Category: Geography & Environment

Environment & International Affairs The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) was held from July 23 to 31, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The highlight of the summit was the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration, a global commitment to intensify wetland restoration and integrate … Continue reading Ramsar COP15 Adopts Victoria Falls Declaration on Wetland Restoration

Environment / Biodiversity Two new bush frog species—Raorchestes jakoid and Raorchestes jadoh—have been discovered in Meghalaya, named after iconic elements of Khasi tradition. ‘Jakoid’ means frog in Khasi, while ‘Jadoh’ refers to a popular local dish. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, the study used genetic, acoustic, and morphological data to confirm the species, … Continue reading New Bush Frog Species Discovered in Meghalaya Celebrate Khasi Language and Culture

Environment and Biodiversity Conservation The Tamil Nadu government has established India’s first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore district. This pioneering initiative seeks to protect hornbills—crucial seed dispersers in tropical forests—whose survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate change. With ₹1 crore sanctioned under the Endangered … Continue reading India’s First Hornbill Conservation Centre Launched in Tamil Nadu

Environment and Biodiversity Scientists from Mizoram University and Manipur University have discovered a new orchid species, Chamaegastrodia reiekensis, in the forests near Reiek Peak, Mizoram, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. This rare species, belonging to the genus Chamaegastrodia, is unique for lacking chlorophyll and being completely holomycotrophic—depending entirely on symbiotic fungi for its nutrition. … Continue reading New Orchid Species Chamaegastrodia reiekensis Discovered in Mizoram

Environment & Biodiversity | Conservation Efforts in Northeast India The Tripura government has launched a comprehensive action plan to protect the Western Hoolock Gibbon, India’s only ape species, amidst alarming habitat shrinkage and population decline. This species is classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. … Continue reading Tripura’s Action Plan for Western Hoolock Gibbon Conservation

Subject: Environment / Biodiversity & Conservation In a landmark stride for biodiversity research and eco-tourism in Northeast India, the First-Ever High-Altitude Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet was held in Mechukha, Arunachal Pradesh, on July 19–20. The event brought together scientists, naturalists, and conservationists and resulted in a historic breakthrough for Indian lepidopterology. The meet led to … Continue reading High-Altitude Butterfly and Biodiversity Meet

In a significant boost to conservation efforts, a red panda (Ailurus fulgens) has been sighted for the first time in Gwanthang, located between Rupa and Thongre villages in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. Conservation Efforts Behind the SightingThe sighting is attributed to the work of the Tukpen Community Reserve (TCR), officially notified on December 11, … Continue reading Environment – First Sighting of Red Panda in Gwanthang, Arunachal Pradesh

APSC Mains Enrichment Notes The Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) is the supreme decision-making body of the Paris Agreement. It oversees its implementation and ensures progress on climate goals. CMA-6 welcomed the 2024 report of the Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue, a formal platform under the … Continue reading Environment – Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue (CMA-6)

APSC Mains Enrichment Notes International Affairs In a significant development, China has officially commenced the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Mainling hydropower station site in Nyingchi, according to reports by … Continue reading China Commences Construction of $167.8 Billion Dam on Brahmaputra River Near Arunachal Pradesh Border

Environment & Biodiversity A rare species of flying squirrel belonging to the Biswamoyopterus genus has been discovered in Shirui village, located in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. This elusive mammal is of considerable scientific interest due to its distinct physical characteristics, most notably its elongated white tufted ears. The discovery is considered a significant development in the … Continue reading Rare Flying Squirrel of Biswamoyopterus Genus Discovered in Manipur

India has achieved a major climate milestone by reaching 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment under the Paris Agreement. As of June 30, 2025, the country’s total installed power capacity stands at 484.82 GW. Of this, 243.78 GW (50.08%) is … Continue reading Energy | India hits 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity target 5 years early

The ancient stone monoliths within the Mawphlang Sacred Grove in Meghalaya are undergoing gradual degradation due to biological colonization by lichens and bryophytes. Located around 15 km from Mawphlang town in the Khasi Hills, this protected forest holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Khasi community. Traditionally a venue for coronations, rituals, and community … Continue reading Environment | Meghalaya’s sacred monoliths under threat from biological colonization

