Context: Scientists have identified a new Begonia species, Chowna Buku Chulu, in the Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery adds to India’s rich floral diversity, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas — a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
About Chowna Buku Chulu
Species Name:Chowna Buku Chulu
Family: Begoniaceae
Location: Leparada district, Arunachal Pradesh
Distinctive Feature: Bright ruby-red leaves, giving it strong ornamental potential.
Etymology: The name translates to “Noble Red” (Aryarakta) and honours Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, for his contributions to the region’s development and conservation.
The species was discovered during a systematic survey of understorey flora in the humid forests of Arunachal Pradesh — an area known for rare endemic plant species.
About Genus Begonia
Global Diversity: Around 2,000 known Begonia species, making it one of the largest genera of flowering plants.
Habitat: Moist tropical and subtropical forests, thriving under shaded, humid conditions.
Unique Adaptation:
Asymmetrical leaves with red undersides reflect light upward, improving photosynthesis under low light.
Some species produce oxalic acid to deter herbivores.
Distribution: Pantropical — found in South America, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. India has particularly high Begonia diversity in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast.
Uses:
Ornamental: Bright leaves make it popular in horticulture.
Medicinal: Known for antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Natural Dyes: Used traditionally for pigments and dyes.
Significance of the Discovery
Biodiversity Conservation: Highlights the rich but vulnerable Eastern Himalayan ecosystem.
Economic Potential: Its ornamental value could boost local horticulture and sustainable floriculture markets.
Scientific Value: Adds to taxonomic and genetic knowledge of Begoniaceae, aiding future research.
Cultural Importance: Naming after a local leader fosters community participation in conservation.
Conservation Note
Northeast India, though ecologically rich, faces threats from habitat loss, shifting cultivation, and climate change.
Identifying and documenting endemic species like Chowna Buku Chulu helps design targeted conservation strategies and aligns with India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Global Biodiversity Framework.
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the National Red List Assessment (NRLA) initiative during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. The initiative marks a major step in building a nationally coordinated framework to assess the conservation status of India’s native species.
About the NRLA Initiative
Aim: To develop a National Red List of threatened species in line with IUCN Red List standards.
Roadmap:The National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 provide strategic direction for the programme.
Coverage: Assessment of at least 11,000 species of flora and fauna by 2030.
Nodal Agencies:
Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Objective: To publish National Red Data Books for plants and animals to guide conservation policy.
Alignment: Reinforces India’s commitment to:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
IUCN Global Red List Standards
Biodiversity of India
Global Position: India is among the 17 megadiverse countries of the world.
Hotspots: 4 of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots fall fully or partly in India.
Species Richness:
7–8% of global recorded species
7th in mammals, 9th in birds, 5th in reptiles.
Legal Framework:
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Significance of NRLA
Provides a national baseline for biodiversity conservation.
Supports evidence-based policy formulation.
Enhances species recovery programmes and habitat protection.
Strengthens India’s role in achieving global biodiversity targets by 2030.
Way Forward
Capacity building of state agencies and research institutions.
Integration with local community knowledge for species mapping.
Linking NRLA outcomes with climate adaptation and sustainable development strategies.
The NRLA is a landmark initiative that aligns national conservation priorities with global biodiversity goals and creates a scientific basis for protecting India’s rich ecological heritage.
Context: During the Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched five new conservation projects and four national-level wildlife monitoring programmes, including the landmark “Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR)” Project.
About the TOTR Project
The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) is a national initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). It will be implemented from 2025 to 2028 with a total outlay of ₹88.7 crore, coordinated by NTCA and executed by state forest departments.
Objectives
Reduce human–tiger conflict in areas beyond designated reserves.
Protect dispersing tigers that move through agricultural and forested landscapes due to habitat loss and corridor shrinkage.
Promote a landscape-level conservation model, ensuring coexistence and ecological balance while protecting human lives and livelihoods.
Key Features
1. Geographical Coverage:
Covers 80 forest divisions across 17 tiger-range states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Focuses on buffer zones and corridors adjoining high-density tiger reserves.
2. Use of Technology:
Deployment of AI-based early warning systems, camera traps, GPS-enabled patrolling, and data analytics to monitor tiger movements.
3. Community Participation:
Formation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) with trained local youth, equipped with tranquilization gear and rescue vehicles.
Launch of “Bagh Mitra” (Tiger Friends) and eco-education camps to build public awareness on coexistence.
4. Institutional Mechanism:
NTCA will centrally coordinate and monitor project progress.
Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWLWs) and State CAMPA authorities will handle state-level fund management and implementation.
