Samadhaan Environment Current Affairs

ENVIRONMENT
CURRENT AFFIARS
Part of
SAMADHAAN
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2024
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ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY | SAMADHAAN 2024
INDEX
ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS................................................................................................................. 3
SPECIES IN NEWS .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
NEW SPECIES/DISCOVERY IN NEWS ................................................................................................................................... 22
ANCIENT SPECIES IN NEWS ................................................................................................................................................. 27
INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEWS ................................................................................................................................................ 29
CYCLONES IN NEWS [ONLY IMPORTANT ONES] ................................................................................................................. 30
MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS AND REGIONS IN NEWS ................................................................................................................. 30
ISLAND, RIVERS AND LAKES IN NEWS ................................................................................................................................. 32
PROJECTS IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 36
PARKS AND SANCTUARIES IN NEWS ................................................................................................................................... 37
TRIBES AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN NEWS .............................................................................................................................. 47
ENVIRONMENT AND INDIA ................................................................................................................................................. 49
ENVIRONMENT AND WORLD.............................................................................................................................................. 60
ENVIRONMENT– MISCELLANEOUS (LOGICALLY ARRANGED) ............................................................................................. 75
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ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS

SPECIES in NEWS
 Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus) = one of the oldest of the big cat species, with ancestors that can be traced
back more than five million years to the Miocene Era + Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 +
The cheetah is also the world’s fastest land mammal.
 African Cheetah = IUCN: Vulnerable + Appendix I of CITES + Found in Africa (Northwest
Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa) + As compared to Asiatic Cheetah, slightly bigger build
and sturdy legs and neck.
 Asiatic Cheetah = IUCN: Critically Endangered + Appendix I of CITES + Only few are left in
Iran + Slightly smaller and slender than the African Cheetah.
 Northeast African Cheetah = It is found in the Horn of Africa + It is also known as the Sudan cheetah +
This subspecies is more closely related to the Southern African cheetah than to Saharan cheetah
populations + Contemporary records are known in South Sudan and Ethiopia + IUCN: Vulnerable.
 Indian Tiger or Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris) = It is a flagship species + National Animal of
India + Tiger is solitary and territorial, and the territory of an adult male may encompass territories of two
to seven females + Tiger stripes are individually as unique as human fingerprints + The largest population
is in India, but there are some smaller groups in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. It may also be present in
areas of China and Burma + India is home to more than 70% of global tiger population + Tiger inhabits a
wide variety of habitats ranging from the high mountains, mangrove swamps, tall grasslands, to dry and
moist deciduous forests, as well as evergreen and shola forest systems + Madhya Pradesh has the
maximum number of tigers followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand + IUCN: Endangered + Listed under
Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 + listed under schedule I of CITES convention.
 Tasmanian Tiger = Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine (a dog headed pouched dog) was an exclusively
carnivorous marsupial that is considered to be extinct (also the IUCN status) + It is also known as the
Tasmanian Wolf and bears some resemblance to a dog + It was confined to Tasmania in recent times and
disappeared from mainland Australia over 2000 years ago, mainly because of over-hunting by humans,
diseases and competition from the Dingo (Canis lupus), a wild dog native to Australia + A recent study
represents the first instance where RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), a molecule less stable than DNA, has been
extracted from extinct species such as the Tasmanian Tiger.
 Clouded Leopard = The clouded leopard is categorised into two species: the mainland clouded leopard
distributed from central Nepal to peninsular Malaysia, and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi)
native to Borneo and Sumatra + The mainland clouded leopard is tagged Vulnerable on IUCN List + The
mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is often likened to the Ice Age sabretooth because it has the
largest canines in proportion to its skull size among all cat species + It is the State animal of Meghalaya +
They seemed to go wherever they pleased without worrying about other predators, primarily because of
their ability to climb trees, even hang upside down from large branches + It most often inhabits primary
evergreen tropical forests and also lives in secondary forests, logged forests, dry tropical forests,
grassland, mangrove swamp, scrubland, and coastal hardwood forest + In India, it is found in Sikkim,
northern West Bengal, Meghalaya subtropical forests, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and
Arunachal Pradesh.
 Snow Leopard = IUCN: Vulnerable + CITES: Appendix I + Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:- Schedule I
+ It inhabits the Himalayas at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 m across Jammu and Kashmir,
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh + Habitat: Cold High
Mountains + In Uttarakhand, snow leopards are found in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gangotri
National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and other places of altitude between 3000-4500 meters + Snow
leopards are found in 12 countries—including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan,
Russia, and Mongolia + Snow Leopard capital of the world: Hemis, Ladakh. Hemis National Park is the
biggest national park in India and also has a good presence of Snow Leopard.
 Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme: The GSLEP is a high-
level inter-governmental alliance of all the 12 snow leopard range countries + The snow leopard
countries namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan + It majorly focuses on the need for awareness and
understanding of the value of Snow Leopard for the ecosystem.

 Living Himalaya Network Initiative: Living Himalayas Initiative (LHI) is established as one of
WWF’s global initiatives to bring about transformational conservation impact across the three Eastern
Himalayan countries of Bhutan, India (North-East) and Nepal + Objectives of LHI include adapting
to climate change, connecting to habitat and saving iconic species.
 Project Snow Leopard: Project Snow was launched in 2009 to safeguard and conserve India’s
unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife populations and their habitats by promoting
conservation through participatory policies and actions.
 Asian Elephant = There are three subspecies of Asian elephant which are the Indian, Sumatran and Sri
Lankan + The Indian subspecies has the widest range and accounts for the majority of the remaining
elephants on the continent + Global Population: Estimated 20,000 to 40,000 + IUCN Red List:
Endangered + Wildlife Act, 1972: Schedule I + CITES: Appendix I + Elephant Census (2017):
Karnataka(6,049) > Assam (5,719) > Kerala.
 African Elephants = There are two subspecies of African elephants, the Savanna (or bush)
elephant and the Forest elephant + IUCN of African Savanna Elephant: Endangered + IUCN of
African Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered + CITES: Appendix II)
 Kumki Elephants = Kumki elephants are trained captive elephants used for operations such as trapping,
rescuing, and tranquillizing wild elephants + The Odisha government requested the deployment of kumki
elephants from Tamil Nadu to address escalating human-elephant conflicts + Tamil Nadu has used
Kumkis successfully.
 Indian Grey Wolf = It is a subspecies of grey wolf that ranges from Southwest Asia to the Indian
Subcontinent + They live in warmer conditions + The Indian wolf inhabits areas dominated by scrub,
grasslands and semi-arid pastoral agro-ecosystems + It has a wide distribution range that extends from the
Indian subcontinent to Israel. There are about 3,000 animals in India, some in captivity + IUCN: Least
concern + Recently, it was sighted in Chambal after a long time. The last wolf sightings were reported
during Operation Bhediya carried out between 1997 and 2000 to map the canines’ footprint in Chambal.
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 Himalayan Wolf = Himalayan Wolf, a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas + It is also called
as Tibetan wolves, which live at more than 4,000 metres altitudes are genetically distinct from grey wolves +
Living at such high altitudes, these wolves have genetically adapted themselves to live in low oxygen (hypoxic)
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conditions + In China, the Himalayan wolf lives on the Tibetan Plateau and In northern India, it occurs in the
Union Territory of Ladakh and in the Lahaul and Spiti region in northeastern Himachal Pradesh + IUCN:
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Vulnerbale + CITES: Appendix I + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

 Dhole/Asian Wild Dog = also known as Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling
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dog, red dog, and mountain wolf + Besides the tiger, the dhole is the only large carnivore in India that is
under the IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category + It play an important role as apex predators in forest
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ecosystems. Dhole is an apex social carnivore in the tropical forests of South and South East Asia + India
has the highest number of dholes in the world, but India don’t have targeted management plans for
scientific monitoring of the species + Endangered –IUCN + CITES – Appendix II + Schedule II of
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wildlife act + Note: Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh rank high in the conservation of the
dhole in India according to a research paper + Recently, a new study has found that overlapping prey
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availability or habitat suitability dictates a positive association between dholes and tigers. It facilitates the
coexistence or even cooperative behaviors between the two species of carnivores.
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 Hyenas = Hyenas are doglike carnivores found in Asia and Africa and are noted for their scavenging
habits + There are three hyena species — spotted (Crocuta Crocuta), brown (Arahyaena brunnea), and
striped (Hyaena hyaena). Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three + Found in Forest edges, grasslands,
savannas, sub-deserts, and even mountains + These animals live throughout Africa, the Middle East, and
parts of Asia + According to IUCN, Spotted Hyena populations are of least concern. However, brown and
striped hyenas are classified as near threatened.
 Golden Jackal = The golden jackal, also known as the common jackal, is a medium-sized wolf-like canid
+ They are small compared to their close relatives, wolves, and wild dogs + They are widely distributed
from North and East Africa to southeastern Europe and South Asia, including Burma + They are quite
widespread across India. Right from the Himalayan foothills, down to the Western Ghats, the Golden
Jackal has a wide distribution + IUCN: Least Concern + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.
 Himalayan Black Bear = It is a subspecies of the Asian black bear + They live a lot in the Himalayas, in
Tibet, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and China + In India, they are found throughout the Himalayas, from
Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, and in hilly regions of other northeastern states + The species

prefers heavily forested, broadleaved, and coniferous forests as habitat + It has soft and shiny hair, with a
white V patch on its chest + Naturally diurnal, but many are largely nocturnal in order to avoid contact
with humans + IUCN: Vulnerable.
 Himalayan Brown Bear = One of the largest carnivores in the highlands of the Himalayas + Range:
North-western and central Himalaya, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Tibetan Autonomous Region
of China and Bhutan + In India, this species exists in small isolated populations in the fragmented alpine
and subalpine habitats of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand + They are found
above the timberline, between 3,000 and 5,500 meters (9,800 and 18,000 feet) above sea level + Critically
endangered + Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I + CITES - Appendix I.
 Tibetan Brown Bear = one of the rarest subspecies of bears in the world and is rarely sighted in the wild
+ Historically found mainly on the alpine eastern Tibetan plateau (4,500 to 5,000 metres) in eastern Tibet,
western China, Nepal, and Bhutan + It inhabits alpine forests, meadows, and steppes, close to the tree line
+ IUCN Red List: Least Concern + Recently, A rare and elusive bear, the Tibetan brown bear, has been
recently sighted in Sikkim, making it the first confirmed record of the animal being sighted in India
 Sloth Bear = Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world + Their range includes
India, Sri Lanka and southern Nepal. 90% of the global Sloth Bear population is found in India + They
live in a variety of dry and moist forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and
trees provide shelter + IUCN: Vulnerable + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I + They have long,
shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are longest out of any bear species. They use
their claws to excavate termites and ants.
 Polar Bear = It is a hyper-carnivorous (animals with over 70% meat diet) species whose native range lies
largely within the Arctic Circle + It is the largest extant bear species, as well as the largest extant land
carnivore + Polar bears do not hibernate in true sense in dens like the brown and black bears do, instead
they remain active throughout winter despite the cold + IUCN: Vulnerable + Polar bears are one of the
most significant predators in the Arctic region and they keep biological populations in balance + The big
kills made by them serve as a food resource for scavengers like Arctic foxes and Arctic birds.
 Giant Panda or Chinese Panda = Sometimes called a panda bear or simply panda, is a bear species
endemic to China + It is characterized by its bold black-and-white coat and rotund body + Name "giant
panda" distinguishes it from the red panda, a neighboring musteloid + Though it belongs to order
Carnivora, the giant panda is a folivore, with bamboo shoots and leaves making up more than 99% of its
diet + Giant pandas in the wild occasionally eat other grasses, wild tubers, or even meat in the form of
birds, rodents, or carrion + Endemism: Few mountain ranges in central China, mainly in Sichuan, Shaanxi
and Gansu + IUCN: Vulnerable.
 Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) = Endangered + Geographic habitat in India: Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya
and Arunachal Pradesh + It is found in the forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan and the northern mountains of
Myanmar and southern China + Red panda is endemic to the temperate forests of the Himalayas + It is also the
state animal of Sikkim + Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 + Protected areas:
Kanchendzonga National Park (NP) — Sikkim; Neora Valley NP – West Bengal; Namdapha National Park –
Arunachal Pradesh and Singalila National Park – West Bengal + Please Note: The Padmaja Naidu park (in West
Bengal) at a height of about 2,000 metres above the sea level, is one of the high altitude zoos in the country and
has been quite successful in captive breeding of the furry mammals.
 Hog Deer = It appears to prefer dense forests; however, they are often observed in clearings, grasslands and
occasionally wet grasslands + The hog deer's native habitat spans India, encompassing the Himalayan foothill
zone, and extends into Southeast Asia, covering Burma and Thailand + IUCN: Endangered + Wildlife Protection
Act 1972: Scheduled I + The hog deer, primarily a solitary creature, is occasionally seen in small groups in open
fields + Known for its sedentary nature, this species generally does not engage in migration + This species
exhibits sexual dimorphism. The females are slightly smaller than males and lack antlers.
 White-Tailed Deer = They are the smallest members of the North American deer family + They are found in
North America from southern Canada through Central America + It is tan or brown in the summer and greyish
brown in winter + Only male deer grow antlers, which are shed each year + IUCN Status: Least Concern.
 Sangai Deer = It is subspecies of Eld's deer that is endemic to Manipur + It is found only in Keibul
Lamjao National Park; the largest single mass of phumdi is in Loktak Lake + It is a medium-sized deer
with uniquely distinctive antlers and extremely long brow tines, which form the main beam + The deer
walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing hops over floating foliage and is hence also called
the Dancing Deer + IUCN: Critically Endangered + The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I.

 Reindeer = These are one of the largest species of deer + Reindeers are classified as mammals that
belong to the family of Cevidae + These are the only mammals known to see ultraviolet light which
allows them to spot predators whose white fur is more visible in UV light + Both male and female
reindeer grow antlers + These are found in polar and Arctic climates + They have been spotted in Europe,
Asia, and North America + IUCN: Vulnerable + Classified as herbivores, reindeer live on diets of plants
and vegetation.
 Swamp Deer = swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) also called as barasingha is a deer species distributed
in the Indian subcontinent + It belongs to the family Cervidae (order Artiodactyla), found in open forests
and grasslands of India and Nepal + It eats predominantly wetland plants and herbaceous plants + Its
population is now restricted to isolated and scattered locations in Nepal, Assam and the northern areas of
India + It is now extinct in both Bangladesh, and in Pakistan + IUCN Red List: Vulnerable + CITES:
Appendix I + The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:Schedule I + Recently, the Manas National Park & Tiger
Reserve announced that the population of swamp deer at the park has witnessed a rise.
 Sambar Deer = Sambar (Rusa unicolour) is a large deer native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast
Asia + They are quite elusive and are most active at dusk and at night + They are found in a broad range
of forest habitats like dry deciduous forests, rainforests and mixed forests + Their range is distributed
from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains across southern Asia and reaching the islands of Taiwan,
Sumatra and Borneo + IUCN: Vulnerable + Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-III.
 Kashmir Stag = also called Hangul + subspecies of Central Asian red deer + Endemic to Kashmir and
surrounding areas + found in dense riverine forests in the high valleys and mountains of Jammu and
Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh + In Kashmir, it is found primarily in the Dachigam National
Park where it receives protection. A small population has also been witnessed in Overa-Aru Wildlife
Sanctuary in south Kashmir + IUCN: Critically Endangered + CITES: Appendix I
 Indian Mouse Deer or Spotted Chevrotain = It is the smallest deer in India and is highly nocturnal +
Scientific Name: Moschiola indica + It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent + It is mainly found in
peninsular India with some old records from Nepal + Within India, it is commonly encountered in a
number of forest areas along the Western Ghats, in the Eastern Ghats up to Orissa, and in the forests of
central India + IUCN: Least Concern.
 Chousingha = The four-horned antelope, or chousingha, is a small antelope found in India and Nepal + It
is endemic to the Indian subcontinent + They are found in woodland areas throughout India + They are
the smallest antelopes found in Asia + They are usually diurnal and solitary by nature + IUCN Red List:
Vulnerable + They have a yellowish-brown to reddish coat and are slender, with small legs and a short
tail.
 Saiga Antelope = It is a large migratory herbivore + It inhabits open dry steppe grasslands and semi-arid
deserts + The antelope were once found throughout the Eurasian Steppe, the great band of grassland that
stretches from Hungary in Europe to Manchuria in Asia. Presently it is found in fragmented populations
within Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation and Uzbekistan + The Saiga has two subspecies:
Saiga tatarica (found in most of the range) and Saiga tatarica mongolica (found only in Mongolia) +
IUCN: Near threatened + CITES: Appendix II.
 Updated Red List by IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released an
updated Red List of threatened species + Around 44,000 are threatened with extinction, which
increased by 2000 from last year + Saiga, an antelope that have roamed the earth since the last Ice
Age, was moved from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened + 25% of freshwater fish are at risk
of extinction, with at least 17% affected by climate change. This is the first global freshwater fish
assessment + Four freshwater subterranean fish species (found in water bodies under the surface)
from Kerala included in list are:
o Endangered: Shaji's Catfish, Abdulkalam's Blind Cave Catfish, Pangio Bhujia
o Vulnerable: Gollum snakehead
 Double Humped Camels = Double Humped Camels or Bactrian camels, have two humps on their backs
where they store fat + They are native to the harsh and arid regions of Central Asia. They occupy habitats
in Central Asia from Afghanistan to China, primarily up into the Mongolian steppes and the Gobi desert +
A small population of Bactrian camels exists in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh + They are smaller and
slenderer than the one-humped dromedary camels found in Africa and the Middle East + They are
omnivores but are primarily herbivores that constantly graze on grasses.

 Camelids = United Nations recently declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids + A Camelid
refers to any of the even-toed ungulates of the family Camelidae. g. camels, llamas,alpacas, guanacos, and
vicuñas + They are known for their remarkable adaptations to arid and high-altitude environments + The
Old-World Camelids, found in northern Africa and central Asia are the true camels, such as the
dromedary camels (one-humped camel) and the Bactrian camels (two-humped camel), characterised by:
their humps on their backs and the dulla, which is an organ found on the throat of male camels and is
believed to be associated with the display of dominance among males and for attracting females.
 Mithun = Mithun or gayal (Bos frontalis) is considered a descendant of the Indian Gaur or bison + It plays an
important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of tribes such as the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo and Adi in
Arunachal Pradesh + It is distributed in Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar and in Yunnan, China +
It is known as the ‘cattle of the mountain’ + The gayal is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland +
IUCN: Vulnerable + CITES: Appendix I + Recently, Mithun gets a ‘food animal’ tag from the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) + Food animals are those that are raised and used for food production or
consumption by humans. The move is expected to help check decline in the population of the high-altitude
bovine animal by making it a part of the conventional milk and meat industry.
 Indian Bison = Indian Bison or Gaur (Bos gaurus) is the tallest species of wild cattle found in India and
largest extant bovine + There are about 13,000 to 30,000 gaurs in the world with approximately 85% of
the population present in India + It is native to South and Southeast Asia + In India, they are very much
prevalent in the Western Ghats. They are primarily found in Nagarhole National Park , Bandipur National
Park, Masinagudi National Park and Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills) + It is also found in Burma and
Thailand + They prefer evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests + NOT found in Himalayas with an
altitude greater than 6,000 ft + IUCN: Vulnerable + Schedule I of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
 European Wood Bison = European bison (Bison bonasus) are the largest and heaviest land mammal in
Europe + + There were formerly three subspecies, although only one (Bison bonasus bonasus) remains –
the other two are now extinct + Habitat: Grassland, deciduous and mixed forests + IUCN: Near
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Threatened + Recently, A new study has warned that the ongoing war in Ukraine could act as a spanner in
the works for efforts to save the last remnant of the mega-fauna European wood bison. Recently, new
study has warned that ongoing war in Ukraine could act as a spanner in works for efforts to save the last
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remnant of the mega-fauna European wood bison.

 Yak = Yak (Poephagus grunniens) is the lifeline of highland ethnic communities living in the Himalayan
and trans-Himalayan regions + It is found on the heights of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal
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Pradesh, and Ladakh + Yak milk and milk products are the integral components of the diet of these
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highland communities thriving in an extremely hypoxic and harsh environment without vitamin and
mineral supplements + In general, yak milk is considered naturally concentrated milk enriched with a
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higher nutrient density and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants + Recently,
the Indian Council for Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak has established a first-of-
its-kind parlour for Yalk milk in Nyukmadung village, Arunachal Pradesh.
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 Alpine Ibexes = An ibex is any of several species of wild goat, distinguished by the male’s large recurved
horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Ibex are found in Europe (Alpine Ibexes), Russia (Siberian
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Ibexes), India (Himalayan Ibexes), North Africa and East Africa + Climate change is impacting Alpine
ibexes (IUCN: Least Concern), a species of mountain goats in the European Alps. Warmer temperatures
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are forcing these goats to shift from diurnal to nocturnal (from daytime to night-time) habits to escape
excess heat, making them vulnerable to predators like wolves.
 Gir and Kankrej Cattle = Kankrej is also called as Wadad or Waged, Wadhiar. It is originated from Southeast
Rann of Kutch of Gujarat and adjoining Rajasthan (Barmer and Jodhpur district) + Kankrej, famously known as
Guzerat in Brazil, is being maintained in large numbers as a pure breed in that country + Gir breed is a famous
Indian-born dairy cattle breed. It is also known as “Bhodali”, “Desan”, “Gujarati”, “Kathiawari”, “Sorthi”, and
“Surati”. Its native tract is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar in Gujarat. It is a world-renowned breed known for
its tolerance to stress conditions and resistant to various tropical diseases.
 Punganur Cow = Punganur Cows are a rare breed of cattle native to Punganur village in Chittoor district
of Andhra Pradesh + Due to their declining numbers, in 2020, Andhra Pradesh government launched
‘Mission Punganur’ + One of the world’s smallest humped cattle breeds: Mere 70-90 cm tall and weigh
around 115- 200 kg + Known for high-quality milk which is rich in fat + Cultural significance: Many
temples of Andhra Pradesh, including the Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use its milk for
Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offering to the deity)

 Gir Cow = Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission + It is an
excellent dairy cattle breed well-known among milk producers + It is known for its milk producing
ability, good fertility, heat tolerance, easy maintenance, resistance to diseases, and longevity + The name
of the breed is derived from its place of origin, the “Gir” forest of Gujarat + It has the ability to adapt to
the entire central belt and northern and southern stretches.
 Rashtriya Gokul Mission = It is being implemented for development and conservation of indigenous
bovine breeds since December 2014 + The scheme is also continued under umbrella scheme
Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from 2021 to 2026 + Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
and Dairying + Objective is to enhance the productivity of bovines and increase milk production,
enhance artificial insemination, promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation.
 Nilgiri Tahr = This species is locally known as Varaiaadu + Nilgiri Tahr are the only Caprinae species
found in the tropical mountains of southern India + IUCN – Endangered + WP Act, 1972 - Schedule I +
State animal of Tamil Nadu + They are endemic to the Western Ghats and used to inhabit a large part of
the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu + The Nilgiri Tahr had multiple references in Tamil
Sangam literature. The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings also highlight the Nilgiri Tahr’s
cultural significance + It is southern India’s only mountain ungulate. It prefers montane grasslands, with
steep and rocky terrains at an altitude between 300 metres and 2,600 metres above sea level.
 Leatherback Sea Turtle = It is the largest turtle in the world + It is the only species of sea turtle that lack
scales and a hard shell + These turtles are highly migratory which can swim over 10,000 miles a year
between nesting and foraging grounds + It has a unique thermoregulatory adaptation allows them to
maintain core body temperatures at extremely cold depths + It is found in every ocean except the Arctic
and Antarctic + They have the widest global distribution of any reptile, with nesting mainly on tropical or
subtropical beaches + IUCN: Endangered + CITES: Appendix I.
 Green Turtle = one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the different species + They are in
fact named for the greenish color of their cartilage and fat, not their shells + In the Eastern Pacific, a group of
green turtles that have darker shells are called black turtles by the local community + They graze on seagrasses
and algae, which maintains the seagrass beds and makes them more productive + Green turtles are found mainly
in tropical and subtropical waters + IUCN: Endangered + CITES: Appendix 1.
 Indian Tent Turtle = mainly herbivorous species + The species is native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh
+ Its habitats include still water pools on the river side and slow running water near the river banks +
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1 + IUCN Status: Least Concern + CITES: Appendix II.
 Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle = It is one of the largest river turtles in South America, also
known as the yellow-headed sideneck turtle and the yellow-spotted river turtle + This diurnal (most active
in mid-morning and afternoon turtle) is native to the Amazon River basin and can be found in the
Amazon and Orinoco Rivers and are locally known as Taricayas + Conservation status - IUCN –
Vulnerable + They are omnivorous, feeding on both vegetation and small animals + These are native to
the Amazon River basin and can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems in Venezuela,
eastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, the Guianas, Brazil, and northern Bolivia.
 Bolson Tortoises = It is the largest and rarest land reptile, as well as the rarest of the six Gopherus
species native to the North American Continent + Adult males are generally smaller than females in this
species + This species at present, is restricted to a relatively small area of the grasslands of north-central
Mexico + IUCN: Critically Endangered.
 Hoolock Gibbons = Native to eastern Bangladesh, Northeast India and Southwest China + The tailless
Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape found in India + In the areas of high tree canopies, the gibbons swing
from branch to branch + They cannot adapt to living on the ground and cannot bear the high temperatures
brought about by the loss of green cover + The Hoolock Gibbon is categorized into two types:
 Western hoolock gibbon - It inhibits in all the states of the north-east, restricted between the south of
the Brahmaputra River and east of the Dibang River + Endangered.
 Eastern hoolock gibbon - It inhabits specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, and
in southern China and north-east Myanmar outside India + Vulnerable + In India, both the species are
listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972
 Stump-Tailed Macaque = also called the bear macaque, is a species of Old-World monkey found in
South Asia + They are found in tropical and subtropical evergreen forests + They are native to Cambodia,
southwest China, northeast India, Laos, Myanmar, northwest Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
+ In India, it is found south of the Brahmaputra River, in the northeastern part of the country. Its range in

India extends from Assam and Meghalaya to eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram,
and Tripura + IUCN Red List: Vulnerable + Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule II.
 Lion-tailed Macaque = Old World monkey + One of the distinguishing features of this species is that
males define the boundaries of their home ranges by calls. Overall, their communication system contains
as many as 17 vocalisations + They are sometimes called bearded monkeys + The magnificent Lion-tailed
macaque is named due to its lion-like, long, thin, and tufted tail + In the wild, these are only native to
India. It is a primate endemic to small and severely fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu + IUCN: Endangered + CITES: Appendix I + The Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
 Platypus = It is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed, egg-laying mammal + It is a small species of
semi-aquatic mammal indigenous to the eastern coast of Australia + They are nocturnal hunters + They
are found in freshwater systems from tropical rainforest lowlands and plateaus of far northern Queensland
to cold, high altitudes of Tasmania and the Australian Alps + IUCN: Near Threatened + They are
carnivorous mammal whose diet is almost solely comprised of bottom-dwelling aquatic creatures.
 Coyotes or Bobcats = Medium-sized carnivorous species — mesopredators like coyotes or bobcats —
tend to move into human-dominated areas to avoid predation by larger carnivores, a phenomenon also
known as the “human shield” effect.
 Pygmy Hog = It is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig in the world + Currently, the viable
population of this pig in the wild is in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam + IUCN: Critically Endangered
+ The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I + It is one of the very few mammals that build its own
home, or nest, complete with a ‘roof’ + It prefers undisturbed patches of grassland dominated by early
succession riverine communities, typically comprising dense tall grass intermixed with a wide variety of
herbs, shrubs and young trees + It is an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its primary
habitat, tall and wet grasslands
 Pangolin / Scaly Anteaters = Pangolins are mammals of the order Pholidota + Pangolins have large, protective keratin
scales covering their skin; they are the only known mammals with this feature + They live in hollow trees or burrows,
depending on the species + Pangolins are nocturnal, and their diet consists of mainly ants and termites, which they
capture using their long tongues + They tend to be solitary animals + Pangolins are threatened by poaching (for their
meat and scales, which are used in traditional medicine and heavy deforestation of their natural habitats + They are the
most trafficked mammals in the world + Indian Pangolin (Native to the Indian subcontinent + IUCN Red List: EN) + (
Chinese Pangolin = Native to the northern Indian subcontinent, northern parts of Southeast Asia and southern China +
IUCN: CR)
 Binturong = It is the largest civet in India + Common names: Asian Bearcat and the Asian Civet + It is a
generally solitary and nocturnal animal + It is a medium sized carnivore that is found inhabiting the dense
forests of South-East Asia + IUCN: Vulnerable + Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I + CITES:
Appendix III + Distribution: China, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, the
Philippines and on the island of Borneo.
 Gilbert's Potoroo = Gilbert's potoroo or ngilkat is Australia's most endangered marsupial, the rarest
marsupial in the world, and one of the world's rarest critically endangered mammals, found in south-
western Western Australia + It is a small nocturnal macropod that lives in small groups.
 Red Sand Boa = The red sand boa (Eryx johnii) is a non-venomous snake that lives in the dry parts of the
Indian subcontinent + It’s also known as the Indian sand boa + The red sand boa is a thick-set snake that’s
usually reddish-brown, known for its blunt tail, which it uses to mimic its head when it senses a threat +
Classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with a
declining population trend + The red sand boa is highly sought after in the illegal wildlife trade due to its
demand in the pet trade and its use in black magic.
 Namdapha Flying Squirrel = It is an arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel endemic to Arunachal Pradesh +
Recently, a Namdapha flying squirrel has resurfaced in Arunachal Pradesh after going missing for 42
years + It was named the Namdapha Flying Squirrel after the location it was discovered in an area which
falls under the Namdapha National Park + These squirrels are not capable of flight like birds or bats;
instead, they glide between trees + They inhabit tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the
catchment area of the Dihing River (particularly on the western slope of the Patkai range) in northeastern
India + They are herbivores (frugivores, granivores). They eat various fruits, nuts, seeds, fungi, flowers,
and tree sap + IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered + Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: schedule II +
Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

 Indian Flying Fox Bat = It is a species of flying fox native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the
largest bats in the world + The nectar and fruit-eating flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is generally
considered vermin as they raid orchards + It is a keystone species causing seed dispersals of many plants
in tropical systems + IUCN: Least concern + The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule II + These
bats are endemic to South Central Asia, found from Pakistan and China to the Maldives Islands.
 De Winton’s Golden Mole = It is an elusive blind mole that "swims" through sand, lives in inaccessible
burrows, and has a shimmering, iridescent coat + last sighted in 1937, has been found alive swimming through
sand dunes in South Africa after an extensive search for the elusive species + It is endemic to South Africa + The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now rates this species as "critically endangered". It is
currently the only golden mole species with that classification + It is among the 25 “most wanted lost” species
that are the focus of Global Wildlife Conservation's “Search for Lost Species” initiative.
 Aardvarks = They are nocturnal mammals, most active at night and tend to live alone. During the day,
they sleep curled up in a ball in their burrows + This species has been assessed as having the highest score
for evolutionary distinctiveness. This is because it does not have many close relatives and has been
evolving independently for millions of years + ardvarks are found over much of the southern two-thirds
of Africa and their habitat is savannah and semi-arid areas + IUCN: Least Concern + The aardvark’s diet
consists almost entirely of ants and termites + The Aardvark is the sole surviving species of its order,
Tubulidentata, and its closest relatives have been extinct since the Pleistocene era (2 million years ago).
 Buff-breasted Sandpiper = Recently, a rare bird from the arctic tundra, Buff-breasted sandpiper, was
sighted in Kannur, Kerala + It is one of the most delicately beautiful of the shorebirds + It breeds in the
open arctic tundra of North America and usually in winters in South America + Habitat: Shortgrass
prairies; in summer, tundra ridges. Migrants in North America mostly live on dry, open ground, such as
prairies, pastures etc + IUCN: Near Threatened.
 White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic and threatened bird. Birds found around Ooty and Baba Budan are
called the Nilgiri blue robin; the Anamalai group diff•ers slightly in appearance, and is called the
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Whitebellied blue robin + The biodiversity of a region is expressed in two ways:

 Species Richness: which relates to how many species are found in an ecosystem.
 Phylogenetic Diversity: where you add up the evolutionary age of all the species you find.
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 White-Bellied Sea Eagle = It is a large diurnal bird of prey + They are found throughout Southeast Asia.
They range north to south from southern China to Australia and Tasmania, and west to east from India to
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New Guinea. Their range includes the islands of Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the
Philippines + They live primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts, islands, and
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estuaries + IUCN: Least Concern + A diurnal bird is a bird species that is primarily active during the
daytime, as opposed to nocturnal birds, which are active at night. Diurnal birds are adapted to forage,
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hunt, and carry out various activities during daylight hours.

 Black Eagle = They soar over forests in the hilly regions of tropical and subtropical South and Southeast
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Asia, as well as southeastern China + They are found in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu
& Kashmir, forests of the Eastern and Western Ghats in peninsular India + Habitat: forested mountains
and hills + IUCN: Least concern + Recently, a rare black eagle was spotted for the first time in the lush
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Chail wildlife sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh + (Chail wildlife sanctuary = Himachal Pradesh +
It comprises part of the catchment area of a tributary of the Giri River)
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 Indian Eagle Owl = The Indian eagle-owl (Bubo bengalensis) has recently been recognized as a distinct species,
setting it apart from the Eurasian eagle-owl + The Indian Eagle Owl is one of the largest owl species found in
India + The female Indian eagle-owl is slightly larger, with a length of up to two and a half feet and a wingspan
of six feet + It is nocturnal in nature + It spans almost entire Indian peninsula + The Indian Eagle Owl is widely
distributed across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka + The Indian Eagle
Owl is classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
 Pallas Fish Eagle = It is also known as Pallas's sea eagle or band-tailed fish eagle, is a large, brownish
sea eagle + It feeds primarily on fish + It is found in east Palearctic in Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar + It is partially
migratory + IUCN Red List: Endangered + Recently, After 10 years, the Pallas fish eagle, was sighted in
the Chilika during the bird census carried out by the Chilika wildlife division.
 Indian Vulture = Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old-World vulture native to Asia + They are also known as
Indian long-billed vultures due to their comparatively longer beak + It is a medium-sized and bulky scavenger
feeding mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. Females of this species are smaller than males + Distribution:

These are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal + They are usually found in savannas and other open habitats
around villages, cities, and near cultivated areas + IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
 Himalayan Vulture = Gyps Himalayensis + Categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ on the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) + CITES: Appendix II + The Himalayan vulture is one of the
largest Old World vulture species, boasting an impressive wingspan and formidable presence +
Himalayan vulture is a common winter migrant to the Indian plains, and a resident of the high Himalayas
+ Its range extends across several countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, where it thrives in
challenging high-altitude environments + India has seen decline in population of vultures due to use
Ketoprofen and aceclofenac, which are two types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that
are used to treat pain and inflammation in animals, especially cattle + Recently, Researchers have
recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India at
the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. It is the second such instance in the world, after France, where the
species has been bred in captivity.
 White-Rumped Vulture = It is a medium-sized Old-World vulture + It is also known as Indian White-
backed Vulture or Oriental White-backed Vulture + Distribution: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam + Found mostly in plains
and less frequently in hilly It can also be seen in villages and cities near to cultivation + It is a typical,
medium-sized vulture, with an unfeathered head and neck, very broad wings, and short tail feathers +
IUCN: Critically Endangered + Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule-1.
 Cinereous Vulture = It is also known as the Eurasian Black Vulture or monk vulture + It is one of the heaviest
and largest raptors in the world + It is an altitudinal migrant — which means it migrates from a higher to a lower
altitude + This vulture is a bird of hilly, mountainous areas, especially favouring dry semi-open habitats such as
meadows at high altitudes over much of the range + It is a Eurasian species. It is mainly found in Spain and
inland Portugal, South France, central Asia, northern India, northern Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea + IUCN:
Near threatened + Recently, the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), one of the largest raptors in the world,
has been sighted at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Grey Francolin = It is a ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive calls and cryptic plumage + They are
carnivores (insectivores) and herbivores (granivores) + Grey francolins inhabit open plains, bare or low grass-
covered ground in scrub and open country + Grey francolins are found in the Indian subcontinent and Iran +
Their distribution is south of the foothills of the Himalayas westwards to the Indus Valley and eastwards to
Bengal. They are also found in north-western Sri Lanka + IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
 Indian Skimmer = It is an odd bird which belongs to the family of skimmers, Rynchopidae + It occurs
primarily on larger, sandy, lowland rivers, around lakes and adjacent marshes and, in the non-breeding
season, in estuaries and coasts + These skimmer species were distributed in north Indian rivers, Pakistan,
Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam + Now, much of the population is
confined to north Indian River systems and Pakistan. About 20% of the total population nest along river
Chambal + IUCN Red List: Endangered.
 Greater Sand-Plover = Migrant Bird + It is known for long distance migration + It breeds in high-
elevation areas, where it favors arid, open habitats, sometimes near water. It breeds during April to May
in central Asia, late March to late May in Turkey and upto late June in Armenia + It winters on coastal
mudflats and estuaries. It winters in the shores of Indian and Australian Oceans after the breeding +
IUCN: Least Concern + Recently, a Greater sand-plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) that normally prefers
sea shores, has been spotted in an urban tank in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
 Indian-Spot Billed Duck = Non-migratory breeding duck throughout freshwater wetlands in the Indian
subcontinent + It is a resident throughout Pakistan and India in freshwater wetlands. They inhabit both inland and
coastal wetlands such as ponds, lakes, pools, streams, creeks, estuaries, tidal flats and marshes. They tend to avoid
very large patches of open water and prefer medium-sized wetlands with vegetation cover + IUCN Red List:
Least Concern + They mostly feed on grasses and other vegetations. Sometimes they may feed on insects.
 Amur Falcon = Least Concern + Small raptor of the falcon family + It is the world’s longest travelling
raptors. It starts journey for about 22,000 kms with the onset of winters + It breeds in south-eastern
Siberia and northern China before migrate a long distance across India and over the Arabian sea to winter
in Southern and East Africa + They get their name from the Amur River that forms the border between
Russia and China + Doyang Lake (Nagaland) is known as a stopover for the Amur falcons during their
annual migration from their breeding grounds to warmer South Africa. Amur Falcon stays for a month in
Nagaland and helps in maintaining the ecosystem by feeding on a large number of insects, thus

controlling the population of insects + Nagaland is also known as the “Falcon Capital of the World” +
Earlier, The hunting, killing and sale of amur falcons have been banned in Manipur + Recently, Manipur
decided to conduct the census of Amur Falcons.
 Black Stork = Large bird + It breeds in swampy, coniferous, and mixed forests + It can also be found in
grasslands, agricultural fields, and on the margins of lakes and rivers during winter + It is a long-distance migrant,
with European populations wintering in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asian populations in the Indian
subcontinent + It is mainly found in Europe, Asia, and African countries + IUCN: Least concern + Recently, a
Black Stork, a species rarely seen, has been spotted in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
 Attenborough's Long-Beaked Echidna = An elusive Attenborough's long-beaked echidna which was
feared extinct after disappearing for six decades has been rediscovered in a remote part of Indonesia + It
has never been recorded outside the extremely remote Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia's Papua region +
Echidnas are nocturnal and shy, making them difficult to find at the best of times + IUCN: Critically
Endangered + CITES: Appendix II.
 Laughing Gull = These birds are mainly found on the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean,
and northern South America + known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter +
They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers + IUCN: Least Concern + Recently, a laughing gull, a
migratory bird from North America, has been sighted for the first time in the country at the Chittari
estuary in Kasaragod district, Kerala.
 Wandering Albatrosses = It is the world’s largest flying bird, with a wingspan reaching an incredible 3.5
metres + These birds are oceanic nomads: they spend most of their 60 years of life at sea and only come
to land to breed + These are found almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere + IUCN: Vulnerable +
hey breed on several subantarctic islands, which are characterised by peat soils, tussock grass, sedges,
mosses, and shrubs + Marion Island and Prince Edward Island together support about half of the entire
world’s wandering albatross breeding population + Please Note: The Prince Edward Islands are two small
uninhabited islands in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean that are part of South Africa which are named
Marion Island and Prince Edward Island.
 Agulhas long-billed Lark = It is a small passerine bird + only found in South Africa + It is a South African
endemic species restricted to the Agulhas plains + It builds nests on the ground mainly in Renosterveld fynbos, a
type of vegetation filled with grasses and wild spring flowers + IUCN: Near-threatened.
 Green Honeycreeper = Small bird + The New World Tropics (Rainforests in Central and South
America), from Mexico to Brazil + IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
 Great Indian Bustard (GIB) = = Native to India and Pakistan + State Bird of Rajasthan + IUCN:
Critically Endangered + CITES: Appendix I + Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 +
Important sanctuaries are: Desert National Park, Rajasthan; Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Gujarat; Great
Indian Bustard Sanctuary or Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary, Maharashtra + GIB is largest among
the four bustard species in India, other 3 being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican and the Bengal
florican + Recenty, Central government informed that there were no Great Indian Bustards (GIB) in
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary (KBS) in Gujarat + Supreme Court recently said, in M.K. Ranjitsinh & Others
vs Union of India & Others, that in all cases where the overhead lines in power projects exist, the
governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat shall take steps forthwith to install bird diverters in order to protect
Great Indian Bustards + Wildlife Institute of India proposed to put all power transmission lines passing
through Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat underground
 Captive breeding of GIBs: The captive breeding of GIBs was taken up in the Desert National Park
through a project executed by the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India in 2019. As many as 24
GIB chicks are being reared in DNP by a team supported by the International Fund for Houbara
Conservation of United Arab Emirates.
 Project Great Indian Bustard: It has been launched by the Rajasthan government with an aim of
constructing breeding enclosures for the species and developing infrastructure to reduce human
pressure on its habitats.
 Firefly Bird Diverters: These are flaps installed on power lines, a reason for many death among
GIB. They work as reflectors for bird species like the GIB. Birds can spot them from a distance of
about 50 meters and change their path of flight to avoid collision with power lines + Supreme Court
recently said, in M.K. Ranjitsinh & Others vs Union of India & Others, that in all cases where the
overhead lines in power projects exist, the governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat shall take steps
forthwith to install bird diverters in order to protect Great Indian Bustard.

