Category: Geography

Assam Current Affairs – January 16-18, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 16-18, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for January 16-18, 2024)

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 16-18, 2024 

Assam Govt Unveils Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

The Assam government launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) to empower rural women entrepreneurs.

About Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

  • The scheme is designed to foster the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups, transforming them into “rural micro-entrepreneurs” with a target annual income of Rs 1 lakh per member.
  • To qualify for the grant, women from the general and other backward caste (OBC) categories must have no more than three children. 
  • However, specific exemptions are made for women from the Moran, Muttock, and tea-tribe communities, who can apply with four or fewer children. 
  • For women belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories, the eligibility criteria dictate that they should have no more than four children.
  • If beneficiaries have daughters, they must be enrolled in school. For girls not attending school, a signed commitment for future enrollment is necessary. 
  • Beneficiaries need to ensure that the trees planted under the government’s tree plantation campaign, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, are thriving.

Assam Baibhav Award 

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi will be honored with Assam’s highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav’. The decision to confer this year’s award upon Ranjan Gogoi reflects the state government’s acknowledgment of his exceptional service and achievements.

This marks the third year of the Assam Baibhav awards, with the inaugural award presented to business magnate Ratan Tata in the first year, followed by journalist Tapan Saikia in the second year. 

About ‘Assam Baibhav’ Awards

  • It is one of the highest civilian awards given by the state of Assam. As an award, Gogoi will be given a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. 
  • Ranjan Gogoi held the office of the 46th Chief Justice of India. 
  • During his tenure, the Supreme Court had given a historic verdict on the decade-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

Assam Saurav Award 2023: 

This award will be given to four personalities. 

  1. Mainly among these Hima Das – Athletics 
  2. Dr. Kishan Chand Nauriyal: Art and Culture 
  3. Elvis Ali Hazarika: Swimming and 
  4. Nadiram Deuri: Tiwa Dance 

This award will include a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh. 

Assam Gaurav Award 2023: 

This year 17 personalities will be given the ‘Assam Gaurav’ award. 

  1. Ranjit Gogoi (Folk and Bihu dance exponent) 
  2. Parvati Barua (animal protection activities) 
  3. Debojit Chiangmai (sound engineer) 
  4. Drono Bhuyan (Oja Pali) 
  5. Neelam Dutta (Organic Farming) 
  6. Anupam Deka (industrialist) 
  7. Soumyadeep Dutta (Wildlife Conservation) 
  8. Basant Chiring Phukan (Mushroom Cultivation) 
  9. Manendra Deka (Handicraft) 
  10. Meenakshi Chetia (Social Service) 
  11. Pakhila Lekhtepi (Karbi Lok) 
  12. Tenzing Bodosa (Elephant Friendly Tea Garden) 
  13. Nirmal De (mat) 
  14. Jessin Kumbang Pao (weaving) 
  15. Mary Hassa (social services) 
  16. Upendra Rabha (black rice cultivation) and 
  17. Rahul Gupta (Hydroponic Farming). 

Assam Gaurav Award winners will be given a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.

Indian Army launched Operation Sarvashakti

The Indian Army has launched Operation Sarvashakti in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, deploying forces on both sides of the Pir Panjal range to target terrorists who have carried out a series of attacks on troops in the area.

About Operation Sarvashakti

  • Recent years have witnessed three major terrorist attacks in the area, resulting in the loss of 20 soldiers.
  • Operation Sarvashakti is an initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range. 
  • As part of the operation at least three brigades of additional troops are being deployed in the sector from various reserve and strike corps formations in order to increase the density of troops.
  • It is similar to Operation Sarpvinash. 
  • In 2003, Indian forces launched Operation Sarpvinash to flush out terrorists who had infiltrated from across the border and set up camps in the thick forests south of the Pir Panjal range, especially in the Hilkaka area in Poonch. 
  • The operation flushed out terrorists and brought peace to the area that lasted until 2017-18, even as terrorist incidents continued to take place in the valley.

The deposits raised under the framework are covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

Surat and Indore have been jointly recognized as the cleanest cities in India at the Union Urban Affairs Ministry’s annual Clean City Awards 2023. Indore achieved the top rank for the seventh consecutive time.

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the Swachh Survekshan awards 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 

The theme for the year 2023 was -“Waste to Wealth”. 

The theme for the Cleanliness Survey 2024 is “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”

The President launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s contribution to and participation in the survey.

Key Points

  • In the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala secured the top three spots. 
  • Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Cleanest Cantonment Board. 
  • Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards amongst the Cleanest Ganga Towns. 
  • Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State.
  • Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher, acknowledging initiatives that prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of sanitation workers.  

About Swachh Survekshan Awards

  • It was launched in 2016, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission initiated by the Government of India to promote cleanliness and sanitation in urban areas. 
  • The annual survey ranks cities based on various sanitation parameters like door-to-door waste collection, waste treatment, public toilet management, citizen participation, and innovation in sanitation practices.
  • Winning cities and states receive recognition and financial incentives, aiming to motivate them to maintain and improve their sanitation standards.

NHAI Introduces ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative that aims to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.

About the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative:

  • The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and provide seamless movement at the Toll Plazas. 
  • The new arrangement Of ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ has also been introduced to discourage user behaviour of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.
  •  The initiative encourages FASTag users to complete ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) process of their latest FASTag by updating KYC as per RBI guidelines.
  • FASTags with valid balance but with incomplete KYC will get deactivated/blacklisted by banks post 31st January 2024.
  • NHAI has taken this initiative after the recent reports of multiple FASTags being issued for a particular vehicle and FASTags being issued without KYC in violation of RBI’s mandate. 
  • The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative will help to make toll operations more efficient and ensure seamless & comfortable journeys for the National Highway users.