Other Conservation Projects Launched
Project Dolphin (Phase II): Focus on conservation of river and marine dolphins, including the Ganga River Dolphin and Indus Dolphin.
Project Sloth Bear: India’s first national framework for sloth bear protection — covering habitat management, rescue, and conflict mitigation.
Project Gharial: Aimed at recovering gharial populations in the Chambal and Gandak river ecosystems.
Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE–HWC): Established at Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) to develop AI-based conflict prediction models and capacity-building tools.
Significance
With over 35% of India’s tiger population living outside reserves, TOTR represents a crucial step in inclusive tiger conservation.
By blending technology, community engagement, and landscape-level management, it ensures long-term sustainability of both human and wildlife ecosystems.
Context: After two years of debate over the structural stability of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project’s barrages in Telangana, the Union Government has accepted the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and decided to undertake repair works on three barrages. This marks a major step in implementing scientific dam safety oversight in India under the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
About the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)
Statutory Body: Established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the NDSA is a statutory authority functioning under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Composition: Headed by a Chairperson, assisted by five members leading specialized divisions —
Policy Implementation: Executes policies framed by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS).
Dispute Resolution: Resolves issues between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) or between an SDSO and a dam owner.
Regulation & Inspection: Specifies standards for inspection, investigation, design, and maintenance of dams.
Accreditation: Grants accreditation to agencies involved in dam construction, design, or alteration.
Emergency Preparedness: Ensures that dam safety and emergency response protocols are in place, especially during natural disasters.
Capacity Building: Conducts awareness and training programmes to enhance safety management across states.
Significance
India has over 6,000 large dams, many of which are over 50 years old. Ensuring their safety is critical for lives, livelihoods, and irrigation infrastructure.
The NDSA establishes uniform national standards and bridges the coordination gap between Centre and States.
It promotes a preventive safety culture rather than a reactive disaster response mechanism.
Way Forward
Regular dam safety audits using modern technology such as remote sensing, drones, and digital monitoring systems.
Strengthening coordination between NDSA and state agencies for real-time data sharing.
Public awareness and early warning systems for communities in downstream areas.
Conclusion
The National Dam Safety Authority marks a paradigm shift from fragmented dam oversight to integrated and accountable safety governance. Its proactive intervention in the Kaleshwaram case demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to scientific dam management and disaster resilience.
Context: The Government of India launched the National Initiative on Water Security in New Delhi to promote sustainable water management across rural India. This initiative comes at a time when nearly 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress (NITI Aayog, CWMI).
Key Features of the Initiative
Collaborative Effort: Jointly implemented by the Ministries of Rural Development, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Jal Shakti.
Mandatory Water Conservation: All rural blocks must now integrate water conservation into development planning.
MGNREGA Amendments:
65% of funds in over-exploited blocks.
40% of funds in semi-critical blocks.
30% of funds in water-sufficient blocks. These allocations prioritize groundwater recharge and sustainable water use.
Achievements under MGNREGA
Employment Generation: Over 3,000 crore person-days created since 2014.
Women’s Participation: Increased from 48% (2014) to 58% (2025).
Water Assets: Built over 1.25 crore structures including ponds, tanks, and check dams.
Mission Amrit Sarovar: Over 68,000 reservoirs created/rejuvenated to improve rural water storage capacity.
Significance
India’s water crisis is intensifying due to over-extraction, climate change, and rising demand. This initiative aims to:
Recharge groundwater.
Improve rural livelihoods through water-linked employment.
Enhance agricultural sustainability.
Promote climate resilience in rural India.
The program integrates conservation with development, making water security a cornerstone of India’s rural transformation.
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently issued an office memorandum exempting uranium mining from mandatory public consultations. This move has reignited debates around environmental risks, indigenous rights, and federalism in India.
About Uranium
Nature: Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal, primarily used as nuclear fuel.
Isotopes: Exists mainly as Uranium-238 (99.3%) and Uranium-235 (0.7%), the latter being fissile.
Reserves in India: Meghalaya holds nearly 16% of India’s uranium reserves, making it the third-largest source after Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Concerns of Local Communities
Distrust in Process: Local communities view the exemption as an attempt to bypass consent after years of resistance and failed negotiations.
Health & Environmental Risks: Fear of radiation exposure and ecological damage, drawing on lessons from Jaduguda (Jharkhand), where mining has been linked to health issues.
Constitutional & Legal Dimensions
Sixth Schedule: Grants Autonomous District Councils in tribal areas control over land and resources.
Federalism Question: Exemption undermines local authority and weakens environmental justice.
