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.
New Delhi: An 11-year-old female hyena died at the Delhi zoo on Thursday. Officials said a postmortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death. The zoo now has two hyenas left. The hyena was found dead inside its den within the enclosure. The body was taken to the zoo hospital, where it was confirmed that the animal was already dead. Normally, hyenas rest inside the dens built within the enclosure but feed in the rear section, where the zoo staff work. Delhi zoo, which has been shut since Aug 30 following multiple bird deaths due to avian influenza (bird flu), is likely to reopen next month. At least 12 bird deaths were reported between Aug 28 and 31, with four samples testing positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus. The deceased included six painted storks and two black-headed ibis found in the aviary, along with four migratory painted storks discovered in the zoo ponds.
Ludhiana: As International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed on July 3, rising use of plastics, including plastic bags, are posing an unprecedented threat to bird population. Ornithologists and conservationists are sounding urgent alarms about the growing menace of plastic pollution -- that is choking habitats, contaminating food chains, and pushing several bird species to the brink of collapse.Plastic has turned into a long-lasting hazard in natural ecosystems. Each year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally, and a staggering amount finds its way into the open environment. ...Read More >
Dimapur, Jul 18 (PTI) Two persons have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nagaland, a health department official said on Friday. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, said that of the seven JE cases detected in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts, two persons have died so far. Also Read | Chhattisgarh: 6 Bodies of Naxals Recovered in Ongoing Encounter With Security Forces in Narayanpur. She expressed concern over the rise in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the three districts, especially during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of transmission. The H ...Read More >
Amritsar: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand has claimed that Britain assisted India in executing the 1984 Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, stoking a new controversy.In a post on X on Monday, Dubey alleged that then PM Indira Gandhi "launched an attack on the Golden Temple in collaboration with Britain", with British Army officers present in Amritsar.He uploaded a classified British document, "Sikh Community", claiming that on Feb 23, 1984, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office mentioned in a letter that the Indian govt had sought British advice over a plan to remove Si ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Jan 14 (PTI) With the annual crocodile and migratory birds' headcount exercise getting underway, the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district would remain shut for nine days from Tuesday. Several teams have been constituted to count the crocodiles and birds in the creeks, rivers, wetland sites and mangrove forests within the park and its nearby areas, an official said. Any form of human activity could disrupt the process, and that is why the national park will remain closed till January 22, he said. The restrictions for visitors will also prevent noise ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) US researchers have developed a new and highly effective generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool to rapidly detect exposure to the H5N1 virus -- behind avian influenza or "bird flu", and bolster national surveillance as the virus continues to spread in other animals. The study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, revealed that the AI tool quickly scans notes in electronic medical records and identifies high-risk patients who may have been infected with H5N1 bird flu. "This study shows how generative AI can fill a critical gap in our ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Feb 16 (PTI) Migratory birds of the trans-Himalayan region have started their homeward journey from Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district after a four-month-long winter sojourn, a forest official said on Monday. More than 1.52 lakh feathered guests of 106 species had flocked to the Bhitarkanika wetland sites this year to avoid the harsh winter, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division assistant conservator Manas Das said. Every year, birds fly thousands of miles to Bhitarkanika to escape the severe cold conditions in northern Asia and some centra ...Read More >
Latur: In a rare and significant discovery, a police officer with a passion for birding has recorded an international migratory link on Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. G. Thikanna, an assistant sub-inspector with the Andaman Police, spotted and photographed a tagged shorebird during his posting on the remote island. The bird was later identified as a Sanderling. Experts say this is the first recorded re-sighting of a tagged bird on Narcondam Island. According to Dr Raju Kasambe, the finding highlights the long-distance journey of migratory birds along the East Asian-Aust ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: In a first for any zoological park in Andhra Pradesh, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has successfully hatched 27 bird chicks through artificial incubation, while seven others were hatched naturally. The chicks belong to five bird species, including Blue Gold Macaw, Lutino Parakeet, Peach-Faced Lovebird, Red Junglefowl, and Indian Peafowl. The zoo's veterinary team, including one senior veterinarian, one conservation biologist, and two paravets and animal keepers, carried out the work. Among the 34 chicks, three Lutino Parakeets and four Peach-Faced ...Read More >
