News: India is reviving sandalwood cultivation, but its success will depend on scientific tree management and changes in regulatory policies. About Sandalwood (Santalum album) and its Cultivation in India Sandalwood is a hemi-root parasitic plant, which means that it depends on other host plants for nutrients and water throughout its life cycle. Biological name: Its… Continue reading Sandalwood (Santalum album) and its Cultivation in India
Tag: down to earth
Mandakini river
News: The pilgrimage town of Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh has been inundated after torrential rainfall over the past 14 hours caused the Mandakini River to overflow. About Mandakini River Mandakini River flows through two states, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Paisuani River. Origin: It originates from Khillora hills in Majhgawan… Continue reading Mandakini river
Crop Cutting Experiments and the Reliability of India’s Agricultural Data
Source: The post “Crop Cutting Experiments and the Reliability of India’s Agricultural Data” has been created based on “Crop Cutting Experiments and the Reliability of India’s Agricultural Data” published in “Down To Earth” on 22 August 2026. Crop Cutting Experiments and the Reliability of India’s Agricultural Data. UPSC Syllabus: GS 3 Science and technology Context:… Continue reading Crop Cutting Experiments and the Reliability of India’s Agricultural Data
Microbial Ecology and Soil Microbes
News: Researchers are exploring how soil microbes can provide early warning signs of desertification, before visible plant decline begins. About Microbial ecology and Soil Microbes Microbial ecology is the branch of science that studies the relationships between microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environment. It applies general ecological principles to understand the activities and functions… Continue reading Microbial Ecology and Soil Microbes
About Hanle Wetland and Tso Kar
News: Bombay Natural History Society sterilizes over 2,950 Dogs to Protect Black-Necked Cranes and Wildlife in areas of Hanle Wetland and Tso Kar, Ladakh. About Hanle Wetland It is a thriving high-altitude wetland oasis in the cold desert of Ladakh. Location: It is located in Hanle village in Ladakh, near the border with China. Hanle… Continue reading About Hanle Wetland and Tso Kar
Environmental Performance Index
News: India’s position in Yale University’s Global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 has been labeled by experts as a stark warning that demands immediate attention. About Environmental Performance Index It is a data-driven global benchmark which provides a comprehensive assessment of sustainability worldwide. Developed by: It is developed by the Yale Center for Environmental Law… Continue reading Environmental Performance Index
Houbara Bustard
News: The Houbara Bustard has suffered major population declines due to habitat loss, hunting, and degradation of its breeding grounds. About Houbara Bustard It is a large terrestrial bird. Scientific name: It is split into two distinct species as recognized by the IUCN: one residing in North Africa (Chlamydotis undulata) and the other residing in… Continue reading Houbara Bustard
Rhine River
News: A prolonged heatwave has caused several major European rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Elbe, and Loire, to dry up, threatening drinking water supplies, inland navigation, trade, and recreational activities. About Rhine River It is the 12th longest river in Europe. It is longest river in Western and Central Europe. Source: It originates from two… Continue reading Rhine River
Orange-mouthed Monkey
News: Scientists have identified a bright Orange-mouthed Monkey found in Africa, as a new species. About Orange-Mouthed Monkey It belongs to the larger group of colobus monkeys. Scientific name: Its scientific name is Colobus congoensis. It is locally known as the ‘Likweli’. It was first discovered in 2008. Habitat: It is largely confined to high,… Continue reading Orange-mouthed Monkey
Sulphur Dioxide
News: According to CREA, about 81% of SO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants within 300 km of Delhi-NCR come from plants exempted from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems. About Sulphur Dioxide Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a heavy, colourless, toxic gas. Source: Its largest source in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by… Continue reading Sulphur Dioxide
