Recently, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, organised awareness and outreach activities in Gwalior to mark 20 years of Earth Hour. This milestone highlights the campaign’s evolution into a global environmental movement promoting sustainability and climate action.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement that brings together individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take action for environmental protection. It is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and focuses on raising awareness about climate change and energy conservation.

Background and Evolution

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 as a simple symbolic act where people switched off their lights for one hour. Over time, it has grown into a worldwide movement spanning more than 190 countries and territories, involving millions of participants.

Today, it is not just about switching off lights but also about encouraging sustainable lifestyles and collective environmental responsibility.

When and How It is Observed

Earth Hour is observed annually towards the end of March. During this event, people are encouraged to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.

Governments, institutions, and companies participate by turning off lights in major buildings, monuments, and landmarks, symbolising a unified commitment to reducing energy consumption and addressing climate change.

Significance of the ‘Lights Off’ Moment

The “lights off” moment is a powerful symbolic gesture that demonstrates global solidarity for environmental protection. It serves as a reminder of the urgent challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable energy use.

By encouraging collective action, Earth Hour helps to build awareness and inspire long-term behavioural changes toward sustainability.

Conclusion

Over the past two decades, Earth Hour has transformed from a symbolic event into a global movement for environmental consciousness. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in mobilizing public participation and reinforcing the need for sustainable practices to protect the planet for future generations

The Delhi High Court recently criticised the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for delays in conducting a court-ordered survey of encroachments at Tughlaqabad Fort.

Location and Historical Background

Tughlaqabad Fort is located in the southern part of New Delhi, strategically built along the rocky contours of the Aravalli Hills, which provided natural defense and abundant building material like granite.

The fort was constructed in 1321 CE by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. It is historically recognised as the third city of Delhi, after Lal Kot (built by Anangpal II of the Tomar dynasty) and Siri (built by Alauddin Khalji).

Purpose and Strategic Importance

The primary aim behind building this massive fortress was to strengthen imperial authority and defend the Delhi Sultanate against repeated Mongol invasions. Its design reflects a strong military orientation, prioritizing security over aesthetics.

Architectural Features

Tughlaqabad Fort is a striking example of early Indo-Islamic military architecture, characterized by its massive scale and rugged construction style.

A defining feature of Tughlaq architecture is the use of thick, sloping (battered) walls filled with rubble, which enhanced structural strength and defensive capability. The fort’s design emphasizes geometry, durability, and strategic planning rather than ornate decoration.

Three-Part Urban Layout

The fort city, roughly half-hexagonal in shape, was systematically divided into three main sections:

• Citadel – The fortified core for defense and administration.

• Palace Complex – Included royal residences, underground chambers, and escape routes.

• Residential Area – Designed for inhabitants, with advanced features like rainwater harvesting systems, tanks, and baolis.

This layout reflects a well-planned urban settlement integrated with military strategy.

Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

Located outside the main fort and connected by a 600-foot causeway, the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq is an architectural highlight. It is built using red sandstone and white marble, and is crowned with a graceful dome, showcasing a blend of strength and elegance.

Rapid Decline and Abandonment

Despite its grandeur, Tughlaqabad Fort had a very short period of active use. After the death of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1325 CE, his successor Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital to Daulatabad (Devagiri) and later focused on constructing a new city, Adilabad.

A popular legend associated with Nizamuddin Auliya suggests that he cursed the city with the words:
“Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar” (may it remain desolate or be inhabited by herdsmen).
This folklore is often linked to the fort’s swift abandonment and decline.

Conclusion

Tughlaqabad Fort stands today as a powerful symbol of medieval military architecture and urban planning, reflecting both the ambition and challenges of the Delhi Sultanate. However, issues like encroachment and delayed conservation efforts underline the urgent need for effective heritage protection and management

Mount Semeru recently came into the news after it erupted multiple times, sending ash columns up to 1,100 metres above its summit, highlighting its continued high volcanic activity.

Mount Semeru is located in East Java, Indonesia, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. It is locally known as “Mahameru”, which means “Great Mountain”.

Geographical Location and Tectonic Setting

Mount Semeru lies in a highly active tectonic zone within the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

It is formed due to the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, which generates intense geological activity and magma formation.

The volcano rises to an elevation of 3,676 metres, making it the highest peak on Java Island. It is located at the southern end of a volcanic massif that extends northwards up to the Tengger caldera, another significant volcanic structure in the region.

Volcanic Characteristics

Mount Semeru is considered one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, with a long history of eruptions spanning over 200 years.

A distinctive feature of Semeru is its frequent ash explosions, which typically occur at intervals of 10–30 minutes, making it highly active and continuously monitored.

