Vision-PT-365 & Monthly Current Affairs Analysis with bullet points & tips ✅ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points are crucial for quick revision before Prelims & Mains. This guide covers PT 365 analysis, expert tips, and important updates to enhance your preparation." 1.1.1. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species About The IUCN Red List provides a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of animal, plant, and fungus species, categorizing their extinction risk. ➡️ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points" Key Points (10) The Red List uses nine categories to define the extinction risk of species. "Data Deficient" species lack sufficient data for risk assessment. "Least Concern" species have stable populations and are unlikely to face extinction soon. "Near Threatened" species are close to qualifying for a threatened category. "Vulnerable," "Endangered," and "Critically Endangered" indicate increasing extinction risks. "Extinct in the Wild" species survive only in captivity. "Extinct" species are those where the last individual has died. Recent updates include status changes for species like the La Gomera giant lizard (now Endangered) and the Gran Canaria giant lizard (now Critically Endangered). 82% of Copiapoa cacti species are at risk of extinction. Bornean Elephants are now listed as Endangered. Recent Developments IUCN has updated its Red List with new species assessments and changes in status for existing species. Impact The Red List informs conservation efforts and policy decisions globally. It highlights the urgent need for conservation action for threatened species. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include data deficiency for many species and the ongoing threats driving extinction. The way forward involves continued research, monitoring, and conservation interventions to mitigate threats and protect biodiversity. ➡️ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points" 1.1.2. Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference (SFTLC) About The Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference (SFTLC) aims to enhance tiger protection by leveraging financial strategies and global partnerships. Key Points (10) The SFTLC was hosted by the Bhutan government and supported by the Tiger Conservation Coalition (TCC). The conference's goal, outlined in the Paro Statement, is to increase support for tiger and habitat protection. A key objective is to mobilize $1 billion in additional funding for tiger conservation by 2034. The Tiger Conservation Coalition (TCC) is an independent group of organizations focused on tiger conservation. TCC member organizations include the IUCN, UNDP, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the WWF. The UNDP presented the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund, using a nature-positive business approach. The Asian Development Bank (ADB)introduced Tiger Bonds to engage private sector investors in tiger conservation. The Indian Tiger is also known as the Royal Bengal Tiger. India is home to a significant tiger population, distributed across various landscapes. Tiger conservation efforts in India include Project Tiger and the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Timeline Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The Global Tiger Initiative was launched in 2008. SFTLC seeking to mobilize funds by 2034. Recent Developments New sustainable financing initiatives, such as the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund and Tiger Bonds, were launched at the SFTLC. https://tiger-finance.org/ Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include securing sufficient funding, addressing habitat loss and poaching, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. The way forward involves strengthening financial mechanisms, enhancing habitat protection, and fostering collaboration among tiger range countries and conservation organizations. Mnemonic/Shortcut SFTLC: PATH (Paro Statement, ADB Tiger Bonds, TCC Coalition, Habitat Protection) ✅ 1st April 2025 Current Affairs: The Hindu & Indian Express https://everythingias.in/%e2%9e%a1%ef%b8%8f-1-april-2025-current-affairs-hindu-indian-express/ 1.1.3. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) About The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global initiative aimed at strengthening the conservation of big cat species and their habitats. Key Points (10) The Union Cabinet of India has approved India's membership in the IBCA. IBCA was launched by India in 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. India is home to all of these big cats except for the puma and jaguar. IBCA is a multi-country and multi-agency coalition, open to all UN member countries. The alliance includes big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, and scientific organizations. Nine international organizations have agreed to be partner organizations. India has pledged significant financial support for the IBCA, with ₹150 crores allocated for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28). Big cats in India have varying IUCN conservation statuses, from Endangered (Tiger) to Near Threatened (Jaguar). All five big cats found in India are listed in Schedule 1 and CITES Appendix 1. Timeline 2023: Launch of IBCA by India. 2023-2028: Funding period for IBCA. Recent Developments India has officially joined the IBCA, demonstrating its commitment to big cat conservation. