Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
CHANDIGARH: The Spiti Valley of Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, perched high in the Trans-Himalayan region, has been recognised as India's first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's prestigious Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. It is among the 26 new biosphere reserves designated across several countries. With this inclusion, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the MAB Network. The recognition was formally conferred during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26 to 28. Encompassing windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes and rugged high-altitude deserts, it is one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). "UNESCO designates 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries - the highest number in 20 years. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, with an additional one million sq km of natural areas brought under protection since 2018 - equivalent to the size of Bolivia," the world body said in a statement. The Spiti Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans a geographical area of 7,770 square kilometres, covering the entire Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq km) and adjoining parts of the Lahaul Forest Division, including Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur and Sarchu (179 sq km). Situated at altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the Reserve falls within the Trans-Himalaya biogeographic province of the Indian Himalaya. The reserve is structured into three zones: a 2,665 sq km core zone, a 3,977 sq km buffer zone and a 1,128 sq km transition zone.
LAHORE/SRINAGAR (Reuters) -Pakistan's eastern towns of Chiniot and Hafizabad face a risk of catastrophic floods if an irrigation barrage crumbles on a major river upstream after heavy rains swelled it beyond capacity, officials warned on Thursday. Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan are battling torrential monsoon rains that have unleashed flash floods, swelled rivers and filled dams, with 60 deaths this month in Indian Kashmir, and Pakistan's toll at 805 since late June. Any flooding blamed on India stands to inflame relations between the archfoes, embroiled in a tense stand-off sin ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: Five lakes in the Kashmir Valley have high susceptibility to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing a threat to 2,704 buildings, 15 major bridges, road stretches, and a hydropower plant in their immediate downstream areas, a study by the University of Kashmir has found.Citing the study, CM Omar Abdullah, who also holds the disaster management and relief portfolio, told the J&K Assembly Tuesday that there is a need for continuous monitoring of these high-susceptibility lakes through remote sensing and targeted field assessments, as well as the installation of effective early war ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: Five lakes in the Kashmir Valley have high susceptibility to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing a threat to 2,704 buildings, 15 major bridges, road stretches, and a hydropower plant in their immediate downstream areas, a study by the University of Kashmir has found.Citing the study, CM Omar Abdullah, who also holds the disaster management and relief portfolio, told the J&K Assembly Tuesday that there is a need for continuous monitoring of these high-susceptibility lakes throug ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) The Reserve Bank's decision to maintain status quo on interest rate is a calibrated approach to strengthen macro economic environment against the backdrop of global headwinds influencing economic sentiment, experts said on Wednesday. The Reserve Bank kept its key policy rate (repo) unchanged at 5.25 per cent, adopting a cautious wait-and-watch stance as policymakers assessed the fallout from the six-week Iran conflict on energy supplies, inflation and growth. Industry body Assocham said the RBI's decision is a calibrated step aimed at strengthening stability in the mac ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, has underscored the importance of adopting an 'ethics-by-design' approach to AI development, noting that true inclusivity requires not just functionality but the integration of core ethical values from the outset. He also reaffirmed UNESCO's support for India's vision of an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in trust. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, highlighted India's balanced, pro-innovation approach to AI aimed at building AI in India ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) India's gains from importing discounted Russian oil are estimated to be just USD 2.5 billion per annum, significantly lower than the previously speculated range of USD 10-25 billion, a research report said on Thursday. Stopping Russian oil imports would force India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, to rely on limited alternatives, potentially driving global crude prices up to USD 100 per barrel amid rising demand and tight supply. "Benefit from Russian oil imports is way less than exaggerated media numbers," brokerage CLSA said in a report. While ...Read More >
Shimla, Sep 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district has been recognised as India's first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's prestigious Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. The recognition was formally conferred during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26 to 28. With this inclusion, India now has 13 Biosphere Reserves in the MAB Network. This feat has been made possible due to the efforts of the state government, which has consistently highlighted the region's unique ecology, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 1 (ANI): India's first helicopter Final Assembly Line from the private sector, to be established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to build the Airbus H125 helicopters, will be located in Vemagal in Karnataka. A joint press release added that the move promises to unlock the full potential of the rotorcraft market in South Asia. The 'Made in India' H125 helicopter will help develop new civil and para-public market segments and also meet the Indian armed force's requirement for a light multi-role helicopter, especially on the icy heights of the country's Himala ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, India -- The Jammu and Kashmir government has abandoned a three-decade-old policy of relocating families from Dal Lake, replacing it with a new conservation strategy that treats lake dwellers as partners in restoration rather than obstacles to it. The policy shift, announced in March 2026, comes as residents around the iconic Himalayan lake witnessed green sludge accumulating on the water's surface in recent weeks, triggering public concern about pollution levels in the 18-square-kilometre wetland ecosystem. Under the new approach, named the "Integrated Management Plan of Dal-Nigee ...Read More >
