Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Secures GI Tag for Regional Authenticity

The renowned Darjeeling Mandarin Orange, prized for its sweetness, aroma and long-standing cultural heritage, has officially been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status. The certification, approved on 24 November 2025, reinforces the fruit’s identity as a distinctive produce of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills. Originally proposed in 2022, the application underwent multiple rounds of scrutiny before receiving final recognition.

New Walrus Haul-Out Identified in Svalbard via Satellite Monitoring

Researchers have identified a previously undocumented walrus haul-out site along the coastline of Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The discovery was made using high-resolution imagery from the Walrus from Space initiative, a collaborative conservation programme led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The finding highlights the expanding role of satellite technology in tracking vulnerable Arctic wildlife amid rapidly changing environmental conditions.

GI Tagged Ramban Sulai Honey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 128th episode of Mann Ki Baat, announced that India has successfully doubled its annual honey production to over 1.5 lakh metric tonnes, while honey exports have also tripled in recent years. He attributed this growth to community-driven initiatives, improved processing infrastructure and the preservation of traditional beekeeping practices across the country.

New Kodagu Shadowdamsel Discovered in Western Ghats Forests

A newly identified damselfly species from the Western Ghats has added fresh insight into the region’s exceptional biodiversity. Named the Kodagu Shadowdamsel (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), the species was discovered along cool, shaded stream habitats in Karnataka. The finding was confirmed through a combination of detailed field studies and DNA analysis, establishing the insect as a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Protosticta genus.

Italy Recognises Femicide as a Separate Crime with Life Imprisonment

Italy has enacted a historic law officially recognising femicide as a distinct criminal offence, introducing life imprisonment for killings of women motivated by gender. Approved on November 25 with broad bipartisan backing, the reform places Italy alongside nations such as Mexico and Chile that have codified femicide in their legal systems. The move follows several high-profile cases that sparked nationwide demands for stronger action against gender-based violence.