Its summit topography is complex, with shifting craters that have moved over time from the north-west to south-east direction, indicating dynamic volcanic processes.

The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) released its 2025 report highlighting a slowdown in global progress on child survival since 2015, while recognising India as a global “exemplar” for its sustained reduction in child mortality.

Key Global Highlights

The report estimates that 4.9 million children died before the age of five in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, along with 2.1 million deaths among children and youth aged 5–24 years.

Child mortality remains highly concentrated geographically, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 58% of under-five deaths, followed by Southern Asia (25%).

Although global under-five mortality has declined by more than half since 2000, the rate of progress has slowed by over 60% since 2015. This deceleration is attributed to reduced funding, unequal healthcare access, and persistent socio-economic disparities.

Malnutrition and Causes of Death

For the first time, the report integrates malnutrition as a direct cause of death, revealing that Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) alone accounts for over 100,000 deaths (around 5%) among children aged 1–59 months. Indirectly, its impact is far greater as it weakens immunity.

The primary causes of death vary by age group. Among newborns (0–28 days), preterm birth complications (36%) and birth-related complications (21%) are the leading causes. For children aged 1–59 months, infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria remain the major killers.

India’s Performance

India has achieved remarkable progress in reducing child mortality, emerging as a global success story.

The Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined by 79%, from 127 (1990) to 27 (2024) per 1,000 live births. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped by 70%, from 57 to 17, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) reduced to approximately 23.3 per 1,000 live births in 2024.

Additionally, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined to 97 per lakh live births (2018–20), moving India closer to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

Key Drivers of India’s Success

India’s progress has been driven by systematic policy interventions and public health initiatives.

A major factor has been the promotion of institutional deliveries through schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana, which ensured safer childbirth under skilled supervision.

The expansion of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and innovations like telemedicine have significantly improved neonatal survival. Preventive healthcare efforts, particularly the Universal Immunization Programme, have expanded vaccine coverage against deadly diseases.

Further, programs like POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat have addressed malnutrition, while grassroots interventions by ASHA and Anganwadi workers under IMNCI have enabled early diagnosis and treatment.

Promotion of breastfeeding through initiatives like the MAA Programme has also played a critical role in improving infant immunity.

Major Challenges in India

Despite progress, several challenges persist. A significant concern is the high share of deaths occurring in the neonatal stage (first 28 days) due to prematurity, birth asphyxia, and infections.

Malnutrition remains a major underlying factor, with high levels of maternal anaemia leading to low birth weight and weak immunity among children.

There are also deep regional disparities, with states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu performing well, while others such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to face high mortality rates.

Additionally, inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural and tribal areas, delays in emergency care, and poor quality of institutional care remain key bottlenecks. Diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea continue to cause significant post-neonatal deaths, reflecting gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

Way Forward

To further reduce child mortality, India must focus on the critical neonatal period (first 28 days) by improving quality of care during childbirth and immediate postnatal interventions.

Strengthening practices like Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), early breastfeeding, and neonatal screening can significantly reduce deaths. Programs such as LaQshya must be effectively implemented to improve labour room quality.

Breaking the malnutrition cycle during the first 1,000 days of life is essential through strengthened nutrition programs. Greater focus is also needed on high-burden states and aspirational districts, along with better use of real-time data systems like U-WIN for targeted interventions.

Empowering frontline workers with training, tools, and incentives will be crucial for improving outcomes at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

The UN IGME 2025 report highlights both global challenges and India’s success story. While India has made significant strides in reducing child mortality, achieving SDG 2030 targets will require a converged approach across healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation sectors, ensuring that every child has a fair chance at survival and healthy development

Recently, an outbreak of shigellosis (Shigella infection) has been reported in Kerala, raising public health concerns due to its highly contagious nature and impact on vulnerable populations, especially young children.

About Shigellosis

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by Shigella bacteria, which primarily affects the intestines and leads to acute diarrhoeal illness. It is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.

Humans are the only natural reservoir of this bacteria, meaning the infection spreads mainly through human-to-human transmission.

The disease can be more severe in children under five years, elderly individuals, malnourished persons, and those with weakened immunity.

Mode of Transmission

Shigellosis spreads primarily through the faecal-oral route, often due to poor hygiene and sanitation.

It can be transmitted through:

• Direct contact with infected individuals

• Consumption of contaminated food or water

• Contact with contaminated surfaces or faecal matter

• In some cases, close personal or sexual contact

This makes outbreaks more likely in crowded settings or areas with inadequate sanitation.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which may be bloody or contain mucus and can last for several days.

Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps

• Fever

• Vomiting

• A constant urge to pass stool (tenesmus) even when the bowels are empty

In severe cases, dehydration and complications may occur, particularly in children.