Kaza (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): The Spiti Cup 2025 concluded with an action-packed finale, where teams fiercely competed across Men's, Women's, and U-18 Boys' categories showcasing the finest grassroots Ice Hockey talent from the Lahaul Spiti region. Sham Zone clinched the Men's title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Center Zone, while the Women's championship was decided on goal difference, with Center Zone emerging as the winner. Tod Zone claimed the U-18 Boys' title. With standout performances from players like Tanzin Solden and Kunga Wangpo and stellar goalkeeping by Abhi ...Read More >
Bhopal: Nabha, the eight-year-old Namibian cheetah in the Kuno national park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday succumbed to injuries that she had sustained while hunting. She had been under treatment for a week for her injuries, KNP field director Uttam Kumar Sharma told this newspaper. "Nabha got badly injured a week back probably during a hunting attempt inside her soft release boma (large enclosure). She had fractures in both ulna (bone in the foreleg) and fibula (smaller of the two outer bones between knee and ankle) on the left side along with other injuries. Further details will be kn ...Read More >
Ajmer (Rajasthan) [India], July 19 (ANI): The Ana Sagar lake in Rajasthan's Ajmer overflowed on Saturday morning, following incessant rain, which caused waterlogging. Due to this, the road connecting Bajrang Garh to the market has been closed. The locals used sandbags in an attempt to stop the flow of water. Also Read | Meghalaya Shocker: Schoolgirl Hacked to Death With Machete by Assailant in East Garo Hills District. Municipal Corporation Chief Engineer Vinod Manohar stated that the cause of waterlogging is due to lake water entering through escape channels, which have been opened by near ...Read More >
SRINAGAR, India (AP) -- Flash floods caused by torrential rains in a remote village in Indian-controlled Kashmir have left at least 37 people dead, authorities said Thursday, as rescue teams scouring the devastated Himalayan village brought at least 150 people to safety. Following a cloudburst in the region's Chositi village, which triggered floods and landslides, disaster management official Mohammed Irshad estimated that at least 50 people were still missing. India's deputy minister for science and technology, Jitendra Singh, warned that the disaster "could result in substantial casualty." ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday attacked the Centre and Rajasthan governments over the reported plan to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve for the reactivation of over 50 mining operations, saying the move would be "ecologically devastating". The opposition party also said that with the Rajasthan and Union environment ministers both being from Alwar, this "double engine" cannot be supporting such a move. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed that a plan to redraw the boundaries of Rajasthan's ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Since 2018, 15 sites across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa have earned a UNESCO tag, and four new nominations from African countries will be examined at the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris, Director General of the UN organisation, Audrey Azoulay, said. The spirit of the World Heritage Convention is also to reflect the "diversity and equal dignity of cultures" throughout the world. Yet, 27 States Parties still have no sites inscribed, she said in her address at the opening ceremony of the 47th session of the WHC on Monday. "As you k ...Read More >
TIRUCHY: Tamil Nadu fishers who have been facing frequent arrests on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) at the Palk Strait would soon get a good news as the bilateral talks between India and Sri Lanka has witnessed positive approach and negotiations are being made to solve the mid-sea issues faced by the Indian fishermen particularly those who are from Tamil Nadu. Palk Street is a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and the Gulf of Mannar, where the controversial Katchatheevu is situated. Sources revealed that fo ...Read More >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 4 (ANI): Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan made strong remarks on the necessity of education while addressing a gathering at the Agaram Foundation event in Chennai. Education is the only weapon that can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatan, the Rajya Sabha MP said on Sunday. Kamal Haasan added, Dont take anything else in your hands, only education. We cannot win without it, because the majority can make you lose. Majority Fools (Moodargal) will make u lose; knowledge alone will seem defeated. That why we must hold on to it (Educat ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Jammu/Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya have been identified as having "very high susceptibility" to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), while also announcing progress on power subsidies, government liabilities and relief measures for calamity victims. Replying to a question by National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq, Abdullah said a recent study by the University of Kashmir assessed 155 glacial lakes and identified Bramsar, Chirsar, Nundkol, Gangabal and Bhagsar as falling in the "very hig ...Read More >