International Relations / Geopolitics The South Korean government on Tuesday lodged a strong protest against Japan’s renewed territorial claim over the Dokdo islets in its latest defence white paper. This long-standing maritime dispute continues to strain bilateral ties. Dokdo, known as Takeshima in Japan, remains a recurring flashpoint, as Tokyo consistently asserts sovereignty over the … Continue reading South Korea Protests Japan’s Reassertion of Claim Over Dokdo Islets

Biodiversity / Arunachal Pradesh A massive new fungal species, Bridgeoporus kanadii, has been discovered by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) during a monsoon biodiversity survey in Shergaon village, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The fungus was found growing in dense clusters on dead Abies (fir) trees, with some specimens measuring over a … Continue reading New Giant Fungal Species Discovered in West Kameng

Infrastructure / Geography Mizoram has officially entered India's railway network with the inauguration of the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang rail line in June 2025. This marks a transformative moment for the state, historically isolated from rail connectivity. The new line brings Aizawl just 20 km from the nearest rail terminal, drastically improving accessibility. The project, which … Continue reading Bairabi–Sairang rail line

Environment Sierra Leone has achieved a milestone with the inscription of Tiwai Island and Gola Rainforest as its first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gola-Tiwai complex, part of the Upper Guinean tropical rainforest, is a global biodiversity hotspot. It harbours over 1,000 plant species, 55 mammal species—including 11 types of primates on Tiwai Island—and nearly … Continue reading Tiwai Island and Gola Rainforest

Society & Social Justice In light of the upcoming 16th Census, experts suggest that enumerating the six main indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may not pose significant logistical challenges. The Central Government's ongoing welfare schemes and established communication with these groups facilitate access and data collection. Focus on Jarawa Tribe: Origins: The … Continue reading Indigenous Census in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Feasibility and the Jarawa Tribe

Environment & Ecology The Endangered Species Recovery Plans (ESRP) are targeted conservation initiatives in India focused on the protection and revival of critically endangered and threatened species. Key Features: Framework: Operates under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Implementing Agency: … Continue reading Endangered Species Recovery Plans (ESRP) – Key Facts

Geography / Disaster Management / Social Issues Climate Migration refers to the displacement of people triggered by climate-related events—ranging from sudden disasters like floods, cyclones, and droughts to slow-onset processes such as sea-level rise, desertification, or glacial retreat. This phenomenon is increasingly recognized as one of the most pressing humanitarian and development challenges of the … Continue reading Climate Migration

A newly discovered plant species, Berberis myriovula, has been identified by researchers in the high-altitude forests of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. This unique species belongs to the genus Berberis, which includes 400–500 species globally, but myriovula stands out for its record-breaking 17 ovules in a single ovary—the highest known among its kind. The discovery not only … Continue reading Environment & Biodiversity – Discovery of Berberis myriovula in Arunachal Pradesh

Environment and Ecology / Biodiversity Conservation A biodiversity survey at Nongsaya Lake in Jona, Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh documented 89 bird species over two days, underscoring the area's rich avian diversity. The survey also noted the presence of multiple butterfly species, including the rare Assam Pasa, emphasizing the region’s vibrant insect biodiversity. With its … Continue reading Nongsaya Lake Survey Highlights Arunachal’s Ecological Richness

Environment & Biodiversity – Zoological Discoveries Researchers from the University of Delhi have discovered a rare frog species with blue bones and green blood in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant addition to India’s amphibian biodiversity. This is the first Indian frog known to exhibit this unique physiological trait, which is extremely rare and has only … Continue reading Medog small tree frog

Environment / Climate Change / Geography Rainfall Pattern Disruption: Sohra, Meghalaya—long held as the wettest place on Earth—received only one-third of its June 2024 rainfall compared to the same month in 2023. Indicates shifting monsoon patterns, attributed to broader climate change impacts. Causes of Rainfall Decline: Deforestation in and around catchment areas Rising sea surface … Continue reading Sohra (Cherrapunji) Rainfall Decline – A Climate Alarm