Global Norms: Contradicts the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Strategic Dimensions
Energy Security: Uranium is vital for India’s nuclear power generation and strategic deterrence.
Context: The Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Brazil in July 2025 shaped the Belém Health Action Plan which will be launched at COP30. The plan marks a global shift towards placing health at the centre of climate action.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Belém Health Action Plan; Major international climate agreements and action plans.
Belém Health Action Plan
The Belém Health Action Plan aims to become a global reference for strengthening climate-resilient health systems. The draft plan is structured around three main pillars:
Surveillance and Monitoring: Aims to strengthen health surveillance systems to effectively respond to climate-related threats, such as vector-borne disease outbreaks and mental health impacts from extreme weather events.
Evidence-Based Policy Strategy: Seeks to accelerate the implementation of proven solutions by fostering cooperation among governments, academic institutions, civil society, and other key actors.
Innovation and Production: Proposes investments in research and technology to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Why does the Climate-Health link matter?
Climate change exacerbates malnutrition, heat stress, respiratory ailments and vector-borne diseases. This makes it imperative to frame climate action not as a distant environmental agenda but as an immediate public health priority.
Insights from India’s Welfare Experience:
India’s welfare policies demonstrate how non-health interventions can generate substantial health and climate co-benefits. For example:
The PM POSHAN scheme has simultaneously improved child nutrition, strengthened education outcomes, promoted agricultural diversification, and built climate-resilient food systems through the use of millets.
The Swachh Bharat Mission has tackled sanitation, dignity, and public health while mobilising communities through cultural symbolism rooted in Gandhian ideals.
The MNREGA programme has improved rural livelihoods while restoring degraded ecosystems through water conservation and afforestation works.
The PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has reduced household air pollution and carbon emissions by providing clean cooking fuel to rural households.
These initiatives demonstrate that intentional, intersectoral action can multiply impacts across health, environment, and development.
From this experience, three insights emerge for integrated climate-health governance:
Strong political leadership ensures inter-ministerial cooperation and elevates climate action as a public health and empowerment issue rather than a technocratic agenda.
Community engagement enhances legitimacy when policies are anchored in local culture and participatory structures, as seen in parent–teacher committees under PM POSHAN or mass mobilisation under Swachh Bharat.
Embedding climate goals within existing delivery systems such as ASHAs, self-help groups and panchayats ensures sustainability without creating parallel structures.
Challenges in Implementation:
Despite these successes, certain barriers persist :
Administrative silos reduce effectiveness when multiple departments are involved.
Economic barriers such as high LPG refill costs in PMUY hinder access for poor households.
Social and cultural practices limit adoption unless supported by long-term behavioural change.
Monitoring remains focused on outputs (E.g., toilets built) rather than real outcomes like improved health.
Way Forward
To overcome these challenges and build effective climate-health governance, India’s experience points towards a three-pillar framework:
Strategic Prioritisation: Reframe climate policies as immediate health imperatives.
Procedural Integration: Mandate health impact assessments across all climate-relevant policies.
Participatory Implementation: Mobilise communities around tangible health gains like clean air, safe water, and nutritious food.
India can provide a model for the Global South, promoting a whole-of-society response to climate and health challenges.
Context: Vultures, nature's most efficient waste managers, can play a crucial role in public health. The National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-2025) is nearing its completion. This offers an opportunity to integrate biodiversity protection with pandemic preparedness.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Vultures; Role of Vultures; Vulture Conservation.
Ecological and Public Health Role of Vultures
Vultures are obligate scavengers that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and removal of soil and water contaminants.
Their scavenging function reduces opportunities for stray dogs and rodents to feed on carcasses, which otherwise act as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. They prevent the spread of pathogens like Anthrax, Clostridium botulinum, and Rabies.
As the first animals to encounter carcasses, they can play a pivotal role in surveillance and safe carcass management.
Status of Vultures in India
India is home to 9 species of Vultures. India once had over 40 million vultures, but their population has declined by over 95% since the 1990s, primarily due to the veterinary drug diclofenac.
This decline represents not only an ecological loss but also a public health challenge linked to the risk of future pandemics.
Vultures in India are part of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), a major migratory corridor spanning 30+ countries, connecting ecosystems and disease risks across borders.
Decline in vulture numbers increases the risk of spillover events, as poorly managed carcasses turn into hotspots for zoonotic pathogens.
Threats to Vultures:
Consumption of carcasses of livestock treated with diclofenac leads to renal failure in vultures damaging their excretory system (direct inhibition of uric acid secretion in vultures), and causes their fatality. Diclofenac is a common anti-inflammatory drug administered to livestock and is used to treat the symptoms of inflammation, fevers and/or pain associated with disease or wounds.
