Latest news with #BhupenderYadav
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Union min launches gharial conservation plan at Katarniaghat
Bahraich: Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav , inaugurated the Gharial Species Conservation Programme by releasing seven young gharials into the Gerua river in Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary. The event marked a significant step in the conservation of the critically endangered reptile species. During a boat safari, the minister observed dolphins, otters, and gharials in their natural habitat. He described the experience as "unforgettable" and praised Katarniaghat as a unique blend of grasslands, woodlands, and flowing river landscapes, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Yadav emphasized the ecological importance of forests and wildlife, calling them the "natural heritage of the Earth" that help maintain ecological balance and enrich human life. He highlighted India's rich biodiversity and called for community-based conservation approaches. During his visit to Dudhwa tiger reserve and interactions with public representatives, forest officials, NGOs, and villagers, the minister received 25–30 suggestions for improving forest and wildlife conservation. He announced that these suggestions would be incorporated into a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring sustainable coexistence. Yadav also reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for community-driven development and healthy environments. He urged the public to contribute to environmental preservation by planting at least one tree in their name. The minister held discussions with members of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), distributed jungle patrol kits, and was shown a documentary on Katarniaghat. He also participated in a session on innovative community engagement strategies to involve local communities in forest and tribal conservation efforts. Key topics during the presentation by the divisional forest officer (DFO) included human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community engagement strategies, wildlife rescue operations, CSR based lighting installations in forest-adjacent areas. The minister concluded his visit by touring the NIC facility and signing the feedback wall, affirming the govt commitment to preserving India's unique ecosystems. Senior officials including principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, additional principal chief conservator (project tiger) Lalit Verma, and Dudhwa field director H. Rajamohan were present on the occasion.
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on human-wildlife conflict, International Big Cat Alliance and more (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance, consider the following statements: 1. There are 95 range countries which fall within the natural distribution of the big cats. 2. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed. 3. The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in Moscow. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In March 2024, the Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Its mandate is to protect seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. — It was created 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28. — The big cats have 95 range countries (those within a species' natural distribution), which include Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Which of the following is/are the reason which led to the increase in human-wildlife conflict? 1. Fluctuations in wildlife population 2. Animals forced to move out of their habitats 3. Grazing of domestic cattle in forest areas 4. Changes in cropping pattern Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — Kerala has sought the Union government's nod to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and properties. The state wants the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended so it can be allowed to kill wild animals that foray into human habitats. — The primary problem animals include tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, wild boar, bonnet macaques, and peafowl. Although bonnet macaques (a monkey species) and peafowl pose little threat to humans, their regular raids have driven farmers to abandon enormous swaths of agricultural land. — Major reasons include regional fluctuations in wildlife populations, animals forced to relocate when the quality of their habitats deteriorates, domestic cattle grazing in forest regions, changes in cropping patterns, and so on. But, more crucially, the population growth of wild pigs and various monkey species is causing havoc on human habitats. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the National Mission for a Green India, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched in 2014. 2. Its main objective is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest and tree cover, using a blend of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. 3. The Western Ghats mountain ranges are not included in the Green India Mission. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — According to the new Green India Mission (GIM) whitepaper, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change would prioritise the restoration of sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis and Western Ghats mountain ranges, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan area. — The amended document claimed that a'micro-ecosystem' approach will be used to make interventions in sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis, Western Ghats, arid parts of North West India, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan region. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The National Mission for a Green India was established in February 2014 as one of the eight main missions of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct. — GIM's primary goal is to maintain, restore, and improve India's forest and tree cover using a combination of climate adaptation and mitigation techniques. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — One of the mission's primary goals was to expand forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land, as well as improve the quality of forest cover on an additional 5 million hectares. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian Flapshell Turtle, consider the following statements: 1. It is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. 2. These species live only in the oceans. 3. They are found only in the Indian Subcontinent. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Indian Flapshell Turtle is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. Nesting often begins in late summer and continues through the monsoon season, which lasts from July to November. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — These species live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including rivers and streams, reservoirs, marshes, ponds, lakes, and even salt marshes, rice fields, gutters, and canals in urban areas. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — It is ubiquitous in brackish water lagoons on India's east coast and is frequently seen in irrigation canals and tanks, as well as stagnant paddy fields. — Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The Indian Flapshell Turtle is native to the Indian Subcontinent, and it's also found in some parts of Myanmar (not considered part of the Indian subcontinent). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Which of the following species exhibit bioluminescence? 1. Jellyfish 2. Worms 3. Sea stars 4. Sharks Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — Bioluminescence is the ability of a living creature to generate and radiate light. This phenomenon is unusual in terrestrial ecosystems but prevalent in marine environments. — Many marine animals, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, worms, crabs, sea stars, fish, and sharks, can create their own light. Deep-living and planktonic creatures exhibit higher luminescence than shallow species. Furthermore, the appearance of bioluminescent light varies depending on the environment and the creature in which it is present. — According to NOAA, bioluminescence is the product of an enzyme reaction. An enzyme accelerates a chemical reaction by assisting a substrate in reacting. The enzyme is reused in the process rather than being converted into another molecule Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav chairs workshop on Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict
New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Friday chaired an Interactive Workshop on Management of Human Wildlife Conflict at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh. The workshop was attended by Members of Parliament, Ministers from Government of Uttar Pradesh, Members of Legislative Assembly, officials from Government of India and the State Government. According to an official release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the topics deliberated during the workshop included the issues being faced due to human wildlife conflict in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, along with the steps taken by the Government of India and the State Government for mitigating the conflict situations. The gathering was also apprised of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for finding amicable solutions through advanced technologies, including AI for management of human wildlife conflict management and for establishment of a Centre of Excellence at WII-SACON. In pursuance of this, the Ministry has initiated action for establishment of the Centre of Excellence for human wildlife conflict management. The officers of MoEFCC also briefed about the advisories and guidelines issued by the Ministry, the details regarding financial support to the States under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, use of technology, etc. The officers of the Government of Uttar Pradesh elaborated on various efforts taken by the State Government, including that of declaring human wildlife conflict as 'disaster' under the State Disaster Management Act. The suggestions emanated during the interactive workshop would facilitate the Government to consider plausible actions for human wildlife conflict mitigation and developing appropriate strategies. Further, the Union Minister interacted with the Tharu community at Village Balera where Eco development committees displayed the handicraft works being done by them for employment generation and empowering Tharu women. Yadav also visited Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to interact with the officials for works undertaken for conservation of Gharials. He, along with the forest officials, released 7 Gharial yearlings in river Girwa to give impetus to Gharial conservation. The Minister also interacted with a troupe of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for protection of wildlife and challenges faced during monsoon patrolling. (ANI)
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Declare wild pigs as vermin in conflict zones, Kerala asks Centre in fresh appeal
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has once again written to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav reiterating the State's key demands to address the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The State's demands chiefly include an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the declaration of wild pigs as vermin, at least temporarily in identified hotspots. The renewed appeal comes in the light of a letter from the Union Ministry, explaining the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, particularly those pertaining to hunting animals listed under Schedules I and II. 'Limits powers' Arguing that these limited the powers of the Chief Wildlife Warden and hampered timely action, Mr. Saseendran also flagged the ambiguity in the definition of the term 'dangerous animal' in the Act. Highlighting the growing threats posed by wild animals in human habitats, he emphasised the impracticality of the current procedures. He pointed out that due to these constraints, the Forest department had been unable to act swiftly, thereby intensifying the conflict and endangering human lives and livelihoods. He also proposed simplifying the Standard Operating Procedures for eliminating dangerous animals. The State has also called for declaring wild pigs as vermin in villages identified as hotspots. 'Such a declaration, even if limited to a duration of six months, would greatly facilitate site-specific management of the species in these areas and contribute significantly to mitigate the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts,' the letter states. The government also renewed its demand for an assistance of ₹620 crore to implement preventive measures to tackle the unfolding crisis.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Restoring forests key to carbon capture: Govt paper
