Why China’s upcoming Tianwen-2 mission could be significant for finding clues about quasi-satellites

• China will launch its first mission to survey and sample a near-Earth asteroid this week. Known as the Tianwen-2 mission, the probe will investigate an asteroid called 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, which orbits the Sun at a distance relatively close to Earth.
• If successful, the mission will place China in a group of a handful of countries — including the United States and Japan — which have been able to sample asteroids and return the samples to Earth successfully.

What is the Kamo‘oalewa asteroid?

• Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 asteroid survey telescope on Haleakalā in Hawaii. It is one of just seven asteroids that fall into a little-understood class known as quasi-satellites of Earth — satellites that orbit the Sun, but because of their close distance to Earth, they are gravitationally influenced by the planet.
• The asteroid “travels in a highly elliptical solar orbit and appears to Earth-bound observers to be alternately leading and trailing Earth in its more circular orbit. This gives the impression the asteroid orbits Earth,” according to a report in Science.
• Quasi-satellites are known to shift their orbits over time. For instance, Kamo‘oalewa has been in its current orbit for around 100 years, and is expected to remain there for the next 300 years.

Why does China want to investigate Kamo‘oalewa?

• Kamo‘oalewa has garnered attention due to its unusual orbit and unknown origin. Scientists believe exploring this asteroid would help them find clues about how quasi-satellites came to be, and how their orbits evolved over time.
• Moreover, some researchers suggest that Kamo‘oalewa could be the first known asteroid composed of lunar material.
• In 2021, University of Arizona planetary scientist Benjamin Sharkey wrote in the Environment that Kamo‘oalewa might have been ejected from the Moon’s surface due to a collision with some other astronomical object. They said so because the telescope that they used to investigate Kamo‘oalewa picked up a usual spectrum, or pattern of reflected light, that suggested Kamo‘oalewa is composed of silicates resembling those found in Apollo lunar samples.
• The exploration of the asteroid could settle the hypothesis that the Moon was formed as a result of a collision between the Earth and another small planet (Kamo‘oalewa could be a small remnant of that collision).
• “Observations and the ejecta models do not yet prove it…[the samples in an Earth-based lab could] settle the question [of origin] definitively,”

How will Tianwen-2 retrieve samples?

• To collect the samples from Kamo‘oalewa, the Tianwen-2 mission will use a “touch-and-go” technique which has been successfully implemented by the United States’ OSIRIS-Rex and Japan’s Hayabusa2 missions.
• In this technique, the spacecraft hovers close to the surface of the asteroid while a robotic arm fires an object or burst of gas to knock fragments into a collection chamber.
• Depending on the surface conditions, the Tianwen-2 probe might also use a second “anchor and attach” technique. In this, four robotic arms extend and drill into the surface to retrieve material.
• After collecting the samples, the mission will drop them on Earth. The probe will then head towards the main asteroid belt for another mission.
• Experts, however, suggest that collecting samples from Kamo‘oalewa will be a challenging task for Tainwen-2. The issue is that, unlike previously explored asteroids, Kamo‘oalewa is quite small. It measures just 40 to 100 metres in diameter. As a result, the mission would need highly sophisticated cameras, spacecraft computers, and reaction control systems.

India partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush globally through agreement on traditional medicine interventions

