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Abandoned rice fields in Japan’s Aso region are being restored into year-round wetlands to replenish groundwater and support wildlife. Local residents and researchers cleared grass to bring back frogs and dragonflies. Farmer Kazuaki Iwamura said, "the old days, around here, we used to call the wildlife 'guests of the paddies'."
The State Sugarcane Growers’ Association urged the Karnataka government to declare a drought and provide ₹40,000 relief to each farmer. Kurubur Shanthakumar said, “Nearly 50% of the State had received deficient rainfall.” Farmers face severe crop loss and water shortages, so the association also demanded a waiver of all loans.
Jorhat district administration and NDRF’s 1st Battalion held a flood-awareness programme at Nimati Ghat on Friday. Officials said, “Rapid response saves lives, but rapid response is only effective when the community itself knows what to do.” They also inspected the flood-prone No. 8 Spur to review safety measures for residents.
The desert rain frog is now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Experts said the internet-famous amphibian faces extinction as its coastal habitat in Namibia and South Africa shrinks due to mining. Benjamin Tapley noted, "Frogs that are so unique looking as this can become victims of their fame."
The remote Greek island of Gyaros, once a prison for political dissidents, is now a sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. With human activity tightly managed, the island provides a safe space for these rare seals to rest and raise their pups, marking a major shift in history.
Jadav Payeng started planting trees on a barren sandbar in Assam in 1979. Over forty years, he transformed the land into a 1,300-acre forest. Many wild animals like elephants, rhinos, and tigers now live there. His hard work showed how one person can change nature and help the environment grow.
In 1980, Mount St Helens buried a river valley in volcanic sediment. Over the last five years, nearly 60 beavers helped turn the wasteland into a thriving wetland. Their dams created new habitats for plants and animals. Now, a planned government project might bury this restored area under more sediment.
Educator Sonam Wangchuk reached the 20th day of his hunger strike on 17 July 2026. Doctors warned that his health is at a critical stage, as organ involvement is possible due to ketone bodies in his urine. Wangchuk said, "I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost."
Kiran Rao extended support to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike reached its 20th day at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. She urged the government to start a dialogue with protesters. Rao said, "Our nation is indebted to you for shaking us out of our apathy and reminding us."
A new study warns that air pollution may damage kidneys, even in young adults. Researchers compared Delhi and Chennai, noting higher PM2.5 levels in Delhi. Dr. Dorairaj Prabhakaran said, “The study clearly shows that an increase in PM2.5 exposure is linked with worsening kidney function.” Pollution impacts our health significantly.
Switzerland’s vast Alpine tunnel network is now protecting fragile mountain regions from environmental pressure. By shifting heavy freight from roads to rail, the system cuts pollution and noise in high-altitude communities. The Gotthard Base Tunnel leads this effort, showing how major infrastructure can help shield landscapes from worsening climate change.
Glowing mushrooms have returned to the Salukapur area of Dudhwa National Park this monsoon. Biologist Vipin Kapoor Saini and his team documented the fungi, known as Filoboletus manipularis, during a survey on Wednesday. These mushrooms grow on rotting wood and help recycle nutrients, showing the park’s rich and healthy biodiversity.