The National Tiger Conservation Authority's order to relocate over 64,000 families from tiger reserves in India has sparked a debate between conservationists and tribal rights activists. The order is criticized for violating the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Rights Act, prioritizing tiger conservation over tribal rights. Activists argue that local communities can aid in conservation efforts and that the relocation order lacks legal compliance. The NTCA defends its actions as part of ongoing conservation management, emphasizing voluntary relocation with informed consent. The controversy highlights the tension between wildlife conservation and indigenous rights.

India is focusing on renewable energy to support its rapid economic growth, aiming for 500GW of installed capacity by 2030. The country is investing in solar, wind, biofuels, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. Challenges include land acquisition, transmission infrastructure, and policy uncertainty. The government is addressing these with financial incentives and policy updates, including a Critical Mineral Mission and increased budget for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Experts emphasize the need for policy continuity and reduced reliance on thermal power.

India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, with Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role in biofuel production through ethanol and biogas blending. The state plans to establish 100 CBG plants, leveraging its organic biomass resources. The Badaun CBG plant is expected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and stubble burning. Despite advancements, sugarcane farmers face challenges due to low MSP and delayed payments. The government is addressing these issues with initiatives like the 'Panchamrit' scheme. Companies like Reliance and Adani are investing in CBG projects, highlighting the economic potential of biofuel production.

India is experiencing severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching nearly 50C in Delhi, leading to significant fatalities and impacting voter turnout. The World Weather Attribution report attributes the increased frequency of such heatwaves to human-induced climate change, predicting they will become 45 times more likely. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued alerts, and the government has implemented Heat Action Plans, though discrepancies in data and challenges in attributing deaths to heat stress persist. The heatwaves are also affecting education and informal sector workers, with experts calling for more comprehensive measures to address the heat index and protect vulnerable populations.

A study conducted in Manas National Park, Assam, reveals the peaceful coexistence of the leopard cat and clouded leopard, highlighting their distinct habitat usage. The research, led by Salvador Lyngdoh and Urjit Bhatt, emphasizes the positive impact of tiger conservation on these species and the need for habitat preservation. The study underscores the importance of protecting prey species and managing human disturbances to ensure the survival of these felids. It calls for targeted conservation actions, including habitat restoration and community engagement, to support the long-term survival of these wild cats.

A rusty-spotted cat with a lighter coat was spotted in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, sparking interest among wildlife enthusiasts and officials. Initially thought to be leucistic, experts later suggested the color variation might be normal for the species. The cat, classified as 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was photographed by Mayank Jaiswal. Efforts to monitor and protect the cat's habitat were initiated by the reserve's director, Naveen Khandelwal. Experts like Nilanjan Chatterjee and Shomita Mukherjee expressed skepticism about the leucism claim, suggesting further genetic studies if more such individuals are found.

Residents of Bidapaju village in Odisha, India, were unaware of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) until 2020, despite its enactment in 2006. A non-profit, Nirman, informed them about their rights, leading to skepticism initially. The forest department had marked trees for timber without villagers' consent, but after learning about the FRA, the villagers protested and prevented tree cutting. They faced challenges, including boundary disputes with an adjacent village, but eventually claimed 738 acres of forest land. The villagers now manage forest resources responsibly, with a system for timber and bamboo harvesting. The Divisional Forest Officer, Kshama Sarangi, acknowledged the FRA's benefits but warned of its misuse and the need for thorough checks before granting titles.

The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre has developed a Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) vaccine, initially trialed on guinea pigs and rats, aimed at protecting the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park. The vaccine is a response to a 2018 incident where 27 lions died from CDV. The vaccine will undergo three trials before potential administration to lions, despite concerns from wildlife researchers about the impact of captivity on vaccinated lions. The 33 lions vaccinated in 2018 remain in captivity, raising questions about the feasibility of releasing vaccinated lions back into the wild. The Gujarat Forest department seeks to have a locally available vaccine, contrasting with previous imports from the US. Experts are divided on the approach, with some suggesting vaccination of dogs to prevent disease spread and others advocating for natural selection. The National Tiger Conservation Authority of India's 2020 protocol includes vaccinating dogs against CDV to protect tigers.

A rare sighting of a rusty-spotted cat in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has sparked debate over whether the cat is leucistic, a condition involving lack of melanin pigmentation. While some experts, including wildlife photographer Mayank Jaiswal, suggest the cat's lighter coat indicates leucism, others, like Shomita Mukherjee and Nilanjan Chatterjee, argue that such color variations are normal and not indicative of leucism. The reserve has implemented camera traps to monitor the cat, and further studies are suggested to understand the genetic basis of these color variations.

A unique Asiatic wildcat with a classic tabby pattern was spotted in Rajasthan by wildlife biologist Sumit Dookia, raising curiosity among experts. The cat's unusual markings, similar to those of a clouded leopard, were observed outside the Desert National Park. While the species is generally characterized by sandy to reddish-brown coats, this individual displayed a rare grey-black marble pattern. Experts, including Shomita Mukherjee, suggest a genetic study is needed to confirm its classification, as such patterns are common in domestic cats. The discovery highlights the need for further research and conservation efforts for the Asiatic wildcat, which faces threats like habitat loss and hybridization.