• In a landmark development poised to transform the global standing of traditional medicine systems, an agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• The agreement inked on Saturday marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), the Ayush Ministry said in a statement.
• The ICHI, complementing the WHO''s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), documents what treatments and health interventions are administered.
• With the inclusion of a traditional medicine module, therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha and Unani systems such as Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani regimens and Siddha procedures will now be recognised in globally standardised terms, the ministry statement said.
• This will bring about multiple benefits such as transparent billing and fair pricing for Ayush services, smoother integration of Ayush treatments in health insurance coverage and enhanced hospital management, clinical documentation and health research.
• Most importantly, it will lead to greater global accessibility to Ayush interventions.
• This development aligns with India''s vision of bringing its rich heritage of traditional wisdom into the global healthcare mainstream, backed by scientific classification and international standards, the statement said.
• The combined impact of ICD-11 for diseases and the new ICHI module for interventions will ensure that Ayush becomes an integral, evidence-based, and policy-recognized part of global healthcare systems, the statement said.
• This is more than a coding update, it is a transformative step toward affordable, accessible and trusted healthcare through India''s traditional systems, it stated.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Integration of Traditional Medicine: The module will formally recognize therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani systems—such as Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani regimens, and Siddha procedures—in globally standardized terms.
• Enhanced Healthcare Accessibility: The initiative aims to make Ayush interventions more accessible worldwide by ensuring transparent billing, fair pricing, and smoother integration into health insurance coverage.
• Scientific Validation & Research: The classification system will support hospital management, clinical documentation, and health research, strengthening the evidence-based recognition of traditional medicine.
• India’s Contribution to WHO: India has committed $3 million to support WHO’s work on traditional medicine and the ICHI framework.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of this agreement during his Mann Ki Baat address, stating that it will help Ayush reach a global audience in a scientific manner. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed India’s commitment to mainstreaming traditional medicine within global healthcare systems.
• This development aligns with India''s vision of integrating its rich heritage of traditional wisdom into international healthcare standards. It marks a transformative step toward affordable, accessible, and trusted healthcare through India''s traditional systems
• a his agreement between India’s Ministry of Ayush and WHO could significantly influence global healthcare policies and the future of Ayush-based treatments in multiple ways:

Impact on Global Healthcare Policies

• Standardization & Recognition: With the inclusion of a Traditional Medicine module in the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani will be recognized in globally standardized terms, ensuring credibility and easier adoption worldwide.
• Health Insurance Integration: The classification system enables traditional treatments to be incorporated into health insurance policies, making Ayush interventions more financially accessible across different healthcare systems.
• Scientific Validation & Research Expansion: The structured documentation and classification will encourage more research into Ayush therapies, providing evidence-based studies that strengthen their acceptance in modern healthcare.
• Regulatory Streamlining: With WHO backing, Ayush treatments could gain more formal recognition in countries with strict healthcare regulations, leading to smoother approvals and certifications for practitioners and products.

Future of Ayush-Based Treatments

• Greater Global Accessibility: By integrating Ayush into WHO’s healthcare classification systems, traditional Indian medicine could become more widely available in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
• Expansion of Training & Education: Standardized classification will make it easier to develop global certification programs for Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani practitioners.
• Encouraging Innovation in Holistic Healthcare: With scientific support, the effectiveness of traditional medicine could be explored in new areas, including chronic disease management, mental health, and preventive care.

Long-Term Implications

• This collaboration aligns with India’s vision of bringing traditional wisdom into global healthcare mainstream, backed by scientific validation. It could pave the way for further research, greater patient trust, and expanded treatment options worldwide.

Blue light increases mutations in yeast DNA: IISER study 

• Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, have found that blue light can greatly increase the number of genetic mutations in yeast.
• Since yeast is a popular model organism in biology, the findings suggest prolonged exposure to blue light could also pose similar risks to other organisms. This will need more research to confirm.
• These effects of blue light exposure also go beyond its known impact on sleep cycles and vision.
• The DNA of every living organism changes slightly over time thanks to mutations. One kind of mutation is called loss of heterozygosity (LOH): when a cell loses genetic diversity at certain parts of its DNA.
• LOH can help evolution along but can also result in diseases like cancer. Scientists are trying to understand how common environmental factors like light, temperature, and the availability of nutrients influence these mutations.
• In the new study, the researchers used yeast cells — the kind used in baking bread — that had a mixed genetic background, which can be used to track LOH events. They grew these cells over about 1,000 generations in different environments: normal conditions (i.e. control group), exposure to blue light, low sugar, high temperature, salty conditions, ethanol, and oxidative stress.
• Each environment had 16 yeast populations grown independently. After 1,000 generations, the researchers sequenced the DNA from each population to assess genetic changes.
• They found that every condition tested led to more LOH mutations compared to normal conditions, but the extent of changes varied greatly by environment. Blue light was especially damaging: these cells had by far the most LOH mutations.
• The light caused large sections of DNA to lose genetic variation, making significant parts of the genome uniform. This occurred because blue light produced reactive oxygen molecules, like hydrogen peroxide, that damaged DNA.
• The team also found that blue light induced unique kinds of DNA mutations. For example, it oxidised DNA bases, causing errors in DNA copying.
• “Our work provides a mechanistic basis for using chronic blue light exposure as a novel antifungal agent through its genotoxicity. This is important as there is increasing resistance of pathogenic yeast to antifungal drugs,” 

