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Why in the news? The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, face threats from deforestation, climate change, and displacement of tribal communities. Authors and literary works highlight these alarming changes, emphasizing the need for conservation and cultural preservation. Environmental Challenges and Threats: The Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri Hills, span six Indian states and are …
Read MoreSyllabus: GS-3: Conservation , Government Policies & Interventions Focus: On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed Rajasthan’s Forest Department to map and classify sacred groves as forests and community reserves, raising concerns about conflicts with the Forest Rights Act and community governance over sacred lands. Overview of the Supreme Court Directive on Sacred Groves: …
Read MoreWhy in the news? Recognized for its ecological value, Deepor Beel faces increasing environmental threats, highlighting the urgent need for sustained conservation to protect migratory birds, aquatic biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the wetland. Ecological Importance The wetland is crucial for migratory flyways, supporting large populations of aquatic birds during winter. …
Read MoreWhy in the news? A National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) study revealed a 30% increase in India’s tiger population over two decades, attributing the success to protected areas and effective conservation efforts, despite global wildlife declines. Tiger Population in India Sees 30% Increase: A recent study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) …
Read MoreWhy in the news? The Ministry of Environment announced four new Ramsar sites in India—two in Tamil Nadu, one each in Sikkim and Jharkhand—bringing the national total to 89, reaffirming India’s top position in Asia for Ramsar sites. India Adds Four New Ramsar Sites: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the inclusion …
Read MoreWhy in the news? Indore and Udaipur became the first Indian cities to receive Wetland City Accreditation under the Ramsar Convention, recognizing their efforts in conserving wetlands, promoting ecological balance, and integrating sustainable development practices in urban and peri-urban areas. Significance of the Achievement: Indore and Udaipur became the first Indian cities to receive the …
Read MoreWhy in the news? Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli suggested gifting excess tigers as part of economic diplomacy, following the country’s conservation success, with the tiger population rising to 355 in 2022, but raising concerns over human-tiger conflicts and ethics. Nepal’s Conservation Success and Rising Challenges: Nepal’s tiger population rose from 120 in 2009 to …
Read MoreWhy in the news? Scientists from North-Eastern Hill University have discovered Stellaria bengalensis, a new plant species in Kalimpong, India. This finding adds to the country’s biodiversity and highlights the ecological richness of the Himalayan region. Identification of a New Species: Researchers from the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, have …
Read MoreWhy in the news? Scientists in Brazil discovered an ultrablack velvet ant species, Trauma mutilla bifurca, with light-absorbing pigmentation. This rare feature, unique among Hymenoptera, raises questions about its evolutionary purpose and defense mechanisms, sparking scientific curiosity. Discovery of the Ultrablack Brazilian Velvet Ant: Velvet ants, despite their name, are actually wasps. The species Trauma …
Read MoreWhy in the news? The Wildlife Institute of India has launched the first-ever Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to study the species’ behavior and habitat, enhancing conservation efforts for the vulnerable Fishing Cat. Introduction to the Project The Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun will launch India’s first Fishing …
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