General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - August 2024

Aug 2024

Nov 16, 2025

SC Orders Jharkhand to Declare Saranda Forest a Wildlife Sanctuary (16)

The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to notify 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda Game Sanctuary as the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days. The order aims to protect one of India's most intact sal forests while ensuring that the rights of tribal communities inhabiting the region remain secure.
Saranda Forest is home to 23 mammal species, including the Asiatic elephant, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and sloth bear, along with 138 bird species. About 70% of the forest cover remains intact, making it one of the finest sal-dominated ecosystems in Asia.

Nov 15, 2025

Giant Stick Insect Species Discovered in Australia

A new giant stick insect species was identified in the rainforests of North Queensland, adding to Australia's remarkable record of unique wildlife discoveries. The insect, named 'Acrophylla alta', is believed to be the heaviest stick insect ever recorded in the country.
Researchers uncovered the species during field studies in the mountain rainforests of tropical North Queensland. Despite its impressive size, the insect remained unknown for years due to its camouflage and its habitat high in the forest canopy, an area rarely accessible to scientists.
The species can grow up to 40 centimetres in length, making it one of the largest insects found in Australia.

Nov 14, 2025

India, Botswana Announce Cheetah Translocation Pact

Botswana formally announced the translocation of eight cheetahs to India amid President Droupadi Murmu's state visit.
In the capital, Gaborone, the President spoke with counterpart Duma Gideon Boko about expanding the India-Africa partnership. As the southern African nation announced the symbolic handover of the big cats for India's Project Cheetah.
The two heads of state presided over an event where eight captured Cheetahs will be released into a quarantine facility at the Mokolodi nature reserve, marking the symbolic handing over of the hunting cats to India by Botswana as part of Project Cheetah and under a mutual initiative for wildlife conservation.

Nov 12, 2025

India is 9th Worst-affected Due to Extreme Weather Events

India ranked among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events, which claimed over eight lakh lives worldwide between 1995 and 2024. Across the country, floods, heat waves, cyclones, and drought caused economic losses of nearly USD 170 billion and over 80,000 fatalities.
This data came from 'Climate Risk Index 2026', a new report released in November by the not-for-profit organisation, Germanwatch. The report revealed the extent of devastation by extreme weather events, only exacerbated by climate change, as leaders meet in Brazil for COP30.
The 2026 index has Dominica at the top, with the mountainous Caribbean island nation at the highest risk of frequent extreme weather events.
Myanmar ranks second, having endured 55 extreme weather events in the last 30 years.
India is at ninth, having faced extreme climatic risks such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts over the last 30 years.

India Reaffirms Commitment to Climate Justice, Multilateralism at COP30 in Brazil

India reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of equity, climate justice, and multilateralism at the opening plenary of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil. Delivering statements on behalf of the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) group and the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), India underlined that climate action must be rooted in fairness and shared responsibilities.
Representing both blocs, India reiterated the importance of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and called for the full and effective implementation of the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.

Nov 10, 2025

COP30 Launches in Brazil; India to Showcase Clean Energy Progress

The 30^th UN Climate Change Conference, or COP30, begins in Belém, Brazil, with hopes it will be a turning point for the Global South. Talks will focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, climate finance, and adaptation plans, as countries move from promises to action. This is the first COP where the full Paris policy cycle is in effect.
Delivering India's National Statement at the Leaders' Summit of the CoP30, in November 2025, Ambassador of India to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia reiterated the country's consistent commitment to climate action based on equity, national circumstances and the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
India will highlight its clean energy progress, having reached its 50% non-fossil power target ahead of schedule, while pushing for practical adaptation indicators. Brazil's presidency has urged nations to "shift from negotiation to delivery."
The summit also saw the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility to reward forest conservation, with India joining as an observer. Scientists warn the 1.5°C limit will be temporarily breached, adding urgency to global climate action.

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