 Kakapo (owl parrot) = It is a large, nocturnal, flightless, lek-breeding parrot + These are remarkable and unusual
birds found only in Aotearoa, New Zealand + They only breed every few years, triggered by the availability of
certain forest foods such as the fruits of the native rimu tree + This bird suffers from diseases such as the fungal
infection aspergillosis, and many of their eggs are infertile + IUCN: Critically Endangered.
 Indian Grey Hornbill = It is a common hornbill found on the Indian subcontinent + It is commonly sighted in
pairs. These birds are known to be arborea i,e., spend most of their time on tall trees, but may descend for food
and to collect mud pellets for nesting + Unlike a lot of other birds, the male and female look similar + It is one of
the few hornbill species found in urban areas in many cities where they are able to make use of large trees in
avenues + Distribution: Indian subcontinent; found from north-east Pakistan and south Nepal east to north-west
Bangladesh and south throughout most of India except in Assam + IUCN: Least Concern.
 Heronry & Herons = Heronry is the breeding grounds of herons + Herons are long-legged, long-necked,
freshwater and coastal birds some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons +
Herons, by evolutionary adaptation, have long beaks + IUCN: Least Concern + These are widely
distributed over the world but are most common in the tropics + Recently, The annual heronry count
jointly organised by WWF-India in association with the Forest department in Thiruvananthapuram district
has recorded more heronries that in the past.
 Emperor Penguin = Emperor Penguins are the largest of all the different kinds of penguin and are
endemic to Antarctica + IUCN status- near threatened status + Penguins are a group of aquatic flightless
birds. They live almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, with only one species, the Galapagos
penguin, found north of the equator + Dozens of countries had backed giving the world’s largest penguins
special protection status at a 10-day meeting in Berlin of parties to the Antarctic Treaty + The treaty was
forged in 1959 to ensure that the continent remains the preserve of science, and free of arms.
 Black-necked Grebe = water bird + It has a widespread breeding area, with migratory populations
covering an extensive range of Eurasia and North America, while a resident population is also found in
subtropical Africa + IUCN: Least Concern + In a significant environmental development, a Black-necked
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Grebe was recently sighted for the first time at Hokersar wetland.
 Odonata Species = Odonata is an insect order consisting of three groups: Anisoptera(which includes
dragonflies), Zygoptera (which includes damselflies), and Anisozygoptera (a relict group represented by
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only two living species) + It is one of the ancient orders of insects + They are globally distributed, from
the tropics, where they are most numerous and varied, to the boreal forests of Siberia and North America.
They are also found throughout the Southern Hemisphere, with the exception of Antarctica + Recently,
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around 50 Odonata species were identified on the first day of the two-day Odonata survey that
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commenced in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) recently.

 European Bumblebee = More than 75% of European bumblebee species may be threatened in the next 40-60
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years according to a paper published in Nature + The bumblebee (Bombus) is a genus of bees important for the
pollination of crops in the cold and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere + European honeybees (Apis
mellifera) commonly referred to as the Western honey bee, possess two pairs of wings and usually display black
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or brown coloring with distinctive yellow stripes on its abdomen. They prefer to nest in a cavity such as a hollow
tree or house wall + They are assessed as "Data Deficient" on the IUCN Red List.
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 Walking Leaves = They are usually green insects and are known for their leaf-like appearance +
Distribution: Islands in the Indian Ocean, across parts of mainland South Asia and Southeast Asia, to
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Papua New Guinea and Australia in the western Pacific + Males tend to be smaller than females +
Recently, an international research team has described seven previously unknown species of leaf insects
(Phylliidae family), also known as walking leaves.
 Yellow-Legged Hornet = Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet or Asian predatory wasp +
hornet species indigenous to Southeast Asia + It is a predatory insect that commonly feeds on other social bees
and wasps, including honey bees + Invasive species + The first live specimen of a yellow-legged hornet, which
“poses a threat to honeybees and other pollinators,” was recently detected in the wild in the United States.
 Cicada = Cicadas are hemipteran insects known for their loud, complex and species-specific acoustic
signals or songs + The generic diversity of cicadas in India and Bangladesh ranks the highest in the world,
followed by China + Most cicadas are canopy dwellers and are found in natural forests with large trees +
Scientists divide the over 3,000 cicada species into two groups: annual and periodical. Annual cicadas
emerge from the ground at different times each summer + It has now been named as Purana cheeveeda
(after its Malayalam name Cheeveedu) used to be mistaken for Purana tigrina, a species that was first
described in Malaysia in 1850.

 Haploclastus Nilgirinus = It is elusive Nilgiri large burrowing spider and a venomous species of
tarantula + It is endemic to the Nilgiris hills of Western Ghats + It shows sexual dimorphism, the males
are much smaller than the females + Recently, researchers said that the Haploclastus nilgirinus a species
of tarantula could be under threat from habitat loss and climate change.
 Paintbrush Swift Butterfly = It is a butterfly species of the Hesperiidae family + Its habitat is distributed
in northeast, central and south India, and rare in Uttarakhand + This species is legally protected in India
under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972This species is legally protected in India under
Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 + Recently, the paintbrush swift butterfly has been
photographed and documented for the first time in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district.
 Milkweed Butterflies = They are any of a group of butterflies in the brush-footed butterfly family
(Nymphalidae) + There are some 300 species in the group, including the iconic Monarch butterfly + The
majority of species are found in both Old and New World tropics. However, some well-known members
of the group, such as the monarch butterfly and the queen butterfly, live in temperate regions + The large,
colourful adults have long, usually brownish or orange wings marked by black-and-white patterns. They
fly slowly, and some, such as the monarch butterfly, migrate great distances. They feed chiefly on
milkweed and sometimes on nightshade + Striped tiger, Blue tiger, Dark blue tiger and Plain tiger are
types of milkweed butterflies who migrate westward from the Eastern Ghats and plains to the Western
Ghats, becoming active for more than two months upon their arrival.
 Eucalyptus Snout Beetle = It is a leaf-feeding beetle that is a major defoliator of eucalypts + The pest is
indigenous to Australia but occurs in many countries throughout the world where eucalypts are grown + The
beetle feeds on leaves, buds and shoots, resulting in stunted growth and deflation and causing heavy losses +
Eucalyptus (evergreen tree) wood is a crucial material for paper pulp production + Recently, scientists have found
a natural remedy to protect eucalyptus forest plantations from a pest, eucalyptus snout beetle, which is known to
cause serious damage to eucalypts. The researchers have managed to collect a naturally occurring pathogenic
fungi and characterized it to turn it into a biopesticide for controlling beetle populations.
 Red Weaver Ants = These are indigenous to Mayurbhanj and are found in abundance in the jungles of
every block area of the district, including in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, throughout the year + They form
colonies with multiple nests in trees.
 Similipal Kai Chutney = The savoury chutney is popular in Mayurbhanj region for its healing
properties and also deemed important for nutritional security of the tribal people + Many indigenous
people from Mayurbhanj district venture into nearby forest to collect kai pimpudi (red weaver ant) +
Around 500 tribal families have been eking out a living by collecting and selling these insects and a
chutney made with them + Recently got GI Tag.
 Santa Fe Frog = Scientist discover extremely rare “leopard-print’ frog + It is an extremely rare species
found only in South American countries namely Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay + IUCN: Near
Threatened + The frog is under threat as its habitat the Dry Chaco is cut down + Grana Chaco is lowland
alluvial plain in interior south-central South America. It is bounded on the west by the Andes mountain
ranges and on the east by the Paraguay and Paraná rivers.
 Budgett’s Frog = Recently, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc.) molecular biophysics unit in
a study have identified that peptides (short protein) produced from Budgett’s frog can combat enzymes of disease
causing pathogens + They are found near or in permanent or seasonal bodies of water in Paraguay, Argentina and
Bolivia + IUCN Red List: Least Concern + The peptides (short proteins) produced from the skin of amphibians
have long been studied because of their ability to counter unfavourable conditions in the environment, including
harmful pathogens. The frog-secreted peptide inhibited two key enzymes called subtilisin carlsberg and
proteinase K., produced by pathogens. [THE HINDU, 10 Dec]
 Greater One-Horned Rhinos = Also known as Indian rhino, it is the largest of the rhino species +
Vulnerable + The species is restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal terai and northern West Bengal and
Assam + In India, rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh + Assam has an
estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang
National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park + Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the
highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and second highest number of Rhinos in Assam after
Kaziranga National Park.
 Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) = Launched in 2005 + ambitious effort to attain a wild
population of at least 3,000 greater one horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian
state of Assam by the year 2020 + Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, holds about 70% of the

world population + IRV 2020 aims to translocate Rhinos from Kaziranga National Park and Pabitora
Wildlife Sanctuary to five other protected areas namely Manas, Laokhowa, Buracharpori-Kochmora,
Dibrusaikhowa and Orang + Translocations of Rhinos are being done in order to avert the risks
associated with having an entire rhino population concentrated in one specific area.
 Gharial = It is a fresh-water crocodile which lives in deep fast-flowing rivers + Compared to alligators
and crocodiles, a Gharial has a very long and narrow snout (instead of a broad snout) + Globally Gharial
is found only in India and Nepal + n India their major population occur in three tributaries of the Ganga
River: the Chambal and the Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal + The Gharial
reserves of India are located in three States – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan +
IUCN:Critically endangered + Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I + CITES: Appendix I.
 Smooth-Coated Otter = They are found throughout much of southern Asia, from India eastward. There
is also an isolated population found in the marshes of Iraq + They are mostly found in lowlands, coastal
mangrove forests, peat swamp forests, freshwater wetlands, large forested rivers, lakes, and rice paddies +
They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia + IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
 Eurasian Otter = It is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal native to Eurasia + It lives throughout
Europe, North Africa, and Asia. In India, it occurs in northern, northeastern, and southern India + In the
Indian subcontinent, it is found in cold hills and mountain streams + IUCN: Near threatened + Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II + CITES: Appendix I + A team of researchers recently discovered a
Eurasian otter in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki, a first in Kerala.
 Small Clawed Otter = This mammal boasts a broad distribution range spanning from India eastwards to
Southeast Asia and southern China + In India, it predominantly inhabits protected areas in West Bengal, Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and certain regions of Kerala within the Western Ghats + IUCN:
Vulnerable + Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I + CITES: Appendix I + They are primarily found in
freshwater habitats, sustaining themselves with a diet comprising fish and crustaceans.
 Dugong = Dugongs, also known as Sea Cows, are the only herbivorous marine mammals and the only member
of the family Dugongidae, making it one of the four surviving species in the Order Sirenia (other is Trichechidae,
or the manatee family) + IUCN: Vulnerable + Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 + CITES:
Appendix I + they are mainly found in shallow areas as they survive mainly on seagrass + They live in groups
and come to the surface to breathe with a distinct dolphin-like tail, and have mammary glands + Recently, the
Tamil Nadu government announced India’s first conservation reserve for Dugongs in Palk Bay + Dugongs face
threats of habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, hunting for meat and oil etc.
 Gangetic Dolphin = Popularly known as ‘Susu’ of rivers + Only live in freshwater and are essentially blind +
They are reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem + It is also National Aquatic Animal of India
+ It can be found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and
Bangladesh + In India, it covers seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar,
Jharkhand and West Bengal + It prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence + Major threats to dolphins in
India include overfishing in the habitat, pollution, infrastructure etc. + Gangetic dolphins are one among the 21
species identified under the centrally sponsored scheme, “Development of Wildlife Habitat” + India’s national
aquatic animal (declared in 2009) + IUCN: Endangered + Schedule I of WPA,1972 & Appendix 1 of CITES +
The species is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem + The Gangetic Dolphin is endemic
to the Indian sub-continent and has a fairly extensive distribution range. It is found in the Ganga -Brahmaputra -
Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India and Bangladesh, while a few individuals survive in the
Karnali, and the Sapta Kosi Rivers in Nepal + It is blind and finds its way and prey in river waters through
echolocation + Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in water and must surface every 30-
120 seconds + It is one of four freshwater dolphin species in the world. The other three are:
 'Baiji' in Yangtze River in China (Functionally extinct since 2006)
 'Boto' in Amazon River
 'Bhulan' in Indus River in Pakistan
 Pilot Whales = Despite their name, pilot whales are one of the largest members of the dolphin family. They
belong to the dolphin family Delphinidae + Pilot whales are so named because it was once believed that each
observed group was navigated by a pilot or leader + There are two species of pilot whales: Short finned pilot
whales, which are mainly found in tropical and warm-temperate regions, and long-finned pilot whales, which
inhabit colder waters + IUCN Status of both: Least Concern + Seventy-eight long-finned pilot whales, a species
of oceanic dolphins, were slaughtered near the capital of Faroe Islands recently + Please Note: The Faroe Islands
are an autonomous territory of Denmark. It is located in between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic
Ocean.
 Blue whale = Blue whales are the largest animals ever to live on our planet + Whales are at the top of the
food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment + They are found in
all oceans except the Arctic Ocean + The average lifespan is estimated at around 80 to 90 years + IUCN:
Endangered + Recently, the carcass of a blue whale washed ashore at Meghavaram beach of
Santabommali mandal in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
 Sperm Whale = Sperm whales are the largest of the toothed whales and have one of the widest global
distributions of any marine mammal species + It is dark blue-Gray or brownish, with white patches on the
belly + It is thickset and has small paddle like flippers and a series of rounded humps on its back + It is
found in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world + IUCN: Vulnerable + CITES: Appendix I +
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: schedule 2.
 Grey Whales = They are found mainly in shallow coastal waters in the North Pacific Ocean, although
during migration, they do sometimes cross deep waters far from shore + They are a type of baleen whale,
which means they filter food from the water through special bristly structures in their mouths + IUCN:
Western Grey whale (Critically endangered) and Eastern Grey whale (Least concern) + As per a new
study, population swings in eastern North Pacific grey whales — some of which have resulted in recent
mass mortality events — are driven by changing prey biomass and ice cover in the Arctic.
 Whale Shark = The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and the largest fish known to have lived
on this planet + They feed on plankton and travel large distances to find enough food to sustain their huge
size, and to reproduce + They are one of only three species of filter feeding sharks + They can be found in
all temperate and tropical oceans around the world, except the Mediterranean Sea + IUCN: Endangered.
 Baleen Whales = These are any cetacean possessing unique epidermal modifications of the mouth called baleen,
which is used to filter food from water + Most mammals have teeth in their mouth. Baleen whales are a strange
exception + Baleen whales, scientifically known as Mysticeti, are a group of large marine mammals belonging to the
cetacean order + They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and have cultural significance in various societies +
Recently, A fossil of Baleen Whales has been found on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia.
 Hammerhead Sharks = As per a new study, Hammerhead sharks can hold their breath to survive almost
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freezing-cold waters during deep dives + Hammerhead Sharks are characterized by a flattened hammer- or
shovel-shaped head + There are nine species of Hammerhead Sharks, each with varying lengths. The great
hammerhead shark is the largest of all hammerhead species, reaching a maximum known length of 20 feet +
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They are exothermic animals, meaning that they have no internal way to control their body temperature + They
are widely distributed in tropical and temperate marine waters near the coasts and above the continental shelves.
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 Broadnose Sevengill Shark = It is a large seven-gilled with a wide head and short, blunt snout shark + It
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is related to sharks that lived in the Jurassic Period about 300 million years ago + They prefer tropical,
temperate, shallow waters + It is found in all oceans except the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
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In the eastern Pacific Ocean, they are found from southeastern Alaska to southern Baja California,
Mexico and from Colombia to Chile + IUCN: Vulnerable.
 Sea Lion = It is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Otariidae + These are known for their semi-
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aquatic lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time both on land and in the water + They inhabit
rocky shorelines, islands, and sandy beaches + They can be found in various regions, including the Pacific
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Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian Ocean + Sea lions are carnivorous and primarily feed
on fish, such as herring, anchovies, sardines, and squid + Sea lions comprise a total of six extant species.
Three sea lion species are endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and
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one is endangered under the United States' Endangered Species Act (ESA).
 White’s Seahorse = It is commonly seen holding onto the nets of swimming enclosures. The species was
named after John White, Surgeon General to the First Fleet. Seahorses are often considered a flagship
species for conservation. Male seahorses can be recognised by the presence of a pouch below the
abdomen which is absent in females. It is usually very well camouflaged in various shades of brown, grey
and black + These are endemic to Australia + IUCN: Endangered.
 Chitala Fish = It is an obligate, typically nocturnal, predator feeding on smaller fishes + It is mostly
known from major river channels and freshwater lakes but has also been observed in swamps + It is found
in the Indus, Ganges-Brahmaputra and Mahanadi river basins in India + IUCN: Near Threatened.
 Leopard Toby Puffer Fish = It is a deepwater reef species that lives in deep water caves and reef slopes
+ It is also known as blowfish + It is believed to have a thriving population in its deep-sea habitat +
IUCN: Least Concern + It is usually found in the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, and
Micronesia + Recently, a "super rare" creature, the Leopard Toby Puffer Fish, that roams in the depths of
the ocean, has been spotted off the coast of Australia.
 Lamprey Fish = Lampreys are boneless, jawless fish with eel-like bodies that date back over 350 million
years + They belong to a relic (primitive) group of jawless fish called Agnathans + They live in coastal
and fresh waters and are found in temperate regions around the world, except Africa
 Gambusia Fish = It is known as mosquitofish and, is widely used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito
larvae + It is native to the waters of the south-eastern United States + It has been a part of mosquito-control
strategies for over a century in various parts of the world, including India + it has been part of various malaria
control strategies in India since 1928, including the Urban Malaria Scheme + The International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declares Gambusia one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world +
Recently, various government and non-governmental organisations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have
released Gambusia fish into local water bodies to address a mosquito menace.
 Dragon Snakehead Fish = It is considered ‘living fossils’ and named after the character in Lord of the
Rings + It is mainly found in Kerala + It evolved around 120 million years ago, probably with dinosaurs
in the Jurassic period + IUCN red list: Vulnerable + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.
 Tilapia Fish = The report on the status of invasive alien species pointed out that the spread of water
hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) in Lake Victoria has affected the population of tilapia fish + Tilapia fish is
a common name used for certain species of fishes belonging to the family Cichlidae (order Perciformes),
represented by numerous, mostly freshwater species native to Africa + It has emerged to be one of the
most productive and internationally traded food fish in the world.
 Water Hyacinth = It (Pontederia crassipes, also referred to as Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the most
invasive weed species in the world + It is causing significant adverse economic and ecological impacts,
particularly in tropical and subtropical regions + This is not an indigenous species but was introduced to
India during British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America.
 Lake Victoria = It is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake + Location: It is located in East
Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya + It is also called Victoria Nyanza in Kenya,
Nalubaale in Uganda, and Ukerewe in Tanzania + It is a source of the White Nile River, which flows
northward and eventually joins the Blue Nile in Sudan to form the Nile River.
 Electric Eel = Fish that only lives in freshwater areas + They can release up to 860 volts, which is enough to run a
machine + It has three specialized electric organs—the main electrical organ, the Hunter’s organ and the Sachs’ organ
which make up about 80 percent of this fish’s body + They dwell mainly on the muddy bottoms of rivers and
occasionally swamps, prefering deeply shaded areas + IUCN: Least concern + Recently, a research group from Nagoya
University in Japan found electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae.
 Channa Barca = Fish + Channa Barca, also known as the Barca Snakehead, is a primitive predatory fish
+ It is endemic to the upper Brahmaputra river basin in northeastern India and Bangladesh + In India, it is
restricted to the states of Assam and Nagaland in northeastern India but is scarce and never collected in
numbers + Since it is a rare, ornamental fish, it is in high demand in the international market and is
susceptible to illegal trade + Overall, it has been assessed as data deficient by the IUCN, and in 2014, it
was assessed by the IUCN as critically endangered due to habitat loss.
 Sardine Fish = Sardines are small, oily fish belonging to the herring family (Clupeidae), and they are found in
abundance in various oceans around the world + Found all over the world from the North Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans to the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the waters around South America + Sardines are a
highly nutritious fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D, and calcium.
 Sardine Run = The "sardine run" refers to a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs annually
along the eastern coast of South Africa, particularly in the waters of the Indian Ocean + This event
involves the mass migration of sardines (small, silvery fish) along the coastline, attracting a wide
array of marine predators and creating a feeding frenzy + This marine event is “very rare” and it
usually happens due to sudden changes in the temperature of sea surface water where sardines live.
 Allegator Gar = It is a ray-finned euryhaline fish and is one of the largest of all freshwater fishes +
largest species in the Gar family + The fossil record traces its group's existence back to the Early
Cretaceous over 100 million years ago + Gars are often referred to as "primitive fishes", or "living fossils"
because they have retained some morphological characteristics of their early ancestors + Distribution:
Central and North America + IUCN: Least Concerned + Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Lake
Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) discovered a rare type of fish known as a "Alligator
Gar" for the first time in Srinagar’s Dal Lake + (Euryhaline Organisms = They are a type of mostly
marine organisms with the ability to adapt to a wide range of water salinities + They can survive either in
freshwater, saltwater or brackish water + Some euryhaline organisms migrate between freshwater and
saltwater habitats during their life cycle + Some examples of such organisms are salmon, eels, etc.)
 Pinna Nobilis = It is a large species of Mediterranean clam, a marine bivalve mollusc + This species is endemic
to the Mediterranean Sea + The clams, whose shells can grow as much as 1.2 m across, play an important
ecological role by filtering sea water and allowing other organisms to flourish + The clam, known as the noble
pen shell or pinna nobilis, started dying out as a deadly pathogen spread in parts of the Mediterranean around
2016 + IUCN: Critically endangered + Recently, marine biologists said that a huge clam that was on the verge of
extinction has made a comeback, with a surge in numbers in waters off Croatia
 Hermit Crab = The hermit crab (IUCN: least concern) is a unique crustacean that lacks a hard shell and
utilizes old shells, particularly whelk shells, for protection + Unlike other crustaceans with a complete
exoskeleton, the hermit crab has a soft and squishy back part where its abdomen is located + Hermit crabs
worldwide, known for using scavenged shells as armour, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead,
according to an ecological study using social media photos.
 Crab Plover = Recently, for the first time, breeding nests of crab-plovers spotted at Great Vedaranyam
Swamp near Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu + It is a long-legged, black and white bird of Indian Ocean
coasts + This is the only shorebird that lays white eggs, and chicks remain inside the burrows until the
fledging stage + They are residents of the coasts and islands of the Indian Ocean. They breed around the
Arabian Sea of Pakistan, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Somalia, the Andaman Islands,
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar + These birds inhabit sandy coastlines, mudflats, estuaries, lagoons,
exposed coral reefs, and rocky shorelines + IUCN: Least Concern + It is one of the species to which the
Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
 Sea Cucumber = This species is a part of a larger animal group called echinoderms and is invertebrates
that lives on the seafloor + Found in both tropical and temperate oceans + Distribution: Lakshadweep
islands and Andaman Nicobar islands, the Gulf of Mannar at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and Bay
of Bengal in Tamil Nadu is also home to sea cucumbers + It has no limbs or eyes, or blood + Status:
Schedule 1 of WPA- > Trade is banned + CITES: Appendix II + MoEFCC imposed a total ban on
harvesting and transporting sea cucumbers in 2001 + Lakshadweep has created the world’s first
conservation area for sea cucumbers + Beneficial to the benthic animals as they release inorganic nitrogen
and phosporus, also plays an important role in preserving coral reefs + Contain high levels of a chemical
called fucosylated glycosaminoglycan in their skin + They exhibit both sexual and asexual reproduction.
 Sea Grasses = Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow submerged in shallow marine waters like bays
and lagoons + They have roots, stems and leaves, and produce flowers and seeds + They are considered to
be ‘Ecosystem Engineers’ + They inhabit all types of substrates (layers) from mud to rock and they are
found extensively in muddy and sandy substrates + Seagrass reproduce through both sexual and asexual
methods + Seagrass reproduce through both sexual and asexual methods + It occurs all along the coastal
areas of India and are abundant in the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu, however threatened
now + They are found on all continents except Antarctica
 Sea Lettuce = Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is commonly referred to as seaweed + It is a genus of green algae
usually found growing on rocky shores of seas and oceans around the world + Some species of Sea lettuce also
grow in brackish water rich in organic matter or sewage and can accumulate heavy metals + It usually grows
attached by a small discoid holdfast to rocks and shells, but it can also grow in a free-floating, non-attached form,
sometimes in prolific masses + It needs a lot of sunlight to flourish + It is perennial, and grows all year, although
the largest blooms occur during the summer + Large masses of sea lettuce are often an indicator of nutrient
pollution in the water + In some parts of the world, people eat sea lettuce in soups and salads + Researchers have
recently discovered 20 new species of Sea lettuce along the Baltic and Scandinavian coasts.
 Sea Urchins = Sea urchins belong to a group of marine invertebrates called echinoderms, which means spiny-
skinned animals + It includes other well-known marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers + Sea urchins
are characterized by their spherical to somewhat flattened, spiny bodies, and they are found in oceans
worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea environments + The largest urchin (known from a single
specimen) is Sperostoma giganteumof deep waters off Japan + They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on
algae and plant material.
 Sea Butterfly = Sea butterflies, scientific name Thecosomata, are a suborder of sea snails known as shelled
pteropods + They have muscular feet that allow them to swim in water instead of gliding on solid surfaces + Sea
butterflies are holoplanktonic (organisms that pass their whole life floating, drifting, or swimming weakly in the
water) and spend their entire life cycle in the water column + They are found in all oceans but are more diverse
and abundant in colder waters + Sea butterflies have bilateral symmetry and a coiled or uncoiled shell of various
shapes and sizes + Recently, British Antarctic Survey studied the impact of climate change on sea butterflies, a
suborder of free swimming sea snails and a gastropod mollusk of the class Gastropoda.
 Cnidarians = the animal group which includes jellyfish, sea anemones and coral are brainless, instead
getting by with a "dispersed" central nervous system.
 Caribbean Box Jellyfish = These are barely a centimeter long and have no brain + It belongs to the
Cnidaria phylum. (the animal group which includes jellyfish, sea anemones and coral) + The
Caribbean box jellyfish, or Tripedalia cystophora is known to be able to navigate through murky
water and a maze of submerged mangrove roots + It has a cognitive ability which is never seen before
in animals with such a primitive nervous system + Their performance is called "associative learning"
is comparable to far more advanced animals such as fruit flies or mice.
 Comb Jelly = A recent study suggest that comb jellies, more formally known as ctenophores, are the
closest relatives of the first animals + It is any of the numerous marine invertebrates constituting the
phylum Ctenophora + Some ctenophores live in somewhat brackish water, but all are confined to marine
habitats + They live in almost all ocean regions, particularly in surface waters near shores + They are
frequently swept into vast swarms, especially in bays, lagoons, and other coastal waters + They are
carnivorous, eating myriads of small planktonic animals.
 Staghorn Corals = These are highly endangered corals in the Caribbean sea + Recently, a genome-wide
survey of staghorn coral in the Caribbean has identified 10 genomic regions associated with resilience
against white band disease + It is an emergent infectious disease responsible for killing up to 95% of
Caribbean Acropora species, including staghorn corals (A. cervicornis) + It can be used as a conservation
tool to improve disease resistance in the wild and nursery stocks of staghorn corals + It might help in
repopulating damaged coral reefs throughout Caribbean waters.
 Deep-Sea Coral Reef = Deep-sea corals are colonies of small animals that build a common skeleton,
which grows into many shapes and colors. They provide habitat for sharks, swordfish, shrimp, fish etc +
Deep-sea corals live in much deeper or colder oceanic waters and lack zooxanthellae. Unlike their
shallow water relatives, which rely heavily on photosynthesis to produce food, deep sea corals take in
plankton and organic matter for much of their energy needs + White in coloration + Deep sea coral rely
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either by feeding on organic material falling from surface or by feeding on small plankton.
 Blue Dragons = Recently, blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) have been spotted on the beach and in waters near
the shore in Besant Nagar in Chennai + The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a type of mollusc known as a
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nudibranch + They also are known as blue sea slugs, blue angels, and sea swallows + It can be found drifting on
the surface of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans in temperate and tropical waters + The slug isn't venomous
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all on its own, however, it stores the stinging nematocysts created by the creatures on which it feeds + They are
hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
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 Ephemeral Plant = Ephemerals are plant species that wait throughout the year to bloom only during the
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monsoon because they love rain + Two types of ephemerals: annual and perennial as per International
Union for Conservation of Nature - Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) + Annual ephemerals
form new individuals every year and are seen for a very short period. They form seeds at the end of their
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life cycle, remaining dormant till the next year.

 Rhododendron = It is a genus of flowering plants that includes over a thousand species, including trees, shrubs,
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and creepers + They occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved
woodlands, temperate rain forests, and even tropical regions + They are native to the temperate regions of Asia,
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North America, and Europe, as well as to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and northern Australia + They
also require slightly acidic soil to grow well + They are also known as "Lali Guras" in the local language, and is
the national flower of Nepal and the state tree of the state of Uttarakhand in India + There are 132 taxa (80
species, 25 subspecies, and 27 varieties) of rhododendrons found in India.
 Balsams = Balsams (genus Impatiens) are fleshy orophytic herb with small, pink flowers which bloom in
Munnar, Kerala (Local Name: Kasithumba and Onappovu) + Balsams are known as ‘touch me not’
because of the bursting of mature seeds and seed distribution + Annual, perennial or suffruticose herb,
terrestrial or sometimes epiphytic + Native to India and Myanmar + Of the 220 balsam species in India,
135 are found in the southern Western Ghats + Idukki (Balsam paradise) is known for the diversity of
balsams + Anamudi (the highest mountain in the Western Ghats) and the surrounding high ranges
(balsams endemic to high ranges) are known for the diversity of wild balsams + It has been long
prescribed for the treatment of rheumatism, isthmus, generalised pain, fractures, inflammation of the
nails, scurvy, carbuncles, dysentery, bruises, foot diseases, etc + Juice extracted from plant leaves was
used to cure warts and snakebite

 Schizostachyum Andamanicum = Recently, the patent office of Government of India has granted a
patent to Botanical Survey of India for bamboo (Schizostachyum andamanicum) based reusable straw + It
is only found in some forested areas of Andamans + It grows primarily in the wet tropical biome + This
species of bamboo is characterized by a thin large hollow erect culm (stem) with long internodes and has
the potential to develop into a straw + It has small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters + The seeds
are small and black, and the seedlings have thin, light green leaves
 Impatiens Karuppusamyi = The species is named ‘Impatiens Karuppusamyi’ after S. Karuppusamy for his
contributions to the taxonomy of South Indian angiosperms + The plant is found only in the Agasthyamalai
region in the southern Western Ghats + The plant, which belongs to the scapigerous group (stemless group), is
seen only during the monsoon season for a few weeks + Impatiens is a genus of more than 1,000 species of
flowering plants widely distributed throughout tropical Africa, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and China.
 Red Sanders = It is an Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats of India.
It is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh + It has been assessed as ‘Endangered’ as per the IUCN
criteria and scheduled in appendix II of CITES and Wildlife Protection Act + It is also known as: Almug,
Saunderwood, Red Sanders, Red Sanderswood, Red Saunders, Rakta chandana (Indian), Lal Chandan, Ragat Chandan,
Rukhto Chandan, Undum + It is a deciduous tree + It is a small tree that grows to 5-8m in height and has a dark grayish
bark + The inner bark, when injured and cut, oozes red coloured santolin dye + It is disturbed in peninsular India and
Sri Lanka. It occurs in patches in tropical dry deciduous forests, towards South-Eastern ghats + well-drained red soils
with gravelled loam are suitable for the cultivation of lal Chandan species + it regenerates well in dry hot climate and
requires rainfall ranging from 800mm to 1000mm annually for good growth + The wood at the center of the trunk
(heartwood) is used as medicine. It is used for treating digestive tract problems, fluid retention, cough and for blood
purification. It can be used for removal of tan, blemishes, dullness and acne. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat eye
disorders. It can be used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic agent. It is also used in cosmetics. It is also
used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages + In 2019, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, an agency of the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry permitted the export of red sander timber, if it is obtained from cultivated land +
Recently, this export policy is amended which allows an annual export quota for artificially propagated red sanders and
zero export quota for wild specimens of red sanders.
 Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders = Recently, India has been removed from
Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders, under Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) + CITES RST process enables disciplinary action in the form of
trade suspensions directed at countries that do not meet their obligations. This is a process
through which the CITES Standing Committee places increased scrutiny on the exports of a
species from a country to determine if the Convention is being properly implemented.
 Baobab Trees = Baobabs are long-lived deciduous, small to large trees from 20 to 100 ft tall with broad
trunks and compact tops + The Baobab Tree is also known as the upside-down tree + The baobab is a
prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years
ago + They are called ‘Tree of Life’ as they can store large amounts of fresh water in their extraordinary
trunks. It also allows the baobab tree to produce nutritious fruits even during the driest years. This makes
them true life savers during times when water is scarce + Baobabs belongs to the genus Adansonia are
native to mainland Africa, Madagascar, and Australia + The tree’s unique pendulous flowers are
pollinated by bats and bush babies + IUCN Status: endangered + Madhya Pradesh government has
applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag + Recently, Bhil tribe of Central India is opposing the
forest department’s decision to give permission for uprooting baobab trees for commercial use.
 Hijol= Hijol, or Indian oak, is a medium-sized evergreen tree + Common names: Hijal, Hijangal, Hendol, Stream
Barringtonia, Itchy Tree + It is native to coastal wetlands in southern Asia and northern Australasia + This species
grows on the banks of freshwater rivers, the edges of freshwater swamps & lagoons and on seasonally flooded lowland
plains, commonly on heavy soils + It is commonly found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin + Its bark has
tannin, which is useful for heart diseases. Powder of seeds works as an expectorant and is applied to cure the cough of
children. Tonic is prepared from leaves & roots. Fish poison is also prepared from its roots.
 Sal Tree = It is a large sub-deciduous tree which is seldom completely leafless + It is indigenous to India
and occurs in two main regions separated by Gangetic plain namely the northern and central Indian
regions + It requires well-drained, moist and sandy loam soil + It survives upto a maximum temperature
of 36°C to 44°C and minimum temperature of 11°C to 17°C and it needs an average rainfall of 1000 mm
to 3500 mm per annum + The resin of this tree is used in the indigenous system of medicine + The state
of Odisha has a rich depository of sal seeds accounting for 25 per cent of the country’s production. Other
major Sal seeds producing states include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.

