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Recently, tourists on Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego were caught off guard when the volcano erupted suddenly, sending burning rocks, volcanic ash, and debris down its slopes, forcing visitors to evacuate the area.

About Volcán de Fuego

Introduction

Volcán de Fuego, meaning “Volcano of Fire” in Spanish, is an active basaltic stratovolcano located in Guatemala. It is regarded as one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and forms part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, a volcanic chain extending from Guatemala to Panama.

Location and Geographical Features

Volcán de Fuego is situated near the historic city of Antigua and is one of the three prominent stratovolcanoes overlooking the city, alongside Acatenango and Agua. The volcano rises to an elevation of 3,763 metres (12,346 feet) above sea level. Guatemala itself lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the country highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The volcano is located on the convergent boundary between the Cocos Plate and the Caribbean Plate, where subduction generates intense volcanic activity.

Geological Characteristics

Volcán de Fuego is a relatively young basaltic stratovolcano and possesses an open-vent system, meaning that it maintains a relatively unobstructed pathway through which magma and volcanic gases can escape. This geological feature allows the volcano to release internal pressure through frequent but relatively smaller eruptions, reducing the likelihood of prolonged pressure build-up.

Volcanic Activity

The volcano is well known for its Vulcanian eruptions, which are characterised by short, violent explosions of ash, volcanic bombs, and gases. These eruptions are often accompanied by pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of extremely hot gases, volcanic ash, and rock fragments capable of causing widespread destruction. The volcano also regularly produces lava flows, ashfall, and lahars—mudflows formed when volcanic ash mixes with rainwater.

Historical Significance

Volcán de Fuego has erupted more than 60 times during the past 500 years, making it one of the most persistently active volcanoes in the region. Its 2018 eruption was among the deadliest in Guatemala’s history, resulting in 194 deaths and leaving 234 people missing. Since then, the volcano has remained continuously active, producing small eruptions several times each day.

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Recently, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) began issuing Specialized El Niño Bulletins to assess and communicate the likely impacts of the ongoing El Niño on India's maritime sectors, enabling timely preparedness and informed decision-making.

About Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Introduction

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous institution established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It functions as a constituent unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) and serves as India's premier organisation for ocean observation, ocean information, and advisory services.

Mandate

INCOIS is mandated to provide reliable ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community.

It accomplishes this through continuous ocean observations, advanced forecasting systems, and systematic scientific research, thereby supporting marine safety, coastal management, fisheries, disaster preparedness, navigation, and climate resilience.

International Role

INCOIS is a permanent member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), contributing to global oceanographic research, data sharing, and international cooperation in ocean science.

Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)

One of INCOIS's most significant achievements is the establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC). The centre is capable of issuing tsunami alerts within 10 minutes of a major undersea earthquake and currently provides tsunami early warning services to India and 28 countries across the Indian Ocean region, making India a regional leader in ocean-based disaster risk reduction.

Headquarters

The headquarters of INCOIS is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Major Initiatives of INCOIS

Search and Rescue Aided Tool (SARAT)

The Search and Rescue Aided Tool (SARAT) is an advanced forecasting system designed to support the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Coastal Security Police in locating missing persons, vessels, or objects at sea. It uses ocean current and wind data to predict the likely drift path, significantly improving the effectiveness of search and rescue operations.

SynOPS Visualization Platform

The SynOPS (Synoptic Ocean Prediction System) Visualization Platform integrates real-time oceanographic, meteorological, and satellite data into a unified platform. It enhances situational awareness, strengthens coordination during extreme weather and oceanic events, and supports disaster management and maritime decision-making through timely visualization and analysis of critical information.

Significance of INCOIS

INCOIS plays a crucial role in strengthening India's Blue Economy, coastal resilience, marine resource management, and disaster preparedness. Its scientific services support safe navigation, sustainable fisheries, tsunami and cyclone early warning, climate monitoring, and ocean state forecasting, thereby contributing significantly to maritime safety, national security, and sustainable development.

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Recently, a captive-bred Indian vulture released in Melghat Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) travelled an extraordinary 3,334 km across several states before reaching the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, demonstrating the remarkable dispersal ability of the species and highlighting the importance of interconnected wildlife habitats.

About Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Introduction

The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan and is one of the largest and most renowned tiger reserves in northern India. It derives its name from the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated within the reserve. The area was once the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur before being transformed into a protected wildlife habitat.

Location and Geographical Features

The reserve is strategically situated at the junction (Great Boundary Fault) of the Aravalli and Vindhyan mountain ranges, creating a unique landscape of rocky hills, escarpments, plateaus, valleys, and grasslands. It covers an area of approximately 1,411 sq. km and is famous for its boulder-strewn highland plateaus, lakes, rivers, ancient forts, and abandoned mosques, making it one of India's most scenic protected areas.

Rivers and Lakes

The reserve is bounded by the Banas River to the north and the Chambal River to the south. It also contains several important freshwater lakes, including Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab, which serve as crucial water sources for wildlife throughout the year.

Vegetation

The natural vegetation is dominated by dry deciduous forests interspersed with open grassy meadows, providing an ideal habitat for both herbivores and large carnivores.

Flora

The reserve is characterised by extensive stands of the Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula), which is the dominant tree species. Other important plant species include Acacia, Capparis, Zizyphus, and Prosopis, along with diverse grassland vegetation across the plateaus.

Fauna

Ranthambhore supports a rich diversity of wildlife. Besides the Bengal Tiger, the reserve is home to Leopard, Caracal, Jungle Cat, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, and Wild Boar. Its rich birdlife includes Peacocks, Partridges, Green Pigeons, Parakeets, Sparrows, Prinias, Warblers, and numerous other resident and migratory bird species.

Significance

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is among India's most important Project Tiger landscapes and plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Bengal Tiger and several other threatened species. Its combination of rich biodiversity, historic monuments, and unique geological setting makes it one of India's premier wildlife conservation areas and a globally recognised ecotourism destination.

Latest News

Recently, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court referred to the Forest Bench a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a scientific ecological census of the Berijam Lake region to evaluate its suitability for notification as a Tiger Reserve.

About Berijam Lake

Introduction

Berijam Lake is a man-made (artificial) freshwater lake located near Kodaikanal in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the Upper Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, the lake is renowned for its pristine environment, rich biodiversity, and scenic beauty. It serves as an important ecological hotspot as well as a vital source of drinking water for nearby settlements.

Formation and Location

The lake is situated in the Upper Palani Hills, overlooking the surrounding valleys and forests, and covers an area of approximately 59 acres. It was formed in 1867 following the construction of a dam with sluice outlets as part of a micro-watershed development project, enhancing water conservation and catchment management in the region.

Historical Significance

Berijam Lake is located close to the former site of Fort Hamilton, where the British had established a military cantonment during the colonial period. This adds historical importance to the ecological value of the region.

Ecological Importance

The crystal-clear waters of Berijam Lake, surrounded by dense forests, create a unique and picturesque ecosystem. The lake functions as an important conservation centre for the diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the hydrological balance of the surrounding landscape.

Flora and Fauna

Berijam Lake supports rich wildlife and provides habitat for numerous species. The area is home to mammals such as Gaur (Indian Bison), Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, and Deer. It is also an important bird habitat where species including the Serpent Eagle, Rosefinch, Leaf Warbler, and Pale-rumped Swallow are commonly observed, making it a significant destination for birdwatching and wildlife conservation.

Water Resource Significance

Apart from its ecological value, Berijam Lake serves as a major source of drinking water for nearby towns and settlements, highlighting its importance for both environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Significance

Berijam Lake is an ecologically sensitive landscape within the Western Ghats and plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and climate regulation. Its rich wildlife, strategic location, and intact forest ecosystem have led to proposals for enhanced conservation, including consideration of the surrounding area for Tiger Reserve status.

Latest Context

The India AI Governance Guidelines (2025) and deliberations at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 have highlighted the need for inclusive, gender-responsive Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The focus is on ensuring that AI-driven growth benefits all sections of society, particularly women and workers in the informal economy.

Why is Gender-Responsive and Inclusive AI Important?

AI as a Driver of Inclusive Development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, logistics, finance, manufacturing, and governance, making it one of the most significant drivers of economic growth.

Since nearly 90% of India's workforce is employed in the informal sector, contributing almost half of the country's GDP, AI has immense potential to improve livelihoods, productivity, and access to public services.