Key Findings of the Study

• Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH): The study focused on LOH, a type of mutation where genetic diversity is lost in certain DNA regions. While LOH can drive evolution, it is also linked to diseases like cancer.
• Experimental Setup: Researchers grew yeast cells over 1,000 generations in different environments, including blue light exposure, low sugar, high temperature, salty conditions, ethanol, and oxidative stress.
• Blue Light’s Impact: Among all tested conditions, blue light caused the highest number of LOH mutations. It led to large sections of DNA losing genetic variation, making parts of the genome uniform.
• Mechanism of Damage: Blue light exposure generated reactive oxygen molecules, such as hydrogen peroxide, which damaged DNA. It also oxidized DNA bases, leading to errors in DNA replication.
• Potential Applications: The researchers suggest that chronic blue light exposure could serve as a novel antifungal agent due to its ability to induce genetic damage in yeast. This is particularly relevant as pathogenic yeast strains are developing resistance to antifungal drugs.

Broader Implications

• This study expands our understanding of how environmental factors—such as light exposure—can influence genetic mutations. It also raises questions about the long-term effects of blue light on human health, given its widespread presence in screens, LED lighting, and medical applications.
• The study from IISER Thiruvananthapuram raises important questions about the long-term effects of blue light exposure, particularly its potential role in influencing genetic mutations beyond yeast cells. Here’s how it may impact future research:

Potential Human Health Impacts

• DNA Damage & Cellular Stress: The finding that blue light generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, suggests it could similarly damage human DNA, potentially increasing mutation rates over time.
• Cancer Research: Since Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) is linked to diseases like cancer, researchers may now investigate whether chronic blue light exposure contributes to genetic instability in human cells.
• Neurological & Vision Studies: While blue light’s effects on sleep cycles and eye strain are well documented, this study suggests there could be deeper cellular effects that scientists haven’t fully explored.

Wider Implications in Environmental and Medical Research

• Antifungal Applications: The study suggests blue light could serve as an alternative antifungal treatment, particularly for drug-resistant yeast infections. This opens the door for new antimicrobial strategies in medicine.
• Effects on Other Organisms: Yeast is a widely used model for studying genetic mutations in eukaryotic cells. Researchers may now test blue light’s impact on plants, microbes, and even mammals, expanding our understanding of environmental influences on genetics.

Known Effects of Blue Light on Humans

Disruption of Sleep Cycles:

• Blue light affects melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep.
• Exposure before bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia.

Eye Strain & Vision Issues:

• High-intensity blue light can cause digital eye strain, leading to headaches and fatigue.
• Over time, excessive exposure may contribute to retinal damage.

Potential Genetic Effects Under Investigation

• DNA Damage & Cellular Mutations: The IISER study shows that blue light generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA in yeast cells. Scientists are now exploring whether similar effects occur in human cells, particularly in skin and eye tissues.
• Cancer Risk: Since Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) is linked to diseases like cancer, researchers may investigate whether prolonged exposure to blue light accelerates genetic mutations in humans

A missionary, a question of property: When SC put checks on Parliament power to amend Constitution

• The IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) case was a landmark ruling that significantly shaped India''s constitutional law.
• In Jalandhar, the aristocratic Brahmin joined the Scottish American Presbyterian Mission, becoming the first Indian to be ordained a minister. Over a century later, Golaknath Chatterjee’s descendants would lend their name to what’s perhaps one of the most consequential constitutional cases — IC Golaknath v State of Punjab.
• In 1962, land owned by the evangelical family ran into trouble with the Punjab government, which ordered that the family’s land was “surplus” under its land ceiling laws. While the right to property was then a fundamental right — it stayed that way until the 44th constitutional Amendment in 1978 — the government had through a series of reforms and Amendments diluted the right over the years.
• In 1964, through the 17th Amendment, the Parliament had added the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, to the Ninth Schedule, putting it beyond judicial purview. In 1967, the Supreme Court, while deciding on the family’s petition challenging the Punjab land ceiling law and the 17th Amendment reopened the question on whether the Parliament could amend fundamental rights.
• The ruling, for the first time limited Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. While doing so, the court would reverse a view it had consistently held for 17 years until then — that Parliament had the power to tinker with fundamental rights.