About FASTag

  • FASTag is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable toll payments while the vehicle is in motion. 
  • It is essentially an RFID passive tag on the vehicle’s windscreen linked to a customer’s prepaid or savings/current account. 
  • It allows customers to drive through toll plazas without stopping for toll payments. 
  • The toll fee is deducted from the customer’s linked account. 
  • It is also vehicle specific and once it is affixed to a vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)State’s Startup Ranking 2022

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the State’s Startup Ranking Framework 2022 report. Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the best-performing states in the Startup Ranking for 2022.

Categories and Participation 

A total of 33 states and union territories actively participated in the evaluation, categorized under five distinct groups – best performers, top performers, leaders, aspiring leaders, and emerging startup ecosystems. The rankings serve as a testament to the varied and evolving nature of the startup ecosystem in different regions of the country.

About State’s Startup Ranking Framework 2022 report

Category A States (Population more than 1 crore)

  • Best performing states: Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala 
  • Top performing states: Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Orissa and Maharashtra
  • Leading states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Andhra Pradesh 
  • States with Ambitious Leadership: Bihar and Haryana 
  • States developing emerging startup ecosystems: Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir 

Category B States (Population less than 1 crore)

  • Best performer: Himachal Pradesh 
  • Top Performer: Arunachal Pradesh Meghalaya 
  • Leader: Goa, Manipur and Tripura 
  • Aspiring leader:  Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Nagaland
  • Emerging Ecosystems: Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, Ladakh Mizoram, Puducherry and Sikkim

MeitY Secretary Launches India’s First Graphene Centre and IoT CoE in Kerala

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Secretary S Krishnan inaugurated the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors in Kerala.

About India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG): India’s first Graphene Center

  • Digital University Kerala (DUK) (formerly IIITMK) and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET)-Thrissur are the technical partners for setting up these centers at Makers Village Kochi. 
  • The complete full-fledged facility for R&D, incubation, innovation, skilling, capacity building, testing & certification shall be established at these centers by the experts of these agencies.
  • The creation of a complete eco-system for start-ups in the area of IoT Sensors and Graphene & 2D Materials are the main objectives for setting up these centers in the country. 
  • The complete solution with material to product/system development shall be provided at these centers in the respective areas. 

Indian Army Develops Encrypted Mobile Ecosystem “SAMBHAV”

Indian Army develops end-to-end encrypted mobile ecosystem SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version). SAMBHAV’ has been developed in collaboration with leading national centers of excellence from academia and industry.

About SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version)

  • SAMBHAV is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem developed by the Indian Army. 
  • It operates on 5G technology and aims to provide secure communication and instant connectivity. 
  • It aims to address the information security challenges faced by the Indian Army.
  • Command Cyber Operations Support Wings enhance cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels. 
  • SAMBHAV addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, offering end-to-end security. 

Command Cyber Operations Support Wing (CCOSW)

  • The Command Cyber Operations Support Wing (CCOSW) is being established which increases cyber security capability. 
  • The CCOSWs are specialized units of the Indian Army that assist formations in carrying out mandated cyber security functions. 
  • According to a report, six CCOSWs are being established for all commands. Additionally, specialized training will be provided to personnel involved in this initiative.

India State of Forest Report 2021 – Highlights & important findings | APSC Exam Notes

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India State of Forest Report 2021 – Highlights & important findings | APSC Exam Notes

Geography Notes APSC, UPSC and State Exam Notes

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Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, which provides information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, forest fire monitoring, forest cover in tiger reserve areas, above ground estimates of biomass using SAR data & climate change hotspots in Indian forests. 

As per the report, India has recorded an increase of 1,540 sq kms in its forest cover, reaching India’s total forest cover of 713,789 sq km or 21.71 per cent of the total geographical area of the country. India has set a target of bringing 33 percent of its geographical area under forest cover as envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988.

The Forest Survey of India defines “forest cover” as all land of one hectare or more of tree patches with canopy density of more than 10 per cent. This covers all land irrespective of legal ownership and land use.

Three categories of forests are surveyed – very dense forests (canopy density over 70%), moderately dense forests (40-70%) and open forests (10-40%). Scrubs (canopy density less than 10%) are also surveyed but not categorised as forests.

 

India’s total 7,13,789 sq km of forest cover comprises
  • Open forests have the biggest share in India’s forest cover, with 9.34% of the total geographical area (307,120 sq km). There is an increase of 2,612 sq km.
  • Very dense forests account for just 3.04% (99,779 sq km) of the total geographical area. There is an increase of 501 sq km.
  • Moderately dense forests account for 9.33% (3,06,890 sq km). There is loss of 1,582 sq km.

 

Key highlights of India State of Forest Report, 2021
  • ISFR 2021 has shown an increasing trend in forest cover overall, the trend is not uniform across all kinds of forests. Increase in forest cover has been observed in open forest followed by very dense forest. 
  • The forest and tree cover of India is 80.9 million hectares which is 24.62 percent of the geographical area of the country. As compared to the assessment of 2019, there is an increase of 2,261 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country. Out of this, the increase in the forest cover has been observed as 1,540 sq km and that in tree cover it is 721 sq km.

  • Madhya Pradesh has the largest area covered under forest in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.
  • In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, the top five States are Mizoram (84.53%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%), Meghalaya (76.00%), Manipur (74.34%) and Nagaland (73.90%).
  • 17 states/UT’s have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover. Five states/UTs namely Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have more than 75 percent forest cover.
  • Total carbon stock in the country’s forest is estimated to be 7,204 million tonnes and there is an increase of 79.4 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment of 2019. The annual increase in the carbon stock is 39.7 million tonnes.
  • By 2030, 45-64% of forests in India will experience the effects of climate change and rising temperatures, and forests in all states (except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland) will be highly vulnerable climate hot spots. Ladakh is likely to be the most affected. 
  • India’s forests are already showing shifting trends of vegetation types, such as Sikkim which has shown a shift in its vegetation pattern for 124 endemic species.
  • The assessment of the report is based on interpretation of LISS-III data from Indian Remote Sensing satellite data (Resourcesat-II) with a spatial resolution of 23.5 meters with the scale of interpretation 1:50,000 to monitor forest cover and forest cover changes at District, State and National level.

