UPSC Prelims Practice
Current Affairs Quiz 30 May 2026
Daily Practice
Test Your Knowledge
15 questions based on today’s current affairs & editorials
15 MCQs
Explanations
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Question 1 of 15
The post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India was formally created by which of the following?
FACT: The CDS post was created via a Government of India notification on December 24, 2019; Gen Bipin Rawat assumed office as the first CDS on January 1, 2020. ANALYSIS: The Cabinet decision followed PM Modi’s August 15, 2019 Independence Day announcement; the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was created in January 2020 to host the CDS as its Secretary.
📝 Concept Note
Reform trail: Kargil Review Committee (K. Subrahmanyam, 1999) → Group of Ministers (2001, Advani) → Naresh Chandra Task Force (2011) → Shekatkar Committee (2015) → 2019 announcement. Second CDS: Gen Anil Chauhan (Sep 30, 2022 – May 30, 2026).
The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023 enabled disciplinary jurisdiction across services — a legal building-block for theatre commands.
The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023 enabled disciplinary jurisdiction across services — a legal building-block for theatre commands.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 (executive — ACC appointments), GS3 (defence reforms). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | theaterisation, jointness, DMA, ISO Act 2023. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing CDS post-creation (Dec 2019) with DMA creation (Jan 2020). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** CDS does NOT exercise direct operational command — Service Chiefs retain operational command; CDS is principal military adviser to Defence Minister and Permanent Chairman, COSC. |
Question 2 of 15
Which of the following is currently India’s only fully operational tri-service theatre command?
FACT: The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), established in 2001 and headquartered at Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), is India’s only fully operational tri-service theatre command. ANALYSIS: The K. Subrahmanyam Committee post-Kargil recommended joint commands; the ANC was the first such experiment.
📝 Concept Note
Three theatre commands proposed under theaterisation: Northern Theatre Command (China-facing), Western Theatre Command (Pakistan-facing), and Maritime Theatre Command (MTC). Strategic Forces Command (SFC, 2003) is a tri-service command but specifically for nuclear weapons — not a geography-based theatre command.
Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency are tri-service agencies (not commands).
Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency are tri-service agencies (not commands).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (security & defence reforms). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | theaterisation, jointness, Indo-Pacific maritime strategy. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing ANC with Naval Eastern Command. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Port Blair was officially renamed to Sri Vijaya Puram on September 13, 2024. |
Question 3 of 15
India and Myanmar share a land border. Which of the following Indian states do NOT share a border with Myanmar?
FACT: India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km land border with four Indian states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Tripura does NOT border Myanmar; it borders Bangladesh on three sides.
ANALYSIS: The four bordering states all face cross-border insurgent sanctuary issues (NSCN-K, ULFA-I, PLA, KCP) and ethnic-tie complications (Chin-Mizo, Kuki-Zo).
ANALYSIS: The four bordering states all face cross-border insurgent sanctuary issues (NSCN-K, ULFA-I, PLA, KCP) and ethnic-tie complications (Chin-Mizo, Kuki-Zo).
📝 Concept Note
India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) — which allowed 16-km cross-border movement without visas — was scrapped in 2024 by India following the Manipur ethnic conflict. India has accelerated border fencing along the Myanmar border under the MHA. Bilateral trade ~USD 1.7 bn (FY25).
Indian-origin diaspora in Myanmar: ~2.5 million.
Indian-origin diaspora in Myanmar: ~2.5 million.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS1 (India geography), GS2 (Neighbourhood First, Act East). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | insurgent sanctuaries, Kaladan project, IMT Trilateral Highway. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | including Tripura among Myanmar-bordering states. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Myanmar is the only ASEAN member sharing a land border with India. |
Question 4 of 15
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects which Indian state to Myanmar’s Sittwe port?
FACT: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Mizoram (Aizawl) to Myanmar’s Sittwe port (Rakhine State) via the Kaladan River, eventually linking to Kolkata. ANALYSIS: The MEA-funded project was designed to give India’s landlocked Northeast an alternative sea-route via Myanmar; progress has been disrupted by the Arakan Army’s seizure of parts of Rakhine State.
📝 Concept Note
The India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway runs from Moreh (Manipur) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar. Sittwe Port is operated by India Ports Global Ltd.
India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute (ICC), so hosting Min Aung Hlaing is legally unconstrained despite ICJ Gambia v Myanmar case on Rohingya.
