Govt Flags Priority Intervention in 25 Tiger Reserves; 12 Have Less Than 3 Tigers

Project Cheetah: India's Cheetah Population Reaches 52 with 32 Cubs Born in 4 Years

India's cheetah population has grown to 52, including 32 cubs born in the country, as Project Cheetah completes four years. The milestone highlights breeding success and expansion into open forests, with 49 cheetahs in Kuno National Park and 3 in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. The next phase aims to expand suitable habitats and establish a long-term meta population.

SC-NBWL Clears 1,800 MW Hydropower Project in Panna-Ranipur Tiger Corridor Despite DFO Concerns

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended clearance for a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydropower project in the Panna-Ranipur tiger corridor, overruling objections from a Madhya Pradesh forest officer who warned of corridor fragmentation. The project requires 411.48 hectares of forest land and will be allowed with mitigation measures including three wildlife overpasses. This decision highlights the tension between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.

Parliamentary Panel Flags Forest Fire Gaps, Recommends Geostationary Satellite and NDRF Centres for Himalayas

A parliamentary committee has flagged serious gaps in forest fire monitoring and management, especially in the Himalayan region which accounts for 57% of India's forest fire incidents from just 17% of its landmass. It has recommended a geostationary satellite, dedicated NDRF regional response centres, and a National Pine-Needle Utilisation Policy. For exams, the article is rich in static concepts, data, and disaster-management facts.

CAG Audit Flags 91.87% Shortfall in Forest Cover Improvement Under Green India Mission

The CAG audit reveals the Green India Mission (GIM) – a key component of India's NDC commitments – has failed to meet its forest cover quality improvement target by 91.87% and forest cover increase target by 97.57%. This exposes severe implementation gaps, weak convergence with other schemes, and poor monitoring, directly threatening India's climate pledge under the Paris Agreement.

SC Extends 10 km Mining Buffer to All Wetland Conservation Reserves (Ramsar Sites)

The Supreme Court has clarified that its 2024 ban on mining within 10 km of the Asan wetland conservation reserve (a Ramsar site in Uttarakhand) applies to all wetland conservation reserves across India. This ruling, based on the principle of parity, has major implications for mining regulation, environmental protection, and federal jurisdiction, especially in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions.

SC Extends 10-km Mining Ban to All Wetland Reserves; India Reaches 101 Ramsar Sites

The Supreme Court has extended its February 2024 direction requiring prior approval for mining within 10 km of Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve to all wetland conservation reserves across India. This creates a judicial safeguard for Ramsar sites and other notified wetlands, filling a gap in the Wetlands Rules 2017 which lack statutory buffers. Students must note the 101 Ramsar sites in India and the shift from 2010 to 2017 Rules.

Centre Amends EIA 2006: Port Environmental Clearance Validity Doubled to 20 Years, Extendable to 30

The Centre has doubled the validity of environmental clearances for ports and harbours from 10 years to a minimum of 20 years, with provisions for two five-year extensions. This amendment to the EIA 2006 notification aims to rationalise the clearance framework for long-gestation port projects, reducing compliance burden while maintaining environmental safeguards. For exam aspirants, this is a key policy change linking environmental regulation, infrastructure development, and governance.

72% of Punjab's Groundwater Blocks in 'Red Zone' as Extraction Rate Hits 152% - Pani Bachao Scheme Offers Cash for Conservation

Punjab's groundwater crisis deepens with an extraction rate of 152%, and 72% of its 153 blocks classified as 'over-exploited'. The rice-wheat cropping system, supported by subsidised electricity and assured procurement, drives this overuse. The 'Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao' scheme offers cash incentives for electricity conservation, but low enrolment limits impact. This is a critical issue for UPSC Environment, Agriculture, and Governance papers.