Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link].

in

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Environment ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Population Census, Reports, and Initiatives .................................................................................................................. 3
Conservation Areas ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Natural disasters ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
Flora in News ............................................................................................................................................................... 66
Fauna in news.............................................................................................................................................................. 70
Diseases....................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................................................. 92

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POPULATION CENSUS, REPORTS, AND INITIATIVES

1. International Big Cat Alliance Framework Agreement on establishment of
2. India’ 1st White tiger Breeding Centre International Big Cat Alliance officially comes
3. Kappad Beach
into force
4. Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Kavacham System
6. 16th Asiatoc Lion Population Census
7. Dolphin survey
8. AIM4NATURE Initiative
9. Harare Declaration
10. Nilgiri Tahr
11. CCTS
12. Aravalli Green wall initiative
13. Operation Olivia
14. Project Elephant

▪ The Framework Agreement on establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come
into force.
▪ From 23rd January, 2025, the IBCA and its Secretariat have become a full-fledged treaty based inter-
governmental international organization and international legal entity.
▪ The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (the Depository of the Framework Agreement)
has confirmed that five countries –
▪ Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of
Liberia - have deposited the instruments of ratification/acceptance/approval, under the Article VIII (1) of the
Framework Agreement.
▪ The five countries mentioned above have signed the Framework Agreement to formally become members of
the IBCA.
▪ As of now, 27 countries including India have consented to join IBCA and several international/national
organisations working in the field of wildlife conservation have also partnered with IBCA.

About the IBCA 1st International Conference on Carbon

▪ The IBCA was launched by the Prime Minister
Markets - ‘Prakriti’ inaugurated
Shri Narendra Modi on 9th April,2023, during
the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project
Tiger’.
▪ The Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on
29th February 2024, approved the
establishment of IBCA with headquarters in
India.
▪ It was launched with the aim of conservation
of seven big cats - Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow
Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma – ▪ held in New Delhi on 24 &25th February 2025.
▪ The IBCA was established by Government of ▪ organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency
India, through the nodal organisation viz., (BEE), under Union Ministry of Power.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), ▪ The Conference brought together the experts,
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate policymakers, industry leaders, researchers,
Change (MoEFCC),

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and practitioners of carbon credit certificate the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
trading. and with the Secretariat of the Convention on
What is Carbon Credit? Biological Diversity (CBD) hosting the Cali Fund
▪ The 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change Secretariat
introduced carbon credits for countries that
accepted targets for limiting or reducing their SIAM’s 3rd International Conference on
greenhouse gas emissions emissions.
Sustainable Circularity
▪ The 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change
allows countries to transfer carbon credits
earned from the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions to help one or more countries meet
their climate targets.
▪ Carbon credits or carbon offsets refer to
reducing or removing greenhouse gases from
the environment.
▪ The carbon credits are measured in tonnes of
carbon dioxide equivalent.

Cali Fund Launched at CBD COP16 to

Boost Biodiversity Finance

▪ Union Minister for Environment, Forest and

Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav,
delivered the keynote address at the Special
Ministerial Session of the 3rd International
Conference on Sustainable Circularity,
organized by the Society of Indian Automobile
Manufacturers (SIAM), in New Delhi
▪ Named after the host city for last year's COP16
▪ Themed ‘Nature Positive Recycling’, the
Biodiversity Summit on 2 November 2024 16
conference brought together key stakeholders
in Colombia,
from the automotive industry to discuss
▪ the Cali Fund for the Fair and Equitable
sustainable development and circularity.
Sharing of Benefits from the use of Digital
▪ Shri Yadav also unveiled the SIAM Strategy
Sequence Information on Genetic Resources
Paper, titled ‘Towards Circular Future in the
(DSI) - known as the Cali Fund for short - is
Automobile Industry: Integrating EPR Regime
now open to private sector contributions
in Waste Stream Regulation”.
▪ the Cali Fund was launched in Rome
The Minister detailed key government policies
▪ Large private entities that benefit
supporting sustainability in the automotive sector:
commercially from the use of DSI in relevant
▪ Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021): Mandates
sectors are expected to contribute a portion of
fitness tests for passenger vehicles older than
their profits to the Fund.
20 years and commercial vehicles older than
▪ The Cali Fund will mobilize new streams of
15 years, replacing polluting vehicles with BS-
funding for biodiversity action worldwide, in
VI-compliant models.
support of the three objectives of the
▪ This is projected to reduce up to 17% NOx and
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
11% PM2.5 emissions from freight trucks.
▪ the conservation of biological diversity,
▪ End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) Rules, 2025: To be
▪ the sustainable use of its components,
effective from April 1, 2025, these rules ensure
▪ the fair and equitable sharing of the
environmentally sound scrapping of vehicles,
benefits arising from the use of genetic
with manufacturers fulfilling Extended
resources.
Producer Responsibility (EPR) by ensuring ELVs
The Cali Fund will be hosted by the Multi-Partner Trust
are properly scrapped in registered facilities.
Fund Office (MPTFO) in a partnership between the
▪ The scrapping of vehicles is also incentivized.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and
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Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Initiatives like the operation centres connected via VPN, decision
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles support software, and a large data centre.
(FAME) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)
schemes are driving EV adoption on a huge scale.
EV sales are expected to reach 35% of total vehicle
sales by 2030, avoiding 5 metric tonnes of CO2
emissions annually.

Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Cleantech

Manufacturing Platform at Bharat Climate
Forum 2025

▪ The system will provide timely alerts rated to

extreme weather events, such as heavy rain,
strong winds, and sea surge to the public
through the network of the “KaWaCHaM”
warning sirens, developed as part of the
National Cyclone Mitigation Plan.
▪ location-based SMS, and other communication
channels for disseminating severe weather or
disaster warnings received from central
agencies to the public.
▪ Union Minister of Commerce & Industry,
▪ a network of sirens and strobe lights has been
Piyush Goyal unveiled the Bharat Cleantech
set up for broadcasting severe disaster
Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate
warnings from State and district Emergency
Forum 2025 in New Delhi.
Operations Centres to the public in the form of
▪ The platform will look to unify stakeholders
messages and sirens.
from policy, industry, finance, and research to
spur cleantech manufacturing in the country
across sectors such as solar, wind, hydrogen, PM Modi announces 16th Asiatic Lion
and battery storage. population census, expansion of Project
Cheetah
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Launches ▪ Under Project Lion, the government aims to
‘Kavacham’ Disaster Risk Warning System increase the range of Asiatic Lions throughout
▪ The Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard the Saurashtra region.
Management system (KaWaCHaM), the ▪ Population estimation of Asiatic Lions is carried
disaster risk warning system launched by Chief out once every five years. Last conducted in
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 2020
▪ developed by the Kerala State Disaster ▪ The 16th Asiatic Lion is scheduled to be
Management Authority (KSDMA) with the conducted in May
support of the National Disaster Management ▪ The lion census will be the most intense this
Authority and the World Bank. time due to a sharp rise in the lion population
▪ The entire system includes a network of 126 and their spread across nine districts spanning
siren-strobe light units, 93 emergency over 30,000 sq km area.

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First-ever survey finds over 6,300 river

dolphins in India

▪ The first population estimation of riverine

dolphins in India has revealed the presence of
6,327 dolphins in the Ganga, Brahmaputra
and Indus River systems, according to a
▪ With a significant rise in the lion, - 674 as per government report published.
2020 estimation ▪ The Ganges River dolphin, known for its
▪ Asiatic lions' natural habitat is only in the Gir unique features, is found in the Ganga-
Forest of Gujarat. Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its
Protection for Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) tributaries across India, Bangladesh, Nepal,
• Protection Status: and Bhutan.
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (In 2024, the ▪ A small population of the Indus river dolphin, a
IUCN reclassified the Asiatic lion from close relative of the Ganges river dolphin, is
endangered to vulnerable) found in the Indus River system in India.
• CITES: Appendix I ▪ As part of "Project Dolphin", a comprehensive
• Wildlife (Protection) Act survey was conducted for the first time to
1972: Schedule I estimate the population of river dolphins
• Modi also laid the foundation stone for the across eight states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
National Referral Centre-Wildlife at Junagadh. Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West
• He also inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife Bengal, Assam and Punjab.
conservation, rescue and rehabilitation ▪ It is one of the world's largest freshwater
initiative at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery surveys, covering the entire range of the
complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Ganges river dolphin in the Ganga and
• announcement for establishing a Centre of Brahmaputra, as well as the Indus river
excellence at Wildlife Institute of India- dolphin in the Beas river, according to the
Campus in SACON (Salim Ali Centre for report "Population Status of River Dolphin in
Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore India"
in Tamil Nadu ▪ The survey estimated 6,327 Ganges river
• Under Project Cheetah, the wildlife board dolphins (range: 5,977-6,688) and three Indus
decided to expand introduction of cheetahs to river dolphins.
Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh
and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.
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▪ PM Modi announced Project Dolphin on Dolphin Population Estimates
August 15, 2020, to conserve dolphins and
other aquatic ecosystems.
About Gangetic dolphin
• Common Name: Susu
• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
gangetica.
Some characteristics:
• The Ganges river dolphin can only live in
freshwater.
• It is essentially blind and they hunt by emitting
ultrasonic sounds.
• Females are larger than males and give birth
once every two to three years to only one calf.
Conservation status:
• IUCN: Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I
• CITES: Appendix I

India’s First River Dolphin Population • Total Gangetic dolphins: 6,324

Survey: Key Findings • Ganga’s main stem: 3,275
• Brahmaputra’s main stem: 584
• Indus River dolphins: Only 3, found in the Beas
River, Punjab.
State-wise Distribution of Gangetic Dolphins
• Uttar Pradesh – 2,397 (highest population).
• Bihar – 2,220.
• West Bengal – 815.
• Jharkhand – 162.
• Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh – 95.
• Punjab – 3.
Hotspots – Areas with High Dolphin Population
• Bihar – Highest encounter rate of 1.62
dolphins/km, attributed to deeper river
channels and tributary confluences (Ghaghara,
Gandak, Kosi, Son).
• PM Modi released the results of India's first • Uttar Pradesh – Encounter rate of 0.62
comprehensive population estimation of dolphins/km.
riverine dolphins. • Densely Populated Stretch:
• Conducted between 2021 and 2023 across the • Manihari (Bihar) to Rajmahal (Jharkhand) –
Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, the survey 2.75 dolphins/km (highest density).
estimated an average of 6,324 Gangetic
dolphins. Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population
• Only three Indus River dolphins were found in in West Bengal increases to 392
the Beas River, Punjab. ▪ The Great One-horned Rhinoceros population
• The study highlights threats to these in West Bengal has increased to 392 from 229.
endangered species, including pollution, ▪ The Rhino census was conducted on the 5th
habitat damage, prey decline, and climate and 6th of March, across Jaldapara National
change. Park, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari
• Both species are accorded the highest Wildlife Sanctuary and parts of Jalpaiguri
protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, Reserve Forests, covering an area of 396
1972. square kilometres.
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▪ Jaldapara National Park of West Bengal is the to improve the monitoring and reporting of
second largest habitat of the One-Horned ecosystem restoration efforts.
Rhinoceros in India after Kaziranga National • Launched by: Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
• Funding Partner: United Kingdom, contributing
GBP 7 million.
• The initiative aims to support nations in
achieving Target 2 of Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) which
focuses on restoring at least 30% of degraded
ecosystems by 2030.
• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework (GBF) is a landmark agreement
Park of Assam. adopted in 2022 by the Convention on
About Greater One-Horned Rhino: Biological Diversity (CBD) to halt and reverse
• Also known as Indian rhinoceros biodiversity loss by 2030
• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis • The GBF includes 23 action-oriented targets
• Distribution: for 2030, such as conserving at least 30% of
• found in India and Nepal, particularly land, sea, and inland waters, restoring
in the foothills of the Himalayas. degraded ecosystems, reducing harmful
• In the past, Greater one-horned rhinos subsidies, and promoting sustainable
roamed freely in the floodplains and consumption and production
forests alongside the Brahmaputra,
Ganges, and Indus River valley. Brazil Proposes Global Climate Council
• Kaziranga National Park in Assam,
Ahead of COP30
India, contains the largest population
(2,401).
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

AIM4NatuRe initiative

Context: FAO launched the AIM4NatuRe initiative with ▪ Brazil has proposed the creation of “Climate
UK support to enhance global monitoring of ecosystem Change Council” a new international body to
restoration under the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity accelerate global climate action, under the
Framework. United Nations Framework Convention on
What is AIM4NatuRe? Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature ▪ The council would aim to fast-track decisions
Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) is a global initiative made at COP meetings, better coordinate

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international efforts, and make climate action ▪ The ‘Tigers outside Tiger Reserves’ project will
more effective. initially be rolled out in 80 forest divisions
▪ This year’s UN climate conference (Conference across 10 states.
of the Parties – COP30) in Belem, a city in ▪ Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, known to
northern Brazil, in November 2025. have the highest tiger population in the world,
is a key focus area.
Harare Declaration ▪ In this region, tigers from the Tadoba Tiger
Reserve often disperse into neighbouring
forests, leading to increased human-tiger
interactions.
Human-tiger conflict data (2020–2024):
▪ Total deaths: 378 people killed.
▪ In 2022 alone: 110 fatalities.
Context: The Climate and Health Africa Conference State-wise data:
(CHAC) 2024 concluded in Zimbabwe with the adoption ▪ Maharashtra: 218 deaths (highest)
of the Harare Declaration, calling for urgent action to ▪ Uttar Pradesh: 61 deaths
strengthen climate-resilient health systems across ▪ Madhya Pradesh: 32 deaths
Africa. India's current tiger status:
What is the Harare Declaration? ▪ Estimated upper limit of tigers: 3,628
• It is a landmark collective commitment to ▪ Total notified tiger reserves: 58
address the health impacts of climate
change in Africa through resilient health Agreement Signed As India to Host
systems, stronger research, and inclusive International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
policymaking.
Objectives:
Headquarters
• Recognize climate change as a public health
emergency.
• Strengthen Africa’s role in shaping its
own climate and health responses through
scientific, local, and traditional knowledge.
• Foster collaboration among governments,
researchers, civil society, and communities.

Tigers Outside Reserves Initiative

▪ The Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change is finalising the contours of a
new initiative called the ‘Tigers outside Tiger
▪ The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed
Reserves’ project.
an agreement with the central government
▪ The aim is to enhance the management and
formalising India as the headquarters and
protection of approximately 30% of India's
secretariat of the alliance.
estimated 3,682 tigers that live outside
▪ The IBCA was launched at the initiative of
notified tiger reserves.
India to focus on global conservation of seven
▪ The project has a proposed outlay of ₹176.45
big cats —the tiger, lion, leopard, snow
crore, covering the period till 2026-27.
leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.
▪ Funding for the project will be sourced from
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the
the National Compensatory Afforestation
IBCA in April 2023 during the 50th year
Fund Management and Planning Authority
celebrations of Project Tiger.
(CAMPA).
▪ From 23rd January, 2025, the IBCA and its
▪ The National Tiger Conservation Authority
Secretariat have become a full-fledged treaty
(NTCA) will be the implementing agency for
based inter-governmental international
this initiative.
organization and international legal entity.

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▪ 5 countries - Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom Valley and Agasthyamalai ranges (Kerala–TN
of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic border areas).
of Somalia and Republic of Liberia - have • Prefers montane grasslands, shola forests,
deposited the instruments of and rocky highlands.
ratification/acceptance/approval • Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022–2027) aims to
conserve Tamil Nadu’s state animal through
Nilgiri Thar scientific surveys, radio telemetry, and
reintroduction into historical habitats.
• According to the recent survey, there are
about 1,229 Nilgiri Tahrs in Tamil Nadu and
around 827 in Kerala.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS

▪ Kerala and Tamil Nadu will jointly conduct a

Nilgiri Tahr census in April, across 265 census
blocks to mark 50 years of Eravikulam
National Park.
▪ The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is
the only mountain ungulate endemic to NEWS: Recently, the Indian government announced
southern India and the state animal of Tamil greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for entities
Nadu. in eight of the nine heavy industrial sectors
Conservation Status: participating in the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme’s
• IUCN Red List: Endangered compliance mechanism
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I What is CCTS?
Habitat and Distribution: ▪ The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is a
market-based framework developed under
the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) to regulate
and trade carbon credits.
▪ It aims to accelerate India’s transition to a low-
carbon economy by assigning a monetary value
to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Objective:
▪ The primary aim of CCTS is to decarbonise
industrial sectors by shifting focus from energy
efficiency (PAT Scheme) to GHG emissions
intensity reductions.
▪ The CCTS is overseen by the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) and the National Steering
Committee for Indian Carbon Market
(NSCICM), ensuring transparent and
accountable governance.
Transition from PAT to CCTS
▪ India’s earlier Perform, Achieve, and Trade
• Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats,
(PAT) scheme emphasised energy efficiency
across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
improvements in energy-intensive sectors
• Eravikulam National Park (Kerala), Mukurthi
through Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts).
National Park and Grass Hills National
Park (Tamil Nadu), Silent

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▪ The CCTS supersedes PAT, focusing on direct Asiatic lion population in Gujarat goes up
GHG emissions intensity and issuing Carbon
from 674 to 891 in 5 years, footprint
Credit Certificates (CCC), each representing 1
tonne of CO₂ equivalent reduced. expands too
▪ Target sectors (Compliance Mechanism): CCTS
mandates participation from eight high-
emission sectors: aluminium, cement, pulp &
paper, chlor-alkali, iron & steel, textiles,
petrochemicals, and refineries.
▪ These sectors account for ~16% of India’s total
GHG emissions.
▪ Power sector exclusion: The power sector,
which contributes ~40% of India’s total GHG
emissions, is currently excluded from the
compliance mechanism but may be included in
later phases

AviList

▪ Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel released data of

16th Lion Census
▪ The Gujarat Forest Department conducted the
16th Asiatic Lion Census from May 10 to 13,
2025, across 58 talukas in 11 districts of
▪ The world’s first unified global checklist of Saurashtra, covering a vast area of 35,000 sq
bird species, called AviList, was officially km.
launched, standardizing bird taxonomy across ▪ Asiatic lions have increased from 674 (2020) to
international conservation, research, and 891 (2025) — a rise of 217 lions in five years.
biodiversity platforms. ▪ As per the census, there are 196 males, 330
▪ The new checklist recognizes 11,131 species of females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs.
birds in the world, classified within 252 Geographical Spread:
families. • Lions were found not only within Gir National
▪ It is designed to replace earlier inconsistent Park, their traditional habitat, but also in non-
systems and streamline avian taxonomy for forested and coastal areas.
global conservation and research. • Districts where lions were recorded: Junagadh,
Developed By: Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi,
▪ AviList was created by the Working Group on Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka,
Avian Checklists, under the International Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad.
Ornithologists’ Union. • This was the first full-fledged Lion Census
▪ Organizations Involved: Cornell Lab of conducted by the Gujarat government since
Ornithology, American Ornithological Society, 2015
BirdLife International, International • The first lion census was conducted by the
Ornithologists’ Union, and Avibase. Nawab of Junagadh in 1936.
• In 1965, the Gir forest was declared a
sanctuary, and since then, the Gujarat Forest

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Department has been regularly conducting lion ▪ A synchronized bi-annual survey to
censuses every five years. assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr
Methodology: across their habitat range.
• The census employed the Direct Beat ▪ Conducted by: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Verification Method, ensuring 100% accuracy Forest Departments
with minimal error margin, due to robust Key Findings:
statistical validation. ▪ Population rose from 1,031
Asiatic vs African Lions (2024) to 1,303 (2025).
African Lion ▪ Akkamalai Grass Hills (Anamalai Tiger
Asiatic Lion (Panthera
Feature (Panthera leo Reserve) recorded 334 individuals.
leo persica)
melanochaita) ▪ Mukurthi National Park recorded 282
Size Slightly smaller Generally larger individuals (approx. 50% of total in TN).
Fuller, denser About Nilgiri Tahr:
Mane Shorter, less developed ▪ Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
mane
Males leave ▪ IUCN Status: Endangered
Social ▪ Legal Protection: Schedule I, Wildlife
Males stay with pride pride unless
Behaviour Protection Act, 1972
mating or kill
▪ Common Names: Varaiaadu (Tamil), Varayadu
Savannas,
Dry deciduous forest (Malayalam)
Habitat shrublands,
(India only) Habitat:
deserts
▪ Endemic to Southern Western
Widespread in
Mainly Gir, Gujarat, Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala)
Distribution Sub-Saharan
India ▪ Occupies steep montane
Africa
grasslands and shola forest edges at
IUCN Status Vulnerable Vulnerable elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 m
CITES Listing Appendix I Appendix II ▪ Current distribution confined to a 400
Protection in Wildlife Protection Act, km stretch from Nilgiris to
–
India 1972 – Schedule I Kanyakumari

The population of Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Gharial Species Conservation Programme launched
Nadu’s state animal, recorded a 21% ▪ The Union Minister for Environment, Forest
and Climate Change, Bhupendra
increase in 2025 Yadav, launched the Gharial Species
Conservation Programme on 20 June 2025 by
releasing seven one-year-old gharial hatchlings
into the Gerua River at Katarniaghat in
Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh.
▪ The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a
breeding ground of gharials with the Gerua
River being an ideal habitat for gharials.
▪ The Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has
been listed as critically endangered species in
the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) list .
▪ The Gharial is endemic to India and is found in
three tributaries of the Ganga-
the Chambal and the Gerua Rivers (also known
as Girwa Rivers) in India and the Rapti-
Narayani River in Nepal.
▪ The National Chambal Sanctuary on the River
Chambal, spread over Madhya Pradesh,

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Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, hosts ▪ 1,000 nurseries to be developed with
around 77% of the global gharial population. native species using funds from
▪ The Gharial reserves are in Uttar Pradesh, CAMPA, MNREGA, and state schemes.
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. ▪ Focus on agroforestry, pasture
▪ Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar development, and rejuvenation of
Pradesh is a major captive breeding ground of lakes and ponds.
gharial hatchlings. ▪ Integration with existing missions
▪ In 1975, the Government of India like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
launched Project Crocodile with the support of ▪ Promotion of eco-tourism: safaris,
the United Nations Development Program trekking, and nature parks to involve
(UNDP) and the United Nations Food and local communities.
Agriculture Organisation (FAO). ▪ Target: Complete Phase I by 2027 and
action plan released during COP16 of
The Aravalli Green Wall initiative UNCCD in Riyadh.
▪ Prime Minister of India launched the Aravalli About the Aravalli Range:
Green Wall initiative on World Environment States Covered:
Day 2025 to rejuvenate the ancient Aravalli ▪ Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat
range. (spanning over 670 km).
Geographical and Ecological Significance:
▪ One of the oldest fold mountain
ranges in the world (formed during the
Proterozoic Era).
▪ Acts as a natural barrier against the
spread of the Thar Desert into NCR.
▪ Highest peak: Guru Shikhar in Mount
Abu, Rajasthan (1,722 metres).
▪ Source of key rivers: Banas,and Luni
(flows into Rann of Kutch).