India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute (ICC), so hosting Min Aung Hlaing is legally unconstrained despite ICJ Gambia v Myanmar case on Rohingya.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 (IR, Act East), GS3 (infrastructure). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | Indo-Pacific connectivity, BIMSTEC, ASEAN gateway. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | assuming Kaladan connects via Manipur — Manipur is for the IMT Highway. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (April 2021, Jakarta) on Myanmar remains largely unimplemented. |
Question 5 of 15
The 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Hyderabad House (May 26, 2026) adopted which two flagship initiatives?
FACT: The 11th Quad FM meeting in Delhi adopted the Critical Minerals Initiative Framework (USD 20 bn target) and the first-of-kind Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration (IPMSC). ANALYSIS: A separate bilateral India-US Critical Minerals Framework was signed by EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary Rubio alongside the multilateral Quad outcome.
📝 Concept Note
The Quad was conceived as the Tsunami Core Group after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (US-India-Japan-Australia); first formal dialogue May 2007 (Manila, ASEAN sidelines); revived November 2017 (ASEAN Manila, working level). FM-level meetings annual from 2019; first Leaders’ Summit virtual March 2021.
IPMSC builds on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for MDA (IPMDA) announced at Tokyo Quad Summit, May 2022.
IPMSC builds on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for MDA (IPMDA) announced at Tokyo Quad Summit, May 2022.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 (IR, minilaterals), GS3 (supply chain security). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | strategic autonomy, Indo-Pacific, friend-shoring. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | assuming the Quad is a treaty alliance — it is a non-treaty minilateral. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** India’s rare-earth reserves rank 5th globally (~6.9 mn tonnes); India is 100% import-dependent on lithium, cobalt, nickel. |
Question 6 of 15
India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), approved in 2025, has a corpus of approximately:
FACT: The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) has a corpus of ₹34,300 crore covering 2025-2031, announced via Union Budget and approved by Cabinet in 2025. ANALYSIS: The Mission targets exploration, refining capacity, recycling, and overseas acquisitions through KABIL.
📝 Concept Note
India released its list of 30 critical minerals in June 2023. KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) is the overseas mineral acquisition arm — a JV of NALCO + HCL + MECL. India is 100% import-dependent on lithium, cobalt, nickel.
The India-US Critical Minerals Framework (May 26, 2026) is channelled via the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and NCMM. EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2023) targets 10% domestic extraction and 40% processing by 2030.
The India-US Critical Minerals Framework (May 26, 2026) is channelled via the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and NCMM. EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2023) targets 10% domestic extraction and 40% processing by 2030.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (economy, energy security). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | supply-chain resilience, friend-shoring, NCMM. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing NCMM (₹34,300 cr) with India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 cr) or IndiaAI Mission (₹10,372 cr). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Critical minerals → batteries (Li, Co, Ni), magnets (rare earths), electronics (Ga, In, Ge). |
Question 7 of 15
Which Indian state launched a ₹22,000-crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III on May 29, 2026 to integrate 18 GW of renewables?
FACT: Andhra Pradesh launched the ₹22,000-crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III on May 29, 2026 to integrate 18 GW of renewables (11 GW solar + 7 GW pumped-storage) including 2,261 km of new transmission lines and 5 pooling stations (Mudigubba, Talupula, Ramayapatnam, Porumamilla, Koppaka). ANALYSIS: AP has set a long-term renewable target of 160 GW.
📝 Concept Note
The Green Energy Corridor was launched by MNRE in 2015-16. Phase-II (approved January 2022) had ₹12,031 crore for 7 states.
India crossed its NDC 2030 target of 50% non-fossil installed capacity in June 2025 (5 years ahead of schedule); ranked 3rd globally by IRENA 2026 with 283.46 GW. The NDC for 2031-2035 (March 2026 Cabinet) targets 60% non-fossil capacity by 2035 and 47% emissions intensity reduction by 2035.