Habitat loss and fragmentation: Urbanisation, expansion of Agriculture, deforestation leads to destruction of nesting sites and habitat of Vultures.
Reduction in prey-base, changes in cattle disposal methods, and electrocution with power lines.
Challenges in Vulture Conservation:
Conservation programmes remain fragmented and underfunded, with limited integration into One Health strategies.
Infrastructure risks like electrocution from power lines and poisoning from toxic veterinary drugs remain unchecked.
Efforts for Vulture Conservation:
National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-25): The Action Plan for the conservation of vultures includes setting up 8 Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres and Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) in the country.
In 2023, the governmentbanned veterinary use of Aceclofenac and Ketoprofen which were found to be toxic to vultures. The government has already banned the veterinary use of Diclofenac in 2006 to protect the species from further harm.
India has the opportunity to frame a post-2025 strategy that integrates biodiversity conservation with pandemic preparedness. By embedding vulture protection in national and regional One Health strategies, India can showcase a global model where biodiversity conservation doubles as pandemic prevention.
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given permission for translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. It is aimed to revive the big cat’s population in the northern Western Ghats.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve; Pench Tiger Reserve; Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:
Location: Sahyadri Ranges of Western Maharashtra.
STR is spread across Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra.
The reserve was notified by amalgamating Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
The central portion of STR is occupied by Shivsagar reservoir of Koyana river and Vasant Sagar reservoir of Warana river.
Pench Tiger Reserve:
Location: Southern slopes of Satpura range. Spread in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
PTR comprises Pench National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary.
Pench river flows through the park from north to south and splits the park into two. Meghdoot dam on Pench river is located on the boundary of this Tiger Reserve.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve:
Location: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra in the Vidarbha region.
The tiger reserve consists of Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Andhari river passes through this reserve.
Key Facts about Tiger:
Tiger is an umbrella species. Its conservation automatically ensures the conversation of a large number of flora and fauna and entire ecosystems.
India is home to 75% of the global tiger population.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducts a tiger census across India every 4 years.
Latest Tiger Census Report (2022): India has 3682 tigers. (2967 in 2018)
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers (785) in India, followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
Context: Urban noise pollution has emerged as one of the neglected public health crises despite policy measures.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Legal Framework, Constitutional Provisions related to noise pollution.
Mains: Key reasons for rising noise pollution and associated challenges.
As per the World Health Organisation, safe limits in silent zones are 50 dB by day and 40 dB by night. Yet in cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru readings near sensitive institutions often reach 65 dB-70 dB.
Existing Measures for Noise Regulation:
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 provide legal provisions for defining silent zones and regulating permissible limits.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) launched the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) in 2011 to generate real-time noise data across Indian cities.
State governments and local authorities are empowered to regulate loudspeakers, firecrackers, construction activities, and industrial operations.
Article 21 guarantees the right to life with dignity, encompassing mental and environmental well-being.
Public awareness campaigns such as “No Honking Day” in some states, have been undertaken to encourage behavioural change among citizens.
Despite the presence of policy measures, noise pollution continues to rise because enforcement has remained weak and largely symbolic.
Gaps and Challenges in Implementation:
Weak enforcement of the Noise Pollution Rules and penalties for violations are rarely imposed. E.g., Noise Pollution Rules 2000 are rarely updated to reflect urban realities.
Lack of coordination: Multiple agencies such as traffic police, municipal bodies, and State Pollution Control Boards act in silos, which leads to a lack of coordination.
Fragmented Data: Data generated by the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network often remains fragmented and is not effectively linked to enforcement actions.
Technological bottlenecks: Sensor placement is frequently flawed, with many devices installed at heights of 25-30 feet, which leads to inaccurate readings.
Public apathy and normalisation of honking, drilling, and construction noise reduce civic pressure on authorities to act.
Urbanisation, late-night infrastructure work, and logistics-driven traffic contribute to rising noise levels despite existing restrictions.
Health, Social and Ecological Impacts
Noise pollution has severe health consequences, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stress, and disturbed sleep cycles.
Children exposed to high noise levels experience impaired cognitive development and reduced learning outcomes.
Elderly citizens and individuals with pre-existing health conditions face aggravated mental and physical health challenges.
Noise pollution reduces productivity, increases irritability, and lowers the overall quality of life in cities.
