A rare dragonfly species, the Long-tailed Duskhawker, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 110 years in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve.
About the Species
Scientific name: Gynacantha khasiaca
Belongs to the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Known for:
Near 360° vision
Compound eyes with thousands of lenses
Ability to hover still in air
Rediscovery
Last recorded in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills
Rediscovered at Deban in Namdapha National Park in October 2024
Study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa
Ecological Importance of Dragonflies
Dragonflies and damselflies are:
Predators and prey in freshwater ecosystems
Indicators of healthy aquatic habitats
Important for ecological balance
Odonata Diversity
Global: 6,442 species across 693 genera
India: 504 species and 27 subspecies
Arunachal Pradesh: Around 110 species recorded
Distribution of Long-tailed Duskhawker
Apart from Arunachal Pradesh, reported from:
Assam
Maharashtra
Meghalaya
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Significance of Rediscovery
Highlights rich biodiversity of Northeast India
Emphasises habitat protection and biodiversity monitoring
Shows importance of citizen science in conservation
About Namdapha National Park
Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
One of India’s largest protected areas
Known for tropical rainforests and rich wildlife diversity
[2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? 1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected. 2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants. 3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds. Select the correct using the code given below:
The Kerala government acted against houseboat pollution in Vembanad Lake following directions from the Kerala High Court.
About Vembanad Lake
Largest lake in Kerala and longest lake in India
Largest tropical wetland ecosystem on India’s southwest coast
Also called Vembanad Kayal, Punnamada Lake, Kochi Lake
Spread across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts
Source Rivers
Fed by:
Pampa
Meenachil
Achankovil
Manimala
Ecological Importance
Ramsar Site since 2002
Supports fisheries, biodiversity, flood control, and groundwater recharge
Part of National Wetlands Conservation Programme
Agriculture
Famous for below sea-level farming in the Kuttanad region
Tourism and Culture
Major part of Kerala backwaters tourism
Known for houseboats and inland water transport
Hosts Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in August
[2022] Consider the following pairs : Wetland/Lake Location 1. Hokera Wetland: Punjab 2. Renuka Wetland: Himachal Pradesh 3. Rudrasagar Lake: Tripura 4. Sasthamkotta Lake: Tamil Nadu How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released insights from India’s first national report on the Nagoya Protocol related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), highlighting India’s progress in ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources.
About the Nagoya Protocol
Adopted Under: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Objective: To ensure Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?
ABS means: Users of biological resources must share benefits with:
Local communities
Indigenous groups
Traditional knowledge holders
Benefits can include:
Monetary compensation
Technology transfer
Community development
Conservation support
Key Findings of the Report
Large-Scale Implementation Between 2017 and 2025: 12,830 ABS approvals granted.
India’s Global Contribution
India issued:
3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs)
Around 60% of global issuance.
Revenue Generated: ₹216.31 crore realised by: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Community Benefit: ₹139.69 crore disbursed to benefit claimers and local communities.
[2023] Consider the following statements: 1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol. 2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Delhi’s road dust has come under renewed scrutiny after scientific studies and a CAQM-appointed committee identified it as a persistent and major source of particulate pollution, particularly PM10.
What is Road Dust?
Road dust is a mixture of solid particles, including soil, sand, brake/tire wear, and construction debris, that settles on road surfaces and becomes airborne.
It is a major, often unregulated source of urban air pollution and harmful heavy metals (such as Zinc and Copper)
It becomes airborne through vehicle movement and wind action.
In Delhi, road dust has emerged as a persistent urban pollutant source, contributing significantly to PM10 and PM2.5 levels.
It has implications for respiratory health, urban planning, and environmental governance.
How does road dust emerge as a major source of air pollution in Delhi?
Road Surface Deposits: Dust accumulates from soil, debris, road wear, tyre-brake friction, and construction material, becoming airborne through vehicular movement.
Primary Pollutant Source: CAQM classified road dust as a primary emission source, unlike point-source pollution from construction sites.
Vehicular Resuspension:Heavy traffic movement repeatedly lifts deposited particles into the air, particularly during dry weather.
Construction Spillover:Transport of construction and demolition (C&D) waste spreads loose particles along roads, increasing dust loading.
Dust-Carrying Corridors: Delhi’s roads function as linear pollution corridors, where contamination spreads continuously rather than remaining site-specific.
How does road dust threaten public health?
PM10 and PM2.5 Exposure: Fine particles penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing chronic inflammation.
Respiratory Diseases: Increases risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), persistent coughing, and wheezing.
Cancer Risk: Studies identified toxic elements in roadside soil and dust linked to carcinogenic outcomes.
Childhood Vulnerability: Weakens lung growth and respiratory development in children.
Premature Mortality: Long-term PM2.5 exposure contributes to temperature-linked deaths and cardiovascular complications.
Why does road dust persist despite repeated cleaning measures?
