Delhi Sultanates Slave/Mamluk dynasty (1206-1290 CE) Mamluk is an Arabic term that means “owned.”  It served as a means of separating the lower-class imported Turkish slaves intended for military duty from the higher-class slaves employed as domestic workers or artisans. … Continue reading →

Biodiversity Hotspots Biodiversity hotspots are geographical areas that exhibit a notable abundance of diverse species, including numerous species that are unique to that specific location and a substantial number of species that are at risk of extinction.  The notion of … Continue reading →

Definition: Ramsar Sites are wetlands identified under the Ramsar Convention due to their significant ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance. Purpose: The main objective is to ensure the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national … Continue reading →

Biosphere: The biosphere is the part of the Earth where life can exist, including the living organisms and the non living factors that support them. Definition: A biosphere reserve is an area recognized by UNESCO for its unique ecological significance … Continue reading →

Wildlife Sanctuary Sanctuary is an area that is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance.  The Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating, or developing wildlife or its environment. Wildlife sanctuaries of India are classified … Continue reading →

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) A statutory advisory body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It advises the government on animal welfare laws, promotes animal welfare, and oversees Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs). AWBI is concerned … Continue reading →

Bird Life International (BI) What is it?: World’s largest nature conservation partnership, consisting of 120 national nature conservation organisations across the globe.  Mission: BI is dedicated to the conservation of birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. Aims: To work collaboratively … Continue reading →

Fullform: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Establishment: An international non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.  Headquarters located in Gland, Switzerland.  Functions and Activities: Engaged in research, field projects, … Continue reading →

Fullform: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Establishment: An international treaty concluded under the UN Environment Programme in 1979 in Bonn, Germany. Entered into force in 1983. Also known as the Bonn Convention or Global … Continue reading →

Why in the news? Over 700 Indian armed forces personnel participated in Exercise Bright Star 2025 held in Egypt. Exercise BRIGHT STAR 2025 What is it? – It is a multilateral, tri-service exercise hosted biennially at Cairo (West) Air Base, … Continue reading →