Treatment and Management

Shigellosis is generally self-limiting, meaning mild cases often resolve without intensive treatment.

However, in more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Supportive care such as adequate hydration and electrolyte balance is crucial.

Prevention and Public Health Measures

Preventing shigellosis largely depends on improving hygiene and sanitation practices. Key measures include:

• Regular handwashing with soap, especially after using the toilet

• Ensuring safe drinking water and proper food hygiene

• Avoiding contact with infected individuals

• Strengthening sanitation infrastructure and waste management

Conclusion

The outbreak of shigellosis in Kerala highlights the importance of public health vigilance, sanitation, and hygiene awareness. Timely detection, proper treatment, and preventive measures are essential to control the spread and protect vulnerable populations, especially young children.

Recently, a tiger in Satpura Tiger Reserve was allegedly poisoned to death, leading to the arrest of five individuals. This incident highlights the serious threats to wildlife conservation, including poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Location and Composition

Satpura Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, within the Satpura mountain ranges of central India. It lies south of the Narmada River, forming an important ecological zone.

The reserve is made up of three protected areas: Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary, which together create a large and continuous habitat for wildlife.

Terrain and Geological Features

The terrain of the reserve is highly rugged and diverse, consisting of sandstone peaks, deep gorges, ravines, and dense forests.

Geologically, it includes formations such as the Deccan Trap, Gondwana rocks, and metamorphic formations, making it significant from both ecological and geological perspectives.

Vegetation and Flora

The reserve mainly consists of mixed deciduous forests, which are characteristic of the Central Indian Highlands.

Important plant species found here include teak, bamboo, Indian ebony, acacia, wild mango, Indian gooseberry, and satinwood. A unique feature is the presence of species from both Himalayan and Nilgiri regions, which makes the reserve ecologically diverse and significant.

Faunal Diversity

Satpura Tiger Reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it an important conservation area.

Key species include the tiger (flagship species), leopard, sloth bear, Indian gaur (bison), and sambar deer. This diversity highlights its importance as a critical habitat for large mammals and biodiversity conservation.

Conservation Concerns

The recent poisoning incident brings attention to major conservation challenges, particularly poaching and retaliatory killings. It underlines the need for stronger protection measures, better surveillance, and active involvement of local communities to safeguard wildlife.

Conclusion

Satpura Tiger Reserve is a crucial biodiversity hotspot and a key tiger habitat in India. However, incidents like this emphasize that effective conservation requires strict law enforcement, awareness, and sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The Border Security Force (BSF) is reportedly exploring the use of natural deterrents such as snakes and crocodiles to enhance security in riverine and ecologically sensitive stretches of the India–Bangladesh border.

India–Bangladesh Border

The India–Bangladesh border is India’s longest international land boundary, extending approximately 4,096.7 km. It passes through the states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Out of the total border length:

• Around 3,232 km is already fenced

• Nearly 864 km remains unfenced

• About 174 km is classified as non-feasible gaps

Reasons for Unfenced and Non-Feasible Stretches

Several environmental and geographical factors make fencing impossible or ineffective in certain areas.

(a) Riverine Terrain

Major rivers such as the Ichhamati, Raimangal, and Haribhanga flow through the border region. These rivers frequently change course, making permanent fencing structures unstable.

(b) Flood-Prone Conditions

Regular flooding leads to:

• Damage to fencing infrastructure

• Continuous shifting of land boundaries

• Difficult maintenance and repair work

(c) Sundarbans Region

The Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem presents extreme challenges due to:

• Dense mangrove forests

• Swampy and unstable terrain

• High tidal activity and waterlogging

Use of Natural Deterrents

To address these challenges, the BSF is considering the use of natural deterrents like snakes and crocodiles in specific riverine and mangrove zones.

The idea is based on leveraging the existing ecological environment to discourage illegal crossings in areas where human deployment or fencing is difficult.

Purpose of the Strategy

• To create a natural barrier effect in unfenced riverine areas

• To reduce dependency on physical infrastructure in hostile terrain

• To enhance surveillance in remote and inaccessible zones

Significance of the Initiative

If implemented carefully, this approach could provide several advantages:

• Improved security in difficult riverine stretches

• Reduced infiltration and smuggling activities

• Lower infrastructure burden in non-fencable areas

• Adoption of ecosystem-based border management techniques

About Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a South Asian country located in the deltaic region of the Indian subcontinent. It shares extensive land borders with India on the west, north, and northeast, and a smaller border with Myanmar in the southeast. The country also has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal, which plays a crucial role in its economy, climate, and ecology.

River Systems and Physical Geography

Bangladesh is primarily formed by one of the world’s largest river delta systems. It is shaped by the combined flow of three major rivers:

• Padma (Ganges)

• Jamuna (Brahmaputra)

• Meghna

These rivers, along with their numerous tributaries, create a vast and fertile floodplain.

