NTCA Limits Tiger Corridors to 32 Least Cost Pathways
In a major policy shift, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) restricted the identification of tiger corridors to only the 32 "least cost pathways" listed in its 2014 report.
This decision came less than a month after the NTCA affirmed before the Bombay High Court that tiger corridors should reflect multiple scientific studies and ecological benchmarks.
While the move simplifies clearances for development projects, it has sparked debate among conservationists, as corridors are essential for tiger movement, genetic diversity, and long-term survival.
Aug 26, 2025
Nepal Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance
Nepal officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats.
IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of over 90 big cat range countries and non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation.
With snow leopard, tiger and common leopard in its landscape, Nepal's joining the IBCA will strengthen global collaboration for big cat conservation.
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted by shooting an arc of lava 100 feet into the air and across a section of its summit crater floor.
It was Kilauea's 31st display of molten rock since December 2024, an appropriately high frequency for one of the world's most active volcanoes.
The eruption was contained within the summit crater, and no homes were threatened.
Aug 23, 2025
Govt. Grants UN-style Privileges, Immunities to International Big Cat Alliance
The government extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said.
According to Yadav, the step enables the alliance to function effectively as a global platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building on big cat conservation.
Aug 19, 2025
Varanasi Becomes India's First City to Get Portable Solar Panels between Railway Tracks
To move closer to its net-zero emission goal, Indian Railways (IR) is rapidly adopting solar energy as part of its strategy towards a greener and more sustainable transport network. As part of the initiatives, Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi became the country's first city to have portable solar panels between railway tracks.
Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi commissioned India's first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks.