General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - September 2023

Sep 2023

Feb 27, 2026

India and Nepal sign MoU to promote biodiversity cooperation

India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change. The ceremony occurred in New Delhi in the presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Nepal’s Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chaulagain. The MoU envisages landscape‑level biodiversity strategies with emphasis on elephants, Gangetic dolphins, rhinoceroses, snow leopards, tigers and vultures. It also supports strengthened forest and protected area management, restoration of wildlife corridors and transboundary conservation landscapes. The accord is expected to deepen cooperation and sustainable resource management in the region.

MoU signed in New Delhi by Indian and Nepali officials.
Focus on biodiversity conservation and climate change collaboration.
Priorities include elephants, Gangetic dolphins, rhinos, snow leopards, tigers and vultures.
Measures include forest management and wildlife corridors.
Aims to deepen cross‑border conservation and sustainable resource use.

Feb 25, 2026

Kaziranga identified as fishing cat stronghold in first scientific assessment

A first scientific assessment of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) identifies Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam as a major stronghold for the globally vulnerable species. Based on camera-trap images from India’s All-India Tiger Estimation exercise, researchers counted 57 individual fishing cats across more than 450 square kilometres of the reserve. The findings, published on 22 February, coincide with Fishing Cat Day. The study, conducted by Kaziranga’s Tiger Cell in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Project, aimed to determine whether Kaziranga’s wetlands house a stable or dwindling population of the elusive carnivore, reinforcing the park’s conservation priorities.

57 fishing cats recorded across 450+ sq km in Kaziranga.
Study based on camera-trap data from the All-India Tiger Estimation exercise.
Publication date: 22 February 2026 (Fishing Cat Day).
Led by Kaziranga Tiger Cell with the Fishing Cat Project.
Significance for wetland ecosystem health and conservation planning.

Feb 24, 2026

Goa hosts World Ocean Science Congress 2026

Goa is hosting the fourth World Ocean Science Congress 2026 at the National Institute of Oceanography in Panaji, bringing together scientists, policymakers, maritime industries and coastal communities. The event runs until 26 February 2026 and focuses on ocean health, climate resilience and sustainable blue economy pathways. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s maritime heritage and scientific temperament. He noted that nearly 75 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and about 25 percent of India’s population lives in coastal regions. With Goa’s 193‑kilometre coastline, fisheries, tourism and maritime trade form key economic sectors linked to the sea.

Location and duration: National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji; runs until 26 February 2026.
Themes: ocean health, climate resilience, blue economy pathways.
Goa context: maritime heritage and coastline‑based economy.
Statistical backdrop: large coastal population and marine resources importance.
Policy and research focus: cross‑sector collaboration for sustainable seas.

Feb 23, 2026

Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award for Conservation

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village, Vasai, has won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Merit) for its community-led restoration. The 475-year-old cathedral, built without cement or bricks, used traditional masonry and local crafts in its revival. Bangkok announced the award as part of the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards. The recognition highlights the preservation of a Portuguese-era structure and the broader revival of Catholic heritage in Maharashtra, showcasing the value of local skills and collaborative conservation efforts.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award (Merit).
Location: Papdy village, Vasai; 475-year-old structure.
Restoration used traditional, cement-free masonry and local crafts.
Award announced at 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards in Bangkok.
Significant for preservation of Catholic heritage in Maharashtra.

Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches Vanjeevi Didi Initiative

The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative, a community conservation program led by women. The project selects 18 educated women from 17 identified villages as ‘Vanjeevi Didis’. They will act as ambassadors to spread forest and wildlife protection messages, discourage poaching and deforestation, and engage families in conservation practices. Officials say the scheme empowers women to influence local behavioural change and strengthen community involvement in biodiversity protection, contributing to the long-term health of the PTR ecosystem.

Vanjeevi Didi initiative launched at Palamu Tiger Reserve.
18 educated women selected from 17 villages as ambassadors.
Aim: empower women to protect forests and wildlife.
Targets reduction of poaching and deforestation through community effort.
Strengthens local participation in conservation.

Feb 20, 2026

IELLAB Inauguration and Language Preservation Efforts Bolster Cultural Heritage

South India’s Indigenous & Endangered Languages Laboratory (IELLAB) at the University of Madras, established with CSR support from Karur Vysya Bank and collaboration with the Gabo Alliance Foundation, continues to advance documentation and preservation of regional languages. The lab’s ongoing projects include language surveys, database development, and community-driven documentation efforts. By strengthening linguistic research and training opportunities, IELLAB contributes to educational inclusion and cultural resilience across multilingual communities in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

IELLAB operates as South India’s first dedicated endangered languages lab.
CSR-backed project with Karur Vysya Bank and Gabo Alliance Foundation.
Focus on documentation, preservation, and research in indigenous languages.

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