FOREST DEPARTMENT
Florida brought in Old World climbing fern as an ornamental; the vine later smothered more than 100,000 acres and can carry ground fires into tree canopies
Once admired for its ornamental beauty, the old world climbing fern has now wreaked havoc on Florida's ecosystems. This invasive plant grows rampantly, enveloping trees and choking out native flora, while also altering fire dynamics. The heightened fire risk threatens tree vitality and wildlife habitats, complicating management efforts. Although options like herbicides and physical removal exist, these methods face challenges in less accessible areas.
Tech billionaires in Democrats’ crosshairs: Who could face congressional probes? Here’s the hit list
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and other tech leaders could face congressional investigations as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in 2027. Their scrutiny could focus on ties to Donald Trump, political influence, AI development, data center expansion and the industry's impact on American jobs and communities.
Royal Bengal Tigress 'Doors Rani' rescued after 100 km journey into Assam, safely returned to Buxa Tiger Reserve
Royal Bengal Tigress 'Doors Rani' was initially released into Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2. After traveling over 100 km to Assam, she approached human settlements. Authorities monitored her movements through a radio collar, which indicated her proximity to humans. A coordinated rescue operation between West Bengal and Assam successfully brought her back to Bengal. The operations were conducted with support from local communities and the Assam government.
Hawaii introduced black wattle as a forestry tree; it escaped cultivation and now chokes about 3,000 acres of Maui pasture, gulches, and empty lots
Black wattle has become a formidable invasive force in Hawaii, spreading rapidly beyond its initial planting zones into the island's treasured native ecosystems. This explosive growth is transforming open pastures into impenetrable thickets, effectively pushing out native plant species. With seeds that can lie dormant for extended periods, the challenge of management and restoration is heightened.
Sounds of sustainability: Yamaha’s test of whether instrument-making and forest conservation can strike a chord
Yamaha's environmental initiative is dedicated to conserving and cultivating forests used in musical instrument production, with a specific focus on preserving Indian rosewood.
Buxa tigress captured in Assam after crossing into Raimona reserve for habitat exploration
BuxaRani, a tigress relocated from Buxa Tiger Reserve, was tranquilized and captured in Assam's Kokrajhar. After crossing the Sankosh river, the tigress entered Raimona National Park in search of suitable territory. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed coordination efforts with Assam's officials to ensure her return.
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Delhi HC refuses interim relief against ban on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles
Delhi High Court has refused to grant interim relief against a ban on non-Delhi-registered pre-BS-VI vehicles. This ban is imposed by the city government and will be in effect between November 1 and January 31. A petition was filed challenging this restriction, arguing that it creates unfair differential treatment. The petitioner contends that Delhi needs a cohesive approach to combat pollution effectively.
Dhanush's co-actress is set to wear the khaki uniform on screen. Her real-life father also served the country as a GST officer and represented India in football in Pakistan
Sai Pallavi is set to light up the silver screen with a series of exciting projects in November 2026, including the much-anticipated Ramayana, where she takes on the role of Sita, and the action-packed film Om, where she portrays an IPS officer. Her father, Senthamarai Kannan, also served the country as a retired Assistant Commissioner and talented footballer. Read on!
Delhi pollution restrictions from November 1: 50% WFH, parking charges to double, vehicle curbs and more; check full list under winter action plan
Delhi vehicle restrictions from November 1: The Delhi government will enforce various anti-pollution measures to improve air quality from November 1. From restricting older vehicles to banning dust-generating construction activities, the government has launched a winter action plan to combat the air pollution that chokes the city annually. Under the restrictions, parking charges will double to discourage the use of private vehicles and encourage public transport usage. Additionally, a 50% work-from-home policy will also be implemented in government and private offices during the winter months.