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

▪ A centrally coordinated reforestation
and landscape restoration campaign
led by the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC),
covering the 700-km Aravalli range.
Objectives:
▪ Combat land degradation and
desertification across 29 districts.
▪ Restore ecological balance by ▪ The first Assembly of the International Big Cat
increasing green cover and protecting Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, chaired
biodiversity. by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav,
▪ Strengthen carbon who was also elected as the President of IBCA.
sequestration under India’s climate ▪ The International Big Cat Alliance is a
commitments (NDC-UNFCCC). multinational initiative launched by
▪ Revive surface water bodies and India in 2024, aimed at protecting the
promote community participation. world’s seven major big cat species
Key Features: through collective action, knowledge
▪ 29 districts across Haryana, Rajasthan, exchange, and capacity building.
Gujarat, and Delhi identified for ▪ It is coordinated by the National Tiger
plantation. Conservation Authority (NTCA) under
the Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change.
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▪ Established In: March 2024, following PM ▪ IBCA was launched by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s announcement during the Narendra Modi in 2023 during the
50th anniversary of Project Tiger (April 2023). 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, and was
▪ Big Cats Covered: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow formally approved by the Union Cabinet in
Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma February 2024.
▪ Membership: ▪ Implementation: IBCA established through
▪ 95 Range Countries eligible (where the species the National Tiger Conservation Authority
naturally occur). (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment,
▪ 25 countries had joined by September 2024 Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
(e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, Ecuador). ▪ It functions as a global platform to share
▪ All UN member states can join via Note conservation expertise, fund conservation
Verbale. initiatives, and create a repository of technical
▪ knowledge.
▪ 2025 Summit Outcome: ▪ Objective: The initiative’s main objective is
▪ First General Assembly Held: The inaugural the conservation of seven major big cat
Assembly of IBCA convened in New Delhi on species: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow
June 16, 2025, marking a global milestone in Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
big cat diplomacy.
▪ Nine Nations Participated: Countries like Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, and Kazakhstan
joined India to discuss collaborative
conservation goals.
▪ India Designated as HQ: The Headquarters
Agreement was ratified, formally establishing
India as the permanent secretariat of IBCA.
▪ Bhupender Yadav Elected President: India’s
Environment Minister was unanimously
endorsed as the first President of the Alliance,
reflecting India’s leadership.
▪ Funding Commitment by India: India allocated
▪ The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
₹150 crore (2023–28) to support IBCA’s initial
began on June 16 in Germany with over 5,000
setup, coordination, and capacity building
delegates participating to review climate
efforts globally.
agreements and set the technical agenda for
COP29.
Nepal officially joins India-led ▪ An annual mid-year conference under the UN
International Big Cat Alliance Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) focusing on scientific, technical, and
implementation aspects of climate
negotiations.
▪ Established In: First held in 1995, after the
signing of the UNFCCC (1992).
Theme of 2025 Conference:
▪ Operationalising the Global Goal on
Adaptation (GGA)
▪ GGA was part of the Paris
Agreement (2015) but gained
▪ The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) traction only in COP28 (Dubai).
officially became a treaty-based ▪ Focus now is on
intergovernmental organization and setting measurable, equitable
international legal entity on 23rd January adaptation targets for
2025 with headquarters in India. vulnerable countries.
Organised By:

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▪ UNFCCC Secretariat ▪ UN-backed global conference, International
▪ Hosted in Bonn, Germany, home to Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025
the UNFCCC headquarters in Tajikistan.
Objectives of the Conference: ▪ A high-level global summit focusing on urgent
▪ Prepare for COP Summits: Sets the action to combat glacier retreat and ensure
technical and political groundwork for sustainable freshwater supplies from
the annual COP. cryospheric sources.
▪ Review Climate ▪ Held in: Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 29-31 May,
Agreements: Evaluates 2025
implementation of past commitments ▪ Organised by: Republic of Tajikistan, with
including those under the Paris support from United Nations agencies
Agreement.
▪ Promote Science–Policy Nice Ocean Action Plan
Interface: Connects IPCC scientific
assessments with policymakers.
▪ Facilitate Finance & Tech
Transfer: Discusses support to
developing countries.
▪ Enable Stakeholder
Participation: Involves civil society,
indigenous groups, and experts in
climate dialogue.
▪ Key Features:

▪ Two Permanent Subsidiary Bodies:

▪ SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation):

Tracks and reviews the execution of climate
▪ The Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
actions.
concluded in Nice, France, with a landmark
▪ SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and political declaration and over 800 voluntary
Technological Advice): Integrates IPCC science commitments by 170+ countries called as Nice
into policy planning. Ocean Action Plan.
What is UNOC3?
▪ Pre-COP Platform: Results here influence COP
▪ The United Nations Ocean Conference
outcomes.
2025, co-hosted by France and Costa
▪ Multilateral Participation: Involves UN Rica, is the third in a series of global
members, NGOs, scientists, and industry efforts to advance Sustainable
stakeholders. Development Goal 14 (SDG14 – Life
Below Water).
▪ Focus on Actionable Roadmaps: Bridges
Participation:
political goals with realistic strategies.
▪ Held in Nice, France from June 8–13,
2025
International Conference on Glaciers’ ▪ Over 15,000 participants, 60+ world
leaders, and 450+ side events
Preservation – 2025 ▪ Built on past UNOC events in New York
(2017) and Lisbon (2022)
Key Commitments under Nice Ocean Action Plan:
▪ Political Declaration titled “Our Ocean,
Our Future: United for Urgent Action”
▪ 30% ocean protection by
2030 reaffirmed under the Kunming-
Montreal Biodiversity Framework

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▪ Ratification of BBNJ (High Seas Major Global Contributions:
Treaty) gains momentum – now at 50 • Invited nations to join
countries the International Big Cat
▪ €1 billion EU fund for marine Alliance (IBCA).
protection and sustainable fisheries • Pushed for inclusion of Dehradun CLI
▪ Coral Bond by Indonesia & World (2023) outcomes on forest fire
Bank to finance reef restoration management and certification in
▪ Largest Marine Protected global mechanisms.
Area (MPA) by French Polynesia (entire • Applauded CLI contributions by Congo,
EEZ – 5 million [Link]) DPR Korea, and Austria.
▪ High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet
Ocean launched to reduce underwater Indian Coast Guard launches 'Operation
noise pollution
Olivia'
United Nations Forum on Forests
(UNFF20)

Context: India actively participated in United Nations

Forum on Forests (UNFF20) held at UN Headquarters,
New York, presenting achievements in sustainable
forest management.
What is UNFF?
• UNFF is a functional commission
under ECOSOC, dedicated to forest
policy dialogue and coordination.
• It provides a platform for all countries
▪ To protect Olive Ridley turtles at the time of
to discuss and promote sustainable
their nesting period which occurred from
forest management (SFM) globally.
December to May every year
• Established year: 2000
▪ Operation Olivia is an annual conservation
• Established by: UN Economic and
initiative aimed at protecting the nesting
Social Council (ECOSOC) through
habitats of the Olive Ridley turtles along the
Resolution 2000/35
Odisha coast.
• Headquarters: New York, United States
▪ Launched in December 2020, the operation is
(UN Headquarters)
a joint effort by the Odisha Forest Department
• Objectives:
and the Indian Coast Guard.
• Promote management, conservation,
▪ Two Coast Guard vessels and several aircraft
and sustainable development of all
are deployed to monitor and safeguard key
types of forests.
breeding sites such as the Dhamra River
• Strengthen long-term political
mouth and Rushikulya beach.
commitment for forests.
Distribution of Olive Ridley Turtle
• Support implementation of Agenda
▪ They are mainly found in the warm waters of
21, Rio Forest Principles, and global
the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
forest goals
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Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link]
▪ Olive ridley turtles travel thousands of Review of Project Elephant
kilometers to nest in Odisha’s beaches – a ▪ The Union Environment Ministry reviewed key
phenomenon called mass nesting or arribada. initiatives under Project Elephant (1992)
▪ Main nesting beaches: Gahirmatha (largest), ▪ As of 2025, India has 33 elephant
Rushikulya, Devi reserves. These reserves are spread across 14
▪ Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is major elephant-bearing states and cover a total
known as the world’s largest rookery (a colony area of 80,777 sq km
of breeding animals) of sea turtles. ▪ The 33rd elephant reserve in India is the Terai
They face threats from: Elephant Reserve (TER), located in the
• Illegal fishing trawlers Dudhwa-Pilibhit region of Uttar Pradesh
• Nets causing turtle entanglement
• Coastal pollution
• Predators disturbing nesting sites
What Does the Operation Involve?
• Regular patrolling by Indian Coast Guard ships,
aircraft, and personnel
• Monitoring of fishing activity to ensure
compliance with turtle excluder devices (TEDs)
• Banning night-time fishing during nesting
periods
• Air surveillance to detect unauthorized
trawlers
• Coordination with forest and fisheries
departments for awareness and enforcement
Olvie Ridley Turtles Details
Elephants
Scientific Name Lepidochelys olivacea ▪ About: Elephants, India's National Heritage
Status (IUCN) Vulnerable Animal, are matriarchal and live in female-led
groups.
Wildlife Protection Act, Species:
Legal Protection
1972 – Schedule I species ▪ Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
▪ African Elephants:
International
CITES Appendix I ▪ Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta
Treaties
africana)
▪ Forest Elephant (Loxodonta
Operation Falcon cyclotis)
NEWS: The Assam government’s Operation Falcon has
successfully arrested 42 rhino poachers, dismantled
six major poaching gangs, and foiled nine poaching
attempts, ensuring zero rhino killings in the state so far
in 2025.
▪ A joint anti-poaching initiative launched in
2024 by the Assam Police and Assam Forest
Department to eliminate rhino
poaching networks and curb illegal wildlife
trade.
Organisations Involved:
▪ Assam Police – Law enforcement,
intelligence gathering, and operations.
▪ Assam Forest Department – Habitat
monitoring, patrolling, and wildlife
protection.

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▪ Population in India: Indian elephants (Elephas India in partnership with Wildlife Institute of
maximus indicus), a subspecies of Asian India (WII), the forest departments of Assam,
elephants, account for around 60% of the West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and WWF
global Asian elephant population. India launched this programme.
▪ As per the 2017 census, India hosts ▪ The Rhino DNA Index (RhoDIS) System is a
approximately 29,964 elephants. wildlife forensics tool that was specially
▪ Karnataka recorded the highest elephant developed for investigating wildlife crime
population, followed by Assam and Kerala. cases.
▪ In terms of protected areas, Sathyamangalam ▪ RhODIS uses a DNA indexing system whereby
forest division has the highest number of genetic sequences are created to get a
elephants. signature unique to each individual rhino.
Conservation Status: ▪ The programme seeks to improve the crime
▪ IUCN Red List: Endangered investigations scientifically and provide
▪ Wildlife (Protection) Act, technical support for the scientific
1972: Schedule I management of India’s rhino population.
▪ CITES: Appendix I
▪ World Elephant Day – 12th August India Wetlands Resolution was formally
adopted at Ramsar CoP15
Rhisotope Project ▪ India’s resolution titled “Promoting
Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of
Wetlands” was formally adopted at Ramsar
CoP15 held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on
30th July 2025.
▪ A global resolution introduced by India at
Ramsar CoP15 to integrate sustainable
lifestyles into wetland conservation strategies
using a whole-of-society approach.
Aim of the Resolution:
▪ The University of the Witwatersrand in South ▪ Promote pro-planet
Africa has launched an innovative anti- behavioural choices that support
poaching campaign. wetland protection.
▪ It uses radioactive isotopes injected into rhino ▪ Integrate sustainable consumption
horns. and production into wetland policies
▪ This method aims to make horns traceable and and management plans.
deter illegal trafficking.
▪ It is supported by the International Atomic 16th Lion Population Estimation Report
Energy Agency (IAEA).
▪ The Rhisotope Project began with injecting
radioactive isotopes into five rhinos at the
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.
▪ The radioactive tagging is claimed to be
harmless to the animals and detectable by
global customs radiation monitors.

RhoDIS India Programme

NEWS: A specialised team has initiated the genetic
analysis of samples collected from 2,573 rhino horns
and will add them to the RhoDIS India DNA data library
RhoDIS India Programme
▪ In 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of

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▪ The 16th Lion Population Estimation report In India:
(2025) revealed that India’s Asiatic lion ▪ Western Himalayas: J&K, Ladakh,
(Panthera leo persica) population has risen Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. ▪ Eastern Himalayas: Sikkim, Arunachal
▪ A periodic wildlife census that assesses the Pradesh
population, distribution, and demographic Conservation Status
trends of the Asiatic lion IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)
▪ Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department
▪ Supported by the Ministry of Environment, MoSPI Releases First Forest-Focused
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Environmental Accounting Report
under Project Lion.
▪ Asiatic Lion - IUCN Status - Vulnerable
Key Estimations (2025):
▪ Total Population – 891 lions (rise of 32.2%
from 2020).
▪ Adult Females – Increased from 260 to 330
(rise of 26.9%)
▪ Population Distribution: 384 lions live inside
protected forest and sanctuary areas. Lions in
▪ Released by the Ministry of Statistics and
non-forested areas have risen from 340 in
Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
2020 to 507 in 2025. 44.22% of the lion
▪ It is the first dedicated publication on forest
population now resides outside traditional
accounting, based upon the UN System of
protected habitats.
Environmental Economic Accounts
▪ Gir National Park and adjoining
(SEEA) Framework.
sanctuaries (Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pania
▪ It is 8th consecutive issue related to
Wildlife Sanctuary) house 394 lions, forming
environment accounts
the core population.
UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts
▪ Amreli district has the highest count
(SEEA) Framework
with 257 lions,
▪ Developed by: UN, European Commission, FAO
▪ Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary doubled its
(2012).
population to 32 lions.
▪ What it is: A statistical framework that links
▪ Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar has
economic data + environmental data.
become a newly established lion population
▪ Shows environment’s contribution to
area
economy.
▪ Tracks economy’s impact on
Snow Leopard Population Rises in environment.
Himachal Pradesh ▪ India: Adopted by MoSPI in 2018.
▪ Survey by: Himachal Pradesh Forest
Department (2025) India unveiled its National Red List
▪ Finding: 83 snow leopards recorded — up
Roadmap and five-year vision at the
from 51 in 2021.
About the Snow Leopard World Conservation Congress in Abu
▪ Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains” for its Dhabi
camouflage and elusive nature. ▪ Initiative: India’s National Red List Roadmap
▪ State Animal: Himachal Pradesh. and Vision 2025–2030.
▪ Acts as an indicator species for fragile high- ▪ Launched at the IUCN World Conservation
altitude ecosystems. Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
▪ ▪ Launched by: Union Minister of State for
Habitat Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Kirit
Native to Central and South Asia, found across 12 Vardhan Singh
countries — including Afghanistan, China, India, Nepal, About the Initiative
and Mongolia.

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A national programme to create an integrated Red List Major Outcomes

assessment system for identifying, classifying, and ▪ India Launches National Red List System
conserving threatened species in India. (2025–30): Assess 11,000 species (7,000 flora,
Aligned with: IUCN global Red List standards. 4,000 fauna).
Lead Agencies: ▪ India’s 1st Dugong Conservation Reserve (Palk
▪ Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Bay, TN) recognised as global model.
▪ Botanical Survey of India (BSI) ▪ Vivek Menon becomes 1st Asian to Chair IUCN
In collaboration with: Species Survival Commission (SSC).
▪ IUCN–India ▪ Sonali Ghosh (Director, Kaziranga) becomes
▪ Centre for Species Survival (CSS), India 1st Indian to win WCPA–Kenton Miller Award.
▪ About IUCN World Conservation Congress ▪ Wildlife recognised as climate ally (key climate
resilience role).
▪ World’s largest gathering of conservation
▪ IUCN ‘Nature 2030’ (2026–29) program
experts, leaders, and policymakers.
launched - Reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
▪ Frequency: Held once every four years. ▪ Motion 42: First IUCN call for fossil fuel phase-
out.
▪ Theme 2025: “Powering Transformative ▪ Motion 108: Calls for global standards on
Conservation.” wildlife trade for pets
▪ First Congress: 1948 (after IUCN’s founding). ▪ 1st World Summit of Indigenous Peoples &
Nature: Formally recognises Indigenous
▪ India: IUCN State Member since 1969. Peoples as stewards of nature.
▪ Previous Congress: 2021, Marseille (France) – ▪ World Heritage Outlook 2025: 43% sites
focused on post-COVID recovery, biodiversity climate-threatened; only 57% positive
loss, and climate emergency. conservation outlook (down from 62% in
2020).
▪ About IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature) COP 30
▪ Founded: 1948. ▪ 30th United Nations Climate Change
Conference held in Belém, Brazil, from
▪ Global membership Union of governments and November 10–21, 2025.
civil society organisations. ▪ Its main outcomes included the "Belém
Package," which focused on boosting climate
finance and implementation, and the "Global
The IUCN World Conservation Congress
Mutirão Agreement," which prioritized
2025 cooperation and delivery over new mandatory
▪ From October 9–15, 2025 at Abu Dhabi, targets
United Arab Emirates Mutirão Agreement – COP30 (Belém, 2025)
▪ Held once-every-four-years ▪ “Mutirão” is a Portuguese word meaning
▪ 2025 Theme: “Powering Transformative collective effort / community action.
Conservation” ▪ At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the host country
▪ Participants: Over 10,000 delegates from introduced the Mutirão Agreement as a
governments, NGOs, Indigenous communities, political call for a global collective effort to
and research institutions accelerate climate action — especially for
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Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link]
Amazon-region countries and other developing ▪ Bids for hosting COP31 were originally
nations. submitted by both nations in 2022.

ARISE Program Ethiopia : will host COP32 in 2027

▪ At the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil,
the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) launched a
new program — ARISE (Accelerating Resilience
Investments and Innovations for Sustainable
Economies) — with initial funding of hundred
million dollar from Germany and Spain
▪ ARISE is the next-generation resilience
program launched under the Climate
Investment Funds (CIF) to help developing
countries strengthen their economic and
institutional resilience against climate
shocks and transform climate risks into
opportunities for sustainable growth.
▪ Launched by: Climate Investment Funds (CIF)
— a multilateral climate finance mechanism
housed within the World Bank.
About Climate Investment Funds ▪ First East African nation to organize a UN
▪ Established: 2008; housed in the World Bank Climate Change Conference.
▪ Works in: 70+ low & middle-income countries. ▪ Ethiopia is the largest & most populous nation
▪ Goal: Catalyse climate investments in clean in the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
tech, energy access, resilience, and nature- and Somalia)
based solutions. ▪ Capital: Addis Ababa
Turkey is Ready to Host COP31 Climate ▪ Neighbours: Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya,
Summit South Sudan, Sudan.
▪ COP30 (2025): Belém, Brazil
▪ COP31 (2026): Türkiye

India joins Brazil’s initiative to establish

the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF),
as an Observer
▪ India joined Tropical Forest Forever Facility
(TFFF) as an observer ahead of COP30.
(Ambassador of India to Brazil Shri Dinesh
Bhatia)
▪ COP30 (Belém, Brazil) : Hosted by Brazilian
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
TFFF — Key Facts
▪ Global initiative to reward countries for
preserving tropical forests.
▪ It aims to mobilise around USD 125 billion
through public and private investment, using
▪ Turkey is set to host next year’s COP31 climate returns to pay nations that conserve forests.
summit under a developing compromise ▪ Pays $4 per hectare per year for protected
arrangement with Australia. forest area.
▪ Australia will lead the negotiations Cambodia announced support for the Fossil Fuel Non-
despite not hosting the summit. Proliferation Treaty Initiative at a high-level meeting
during COP30 at Belém.

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Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link]
▪ Launched In: Formally launched at COP30,
Belém (Brazil), on 15 November 2025.

Oman Elected to UNESCO’s Man and

Biosphere Council

▪ India has not endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-

Proliferation Treaty,
About the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Initiative
▪ Aims to create a binding global treaty to stop
new fossil-fuel exploration and expansion and
phase out existing production.
▪ Designed to complement (not replace) the
Paris Agreement by addressing the supply
side—the production of oil, gas, and coal, not ▪ Oman has been elected as a member of the
just emissions. UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council
17 countries—including France, Brazil, Belgium, for the 2025–2029 term during the 43rd
Canada, and Singapore—have joined the Blue NDC UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand,
Challenge at COP30. Uzbekistan.
Blue NDC Challenge UNESCO – Man & the Biosphere Programme
▪ NDC - Nationally Determined Contributions ▪ Launched by UNESCO in 1971
▪ A global initiative launched by France and (intergovernmental scientific initiative).
Brazil in June 2025 at the Third UN Ocean ▪ Aim: Biodiversity conservation, sustainable
Conference (UNOC-3), Nice, France. ecosystem management, human–nature
▪ Calls on countries to mainstream ocean-based harmony (through research, innovation,
climate solutions into their NDCs. education).
▪ India is also a part of this challenge. Biosphere State(s) / UT UNESCO
▪ Blue Package: A coordinated plan across Reserve (MAB)
five Ocean Breakthrough sectors—marine Nilgiri Tamil Nadu, Kerala, 2000
conservation, ocean food systems, offshore Karnataka
renewable energy, shipping decarbonisation, Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu 2001
and coastal tourism. Sundarbans West Bengal 2001
Nanda Devi Uttarakhand 2004
COP30 Presidency formally launched Nokrek Meghalaya 2009
Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh 2009
Integrated Forum on Climate Change and
Simlipal Odisha 2009
Trade (IFCCT) Achanakmar– Chhattisgarh, 2012
▪ Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade Amarkantak Madhya Pradesh
(IFCCT) - the first permanent global platform Great Nicobar Andaman & Nicobar 2013
dedicated to navigating rising tensions Islands
between trade policies and climate action. Agasthyamalai Kerala, Tamil Nadu 2016
▪ A politically supported, non-binding global Khangchendzonga Sikkim 2018
platform designed to facilitate structured (National Park)
dialogue on the complex, rapidly evolving
Panna Madhya Pradesh 2020
intersection of climate policies and
Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh 2025
international trade.

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▪ 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held ▪ The term “green” refers to the green-colored
- Hangzhou, China, 2025. fat beneath its shell, not the shell’s color
Biosphere Reserves Zones : ▪ Distribution: Found in tropical and subtropical
▪ Core = No use waters worldwide.
▪ Buffer = Limited use ▪ Lifespan: Around 60–70 years.
▪ Transition = Sustainable use
Southeast Asia’s First Coral Larvae
Kovalam beach retains Blue Flag Cryobank
certification for fifth year in a row
▪ Kovalam (Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu) gets Blue
Flag for the 5th consecutive year.
▪ First certified on 21 Sept 2021 — Tamil Nadu’s
1st Blue Flag beach.
Blue Flag Certification
▪ Global eco-label by Foundation for
Environment Education (FEE), Denmark.
▪ Awarded to beaches meeting 33 criteria
(cleanliness, safety, sustainability).
▪ Programme started France – 1985, globally
from 2001.
Other Blue Flag Beaches (India) ▪ Philippines’ Coral Larvae Cryobank
▪ Gujarat: Shivrajpur ▪ Launched by: Philippines – first in Southeast
▪ Diu: Ghoghla Asia.
▪ Karnataka: Kasarkod, Padubidri ▪ Purpose: To freeze and preserve coral larvae
▪ Kerala: Kappad (“seeds”) for protecting marine biodiversity
▪ Andhra Pradesh: Rushikonda and restoring damaged coral reefs.
▪ Odisha: Golden ▪ Significance: Acts as a genetic reservoir to
▪ Andaman & Nicobar: Radhanagar revive reefs threatened by climate change,
▪ Tamil Nadu: Kovalam ocean warming, and acidification.
▪ Puducherry: Eden
▪ Lakshadweep: Minicoy Thundi, Kadmat

Green Sea Turtle Status Upgraded to Least

Concern

About the Coral Triangle:

▪ The Coral Triangle is a roughly triangular area
in the tropical waters around Indonesia,
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines,
Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
▪ Known as the “Amazon of the Seas.”
▪ Holds 75% of the world’s coral species and
supports millions of livelihoods.

▪ IUCN Status: Improved from Endangered

▪ Scientific name: Chelonnia mydas
▪ Largest among hard-shelled sea turtles.
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Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link]

The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) ▪ World’s first intercontinental large carnivore
translocation programme ;
Project
▪ 17 Sept 2022: First 8 cheetahs from Namibia
released in Kuno National Park;
▪ Current population in India: 27 cheetahs (incl.
16 born in wild)
▪ Located in Kuno & Gandhi Sagar
Wildlife Sanctuaries

India to host a global big cat's summit

next year
▪ India
announced
that it will host
the Global Big
Cats Summit in
New Delhi in
▪ During Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations at the 2026,
Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, reaffirming
Union Environment Minister launched 5 global
major conservation projects : leadership
1. Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) in wildlife
▪ By: MoEFCC & NTCA Duration: 2025–28 | conservation.
Budget: ₹88.7 crore ▪ A high-level international summit dedicated to
▪ Aim: Protect tigers living outside reserves and strengthening global cooperation, policy
reduce human–tiger conflict. coordination, and scientific collaboration for
▪ Community Role: Rapid Response Teams the conservation of big cat species across
(RRTs) – local youth with rescue tools. “Bagh continents.
Mitra” (Tiger Friends) outreach & jungle International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
camps for students. ▪ Global coalition for 7 big cats: Tiger, Lion,
2. Project Dolphin (Phase II) Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma
• Protects Ganga & Indus River Dolphins and ▪ Launched: 9 April 2023 during 50 years
marine cetaceans. of Project Tiger celebrations at Mysuru,
3. Project Sloth Bear Karnataka.
• India’s first national plan for sloth bear ▪ HQ: India (approved 12 March 2024)
conservation.
• Focus: Habitat protection, conflict mitigation, Slender-billed Curlew Officially Declared
rescue & awareness. Extinct
4. Project Gharial
• Strengthens recovery of critically endangered
gharials in Chambal & Gandak rivers.
5. Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict
(CoE–HWC)
• Location: Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and
Natural History (TN)

India to bring 8 cheetahs from Botswana

▪ IUCN has officially declared the Slender-billed
by Dec 2025 Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) extinct.
▪ Goal: Strengthen reintroduction efforts ▪ It is the first known global extinction of a
(species extinct in India in 1952) formerly widespread migratory bird species
About Project Cheetah

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Yearbook 2025 Edition [Link]
whose range once covered mainland Europe, ▪ Black Sea — Dardanelles → Marmara →
North Africa, and West Asia. Bosporus
▪ The species was listed under Conservation of ▪ Red Sea — Suez Canal
Migratory Species (CMS) - Appendix I and II
▪ Last confirmed sighting: September 1994

COP24 of the Barcelona Convention held

in Cairo

CITES marked its 50th anniversary

at CoP20 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
▪ CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
is a legally binding multilateral
treaty regulating international trade in wild
animals and plants to ensure it does not
▪ At COP24 in Cairo(Egypt), EU + Mediterranean threaten species survival.
partners adopted stronger commitments to History:
protect the Mediterranean Sea. ▪ Conceived by IUCN (1963) and text finalized
Barcelona Convention in 1973 . Entered into force on 1 July 1975.
▪ A legally binding UNEP-led regional ▪ Membership: 185 Parties (as of 2025)
environmental agreement for protecting the ▪ Operates through three Appendices (I, II, III)
Mediterranean Sea from pollution + promoting providing graded trade restrictions.
sustainable coastal/marine management. ▪ Conference of the Parties is the decision-
▪ Adopted: 16 Feb 1976 (Convention for making summit held every 2–3 years, shaping
Protection of Mediterranean Sea Against global wildlife trade policy.
Pollution) ; Entered into force: 1978 About 2025 CITES Summit (CoP20) and Its Outcomes:
▪ Amended & renamed: 1995 → Convention for ▪ 77 species added to CITES Appendices.
Protection of Marine Environment & Coastal ▪ Sharks & Rays (oceanic whitetip, whale shark,
Region of the Mediterranean. all manta & devil rays) → Appendix I.
▪ Supports states on protocols for dumping, ▪ Galápagos land iguanas (3) & marine iguana
emergencies, land-based pollution, protected → Appendix I.
areas, offshore pollution, hazardous waste. ▪ African reptiles including Home’s hinge-back
Mediterranean Sea – Key Facts tortoise → Appendix I.
▪ A semi-enclosed intercontinental sea (Europe– Downlistings
Asia–Africa). ▪ Saiga antelope (Kazakhstan) → Appendix II
Neighbouring Nations (export flexibility).
▪ Europe: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, ▪ Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico) → Downlisted
Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece from I → II.
▪ Asia: Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel India’s Role
▪ Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco ▪ India successfully opposed EU proposal to list
Connections guggul (Commiphora wightii) in Appendix II →
▪ Atlantic Ocean — Strait of Gibraltar due to lack of scientific evidence.

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Seventh UN Environment Assembly Asian Waterbird Census to Survey Coringa

(UNEA-7) Sanctuary
▪ A deep divide has emerged among member ▪ The 40th Asian Waterbird Census and 60th
states over UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy International Waterbird Census will
(2026–2030), triggering tense negotiations as enumerate the bird species of Coringa Wildlife
UNEA-7 opens in Nairobi. Sanctuary and it’s adjoining wetlands on
▪ UNEA-7 is the world’s highest environmental January 10 and 11, 2026.
decision-making forum, convened under ▪ The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in
UNEP, bringing together all UN member states collaboration with the Bombay Natural History
to negotiate global environmental policy. Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII),
▪ Venue: UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) will
▪ UNEA was created in 2012 after the Rio+20 enumerate the bird species.
Conference to elevate environmental ▪ The census will focus on the presence of four
diplomacy. major species endangered Indian Skimmer
▪ Since 2014, six UNEA assemblies happened. (Rynchops albicollis), endangered Great Knot
▪ UNEA-7 Theme (2025) : “Advancing (Calidris tenuirostris), Near Threatened
sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.” Eurasian Curlews (Numenius
arquata) andEurasian oystercatcher
Erivan Anomalous Blue Featured in CBD (Haematopus ostralegus).
Logo for COP17
▪ Armenia has unveiled the official logo
of COP17 of the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD), featuring the Erivan
Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis),
a rare endemic butterfly.
▪ Polyommatus eriwanensis, commonly known
as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, is a blue
butterfly species endemic to Armenia.
▪ It is named after Yerevan (Erivan) and is found
only in southern Transcaucasia.