 

Mangroves coverage
  • India’s total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km and an increase of 17 sq Km in mangrove cover as compared to the previous assessment of 2019. 
  • Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Odisha (8 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (4 sq km) and Karnataka (3 sq km).

 

Forest  cover in Tiger reserves
  • In ISFR 2021, FSI has included a new chapter related to the assessment of forest cover in the Tiger Reserves, Corridors and Lion conservation area of India.
  • It has found that the forest cover in tiger corridors has increased by 37.15 sq km (0.32%) between 2011-2021, but decreased by 22.6 sq km (0.04%) in tiger reserves.
  • Buxa (West Bengal), Anamalai (Tamil Nadu) and Indravati reserves (Chhattisgarh) have shown an increase in forest cover.
  • The highest forest cover losses have been found in Kawal (Telangana), Bhadra (Karnataka) and the Sundarbans reserves (West Bengal).
  • Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh has the highest forest cover, at nearly 97%.

 

Some of the concerns
  • India is not adding dense forests. It is actually losing significant areas of natural forests with moderate tree cover. India has more ‘open forest’ i.e. forest cover with tree canopy density in the range of 10% to 40%.
  • 1,582 sq km decline in moderately dense forests, or “natural forests”, in conjunction with an increase of 2,621 sq km in open forest areas – shows a degradation of forests in the country, with natural forests degrading to less dense open forests. 
  • Scrub area has increased by 5,320 sq km, indicating the complete degradation of forests in these areas.
  • The Northeast states, which account for 7.98% of total geographical area but 23.75% of total forest cover, have shown an overall decline of 1,020 sq km in forest cover.
  • Forest loss in NE states: Mizoram (84.5% of its total geographical area is forests) or Arunachal Pradesh (79.3%), the two states have respectively lost 1.03% and 0.39% of their forest cover, while Manipur has lost 1.48 %, Meghalaya 0.43%, and Nagaland 1.88%.
  • In 2019-20, 1.2 lakh forest fire hotspots were detected by the SNPP_VIIRS sensor, which increased to 3.4 lakh in 2020-21. The highest numbers of fires were detected in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
 
FACTFILE - India State of Forest Report (ISFR)
  • The biannual report is prepared by The Forest Survey of India (FSI), a body under MoEFCC, which conducts surveys and assessment of forest resources in the country.
  • The information given in the report will serve as an important tool to monitor the country’s forest resources and plan suitable scientific and policy interventions for its management. It will also serve as a useful source of information for the policy makers, planners, State Forest Departments, line agencies involved in various developmental works, academicians, civil society and others interested in natural resource conservation and management.
  • Published biennially, the India State of Forest Report, 2021 is an assessment of the forest and tree resources of the country. The first survey was published in 1987, and ISFR 2021 is the 17th.

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India State of Forest Report 2021 – Forest coverage highlight in Assam and Northeast region – APSC Exam Notes

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India State of Forest Report 2021 – Forest coverage highlight in Assam and Northeast region (APSC Exam Geography Notes)

Assam Geography/Environment Notes APSC, UPSC and State Exam Notes

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The Northeast states account for 7.98% of total geographical area but 23.75% of total forest cover. North eastern states from the region have the highest percentage of forest cover w.r.t. total geographical area of the state. Mizoram (84.53%) > Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%) > Meghalaya (76.00%) > Manipur (74.34%) > Nagaland (73.90%). 

As per India’s State of Forest Report 2021, the northeastern states viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim have lost 1,020 square kilometres of forest during 2019-2021. The eight states account for 23.75 per cent of the country’s total forest cover. 

Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have respectively lost 1.03% and 0.39% of their forest cover, while Manipur has lost 1.48 %, Meghalaya 0.43%, and Nagaland 1.88%. Manipur recorded the largest loss in forest cover (249 sq kms), followed by Nagaland (235 sq kms) and Mizoram (186 sq kms). The decline in the Northeastern states has been attributed to a spate of natural calamities, particularly landslides and heavy rains, in the region as well as to anthropogenic activities such as shifting agriculture, pressure of developmental activities and felling of trees.

The northeastern states have been losing forest cover consistently and between 2011 and 2019, forest cover of six states, excluding Assam, had decreased by nearly 18 per cent between 2011 and 2019. The region lost nearly 25,012 sq. km of forest cover in the preceding decade.

Forests in all states (except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland) will be highly vulnerable to climate hot spots. Ladakh (forest cover 0.1-0.2%) is likely to be the most affected.

States under North-Eastern Region showed the highest tendency of forest fire, and these states fall under extremely to very highly forest fire zones. States like Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur in the North-Eastern Part of India exhibit the highest forest fire probability in terms of its frequency of event occurrence.

Special thematic information on forest cover such as hill, tribal districts, and north eastern region has also been given separately in the report.

 

FACTFILE – India State of Forest Report (ISFR)
  • The biannual report is prepared by The Forest Survey of India (FSI), a body under MoEFCC, which conducts surveys and assessment of forest resources in the country.
  • The India State of Forest Report 2021 is 17th such report in the series. In line with the Government of India’s vision of Digital India and the consequent need for integration of digital data sets, the Forest Survey of India has adopted the vector boundary layers of various administrative units upto districts developed by Survey of India along with digital open series topo sheets, bringing about full compatibility with the geographical areas as reported in Census, 2011.
  • The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock inside and outside the forest areas, carbon stock in India’s forests and forest cover in different patch size classes. Special thematic information on forest cover such as hill, tribal districts, and north eastern region has also been given separately in the report.
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been assessing the forest and tree resources of our country on a biennial basis since 1987. The results of the assessment are published in its biennial report titled “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)”.