 Mahua Tree = It is mainly cultivated or harvested in the wild in Southern Asia for its edible flowers and
oil seeds + It is commonly known as madhūka, madkam, mahuwa, Butter Tree, mahua, mahwa, mohulo,
Iluppai , Mee or vippa chettu + It is a frost resistant species that can grow in marginal areas of dry tropical
and subtropical forests up to an altitude of 1200-1800 m + It can be found scattered in pastures, in crop
fields in central India, and on rivers banks in semi-evergreen forests + It grows well where annual rainfall
is between 500 mm to 1500 mm, and where temperatures are in the range of 2-46°C + It requires loamy
or sandy-loam soils with good drainage and also occurs on shallow stony, clayey and calcareous soils.
 Tapioca Plant = It is a major horticulture crop + It is cultivated throughout the tropical world for its
tuberous roots, from which cassava flour, breads, tapioca, a laundry starch, and an alcoholic beverage are
derived + It thrives best in a tropical, warm, humid climate with well-distributed rainfall of over 100 cm
per annum + All parts of cassava/tapioca – leaves, stem, tuber and rind – contain the compounds called
cyanogenic glucosides (CNGs), that is, linamarin and lotaustralin which are hydrolysed by endogenous
enzyme linamarase to acetone cyanohydrin which may break down spontaneously liberating free
hydrogen cyanide. Both acetone cyanohydrin and free cyanide are toxic.
 Sisal Plant = It is a xerophytic, monocarp, semi-perennial leaf fibre producing plant + The leaves are
thick, fleshy and often covered with a waxy layer, typical characteristics of xerophytic plants + Each leaf
has about a thousand fibres that can be used to make ropes, paper, and cloth + It could be used to make a
highly absorbed material as well + It is well adapted mainly in Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, part of
Bihar, western part of West Bengal and many southern states.
 Sikki Grass = This grass grows indigenously in the Tarai regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and has an
average height of 3-4 feet + Sikki grass belongs to the zizanoides grass family + Sikki got the
geographical identification tag in 2018
 ‘Bhagwa’ Pomegranate = APEDA facilitated the export of the first trial shipment of ‘Bhagwa’
pomegranate to the USA in collaboration with NPPO + Bhagwa’ (Saffron-colored) Pomegranate has high
antioxidant content and super fruit characteristics + Solapur (Maharashtra) contributes almost 50% of
pomegranate export from India
 Namoh 108 = Lotus Variety + It was unveiled in CSIR - National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow
under the One Week One Lab (OWOL) initiative of the CSIR + Under OWOL, every lab would
showcase its history and scientific achievements for a week + It was discovered several years ago in
Manipur and is the only lotus variety in India to have had its genome sequenced.
 Tiger Orchid = It is the largest orchid species in the world + It is called Tiger Orchid because of its
splendid flowers which sport striking brown spots against a yellow backdrop, bringing to mind tigers +
CITES: Appendix II + They grow in Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Freshwater Swamp Forest, Riverine)
habitats + Distribution: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
 Fish Mint = It is an herbal plant full of medicinal properties and grown on the ground with wide leaves +
It has many names, such as Bishop’s Weed, Chinese Lizard Tail, Fish Wort, Fish Leaf, Rainbow Plant
and Chameleon Plant + Despite being called “fish mint”, it’s not a member of the mint family. It does,
however, spread aggressively like mint + Its native range extends from the Himalayan foothills through
Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan + It is used to treat digestive issues, insect bites, fevers, coughs,
influenza, kidney ailments and a host of other ailments + The medicinal properties and benefits of fish
mint have been documented in ancient texts of traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, as well as
Ayurveda and Siddha.
 Gucchi Mushroom = It is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota + It is also
known as morel + They are pale yellow in colour with large pits and ridges on the surface of the cap,
raised on a large white stem + It cannot be cultivated commercially and grow in conifer forests across
temperature regions, and the foothills in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Jammu and Kashmir +
These mushrooms usually grow in clusters on logs of decaying wood, leaves or humus soil + It is known
to be one of the most expensive mushrooms.
 Mycena Chlorophos = Rare bioluminescent mushroom + Recently found in Kanyakumari Wildlife
Sanctuary (KKWLS), Tamil Nadu + It is a bioluminescent fungus primarily found in subtropical Asia +
Mycena species have bell-shaped caps and thin stems + Bioluminescence is the ability of living
organisms to emit light. It occurs due to a biochemical reaction between luciferins, oxygen and the
enzyme luciferase. The benefit of bioluminescence in fungi is to attract insects for facilitating their spore
dispersal.

 Sponge Farming = A sponge is a living animal which is made of loosely arranged cells that surround a
skeleton of fibres + The specialised cells nestled within thousands of tiny chambers act as microscopic
pumps, and tirelessly drawing water into the sponge’s body with their whip-like tails + Sponges provide
homes for many other animals, plants, and microorganisms. In many cases, they all work together in a
mutual symbiotic relationship + Sea sponges exist in all oceans around the world and make up 20% of the
global silicon biological sink + Most sponges are hermaphrodites, harbouring both male and female
reproductive organs, enabling them to self-propagate effortlessly.
 Vibrio Bacteria = Vibrios are aquatic microorganisms + Some species of which cause serious diseases in
humans and other animals + Vibrios are microbiologically characterized as gram-negative, highly motile,
facultative anaerobes (not requiring oxygen) + People can get infected by Vibrio by eating raw or
uncooked seafood + Contact with an open wound could cause necrotizing fasciitis, the flesh-eating
bacteria infection. The infection can lead to amputation or death.
 Alcanivorax Borkumensis = marine bacterium that uses exclusively petroleum oil hydrocarbons as
sources of carbon and energy + Alcanivorax borkumensis biofilms enhance oil degradation + It is a rod-
shaped bacterium without flagella that obtains its energy primarily from eating alkanes (a type of
hydrocarbon) + It is found in low numbers in all oceans of the world and becomes abundant in oil-
contaminated waters.
 Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1C = Bacterial strain which consumes methane + It is a type of
Methanotroph + Methane-utilizing bacteria (methanotrophs) are a diverse group of gram-negative
bacteria that are related to other members of the Proteobacteria. Methanotrophic microorganisms oxidise
methane to harness energy under oxic and anoxic conditions. They grow best when the methane
concentration is around 5,000-10,000 parts per million (ppm).
 Picocystis Salinarum = It is a globally widespread picoplanktonic green algae of saline lakes + It is one
of the smallest green algae + It is found in hypersaline soda lake Sambhar, Rajasthan, to survive extreme
environments + Though the algae had been widely found in saline-soda lakes around the world, it was
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spotted for the first time in India only in the Sambhar Lake + The unique organism apparently enhances
photosynthesis and ATP synthesis along with chaperone proteins as key response to high salinity-
alkalinity.
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 Epulopiscium Viviparus = Bacteria + It is a bacteria which live symbiotically in the guts of a fish, Naso
tonganus, in tropical ocean environments + For the first time, scientists have sequenced the genome of a
mysterious species of giant bacterium Epulopiscium Viviparus that can be seen without a microscope
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 Diatoms = It is a photosynthetic, single celled organism + They are a major group of algae and form one
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of the most common forms of phytoplankton + They are found in almost every aquatic environment
including fresh and marine waters + Diatoms have cell walls made of silica, Each species has a distinct
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pattern of tiny holes in the cell wall (frustule) through which they absorb nutrients and get rid of waste +
Collectively, they are responsible for generating up to 50% of the oxygen produced globally each year.
 Microalgae = A study published in the journal Nature Microbiology has revealed that microalgae, crucial
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in the ocean’s food chain and carbon capture, have developed a unique strategy to adapt to global
warming and declining nutrient levels in the sea + As climate change reduces nutrient availability, these
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microalgae activate a protein called rhodopsin, similar to the protein in the human eye responsible for
vision in dim light + This light-responsive protein enables microalgae to thrive by using sunlight as an
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alternative to traditional chlorophyll for growth
NEW SPECIES/DISCOVERY in NEWS

 Manis Mysteria = newly discovered Pangolin species + The newly identified pangolin species emerged
from a detailed study of scales seized in China’s Yunnan province in 2015 and 2019 + This new species is
believed to have diverged from its Philippine and Malayan relatives approximately five million years ago.
 Mesechinus Orientalis = new species of hedgehog + found living in the scrubland and subtropical
forests of eastern China + Hedgehogs are a distinctive group of spiney insectivorous mammals
comprising the subfamily Erinaceinae of the Erinaceidae family. They are found across Eurasia and
Africa but absent from Australia and the Americas. Their most notable features are their spines, which are
enlarged hollow hairs, and ability to roll into a ball when frightened, presenting only these spines to the
outside world.
 Cnemaspis Rashidi = New Species of Gecko + discovered in the Western Ghats near Rajapalayam in
Tamil Nadu + It is endemic to the Western Ghats.

 Cyrtodactylus Vairengtensis = A team of scientists and researchers have discovered a new species of
gecko endemic to Mizoram + The common name suggested for the new species is ‘Vairengte bent-toed
gecko’ + It is endemic to Mizoram.
 Hemidactylus quartziticolus = A new species of gecko, Hemidactylus quartziticolus, has been
discovered from the scrub habitats of Vallanadu and Kurumalai reserves forest areas in Tamil Nadu + The
common name suggested by the authors for the new gecko is Quartzite brookish gecko or Thoothukudi
brookish gecko + It is the 53rd species of Hemidactylus found in India and the seventh that is endemic to
Tamil Nadu + (Gecko = Geckos are small, nocturnal lizardsfound in all the warm parts of the world +
There are approximately 1,500 gecko species, and they vary in size + Geckos are found on every
continent except Antarctica and live in almost every habitat, including rainforests, deserts and mountains
+ They also possess a short, stout body, a large head, and typically well-developed limbs)
 Gekko Mizoramensis = Recently New species of flying gecko found near Myanmar border named after
Mizoram + It is a subgenus called Ptychozoon of the Gekko genus + There are 13 species of them
throughout the world and they are found in Southeast Asia + Before founding this species, only one
species- Ptychozoon lionotum or smooth-backed gliding gecko-was found in Mizoram + Its habitat spread
into the parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia along with Mizoram + It is arboreal,
nocturnal and glides from one tree to another + Flying geckos have webbed limbs and flat tails to help
them glide (they do not fly).
 Mizoram Parachute Gecko = New Species discovered in Mizoram + It is species of gliding geckos +
The Mizoram parachute gecko, or Gekko mizoramensis, is one of the 14 geckos known to take to the air +
Unlike other gliding reptiles, which use the bone to form their flying surfaces, these geckos have flaps of
skin.
 Agasthyagama Edge = New kangaroo lizard species + Recently, scientists have discovered a new
kangaroo lizard species from the Western Ghats.
 Sahyadriophis Uttaraghati = New genus and species of colubrid snakes + Found within the biodiverse
Western Ghats + A colubrid is any of the numerous, diverse, largely nonvenomous snakes that comprise
the reptile family Colubridae. They are characterised by the absence of hind limbs. They are found in
various regions around the world, except for Antarctica and some remote oceanic islands.
 Sinomicrurus Gorei = New Coral Snake Species + discovered in Mizoram + The reptile is locally
known as 'Rulṭhihna' due to its striking resemblance to a Mizo traditional amber necklace called 'Ṭhihna’
 Tachymenoides Harrisonfordi = Recently, researchers have named a recently discovered species of
snake after actor Harrison Ford + It was discovered in the Peruvian Andes mountain region + (Andes
mountain region = South America + The mountain range spans seven countries — Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina + The highest peak of this range is Mount
Aconcagua(6,959 metres) on the border of Argentina and Chile)
 Laodracon Carsticola = It is a newly discovered species of dragon lizard + It has been discovered to live only in
the karstic massifs of Khammouan Province, central Laos + It possesses extraordinary camouflage abilities.
 Wang’s Garden Lizard = A new reptile species was recently discovered in China and has been called
Wang’s Garden Lizard + It is found in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests and tropical monsoon
forests in southern China and northern Vietnam.
 Tylototriton Zaimeng = a new species of salamander + discovered in the Zaimeng Lake of Manipur +
This had earlier been mistaken for its close relatives — the T. himalayanus and the T. verrucosus.
Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new salamander is a sister species of the T. panwaensis and T.
houi found in northern Myanmar and southern China + (Zaimeng Lake = It is situated on top of
Khongtheng mountain ranges + Zaimeng in the Liangmai Naga dialect means “puzzle” or “mystery” +
The greater part of the lake is basically a marshy mass of thick grass like weeds, mixed with reeds and
green mosses)
 Dravidoseps = New genus discovered from peninsular India + first-ever viviparous skink genus + This
genus ‘Dravidoseps’ is distinct from the genus ‘Subdoluseps’, as it gives birth to its young—instead of
laying eggs + Skink is the common name for the lizards that comprise the family Scincidae. It is typically
smooth and shiny with small or rudimentary legs. It is a type of reptile that has been around since the time
of the dinosaurs.
 Alycaeus Himalayae = A new snail species named Alycaeus himalayae was recently discovered from a
cave in Arunachal Pradesh + Alycaeus is a genus of small land snails + The genus is the first to be
reported in India, as this genus is restricted to Southeast Asia and not known in the Indian region.

 Taeniogonalos Dhritiae = New species of wasp discovered in the Ranipuram Hills area in the Western
Ghats of Kerala + It is a species in the family Trigonalyidae + The Trigonalyidae family is found in
abundance in parts of Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia.
 Epithemis Wayanadensis = Recently, a new dragonfly species has been discovered in the verdant
landscapes of Wayanad, Kerala + It is also known as Red-rumped Hawklet + This is the first instance of
an Indian dragonfly being documented with genetic evidence substantiating morphological distinctions.
 Eumasia Venefica = new species of bagworm moth + discovered near the Nariyampara falls in Idukki
district, Kerala + The new species has been named due to the peculiar shape of its bag, which resembles a
wizard’s hat. It is the fourth species of this genus to be discovered from India.
 Pancorius Sebastiani = Recently, researchers discovered a new species of jumping spider in the
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary + The new species is the first to be reported from the south + The
Pancorius genus of Asian jumping spiders is primarily distributed in southeast Asia.
 New Jumping Spiders = Recently, a team of researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have discovered two new
species of jumping spiders that belong to the genus Afraflacilla + Specimens of Afraflacilla Kerala were spotted
in Irinjalakuda and Kuttanad while Afraflacilla adavathurensis was discovered from Adavathur in Tiruchirappalli
+ Jumping spiders of the genus Afraflacilla are widespread from Africa to Australia with various known species
found in Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, Central, Eastern and Western Europe, numerous African
countries and Australia.
 Hasarius Mumbai = It is a newly discovered species of jumping spider + These are spiders who, instead
of trapping their prey in a web, stalk and hunt them by pouncing + It has multiple eyes that give a 360-
degree view of its surroundings and a bulbous body covered in hair + The word ‘Hasarius’ refers to a
genus that ranks the species — of ‘jumping spiders’ in the ‘salticidae’ family + In India, there are only
two other Hasarius species which have been documented, namely H. Adansoni, which is found across the
country, including in urban areas, and kjellerupi, which was documented from the Nicobar Islands.
 Chilobrachys Natanicharum = New species of tarantula found in the forests of Thailand + It has a
"blue-violet hue resembling the color of electrical sparks + It is both terrestrial and arboreal - lives within
tree hollows.
 Armageddon Reedtail = New Damselfly Species + Discovered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (Western
Ghats) + The name, Armageddon Reedtail, is a direct reference to the concept of “Ecological
Armageddon”, a term used to describe the devastating decline of insect populations around the world + Its
only habitat is primary montane streams, where it thrives beneath dense canopy cover + Damselfly are
insects in the sub-order Zygoptera (meaning “paired-wings”). These are found mainly near shallow,
freshwater habitats and are generally smaller, more delicate, and fly weakly in comparison with
dragonflies.
 Cigaritis Meghamalaiensis = The Meghamalai hills in Tamil Nadu have thrown up a new species of
‘silverline’ butterflies + It is the new species of butterfly + It has become the first butterfly species to be
described from the Western Ghats in 33 years.
 Conjoined Silverline Butterfly = New butterfly species found in Karnataka’s Bramhagiri Wildlife
Sanctuary, Kodagu + It is endemic to mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats + It is first
such find in Western ghats in last 4 decades + While males have “dark shining blue” wings, females have
“dark brown” wings.
 New Millipede species = Recently, a new species of millipede has been discovered crawling underneath
the city of Los Angeles in the United States + The newly found species is a thread Millipede + Its
scientific name is Illacme socal + Millipede are member of the arthropod class Diplopoda. They are
cylindrical or slightly flattened invertebrates + Their bodies are split into a number of segments, and each
segment has two sets of legs that attach to the body's underside.
 Antlion Species = Recently, a research team from Kerala discovered two new antlion species, namely
Nemoleon ghoshi and Nemoleon madayiensis + Antlions are commonly known for their pit-building habit +
Antlions can be easily distinguished by their long, distinct antennae + These are found throughout the world,
primarily in dry, sandy regions.
 Limnonectes Phyllofolia = Scientists recently discovered the world’s smallest species of Fanged Frogs named
Limnonectes phyllofolia from Indonesia + It is the smallest species of fanged frog + Fanged Frogs are known for
their distinctive fang-like structures, which are actually projections of their jaw bone. They are found throughout
East and Southeast Asia. However, unlike many snakes, these frogs don’t use their fangs to bite humans or inject
venom into a person’s body.

 Noa-Dihing Music Frog or Nidirana Noadihing = Biologists from Wildlife Institute of India have discovered
the new species of music frog in the Namdapha-Kamlang landscape of Arunachal Pradesh + The species is
named after the Noa-Dihing River + Noa-Dihing River it is a tributary of Brahmaputra River + Nidirana: first
time frog of this species are found in India + Characterized by a pale cream-colored line on the mid body with
‘rounded’ snouts and bony protrusions on their backs + They are referred as Music frogs because of their unique
call pattern.
 Alcalus Fontinalis = Researchers recently discovered a new species of frog named Alcalus fontinalis in the
northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh + It was discovered in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal
Pradesh + The frog appeared to be a mix of a bush frog and a water frog.
 Bufoides Bhupathyi = A new species of toad, called Bufoides bhupathyi, has been discovered in the Dampa
tiger reserve of Mizoram, India + his marks the third species in a genus found in the north-eastern region of India.
The previous two species, Bufoides meghalayanus and Bufoides kempi, were found in Meghalaya.
 Chum Salmon = Scientists have recently discovered that Chum salmon, a migrating fish, have been
spawning in the Arctic waters + It is a species of anadromous salmonid fish, which means they hatch in
freshwater streams and rivers and then migrate out to the saltwater environment of the ocean to feed and
grow + They are the most widely distributed of all the Pacific salmon. They are found throughout the
North Pacific Ocean and range from the Arctic coast of Canada and throughout the northern coastal
regions of North America and Asia.
 Indian Oil Sardine = Recently, a team of scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute here
have decoded the complete genome of the Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) + It is a very important
pelagic fish species + It contributes to about 15% of the total marine fish production in India + Local names of oil
sardine are, Mathi, Nalla mathi, Nei chala (Malayalam); Bhutai (Kannada), Tarli (Marathi and Hindi) + It is
distributed on the entire west coast from Gujarat to Kerala and also on the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and
Orissa coasts in the east. Highest abundance and large-scale shoaling are observed off Kerala and Karnataka
coasts.
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 Badis Limaakumi = A new fish species named ‘Badis limaakumi’, was recently discovered in the Malak River
in Nagaland + It is locally known by many names, like “Tepdang” or “Akngashi (Chungli)” or “Aokngatsü
(Mongsen)” or “Sempi” etc + have emarkable ability to change colour.
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 Awaous Motla = Fish + Recently, a group of scientists discovered an edible freshwater fish available in
the markets of western Odisha + It was collected from the Mahanadi River.
 Pterygotrigla Intermedica = Recently, the scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have
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discovered a new species of vibrant orange-colored deep-water marine fish from Digha Mohana in West
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Bengal + It is commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins and belongs to the family Triglidae. It is the
fourth species of Pterygotrigla genus reported in India so far, and there are a total of 178 species of the
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Triglidae family worldwide.

 Santjordia Pagesi = Santjordia pagesi, also called St. George’s Cross medusa jellyfish, is a newly
discovered species of jellyfish + It is considered “rare” and has been found only in the Sumisu Caldera
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near the Ogasawara Islands, about 600 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan.
 Jellyfish = A jellyfish is a type of marine animal belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, which includes
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creatures such as sea anemones, sea whips, and corals + Like all members of the phylum, the body
parts of a jellyfish radiate from a central axis + Jellyfish have a soft, transparent, and umbrella-shaped
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bell that can pulsate for movement + Jellyfish have tiny stinging cells in their tentacles to stun or
paralyse their prey before they eat them.
 New Crustacean Parasites = Recently, research conducted at the University of Kerala has led to the
unprecedented discovery of a new crustacean family off the Indian coast + Researchers have named the new
family Uranoscopicolaidae, as this parasitic copepod was found to live off the Dollfus’ Stargazer (Uranoscopus
guttatus), a fish dwelling in depths ranging from 300-550 m off the southwest Indian coast. This is also the first
discovery and description of a new crustacean family from India.
 Demaorchestia Alanensis = Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha, recently discovered a new species of
marine amphipod named Demaorchestia alanensis + It is a new species of marine amphipod-a shrimp-like
crustacea + Amphipod are any member of the invertebrate order Amphipoda (class Crustacea) inhabiting all parts
of the sea, lakes, rivers, sand beaches, caves, and moist (warm) habitats on many tropical islands. They are often
mistaken for tiny shrimp, which they resemble. They can be found in all marine habitats (even the deepest ocean
trenches, e.g., Hirondellea dubia), and have also colonised freshwater and terrestrial habitats. The generic
diversity of amphipods is apparently higher in cool waters than in warm ones.

 Austropallene Halanychi = Recently discovered new species of sea spider + The spider with a strange
yellow body colour was found off the Antarctic Ocean and has four near-black eyes and large bulbous
claws + It was pulled from the ocean floor in the Ross Sea, about 1,870 feet (570 metres) below the
surface + It is a distant relative to horseshoe crabs and arachnids.
 Ghatiana Sanguinolenta = Researchers recently discovered a freshwater crab species, ‘Ghatiana
sanguinolenta’ from the Balekoppa village of Sirsi district in northern Karnataka + It is a newly
discovered species of freshwater crab.
 Batillipes Kalami = New species of marine tardigrade + Newly discovered species from Mandapam in southeast
Tamil Nadu + It has been named after the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam + It is the
second marine tardigrade to be discovered in Indian waters and the first one from the east coast.
 Sporanaerobium Hydrogeniformans = Recently, researchers found a new genus of anaerobic
lignocellulose-degrading bacteria in the hot spring of Aravali, located in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra
+ It is part of the Lachnospiraceae family, whose members are known as the most effective
polysaccharide degraders due to their capacity to synthesise free or complicated hydrolytic enzymes.
 Saurauia Punduana = Recently, the Saurauia Punduana plant was recorded for the first time in
Manipur’s Tamenglong district + plant species + Habitat: In subtropical forests + Its fruits are spherical,
shining white, and are used in veterinary medicine + Its flowers are complete, bisexual, i.e., with
functional male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) + It is a critically endangered species as per the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List + Global Distribution: Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar + In India, it is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
 Curcuma Kakchingense = It is a new flowering plant species discovered in Manipur + It is a member of
the angiospermic family Zingiberaceae, which includes well-known plants like Curcuma (turmeric),
gingers, and cardamom.
 Musseanda Conferta & Rungia Longistachya = A team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
have reported the discovery of two new plant species from the evergreen forest patches at the southern end of the
Western Ghats + Musseanda conferta was discovered in the rocky areas of Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary and
is related to the Musseanda hirsutisima family + Rungia longistachya was discovered from the moist places of the
Anamalai region near the Idukki dam site in Kerala.
 Andrographis Theniensis = A new plant species has been discovered in Theni district of Tamil Nadu in
the Western Ghats + Andrographis is a tropical Asian genus native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar,
Nepal, Sri Lanka and the West Himalaya. However, a majority of Andrographis taxa are distributed in
southern India and Sri Lanka, particularly in Western and Eastern Ghats + This genus is traditionally used
to treat various ailments such as cold, cough, fever, jaundice, diarrhoea, cardiovascular and hepatic
diseases in both codified and non-codified medicinal systems.
 Polygonum Chaturbhujanum = Recently, a new plant species of Polygonum genus has been discovered
at Gol Pahadi Island of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra during a survey + Six plant
species endemic to India have also been found in Pench. They are Aegineta indica, Boerhavia crispa,
Habenaria gibsonii var foetida, Iphigenia pallida, Petalidium barlerioides and Barleria gibsonii.
 Lysionotus namchoomii = New species of epiphytic plant + Discovered from Pakke-Kessang district of
Arunachal Pradesh + The native range of the genus Lysionotus is the Himalayas to Japan and Indo-China,
and about 50% of the species found are endemic + Species of the genus are mostly epiphytic, lithophytic,
or terrestrial evergreen erect or climbing subshrubs
 Abelmoschus Odishae = Recently discovered new plant species of ‘wild okra’ + Discovered in Odisha +
It can also play a vital role in widening the genetic base of okra.
 Okra = also known as gumbo or ladies’ fingers, is a warm-season vegetable + It is native to the tropics of the
Eastern Hemisphere and is widely cultivated or naturalised in the tropics and subtropics of the Western
Hemisphere + It comes in green and red varieties + It is part of the mallow family of botanicals, which also
includes cocoa and cotton + It is a good source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre.
 Cymbidium Lancifolium = Recently, an extremely rare and terrestrial orchid species Cymbidium
lancifolium was discovered in the Chopta valley of the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand + This
is one of the beautiful species of Cymbidium, also known as Lance leafed Cymbidium + This species is
found naturally in India in Himalayas, Assam, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Taiwan, Japan and many of
the SE Asian countries + They are highly valued in horticulture and are commonly sold as cut flowers and
potted plants on a commercial scale.

 Pedicularis Revealiana = New Plant Species + Sikkim + Recently, scientists from the Botanical Survey
of India (BSI) Prayagraj Centre have discovered a new plant species Pedicularis Revealiana, in the state
of Sikkim + It is stout and woody stems, bears minute flowers of pinkish-purple colour + It is a
hemiparasitic plant species + perennial herb.
 Fimbristylis Jaleeliana = Recently, researchers have discovered a new species Cyperaceae and named it
Fimbristylis jaleeliana + It is a family of graminoid (grass-like) monocotyledonous flowering plants + It
thrives in lateritic grasslands at an elevation of 60 metres above sea level + Cyperaceae belongs to the
sedge family of monocotyledonous flowering plants. The Cyperaceae are grass like herbaceous plants
found especially in wet regions throughout the world. The members are distributed throughout all the
continents except Antarctica. Although there is a large number of species in Arctic, temperate, and
tropical regions, the diversity of genera is far greater in tropical regions.
 Candolleomyces Albosquamosus = new mushroom species , discovered in western ghats + It has white
woolly scale-like structures on its pileus or cap + It is a new species belonging to the genus
Candolleomyces, a relatively small genus with just 35 species recognised worldwide.
 Pantoea Tagorei = Recently identified a new species of bacteria + It has been named Pantoea Tagorei in
homage to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore + It was discovered from soil samples collected in the
Jharia coal mines (Jharkhand) + It has unique properties beneficial for plant growth.
 Gomphonema Rajaguruii = It is a new freshwater diatom species + It was found in a semi-aquatic
environment along the wet walls in Maharashtra’s popular hill station, Mahabaleshwar in Satara District +
It was named after a veteran geo-archaeologist from the city, the late Professor S N Rajaguru + It is
unique because it shows the characteristics of two genus – Gomphonema and Gomphoneis.
ANCIENT SPECIES in NEWS

 Homo Naledi = Homo naledi is a previously-unknown species of extinct hominin + Fossil of Homo
Naledi were first discovered in the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa
during an expedition led by Lee Berger beginning October 2013 +This excavation remains the largest
collection of a single hominin species that has been found in Africa + Where Lived: South Africa + When
Lived: 335,000 - 236,000 years ago + Homo naledi appears to have lived near the same time as early
ancestors of modern humans.
 Neanderthals = They are the closest relatives of the present-day human species + They lived in Europe
and West Asia – as far as southern Siberia and Middle East + Publishing of 1st Neanderthal genome
sequence in 2010: Neanderthal DNA sequences exhibit closer similarity with the DNA of contemporary
humans originating from Europe or Asia than to contemporary humans originating from Africa. It
suggests interbreeding and co-existence between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens + According to a new
study, people who carry three gene variants that have been inherited from Neanderthals are more sensitive
to some types of pain. Three variations in the SCN9A gene, known as M932L, V991L, and D1908G — in
sequenced Neanderthal genomes and reports of greater pain sensitivity among humans carrying all three
variants.
 Denisovans = discovered in 2010 + A rare species of primitive human roamed the forests of Eurasia
200,000 years ago and may have made tools and even jewellery + they have so far only been located at
the Denisova Cave(cave in the Bashelaksky Range of the Altai mountains, Siberia, Russia) + Please Note:
Denisovan version of the gene EPAS1, which confers an advantage for survival at high altitude and is
common among present-day Tibetans.
 Homo Erectus = Homo erectus (meaning upright man) is an extinct species of the human genus (Homo),
perhaps an ancestor of modern humans (Homo sapiens) + As per the study, the human ancestors existed
on the Indonesian island between 1,08,000 and 1,17,000 years ago. They most likely originated in Africa
or Eurasia + H. erectus appears to have been the first human species to control fire, some 1,000,000 years
ago.
 Qianlong Shouhu = Researchers in China recently discovered a previously unknown dinosaur species
named ‘Qianlong shouhu’ alongside dozens of its unhatched eggs + It belongs to a group of dinosaurs
known as sauropodomorphs, which contains sauropods and their ancestors + It lived in what is now China
during the Early Jurassic epoch, between 200 and 193 million years ago.
 Duck-billed Dinosaur = It is a species of herbivorous dinosaur previously unknown in the southern
hemisphere + These were slender-looking dinosaurs, which could easily adopt a bipedal and quadrupedal
posture to reach the vegetation at height and ground level + This type of duck-billed dinosaur was

common in North America, Asia and Europe during the Cretaceous period + The Cretaceous Period, in
geologic time, is the last of the three periods of the Mesozoic Era. The Cretaceous began 145.0 million
years ago and ended 66 million years ago. It followed the Jurassic Period and was succeeded by the
Paleogene Period.
 Tharosaurus Indicus = The Oldest fossils of a plant-eating dinosaur have been found in the Thar desert
near the Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan by the Geological Survey of India + It is a long-necked, plant-eating
dicraeosaurid dinosaur + It is named after the ‘Thar desert’ of Rajasthan where it was found + It is 167
million years old and belongs to a new species, unknown to scientists thus far + Theories so far had
suggested that the oldest dicraeosaurid was from China (about 166-164 million years old) + Also, fossils
of dicraeosaurid dinosaurs have been found previously in North and South Americas, Africa and China +
These are the first Dicraeosaurid sauropods to have been found in India.
 Fujianvenator Prodigiosus = Around 148 to 150 million years old, Bird like dinosaur + Scientists in
Fujian Province of China unearthed the fossil of a Jurassic Period dinosaur they named Fujianvenator
prodigiosus: a creature critical for the evolutionary stage in the origin of birds + Please Note: The oldest
¬known bird, Archaeopteryx, dates back to roughly 150 million years ago in Germany.
 Megalosaurus = 2024 marks the bicentennial (200th year) of the first scientific naming of a dinosaur, the
megalosaurus (meaning great lizard) + These carnivorous dinosaur’s fossils were discovered in
Oxfordshire, England (UK) + In 1824, they were named based on scattered bones, including vertebrae,
and hip + Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles of the clade Dinosauria. They belong to the Mesozoic
Era ((252-66 million years ago) which includes three consecutive geologic periods (Triassic, Jurassic, and
Cretaceous). They are believed to be ancestors of modern Birds.
 Igai Semkhu = It belongs to a diverse group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs called Titanosauria + Igai
semkhu roamed the earth during the Campanian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 75 million
years ago + The group is known for large body sizes, long necks and wide stance. It includes species ranging
from the largest known terrestrial vertebrates to ‘dwarfs’ no bigger than elephants + Igai semkhu constitutes one
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of the most informative dinosaurs yet recovered from the latest Cretaceous of Afro-Arabia.
 Sidersaura Marae = Palaeontologists in Argentina recently found fossil fragments of a new species of
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dinosaur named Sidersaura marae + It is a new species of sauropod dinosaur + It belongs to the
Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs known from fragmentary fossil remains from
South America, Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia.
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 Protosterol Biota = These ancient organisms inhabited the underwater world over 1.6 billion years ago
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and are the source of the evolution of life on Earth + It is the microscopic organism, belongs to the family
of organisms called eukaryotes. These are discovered inside a rock at the bottom of the ocean near what is
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now the Northern Territory in Australia. They have a complex structure combining mitochondria.
 Perucetus Colossus = The newly discovered Perucetus colossus, an ancient species of whale, is thought
to be one of the largest and heaviest animals on record + The animal is modelled from a partial skeleton,
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including 13 vertebrae, 4 ribs and 1 hip bone, discovered in Southern Peru and estimated to be
approximately 39 million years old.
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 Lorrainosaurus = Researchers have identified fossils of a 170-million-year-old ancient marine reptile as

the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur (a group of ocean-dwelling reptiles) + This pliosaur genus,
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named Lorrainosaurus, was found in northeastern France + Pliosaurs were a type of marine reptile that
lived over 200 million years ago (during the early Middle Jurassic period). They were known for their
short necks, large conical teeth and massive skulls.
 Timorebestia Koprii = Scientists recently uncovered the fossils of the newfound species of carnivorous
worm, named Timorebestia koprii, or "terror beast", in northern Greenland + ne of the earliest
carnivorous animals to have colonised the water column during the early Cambrian period (541 million to
485.4 million years ago)
 Kylinxia Zhangi = Kylinxia is related to the arthropods + Researchers have investigated a nearly 520-
millionyear-old fossil of Kylinxia zhangi (found in China) + The fossil is part of the Cambrian
Chengjiang biota, a group of exceptionally preserved animals.
 Potteromyces Asteroxylicola = fungus fossil + Researchers discover a 407-million-year-old fungus
fossil, Potteromyces asteroxylicola in the Rhynie Chert site (Scotland), marking the oldest evidence of
fungi causing diseases + It was found infecting the ancient plant Asteroxylon mackiei, showcasing a
predator-prey interaction that occurred while the plant was alive.

INVASIVE SPECIES in NEWS

 Senna Spectabilis = Senna spectabilis is a plant species of the legume family (Fabaceae) in the subfamily
Caesalpinioideae native to South and Central America + They are also known as Golden wonder tree, American
cassia, Popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa, Golden shower tree or Archibald's cassia + They are often grown as an
ornamental in front yards, parks, gardens, buildings etc. due to their bright yellow flowers that bloom during the
summer months + Senna spectabilis, along with Lantana camara, is among five major invasive weeds that had
taken over vast swathes of the Nilgiris, with wattle being the other major invasive species.
 Mexican Giant Turtle = also called the Red Eared Slider + Invasive turtle species + Native Indian
turtles face U.S. slider threat across Northeast + It derives its name from red stripes around part where its
ears would be and from its ability to slide quickly off any surface into the water + Native to the U.S. and
northern Mexico + these turtles can impact human health as they may accumulate toxins in their tissues
which pass on with the food chain upto humans + International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
releases the world’s 100 most invasive species, and the Red-Eared Slider Turtle is included in this list +
IUCN: Least Concern.
 Ophidascaris Robertsi = parasitic roundworm typically found in carpet pythons + It typically lives in a
python’s oesophagus and stomach and sheds its eggs in the host’s faeces + In humans, they can cause
stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite and weight loss, fever and tiredness. This infection is not
transmitted between people + Recently, researchers found a live eight-centimetre Ophidascaris robertsi
roundworm in the brain of a 64-year-old Australian woman. Humans infected with Ophidascaris robertsi
larvae would be considered accidental hosts.
 Pink Bollworm = It is one of the most destructive pests of cotton + Scientific name: Pectinophora gossypiella +
Originally native to India, it is now recorded in nearly all the cotton-growing countries of the world.
 Mythimna Separata = Polyphagous pest of grain crops in China and other Asian countries + The pest
was first reported as a sporadic pest in Tamil Nadu in 1937 and Kerala and Odisha in 1957 + The pest is
known as the ear-head-cutting caterpillar, rice ear-cutting caterpillar, or armyworm + It feeds on leaves
and can cut off panicles from the base of a crop plant.
 Red Fire Ant = Red fire Ant - one of the world’s most invasive species, has been found in Europe for the
first time + Native: South America however, spread in United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, and
Australia + Communication: through chemical secretions and stridulation (sounds produced by rubbing or
drumming one body part against another)
 Caribbean False Mussel = A recent report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services (IPBES) said that the spread of an invasive species, the Caribbean false mussel (Mytilopsis sallei), is
wiping out the native clams and oysters in Kerala + It is originally from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South
and Central America + This invasive species has spread across estuaries from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod
+ It reproduces rapidly, is very tolerant, and can even survive in freshwater.
 Mytella Strigata = Invasive mussel species + It is a moderately large and symmetrical shelled mussel. It
is generally observed in the middle intertidal and subtidal waters of estuaries and near coastal
environments. These mussels attach themselves to surfaces using byssus threads + Recently, NGT seeks
report on removal of invasive mussel species from Ennore-Pulicat wetland.
 Conocarpus Tree = Invasive mangrove species + flowering plant (Trees of this species flower in winter
and spread pollen in nearby areas) + It has been used by various public authorities in India as landscaping
for road medians, along roads, and in public gardens + Countries in the Arabian Peninsula have used the
plant to block sand from desert storms and to control pollution + It is native to parts of North and South
America, as well as parts of Africa + Recently, the Gujarat state government banned Conocarpus tree
plantation in forest or non-forest areas, underlining its “adverse impacts on environment and human
health”.
 Silver Cockscomb = It is a short-lived 50-60 cm-tall plant considered as a weed + Also known as lagos
spinach which belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which includes economically important plants like
spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beetroot and quinoa + The plant is known as Celosia argentea, kurdu in
Marathi and pannai keerai in Tamil + It grows well even on fallow land and in drought-like conditions +
Soliga tribal community uses silver cockscomb, which is often considered to be a weed but has been
discovered to have advantages + Soliga are an indigenous tribe of Karnataka. They reside in the
peripheral forest areas near Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara in the Chamarajnagar district
of Karnataka. They are the first tribal community living inside the core area of a tiger reserve in India to
get their forest rights officially recognised by a court of law.

