Andhra Pradesh has launched Project HANUMAN to deal with rising human-wildlife conflict in the State. - The project seeks to reduce clashes between people and wild animals while protecting both. - Rapid response teams will handle emergencies in conflict zones. - Technology and monitoring systems will track the movement of wildlife.
The second edition of the Indian Bison Fest is scheduled for 8 March 2026 at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. - The festival honours the Indian bison or gaur (Bos gaurus), the largest bovine species in the world. - The January 2026 census counted 848 gaurs in the sanctuary, 190 more than a year earlier.
Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh made news on two wildlife fronts. - Nine cheetahs brought from Botswana arrived at Kuno under India's cheetah reintroduction programme, raising the country's total cheetah population to 48. - The Forest Owlet, classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, was spotted in Kuno National Park for the first time.
The Prime Minister launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for girls aged 14, using the Gardasil-4 vaccine. - HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, and vaccinating girls before exposure is the most effective way to prevent it. - Gardasil-4 is a quadrivalent vaccine that guards against four types of the virus.
The Union Government has decided to pause rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) following an IIT Kharagpur study. - The study found micronutrients in fortified rice degrade over time because of moisture, temperature, humidity and long storage. - Central pool rice is often stored for 2–3 years, raising the risk of nutrient loss.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced "Legacy Thrust Territories" to stop Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from resurfacing after major gains against Naxalism. - These are districts once hit by Naxal violence that will keep receiving security and development support. - About 200 districts were LWE-affected in 2000; the number fell to 38 by 2025.
The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) organised ANVESH-2026 to promote sustainable and healthy food systems. - The conference highlighted innovation, sustainability and the concept of "Food as Medicine" in food processing. - NIFTEM-K is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
The Supreme Court is considering whether the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) should be compulsory in all blood banks, as part of ensuring safe transfusion under Article 21. - NAT is a molecular test that detects viral genetic material (DNA or RNA) in donated blood, catching HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C early.
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