Background of the Case

• The Golaknath family, originally from Punjab, owned over 500 acres of farmland.
• In 1962, the Punjab government declared parts of their land as “surplus” under its land ceiling laws, restricting ownership.
• The family challenged this under Article 32, arguing that their fundamental right to property was being violated.

Key Legal Issues

• The 17th Amendment (1964) placed the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, in the Ninth Schedule, making it immune to judicial review.
• The case questioned whether Parliament had the power to amend fundamental rights under Article 368.
• The Supreme Court had previously ruled in Sankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951) and Sajjan Singh v. State of Rajasthan (1965) that Parliament could amend fundamental rights.

Supreme Court’s Verdict (1967)

• The 11-judge bench, led by Chief Justice K. Subba Rao, ruled that Parliament could not amend fundamental rights.
• The court held that constitutional amendments were subject to Article 13, meaning they could not violate fundamental rights.
• This ruling limited Parliament’s power, ensuring that fundamental rights remained protected.

Impact & Later Developments

• The decision was overturned in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), which introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine—allowing amendments but preventing Parliament from altering the Constitution’s core principles.
• The 44th Amendment (1978) removed the right to property from fundamental rights, making it a legal right instead.
• This case was a turning point in judicial review and constitutional interpretation, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights

Here’s how its ruling influenced later amendments and judicial decisions:

1. Shift in Constitutional Interpretation

• Before Golaknath, Parliament was seen as having unlimited power to amend the Constitution. The case restricted Parliament’s ability to alter fundamental rights, asserting that amendments must not violate them.

2. Laying the Groundwork for the Basic Structure Doctrine

• While Golaknath ruled fundamental rights could not be amended, this absolute restriction was reconsidered in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) case. This led to the Basic Structure Doctrine, which allows Parliament to amend the Constitution, but not its core principles.

3. Reversal of Golaknath via the 24th Amendment (1971)

• To counter the Supreme Court’s ruling, the government passed the 24th Amendment, explicitly stating that Parliament had the power to amend any part of the Constitution, including fundamental rights.
• This set the stage for a power struggle between the judiciary and the legislature over constitutional amendments.

4. Protection Against Authoritarian Amendments

• The Basic Structure Doctrine, built on Golaknath’s foundation, later prevented excessive centralization during the Emergency (1975-77), where Parliament attempted radical constitutional amendments.
• The Supreme Court reinforced its role as a guardian of democracy, using Kesavananda Bharati’s ruling to strike down unconstitutional changes.

5. Removal of Right to Property (44th Amendment, 1978)

• The 1967 Golaknath ruling heavily relied on the right to property being a fundamental right.
• In 1978, the 44th Amendment removed property rights from fundamental rights, reducing the judiciary’s involvement in such disputes.

 Chennai Corporation’s municipal bonds receive ‘overwhelming response’ in National Stock Exchange

• Chennai has officially joined the ranks of urban local bodies in India that have listed municipal bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to raise funds for infrastructure projects. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin attended the bell ceremony on May 26, 2025, marking the listing of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) municipal bonds.

Key Highlights of the Listing

• Fundraising Success: The GCC issued municipal bonds worth ₹200 crore, with a base issue size of ₹100 crore and a green shoe option of ₹100 crore. The bonds received 4.21 times subscription, reflecting strong investor confidence.
• Purpose of Funds: The proceeds will be used to partly finance the Integrated Storm Water Drainage Project (ISWDP) in the Kosasthalaiyar basin, a ₹3,059 crore initiative aimed at improving Chennai’s flood management infrastructure.
• Interest Rate & Ratings: The bonds carry an interest rate of 7.97% for 10 years and have been rated AA+ by India Ratings and Acuité Ratings.
• Future Municipal Bond Listings: NSE chief economist Tirthankar Patnaik announced that Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Tiruchi are also in the process of raising funds through municipal bonds.
• Government Incentives: Under AMRUT 2.0, the GCC will receive a ₹26 crore incentive for issuing bonds to support urban infrastructure projects.

Significance of the Move

• This marks a major milestone in municipal finance, encouraging urban local bodies to explore capital markets as an alternative funding source.