Continuous Deposition: Dust reaccumulates due to poor road conditions, inadequate maintenance, and unregulated roadside dumping.
Unpaved Medians and Shoulders:Loose soil from unpaved stretches frequently disperses during wind events.
Poor Irrigation Practices:Leaking water pipes used for median watering dry later and convert into dust-generating surfaces.
Encroachments and Parking:Unauthorized parking and roadside encroachments obstruct mechanised sweeping and cleaning.
Median Design Reform: Maintaining an 8-12 inch soil depression below kerbs reduces soil displacement during strong winds.
Road Engineering Improvements: Better road paving, shoulder management, and drainage systems reduce dust generation.
Drip Irrigation Systems: Prevents soil displacement from leaking watering systems.
Loose Soil Stabilisation: Ensures dust control near metro infrastructure and tree plantations.
Scientific Monitoring: Supports particle-size analysis and effectiveness assessment of interventions.
Conclusion
Delhi’s road dust crisis reveals that air pollution is not solely a combustion problem but also an urban maintenance and ecological governance challenge. Sustainable mitigation requires moving beyond temporary suppression measures toward scientific road engineering, ecological restoration, mechanised cleaning, and institutional coordination. Without structural reforms, road dust will continue to undermine gains achieved through vehicle and industrial emission control.
Value Addition:CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management): Coordinates air pollution mitigation across NCR and adjoining regions. NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute): Conducts environmental pollution assessment and mitigation research. CRRI (Central Road Research Institute): Specialises in road infrastructure and transport-related studies. TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute): Works on sustainability and environmental policy.Important Terms/Concepts PM10: Particulate matter with diameter below 10 microns, enters the respiratory tract. PM2.5: Fine particulate matter below 2.5 microns, penetrates the bloodstream. Resuspension: Re-entry of deposited particles into air through traffic or wind. Urban Ecological Barrier: Natural landscapes such as Aravallis that reduce dust transport.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2020] What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?
Linkage: UPSC frequently asks questions on institutional and policy responses to environmental pollution, especially air quality governance and mitigation frameworks. The article shows that road dust is a major but underestimated PM10/PM2.5 source, highlighting why NCAP needs targeted urban dust-control measures beyond conventional emission control.
The Union government informed the Supreme Court of India that no new hydroelectric projects should be permitted in the upper reaches of the Ganga in Uttarakhand.
Key Highlights
Ministries of:
Environment
Jal Shakti
Power
Submitted a common affidavit opposing new hydel projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins.
Projects Allowed
The Centre allowed only seven ongoing or substantially completed projects, including:
Tehri Pumped Storage Project
Tapovan Vishnugad
Vishnugad Pipalkoti
Singoli Bhatwari
Phata Byung
Reasons for Restricting New Projects
The government cited:
Seismic fragility of the Himalayas
Cumulative impact of “bumper-to-bumper” dams
Flood disasters such as:
2013 Kedarnath floods
2025 Dharali flash flood
Background
The case originated after the 2013 Kedarnath disaster.
The Supreme Court had asked expert committees to study the impact of hydropower projects in Uttarakhand.
[2009] The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers?
A sixth tiger has died in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve within a month, with authorities suspecting infection by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
Key Highlights
Latest victim:
Six-year-old male tiger
Found dead in Mukki range of KTR
Earlier deaths: One tigress and four cubs in Sarhi range
What is CDV (Canine Distemper)?
Highly contagious viral disease.
Mainly spreads through infected dogs.
Affects:
Respiratory system
Nervous system
Immune system
Why is it a Concern?
Virus may be spreading across different ranges of the reserve.
Stray dogs entering buffer and core forest areas are suspected carriers.
Role of Authorities
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Union government have sought reports from State officials regarding the tiger deaths.
About Kanha Tiger Reserve
Located in Madhya Pradesh.
One of India’s major tiger reserves.
Part of the Project Tiger network.
Consider the following statements about National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): 1.It was constituted under Biodiversity act, 2002. 2.It is a statutory authority to implement Project Tiger. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2
Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes in Warangal, Telangana, during an operation against illegal wildlife trade.
Key Highlights
The operation was conducted by the Hyderabad zonal unit of DRI.
Officials acted on intelligence regarding illegal sale of live snakes in the grey market.
Two live snakes were recovered from the suspect’s bag during an undercover decoy operation.
About Indian Red Sand Boa
Scientific name: Eryx johnii
Non-venomous burrowing snake species found in India.
Often targeted in illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions and false medicinal beliefs.
Legal Protection
The species is protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Significance of Schedule I
Provides the highest level of legal protection.
Hunting, possession, and trade are prohibited.
Action Taken
The snakes and accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Warangal.
Further investigation is underway to identify possible wildlife trafficking networks.
[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? [A] It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. [B] It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and not it is impossible to prevent its extinction. [C] It is endemic to a particular region of India. [D] Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
Hundreds of people participated in the traditional fishing and spring-cleaning festival at Panzath Nag in Kashmir.