Rescue teams resume recovery of six bodies from Uttarakhand helicopter crash site
Operations to recover the bodies of six crash victims resumed in Uttarakhand after being halted due to darkness and difficult terrain. The privately operated helicopter crashed in Joshimath, killing all occupants, including pilgrims and the pilot. Recovery efforts face challenges from the area's geography and wildlife presence, complicating access. Officials confirmed that an investigation into the crash's cause is underway by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Delhi gears up for pollution curbs from Nov 1; vehicle restrictions, construction ban among measures
Delhi is preparing to implement various measures aimed at reducing air pollution starting from November 1. Restrictions on certain vehicles, a ban on dust-generating construction, and increased parking charges will be enforced. The entry of vehicles not meeting BS-VI emission standards will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31.
Bengal coordinates with Assam to bring back tigress that strayed into Raimona National Park
Manoj Oraon, West Bengal's Forest Minister, has revealed that the state is joining forces with Assam to recapture a tigress, which was initially released in Buxa Tiger Reserve to help bolster the local tiger numbers. After navigating across the Sankosh river, the tigress found its way into Raimona National Park.
Assam Chief Himanta Sarma inspects new projects, inaugurates AAC block unit in Tinsukia
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently visited Tinsukia to evaluate ongoing projects and inaugurate a manufacturing unit. He inspected the Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital's facilities as well as the construction of a town hall. During his visit, Sarma also engaged with athletes practicing at Sarbananda Singha Stadium and toured the proposed interstate bus terminus site.
Assam Chief Minister chairs two crucial meetings in Dibrugarh to safeguard indigenous land rights
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a series of meetings in Dibrugarh, concentrating on securing land rights for indigenous peoples. The gatherings highlighted challenges related to land distribution for tribal families, particularly within the Moran and Matak communities. To aid in resolving these issues, youth will receive training for online applications, reinforcing initiatives aimed at preserving and respecting the land ownership of tribes in Upper Assam.
November is almost here, so where did autumn go? A study says America’s trees are following different clocks
The calendar promises autumn, but the view outside may tell a less familiar story. There have many multiple researches about change in seasons and the findings challenge the idea that fall is simply arriving later everywhere.
1st batch of Agniveers retiring soon: What's the retirement money, career options and benefits they will get
By 2026, approximately 18,300 Agniveers will finish their service in the armed forces, marking a pivotal transition. To ease their shift into civilian life, numerous states have initiated job quotas specifically for ex-Agniveers across different uniformed services and police departments. These initiatives stem from the Agnipath scheme launched in June 2022, which focuses on enlisting younger individuals in military roles.
Amid supply chain issues, India's strategic mining in critical state
India's mining sector remains underdeveloped due to high import dependence and severe execution bottlenecks. Challenges include land acquisition difficulties, uncoordinated state-level regulations, and environmental concerns related to mining activities. The Centre has urged states to improve the operationalisation of mines, with only a fraction currently active. Various stages of clearances have delayed the progress of numerous mining projects in different regions.
Karjat project sparks Maharashtra political faceoff as thousands of trees are cut for 3,000 MW plant
A significant controversy emerged in Maharashtra due to tree cutting for Torrent Power's energy project. Locals and activists oppose the project due to environmental concerns and tree felling. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned the project's need while citing its ties to Gujarat. The Maharashtra government claims the project is essential for energy needs and has followed regulations.
Assam CM flags off export consignment of 123 kg of Agarwood Chips from Guwahati to Dubai
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has flagged off an export of agarwood from Guwahati to Dubai. MJI Group dispatched 123 kilograms of agarwood chips produced in Golaghat district for this initiative. The State Government aims to secure recognition for the airport to facilitate direct agarwood exports. Additionally, a task force has been formed to acknowledge agarwood cultivation formally.
Torrent Power says 3,000-MW Karjat pumped storage project outside Bhimashankar Sanctuary
The company in a statement said the project, which will supply power to Maharashtra, would support grid stability as the share of solar and other renewable energy rises, while reducing reliance on coal-fired generation during evening peak hours. It also rejected reports of tree felling inside the sanctuary, describing them as based on incorrect information.
