Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List

Source: IT Subject: Environment Context: Union Environment Minister announced the addition of two new wetlands—Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat) to India’s Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026. With this inclusion, India’s Ramsar sites have increased to 98, reflecting a 276% expansion since 2014. About Addition of 2 …

Karuna Abhiyan

Context: Gujarat Chief Minister reviewed rescue operations under Karuna Abhiyan-2026 during the Uttarayan festival after a surge in bird injuries caused by kite strings, highlighting the state’s large-scale wildlife protection drive. About Karuna Abhiyan: What it is? Karuna Abhiyan is a state-wide wildlife rescue and rehabilitation campaign launched by Gujarat in 2017 to protect birds …

Global Environment Facility

Source:  UNEP Subject:  International Organisation Context: The Global Environment Facility has approved US$52.8 million for four new UN Environment Programme–led projects at its 70th Council meeting. About Global Environment Facility (GEF): What it is? The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral environmental financing mechanism that provides grants and blended finance to developing countries and …

Shift of wildlife trafficking to the North East–Myanmar corridor

Context: Wildlife enforcement agencies have found that international poachers from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are increasingly using the North East–Myanmar corridor to smuggle wildlife parts into China. About Shift of wildlife trafficking to the North East–Myanmar corridor: What it is? It refers to the emerging use of India’s North Eastern states, especially Mizoram and Manipur, …

Amazon’s Stingless Bees

Source:  IE Subject:  Species in News Context: Amazonian stingless bees have become the first insects in the world to be granted legal rights after Peruvian municipalities passed a landmark ordinance recognising their right to exist and flourish. About Amazon’s Stingless Bees: What they are? Stingless bees are a group of bees that either lack stingers …

Aravalli Hills Controversy

Source: FL Subject: Environment Context: The Supreme Court has approved a new height-based definition of the Aravalli Hills, triggering nationwide concern as environmentalists warn it may deregulate large ecologically sensitive areas beyond mining. The move has sparked protests under the “Save Aravalli” campaign, citing long-term ecological risks. About Aravalli Hills Controversy: What are the Aravalli …

Erivan Anomalous Blue

Source:  DTE Subject:  Environment Context: Armenia has unveiled the official logo of COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), featuring the Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis), a rare endemic butterfly. About Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis): What it is? Polyommatus eriwanensis, commonly known as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, is a blue butterfly species endemic …

Rhinoceros (Rhino)

Source:  TH Subject:  Species in News Context: A recent international study shows that rhino dehorning has reduced poaching by nearly 75–78% in African reserves, offering a cost-effective conservation tool. About Rhinoceros (Rhino): What it is? The rhinoceros is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae. It is one of the oldest surviving megafauna, …

Ecological succession is no longer a linear march towards a stable climax but a state of continual transition. How have human-induced disturbances accelerated the emergence of novel ecosystems? Examine the resulting challenges to defining and conserving biodiversity baselines.

Topic: Ecological Succession Q5. Ecological succession is no longer a linear march towards a stable climax but a state of continual transition. How have human-induced disturbances accelerated the emergence of novel ecosystems? Examine the resulting challenges to defining and conserving biodiversity baselines. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Because current climatic, …

Oman

Source:  TOI Subject: Mapping Context: Oman has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for the 2025–2029 term during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. About Oman: What it is? Oman is a monarchy located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its balance …

The future of conservation lies not in isolation but in connection. Discuss the significance of ecological corridors. Evaluate India’s efforts in integrating connectivity in land-use planning.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Q6. The future of conservation lies not in isolation but in connection. Discuss the significance of ecological corridors. Evaluate India’s efforts in integrating connectivity in land-use planning. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: In light of the IUCN–UNCCD report (2025) highlighting how …

“The future of wildlife conservation lies in connectivity, not captivity”. Evaluate this statement in the context of climate-induced habitat shifts.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Q6. “The future of wildlife conservation lies in connectivity, not captivity”. Evaluate this statement in the context of climate-induced habitat shifts. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: Climate change–induced habitat shifts have exposed the limitations of conventional protected area–based conservation. The question tests understanding of …

Traditional Seeds in India

Syllabus: Agriculture Source:  TH Context: Traditional seed varieties are declining due to market preferences for hybrid crops, threatening biodiversity and climate resilience. What are Traditional Seeds? Traditional seeds, also called indigenous, heirloom, or desi seeds, are native crop varieties that have been naturally cultivated, saved, and exchanged by farmers over generations. Unlike hybrid or genetically modified (GM) seeds, they …

Assess the role of indigenous knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation. How can they be mainstreamed into national policy frameworks?

Topic: Environment & ecology Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Q5. Assess the role of indigenous knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation. How can they be mainstreamed into national policy frameworks? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Increasing focus on integrating indigenous knowledge in biodiversity policies amid global climate and ecological crises. Key …

Sacred Groves

Source:  TH  Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to formulate a comprehensive policy to manage sacred groves, emphasizing their ecological and cultural importance.  About Sacred Groves: What they are: Sacred groves are patches of forest traditionally preserved by local communities due to their religious, cultural, or spiritual significance. Classification: Traditional Sacred Groves: …

Women and Nature

Context: The connection between women and nature reflects the deep-rooted association of nurturing, sustainability, and responsibility. Connection between Women and Nature: Nurturers and Caregivers: Women traditionally manage resources like water, food, and fuel, fostering sustainable practices. E.g. In Uttarakhand, women led the Chipko Movement to protect forests. Advocates for Climate Justice: Women spearhead community-led conservation …

Kunming Declaration on biodiversity conservation:

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.   Context: The “Kunming Declaration” was adopted by over 100 countries in the ongoing virtual 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD).   Theme of the COP-15: “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on …