India crossed its NDC 2030 target of 50% non-fossil installed capacity in June 2025 (5 years ahead of schedule); ranked 3rd globally by IRENA 2026 with 283.46 GW. The NDC for 2031-2035 (March 2026 Cabinet) targets 60% non-fossil capacity by 2035 and 47% emissions intensity reduction by 2035.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (renewable energy, federalism in energy). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | grid integration, pumped storage, duck-curve. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing GEC (transmission) with PLI Solar (manufacturing). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Panchamrit commitments (COP26 Glasgow 2021) — 500 GW non-fossil by 2030; net zero by 2070. |
Question 8 of 15
The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme under the India Semiconductor Mission provides financial support up to:
FACT: The DLI Scheme provides up to ₹15 crore per startup for chip design — combining Product Design Linked Incentive and Deployment Linked Incentive components. ANALYSIS: Netrasemi (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) is among the first four startups to receive DLI support; its A2000 edge AI SoC was launched on May 28, 2026, fabbed at TSMC on a 12nm node.
📝 Concept Note
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) approved December 21, 2021, with ~₹76,000 crore outlay. ISM 2.0 (Budget 2026-27) allocated additional ~₹1,000 crore.
Major fab approved: Tata Electronics + PSMC at Dholera, Gujarat (28nm, ~₹91,000 cr). ATMPs at Jagiroad (Tata, Assam), Sanand (Micron, CG Power, Kaynes).
India targets 70-75% semiconductor self-sufficiency by 2029 and 3nm/2nm capability by 2035.
Major fab approved: Tata Electronics + PSMC at Dholera, Gujarat (28nm, ~₹91,000 cr). ATMPs at Jagiroad (Tata, Assam), Sanand (Micron, CG Power, Kaynes).
India targets 70-75% semiconductor self-sufficiency by 2029 and 3nm/2nm capability by 2035.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (S&T, semiconductors, startup ecosystem). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | fabless model, edge AI, design sovereignty. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing DLI with PLI. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** India has ~20% of global chip-design talent; ~2,500 chips designed in India annually. |
Question 9 of 15
The newly described frog Amolops kamal was discovered in which Indian state?
FACT: Amolops kamal, a new cascade-frog species, was described from Singrep village, Kiphire district, Nagaland — collected in August 2024 and formally published in May 2026. ANALYSIS: It belongs to the Amolops indoburmanensis species complex; identified via integrative taxonomy combining morphology, bioacoustics, and 16S rRNA molecular phylogenetics.
📝 Concept Note
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) — founded July 1, 1916, headquartered in Kolkata, under MoEFCC — conducted the work jointly between its North-Eastern Regional Centre (Shillong) and ZSI Pune (molecular work). Nagaland falls within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot — one of India’s four (alongside Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Eastern Himalaya, and Sundaland-Nicobar).
Conservation International recognises 36 biodiversity hotspots globally (Norman Myers framework, 1988).
Conservation International recognises 36 biodiversity hotspots globally (Norman Myers framework, 1988).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (biodiversity). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | integrative taxonomy, cryptic species, Indo-Burma hotspot. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the four Indian hotspots — note that Nicobar Islands are part of Sundaland, not Indo-Burma. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Amolops genus = cascade frogs with suction-disc tadpole abdomen — adapted to fast-flowing hillstreams. |
Question 10 of 15
Hindi Journalism Day (May 30) commemorates the 1826 launch of which newspaper?
FACT: Udant Martand (“The Rising Sun”), India’s first Hindi-language newspaper, was launched on May 30, 1826 in Calcutta by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla. ANALYSIS: Published weekly on Tuesdays, it folded in December 1827 after approximately 79 issues due to lack of British colonial patronage — Bengali, Urdu, and Persian papers received government support but Hindi did not.
📝 Concept Note
Foundational Indian newspapers timeline: Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (1780, English, first in India) → Samachar Darpan (1818, Bengali, Serampore Mission) → Mirat-ul-Akhbar (1822, Persian, Raja Ram Mohan Roy) → Bombay Samachar (1822, Gujarati, oldest continuously published) → Udant Martand (1826, Hindi) → Samachar Sudha Varshan (1854, first Hindi daily). Colonial press laws: Vernacular Press Act 1878 (Lytton) — repealed 1882 by Ripon.
Constitutional anchor for press freedom: Article 19(1)(a). 2023: Press and Registration of Periodicals (PR&P) Act replaced the 1867 PRB Act.
Constitutional anchor for press freedom: Article 19(1)(a). 2023: Press and Registration of Periodicals (PR&P) Act replaced the 1867 PRB Act.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS1 (modern Indian history, freedom movement), GS2 (press freedom, Article 19). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | Indian-language press, Vernacular Press Act, colonial press regulation. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing Udant Martand with Samachar Sudha Varshan (which was the first Hindi DAILY). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950) established press freedom under Article 19(1)(a). |
Question 11 of 15
Goa attained statehood under which Constitutional Amendment?