Assam cabinet approves Welspun Group's investment proposal to set up manufacturing unit in Rangia
Assam's cabinet approved an investment proposal from Weetek Plastic Private Limited to set up a manufacturing unit. The cabinet also amended rules to categorize extracted limestone into different grades for royalty purposes. A new award named 'Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award' will honor significant contributions to music and culture. The grand finale of Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations will take place in New Delhi on November 29, 2026.
In the late 1800s, America imported Japanese hops for medicine and gardens; escaped vines can now form 4-foot-thick blankets with thousands of plants per acre
Introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, Japanese hops were initially valued for their ornamental and medicinal qualities. However, they quickly transformed into invasive species that disrupt local ecosystems. Their rapid growth blocks sunlight, hindering native plants and habitats. To manage their spread effectively, ongoing strategies that focus on long-term control are essential, as their prolific seed production complicates eradication efforts.
By the late 1700s, European periwinkles had reached America; planted as ornamental ground cover, escaped plants covered 29,254 acres across 12 Southern states by 2008
European periwinkles, once introduced to enhance gardens in the US, have become a troublesome invasive species in natural habitats. Their sprawling growth can overshadow local flora, challenging native species for essential resources. Studies reveal that common periwinkle dramatically decreases the chances of survival for native tree seedlings. Ongoing management efforts are essential, as these plants can regenerate post-removal.
USDA and CBP spent $861 million checking travellers and cargo for farm pests in 2011, but fees left a $325 million gap because federal law limits who pays
The United States has struggled with funding for its Agricultural Quarantine Inspection program due to fee shortfalls. In 2011, the program had an $861 million budget but collected significantly less in fees. Inspection fees were insufficient because legal restrictions limited cost recovery from various users. Reforms have been introduced to update fee structures and improve collections. These measures, however, do not fully address the root funding issues of the program.
Leopard drags away nine-year-old pilgrim in Maharashtra's Chandrapur
A nine-year-old boy was attacked by a leopard in Chandrapur district while walking with a neighbour. The incident occurred as the child was part of a pilgrimage to the Mata Mahakali temple. Local residents, police, and forest department teams conducted a search for the injured boy. He was subsequently found in nearby bushes with a deep neck wound and taken to the hospital.
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma launches 4 digital finance initiatives
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched four digital financial management initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability. These initiatives include the Mizoram Integrated Works Accounts System, e-Sanction, e-Budget, and 100% Direct Benefit Transfer. The new systems will streamline public financial management across various state departments for better efficiency. Payments under state schemes will now be directly transferred to beneficiaries' bank accounts after Treasury approval.
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma launches four digital financial initiatives for transparency and efficiency
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has launched four digital financial management initiatives aimed at improving public finance management. These initiatives include Mizoram Integrated Works Accounts System, e-Sanction, e-Budget, and 100% Direct Benefit Transfer. They will streamline budget proposals, expenditure sanctions, and beneficiary payments through digital channels for efficiency.
In the 1700s, European teasel reached America, including a type used to finish cloth; today it grows in 43 of 48 lower states, and one plant can make 2,000+ seeds
Introduced to North America in the 1700s for its valuable role in the textile industry, teasel quickly outgrew its intended purpose, becoming an invasive plant across multiple states. Each teasel can release over two thousand seeds, contributing to its rapid spread in environments affected by human activity. This scenario highlights how beneficial plants can inadvertently turn into troublesome weeds when their functional role is abandoned.
PM GatiShakti: over 400 infra projects worth Rs 20.23 lakh cr recommended for approval
Over 400 infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 20.23 lakh crore have been approved under the PM GatiShakti initiative. The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs by developing integrated infrastructure across India. It integrates more than 1,800 data layers covering various sectors, including transportation and telecommunication. The Network Planning Group reviewed these projects for investments exceeding Rs 500 crore. This digital platform enhances data-driven infrastructure planning and management throughout the country.
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