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News & Analysis · 22 June 2026 · Environment & Ecology

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22 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis22 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Biochar offers a way to turn India’s farm smoke into ‘black gold’

The article highlights India's agricultural paradox of burning biomass, leading to air pollution and soil degradation, while vast lands suffer from low soil organic carbon. It proposes biochar, made from agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions, as a carbon-negative solution. Biochar improves soil health, water retention, and crop productivity, while sequestering carbon. The piece advocates for integrating biochar into sustainable farming initiatives, leveraging carbon credit markets for economic incentives, and expanding its feedstock to include urban organic waste, aligning with circular economy principles for a resilient agricultural future and global climate mitigation.

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GS-3News & Analysis22 Jun 2026thehindu.com

New species of wild brinjal discovered in the Andamans

A new species of wild brinjal, Solanum pandeyi, has been discovered in the evergreen forests of Middle Andaman by a scientist from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). The plant, locally known as wild orange eggplant, is used by the indigenous Great Andamanese tribe for food and medicinal purposes, particularly for treating tooth infections. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its identity, and it is recognized for its potential as a genetic resource for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant brinjal varieties. The species' conservation status is currently assessed as Data Deficient, and the Andaman group of islands is highlighted as a significant biological hotspot.

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