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include securing sustained funding, coordinating conservation efforts across diverse regions, and addressing threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. The way forward involves strengthening international collaboration, implementing effective conservation strategies, and promoting sustainable development practices to ensure the long-term survival of big cat populations. Mnemonic/Shortcut IBCA: CLIPS (Conservation, Lion, India's Project Tiger, Partners, Seven Cats) ➡️ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points" 1.1.4. Elephant Census, 2023 About The Elephant Census, 2023, provides crucial data on elephant populations, particularly in Southern India, aiding in conservation efforts. Key Points (10) The 2023 census was conducted in the Southern States of India. Karnataka has the highest elephant population among the Southern States, with over 6,000 elephants. A high death rate (40%) among juvenile elephants (10 years and below) has been observed, attributed to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHVs). India is home to over 60% of the world's elephant population. Karnataka has the highest elephant population in India, followed by Assam and Kerala. "Kumki elephants" are captive Asian elephants trained for operations involving wild elephants. Asian elephants (EN LIST in IUCN) are highly intelligent animals with strong family bonds and complex communication methods. The gestation period of an elephant is 20-22 months, the longest among mammals. Female elephants lead elephant groups. Threats to elephants include habitat fragmentation, degradation, human-elephant conflict, and poaching. Timeline Project Elephant was launched in 1992. 2023: Elephant Census in Southern India. Recent Developments The 2023 census has revealed key data on elephant populations and threats, such as the high mortality rate among juvenile elephants due to EEHVs. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include addressing the high mortality rate in juvenile elephants, mitigating human-elephant conflict, and combating habitat loss and poaching. The way forward involves continued monitoring, research into EEHVs, habitat restoration, and implementing effective conflict mitigation measures. Mnemonic/Shortcut Elephant Census: KALE (Karnataka, Assam, Life Span, EEHVs) 1.1.5. State of the Rhino 2024 Report About The State of the Rhino 2024 Report, released by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), provides an overview of the conservation status of rhino species worldwide. Key Points (10) The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) was initially named the International Black Rhino Foundation in 1991. There are fewer than 28,000 rhinos left in the world, across all five species. Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023. The number of white rhinos has increased, but the population of the greater one-horned rhino (Indian rhino) has remained stable. There are five rhino species: two African (white and black) and three Asian (Indian, Sumatran, and Javan). India has implemented rhino conservation initiatives such as the National Rhino Conservation Strategy (2019) and the New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos (2019). Indian rhinos are the largest of the Asian rhino species. African rhinos are generally more aggressive, while Asian rhinos are less so. Indian rhinos are good swimmers, unlike African rhinos. Rhino species vary in their horn number, size, habitat, and conservation status. Timeline 1991: Formation of the International Black Rhino Foundation (now IRF). 2019: National Rhino Conservation Strategy and New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos. 2024: Release of the State of the Rhino 2024 Report. Recent Developments The State of the Rhino 2024 Report highlights the slight increase in white rhino numbers but also the concerning rise in poaching in Africa. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include combating poaching, which continues to threaten rhino populations, and addressing habitat loss and fragmentation. The way forward involves intensifying anti-poaching measures, enhancing habitat protection and connectivity, and promoting international collaboration to ensure the survival of all rhino species. Mnemonic/Shortcut Rhino: AIRS (African, Indian, Report, Species) 1.1.6. Great Indian Bustard About The Bustard Recovery Program focuses on the conservation of bustard species in India, particularly the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican. Key Points (10) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved funds for the next phase (2024-2029) of the Bustard Recovery Program. The program covers the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican. The program was initiated in 2013 and extended till 2033. The Wildlife Institute of India is the implementing agency. Key objectives include conservation breeding, applied research, capacity building, and habitat management. The Bombay Natural History Society is a collaborating agency. The Lesser Florican is the smallest bird in the bustard family. The Great Indian Bustard is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. GIB conservation efforts include establishing protected areas and breeding centers. Threats to bustards include habitat loss, pesticide use, and entanglement with power lines. Timeline 2013: Start of the Bustard Recovery Program. 2016: Changed to Bustard Recovery Project. 2024-2029: Next phase of the Bustard Recovery Program. 2033: Extended till. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Indian_bustard Recent Developments The Supreme Court has modified its order on power lines in GIB habitats, forming an expert committee to determine the feasibility of undergrounding power lines. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include mitigating the impact of infrastructure development, addressing habitat loss and degradation, and reducing threats from pesticides and power lines. The way forward involves effective implementation of the recovery program, habitat restoration, and sustainable development practices that minimize harm to bustard populations. 