into climate action strategies.
71% Indians experienced severe heatwave in last 12 months: study
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter surveyed 10,751 Indians and found that most of them had personally experienced at least one extreme weather event in the past 12 months.
Arunachal villagers protest security build-up for proposed mega dam
Armed forces personnel have been deployed in the Siang River belt for the pre-feasibility study for the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multi-purpose Project
Why India needs stable urban forests | Explained
What role do urban forests play in combating air pollution and climate change? What is the impact of urbanisation on forests like Kancha Gachibowli? What are the areas of concern? Where do courts stand? What does the Nagar Van Yojana aim to achieve by 2027?
Four-year-old discovers new fish in Kerala: Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty
The earth hath no fury like cyclones disrupted, new studies say
Were underestimating the scale of whats coming. The changing cyclone patterns could have enormous consequences, a weather scientist said
Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity
City managers must mainstream biodiversity considerations in decision making, and make conservation a mass movement in cities
3/4th of India's population at 'high' to 'very high' heat risk: CEEW study
The CEEW study released on May 20, 2025, identified Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and three more as the top 10 regions at highest heat risk
Indias butterfly family gets a new member from Arunachal
TheEuthalia malaccanawas recorded from Basar in the States Leparada district
Why are environmental protesters being criminalized?
Climate activists globally face harsh penalties for protesting. Australia has high arrest rates for environmental protests. New laws target disruptions with hefty fines and jail time. The UK and Germany also see increased legal action against protesters. Fossil fuel companies use lawsuits to silence dissent. Activists face murder in some regions. These actions reflect growing intolerance towards climate activism.
Dragons blood trees: Earths rarest trees under threat from climate change and goats
On musk deer poaching: Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty
CEEWs Arunabha Ghosh appointed South Asia Envoy to COP-30 in Brazil
As one of eight international envoys for strategic regions, Mr. Ghosh will play a key role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that South Asian voices are strongly represented and supported at the global climate conference
World Food Prize for scientist for growing food with fewer chemicals
The work of Mariangela Hungria has powered Brazils rise as the worlds foremost producer of soybeans
Himalayan leap for yak genomic science
The first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak was assembled by specialists from four ICAR institutions
The sky is always a beautiful sight, and when birds soar in their perfect V-shape, its hard not to stop and admire them. But did you know this formation isnt just random? Birds are actually using science to fly smarter!
Indias rising e-waste, the need to recast its management
A focus on floor price will help transform e-waste recycling and its management in India
Rare New Zealand snail filmed laying an egg from its neck for first time
The sight of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured on camera for the first time
Green Humour | Hat-tip to sloth bears on Mothers Day
Single-use food, beverage packaging 84% of Himalayan plastic waste: report
The Zero Waste Himalaya Alliance was formed to combat the crisis in the eco-sensitive region
It is time to protect Indias workers from the heat
Millions of urban informal workers in India continue to bear the brunt of flawed Heat Action Plans
The Hindu Huddle 2025: Multilateral regime remains relevant in fight against climate change
The planet is warming because of human activities, and it is warming much faster than our models have anticipated, says expert at The Hindu Huddle.
Column | Rosalind Pereiras quiet war against waste
From bags of Kurkure to a peculiar Indian swimming habit, she sees everything as a way to spark change
Kodaikanal | It takes a village to protect the Western Ghats Sky Islands
A new digital platform aims to helping locals across the Western Ghats feel ownership and engage with conservation initiatives in their regions
Scientists create first pangenome of Asian rice
The rice pangenome allows researchers to develop new rice cultivars and introduce new traits for disease-tolerance as well as resilience against climate shocks
Market forces have led to change and degradation of forest ecosystems in Goa: Study
The authors of the study attribute this to their value being poorly understood and not considered in the policy-making process
Spain's blackout highlights renewables' grid challenge
Grid operators must ensure that electricity is constantly balanced between demand and supply. A metric of this balance is the frequency of the electricity flowing through the grid
About 61% of Sikkims butterfly species are in the Dzongu region, study finds
The 10-year documentation is a gift to the world in celebration of Sikkims 50 years of Statehood, lead author Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha said
What is the total allowable catch?
European Red Admiral butterfly sighted for first time in Himachals Dhauladhar mountain range
Rare migratory species recorded in Himachal Pradeshs Dhauladhar range; adds to States rich butterfly biodiversity
Australian State culls 700 starving koalas after bushfire, stoking controversy
Wildlife groups have expressed serious concern about how individual koalas had been chosen for culling, because the animals are assessed from a distance
High temperatures and mango production | Explained
Whats the quantum of growth in India? What are the challenges? How does mango production in India compare to that of China and Thailand? Does genetic diversity play a role in the hardiness and productivity of the fruit? How does it help it combat climate change?
New model finds locusts making complex decisions in deadly swarms
Understanding how locusts move has real-world consequences. Yet how these groups emerge or which exact factors determine the direction of their flight remains unclear
Scientists unlock genetic key to higher peanut yield
A team of 19 researchers from Australia and China assessed the genome-wide diversity of 269 peanut accessions, including wild species, landraces, and improved species
Urban spider found building soundproof webs to keep noise out
Indias urban centres are notorious for their noise pollution; the new study raises questions about what its findings mean for spiders living in such places