FACT: Goa became India’s 25th state on May 30, 1987, enabled by the 56th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987, and operationalised by the Goa, Daman and Diu Reorganisation Act, 1987. ANALYSIS: Until then, Goa had been a Union Territory (1962-1987), formed after liberation from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961 (Operation Vijay).
📝 Concept Note
Goa’s constitutional journey: 12th Amendment Act 1962 added it as a UT → Opinion Poll of January 16, 1967 (first and only referendum-like exercise in independent India; 54.2% rejected merger with Maharashtra) → 56th Amendment Act 1987 (statehood, with Article 371-I transitional provisions). 71st Amendment 1992 added Konkani (along with Manipuri and Nepali) to the Eighth Schedule. Other 1987 state creations: Mizoram (23rd state) and Arunachal Pradesh (24th state) on February 20, 1987; Goa (25th) on May 30, 1987.
Goa’s area (3,702 sq km) makes it India’s smallest state.
Goa’s area (3,702 sq km) makes it India’s smallest state.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS1 (post-independence integration), GS2 (Articles 2-4, Eighth Schedule, UCC debate). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | state reorganisation, Goa Opinion Poll, Article 371-I. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the 56th Amendment (Goa, 1987) with the 53rd Amendment (Mizoram, 1986). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Goa is the only Indian state with a Uniform Civil Code, inherited from the Portuguese Civil Code, 1867. |
Question 12 of 15
Which Article of the International Health Regulations (IHR) provides the WHO Director-General with the authority to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?
FACT: PHEIC is declared under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005 — adopted by the World Health Assembly and in force since June 15, 2007 — binding on 196 WHO Member States. ANALYSIS: The WHO Director-General declares a PHEIC on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee; the declaration triggers temporary recommendations on screening, travel, and trade.
📝 Concept Note
WHO declared the current Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a PHEIC on May 17, 2026, following an Emergency Committee meeting on May 19 — 746+ suspected cases with ~85 confirmed (incl. 2 in Uganda) as of mid-May. India issued a traveller advisory on May 21, ramped up airport surveillance, and postponed the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV; was set for May 28-31, 2026 in Delhi).
Past PHEICs: H1N1 (2009), Polio (2014, still active), Ebola West Africa (2014), Zika (2016), Ebola Kivu (2019), COVID-19 (2020-23), Mpox clade IIb (2022-23), Mpox clade Ib (2024, active), Ebola Bundibugyo (2026, active). The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025.
Past PHEICs: H1N1 (2009), Polio (2014, still active), Ebola West Africa (2014), Zika (2016), Ebola Kivu (2019), COVID-19 (2020-23), Mpox clade IIb (2022-23), Mpox clade Ib (2024, active), Ebola Bundibugyo (2026, active). The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 (WHO, international health governance), GS3 (pandemic preparedness, One Health). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | IHR-2005, PHEIC, One Health Mission. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing PHEIC (highest WHO alert) with a "pandemic" declaration (which has no specific WHO legal trigger). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** India’s only BSL-4 lab is at NIV Pune (commissioned 2012). |
Question 13 of 15
Konkani was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution by the:
FACT: Konkani — along with Manipuri and Nepali — was added to the Eighth Schedule by the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. ANALYSIS: This was a culmination of the Konkani language movement in Goa, which had also driven the 1967 Opinion Poll rejection of merger with Maharashtra (where Konkani was then classified as a Marathi dialect).
📝 Concept Note
Eighth Schedule key milestones: original 14 languages at adoption (1950) → Sindhi added by 21st Amendment (1967) → Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali by 71st Amendment (1992) → Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali by 92nd Amendment (2003). Current total: 22 languages.
Classical Language status (different framework) — Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu and Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), Marathi/Pali/Prakrit/Assamese/Bengali (Oct 3, 2024) — totaling 11 classical languages.
Classical Language status (different framework) — Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu and Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), Marathi/Pali/Prakrit/Assamese/Bengali (Oct 3, 2024) — totaling 11 classical languages.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS1 (language politics in India), GS2 (Eighth Schedule, federalism). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | linguistic recognition, regional identity, language movements. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the Eighth Schedule (22 languages) with the Classical Languages framework (11). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Goa’s statehood and Konkani’s 8th Schedule inclusion are linked political-cultural milestones. |
Question 14 of 15
India’s "Operation Vijay" of December 1961 led to the liberation of which territory from Portuguese rule?
