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Friday, September 12, 2025
TopicIndian forests

Topic: Indian forests

‘Broad definition of forests & imprecise data’. Why govt forest cover report might be too optimistic

The latest State of Forests Report highlighted that India's total forest and tree cover accounted for 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area—an increase of 3.41% since 2021.

India losing its status as a conservation leader. Our laws aren’t stopping march to decline

Environmental concerns are often neglected, if not entirely absent, from the national agenda. They’re rarely a talking point in election campaigns, says conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra.

What are green credits & why are former civil servants objecting to them

A group of 91 retired officers who served in govt has written to environment ministry urging it to withdraw a notification outlining green credit rules, calling them 'unscientific'.

What interim SC order on Modi govt’s forest conservation law means for environmental protection

Court order comes in response to petition challenging Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023. SC asks states, UTs to revert to 'dictionary definition' of forests while preparing records.

Indian govt still doesn’t know what a ‘forest’ is. FCA amendment takes us back to British era

We don’t know how much of India’s real forests are officially documented. Now, we may never get to know it all—with the amendment, these forests can be chopped down without permit.

India experimented with tree plantation for 200 yrs. Foresters must learn from past mistakes

The success of forest restoration efforts cannot be measured by tree cover alone. Some of the best practices of communities such as Gadchiroli should be studied and scaled up.

Will Modi govt’s new bill dilute existing protections for forests? All about proposed law

Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha Wednesday. It aims to ‘remove ambiguities’ surrounding the applicability of the 1980 law.

Govt wants to drill for oil, gas in forest areas, but Wildlife Institute of India wary of new tech

Months after giving ‘in-principle approval’ for oil/gas drilling, govt’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has asked for further studies after Wildlife Institute’s recommendations.

Shot, stabbed, mauled, killed — it’s all in a day’s work for MP’s unarmed forest staff

Madhya Pradesh forest dept says arming forest guards will allow them to defend themselves against poachers. But granting the power to bear and use arms isn't as simple.

Chhattisgarh looks to tap ‘Rs 1,200 cr potential’ of minor forest industry, plans big push

Around 17 lakh tribal families will benefit under the plan. Chhattisgarh set a record with its procurement of MFP under MSP this financial year — accounting for nearly 73% of Centre's pan-India procurement.

On Camera

Coup, conspiracy & the foreign hand—What Indian TV news channels saw in Nepal this week

‘Gen Z v/s Govt’ TV news coverage went for two days—not sure about the source of the telecast from Kathmandu since no credit was given.

What’s behind bond yields’ logic-defying spike? The market’s concern over the future

While bond yields tend to fall amid low inflation & interest rate cuts, market experts say they’ve been rising due to concerns over tax collections, fiscal deficit & potential impact of US tariffs.

Navy gets first Tata-made Spanish 3D surveillance radar for its warships, 19 more to come

It is one of the most advanced long-range air defence and anti-missile radars. It has been acquired under an about USD 145-million deal signed in 2020.

Punjab is fast becoming the new Northeast. And there’s a message in it for Modi

In its toughest time in decades because of floods, Punjab would’ve expected PM Modi to visit. If he has the time for a Bihar tour, why not a short visit to next-door Punjab?