General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - July 2024

Jul 2024

May 16, 2026

Ganges soft-shell turtle satellite-tagged release on Endangered Species Day

India released its first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle on Endangered Species Day, 15 May 2026, at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. Nilssonia gangetica, an endangered freshwater species, was tagged to monitor movement and habitat use. The transmitter was fitted under veterinary supervision before release on the Brahmaputra river system. Kaziranga covers about 1,302 square kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Satellite tagging provides data on habitat connectivity, riverine corridors and threats, aiding conservation and management decisions for this vulnerable species in the Indian subcontinent.

Species: Nilssonia gangetica (Ganges soft-shell turtle), Endangered on IUCN list.
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Assam; Endangered Species Day release.
Method: Satellite tagging to track movement and habitat use.
Significance: Enhances understanding of riverine habitat connectivity.
Context: Part of ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts in India.

Jharkhand to set up country's first Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre at Palamu Tiger Reserve

Jharkhand will set up the country’s first dedicated Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre at the Palamu Tiger Reserve. Forest officials said about 20 acres between Palamu Fort and Kamaldah Lake have been identified for the centre, which will function as an integrated research and decision-support system. The facility aims to study elephant behaviour, conflict triggers, movement patterns and human responses through scientific analysis and AI-based monitoring. Initial work will use four domesticated elephants kept at the reserve, following restrictions on commercial uses of elephants. Jharkhand’s Wildlife Institute data show 217 elephants in the state, with around 130 in Palamu, the largest concentration. Authorities report 17 elephant corridors and more than 30 deaths in conflicts since January, with 474 lives lost between 2019 and 2024.

Centre to be located at Palamu Tiger Reserve (about 20 acres planned).
Focus on elephant behaviour, conflict triggers, and movement using AI.
Initial work with four domesticated elephants at Palamu.
Jharkhand hosts the state’s largest elephant population (≈130 of 217).
Over 30 deaths due to conflicts since January; 474 deaths 2019–2024.

May 15, 2026

Bhupender Yadav Launches Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir

Bhupender Yadav launched the Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance Summit 2026. The programme underlines India's commitment to biodiversity conservation through ecological sustainability and cross-border cooperation. It featured educational presentations, conservation films, and participation from students and wildlife experts. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised Gir National Park as a model where economic growth and wildlife conservation can coexist. The initiative seeks to raise awareness of lion conservation, highlight global challenges, and promote collaboration among lion-range countries. The event reinforced India's role in wildlife leadership as it prepares for IBCA Summit. Experts emphasized data-driven monitoring and community involvement.

Programme launched ahead of IBCA Summit 2026 at Sasan Gir.
Aims to promote lion conservation; includes educational activities.
Highlights India’s biodiversity goals and international cooperation.
Praised by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as a coexistence model.
Stresses data-driven monitoring and community involvement.

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

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