Impact of Municipal Bonds on Urban Infrastructure Financing

• Alternative to Traditional Funding:
• Cities often rely on government allocations, loans, or private investments for infrastructure projects.
• Municipal bonds provide direct access to capital markets, allowing cities to raise funds independently.

Encourages Financial Discipline:

• Issuing bonds requires cities to maintain strong financial health, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Investors evaluate the city''s creditworthiness, encouraging better governance and efficient use of resources.

Long-Term Funding for Large-Scale Projects:

• Infrastructure projects like roads, metro systems, stormwater drainage, and sanitation require substantial investment.
• Bonds allow cities to raise money upfront and repay over time, making financing more manageable.
• Reduces Dependence on Government Grants:
• Municipal corporations can become more self-reliant, reducing delays caused by budget constraints.
• This opens opportunities for public-private partnerships and foreign investment.

Comparison with Other Cities

• Pioneering Cities in India:
• Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, and Ahmedabad have successfully issued municipal bonds before Chennai.
• Ahmedabad was the first Indian city to issue municipal bonds in 1998.

Global Perspective:

• In the U.S., cities frequently issue bonds for schools, transit, and environmental projects.
• Cities like New York and London have sophisticated municipal bond markets that fund billions in urban development.

Challenges for Indian Cities:

• Not all cities have high credit ratings, limiting their ability to attract investors.
• Financial transparency and efficient tax collection are crucial for bond success.
• Interest rates and investor confidence play a role in determining success.

Ensuring Municipal Bond Success

• Strong Credit Ratings:
• Chennai’s bond received a AA+ rating, indicating financial stability.
• Cities that maintain transparent financial records and responsible debt management tend to attract more investors.

Clear Project Planning & Execution:

• Chennai’s funds are allocated to stormwater drainage improvements—a well-defined infrastructure project.
• Investors prefer cities that outline specific, measurable goals rather than vague development plans.

Government Incentives & Policy Support:

• The ₹26 crore AMRUT 2.0 incentive helped make Chennai’s municipal bonds more attractive.
• Policies that encourage municipal bonds through tax exemptions or risk mitigation strategies enhance investor confidence

Known for his efforts to save GIB, wildlife conservationist dead

• Radheshyam Pemani Bishnoi, a wildlife conservationist and animal rescuer from Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, died in a road accident Friday along with three others. Bishnoi, about 28 — celebrated for his efforts to protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) — had reportedly been tipped off about deer poaching when he and three others met with an accident.
• Born in the village of Dholiya, Bishnoi was deeply influenced by the Bishnoi community’s centuries-old tradition of environmental stewardship. His journey into wildlife conservation began at a young age when he started rescuing injured animals. However, as some of them died despite his best efforts, he trained as a veterinary assistant at the Jodhpur Rescue Centre.
• Bishnoi’s conservation efforts were multifaceted. He was instrumental in patrolling GIB habitats, monitoring threats like high-tension power lines and railway tracks, and coordinating a network of local volunteers under the guidance of the Ecology, Rural Development and Sustainability (ERDS) Foundation. His advocacy extended to campaigning for underground power lines to prevent bird collisions, a leading cause of GIB mortality.
• In response to the Thar desert’s harsh conditions, Bishnoi also initiated the construction of over 100 water reservoirs to provide drinking water for wildlife. These reservoirs, filled using water tankers, helped reduce wildlife mortality due to dehydration. He was also known to be an avid photographer, documenting the region’s biodiversity through his lens while highlighting and spreading awareness on the threats and the critical need for conservation efforts
• The Bishnoi trace their origins to the teachings of Guru Jambhesvara who was born to a Panwar Rajput family in 1451 AD at Peepasar village of Nagore district in Western Rajasthan. Jambhesvara is known to have been influenced by Vaishnava traditions and his followers continue to regard him as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As per Bishnoi mythological tradition, when Jambhesvara was 25, a severe decade-long drought struck Western Rajasthan. Plagued by the difficulties of water and food shortages, people cut down a large number of trees to sell the wood in nearby towns. Moreover, a large number of chinkaras and blackbucks, found in abundance in the area, were killed so that people could consume their meat.
• Jambhesvara was deeply moved by the disaster and pondered over time to come up with a solution. Finally, at the age of 34, he had a spiritual revelation to reform society along lines of environmental sustenance.
•  “Based on his teachings about natural resources relevant in the drought years, he succeeded in conserving and protecting several local resources and soon developed a large following among the masses,” writes Professor Pankaj Jain in his work, “Dharma and ecology of Hindu communities”.
• The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and has disappeared from 90% of its habitat except in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has categorised the species as ‘critically endangered’.
• According to the government, there are fewer than 150 GIB – birds that are found only in India. Most of these are found in Rajasthan.
• Increased human activity in their habitat, predators preying on their eggs, and deaths due to overhead power lines are seen as being among the causes of the bird’s population decline.
• In 2020, a study carried out by WII in the 4,200-sq-km of the great Indian bustard (GIB) habitat in and around Desert National Park in Rajasthan estimated that power lines had killed around 84,000 birds of multiple species every year. This included the endangered GIB, which are particularly vulnerable because of their narrow frontal vision and large size.
• In April 2021, the Supreme Court had ordered that all power lines in the GIB habitat be buried underground. However, earlier this year, the apex court said it would review its 2021 order after the central government found that it would be “practically impossible to implement” over long distances.
• As part of conservation efforts, the Centre, the Rajasthan government and WII have been collaborating on a captive breeding programme
  for GIB. The artificial insemination method was successfully implemented as a part of this project. The plan is to eventually release the captively bred birds into the wild.
• According to wildlife experts, while the birth of the GIB chick by artificial insemination is an important step in conservation efforts.