 Ludwigia Peruviana = Recently, wildlife scientist said that Ludwigia Peruviana, an invasive weed
threatening the elephant habitats and foraging areas in Valparai, Tamil Nadu + It is popularly called
primrose willow, Ludwigia Peruviana, is a native of Central and South America + It is an aquatic plant,
which is now challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas around the world + It
is among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil Nadu.
 Prosopis Juliflora (vilayati kikar) = Vilayati kikar is a Mexican invasive species introduced by the
British in the 1930s in Delhi + It is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite. It is
native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It is one of the most invasive species in arid and
semi-arid areas + In India it is known locally by many names such as Bellary jaali, seemai karuvelam,
seemai jaali, gando baval, vilayati kikar + It has a very wide ecological adaptability which can grow on
soils from sand dune to clay soil, and from saline to alkaline soil type + It can grow below 200 to above
1500 m above sea level, and with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 50 to 1500 mm + It is characterized
by vigorous growth which helps them to outcompete indigenous plant species.
 Red Tide = It is a common term used for a harmful algal bloom + Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur
when colonies of algae—plant-like organisms that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control +
The name “red tide” comes from the fact that overgrowth of algae can cause the colour of the water to
turn red + Some of the algae that cause a red tide produce powerful toxins, which are harmful chemicals
that can kill fish, shellfish, mammals and birds. If people eat fish or shellfish that have been in the water
with toxic algae, they will also ingest the toxins, which can make them sick.
CYCLONES in NEWS [Only Important ones]

 Cyclone Mocha = Tropical cyclone formed over the southern Bay of Bengal + The cyclone's name
‘Mocha’ is suggested by Yemen and was named after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have
introduced coffee to the world.
 Cyclone Midhili = minor cyclone that made landfall in Bangladesh.
 Cyclone Michaung = Cyclonic Storm Michaung was a moderate tropical cyclone which formed in the
Bay of Bengal during the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season + It impacted India and Bangladesh +
Michaung originated as a low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand which crossed into the Bay of Bengal
and became a deep depression.
 Cyclone Biparjoy = Arabian Ocean + Cyclone Biparjoy, earlier headed towards Pakistan coastline, is now
predicted to move towards northern Gujarat coast + Cyclones in Arabian Sea usually do not move towards Indian
coast + Most of them, more than 75%, move northwards or north-westwards with trajectory directed towards
Pakistan, Iran or Oman + Cyclones increasing in Arabian Ocean because of Warming of both the sea surface
temperature and deeper waters in Arabian Sea. Another reason is the El Niño Modoki.
 Typhoon Doksuri = Tropical Cyclone + Areas affected: China; Philippines; Taiwan; Vietnam
 Typhoon Khanun = known in the Philippines as Typhoon Falcon, was a powerful, erratic and long-lived
tropical cyclone + Affected areas: Japan, Taiwan, Korean Peninsula.
MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS and REGIONS in NEWS

 Pakkamalai Hills = Tamil Nadu + It is a biodiversity-rich area and has large mammals including
leopards and sloth bears + It is an ecologically important area in the Eastern Ghats.
 Yelagiri Hill = Tamil Nadu + It is famous for Yelagiri hut shelters, made 200 years ago, by Malaiyali
tribes using traditional clay huts on the flat peak of the picturesque Yelagiri hill.
 Palghat Gap = Often called as a significant discontinuity in the Western Ghats + about 40 km wide, with the
steep Nilgiris and Anamalai hills, both rising above 2,000 msl, on either side + The Palghat Gap has historically
been important as a significant gateway into the State of Kerala + It is a corridor for both roads and railways that
connects Coimbatore with Palakkad + The Bharathappuzha river flows through it + In contrast to the tropical
rainforests of the Western Ghats, the vegetation in the Palghat Gap is classified as dry evergreen forest + It also
marks a divide in the flora and fauna of the region. For example, several species of frogs are found only on one
side of the Palghat Gap + The Gap is a geological shear zone that runs from east to west + India and Madagascar
remained as one landmass until large-scale volcanic activity split the two, the split occurring where the Palghat
Gap is located — this is mirrored in the Ranotsara Gap on the eastern face of Madagascar.
 Baralacha La Pass = situated in the Zanskar range + It is a high mountain pass located along the Leh-
Manali highway that connects Leh district in Ladakh and Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh + It lies
close to River Bhaga, which originates from the Surya Taal Lake & is a tributary of the River Chenab.

 Niti Pass = It connects Uttarakhand and southern Tibet + Niti Valley is a remote valley located in the
northernmost region of Uttarakhand + The Niti Pass was an ancient trade route between India and Tibet.
 Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley = It is located in Kargil’s Drass Sector and was a battlefield during the
1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan + The region includes the Gurez Valley in north Kashmir +
The Gurez Valley is close to the Line of Control (LoC) and is also home to ibex, musk deer and marmots,
Himalayan brown bear and snow leopard. The Kishanganga River flows through the valley.
 Pir Panjal Valley = The Pir Panjal is a sub-Range of Himalayas and it runs from the Neelam River in
J&K all the way to the Beas River in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh extending into Pakistan + collection of
mountains in the Lesser Himalayan region + It separates itself from the Himalayas near the bank of the
Sutlej river and forms a divide between the rivers Beas and Ravi on one side and the Chenab on the other
+ Major passes: Six historical passes, Hajipir Pass, Gulabgarh Pass, Ratanpir Pass, Pir Panjal Pass,
Banihal Pass, and Bairam Gala Pass are in this mountain range + Important peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m)
and Indrasan (6,221m) are two important peaks at the eastern end of the mountain range.
 Valparai Plateau = It is a region located in the Western Ghats mountain range of India, specifically in
the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu + Valparai is a hill station known for its tea, coffee plantations,
and cardamom plantations + The Valparai plateau is part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR),
contributing to its biodiversity and ecological significance.
 Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL) = 810 km stretch between the river Yamuna in the west and the river Bhagmati in
the east + It comprises the Shivalik hills, the adjoining bhabhar areas and the Terai flood plains + It is spread
across the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and the low-lying hills of Nepal + The landscape
boasts of some of India’s most well-known Tiger Reserves and Protected Areas, such as Corbett Tiger Reserve,
Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Nepal’s Bardia Wildlife Sanctuary,
Chitwan National Park, Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Banni Grasslands = largest grassland of Asia + located in Bhuj taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat (Arid
climate) + account for almost 45% of the pastures in Gujarat + Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary which
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spans over an area of 380 sq. km and the recently notified 227 Sq. km Chhari Dhand Conservation
Reserve are part of the Banni Grasslands + It has numerous natural wetlands, and the largest one is
Chhari-Dhandh wetland which is a Conservation Reserve + Most of the livestock keepers in Banni belong
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to the Maldhari community + The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has identified Banni Grassland as one
of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah in India + Gujarat Government recently said that the Central
Government has approved setting up a cheetah breeding and conservation centre in the Banni Grassland.
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 Agumbe Forest = Karnataka + referred as “Cherrapunji of South India”, with an average rainfall of 8000
m
mm + It is also located adjacent to the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park
+ It is the world’s only natural habitat of the King Cobra and referred to as "The Cobra Capital".
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 Pappathi Chola = Kerala + Pappathi Chola, known for its high butterfly population, derived its name
from the Tamil word Pappathi meaning butterflies and Chola means shola land + It is also regarded as a
hub of balsams (Impatiens balsamina) and rare varieties of orchids + It is located right in the middle of
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the Chathurangappara hills and Mathikettan shola + Last year, the region witnessed the blooming of
Neelakurinji + This area is covered with eucalyptus trees + Many butterflies reach the area during their
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migratory course from the rain shadow forests of Tamil Nadu back to the higher elevations of Munnar.
 Depsang Plains and Demchok = Demchok is a village and military encampment in the Indian-
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administered Demchok sector that is disputed between India and China. It is located in Eastern Ladakh +
The Depsang Plains represent a high-altitude gravelly plain at the northwest portion of the disputed Aksai
Chin region of Kashmir, divided into Indian and Chinese administered portions across a Line of Actual
Control. India controls the western portion of the plains as part of Ladakh, whereas the eastern portion is
controlled by China and claimed by India + Since, Galwan clash of 2020, India and China have
undertaken disengagement at Galwan, north and south banks of Pangong Tso, Patrolling Point (PP) 17
and PP15. However, Depsang Plains and Demchok, there are fundamental disagreements and hence
remains the friction points between the 2 countries [Mark on Map]
 Pichavaram Region = Tamil Nadu + Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of
water covered with mangrove forest + The Pichavaram mangrove Forest is one of the largest mangrove forests in
India covering about 45 sq km of area. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sand bar.
 Pampore Region = Jammu & Kashmir + known as the centre of the country’s saffron (referred to as “red gold”)
cultivation + Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron
crocus”. The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning

and colouring agent in food + Iran, India, Spain and Greece are the major saffron-producing countries with Iran
occupying the maximum area and contributing about 88% of the world’s saffron production. Though, India
occupies the 2nd largest area but produces approximately 7 per cent of the total world production.
 Edakkal Caves = Wayanad, Kerala + These caves are located 3,900 feet above sea level in the majestic
Ambukuthi Hills + The name Edakkal itself means “a stone in between” + The unique, intricate stone
carvings date back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages + The caves are two natural formations that are
believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock + These feature Neolithic-era pictorial
writings believed to date to at least 6,000 BCE.
 Glaw Lake: Considered sacred by the Mishmis, it is a good place to spot migratory birds from Siberia.
 Jemeithang Valley: Four hours from Tawang, home to the Monpa tribe (Buddhists who depend on
livestock herding for a living)
 Kopili Fault (KF) Zone = It is a 300 km long and 50 km wide lineament situated in the northeastern
region (NER) of India + It extends from the western part of Manipur to the tri-junction of Bhutan,
Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam + It is closer to Himalayan Frontal Thrust + This is a seismically active
area falling in the highest Seismic Hazard Zone V + It is associated with collisional tectonics because of
the Indian Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.
 Almora Fault = It is a geological fault located in Western Nepal and extends to the Uttarakhand region in
India. It lies on the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the Himalayan fault zone. There are two thrusts in
Kumaon, Uttarakhand: One is the South Almora Thrust and the other is the North Almora Thrust + MBT
(Main Boundary Thrust): It is a significant fault in the Himalayas, marking the boundary between the
Lesser Himalayas and the Sub-Himalayas.
ISLAND, RIVERS and LAKES in NEWS

 Dal Lake = Srinagar + It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains + It is integral to tourism and
recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel” + it is the
second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir.
 Wular Lake = Largest freshwater lake + Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir + fed by the Jhelum River +
The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity + It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake, that
existed in ancient times + This lake also has a small island in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was
constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din + In 1990, it was designated as a Ramsar Site.
 Pangong Tso lake = It is the world's highest saltwater lake + An endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh
and West Tibet + It is divided into five sublakes, called Pangong Tso, Tso Nyak, Rum Tso (twin lakes)
and Nyak Tso + Approximately 50% of the length of the overall lake lies within Tibet, China, 40% in
Ladakh India and the rest is disputed and is a defacto buffer zone between India and China + During
winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water + It has a land-locked basin separated from
the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge, but is believed to have been part of the latter in
prehistoric times + It is also known to change colours, appearing blue, green, and red at different times.
 Bogibeel in Dibrugarh = Assam + Bogibeel has Bogibeel Bridge. It is the longest rail-cum-road bridge
in India, measuring 4.94 kilometres over the Brahmaputra river + Recently, Union Minister of Ports,
Shipping & Waterways has laid the foundation stone for an Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal
at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam (by the bank of the River Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2))
 Umiam Lake = also known as Barapani Lake, is a lake in the state of Meghalaya + It is one of the biggest
artificial lakes in Meghalaya + The confluence of the two streams, Umkhrah and Umshvrpi, form the Wah Ro-ro
stream in the northwest of the town and joins River Umiam, the main source of water for the lake.
 South Lhonak Lake = Located in Sikkim’s far northwestern region + South Lhonak lake, situated about
5,200 meters above sea level, was formed from the gradual melting of a Himalayan glacier + Recently,
the South Lhonak lake suddenly overflowed into the Teesta river, creating flash floods that destroyed the
Chungthang dam ( a key component of Sikkim's largest hydroelectric project) + Chungthang Dam
Chungthang Dam is the largest hydropower project in Sikkim. This dam is part of the 1,200-megawatt
(MW) Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project, in which Sikkim government is the majority stakeholder.
 Loktak Lake = Freshwater lake in the state of Manipur + It is famous for unique floating islands called
Phumdis with multiple plant species + The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located on the Loktak Lake is
the last natural habitat of the “Sangai” the dancing deer of Manipur + It is regarded as among the most
beautiful and ecologically diverse lakes in the Northeast + The lake is designated as a wetland of
international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

 Kanwar Lake = It is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake and Bihar’s only Ramsar site + It is also
known as Kabartal jheel + It is a residual oxbow lake, formed due to the meandering of Gandak river, a
tributary of Ganga + It is covering the majority of the Indo-Gangetic plains in northern Bihar, The
Wetland is an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, with 58 migratory waterbirds using it
to rest and refuel.
 Tampara Lake = It is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the State of Odisha + It is an important
habitat for vulnerable species such as Cyprinus carpio, common pochard (Aythya ferina), and river tern
(Sterna aurantia) + It is already placed in the Wetland Atlas prepared by Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change in 2010 + Recently, the National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone, has directed the
Odisha government not to go ahead with ‘illegal’ construction in and around Tampara Lake.
 Sambhar Lake = It is India's largest saline wetland located in Rajasthan + It is a ephemeral salt lake + It
is also a designated Ramsar Site (recognized wetland of international importance) + It represents the
depression of the Aravalli Range + This inland lake receives water from five rivers, namely Samaod,
Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh.
 Futala Lake = also known as Telankhedi Lake + is located in the western part of Nagpur, Maharashtra +
Built by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur.
 Gira Waterfall = It is a seasonal waterfall in the Western Ghats of India + Gujarat + It is a 75 ft fall that
emerges from the Kapri Tributary and drops into the Ambika River + Ambika River is a major westward
flowing river that has a huge catchment area in two states, namely Gujarat and Maharashtra. The river has
its origins in the Saputara Hills.
 Parkachik Glacier = Parkachik glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Suru River valley + Suru
River valley is a part of the southern Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas + Zanskar is a high
altitude semi-desert lying on the Northern flank of the Great Himalayan Range.
 Ennore Creek = Tamil Nadu + The Ennore Creek, along with the Buckingham Canal and the rest of the
Pulicat water system has vast importance for the local fisher folk.
 Cauvery River = River rises on Brahmagiri Hill of the Western Ghats in south-western Karnataka state +
The river basin covers three states and a Union Territory: Tamil Nadu > Karnataka > Kerala >
Puducherry + Key tributaries: Hemavati, Lakshmantirtha, Kabini, Amaravati, Noyil, and Bhavani rivers +
Falls along the way: Upon entering Tamil Nadu, the Kaveri continues through a series of twisted wild
gorges until it reaches Hogenakal Falls + The Nilgiris, an offshore of western Ghats, extend Eastwards to
the eastern ghats and divide the basin into two natural and political regions I.e , Karnataka Plateau in the
North and the Tamil Nadu Plateau in the south + There are a number of dams built along the meandering
path of this river with the popular ones being the Krishna Raja Sagar dam(KN), Amaravathi dam(TN),
Mettur dam(TN), Upper Anicut(TN) and the Kallanai dam(TN).
 Periyar River = The Periyar River is the longest river in the state of Kerala + It is also known as
‘Lifeline of Kerala’ as it is one of the few perennial rivers in the state + Periyar River originates from
Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu and flows through the Periyar National Park + The main
tributaries of Periyar are Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti
 Bhima River = Bhima River (also known as the Chandrabagha River) is a major river in southwest India
+ It is a major tributary of the Krishna River + It originates in the Bhimashankar hills in the Pune District
of Maharashtra + Bhima flows sthrough states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana + The river is
rain-fed, and the volume of the river varies based on the monsoonal changes + Pandharpur is an important
pilgrimage centre located on the right bank of Bhima River.
 Vaigai River = Tamil Nadu + It rises in the Varushanad Hills of the Western Ghats + It is the major river
in the fabled city of Madurai, the capital of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom located in
southern Tamil Nadu + Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru,
Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, and Upparu + It finally empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge in
Ramanathapuram district
 Chandra River = It is one of the two rivers (other being the Bhaga River) that merge to form the Chenab
River in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh + It rises in the snows lying at the base of the main
Himalayan range in the Lahaul and Spiti districts, Himachal Pradesh + The beautiful Chandra Tal Lake
has formed at its source + The upper and middle catchments of this river are made up of a topography that
has been carved out by glacial action + Throughout its course, the river is fed by a number of glaciers, the
biggest being the Shigri on its left bank, and the Samundari on its right.

 Ghaggar River = It rises from the Shivalik Rangein northwestern Himachal Pradesh + It flows about 200
miles (320 km) southwest through Haryana state, where it receives the Saraswati River + It eventually
dries up in the Thar Desertin Rajasthan + It is an intermittent river that flows only during the monsoon
season + The main tributaries of the Ghaggar are the Kaushalya River, Markanda, Sarsuti, Tangri, and
Chautang.
 Beas River = Rises on the southern face of Rohtang Pass in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh + It flows for some
470 kilometres to the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab + The river was also known as Arjikuja of
the Vedas, or Vipasa to the ancient Indians, and the Hyphasis to the Ancient Greeks + The main
tributaries are Bain, Banganga, Luni, Uhlal, Awa, Banner, Chakki, Gaj, Harla, Mamuni, Parvati,
Patlikuhlal, Sainj, Suketi and Tirthan.
 Bagmati River = transboundary river between Nepal and India + It rises in the Shivapuri Hills to the
north of Kathmandu and flows southward through the city + This river is assumed to be sacred by a pair
of religions, Hindus as well as Buddhists + Major tributaries – Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and
Tukucha + The River ultimately joins the Narayani River, located in southern Nepal + The merged waters
of the Bagmati and Narayani eventually make their way southward and into the Ganges.
 Nandakini River = Nandakini is one of the five main tributaries of the Ganges River + Originating in the
glaciers below Nanda Ghunti on the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the river joins the Alaknanda at Nandprayag
(870m), which is one of the panch prayags or holy confluences on the Alaknanda + It flows through the
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand primarily in the Garhwal region + It is surrounded by the majestic
Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Kamet + The river holds great significance in Hindu
mythology and is considered sacred. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu + The banks of the
Nandakini River are rich with wildlife and biodiversity. The region is home to several protected areas,
including the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park.
 Ichamati River = It is actually a trans-boundary river that flows through India and Bangladesh. It acts as
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a boundary between the two nations.

 Siang River = The Yarlung Tsangpo river starts from Mansarovar lake and flows easterly for more than
1,600 km across Tibet before bending towards the south-east around Namcha Barwa peak to enter India at
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Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh, where the river is known as Siang + The Siang flows down the Himalayas
in Arunachal Pradesh, enters the Assam valley, joins two other rivers (Lohit and Dibang) and together
they become the Brahmaputra + India is planning to build a large barrage on the Siang River to protect it
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from a Chinese dam being built in Tibet. The dam is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet’s
Medog district + China’s proposed massive hydropower project on the Great Bend of Yarlung Tsangpo
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River just before the river enters India as Siang.

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 Beki River = The Beki river originates in Bhutan, and it is one of the right bank tributaries of the
Brahmaputra river + This river is also known as the Kurisu river in Bhutan + A large portion of the Beki
river flows in the state of Assam and ultimately mix with Bay of Bengal + It flows through the Manas
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National Park + India has built 60MW Kurichhu hydropower project over Beki river in Bhutan.
 Musi River = Telangana + It is a tributary of the Krishna River on the Deccan Plateau + Himayat Sagar
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and Osman Sagar are the two dams that are constructed over the river + Due to random urbanization and a
lack of planning, the river has become a holder of all the unprocessed domestic and industrial waste
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drained out of Hyderabad.

 Pavana River = Maharashtra + It originates from the Western Ghats + It is a tributary of the Bhima
Riverand merges with the Mula River in Pune city.
 Indrayani River = It is a tributary of the Bhima River, which again is a tributary of the Krishna River +
It originates in Kurvande village near Lonavla, a hill station in the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra +
Fed by rain, it flows east from there to meet the Bhima River + It follows a course mostly north of the city
of Pune
 Brahmani River = It is a major inter-state east-flowing river amongst the peninsular rivers in India + It is
formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near the major industrial town of Rourkela
in Odisha + Both the sources of the Brahmani River are on the Chota Nagpur Plateau + The Brahmani
River basin is bounded in the north by the Chhotanagpur plateau, in the west and south by the Mahanadi
basin, and in the east by the Bay of Bengal + It is one of the few rivers that cut across the Eastern Ghats
and has formed a minor gorge at Rengali in Odisha, where a dam has been built + The principal
tributaries of this river are Sankh, Tikra, and Karo.

 Narmada River = Largest west-flowing river in peninsular India + The origin of the river is a tiny
reservoir named Narmada Kund, which is situated on the Amarkantak Hill in the Anuppur District of East
Madhya Pradesh + he river flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat between Vindhya
and Satpura hill ranges before falling into the Gulf of Cambay in the Arabian Sea about 10 km north of
Bharuch, Gujarat + It is one of the rivers that flow in a rift valley and acts as a divider between North
India and South India + The river has numerous waterfalls, notably the Dhuandhar Falls, southwest of
Jabalpur + The Narmada has several tributaries, with the most significant ones being the Tawa, Barna,
Hiran, and Orsang rivers + The Tawa River is the longest tributary of the Narmada River. It joins the
Narmada River at Bandra Bhan in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh.
 Myristica Swamps = These are a type of freshwater swamp forest predominantly composed of species of
Myristica + In India these are mainly located in the Western Ghats states of Karnataka State (Uttara
Kannada district), in the southern parts of Kerala and in in Maharashtra (Sindhudurga district) + Also, a
smaller distribution exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands + These swamps harbour endemic and
endangered plant species which are valuable for their medicinal properties + Myristica swamps are
remnants of forest vegetation + Species of Myristica has stilt roots/ knee roots to breathe.+ Myristica
swamps are called live fossils, a biodiversity hotspot dominated by evergreen trees belonging to
Myristicaceae family, one of the oldest flowering plants on earth + freshwater swamps + These forests are
characterised by trees with large, protruding roots jutting out of waterlogged soil, which remains
inundated throughout the year
 Hokersar Wetland = Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir + Known as the ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir’ +
Ramsar Site + It is a natural perennial wetland contiguous to the Jhelum basin. It gets water from the
Doodhganga River (Tributary of Jhelum) + It is the only site with remaining reed beds of Jammu and
Kashmir + It is the abode of 68 waterfowl species like Large Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Little
Cormorant, Common Shelduck, Tufted Duck and endangered White-eyed Pochard, coming from Siberia,
China, Central Asia, and Northern Europe.
 Pallikaranai Marshland = It is a freshwater marsh and partly saline wetland + Chennai, Tamil Nadu +
On its eastern periphery, the Marsh is flanked by the Buckingham Canal + It is one of the Ramsar sites
from India + This is home to many migratory birds garganey, northern pintail, northern shoveler,
common teal, western yellow wagtail, grey-headed lapwing, common sandpiper, and wood sandpiper +
Many Raptors like red-necked falcon, osprey, and greater-spotted eagle can be sighted here.
 Sunderbans = Sundarbans is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Padma,
Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal + UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Criteria:
Natural) + Ramsar Wetland + Despite these protections, the Indian Sundarbans were considered
endangered in a 2020 assessment under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems framework + The Sundarbans
mangrove forest covers an area of about 10,000 km2: Bangladesh (about 60% area) and India (about 40%
area) + The most abundant tree species are sundri (Heritiera fomes) and gewa (Excoecaria agallocha) +
The Sundarbans are an important habitat for the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). The forest also provides
habitat for small wild cats such as the jungle cat (Felis chaus), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and
leopard cat (P. bengalensis). The Sundarbans National Park is home to olive ridley turtle, hawksbill turtle,
green turtle, etc.
 Coco Islands = Bay of Bengal + part of the Yangon Region of Myanmar + It is geologically an extended
division of the Arakan Mountains or Rakhine Mountains, submerges as a chain of islands in the Bay of
Bengal for a long stretch and emerges again in the form of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are
part of the same topography as India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
 Sagar Island = Sagar Island, the westernmost island of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, is situated in West
Bengal + It lies at the mouth of the Hugli (Hooghly) River, with an arm of the river separating it from the
mainland to the east.
 Willingdon Island = Kochi, Kerala + man-made island, named after Lord Willingdon who was a British
Viceroy of India + Lord Willingdon (1931 - 1936) was the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India.
 Wheeler Island = Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is an island off the coast of
Odisha + It is the only place in India that has an integrated test range maintaining a missile testing
facility, which is located on this island + All indigenous missiles, like Akash missile, Agni missile,
Prithvi Missile etc. are tested from here.

PROJECTS in NEWS
 Chheligada Irrigation Project = Odisha + It is a multipurpose medium project being undertaken across
river Badjhore, a tributary of river Vansadhara + This Project will also provide drinking water to
Brahampur City.
 Sela Tunnel Project = Arunachal Pradesh + Once completed, the Sela tunnel will be the world's longest
bi-lane tunnel at an altitude above 13,000 feet + It will ensure all-weather connectivity between Guwahati
in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
 Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project = It is a run-of-river dam that aims to generate 2,000 MW of
power by harnessing the potential of the Subansiri River, which flows along the border of Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam + It is India’s largest hydel project under construction. The project is being executed
by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) + Subansiri (518km) (also called “Gold
River”) is a trans-Himalayan river and the largest tributary of the Upper Brahmaputra River + It flows
into India through the Miri Hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
 Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel = Recently Collapsed + Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand + The Silkyara-Barkot
tunnel is part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project of the Central Government + Other
Major Tunnels in India [Important from Exam point]:
 Atal Tunnel: also known as Rohtang Tunnel + tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir
Panjal range of the Himalayas + Himachal Pradesh + At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel
above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world.
 Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: This 11.2 km long tunnel is India's longest transportation railway tunnel
+ It runs through the Pir Panjal mountain range between Quazigund and Baramulla.
 Jawahar Tunnel: It is also called Banihal Tunnel + The length of the tunnel is 2.85 km + The tunnel
facilitates round-the-year road connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu.
 Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel: It was previously known as Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and is the
longest road tunnel of India + The length of this road tunnel is 9.3 km + Jammu and Kashmir
 Kiru Hydro-Electric Power Project = being developed over the Chenab River, J&K + It is a 624MW
run-of-river project + The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint
venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), Jammu & Kashmir State
Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%) and Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%) +
Beneficiary States: J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan,
Union territories of Chandigarh & Delhi.
 Jamrani Dam = Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project envisages the construction of a dam near Jamrani
village across river Gola, a tributary of river Ram Ganga, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand +
Recently, the government of India approved the inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project under
the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) = It was launched in 2015-16 + Aim: To enhance
physical access to water on farms, expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water
use efficiency, and introduce sustainable water conservation practices + Nodal Ministry: Department of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare + Components are:
o Components Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): To focus on faster
completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation including National Projects.
o Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): It consists of four sub-components, being Command Area Development
& Water Management (CAD&WM), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation and
Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, and Ground Water (GW) Development component.
o Per Drop More Crop(PDMC): It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare.
 Pong Dam = also known as the Beas Dam + on the Beas River in the state of Himachal Pradesh + The
construction of the dam began in the year 1961 and was completed in 1974 and at that time was known as
the tallest of its type in the country. The raised water level thus invariably created an artificial lake called
the Maharana Pratap Sagar, after the great ruler of Mewar. The lake became a renowned bird sanctuary
for birds of numerous species including Bar-headed Goose and the Red-necked Grebe.
 Mettur Dam = Tamil Nadu + over Cauvery River + It provides irrigation facilities to parts of Salem, the
length of Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappali and Thanjavur districts.
 Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam = gravity dam located below the confluence of the river Kaveri with its
tributaries, Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha, in the district of Mandya in Karnataka + type of gravity dam + The

dam was constructed during the rule of the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, and it was named in
his honour. The construction of the KRS Dam began in 1911 and was completed in 1931. The dam was designed
by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a famous Indian engineer (often referred to as the ‘architect of modern Mysore’ or
‘father of planning in India’) + The water from the dam is used for irrigation in Mysore and Mandya and is the
main source of drinking water for Mysore, Mandya, and Bengaluru city + It also ensures power supply to the
Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station + The water released from this dam flows into the state of Tamil
Nadu and is stored in the Mettur dam in the Salem district.
 Pamban Bridge = The largest island in Tamil Nadu is Pamban Island, often referred to as Rameshwaram Island.
It is about halfway between Sri Lanka and Peninsular India. The Pamban canal divides the island from the
mainland + The new Pamban railway sea bridge is being built to connect Mandapam town on the mainland with
Rameswaram on the Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu + The bridge has the 72.5 metre “lift-span” of a movable part
of the bridge which will rise and let ships pass + Rameswaram is also one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites
along with Badrinath in the north, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east.
 Idukki Dam = Constructed across the Periyar River + Kerala + It was the Indo-Canadian project
inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976.
 Vaigai Dam = Theni District, Tamil Nadu + constructed across the Vaigai River + It was primarily built
to provide water for irrigation in the Madurai district and the Dindigul district, as well as drinking water
for Madurai and Andipatti.
 Mullaperiyar Dam = Masonry gravity dam situated on the Periyar River in Thekkady, Idukki district, in
Kerala + It is located on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats + The dam is built at the confluence of
the Mullayar and Periyar rivers + Its construction began in 1887 and was completed in 1895 + The
Periyar National Park is located around the dam's reservoir + Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is
operated and maintained by the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It was according to a 999-year lease
agreement made during British rule, that the operational rights were handed over to Tamil Nadu.
 Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project = Telangana + Godavari river + The Pranhita-Godavari River
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confluence is the location of KLIP + It was previously known as the Pranahita-Chevella Lift Irrigation
Project + It is claimed to be the world’s largest multi-stage and multi-purpose lift irrigation project.
 Koyna Dam = Maharashtra + constructed on the Koyna River + Koyna River is a tributary of the Krishna
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River in the western part of Maharashtra. It rises near Mahabaleshwar, a famous hill station in the
Western Ghats. Unlike most of the other rivers in Maharashtra, which flow East-West direction, the
Koyna River flows in North-South direction. Due to its electricity-generating potential through the Koyna
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Hydroelectric Project, Koyna River is known as the Life Line of Maharashtra.

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PARKS AND SANCTUARIES in NEWS

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 Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary = It is a protected area in the Western Ghats, India, located in Kollam
district of Kerala and comes under the control of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve + This sanctuary
derives its name from Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica), a species endemic to this region + Tropical
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evergreen and semi-evergreen forests cover a major area of the sanctuary.

 Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary = northernmost wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
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 Anamudi Shola National Park = Kerala + It is surrounded by Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum
Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Mathikettan Shola Park + It consists of southern
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subtropical hill forests, southern montane wet temperate forests and moist deciduous forests.
 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) = WWS is a wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, India with four hill
ranges namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty + It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary
in Kerala + Established in 1973, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve + It is
bounded by the protected area network of Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka in
the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu + It is part of the Deccan Plateau
+ The wildlife sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant + Scheduled tribes : Paniyas, Kurubas, Adiyans,
Kurichiyas, Ooralis and Kattunaikkans + Recently, Wayanad forest survey was conducted by some state level
universities, sighting, species like : Starry Night Frog, bearing a constellation of blue dots on its obsidian body;
Miniature Night Frog, the tiniest frog in the country; Naked Dancing Frog; and endangered species such as
Malabar Torrent Toad and Red Stream Toad. Wayanad Dravidogecko, Nilgiri Spiny Lizard, and the Nilgiri
Forest Lizard are also sighted.
 Parambikulam Tiger Reserve = Kerala + The reserve supports diverse habitat types, viz., evergreen,
semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and shola forests. Other unique habitats like montane

and marshy grasslands, locally known as 'vayals', are also found + It is credited with the world’s first
scientifically managed plantation of teak. It is home to the world’s oldest and tallest teak tree named
‘Kannimara’, which is 450 years old and at a height of 40 metres + The only South Indian wild goat, the
Nilgiri Tahr is found on the high-altitude rocky hills and grasslands in the tiger reserve. The tiger reserve
is also home to several rare small animals like Tarantula (large bodied spiders).
 Eravikulam National Park = It is located in the High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of the Southern
Western Ghats in Kerala + It hosts South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2695 m) + Three major types of
plant communities found in the park are: Grasslands, Shrub Land and Shola Forests + It houses the
special Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilantheskunthianam) that bloom once every 12 years and the next
sighting is expected to be in 2030 + The park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri
Tahr.
 Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) = Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala + It was declared a Tiger
Reserve in 1978 + It gets its name from the River Periyar which has its origin deep inside the reserve +
Two main rivers, Pamba and Periyar drain the reserve + It is home to many tribal communities including
the Mannans and the Palians + Recently, Project Vriksha Samridhi, Matsya Samridhi has been launched
to augment fish wealth by planting six varieties of trees such as njaval (Syzygium cumini) and pattathali
(Actinodaphne malabarica).
 Wadge Bank Ecosystem = It lies south of Cape Comorin in the Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu + It
is part of Indian continental shelf + It is one of the most productive coastal areas in the world + In this
region, seas (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea) meet with a distinct pattern of water currents in different
seasons (southwest and northeast monsoon).
 Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) = It is spread across the districts of Theni,
Virudhunagar and Madurai in Tamil Nadu + It lies in the Western Ghats region + It was formed in 2021
by combining Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Kaliveli Bird Sanctuary = Tamil Nadu + This wetland is the second-largest brackish water lake in South
India after Pulicat Lake + Recently, the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has
withheld the environmental clearance granted for fishing harbours at Alamparaikuppam and
Azhagankuppam, located in the intertidal area of Kaliveli bird sanctuary.
 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve = Established in 1942 in the Mudumalai forest area + Located in the Nilgiris District
of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu + Part of Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India) along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the
West, Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) in the North, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley in the South +
The Moyar River flows into the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and serves as a natural boundary between Mudumalai
and Bandipur Sanctuary + Tall grasses known as "Elephant Grass" and timber species such as Teak and
Rosewood can be found in the Reserve + Flagship Species: Tiger and Asian Elephant + Oscar for Best
Documentary Short was announced for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ which revolves around a family who adopts 2
orphan baby elephants in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and rears them.
 Mukurthi National Park = Tamil Nadu + The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is
sandwiched between the Mudumalai National Park and the Silent Valley National Park + It was
established with the prime motive of conserving its keystone species – the Nilgiri Tahr + It is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site + Pykara and Kundah rivers flow through the park
 Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve = Tamil Nadu + This reserve is a mixture of three main sanctuaries:
Kalakad Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Sanctuary, and a part of Kanyakumari Sanctuary + The reserve is also known
as the “River Sanctuary”, with as many as 14 rivers originating from this Tiger Reserve.
 Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary = Tamil Nadu + It is flanked by the Bay of Bengal in the east and Palk
Strait in the south + It is designated as a Ramsar site + It primarily focuses on the protection and conservation of
the black antelopes, an endangered and endemic species that are found in this region + It has mangroves, tropical
evergreen forests, and grassland ecosystems + Fauna: Wild boar, macaque, black buck, chital, Great flamingo,
Painted Stork, Little Stint,seagull and Brown-headed gull are normally found in the sanctuary.
 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve = Tamil Nadu + Its area is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger
Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka)
+ It is hilly and undulated with altitude ranging between 750m and 1649m + It consists of southern
tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.
 Anamalai Tiger Reserve = Tamil Nadu + It lies South of the Palakkad gap in the Southern Western Ghats + It is
surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National

Park on the South Western side + It was declared a Tiger reserve in the year 2007 + An elephant image shot at
Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) has emerged as the winner in the Wildlife category of the Siena Drone Photo
Awards 2023, announced recently + (Siena Drone Photo Awards 2023 = It is the most important worldwide
competition in aerial photography and video + It’s a project of Siena Awards, dedicated to a different
photographic genre deliberately separated from being compared to traditional photography)
 Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary = Tamil Nadu + It lies adjacent to the Bay of Bengal along the east coast. It is one of
the major wetlands on the Coromandel Coast after Pulicat Lake + The lake is connected to the Bay of Bengal by
the Uppukalli Creek and the Yedayanthittu estuary and is visited for nesting by migratory birds on the Central
Asian flyway + The lake has a feeding ground for long-distance migrants from the cold subarctic regions of
Central Asia and Siberia including Black-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlew, White Stork, Ruff and Dunlin.
 Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve = Tamil Nadu + This reserve is a mixture of three main
sanctuaries: Kalakkad Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Sanctuary, and a part of Kanyakumari Sanctuary + It is
also known as the “River Sanctuary,"with as many as 14 rivers originating from this Tiger Reserve +
Recently, Researchers have discovered a new plant species in the genus ‘Impatiens’ (Balsaminaceae) in
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli.
 Guindy National Park = Located in the heart of Chennai’s metropolitan area of Tamil Nadu + It is India’s
eighth-smallest national park and one of the very few national parks located inside a city + It is one of the last
remnants of the tropical, dry evergreen forests of the Coromandel Coast + It is one of the last remaining tropical
dry evergreen forests in south India + Please Note: Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest is a unique forest that can only
be found in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Its distribution is limited to a short coastal strip that stretches from
Vishakapattinam in Andhra Pradesh to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu in the south.
 Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary = Andhra Pradesh + It is located between two important
hill passes known as "Mantralamma Kanuma" and "Nandi Kanuma." + It spreads over the Nallamallai hill
range + The northern part of this Sanctuary forms a major part of the southern boundary of the
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve + The Gundlakamma River stretches across the sanctuary +
Recently, Over 50 grass species were recently identified during a two-day workshop and survey on
‘Grasses Identification and Grassland Management’ at the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary = Andhra Pradesh + This Sanctuary comes under Project elephant - It is
the only sanctuary in the whole state housing Asian elephants + River Kaigal and River Kaundinya flow
through this sanctuary and is characterized by high hills, deep valleys.
 Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary = Andhra Pradesh + The sanctuary has been under the Andhra
Pradesh Forest Department since 1970 + It is considerably hilly with steep slopes + Recently, the first-
ever sighting of the elusive Barkudia limbless skink has been reported within the Kambalakonda Wildlife
Sanctuary boundaries in Visakhapatnam + Visakhapatnam limbless skink (Barkudiamelanosticta) a small
reptile renowned for its unique limbless body and extraordinary adaptations, has long eluded scientific
observation. It is believed to be endemic to this region.
 Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary = Andhra Pradesh
 Amrabad Tiger Reserve = Amrabad Tiger Reserve lies in Nallamala hills of Telangana + It is India’s second-
largest tiger reserve, next only to Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) + It
has a large presence of the Chenchu tribe + It contains ruins of the ancient Nagarjuna Viswa Vidyalayam run by
the great Buddhist scholar Nagarjunacharya (150 AD) + The reserve was notified as a sanctuary in the year 1983
and after the bifurcation of Telugu States in 2014, it was declared as Amrabad Tiger Reserve + It lies in the three
forest divisions of Amarabad, Achampet in Nagarkurnool district, and Nagarjuna Sagar division in Nalgonda
district + Major reservoirs like the Srisailam Dam and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam are fed by the river Krishna and its
several perennial streams that originate in the Tiger Reserve.
 Kawal Tiger Reserve = Telangana + This sanctuary is catchment for the rivers Godavari and Kadam +
The sanctuary is one of the richest teak forests in the state, with dense pristine areas free of human
disturbance + It is a central Indian Tiger Landscape having – a southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.
 Kalasa Banduri Project/ Kalsa-Bhanduri drinking water project = On Mahadayi River + Karnataka + It
involves building across Kalasa and Banduri, two tributaries of the Mahadayi river to divert water to the
Malaprabha river (a tributary of Krishna river)
 Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary = Kalaburagi district, Karnataka + It is the first dry land Wildlife
Sanctuary in South India + The Sanctuary has good dry deciduous and Moist deciduous forest in the core
with Acacia and Teak plantations on the fringes + Chincholi is also home to Lambani Tandas, a protected
tribal community that lives in the forests in harmony with nature.