 

India State of Forest Report 2021 – Highlights & important findings

 

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Important Lakes in India – Geography of India Notes for APSC Exam

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Important Lakes in India

Geography of India Notes for APSC, UPSC and State Exam

 

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Top 10 largest Lakes in India

List of largest Lakes (Decreasing order of size/area covered)

State

Vembanad Lake

Kerala

Chilika Lake

Odisha

Shivaji Sagar Lake

Maharashtra

Indira Sagar lake

Madhya Pradesh

Pangong Lake

Ladakh

Pulicat Lake

Andhra Pradesh

Sardar Sarovar Lake

Gujarat, Rajasthan

Nagarjuna Sagar Lake

Telangana

Loktak Lake

Manipur

Wular lake

Jammu and Kashmir

APSC Prelims 2020 Test Series

 

Other Important Lakes in India

Lakes in India

State

Pulicat lake

Andhra Pradesh

Kolleru Lake

Andhra Pradesh

Haflong Lake

Assam

Deepor Beel

Assam

Chandubi Lake

Assam

Kanwar lake

Bihar

Hamirsar Lake

Gujarat

Kankaria Lake

Gujarat

Badkhal Lake

Haryana

Brahma Sarovar

Haryana

Chandra Taal

Himachal Pradesh

MaharanaPratap Sagar

Himachal Pradesh

Dal Lake

Jammu Kashmir

Wular Lake

Jammu Kashmir

Agara Lake

Karnataka

Ulsoor Lake

Karnataka

Kuttanad Lake

Kerala

Sasthamkotta

Kerala

Bhojtal

Madhya Pradesh

Shivsagar

Maharashtra

Loktak lake

Manipur

Umiam Lake

Meghalaya

Tam Dil

Mizoram

Chilika Lake

Odisha

Harike

Punjab

Kanjli

Punjab

Sambhar Lake

Rajasthan

Tsomgo Lake

Sikkim

Chembarambakkam

Tamil Nadu

Hussain Sagar

Telangana

Govind Bhallabh Pant Sagar

Uttar Pradesh

Belasagar

Uttar Pradesh

Bhimtal

Uttarakhand

Kaliveli

Tamil Nadu

Some Important Facts

  1. Wular lake is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Asia.
  2. Cholamu Lake in Sikkim is the highest lake in India.
  3. Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest saline water lake in India.
  4. Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the longest lake in India.
  5. Upper lake in Madhya Pradesh is the largest artificial lake in Asia.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam (APSC Assam Geography Notes)

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Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

 Assam Geography Notes for APSC Exam

Assam Geography - Assamexam

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Assam is blessed with rich biodiversity of enormous wildlife of flora and fauna, that draws a lot of wildlife lovers to this state. Geographically located in the Eastern Hills of The Northern Himalayas and The Brahmaputra Plains, Assam has copious forests. With the tropical monsoon rainfall type of climate, the Assam state is one of the greenest states of the country. 

Assam has 18 (Eighteen) Wildlife Sanctuaries (WS) in total and two more are proposed to be declared as Wildlife Sanctuaries. These protected area of Assam considered as one of the important wildlife areas for the protection of primate diversity and flora and fauna. Besides, Assam also has five National Parks.

18 (Eighteen) Wildlife Sanctuaries (WS) in Assam

1. Garampani Wildlife Santuary
2. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Hollongapar Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Bherjan – Borajan – Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary
11. East K. Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
15. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
16. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary
17. Borail Wildlife Sanctuary
18. Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary

 

 

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary

It has an area of 6 square kilometre, located in Karbi Anglong district of Assam. One of the oldest Sanctuary containing Hot water spring and Waterfalls and surrounded by Nambor Sanctuary having 51 rare species of Orchid.

Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Bear, Sambar, Barking deer, Rhesus macaque, Hoolock gibbon, Wild pig etc.

Birds: The Great pied Hornbill, Hill myna etc.

Reptiles: Python, Cobra, Monitor lizards.

 

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra with an area of 70 sq. kms. in the district of Nagaon and is a part of Laokhowa -Burachapori eco-system. It provides ideal habitat for Rhinoceros and Wild Buffalo. It is situated 40 km downstream of the Kaziranga National Park and 30 km northwest of the Orang National Park on the other side of the river Brahmaputra.

Mammals: Elephant, Wild buffalo, Royal Bengal tiger, Indian Leopard, Hog deer, Barking deer, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Civets, Lesser cat, Wild pig etc.

 

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

A Sanctuary of only 26.22 sq. kms. area, situated on the foothills of Himalayas in in Udalguri district & Baksa District of Assam, bordering Bhutan in the north, is an ideal bhabar tract. The Sanctuary was established in 1980  especially for the protection and conservation of Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus) and Pigmy Hog (Porcula salvania).

There are mammals such as the Golden Langur, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Small Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Chinese Pangolin, Porcupine, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Pigmy Hog, Wild Pig, Hispid Hare etc.

Birds: Peafowl, Hornbill, Swamp partridge, Bengal florican, white-winged wood duck, kingfisher, woodpecker etc.

 

Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary

With an area of 45.50 sq. kms., Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dhubri district in the western Assam and is the second home of Golden Langur off the foothills of Himalaya.

Chakrashila Hill was first declared as reserve forest in 1966 and on 14 July 1994, it was recognized with the status of Wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Assam.

Mammals & Birds: Golden Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard etc. There are also 273 species of Birds, 11 species of Reptiles, 14 species of Amphibians and 60 species of Fishes have been recorded so far.


Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra in the Sonitpur district with an area of 44 sq. kms. The Sanctuary is a part of Laokhowa – Burachapori eco-system and comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river system.

It is considered to be an ideal habitat for the Bengal florican. It is a paradise for many migratory birds. 

Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Buffalo, Hog Deer, Wild Pigs etc. and occasional visit of herd of Elephants.

Birds: Bengal Florican, Swamp partridge(fancolin), Wood Cock, Water Hen, Parakeets etc.

 

Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary

A rich wetland eco-system of 34 sq. kms. on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra in the Sibsagar district. This area was established as a Bird Sanctuary in August 1996 by the Government of Assam.

It is a paradise of migratory and resident birds, so far 165 species of Birds have been identified and recorded. It has high concentration of Geese and other Migratory birds. The common birds are Bar-headed Goose, Grey leg Goose, Spot billed Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Gargany, Shoveller, Red crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Open bill Stork, White necked Stork etc.


Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a small Sanctuary of 20.98 sq. kms. in Jorhat district with semi-evergreen forests. The Sanctuary is named after the only Ape (Hoolock Gibbon) found in India. 

The Sanctuary derives from a patch of forest once part of the Hollongapar Reserve Forest in the civil district of Jorhat in Assam, India. Set aside as a “Reserve Forest” (RF) on 27 August 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range. The sanctuary was officially constituted and renamed in 1997. 

This Sanctuary contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.

Mammals: Elephant, Leopard, Tiger, Pangolin, Assamese macaque, Pig tailed macaque, Rhesus macaque, Stump tailed macaque, Capped langur, Slow loris, Jungle cat, Indian civet, Giant squirrel, Barking deer, Sambar, Wild pig, Squirrels.

Birds: Indian Pied Horn Bill, Osprey, Hill Myna, Kalij pheasant etc.

Reptiles: Indian Python, Common Monitor Lizard, Indian Tent Turtle, Indian Cobra.

 

 
Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra in Morigaon district. It was declared in 1987 and covers 38.85 km2, providing grassland and wetland habitat for the Indian rhinoceros.

The Sanctuary has the world’s highest density of One horned Rhinoceros. It is an Important Bird Area and home for more than 2000 migratory birds and various reptiles.

Mammals: It hosts Assam’s second largest population (102 rhinos in 2018). Other mammals occurring in the sanctuary are golden jackal, wild boar, feral water buffalo, Barking deer, Indian leopard, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Wild pigs, Chinese pangolins, and rhesus macaque.

Birds: Altogether 375 species of both migratory and resident birds of 46 families have been recorded so far, with 14 listed in the Indian Red Data Book.

Reptiles: 27 species of reptiles have been recorded in the Sanctuary.

Under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) , six rhinos were translocated from Pobitora and re-introduced into the Manas National Park between December 2010 and January 2011. Earlier, two rhinos were similarly translocated from Pobitora to Manas National Park in 2008.


Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is located in the foothills of Himalaya in the Sonitpur district with an area of 220 sq. kms. and offers views of both scenic beauty and wildlife. This area was declared as a sanctuary in 1998.

Mammals: Tiger, Lesser Cats, Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Barking Deer.

White Winged Wood Duck, Hornbill, Pelican etc. and Python, Russell’s Viper etc. are found here.


Bherjan – Borajan – Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary

Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary of 7.22 km2 area is located in Tinsukia district. The Sanctuary with 3 separate forest blocks viz. namely Bherjan, Borajan and Padumoni. This area is an ideal habitat for the Primate species. 

Mammals: Some of the mammals found in the Sanctuary are Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque, Pig tailed Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Stump tailed Macaque and Hoolock Gibbon, besides few Leopards, Wild Pigs and Giant Flying Squirrel etc.

84 species of birds have been found including Osprey, Kingfisher, Indian Pied Hornbill, Lineated Barbet, Woodpecker, Drongo, Common Mynah, Bulbul, Magpie Robin, Wagtail and varieties of woodland birds.


East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary, with an area of 221.81 sq. kms. is an important component of the Karbi Anglong–Kaziranga landscape, rich in both floral & faunal diversity and is located in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council. The forest area was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 27 July 2000 by the Assam Government.

Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Bears, Barking deer, Rhesus macaque, Hoolock gibbon, Wild pigs, Lesser cats etc.

High diversity of woodland birds and various reptiles like Python, Cobra, Monitor lizards, Hill tortoise etc. are found in abundance.


Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary

Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading 37 sq. kms. contiguous to Garampani WLS is located in Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council. It harbours 51 rare species of Orchid.

Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Bears, Sambar, Barking deer, Rhesus macaque, Hoolock gibbon, Wild pig etc.

High diversity of woodland birds and various reptiles like Python, Cobra, Monitor lizards etc. are found in abundance.

 

Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary

Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading 451.00 sq. kms. is located in Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council. It is an important component of Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve.

Mammals: Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Lesser Cat, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Porcupine, Slow Loris, Pangolin etc.

High diversity of hilly and woodland birds. and reptiles like Banded Krait, Rock Python, Monitor Lizard, Brown Hill Tortoise etc.


Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary

Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary, declared as a Wildlife sanctuary in 2003, spreads in 97 sq. kms, is located in Golaghat district and is famous for Hot water springs and Gaur and Hoolock Gibbon.

The sanctuary along with Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary and Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary are a part of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, which was declared on 17 April 2003.

Mammals: Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon, Stumped Tailed Macaque, Pig Tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Tiger, Leopard, Fishing Cat, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Pigs, Gaur etc.

Birds: White Winged Wood Duck, Great Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Adjutant Stork etc.

Amphibians & Reptiles: Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Python etc.


Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary spreading in an area of 78.64 sq. kms. is located in the eastern fringe of Guwahati. 3 individual reserved forests viz. the Amchang reserve forest, South Amchang forest reserve and Khanapara reserve forest were combined in 2004 to form the sanctuary. This is known for hosting rare and endangered birds and animals, including the Chinese pangolin and Assamese Macaque.