Why is a growing lion population a worry as well? | Explained 

• The story so far: The Gujarat Forest Department this week released results from the 16th Lion Population Estimation, popularly referred to as the ‘lion census.’ This was the first such census since 2020.

What are its key findings?

• India’s wild lion population, all of which is concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% from 2020-25, with 891 lions reported in the latest survey. The number of adult females — an indicator of future growth — rose 27% to 330 individuals. While the heart of the lion population continues to be Gir, the current population estimate includes new satellite populations.
•  They have been spotted at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas, increasing the total number of Asiatic lions in satellite populations to 497 across nine such regions.
• The lion population has increased by 70.36% in the past decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), whereas the area of distribution has increased by 59.09%, the report noted.
• Amreli district reported the highest population of 339 lions. This was followed by the Gir-Somnath district region (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions).

How has the spatial coverage of lions grown?

• From 1995 to 2001, the area where lions are present expanded from 10,000 sq. km to 12,000 sq km, marking a 20% increase. By 2005, it reached 13,000 sq. km, showing an 8.3% rise over the previous estimate.
• A more substantial expansion occurred between 2005 and 2010, with the area growing to 20,000 sq. km, an increase of 53.8%. In 2015, the spread rose further to 22,000 sq. km, a 10% increase. From 2015 to 2020, the range extended to 30,000 sq. km, reflecting a 36.4% growth.
• Finally, by 2025, the area reached 35,000 sq. km, registering a 16.67% increase over the 2020 figure. This progressive expansion demonstrates consistent range growth and is attributed to conservation efforts and natural lion dispersal. From 1990 to 2025, the area has grown about five-fold whereas the lion population has grown about three-fold

How are lions counted?

• The latest survey was undertaken from May 10-13, 2025. The estimation spanned approximately 35,000 sq km, covering 11 districts and 58 tehsils. The region was divided into 735 sampling units and each sampling unit had an enumerator and two assistants, ensuring thorough survey and data collection.
• “Observations of direct sightings were recorded in the prescribed forms, including the characteristics of each individual. Digital cameras were used to capture photographs to aid individual identification.
• The cross-verification with adjacent sampling units, sub-zones, zones, and regions helped ensure accuracy and remove the duplication,” the report noted. To improve transparency and credibility, experts from various fields, members of the State board for wildlife, and individuals experienced in group dynamics and pride behaviour were invited as independent observers. The estimation exercise involved 3,254 people, the report noted.

Can the lion population expand unabated?