IUCN status:
▪ Not listed in the Global or European IUCN Red
Lists.
▪ Listed as Endangered in the Red Book of
Animals of Armenia (2010).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
▪ Convention on Biological Diversity, a UN
treaty adopted in 1992.
▪ Serves as the supreme decision-making body
for global biodiversity governance.
▪ COP17 Host: Yerevan, Armenia ; Scheduled
for October 2026
▪ Theme: “Taking action for nature”

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CONSERVATION AREAS
1. Sagreshwar wildlife sanctuary The Sagreshwar wildlife sanctuary
2. World wildlife day
3. Dr. B.R Ambedkar wildlife sanctuary
4. Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary
5. Bandipur National Park
6. Tral Wildlife sanctuary
7. Tsarap Chu conservation reserve
8. Sariska Tiger Reserve
9. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Kaziranga National Park

Why in news?
The Sagreshwar wildlife sanctuary has 536 sambars and 295 cheetals (spotted deer), making the sanctuary one of
the highest in deer population, especially among manmade wildlife sanctuaries.
About Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
• It is located in the Sangli district of Maharashtra.
• It is India’s first manmade wildlife sanctuary.
• most of the wildlife species were artificially introduced.
• The sanctuary derives its name from an ancient Sagareshwar temple.

Blue Flag status for Rushikonda Beach organization, awarded the coveted Blue Flag
status to 600 meters of coastline at
temporarily withdrawn
Rushikonda.
• It is one of the world’s most
recognised voluntary awards for beaches,
marinas, and sustainable tourism boats.

▪ The popular Rushikonda Beach in

Visakhapatnam has been temporarily stripped
of its prestigious Blue Flag certification due to
alleged maintenance and hygiene concerns
▪ The Blue Flag status is likely to be restored
soon after completion of the safety audit
▪ In 2020, the Foundation for Environmental
Education (FEE), a Denmark-based

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The other Indian beaches in the blue list are :
▪ Shivrajpur-Gujarat,
▪ Ghoghla-Diu,
▪ Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka,
▪ Kappad and Chal beach -Kerala,
▪ Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh,
▪ Golden-Odisha,
▪ Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar,
▪ Kovalam in Tamil Nadu
▪ Eden in Puducherry beaches,
▪ Minicoy Thundi Beach, Lakshadweep,
▪ Kadmat Beach, Lakshadweep. preserved genetic material can aid in research
and future conservation efforts.
Karimpuzha wildlife sanctuary adds new ▪ The zoo is India’s highest-altitude zoological
species to its checklist park.

PM Modi to chair NBWL meeting at Sasan

Gir on World Wildlife Day

▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion

safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat’s
Junagadh district, on the occasion of the
▪ The Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala’s World Wildlife Day, during his tour of the State.
youngest protected area, has emerged as a ▪ At Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir
biodiversity hotspot. Wildlife Sanctuary, the Prime Minister will also
▪ A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest chair the seventh meeting of the National
department, the first-such systematic exercise Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
conducted since its inception, has reported 63
new species of odonates, butterflies and birds. Madhya Pradesh Declares New Wildlife
Sanctuary Named After Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
In a first, Darjeeling zoo launches project
to preserve DNA samples of wildlife in
Hills
▪ Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in
West Bengal’s Darjeeling has become India’s
first zoo to preserve DNA samples of wildlife
found exclusively in snowy regions.
▪ The cryogenic conservation initiative, in
collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, aims to ensure
that if these species face extinction, their ▪ The Madhya Pradesh government has declared
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyran, a 258.64 sq

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km area in Sagar district as a wildlife sanctuary • Covers 368 sq. km and lies within the Khathiar-
named after Dr B R Ambedkar Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
▪ The announcement has come ahead of • Divided into two parts by the Chambal River,
Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary, forming a diverse habitat
celebrated on April 14. Protection Status of African Cheetahs
▪ With this, the state, which is known for its tiger ▪ Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN
reserves, has 25 wildlife sanctuaries. Red List.
▪ They are protected under Schedule II of
Relocation of Cheetahs from Kuno to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
▪ They are also included in Appendix I of
Gandhi Sagar Approved
the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES), offering the
highest level of protection from international
trade.
frican Cheetah (Acinonyx Asiatic Cheetah
jubatus jubatus) (Acinonyx jubatus
venaticus)
▪ Distribution: ▪ Distribution: L
Across Northwest, imited
East, and Southern to Iran (only 1
Africa. 2 individuals).
▪ Physical ▪ Physical Traits:
Traits: Larger They are more
build, robust neck slender and s
and legs. maller.
▪ Fur: Golden- ▪ Fur: Buff/light
brown, denser fawn,
coat. with extra
▪ Status: Vulnerable fur on the
(IUCN). neck and
underbelly.
▪ Status: Critical
▪ Recently, the Cheetah Project Steering ly
Committee officially approved the relocation Endangered (I
of some cheetahs from Kuno National Park to UCN).
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Golden Tiger
Pradesh.
▪ Context: A rare
▪ The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was
golden tiger,
set up in May 2023 by the National Tiger
also known as a
Conservation Authority (NTCA) to review,
golden tabby
monitor, and advise on the cheetah
tiger, was
reintroduction program.
recently sighted
▪ Project Cheetah began in 2022 with
and photographed in Kaziranga National Park,
the translocation of 8 cheetahs from
Assam
Namibia and 12 from South Africa to Kuno
▪ Golden tiger or “golden tabby” is a rare colour
National Park.
variant of the Bengal tiger, not a separate
• As of now, there are 26 cheetahs at Kuno, of
subspecies.
which 17 are in the wild and 9 are still inside
▪ Location: Only four are known in the wild, all
large enclosures.
found in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
About Kaziranga National Park:
• Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh,
along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border.

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• Location: Situated in Golaghat and Nagaon Bandipur National Park
districts of Assam, at the edge of the Eastern
Himalayas.
• Water Body: Nourished by the Brahmaputra
River and several tributaries.
Features:
• Kaziranga Park is home to world’s largest
population of Indian Rhinoceros.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 due to rising
tiger numbers.
• Rich flora includes elephant grass,
rhododendrons, cotton tree, and aquatic
plants.

Phawngpui National Park

▪ NEWS: Environmentalists and citizens launched

the ‘Save Bandipur’ protest in Karnataka after
reports emerged that the state government
may lift the night traffic ban on NH-766
(formerly NH-212), which cuts through the
Bandipur National Park.
About Bandipur National Park:
• Bandipur is a national park and tiger reserve,
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and one
of India’s oldest and most ecologically
significant protected areas.
• Location: Situated in Chamarajanagar district,
Karnataka.
NEWS: Forest fires that had erupted in several parts of • Establishment & History:
Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park have affected • First created in 1931 as Venugopala
nearly one-ninth of the park’s total area. Wildlife Park (90 km²) by the
Phawngpui National Park Maharaja of Mysore.
• Phawngpui National Park, also known as • Declared a Tiger Reserve in
the Blue Mountain National Park, is located in 1973 under Project Tiger.
the southeastern corner of Mizoram, near • Became part of the Nilgiri Biosphere
the India-Myanmar border. Reserve in 1986.
• Phawngpui is the highest peak in the About Highway – NH-766:
state, rising to an altitude of 2,157 meters • Route: NH-766 cuts through the core area of
above sea level. Bandipur.
• It overlooks the Chhimtuipui River

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• National Highway 766 (NH 766), formerly Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan
known as NH 212, is a national highway in
Yadav Releases Two Cheetahs in Gandhi
Southern India connecting Kozhikode in Kerala
to Kollegal in Karnataka. Sagar Sanctuary
• Traffic Ban: Night traffic between 9 PM to 6
AM was banned in 2009 due to high wildlife
mortality.
• Impact:
• Pre-ban deaths (2004–2009): 286 animals
killed
• Post-ban deaths (2010–2018): Only 34
reported
• Supreme Court: In 2019, upheld the ban,
recognizing it as a conservation success story. ▪ Two cheetahs, Prabhas and Pawak, moved to
their new home as Madhya Pradesh Chief
Minister Mohan Yadav released them into the
Maharashtra Declares DPS Wetland as
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary .
Flamingo Conservation Reserve in Navi ▪ The six-year-old males are from the batch of
Mumbai cheetahs brought to the Kuno National Park
from South Africa in February 2023.
▪
Four cheetahs are scheduled to be
translocated to Gandhi Sagar from Botswana in
May,

▪ The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has

▪ Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located
officially approved the declaration of DPS
in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, bordering
Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve,
Rajasthan, and spans 368 sq km. It features a
making it the first wetland connected to the
diverse ecosystem of savanna, open
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) to
grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine
receive such protection.
areas, and is recognized as an Important Bird
▪ Acts as a critical feeding and resting
and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
ground for thousands of migratory flamingos.
▪ The sanctuary's vegetation is
Location:
characteristic of the Khathiar-Gir dry
▪ Situated in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai,
deciduous forests ecoregion.
Maharashtra.
▪ The Chambal River bifurcates the sanctuary
▪ Spread over 30 acres, adjacent to the Thane
into two parts, with the Gandhi Sagar
Creek Ramsar site.
Dam situated within the sanctuary.
▪ First Cheetah Reintroduction Site in India:
▪ Kuno National Park, Madhya
Pradesh: Hosted first cheetah

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translocation from Namibia (8) and • Key Locations Involved:
South Africa (12) in 2022-2023. • Palpur Kuno National Park, Madhya
▪ Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary now Pradesh: Located in Sheopur district,
selected as second cheetah habitat to Kuno is the main site for India’s
expand the species’ range and ensure cheetah reintroduction project.
long-term conservation. • Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Madhya
Pradesh: Situated along the Chambal
Tral Wildlife Sanctuary River in Mandsaur district, this
sanctuary is rich in hilly terrain and
diverse wildlife.
• It is being developed as the second
habitat for cheetahs in Madhya
Pradesh.
• Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve,
Rajasthan: Located in Kota division, it
comprises parts of Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and
▪ Recently, the Central government has officially Chambal sanctuaries.
designated an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around • The reserve has been identified as a
the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary. potential cheetah habitat due to its
▪ It is located in the Pulwama District of Jammu arid grassland ecosystem.
and Kashmir. • As part of the plan, seven districts in
▪ It forms an important corridor for the Rajasthan — Kota, Bundi, Baran,
movement of critically endangered Hangul Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli,
deer. and Chittorgarh — will be integrated
▪ It is among the few areas outside Dachigam into the project.
National Park where a population of Hangul • Proposed inclusion: Forest areas of Jhansi and
deer still survives. Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh)

Rajasthan to join India’s first cheetah Government of Karnataka notified

conservation corridor with Madhya Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation
Pradesh Reserve

• A wildlife corridor project designed to connect

protected habitats in Madhya Pradesh and ▪ State Government has notified Hesaraghatta
Rajasthan for the reintroduced cheetahs to Grassland Conservation Reserve under Section
roam safely and naturally across a vast 36A of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA)
ecosystem. 1972.
• Total area: 17,000 sq. km is covered between • Conservation Reserve is considered
Madhya Pradesh (10,500 sq. km) and a protected area under WPA 1972 and can be
Rajasthan (6,500 sq. km). declared by State Governments and Central
• The corridor will link Palpur Kuno National Government for protecting landscapes,
Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya seascapes, flora and fauna.
Pradesh with the Mukundara Hills Tiger • These typically act as buffer zones to
Reserve in Rajasthan or connectors and migration

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corridors between established national parks, safeguard high-altitude biodiversity,
wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and particularly snow leopards, and strengthen
protected forests of India wildlife corridors.
Hesaraghatta Grassland What is Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve?
▪ Located around Hesaraghatta Lake near • A protected area in Spiti Valley,
Bengaluru in Karnataka and is the last Himachal Pradesh, notified
remaining grassland habitat in Bengaluru under Section 36A (1) of the Wildlife
region. (Protection) Act, 1972.
▪ Grasslands—or open regions are dominated • Aims to conserve snow leopards, rare
by grass and characterised by warm, dry Himalayan fauna, and critical wildlife
climate—are one of the most widely corridors.
distributed terrestrial biomes globally. Location & Significance:
▪ Grasslands cover 20–40% of global land area • Area: 1,585 sq km (India’s largest
and approximately 24% of India’s geographical conservation reserve).
area. • Borders: Ladakh (UT), Kibber Wildlife
▪ Globally classified into Tropical Savannas, Sanctuary, Kabjima Nala,
Temperate grasslands and Steppes and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Connects Kibber & Chandratal
MAJOR GRASSLAND OF THE WORLD sanctuaries, acting as a vital wildlife
corridor.
(Static)
Key Flora & Fauna:
Name of Region/Continent
• Flagship Species: Snow leopard (“Ghost of the
Grassland
Mountains”).
Prairies North America (USA, Canada)
• Other Wildlife:
Pampas South America (Argentina, Uruguay, • Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep),
Brazil) Himalayan ibex, kiang (wild ass),
Llanos Northern South America Tibetan argali.
(Venezuela, Colombia) • Rare birds: Rose finch, Tibetan raven,
Campos Brazil yellow-billed chough.
Savannas Africa, South America, Australia • Ecosystem: High-altitude Trans-Himalayan
Veld South Africa biodiversity hotspot.
Steppe Central Asia, Mongolia & Eurasia
Puszta Hungary (Eastern Europe) Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
Downs Australia
Canterbury New Zealand (South Island)
Plains

Himachal Pradesh notified Tsarap Chu

Conservation Reserve

• Himachal Pradesh notified Tsarap Chu

Conservation Reserve, India’s largest NEWS: A proposed ₹23.7 crore ecotourism project in
conservation reserve (1,585 sq km), to Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya, has

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triggered opposition from local groups and Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife
environmental activists.
Sanctuary
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
• Established in 1981 as a protected sanctuary
under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Location: Situated in Ri-Bhoi
district of Meghalaya, within the Eastern
Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
• Main river: Umtrew River, forming
the western boundary of the sanctuary.

Periyar Tiger Reserve

▪ Five tigers — a mother and four cubs — were

found dead in Karnataka’s Male
Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary,
raising serious concerns about poisoning,
wildlife conflict, and tiger conservation lapses.
About Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary:
▪ The herpetofauna survey conducted in Periyar ▪ Located in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka,
Tiger Reserve (PTR) recently has added five near the Eastern Ghats tri-junction of
new species to the list of amphibians and three Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
new species to that of reptiles, revealing the ▪ Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2013 and
rich biodiversity of the region. managed under the MM Hills Wildlife Division,
▪ The PTR, named after the Periyar River, is which was formerly the Kollegal Forest
located in the Idukki district of central Kerala. Division.
▪ It is set high at Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Geography and Ecosystem:
Hills of the Western Ghats, adjacent to the ▪ Covers an area of approximately 906
border with Tamil Nadu. sq km.
▪ Established in 1982, it spans approximately 777 ▪ Geographically contiguous with:
[Link]. ▪ BRT Tiger Reserve
▪ It surrounds the Periyar Lake, which was ▪ Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
created in 1895 by building a dam across the ▪ Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar River (to divert the water to Tamil Nadu Tiger Reserve Proposal:
for irrigation). ▪ Yet to be notified as a Tiger Reserve,
▪ The terrain is hilly and undulating with a despite ecological suitability.
maximum altitude of 2016 m.
▪ The highest peak is Kottamala (2016 m).
▪ Rivers: It sets the watershed of two important
rivers of Kerala, the Pamba and the Periyar.
▪ Mullaperiyar Dam is located within the PTR.

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Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has
approved the proposal to redraw the
NEWS
boundaries of the Sariska Tiger
Reserve’s (STR) in Rajasthan by increasing the
area of its critical tiger habitat (CTH), while
slightly reducing its buffer zone.
▪ Supreme Court's final nod awaited.
▪ The proposal involves expanding the CTH area
from 881.11 square kilometres to 924.49
square kilometres and reducing the buffer
area from 245.72 square kilometres to 203.20
square kilometres in Alwar, the Lok Sabha
constituency of Yadav.
▪ The reconfiguration aims to resolve
longstanding legal and management challenges
caused by the fragmentation of the existing
CTH, which is larger than the officially-notified
▪ NEWS: Hundreds of buffaloes can be seen Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.
grazing freely in the restricted Pong wildlife ▪ Ecological and Legal Context: CTH is protected
sanctuary area in Samkehar, Bathu and under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and
Panalath near the Pong Wetland in clear must be kept free of human interference.
violation of sanctuary norms. CTH (Core) = Maximum protection, no human pressure
Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Buffer Zone = Mix of protection and people
▪ Pong Dam Lake (also known as Maharana ▪ Sariska Tiger Reserve: The Sariska Tiger
Pratap Sagar) is a manmade reservoir formed Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district
due to the construction of Pong Dam on the within the Aravalli hills, was declared
Beas River in the wetland zone of the Shivalik a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a
hills in the Kangra district of Himachal tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.
Pradesh. ▪ Known for its rich history, it houses
▪ The Pong Dam is the highest earth-fill dam in the Kankarwadi Fort, where Aurangzeb
India and was constructed in 1975. imprisoned Dara Shikoh, and the Pandupole
▪ Pong Dam Lake was designated a Ramsar site Hanuman temple linked to the Pandavas.
in 2002.
Tamil Nadu to set up hornbill conservation
Sariska Tiger Reserve centre at Anamalai Tiger Reserve

▪ NEWS: The Standing Committee of the

National Board for Wildlife, headed by Union

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▪ The Tamil Nadu government has initiated Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
India’s first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill
Conservation at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve
(ATR) in Coimbatore district.
▪ It was declared as a Tiger reserve in the
year 2007 and is located in the Anamalai
Hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
▪ It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife
Sanctuary and National Park, named to
honour the former Prime Minister of
India Indira Gandhi.

NEWS: Environmentalists recently expressed serious

concern over the approval of an eco-tourism resort
project on the Surla plateau, stating that the project
area falls within a critical tiger habitat within the
▪ Geographical Surroundings: Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
▪ It is surrounded by Parambikulum ▪ Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary - is in the northern
Tiger Reserve(PTR) on the East, part of Goa in the Western Ghats.
▪ Chinnar Wildlife ▪ It spreads over an area of 208 [Link]. and
Sanctuary and Eravikulum National derives its name from the Mhadei river, which
Park on the South Western side. flows across this Sanctuary.
▪ UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Kariyan ▪ Prominent waterfalls- Vazra Sakla Falls and the
shola, Grass hills and Manjampatti of Virdi Falls.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been identified as ▪ The three highest peaks of Goa, Sonsogod
a world heritage site by UNESCO as (1027 m), Talvche Sada (812 m), and Vagheri
components of the larger Western Ghats World (725 m), are located within this Sanctuary.
Heritage Site. . ▪ The cliff face near the Vazra Falls is notable for
▪ The Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros being the nesting grounds of the critically
bicornis), also known as the Concave-Casqued endangered Long-billed vultures.
Hornbill, is a large bird found in the Indian Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary
subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
▪ It primarily inhabits evergreen and moist
deciduous forests
▪ It is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and
Kerala.
▪ India hosts nine hornbill species, with the
northeast having the highest diversity.

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▪ It is located in the Shimoga District of ▪ It has a large presence of the Chenchu tribe.
Karnataka. ▪ This expansive reserve was originally part of
▪ It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23rd the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger
November 1974. Reserve before the bifurcation of Andhra
▪ It spans an area of 395.6 square kilometres. Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
▪ Inside the sanctuary is located the Tunga ▪ The Krishna River and its perennial streams
Anicut Dam, which shelters otters and water originating within the reserve contribute to the
birds. water supply of major reservoirs such as the
▪ Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, present Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.
on a small island in the River Tunga, is also a
part of this sanctuary. Kaziranga Ranks Third Globally in Tiger
Density
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Expansion

▪ Sundarbans Tiger Reserve inches closer to

becoming India’s second-largest tiger
sanctuary, as a long-pending proposal to
expand its area by about 1,100 sq km has
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Assam has recorded
finally reached the Union Ministry of
the third-highest tiger density in India after Bandipur
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
and Corbett, as per the latest report released by the
(MoEF&CC).
Chief Minister of Assam on Global Tiger Day 2025.
▪ Situated in the coastal districts of West Bengal
What is Tiger Density?
▪ Currently spread across 2,585.89 square
▪ Tiger density refers to the number of
kilometres, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR)
tigers per 100 sq. km. It is a key
will expand to 3,629.57 sq km once the
indicator of healthy predator
Raidighi, Matla and Ramganga forest ranges in
populations and ecological balance.
South 24-Parganas are formally incorporated.
Top 3 Tiger Reserves by Density (2024):
▪ This expansion would position Sundarbans just
▪ Bandipur (Karnataka): 19.83
behind Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-
tigers/100 sq. km
Srisailam Tiger Reserve (3,727.82 sq km) in size
▪ Corbett (Uttarakhand): 19.56
and elevate it from the seventh to the second
tigers/100 sq. km
largest tiger reserve in India.
▪ Kaziranga (Assam): 18.65 tigers/100
▪ The Sundarbans hosts the largest mangrove
sq. km
forests in the world, lying on the delta of the
Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on
the Bay of Bengal.
▪ the number of tiger reserves in the country
has increased from 46 in 2014 to 58 till date
▪ In terms of core area, it is the second-largest
tiger reserve in India, next only to
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
(Andhra Pradesh and Telangana).

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The Kaziranga National Park in Assam has ▪ The Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster)
is a musk deer species found only in Asia.
conducted India’s first-ever Grassland Bird
▪ It is not a true deer, but rather its family is
Census (March–May 2025) closely related to Bovidae, the group that
contains antelopes, bovines, sheep, and goats.
▪ Distribution: It is mainly found in India, Nepal,
Bhutan and China.
Conservation Status
▪ IUCN: Endangered
▪ CITES: Appendix I
▪ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

▪ A landmark bird population survey
aimed specifically at grassland-
dwelling birds in Kaziranga National
Park (Assam), covering the period
from March 18 to May 25, 2025.
▪ Recorded a total of 43 grassland bird
species.
▪ Jointly undertaken by: Forest
department officials, Researchers,
Conservationists and Kaziranga park
authorities
▪ The use of passive acoustic recording
monitoring was the highlight of the
survey.
Objectives of the Census: ▪ Under Project Cheetah, cheetah were first
▪ Monitor population of grassland bird relocated from Africa to India in September
species 2022 to reintroduce the species after its
▪ Identify rare, endemic, and globally extinction in 1952
threatened species ▪ Madhya Pradesh has initiated a cheetah mating
▪ Map breeding patterns and ecological programme in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
health of the habitat to create a second viable home for cheetahs
after Kuno National Park.
▪ In April 2025, two male cheetahs, named
Alpine Musk Deer Conservation
Prabhas and Pavak, were relocated from Kuno
National Park to Gandhi Sagar
▪ Location: Situated on the northern
boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch
districts, Madhya Pradesh, adjoining
Rajasthan.
▪ Established: Notified in 1974 and
expanded in 1983.
▪ Geography: Spread over 368.62 sq.
km, bisected by the Chambal River,
with grasslands and dry forests — ideal
cheetah habitat.
▪ A Central Zoo Authority report reveals a mix-up
in identifying the Alpine musk deer for
conservation breeding, mistakenly initiating NTCA Limits Definition of Tiger Corridors
programs for the Himalayan musk deer ▪ National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA
instead. restricts the definition of tiger corridors to the

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32 “least cost pathways” identified in its 2014 ▪ India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve,
report. notified in September 2022 under the Wildlife
Impact: Protection Act, 1972.
▪ Excludes newer scientific data and studies. ▪ Recognised by IUCN in 2025 as a pioneering
▪ Could allow development projects in some step for marine biodiversity and community-
areas previously considered tiger corridors. led conservation.
Significance: ▪ Located in:
▪ Tiger corridors are essential for safe ▪ Covers 448.34 sq km across Thanjavur
movement between habitats and maintaining and Pudukkottai districts, Tamil Nadu.
genetic diversity. ▪ Situated in the northern Palk Bay,
▪ Conservationists fear this may weaken tiger harbouring 12,250 hectares of seagrass
protection and affect biodiversity. meadows.
About NTCA: ▪ Features:
▪ A statutory body under the Ministry of ▪ Protects Dugong dugon (sea cows),
Environment, Forest and Climate Change listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red
(MoEFCC). List.
▪ Created in 2005 under the Wildlife ▪ Seagrass beds here also
(Protection) Act, 1972 through its 2006 support commercial fish, crabs,
amendment. shrimps, benefitting marginal
Chaired by fishermen.
▪ Headed by the Union Minister of About Dugong:
Environment, Forest and Climate Change. ▪ A large marine herbivorous mammal,
▪ Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State for commonly called “sea cow”.
Environment. ▪ Only strictly herbivorous marine
▪ Apex authority for tiger conservation and mammal in existence.
management of tiger reserves in India. ▪ Scientific name: Dugong dugon

IUCN Recognises Dugong Conservation Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Reserve in Palk Bay

▪ The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

(Abu Dhabi) adopted a resolution recognising
India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve
in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu as a global model for
marine biodiversity conservation. NEWS: A 55-year-old farmer was mauled to death by a
leopard in a field adjoining a forest area under the

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Kakraha Range of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to
recently.
five cubs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno
About Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
▪ Terai region, Bahraich (UP); part of Dudhwa National Park
Tiger Reserve since 1987.
▪ Area: 400.09 sq km; borders Nepal.
▪ Created to protect Gharials; Gairwa River is a
key gharial–mugger habitat.
▪ Wildlife corridor to Bardia National Park
(Nepal).
▪ Home to rare turtles, freshwater fish, and
Gangetic dolphins.

Bhoramdev Sanctuary

NEWS: Two bison were poached at the Chilfi East ▪ Mukhi is the sole surviving cheetah cub born
Range of Bhoramdev Sanctuary in India at Kuno, a landmark for the country’s
▪ Located in Kawardha district Chhattisgarh, cheetah reintroduction project.
also called Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary. ▪ A total of 20 African cheetahs were
▪ Part of the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, introduced in Kuno National Park (NP), 8 from
known for a unique ecosystem. Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12
▪ Lies in the Kanha–Achanakmar Corridor, more from South Africa in February 2023
linking Kanha National Park (MP) with under the Cheetah Project.
Achanakmar WLS (Chhattisgarh). Kuno National Park
▪ Named after the Bhoramdeo Temple (7th– ▪ It is located in the Sheopur district of Madhya
11th century), built by the Nagvanshi dynasty Pradesh. It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills.
and dedicated to Lord Shiva; known as the ▪ Originally established as Kuno Wildlife
“Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.” Sanctuary in 1981, it was upgraded to a
national park in 2018.
▪ The park’s historical significance lies in its role
Gujarat’s Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary as a relocation site for Asiatic lions under the
NEWS: A wild tiger has settled in Gujarat’s Ratanmahal “Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project,”.
Wildlife Sanctuary after decades ▪ It derives its name from the meandering Kuno
▪ Sanctuary Location : Dahod district, Central River (one of the main tributaries of the
Gujarat. Chambal River), which flows from south to
▪ Along Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border; north and divides the park into two sections.
habitat extends into Jhabua (MP).
▪ Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982.
▪ Sanctuary is known for rich biodiversity and
Gujarat’s sloth bear stronghold. Mahuda trees
abundant → crucial for sloth bears.
▪ Gujarat becomes the only Indian state with all
3 big cats: Asiatic Lion + Indian Leopard + Tiger.

