Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav Sub: Env Sec: Protected Areas Development Impact on Indigenous Tribes: The Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav, assured that the development of a port and airport in the Nicobar Islands as part of the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project would not disturb or displace […]
Illegal wildlife trade: When creatures of the sea take flight Sub: Env Sec: Int Conventions Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Rising Threat: The illegal wildlife trade, including marine species like seahorses, whales, and sharks, has seen a significant increase, particularly in the last four years. In August 2024, enforcement agencies at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International […]
Malaysia Announces adopt-an-orangutan plan for palm oil importers Sub: Env Sec: Species in news Context: Malaysia’s Commodities Minister, Johari Abdul Ghani, announced that companies importing palm oil from Malaysia can adopt orangutans, but the animals must remain in the country. This revision comes after initial plans to send orangutans abroad as trading gifts […]
NTCA’s Directive for Relocation of Forest Dwellers from Tiger Reserves: A Controversy Sub: Env Sec: Env legislation Why This Article is in the News The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently mandated the relocation of nearly 4 lakh forest dwellers from 54 tiger reserves. This large-scale displacement is intended to ensure that […]
An unfortunate resemblance: Why conservation evades the depleting Mettukurinji of Western Ghats Sub: Env Sec: Species in news Discovery of Mettukurinji in Idukki: A news story about a rare blooming event in Kerala’s Idukki region captivated social media, attracting tourists to see the stunning purple flowers. While the area is known for Neelakurinji, […]
Supreme Court to examine need for a permanent environmental regulator Sub: Env Sec: Env legislation Context: The Supreme Court decided to assess the necessity of establishing a ‘permanent environmental regulator’ akin to those in the telecom and electricity sectors. Details: Justice K.V. Viswanathan noted the existence of regulators in telecom (TRAI) and electricity […]
When Vultures Die, We Die Sub: Env Sec: Species in news Context: From 2000-2005,India saw approximately 500,000 deaths and an annual economic loss of Rs 58,110 crore ($69.4 billion) due to the loss of vultures. The study “The Social Costs of Keystone Species Collapse” highlights the devastating effects of the functional extinction of […]
How the Banni grasslands of Kachchh, Gujarat can be restored Sub: Env Sec: Protected Area Grasslands and Their Importance: Grasslands are among the largest ecosystems globally, found mainly in semiarid and arid regions, including savannahs and grassy shrublands. They support unique species, offer ecosystem services such as carbon storage and climate mitigation, and […]
Chinese yaks stray onto Indian side, held by villagers in eastern Ladakh Sub: Env Sec: Protected Area Context: Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian territory in the Demchok area of eastern Ladakh and are now under the control of local villagers. Disputed Areas and LAC Perceptions: Incidents of graziers straying across the […]