News: Recently, India permitted the export of 2G ethanol, subject to mandatory export licenses and feedstock certificates. About 2G Ethanol About Second Generation (2G) ethanol is a type of biofuel produced from non-food, cellulosic, and lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural residues (rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse), forestry waste, wood waste, algae, and… Continue reading 2G Ethanol
Tag: down to earth
Functional Genomics
News: Personalised medicine customises cancer treatment based on genes, but tests can be unclear. Functional genomics helps understand genes better and guide treatment. It is slowly spreading in Africa despite high costs and limited resources. About Functional Genomics Functional genomics is the study of the physiological and biochemical effects of gene functions and interactions, emphasising… Continue reading Functional Genomics
Vaquita Porpoise
News: A recent report by the North American Environmental Commission (CEC), a body under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), has blamed Mexico for imperiling the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. About Vaquita Porpoise It is the world’s smallest cetacean and the most endangered marine mammal. Scientific name: Phocoena sinus. Its name means “little cow” in Spanish.… Continue reading Vaquita Porpoise
Palmyra Palm Tree
News: Palmyra palm trees in Odisha are playing a significant ecological and social role. They are helping reduce lightning-related deaths, as the tall trees act as natural lightning conductors, diverting strikes away from human settlements. About Palmyra Palm Tree (Borassus flabellifer) The Palmyra palm tree is commonly known as the sugar palm, toddy palm, or… Continue reading Palmyra Palm Tree
Ideonella sakaiensis
News: Researchers have discovered microbes such as Ideonella sakaiensis that show the potential to break down PET plastic. About Ideonella sakaiensis Ideonella sakaiensis belongs to the genus Ideonella and the family Comamonadaceae. It is a unique bacterium that can degrade and consume plastic, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), by using it as both a carbon and… Continue reading Ideonella sakaiensis
Great Ruaha River
News: The Great Ruaha River is in the news due to its alarming desiccation caused by climate change and mismanagement. About Great Ruaha River It is located in south-central Tanzania. It is among the major rivers of Tanzania and serves as a significant tributary of the Rufiji River, which forms the largest river basin in… Continue reading Great Ruaha River
Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
News: The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve was recently notified by the Himachal Pradesh government. Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve. About Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve It is located in the remote and high-altitude region of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It was officially notified on May 7, 2025, under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,… Continue reading Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
Dirang Geothermal Project
News: The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully established the first geothermal production well in Northeast India at Dirang, located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Dirang Geothermal Project About Dirang Geothermal Project The first geothermal production well has been successfully drilled in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The Dirang region… Continue reading Dirang Geothermal Project
Biodiversity Leak
News: The issue of biodiversity leakage has gained attention. About Biodiversity Leak Biodiversity leakage is a phenomenon where nature-damaging human activities are displaced due to the protection or restoration of land areas. Biodiversity leakage occurs when conservation efforts in one area lead to environmental harm elsewhere. This happens due to the displacement of activities like… Continue reading Biodiversity Leak
Cali Fund
News: The ‘Cali Fund’ was launched recently at the CBD COP16 in Rome. About Cali Fund The Cali Fund was launched on February 25, 2025 at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome. Aim: The fund aims to boost biodiversity finance by collecting contributions from businesses that use… Continue reading Cali Fund