Geography – Natural Hazards & Disasters Over 1,000 earthquakes have struck Japan’s Tokara Islands in two weeks. Located between Kyushu and the Amami Islands, the archipelago lies in a seismically active zone. Out of 12 islands, 7 are inhabited, others are rugged or uninhabitable. The unusual seismic activity has led to evacuation orders and heightened … Continue reading Seismic Swarm in Tokara Islands, Japan

Environment & Ecology | Urban Infrastructure | International Affairs What Happened? For the first time since 1923, the River Seine in Paris has been declared safe for public swimming, following a massive clean-up project. Why Now? The revival is part of urban infrastructure upgrades undertaken in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with over $1 … Continue reading Revival of River Seine in Paris for Public Swimming

Environment & Ecology Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan is a unique conservation initiative launched by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to curb the indiscriminate hunting of birds and wildlife. Over 2,400 air guns have been voluntarily surrendered by citizens across the state. The campaign promotes biodiversity conservation, particularly protecting migratory and endangered bird species. Governance & … Continue reading Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan

(GS Paper I – Geography | GS Paper III – Environment) What Happened?During a recent intense European heatwave, a rare roll cloud was observed over Portugal’s coastline, drawing attention from beachgoers and meteorologists. What is a Roll Cloud? A low-level, horizontal, tube-shaped cloud that appears to roll on its horizontal axis. Not attached to thunderstorm … Continue reading Rare Roll Cloud Spotted over Portugal’s Coastline

(Environment – Climate Change & Forest Conservation) Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as India’s largest carbon sink, playing a crucial role in achieving the country’s climate mitigation goals under international commitments such as the Paris Agreement. Key Highlights: Contributes 14.38% to India’s total carbon sequestration. Possesses the highest carbon stock among Indian states — 1,021 million … Continue reading Arunachal Pradesh: India’s Largest Carbon Sink

(GS III – Environment; International Conventions; Infrastructure) What is HKC?The Hong Kong Convention (HKC) is an international treaty adopted in 2009 under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It aims to ensure the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships at the end of their operational lives. Objectives Prevent health hazards to shipbreaking workers. Reduce environmental … Continue reading Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships

Species in news from NE Honouring Arunachal's Indigenous Heritage A new species of flowering plant, named Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the high-altitude forests of East Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh by officials of the Seppa Forest Division. This rare plant species is named in honour of the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous community … Continue reading New Plant Species Discovered: Begonia nyishiorum

Projects in news related to NE The Dibang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh is scheduled for commissioning by February 2032. Developed by NHPC under the Ministry of Power, the project will have a capacity of 2,880 MW. It will be India’s tallest dam and is expected to generate 11,223 million units of clean energy annually. … Continue reading Dibang Hydropower Project

Important terminology in news Definition: Evaporative Demand is a measure of how "thirsty" the atmosphere is — i.e., the potential amount of water that could evaporate from land surfaces if water is abundantly available. Measurement: Measured using Standardised Short-Crop Evapotranspiration (ET₀): Based on a 12 cm tall grass surface with: Unlimited water supply No stress … Continue reading Evaporative Demand – Key Climate & Agricultural Indicator

Geography terms in news Definition: Thirstwave refers to a period of at least three consecutive days when the atmosphere’s evaporative demand exceeds intensively, leading to heightened water stress, especially for vegetation and crops. Introduced By: Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins, climate researchers Key Features: Represents "atmospheric drought" – even when soil moisture is adequate, the … Continue reading Thirstwaves – Emerging Climate Stress Phenomenon

Species in news from NE New Butterfly Species in India Common Name: Chinese Rose Windmill Family: Swallowtail butterfly First-Time Sighting in India: In Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh Previously Known Range: Yunnan and Sichuan provinces (Southwestern China) – first recorded in 1918 Also found in Laos and northern Vietnam Significance: Marks the first Indian record of … Continue reading Species Identified: Papilio genestieri

Places in news from NE Location: Silluk Village, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh Recognition: Featured in NCERT CBSE Class 3 EVS textbook, Chapter 12 – “Taking Charge of Waste” Recognised as India’s first government-recognised “Zero Waste Village” Significance: Transformed from a waste-ridden village to a model of sustainable waste management. Sets an example of community-led … Continue reading Silluk Village – India’s First Government-Recognised Zero Waste Village