 Gudavi Bird Sanctuary = Karnataka + It is covered by moist deciduous forest species interspersed with
grassy patches + This wetland vegetation comprises marshy plants, and microphyte biota.
 Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary = Karnataka + Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, present on a small
island in the river Tunga is also a part of this Sanctuary + The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the
sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds.
 Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary = It is situated north of Bandipur National Park in Mysore District, Karnataka
+ It is built across the Nugu River, a tributary of the Cauvery + The area receives rainfall from both
southwest and northeast monsoons + Most of the vegetation in the forests is dry, deciduous and
interspersed with patches of plantations.
 Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary = Located in the Western Ghats, Karnataka + It shares its boundary with
the north of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem
National Park, north of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and east of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary + Sanctuary
forms the headwaters of a number of rivers like Tillari, Malaprabha and Mhadei and several perennial
streams + Vegetation: Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests.
 Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve = Karnataka State + This unique Bio-geographical
habitat is in the middle of the bridge between Western and Eastern ghats in South India + The tiger reserve
derives its name from 'BILIGIRI ', the white rocky cliff which has a temple of Lord 'VISHNU' locally known as
‘Rangaswamy’ + The major forest types of the reserve are: Southern Tropical Evergreen forests, Southern
Tropical Semi-evergreen forests and Southern Tropical Moist deciduous forests.
 Bannerghatta National Park = Karnataka + In 2002 a portion of the park became a biological reserve,
the Bannerghatta Biological Park. It is the first biological park in India to have a fenced forested elephant
sanctuary + In 2006, India's first butterfly enclosure was inaugurated at the park + Suvarnamukhi stream,
the main source of water for the animals of the park, runs through the centre of the park + There are three
types of vegetation that can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous
Forests and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
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 Kali Tiger Reserve = Karnataka + earlier known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve + It is a part of the
Western Ghats + The Tiger Reserve comprises of two important protected areas of the region viz.,
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park + Kali River, which forms the major source of water
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for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve and hence the name + Forests are primarily moist
deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the westernmost parts as
well as in deep valleys + It is known for housing many tigers, black panthers and elephants.
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 Satkosia Sanctuary = Odisha + It owes its name to the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi i.e. “ Sat –
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kosh” + Satkosia Tiger Reserve comprises of two adjoining Sanctuaries of central Odisha named as
Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary + The sanctuary has been recognized as a critical tiger
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habitat by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

 Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) = Odisha (Mayurbhanj District) + It is surrounded by high plateaus and
hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level)
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+ The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas + It is a
mix of different forest types and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating some semi-
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evergreen patches + The STR, along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km, has been included as a part
of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in the year 2009 + It is the only landscape in
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the world that is home to melanistic tigers + The region around STR is home to a variety of tribes,
including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara.
 Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary = Odisha + Located near the Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River) + It finds a special
mention because of noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. During his rebellion against the British, his base at
‘Barapathara” was located within the sanctuary + Vegetation: Dry deciduous mixed forests.
 Bhitarkanika National Park = Odisha + The national park that is sprawling across mangrove swamp is situated
on a delta formed by rivers, namely Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra + Proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes
the soil of the area enriched with salts; the vegetation and species of the sanctuary are those that are mainly found
in the tropical and subtropical intertidal regions + The area was designated as the Ramsar Site in 2002 +
Bhitarkanika has one of the largest populations of endangered saltwater crocodiles in India + Gahirmatha Beach,
which forms the boundary of the park in the east, is the largest colony of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
 Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary = Odisha
 Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary = Odisha + It is spread across the Chota Nagpur Plateau region + It is
connected with Simlipal Reserve via Nato and Sukhupada Hill ranges.

 Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) = West Bengal + Its northern boundary runs along the international border
with Bhutan + The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR, and the eastern boundary
touches that of Assam State + The fragile "Terai Ecosystem" constitutes a part of this reserve + Two
rivers, namely the River Raidak and the River Jayanti, flow through the forest of Buxa + The forests of
the reserve can be broadly classified as the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’ of Champion and Seth’s (1968) recent
classification.
 Neora Valley National Park = West Bengal + It is contiguous with Sikkim and Bhutan at its northern
and north-eastern boundaries respectively and links the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim and the
Toorsa Strict Reserve of Bhutan + The highest point of the park is Rachela Pass.
 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary = Darjeeling district, West Bengal + It is located on the foothills of the
Himalayas and in between the Teesta and the Mahananda rivers + In 1959, it got the status of a sanctuary
mainly to protect the Indian Bison and Royal Bengal Tiger.
 Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) = It is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats in Maharashtra +
It combines the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chandoli National Park in the southern part of
Maharashtra + The region of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve includes the area around the Koyna Dam, Warna
River and many other small rivers and streams originating from the Western Ghats and flowing to the east
+ Vegetation: Evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests + The habitat of Sahyadri is
composed of woodlands, grasslands and plateau, the latter locally referred to as “Sadaa”, which are
lateritic in nature with considerable habitat value.
 Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary = Maharashtra + The sanctuary derives its name from the Katepurna
River, which flows south to Northward almost through the central part of the sanctuary + Vegetation:
Southern tropical dry deciduous forest + The main species are Ain, Dhawada, Kalamb, Salai, Haldu,
Medshing, Tendu etc. Trees of Vad, Umber, Arjun, and Kalamb are found in moist areas.
 Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve = Maharashtra + It comprises Nawegaon National Park, Nawegaon
Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koka Wildlife
Sanctuary + It is connected with many surrounding tiger reserves like Pench, Kanha, Tadoba Andhari
Tiger Reserve, Indravati Tiger Reserve etc.
 Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary = Maharashtra + There are three different types of forests – Dry
Deciduous, Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen + Several ancient temples are within its boundaries.
The most famous of these temples is the Tungareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
 Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) = Maharashtra + It is located on the southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill
Range in Central India, called Gavilgarh Hill + It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and was
declared a tiger reserve in 1974 + The reserve is a catchment area for five major rivers: the Khandu,
Khapra, Sipna, Gadga, and Dolar, all are tributaries of the river Tapti + Tribes: The Korkus are the largest
tribal community in Melghat. Other communities include the Gawli community, the Gond tribe, and
several other smaller tribal communities.
 Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) = Maharashtra + Biogeographically, the reserve falls in the
Central plateau province of the Deccan Peninsula + There are two lakes and one waterway in the reserve,
Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake, and the Tadoba River + Vegetation: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous.
 Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary = Goa + The most prominent are the Vazra Sakla Falls and the Virdi Falls.
 Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS) = Gujarat + Recently, The Gujarat Forest Department recently
presented its proposal to make Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS) the second home to lions before the
national steering committee meeting held as part of "Project Lion @ 2047." + There are two waterways,
the Bileshvary River and the Joghri River, and two dams, Khambala and Fodara + Ethnic races such as
Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis live in this region + To develop Barda as the second home for
the Asiatic lion, the state government implemented the 'Gir-Barda Project' in 1979.
 Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary = Gujarat
 Son Ghadiyal Wildlife Sanctuary = Madhya Pradesh + It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 by
the State government to protect and preserve the faunal diversity of the river, specifically the critically
endangered Gharial and the vulnerable Marsh Crocodile.
 Bandhavgarh National Park = Madhya Pradesh + It is spread over the Vindhya hills + It was declared a
national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993 + It is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers.
The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India as well as in the world +
It is mostly of dry deciduous type + Archaeologists have recently uncovered several archaeological
treasures from the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

 Panna Tiger Reserve = Critical tiger habitat located in the Vindhyan mountain range in the northern part
of Madhya Pradesh + Ken River flows from south to north through the reserve + The dominant vegetation
type is dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland areas. In the north, it is surrounded by teak forest,
and in the east, it is surrounded by teak-Kardhai mixed forest. The tree species Acacia catachu dominates
the dry, steep slopes of the plateaus here + India has signed an MoU with Cambodia, which is seeking
support for tiger reintroduction. Recently, a delegation of senior forest officers and frontline staff from
Cambodia came for training at Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) and studied India’s tiger reintroduction
programme and all its aspects.
 Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary = Located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh + Rare species of butterflies
were recently found at this sanctuary: Red Flash, Plains Royal Blue, Tri-coloured Pied Flat, Painted Lady
and Rice Swift.
 Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary = Madhya Pradesh + It runs parallel to the northern side of the Narmada
River. Kolar River forms the western boundary of the Sanctuary + The Sanctuary has Bhimbetika, "a
group of rock shelters and rock paintings," which is one of the '' World Heritage Sites'' declared by
UNESCO.
 Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries = ‘Tiger State’ Madhya Pradesh is poised to get its 7th
tiger reserve with the state government going forward with the notification of Nauradehi and Durgavati
Wildlife Sanctuaries as a combined protected area + It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh
+ The Sanctuary is classified under Deccan peninsula biogeographic region + Three fourth of sanctuary
falls in the Yamuna, and one-fourth of the sanctuary falls in the Naramada basin.
 Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) = largest national park of Madhya Pradesh + It is nestled in the Maikal
range of Satpuras, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands + It is also the first tiger
reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, "Bhoorsingh the Barasingha" + The highland forests are
tropical moist dry deciduous type and of a completely different nature with bamboo on slopes
(Dendrocalamus strictus) + The park has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, the
sloth bear and Indian wild dog.
 Kuno National Park = Madhya Pradesh + It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills + It is named after the
Kuno River(one of the main tributaries of the Chambal River) that cuts across it + It was selected under
‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’ + The vegetation in the park varies from tropical dry
deciduous forest to savannah grasslands.
 Satpura Tiger Reserve = Madhya Pradesh + It is an example of a central Indian highlands ecosystem +
It supports 17% of India’s tiger population and 12% of its tiger habitat + STR was declared as the first
biosphere reserve of Madhya Pradesh in the year 1999. It consists of three protected areas- Satpura
National Park, Bori Sanctuary and Pachmarhi Sanctuary + Satpura, basically meaning "Seven Folds",
forms a watershed between Narmada and Tapti Rivers + It has corridor connectivity with Pench National
Park + Archeological significance: There are 55 rock shelters which are 1500 to 10000 years old with
wall paintings depicting animals like elephants, tigers, deers, and porcupines.
 Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve = Chhattisgarh + The Udanti river flow through the Reserve + There is
few perennial springs including the famous Deodhara and Godene falls + All the representative faunal
species of Central India are found in both the Core areas of UdantiSitanadi Tiger reserve. Asiatic Wild
Buffalo is the key endangered species found in the Core Area.
 Kanger Valley National Park = Chhattisgarh + The National Park derives its name from the Kanger
River, which flows centrally from the Northwest to the Southeast direction + Tirathgarh Waterfall is
located in Kanger Valley National Park + A rare Indian mouse deer or spotted Chevrotain was recently
spotted in the Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh
 Lemru Elephant Reserve = natural elephant habitat in Chhattisgarh + Last year, state government has
proposed to decrease its area to 450 sq km + Reason for Reducing Size: The area proposed under the
reserve is part of the Hasdeo Aranya forests, a very diverse biozone that is also rich in coal deposits +
Other Protected Areas in Chhattisgarh: Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Indravati Tiger Reserve, Sitanadi-
Udanti Tiger Reserve, Kanger Valley National Park and Badalkhol Tamor Pingla Elephant Reserve +
Recently, Union Coal Ministry has said that Coal India Limited’s (CIL) 40 coal blocks in and around the
Lemru Elephant Corridor (LEC) will not be auctioned at the request of the Chhattisgarh government.
 Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary = Chhattisgarh + It is named after the famous 11th century Bhoramdeo
Temple situated near the Sanctuary + It shares a border with Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh,
making it an important tiger habitat in central India.

 Palamu Tiger Reserve = Jharkhand + The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park + Three rivers
namely North Koyal, Auranga and Burha flow through the valleys.
 Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) = Bihar + It is surrounded by the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal
in the north and the river Gandak on the western side + Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan,
and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve + The forest of this region has a combination of
bhabar and terai tracts.
 Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary = Bihar is all set to get its second tiger reserve in Kaimur district by the end
of the year or early 2024 + Kaimur district primarily comprises two landscapes — the hills, known as
Kaimur plateau, and the plains on the west. Plains are flanked by the rivers Karmanasa and Durgavati +
The Karmanasa River is a tributary of the Ganges. It originates in Kaimur district of Bihar and flows
through the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (along their boundary). Durgavati is a tributary of
Karmanasa river.
 Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary = Jharkhand + It is situated around the Dalma Hills on the Chota Nagpur
Plateau + Inaugurated in 1975, it contains a significant population of Indian Elephants + Medicinal plants
like Ananatmula, Satawari, Sarpagandha, etc. are abundant in the sanctuary.
 National Chambal Sanctuary = National Chambal Sanctuary lying at the tri-junction of three states
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan + It is home to the critically endangered Gharial, the red-
crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin + Chambal supports the largest population
of Gharials in the wild + (Chambal River = It originates at the Singar Chouri peak in the northern slopes
of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh) + From Madhya Pradesh, it enters Rajasthan and
then Uttar Pradesh + In UP it joins the Yamuna River in Etawah District + Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh,
Sipra, Parbati, etc + The National Chambal Sanctuary is located along the river Chambal + It is known for
the critically endangered Gharial + Main Power Projects/ Dam: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar
Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage)
 Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary = Uttar Pradesh + On the northern side, the Sanctuary shares the
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international boundary with Nepal, and on the eastern border is Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve + It is
drained by the great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers.
 Amangarh Tiger Reserve = Uttar Pradesh + It was originally part of the Jim Corbett National Park, and
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after the state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, Jim Corbett went to Uttarakhandand
Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh.
 Dudhwa Tiger Reserve = It is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the district Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar
ai
Pradesh + It includes the Dudhwa National Park, and two nearby Sanctuaries, viz. Kishanpur and
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Katerniaghat + The Sharda River flows by the Kishanpur WL Sanctuary, the Geruwa River flows through
the Katerniaghat WL Sanctuary and the Suheli and Mohana streams flow in the Dudhwa National Park,
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all of which are tributaries of the mighty Ghagra River + The vegetation is of the North Indian Moist
Deciduous type, containing some of the finest examples of Sal forests (Shorea robusta) in India.
 Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary = Uttar Pradesh + On the northern side, it shares the international
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boundary with Nepal, and on the eastern border is Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve + It is drained by the
great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers.
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 Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) = It is a protected area in the Upper Gangetic plain in Uttar
Pradesh + It provides strategic connectivity between the tiger habitats of Dudhwa and Kishanpur in India
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and the Bardia National Park in Nepal + Its fragile Terai ecosystem comprises a mosaic of sal and teak
forests, lush grasslands, and numerous swamps, and wetlands + The Gairwa River, which flows in the
KWS area, is declared a sanctuary for Mugger and Gharial + It is among the few places in India where
freshwater dolphins, also known as Gangetic dolphins, are found in their natural habitat.
 Amangarh Tiger Reserve = an extension of the Jim Corbett National Park, has seen a marginal increase
in its tiger population + Uttar Pradesh + Shares boundaries with Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
+ Declared a tiger reserve in 2012
 Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary = Punjab + The entire area of Sanctuary is private or community-owned
land of 13 Bishnoi villages.
 Sultanpur National Park = formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Gurgaon
district in Haryana + It was notified as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, in 2021 + It
is a very important wintering ground for waterfowl. Some of the resident and migratory species of birds
found in the area are the Common hoopoe, Purple sunbird, Black francolin, Little cormorant, Indian
Cormorant, Siberian Crane, Greater Flamingo, Common Teal, Common Greenshank, Ruff, etc.

 Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary = Rajasthan + This Sanctuary has nearly flat territory and combined
thin low lying region.
 Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary = Rajasthan
 Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve = It was notified as tiger reserve in 2022 + Bundi District, Rajasthan
+ It is in continuation with the buffer area of Ranthambore tiger reserve on the North-eastern side and
Mukundara Hills tiger reserve on the southern side + Mez, a tributary of the Chambal River, passes
through the tiger reserve + Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest.
 Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve = popularly known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary + Rajasthan + The
park is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gargola + It is consisting
of three wildlife sanctuaries: Darrah wildlife sanctuary, Chambal wildlife sanctuary and Jaswant Sagar
wildlife sanctuary + It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries
+ Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest + Anogeissus pendula (Kala Dhok or Kaladhi) is the predominant
species, along with Khair (Acacia catechu), Ber (Zizyphus mauratiana), Kakan (Flacourtia indica), Raunj
(Acacia lecofolia) etc.
 Ranthambore Tiger Reserve = Situated near Aravali hills and Vindhya plateau + Famous for diurnal
tigers + Enclosed by Chambal River and Banas River from the two sides + Includes the mighty
Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Rajbagh ruins along with many lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Raj
Bagh Talao.
 Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary = Rajsamand, Rajasthan + It acts as a dividing line between Mewar
and Marwar, two different parts of Rajasthan + The wildlife sanctuary encompasses the historic
Kumbhalgarh Fort and is also named after the fort + It lie across the Aravalli ranges + River Banas also
graces the sanctuary and is the primary source of water. The rainwater on the western slopes flows as
small rivers such as Sukdi, Mithdi, Sumer and Kot, all of which are the tributaries of River Luni that
ultimately merge into the Arabian Sea.
 Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (DKTR) = Once Notified by State, It may become the 54th Tiger
Reserve (TR) of India and 5th of Rajasthan + Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh
Vishdhari are the remaining four TRs in Rajasthan + TRs are notified by State Governments on the advice
of NTCA under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) or WPA Act, 1972 + A TR, considered as
critical for tiger conservation, consists of two parts: Core or critical tiger habitat: National Park or
Sanctuary status; and Buffer or peripheral area: A lesser degree of habitat protection is required + Key
initiatives to protect tiger are:
 Project Tiger = launched in 1973+ Centrally Sponsored Scheme + MoEFCC
 Tiger Conservation Plans = to be prepared by the state government under WPA for tiger reserve
management
 M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers Intensive-Protection & Ecological Status): An
android app for monitoring
 Project ‘E-Bird Technology for Tiger Conservation’: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as a
Surveillance and Monitoring tool.
 Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) = Administered by Bombay Natural History Society
(BNHS) + Four VCBCs established by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) at Pinjore in Haryana,
Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Rani in Assam, and Rajabhatkhawa in West Bengal are involved in
conservation breeding of the whiterumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture (Gyps
tenuirostris), and the Indian vulture (Gyps indicus). The unprecedented scale and speed of declines in
vulture populations has left all the three resident Gyps vulture species categorised ‘Critically Endangered’
+ (Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) = Bombay Natural History Society, founded on 15
September 1883, is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation
and biodiversity research + BNHS is the partner of BirdLife International in India. It has been designated
as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’ by the Department of Science and Technology +
Logo: The BNHS logo is the great hornbill)
 Great Himalayan National Park = Himachal Pradesh + GHNP was awarded UNESCO World Heritage
Site status in 2014 + The park is a stunning mix of lush coniferous forests, meadows, glaciers and
mountain peaks.
 Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary = Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh + Pong Dam Lake (also known as
Maharana Pratap Sagar) is a manmade reservoir formed due to the construction of Pong Dam on the Beas River

in the wetland zone of Shivalik Hills + One of the largest man-made wetlands in Northern India, Pong Dam also
serves as a sanctuary for the largest population of migratory birds, along with a number of endemic species + was
declared a Ramsar Site in 2002 + The climate of the region is subtropical.
 Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary = Uttarakhand + The sanctuary is named after Bindeshwar Mahadev Temple,
an ancient Hindu rock temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
 Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) = famously known as the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, is
located in the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of the state of Uttarakhand + It is the largest protected
area in the western Himalayas + It is covered with temperate forests.
 Kishtwar High Altitude National Park = Kishtwar district of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir +
Recently, the research team of the Department of Wildlife Protection has confirmed the presence of snow
leopard in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park through camera trap photographs + The area lies in the
central crystalline belt of the great Himalayas and the tract is situated on the high altitudes i.e., sub-alpine
and alpine zone + The National Park encompasses the catchment area of Kiber, Nanth and Kiyar Nallas,
all of which drain south-west into Marwah River (locally called Mariv Sudir) which later joins Chenab.
 India’s First Dark Sky Park = The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been designated as India's
first Dark Sky Park and the fifth in Asia, protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution + Dark
Sky Place certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and
monitoring the night sky + The certification was given by the International Dark-Sky Association, a
global dark-sky movement to promote astronomy.
 India’s First ever Dark Sky Reserve = In a first -of -its -kind initiative, the Department of Science &
Technology (DST) has announced the setting up of India's first dark sky reserve at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of
Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary + A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place
to ensure that a tract of land or region has mini-mal artificial light interference + Hanle is best suited for the
project as it is located in Ladakh’s cold desert region with clear sky and dry weather conditions throughout the
year and away from human disturbance + It is to be Developed by Ladakh administration and will work with
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council(LAHDC) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for
developing this reserve + The reserve will boost Astro tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-
located sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
 The International Dark Sky Association is a U.S.-based non-profit that designates places as
International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserves depending on the criteria they meet.
Several such reserves exist around the world but none so far in India.
 Hanle, Ladakh = It is about 4,500 metres above sea level and it hosts telescopes + It is regarded as
one of the world’s most optimal sites for astronomical observations + The Himalayan Chandra
Telescope (HCT), High Energy Gamma Ray telescope (HAGAR), the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov
Experiment Telescope (MACE) and GROWTH-India are prominent telescopes located at the Hanle
observatory.
 Bortle Scale = In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night
sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale + The lesser the numerical scale, it
qualifies for a better dark sky location + For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies,
Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine.
 Orang National Park = located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam + It is
also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site) since the two parks have a similar landscape
made up of marshes, streams and grasslands and are inhabited by the Great Indian One-Horned
Rhinoceros.
 Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary = Assam + Located on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra + It
is actually a part of the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Though these two wildlife sanctuaries in Assam
have two different names, they are ecologically and geographically a singular entity + It comprises of a
mosaic of wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems
+ A unique vegetation of this sanctuary is the abundance of freshwater mangrove trees + It is well known
for the Bengal Florican and One-horned Rhinoceros that was once on the verge of extinction.
 Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary = Assam + It comprises three Reserve forests-Khanapara, Amchang, and
South Amchang + It stretches from the Brahmaputra River in the north to the hilly forests of Meghalaya
in the south, forming a continuous forest belt through Meghalaya's Maradakdola Reserve Forests + Please
Note: Tree yellow butterflies (gancana harina) are found at the Amchang wildlife sanctuary which is
indigenous to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and northeast India.

 Kaziranga National Park = Assam + World Heritage Site + Kaziranga has become the first in the
country to use satellite phones, which are generally used by the law-enforcing agencies + It is declared
National park, Tiger reserve and recognized as An Important Bird Area + It is the home of the world's
most one-horned rhinos + Diphlu River flows through this park + Please Note: Pobitora Wildlife
Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and second highest number of Rhinos
in Assam after Kaziranga National Park
 Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary = Located on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra in Assam + It is
a part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system + It comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial grassland,
riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems + It is home to the Great Indian
one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and elephants. It includes the
highly endangered Bengal Florican.
 Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve = It is located in the foothills of Himalayas in Assam. It is
contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan + It is a national park, UNESCO Natural
World Heritage site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve + The name of
the park originates from the Manas River, a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through
the Manas National Park.
 Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary = Jorhat district, Assam + Dominated by evergreen forest + The upper
canopy of the forest is dominated by the Hollong tree, while the Nahar dominates the middle canopy. The
lower canopy consists of evergreen shrubs and herbs + The sanctuary has a rich biodiversity and is home
to the only apes in India, the western Hoolock, as well as the only nocturnal primate found in the
northeast Indian states, the Bengal slow loris.
 Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuaries = Assam + Located on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra +
They are surrounded by many key PAs like Kaziranga National Park to the east, Orang National Park and
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuaries to the west, Pakke-Nameri NPs to the north, and the rich reserve forests of
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Karbi Anglong to the south.

 Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve = It is a community reserve launched by Bugun
community of Singchung Village, Arunachal Pradesh by joining hands with the Forest Department in
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2017 + It borders the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh + local Bugun tribe supported the
formation of community reserve to conserve the critically endangered bird called Bugunliocichla (About
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20 pairs are left in the world, and all of them live in and around Eaglenest) + area is home to unique flora
and fauna including the red panda, the clouded leopard and over 500 bird species.
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 Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary = Arunachal Pradesh + It conjoins Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the
northeast and Pakhui Tiger Reserve across the Kameng river to the east + It is also a part of the Kameng
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Elephant Reserve.
 D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary = Arunachal Pradesh + It is named after the pioneer of modern
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Arunachal, the late Daying Ering, who was a famed Indian politician + It is located in a unique ecosystem
that comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests.
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 Kamlang Tiger Reserve = Arunachal Pradesh + It is named after the Kamlang River, which flows
through the reserve and joins the Brahmaputra + It is spread between the famed Namdapha National Park
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on its south and Lang River on its north + Kamlang is contiguous to the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, which
is better known than Kamlang + It is a home to the Mishmi communities + It is also home to all four big
cats (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard) + It hosts several species of hornbills such as
Rufousnecked hornbills are common and Wreathed hornbills visit in the winters + Other Places in
Arunachal Pradesh.
 Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary = Arunachal Pradesh + The sanctuary lies in the Indo-Chinese transition
zone. The flora and fauna of this region is highly endemic and significant + Some endangered species are
the Mishmi takin (the takin is the national animal of Bhutan), the Asiatic black bear, Musk deer and the
Blyth’s tragopan + Kman Mishmi, one of the 26 indigenous tribes in Arunachal Pradesh resides here.
 Pakke Tiger Reserve = Arunachal Pradesh + Home to Nyishi community, it is a unique wildlife habitat,
bound by natural barriers.
 Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary = Sikkim + connected to the forests of Bhutan and Neora Valley
National Park in West Bengal + The Pangolakha Range, extending below the Chola Range, separates
Sikkim from Bhutan.

TRIBES and ETHNIC GROUPS in NEWS

 Meitei Community = also known as the Manipuri people, are the predominant ethnic group of Manipur
State + They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of
India and the sole official language of Manipur State + Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley
region , though a sizable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland,
Meghalaya, and Mizoram + There is also a notable presence of Meitei in the neighbouring countries of
Myanmar and Bangladesh + They are divided into clans, the members of which do not intermarry + Rice
cultivation on irrigated fields is the basis of their economy + A majority follow Hinduism, while more
than 8% are Muslims.
 The History of the Meities: The history of the Meities broadly divided into four eras from the
ancient to the modern, is chronicled in Puyas or texts such as Cheitharol Kumbaba, Ninghthou
Kangbalon, Ningthourol Lambuba, Poireiton Khunthokpa and Panthoibi Khongkul + Meiteis are
divided into seven Salai or clans — Mangang, Luwang, Khuman, Angom, Moirang Kha,
Ngangba, and Sarang Leishangthem + The Meitei kingdom, called Kangleipak, traces its origin to
Pakhangba (1445-1405 BCE), who came from present-day China and settled in the Koubru hills,
about 35 km northwest of Imphal + Pakhangba founded the Ningthouja dynasty belonging to the
Mangang clan, which exercised some clout until Manipur’s merger with the Indian Union in
1949. Pakhangba is also represented as the presiding deity of both Hindu and pre-Hindu Meitei
people and is symbolised as a dragon-like serpent with its tail in its mouth + Hinduism penetrated
the Meitei kingdom in the late 15th century but large-scale adoption of the religion is attributed to
the influence of Vaishnav monks and adherents from Bengal who fled persecution under the
sultans of Bengal. The indigenous deities such as Panthoibi were gradually given a Hindu
makeover + The Meitei community can be broadly divided into three castes — the Bamons or
Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, and the Scheduled Castes + Other famous things in Manipur are
(relevant for UPSC):
 Sanamahi, an indigenous faith first mentioned in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of
Kangleipak — the old name of Manipur — from 33-154 CE.
 The Manipuri dance, one of India’s principal classical dance forms, has its roots in the Lai
Haraoba, a festival associated with pleasing the Sanamahi deities.
 The royal patronage also yielded Thang-ta, a Manipuri martial art involving fighting with swords
and spears.
 Sagoj Kangjei, which evolved into the modern polo.
 Kukis = They are an ethnic group comprising multiple tribes who originally inhabited the North-Eastern
states of India, parts of Myanmar, and Bangladesh + Kuki is not a term coined by the ethnic group itself
but is used generically for tribes associated with it under colonial rule + They are present in all Northeast
Indian states except Arunachal Pradesh + Around fifty tribes of Kuki peoples in India are recognised as
scheduled tribes + The Chin people of Myanmar and the Mizo people of Mizoram are kindred tribes of
the Kukis and are collectively known as the Zo people + The first resistance to British hegemony by the
Kuki people was the Kuki Rebellion of 1917-19, after which their territory was subjugated by the British
and divided between the administrations of British India and British Burma. Up until their defeat in 1919,
the Kukis had been an independent people ruled by their chieftains.
 Khasi People = indigenous ethnic group of Meghalaya + have significant population in the bordering
state of Assam, and in certain parts of Bangladesh + They inhabit the eastern part of Meghalaya, in the
Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Khasis residing in Jaintia hills are now better known as Jaintias. They are also
called Pnars + The Khasis occupying the northern lowlands and foothills are generally called Bhois.
Those who live in the southern tracts are termed Wars + The Khasi people form the majority of the
population of the eastern part of Meghalaya, and is the state’s largest community, with around 48% of the
population of Meghalaya + They are divided into several clans. They have a matrilineal society + The
traditional Khasi male dress is “Jymphong” or a longish sleeveless coat without collar.
 Zo People = Zo people include all tribes of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group spread across Myanmar,
India, and Bangladesh + Many sub-tribes and clans include the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Lushei, Zomi, Paitei,
Hmar, Ralte, Pawi, Lai, Mara, Gangte, Thadou, etc + Tribes are believed to have migrated from China
through Tibet to settle in Myanmar + They speak a group of Tibeto-Burman languages.
 Bru Refugees = Bru, also known as Reang, is a community indigenous to the Northeast, living mostly in
Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam + In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group + They

belong to Indo-Mongoloid racial stock + Their languages have an affinity with Austro-Asiatic groups under the
Tibeto-Burman family + Ethnically, they are divided into two major clans, namely Meska and Molsoi + They
speak a language known as "Kaubru,” which has a tonal effect on the Kuki language + They are still a nomadic
tribe, and a large number among them maintain their livelihood involving Hilltop Jhum Cultivation + By religion,
they are Hindus, and most of their deities are akin to gods and goddesses of the Hindu faith + They are
traditionally endogamous and do not marry outside their community + Recently, For the first time, Bru refugees
will not participate in elections in Mizoram as they were given permanent settlement in Tripura under a centrally
sponsored rehabilitation arrangement.
 Lho-Mon-Tsong-Tsum = The dominant ethnic diversity of Sikkim is represented by 'Lho-Mon-Tsong-
Tsum' indicating the origin of three races since the seventeenth century + The term 'Lho' refers to Bhutias
(Lhopo) who migrated from Southern Tibet + The term 'Mon' refers to Lepchas (Rong) who lived in the
lower Eastern Himalayas + The term 'Tsong' refers to Limbus as another tribe of Sikkim + The pre-
theocratic phase of Sikkim was inhabited by the Kiratis. “Sikkim is also known as the home of the Kirati
tribesmen from the prehistoric times.
 Ao and Sümi Naga Communities = The Aos, a major Naga ethnic group in Nagaland’s Mokokchung
District, refer to themselves as Aoer, meaning “those who came” from across the Dikhu River. They were
the first Nagas to embrace Christianity, incorporating Western education. The Moatsü Festival is
observed in early May after sowing, and the Tsüngremong Festival, the community’s largest, is celebrated
right after the harvest + The Sümis are a major Naga ethnic group inhabiting the territories of Zünheboto
District, parts of Niuland District and Kiphire District in the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland. They are
recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (STs). The ancestral religion of the Sümis was the worship of nature.
Sümis are 99% Christians. Very few of them still practice animism. Tülüni (July 8) is a festival of great
significance for the Sümis.
 Gutti Koya Tribe = Koya population is concentrated in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and
Odisha + They speak the Koya, which is a Dravidian language + The most important fair celebrated by
Koyas is the Sammakka Saralamma Jatraonce in two years on full moon day of the Magha Masam
(January or February) + They practice Podu form of shifting cultivation.
 Koya Tribe = Koya tribe is a tribe found in the Papikonda hill range, near the Godavari and Sabari rivers
in Andhra Pradesh + They are also found in Telangana where they are the second largest tribal
community + Traditionally they are pastoralists and shifting cultivators but now-a-days, they have taken
to settled cultivation supplemented by animal husbandry and seasonal forest collections + They erect
menhirs in memory of the dead + In a move to conserve the Indian Bison in their forests, the indigenous
Koya tribe inhabiting the Papikonda hill range in Andhra Pradesh have made an exemplary transition by
shedding the use of bison horns to make their traditional flute, Permakore.
 Chenchu Tribe = The Chenchus are a Scheduled Tribe in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha. Many Chenchus live in the dense Nallamala forest of Andhra Pradesh
+ They are an aboriginal tribe whose traditional way of life has been based on hunting and gathering +
The Chenchus speak the Chenchu language, a member of the Dravidian language family + Chenchu's
relationship with non-tribal people has been largely symbiotic
 Hakki Pikki Tribe = They are a semi-nomadic tribal group from Karnataka + The community is known
as the ‘bird catcher,’ which is their traditional occupation + After their trade of bird hunting was
outlawed, they were rehabilitated in the 1970s + They are said to be a matriarchal group + They
communicate in 'Vaagri'. UNESCO has listed 'Vaagri' as one of the endangered languages. They are
renowned for their indigenous medicines.
 Kutia Kondh Tribe = The Kutia Kondh community is located in the Belaghara area of Kandhamal
district in Odisha + The Kutia Kandha are a major section of the Kandha tribe who speak Kui, a
Dravidian language + They are known for their buffalo sacrifice ritual, called “Kedu” to worship their
Earth Goddess” + one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha.
 Saura Community = Tribal community native of Odisha + They are known for the Idital, a traditional
Saura tribal mural painting + Idital paintings are made using rice powder on a background of red oxide +
There are 62 types of Idital, each for a specific occasion or ritual.
 Muthuvan Tribe = These people live in the border hill forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu + They speak
slightly different dialects and call each other Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan + They are
animists and spirit worshippers and also worship the forest gods + These tribal people follow a unique
system of governance called the 'Kani System'.

 Kurmi Community = Kurmi is a non-elite tiller caste in India's lower Gangetic plain, particularly in the
southern regions of Awadh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bihar + The Kurmis earned praise from
Mughal and British administrations for their remarkable work ethic, superior tillage and manuring, and
gender-neutral society + The Kurmi community is now categorised as Other Backward Classes in Odisha,
West Bengal, and Jharkhand, with the Odisha government additionally recognising the community as
Socially and Educationally Backward Classes + State Governments of Jharkhand and West Bengal have
consistently suggested that this community be added to the ST list.
 Bhil Tribe = Bhils are a group of tribal Indians scattered throughout India from Gujarat in the west to
Tripura in the Far East + As of 2013, they were the largest tribal group in India with the majority living in
the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh + Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance
of the Bhil tribe + They are known for Pithora painting + They are mainly divided into two main groups:
the central and eastern or Rajput Bhils + The central + They speak Bhili, which is an Indo Aryan
language.
 Kolam Tribes = occupy a major portion of Madhya Pradesh + These tribal groups are reckoned as
scheduled tribes and apart from Madhya Pradesh they reside in some parts of Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh. They are listed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state of Maharashtra and
Andhra Pradesh + Around the twelfth century, the Kolam served as priests for the Gond, representing
some of their important gods + Their society is patrilineal.
 Warli Tribe = They are an adivasi indigenous tribe who live in the mountainous, coastal, and bordering
regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra + The word 'Warli' is derived from the word 'Warla,' which means
'piece of land' + The Warli Tribe women wear a Lugden that is worn until the knee and is typically a one
yard sari + Bohada is a three-day mask festival held by the Warli tribes + The Warli Tribes perform Tarpa
Dance along with Tarpa music instruments.
 Yeravas = came to the state from Wayanad district in Kerala and settled in Kodagu district of Karnataka
+ They speak their own language of Ravula + Mushrooms become part of the Yerava diet during
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monsoon + have been living in the Cauvery Basin.

