General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - April 2021

Apr 2021

Jul 08, 2026

Mizoram University Museum designated as India's biodiversity repository

The Natural History Museum of Mizoram University has been designated as India's 21st biodiversity repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The designation will support biodiversity conservation, documentation, and scientific research by enabling systematic cataloguing of species and ecosystems from the northeastern region. Officials expect the repository to serve as a hub for academic collaboration, field data collection, and policy-oriented studies on conservation priorities, climate resilience, and sustainable use of biological resources. The move highlights India's ongoing efforts to strengthen biodiversity governance and compliance with the Nagoya Protocol-inspired framework, while expanding access to biodiversity information for scholars and practitioners across the country.

Designation of Mizoram University's Natural History Museum as India's 21st biodiversity repository.
Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Will aid conservation, documentation, and research on northeastern biodiversity.
Promotes collaboration, data collection, and policy studies in conservation.
Expands access to biodiversity information for scholars nationwide.

Jul 07, 2026

IMD orange alert triggers Mumbai school holidays; rains disrupt travel

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Mumbai, signaling heavy to very heavy rainfall. In response, authorities announced school holidays on 6 July 2026 to protect students amid dangerous weather. Rail and road networks faced disruptions due to waterlogging, flooding, and landslides in several districts. Municipal and state agencies coordinated rescue operations and advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Meteorologists forecast continued rainfall over the next 48 hours, with potential further escalation in some areas. Officials urged vigilance, monitoring, and adherence to weather advisories as monsoon activity remains intense.

IMD issues orange alert for Mumbai (6 July 2026)
Schools closed on 6 July 2026 for safety
Transport disruptions from floods and landslides
Relief operations by authorities and advisories issued
Monsoon rainfall expected to continue in coming days

Gujarat builds first two air-filled rubber dams using Korean tech

Gujarat is constructing its first two air-filled rubber dams using South Korean technology on the Heran River (Chhota Udepur district) and the Ambika River (Tapi district). The SCADA-controlled inflatable dams aim to boost water storage, irrigation, and flood management. Officials say the project will enhance drought resilience and support farmers during the monsoon. If successful, the inflatable-dam approach could inform future irrigation and flood-control schemes in the state. Construction is part of a broader push to modernise water infrastructure and adopt innovative, cost-effective solutions for climate adaptation.

First two air-filled rubber dams in Gujarat
Located on Heran and Ambika rivers
South Korean technology with SCADA control
Aims to improve storage, irrigation, flood management
Possible model for future water infrastructure

Jul 01, 2026

Satkosia Tiger Reserve approved for tiger reintroduction after review

Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha received in-principle approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority to resume tiger reintroduction. The reserve had no tigers at the time of the June 2026 assessment. A previous attempt in 2018 failed due to poaching, prey scarcity, and human-wildlife conflict. The renewed plan focuses on habitat restoration, prey-base enhancement, and community engagement to reduce conflicts. If implemented, the project would contribute to landscape-level tiger conservation and biodiversity in eastern India. Officials noted the decision aligns with wider tiger-conservation strategies across the country.

Satkosia Reserve gets in-principle nod for reintroduction
Previous 2018 attempt failed due to poaching and habitat issues
New plan prioritises habitat restoration and prey base
Emphasis on reducing human-wildlife conflict
Part of broader tiger-conservation efforts in India

Jun 29, 2026

Seven Golden Langurs released into Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, Assam

Seven endangered Golden Langurs were released into Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Assam on 25 June 2026 after rescue from wildlife traffickers in Chirang district. Following quarantine and scientific rehabilitation, the primates were reintroduced to a forest patch where similar langurs live. Forest department officers coordinated with local police to supervise the release, with ongoing monitoring and health checks in the initial weeks. The Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the need to safeguard this species in the Northeast. Wildlife experts welcomed the move as a sign of strengthened conservation and enforcement collaboration in Assam. Last 48 hours highlights: India launched Operation Amistad in Venezuela (27 June 2026) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Seychelles’ Guardian of the Blue Horizon (28 June 2026).

Seven endangered Golden Langurs released at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park on 25 June 2026.
Rescued from an international wildlife trafficking network in Chirang district.
Post-release rehabilitation and health monitoring conducted by wildlife experts.
Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) is listed as endangered by IUCN.
Must-know: Operation Amistad (Venezuela) launched on 27 June 2026 and Modi’s Blue Horizon award on 28 June 2026.

Jun 28, 2026

Bangladesh Joins International Big Cat Alliance as 27th Member

Bangladesh formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in June 2026, becoming its 27th member. The IBCA is a treaty-based global network led by India for the conservation of big cats, including tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. The expansion strengthens regional cooperation to protect habitat, combat illegal wildlife trade, and share best practices in monitoring and rescue. Bangladesh's accession extends cross-border conservation efforts across South Asia and complements existing programs in India, Nepal and Bhutan. The move highlights India's leadership role in regional biodiversity initiatives and its engagement with neighbouring countries on wildlife protection; Must-know within last 48 hours: Bangladesh joined IBCA, expanding regional cooperation.

Bangladesh joined IBCA in June 2026 as the 27th member.
IBCA is a treaty-based alliance led by India for big-cat conservation.
Species covered include tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.
Expansion enhances regional cooperation on habitat protection and anti-poaching.

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