🚀 “31 March 2025 Current Affairs: The Hindu & Indian Express”https://everythingias.in/%e2%9c%85-31-march-2025-current-affairs-hindu-indian-express/ 1.1.7. Crocodile Conservation Project About The Crocodile Conservation Project in India has marked 50 years of efforts to protect crocodile populations. Key Points (10) India launched the Crocodile Conservation Project in 1975. The project was initiated in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park. The project received assistance from the UNDP and the FAO. Bhitarkanika National Park is a Ramsar site (located in Odisha) and India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem. Bhitarkanika is home to a large population of saltwater crocodiles. Crocodiles are the largest surviving reptile species. Most crocodiles live in freshwater habitats. Crocodiles are nocturnal and poikilothermic. Gharials are a crocodile species found in India. Gharials are named for the bulbous knob on their snout and primarily eat fish. Timeline 1975: Launch of the Crocodile Conservation Project. Recent Developments The Crocodile Conservation Project has completed 50 years, highlighting its long-term commitment to crocodile conservation. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include habitat protection, mitigating human-crocodile conflict, and addressing threats such as poaching and pollution. The way forward involves continued habitat management, community engagement, and research to support crocodile conservation efforts. ➡️ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points" 1.1.8. Funga: Recognition and Conservation About There is a growing movement to recognize and conserve 'Funga' (fungi) alongside flora and fauna, acknowledging its vital role in ecosystems. Key Points (10) The Fungi Foundation is advocating for the use of the term 'Funga' to represent fungal diversity. Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms, separate from plants and animals. Fungi exhibit a wide range of diversity, from single-celled to complex multicellular forms. Fungi are found in diverse ecosystems globally. Fungi have chitinous cell walls and are heterotrophic. Fungi form mycorrhizal associations with plant roots, crucial for tree growth. Fungi play a key role in carbon sequestration. Fungi are essential for decomposition and nutrient cycling. Fungi are used in mycoremediation to degrade pollutants. Fungi are sources of medicines, such as antibiotics. Recent Developments Increased recognition of the importance of fungi in ecosystems and growing calls for its conservation. Impact Recognizing and conserving fungi will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and more effective conservation strategies. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include limited research and awareness about fungi, as well as threats such as habitat destruction and climate change. The way forward involves increased research, conservation efforts, and integrating fungi into biodiversity conservation policies. 1.1.9. World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) About The World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) is a UNESCO program that promotes the conservation of natural and cultural landscapes. Key Points (10) UNESCO has added 11 new biosphere reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program. The WNBR now includes 759 sites in 136 countries. The MAB Program was launched in 1971. The program aims to improve the relationship between people and their environments. India has 18 biosphere reserves, with 12 recognized by UNESCO. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first in India to be recognized. Biosphere reserves include core areas, buffer zones, and transition areas. Core areas are strictly protected. Buffer zones support research and ecological practices. Transition areas promote sustainable activities. Recent Developments UNESCO's addition of 11 new biosphere reserves expands the global network dedicated to conservation and sustainable development. https://www.unesco.org/en Impact The WNBR promotes biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and knowledge sharing among countries. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include balancing conservation with human activities, managing diverse landscapes, and ensuring effective collaboration among stakeholders. The way forward involves strengthening management practices, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering international cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of biosphere reserves. 1.1.10. Eco-Sensitive Areas About Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions identified for special environmental protection to prevent degradation. Key Points (10) The Karnataka government rejected the Kasturirangan Committee report on protecting the Western Ghats. The Kasturirangan Committee proposed designating 37% of the Western Ghats as an ESA. The largest area proposed as ESA is in Karnataka, followed by Maharashtra. ESAs are zones with valuable environmental resources requiring special conservation attention. ESAs are notified by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The purpose of ESAs is to protect the environment from anthropogenic degradation. ESAs aim to minimize the impact of industrial activities and pollution. They also regulate tourism to minimize environmental damage. ESAs play a role in climate change mitigation by protecting forests and other natural carbon sinks. They also help in conserving biodiversity by protecting habitats and wildlife. UPSC Current Affairs in bullet points - Vision PT 365 summary WESTERN GHATS https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/ Recent Developments The rejection of the Kasturirangan Committee report by the Karnataka government highlights ongoing debates about the extent of ESA designation in the Western Ghats. Challenges & Way Forward Challenges include balancing conservation goals with development pressures, ensuring effective implementation of ESA regulations, and addressing conflicts between stakeholders. The way forward involves finding sustainable development solutions, promoting community participation in conservation, and strengthening monitoring and enforcement of ESA guidelines.➡️ "UPSC Current Affairs Bullet Points"