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Supreme Court directed Jharkhand ▪ Combines Himalayan biodiversity with Lepcha

cultural heritage
government to notify Saranda forest as a
wildlife sanctuary Rakchham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary,
Himachal Pradesh

▪ Located in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand,

Saranda is one of the world’s most pristine Sal
forests. ▪ NEWS: International bird-watching programme
▪ “Saranda” means “seven hundred hills”. held at Rakchham, within the sanctuary.
▪ Supreme Court said the State must declare ▪ Location: Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
31,468.25 ha as Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary. ▪ Mountain Range: Part of the Western
▪ Home to critically endangered species: sal Himalayas.
forest tortoise (endemic), four-horned ▪ Notable Feature: The Lamkhanga Pass trekking
antelope, Asian palm civet, wild elephants. route passes through the sanctuary.
▪ Recognised by Wildlife Institute of India as a ▪ Connects Kinnaur (Himachal
biological and ecological hotspot; rich in Pradesh) to Gangotri
biodiversity. (Uttarakhand).
▪ Inhabited by Ho, Munda, Uraon and related
Adivasi communities. Kali Tiger Reserve (IN NEWS)
▪ Contains 26% of India’s iron ore reserves;
mining supports SAIL and Tata Steel.
Wildlife Institute of India
▪ Established: 1982; an autonomous institute
under the Ministry of Environment, Forest &
Climate Change.
▪ Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Khangchendzonga National Park Rated

“Good” By IUCN, Only Indian Site With
Positive Status
▪ Rating: “Good” in latest global review of World ▪ It is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of
Heritage Sites Karnataka.
▪ Significance: Only Indian site to receive “Good” ▪ It is composed of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
rating and Anshi National Park.
▪ Western Ghats & Sundarbans – marked with ▪ River: The Kali River, which forms the major
serious concerns source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows
About Khangchendzonga National Park through the tiger reserve, and hence the name.
▪ Location: Sikkim, India ▪ The area holds one of the highest populations
▪ UNESCO Status: Declared a World Heritage Site of Great Indian Hornbills in the Western Ghats.
in 2016 ▪ It is also home to rare black panthers.
▪ Type: India’s first “Mixed” World Heritage Site
(Natural + Cultural)
▪ Part of: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
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A tigress will be airlifted from Pench Tiger ▪ Situated along: Godavari River.
▪ Near: Telangana–Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh
Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to Ramgarh
tri-border region.
Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) — History:
India’s 2nd such inter-state translocation ▪ Established: 30 January 1952 (one of the
About Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve earliest sanctuaries in the state)
▪ Location: Bundi district, Rajasthan ▪ Notified: 7 July 1999 under wildlife protection
▪ Notified: 16 May 2022 rules
Functions as a corridor between: ▪ The region has evidence of ancient human
▪ Ranthambore TR (NE) dwellings, stone-age remains, and sites
▪ Mukundara Hills TR (South) like Rakshasa Gullu.
▪ Mez River (Chambal tributary) flows through ▪ Hosts Asia’s largest tribal
the reserve. congregation, Medaram Jatara, celebrated
▪ Terrain: Aravalli–Vindhyan rugged hills, valleys, every two years at Tadvai within the
plateaus. sanctuary.
Pench Tiger Reserve
▪ Located in southern reaches of the Satpura Chaprala wildlife sanctuary
hills in Seoni & Chhindwara districts, MP; NEWS: A rare striated grassbird was recently recorded
shares boundary with Maharashtra. in Chaprala wildlife sanctuary in Gadchiroli district,
▪ Named after the Pench River flowing north– marking a major range extension for the species in
south. Maharashtra.
▪ The area of the PTR and the surrounding area About Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary
is the real story area of Rudyard Kipling’s ▪ It is located in
famous “The Jungle Book”. the Gadchiroli
Includes: district of
▪ Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park Maharashtra.
▪ Pench Mowgli Sanctuary ▪ Established in
▪ Buffer zone 1986.
▪ It is located on
Safari Services wil be launched inside the bank of the confluence of the Wardha and
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Wainganga rivers.
▪ Telangana’s Mulugu forest officials will launch
safari services for the first time in Eturnagaram
Wildlife Sanctuary , boosting eco-tourism.
▪ One of Telangana’s oldest sanctuaries, known
for its Deccan Plateau ecosystem, diverse
wildlife, and cultural–ecological heritage.
▪ Location: Mulugu district, Telangana.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

NEWS: The administration of the Sariska Tiger Reserve
is adopting new technology like drones to monitor its
steadily increasing tiger population.

About Sariska Tiger Reserve

▪ Location: It is located in the Alwar district,
Rajasthan.
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▪ It is a part of the Aravali Range and the ▪ Coverage: Almost the entire 12-km forest
Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests stretch covered.
ecoregion. ▪ Policy Link: Part of NHAI’s Green Highways
▪ It was once a hunting ground of the Maharaja initiative, aligned with the Green Highways
of Alwar Policy, 2015 (MoRTH).
▪ proclaimed a natural reserve in 1955 and a
national park and Tiger Reserve under Project Madhya Pradesh CM announces
Tiger in 1979.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve to
▪ It holds the distinction of being the world’s
first reserve to successfully relocate tigers become cheetah habitat before next
after local extinction due to poaching in 2004. monsoon
▪ It is also famous for old temples, palaces, and
lakes such as Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort,
Ajabgarh, Pratapgarh, Siliserh Lake, and Jai
Samand Lake.

NHAI Introduces India’s First Wildlife-Safe

Road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh

▪ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav

▪ Initiative: First-of-its-kind measure by NHAI to has said that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger
balance road development with conservation Reserve will become the new home for
on NH-45, Madhya Pradesh. cheetahs in the State before the monsoon next
▪ Location & Ecology: Passes through Nauradehi year.
Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati ▪ The first cheetah habitat was opened at the
Tiger Reserve (ecologically sensitive zone). Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur in
▪ Objective: Improve wildlife safety and reduce September 2022, and the second one at the
accidents. Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur in April
How the Table-Top Red Marking Works 2025.
▪ Design: Slightly raised, red-coloured chequered ▪ Location: It is spread across Sagar, Damoh, and
markings across the road → creates a table-top Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
effect. ▪ Covering an expansive area of 2,339 square
▪ Impact: Forces vehicles to slow down naturally kilometres, it encompasses areas within the
without sudden braking (unlike speed Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati
breakers). Wildlife Sanctuary.
▪ Colour choice: Red is more eye-catching than ▪ It is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya
white/yellow; visual contrast + uneven texture Pradesh.
warn drivers of a wildlife-heavy zone.

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▪ It is named for Rani Durgavati, the queen of About Coral Reefs
the Gondi people. ▪ Corals are invertebrates from the class
▪ Rivers: It straddles parts of the Narmada and Anthozoa, phylum Cnidaria.
Yamuna River basins. ▪ They form reefs through colonies of polyps
▪ The Singorgarh Fort is located within the that secrete limestone skeletons and rely on
reserve. symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrition..
▪ Distribution: Mainly found in shallow, sunlit
Capuchin Monkeys from South Africa waters between 30°N and 30°S latitude, with a
preferred temperature range of 16-32°C.
Imports To Bannerghatta Biological Park
▪ Depth: They typically grow at depths less than
▪ The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) has
50 meters, where light levels are high.
imported eight black-capped capuchin
monkeys (Sapajus apella) from the Induna
Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa under
an animal exchange programme.
▪ Park was originally an integral part of
Bannerghatta National Park; BBP became an
independent establishment in 2002.
▪ Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka; situated in the
Anekal range hills.
▪ Unique Feature: First biological park in India to
have a fenced, forested elephant sanctuary.
▪ Protected Area Status: The area was declared
a National Park in 1974. India’s first butterfly
What is coral bleaching?
enclosure was inaugurated here in 2006.
▪ Sustained increase in Sea Surface Temperature
(SST) causes the zooxanthellae, which provide
India to Establish First National Coral Reef pigmentation and 90 per cent of the corals'
Research Centre in Andaman nutritional needs, to leave their hosts,
resulting in the whitening of corals, known
as 'coral bleaching'.
▪ Global mass coral bleaching events have been
reported in 1998, 2010, 2014-2017, according
to the United States National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
▪ Presently, 2023-2024 is being named as
the fourth global mass coral bleaching event.

▪ The government will soon set up the National

Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
▪ The Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change will set up the first-of-its-kind
centre at Chidiyatapu in South Andaman
▪ It will be an advanced coral reef research,
conservation, and management centre
▪ NCRRI will be set up at Rs 120 crore.

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▪ It houses over 75% of the world's coral species,
a third of all reef fish, vast mangrove forests,
and six of the seven marine turtle species.

India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre

Approved in MP

▪ The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved

Other Conservation Measures: a proposal to set up a white tiger breeding
India: centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district.
▪ National Committee on Wetlands, Mangroves, ▪ A rare form of Bengal Tiger with a unique
and Coral Reefs (1986): Advises on (recessive) gene which gives it a white color.
conservation. ▪ A white tiger is not a sub-specie of tiger.
▪ Environment (Protection) Act (1986): Prohibits ▪ White tigers are born only when two bengal
coral and sand use for construction. tigers that possess a recessive gene (gene that
▪ The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): Used affect the coat color) are bred together
Biorock or mineral accretion technology to
restore coral reefs. Kerala’s Kappad & Chal beaches get global
Global: Blue Flag certification
▪ CITES lists coral species in Appendix II to
regulate trade.
▪ World Heritage Convention designates coral
reef sites for protection.
▪ World’s Largest Frozen Coral Repository: The
Taronga CryoDiversity Bank holds trillions of
sperm from 32 coral species, collected annually
since 2011.
The Coral Triangle: A Vital Marine Ecosystem

▪ Kerala’s famed Kappad beach in Kozhikode

and Chal beach in Kannur have been bestowed
with the coveted Blue Flag certification by
Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental
▪ The Coral Triangle, spanning 5.7 million sq. km Education (FEE)
across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua ▪ The Kappad Beach in Kozhikode, the first
New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon beach in the state to receive the Blue Flag
Islands, and Timor-Leste, is renowned as the certification, has renewed its Blue Flag status
"Amazon of the seas" and the richest marine ▪ Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest
ecosystem globally. beaches of the world. It is an eco-
tourism model endeavouring to provide the
tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing
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water, facilities, a safe and healthy Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary:
environment and sustainable development of
Chhattisgarh
the area.
▪ Blue Flag certification is an internationally
recognised eco-label that is accorded based on
33 criterias. These criterias are divided into 4
major heads namely,
▪ Environmental education and
information
▪ Bathing water quality
▪ Environmental management
▪ Conservation and safety services in the
beaches ▪ The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), declared
▪ The other Indian beaches in the blue list locally extinct in 2017, has reappeared in
are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary under a five-
and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, year revival plan (2021–2026).
Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, ▪ Located in the Balodabazar
Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in district of Chhattisgarh
Tamil Nadu, Eden in Puducherry beaches, ▪ Significance: Marks a major conservation
Minicoy Thundi beach and Kadmat beach in success and restoration of grassland species in
Lakshadweep central India.

Government of India has designated areas Five Maharashtra Beaches Receive

around Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary as Prestigious International Blue Flag
eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) Certification

Certified Beaches in Maharashtra

▪ Shrivardhan Beach (Raigad District)
▪ Nagaon Beach (Raigad District)
▪ to reduce the impact of urbanisation and ▪ Parnaka Beach (Palghar District)
developmental activities on the surrounding ▪ Guhagar Beach (Ratnagiri District)
protected ▪ Ladghar Beach (Ratnagiri District)
Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Blue Flag programme:
• located in the district of Mandi in Himachal ▪ Awarding Body: Foundation for Environmental
Pradesh. Education (FEE), Denmark
• This high-altitude sanctuary is named after the ▪ Started: 1985 in France; extended beyond
goddess Shikari Devi Europe in 2001
• An area of 7,200 ha surrounding the ▪ Criteria: 33 parameters covering cleanliness,
temple was declared a sanctuary in 1962. safety, environmental education, and
sustainable management
▪ Significance: Marks global eco-label status for
environmentally responsible beaches.

Blue Flag Awarded Beaches

[Link]. Beach Location

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1. Golden Beach Odisha

2. Shivrajpur Beach Gujarat
3. Kappad Beach Kerala
4. Ghoghla Beach Diu
5. Radhanagar Beach Andaman & Nicobar
6. Kasadgod Beach Karnataka
7. Padubidri Beach Karnataka
8. Rushikonda Beach Andhra Pradesh
9. Kovalam Beach Tamil Nadu
10. Eden Beach Puducherry
11. Minicoy Thundi Lakshadweep
Beach
12. Kadmat Beach Lakshadweep
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Based
Documentary
▪ To promote tourism and
wildlife conservation,
the Mukundra Hills ▪ It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in
Tiger Reserve (MHTR) March 1982.
administration in Kota ▪ It is also known as “Ratanmahal Sloth Bear
launched a poster and Sanctuary,” due to its highest population of
trailer of a sloth bears in the state.
documentary entitled “Enchanting ▪ Rivers: It forms the catchment of river Panam-
Mukundra” recently. a major river of Central Gujarat
About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR)
▪ The Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, also
known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is
Clouded Leopard Sighted in Kakoi Reserve
spread across 4 districts – Bundi, Kota, Forest
Jhalawar & Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. ▪ A rare clouded
leopard (Neofelis
Gujarat Became a Tiger State After 33 nebulosa) has been
photographically
Years recorded inside the
▪ The decision was taken by the National Tiger Kakoi Reserve
Conservation Authority (NTCA), which has Forest in Assam’s
confirmed Gujarat’s inclusion in the All India Lakhimpur division
Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 following ▪ Clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the
sustained evidence of tiger presence in the IUCN Red List.
Ratanmahal Sanctuary. ▪ It is protected under Schedule I of India’s
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
▪ Location: It is located in the state of Gujarat.
▪ The sanctuary falls on the border of Gujarat
with Madhya Pradesh.

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NATURAL DISASTERS
1. Tropical Cyclone SEAN Tropical Cyclone Sean
2. Mount Fentale ▪ NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Cyclone Sean,
3. Nepal’s Yala Glacier which brought record-breaking rainfall to the Pilbara
4. Stom Imelda region of Western Australia.
5. Perito Moreno Glacier ▪ A tropical low formed over the Indian Ocean off Western
Australia.
▪ The storm had strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Sean
– the second tropical cyclone of Australia’s 2024–2025
season
▪ The region includes the waters surrounding northern
Australia, encompassing the Indian Ocean, Coral Sea,
and the Timor Sea.
▪ The northern regions of Western Australia, the Northern
Territory, and Queensland are most affected

Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone What is an earthquake swarm?

• Tropical Cyclone is a weather phenomenon. • An earthquake swarm is a series of low-
• A tropical cyclone is formed only over warm magnitude earthquakes that occur in a
ocean waters near the equator. localized area over a period of time.
• The centre of a cyclone is very calm and clear • Swarms can last for days, weeks, or even
with very low air pressure. months.
• The average speed is 120 kmph. ▪ A state of emergency has been declared on
• They have closed isobars which leads to Greece’s Santorini and the nearby islands of
greater velocity. Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi after a swarm of
• Isobars are imaginary lines on a undersea earthquakes this month, sometimes
weather map that connect locations every few minutes, prompted thousands of
with equal atmospheric pressure. people to move to the mainland.
• They develop over oceans and sea only. ▪ Swarms are usually short-lived, but they can
• They move from east to west under the continue for days, weeks, or sometimes even
influence of trade winds. months. They often recur at the same
• They are seasonal in nature. locations.
How are Cyclones Classified? • They are often caused by fluids, like water,
• Cyclones are classified on the basis of wind interacting with faults.
speed by the Indian Meteorological • Swarms can also be caused by volcanic activity
Department (IMD): or tectonic stress.
• Depression: Wind speeds of between ▪ India: Since 11 November 2018, an
31–49 km/h earthquake swarm has been observed in the
• Deep Depression: Between 50-61 region of Dahanu, Maharashtra, an otherwise
km/h aseismic area.
• Cyclonic Storm: Between 62–88 km/h
• Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 89-
117 Km/h
• Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between
118-166 Km/h
• Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm:
Between 166-221 Km/h
• Super Cyclonic Storm: Above 222 Km/h

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Mount Fentale of Ethiopia Volcano Emits ▪ The glacier is located in the Niti Valley, a
remote area in the northernmost region of the
Methane
hilly state, close to the India-Tibet border.
▪ Stretching about 10 km in length, the new
glacier that is yet to be named lies adjacent to
the Randolph and Rekana glaciers and spans
approximately 48 sq km.
▪ Their study, Manifestations of a Glacier Surge
in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal
Satellite Data, was done using satellite data.
Context: Ethiopia’s Mount Fentale volcano has emitted Their findings show the glacier is currently
massive methane plumes, an unprecedented natural ‘surging’.
event with potential climate change implications.
• Mount Fentale, located
Nepal’s Yala Glacier Rapidly Shrinking,
in northern Ethiopia, released large amounts
of methane into the atmosphere Predicted To Disappear By 2040s
starting January 31, 2025.
• The event was described as a “burp”, with
huge plumes of methane escaping from
underground gas deposits.
Why Is This Unusual?
• Volcanic activity typically emits carbon
dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂),
not methane (CH₄).
• Methane is 28 times more effective at
trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-
▪ Nepal’s Yala Glacier is shrinking so rapidly that,
year period.
by the 2040s, it is predicted to disappear
• The emission surpasses typical volcanic gas
entirely.
output, raising concerns over climate impact
▪ Launched in 2024 by organizations including
and greenhouse gas monitoring.
the World Meteorological Organization
Components of PUNCH Mission
(WMO), UNESCO, Rice University, and the
• It will be a constellation of four, suitcase-sized
University of Iceland, it is the only Himalayan
satellites each weighing about 64 kg sent
glacier on the Global Glacier Casualty List.
to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
▪ Since monitoring started, the glacier’s extent
• PUNCH’s four-camera setup will operate as a
and volume have significantly decreased.
single, virtual instrument to generate large-
▪ Its height dropped from 5,170 m to 5,750 m in
scale imagery data, making it a unique
2011 and has retreated by 680 m between
information-loaded 3D image of the solar
1974 and 2021.
corona.
▪ The Global Glacier Casualty List identifies 15
• It is the first time that a solar mission has been
glaciers as critically endangered, including
specifically designed to make use of
Nepal’s Yala Glacier.
the polarisation of light to measure the
▪ China’s Dagu Glacier is also critically
corona and solar wind, that too, in 3D.
endangered and projected to disappear by
• It will measure polarised light using polarising
2030.
filters, enabling scientists to look into the inner
▪ In an effort to draw attention to the
solar system.
significance of glaciers and their function in
hydrology, meteorology, and climate systems,
Scientists discover fast-growing glacier in the United Nations has declared 2025 the
Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
▪ A group of scientists recently discovered a new India’s Initiatives:
glacier in Uttarakhand that was found to be • National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
rapidly expanding in size Ecosystem,

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• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information U.S. braces for tropical storm Storm
Services (INCOIS): Monitors glacier-related
Imelda
events and issues GLOF alerts.
• Missions to Arctic & Antarctic
e.g., IndARC (2014).

Nepal PM officially announces

Sagarmatha Sambad on the occasion of
the International Year of Glaciers’
Preservation
▪ Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced the
Sagarmatha Sambaad (Dialogue) scheduled to
take place in Kathmandu on May 16-18.
▪ The Prime Minister declared the Dialogue
▪ Tropical Storm Imelda has formed near the
amidst a programme organised by the Ministry
Bahamas and is expected to strengthen into a
of Forests and Environment and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs at the Office of the Prime hurricane as it moves northward along
Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Florida's eastern coastline.
Durbar held on the occasion of the ▪ Wind Speed: Sustained winds of 40 mph (65
International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation km/h).
(IYGP), 2025.
▪ The Sagarmatha Sambaad has been scheduled Tropical Storm Bualoi
to be organised biannually.

Three Simultaneous Tropical Cyclones in

the South Pacific

▪ Three tropical cyclones—Rae, Seru, and

Alfred—are currently active off the eastern
coast of Australia. This phenomenon coincides
with the peak of the cyclone season.
Current Cyclones ▪ Bualoi (local name Opong) is part of the 2025
▪ Cyclone Alfred formed recently and rapidly Pacific typhoon / tropical cyclone season.
intensified to a Category 3 storm. ▪ In the Philippines, Bualoi made landfall with
▪ It features wind gusts of up to 185 km/h. sustained winds ~ 110 km/h.
Cyclone Rae has already caused damage in ▪ Ocean Basin: Western North Pacific Ocean
Fiji, destroying fruit trees due to its strong
winds and heavy rainfall.
▪ Cyclone Seru is predicted to pass near Vanuatu
but is expected to remain offshore, minimising
its impact.

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Where is Perito Moreno Glacier? ▪ It is located between South America’s Cape

Horn and the South Shetland Islands of
Antarctica.
▪ The passage is named after Sir Francis Drake,
who was the first Englishman to
circumnavigate the globe.
▪ It is a deep and wide waterway that connects
the southwestern Atlantic and southeastern
Pacific Oceans.
▪ It is considered one of the roughest
waterways in the world because here, layers
of cold seawater from the south and warm
seawater from the north collide to form
powerful eddies, which when combined with
strong winds and storms can be treacherous
for those attempting to navigate it.
▪ The Drake Passage played an important part in
the trade of the 19th and early 20th centuries
before the opening of the Panama Canal.
▪ Argentina’s most famous glacier, the Perito
Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of Typhoon Mitag Makes Landfall in China’s
250 sq km (the total area of Patna, Bihar), is
crumbling.
Guangdong, Brings Heavy Rains and
▪ The Perito Moreno glacier, also called the Strong Winds
‘White Giant’, is located in the Argentine ▪ A typhoon is a form of cyclone that has wind
province of Santa Cruz, and comes under the speeds of 119 kmph and above and develops
Los Glaciares National Park — a UNESCO over warm ocean waters near the equator.
World Heritage Site. ▪ When warm, moist air rises from the
▪ Due to its enormous size, it is a major source of ocean surface, it creates a low-
freshwater for Argentina. pressure area.
▪ Cyclones are rapid inward air
Recently, a strong earthquake of circulation around a low-pressure area.
▪ The air circulates in an anticlockwise
magnitude 7.5 hit Drake Passage and a direction in the Northern
tsunami alert was issued briefly hemisphere and clockwise in the
Southern hemisphere.
Cyclones
Location
Type

Typhoon China Sea and Pacific Ocean

West Indian islands, Caribbean Sea,

Hurricane
Atlantic Ocean

Guinea lands of West Africa,

Tornado
southern USA

Willy-
North-western Australia
willies

Tropical
Indian Ocean Region
Cyclone

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Cyclone Ditwah Alert Over Bay of Bengal ▪ Strait of Malacca : Connects the Andaman Sea
(Indian Ocean) and the South China Sea (Pacific
Ocean).

Taftan Volcano

▪ The name “Ditwah” was contributed by

Yemen Meteorological Service and refers to
the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island.
▪ A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay
of Bengal — near southeast Sri Lanka
intensified into a depression
NEWS: New research shows that Taftan volcano in Iran
▪ Cyclone Ditwah made its initial landfall on the
seems to be waking up after a 700,000-year-long sleep
eastern coast of Sri Lanka early in the morning
▪ Location: Southeastern Iran, ~56 km from the
on November 28, 2025.
Pakistan border
Cyclone Senyar originated from a low- ▪ Type: Semi-active stratovolcano
pressure system near Malaysia ▪ Height: 12,927 ft (3,940 m)
▪ Volcanic Arc: Only active volcano in the
Makran continental volcanic arc
▪ Formed due to subduction of the Arabian
Ocean crust beneath the Eurasian continent.

Typhoon Matmo made landfall in

southern
China in October 2025

▪ Cyclone Senyar originated from a low-pressure

system near Malaysia/Strait of Malacca over
the South Andaman Sea and adjoining region
of Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a
depression and further strengthened.
▪ It is UAE’s recommended name.

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Cyclone Shakhti ▪ Includes 13 North Indian Ocean countries.

▪ Covers Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal regions.
intensifies in Arabian
▪ Each country submits a pre-set list of names.
Sea, heads towards ▪ Recent Cyclones (2025): First cyclone of the
Gujarat coast season: Shakhti – named by Sri Lanka.
▪ The India ▪ Other recent cyclones: Fengal (Saudi Arabia) ,
Meteorological Dana (Qatar), Asna (Pakistan), Remal (Oman)
Department (IMD) ▪ Upcoming cyclone names (as per list): Senyar
confirmed the – UAE, Ditwah – Yemen, Arnab – Bangladesh,
formation of Murasu – India
Cyclone Shakhti
over the northeast Arabian Sea. Melissa grows into Category 4 hurricane
▪ Named “Shakhti” by Sri Lanka under the
while unleashing torrential rain in north
World Meteorological Organisation’s regional
naming system. Caribbean
Why Bay of Bengal Gets More Cyclones than Arabian
Sea ?
Warmer Waters:
▪ Bay of Bengal is semi-enclosed and landlocked,
retaining warm water (29–30°C year-round).
▪ Arabian Sea remains cooler due to stronger
winds and evaporation.
Moisture Availability:
▪ Bay receives abundant moist air from rivers
and monsoon flows.
▪ Arabian Sea is influenced by dry winds from ▪ Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a
Oman and Yemen, limiting cyclone intensity. Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained
External Triggers (Pulses): winds reaching 140 mph (220 km/h).
▪ Typhoons from the Pacific often enter Bay of ▪ The storm was situated about 280 miles (450
Bengal as low-pressure systems, which then km) from Guantanamo, Cuba.
intensify.
▪ Arabian Sea does not get such external inputs. China Issues Yellow Alert as Typhoon
Fengshen Approaches Southern Coast
Severe cyclonic storm Montha weakens
after making landfall on Andhra Pradesh
coast

▪ Formed over west-central Bay of Bengal.

