Kashmir Markhor

Source:  DTE Subject:  Species in News Context: The Kashmir markhor, India’s rarest wild goat, is facing local extinction, with only 200–300 individuals left, mostly confined to the Kazinag range of Jammu & Kashmir. About Kashmir Markhor: What it is? The Kashmir markhor is a large, cliff-dwelling wild goat and a subspecies of the markhor (Capra …

Cetacean morbillivirus

Source: IE Subject: Species in News Context: Scientists have detected cetacean morbillivirus in Arctic waters for the first time by using drones to collect whale breath (blow) samples, a non-invasive technique. About Cetacean morbillivirus: What it is? Cetacean morbillivirus is a highly infectious viral disease affecting marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, and pilot …

“Human–animal conflict reflects a breakdown in coexistence rather than conservation failure”. Discuss the statement. Examine ecological and socio-economic drivers of conflict. Suggest integrated mitigation strategies.

Topic: Man Animal Conflict Q6. “Human–animal conflict reflects a breakdown in coexistence rather than conservation failure”. Discuss the statement. Examine ecological and socio-economic drivers of conflict. Suggest integrated mitigation strategies. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Rising human–animal conflict in India has brought attention to the limits of protection-centric conservation and …

“Biodiversity is not merely a count of species but a measure of ecosystem resilience”. Bring out the significance of different levels of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem stability.

Topic: Biodiversity Q5. “Biodiversity is not merely a count of species but a measure of ecosystem resilience”. Bring out the significance of different levels of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem stability. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question The evolving understanding of biodiversity as a resilience-building ecological asset rather than a simple numerical …

Himalayan Black Bear

Source:  NIE Subject:  Species in News Context: Himalayan black bears in Uttarakhand are turning unusually aggressive as erratic weather and delayed winter, linked to climate change, have disrupted their natural hibernation cycle—leading to a spike in human-wildlife conflict incidents. About Himalayan Black Bear: What it is? A subspecies of the Asiatic black bear, the Himalayan …

Rare Defence Traits in Indian Frogs

Source:  TH Context: A team from the University of Delhi’s Systematics Lab, has documented for the first time rare anti-predator defence behaviours in two Indian frog species, published in Herpetological Notes. About Rare Defence Traits in Indian Frogs: The study uncovers unique behavioural adaptations in frogs, including biting, shrieking, and body-raising, to deter predators. These …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: Tropical Rainforests Turning from Carbon Sinks to Net Emitters

General Studies-3; Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.   Introduction Tropical rainforests are among the Earth’s most vital ecosystems — they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and help regulate the planet’s climate. For decades, they have acted as “carbon sinks”, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and serving as buffers against climate …

IUCN Flags Western Ghats, Manas, and Sundarbans as ‘Significant Concern’ Sites

Source:  TH Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its World Heritage Outlook 4 (2025) report placed Western Ghats, Manas National Park, and Sundarbans National Park under the “Significant Concern” category. About IUCN Flags Western Ghats, Manas, and Sundarbans as ‘Significant Concern’ Sites: About the IUCN World Heritage Outlook The World Heritage …

India’s National Red List Roadmap

Source:  DD News Context: At the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Union MoS for Environment launched India’s National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030. About India’s National Red List Roadmap: What It Is? A national initiative to create an integrated Red List assessment system for identifying, classifying, and conserving India’s threatened species …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: Wetland Conservation

General Studies-3; Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.   Introduction The Meghalaya High Court, through a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), has taken up the conservation of wetlands in the state, highlighting the significance of these fragile ecosystems. The move by the High Court aligns with national and international efforts, including …

Ratapani Tiger Reserve

Source:  TOI  Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 8th Tiger Reserve. About Ratapani Tiger Reserve: Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges across Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh. Origin: Initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976, extended in 1983, and received NTCA’s approval for …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Source:  TH Context: The recent conflict between tigers and villagers near the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan highlights the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence. Overcrowding, habitat overlap, and inadequate management have led to tragic incidents, emphasizing the need for balanced conservation strategies and human safety measures. About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR): Location: Situated at the confluence …

Rio G20 Summit

Syllabus: Multilateral Institution Source:  G20.org Context: The G20 Rio de Janeiro Declaration focuses on tackling global challenges and crises while fostering strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Major Outcomes of the Rio G20 Summit Declaration: Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Aim: Mobilize finance and knowledge-sharing for country-led programs to fight hunger and poverty. Features: Focus …

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

Source:  PIB  Context: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been notified as India’s 56th tiger reserve. This milestone reflects India’s ongoing efforts to conserve tigers and their habitats under Project Tiger and the National Wildlife Plan. About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: Location: Spread over 2,829.38 sq. km in Chhattisgarh, encompassing Guru …

Hokersar Wetland

Source:  DTE Context: The Hokersar wetland, a Ramsar site in the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed a sharp decline in migratory bird populations due to an 81% rainfall deficit in the region. About Hokersar Wetland: Location: Situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, within the northwest Himalayan biogeographic province. Receives water from Doodhganga River, a tributary of …