New Delhi: An 11-year-old female hyena died at the Delhi Zoo on Thursday under "mysterious" circumstances, zoo officials said, stating a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the actual cause of death. The zoo is now left with only two hyenas, a male and a female. The hyena was found lying in its den -- within the enclosure. The body was retrieved and sent to the zoo hospital, where it was discovered that she had already died. Typically, hyenas stay inside dens created in the enclosure area, but they feed on the backside of the enclosure -- where zoo staff serves food to them ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group and Mandai Wildlife Group have joined hands to enhance the country's appeal as a top travel destination by co-creating customer experiences through exclusive privileges, and spotlighting the crucial work of wildlife conservation for the planet. The partnership will also extend assistance from SIA in transferring animals from Singapore's wildlife parks to accredited zoos across the world. As part of efforts to boost inbound travel from key international markets, SIA has announced to provide its customers with curated wildlife experiences, exclusive c ...Read More >
Lucknow: Taking cognisance of the potential threat of bird flu, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed concerned departments to coordinate and take measures to prevent the prevalence of the H5 virus in the state. He said that efforts should be stepped up in all zoos, sanctuaries, national parks, etc.On Monday, the bird flu virus was diagnosed in the poultry birds in Rampur after an estimated 15,000 chickens died.The chief minister also instructed the health department to conduct an in-depth study of the potential impacts of H5 avian influenza on human health and present a report ...Read More >
Chennai: Madras high court has clarified that private self-financing medical colleges are required to pay only a stipend, and not a full salary, to in-service govt doctors pursuing postgraduate or super-specialty courses under the govt quota.A division bench of Justice R Subramanian and Justice K Surender passed the order while partly allowing a batch of appeals moved by Karpaga Vinayaga Medical College and others. They challenged a single judge's order that directed private colleges to pay salaries to in-service doctors studying in their institutions.The appeals were moved based on a GO dated ...Read More >
Dimapur, Jul 18 (PTI) Two persons have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nagaland, a health department official said on Friday. Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, said that of the seven JE cases detected in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts, two persons have died so far. She expressed concern over the rise in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the three districts, especially during the monsoon season, which increases the risk of transmission. The Health department has urged district administrations to issue a public advisory on JE prevention measures and to i ...Read More >
BHAWANIPATNA: Kalahandi police seized 6,500 kg of explosives and arrested four persons in connection with illegal transportation of mining explosives on Wednesday. The operation was conducted following an FIR filed by a junior mining officer during a raid near a stone query and crusher at Lakhbahali under Jaipatna police limits. During inspection, two explosive-laden vehicles were found stationed near the site. SP Kalahandi Nagraj Debarkonda informed that the seized materials included 100 IDEAL Boost CDA, APEX CORD totalling 6,500 kg of cartridges and 115 detonators (each 750 metre long). Th ...Read More >
Pune, July 15 (PTI) As many as 14 deer have died over the last four to five days in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune due to unidentified reasons, officials said on Tuesday. A Pune Municipal Corporation veterinary officer said authorities are examining various possibilities including infection through the deer feed to identify the cause behind the fatalities. He said medical reports are awaited to understand the details. "Bucks are drying every day since the last four to five days. On Tuesday, no fresh fatality was reported. The death toll so far is 14," a civic official said without ...Read More >
Srinagar, Aug 3 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed condolences on the untimely demise of daughter of Udhampur SSP Amod Nagpure Ashok. Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the death, saying "there can be no greater pain for a parent than losing a child". In a message, LG Sinha said, "Shocked and heartbroken by the tragic news of the passing of the daughter of SSP Udhampur Shri Amod Nagpure Ashok. My deepest condolences to the grieving family. May the Almighty give them courage an ...Read More >
Itanagar: A total of 89 different bird species were recorded during a two-day bird survey conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club at Nongsaya Lake, located at Jona in Namsai district.The survey was conducted earlier this year in association with the public works department, Namsai division, conservationist Koj Mama said.Nongsaya Lake, situated around 9km from Namsai district headquarters, offers an opportunity for biodiversity protection. Its surrounding environment has the potential for bird and butterfly conservation, as well as providing natural spaces for environmental education an ...Read More >
Kochi: The 14 exotic birds seized from two passengers at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) here on Monday have been sent back to Thailand, while the mother-son duo arrested for smuggling the avians have been produced before the court. The Customs seized the birds from Thiruvananthapuram natives Bindumol and her son Sarath as they landed in Kochi airport from Thailand on a Thai Airways flight on Monday. The officials then handed over the passengers to the Forest Department, and the Kalady forest range registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act against the two. The birds ...Read More >