▪ Became Severe Cyclonic Storm on Oct 28 2025.
▪ Threatened Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil
Nadu
▪ Name “Montha” by Thailand =
“fragrant/beautiful flower.”
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Taal Volcano ▪ Hurricanes: form over North Atlantic and

eastern North Pacific.
▪ Typhoons: form in the Western Pacific.
▪ In the North Indian Ocean, these storms are
called tropical cyclones.

Uturuncu Volcano

▪ Recently, the Taal Volcano in the Philippines

reportedly erupted three times.
▪ Location: It is located in Batangas province
about 70 kilometers south of Manila,
Philippines.
▪ Taal is classified as a “complex” volcano by the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
▪ It is a stratovolcano with a crater lake on a 5-
km-wide volcanic island
▪ It does not rise from the ground as a distinct,
singular dome but consists of multiple
stratovolcanoes, conical hills and craters of all ▪ Dormant stratovolcano in southwestern
shapes and sizes. Bolivia (Andes); made of dacitic lava
▪ It is also called a compound volcano, is one domes/flows.
that consists of a complex of two or more ▪ Height: ~6,008 m — tallest mountain in
vents, or a volcano that has an associated southern Bolivia.
volcanic dome, either in its crater or on its ▪ Last erupted 250,000 years ago, but remains
flanks. seismically active within a 70-km uplifted zone.
▪ Shows a “sombrero” pattern—center rising,
Cyclone Fina in Australia’s Northern edges sinking.
Territory ▪ Called a “zombie volcano” for its non-eruptive
unrest.
▪ Activity is driven by liquid and gas movement,
with a low chance of imminent eruption.

A new survey finds nearly 70% of corals at

UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef have died
▪ Ningaloo Reef is located on Western
Australia‘s remote coast along the East Indian
Ocean.
▪ It is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef,
▪ Tropical cyclones: form between Tropic of extending across 300 kilometres of
Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, over coastline. (fringing reef is one that grows
tropical/subtropical waters, developing directly from a shoreline or island)
organized surface wind circulation. ▪ One of the world’s most pristine, longest,
Cyclones include tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons — largest coral reefs.
all marked by high winds, heavy rain, thunder, ▪ It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
lightning.

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▪ Lies on a divergent boundary where the African
Plate is splitting.
Ash Cloud

Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts ▪ Forms when a volcano erupts and sends ash
After 12,000 Years into the atmosphere. Contains fine ash,
sulphur dioxide, and tiny rock/glass fragments.
▪ Causes respiratory issues, eye irritation, and
skin problems.
▪ Volcanic ash from this eruption moved
westward into India (via Gujarat → Rajasthan
→ Delhi–UP).

IMD: Fresh Western Disturbance to impact

northwest India including Delhi-NCR

▪ A Western Disturbance is an eastward-moving

extratropical storm originating in the
Mediterranean region that brings non-
monsoonal/ winter rain and snow to the
Located in Afar region, Ethiopia, ~800 km NE of Addis
northwestern Indian subcontinent.
Ababa .
▪ It is a low-pressure system carried by the
▪ A shield volcano in the Danakil Depression westerly jet stream, picking up moisture from
(one of the hottest, most remote places). the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas
▪ Southernmost volcano of the Erta Ale range before traveling over the Middle East and
(known for persistent lava lakes). Central Asia into India
▪ No recorded modern eruptions (Dormant) Impact on India

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▪ Agriculture: Crucial for Rabi crops (wheat, has shrunk by 66% since the 1970s, making it
mustard) among Nepal’s first likely to be declared dead.
▪ Precipitation: Rain & snow; replenishes ▪ Glacier Funeral is a symbolic ceremony held to
rivers/groundwater mark rapid disappearance of glaciers due to
▪ Weather: Cloudy skies, warmer nights, cold climate change.
days; fog & cold waves post-passage ▪ The cryosphere is the frozen part of the Earth,
▪ Disasters: Excess Western Disturbances → including snow, ice, and frozen ground.
floods, avalanches, landslides, crop loss ▪ Yala Glacier is the only glacier to be listed in
▪ Air Quality: Rain/wind improve pollution Global Glacier Casualty List (GGCL) from entire
temporarily Himalaya. The GGCL project was launched in
2024 by Rice University, University of Iceland,
Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves 66 dead, mainly Iceland Glaciological Society, World Glacier
Monitoring Service, & UNESCO
in Philippine province still recovering from
▪ Recent major glaciers declared dead: Sarenne
deadly earthquake Glacier, France (2023); Pico Humboldt Glacier,
▪ Typhoon Kalmaegi severely affected the Venezuela (2024)
central Philippines , ▪ The world's first funeral was held for Okjokull
▪ Typhoon Kalmaegi is the 20th tropical cyclone glacier in Iceland in 2019 (officially declared
to hit the Philippines in 2025. dead in 2014)
Consequences of Glacial Loss
Super Typhoon Fung-wong Forces Mass • Accelerates global warming: Reduced Glaciers
Evacuations in the Philippines will have less albedo effect and therefore will
increase heat absorption.
• Accelerates sea level rise: According to
a Nature study, melting glaciers have caused
nearly 2 cm to global sea level rise since
2001.
• Disrupted water cycles: Nearly three-quarters
of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers.
Their rapid melting threatens water
security and endangers biodiversity.
• Natural disasters: It increases risks of Glacial
Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and avalanches.
▪ The system is initially identified as Typhoon
Fung-wong (2025) and locally in the
Philippines as “Uwan”. The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island
released lava fountains reaching over
Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ in Nepal A 1,000 feet into the air
Local Mourning on Loss • It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
• It is a shield-type volcano located in the
southeastern part of the island of Hawaii,
Hawaii state, United States.
• The volcano rises 4,190 feet (1,227 meters)
above sea level.
• The summit caldera contains a lava
lake known as Halema`uma`u that is said to be
the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess,
Pele.
• Kilauea’s slopes merge with those of the
nearby volcano Mauna Loa on the west and
▪ Glaciologists and local communities mourned
north.
the loss of Nepal’s Yala glacier (located in the
• Kilauea has been erupting on a continuous
Langtang Valley, central Nepal) after it
basis since 1983.
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Shield Volcano circumference of 140 km, making it Italy’s
• They are the largest volcanoes on Earth in largest active volcano.
terms of volume and area covered. ▪ World Heritage Recognition: Inscribed as
• Shield volcanoes are a type of volcano named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its
for their broad, gently sloping, shield-like geological, scientific, and cultural significance
profile.
• Earth Mauna Loa in Hawaii - largest active Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts: Red
volcano on Earth by volume - is a classic
Alert Issued Over Volcanic Ash Cloud
example.
• Located in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara
• They are formed by the eruption of highly
province on Flores Island.
fluid (low-viscosity) lava, which travels farther
• It is situated along the famous ‘Ring of Fire’ in
and forms thinner flows than the more viscous
the Pacific region.
lava erupted from a stratovolcano.
• It is one of the most frequently active
volcanoes in the region.
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active • It has two peaks arranged on a NW-SE
volcano, erupted spewing ash, smoke, and line separated by 2 km - gave the twin volcano
lava several kilometres high its name, Lewotobi, "husband and wife".
• The two peaks correspond to the Lewotobi
Lakilaki (man) and Lewotobi Perempuan
(woman) stratovolcanoes.
• Lewotobi Lakilaki has been frequently active
during the 19th and 20th centuries, while the
taller and broader Lewotobi Perempuan has
erupted only twice in historical time.

Iliamna Volcano

▪ Mount Etna is a stratovolcano and one of the

most active volcanoes in the world.
▪ It is classified as a Decade Volcano due to its
frequent activity and risk to nearby
populations.
Location:
▪ Situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy,
between Messina and Catania.
▪ Lies at the boundary of the African
and Eurasian tectonic plates.
History:
▪ Etna’s volcanic activity can be traced back over
500,000 years.
▪ In recent notable eruptions occurred in 2018,
2021, and now in 2025.
▪ Tallest Active Volcano in Europe: Stands at
approximately 3,403 metres, making it the
highest peak south of the Alps.
▪ Expansive Volcanic Structure: Spans an area of ▪ A recent satellite image showing Alaska’s
1,190 square kilometres with a basal Iliamna Volcano “ready to rumble” has
sparked renewed interest in the snow-covered

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peak, just as scientists recorded a spike in Typhoon Danas creates havoc across
earthquakes on its slopes.
Taiwan
▪ It is located in southwest Alaska, United States.
▪ It sits in the Chigmit Mountains within Lake
Clark National Park and reserve.
▪ It soars to 10,016 feet (3,053 m) tall from
nearby Cook Inlet.
▪ Iliamna is a stratovolcano, characterised by its
steep, conical shape and periodic explosive
eruptions
What is a Stratovolcano?

▪ Typhoon Danas originated in the Pacific Ocean

▪ Made its first landfall in Chiayi County, Taiwan.
▪ It then moved towards China, making a second
landfall in Zhejiang province
Cyclones Type Location
Typhoon China Sea and Pacific Ocean
Hurricane West Indian islands, Caribbean
Sea, Atlantic Ocean
Tornado Guinea lands of West Africa,
southern USA
▪ It is a tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of
Willy-willies North-western Australia
volcano.
Tropical Cyclone Indian Ocean Region
▪ They are typically found above subduction
What are Typhoons?
zones, and they are often part of large
▪ A typhoon is a form of cyclone that has wind
volcanically active regions, such as the Ring of
speeds of 119 kmph and above and develops
Fire that frames much of the Pacific Ocean.
over warm ocean waters near the equator.
▪ Stratovolcanoes comprise the largest
▪ When warm, moist air rises from the ocean
percentage (~60%) of the Earth’s individual
surface, it creates a low-pressure area.
volcanoes, and most are characterized by
▪ Cyclones are rapid inward air
eruptions of andesite and dacite, lavas that are
circulation around a low-pressure area.
cooler and more viscous than basalt.

Tropical Storm Chantal forms off the coast Typhoon Wipha

of South Carolinas

▪ Tropical Storm Chantal has formed off the

southeast U.S. coast in Atlantic Ocean
▪ It made landfall in South Carolina, prompting
warnings of flooding, heavy rain, and strong
winds.

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▪ On July 20, Typhoon Wipha brought heavy rain
and strong winds to Hong Kong before making
landfall in Taishan, Guangdong province, China.

Typhoon Co-May makes landfall in China’s

Zhejiang Province

▪ Typhoon Podul makes landfall in Taiwan,

impacting southern regions - southeastern city
of Taitung and passing through the southern
tip of the island and then passing into the
Taiwan Strait
▪ It is expected to next make landfall on China’s
southern coast

Super Typhoon Ragasa

Typhoon
▪ It is a rotating, organized system of clouds and
thunderstorms that originates over tropical or
subtropical waters and has closed, low-level
circulation.
▪ Once a tropical cyclone reaches maximum
sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher,
it is then classified as hurricane, typhoon, or
tropical cyclone, depending upon where the
storm originates in world.
▪ In Northwest Pacific, it is typhoon. In South
Pacific and Indian Ocean, term tropical cyclone
is used.
▪ In North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and
eastern North Pacific, hurricane is used.
▪ A Category 5 Super Typhoon with sustained
Typhoon Podul: Flights cancelled, mass winds of 205 km/h and gusts up to 250 km/h.
evacuations ordered in Taiwan ▪ Locally called “Nando”, it is one of the
strongest typhoons to hit the region in
recent years.
▪ Formed over the western Pacific
Ocean
▪ Moved across the Luzon Strait, made
landfall in the northern Philippines
▪ Affected areas: Philippines (Northern
Luzon region), Taiwan, Hong Kong and
Macao, Southern China, especially
Guangdong Province

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Hurricane Erin explodes in strength to a ▪ The eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano

was recently recorded for the first time
Category 5 storm in the Atlantic near
▪ 2025 Eruption: Krasheninnikov volcano
Caribbean Islands erupted on 2 August 2025, three days after a
nearby magnitude 8.8 earthquake. Ash
emissions reached an altitude of 20,000 ft.
▪ It is an active complex volcano located in the
Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
▪ The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific
“Ring of Fire.”

▪ The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, Erin

ramped up from a tropical storm to a Category
5 hurricane in a mere 24 hours
▪ it threatened to dump flooding rains in the
northeast Caribbean

China Issues Level-IV Emergency as

Typhoon Kajiki Nears Hainan
▪ There are 114 volcanoes on the Kamchatka
Cyclones Location
Peninsula
Type
▪ Krasheninnikov is a stratovolcano and reaches
Typhoon China Sea and Pacific Ocean a height of 1,886 meters.
Hurricane West Indian islands, Caribbean Sea, ▪ Its last eruption took place about 400 or 600
Atlantic Ocean years ago.
Tornado Guinea lands of West Africa,
southern USA
Tokara Islands
Willy-willies North-western Australia
Tropical Indian Ocean Region
Cyclone

Krasheninnikov Volcano

▪ In an unprecedented seismic event, more than

1,000 earthquakes have rattled the Tokara
Islands in southern Japan over the past two
weeks.

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▪ The Tokara Islands are a small archipelago in time. Most of the time, they’re nothing to
Japan, south of Kyushu and north of the worry about.
Amami Islands. ▪ These often occur where the Earth's crust is
▪ They are also sometimes known as the already weak.
Toshima Islands and consists of seven ▪ Swarms are observed in volcanic
inhabited environments, hydrothermal systems, and
other active geothermal areas.
Anak Krakatau volcano ▪ India: Since 11 November 2018, an
earthquake swarm has been observed in the
region of Dahanu, Maharashtra, an otherwise
aseismic area.
▪ Ten to twenty quakes are felt daily, with
magnitudes usually smaller than 3.5 (maximum
magnitude 4.1 in February 2019).

Differences between an earthquake and

earthquake swarm:
Earthquake Earthquake
▪ A new study reveals that Indonesia’s Anak swarm
Krakatau volcano, which collapsed Main Shock Definite main Not present
catastrophically in 2018 causing a deadly shock
tsunami, showed warning signs years in After shock Generally occur No after
advance. after the mains shocks
shock
Mount Rainier Earthquake Swarm Occurrence they can continue Usually short-
Duration for days, weeks, lived, but they
months, or even can continue
years for a very for days,
large mainshock. weeks, or
sometimes
even months.
Cause Sudden release of Hydro-
energy in the seismicity due
Earth’s lithosphere to water
that creates percolation as
seismic waves. well as seismic
activity.
Reoccurrence Can happen at They can
varied time reoccur
intervals. frequently.
Magnitude Low to high Low
Intensity Low to high Low
Destruction Very high Relatively less
to life and
▪ One of the most famous mountains in property
Washington, Mount Rainier, has been
rumbling over the last day due to the amplified
seismic activity.
An earthquake swarm?
▪ These are sequences of small quakes that
occur in a specific area over a short period of

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Mud Volcano

▪ Wandan mud volcano recently erupted in

Taiwan
▪ A mud volcano is a small cone of mud and
clay, usually less than a few meters high. It
forms from hot water mixed with fine
sediment, which either flows gently like lava or
bursts out like a fountain due to volcanic gas
and boiling water.
▪ Mud volcanoes, also called mud domes or
sedimentary volcanoes, release gases like
methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen along
▪ Volcanic and Geothermal Activity: Kamchatka
with often salty or acidic water.
Peninsula contains the volcanoes of
Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kamchatka Earthquake 2025 ▪ Kamchatka is home to over 150 volcanoes, of
which 29 are active.
▪ Klyuchevskoy is the highest and most active
volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
▪ The Kuril Archipelago extends from Kamchatka
to Japan and is a disputed territory between
Russia and Japan.

Mud Wave

▪ Five earthquakes hit near the east coast of

the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, a
tectonically active region, with the strongest
measuring 7.4 in magnitude.
▪ Kamchatka Peninsula: It lies on the Pacific
Ring of Fire, positioned between the Sea of
Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean and
Bering Sea to the east.
▪ A 2025 study in Global and Planetary Change
discovered 117-million-year-old mud waves
buried beneath the Atlantic seabed
near Guinea-Bissau

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▪ Enormous mud waves—each over 1 kilometre Economic and Livelihood Impacts:
long and hundreds of metres high—were • Reduces agricultural productivity, kills
identified under the Atlantic seabed, about 400 livestock.
km west of Guinea-Bissau, buried roughly 1 • Lowers work hours, especially among informal
km beneath the seafloor. sector workers.
▪ Formed approximately 117 million years ago, • Estimated loss: 3%–5% of GDP; in 2023, 6% of
these sediment structures mark some of the India’s work hours were lost due to heat
oldest geological signatures of the Atlantic stress.
Ocean’s formation.
Cyclone Bakung strengthens over the
Hurricane Gabrielle becomes deadly Indian Ocean
Category 4 storm

▪ Hurricane Gabrielle is a powerful Category 4

storm that developed in the Atlantic Ocean
▪ Gabrielle formed off the coast of West Africa
and intensified as it moved westward across
the Atlantic.
▪ Storm will stay offshore in the Atlantic and
curve away.

Heatwaves in India
Context: India
witnessed severe
heatwaves in March
2025 — 20 days earlier
than in 2024 —
highlighting the urgent
need for short-term and long-term strategies to tackle
heat stress and its cascading impacts.
Definition: A heatwave is a prolonged period of
excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high ▪ Cyclone Bakung originated over the
humidity, significantly impacting human health, southwest Indian Ocean and is moving away
agriculture, and ecosystems. from the Indonesian region.
Key Features: ▪ Severe Tropical Cyclone Bakung was named by
• In India, a heatwave is declared when Jakarta, Indonesia.
maximum temperature exceeds 40°C in plains ▪ Exceeding 60 kmph
and 30°C in hilly areas. ▪ Cold northeasterly winds associated with the
• It is intensified by factors like humidity, wind system are sweeping across Karnataka, Andhra
speed, and urban heat islands. Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
▪ Global warming and climate change are major El Niño Return in 2026
contributors to the increased frequency and ▪ Climate models and ocean observations show
intensity. early signals of a possible El Niño return in

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2026, as warming in the equatorial Pacific ▪ Polar Vortex Formation: In winter, strong
weakens La Niña conditions. westerly winds tighten around the Arctic
El Niño forming the stratospheric polar vortex a cold,
▪ It is a climate phenomenon marked by circular wind belt that traps frigid air high
abnormal warming of sea surface above the pole.
temperatures in the central and eastern ▪ Upward Rossby Waves: Large atmospheric
equatorial Pacific Ocean, disrupting global disturbances called Rossby waves rise from the
weather patterns. troposphere into the stratosphere, carrying
▪ Also called “The Little Boy” / “Christ Child” energy that disrupts the vortex’s stable
▪ Droughts in Southeast Asia, Australia, circulation.
Indonesia ▪ Wave Breaking: When these waves “break,”
▪ Heavy rainfall in Peru, Ecuador, and southern much like ocean waves, they weaken or even
USA reverse the vortex’s westerly winds,
La Niña (Cold Phase) destabilising the entire polar wind system.
• La Niña is the opposite phase of El Niño, ▪ Rapid Descending Air: As the weakened
characterised by cooling of sea surface system collapses, cold stratospheric
temperatures in the central and eastern air descends rapidly, compresses, and warms
equatorial Pacific. sharply—creating the sudden stratospheric
• Means “The Little Girl” (Spanish); also called temperature spike.
“El Viejo” or a cold event ▪ Vortex Split or Shift: The disrupted vortex
• Occurs every 2–7 years, often after El Niño can split or drift south, releasing Arctic air into
Global impacts: mid-latitudes and triggering cold outbreaks
• Floods in Southeast Asia and Australia across North America, Europe, or Asia.
• Droughts in Peru and Ecuador Key Features of an SSW:
▪ Vortex weakening or reversal: Westerly winds
turn easterly.
Warning For Another Sudden
▪ Jet stream disruption: The jet stream becomes
Stratospheric Warming (SSW) Event wavier or blocked.
▪ Surface impacts lag: Weather effects
appear 1–3 weeks later.

IMD predicts Central India may see 2-5

extra cold wave days
▪ The India
Meteorological
Department (IMD)
▪ Meteorologists have warned that another
defines a cold wave
Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event
as a rapid fall in
may occur in December 2025, potentially
temperature within
disrupting the polar vortex and sending
24 hours.
unusually cold Arctic air into parts of the
▪ This is distinguished
United States.
by a marked cooling
▪ Sudden Stratospheric Warming is a rapid
of the air, or with
temperature rise (up to 50°C) in the
the invasion of very
stratosphere, about 10–50 km above Earth’s
cold air, over a large area.
surface.
▪ As per IMD, a cold wave is considered when
▪ It disrupts the polar vortex, the circulation of
the minimum temperature of a station is 10°C
strong westerly winds around the Arctic, often
or less for plains and 0°C or less for hilly
causing major weather anomalies at the
regions.
surface.
▪ Cold waves are predominantly experienced
How Does SSW Occur?
during the period December-February,
especially over the northern parts of India.

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Cloudburst
▪ Cloudbursts in Kangra and Kullu districts of
Himachal Pradesh triggered devastating flash
floods, killing two people and leaving over a
dozen missing.
▪ A cloudburst is a sudden, highly intense rainfall
event, releasing ≥100 mm of rain in under one
hour over a localized area (~10 km²).
▪ These events often occur over hilly or
mountainous regions, triggering flash floods,
landslides, and infrastructural damage.
▪ It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically
active region. It is one of the world’s few active
and visible undersea volcanoes.
▪ Notable eruptive activity has been recorded
repeatedly since it was first documented in
1939

Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme

How Cloudbursts Occur?

▪ Moist air from monsoon winds hits
the windward slope of mountains (e.g.,
Himalayas).
▪ This causes adiabatic
▪ India would soon have over 100 tsunami-
cooling and condensation, forming towering
ready villages among the Indian Ocean region
cumulonimbus clouds up to 15–21 km high.
under the Tsunami Ready Recognition
▪ Under unstable atmospheric conditions, rapid
Programme.
cloud formation overwhelms the area’s
About Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme
drainage capacity.
▪ It is an international community-based
▪ The result is intense downpours over small
recognition programme developed by
regions, sometimes exceeding 2 billion
Intergovermental Oceanographic Commission
litres/hour over 20 km², causing flash
(IOC) of UNESCO.
flooding and debris flows.
▪ Aim: It aims to build resilient communities
through awareness and preparedness
Kavachi Volcano strategies that will protect life, livelihoods and
▪ Scientists recently property from tsunamis in different regions.
reported a rare Methodology used
footage showing ▪ To get this recognition, communities must
sharks living inside meet all 12 indicators, which cover
Kavachi volcano Assessment, Preparedness, and Response, will
near the Solomon be recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by the
Islands, challenging UNESCO/IOC.
assumptions about ▪ Tsunami-ready village is certified to the ones
marine survival in extreme volcanic that have high awareness about tsunami,
environments. hazard preparedness and mapping, public
About Kavachi Volcano display of evacuation maps, 24-hour warning
▪ It is a shallow submarine volcano located in systems, participation in mock drills among
the South Pacific Ocean, south of the remote others.
Vangunu Island in the Solomon Islands. ▪ The recognition is renewable every four years.

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FLORA IN NEWS
1. World’s longest banana infructescence Cape Vultures Spotted After 30 Years in South
2. Lantana Camara Africa’s Eastern Cape
3. Blue Pinkgill Mushroom • After 30 years, 85
4. New Orchid in Arunachal Pradesh Cape Vulture (Gyps
coprotheres) has been
sighted in South
Africa’s Eastern Cape
province near
Mountain Zebra
National Park.
▪ The species exclusive
to Africa and resident
only in Southern
Africa
▪ It lives in groups
▪ It is listed as vulnerable in IUCN Red list.

Discovery of Sheathia rosemalayensis World’s longest banana infructescence

found in the forests of Andamans

▪ In a recent discovery, researchers recently

identified a new species of freshwater algae
named ‘Sheathia rosemalayensis’
▪ It is a new species of freshwater algae.
▪ It was discovered in Rosemala, located in
THE western ghats of Kerala, and has been
named after the place where it was found. ▪ A 4.2-metre infructescence (fruit-bearing
▪ This discovery is crucial because Sheathia structure) has been recorded in a wild banana
species are extremely rare in India. species, Musa indandamanensis.
What are Algae? ▪ Specimens of the infructescence are on display
▪ Algae are a diverse group of aquatic at the Indian Museum in Kolkata
organisms that have the ability to conduct ▪ This is the longest infructescence ever
photosynthesis. recorded in bananas globally.
▪ They can be unicellular (single-celled) ▪ Musa indandamanensis is endemic to the
or multicellular, ranging from microscopic Andaman and Nicobar Islands
phytoplankton to large seaweeds like kelp. ▪ The species is listed as Critically Endangered.
▪ They have no true Roots, Stems, or Leaves.
Unlike plants, algae lack vascular tissues.

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New flowering plant species discovered in ▪ It is a pantropical weed species, is native to the
tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central
Aravali hills landscape near Jaipur
and South America.

Fusariosis in Pineapple

▪ Classified as Portulaca bharat, the plant adds to

the list of Indian endemics. ▪ One of the biggest threats to pineapple
▪ discovered in the rocky and semi-arid (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) farming is a disease
landscape of Aravali hills near Jaipur, called Fusariosis, caused by the aggressive
▪ Portulaca bharat has been provisionally fungus Fusarium moniliforme.
assessed as “data deficient” under the ▪ Indian Scientists from Bose Institute, an
International Union for Conservation of Nature autonomous institute of the Department of
Red List guidelines Science and Technology (DST) have identified a
▪ These succulent plants are known for their key gene in pineapple - AcSERK3 gene - that
toughness, water-storing tissues, and may offer a strong, local solution against
adaptation to extreme environments. destructive fungal infection Fusariosis.
▪ In India, 11 species are currently known, ▪ Major Pineapple producing states: Assam,
including four endemics, mostly distributed in Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, West Bengal,
dry and semi-arid habitats. Kerala, Karnataka and Goa.
▪ Countries like Thailand, Philippines, Brazil,
China, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia
Lantana camara and the USA produce pineapple.