Noise disrupts animal communication systems. E.g., A 2025 University of Auckland study found that urban noise altered the sleep and song patterns of common mynas within a single night. Such disruptions signal a broader breakdown of ecological communication, which affects biodiversity and the urban environment.
In 2024, the Supreme Court of India affirmed that environmental disruptions, including excessive noise, can infringe upon the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21
Global Experiences and Best Practices:
Europe: The European Environment Agency estimated in 2020 that noise pollution causes annual economic losses worth €100 billion due to its health impacts. In response, several European cities redesigned speed zones, enforced strict zoning regulations, and integrated noise mapping into urban planning.
Japan: Japan has introduced acoustic zoning laws and noise-mapping systems that guide urban development and reduce sound exposure in residential areas.
India, by contrast, suffers from regulatory fragmentation and institutional silence.
Way Forward
Formulation of National Acoustic Policy on the lines of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards to establish permissible decibel levels for different urban zones. The policy must mandate regular noise audits and empower local grievance redressal mechanisms to make enforcement citizen-centric.
Decentralisation of National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) to give local bodies access to real-time data and responsibility for immediate action.
Directly linking noise monitoring with enforcement to ensure that violations invite penalties, strict zoning compliance, and restrictions on construction activities.
Public awareness must be institutionalised through continuous campaigns, driver training programmes, and community initiatives.
Urban planning must integrate acoustic resilience by creating noise-buffer zones, embedding green spaces, and designing infrastructure that balances speed with sonic civility.
Tackling urban noise pollution requires moving beyond token regulations towards a rights-based approach that upholds Article 21 guarantee of life with dignity.
Context: Recent scientific research using coral microatolls has revealed that sea-level rise (SLR) in the central Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives, Lakshadweep, and Chagos Archipelago is accelerating. Earlier studies suggested that significant acceleration started only in the 1990s, but new evidence shows that seas in this region have been rising since the late 1950s.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Implications of Climate Change.
Rising Sea Levels in Indian Ocean
Rising sea levels are among the most visible and threatening consequences of global warming. The Indian Ocean, which is the third largest ocean basin in the world, has been experiencing sea-level rise at an accelerated pace.
The Indian Ocean’s levels have been rising at around 3.3 millimetres per year, which is higher than the global average, which in turn amplifies changes in ocean dynamics and atmospheric circulation.
These shifts have a direct impact on coral reefs, fisheries, and low-lying island nations such as the Maldives, Lakshadweep, and the Chagos Archipelago.
Key Findings of the Study:
A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore studied coral microatolls in the Maldives. The study reconstructed sea-level history from 1930 to 2019, extending the existing records by nearly 90 years. The findings showed that :
Sea levels rose by around 0.3 metres over the 90-year period.
The rate of rise has accelerated over time: it was between 1 and 1.84 mm/year from 1930 to 1959, and between 3.91 and 4.87 mm/year from 1990 to 2019. This indicates that sea-level rise in the Indian Ocean began accelerating in the late 1950s.
The periods of coral growth interruption coincided with El Niño events, negative Indian Ocean Dipole events, and the 18.6-year lunar nodal cycle, all of which influence sea levels and stress corals.
Implications of Rising Sea Levels:
Ecological: Coral reefs face bleaching due to reduced sunlight, warmer waters, and acidification, threatening biodiversity and marine productivity.
Human & Economic: Low-lying islands risk inundation; livelihoods from fisheries and tourism are endangered; flooding, erosion, and storm surges increase vulnerability.
Geopolitical & Security: Strategic islands like Maldives and Lakshadweep face displacement, migration, and sovereignty challenges, impacting maritime trade and security.
Way Forward
Strengthening Scientific Monitoring: Expanding tide gauge networks, improving satellite observations, and using natural recorders such as coral microatolls can help fill critical gaps in sea-level data, and thus improve the accuracy of climate models and projections.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Restore mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs as natural buffers.
Policy & Governance: Integrate sea-level rise into planning and disaster frameworks; secure climate finance and technology for island nations.
Context: Many Orcas, often called killer whales, have been found sharing freshly killed prey with humans. Orcas shared their offerings to humans including seaweed, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Orcas: Killer Whales.
About Orcas
Orca is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family.
They are called killer whales because of their reputation as powerful predators in the marine world.
It has distinct pigmentation: black on top, white on the bottom and having recognisable white eye patches.
They live and hunt in groups led by a matriarch (the oldest female) and the group’s behaviour largely depends on the matriarch.
While orcas are known to be prosocial animals, they rarely interact with humans.
They have a larger brain size relative to the size of the body. This trait is linked to better cognition, learning, and social behaviour.