Mammals: Chinese pangolin, Flying fox, Slow loris, Assamese macaque, Rhesus macaque, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Leopard, Elephant, Wild pig, Sambar, Barking deer, Gaur, Porcupine etc.

Birds: Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Khaleej Pheasant Green Imperial Pigeon, Lesser Pied Hornbill etc.


Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary with an area of 111 Sq. Kms. is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The Sanctuary is a part of the Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve.

Mammals: Chinese pangolin, Flying fox, Slow loris, Stump-tailed macaque, Assamese macaque, Rhesus macaque, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear, Hog – badger, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Marbled cat, Clouded leopard, Leopard, Tiger, Wild pig, Sambar, Barking deer, Gaur, Serow, Malayan giant squirrels, Porcupine, Pig-tailed macaque etc.

Birds: Lesser Adjutant Stork, White Winged Wood duck, White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, White cheeked Hill Partridge, Khaleej Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Rufus necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Black-browed Leaf Wabler etc.

Reptiles: Rock python, King cobra, Asian leaf turtle, Monitor Lizard etc.


Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

Borail Sanctuary covers an area of 326.24 sq. kms. in Cacharand Dima Hasao districts. It comprises of Tropical Moist Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests of the North Cachar Reserve Forest and Borail Reserve Forest.

The Sanctuary  area is home to a wide diversity of wildlife including Mammals like Chinese pangolin, Flying fox, Slow loris, Stump-tailed macaque, Assamese macaque, Rhesus macaque, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated marten, Hog –badger, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Marbled cat, Clouded leopard, Leopard, Wild pig, Sambar, Barking deer etc.

Birds like White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, White cheeked Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo partridge, Khaleej Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Rufus necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill etc.

Reptiles including Rock python, King cobra, Brown hill tortoise, Asian leaf turtle, Monitor Lizard etc. are found here.


Deepar Beel Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary

This wetland of 4.14 sq. kms area, located in the western boundary of Guwahati city, Deepar Beel Sanctuary is the only Ramsar Site in Assam.

Deepar Beel is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River. Ramsar Convention has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance.

Over 170 species of birds including kingfishers, fishing eagless and abundant varieties of ducks, have been listed in the Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary. The major Avian species are Greater Adjutant Stork, Whistling Teal, Open Billed Stork, Shoveler, Pintail, Garganey and high concentration of Pheasant tail jacanas etc.

Guwahati Water bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Bill, 2008 has been passed with the objective of preserving the wetland, minimising the problem of waterlogging in the city and creating an eco-friendly atmosphere. The Government of Assam is planning to re-acquire land in the periphery of Deepor Beel, to undertake development projects, including water sports at the beel.

Additionally Two more Wildlife Sanctuary are proposed to be setup in Assam state.

Bordoibam Bilmukh Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary (Proposed)

The proposed Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, the Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 11.25 sq. kms. and is a breeding ground of large Whistling Teal.

Birds : 24 species of Birds – Kingfishers, Large whistling Teal, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Spotted Dove, Pheasant tailed Jacana, Bronze winged Jacana, Indian River Tern, Black Headed Gull, White Wagtail, Black Headed Oriole, Purple Moorhen, Open bill Stork etc.

 

North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed)

The Sanctuary located in Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council, is extremely important for the survival of Kaziranga N.P., as it is strategically located to the south of Kaziranga National Park and provides shelter to most of the animals of the park while migrating during annual floods.

Mammals: Tiger, Lesser cats, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Bears, Barking deer, Rhesus macaque, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, Slow loris etc.

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APSC Prelim 2018 GS Paper – Analysis of Geography, Environment & Ecology Sections Questions

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APSC Prelim 2018 GS Paper – Geography, Environment & Ecology Sections Questions Analysis

Geography, Geography, Environment & Ecology are important sections in any General Studies papers, including APSC Prelims GS Paper. but the number of Qs are gradually decreasing. Analyzing the previous years Qs from these section can be very helpful to understand Focus Areas to study more extensively.

 

Q14. As per 2011 Census, which of the following States showed a negative decadal growth rate of population?

  1. Sikkim
  2. Arunachal Pradesh
  3. Nagaland
  4. Mizoram

Focus Areas : 2011 Census & Demography

Read more about Census 2011

 

Q96. Which of the following rivers of India does not meet the Bay of Bengal?

  1. North Pennar
  2. Subarnarekha
  3. Mahi
  4. Vaigai

Focus Areas : Rivers of India

 

Q97. Identify the district which ranks first in regards to density of population as per 2011 Census?

  1. Dhubri
  2. Barpeta
  3. Nalbari
  4. Nagaon

Focus Areas : 2011 Census & Demography

 

Q98. Which of the following Wildlife Sanctuaries in located in Udaigiri District?

  1. Chakrashila
  2. Bornadi
  3. Amchang
  4. Bura Chapori

Focus Areas: Protected Areas of Assam and India

Five National Parks of Assam (APSC Assam Geography Notes)

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam (APSC Assam Geography Notes)

Q99. Which of the following traditional agricultural practices is followed by the Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh

  1. Bamboo-drip irrigation
  2. Zabo system
  3. Paddy-cum-fish culture systems
  4. Panikheti system

Focus Areas: Agriculture

NCERT Books (Download) – Geography & Environmen Books & Study Material for APSC Civil Services Exam 

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NCERT Books (Download) – Geography & Environment Study Material for APSC Civil Services Exam 

Download Polity (Geography & Environment) NCERT Textbook 

 

Assam Geography Assamexam

 

We always recommend to start APSC Preparation with NCERT books. The importance of NCERT books in preparation of APSC/ UPSC/ TPSC and other exams can’t be over emphasized.

“NCERT books can be considered as the Preamble of the whole range of study materials for APSC/ UPSC/ other PSCs Civil Services exams preparation.”