The largest potential of creating additional carbon sinks is through restoration of degraded forests, which have impaired in the last 15 to 20 years, along with afforestation of open forests, wastelands and agroforestry, according to the National Mission for Green India document released by the environment ministry on Tuesday. Restoration of natural forests through plantations can contribute up to 60% of the total carbon sink which can be achieved by 2030, the report released on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought by union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav has said. It is also indicated by the Forest Survey of India evaluation that to bring about an increase in carbon sink (CO2 equivalent billion tonnes) by 2.51 and 3.39 by 2030, as committed by India in its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, a corresponding increase of 18.71 and 24.69 million hectares of enhanced forest and tree cover area would be required respectively. The Green India Mission is being implemented during the 10-year period from 2021 to 2030. A part of these plantation activities have already taken place. Annual afforestation/ tree plantation at the current trend of over 2 million hectares should cover another 12 million hectares during 2025-30, the report has said. Ten categories of activities have been considered by FSI for the potential increase in carbon sink and forest cover in the country and include afforestation of impaired forests, open forests, wastelands, agroforestry, setting up of green corridors, undertaking plantations along roads and railways on railway sidings, along rivers and canals and creation of urban green spaces. The National Governing Council of the Mission will be chaired by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav and the National Executive Council will be headed by the secretary, environment. There will be a Mission Director of the Green India Mission who will be the member-secretary of the National Governing Council. The Mission Directorate chaired by the Mission Director will have overall accountability for the Mission deliverables at the National level and will be supported by a team of experts and secretarial staff, the report said. 'The scale and the magnitude of the national effort required for the restoration of degraded land and an improvement of tree cover would imminently require the proactive involvement of all the stakeholders. An active association and involvement of the private sector will, therefore, be pursued as a strategy for funding some of the interventions under the Mission,' the report stated. It added that private sector can be involved via companies utilising wood and wood-based raw material to develop their supply chain by involving the community through join forest management committees and panchayat bodies; contributions from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for restoration of vulnerable and critical areas or adoption of certain villages by supporting committed individuals or groups could act as a feather in the cap for the private entity concerned and by undertaking greening of vacant institutional lands through the institution owning the land. During an event on combating desertification in Jodhpur on Tuesday, Yadav said a significant portion of India's land is facing challenges due to desertification, primarily caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive use of fertilisers like urea, and indiscriminate pesticide application. 'Such practices not only degrade the land but also pose a threat to food security and biodiversity. In line with India's commitment to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the government has adopted a comprehensive approach focusing on ecosystem restoration, drought resilience, and biodiversity enhancement. To address the challenges, Centre will focus on: Amrit Sarovars: aimed at rejuvenating water bodies; Matri Van: planting trees in Aravalli region; Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: a nationwide movement to plant trees,' he said. Garnering the commitment of institutions, both public and private, commercial and non-commercial, can be explored through existing laws and guidelines. State agencies can help these institutions by providing planting material and technical know-how whereas the institution can provide watch and ward and inputs in addition to land. Harvesting of such plantations may be allowed at the request of the owner or user of the land as per their need and request without any liability or compensation, the report has said. The Mission will also focus on highly vulnerable landscapes, including Aravalli landscape, Western Ghats, arid regions of North West India, mangroves in coastal areas, Indian Himalayan region and degraded bamboo forests, on priority for enhancing ecosystem services and carbon sink. The financial outlay under the Mission is ₹12,190 crore for implementation of afforestation activities over 1.0 million hectare during the period of 10 years (2021-30). The Mission costs will be met partly from the budget ( ₹5,000 crore) under the ongoing Green India Mission scheme and balance from funds available under the National Fund of CAMPA ( ₹7,190 crore), the report said. 'Desertification, as we know, is not only an ecological problem, but a direct threat to food security, public health and economic stability. Highlighted that with PM Narendra Modi ji in the lead, India has launched the National Action Plan for Combating Desertification. To date, over 30 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated nationwide, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertiliser. India has also rolled out the iconic Aravalli Green Wall initiative to combat desertification,' Yadav wrote on X.