About Panzath Nag
A famous freshwater spring located in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Known for:
Crystal-clear water
Fish population
Religious and ecological importance
Ecological Importance
Supports local irrigation and agriculture.
Maintains freshwater biodiversity.
Traditional cleaning helps preserve water quality and ecosystem health.
[2014] Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? (a) Bhutia and Lepcha (b) Gond and Korku (c) Irula and Toda (d) Sahariya and Agariya
India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle was released in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, coinciding with Endangered Species Day.
Key Highlights
The turtle was released in the 1,302 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The project aims to study:
Seasonal movement patterns
Home range
Nesting and breeding habitats
Conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with:
Kaziranga National Park authorities
Assam Forest Department
Funded by the National Geographic Society.
About the Ganges Soft-shell Turtle
Scientific name: Nilssonia gangetica
Freshwater turtle species found in:
Large rivers
Lakes
Reservoirs
Identified by arrowhead-shaped markings on the head.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Protected under:
Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Ecological Importance
Major river predator and scavenger.
Helps maintain river health by feeding on dead and decaying animal matter.
Assam and Turtle Conservation
Assam is a priority region for freshwater turtle conservation.
Out of eight soft-shell turtle species found in India, five occur in the Kaziranga landscape.
[2019] Consider the following statements: 1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above are correct? [A] 1 and 3 only [B] 2, 3 and 4 only [C] 2 and 4 only [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2018] How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, and institutional mechanisms for ecological sustainability. Human-wildlife conflict arises from habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss; coexistence strategies require stronger ecological conservation and legal protection frameworks like the Biological Diversity Act.
Mentor’s comment
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has emerged as a major conservation and governance challenge. This is because habitat fragmentation, infrastructure expansion, climate stress, and shrinking ecological corridors intensify encounters between humans and wildlife. India reports hundreds of human deaths annually due to elephant encounters, while crop damage and livestock predation continue to affect livelihoods.
Why is human-wildlife conflict increasing globally and in India?
Habitat Fragmentation: Roads, railways, dams, mining, and urbanisation disrupt migratory routes and ecological corridors. Elephants and large mammals increasingly move through agricultural landscapes.
Case Study (India): The Siliguri-Alipurduar railway track in North Bengal acts as a barrier, causing frequent train-elephant collisions.
Agricultural Expansion: Cultivation near forest fringes increases overlap between biodiversity-rich habitats and settlements.
Case Study (India): In the Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), the expansion of tea, coffee, and banana plantations adjacent to protected areas has severely disrupted elephant movement. This has resulted in high crop raiding in districts like Coimbatore and Wynad.
Ecological Imbalance: Decline in natural prey and food sources pushes wildlife towards human settlements.
Case Study (India): In Manas National Park, Assam, the degradation of traditional fodder habitats has led to increased crop raiding. Furthermore, the substitution of native trees with commercial monoculture like Eucalyptus has reduced natural grazing, forcing herds into villages.
Climate Change: Alters vegetation and water availability, intensifying competition for resources.
Case Study (India): During intense summers, elephants in the state of Odisha and in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape have been observed moving into human settlements looking for water and raiding paddy fields.
Population Pressure: Expands human settlements near forests and ecologically sensitive regions.
Case Study (India): In Karnataka’s Kodagu region, rapidly growing population and land conversion into ginger and coffee farms have shrunk elephant corridors, forcing them into intense competition with locals for space.
India’s Vulnerability: Elephant encounters, livestock depredation, and crop raiding impose significant economic and social costs.
Livestock Depredation: In Hemis National Park, Ladakh, Snow Leopards preying on sheep and goats are a major source of conflict, with a study finding that they are responsible for 31% of livestock predation in some valleys.
How does ecological imbalance shape human-wildlife conflict?
Why are education and awareness central to coexistence?
Behavioural Change: Reduces retaliatory actions against wildlife.
Risk Awareness: Promotes safer responses in conflict-prone regions.
Climate Adaptation: Builds preparedness for ecological stress.
Community Partnership: Reframes local populations as conservation stakeholders.
What should be India’s future strategy for managing human-wildlife conflict?
Habitat Restoration: Improves prey availability and ecosystem resilience.
Ecological Connectivity: Secures wildlife corridors to reduce accidental encounters.
Scientific Land-Use Planning: Integrates biodiversity concerns into development projects.
Rapid Compensation: Strengthens trust among affected communities.
Data-Based Governance: Uses GIS mapping and wildlife monitoring for prevention.
Participatory Conservation: Ensures community involvement and benefit-sharing.
Conclusion
Human-wildlife conflict reflects a deeper ecological imbalance rather than isolated wildlife aggression. Sustainable coexistence requires integrating conservation with local livelihoods through habitat restoration, ecological corridors, participatory governance, and scientific planning. India’s long-term success will depend on shifting from reactive mitigation to coexistence-centred conservation.