Aspirants should always start their preparation from the NCERT textbooks of Class 6 to 12. It creates a very strong foundation of knowledge base required for clearing these exams. Most of the successful candidates recommends for judicious following of NCERT books for APSC/ UPSC/ other PSCs preparation. Aspirants should focus on the NCERT books for General Studies (GS), History + Art & Culture, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology etc for APSC Prelims and Mains Exams.

Why NCERT Books are BEST?
  • NCERT books are easily accessible and available for FREE to everyone from rural and urban candidates (“Make Competition Inclusive and Fair”)
  • NCERT books is simple and lucid language, as these are written for school students, so are very easy to understand topics and concepts.
  • NCERT books provides important basic information about the subjects/topic and mostly objective, reliable and unbiased.
  • APSC/ UPSC/ other PSCs and other agency regards NCERT books as authentic source for reference.

Download Geography (Geography & Environment) NCERT Textbook 

Class – 12 : India – People And Economy
Chapter 1 : Population Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition

Chapter 2 : Migration Types, Causes and Consequences

Chapter 3 : Human Development

Chapter 4 : Human Settlements

Chapter 5 : Land Resources and Agriculture

Chapter 6 : Water Resources

Chapter 7 : Mineral and Energy Resources

Chapter 8 : Manufacturing Industries

Chapter 9 : Planning and Sustainable Development In Indian Context

Chapter 10 : Transport and Communication

Chapter 11 : International Trade

Chapter 12 : Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
 
  Download Complete Book PDF
 
 
 

India State of Forest Report 2019 Highlights & Important Points – APSC Exam Notes

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India State of Forest Report 2019 – Highlights & Summary

Geography /Environment Notes APSC, UPSC and State Exam Notes

India State of Forest Report 2019 - Highlights

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The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar released the biennial, India State of Forest Report (ISFR). The report is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) which has been mandated to assess the forest and tree resources of the country including wall-to-wall forest cover mapping in a biennial cycle. Starting 1987, 16 assessments have been completed so far. ISFR 2019 is the 16threport in the series.India is among few countries in the world where forest cover is consistently increasing.

 

Major Highlights

  • The total forest cover of the country is 7,12,249 sq km which is 21.67% of the geographical area of the country.

  • The tree cover of the country is estimated as 95,027 sq km which is 2.89% of the geographical area.

  • The total Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,07,276 sq km which is 24.56% of the geographical area of the country.

  • The current assessment shows an increase of 3,976 sq km (0.56%) of forest cover, 1,212 sq km(1.29%) of tree cover and 5,188 sq km (0.65%) of forest and tree cover put together, at the national level as compared to the previous assessment i.e. ISFR 2017.

 

 

TOP 5 States in terms of increase in forest cover:

  1. Karnataka (1,025 sq km)

  2. Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km)

  3. Kerala (823 sq km)

  4. Jammu & Kashmir (371 sq km)

  5. Himachal Pradesh(334 sq km)

 

  • Forest cover in the hill districts of the country is 2,84,006 sq km, which is 40.30% of the total geographical area of these districts. The current assessment shows an increase of 544 sq km(0.19%) in 140 hill districts of the country.

  • The total forest cover in the tribal districts is 4,22,351 sq km, which is 37.54% of the geographical area of these districts. The current assessment shows a decrease of 741 sq km of forest cover within the RFA/GW in the tribal districts and an increase of 1,922 sq km outside.

  • Mangrove cover in the country has increased by 54 sq km (1.10%) as compared to the previous assessment.

  • The total growing stock of wood in the country is estimated 5,915.76 million cum comprising 4,273.47 million cum inside forest areas and 1,642.29 million cum outside recorded forest areas (TOF). The average growing stock per hectare in forest has been estimated as 55.69 cum.

  • Total bamboo bearing area of the country is estimated as 1,60,037 sq km. There is an increase of 3,229 sq km in bamboo bearing area as compared to the estimate of ISFR 2017.

  • Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) represents the largest pool of carbon stock in forests, which has been estimated 4,004 million tonnes. The SOC contributes 56% to the total forest carbon stock of the country.

  • There are 62,466 wetlands covering 3.83% of the area within the RFA/GW of the country. The total number of wetlands located within the RFA/GW is 8.13%.

  • Amongst the States, Gujarat has largest area of wetlands within RFA in the country followed by West Bengal.

  • Dependence of fuelwood on forests is highest in the State of Maharashtra, whereas, for fodder,small timber and bamboo, dependence is highest in Madhya Pradesh. It has been assessed that the annual removal of the small timber by the people living in forest fringe villages is nearly 7% of the average annual yield of forests in the country.

 

TOP 5 States with largest forest cover (Area-wise)

    1. Madhya Pradesh

    2. Arunachal Pradesh

    3. Chhattisgarh

    4. Odisha

    5. Maharashtra.

 

TOP 5 States in terms of forest cover as a percentage of total geographical area

    1. Mizoram (85.41%)

    2. Arunachal Pradesh (79.63%)

    3. Meghalaya (76.33%)

    4. Manipur (75.46%)

    5. Nagaland (75.31%)

  • Total Mangrove cover in the country is 4,975 sq km. An increase of 54 sq Km in mangrove cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2017.

  • Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Gujarat (37 sq km) followed by Maharashtra (16 sq km) and Odisha (8 sq km).

  • The total growing stock of India’s forest and TOF is estimated 5,915.76 million cum of which 4,273.47 million cum is inside the forests and 1,642.29 million cum outside. There is an increase of 93.38 million cum of total growing stock, as compared to the previous assessment.

  • The extent of bamboo bearing area of the country has been estimated 16.00 million hectare. There is an increase of 0.32 million hectare in bamboo bearing area as compared to the last assessment of ISFR 2017. The total estimated green weight of bamboo culms is 278 million tonnes, slowly an increase of 88 million tonnes as compared to ISFR 2017.

