Source: PIB Subject: Environment Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has officially designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre at CMLRE, Kochi, as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. About Bhavasagara Referral Centre: What It Is? The Bhavasagara Referral Centre is a specialized scientific hub and India’s …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2026 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. These …
Source: News on Air Subject: Mapping Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to strengthen conservation in the Aravalli Range. About Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: What it is? Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife reserve known for its dry deciduous forest ecosystem …
Source: TH Subject: Species in news Context: The Union government’s Expert Appraisal Committee (MoEFCC) has asked Tamil Nadu to revise the design of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora (Thanjavur). About Dugongs: What it is? Dugong is a large, slow-moving marine mammal, commonly called a “sea cow”, that feeds exclusively on seagrass. It …
Source: TH Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has released “A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India’s Tiger Reserves” to safeguard forest-dwelling tribes’ rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 during relocation and promote community-inclusive conservation. About A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India’s Tiger Reserves: What it is? A national-level …
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Source: PIB Context: India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day (October 23, 2025) with the nationwide ‘#23for23’ campaign. Government also unveiled the first-ever national Snow Leopard Census, recording 718 individuals across the Indian Himalayas. About ‘23for23’ Initiative: What it is? A nationwide awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to …
Source: IE Context: After over a year’s delay, the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–25 results were released in Dehradun by the Union Environment Ministry and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), reporting 22,446 elephants across India. About Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–25: What it is? SAIEE is India’s nationwide synchronized census of …
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Source: HT Context: During Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Union Environment Minister launched five major conservation projects and four national-level wildlife monitoring programmes. About The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) Project: What it is? The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) is a new national-level initiative by the Ministry of …
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Syllabus: Agriculture Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands (2025) to simplify regulations and boost agroforestry, encouraging farmers to grow trees without legal hurdles. About Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands: What are the Model Rules for Felling Trees in …
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Syllabus: Environment Impact Assessment Source: IE Context: The Supreme Court of India struck down (Vanashakti v. Union of India) the Centre’s 2017 notification and 2021 SOP that allowed retrospective environmental clearances to industries, calling them unconstitutional and violative of the right to a clean environment. About Retrospective Environmental Clearances: Definition: Ex-post facto or retrospective green …
Source: IE Context: The Green Credit Programme (GCP), launched in 2023, faces criticism for potentially incentivizing forest diversion and promoting plantations on ecologically sensitive lands. About Green Credit Programme (GCP): Launched in: October 2023 (notified under Green Credit Rules) Officially unveiled: At COP28 (2023) by Prime Minister of India and UAE President Implementing Agency: Indian Council of Forestry Research …
Source: DTE Context: Smooth-coated otters will return to the Delhi Zoo after a 20-year absence, as part of an animal exchange program with the Surat Zoo. About the Smooth-Coated Otter: Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata Habitat: Found in wetlands, rivers, lakes, mangroves, and estuaries across South and Southeast Asia. Distribution: Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri …
Source: NIE Context: Gujarat has become the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in two years under the MISHTI scheme. About MISTI Scheme: What it is? The MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme, launched in 2023, aims to expand India’s mangrove cover and enhance coastal resilience. Focuses on ecological …