 Hatti Community = Mostly resides in the Trans-Giri area of the Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh ->
Has been demanding for inclusion in the ST list and Trans- Giri Region in Schedule Tribe area + Shares
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social as well as cultural similarities with the Jaunsar community (other clan of Hatti’s) of the Jaunsar-
Bawar area (Uttarakhand) and inter-marriages are common + Other ST communities in Himachal:
Kinnaras, Gaddis, Gujjars, Lahaulas and Pangwala + ST Population state wise share: Madhya Pradesh
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(MP) > Maharashtra> Orissa > Rajasthan > Gujarat > Jharkhand > Chhattisgarh > Andhra Pradesh >
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West Bengal.
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ENVIRONMENT and INDIA

 Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act 2001 = Enacted: In 2001 under
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Article 27(3) (b) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) +
The act conforms with International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), 1978 +
World’s only IPR legislation: that grants intellectual property rights not only to the plant breeders but also
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to the farmers by protecting new, extant and farmers’ varieties + Unlike UPOV, the Act facilitates the
protection of not only new but even existing varieties + Recently, Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal
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filed by PepsiCo India Holdings (PIH) against a 2021 order revoking PIH’s registration of a potato
variety FL-2027.
 Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority = Statutory Body + It works under
the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare + PPV&FR Act was enacted in 2001 to comply with the World Trade
Organisation’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights + Over the last
decade, more than 3,600 plant varieties have been registered under the Act, with more than half of the
registration certificates going to farmers themselves.
 FL-2027 = The FL-2027 variety of potatoes (commercial name FC-5) was introduced by Pepsi in
2009 through a contract farming arrangement + The FL-2027 variety was registered under the
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act 2016 + In 2019, Pepsico sued some
farmers in Gujarat for illegally growing its registered potato variety and violating its IPR under the
Act + In 2021, the registration of FL2027 was revoked on the grounds of furnishing incorrect
information and infringing farmers’ rights.
 Biological Diversity Act, 2002 = Aim: To fulfill India's obligations under the Convention of Biological
Diversity(CoBD) 1992 and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing + It provides for a
decentralised three-tiered mechanism (see infographic) for implementation of the Act + Biodiversity
Management Committees (BMC) are responsible for preparing People's Biodiversity Registers which
keep a record of all flora and fauna including details of traditional knowledge available in their region +
The act stipulates all offences under it as cognizable and non-bailable + Recently, both houses of
Parliament passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023, amending the Biological Diversity
Act of 2002.
Changes in Biological Diversity Act 2002 Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023
Act requires prior approval of regulatory It exempts AYUSH registered practitioners, local
body for accessing biological resources people and communities of the area, including growers
Exemptions
and cultivators of biodiversity for commercial
Utilisation
Approval of NBA is required before Amendment changes the requirement and now the
Approval for
applying for IPR involving biological approval will be required before the actual grant of the
IPR
resources obtained from India IPR and not before the application.
Act requires users of biological resources Bill exempts users of “codified traditional knowledge”
Benefit Sharing and associated knowledge to share from this requirement
benefits with local communities
Offences like failure to take approvals Bill decriminalises the offences and makes offences
were punishable up to 5 years or a fine or punishable with a penalty between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50
Offences and both. lakh. Continuing contravention may attract an
Penalties additional penalty of up to 1 crore rupees (Here, the
adjudicating officer should not be below the rank of
Joint Secretary)
Act requires NBA to have 10 ex-officio  16 ex officio members representing the Ministries
members apart from the Chairman. 5 non- like Tribal Affairs, Biotechnology etc.
official members to be appointed from  4 representatives from SSB.
Expansion of amongst specialists (including legal) and  5 non-official members amongst specialists
NBA scientists. (including legal) and scientists.
 1 Member-Secretary (must have experience in
biodiversity conservation), who will be the chief
coordinating officer of the NBA.
 Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 = Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) + concerns the rights of forest-
dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the
continuance of colonial forest laws in India + legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwelling
communities + rights under the Act is confined to those who “primarily reside in forests” and the claimant
must be a member of the Scheduled Tribes scheduled in that area or must have been residing in the forest
for 75 years + Gram sabha is designated to ascertain the claims of an individual + Ministry of Tribal
Affairs was mandated with operationalising the Act, while conservation remained under the domain of the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change + As per Act, the responsibility for implementation
of the Act lies with State Governments/UT Administrations + FRA is applicable in National Parks,
Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Tiger Reserves + Types of Rights under Section 3 of FRA Act:
 Individual Forest Rights (IFR): Right to hold and live in the forest land under the individual or
common occupation for habitation or for self-cultivation for livelihood.
 Community Forest Rights (CFR): Seeks to restore all customary and traditional usufruct rights of
forest-dwelling communities + Dongria Kondh Adivasis used FRA in 2013 to protect their sacred
lands in the Niyamgiri forest of odisha and rejected the Vedanta’s bauxite mining proposal.
 Forest Conservation (Amendment) (FCA) Bill, 2023 = It will amend Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 +
Forests is a subject under the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, empowering
the Parliament of India to enact a law on it + The Act has been given a new name through the amendment– ‘Van
(Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam’ (Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Act), 1980 + The Bill
broadens the scope of the Act by inserting a Preamble + The Act, which was initially applied to notified forest
land, was later extended to revenue forest land and lands recorded as forest in government records. The
amendments seek to streamline the application of the Act to recorded forest lands, private forest lands,
plantations, etc + The Bill proposes certain exemptions to encourage afforestation and plantation outside forests.
These exemptions include strategic projects related to national security within 100 km of the International
Borders, Line of Actual Control (LAC), Line of Control (LoC) etc.
 Draft Green Credit Programme (GCP) Implementation Rules 2023 = Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEF&CC) notified Draft GCP Implementation Rules 2023 + Green Credit (GC) means a
singular unit of an incentive provided for a specified activity, delivering a positive impact on the environment +
GCs will be tradable outcomes and will be made available for trading on a domestic market platform +
Objectives of GCP: Create a market-based mechanism for providing GCs to individuals, organizations, local
bodies, gram panchayats, private sectors etc. for environment positive actions.
 River Sand Mining = Sand mining is extraction of sand, mainly through an open pit but sometimes
mined from inland dunes from oceans, riverbeds and beaches + It is classified as a ‘minor mineral’ under
section 3(e) of Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) i.e., MMDR Act 1957 and
administrative control vests with State Governments + Recently, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has
made it mandatory to obtain consent from concerned SPCBs for river sand mining + Please Note: Sand
Mining Framework, 2018, prepared by Ministry of Mines, envisages alternative sources of sand in form
of Manufactured -Sand from crushed rock fines (crusher dust), etc.
 Forest Certification = Forest certification is a market mechanism to promote the sustainable use and
management of forests and to identify “sustainably produced” products for the consumer + It is a
voluntary process whereby an independent third party (the “certifier”) assesses the quality of forest
management and production against a set of requirements (“standards”) predetermined by a public or
private certification organization + There are two types of forest certification: Certification of Forest
Management, which assesses whether forests are being managed according to a specified set of standards;
and Certification of the Chain of Custody (CoC certification), which verifies that certified material is
identified or kept separate from non-certified or non-controlled material + Total forest area under
certification has increased by 35% (or 120 million ha) since 2010.
 People’s Biodiversity Register(PBR) = PBR serves as a comprehensive record of various aspects of
biodiversity, including the conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, domesticated stocks and breeds of
animals, micro-organisms, and the accumulation of knowledge related to the area's biological diversity + So far,
2,67,608 PBRs have been prepared by Biodiversity Management Committees in different states + There is a plan
to set up PBR in every village across the country under Mission LiFE (lifestyle for environment).
 BS-VI Norms = Bharat stage (BS) emission standards are laid down by the government to regulate the output of
air pollutants from internal combustion engine and spark-ignition engine equipment, including motor vehicles +
India has adopted BS Emission Standards since 2000, modelled on European Union norms + The first emission
norms with the name ‘India 2000’ were introduced in the year 2000. BS2 and BS3 were introduced in 2005 and
2010, while BS4 norms came into effect in 2017 with stricter emission standards or norms + he BS standards
regulate tailpipe emissions of air pollutants, including particulate matter, SOx, and NOx, as well as carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, and methane + The standards and timeline for implementation are set by the Central
Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change + In April 2020, India
leapfrogged from BS-IV to the implementation of BS-VI. The central government has mandated that vehicle
makers must manufacture, sell, and register only BS-VI (BS6) vehicles from April 1, 2020. It is applicable for
cars, trucks, buses, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds). This emission norm
does not apply to off-highway equipment and vehicles such as tractors, back-hoe loaders, excavators, etc +
Compared to BS4, BS6 emission standards are stricter. The main difference is in the amount of sulphur in the
fuel, which is reduced from 50 ppm in BS IV fuel to 10 ppm in BS VI fuel for both gasoline and diesel. Hence,
BSVI engines produce less harmful emissions and pollutants.
 Air Quality Index (AQI) = AQI is an index for reporting air quality on a daily basis + It is a measure of
how air pollution affects one's health within a short time period + The National Air Quality Index (AQI)
was launched in New Delhi, 2014 under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan + The Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) along with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) has been operating National Air
Monitoring Program (NAMP) covering 240 cities of the country + The proposed AQI consider 8
pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly
averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.
 India’s first National WaterBody Census = Recently the Ministry of Jal Shakti released the report of the first
census of waterbodies in which Bengal topped the report + The census’s objective was to develop a national
database with information on the size, purpose, ownership, status, and conditions of water bodies + It covered all
natural and human-made units bounded on all sides for storing water, irrespective of condition or use + The
census was built on existing and publicly available satellite-derived datasets + The census groups water bodies
into five types: ponds, tanks, lakes, reservoirs, and water conservation schemes.

 National Circular Economy Roadmap for reduction of Plastic waste in India = Recently a flagship
document on ‘National Circular Economy Roadmap for reduction of Plastic waste in India’ was released
+ The document is collaborative exercise between leading research institutions from India and Australia +
Document aims to foster research and industry partnerships between two countries and codevelop a
roadmap for India’s transition to a circular economy in the Plastics sector.
 Floral and Faunal Database = Recently, the details of new discoveries and new records were released
by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change adding 664 animal species to its faunal
database in 2022, 339 taxa to its flora in India.
 Faunal Database = Compiled by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) titled Animal Discoveries - New
Species and New Records 2023 (ZSI was established in 1916 and traces its origin to Zoological
Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875. It undertakes exploring, naming, describing,
classifying and documenting animals from all over India) + India added 664 animal species to its
faunal database in the year 2022. These comprise 467 new species and 197 new records [species
found in India for the first time] + some of the species discovered are:
o Miniopterus phillipsi = a long-fingered bat + Meghalaya + Mammal
o Glischropus meghalayanus = a bamboo-dwelling bat + Meghalaya + Mammal
o Sela Macaque = new macaque species + Arunachal Pradesh + named after Sela Pass
o Macaca leucogenys = a white-cheeked macaque earlier found in Modog, southeastern Tibet, and
sighted in India for the first time in 2022 in West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
o Ficedula zanthopygia = the yellow-rumped flycatcher, earlier known from Mongolia China,
Korea, Japan, and found last year in Narcondam Island of the Andaman archipelago.
 Floral Database = Compiled by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in Plant Discoveries 2022 (BSI was
established in 1890 with the objectives of exploring the plant resources of the country and identifying plant
species with economic virtue) + About 21% of the total discoveries were made from the western Himalayas
followed by 16% from the Western Ghats + Among the new genus of plants discovered are:
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o Nandadevia Pusalkar: a genus common throughout the foothills and warm outer valleys of the
Uttarakhand Himalayas
o Nilgiriella Pusalkar: endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India and distributed in
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Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

o Calanthe lamellose: orchid species + Earlier recorded in China and Myanmar, and found for the
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first time in India in the Japfu mountain range in Kohima, Nagaland.

 Status of Tigers, co-predators and Prey in India-2022 Report = The National Tiger Conservation Authority
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(NTCA) recently released the Status of Tigers, co-predators and Prey in India-2022 report + 53 tiger reserves
cover 2.3% of India's total land area + India currently harbours almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population +
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Tigers in the country has increased to 3682 in 2022 from 2967 in 2018 + Central India and the Shivalik Hills and
Gangetic Plains witnessed a notable increase in tiger population + Technique used were M-STrIPES (Monitoring
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System For Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status); Camera trap-based Capture-Mark-Recapture and
by extracting DNA from scats + Other Important Stats:
 States with Highest Tiger Numbers: MP > Karnataka > Uttarakhand > Maharashtra > Tamil Nadu
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 Reserve with Highest Tiger Population: Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand) > Bandipur (Karnataka) >
Nagarhole (Karnataka) > Bandhavgarh (MP) > Dudhwa (UP)
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 States with Lowest Tiger Numbers: Nagaland (0); Mizoram (0); Jharkhand (1); Goa (5) and Arunachal (9)
 Reserves with No Tigers: Dampa (Mizoram); Kamlang (Arunachal Pradesh); Kawal (Telangana);
Satkosia (Odisha) and Sahyadri (Maharashtra)
 Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) = Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) released the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves in India (5 th cycle)
– Final report + The government has been using the MEE to assess tiger reserves nationwide since its
inception in 2006 + It is being jointly conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) + The framework for assessing the management effectiveness of
protected areas was given by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
World Commission on Protected Areas + 51 tiger reserves were evaluated as two newly declared tiger
reserves, Ramgarh Visdhari and Ranipur, have not been included in the current cycle of MEE + The
Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala has been ranked as the best-maintained tiger reserve in India + The
overall mean MEE score has increased from 65% in the second cycle in 2010 to 78% in the present
assessment, indicating continuous improvement in management effectiveness.

 State of India’s Birds 2023 Report = Report was released by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI) + Report is a periodic assessment of the distribution range, trends in abundance and
conservation status of India’s key bird species + Bird species richness has reduced because of commercial
monoculture plantations, urbanisation, infrastructural development, climate change, etc. + Long-distance
migrants have declined the most, by over 50%. Shorebirds that breed in the Arctic have been particularly affected
(declining by close to 80%) + Several bird species such as the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel and
House Crow are showing an increasing trend + Key birds and their habitat:
 Indian Skimmer = Endangered + Around Chambal, Ganga, Mahanadi, Yamuna, and Son.
 Black-bellied Tern = Endangered + Around Chambal, Mahanadi, Ganga, Son, Godavari, and Yamuna
 Great Indian Bustard = Critically Endangered + Around Rajasthan, Gujrat
 Bengal Florican = Critically Endangered + Restricted to the Himalayan Terai and grasslands of
northeastern India (Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh)
 Baer’s Pochard = Critically Endangered + Wetlands of Assam and Manipur
 75 Endemic Birds of India Publication = Published by ZSI + A recent publication by the Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI) points out that about 5% of the birds (78 species) found in the country are endemic
and not reported in other parts of the world + Around 3 of the 78 species have not been recorded in the
past few decades. They are the Manipur bush quail (Perdicula manipurensis), listed as “endangered” by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species with its last
recorded sighting in 1907; the Himalayan quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), listed as “critically endangered”
with its last recorded sighting in 1876; and the Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), listed as
“critically endangered” + The highest number of endemic species have been recorded in the Western
Ghats, with 28 bird species + Some of the species recorded in the country’s biogeographic hotspot are
the Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus); Malabar parakeet (Psittacula columboides); Ashambu
laughingthrush (Montecincla meridionalis); and the white-bellied sholakili (Sholicola albiventris).
 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) = CPCB is a statutory organisation which was constituted in
1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 + It was entrusted with the powers
and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 + It serves as a field
formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the
provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 + Principal Functions of the CPCB, as spelt out in
the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981 + It aims to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States
by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution. It aims to improve the quality of air and to
prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.
 Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) = constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of
1986 + mandate of regulating ground water development and management in the country + (The
Easement Act, 1882, provides every landowner with the right to collect and dispose, within his own
limits, all water under the land and on the surface).
 Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) = statutory body formed under the Commission
for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021 + Permanent
statutory authority with 20 members + To be chaired by a government official of the rank of Secretary or
Chief Secretary + It will supersede bodies such as the central and state pollution control boards of Delhi,
Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan + It will have the powers to issue directions to these state
governments on issues pertaining to air pollution + It has Exclusive jurisdiction over the NCR, including
areas in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution, and will be working
along with CPCB and ISRO, apart from the respective state government + Recently, Commission for Air
Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announced a revision in the existing GRAP to
abate air pollution in the region.
 Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) = statutory body established by the Government of India
under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to combat organised wildlife crime +
headquartered at New Delhi, also received Asia Environment Enforcement Award in 2020 + Mandated
under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 + it is mandated to collect and collate intelligence related to
organized wildlife crime activities, establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank; assist foreign
authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate co-ordination and universal action for
wildlife crime control;advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having
national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws + Some operations led by WCCB are:

 Operation Save Kurma: Launched by WCCB to focus on the poaching, transportation and
illegal trade of live turtles and tortoises.
 Operation Turtshield-II: Operation Turtshield- I and Operation Turtshield-II was taken up to
tackle the illegal trade of live turtles + Phase II was undertaken between December 2020 to
February 2021
 Operation Softgold: to tackle Shahtoosh Shawl (made from Chiru wool) illegal trade and to
spread awareness among the weavers and traders engaged in this trade.
 Operation Clean Art: to drag attention of enforcement agencies towards illegal wildlife trade in
Mongoose hair brushes.
 Operation Birbil: to curb illegal trade in wild cat and wild bird species.
 Operation Wildnet: to draw the attention of the enforcement agencies within the country to
focus their attention on the ever increasing illegal wildlife trade over internet using social media
platforms.
 Operation Freefly: on illegal trade of live birds.
 Operation Wetmark: to ensure prohibition of sale of meat of wild animals in wet markets across
the country.
 Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) = Constituted by Supreme court + prepared Graded
Response Action Plan to combat air pollution in NCR + notified in 1998 by the Union Environment
Ministry under the Environment Protection Act + It has the power suo- moto, or on the basis of
complaints made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of
environment.
 National Biodiversity Authority(NBA) = The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in
2003 by the Central Government to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002) + It is a Statutory
body that performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on the
issue of Conservation and sustainable use of biological resources + The NBA has its Headquarters in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India + Structure: A Chairperson & 10 Ex Officio members; Three ex officio
members, one representing the Ministry dealing with Tribal Affairs and two representing the Ministry
dealing with Environment and Forests; Seven ex-officio members to represent respectively the Ministries
of the Central Government dealing with: Agricultural Research and Education, Biotechnology, Ocean
Development, Agriculture and Cooperation, Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy, Science and
Technology and Scientific and Industrial Research + Apart from these 10 Ex officio members, there are 5
non official members too + Recently, Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposed to change
the structure of NBA.
 Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) = Autonomous organisation or
governmental agency under the MoEFCC + ICFRE is an apex body in the national forestry research
system + Recently, the Centre released a fact sheet to promote agroforestry prepared by the ICFRE + The
report released details of cultivating 36 specific species, including bamboo, that are suitable for
agroforestry systems + The 36 species include Leucaena leucocephala, or subabul, and various varieties
of eucalyptus (Subabul is considered an invasive species that has been reported as a weed in more than 20
countries, according to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) database + Eucalyptus
is considered highly water-intensive)
 Agroforestry = Agroforestry is a combination of practicing agriculture and forestry together +
Components of agroforestry: Crops, trees, and livestock.
o Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (Har Medh par Ped) Scheme: Launched in 2016-17 to encourage
tree plantation on farmland along with crops
o Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): It has been implemented since
2014-15 for holistic growth of horticulture covering fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, etc
o National Agroforestry Policy, 2014: To encourage and expand tree plantation in a
complementarity and integrated manner with crops and livestock.
 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) = NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change + It was established in 2005 following the recommendations of
the Tiger Task Force + It was constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
+ It is chaired by Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
 Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) = It was formerly known as the Freshwater
Aquaculture Research and Training Centre + It is a research institute for freshwater aquaculture research

and development in India + It is situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha + It was founded in 1987 by the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi + Its genesis lies in the Pond Culture Division of
Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Cuttack + CIFRI started the training center at
Kausalyaganga, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar for Developing and Training on Inland Fishery.
 Wildlife Institute of India (WII) = autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Environment
Forest and Climate Change + based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand + conducts specialised research in areas of
study like Endangered Species, Biodiversity etc.
 Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) = is an Indian nature conservation organization + 1998 founded + Non-
profit Organisation and registered charity in India.
 Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) System = Karnataka Forest Department, along with
the Wildlife Trust of India, has launched the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) system, a
specialised software platform to monitor all aspects of forest and wildlife crime + The system
would help the department to manage and monitor data regarding forest and wildlife crime across
Karnataka in real time + It is Cloud Based Information Management System designed to manage
interlinked databases of wildlife crime, wildlife criminals, and wildlife mortality + Please Note:
The development of HAWK started in 2017 in the state of Kerala by a joint team of Kerala Forest
Department & Wildlife Trust of India. The system was officially launched in 2019 in Kerala, and
since then it has been the official system of the state forest department.
 Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) = Statutory body made under PCA,1960 (Prevention to cruelty
to animals) + India’s apex body for ensuring that animals are not mistreated (PCA,1960 provides the
power of search and seizure to the police if she/he has the reason to believe that the offence of cruelty has
been committed to the animal) + HQ shifted to Ballabgarh in Faridabad District of Haryana from
Chennai, Tamil Nadu + The Board consists of 28 Members, who serve for a period of 3 years + The
Board was initially within the jurisdiction of the Government of India’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
In 1990, the subject of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was transferred to the Ministry of Environment
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and Forests, where it now resides.

 Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) = 1916 + Aims to promote survey, exploration, and research to
enhance the knowledge regarding the flora and fauna of the British Indian Empire + It is India’s apex
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organization on animal taxonomy + Currently, there are 16 regional centers spread across the country +
The headquarters is in Kolkata + It has been declared as a designated repository for the National
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Zoological Collection as per National Biodiversity Act, 2002.

 Botanical Survey of India (BSI) = It is the apex taxonomic research organization of India + Ministry of
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Environment, Forest & Climate Change + Established in 1890 under the direction of Sir George King +
Headquarters: Kolkata + The mandate of the organization has been broadened to biosystematics research,
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floristic studies, documentation, databasing of the National Botanical collection, digitization of herbarium
specimens etc.
 Forest Survey of India (FSI) = Established in 1981 and is headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand +
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Premier national organisation under the Ministry of Environment. +Its main task is to undertake a survey
and assessment of the country's forest resources + It is responsible for assessment and monitoring of the
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forest resources of the country regularly. In addition, it is also engaged in providing the services of
training, research and extension.
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 Geological Survey of India (GSI) = The GSI is a government organization in India, attached to the
Ministry of Mines for conducting geological surveys and studies + It is one of the premier organizations
of earth science survey and research in the world + The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was set up in
1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways + Its headquarters is in Kolkata + Its main functions
relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment +
These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting
and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical etc + Recently, Geological Survey of
India (GSI) recently termed media reports saying large lithium reserves being identified in Rajasthan as
"baseless."
 Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) = It is a statutory body which was constituted by the Forest
(Conservation) Act 1980 + It comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) + It considers questions on the diversion of forest land for non-forest uses such as mining,
industrial projects, townships and advises the government on the issue of granting forest clearances.
However, its role is advisory.

 Crop Residue Management Guidelines = Released by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare +
Guidelines will enable efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw generated in Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi
+ Government shall provide financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment. Central and
State Governments jointly will provide financial support of 65% of the project cost. The industry will contribute
25%, and Farmers, rural entrepreneurs, FPOs etc., will contribute 10% + As per the revised guidelines, techno-
commercial pilot projects for Paddy Straw Supply Chain will be established under the bilateral agreement
between the Beneficiary/Aggregator and Industries utilizing the paddy straw.
 Green Hydrogen Standard = India recently announced definition of Green Hydrogen + Ministry of New
& Renewable Energy has decided to define Green Hydrogen as having a well-to-gate emission (i.e.,
including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) of not
more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent / kg H2 + The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power
shall be the Nodal Authority for accreditation of agencies for the monitoring, verification and certification
for Green Hydrogen production projects + The scope of the definition encompasses both electrolysis-
based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods.
 Hydrogen Gas = produced using industrial methods like electrolysis + it does not release greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions + In a fuel cell (device that converts the energy of a chemical into electricity),
hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen to produce electricity and water vapour.
 Hydrogen: Hydrogen (H2) is a clean-burning molecule with water as its by-product + It is produced
primarily through Steam Methane Reforming (producing H2 from natural gas), along with other
methods like Methane Pyrolysis, Coal Gasification, Electrolysis of water etc + when it is produced
using power from renewable energy (RE), it is termed as Green Hydrogen + It has very high energy
density (120 MJ/Kg), almost 3 times of hydrocarbons, making it an efficient source of energy + It has
easy availability and lower cost (when produced at mass scale) as it can be produced from gas, coal,
wind, water, biomass etc + It is colourless and odourless fuel and light in weight + It has reduced
carbon footprints as no release of any toxic by-product or GHG
 Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) = GRAP is an emergency response mechanism based on Delhi's
Air Quality Index level + In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order of 2016 in the matter of M. C. Mehta
vs Union of India regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response
Action Plan was prepared + The GRAP was first notified under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986
in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change + According to the
notification, implementing the GRAP fell on the now-dissolved Environment Pollution Control
Authority(EPCA) for the NCR. From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being implemented by the CAQM +
Since October 2022, GRAP has been enforced based on the AQI.
 National Carbon Registry = Launched by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) + National
Carbon Registry is an open-source software that allows countries to effectively manage national data and
processes for trading carbon credits + It has been accredited as a digital public good (DPG) and can be
integrated with national measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems to meet international
reporting requirements + National carbon Registry will promote development of Carbon Market by
facilitating trading of carbon credits + Article 6 of Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily
cooperate with each other to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs)
 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) = Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC) launched NCAP in 2019 in the backdrop of the rising air pollution in the country + Aims to
improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities (NAC) and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by
engaging all stakeholders + The cities which are exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for 5 consecutive years are identified as NAC by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) +
Target: To achieve reductions up to 40% of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by
2025-26, base year 2017 + PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in NAC) has been also
launched monitor the implementation of NCAP.
 Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 = Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is an initiative by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
+ NCAP has been launched by the MoEFCC as a comprehensive initiative in partnership with various
Ministries and States to improve air quality at city, regional and national level + All 131 cities covered
under NCAP are required to do the self-assessment as per the framework provided on the PRANA online
portal (Dashboard to capture the progress of the NCAP programme).

 Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme = Recently launched by Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change + This national forest certification scheme offers voluntary third-party
certification designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country + The
scheme includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain
of custody certification + Parties involved: This includes state forest departments, individual farmers, or
Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in agroforestry and farm forestry, as well as other wood-based
industries in the value chain + The Forest Management certification is based on the Indian Forest
Management Standard + It will be overseen by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council, which
will act as a multistakeholder advisory body + Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal will act as
the scheme operating agency and will be responsible for overall management of the scheme + The
National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under the Quality Council of India will accredit the
certification bodies which will carry out independent audits and assess adherence of various entities on
the standards prescribed under the scheme.
 Clean and Green Villages Programme = Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is prioritizing the 'Clean
and Green Village' theme as part of its Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) + Theme Adoption:
'Clean and Green Village' is the fifth theme under the GPDP + Aim is to install solar power capacities in
'Clean & Green Villages' on a commercial basis.
 Green Credit Initiative = Recently, the central government unveiled a tradeable green credit initiative +
It is a special programme which allows an individual or an entity to earn Green Credit + It aims to
leverage a competitive market based approach for incentivising environmental actions of various
stakeholders + This programme is voluntary in nature and a followup action of the ‘LiFE’(Lifestyle for
Environment) campaign + Cover eight types of activities — tree plantation, water management,
sustainable agriculture, waste management, air pollution reduction, and mangrove conservation and
restoration + The initiative aims to encourage industries, companies, and other entities meet their
obligations under any law that is in force + The notification clarified that the Green Credit programme is
independent of the carbon credit provided under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023 under the
Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
 NEST Initiative = Recently, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) launched a rating and
certification initiative called ‘Nest’ + It is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly construction in the
domestic housing sector. It would pave the way for individual house owners and the residential sector to
adopt green building features in a big way to help bring down electricity consumption and water usage
and create a healthy living space.
 Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) = It is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) and
was formed in 2001 + It is India's Premier certification body + The council offers a wide array of
services, which include developing new green building rating programmes, certification services, and
green building training programmes + The council also organises the Green Building Congress, its
annual flagship event on green buildings + It is also among the five countries that are on the board of
the World Green Building Council, discussing global issues at COP and similar global platforms +
Headquarters: Hyderabad.
 Indian Green Building Congress = Recently Indian Green Building Congress was held in Chennai
(Tamil Nadu) by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) + 21st edition.
 Green Building = Green buildings usually refer to the use of environmentally friendly construction
materials, processes, operation, and maintenance + The concept of a green building is driven by
incentives to reduce the cost of energy and waste management + Green buildings are different from
Energy-efficient, and Net-zero carbon buildings + Steps taken for green building promotion:
o Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): Introduced in 2007 (revised in 2017) by the
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) + ECBC establishes minimum energy standards for new
commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 kW or a contract demand of 120 kVA or
more.
o Eco-Niwas Samhita 2018: launched by Ministry of Power + Eco-Niwas (Energy Conservation–
New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable homes) Samhita 2018 + It is for Residential
Buildings.
o Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) = Jointly developed by The
Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
GRIHA uses a five-star rating, valid for five years.

o Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED): An internationally recognized

certification system for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council +
Recently, India outperformed USA and China in LEED net zero certifications.
o Star Rating of Commercial Buildings: Launched by the Ministry of Power, for assessing
energy usage in the building on a 1-5 scale (5-star labelled buildings being the most efficient)
 LEED Certification = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is world's most widely used
green building rating system in the world + It is available for virtually all building types + It provides a
framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental,
social and governance benefits + It is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and
leadership + To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits
that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental
quality +This rating system is developed by US Green Building Council (USGBC) + India ranks first
globally in LEED Zero certified green building projects surpassing the US and China, according to
USGBC and GBCI.
 India Climate Energy Dashboard (ICED) 3.0 = Released by NITI Aayog + One-stop platform for near
real-time data on the energy sector, climate, and related economic datasets based on government-
published sources + Developed as a user-friendly platform, it enables users to freely access and analyse
datasets using an analytical engine.
 Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) = FFV has an internal combustion engine that can run on more than
one type of fuel, or even a mixture of fuels such as petrol and ethanol + Recently, World’s first prototype
of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex fuel vehicle (FFV)’ launched. This vehicle has both the flex fuel
engine as well as an electric powertrain. It offers higher use of ethanol combined with better fuel
efficiencies.
 Solar Decathlon India = It is conducted every year by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS)
and the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE) + It is under the aegis of the Indo-US Science
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and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), an autonomous bilateral organisation jointly funded by both the
Governments (The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and the U.S. Department
of State are the respective nodal departments on the two sides) + Launched in 2020, Solar Decathlon
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India is a competition for post-graduate and undergraduate students from Indian institutions to develop
net-zero solutions. The event focuses on empowering the next generation to combat climate change in the
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buildings sector.
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Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Blending Obligation = Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) in CNG (Transport)
& PNG (Domestic) segments of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Sector + Ministry of Petroleum & Natural
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Gas introduced phase-wise CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) to promote production and consumption of
CBG + CBO is an obligation where mixtures of traditional and alternative fuels (like CBG) are blended in
varying percentages in order to displace petroleum + It will encourage investment (around Rs. 37500
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crores) and facilitate establishment of 750 CBG projects by 2028-29.

 CBO Roadmap = CBO will be voluntary till FY 2024-2025 and mandatory blending obligation
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would start from FY 2025-26 + CBO shall be kept as 1%, 3% and 4% of total CNG/PNG
consumption for FY 2025-26, 2026- 27 and 2027-28 respectively + From 2028-29 onwards CBO will
up
be 5% + Central Repository Body shall monitor and implement blending mandate.

 REWARD Program = REWARD is a World Bank assisted Watershed development program which is
being implemented from 2021 to 2026 + The Development Objectives of REWARD program is to
“Strengthen capacities of National and State institutions to adopt improved watershed management for
increasing farmers resilience and support value chains in selected watersheds of participating States” +
The program is being implemented to introduce modern watershed practices in the Department of Land
Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development and in the States of Karnataka and Odisha.
 AMRIT Technology = Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has developed a technology
called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) technology + It is developed for the
removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water + The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide,
which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it + (Arsenic = natural component of the
earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land + It is highly
toxic in its inorganic form + It has been recognized as a toxic element and is considered a human health
hazard)

 Cheetah Translocation = India and South Africa signed a MoU on Cooperation on Re-introduction of Cheetah
to India with an aim to expand cheetah meta-population and to reintroduce cheetahs to a former range state +
Cheetahs were made available by Phinda Game Reserve, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Waterberg Biosphere,
Kwandwe Game Reserve and Mapesu Game Reserve and will join Cheetahs relocated to Kuno National Park in
Madhya Pradesh (from Namibia) + Plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for next eight to 10 years +
Cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952 due to over hunting and loss of habitat + Translocation is being
made under ‘Project Cheetah’, world's first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project + National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is nodal agency for project + Cheetah, world’s fastest mammal, is a
keystone species (organism that helps define an entire ecosystem) of dry forests, scrub forests, and savannahs,
Protected under Appendix 1 of CITES with IUCN status: African Cheetah (Vulnerable); Asiatic Cheetah
(Critically endangered) + Recently, one more cheetah died at Kuno National Park, making the toll to 6.
 Project Cheetah = It is world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project and is a part of the
centrally Sponsored Scheme- ‘Project Tiger’ of India + It aims to introduce African cheetah in India + Cheetahs
are the only large wild mammalian species that went extinct since the India country’s independence in 1947 +
The cheetah was declared extinct from India in 1952 + National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the
nodal agency authorized by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for funding,
supervision and hand holding of the project + Wildlife Institute of India (WII), national and international
carnivore/cheetah experts/ agencies provide technical and knowledge support to the programme + Under the
project, the government plans to introduce at least 50 cheetahs into various national parks over the next five years.
12 more Cheetah are due to arrive from South Africa at KNP.
 International Cheetah Day = International Cheetah Day is celebrated on December 4 since 2010 to raise
awareness about the need for helping cheetahs fight extinction + Dr. Laurie Marker designated the day as
International Cheetah Day in remembrance of Khayam, a cheetah she raised from a cub at Wildlife Safari
in Winston, Oregon.
 International Tiger Day 2023 = Observed globally on July 29 every year + Global Tiger Day,
commonly referred to as International Tiger Day, was first established in 2010 during the Saint
Petersburg Tiger Summit by nations that are home to tigers + It is celebrated worldwide to promote
comprehensive efforts in safeguarding tigers and their natural habitats, fostering harmonious coexistence
between humans and tigers.
 Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program or Tiger Program = Launched in 2014 + IUCN + It is a
strategic funding mechanism supported by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ) + It is contributing to Global Tiger Recovery Programme, a global effort to double tiger
numbers in wild by 2022 + Recently, Phase IV was announced, which will expand its focus to include other
Pantherine species, in particular leopards and clouded leopards + Other Global Tiger initiatives are:
 Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) = global alliance led by the 13 tiger range countries (TRC), including
India, and other organization like the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), etc.
 Global Tiger Forum = intergovernmental platform working exclusively for the conservation of
Tigers in the wild + India is a founding member.
 India’s 1st Inter-state Tiger Relocation Project = A Tiger was shifted from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
(RTR) to Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) + Relocation was done after seeking permission from the National
Conservation Tiger Authority (NTCA) + Sundari — a tigress shifted as part of India’s first inter-state
translocation project in 2018 from Madhya Pradesh to Odisha — recently returned home + Tiger
relocation project was initiated in 2018 wherein two big cats, a male (Mahavir) from Kanha Tiger
Reserve and a female (Sundari) from Bandhavgarh from Madhya Pradesh were relocated to Satkosia
Tiger Reserve in Odisha, to shore up the tiger population in the state + This is termed as a failed effort.
 Project Tiger and Elephant Division (PT&E) = Centre merged Project Tiger and Project Elephant +
After the merger, a new division named ‘Project Tiger and Elephant Division’ (PT&E) has been created
under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) + The staff and divisional
heads of Project Elephant (PE) will now report to the additional director general of forests (ADGF),
Project Tiger (PT), who has now been designated as ADGF (PT&E) + Reason for the merger is to
rationalize funding for both conservation projects.
 Project Tiger = first initiated in 1973 (recently completed 50 years) at Jim Corbett National Park,
Uttarakhand + Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) + National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the implementing authority
+ States covered - 18 States in India.