FACT: Operation Vijay (December 17-19, 1961) was the tri-service Indian military action that liberated Goa, Daman and Diu from 451 years of Portuguese rule. ANALYSIS: The operation lasted 36 hours; Portuguese Governor-General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva surrendered on the evening of December 19, 1961 in Vasco da Gama, Goa.
Indian casualties: approximately 22 killed, 54 wounded.
Indian casualties: approximately 22 killed, 54 wounded.
📝 Concept Note
French territories (Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam, Chandernagore) were transferred to India through the de facto transfer on November 1, 1954 (Treaty of Cession signed 1956, ratified 1962). Portugal severed diplomatic relations with India after Operation Vijay; relations resumed only in 1974 after Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
The Portuguese Governor-General was Vassalo e Silva. Goa’s integration via 12th Amendment Act (1962) as UT; 56th Amendment Act (1987) for full statehood.
The Portuguese Governor-General was Vassalo e Silva. Goa’s integration via 12th Amendment Act (1962) as UT; 56th Amendment Act (1987) for full statehood.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS1 (post-independence integration), GS2 (Articles 2-4). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | decolonisation, integration of princely/colonial territories. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing Operation Vijay 1961 (Goa) with Operation Vijay 1999 (Kargil War). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | ** Two "Operation Vijay" — 1961 Goa liberation and 1999 Kargil. Different operations, same codename. |
Question 15 of 15
India has how many biodiversity hotspots out of the 36 globally recognised by Conservation International?
FACT: India has four biodiversity hotspots — Western Ghats & Sri Lanka, Eastern Himalaya, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands are its northernmost extension). ANALYSIS: The hotspot framework was developed by Norman Myers in 1988 and refined by Conservation International.
A hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species AND have lost 70% or more of its original habitat.
A hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species AND have lost 70% or more of its original habitat.
📝 Concept Note
India’s four hotspots: (1) Western Ghats & Sri Lanka (Gujarat to Tamil Nadu — Sahyadri, Anaimudi, Agasthyamalai sub-cluster), (2) Eastern Himalaya (Sikkim, North Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Bhutan/Nepal/southern Tibet), (3) Indo-Burma (Northeast India excluding Assam plains — where the new Amolops kamal cascade frog was found in Nagaland in 2026), (4) Sundaland (Nicobar Islands in India; Andaman is also Sundaland but distinct biogeographic affinity). Conservation International recognises 36 hotspots globally (originally 25 in Norman Myers 2000 list; expanded in 2005 and 2011).
India is one of 17 megadiverse countries (Conservation International), holds 89 Ramsar wetlands (as of May 2026), 18 Biosphere Reserves (12 in UNESCO MAB network), 56 Tiger Reserves, and 106 National Parks. India contains ~8% of recorded global biodiversity on 2.4% of land area; 12% of mammals, 13% of birds, and a significant share of reptiles/amphibians are endemic.
Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), and Project Dolphin (2020) are flagship programmes.
India is one of 17 megadiverse countries (Conservation International), holds 89 Ramsar wetlands (as of May 2026), 18 Biosphere Reserves (12 in UNESCO MAB network), 56 Tiger Reserves, and 106 National Parks. India contains ~8% of recorded global biodiversity on 2.4% of land area; 12% of mammals, 13% of birds, and a significant share of reptiles/amphibians are endemic.
Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), and Project Dolphin (2020) are flagship programmes.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 (biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate-vulnerability), GS1 (geography — biogeographic zones). |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | endemism, habitat fragmentation, Norman Myers (1988) framework, Conservation International (2000) refinement, biopiracy, Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), Nagoya Protocol (2010). |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | including Andaman in Indo-Burma — Andaman + Nicobar both fall under Sundaland. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Northeast India (excl. Assam plains) = Indo-Burma; Nicobar + Andaman = Sundaland; Lakshadweep is NOT a hotspot. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** As a forest officer in a hotspot district, how would you balance tribal Forest Rights Act 2006 claims with critical-tiger-habitat notifications? Frame around participatory conservation, ecosystem-services compensation (CAMPA), and gram-sabha-based community monitoring under PESA. |
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