• The growth in lion numbers, while a positive sign as far as conservation goes, has its own challenges. For one, the rise in lion presence in areas outside the core zone — a phenomenon observed since over a decade and a half now — is a worry.
• This means lions are present in places with human settlements, which may lead to more animal-human conflicts causing economic losses for those living in close proximity to the lions.
• It has been established over decades that lions are growing in Gujarat not only due to conservation efforts by the Gujarat government, such as ensuring adequate prey like wild boars, but also the “tolerance” exhibited by resident communities like the pastoral Maldharis towards the animals.
• Over the years, they have shown that they are accustomed to lions preying on their cattle, though such losses are compensated for by the government.
• However, experts such as Y.V. Jhala, former Dean, Wildlife Institute of India, have said that while Gujarat can host up to 2,000 lions, it is critical that they live in pristine regions, with preferably no human presence.

What are future plans for lion conservation?

• Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a ‘Project Lion’ conservation programme worth ₹2,927 crore. The first step under this is to develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary within Gujarat which already hosts a substantial population of 17 lions. Other plans include involving communities in tourism and creating greater incentives for conservation.

Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration

• The Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration was unveiled by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav during a national workshop in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The plan aims to restore the ecological integrity of the Aravalli mountain range, which stretches over 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.

Key Focus Areas of the Action Plan

• Ecological Restoration:
• Assisted natural regeneration
• Plantation of native species
• Soil and moisture conservation
• Community Participation:
• Involving local communities, women, and youth
• Encouraging grassroots engagement in restoration efforts

Policy and Governance:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks
• Integrating government schemes for effective implementation
• Sustainable Livelihoods:
• Promoting eco-tourism, agroforestry, and non-timber forest enterprises
• Creating employment opportunities linked to conservation

Research and Innovation:

• Using GIS-based mapping, remote sensing, and ecological restoration techniques
• Establishing scientific monitoring systems
• The plan is designed to be science-driven, community-led, and policy-supported, ensuring long-term sustainability for the Aravalli ecosystem.
• India''s Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration aligns closely with the country''s broader environmental policies and sustainability goals.

1. Connection to National Environmental Policies

• The restoration plan supports the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), particularly its Green India Mission, which focuses on reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
• It complements the National Biodiversity Action Plan, ensuring the protection of native species in the Aravalli region.
• India’s Forest Conservation Act and Environment Protection Act provide the legal framework for enforcing restoration and conservation measures.

2. Contribution to Global Environmental Goals

• The plan helps India meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement by promoting carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
• It supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which focus on ecosystem restoration and sustainability.
• Strengthens India''s participation in international biodiversity and reforestation programs.

3. Sustainable Development & Economic Impact

• The plan promotes eco-tourism, agroforestry, and non-timber forest produce industries, creating jobs and income opportunities for local communities.
• Encourages the use of GIS-based mapping and remote sensing, modernizing India''s approach to land restoration and sustainable agriculture.
• Supports India’s upcoming carbon credit market by increasing forest cover and carbon absorption capacity.
• By integrating scientific innovation, community participation, and policy frameworks, this initiative helps India tackle deforestation, boost green employment, and enhance climate resilience.
• India’s Green India Mission and carbon credit market are closely linked to its broader environmental strategy, particularly in ecosystem restoration efforts like the Aravalli Landscape Restoration Plan.
• India''s carbon credit market is expected to play a crucial role in global climate action, with connections to international carbon markets and economic benefits for industries. Here’s how:

India’s Role in International Carbon Markets

• Paris Agreement & Carbon Trading: India’s initiative aligns with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, allowing businesses to participate in global carbon credit trade.
• Global Investments: India is inviting international investors to engage in carbon offset projects, helping industries meet sustainability goals.
• Competitive Pricing & Innovation: With lower operational costs, Indian carbon credits may offer competitive pricing in the global market, attracting foreign players.
• Regional Collaboration: India is working with BRICS nations and other partners to create a structured, scalable carbon economy.

Economic Impact on Industries

• Manufacturing & Heavy Industry: Companies investing in clean technologies can generate carbon credits, reducing compliance costs and boosting profits.
• Energy Sector: Firms transitioning to solar, wind, and hydrogen energy benefit from carbon trading revenues.
• Agriculture & Forestry: Agroforestry and sustainable farming practices can earn credits, providing farmers with new income streams.
• Tech & Green Innovation: Businesses developing carbon capture, AI-driven energy efficiency, and smart grids gain financial incentives through credits