Jammu, Jul 18 (PTI) Senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir government reviewed the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 13-day-long Budha Amarnath pilgrimage in Poonch district that will begin on July 28. Deputy Inspector General of Police Tejinder Singh reviewed security in Poonch and stressed ensuring the safety of the devotees. "The first batch will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar basecamp in Jammu on July 28, moving towards the Mandi tehsil in Poonch in a regulated convoy amid full security arrangements," a spokesperson said. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspec ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 19 (ANI): A contingent of 23 athletes supported by Reliance Foundation look to compete at the World University Games across six cities in Germany, with events running until July 27. Representing athletics, archery, and judo, these young talents aim to improve international rankings, achieve personal bests, and bring home laurels. The athletics team forms the backbone of the foundation campaign, with 18 athletes competing in sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles, relay, long jump, decathlon, among other events, beginning July 21, a release said. James Hillier, Di ...Read More >
New Delhi : Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, today announced the launch of the V-STROM SX in a refreshed avatar, now available in four new colour options with updated graphics. The adventure tourer retains its proven design and performance, while offering a more vibrant and dynamic look for riders seeking both style and reliability. The new colour options include Pearl Fresh Blue + Glass Sparkle Black, Champion Yellow No. 2 + Glass Sparkle Black, Pearl Glacier White + Metallic Mat Stellar Blue, and Glass Sparkle Black. S ...Read More >
Bengaluru, 29 September 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, in collaboration with Freecharge, has unveiled Credit on UPI with Gold Loans - India's first gold-backed credit line accessible through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This innovative product is designed to unlock the economic potential of gold assets, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), self-employed entrepreneurs and merchants across both urban and rural India. Credit on UPI with Gold Loans enables customers to access instant credit against their gold holdings. The produc ...Read More >
Srinagar, Feb 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticised the government led by Omar Abdullah over what it described as inadequate action to protect the environment, claiming that the Kashmir Valley is witnessing an alarming rise in temperatures. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, BJP spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia, along with party leaders Altaf Thakur and Manzoor Bhat, alleged that Kashmir's temperature is rising nearly 2.5°C above normal, significantly higher than the global warming trend of around 1.5°C, placing the region in what he termed a "danger zone". Jasroti ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India's new approach to treat any act of terror as an act of war has added a new dimension to the Navy's operational outlook after the conduct of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said Friday."We must be prepared for this new normal," the Navy chief said at an investiture ceremony here. Over 35 Indian warships and submarines led by aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, with its MiG-29K fighters, were forward deployed in a dissuasive deterrent posture against Pakistan in the northern Arabian Sea last month."Our ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally rea ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday announced the provisional attachment of assets worth approximately ₹131.45 crore in Spain, including a luxury yacht and immovable properties, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These assets belong to Pavel Prozorov, a Spanish national and the alleged mastermind behind the unauthorised forex trading platform OctaFX. The attached assets comprise a commercial Italian-model luxury yacht cruising in the Western Mediterranean, a minijet boat, a luxury car, and two residential properties in Spain. The ED's probe was launched ...Read More >
Jaipur, Jul 19 (PTI) A gang, allegedly involved in the adulteration of coal imported from the US, was busted by the Rajasthan Police, leading to the arrest of an individual, a senior official said on Saturday. The gang was adulterating high-quality coal (petcoke) imported from the US, cheating cement and steel factories out of crores of rupees through this illegal operation, Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Dinesh MN said. A team from the Crime Investigation Branch had been gathering intelligence about the theft of petcoke for some time. They were told by informants about several ...Read More >
according to the GLOF Management Plan for Kishtwar 2024-25, the tehsils of Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan are in peril of being the worst-affected due to their proximity to glacial lakes A recent report warns of an increased threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar region due to rising global temperatures accelerating glacial melt and increasing the formation of dangerous glacial lakes. News agency PTI reported that according to the GLOF Manag ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 1 (ANI): India first helicopter Final Assembly Line from the private sector, to be established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to build the Airbus H125 helicopters, will be located in Vemagal in Karnataka. A joint press release added that the move promises to unlock the full potential of the rotorcraft market in South Asia. The Made in India H125 helicopter will help develop new civil and para-public market segments and also meet the Indian armed force requirement for a light multi-role helicopter, especially on the icy heights of the country Himalayan fron ...Read More >
Srinagar, Mar 31: The government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya have been identified as highly susceptible to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), based on a recent scientific study conducted by the University of Kashmir. The information was shared in response to a query raised by National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who sought details regarding the vulnerability of glacial lakes and the potential risks posed to downstream populations and infrastructure. According to the reply, the study -- published in the Journal of Glaciology a ...Read More >