What’s in Today’s Article?

• National Board for Wildlife Latest News
• Introduction
• Major Announcements in Wildlife Conservation
• Leveraging Technology for Conservation
• Role of Local Communities in Conservation
• Conclusion
• India’s Wildlife Conservation FAQs

National Board for Wildlife Latest News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and unveiled a series of key wildlife initiatives.

Introduction

• India continues to enhance its wildlife conservation efforts with a series of new initiatives announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Gir National Park, Gujarat.
• Chairing the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, PM Modi introduced several landmark measures aimed at protecting endangered species, improving wildlife habitats, and leveraging technology for conservation.
• Key highlights of the announcements include the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, the expansion of India’s cheetah reintroduction program, and the initiation of a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan.
• Additionally, a Centre of Excellence for human-wildlife conflict mitigation and a National Referral Centre for Wildlife were also announced.

Major Announcements in Wildlife Conservation

• First-Ever Riverine Dolphin Estimation
  • PM Modi released India’s first comprehensive report on riverine dolphins, estimating a total of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states.
  • The survey, covering 8,500 kilometers, revealed Uttar Pradesh as having the highest population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
  • The Prime Minister emphasized community participation in dolphin conservation, proposing exposure visits for school children to create awareness about their habitat and ecological importance.
• Strengthening Asiatic Lion Conservation
  • The 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation will be conducted in 2025 to track conservation progress.
  • Barda Wildlife Sanctuary will receive increased conservation efforts, including prey augmentation and habitat enhancement to support natural lion dispersal.
  • PM Modi highlighted Gir’s success in lion and leopard conservation, advocating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital documentation to replicate these efforts in other national parks.
• Expansion of Cheetah Reintroduction Program
  • India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction project will expand to Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
  • The move aims to enhance biodiversity and establish a sustainable cheetah population in India.
• New Wildlife Protection Measures
  • National Referral Centre for Wildlife: The foundation stone for this centre was laid in Junagadh, aiming to improve wildlife disease management and health monitoring.
  • Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore: This will address human-wildlife conflict by equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking gadgets, AI-driven surveillance systems, and community training programs.
  • Use of Remote Sensing & AI: The Prime Minister emphasized the deployment of geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning for detecting and mitigating forest fires and human-animal conflicts.
• Strengthening Conservation of Endangered Species
  • Gharial Conservation Project: A new initiative has been launched to protect and revive gharial populations, which have been dwindling due to habitat loss.
  • National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan: Recognizing the need to scale up efforts, a national plan will be implemented to protect and increase the population of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
  • Conservation Scheme for Tigers Outside Reserves: A special initiative was announced to support tiger conservation beyond protected reserves, addressing human-wildlife conflicts in buffer zones and adjacent areas.

Leveraging Technology for Conservation

• PM Modi underscored the importance of technology in modern conservation strategies:
  • Remote sensing and AI will be used to track wildlife movements and improve conflict management.
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) and BISAG-N collaboration will enhance forest fire detection and prevention using space technology.
  • Traditional conservation knowledge will be documented using AI-driven tools, ensuring that valuable ecological practices are preserved for future generations.

Role of Local Communities in Conservation

• PM Modi praised the involvement of local communities in conservation, noting a sixfold increase in community reserves over the past decade. He emphasized expanding this model to empower tribal and rural populations in protecting wildlife.
• Additionally, PM Modi announced increased eco-tourism infrastructure, ensuring ease of access to wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas, which will contribute to both conservation and local economic growth.

Conclusion

• The announcements made by PM Modi mark a significant milestone in India’s wildlife conservation strategy.
• With a focus on species protection, habitat restoration, technology integration, and community participation, these initiatives will strengthen India’s position as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
• The government's continued commitment to sustainable biodiversity management is expected to yield long-term ecological benefits, ensuring a thriving coexistence between wildlife and human populations.

India’s Wildlife Conservation FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of India’s first riverine dolphin estimation report?

Ans. The report estimates 6,327 riverine dolphins across 28 rivers, providing critical data for conservation efforts.

Q2. How is the government enhancing Asiatic lion conservation?

Ans. Measures include the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation (2025) and conservation efforts in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q3. What new sites are being considered for cheetah reintroduction?

Ans. The program will expand to Gandhisagar Sanctuary (MP) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).

Q4. How will technology aid wildlife conservation in India?

Ans. AI, geospatial mapping, and remote sensing will be used for forest fire prevention, human-animal conflict mitigation, and habitat monitoring.

Q5. What steps has India taken to conserve the Great Indian Bustard?

Ans. The government launched a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to restore habitats and increase population numbers.

