General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - September 2015

Sep 2015

May 13, 2026

Two Botswana Cheetahs Released into Wild in Kuno National Park

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two female Botswana cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park on 11 May 2026 after completing quarantine. The release occurred in the Palpur East Range with confirmation from the park’s APCCF and Cheetah Project field director. The move advances India’s cheetah restoration program, which began with the introduction of eight cheetahs from Namibia in 2022 and a later arrival from Botswana in 2026. Officials say the release marks a significant milestone for wildlife restoration and ecotourism at Kuno, with ongoing monitoring to ensure ecological integration.

Two female Botswana cheetahs released on 11 May 2026
Location: Palpur East Range, Kuno National Park
Part of India’s cheetah restoration program
Previous introductions: Namibia (2022) and Botswana (2026)
Ongoing monitoring for ecological integration

PAU Launches QR Treescape Initiative on Campus

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, launched the QR Treescape Initiative to map campus trees digitally. More than 200 QR codes have been installed on important and heritage trees across the university. Scanning codes with mobile devices provides instant access to scientific and educational information, including botanical and common names, ecological importance, medicinal uses, and flowering and fruiting patterns. The project covers ornamental and indigenous species to enhance biodiversity and campus aesthetics. Trees highlighted include Lal Gulmohar, Neeli Gulmohar, Red Plumeria, Mango, Molsari, and Amaltas. The initiative aims to make the campus a dynamic outdoor learning space.

Over 200 QR codes placed on campus trees
QR codes provide botanical names, ecology, uses, flowering patterns
Covers ornamental and indigenous trees
Aims to boost biodiversity and learning opportunities
Includes Lal Gulmohar, Neeli Gulmohar, Red Plumeria, Mango, Molsari, Amaltas

May 12, 2026

KAUST unveils electricity-free cooling system 'Nescod' using ammonium nitrate

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) announced Nescod, an electricity-free cooling system. Nescod stands for No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand. It uses ammonium nitrate and water in an endothermic dissolution process and requires no compressors or continuous electrical power. Solar energy is used to evaporate water and regenerate the salt for repeated cooling cycles. In tests, temperatures fell from about 25°C to 3.6°C in 20 minutes, and the system was about four times more efficient than ammonium chloride in the same setup. Ammonium nitrate is inexpensive and easy to store, aiding deployment in hot, dry environments.

Nescod uses endothermic dissolution of ammonium nitrate with water.
No compressors or continuous power are required.
Solar energy regenerates the cooling salt for cycles.
Temperature drop reached ~22°C in 20 minutes (25°C to 3.6°C).
System offers higher efficiency than some alternative salts.

May 09, 2026

IMD yellow weather alert for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana (May 11–14)

The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow weather alert for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana from May 11 to May 14, warning of thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds up to 40–50 kmph, with rain at isolated places. The forecast indicates a spike in maximum temperatures over the coming days, followed by a gradual easing of activity later in the week. Authorities advised caution for outdoor activities and to monitor local weather updates. The alert aligns with pre-monsoon weather patterns in northern India and could affect travel and outdoor events.

Alert window: May 11–14, 2026
Regions: Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana
Predicted weather: Thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds
Wind speed: 40–50 kmph (gusts)
Temperature trend: Rising over next days
Advice: Monitor updates; exercise caution outdoors

May 08, 2026

CRRI-BPCL project earns India and Asia Book of Records

A joint CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) project earned recognition from India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. The team developed roadblocks using technical textile geocells manufactured from end-of-life plastic waste, turning a difficult waste stream into durable construction material. The geocells reinforce road subgrades and improve load-bearing capacity. The ceremony at the CSIR-CRRI campus in New Delhi included senior scientists and industry experts, who highlighted the solution’s potential to address two major challenges: plastic waste management and resilient road infrastructure. The project aligns with national sustainability goals and circular economy ambitions.

Project uses geocells from end-of-life plastics.
Recognized by India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.
Geocells improve subgrade strength and durability.
Aims to tackle plastic waste and resilient roads.
Ceremony held at CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi.

May 07, 2026

Netherlands partners with Indian spice industry on sustainability

The Netherlands has partnered with India's spice sector to advance sustainability across the spice supply chain. India remains a major global producer and exporter of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric and chilli, while Rotterdam serves as a key European trade hub for these products. The collaboration focuses on soil health, water use, traceability, residue control and fair sourcing, alongside compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards. The partnership aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices, certification processes and value chains that connect Indian growers with European markets, supporting long-term growth for both sides while promoting responsible trade practices.

Partnership focuses on sustainable spice supply chains.
India is a major global producer and exporter of spices.
Rotterdam Port acts as a European trade hub for spices.
Key focus areas: soil health, water use, traceability, residue control.
Emphasis on fair sourcing and compliance with safety standards.

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