Blue Pinkgill Mushroom Discovered in

Telangana Forests

▪ Recently, a burst of rare and colourful Blue

Pinkgill fungi has been documented in the
Kagaznagar forest division of the Komaram
Bheem Asifabad district, of Telangana
▪ It is referred as “sky-blue mushroom,”
(scientific name: Entoloma hochstetteri) this
genus of mushrooms has pink to purplish hues
▪ Lantana camara species was first introduced in
in their gills.
India the early 18th century as an ornamental
▪ It a species native to New Zealand and
plant, now infests approximately 3,25,282
hectares of forests in Himachal Pradesh, posing famously featured on the country’s $50 note.
a threat to the State’s native biodiversity. ▪ Its colour derived from rare azulene pigments.
▪ Lantana CamaraIt is an invasive alien species

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Lactifluus khasianus Researchers identify new edible tuber

species from Western Ghats in Kerala’s
Wayanad district

▪ Researchers recently discovered a new species

of edible mushroom, now formally named ▪ Researchers from Kerala have identified an
Lactifluus khasianus—but long known to edible tuber and named it as Dioscorea
Khasi tribal communities as “Tit iongnah.” balakrishnanii.
▪ It was discovered in Meghalaya’s East Khasi ▪ It is a new species of the genus Dioscorea.
Hills. ▪ This yam (rataalu in Hindi) species is locally
▪ It grows in association with Khasi pine at known as ‘chola kizhangu’ among the
altitudes of around 1,600 metres. Kattunayikar tribes of Wayanad.
▪ The tubers are edible when cooked
Heptapleurum assamicum
New orchid recorded in Arunachal
Pradesh

▪ It is a new plant species.

▪ Scientists have recently identified it in Assam’s
Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts
— a lush, evergreen shrub now named
Heptapleurum assamicum.
▪ For now, it has been categorised as “Data
Deficient” under IUCN criteria.
▪ It belongs to the family Araliaceae, which also
includes the familiar ornamental “umbrella ▪ The Gastrochilus pechei was known to bloom
plant” (H. arboricola). only in Myanmar - documented in India for the
first time

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▪ A trio of researchers have established its About Begonia Genus:
existence at an altitude of 1,200 meters in ▪ Family: Begoniaceae | Type: Perennial
Vijoynagar, Changlang district bordering flowering plants
Myanmar.
New Balsam Flower Species Found in
Researchers recently found a new plant Arunachal Pradesh
species named Impatiens selvasinghii in
the Kudremukh range of the Western
Ghats

▪ A team of the Botanical Survey of India

recently discovered ‘Impatiens rajibiana’, a
▪ It is a new species of flowering plant.
new species of balsam flower.
▪ It was discovered in the Kudremukh range of
▪ Location: Shergaon, West Kameng district,
the Western Ghats in Karnataka at an altitude
Arunachal Pradesh
of 1,630 meters.
▪ It is named in honor of scientist Dr. Rajib
▪ It is named after an associate professor of
Gogoi and increases the total number of
botany at Madras Christian College.
Balsam species in India to 251

‘Chowna Buku
The Corpse Flower: The Rare Bloom That
Chulu’ Discovered
Smells Like Death
in: Basar, Leparada
District, Arunachal
Pradesh
▪ 'Chowna Buku
Chulu' is a newly
discovered
species
of Begonia found
in Basar, Leparada ▪ Its species name is Amorphophallus titanium
District, ▪ Native: Sumatra, Indonesia
Arunachal Pradesh, ▪ Height: Can reach over 3 metres
▪ Named to honor Arunachal Pradesh's Deputy ▪ Record: Produces the largest unbranched
Chief Minister Chowna Mein, means “Noble inflorescence in the world
Red” ▪ Smell: Emits rotting flesh–like odour to attract
▪ The vibrant red-leafed plant was discovered by pollinating insects
the State Horticulture Research and ▪ Bloom cycle: Flowers once every 7–10 years
Development Institute (SHRDI) and is being and the bloom lasts 1–2 days only
developed for its commercial and ornamental
value

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FAUNA IN NEWS
1. Gaddi Dog Gaddi dog of the Himalayas recognised by
2. Goby Fish ICAR-NBAGR Karnal
3. Golden Headed Cisticola
4. Black Yellow Catfish
5. Cape Vulture
6. Rare Long Snouted vine snake
7. Himalayan Brown Bear
8. Red Crowned Roofed Turtle
9. Kharai Camels

▪ The Gaddi dog, a loyal and resilient shepherd dog from the Himalayas, has been officially recognized as an
indigenous breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) under the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research.
▪ Named after the Gaddi tribe, known for herding sheep and goats in the high Himalayas, these dogs play a
vital role in protecting livestock, herding and fostering a deep bond with shepherds
▪ This recognition paves the way for their conservation and promotion on a national scale.

Discovery of New Indo-Burmese Pangolin 1. the Indian Pangolin, found across the
subcontinent;
Species
2. the Chinese Pangolin, found across a larger
area in south Asia.
▪ Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam have both
species in their States.
▪ World Pangolin Day is observed every year on
February 18.
▪ Conservation Status: The conservation status
of these species ranges from Endangered
(Indian Pangolin) to Critically Endangered
(Chinese Pangolin).
▪ Trade of pangolins is banned under
the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species (CITES) and
they are listed in Appendix I of
the IUCN Red List, indicating they are
threatened with extinction.
▪ Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)
▪ Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India
Act, 1972, prohibiting exploitation.
(ZSI) have identified a new species of Indo-
Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica)
that diverged from the Chinese pangolin Goby Fish Discovery in Andhra
(Manis pentadactyla) approximately 3.4 million
years ago.
▪ The development of the species was likely
influenced by dramatic geoclimatic changes in
the Indo-Burma region.
▪ Its current distribution spans parts of
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly ▪ Researchers from the Zoological Survey of
extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar,” India (ZSI) discovered two species Hemigobius
Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus in the
mammals globally. India is home to two species — Coringa wildlife sanctuary.

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▪ These species are goby fish that had not been • It is listed in CITES Appendix I.
recorded in Andhra Pradesh previously. Palamu Tiger Reserve:
▪ This discovery is significant as M. tigrinus has ▪ It is located in the Chhota Nagpur plateau
been found along the eastern coastline of India region of Jharkhand.
for the first time. ▪ The reserve forms a part of the Betla National
▪ Habitat: Most gobies found in estuarine Park.
areas, especially around mangroves. ▪ Palamu Tiger Reserve was established in 1974
under Project Tiger.
Reviving Bison Population in Jharkhand Four New Tarantula Species Discovered in
Western Ghats
Recent research has revealed four new tarantula
species, including a new genus, from India’s Western
Ghats.
Habitat and Behaviors
• Tarantulas live in tree hollows, along streams,
forest paths, and shola forest patches
surrounded by tea plantations.
• Females exhibit unique behaviors like carrying
egg sacs under their mouthparts and creating
▪ The Jharkhand Forest department has initiated hammock-like web structures to protect their
a study to revive the dwindling population of eggs.
Bison, popularly known as Gaur, at Palamu Examples of newly discovered species:
Tiger Reserve (PTR).
▪ The bovine, a food source for big cats, has
already gone extinct from across Jharkhand,
excluding the PTR where merely 50-70 bison
are surviving
About Indian Gaur:
▪ The Indian Bison of Gaur is the largest and
tallest in the family of wild cattle.
▪ Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
▪ Distribution: Gaurs are indigenous to the South
and Southeast parts of Asia.
▪ Gaurs are primarily the denizens of evergreen
and semi-evergreen forests along with moist ▪ Haploclastus bratocolonus (“tree dweller”):
deciduous forests with open grasslands. Found in hollow trees along rivers.
▪ Haploclastus montanus: Lives at elevations
above 2,000 meters, making it one of the
highest-living tarantulas in the region.

23 species of blood-sucking flies recorded

in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
▪ Researchers from the Zoological Survey of
India (ZSI) have identified 23 species of blood-
sucking flies, 13 of them recorded for the first
time in the country, in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
▪ These tiny insects, also called midges, are
Conservation Status:
similar in appearance to flies but are more
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
closely related to mosquitoes in their feeding
• Wild Life Protection Act, 1972:
habits.
Schedule I
▪ they are locally called bhusi files.
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phytopathogenic fungi named ‘Epicoccum
indicum’
▪ This discovery is linked to an emerging leaf
spot disease affecting as vetiver or khus.
▪ The species name refers to India, where it was
discovered.
▪ Phytopathogenic fungi are fungi that cause
diseases in plants, leading to significant
▪ These flies feed on the blood of livestock such economic losses in agriculture and
as sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as wild horticulture.
animals like deer. ▪ 70–80% of plant diseases are caused by
▪ Of particular concern are five species known to phytopathogenic fungi.
transmit the bluetongue disease virus, a
condition that can be fatal to livestock. Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in
▪ Bluetongue disease manifests through Tripura
symptoms including blue discolouration of the
tongue, fever, facial swelling, and excessive
salivation.
▪ It can potentially lead to death in affected
animals and poses a significant threat to
livestock farming and the agricultural economy.

Golden-headed Cisticola found in

Mathikettan Shola National Park
▪ The discovery
of the Golden-
headed
Cisticola in
Mathikettan
Shola National
Park ▪ Tripura recorded a milestone in biodiversity
emphasises the documentation with the first-ever recording of
need for the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra
further studies indra), a rare species, in the state in the
on the avian Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
biodiversity in ▪ It is a species of lycaenid or blue
the Western Ghats. butterfly found in parts of South and
▪ Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis), Southeast Asia.
usually found in grasslands, was recently ▪ Scientific Name: Rachana jalindra indra
discovered in the Mathikettan Shola National ▪ Habitat: Found in forests, particularly near
Park, Idukki, Kerala located in the southern the Western Ghats, Northeast India, Sri Lanka,
part of the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.
▪ three subspecies of Rachana jalindra found in
Epicoccum Indicum India, including macantia, distributed from
southwest India to Goa; R. j. tarpina,
distributed in the Andamans; and R. j. indra,
distributed from Orissa to lower West Bengal
and Bangladesh.

▪ Recently, researchers from Banaras Hindu

University identified a new species of

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help in the conservation of the species. The
development of the protocol would ensure
the preservation of biodiversity in the
Western Ghats.
Key facts about the National Bureau for Fish Genetic
Resources (NBFGR)
• It was established in December 1983 in
Allahabad under the aegis of Indian Council of
Agricultural Research
• It aims to undertake research related to
the conservation of fish germplasm
resources of the country.
• The Institute's vision is assessment and
conservation of fish genetic resources for
intellectual property protection, sustainable
utilization and posterity.

First-ever multi-taxon global freshwater

fauna assessment identifies Western
Ghats as a hotspot of threatened species
Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, ▪ The first-ever multi-taxon global freshwater
1972. fauna assessment for The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species has identified Western
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL):
▪ situated Tripura, 25 kilometers from the Ghats as a key location with greatest
abundance of threatened freshwater species.
capital, Agartala.
▪ The study led by IUCN and published in the
▪ Clouded Leopard National Park, established in
2007, is a part of SWL. multidisciplinary science journal, Nature,
▪ the study pinpoints Lake Victoria (Kenya,
Tanzania, Uganda), Lake Titicaca (Bolivia and
Black-collared yellow catfish Peru), Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone, and the Western
Ghats (India) as hotspots of threatened
freshwater species richness.
▪ Presence of iconic Humpbacked mahseer, a
critically endangered megafish
▪ Among Indian States, Kerala has the highest
Researchers at the Centre for Peninsular Aquatic number of threatened freshwater fishes, with
Genetic Resources, Kochi, of the National Bureau for 74 of its 188 fish species for which Red List
Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) claimed to have assessments are available categorized as
developed a captive breeding protocol for black- threatened while Periyar River stands out as a
collared yellow catfish. critical conservation priority due to its high
• It is endemic to the Chalakudy river in Kerala. concentration of endemic and threatened
• It is characterized by its greenish-brown freshwater fish species
mottled coloration, shorter barbels, and
distinct genetic traits, the species coexists with
the endangered Horabagrus Nigricollaris.
• It has been classified as endangered in the
International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List.
• The captive breeding programme of the fish
began in 2020.
• Significance of captive breeding: The
development of the breeding technique will

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New snail Theobaldius konkanensis

named after Maharashtra’s Konkan region

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve:

• in Uttar Pradesh located on the India-Nepal
border.
• It stretches mainly across the Lakhimpur Kheri
and Bahraich districts.
• It is the only place in Uttar Pradesh where
both Tigers and Rhinos can be spotted
together.
▪ A new species of land snail has been
discovered by a team of researchers from
India and the U.K. ZSI study on blackflies offers hope for river
▪ The species has been named Theobaldius blindness control
konkanensis.
▪ It was discovered in the Konkan region of
Maharashtra
▪ Theobaldius konkanensis is endemic to the
northern Western Ghats

Rare long-snouted vine snake

rediscovered in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
▪ A new study by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
involving DNA barcoding to identify species
accurately is expected to lead to better
management and control strategies for
blackflies, which are carriers of a worm
causing river blindness.
▪ The research is expected to aid in developing
better management and control strategies for
blackflies.
▪ River blindness is a parasitic disease caused by
▪ A rare long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla
the worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted
longirostris) has been rediscovered in the
through the bites of infected blackflies.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri,
▪ These blackflies breed near fast-flowing rivers,
Uttar Pradesh, marking its first documented
and the disease can cause skin issues and
sighting in the state and only the second
eventually blindness.
recorded instance in India
▪ River blindness is the second leading cause of
▪ Previously, Ahaetulla longirostris had only been
infection-related blindness globally, following
recorded once in Bihar and Odisha last year.
trachoma.
The species is commonly found in Southeast
Asia

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▪ The World Health Organization (WHO) Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka - New gecko
classifies river blindness (onchocerciasis) as
from Assam named after Forest
one of the most neglected tropical diseases.
▪ These blackflies are locally known as "pipsa" Department
or "potu".

Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul)

▪ It was spotted from the forested slopes of

Dima Hasao’s Jatinga, a unique ecological
transition zone within the Barail Hills.
▪ The word “vanarakshaka,” derived from the
Sanskrit words “vana” (forest) and “rakshaka”
(protector), refers to the Assam Forest
Department.
▪ These are reptiles and are found on all the
continents except Antarctica.
▪ A WWF-India survey in Arunachal Pradesh has ▪ These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats
captured the first photographic evidence of from rainforests, to deserts, to cold mountain
Pallas’s cat in the state, reaffirming the eastern slopes.
Himalayas as a global biodiversity hotspot. ▪ These are mostly small, usually nocturnal
▪ Pallas’s cat also called manul, is a small wild reptiles.
cat species believed to be one of the oldest
surviving felines, diverging ~5.2 million years
ago.
Himalayan Brown Bear
▪ Native to Central Asia – particularly Mongolia,
China, and parts of Russia.
▪ Recently photographed in Arunachal Pradesh,
extending its known eastern Himalayan range
beyond Bhutan & Sikkim.
Habitat:
▪ High-altitude grasslands, rocky
steppes, and cold deserts.
▪ Recorded at elevations close to 5,000
metres in the eastern Himalayas. ▪ A rare sighting of a Himalayan brown bear,
▪ Lifespan: ~8–9 years in the wild; solitary and reportedly with its family, in the Nelong and
secretive, mostly nocturnal/crepuscular. Jadung Valleys has sparked excitement within
Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand
▪ Himalayan Brown Bear :- It is the largest
mammal found in the high-altitude regions of

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the Himalayas. It is one of the most ancient ▪ The new species is named in honour of George
brown bear lineages. Mathew, a renowned Indian entomologist and
▪ It is known as Denmo in the Ladakhi language. former Head of the Entomology Division,
▪ It is believed by some that the bear’s ability to Kerala Forest Research Institute.
walk upright probably gave rise to the legend
of the Yeti or “Abominable Snowman.” Saola
Himalayan Brown Bear Conservation Status
▪ IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
▪ Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule
▪ ICITES – Appendix I.

Indri Lemur Microbiome

Context: An international team of scientists has

successfully mapped the genome of
the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), the world’s rarest
large land mammal, offering new hope for its
conservation through genetic rescue and captive
breeding.
• A critically endangered bovine
species, often called the “Asian
▪ Joint research has, for the first time, unicorn” due to its extreme rarity.
ascertained the composition of the intestinal • First described: 1993, after a skull discovery in
microbiome of the indri, a critically Vietnam in 1992.
endangered lemur only found in the north- • Closely related to cattle, but resembles
east of Madagascar an antelope in appearance.
▪ Indri, or babakoto in the local language, is the Habitat:
largest of the surviving lemur species. • Endemic to the Annamite Mountains,
▪ Scientific Name: Indri indri on the Laos–Vietnam border.
▪ It is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under • Found in evergreen forests with high
the IUCN Red List. humidity and minimal dry seasons.
• IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
New butterfly species, Zographetus • Population estimate (2015): 50–300
mathewi, discovered in Western Ghats individuals
• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and
indiscriminate snaring

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles

▪ Named Zographetus mathewi, this newly

described skipper butterfly belongs to the
family Hesperiidae
▪ The species, endemic to the low-elevation News: After 30 years, 20 critically endangered Red-
forests of Kerala Crowned Roofed Turtles were successfully

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reintroduced into the Ganga River under the Namami ▪ Scientific Name: Manouria emys
Gange Mission, marking a key biodiversity milestone. ▪ IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
• Scientific Name: Batagur kachuga ▪ Listed under Schedule IV of Wildlife
• Native Range: Protection Act, 1972 (India)
• Countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh ▪ Largest land tortoise in mainland Asia.
• Rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra ▪ Found in tropical and subtropical forests of
(historical); Chambal (current viable India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand,
habitat) Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Protection Status: Unique Features:
• IUCN (Global): Critically Endangered ▪ Known as the “small elephant of the
• Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I (Highest forest” due to its role in seed dispersal
Protection) and floor scavenging.
• CITES (International Trade): Appendix I ▪ One of the few tortoise species that
(Banned) builds above-ground nests and
Key Features: exhibits maternal care.
• Size: Females grow up to 56 cm (about
2 feet) long and weigh 25 kg, while Narayanpatna Goat
males are half as small, making them
much lighter.
• Colours: During breeding season,
males develop bright red, yellow, and
blue streaks on their necks to attract
females.

Asian Giant Tortoise Reintroduction in

Nagaland

▪ Native to Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, has drawn

attention for its disease resistance and climate
resilience, but faces threats due to unscientific
crossbreeding and lack of breed recognition
• Found in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon
blocks of Koraput (Odisha), within the Eastern
Ghats.
• A non-descriptive native goat breed reared by
tribal communities
• Known for its hardiness, reproductive
efficiency, and adaptability to harsh agro-
climatic conditions.

World’s Largest Snake Discovered in the

Amazon: The Northern Green Anaconda

▪ Reintroduction Initiative: Ten critically

endangered Asian giant tortoises were
released into the Zeliang Community Reserve,
Peren district, Nagaland.
▪ Organisers: Joint effort by Nagaland Forest
Department and India Turtle Conservation
Programme (ITCP).
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▪ In 2024, scientists made a staggering discovery ▪ Recently, a rare Red Coral Kukri Snake species,
deep in the Amazon rainforest—a previously last reported in 1936, was recently found
undocumented species of giant anaconda that trapped in a net in a village field near Pilibhit
shattered all known size records. Tiger Reserve, UP
▪ Named the Northern Green Anaconda ▪ It is identified as Oligodon kheriensis.
(Eunectes akayima), this reptilian behemoth ▪ It is one of the rarest non-venomous snake
can grow up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) in length species.
and weigh an astonishing 500 kilograms. With ▪ This nocturnal and fossorial snake is
these dimensions, it is now officially the specialized with curved teeth like kukri
world’s largest and heaviest snake ever (Nepalian Knife).
recorded. ▪ Distribution: It is widely distributed in
▪ Before this discovery, the Green Anaconda lowlands (below 1500ft) of Himalayan foothills
(Eunectes murinus) was considered the from Uttrakhand, Nepal, northern parts of
world’s largest snake, but the Northern Green Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal to Sikkim
Anaconda surpasses it in size and mass. and western Assam.
▪ IUCN: Least Concern (LC)
Barbados Threadsnake ▪ Wild Life Protection Act: Schedule –IV
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
▪ Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2008 under Project
Tiger.
▪ It lies along the India-Nepal border in the
foothills of the Himalayas and is part of the
Terai Arc Landscape.
▪ Rivers: The river Gomti originates from the
PTR

New jumping spider species discovered in

▪ Recently, the world’s smallest known snake southern India; possibly a first for rare
Barbados threadsnake was rediscovered after genera
vanishing for decades.
▪ It is a tiny snake belonging to the family
Leptotyphlopidae.
▪ It reaches a maximum adult length of only 10.4
cm and an average weight of 0.6 g
▪ The snake is blind, nocturnal, burrows in the
ground, eats termites and ants and lays one
single, slender egg
▪ Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
(IUCN Red List)

▪ A team of researchers has identified a new

Rare Red Coral Kukri Snake species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae
subfamily in southern India,
▪ known for their intelligent hunting skills and
web-invasion tactics.
▪ this discovery possibly marks the first time that
the genera Spartaeus and Sonoita (specific
groups within subfamily), previously known
only from Southeast Asia and Africa,
▪ a new species named Spartaeus karigiri, after
Karigiri, or Elephant Hill, in Devarayanadurga,

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Karnataka, where the spiders were first and marshy ecosystems. It is India’s ninth
observed. recognized camel breed, known for foraging in
saline environments.
Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog) Habitat and Distribution:
▪ Native to Kutch region of Gujarat
▪ Approximately 4,000 Kharai camels are
found in Gujarat, with 2,000 in coastal
Kutch alone.
▪ Inhabits mangrove islands and swims
through shallow sea water to graze.
▪ Closely associated with the Rabari and Fakirani
Jat communities, who manage them
▪ The word ‘Kharai’ comes from
Gujarati ‘khara’ meaning salty, referring to
their saline habitat.
▪ The Kharai camel is classified as endangered
by the International Union for Conservation of
▪ A recent study by the Wildlife Institute of India
Nature (IUCN).
(WII) confirmed the reappearance of the dhole
Key Characteristics:
(Asiatic wild dog) in the Kaziranga-Karbi
▪ Swimming Ability: Can swim up to 3
Anglong Landscape, marking its return after
km in the Arabian Sea to access
being considered locally extinct.
mangrove grazing grounds.
▪ Dhole is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
▪ Adapted Physiology: Can survive
▪ Distribution: Found in South, Central, and
on saline vegetation, unlike most
Southeast Asia.
camel breeds.
▪ In India, populations exist in the Western
▪ Monsoon Migration: Moves
Ghats, Eastern Ghats, central India, and parts
to mangrove islands during the rainy
of the northeast.
season for weeks.
▪ Diet Specialisation: Primarily feeds
Kharai camels on mangroves, a rare trait among
camelids.

Asia's oldest elephant 'Vatsala' dies at

Panna Tiger Reserve

NEWS: A herd of 33 rare Kharai camels from Gujarat’s

Singach village was caught in the Arabian Sea tide near
Jamnagar while grazing on mangroves.
▪ Kharai camel is a rare swimming camel
breed of Gujarat, uniquely adapted to coastal

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▪ Vatsala’, considered to be Asia’s oldest Grandala
elephant, died recently at the age of more
than 100 years at the Panna Tiger Reserve in
Madhya Pradesh.
Panna Tiger Reserve
▪ It is in Vindhyan mountain range in northern
part of Madhya Pradesh.
▪ Standing over an area of 542 [Link]., it is the
only tiger reserve in the entire Bundhelkhand
region.
▪ It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the
Government of India in 1994.
▪ Ken River flows from south to north through
the reserve. ▪ A Rare ‘Grandala’ electric-blue bird was
recently spotted in Sainj Valley, Himachal
New gecko species from Assam named Pradesh.
after Brahmaputra ▪ Scientific Name: Grandala coelicolor
▪ It is the only species placed in the genus
Grandala. It is an arboreal insectivore.
▪ it is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the
IUCN Red List.
▪ It ranges across the northeastern Indian
Subcontinent and some adjoining regions,
existing primarily in the low-to-mid altitudes
of the Himalayas.
▪ It is found in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and
Nepal, as well as Tibet and other areas of
China.
▪ They are known for their unique flock-forming
behavior during non-breeding seasons. These
spectacular flocks can sometimes be composed
▪ A new species of diurnal gecko recorded from of up to 200 individuals.
Assam has been named after the Brahmaputra
River. New Lichen species reveals ancient
▪ The Cnemaspis brahmaputra found at symbiosis in the Western Ghats
Dirgheswari Temple on the northern bank of
the river facing Guwahati is non-nocturnal.
▪ Previously thought to be largely restricted to
Sri Lanka.
▪ Cnemaspis brahmaputra is the second species
of the genus Cnemaspis known from the
northeastern region.
▪ The first, Cnemaspis assamensis, was described
in 2000.

▪ A new species of lichen, Allographa

effusosoredica, has been discovered in the
Western Ghats by scientists from MACS-
Agharkar Research Institute, Pune - an
autonomous institute of the Department of
Science & Technology (DST), Government of
India

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▪ Lichens are composite organisms formed by New dragonfly species Lyriothemis
symbiosis between fungi and photosynthetic
abrahami discovered in Kerala
partners like algae or cyanobacteria.
▪ Despite their humble appearance, lichens play
critical roles in ecosystems, building soil,
feeding insects and serving as nature’s
bioindicators.
▪ Allographa effusosoredica becomes the 53rd
species from the genus reported from India
and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone.

In India, Euglena and its relatives are now

widespread indicators of deteriorating ▪ Recently, a new species of dragonfly,
water quality Lyriothemis abrahami has been discovered in
Kerala.

New Panda-Like Sea Squirt Species

Discovered

▪ A unicellular, flagellated microorganism

▪ These are commonly found in stagnant or
slow-moving freshwater ponds, ditches, and
urban lakes.
▪ Characteristics: These protists are highly
adaptable, capable of both photosynthesis
(like plants) and feeding on organic matter
(like animals).
▪ This flexibility helps them thrive in nutrient-
rich, oxygen-poor environments.
Impact of Euglena on Biodiversity
▪ Oxygen depletion: Euglena photosynthesises, ▪ Recent marine explorations near Kumejima
but at night it consumes oxygen, leading to Island have revealed a strikingly unique sea
diurnal oxygen fluctuations. This can result in creature.
hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which is ▪ Named *Clavelina ossipandae*, this tiny sea
dangerous for fish and other aquatic life. squirt resembles a panda due to its unusual
▪ Dense surface scums: Euglenoid blooms form black-and-white pattern.
thick mats on the water surface, which block ▪ Measuring only about 20 millimetres long, this
sunlight from reaching submerged plants. This sea squirt has a compact body with contrasting
reduces the lake’s productivity and alters its dark and light patches.
ecological balance. ▪ The panda-like appearance is an optical illusion
▪ Fish mortality: Euglenophyte blooms can stick created by its internal anatomy.
to fish gills, making it hard for them to
breathe. Some species also produce toxins like
euglenophycin, which directly kill fish or
indirectly affect them by disrupting the food
chain and oxygen levels.