Source: IE | PIB

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Global Copper Supply Chain Latest News
• Rising Demand for Copper
• India’s Overseas Focus for Copper
• Africa’s Growing Role in Critical Minerals
• Trump's Executive Order on Copper
• China’s Efforts to Control Overcapacity
• Global Copper Supply Chain FAQs

Global Copper Supply Chain Latest News

• Recently, India secured a 9,000-sq-km block in Zambia to explore copper and cobalt, crucial for overseas mining as domestic production declines.
• Earlier, US had warned that overreliance on foreign copper threatens national security, defense, infrastructure, and technology.
• At the same time, facing tight copper ore supply, China is restricting smelting overcapacity—new smelters must secure long-term mining contracts, mainly in DRC, Chile, and Peru. It controls 50% of global smelting and refining capacity.

Rising Demand for Copper

• Driven by EV batteries and clean energy technologies, copper demand is projected to outstrip supply by 2035.
• Countries like India, China, and the U.S. are racing to secure supply chains and boost domestic capabilities.

Copper Value Chain

• Copper ore undergoes multiple processing stages:
  • Concentrate production
  • Smelting into anode
  • Refining into cathode (used for industrial inputs like rods, sheets, and wires).

Mining Remains Essential

• Recycling and alternative battery chemistries could help, but primary mining is still crucial to meet global demand.

India’s Overseas Focus for Copper

• India’s Declining Domestic Copper Production
  • Copper is a critical mineral for India.
  • Domestic ore production (2023-24): 3.78 million tonnes, 8% lower than in 2018-19.
  • Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) saw a 6% year-on-year decline in production (April–January 2023-24).
• Rising Dependence on Imports
  • Copper concentrate imports doubled in value to ₹26,000 crore (2023-24) from 2018-19.
  • India has large copper deposits, but extensive exploration is needed before mining.
• Overseas Expansion Strategy
  • India is securing greenfield and brownfield copper assets in Zambia, Chile, and the DRC to meet short-term demand.
  • These high-grade deposits and mining-friendly environments allow faster project development.
  • However, geopolitical risks pose challenges to overseas investments.

Africa’s Growing Role in Critical Minerals

• Africa’s share in copper, lithium, and natural graphite production is increasing.
• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produces 70% of global cobalt and 16% of global copper.
• The DRC is projected to become the world’s second-largest copper supplier by 2030 (IEA report).

India’s Copper Exploration in Zambia

• India secured a 9,000-sq-km block in Zambia’s Northwestern province through a government-to-government deal.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) will explore the site, which is six times the size of Delhi.
• In Copperbelt province, Vedanta Group already owns a large copper mine.
• Zambia ranks 7th globally in copper production (after Chile, Peru, and the DRC).

Global Competition for Mineral Assets

• Major copper producers in Zambia: First Quantum Minerals (Canada); Nonferrous Metal Mining (China, state-owned).
• India’s Ministry of Mines is working through nodal officers in the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to secure more mineral assets.
• Competition for critical minerals remains intense as other countries also seek to expand their supply chains.

Trump's Executive Order on Copper

• February 25: President Donald Trump launched an investigation into copper imports and their impact on U.S. national security and economic stability.
• The White House fact sheet emphasized copper’s role in defense, infrastructure, clean energy, EVs, and electronics.
• The U.S. lags behind China in smelting and refining capacity, despite having ample copper reserves.
• The investigation aims to identify supply chain vulnerabilities and recommend tariffs, export controls, and incentives to boost domestic production.

China’s Efforts to Control Overcapacity

• China controls over 50% of global copper smelting but faces falling treatment and refining charges (TCRCs) and a supply-demand gap.
• Excess smelting capacity has squeezed margins, making operations less viable.
• Copper concentrate availability remains weak, forcing custom smelters to compete for limited supply.
• According to a report, overcapacity will lead to: Lower utilization rates for smelters; Potential suspensions or closures of smelting operations; Delays in new smelting projects to restore market balance.

Global Copper Supply Chain FAQs

Q1. Why is copper demand rising?

Ans. Copper demand is increasing due to its crucial role in EV batteries, clean energy, and industrial applications.

Q2. Why is India investing in overseas copper mining?

Ans. India's domestic copper production is declining, making it reliant on imports, prompting investments in Zambia, Chile, and the DRC.

Q3. How is the US addressing copper supply risks?

Ans. The US is investigating copper import vulnerabilities and considering tariffs, export controls, and incentives to boost domestic production.

Q4. Why is China restricting copper smelting capacity?

Ans. China faces excess smelting capacity, falling refining charges, and limited copper ore availability, forcing supply chain adjustments.

Q5. Which African countries are key for copper mining?

Ans. The DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania are major players, attracting global investments due to rich copper reserves and mining infrastructure.

Source: IE | IISD

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Stock Market Downturn Latest News
• Stock Market Decline: A Growing Concern for Investors
• Equity Becomes a Mass Investment Option
• First Major Market Downturn for Many
• Key Reasons Behind the Recent Stock Market Crash
• Equity Becomes a Mass Investment Avenue
• Market Downturn and Its Economic Impact
• Stock Market Downturn FAQs

Stock Market Downturn Latest News

• The 15% drop in Nifty and Sensex over five months may not be unusual, but its impact is significant due to the growing and widespread investor base across the country.

