environment

Bonnet Macaques: Habitat, Features, Behaviour, and Conservation Status

The Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) is one of the most iconic primates of southern India. Known for its unique “bonnet-shaped” hair whorl on the head, this monkey has adapted remarkably well to live close to humans, often becoming a familiar...

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Map, Flora, Fauna and Significance

Context: A State Finance Inspection wing report has revealed financial irregularities at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), Kerala. Periyar Tiger Reserve Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats in Kerala,...

Project Cheetah in India, Objectives, Challenges and Criticisms

Context: On the occasion of the third anniversary of Project Cheetah, a female cheetah named Dheera has been relocated from Kuno National Park to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary in MP. Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India Launch: The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in...

UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

Context: India adds 7 new natural sites to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. List of 7 New Natural Sites to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage These sites are: Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island...

Light Pollution, Types, Impacts and Global Initiatives

Context: A global study based on bird vocalisations (via BirdWeather network using AI model BirdNET) has revealed that artificial light pollution significantly alters bird behaviour. Key Observations Light Pollution impacts the environment and causes habitat loss, disruption of food webs,...

Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR): Location, Characteristics and Prominent Tribes

Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has ordered a probe into allegations of fraudulent relocation of tribals from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). The Odisha government has notified the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), the world’s only...

Global Plastic Treaty, Need, Challenges and India’s Efforts to Tackle the Crisis

Context: According to OECD’s Global Plastic Outlook, plastic production doubled from 2000 to 2019, reaching 460 million tonnes, while waste grew to 353 million tonnes. Current Status of Global Plastic Production Global plastic production is now around 400-460 million tonnes per...

BS-VII Emission Norms in India: Key Features, Impact and Importance

Context: The Indian government is planning to adopt BS VII emission standards and CAFE III (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms. BS-VII Emission Norms Bharat Stage (BS) norms regulate pollutants emitted by vehicles in India. BS-VII will be the next stricter...

Translocation of Tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

Context: The Union Environment Ministry has approved the capture and translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra. Why is the Translocation of Tigers happening? Low Tiger...

Role of Vultures in Preventing Pandemics

Context: With India’s National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2016–25) nearing completion, experts argue the next phase must link vulture conservation to pandemic preparedness under a One Health framework. Role of Vultures in Preventing Pandemics Natural Waste Managers: Vultures feed...