 Project Elephant = centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1992 + Aim: To provide financial and technical
support to major elephant bearing States in the country for protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors +
Other goals: supporting the research of the ecology and management of elephants, creating awareness of
conservation among local people, providing improved veterinary care for captive elephants + Project is being
implemented in 16 States / UTs + The project seeks to ensure the long-term survival to the populations of
elephants in their natural habitats by protecting the elephants, their habitats and migration corridors + Project
Elephant has been formally implementing MIKE (Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants) programme of
CITES in 10 ERs (Elephant Reserve) since January 2004. It is mandated by COP resolution of CITES.
 Project Nilgiri Tahr = Tamil Nadu has launched ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr,‘ a wildlife conservation initiative
+ The project aims to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a species native to the Western Ghats + It
focuses on understanding the population, distribution, and ecology of Nilgiri Tahr, reintroducing them to
their historical habitats, addressing immediate threats to their survival, raising public awareness, and
developing eco-tourism activities.
 Gajraj Suraksha = Introduced by Indian Railways + Cutting-edge technology named 'Gajraj' to prevent
elephant accidents on railway tracks + It uses an AI-based algorithm and a network of sensitive optical
fibre cables to detect elephants getting close to railway tracks + It aims to address the issue of elephant
fatalities resulting from train accidents.
 Madhya Pradesh efforts in Species Conservation = In the last two decades, M.P. has reintroduced
species such as barasingha (swamp deer) to new habitats such as Satpuda and Bandhavgarh, and the gaur
to the Bandhavgarh and Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserves + Prey species such as chital (spotted deer) have been
successfully supplemented in the Satpuda and Sanjay tiger reserves, Nauradehi, Kuno, and Gandhisagar
wildlife sanctuaries through translocation from high-density Pench and Bandhavgarh. [Students are
requested to mark Protection area on Map and have some fair idea upon mentioned species]
 India’s 1st Winter Scientific Expedition to Arctic = Ministry of Earth Sciences Launched India’s 1st
Winter Scientific Expedition to Arctic + Indian scientific expeditions to Earth’s poles (Arctic and the
Antarctic) are facilitated under Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) scheme through
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences) + Since 2008,
India operates a research base in the Arctic named Himadri in Svalbard, Norway. Himadri has been
mostly hosting scientists during summer (April to October) + Unlike Antarctica, which is governed by
Antarctic Treaty, Arctic region belongs to various national jurisdictions.
 River Cities Alliance (RCA) = RCA was launched in 2021 + It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti
(MoJS) & Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with a vision to connect river cities and focus
on sustainable river centric development + It includes cities from both the Ganga basin and non-Ganga basin
states + It will be funded by World Bank + River Cities Alliance (RCA) started with 30 cities in 2021 and
currently has 95 cities as members across India.
 DHARA 2023 = Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers (DHARA) + annual meeting of the River
Cities Alliance (RCA) + DHARA is organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in
collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
 Urban River Management Plans (URMPS) = Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) approves project for preparation of URMPs for 60 cities + Project is part of River-Cities
Alliance (RCA) under Namami Gange.
 National Mission for Clean Ganga = It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act
1860 in 2011 + It acted as the implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA)
which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986. NGRBA
was dissolved in 2016, consequent to the constitution of the National Council for Rejuvenation,
Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council) + The aims and
objectives of NMCG are: To ensure effective control of pollution and rejuvenation of the river Ganga and
to maintain minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga + NMCG has a two-tier management structure
and comprises Governing Council and Executive Committee.
ENVIRONMENT and WORLD

 World Environment Day (WED) 2023 = WED is observed on 5th June every year since 1973 as part of
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to build awareness to save life on planet Earth +
World Environment Day 2023 marks the completion of 50 years of its establishment on 5th June, 2023 +
Every year World Environment Day has a specific host country and a theme + This year host is the West

African country of Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with the Netherlands with theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’
+ 45th World Environment Day with the same theme was held under the leadership of India + Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change on occasion of WED 2023 launched two schemes named Amrit
Dharohar and MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes).
 Earth Overshoot Day = It is measure by Global Footprint Network (international research organization)
each year since 1971 + It is calculated by multiplying the planet’s biocapacity (the quantity of ecological
resources Earth can generate each year) by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that
year) by 365 + Earth Overshoot Day is marked as the date when humanity’s demand for ecological
resources and services each year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year + August 2, is observed
as the Earth Overshoot Day for year 2023.
 World Ozone Day = World Ozone Day or International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is
celebrated every year on September 16 + This day is celebrated to commemorate the date of the signing
of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, in 1987 + UN Environment
Programme(UNEP) observed the first International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on
September 16th, 1995 + The theme for World Ozone Day 2022 was ‘Global Cooperation Protecting Life
on Earth’.
 UN Environment Programme(UNEP) = established on 5th June 1972 as an outcome from the United
Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference, 1972) + It works under the
umbrella of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development + It sets the global environmental agenda,
promotes the coherent implementation and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment
+ Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya + UNEP supports its 193 Member States to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals and live in harmony with nature + India is a member of the UNEP + UNEP depends
on voluntary contributions for 95% of its income + It administers, or provides secretariat functions for
many multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and other entities: CITES (1973), Bonn Convention
(1973), Vienna Convention (1985), Basel Convention (1989), CBD (1992), Rotterdam Convention
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(1998), Stockholm Convention (2001) and Minamata Convention (2013) + Reports: Global Environment
Outlook (GEO) Report, Adaptation Gap Report, Triple Emergency and Cooling Emissions And Policy
Synthesis Report, Emission Gap Report, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet + Major Campaigns: Beat
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Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.

 Champions of the Earth 2023 = Awarded by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
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+ It recognize individuals and organizations for innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution +
Previous, Indian awardees include: Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman (2022);
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PM Narendra Modi (2018); Tulsi Tanti (Chairman of the Suzlon Group), and Afroz Alam, a
lawyer who led the clean-up at Mumbai’s Versova beach.
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 World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) = Founded in 1950 + Headquarters location: Geneva,

Switzerland + specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to meteorology (weather), climatology
(climate), operational hydrology (water) and other related geophysical sciences such as oceanography and
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atmospheric chemistry + Predessor organization — International Meteorological Organization (IMO) —

founded in 1873 + Important Reports published by WMO: Greenhouse Gas Bulletin and Status of the
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World Climate + Reports in News are:

 Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW) – REFER Reports Section of SAMADHAAN
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 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023 Report – ,,

 WMO Ozone and Ultraviolet (UV) Bulletin - REFER Reports Section of SAMADHAAN
 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) = It is
an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in wild
animals and plants does not threaten their survival + CITES was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in
1975 + There are 184 member parties, and trade is regulated in more than 38,000 species + India became
the 25th party, a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention, in 1976 + Although CITES
is legally binding on the Parties– in other words, they have to implement the Convention–it does not take
the place of national laws + The CITES Secretariat is administered by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland + Representatives of CITES nations meet
every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (or COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of
protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection:
 Appendix I: It includes species threatened with extinction and provides the greatest level of
protection, including a prohibition on commercial trade.

 Appendix II: It includes species that are not currently threatened with extinction but may become so
without trade controls + Regulated trade is allowed if the exporting country issues a permit based on
findings.
 Appendix III: It includes species for which a country has asked other CITES parties to help control
international trade + Trade in Appendix III species is regulated using CITES export permits (issued
by the country that listed the species in Appendix III) and certificates of origin (issued by all other
countries) + Countries may list species for which they have domestic regulations in Appendix III at
any time.
 Stockholm Convention = Signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004 (Ninety days after the ratification
by at least 50 signatory states) + It is led by UNEP + It is a global treaty to protect human health and the
environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs) + Initially 12 pollutants (known as “Dirty
dozens”) were listed under Stockholm convention + Since then, additional substances such as
carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and certain brominated flame-retardents, as well
as organometallic compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) have been added to the list of Persistent Organic
Pollutants + By ratifying the Stockholm Convention, India became a part of the Stockholm Convention in
2006 + However, Union Cabinet, in 2021, approved the Ratification of seven chemicals listed under the
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) + The Cabinet has also delegated its
powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to the Union Ministers of External Affairs
(MEA) and Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in respect of POPs already regulated
under the domestic regulations + The ratification process would enable India to access Global
Environment Facility (GEF), financial resources in updating the National Implementation Plan (NIP) +
Convention is legally binding and Convention requires that effectiveness of the measures adopted by the
Convention is evaluated in regular intervals
 Dechlorane Plus: CoP 18 in 2022 listed ‘Dechlorane Plus’ (flame retardant) and UV-328
(stabilizer) under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention
 12 initial POPs: The 12 initial POPs under the Stockholm Convention:
 Pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene,
mirex, toxaphene;
 Industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and
 By-products: hexachlorobenzene; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated
dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), and PCBs
 Minamata Convention = Adopted at 5th session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva,
Switzerland 2013 + 1st global legally binding treaty to protect human health and environment from
adverse effects of mercury + It is named after the city in Japan that became the epicentre of Minamata
disease, a neurological disease caused by severe mercury poisoning, in 1950s + It came into force in 2017
+ India ratified it in 2018 with flexibility for continued use of mercury-based products and processes
involving mercury compounds up to 2025.
 Mercury = Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil + Released
into the atmosphere through natural processes such as weathering of rocks, volcanic eruptions,
geothermal activities, forest fires, etc. Mercury is also released through human activities + have toxic
effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes +
Mercury is considered by WHO as one of top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public
health concern.
 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) = Established in 1994 + sole legally
binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management +
UNCCD is particularly committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people
in combating desertification and land degradation + UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework: It is the
most comprehensive global commitment to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) + Initiatives
launched under the UNCCD to combat land desertification and degradation:
 Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Target Setting Programme: UNCCD in collaboration with
multiple international partners, are supporting interested countries with their national LDN target
setting process. To date, over 120 countries, including India, have committed to setting LDN targets.
 Land Degradation Neutrality Fund (LDN Fund): Officially launched at UNCCD COP 13 in
Ordos, China, it is the first-of-its-kind investment vehicle leveraging public money to raise private
capital for sustainable land projects.

 Global Land Outlook (GLO): is a strategic communications platform and associated publications of
the UNCCD secretariat that demonstrates the central importance of land quality to human well-being.
 Land for Life Programme: was launched at the tenth UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP10) in
2011 as part of the Changwon Initiative. The Programme seeks.
 UNCCD Data Dashboard = UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched its first-ever
Data Dashboard + It compiles national reporting figures from 126 countries, which shows that land
degradation is advancing at an astonishing rate across all regions.
 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) = UNGC is a call to companies everywhere to align their
operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-
corruption + Launched in 2000, UNGC is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with
more than 15,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more
than 70 Local Networks + This UN-led initiative promotes activities that contribute to sustainable
development goals to create a better world.
 UNEP - Convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) = CCAC, founded in 2012, is the only
international body working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants – methane, black carbon,
hydrofluorocarbons– that drive both climate change and air pollution + India is a CCAC Partner since
2019 + It is a voluntary global partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses,
scientific institutions, and civil society organizations working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants
(SLCPs) that have a significant impact on climate change and public health.
 Methane = Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen
atoms (CH4) + It is flammable and is used as a fuel worldwide + Methane is a powerful greenhouse
gas (GHG), which has an atmospheric lifetime of around a decade and affects the climate for
hundreds of years + The common sources of methane are oil and natural gas systems, agricultural
activities, coal mining and wastes + It is the second largest contributor to climate change after carbon
dioxide + Recently, A Report titled ‘Imperative of Cutting Methane from Fossil Fuels’ was prepared
by International Energy Agency (IEA) with contributions from UNEP and UNEP-Convened Climate
and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
 United Nations Forum on Forests(UNFF) = It promotes the management, conservation, and sustainable
development of all types of forests + It was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council
of the United Nations (ECOSOC) + The Forum meets annually at the UN Headquarters in New York,
bringing together representatives of all member states and forest-related agencies for high-level dialogue
on technical matters in odd years and policy matters in even years + The forum has universal
membership, and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies +
India is a founding member of UNFF + Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is
organising a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) event as part of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF at
the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
 Country-Led Initiative (CLI) = The CLI's primary goal is to contribute to the discussions of UNFF
regarding the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management and the UN Strategic Plan for
Forests + UN General Assembly adopted the first-ever UN Strategic Plan for Forests for the period of
2017-2030.
 G7 Climate Club = Led by Germany and Chile, along with 36 member countries including Kenya, the
European Union, Switzerland and others + It is an open, cooperative, and inclusive forum of climate-
ambitious countries with the goal of supporting the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and
decisions thereunder + It aims to support accelerating climate action and increasing ambition to achieve
global net-zero.
 Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) = Recently Launched on the sidelines of G20 summit in New Delhi + It
is an initiative by India as the G20 Chair. India, Brazil and the US is the founding members of the alliance
+ This Alliance will be aimed at facilitating cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels,
including in the transportation sector + India proposed to take an initiative at a global level to take ethanol
blending in petrol up to 20% + USA (52%), Brazil (30%) and India (3%) are the top three contributing
countries in biofuel. They have 85% share in production and about 81% in consumption of ethanol.
 Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) = CDRI was announced by India’s PM at the
UN Climate Action Summit 2019 held in USA + Since its launch, 31 Countries, 6 International
Organizations and 2 private sector organizations have joined CDRI as members. Its other founding
members include: Australia, Bhutan, Fiji, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Rwanda,

Sri Lanka and the UK + It is a voluntary international grouping, linking governments, UN agencies,
banks, private sector groups, and academia to develop the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate
and disaster risks + It is second major coalition launched by India outside the UN, after the International
Solar Alliance + Its secretariat is in New Delhi + UK was confirmed as the first co-chair of the Governing
Council on the India-led global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) + CDRI is co-
chaired by India and a representative of another national government nominated by rotation every two
years + Recently, Cabinet approved Ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India
and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for granting CDRI exemptions, immunities and
privileges as contemplated under Section- 3 of United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947 +
Signing of HQA will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona, so that it can carry
out its functions internationally, more efficiently + HQA will allow CDRI to depute experts, deploying
funds globally, providing technical assistance to member countries and Leveraging international
engagement to foster disaster resilient infrastructure at home.
 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) =
independent intergovernmental body committed to strengthen science-policy interface for conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development + secretariat located in
Bonn, Germany + NOT a United Nations body + UNEP provides secretariat services + It has 137 member
countries including India + All States Members of the United Nations are eligible for IPBES membership +
Plenary: The governing body of IPBES – made up of the representatives of IPBES member States – usually
meets once per year + Recently, IPBES has gathered at Bonn, Germany, for the body’s 10th plenary. On agenda
is the scientific assessment report on “Invasive Alien Species and their Control”.
 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) = It is a non-profit,
non-political public international research organisation that conducts agricultural research for
development in Asia & sub-Saharan Africa + It helps farmers by providing improved crop varieties and
hybrids and also helps smallholder farmers in the drylands fight climate change + It conducts research on
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five highly nutritious drought-tolerant crops: chickpea, pigeonpea, pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut +
It has been awarded 2021 Africa Food Prize for the Tropical Legumes Project that has improved food
security across 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa + It is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana State, in
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India, with two regional hubs (Nairobi, Kenya and Bamako, Mali) + Recently, the International Crops
Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) joined the One Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) global initiative.
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 One CGIAR global Initiative: It aims to build a unified approach to transforming food, land, and
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water systems to address the challenges posed by climate crisis + This initiative involves the CGIAR
System Organisation and 12 One CGIAR research centres + The CGIAR is a publicly-funded
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network of agrifood systems research centres, works for transforming food, land, and water systems
in a climate crisis. It is working in over 80 countries.
 Global Environment Facility (GEF) = It is a financial mechanism established under the 1992 Rio Earth Summit
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to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems + It is managed by World Bank + The GEF
Secretariat is based in Washington, D.C + Presently, it involves an international partnership of 183 countries,
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international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector(NOT ONLY PUBLIC SECTOR) that
addresses global environmental issues + The Council is the GEF's main governing body, comprises 32 Members
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appointed by and from among GEF member countries (14 from developed countries, 16 from developing
countries and 2 from economies in transition) + The GEF Assembly is composed of all 183 member countries
which meets every four years to review general policies, GEF’s operation and the membership of the Facility +
GEF funding is provided by participating donor countries and is mobilized through a replenishment process
every four years + Environmental Conventions under GEF financial mechanism are : Convention on Bio
diversity (CBD), Convention to combat desertification (UNCCD), Framework convention on climate change
(UNFCCC), Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Minamata Convention And Montreal
Protocol (provides support).
 Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) = Endorsed by Global Environment Facility (GEF) in 2022 +
Aim: To support IPLC to secure and enhance their stewardship over landscapes, seascapes and territories
with high biodiversity and irreplaceable ecosystems + Recently, Report on ‘Inclusive Conservation
Initiative (ICI)’ was released by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Conservation International (CI).
 Conservation International (CI) = Based in Virginia (USA) + non-profit organization + It works to
protect nature that introduced quantitive threshold for biodiversity hotspots.

 Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) = Adopted in 1992 at Rio Summit (enforced in 1993) +
196 countries are a party + India is a party + Only two member states of the United Nations are not
Parties to the CBD, namely: the USA and the Vatican + Legally Binding + Its Secretariat is in Montreal,
Canada + Objective: The conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and
the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources and by
appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to
technologies, and by appropriate funding.
 Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) = Approved by GEF at 64th GEF council meeting which
was held in Brazil + It aims to finance the implementation of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework (KMGBF) + The approved GBFF will be launched at the next GEF Assembly in Canada by
August 2023 + GBFF will draw in capital from governments, private sector, and philanthropic
organisations and will focus on eight thematic Action Areas namely Biodiversity conservation,
restoration, land/sea-use and spatial planning, etc.
 Kunming - Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) = Kunming - Montreal Global
Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD)
15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) + It replaced Aichi Biodiversity Targets (time period 2011-2020)
+ It is legally non-binding in nature + Four overarching goals for 2050: ✓ Halt human-induced
species extinction ✓ Sustainable use of biodiversity ✓ Equitable sharing of benefits ✓ Closing the
biodiversity finance gap of $700 billion per year + It has set 23 Global Targets for 2030, it includes-
✓ 30 % conservation of land, sea, and inland waters, ✓ 30 % restoration of degraded ecosystems, ✓
Integration of biodiversity into policies, ✓ Halving the introduction of invasive species, etc + Funded
through Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Fund, a Special Trust Fund by Global Environment
Facility (GEF) + Countries to monitor and report progress every 5 years or less on a set of indicators
+ Progress made by KMGBF: It led to adoption of the Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable
Use of Marine Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty = Recently adopted + It was adopted at the 5th
United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction + It
has been adopted under the framework of the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) + It is
also known as the ‘Paris Agreement for the Ocean.’ + Recently, the UN (United Nations) members agreed on a
High Seas Treaty to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national
jurisdiction + It is legally binding in nature. It will only enter into force once 60 countries have ratified it + It aims
to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030 (a pledge made by countries at the UN biodiversity
conference in 2022) + It will provide a legal framework for establishing vast marine protected areas (MPAs) to
protect against the loss of wildlife and share out the genetic resources of the high seas + High Ambition Coalition
played a key role in the adoption of the treaty.
 High Seas = It is the area beyond a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (that extends up to 200
nautical miles (370 km) from the coastline) and till where a nation has jurisdiction over living and
non-living resources + No country is responsible for the management and protection of resources on
the high seas + In 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was
adopted, which delineated rules to govern the oceans and the use of its resources. However, there was
no comprehensive legal framework that covered the high seas)
 High Ambition Coalition (HAS) = or High Ambition Coalition (HAS) for Nature and People + The
coalition is aiming to ensure that a new global framework to protect the Earth's natural systems,
plants and animals be adopted at COP15 + Formed in 2019 + High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for
Nature and People is an intergovernmental group of more than 100 countries co-chaired by Costa
Rica and France and by the United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair + India became a member in October
in 202 + 30x30 approach: is the key goals of HAC and aim increased spatial targets to protect or
effectively conserve at least 30% of the planet (land and sea) by 2030, i.e., 30x30 approach.
 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) = It was adopted in 1982 and came
into force in 1994 + Also known as Law of the Sea divides marine areas into five main zones namely-
Internal Waters, Territorial Sea(12 nautical Miles(nm) from baseline), Contiguous Zone(24 nm from
baseline), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)(upto 200 nm from baseline) and the High Seas(beyond
200 nm) + It has been ratified by 168 parties + India is a member + It established the International
court of the law of the sea, competent to hear disputes relating to the interpretation and application of
that treaty.
 Ramsar Convention = on Wetlands of International Importance + an intergovernmental treaty that

provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources + adopted in
the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975 + Ramsar Sites acquire a new national and
international status + There are currently over 2,200 Ramsar Sites around the world + Chillika lake was
designated the first Ramsite in India in 1981 + Some criteria for identifying Wetlands of International
Importance include:
 Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types: Supports vulnerable, endangered, or
critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
 Supports populations of plant and animal species important for maintaining the biological
diversity of a particular biogeographic region.
 Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
 Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of
waterbird
 Criteria based on species and ecological communities. Eg, Supports a significant proportion of
indigenous fish species.
 Wetland City Accreditation = The Ramsar Convention during COP12 held in the year 2015 approved a
voluntary Wetland City Accreditation system + It recognizes cities which have taken exceptional steps to
safeguard their urban wetlands + This voluntary scheme provides an opportunity for cities that value their
natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts +
Since Ramsar COP13, 43 cities from 17 countries have been officially recognized as “Wetland Cities” +
Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted three nominations from
India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) of Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) &
Udaipur (Rajasthan) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
 Montreux Convention = It is an agreement concerning the Dardanelles Strait and the Bosporus Strait,
also known as the Turkish straits or the Black Sea straits + The Turkish straits are the only maritime
passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea + According to the 1936 Montreux Convention
Regarding the Regime of the Straits, often referred to simply as the Montreux Convention, Turkey has
control over the Turkish Straits.
 Montreux = is a traditional resort town on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
 Montreux Record = It is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International
Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur
as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as
part of the Ramsar List. [It is different than Montreux Convention]
 International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) = 1987 + Intergovernmental organisation + It was
established under the International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983 (ITTA 1983), negotiated under the
auspices of the UN Conference on Trade and Development + It facilitates funding for forestry projects in
tropical timber-producing countries + All projects are funded by voluntary contributions from
governments + Members: 75 countries (including India) + Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan + Its members
manage about 80 percent of the world's tropical forests and are responsible for 90 percent of the global
tropical timber trade.
 International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) = 59th Council session of the International Tropical
Timber Organisation (ITTO) concluded recently + The objective of the session was to promote
sustainable tropical forest management activities.
 Tropical Forests = Tropical forests represent 45% of all forests. These are situated between the
Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn + Main tropical forest includes Amazon rainforest, Congo Basin etc
+ Tropical forests are major source of timber. Tropical timber includes logs, sawnwood, veneer sheets
and plywood + Major uses of Tropical Timber: In houses, railway sleepers, the piers, and jetties etc;
Fuel: In both, domestic and industries and Other Uses: Production of paper, synthetic textile fabrics
like Rayon etc.
 Conference of the Parties (COP28) = Recently 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UNFCCC,
was held in Dubai, UAE + It also marked 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto
Protocol (CMP 18) and 5 th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 5) + It
also adopted final document called UAE Consensus.
 Climate Club = Recently, the Climate Club was formally launched at the 28 th Conference of Parties
(COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change + It is led by Germany and

Chile, the Club has garnered support from 36 member countries including Kenya, the European Union,
Switzerland and others + It aims to make decarbonisation of industries successful for climate and
businesses + Two co-chairs will be elected for two-year terms for the Club. Currently, Germany and
Chile serve as the co-chairs.
 Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) = It is a data-to-action platform set up as part of the
UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) strategy + It was announced at the
Conference of Parties (COP 27) in November 2022 + This initiative works in partnership with the
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) + MARS will be
the first publicly available global system capable of transparently connecting methane detection to
notification processes + Methane Alert and Response System, or MARS will integrate data from a large
number of existing and future satellites that can detect methane emission events anywhere in the world. It
will send out notifications to the relevant stakeholders to act on it + Recently, the Methane Alert and
Response System (MARS) notified governments of 127 plumes spanning four continents and identified
1,500 plumes in its pilot stage.
 International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) = It was presented at the G20 Leaders’
Summit in 2021 + It focused initially on emissions of Methane from the fossil industry. It reconciles
methane data from scientific measurement studies, satellites through the Methane Alert and Response
System (MARS), rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0
(OGMP 2.0), and national inventories + The Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) is
UNEP’s flagship programme that includes a partnership of companies to improve the accuracy and
transparency of methane emissions data from the oil and gas sector through a committed framework.
 Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) = It is voluntary partnership of governments, civil
society, and private sector to protect the climate and improve air quality through actions to reduce
short-lived climate pollutants + Initial focus is on methane, black carbon, and Hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs) + India joined the CCAC in 2019.
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 Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) 2.0 = Recently, India and Sweden launched
Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) 2.0 during the COP28 World Climate Action Summit,
hosted in Dubai + LeadIT is a global initiative that aims to accelerate the transition of challenging sectors
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such as steel, cement, chemicals, aviation, and shipping to low-carbon pathways + It was launched by the
governments of Sweden and India at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019 and is supported
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by the World Economic Forum + The LeadIT gathers countries and companies that are committed to
action to achieve the Paris Agreement + LeadIT, boasting 38 members, encompasses countries and
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companies. Notably, India is an active participant. LeadIT members subscribe to the notion that energy-
intensive industries can and must progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon
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emissions by 2050.
 Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) = African leaders launched at COP28 + AGII aims to
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accelerate green growth of industries in Africa and attract finance and investment opportunities.
 Mangrove Alliance = India participated at Mangrove Alliance for Climate Ministerial Meeting at COP28
+ It was initiated by the UAE and Indonesia, during COP 27 + India is also a member + MAC seeks to
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scale up, accelerate conservation, restoration and growing plantation efforts of mangrove ecosystems
globally.
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 Loss and Damage Fund = It was first announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt + It got
operationalised during COP28 + It is a global financial package to ensure the rescue and rehabilitation of
countries facing the cascading effects of climate change + The term refers to the compensation that rich
nations, whose industrial growth has resulted in global warming and driven the planet into a climate
crisis, must pay to poor nations, whose carbon footprint is low but are facing the brunt of rising sea levels,
floods, crippling droughts, and intense cyclones, among others + The World Bank will oversee the loss
and damage fund in the beginning, with the source of funds being rich nations such as the US, the UK,
and the EU, as well as some developing countries.
 ALTÉRRA Fund = UAE President, at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, announced the creation of a
$30 billion climate fund named ALTÉRRA + The fund aims to attract $250 billion in investment by the
end of the decade, with $25 billion allocated to climate strategies and $5 billion to incentivize investment
in the Global South + The fund seeks to steer private markets towards climate investments, especially in
emerging markets and developing economies + The term “Alterra” typically refers to a Latin word that is
often used in various contexts to signify alteration, transformation, or variation.

 Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) = Recently, Conference of Parties (COP28) President
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially launched Oil and Gas Decarbonization
Charter (OGDC) + It is a dedicated initiative for oil and gas sector + Currently, 50 companies,
collectively responsible for over 40 percent of global oil production, have committed to the OGDC + It is
integral to Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA).
 Global Decarbonization Accelerator: It was introduced at the World Climate Action Summit + The
GDA focuses on three primary pillars: Scaling the energy system of the future. Decarbonizing the
present energy system. addressing methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases + This strategic
plan aims for a comprehensive and simultaneous transformation of both energy demand and supply.
 Green Rising Initiative = Recently, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)’s Generation
Unlimited in collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change unveiled
the "Green Rising" initiative at COP28 in Dubai + This initiative focuses on engaging youth for impactful
environmental actions at the grassroots level, aligning with the global effort to address the severe impacts
of climate change + The global "Green Rising" initiative and the "Green Rising India Alliance" marks a
collaborative effort involving UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and a diverse network of public, private,
and youth partners + The main goal is to mobilize millions of young people worldwide, encouraging their
active participation in green initiatives addressing and adapting to the severe impacts of climate change
on their communities + Through the YuWaah campaign in India, the focus is on engaging youth to drive
impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level.
 Global Green Credit Initiative = Co-hosted (India and UAE) event on ‘Green Credits Programme’ at
COP-28 + It would serve as an international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of
innovative environmental programs and instruments + Unlike traditional carbon credits, “green credits”
focus on voluntary environmental actions involving the community, private industry and individuals.
 Green Credits Programme (GCP) = Notified through Green Credit Rules, 2023 by Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 + It is an innovative
market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse
sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and
companies + In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and
afforestation + Governance Structure: Steering Committee, Indian Council of Forestry Research and
Education (ICFRE) (Administrator), and Technical Committees.
 Watsonx.ai = At the recent COP28, NASA and IBM announced that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called
watsonx.ai would be available on the open-source AI platform Hugging Space + It is an Artificial Intelligence
tool jointly built by IBM and NASA + It will help users monitor the Earth from space, measuring environmental
changes that have already happened while also making predictions about the future.
 Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge = During the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, 118
countries pledged to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, committing to at least 11,000GW
and to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements to more than 4% + India,
China and Russia, did NOT sign the pledge + It lacks legal sanctity and has not been included in main
negotiating texts for the COP-28 agreement.
 Santiago Network = At COP28, draft text for Santiago Network, a collaborative framework to assist
vulnerable developing countries in managing climate-induced loss and damage, has been adopted + It was
established at COP 25 in Madrid as part of Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage
(WIM) + The network’s objective is to connect vulnerable developing countries with technical assistance,
knowledge, and resources. The resources are needed to address climate risks, such as rising sea levels,
melting glaciers, storms, and floods.
 First Global Stocktake (GST) = Global stocktake is a process for countries to see whether they are
collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement + COP28 marked first
Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement.
 ENACT Partnership = Enhancing Nature-based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation (ENACT) was
launched by Germany and Egypt along with the International Union for Conservation of Nature + It was launched at
the Conference of Parties (COP27), which took place at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022 + Other member countries:
Canada, European Union, France, Japan, Malawi, Norway, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Belgium, Pakistan, Spain, the
Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States + It is an ambitious global initiative that seeks to coordinate global
efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based
Solutions + International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) hosts its secretariat + Recently, six new countries
and a United Nations agency joined the ENACT Partnership.
 Paris Finance Meet or Paris Global Climate Financing Summit = The Summit for a New Global Financing
Pact was recently held in Paris with an objective of tackling the lack of financial support for developing countries
+ The Summit was announced at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) of the UNFCCC + The summit was
also attended by India's Finance Minister + The Summit announced the unlocking of an additional USD 200
billion lending capacity for emerging economies + Also, World Bank announced disaster clauses for debt deals
that would suspend debt payment in case of extreme weather events + $100bn is to be provided to poorer
countries through SDRs (form of currency provided by IMF).
 Allied Climate Partners = It is a philanthropic investment organisation + With a mission to increase the
number of bankable, climate-related projects and businesses in emerging markets and developing
economies to create significant environmental, economic, and social impact + Its initial focus regions are
Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central America, Africa, and India + At COP28, Allied Climate
Partners joined the International Finance Corporation in a climate financing venture to try to generate $11
billion in investments in developing countries.
 International Finance Corporation (IFC): 1956 + HQ @ Washington, DC + It is a member of the
World Bank Group + Mandate: Advance economic development and improve the lives of people by
encouraging the growth of the private sector in developing countries + The IFC is owned and
governed by its member countries. It is a corporation whose shareholders are member governments
that provide paid-in capital and have the right to vote on its matters + India is a member.
 Clydebank Declaration = For Green shipping corridors, signed at COP 26 Climate Summit + A coalition
of 22 countries have agreed to create zero emissions shipping trade routes between ports to speed up the
decarbonisation of the global maritime industry and agreed to support the establishment of at least 6 green
corridors by 2025 + India has not signed the declaration yet + Clydebank is city in Scotland.
 World Food Programme(WFP) = It was established in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and became a full-fledged UN programme in 1965 + Headquarters:
Rome, Italy + World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations + It is the world's
largest humanitarian organization, the largest one focused on hunger and food security + In addition to emergency food
relief, WFP offers technical assistance and development aid, such as building capacity for emergency preparedness and
response, managing supply chains and logistics, promoting social safety programs, and strengthening resilience against
climate change + The agency is also a major provider of direct cash assistance and medical supplies and provides
passenger services for humanitarian workers.
 Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI) = It is a subsidiary body of the
Food and Agriculture Organization + It was established by the FAO Conference in 1965 + It addresses
issues on international fishing and aquaculture, providing policy guidance on fisheries management +
Recently, India has been elected as the First Vice Chair of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s
Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management + The Sub-Committee on
Fisheries Management is a new sub-group formed under the COFI in 2022, during the 35th session of the
FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), held in Rome. It will work closely with the two other COFI sub-
committees, the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade.
 Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights (GSFR) = GSFR was organized by Secretariat of International
Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) of Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) + It adopted the Delhi Framework on Farmers’ Rights + Delhi framework aims for
synergy among UN agencies (ITPGRFA, CBD, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (UNDRIP) etc.), Establish/support farmer-managed seed system for traditional varieties and;
Building farmer-centric partnership opportunities.
 ITPGRFA = also known as seed treaty + is a major international agreement to conserve, use and
manage PGRFA around the world + It is a legally binding agreement + was adopted by Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001 and entered into force in 2004 (India is a party) +
ITPGRFA makes it possible to share plant genetic resources across borders through a unique
Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS)
 Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) = APPPC convened for the first time in 1956 + It
administers Regional Plant Protection Agreement for Asia and the Pacific, approved in 1956 by the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council + A total of 25 countries (including India) are members and
APPPC meets at least once every two years + Objectives are: promoting development of regional plant
protection systems, Assistance to develop effective plant protection regimes, Setting standards for
phytosanitary measures etc + Recently, APPPC unanimously elected India as chair of Standing
Committee on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for biennium 2023-24.
 Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) = NGO + TSA was formed in 2001 as an International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) partnership for sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and
tortoises + The TSA arose in response to the rampant and unsustainable harvest of Asian turtle
populations to supply Chinese markets, a situation known as the Asian Turtle Crisis + Mission: ‘Zero
Turtle Extinctions in the 21st Century + Recently, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) and Turtle
Survival Alliance (NGO) joined hands for turtles and tortoises conservation.
 Turtles = They live in water some or nearly all of the time + Omnivorous + They have thinner, more
water-dynamic shells + They have more flipper like legs, or webbed feet.
 Tortoises = Land creatures (found in deserts to wet tropical forest) + Generally vegetarians + They
have rounded and domed shells + They have club-like forelegs and 'elephantine' hind legs.
 Indian Ocean Tuna Commission = Intergovernmental organisation + Mandated to sustainably manage
highly migratory (tuna and tuna-like) fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean + Agreement for the
Establishment of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission was adopted by the Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations in 1993 + The objective of the IOTC is to promote cooperation
amongst contracting members to ensure, through appropriate management, the sustainable use of fishery
resources + The Indian Ocean is the second-largest tuna fishery in the world + The IOTC currently has 31
contracting parties who are members of the IOTC and two cooperating non-contracting parties, Liberia
and Senegal + India is a member of this organisation + Headquarters: Victoria, Seychelles + Membership
of the IOTC is open to: Indian Ocean coastal countries; countries, or regional economic integration
organisations, that are members of the UN; countries that are members of UN special organisations; and
countries that fish for tuna in the Indian Ocean.
 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) = It was launched by India on April 9, 2023, for the
conservation of seven big cats, namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma
harbouring our planet + It is open to 97 'range' countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big
cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc + It will provide a platform for the
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member nations to share knowledge and expertise and extend support to recovery efforts in potential
habitats + Funding: After the first five years, which will be supported by India's 'total grant assistance' of
$100 million, the IBCA is expected to sustain itself through membership fees and contributions from
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bilateral and multilateral institutions and the private sector.

 Global Amphibian Assessment Report = 2nd such report was recently released + The analysis was led
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by Re:wild, Synchronicity Earth and the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group + conducted by over
1,000 experts and analysing 8,011 species worldwide, has revealed that the elusive dancing frogs of the
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Western Ghats are one of the most threatened amphibian genera.

 Amphibian Red List Authority = a branch of the Amphibian Specialist Group of the International
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Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission and managed by Re:wild, a
wildlife conservation group + Recently, a new paper analyzing two decades of data from around the
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world has found that climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to frogs, salamanders and
caecilians + The data revealed that two out of every five amphibians are threatened with extinction. These
data will be published on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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 Re:wild = launched in 2021 combining more than three decades of conservation impact by Leonardo
DiCaprio and Global Wildlife Conservation, leveraging expertise, partnerships and platforms to bring
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new attention, energy and voices together. Re:wild’s mission is to protect and restore the wild to build
a thriving Earth where all life flourishes.
 Species Survival Commission (SSC) = IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) works
independently and with the different IUCN Units to build knowledge on the status of species and
threats to them and to provide advice, develop policies and guidelines and facilitate conservation
planning + Through this work, SSC catalyzes conservation action and enables IUCN to influence
policy and assist societies in biodiversity conservation + Their work include: SSC members provide
scientific advice to conservation organisations, government agencies and other IUCN members, and
support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
 Caecilian = Caecilian is tropical amphibians + Limbless + They look like big insects or clever snakes
in appearance. Their eyes may be covered by skin or even bone and they have no arms or legs +
Modern-day caecilians are amphibians with no limbs and a cylindrical bodies with compact “bullet-
shaped” skulls that let them burrow underground + Many of the features evolved in caecilians, like
skin-feeding, sensory tentacles, dual jaw-closing mechanism, have no parallels among the vertebrates

+ In India, caecilians are distributed chiefly along the Western Ghats and the North East Hills. There
are a few reports of caecilian presence in the Eastern Ghats. As of now, there are 36 caecilian species
known from India + Currently 13 species, belonging to Ichthyophiidae and Indotyphlidae families,
are known from the forests and nearby anthropogenic habitats inside Kerala.
 Salamanders = Salamanders are small amphibians that belong to the order Caudata + They have long
bodies, short legs, and smooth, moist skin. Salamanders are known for their ability to regenerate lost
limbs, which is a unique trait among vertebrates + They most commonly occur in freshwater and
damp woodlands, principally in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere + Salamanders are
often mistaken for lizards, but the two groups are very different. Though they both have similar body
shapes, lizards are reptiles (along with turtles, snakes, crocodiles, dinosaurs and, yes, birds) while
salamanders are amphibians (along with toads, frogs, and a weird and rarely seen group called
caecilians) + Lizards all must breathe with lungs, just as humans do. Salamanders, on the other hand,
can breathe through their skin, via gills, via lungs, or in some cases via their skin and lungs.
 Amphibian Recovery Project = Wildlife Trust of India has launched Amphibian Recovery Project
in the Munnar Landscape of Kerala + The project is actively working to recover the population of
threatened amphibians by addressing the challenges that cause the risk of extinction + Currently, the
project is focussing on 5 species —Deccan Night Frog (Endangered), Resplendent Resplendent shrub
frog (Endangered), Kadalar Swamp Frog (Endangered), Anaimalai Flying Frog (Vulnerable), and
Meowing Night Frog (Near Threatened).
 Dancing Frogs = Dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are considered one of the most threatened
amphibian genera as per second Global Amphibian Assessment of IUCN + Nilgiri Dancing Frog is
listed as Vulnerable and White-Cheeked Dancing Frog is listed as Endangered on IUCN List + They
are threatened by invasive species, land use change, extreme weather, etc + Named so as they
perform “foot flagging” in which males stretch up their hind legs one at a time and wave their webbed
toes in air in a rapid motion akin to a dance.
 Global Declaration for River Dolphins = Recently, 11 Asian and South American countries signed a
landmark deal in Bogota, Colombia to save the world’s six surviving species of river dolphins from
extinction + It aims to halt the decline of all river dolphin species + It outlines measures such as
eradicating gillnets, reducing pollution, expanding research initiatives, and creating protected areas to
safeguard the remaining river dolphin species + Countries that adopted the declaration include:
Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.
 River Dolphins = River dolphins are a group of freshwater cetaceans that inhabit various river systems
across Asia and South America + The Six Surviving River Dolphin Species include: Amazon, Ganges,
Indus, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and the Yangtze finless porpoise + The Chinese river dolphin was deemed
'probably extinct' in 2007 + As per the IUCN Red list, Yangtze finless porpoise are classified as Critically
Endangered. Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy and Tucuxi are labeled as Endangered + The Amazon river
dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin or boto is the largest river dolphin.
 Amazon Dolphin = Also known as the boto or pink river dolphin, they are found in the Amazon and
Orinoco River basins in South America + It is known for its pink coloration and is the largest of the
species + IUCN Status: Endangered
 Indus Dolphin = also called the Bhulan dolphin, is found in the Sutlej River in Pakistan and the Beas
River in India + IUCN Status: Endangered.
 Irrawaddy Dolphin = Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia and
three rivers i.e., Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo), Mekong and Chillika Lake
(India) + They are known for their unique behavior, such as “spy-hopping,” where they rise vertically
out of the water to observe their surroundings + IUCN Status: Endangered.
 Tucuxi Dolphin = The Tucuxi dolphin are freshwater dolphin species that lives in the Amazon River
system in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru + IUCN Status: Endangered.
 Yangtze Dolphin = also known as baiji + it is considered functionally extinct since 2006, as there
have been no confirmed sightings since the early 2000s + IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
 Coral Reef Breakthrough = It was launched by International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in partnership
with Global Fund for Coral Reefs and High-Level Climate Champions + It aims to prevent extinction of
at least 125,000 km2 of shallow-water tropical coral reefs + Coral Reef Breakthrough is a science-based
initiative with clear goals for the state and non-state actors to collectively conserve, protect, and restore
coral reefs, safeguarding their vital contributions to humanity's future.

