Science Reporter’s March 2026 issue (Vol. 63, No. 03) is themed around wildlife, forests, and sustainability — timed to coincide with three March environmental observances: World Wildlife Day (March 3), International Day of Forests (March 21), and International Day of Zero Waste (March 30).

Articles in This Issue

  1. CSIR Floriculture Mission: Driving Innovation — ₹1.2B import substitution goal; 21 states; tulip indigenisation at IIIM Bonera (J&K); 7 implementation verticals
  2. SHATAVARI (Asparagus racemosus): The Herbal Wonder — CSIR-NCL: 33 steroidal saponins; CSIR-CIMAP: parasitoid wasp biocontrol; Rasayana in Ayurveda
  3. One Planet, Three Reminders: Wildlife, Forests and the Zero-Waste Imperative in 2026 — WWD 2026 theme (MAPs); CITES 1973; India forest cover 21.76%; SWM Rules 2026
  4. The Ganges River Dolphins: One of a Kind! — Platanista gangetica; India population 6,324 (2025 WII census); Project Dolphin 2020; first satellite tagging Assam
  5. Dr Shubha Venkatesha Iyengar, Padma Shri 2026 — CSIR-NAL; Drishti System (India’s first indigenous runway visibility system); deployed at 100+ airports

Key Facts at a Glance

Topic Key Fact
Floriculture India imports $1.2B/yr; CSIR mission covers 21 states
Shatavari Asparagus racemosus; 33 steroidal saponins (CSIR-NCL); galactogogue, adaptogen
Ganges Dolphin 6,324 in India (2025 WII census); functionally blind; echolocation only
MAPs 80% of global pop. uses plant medicine (WHO); 15,000 MAP species at risk
Zero Waste 2.01B tonnes global waste/year; only 13.5% recycled
Drishti System India’s first indigenous Runway Visual Range system; CSIR-NAL; 100+ airports

UPSC GS Relevance

Paper Topics
GS3 Biodiversity, MAPs, freshwater conservation, floriculture, science & tech, waste management
GS2 Padma Awards, CSIR institutions, DGCA, civil aviation governance