Meanwhile, the state health department has been instructed to submit a report on preventing the spread of H5 Avian Influenza to humans A bird flu alert was issued in Uttar Pradesh this Wednesday, with orders issued on guidelines for prevention against the potential threat of H5 Avian Influenza. After a review, the Chief Minister directed all the concerned departments to ensure the safety of the "protected animals and birds", warning against negligence. Meanwhile, the state health department ha ...Read More >
He said the global recognition reflects the state's rich biodiversity, diverse bird habitats, and sustained water-conservation efforts. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, headquartered in Gland, Switzerland. The Chhattisgarh government had submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking Ramsar site status for the Kopra Reservoir last month. Also Read: Countries adopt India's wetland use resolution at Ramsar Cop15 On the direction of State ...Read More >
Pilibhit (UP), Jul 15 (PTI) A day after a farmer was killed by a tiger in Fulhar village of Pilibhit district, forest officials said on Tuesday that their team was tracking the animal and it would be captured as soon as the conditions are favourable. Dayaram, 39, was mauled to death by the tiger in his field in Bari Phulhar village, the sixth tiger attack in two months in the region. According to the forest team engaged in tracking the tiger, the animal also attempted to attack its personnel, though fortunately no serious injuries occurred. The tiger was last spotted near Auraiya village, l ...Read More >
Pune, July 15 (PTI) As many as 14 deer have died over the last four to five days in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune due to unidentified reasons, officials said on Tuesday. A Pune Municipal Corporation veterinary officer said authorities are examining various possibilities including infection through the deer feed to identify the cause behind the fatalities. He said medical reports are awaited to understand the details. "Bucks are drying every day since the last four to five days. On T ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 7: The National Zoological Park (NZP) would reopen for visitors on Saturday ending a two-month break forced by the outbreak of influenza in an enclosure, an official said on Friday. The Delhi Zoo official informed that usual safety and preventive measures shall be followed after its re-opening for visitors. The NZP was closed for visitors on August 30, 2025, after the report of positive case of avian influenza virus in water bird aviary on August 28, said the official in a statement. All prescribed bio-safety and surveillance guidelines issued by the competent authorities ...Read More >
Bilaspur: The Kopra Reservoir in Chhattisgarh has been declared a Ramsar site. In the coming days, this reservoir located in Sakri village of Bilaspur district is set to emerge as a centre for environmental conservation and eco-tourism. This site is located at a distance of 15 km from Bilaspur city. The international recognition granted to this reservoir has strengthened its global importance while putting the onus on Chhattisgarh for its conservation. Chhattisgarh's Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap pointed out that the Kopra Reservoir has received this honour due to its uniqu ...Read More >
New Delhi: In many parts of India, especially when the rains roll in, fish markets come alive. Stalls brim with Hilsa, rohu and catla. The air smells of salt, rain and spice. Families line up to grab fresh catch for dinner. But among these familiar names, there is one fish health officials hope you never find. One that should not be there. One that is banned and dangerous. They call it Thai Mangur. On the surface, it looks like just another catfish. But this breed has earned a notorious reputation. The government has already declared it illegal to farm, sell or consume. It has been blacklist ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR: A fresh outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Puri district, prompting emergency containment measures and mass culling of poultry to prevent spread of the infection. The Odisha government swung into action on Saturday after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, confirmed that samples collected from Bada Ankula village in Delanga block tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The Puri district administration immediately declared the village the epicentre of the outbreak and initiated a series of containment operations. Areas fal ...Read More >
Mumbai: Visitors to Dadar's iconic Kabutarkhana on Sunday found the nearly 100-year-old pigeon feeding zone shut and wrapped in grey tarpaulin sheets. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has closed the grade-II heritage site citing public health risks associated with pigeon feeding. Warning Issued at Site A notice displayed at the Kabutarkhana reads, "All citizens are hereby informed that it is strictly prohibited to offer and feed food items to birds and animals at this site. Feeding food to birds at places of public gathering like these can trigger fungal infection and respiratory ...Read More >
Lucknow, Sep 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gears up to celebrate 15-day long 'Sewa Pakhwada' across the country to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to observe 'Seva Parv' from September 17 to October 2, with a target of planting 15 lakh saplings across the state. On the opening day, each of the state's 34 Nagar Vans will plant at least 100 saplings. Alongside plantation drives, campaigns on environmental awareness, rainwater harvesting, and conservation will also be conducted. Divisional Forest Officers in e ...Read More >
MUMBAI: HUL on Thursday named Priya Nair, who heads parent Unilever's beauty & wellbeing business, as MD & CEO. Nair, who joined HUL 30 years ago, will be the first woman to lead the consumer goods giant. The London-based Nair, 53, will take over the corner office in Mumbai on Aug 1, succeeding Rohit Jawa who will step down as MD & CEO on July 31. Jawa, who led HUL for a little over two years, was appointed for a five-year term ending June 26, 2028. His predecessor Sanjiv Mehta had held the CEO's office for 10 years. Nair has been appointed for five years. Analysts termed the development as su ...Read More >