  • Total carbon stock in country’s forest is estimated 7,124.6 million tonnes and there an increase of 42.6 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the last assessment of 2017. The annual increase in the carbon stock is 21.3 million tonnes, which is 78.2 million tonnes CO2 eq.

 

FACTFILE - India State of Forest Report (ISFR)
  • The biannual report is prepared by The Forest Survey of India (FSI), a body under MoEFCC, which conducts surveys and assessment of forest resources in the country.
  • The information given in the report will serve as an important tool to monitor the country’s forest resources and plan suitable scientific and policy interventions for its management. It will also serve as a useful source of information for the policy makers, planners, State Forest Departments, line agencies involved in various developmental works, academicians, civil society and others interested in natural resource conservation and management.
  • The India State of Forest Report 2019 is 16th such report in the series. In line with the Government of India’s vision of Digital India and the consequent need for integration of digital data sets, the Forest Survey of India has adopted the vector boundary layers of various administrative units upto districts developed by Survey of India along with digital open series topo sheets, bringing about full compatibility with the geographical areas as reported in Census, 2011.
  • Forests play a vital role in water conservation and improve the water regime in the area. Considering the importance of water bodies in forest, FSI has assessed water bodies in forest cover for the decade 2005-2015. As per the assessment, there is an increase of 2,647 sq km in the extent of water bodies inside forest cover between 2005 to 2015.
  • The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock inside and outside the forest areas, carbon stock in India’s forests and forest cover in different patch size classes. Special thematic information on forest cover such as hill, tribal districts, and north eastern region has also been given separately in the report. The report for the first time contains information on decadal change in water bodies in forest during 2005-2015, forest fire, production of timber from outside forest, state wise carbon stock in different forest types and density classes.
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been assessing the forest and tree resources of our country on a biennial basis since 1987. The results of the assessment are published in its biennial report titled “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)”.

 

India State of Forest Report 2021 – Highlights & important findings

 

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Tiger Census 2018 – Highlights & state of Tigers in India (APSC Geography Notes)

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All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 (Tiger Census) – Highlights & state of Tigers in India

(APSC Geography Notes)

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The All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 made public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on occasion of Global Tiger Day on 29 July. As per the report, India has 2,967 tigers, which is about 33% more than in 2014.

PM Modi said, “With around 3,000 tigers, India has emerged as of one of the biggest and safest habitats for them in world. The country is proud to be home to almost 75% of the global tiger population”.

Highlights & Key Findings

Top 5 Performing States

  • Madhya Pradesh (526)
  • Karnataka (524)
  • Uttarakhand (442)
  • Maharashtra (312)
  • Tamil Nadu (264)

States that saw Decline in Tiger Population

  • Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

While all other States saw a Positive increase.

  • Assam has a total of 190 Tigers.
  • Highest Number of Tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Maximum Improvement in Tiger Population since 2014 is recorded in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

4th cycle of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves (MEETR), which evaluates India’s 50 tiger sanctuaries was also released along with 4th National Tiger Estimation (Tiger census).

  • According to it, Pench sanctuary (MP) and Periyar sanctuary of Kerala emerged as best managed tiger reserves in country. Dampa Reserve (Mizoram) and Rajaji reserve (Uttarakhand) were left at bottom of ladder.
  • Chhattisgarh was least performing State in reserve management.
4th National Tiger Estimation (Tiger census)
  • It is 4th such tiger survey since 2006, conducted once in 4 years. Latest survey is culmination of 15 months of forest officials surveying 3,81,400 sq-km of forested habitat, installing 26,760 camera traps and wildlife biologists digging by 35 million images of wildlife. Nearly 83% of estimated tiger population was captured in these images.
  • India has been counting tigers and assessing habitat every four years since 2006. The 33% rise in tiger numbers is the highest ever recorded between four-year cycles. The growth was 21% during 2006-10 and 30% between 2010 and 2014.
  • The report does not contain numbers of other predators like leopards. But better tiger numbers are generally seen as indicating good prey bases and habitat.
Global Tiger Population
  • The world-wide population of wild tigers stands at around 3,950.
  • India has almost 75% of the total population.
  • Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh and Bhutan being key countries contributing to the remaining 25% count.
International Tiger Day
  • Global Tiger Day, often called International Tiger Day, is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation, held annually on 29 July.
  • It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit.
  • The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.

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Geographical Indication GI Tag products from Assam and NE – (APSC Assam Geography Notes)

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Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products from Assam and North East India
APSC Assam Notes & Study Materials

Assam Geography - Assamexam

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Geographical Indication tagged products from Assam and North Eastern states

What is a geographical indication?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. GI tag sign identify a product as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. There is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.

Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement. India has a expeditious and efficient G I tagging mechanism.

Assam

Registered GI: 

  • Muga Silk of Assam
  • Muga Silk of Assam (Logo)
  • Assam (Orthodox) Logo
  • Karbi Anglong Ginger
  • Tezpur Litchi
  • Joha Rice or Boka saul
  • Boka Chaul
  • Kaji Nemu
  • Chokuwa Rice of Assam
  • Judima wine

Pending GI: Sarthebari Bell Metal Craft

Meghalaya

Registered GI: Khasi Mandarin, Memong Narang

Pending GI: Larnai Clay Pottery

Manipur

Registered GI: Shaphee Lanphee, Wangkhei Phee, Moirang Phee, Kachai Lemon

Pending GI: Manipur Dolls and Toys Craft

Nagaland

Registered GI: Naga Mircha, Chakshesang Shawl, Naga Tree Tomato

Pending GI: Naga Cucumber

Arunachal Pradesh

Registered GI: Arunachal Orange

Pending GI: Monpa Wooden Mask

Mizoram

Registered GI: Mizo Chilli

Tripura

Registered GI: Tripura Queen Pineapple

​Sikkim

Registered GI: Large Cardamom

Pending GI: Lepcha Handloom

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