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Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina ▪ Two new species of damselflies named Konkan
Shadowdamsel and Crimson Shadowdamsel
pseudomontana
have been discovered in the Western Ghats by
researchers from Maharashtra and Kerala
▪ They are two new species of damselflies.
▪ The species — Konkan Shadowdamsel,
discovered in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg
district, and Crimson Shadowdamsel,
discovered in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram
district — belong to the group commonly
called ‘Shadowdamsels’ because of their
affinity for well-shaded forest habitats.

First artificial incubation of Asian Giant

Tortoises succeeds in Manipur
▪ Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI) have identified two new Collembola
(springtail) species from West Bengal - Salina
aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana
▪ These are the first new Salina species
recorded in India since 1979, raising the
national count to 17 species
▪ Collembola improves soil structure, aid
nutrient cycling, and serves as indicators of
ecosystem health. ▪ The first experiment to artificially incubate the
What are Collembola Springtails? largest tortoise in mainland Asia has succeeded
▪ These are among the oldest land-dwelling in Manipur.
hexapods on Earth, dating back hundreds of ▪ The Manipur Zoological Garden in Imphal and
millions of years. the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP)
▪ Habitat: They are found in leaf litter, decaying recorded 28 hatchlings from a nest of the
wood, and soil. Asian giant tortoises.
▪ Significance: Their abundance and sensitivity ▪ The Asian giant tortoise (Manouria emys
make them invaluable in monitoring pollution, phayrei) is a critically endangered species
climate change, and agricultural sustainability. native to five northeastern States — Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and
Two new species of damselflies have been Nagaland.
discovered
Australia approves world’s first vaccine to
save koalas from chlamydia

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▪ chlamydia infections are causing infertility ▪ Researchers from National Bureau of Fish
and death in the iconic native species that is Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have discovered a
listed as endangered in parts of Australia. new species of finless snake eel and named it
▪ The single-dose vaccine was developed by the after Kanniyakumari as Apterichtus
University of the Sunshine Coast in kanniyakumari.
Queensland ▪ discovered off the Colachel coast.
▪ the vaccine reduced the likelihood of koalas ▪ Distribution: They are found in both tropical
developing symptoms of chlamydia during and temperate waters in oceans around the
breeding age and decreased mortality from world.
the disease in wild populations by at least ▪ Habitat: These eels mainly live in sandy areas
65%. in shallow seas, however some live in depths to
▪ threats from disease, habitat loss, climate 800m.
change and road collisions, koalas could
become extinct by 2050. Bonnet Macaques

Red-Necked Phalarope Spotted in Tamil

Nadu

NEWS: Recently, the Forest department has registered

a case into the mysterious deaths of nine Bonnet
macaques near Palode in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
▪ The Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus ▪ A primate species endemic to southern India,
lobatus), a rare migratory bird, was recently often found living close to human settlements.
sighted at the Nanjarayan bird sanctuary in ▪ Known for the distinctive “bonnet-shaped” hair
Tirupur city. whorl on its head.
▪ ▪ Habitat: Found across Western Ghats, southern
▪ This marks the first time the species has been plains, and urban fringes.
recorded in this inland water body. ▪ IUCN Status: Listed as Vulnerable (VU)
▪ The Red-necked Phalarope is a small wader
known for its distinctive red neck and spinning New Coral Species ‘Iridogorgia
feeding technique. chewbacca’ Identified
▪ It breeds in the Arctic and migrates south
during winter to South Eastern countries.
▪ The bird feeds on tiny planktonic invertebrates
found in water. It uses rapid circular swimming
to bring prey within reach.
▪ Conservation status: IUCN: Least concern.

Apterichtus kanniyakumari

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▪ Scientists have discovered and named a new Migratory bird Sykes’s Nightjar recorded in
deep-sea coral species Iridogorgia
Mangaluru in ‘a first for south India’
chewbacca in the western Pacific Ocean.
▪ Found In: Tropical Western Pacific Ocean – first
observed in 2006 and later confirmed as a
distinct species through genetic analysis.
▪ Named Iridogorgia
chewbacca after Chewbacca, the tall and furry
character from Star Wars.
▪ The name reflects its hairy, curly, shiny
branches that resemble the character’s fur.

Caracal cat

▪ Winter migration recorded Sykes’s Nightjar at

Jokatte (city outskirts).
▪ Small bird: 20–25 cm, short bill, dark blackish-
brown eyes.
▪ Has cryptic plumage which helps it to blends
with surroundings.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

▪ Scientific Name: Caracal caracal

▪ In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name
that translates as ‘black Ear’.
▪ India’s most elusive and threatened wild cat,
the rare caracal, has been camera-trapped
within the fenced cheetah zone of Gandhi
Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
▪ It is a medium-sized wildcat that is often NEWS: The global report released at the IUCN
referred to as the desert lyn;, however, they Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi warned that
are more closely related to the African golden the long-term survival prospects for India's dugong
cat and the Serval. (sea cow) populations are highly
▪ Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the uncertain or challenging, and that populations in some
Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. regions have declined significantly
▪ Their numbers in India have dwindled to an About Dugong
estimated 50, primarily in Rajasthan and ▪ A large herbivorous marine mammal (sea
Gujarat. cow).
▪ Habitat: They are keenly adapted to the ▪ Major Indian habitats: Gulf of Mannar–Palk
potentially harsh environments of savanna, Bay (TN), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Gulf
semi-desert, dry woodland, arid hilly steppe, of Kutch (Gujarat).
and dry mountains ▪ Globally distributed from East Africa to
▪ IUCN Red List: Least concern Australia, with the largest stable population
▪ The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule near northwestern Australia.
I Conservation Status:

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▪ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (declining ▪ African grey parrots are easily available in
populations since 1982). markets.
▪ Wild Life (Protection) Act, ▪ International trade of African grey parrots is
1972 (India): Schedule I – highest level of legal banned, and their sale is illegal in many places
protection. because they are an endangered species
▪ Species: Psittacus erithacus — medium-sized,
Rare Albino Checkered Keelback Discovery highly intelligent, world’s best mimic (“Einstein
of the bird world”).
at Assam State Zoo
▪ Habitat/Range: Native to West & Central Africa
▪ IUCN Status: Endangered

Taningia silasii : New Species of Deep-Sea

Squid From Arabian Sea

▪ A team from the Assam State Zoo and

Botanical Garden recently recorded the first
case of albinism in the checkered keelback - ▪ Researchers of the Central Marine Fisheries
also called the Asian water snake, in Assam. Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi have
▪ Scientific name: Fowlea piscator. discovered a new species of deep-sea squid
▪ Nature: Medium-sized, non-venomous snake. from the Arabian Sea and named it as
▪ Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid).
Lanka; found widely across Indian states. ▪ It is the only second formally recognised
▪ Habitat: Freshwater—ponds, marshes, rice species in the Taningia genus. (Taningia danae
fields. was the first species found in the Atlantic
▪ IUCN: Least Concern. Ocean belonging to this genus)

Forest Department has no records of Lycodon irwini is a newly identified glossy-

authorised pet shops dealing in African black wolf snake
grey parrots

▪ Lycodon irwini is a newly identified glossy-

black wolf snake discovered on Great Nicobar
Island, confirmed as a distinct species and
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named after conservationist Steve Irwin & ▪ Found across the plains of tropical Asia,
currently known only from the island. especially:
▪ Indian Subcontinent
Atlas Moth Recorded in Karnataka ▪ Southeast Asia, extending south of the
Himalayas
▪ IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
▪ Main threats: Wetland degradation, pollution,
habitat loss, and human disturbance.

Nesolynx banabitanae Discovered In West

Bengal

▪ Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) — world’s largest

moth
▪ Recently spotted in Guddehalli, Karwar,
Karnataka (Davangere district)
▪ Native: Tropical & subtropical Southeast Asia
▪ Found in: NE India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
SE China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan
▪ Habitat: Rainforests
▪ Type: Wasp (Insect)
▪ Silk: Produces coarse “fagara silk”
▪ Named After: Banabitan, Salt Lake, West
Bengal
Painted Storks Return To Kaziranga After ▪ No. of Wasp Species in India: 7
Four Years
Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

• Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Latehar district,

Jharkhand, is the only wildlife sanctuary in
India dedicated entirely to the Indian grey wolf
(Canis lupus pallipes).

▪ Established in 1976 for the conservation of the

Indian grey wolf.
▪ Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is an integral part
of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Painted Stork ▪ Conservation Status:

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▪ IUCN: Vulnerable (population in About Strychnos dalzellii
India: 2,000 - 3,000 individuals). ▪ Endemic to: Western Ghats
▪ Population estimate: Only 2,877– ▪ Local name: Kanjiram / Modirakanjiram
3,310 mature individuals remain in ▪ Medicinal uses: Treats fever, rheumatism,
the wild across India and Pakistan. digestive and nervous disorders
▪ Status: Vulnerable (IUCN)
IUCN to Classify Indian Wolf / Peninsular
Wolf as Potential Distinct Species Bridgeoporus Kanadii is a new species of
fungi discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

▪ The IUCN is considering the Indian wolf (Canis

lupus pallipes) as a potential distinct species, a
change from its previous classification as a
subspecies of the gray wolf.
▪ This reclassification is based on its unique Named after: Mycologist Kanad Das
genetic lineage and adaptation to semi-arid Feature: Huge fruiting bodies (up to 3 m radius, can
habitats in the Indian subcontinent. hold a person’s weight)
▪ IUCN - The Indian wolf is now also classified as Role: Decomposes dead wood, aiding forest
"Vulnerable" regeneration

Scientists discover a new fungal plant Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri: New

pathogen Paramyrothecium species of slender gecko
strychni species in Kerala

▪ Discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

▪ Host Plant: Strychnos dalzellii (Loganiaceae) ▪ Found in Tirumala hill ranges, Seshachalam
▪ Causes: Leaf spot and blight disease Biosphere Reserve, Andhra Pradesh

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▪ Named after Venkatadri Hills ▪ Lifespan: ~14 yrs wild, ~20 yrs captivity
Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve — Key Facts
▪ Located in Eastern Ghats, Southern Andhra New Semi-Aquatic Spider Species
Pradesh
Dolomedes indicus Found in Western
▪ Also called Tirupati-Kadapa hills
▪ Declared Biosphere Reserve in 2010 Ghats
▪ Highest peak: Tellaralla Penta
▪ Includes Tirumala Hills — shrine of Lord
Venkateswara (Balaji)

Cane toad ranked world’s most invasive

species

▪ Dolomedes indicus is a newly identified spider

species.
▪ Discovered in the evergreen rainforests of the
Western Ghats, specifically Wayanad district,
Kerala.
▪ This is the first-ever species of the Dolomedes
genus (raft/fishing spiders) recorded in India.
▪ Unlike passive web-building house spiders, it is
an active, semi-aquatic predator that hunts
using water surface tension.

Megaloblatta longipennis, the world’s

largest known winged cockroach
▪ Found in the tropical
forests of Peru,
Ecuador and Panama.
▪ Maximum recorded
specimen: 97 mm long,
▪ The cane toad has become a global symbol of wingspan up to 20 cm.
ecological disruption, spreading far beyond its ▪ Genus first described in
native South and Central American range. 1887 by Heinrich
▪ Introduced internationally for agricultural pest Dohrn.
control, especially to manage sugar-cane
beetle pests. Scientists recently discovered a new
▪ Transported to Australia, the species of snakehead fish named Channa
Caribbean, and Pacific islands. bhoi from Meghalaya
▪ Produces bufotoxins from parotoid
About Channa bhoi
glands, which can kill predators.
▪ It is a new species of snakehead fish.
▪ Highly adaptable—tolerates heat, cold, and
▪ It was discovered in the Ri-Bhoi district of
dehydration, and adjusts quickly to new
Meghalaya.
habitats. Spreads across farms, wetlands,
▪ It has been named Channa bhoi, after the
gardens, and disturbed landscapes.
indigenous Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe who
▪ African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) - IUCN
inhabit the Ri-Bhoi region.
Status: Vulnerable
▪ It belongs to the “Gachua group” of snakehead
▪ Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) :
fishes, a group known for its high diversity in
Critically Endangered (survives only in Iran)
the Eastern Himalayan region.
▪ Fastest land animal: 97–113 km/h

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▪ It can be distinguished from its close relatives
by a unique colour pattern.

BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) to

release six critically endangered vultures
in Assam after 15-year conservation effort

▪ First Indian record of genus Neelus; global

species count now 8.
▪ Microscopic, soil- and moss-dwelling micro-
arthropod.

Parasynnemellisia khasiana

▪ BNHS will release 6 critically endangered

vultures (slender-billed & white-rumped) into
the wild in Assam, Jan 2026 under India’s
vulture recovery programme.
Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
▪ Critically Endangered; once widespread, now in
fragmented pockets.
▪ Habitat: Gangetic plains, Assam, N.
Bangladesh, S. Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia.
▪ IUCN: Critically Endangered (~870 mature
individuals).
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
▪ Medium-sized Asian vulture; one of the fastest-
declining birds.
▪ Habitat: Cities, villages, plains, open fields;
nests on large trees/cliffs.
▪ IUCN: Critically Endangered due to diclofenac
poisoning.

New Collembola Species Discovered in ▪ A previously unknown fungus named

Parasynnemellisia khasiana has been
Sikkim Highlands discovered in the bamboo forests around
▪ Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India
Mawsynram, adding a new species — and
(ZSI) recently discovered ‘Neelus sikkimensis’,
even a new genus — to the scientific record
the first of its genus in India, in the high-
from Meghalaya.
altitude region of Sikkim.
About Parasynnemellisia khasiana
About Neelus sikkimensis
▪ It is named after the Khasi Hills.
▪ New Collembola species discovered from high-
▪ New fungus found on dead thorny bamboo
altitude Sikkim.
(Chimonocalamus griffithianus) in Mawsynram.

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DISEASES
1. Tularemia Tularemia – Rising Cases
2. The Zombie Deer of Rabbit Fever
What is rabbit fever?
▪ Rabbit fever (Tularemia) is caused by bacterium Francisella tularensis.
▪ Tularemia can be spread to human beings by infected animals like rabbits,
rodents, hares and prairie dogs, as well as through tick or deer fly bites.
The infection can also spread by drinking contaminated water and inhaling
contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and laboratory
exposure.
▪ Symptoms vary depending on how the infection occurs

The 'zombie deer' disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Scientists express concern over the possibility of the
deadly and incurable 'zombie deer' disease affecting
humans.
About Zombie Deer Disease:
• Known scientifically as Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD), it is a progressive and fatal
neurological disease which primarily affects
deer, elk, moose, and reindeer.
What causes CWD?
NEWS: A Pune-based patient has died after
• CWD is caused by infectious proteins
contracting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), making it
called prions.
the first suspected death in Maharashtra due to the
• Prions are proteins that cause other
disease.
proteins in the brain to fold abnormally
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
- they create spongy holes in the
▪ Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an
tissue - leading to brain damage and
autoimmune neurological disorder in which a
neurological diseases
person’s immune system attacks their
Transmission:
peripheral nerves (the part of the nervous
• CWD prions are highly
system outside the brain and spinal cord),
contagious and spread through body
leading to muscle weakness that can progress
fluids such as saliva, feces, blood, or
to paralysis.
urine, either by direct contact or
▪ It can develop over a few days or several
environmental contamination.
weeks. People of any age can be affected, but
Symptoms:
it is more common in adults and males.
• progressive weight loss.
▪ The condition is rare, with an estimated
• Numerous behavioral changes,
incidence of 1/2 per 100,000 population.
including decreased social interaction,
▪ According to the World Health Organization
loss of awareness, and loss of fear of
(WHO), infection with the bacteria
humans.
Campylobacter jejuni, which causes
• Diseased animals also may
gastroenteritis (including symptoms of nausea,
exhibit increased drinking, urination,
vomiting and diarrhoea), is one of the most
and excessive salivation.
common risk factors
• Treatment: It is always fatal in infected
▪ Can also develop GBS after having the flu or
animals. There is no vaccine or treatment.
other viral infections including
cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and the
Zika virus.
Signs and symptoms

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▪ The first signs of GBS are usually tingling and African Swine Fever
weakness that start in the feet and legs before ▪ Assam has banned inter-district movement of
spreading to the upper body, arms and face. live pigs and prohibited pork sales in seven
▪ The ability to speak and swallow can become districts after a sharp spike in African Swine
affected in severe cases. Fever (ASF) cases.
▪ GBS can lead to life-threatening complications ▪ First detected in India: Arunachal Pradesh &
when it affects the autonomic nervous system Assam (2020).
which controls your blood pressure and heart ▪ A highly contagious viral hemorrhagic
rate. disease affecting domestic and wild pigs,
caused by the African Swine Fever Virus
(ASFV)—a large double-stranded DNA virus of
the Asfarviridae
▪ It has no impact on humans but is devastating
to pig populations with up to 100% mortality.
▪ Notifiable disease (mandatory reporting).
▪ No vaccine or cure worldwide.

Karnataka Issues Advisory On Naegleria

▪ TREATMENT: There is no known cure for GBS. Fowleri Risk For
However, there are some treatments that aid Pilgrims
in recovery. ▪ Karnataka Health
▪ Most people can make a nearly full recovery. A Department
few may be left with remaining muscle issued an
weakeness. advisory for
▪ The treatments primarily include plasma Sabarimala
exchange and intravenous immunoglobin pilgrims.
therapy. ▪ Warning about
PAM (Primary
False Smut Disease Amoebic Meningoencephalitis) caused by
Naegleria fowleri (“brain-eating amoeba”).
▪ PAM = rare, often fatal brain infection.
▪ Amoeba found in contaminated warm
freshwater (wells, ponds).
Transmission

▪ According to reports, the paddy crop, which is

at the maturing and harvest stage, has been
infested with false smut disease, causing
widespread damage across Punjab.
False smut (haldi rog):
▪ It is an important fungal disease of rice
(paddy). ▪ Enters through nose while swimming/bathing
▪ It is caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea in contaminated warm freshwater; reaches
virens. brain causing tissue damage + swelling.
▪ It is also known as Lakshmi disease or ▪ Not spread by drinking water or person-to-
Oothupathi disease of rice. person.
▪ Treatment : No proven cure; managed with
amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, etc.

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MISCELLANEOUS
1. International Year of Glacier International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
Preservation
2. Mount Taranaki
3. Project Tiger
4. Ashtamudi lake
5. Natural Hydrogen
6. CBAM
7. Sea of Galilee
8. Biochar
9. Smog eating Photocatalytic Coatings

▪ Established by UN General Assembly (UNGA)

▪ An initiative to highlight the importance of glaciers and ensure they receive the necessary services
▪ this initiative also designates 21 March as the annual World Day for Glaciers, starting in 2025.
The United Nations (UN) has also proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of:
• Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ): A global collaboration to celebrate the impact of quantum science
on technology, culture, and the natural world
• Cooperatives: An initiative to promote cooperatives and their role in social development

What are Glaciers? ▪ The IUCN Red List Categories define the
• About: Glaciers are large, slow-moving masses extinction risk of species assessed.
of ice formed from compacted snow over ▪ Nine categories extend from NE (Not
centuries. Evaluated) to EX (Extinct). Critically
• They form on land and move due to gravity, Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and
slowly moving downward. Vulnerable (VU) species are considered to be
• Historical Context: Most glaciers today threatened with extinction.
are remnants of the massive ice sheets that
covered Earth during the Ice Age (around
10,000 years ago).
• Global Distribution: Most glaciers are found
in polar regions such as Greenland, the
Canadian Arctic, and Antarctica because
of low solar insolation received in higher
latitudes.
• Tropical glaciers exist in mountain ranges near
the Equator, like the Andes in South
America at high altitudes.

Cryogenic facility to preserve endangered ▪ Cryogenics is defined as the science of

plant species in Tamil Nadu materials at temperatures below negative 153
▪ The State government has approved the degrees Celsius. It deals with extremely low
establishment of a native species seed vault temperatures where common gases like
with cryogenic facilities at Tamil Nadu hydrogen, nitrogen, and air become liquid.
Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore. ▪ Cryogenics, typically uses helium and nitrogen
▪ The project, which will cost ₹10.50 lakh, aims as the cryogenic fluid, the thing that cools a
to conserve rare, endangered, and threatened substance.
plant species through cryopreservation (a ▪ The cryogenic unit will provide long-term
technique that preserves living cells, tissues, storage for these plant materials to safeguard
and organs at very low temperatures) them from extinction.
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Mount Taranaki Becomes a Legal Person ▪ In 2023, the country further cemented its
leadership in conservation by launching the
International Big Cats Alliance to protect big
cats worldwide.
▪ The National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) – established in 2005 - is a statutory
body of the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change, which plays a key role in
the ‘PROJECT TIGER. ‘

Bioluminescent Bloom

▪ The mountain will no longer be officially

known as Egmont - the named given to it by
British explorer James Cook in the 18th
Century - and instead be called Taranaki
Maunga, while the surrounding national park
will also be given its Māori name.
▪ The mountain is not the first of New Zealand's ▪ The bioluminescent bloom in
natural feature's to be granted legal Kochi’s backwaters, while visually stunning,
personhood. has raised ecological and economic concerns
▪ In 2014, the Urewera native forest became the due to its harmful effects on marine life and
first to gain such status, followed by the local fishing communities.
Whanganui River in 2017. ▪ A natural light-emitting phenomenon (locally
▪ It also recognises the Māori worldview that known as kavaru) in marine and brackish
natural features, including mountains, are waters caused by microscopic organisms that
ancestors and living beings. produce a glowing effect when disturbed.
▪ It means Taranaki Maunga [Mt Taranaki] will ▪ It is essentially a conversion of chemical
effectively own itself, with representatives of energy into light. One of the primary
the local tribes, iwi, and government working organisms responsible is Noctiluca scintillans,
together to manage it. a microscopic plankton.
• Common in coastal and estuarine zones with
India celebrates 52 years of Project Tiger: high nutrient loads.
• Majorly found in Thiruvanmiyur Beach
A global conservation success story
(Chennai), Juhu Beach (Mumbai), Bangaram
▪ Project Tiger was
Island (Lakshadweep), and Betalbatim Beach
launched on April
(Goa), raising ecological concerns.
1, 1973 to protect
the country’s
Why Does it Occur?
dwindling tiger
• Triggered by eutrophication—excessive
population.
nutrients (nitrates, phosphates) in water
▪ From just 1,411
from industrial waste, sewage, and fertilizer
tigers in 2006,
runoff.
India’s wild tiger
• Conditions like high salinity, warm
population surged
temperatures, and turbidity accelerate
to 3,682 in 2022,
blooms.
making it home to nearly 75 per cent of the
Impact
world’s wild tigers.
▪ Marine Ecosystem Disruption: Bioluminescent
▪ In 1973, Project Tiger began with nine
blooms lead to Harmful Algal Blooms,
reserves covering 9,115 sq. km. The country
now has 58 tiger reserves.

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causing hypoxia, fish mortality, and ▪ Representing India in international Article 6
severe biodiversity loss. dialogues, facilitating credit transfers and
▪ Toxin Release: The blooms emit neurotoxins, cooperative climate action.
hepatotoxins, and dermatoxins, endangering Strategic Significance & NDC Alignment
marine life and posing health risks to fishers ▪ India’s NDC commitments include:
and consumers. ▪ Reducing GDP emission intensity by
▪ Aquaculture Losses: Oxygen depletion and 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
toxic buildup disrupt fish migration and ▪ Achieving 50% electric power capacity
damage fish farms, reducing productivity. from non-fossil sources by 2030.
▪ Livelihood & Export Impact: Declining fish ▪ Creating additional carbon sinks of
catches and toxin-contaminated 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent
seafood affect local incomes and through afforestation.
diminish export market value. ▪ The NDA is integral to facilitating India’s carbon
market infrastructure and enabling compliance
National Designated Authority (NDA) to with these targets.
Additional Facts:
Enable Carbon Emissions Trading Regime
▪ Carbon credits were born under the Kyoto
What Is the NDA?
Protocol (1997) and later refined under the
▪ India has constituted a 21-member National
Paris Agreement (2015).
Designated Authority (NDA), headed by the
▪ Now credits are issued as ITMOs
Union Environment Secretary, under the
(Internationally Transferred Mitigation
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate
Outcomes).
Change (MoEFCC). This moves seeks to
▪ UNFCCC (United Nations Framework
oversee carbon trading and other market-
Convention on Climate Change) Oversees the
based mechanisms in alignment with the Paris
global carbon credit system.
Agreement.
▪ Each country designates a National Authority
▪ The NDA is a mandatory institutional
(like India’s new NDA) to approve and track
requirement under Article 6 of the Paris
which projects generate carbon credits.
Agreement, which sets the framework for
▪ Credits are only valid internationally if
international and domestic carbon credit
UNFCCC (or UN body called the Article 6.4
trading.
Supervisory Body) approves them.
Composition & Leadership
▪ It’s a 21-member committee chaired by the
Union Environment Secretary. Ashtamudi Lake
▪ Members represent key ministries including ▪ The Kerala High Court recently directed the
External Affairs, Renewable Energy, Steel, State government and the State Wetland
Power, NITI Aayog, among others. Authority Kerala (SWAK) to constitute an
▪ This expansion supports the launch of India's Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit for the
compliance carbon market by 2026 and conservation of the wetland within two
strengthens India’s positioning for hosting COP months of a notification being issued for this.
33 in 2028. ▪ It is a freshwater lake located in the Kollam
District of Kerala.
Core Functions of NDA ▪ It is the second largest lake in Kerala, after
▪ Evaluating, approving, and authorizing Vembanad Lake.
projects that generate emission reduction ▪ It is often referred to as the gateway to the
units or carbon credits under Article 6. backwaters of [Link] is a large palm-shaped
▪ Recommending eligible activities for inclusion (also described as octopus-shaped) water
in carbon trading aligned with national body.
sustainability goals. ▪ The name ‘Ashtamudi’is adapted from the
▪ Monitoring and updating eligible activities in topography of the lake.‘ Ashta’ means eight,
line with India’s evolving climate priorities. and ‘mudi’ means coned.
▪ Issuing permissions for using emission ▪ The lake is fed by several rivers, including the
reduction units to meet India’s Nationally Kallada [Link] eventually drains into the
Determined Contributions (NDCs). Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.
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UK’s Proposed Carbon Border Tax (CBAM)

Context: India has stated it will retaliate if the UK
imposes a carbon tax (CBAM) on Indian exports
starting January 2027, calling it a violation of the CBDR
(Common But Differentiated Responsibilities) principle
under international climate agreements.
What is CBAM?
• It is a form of carbon tax on imports imposed
by developed countries (like the EU or UK)
based on the carbon intensity of production in
the exporting country.
• Aims to prevent carbon leakage by equalizing
carbon prices between domestic and imported
goods.
• The UK’s version of CBAM is expected to
start from January 1, 2027.
• Sectors like steel, aluminium, cement, and
energy-intensive goods are likely to be
affected first.

WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029

▪ It was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002.
▪ Historical records of the Moroccan explorer
Ibn Battuta highlights Quilon city, on the
banks of Ashtamudi Lake as one of the major
trading centers in the ancient period.

Natural Hydrogen
▪ Governments and private firms across the
globe are intensifying efforts to explore natural ▪ The World Meteorological Organization
hydrogen as a low-cost, zero-emission fuel, (WMO) has released a new decadal climate
with recent discoveries in France’s Moselle forecast, warning that global temperatures
region and strong interest from India. between 2025 and 2029 are expected to
What is Natural Hydrogen? remain at or above record levels, significantly
• Natural hydrogen is free molecular hydrogen increasing climate-related risks and
(H₂) that occurs naturally underground . development challenges.
• It is a clean-burning, non-polluting, and ▪ Temperature Range: Annual global mean
potentially renewable energy source if surface temperature is projected to be 1.2°C to
extracted sustainably. 1.9°C above pre-industrial (1850–1900) levels.
Key Features of Natural Hydrogen: ▪ Record-Breaking Heat:
• Zero-Emission Fuel: Burns to produce only ▪ 80% chance that one year between
water vapor; no CO₂ emissions. 2025–2029 will exceed 2024, the
• Low-Cost Potential: Estimated production hottest year on record.
cost $1/kg, much cheaper than green ▪ The average global temperature in
hydrogen. 2024 was about 1.45°C above pre-
• Sustainable: Naturally regenerates in industrial levels (1850–1900).
geological formations. ▪ 86% chance that one year will cross
• High Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells the 1.5°C threshold.
are 3 times more efficient than gasoline. ▪ The Paris Agreement target refers to long-term
(20-year average) temperature rise — not a
single year.

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DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for ▪ Data Deficiency: Lack of granular data on
waste quantities, recycling infrastructure, and
Urban Green Mobility)
informal disposal.
▪ The DRUM app, developed by IIT-Kharagpur
▪ Lack of Infrastructure: Limited certified
researchers, is set to begin real-world trials
recyclers with tech to extract and separate
after successful simulations in Delhi.
silicon, silver, or polymers.
▪ DRUM is a web-based mobility application that
▪ Unregulated Storage: Stacking in open
suggests real-time route options based on
environments increases fire, contamination,
pollution, energy, speed, and distance
and breakage risk.
metrics.
Implications on People:
▪ Provides five types of routes: Shortest, Fastest,
▪ Health Hazards to Informal Workers: Exposure
Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP), Least
to toxic elements like lead, cadmium, and
Energy Consumption (LECR), and a Balanced
arsenic during unregulated dismantling can
Suggested Route.
cause respiratory, skin, and neurological
disorders.
CPCB Drafts India’s First Solar Waste ▪ E.g. Informal recycling units in states like
Playbook Gujarat and Maharashtra lack safety protocols,
▪ The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) risking worker health.
released draft guidelines on June 4, 2025, for ▪ Community-Level Pollution
managing solar photovoltaic (PV) waste under Exposure: Improper disposal near residential
the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. or agricultural areas contaminates local air,
What is Solar Waste? soil, and water, impacting livelihoods.
▪ Solar waste refers to end-of-life solar PV ▪ E.g. Dumping of solar waste in rural dump
modules, panels, or cells discarded from use or yards near water bodies raises cancer and birth
manufacturing, now classified as CEEW defect risks.
14 under e-waste rules. Implications on Environment:
▪ India may generate over 34,600 tonnes of ▪ Soil and Groundwater Contamination: Toxic
solar waste by 2030 due to accelerated leachates from solar panel metals like selenium
installations across rooftops, floating, and and tellurium pollute soil and aquifers when
ground-mounted parks. dumped unscientifically.
Legal & Policy Framework: E-Waste Rules, 2022: ▪ E.g. Studies show that cadmium telluride
▪ Coverage: Solar waste is governed under leaching from panels can persist in soil for
Chapter V of the E-Waste (Management) Rules. years.
▪ Exemption: Unlike other e-waste, solar panels ▪ Air Pollution from Burning Panels: Burning
are exempt from EPR recycling targets till polymer back-sheets and soldering metals
2034–35. release hazardous fumes, worsening air quality
▪ Obligations: Producers must register, file and ecosystem health.
annual returns, maintain collection systems, ▪ E.g. Incineration without filters emits dioxins
and comply with CPCB SOPs. and furans, known carcinogens under
▪ Hazard Classification: Solar waste Stockholm Convention.
contains hazardous elements like cadmium, Solutions and Key Measures from Draft Guidelines:
lead, arsenic, gallium, and tellurium. ▪ Safe Storage Infrastructure:
Issues Surrounding Solar Waste in India: ▪ Use covered, ventilated, dry storage
▪ Environmental Risks: Toxic heavy metals may areas with impervious, non-leachable
leach into soil/water or release fumes if panels floors to avoid soil/water
are burnt or dumped. contamination.
▪ E.g. Lead and cadmium are potent ▪ Stack panels only up to 20 layers or 2
groundwater pollutants. metres height.
▪ Health Hazards: Informal or unsafe handling ▪ Collection Mechanism & Take-Back:
may cause respiratory, skin, or neurological ▪ Mandatory take-back programmes by
ailments among workers. producers, with websites, helplines,
and pickup logistics.

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▪ Consumer database to facilitate EOL Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries
(End-of-Life) recovery.
2024
▪ Transportation Standards:
▪ The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) publishes
▪ Use only covered trucks, preferably hazardous
Animal Discoveries every year detailing the
waste-compliant vehicles, to move waste to
new discoveries of fauna.
recycling centres.
▪ Similarly, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
▪ Follow the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016 for
publishes Plant Discoveries every year
final disposal.
detailing the new discoveries of flora
▪ Labeling & Inventory: All containers must be
▪ India added 683 new species to its fauna in
clearly labelled with solar waste type; periodic
the year 2024, which included 459 new species
inspections and inventories are mandated.
and 224 species new records.
▪ Emergency & Fire Safety: Install fire protection
▪ The country also added 433 taxa of flora
systems, ERP protocols, and clear emergency
during the same period, which included 410
exits in storage zones.
species and 23 infra-specific taxa of plants.
▪ Public Participation: CPCB has invited
▪ The maximum number of new discoveries of
comments till June 25, 2025, ensuring
fauna in 2024 was recorded from Kerala (101);
participatory policy formulation.
followed by Karnataka (82)
▪ In terms of plant discoveries, the highest
CSIR-NIIST develops technology for in situ number of flora discovered was from Kerala
disposal of biomedical waste (58); followed by Maharashtra (45)
▪ The hotspot regions, such as the Western
Ghats and the North-Eastern regions, have
contributed 35% of total discoveries.

Sea of Galilee Turns Red

▪ The National Institute for Interdisciplinary

Science and Technology (NIIST), a Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
laboratory here, has developed a technology
for their in situ disposal in an ecofriendly and
cost-effective way.
▪ Models meant for regular hospitals and one for
the Military Hospital in the high-altitude
Siachen glacier are currently undergoing tests
▪ The treated waste is expelled from the unit in
the form of a powder which is useful as a soil
additive
▪ The unit undergoing tests for the Military
Hospital in Siachen is capable of handling 10 kg
at a time, and up to about 100 kg a day
▪ The 10 kg unit takes about half-an-hour to
dispose of a single batch.
▪ Israel’s largest freshwater lake, changed
colour to red due to an algal bloom

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▪ The green algae Botryococcus braunii, Sabarmati River
common in the lake, produces red (carotenoid)
pigments under sunlight.
▪ It lies 209 metres below sea level, making it the
lowest freshwater lake on Earth.
▪ Fed mainly by the Jordan River, it sits in the
Jordan Rift Valley formed by tectonic plate
movements.
▪ The lake is known by several names, including
Lake Tiberias and Yam Kinneret.

Great Barrier Reef has recorded its largest

Coral Bleach NEWS: Thirteen stretches of rivers in Gujarat have
been officially classified as polluted, with the Sabarmati
emerging as the most contaminated, according to data
tabled by the Union govt in the Lok Sabha recently.
Sabarmati River
▪ It is a monsoon-fed, west-flowing river.
▪ Course: It originates in the Aravalli Mountain
Range in the Udaipur district of the northern
Indian state of Rajasthan.
▪ The river flows in a southwesterly direction
across Rajasthan and Gujarat.
▪ It finally empties into the Gulf of Khambhat of
the Arabian Sea.
▪ It is about 371 km in length. In Gujarat, the
river extends to a length of about 323 km,
while in Rajasthan the river has a length of
▪ The Great Barrier Reef, located off the eastern
about 48 km.
coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland,
▪ Major Tributaries: Wakal River, Harnav River,
has recorded its largest annual coral cover Hathmati River, Watrak River, and Madhumati
decline in nearly 40 years, driven by severe River.
coral bleaching, cyclones, and crown-of-thorns
starfish outbreaks (coral eating starfish).
Coral Bleaching?
Biochar
▪ A stress response in corals when symbiotic ▪ The Indian carbon market set to be launched
algae (zooxanthellae) are expelled from coral in 2026, CO2 removal technologies such as
tissues. biochar are expected to play a crucial role.
▪ Loss of algae removes the coral’s main food ▪ Biochar is a type of charcoal rich in carbon
source and colour, leaving it pale or white. and is produced from agricultural residue and
▪ Bleaching does not always kill coral, but organic municipal solid waste.
prolonged stress can lead to mortality. ▪ It is granular material obtained by heating crop
Causes of Coral Bleaching: residue at 400°C to 600°C in a kiln-shaped
▪ Increased Sea Temperatures – Often from structure in the absence of oxygen.
climate change and El Niño events. ▪ Advantage of Biochar: It can hold carbon in
▪ Pollution & Runoff – Nutrient-rich runoff from the soil for 100-1,000 years due to its strong
agriculture promotes harmful algal blooms and and stable characteristics, making it an
reduces water quality. effective long-term carbon sink.
▪ Overexposure to Sunlight – High solar Potential Applications of Biochar
irradiance during heat events. ▪ Agriculture: Applying biochar can improve
▪ Extreme Low Tides – Exposes shallow corals to water retention, particularly in semi-dry and
air and heat stress. nutrient-depleted soils. This, in turn, can abate
nitrous oxide emissions by 30-50%.
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▪ Biochar can also enhance soil organic carbon, vulture, cinereous vulture, Eurasian griffon,
helping restore degraded soils. Egyptian vulture, and bearded vulture.
▪ Construction sector: Biochar can be explored
as a low-carbon alternative to building
materials and makes building materials a stable
carbon sink.
▪ Wastewater Treatment: Biochar offers a low-
cost and effective option to reduce pollution.

India’s first vulture conservation portal

launched in Assam

▪ India’s first-ever vulture conservation portal—

named The Vulture Network—has officially Vulture Conservation Initiatives
been launched in Assam. ▪ Ban on Veterinary use of Diclofenac (2006),
▪ Developed by We Foundation India in Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac (2023).
collaboration with Gauhati University’s ▪ Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India
Department of Zoology, the portal was 2020-25.
unveiled on September 2, 2025, ahead of ▪ Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in
International Vulture Awareness Day. Pinjore, Haryana.
Key Features Portal with scientific data, outreach
Smog Eating Photocatalytic Coatings
materials, Assamese interface
Collaborators Assam Bird Monitoring Network,
LASA Foundation, Suraksha
Samitee, independent
conservationists
Objective Raise awareness, centralize
knowledge, enable community
action
▪ Vultures’ Ecological Importance: These birds
serve as nature’s sanitation crew—disposing
of carcasses, preventing disease, and
maintaining environmental health. Their
decline has serious ecological consequences.
▪ Urgent Need for Awareness: Threats such as
poisoned carcasses, pesticides, and harmful
veterinary drugs like diclofenac continue to
endanger vulture populations in Assam
▪ Special emphasis was laid on the slender-billed
vulture, which has only about 800 mature
individuals left.
▪ The other eight species of scavenger birds in
▪ The Delhi government will conduct a time-
India are : the white-rumped vulture, red-
bound study on “smog-eating” photocatalytic
headed vulture, Himalayan griffon, Indian
coatings in Delhi to combat air pollution.

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▪ These are special surface coatings (applied on ▪ Aim: To build a strong, trained, and motivated
roads, walls, and building surfaces) that use a frontline forest protection force across India.
photocatalyst to break down air pollutants.
▪ It is designed to neutralise harmful gases like
nitrogen dioxide and volatile hydrocarbons that
contribute to toxic air.
▪ It usually uses titanium dioxide as a coating
which has advantages for being low-cost and
chemically stable.
▪ It has been “demonstrated that TiO₂-based
photocatalytically active construction
materials can be useful for gaseous
depollution and environmental cleaning
processes.
▪ Smog - type of air pollution caused by a
combination of smoke (and other pollutants)
and fog.

Mukhi at Kuno Becomes First India-born

cheetah to reach adulthood
▪ Mukhi, a female cheetah born in Kuno
National Park, Madhya Pradesh on 29 March
2023, has officially become the first India-born
cheetah to reach adulthood.
▪ Mukhi was born to Jwala, a cheetah brought Armenia Becomes Newest IUCN Member
from Namibia. ▪ Armenia is one
▪ Kuno National Park- Located in Sheopur and of six countries
Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh, in central that joined as a
India near the Vindhya Hills. state member at
▪ Named after the Kuno River, which flows the 2025 IUCN
through and bifurcates the park World
▪ Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in Conservation
1981; in 2018 it was upgraded to national park Congress in Abu
status. Dhabi.
▪ Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur, ▪ Other new
Madhya Pradesh, is the second home for member
cheetahs in India countries include Tajikistan, Marshall Islands,
Gabon, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe.
Wildlife Trust of India Marks 25 Years of
Van Rakshak Project, Honours India’s IUCN puts Western Ghats, two national
Forest Protectors parks on ‘significant concern’ list in IUCN
▪ WTI Report – “Guardians of the Wild: World Heritage Outlook
Supporting India’s Frontline Forest Staff” ▪ Total sites assessed: 63 natural World Heritage
▪ Released by: Kirti Vardhan Singh, MoS Sites
– Environment, Forest & Climate ▪ Categories used: Good ,Good with Some
Change at IUCN World Conservation Concerns, Significant Concern ,Critical
Congress, Abu Dhabi India’s Status (2025) : Placed under “Significant
Van Rakshak Project (VRP) Concern” category:
▪ Launched: 2000 ▪ Western Ghats
▪ By: WTI ▪ Manas National Park (Assam)
▪ Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)

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Tamil Nadu Allocates ₹1 Crore for Four Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Endangered Species

▪ Tamil Nadu has sanctioned ₹1 crore for a new

conservation programme aimed at protecting ▪ Implemented by: Commission for Air Quality
four lesser-known endangered species. Management (CAQM)
The species included are: ▪ Current Status: Stage II invoked as AQI crossed
▪ Lion-tailed macaque 300 (Very Poor) in Delhi-NCR.
▪ Madras hedgehog About GRAP
▪ Striped hyena ▪ Introduced: 2017, under Supreme Court
▪ Hump-headed mahseer fish directives and Environment (Protection) Act,
1986.
▪ Revised: Dec 2024 – includes predictive actions
100 wild boars were found dead in Nangal
using India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Wildlife Sanctuary & (IITM Indian Institute of Tropical
▪ Cause (as per postmortem): Likely due to toxic Meteorology, Pune) forecasts.
waste contamination in Nangal Lake, part of ▪ Objective: Create a graded, pre-emptive
the sanctuary. response system to tackle rising air pollution
▪ Location: Rupnagar district, foothills of Shivalik levels.
Hills, Punjab Stage Category AQI Actions
▪ Established: 2009 | Ramsar Site: 2019 Range
▪ Part of Bhakra–Nangal Project reservoir Stage I Poor 201– Dust control, waste
(1961) on the Sutlej River 300 removal,
enforcement of
Gaj Rakshak App to Monitor Elephants in vehicle norms
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Stage Very 301– Mechanical
▪ The Gaj Rakshak App has been launched in II Poor 400 sweeping, C&D
Madhya Pradesh to monitor elephant monitoring, DG set
movements and reduce human-elephant regulations
conflicts, particularly in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Stage Severe 401– Restrictions on BS-
Reserve. III 450 III/IV vehicles,
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: construction limits
▪ It is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Stage Severe+ Above Ban on truck entry,
Pradesh and is spread over the Vindhya hills. IV 450 WFH orders, halting
▪ In 1968, it was designated as a national C&D projects
park and in 1993 was declared a tiger reserve.

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GRAP III to tackle Air Pollution in Delhi Scientists Warn of ‘Ocean Burp’ as
NCR Massive Heat Reservoir Found Beneath
Southern Ocean

▪ Scientists have detected massive trapped heat

beneath the Southern Ocean.
▪ Called a “thermal time bomb” as this stored
heat may suddenly resurface
▪ Southern Ocean acts as Earth’s climate buffer
▪ Absorbs >90% of excess global heat
▪ Absorbs ~25% of CO₂ emissions
▪ Built up over centuries of human-driven
warming
▪ Graded Response Action Plan : Emergency Why Dangerous?
measures triggered when air quality crosses ▪ As emissions drop, ocean may release stored
set thresholds. heat in a sudden “burp” effect
▪ Stage activation: ▪ This could reverse decades of climate progress
▪ Stage-1 (Poor: AQI 201–300) ▪ Potential century-long warming phase
▪ Stage-2 (Very Poor: AQI 301–400) Possible Impacts
▪ Stage-3 (Severe: AQI 401–450) ▪ Antarctic ice melt speeds up
▪ Stage-4 (Severe+ : AQI > 450) ▪ Global weather disruptions
▪ Earlier stage measures continue when ▪ Southern Hemisphere worst affected : More
a higher stage is activated. droughts, cyclones, extreme heat
▪ The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was ▪ Marine ecosystem damage: Changes in oxygen
first notified by the Ministry of Environment, & nutrient circulation
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2017.
AmazonFACE Experiment
▪ The plan was created following directions from
the Supreme Court in 2016 to combat air
pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

▪ Air Quality Index (AQI) – Key Points

▪ Launched in 2014 under Swachh Bharat to

simplify pollution reporting.

▪ Pollutants include: PM10, PM2.5, NO₂, Ozone,

Carbon, etc

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▪ Scientists in Brazil have launched the
AmazonFACE Project near Manaus, the largest
city in Amazon
▪ Full Form: Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE)
▪ Location: Near Manaus, Brazil
Objective
▪ Study how the Amazon rainforest responds to
future CO₂ levels (2050–2060).
▪ Assess carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest
resilience under rising CO₂.
Key Features Belém Health Action Plan
▪ First FACE experiment in a tropical forest
(earlier trials were in U.S. temperate zones).
▪ Continuous monitoring of CO₂ absorption,
rainfall, storms, and respiration.
▪ Generates data for climate models and COP30
policy discussions.
Significance
▪ Acts as a “climate time machine” simulating
future atmospheric conditions.
▪ Crucial for global carbon budgeting and
rainforest conservation planning.

Mar del Plata Canyon Expedition –

Discovery of 40+ New Deep-Sea Species ▪ The 2025 Global Conference on Climate and
Health held in Brazil shaped the Belém Health
Action Plan.
▪ This plan, to be launched at the 2025 United
Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30)
▪ It is scheduled to take place from November
10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
▪ Focuses on health equity, climate justice, and
social participation.

Lake Manzala

A recent deep-sea expedition uncovered over 40

potential new species, including glass squids and pink
lobsters.
Location: Off the coast of Buenos Aires Province,
Argentina.
▪ About 250–300 km from Mar del Plata
city (One of Argentina’s largest
submarine canyons)
What Are Submarine Canyons?
▪ Lake Manzala is coastal lake in Egypt - in
▪ Narrow, steep-sided valleys cutting into northern Egypt, bordered by the
continental slopes or shelves under the ocean. Mediterranean Sea.
▪ Formed by underwater erosion and sediment ▪ It has been under scrutiny due to
flow, similar to river canyons on land. environmental changes driven by dredging.
▪ Rare along coastlines with very steep ▪ Recent studies reveal that dredging has altered
continental slopes. the lake’s salinity and nutrient levels.

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▪ This has had a deep effect on the local Jeju Island (PLACES IN NEWS)
ecosystem, particularly zooplankton
communities.
▪ It plays important role in protecting coastal
cities from flooding. The lake also supports
biodiversity and contributes to Egypt’s fish
production.
▪ In 2021, it accounted for 16% of the nation’s
natural fish output. However, the lake has
faced reductions in size and water quality over
the years.

Lake Turkana
▪ Jejudo (also known as Jeju Island) is a volcanic
island.
▪ With a surface area of 1,846 [Link]., it is the
largest island 130 km off the coast of the
Korean Peninsula and the main island of Jeju
Province of South Korea.
▪ The island contains the natural World Heritage
1. NEWS: Recently, scientists have extracted 18-20 Site Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.
million-year-old enamel proteins from extinct ▪ A central feature of Jeju is Hallasan, the tallest
mammal fossils from the Lake Turkana Basin. mountain in South Korea and a dormant
volcano, which rises 1,950 m above sea level.

8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival to

Celebrate Arunachal’s Biodiversity

2. Location: It is located in the remote northern

region of Kenya, its far northern end extending to
Ethiopia.
3. Three rivers, including Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio
flow into the lake, but only the Omo River is
perennial, contributing 90 percent of the inflow of
water
4. It stands as Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the
largest permanent desert lake in the world.
5. It is designated as the UNESCO World Heritage site
and is renowned for its unique biodiversity and
cultural significance.

▪ from November 26 to 28

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▪ at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve ▪ Appearance:
in Miao, Arunachal Pradesh. Colonies consist
▪ The park hosts some of the world’s most of small
spectacular butterflies branching
columns,
Scientists predict that Africa’s Afar region usually oval in
transverse
could become Earth’s next ocean basin.
section.
About Afar region
▪ Habitat: It
▪ Location: It is the northeastern part of
typically
Ethiopia, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of
inhabits lagoons and turbid reefs and are
Aden.
considered thermally tolerant.
▪ The Afar depression, also known as the Danakil
▪ Goniopora are a photosynthetic coral and
depression.
derive some of their nutritional requirements
▪ The Awash
from light
River valley forms the
What is Black Band Disease?
southern part of the
▪ It is a bacterial necrotic infection that invades
area.
living coral.
▪ Tectonic
▪ It forms a black band that crosses the infected
Significance: It is
coral, usually killing the colony.
situated at a unique
▪ It is common in Caribbean reefs and rare in
triple junction where
Australian waters.
the Red Sea, Gulf of
▪ It is often linked to pollution or nutrient runoff
Aden, and East African
Rift converge.
▪ Terrain: The region’s landscape is marked by Four Projects for Study of Annatto
deep rift valleys, volcanic plateaus, and ▪ As informed by
extensive fissures, reflecting the dynamic the Council of
forces reshaping the Earth’s crust. Scientific and
▪ It offers scientists a rare opportunity to Industrial
observe the processes of continental break-up Research (CSIR),
and ocean genesis in action. the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research
▪ The region is well known for its early hominid Institute (CSIR–CFTRI), Mysuru had
fossil finds including ‘Lucy’, an undertaken four Grant-in-Aid projects related
Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in 1974. to the study and development of annatto.
About Annatto
▪ It is a natural food colouring and flavoring
75% of Goniopora Corals Wiped Out at
agent obtained from the seeds of the achiote
Great Barrier Reef Australia tree (Bixa orellana), native to the tropical
▪ Recently, scientists have reported that a regions of the Americas.
combination of extreme heat stress and a rare ▪ About 70% of natural food colors come from
Black band disease has wiped out 75 per cent annatto.
of Goniopora coral colonies at a site on the ▪ It adds a yellow-orange color to foods like
Great Barrier Reef. cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish,
About Goniopora Coral ice cream, and baked goods.
▪ It is also known as flowerpot or daisy coral, is a ▪ The bold color comes from carotenoids, which
type of hard, soft coral belonging to the are plant pigments that are found in the
Poritidae family. coating of the seed.
▪ It is appreciated for its beautiful appearance as ▪ Its color can also be extracted from the seed
it possesses unique polyps that resemble and then added to foods as a dye.
flower petals. ▪ It has a mild, peppery flavor when used in
large amounts as well as a nutty and floral
scent.

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Annatto Benefits
▪ It is rich in several key antimicrobial
compounds, which can limit the growth of
bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
▪ It is rich in antioxidants, or compounds that
help neutralize the effects of harmful free
radicals that can build up and cause damage to
cells.
▪ It is high in tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E that
some studies show could help with keeping
bones strong and healthy.

India Revised Earthquake Design Code,

2025
▪ A seismic zonation map classifies different
regions of India based on their earthquake
hazard potential, helping determine how
strong structures must be to withstand
earthquakes.
Published by:
▪ The updated map is issued by the Bureau of ▪ New norms for anchoring parapets, ceilings,
Indian Standards (BIS) as part of the tanks, façades, HVAC units, etc., if their weight
revised Earthquake Design Code, 2025 (IS exceeds 1% of total load.
1893). ▪ Buildings near active faults must
▪ It uses internationally accepted Probabilistic withstand pulse-like ground motions typical of
Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) near-fault quakes.
Key Features of the Revised Zonation Map: New Soil & Ground-Response Requirements:
Introduction of Highest-Risk Zone VI: ▪ Detailed provisions for liquefaction, soil
▪ Entire Himalayan arc (J&K–Ladakh to flexibility, site-specific shaking spectra.
Arunachal) placed in Zone VI, the most ▪ Encourages geotechnical investigations before
hazardous zone, for the first time. major construction.
▪ Recognises consistent, extreme tectonic stress Exposure Mapping (PEMA Method):
along the Indian–Eurasian plate boundary. ▪ Incorporates population density, infrastructure
▪ 61% of India Now in Moderate to High Hazard concentration and socioeconomic vulnerability.
Zones: ▪ Integrates impact-based assessment with
▪ A major jump from older estimates relying geological hazard.
mainly on past epicentres.
▪ Reflects scientific modelling of fault segments,
locked sections, and rupture potential.
Boundary Towns Auto-Upgraded to Higher-Risk Zone:
▪ If a city lies on the border of two zones, it
defaults to the higher-risk one.
▪ Moves away from administrative lines
to geological realities.
Inclusion of Rupture Propagation Southward:
▪ Acknowledges that Himalayan Frontal
Thrust ruptures may extend south to
populated foothill regions like Dehradun (near
Mohand).
Mandatory Structural & Non-Structural Safety:

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