 International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) = It is a global partnership between Nations and
organizations that strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world + The
Initiative was founded in 1994 by eight governments: Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the
Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America + It was announced at
the First Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity,1994 + ICRI has 101
members, including 45 countries (India is one of them).
 Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) = The GFCR is a blended finance instrument to mobilise
action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems + It provides grant funding and
private capital to support sustainable interventions to save coral reefs and the communities that rely
on them + UN Agencies, nations, philanthropies, private investors and organisations have joined the
Global Fund for Coral Reefs Coalition to deliver on ecological, social and economic resilience.
 High-Level Climate Champions (HLCC) = They are appointed by the United Nations to facilitate
and enhance the engagement of non-state actors such as businesses, cities, regions, and investors in
supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
 Belem Declaration = Belem Declaration is a statement released during the Amazon Summit, involving
leaders from Amazon countries + It emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge for biodiversity
conservation and calls for Indigenous Peoples’ participation in decision-making. The declaration
promotes sustainable forest use and diverse economic solutions, addressing concerns about deforestation
and degradation in the Amazon region.
 Amazon Summit = Brazil’s Amazon Summit held in Belem, organized with a roadmap to protect
tropical rainforests that was welcomed as an important step in countering climate change has
concluded recently + It was conducted by Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) +
Leaders from eight Amazonian countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,
Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, were unable to reach an agreement on the protection of the Amazon
rainforest during the Amazon Summit organized by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
(ACTO)
 Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) = ACTO was formed in 1995 to protect and
manage the Amazon + It aimed to recognize the reality that problem of Amazon rainforest has
crossed borders and needed international management, but also to protect the Amazon countries'
sovereignty over their territory + Member countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,
Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.
 Amazon Forests = These are large tropical rainforests occupying the drainage basin of Amazon
River and its tributaries in northern South America and covering an area of 6,000,000 square km +
Comprising about 40% of Brazil’s total area, it is bounded by the Guiana Highlands to north, Andes
Mountains to west, Brazilian central plateau to south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east + (Tropical
forests = They are closed-canopy forests growing within 28 degrees north or south of the equator +
They are very wet places, receiving more than 200 cm rainfall per year, either seasonally or
throughout the year + Temperatures are uniformly high - between 20°C and 35°C + Such forests are
found in Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and Central America, Mexico and on many of the
Pacific Islands)
 Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool = devised by Bioversity International + Researchers have devised
a tool that enables appropriate agroforestry and aids systematic ecosystem restoration + The team from
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), with the help of Bioversity
International, modified it to promote restoration programmes in India.
 Bioversity International = Non-profit research-for-development + It is a global research-for-
development organization that delivers scientific evidence, management practices and policy options
to use and safeguard agricultural biodiversity to attain global food- and nutrition security +
Headquarter at Rome, Itlay + Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR, a global research
partnership for a food-secure future.
 CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) = It is a
global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security +
CGIAR research aims to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and
nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources + It is carried out at 15 centers (CGIAR
Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers) that collaborate with partners from
national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development

organizations, and the private sector + CGIAR is an adhoc organization funded by its members +
Members include the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and Japan, the Ford
Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
the World Bank, the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development
Bank, and the Fund of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC Fund)
 Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalayas Initiative = Launched by Asian
Development Bank (ADB) + It aims to address adversities of climate change in Hindu Kush Himalayan
region + It will combine cutting edge risk assessment and risk management tools, such as insurance and
risk transfer, to help guide investment decisions for large scale infrastructure + It supports Bhutan and
Nepal in climate adaptation (worst affected regions).
 Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) Region = Hindu Kush-Himalayan region (refer to infographic)
spans an area of approximately. 4.3 million square km in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan + It is home to the world’s highest peaks such as Mount Everest
and Kanchenjunga + HKH is known as the Third Pole or the Water Tower of Asia because it holds
the largest ice reserves outside of the polar regions + HKH with young and rising mountains are
highly vulnerable to multiple hazards such as earthquakes and landslides + Recently, A report titled
‘Water, Ice, Society, and Ecosystems (WISE)’ was recently released by International Centre for
Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
 ICIMOD = ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and development organization (established
in 1983) that focuses on climate and environmental risks, green economies, and sustainable action +
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan are its members.
 Asian Development Bank (ADB) = 1966 + Its primary mission is to "foster economic growth and
cooperation" among countries in Asia-Pacific Region + ADB assists members and partners by
providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic
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development + Hq: Manila, Philippines + Members: From 31 members at its establishment in 1966,
ADB has grown to encompass 68 members—of which 49 are from Asia and Pacific and 19 outside +
ADB is run by a board of governors, which represents the member countries of the ADB + ADB was
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modelled closely on World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are
distributed in proportion to members' capital subscriptions + As of 2022, ADB's 5 largest
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shareholders are Japan and US (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People's Republic of China
(6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%) + Source of Funding: It relies on member contributions,
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retained earnings from lending, and the repayment of loans for the funding of the organization.
 Montreal Protocol (1987) = It is a global environmental treaty to eliminate the production and use of
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Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) + It was implemented under the Vienna Convention (adopted in
1985) + In 2016, Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol was adopted to phase down production and
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consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) + HFCs are non-ODS alternative to CFCs and HCFCs, but
their global warming potential is thousands of times that of carbon dioxide + India surpassed Montreal
protocol targets, says report by MOEFCC and UNDP. According to the report India exceeded the 35%
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HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) phase-out goal, achieving a 44% reduction from the 2020 baseline
and has also eliminated HCFC 141b + HCFCs are employed as refrigerants in production of new
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equipment + HCFC 141b, is used as a blowing agent in production of rigid polyurethane foam.
 Green Grids Initiative - One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) = It is launched by India (in
partnership with COP26 Presidency, International Solar Alliance (ISA), World Bank, UK government
and Wilton Park) at the global climate conference COP26 with an aim to harness solar energy wherever
the Sun is shining, ensuring that generated electricity flows to areas that need it most + It aims to build a
framework for a global cooperation initiative targeted at effective utilisation of renewable sources across
the globe and accelerate the mobilisation of technical and financial resources needed to advance action on
green grids + It is aimed at addressing the issue of high cost of energy storage + The blueprint for the
OSOWOG has been developed under the World Bank’s technical assistance programme.
 STAR-C Initiative = The initiative is run by the International Solar Alliance in partnership with the
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) + The project is also funded by France +
It aims to create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states to enhance quality
infrastructure for the uptake of solar energy products and services + The programme aims to boost solar
power ecosystems in the poorest countries.

 2nd Summit of three basins for Biodiversity Ecosystem and Tropical Forests = taking place in
Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo + Three basins are Congo basin: Spans across
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo,
Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon; Amazon Basin – It extends over 9 countries in South America; and
Borneo-Mekong-Southeast Asia Basin + These 3 global ecosystems account for 80% of the world’s
tropical forests and 2/3 of the earth’s biodiversity + Recently, Minister of State (MoS) for External
Affairs was on a visit to the Republic of Congo to represent India at the Second Summit of three basins
for Biodiversity Ecosystem and Tropical Forests, taking place in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic
of Congo.
 Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) = JETP is a financing mechanism that aims to support
developing countries in their transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to clean and renewable
energy sources + Senegal has joined the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) deal, becoming the
fourth country to sign after South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The deal aims to mobilize 5 billion
euros in new financing for Senegal + JETP funding can be provided through grants, loans, or investments.
The International Partners Group (IPG) and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
Working Group are key contributors + The IPG includes countries such as Japan, the USA, Canada,
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the EU, and the UK + The GFANZ Working Group
comprises multilateral and national development banks and finance agencies.
 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) = European Union (EU) pushing for the world’s first
carbon border tax on imported goods- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from 2026 + A
carbon border tax is a tax on carbon emissions imposed on imported goods from countries with less strict
climate policies + Developing countries, including India, have opposed CBAM calling it ‘discriminatory’
as it will ramp up prices of their goods in Europe + EU is the third largest trading partner of India + It will
come into force from October 1, 2023. The CBAM framework initially involves several reporting
requirements for cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity imports in the region + It
will also impose additional import levies on carbon intensive products from 2026 + Indian steel exports to
Europe may be worst affected by the CBAM due to the more carbon intensive nature of production
processes vis-à-¬vis rivals like China.
 Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) = Denmark announces Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) initiative
+ It is part of Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) signed in 2020 between India and Denmark + It’s
primary objective is to promote sustainable energy growth in India by encouraging collaboration among
businesses, government entities, research institutions, etc. from both countries + It is inspired by
initiatives like India-Denmark Energy Partnership, and joint R&D efforts on Green Fuels, etc.
 Urban 20 (U20) Summit = It is a city diplomacy initiative launched in 2017, at the One Planet Summit in Paris
+ It provides a platform for cities from G20 countries to facilitate discussions on various important issues of
urban development including climate change, social inclusion, sustainable mobility, and affordable housing, and
propose collective solutions + This year it was chaired by the City of Ahmedabad.
 Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) = Recently, RECEIC was
launched at the G20 4th Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting + It
is an industry-driven initiative + About 39 companies headquartered in 11 countries have joined the
coalition as its founding members.
 Debt for Nature Swap or Debt for Climate Swaps = Debt-for-climate swaps can incentivize debtor
countries to take meaningful action on climate while reducing their debt burdens. These swaps involve
reducing debt in exchange for policy commitments or spending by debtor countries + In the past decade,
debt-for-climate swaps have become relatively popular among low- and middle-income countries +
Multilateral development banks and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) have been advocating this instrument as a debt-relief measure.
 Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on Environmental Issues = Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate change + The permanent CEC will replace an ad hoc CEC formed in 2002 for monitoring the
implementation of SC’s order in TN Godavarman vs. Union of India (1996) + Jurisdiction: Whole
country + Deferment of State: If the State differs from CEC’s recommendation, it shall be referred to the
Centre whose decision shall be final and binding + Composition: Chairman and 3 Expert Members
selected for 3 years(extendable once upto age of 60); Chief Coordinating Officer a serving officer not
below rank of DIG of Forests/Director in GO. All of them should have experience in Environment, Forest
and Wildlife.

ENVIRONMENT– Miscellaneous (Logically arranged)

 Ozone = Ozone (O3) high in the Earth's atmosphere protects us from the sun's harmful radiation. But
ozone at ground level (tropospheric ozone), is an air pollutant that harms people and plants.
 Ground-level ozone = It is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth's
surface + It is called a "secondary" pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react
in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
 Dobson unit = Dobson is most common unit for measuring ozone concentration + 1 Dobson unit is
number of molecules of ozone that would be required to create a layer of pure ozone 0.01 millimetres
thick at a temperature of 0 degree Celsius and pressure of 1 atmosphere.
 Ozone Depleting Gas Index = Published by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration +
The ODGI-A is defined by the observed decline in halogen abundance from its peak in Antarctica
(ODGI = 100) relative to the drop needed for EESC-A to reach its value in 1980 + Ozone depleting
substances includes chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl
bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl
chloroform + These are generally very stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense
ultraviolet light in the stratosphere + Ozone depletion was first detected in 1980.
 Ozone Hole over Tropics = Scientists revealed a large, all-season ozone hole in lower stratosphere
over tropics comparable in-depth to that of the Antarctic hole, but roughly seven times greater in area
+ All-season ozone hole is defined as an area of ozone loss larger than 25% compared with the
undisturbed atmosphere + Causes- Release of certain chemicals e.g., chlorine and bromine,
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and carbon tetrachloride + Ozone (O3) layer is a high ozone
concentration region in the stratosphere, protecting life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet
radiations from the Sun + Initiatives to protect Ozone Layer
o Vienna Convention on Protection of Ozone Layer 1985, for the promotion of research and
monitoring of human activities on the ozone layer.
o Montreal Protocol: In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was adopted to protect the ozone layer by
phasing out the chemicals which deplete it.
o Kigali Agreement (adopted in 2016 and enforced in 2019), provided path to achieve 80% reduction in
HFCs(not ozone depleting but have high global warming potential) consumption by 2047.
 Ozone Recovery Assessment Report, 2022 = The report was released by combined efforts of WMO,
UNEP, NOAA, NASA and European Commission + A new United Nations-backed Ozone Recovery
Assessment Report, 2022 has stated that the ozone layer is on track to recover within decades as
harmful chemicals are phased out + The report highlights that Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
levels in 2022 are back to those observed in 1980 before ozone depletion was significant. This slow
but steady progress over the past three decades was achieved by Montreal Protocol. The pace of
reduction in ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) over Antarctica, which experiences a large ozone
hole in spring, has been slower.
 Short-Lived Halogens (SLH) = SLH (lifetime of less than six months) are gases that contain the halogen
elements chlorine, bromine, or iodine + Source: Marine phytoplankton and algae, as well as abiotic
sources from ocean and tropospheric chemistry + SLH from oceans reduces warming by depleting ozone
and reduce the formation of cooling aerosols + SLH increase methane’s lifetime in the atmosphere and
increase the levels of water vapour.
 Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) = also referred to as the Indian Niño + condition when the SST of the
western region of Indian Ocean alternately becomes abnormally colder and then abnormally hotter than
the eastern region + Indian Niño can neutralise or worsen the impact of El Niño/La Niña depending on
which phase it is in + ‘positive’ IOD phase, which means higher-than-usual temperatures in the western
Indian Ocean, brings more rain to India than the ‘neutral’ or ‘negative’ (cooling) phase + While the El
Nino is already firmly established in Pacific Ocean this year, a positive IOD development is also being
forecasted by different meteorological agencies.
 Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) = MJO wave is a global band of low-pressure area moving
periodically from West to East and determines the initiation and intensity of low-pressure
areas/depressions/cyclones and also oversees monsoon onsets under its footprint + It is disturbance of
clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure that traverses the planet in the tropics (between 30º N and 30ºS) and
returns to its initial starting point in 30 to 60 days, on average + There can be multiple MJO events within

a season, and so the MJO is best described as intra-seasonal tropical climate variability (i.e. varies on a
week-to-week basis) + MJO influences the ENSO cycle. It does not cause El Nino or La Nina, but can
contribute to the speed of development and intensity of El Nino and La Nina episodes + When MJO is
over the Indian Ocean during the Monsoon season, it generally brings good rainfall over the Indian
subcontinent. On the other hand, when it witnesses a longer cycle and stays over the Pacific Ocean, MJO
brings bad news for the Indian Monsoon.
 El Niño Modoki = El Niño Modoki is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon in the tropical Pacific +
It is different from another coupled phenomenon in the tropical Pacific namely, El Niño + Conventional
El Niño is characterized by strong anomalous warming in the eastern equatorial Pacific + Whereas, El
Niño Modoki is associated with strong anomalous warming in the central tropical Pacific and cooling in
the eastern and western tropical Pacific + El Nino Modoki causes warm moist conditions in Central
Pacific and dry cold conditions in Eastern and western pacific + This phenomenon is leading to increase
in frequency of cyclones in the arabian ocean.
 Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) = PDO is a long-term ocean fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean + It has two
phases: Cool or Negative Phase: Characterized by a cool wedge of lower than normal sea-surface heights/ocean
temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific; and Warm or positive phase: It is reverse of cool phase. In it, West
Pacific Ocean becomes cool and the wedge in the east warms + It waxes and wanes approximately every 20 to 30
years. However, in the recent time, the ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ phases have been much shorter + Scientist have also
pointed the linkage of PDO and global warming. Also, both impact each other.
 El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) = Though ENSO is a single climate phenomenon, it has three states
or phases + El Niño: A warming of the ocean surface or above-average sea surface temperatures (SST), in
the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It leads to drought and deficient rainfall in Asia. Due to it,
recently global monthly mean ocean temperatures has raised at an all-time high relative to temperatures since
records started to be kept + La Niña: A cooling of the ocean surface or below-average sea surface
temperatures (SST), in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean + Neutral: Neither El Niño or La Niña.
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Often tropical Pacific SSTs are generally close to average.

 Relation between PDO and El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) = Climate impacts experienced
durin PDO event can go hand-in-hand with impacts of ENSO. If both phenomena are in same phase,
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their associated impacts can be amplified + Impact on Indian Monsoon: ENSO(El Niño phase) with
positive PDO is generally not good for Indian monsoon + When ENSO(in La Nina phase) is linked
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with negative PDO, it intensifies it.

 Southern Annular Mode (SAM) = Recently, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
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(INCOIS) discovered that the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), an important climate pattern, plays a pivotal role
in shaping sea conditions across the Indian Ocean + It is the north-south movement of Southern Westerly Winds
4g
over timescales of 10s to 100s of years + It is also known as the Antarctic Oscillation + They blow almost
continuously in the mid- to high-latitudes of the southern hemisphere + It is usually defined as the difference in
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the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
 Fujiwhara Effect = It refers to any interaction between tropical storms formed around the same time in
the same ocean region with their centers or eyes at less than 1,400 km, with intensity that could vary
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between a depression (wind speed under 63 km per hour) and a super typhoon (wind speed over 209 km
per hour) + The interaction could lead to changes in the track and intensity of either or both storm
up
systems. In rare cases, 2 systems can merge, especially when they are of similar size and intensity, to
form a bigger storm + It makes cyclones more unpredictable due to rapid intensification, carrying of more
rain and newer ways of moving over warming oceans.
 Anthropocene Epoch = The term was first coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen and
biology professor Eugene Stoermer in 2000 + not yet formally established as a new geological epoch, but
several geologists and Earth system scientists propose its beginning to the mid-20th century + It is a
proposed epoch that denotes the present geological time interval in which Earth’s ecosystem has
undergone radical changes due to human impact, especially since the onset of the Industrial Revolution +
Numerous phenomena are associated with this epoch, such as global warming, sea-level rise, ocean
acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, deadly heat waves etc + Earth’s geological time scale is divided
into five broad categories: eons, epochs, eras, periods, epochs and ages + Officially we’re in the
Phanerozoic eon, Cenozoic era, Quaternary period, Holocene epoch and Meghalayan age + Meghalayan
age (4200 years ago) began with an abrupt mega-drought that caused the collapse of several civilisations.
Geologists found proof of this event in Meghalaya’s Mawmluh Cave system

 6th Mass Extinction = Recent study states that earth is going through its 6th mass extinction + Mass
extinction event is usually defined as about 75% of the world's species being lost in a 'short' amount
of geological time - less than 2.8 million years + There have been 5 mass extinctions so far. However,
all of those were caused by natural phenomena + This time, it is being caused entirely by humans and
hence referred to as Anthropocene extinction + Earlier mass extinctions are: Ordovician, Devonian,
Permian, Triassic and K-T.
 Mpemba Effect = The effect is that hot water can freeze faster than cold water in similar conditions +
While Aristotle, Francis Bacon, and René Descartes had noticed the effect centuries earlier, the Mpemba
effect caught scientists’ attention only more recently + It is named after Tanzanian student Erasto
Mpemba, who brought attention to this counterintuitive phenomenon in 1969, making for curious
observations.
 Alpenglow = It is a natural phenomenon when mountain slopes are illuminated by the sun as it rises or
sets + The slopes turn a rosy, reddish, or orange hue depending on the angle of the sun and atmospheric
conditions + It occurs during the twilight hours before or after sunset. It can also occur in the first minutes
after the sun rises or sets.
 Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG) = LDG refers to the pattern of having lots of species at the
equator with diversity reducing towards poles + A recent study examined role of major classes of
Mycorrhizal Fungi - arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal in LDG + Study found that:
Mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial relationships with majority of plant roots globally +
Arbuscular fungi, common near equator promote diversity + Ectomycorrhizal fungi, common at higher
latitudes support single tree species, reducing diversity.
 Humboldt’s Enigma = It was proposed by Alexander von Humboldt stating that mountain regions
generally display higher diversity than tropical regions + it questions the conventional notion that tropical
regions, fueled by ample sunlight, are the primary centres of biodiversity on Earth + The proponents of
Humboldt’s enigma hold that many areas outside the tropics are also highly biodiverse. i.e., the
Mountains.
 Phonotaxis = Phonotaxis is the movement by an animal in response to a sound + It has mostly been
observed among crickets, moths, frogs, toads, and a few other creatures + Two types of phonotaxis:
positive and negative + The purpose of positive phonotaxis is attraction. It usually happens when the
females of a particular species including those of crickets and frogs – are attracted to the sounds made by
the males + Negative phonotaxis serves to repel or warn, such as when the sound of a predator nearby
signals to an animal that it needs to move away.
 Estivation/Aestivation = It is a biological phenomenon whereby the animal enters a long period of
dormancy, or inactivity, in response to high temperature or maybe even drought-like conditions + It is a
survival strategy that helps the animal conserve energy and water in a difficult time + During aestivation,
the animal often seeks shelter in a cool underground burrow, crevice or cocoon, where it will remain in a
state of reduced metabolic activity, which in turn reduces the rate at which the body consumes energy +
Estivation can also be a way to avoid desiccation – extreme dryness of the skin – and also lower the risk
of being preyed on by a predator + For example, the West African lungfish burrows into the mud of a
drying water body and secretes a cocoon of mucus around itself during a drought. Desert tortoises dig
burrows and retreat into them in hot summer months. Many land snails seal themselves in their shells
with a mucous plug, and stay inactive until the conditions outside improve.
 Protists = Protists are a diverse collection of organisms that do not fit into animal, plant, bacteria, or fungi groups
+ Kingdom Protista is one of 6 kingdoms of life (others: Eubacteria, Archae, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia) +
Protists are believed to be common ancestral link between plants, animals, & fungi from which these 3 groups
branched out in process of evolution + Protists are eukaryotes as they possess a nucleus and other membrane-
bound organelles (structures that perform a specific job) + Majority of them are unicellular, like amoeba;
however, a few protists are multicellular, like seaweed + Nearly all protists exist in some type of aquatic
environment, including freshwater and marine environments, damp soil, and even snow + Many protists, such as
algae, are photosynthetic and are vital primary producers in ecosystems + Some are responsible for a range of
serious human diseases, such as malaria and sleeping sickness.
 Palaeo Proxies = Palaeo proxies, short for paleoclimate proxies or paleoenvironmental proxies, are
indicators or records used by scientists to reconstruct past climate and environmental conditions + These
proxies are typically derived from physical, biological, or chemical processes that respond to changes in
temperature or other climatic factors + Since direct measurements of climate from the distant past are not

possible, scientists rely on these proxy records to understand past climate variations and long-term trends
+ Recently, it was proclaimed that a particular day in July 2023 as the Warmest in over 100,000 Years is
scientifically unfounded. This claim is based on temperature estimates from before the invention of
thermometers, which rely on "Palaeo Proxies" that cannot provide daily timescale temperatures.
 Shelf Cloud = A “shelf cloud” or “Arcus cloud” generally forms along the leading edge of thunderstorms + It is a type
of low-lying, horizontal cloud formation characterized by a clearly defined line of solid clouds + It is known for its
distinctive wedge-shaped formation. They usually appear as a broad arc across the sky that can sometimes appear to be
rotating horizontally + Shelf clouds form when cold and dense air is forced into a warmer air mass by wind. This rush
of cold air often occurs in a thunderstorm’s downdraught, where cold air rushes towards the ground before spreading
out to create a gust front + Shelf clouds produced by thunderstorms are always preceded by a rush of dry and cold air
ahead of the cloud, with rain arriving after the shelf cloud has passed overhead.
 Atlantification = Atlantification is a process in which warm water from Atlantic is being advected into arctic
ocean in increasing amounts thereby making some parts of Barents Sea to more closely resemble the Atlantic +
Atlantification is making the Arctic Ocean saltier and warmer + Researchers believe that Atlantification is driven
by a process called Arctic Dipole which is associated with anticyclonic winds over North America and cyclonic
winds over Eurasia which alternates in an approximately 15-year cycle.
 Tropicalisation = A study indicates that rising sea temperatures due to climate change are causing tropical
marine species to move from equator towards poles and retraction of temperate species. This mass movement of
marine life has been termed tropicalisation + Mediterranean Sea is now considered a tropicalisation hotspot due
an increase in tropical species + Tropicalisation together with Borealisation and Desertification contribute to
global redistribution of biota and rearrangement of ecological communities + Borealisation is expansion of
temperate species (terrestrial and marine) into Arctic polar- regions.
 Medicanes = Medicanes are extra-tropical hurricanes observed over the Mediterranean Sea + Medicanes occur
more in colder waters than tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons. Hence, the cores of these storms are also
cold, as compared to the warm cores of tropical cyclones + Warmer cores tend to carry more moisture (hence
rainfall), are bigger in size and have swifter winds + The main societal hazard posed by Medicanes is not usually
from destructive winds but through life-threatening torrential rains and flash floods + Recently, Eastern Libya
experienced a catastrophic event as floods caused by Storm Daniel, brought widespread destruction. This led to
floods in Libyan city of Derna & Cyrene [Mark on Map]
 Omega Blocking = Omega block occurs when two low-pressure systems become cut off from the main flow of
the jet stream, sandwiching a high-pressure system between them + It resembles the Greek letter Ω on a weather
map + Omega-blocking events have also been linked to other extreme weather events in the past, including
Pakistan floods in 2011, 2019 heatwaves during May in France and July in Germany etc. + According to a study,
recent floods in the Mediterranean regions were caused by low pressure systems forming around an Omega
Block centred over the Netherlands.
 Ambergris = (French for grey amber) + generally referred to as whale vomit + preternaturally hardened whale
dung + produced only by 1% of sperm whales + sperm whale eats several thousand squid beaks a day +
Occasionally, a beak makes it way to whale’s stomach and into its looping convoluted intestines where it
becomes ambergris through a complex process, and may ultimately be excreted by whale + it is a solid waxy
substance that floats around surface of water body and at times settles on coast + This excretion is so valuable that
it is referred to as floating gold, because of its use in perfume markets (like Dubai), especially to create fragrances
like musk + also used in traditional medicines.
 Desiccation-Tolerant Vascular (DT) Plants = New study discovered 62 desiccation-tolerant vascular plant
species in India's Western Ghats, having applications in agriculture + DT Plants are plants that are capable to
withstand extreme dehydration, losing up to 95% of their water content, and they revive themselves once water is
available again + Plants resistant to desiccation are commonly known as “resurrection plants” (vascular and
nonvascular plants) + In tropical regions, they are the predominant occupants of rock outcrops + Rock outcrops
are visible exposures of bedrock or other geologic formations at the surface of the Earth.
 Melanistic animals = Occurs due to genetic mutation + They have an increased amount of the dark pigment
melanin in their skin, hair and feathers, etc., giving them a dark appearance.
 Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) = DVM is synchronised movement of deep-sea marine animals up and down in
oceanic water column over a daily cycle + Free-floating zooplanktons swim up to food-rich surface waters at night to
feed when light is scarce and they are “hidden” from predators. They return to the depths before sun rises.
 Cloud Seeding = Cloud seeding is a kind of a weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall
+ Cloud seeding aims to facilitate and accelerate that process by making available chemical ‘nuclei’
around which condensation can take place + It works only when there is enough pre-existing clouds in the

atmosphere + Mainly 8 Chemicals are used in Cloud seeding: Silver iodide, dry ice, Potassium Iodide,
Propane, Calcium Carbide, Ammonium Nitrate, Sodium Chloride, Urea + Recently, Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Kanpur has successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding.
 Zombie Fire = It is a fire from a previous growing season that can smoulder under the ground which is
made up of carbon-rich peat + These smouldering fires also produce more smoke because of their lower
temperature of combustion + As global temperatures rise, fires are also spreading farther north and into
the Arctic , which is causing an increase in "zombie fires."
 Ecocide = It is derived from Greek and Latin, translates to “killing one’s home” or “environment” + No
accepted legal definition of ecocide. However, A group of lawyers proposed that it constitutes the
“unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and
either widespread or long term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.” + It includes port
expansion projects that destroy fragile marine life and local livelihoods; deforestation; illegal sand
mining; and polluting rivers with untreated sewage + According to Stop Ecocide International,
deforestation of the Amazon, deepsea trawling and the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster could have been avoided
with ecocide laws in place + Stop Ecocide International is a body advocating for legislation against
ecocides + Mexico is one of several countries planning ecocide legislation. The European Parliament
voted unanimously this year to enshrine ecocide in law.
 PET46 = Recently discovered deep-sea enzyme, PET46, capable of continuously breaking down PET
plastic, commonly found in plastic bottles + PET46 has unique properties, such as the ability to degrade
long-chain and short-chain PET molecules, making it valuable for biotechnology applications. This
research is part of the PLASTISEA project and sheds light on the potential for plastic waste degradation
in the sea and on land + PET plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a common type of plastic used to
make bottles, containers, and synthetic fibres. It is known for its transparency, lightweight nature, and
recyclability. PET is widely used for packaging beverages, food, and personal care products.
 BioFuel = It is produced over a short time span from biomass rather than by the very slow natural
om
processes involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as oil + Different Generations:
o First generation: It is produced from consumable food items containing starch (rice and wheat), sugar
(beets and sugarcane) for bioalcohols, or vegetable oils for biodiesel.
o Second generation: It is mainly obtained from non-food feedstocks such as forest/industry/agricultural
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wastes and waste or used vegetable oils.

o Third generation: It is known as ‘algae fuel’ and is derived from algae in the form of both biodiesel and
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bioalcohols.
o Fourth generation: Like the third generation, 4G biofuels are made using non-arable land. However,
m
unlike the third, they do not need the destruction of biomass.

o E-20 Target = Having achieved the E10 target (10% ethanol blending in petrol), India aims to achieve E20 by
4g
2025-26 + India wish to learn from Brazil's success in achieving E-85 through the Global Biofuels Alliance.
 Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) = It is using technologies, practices, and approaches to remove carbon
73
dioxide from our atmosphere through deliberate and intentional human actions + This includes traditional
methods like afforestation as well as more sophisticated technologies like direct air carbon capture and
storage (DACCS) + Different methods of CDR are:
sc
 Biochar: It is produced by burning organic waste from agricultural lands and forests in a controlled
process called pyrolysis + Pyrolysis involves burning of wood chips, leaves, dead plants, etc. with
up
very little oxygen, and the process releases a significantly small quantity of fumes + Biochar is a
stable form of carbon that cannot easily escape into the atmosphere.
 Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS): It involves bioenergy production, often
through combustion to generate electricity or heat + Resulting CO2 emissions from this combustion
are captured and stored underground, preventing them from contributing to the greenhouse effect + It
sequesters photosynthetically fixed carbon as post-combustion CO2.
 Direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS): It extracts CO2 directly from atmosphere at any
location + This captured CO2 is then permanently stored in deep geological formations or used for
other applications + It uses electricity to remove CO2 from the air.
 Enhanced rock weathering: It involves pulverising silicate rocks to bypass conventionally slow
weathering action + The resultant product, usually a powder, has a higher reactive surface area, which
is then spread on agricultural lands for further chemical reactions.
 Ocean alkalinity enhancement: It involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to accelerate this
natural sink.
 Central Asian Flyway = A flyway is a geographical region within which a single or a group of migratory
species completes its annual cycle – breeding, moulting, staging and non-breeding + Central Asian Flyway
(CAF) covers a large area of Eurasia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans + Including India, there are 30
countries under the Central Asian Flyway + The CAF comprises several important migration routes of
waterbirds, most of which extend from the northernmost breeding grounds in Siberia to the southernmost non-
breeding wintering grounds in West Asia, India, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory + Some
prominent birds using CAF: Blac necked crane, Bar headed goose, Indian skimmer, Social lapwing, Ibisbill, spot
billed pelican, Caspian plover, Relict Gull + Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in
collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme/ Convention on Migratory Species
(UNEP/CMS) had organized a meeting of Range Countries to strengthen conservation efforts for migratory birds
and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
 Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt = 5,000 mile-wide thicket of seaweed in Atlantic Ocean, and is the
largest macroalgae bloom in the world + This floating habitat provides food and protection for fishes,
mammals, marine birds, crabs, and more + When the Sargassum piling up on beaches and decomposes it
releases hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas + Recently, A new study revealed that the Great Atlantic Sargassum
Belt could become overrun with species of Vibrio bacteria.
 Artificial Reef (AR) = ARs are technology interventions used to rehabilitate or improve natural habitats, increase
productivity and manage aquatic resources including habitat enhancement + Department of Fisheries is
promoting AR under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for rejuvenating coastal fisheries
 Arctic Sea Ice = A recent study in the Nature journal says that the loss of Arctic sea ice is inevitable in
the decades ahead, even if the world somehow gets its act together and sharply reduces carbon emissions
+ “Sea ice is light-coloured and therefore reflects more sunlight back to space than liquid water, thus
playing a vital role in keeping polar regions cool and maintaining the earth’s energy balance + Sea ice
also keeps the air cool by forming a barrier between the cold air above and the relatively warmer water
below + As the amount of sea ice decreases, the Arctic region’s cooling effect is reduced, and this may
initiate a ‘feedback loop’ whereby ocean warming caused by more absorption of solar energy leads to an
even greater loss of sea ice and further warming + The reduction in ice cover also affects the traditional
subsistence hunting lifestyle of indigenous Arctic populations such as the Yup’ik, Iñupiat, and Inuit.
 Arctic Amplification = Recently, a World Metrological Organisation (WMO) study highlighted that Arctic warming
is disproportionately high + The Arctic region has warmed at least twice as much as the world average + The warming
differential between the poles and the tropics is known as Arctic (or polar) amplification + The ice cover in the Arctic is
melting, because of which more land/water is getting exposed to the Sun and leading to more absorption of sunlight.
Heat transfers from the tropics to the poles through prevailing systems of air circulation + Polar amplification is much
stronger in the Arctic than in Antarctica. This difference is because the Arctic is an ocean covered by sea ice, while
Antarctica is an elevated continent covered in more permanent ice and snow.
 Release of Radioactive Water = Japan's plan to release over 1 million tons water, which is claimed to be treated but
potentially radioactive, from Fukushima nuclear power plant into sea, has sparked strong opposition and anxiety
among neighboring countries, particularly South Korea + Water is treated using a filtering system called Advanced
Liquid Processing System (ALPS), which removes most of the radioactive elements except for tritium, a hydrogen
isotope that is difficult to separate + Japan says it has no space to keep water, and is thus releasing it + International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is assisting Japan to release the water into the sea.
 Tritium= Tritium is hydrogen's most stable radioisotope + It is radioactive and has a half-life of about
12.5 years + It comprises 2 neutrons and 1 proton in its nucleus. Small traces of hydrogen 3 or tritium
occurs in nature due to the synergy of cosmic rays with atmospheric gases. They are also released in a
small amount at the time of nuclear weapons tests.
 Ennore Oil Spill = It occurred in Ennore region of Chennai after Cyclone Michaung-induced floods + As per
Indian Coast Guards, originating from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd refinery it has spread across
20sqkm into sea + It is release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbon in environment, especially marine areas + Bio
remediation technology developed in India for it:
 Oilzapper (developed by TERI), an eco-friendly technique of using the bacteria to get rid of oil sludges
and oil- spill.
 Oilivorous-S(developed by TERI and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd) has an additional bacterial strain that
makes it more effective against sludge and crude oil with high-sulphur content.

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ENVIRONMENT

This is PART of our yearly

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ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS

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Vulnerbale + CITES: Appendix I + Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

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remnant of the mega-fauna European wood bison.

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Whitebellied blue robin + The biodiversity of a region is expressed in two ways:

hunt, and carry out various activities during daylight hours.

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commenced in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) recently.

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life cycle, remaining dormant till the next year.

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alternative to traditional chlorophyll for growth

NEW SPECIES/DISCOVERY in NEWS

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Triglidae family worldwide.

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ANCIENT SPECIES in NEWS

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 Lorrainosaurus = Researchers have identified fossils of a 170-million-year-old ancient marine reptile as

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INVASIVE SPECIES in NEWS

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CYCLONES in NEWS [Only Important ones]

MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS and REGIONS in NEWS

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ISLAND, RIVERS and LAKES in NEWS

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a boundary between the two nations.

River just before the river enters India as Siang.

drained out of Hyderabad.

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Hydroelectric Project, Koyna River is known as the Life Line of Maharashtra.

PARKS AND SANCTUARIES in NEWS

evergreen and semi-evergreen forests cover a major area of the sanctuary.

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habitat by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

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