India Launches First Red List at 2025 IUCN Congress
In a historic step for biodiversity conservation, India unveiled its first-ever Red List of Endangered Species at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE from October 9–15, 2025. The Red List, tailored for India's unique biodiversity, highlights species at risk and strengthens national conservation priorities. India's delegation to the Congress is led by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and External Affairs.
The Red List of Threatened Species, originally maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a critical tool for assessing the extinction risk of species. While global in scope, India's own national version will help track the status of its rich flora and fauna at a country-specific level.
Oct 07, 2025
Painted Storks Return to Kaziranga after Four Years
After a four-year hiatus, a pair of painted storks, a near-threatened species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was spotted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
The sighting, which occurred, is a significant addition to the park's ornithological records and coincides with the arrival of migratory birds for the winter season.
The painted stork, part of the stork family 'Ciconiidae', is recognised for its striking plumage, featuring rose pink tertial feathers, bold black and white markings, and a long yellow-orange bill.
India's Only Mud Volcano Erupts After 20 Years in Andamans
Dormant for more than two decades, India's only mud volcano at Baratang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands again erupted.
Baratang is located in the North and Middle Andaman district, and it is nearly 150 km away from Port Blair. It is a very popular tourist spot because it is India's only mud volcano.
Oct 06, 2025
Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Rajasthan's First 'Namo Biodiversity Park' in Alwar
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated Rajasthan's first 'Namo Biodiversity Park' at Pratap Bandh in Alwar, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state's green infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony included a symbolic tree plantation event and was attended by Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Sanjay Sharma.
The park is designed not just as an ecological initiative but also as a platform to inspire sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyles among citizens.
The initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar biodiversity and urban green projects across the state, reflecting India's continued commitment to environmental sustainability and community-driven conservation.
Oct 05, 2025
Actor Vasishta Simha is Brand Ambassador for Water Conservation in Karnataka
In 2025, for conservation of traditional water sources and enhancement of groundwater levels in Karnataka, the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development named actor Vasishta Simha as its brand ambassador.
To connect with the younger generation on water conservation, Vasishta Simha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the department, said Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N. S. Boseraju.
Oct 01, 2025
India's First Dugong Reserve in Palk Bay Gains Global Recognition at IUCN Congress
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted a motion recognising India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, marking a major international endorsement of the country's marine conservation efforts.
The motion, proposed by the Omcar Foundation and adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, won support from members worldwide. Among governments, 98% voted in favour, while 94.8% of NGOs, research institutions, and organisations backed the resolution.