General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - July 2024

Jul 2024

Feb 11, 2026

Vulture Conservation Sees Revival Milestone in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s vulture conservation programme has reached a milestone with the return of migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where the species had vanished locally for nearly a decade. A Himalayan Griffon Vulture was spotted at Melghat Tiger Reserve, followed by an Eurasian Griffon Vulture at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The sightings indicate improving habitat conditions and the early success of recent captive-release efforts. Conservationists say continued habitat protection, breeding programmes and anti-poisoning measures are essential to sustain the revival of vulture populations across the region.

Migratory griffon vultures return to Melghat and Tadoba reserves
Local extinction in the area over the past decade reversed
Captive-release efforts show early success
Habitat protection and anti-poisoning are key
Supports broader vulture conservation in Maharashtra

Feb 10, 2026

New Peruvian frog Oreobates shankusacha identified amid habitat concerns

Scientists have identified a new frog species in Peru's cloud forests of the San Martín region. The species, named Oreobates shankusacha, was found by a joint Peruvian and French research team, with the help of Indigenous guides. Researchers report the frog lives on the forest floor among leaf litter, moss, and ferns, in high-altitude, humid habitats. The discovery highlights biodiversity concerns in fragile Andean ecosystems and raises alarms about rapid habitat loss due to agriculture and climate change. The finding was documented in the scientific journal Salamandra, signaling the need for conservation and further survey work to determine the species' range and population status.

New frog species Oreobates shankusacha discovered in San Martín, Peru
Found by Peruvian-French team with Indigenous guides
Habitat: cloud forests, leaf litter, moss, ferns; high-altitude
Significance: biodiversity concerns; habitat loss risks
Published in Salamandra; calls for conservation

Feb 09, 2026

Two new marine worm species discovered off West Bengal coast

Two new species of marine worms have been discovered along the heavily impacted coast of West Bengal, in the districts of Purba Medinipur’s Digha and Bankiput. Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), collaborating with international experts, identified the specimens during surveys of intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. The new species extend the known biodiversity of the northern Bay of Bengal and underline both resilience and vulnerability of coastal ecosystems under industrial pressures. Researchers note that these worms contribute to sediment stability and nutrient cycling, making their study important for conservation planning. The formal description appears in a peer‑reviewed journal, with specimens deposited in national collections.

Location: Digha and Bankiput, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
Researchers: Zoological Survey of India with international collaborators
Finding: two new marine worm species identified
Significance: sheds light on biodiversity amid pollution
Impact: worms aid sediment stability and nutrient cycling

Feb 05, 2026

NTPC Green Energy and Assago sign MoU for green urea project

NTPC Green Energy Limited and Assago Industries Pvt. Ltd. signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to develop India’s first large-scale indigenous green urea production ecosystem within the Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh. Senior officials from NGEL, NTPC, and Assago attended the signing, signaling a major step toward sustainable fertilizer manufacturing. The project aims to integrate green ammonia and other clean energy solutions to enable low-emission urea production, reduce import dependence, and boost energy security. This collaboration aligns with national goals to expand green energy infrastructure and decarbonise industry.

MoU between NGEL and Assago for green urea production.
Location: Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh within the Green Hydrogen Hub.
Aim: indigenous, large-scale green urea with green ammonia integration.
Supports India’s push for sustainable energy and fertilizer security.

Feb 04, 2026

Kochi airport to become first in India with hydrogen-powered bus fleet

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) will lead India by operating hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport. The agreement was signed with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC) Foundation last Sunday, witnessed by Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve. The MoA envisions a zero-emission fleet to improve airport mobility and reduce pollution. The development aligns with broader state and national goals to promote green energy and sustainable transport in public infrastructure, signaling a transition toward cleaner, technology-driven mobility solutions for large-scale operations.

CIAL to run hydrogen-powered passenger buses.
MoA signed with Kerala HVIC Foundation.
Officials cite zero-emission benefits and cleaner mobility.
Part of broader Kerala and national green transport push.
Marks a significant shift toward sustainable airport infrastructure.

HPCL flags off SAKSHAM 2026 to promote fuel conservation

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), in collaboration with major oil and gas companies, flagged off SAKSHAM 2026 to promote fuel conservation and prudent use of petroleum products. The program runs until 15 February at Laxmi Nagar under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Activities include a panel discussion with industry leaders, a walkathon, and a student quiz. More than 300 school students joined the walkathon alongside senior officials from oil and gas companies. SAKSHAM 2026 aims to raise awareness about energy efficiency and responsible consumption across the country.

SAKSHAM 2026 launched by HPCL and partners.
Event runs until 15 February at Laxmi Nagar.
Includes panel discussions, walkathon, and student quiz.
Over 300 students participated in the outreach activity.
Focus on fuel conservation and prudent energy use.

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