Stock Market Decline: A Growing Concern for Investors

• The Nifty and Sensex have dropped around 15% in the last five months, which, while not extraordinary in scale, has deeply affected investors due to the rapid expansion of the equity culture across India.

Budget Tax Cuts and Market Sentiment

• The Budget on February 1 introduced significant tax cuts, raising the rebate income limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh, benefiting 1.75 crore taxpayers at a revenue cost of ₹1 lakh crore. 
• However, the expected boost to market sentiment and consumption has faded within four weeks, as benchmark indices have dropped over 5%, dampening investor confidence.

Equity Becomes a Mass Investment Option

• Over the past decade, equity investments have spread beyond metros to Tier-II and smaller towns, driven largely by mutual funds. 
• Investor registrations on the NSE have surged fivefold to 22 crore by February 2025, with a substantial portion of MF investments coming from smaller cities.

First Major Market Downturn for Many

• For newer investors who entered after the pandemic, this sustained decline is unprecedented. 
• With stagnant income growth, stock and MF gains were their primary wealth drivers, making the recent market downturn a significant blow to overall sentiment.

Key Reasons Behind the Recent Stock Market Crash

• Impact of Trump’s Tariffs
  • US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, fueling uncertainty in global markets. 
  • The additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, set to take effect on March 4, heightened fears of a prolonged trade conflict, contributing to market volatility.
• Across-the-Board Selling Pressure
  • Heavy selling in mid- and small-cap stocks intensified market weakness. 
  • The Nifty SmallCap index fell 2.09%, while the Nifty MidCap index declined 1.89%. 
  • Sectors like Metal, Realty, Auto, and Media witnessed losses of up to 2.5%.
• Persistent FII Selling
  • Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued their selling spree, offloading stocks worth Rs 556.56 crore on February 27. 
  • FIIs have sold a total of Rs 1,13,721 crore so far in 2025, significantly pressuring the Indian stock market.
• Weak Global Cues
  • Global markets reacted negatively to Trump’s tariff decisions. The Nikkei fell 2.81%, Kospi dropped 2.74%, and CSI 300 was down 0.6%. 

Equity Becomes a Mass Investment Avenue

• Rise of Investments Beyond Major Cities
  • Equity investments have expanded significantly beyond India's top 110 cities. 
  • In March 2014, assets under management (AUM) from smaller cities stood at ₹23,624 crore (2.61% of total AUM). 
  • By December 2024, this surged to ₹12.9 lakh crore (18.6% of total AUM), with nearly one in five rupees invested now coming from these regions.
• Demat Accounts Surge, Indicating Widespread Participation
  • The number of demat accounts grew nearly fivefold from 4.1 crore in March 2020 to 18.8 crore by January 2025, reflecting a broader investor base. 
  • What was once an asset class for affluent, experienced investors is now a mass product, with more households directly exposed to equity markets.
• Upcoming Elections in Key Growth States
  • With Uttar Pradesh and Bihar set for elections in the next 24 months, the growing retail investor base in these regions could have economic and political implications, especially in light of market fluctuations.

Market Downturn and Its Economic Impact

• Short-Term Investors Feel the Heat
  • While mutual fund investors are relatively insulated due to their long-term approach, those engaged in direct stock trading, especially in futures and options, are more vulnerable. 
  • Many short-term investors have not experienced a significant downturn before and may struggle to navigate the slump.
• Impact on Spending and Consumption
  • If the market continues to decline or remains weak for an extended period, it could negatively affect spending habits. 
  • A drop in net worth weakens investor sentiment, reducing their capacity and willingness to spend, which in turn may impact overall consumption in the economy.
• Mid & Small Cap Investors at Higher Risk
  • The market downturn is likely to hit mid and small-cap stocks harder, disproportionately affecting smaller investors who have a higher share of their portfolios in these segments. 
  • In contrast, affluent investors, with more diversified and long-term portfolios, are better positioned to withstand the volatility.

Stock Market Downturn FAQs

Q1. Why did the Nifty and Sensex fall by 15%?

Ans. Global trade tensions, FII selling, weak global cues, and across-the-board selling pressure triggered the market decline.

Q2. How has equity investing expanded in India?

Ans. Investor registrations surged fivefold to 22 crore, with growing participation from Tier-II and smaller towns through mutual funds.

Q3. What impact does a market downturn have on investors?

Ans. It reduces net worth, weakens sentiment, affects spending habits, and disproportionately impacts mid and small-cap investors.

Q4. How does foreign institutional selling affect Indian markets?

Ans. FIIs have sold ₹1.13 lakh crore in 2025, pressuring stock prices and contributing to market volatility.

Q5. Why are mid and small-cap investors at higher risk?

Ans. These stocks face higher volatility, and smaller investors have concentrated portfolios, making them more vulnerable to downturns.

Source: IE | BS