According to NITI Aayog, AI-based solutions can directly benefit nearly 490 million informal workers by improving financial inclusion, market access, and service delivery.

Need for Gender-Responsive AI

Women constitute a major share of India's informal economy. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 82% of working women are employed in the informal sector, while the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 reports that 76.9% of rural women are engaged in agriculture.

AI systems designed without considering women's specific needs may reinforce existing inequalities through algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, and discriminatory outcomes. Therefore, UN Women emphasises that AI must be developed with fairness, accessibility, transparency, and accountability to ensure that technological progress is equitably shared.

Role of AI in Informal Livelihoods and Agriculture

Enhancing Rural Livelihoods

AI can significantly improve rural incomes through precision farming, crop monitoring, pest identification, weather forecasting, and AI-based advisory services available in local languages. It can also facilitate digital credit assessment, crop insurance, market linkages, and skill development for Self Help Groups (SHGs), home-based workers, and platform workers, thereby strengthening financial inclusion.

Evidence of Positive Impact

A Farmer.Chat Study (2024) conducted across 12 Indian States found that nearly 61% of women users reported an improved quality of life within 45 days of using AI-enabled advisory services. Women also showed higher engagement than men, demonstrating that AI becomes more effective when it addresses language preferences, land ownership patterns, mobility constraints, and access to information specific to women.

Governance Priorities for Inclusive AI

Gender Impact Assessments

The India AI Governance Guidelines (2025) advocate integrating fairness and equity into AI systems. High-impact AI applications in sectors such as employment, healthcare, welfare delivery, education, public services, and credit should undergo Gender Impact Assessments to identify discrimination based on gender, caste, disability, location, and socio-economic status before deployment.

AI Literacy as Public Infrastructure

Bridging the digital divide requires more than internet access. AI literacy should be integrated with flagship programmes such as DAY-NRLM, DDU-GKY, Skill India Mission, and Mission Shakti so that women can effectively use AI-enabled services, access government schemes, participate in digital markets, and secure higher-income livelihood opportunities.

Ensuring Digital Safety

Technology-enabled gender-based violence, including deepfakes, online harassment, and non-consensual AI-generated content, discourages women's participation in digital spaces. Effective implementation of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, along with mandatory labelling of AI-generated content proposed by MeitY, can help build trust and improve online safety.

Major Challenges

Algorithmic and Structural Barriers

Inclusive AI remains constrained by algorithmic bias arising from non-representative datasets, limited availability of high-quality Indian language datasets, persistent digital divide in internet access and device ownership, inadequate AI literacy among women, and limited transparency in AI decision-making. Weak grievance redress mechanisms, cyber threats, deepfakes, and the under-representation of women in AI research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and policymaking further restrict equitable AI adoption.

Government Initiatives Supporting Inclusive AI

Building India's Responsible AI Ecosystem

India has developed a strong institutional framework for responsible and inclusive AI through the IndiaAI Mission, which supports AI innovation, computing infrastructure, datasets, and skill development. The BHASHINI initiative promotes multilingual AI services to overcome language barriers, while the India AI Governance Guidelines (2025) establish principles of fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, safety, and equity.

Supporting Digital Inclusion

The NITI Aayog AI Roadmap promotes AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance, while Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, enables inclusive digital service delivery. Schemes such as Mission Shakti, Skill India, DAY-NRLM, and DDU-GKY strengthen women's digital skills and livelihoods.

Additionally, Digital ShramSetu, developed by NITI Aayog, aims to improve the livelihoods of 490 million informal workers through AI-enabled solutions using state-driven implementation, regulatory support, affordability, and strategic partnerships.

Road Ahead

Towards Inclusive AI for Viksit Bharat

India must integrate gender audits into all high-impact AI systems, expand multilingual AI applications through BHASHINI, strengthen AI literacy using community institutions and Self Help Groups, and adopt Gender Responsive Budgeting for AI investments. Simultaneously, stronger cyber governance, faster grievance redress mechanisms, improved digital safety, and greater participation of women in AI research, entrepreneurship, and policymaking are essential.

A gender-responsive AI ecosystem will ensure that technological advancement contributes not only to economic growth but also to social inclusion, digital justice, and equitable development, thereby supporting India's aspiration of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.