Nearly 80% of Bangladesh’s land area consists of fertile alluvial plains formed by these river systems.

Biodiversity and Ecological Significance

Bangladesh has rich and globally significant biodiversity, supported by its unique ecosystems.

(a) Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest, shared between India and Bangladesh. It is a UNESCO-recognized ecological zone and plays a vital role in coastal protection and climate resilience.

It is also home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, along with diverse species of birds, reptiles, and aquatic life.

(b) St. Martin’s Island

St. Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s only coral-bearing island, located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. It is protected as a marine park and is ecologically significant due to:

• Coral reef ecosystems

• Marine biodiversity

• Endangered sea turtles

• Unique coastal flora and fauna

India–Bangladesh Border Management:

Major Issues

1. Porous Border and Illegal Migration
The India–Bangladesh border is highly porous, which facilitates large-scale illegal migration. This migration is primarily driven by economic disparities, population pressure, and environmental factors such as floods and riverbank erosion in Bangladesh. As a result, it creates demographic pressure, security concerns, and political tensions in bordering Indian states.

2. Smuggling and Transnational Crime
The border is highly vulnerable to smuggling and organized criminal activities, including cattle smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and circulation of fake currency. These activities are often carried out by well-organized networks that exploit difficult terrain and local support systems.

3. Riverine and Difficult Terrain
A significant portion of the border passes through riverine and flood-prone areas, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. The changing course of rivers complicates border demarcation and makes surveillance difficult. Moreover, physical fencing is not feasible in many of these low-lying areas.

4. Border Fencing Challenges
Border fencing faces multiple hurdles such as land acquisition problems and resistance from local communities. Additionally, fencing norms requiring construction at a distance from the zero line result in gaps between the fence and the actual border, leaving some areas vulnerable.

5. Humanitarian and Social Concerns
People living in border areas often face restricted movement, loss of livelihood opportunities, and limited access to basic services. There are also allegations of excessive force by security forces, which contribute to local resentment and alienation.

6. India–Bangladesh Coordination Issues
Although bilateral relations are generally positive, occasional tensions arise due to border killings, disputes over fencing near the zero line, and migration-related sensitivities. These issues sometimes strain coordination between the two countries.

Border Management Measures Adopted

1. Deployment of Border Security Force (BSF)
The BSF is the primary force responsible for guarding the India–Bangladesh border. It conducts round-the-clock surveillance, patrolling, and prevention of illegal activities along the border.

2. Technological Interventions (Smart Border Management)
The government has adopted advanced technologies such as BOLD-QIT (smart fencing system), especially in riverine areas of Assam. This system uses thermal imagers, ground sensors, and radars for real-time monitoring and effective surveillance.

3. Strengthening Border Infrastructure
Efforts have been made to increase the number and density of Border Outposts (BOPs). Additionally, “dark areas” with poor connectivity are being identified and improved. Infrastructure development, including roads and floodlighting, has enhanced border management.

4. Bilateral Cooperation with Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh have strengthened cooperation through mechanisms like the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP). This includes joint patrolling, regular flag meetings, and intelligence sharing, which help in better coordination and conflict resolution.

5. India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement 2015
This agreement resolved long-pending boundary disputes through the exchange of enclaves and demarcation of undefined borders. It has significantly improved mutual trust and reduced conflict along the border.

6. Border Haats (Local Trade Markets)
Border haats have been established to promote legal cross-border trade and reduce dependence on smuggling. They also help in improving livelihoods and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Challenges and Concerns in Opting Natural Deterrents

1. Ecological and Ethical Issues
The use of natural deterrents such as snakes or crocodiles for border security raises serious concerns. Introducing or artificially increasing such wildlife populations can disturb ecological balance and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Moreover, it may violate existing wildlife protection laws and ethical norms related to conservation.

2. Proportionality Concerns
Natural deterrents like snakes and crocodiles are inherently unpredictable and cannot distinguish between infiltrators and innocent civilians. This creates significant risks for local fishermen, farmers, and border residents, raising serious humanitarian concerns about the proportional use of force.

3. International Law Angle
The deliberate use of lethal natural hazards as a method of border control may conflict with international humanitarian principles. Such measures could be seen as indiscriminate and excessive, potentially violating norms related to human rights and safe border management practices.

About Border Security Force (BSF)

The Border Security Force (BSF) is India’s primary border guarding force, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was established on 1 December 1965 in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak conflict to strengthen border management.

1. Nature and Role
The BSF is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and is responsible for guarding India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It acts as the first line of defence during peacetime.

2. Legal Basis
The functioning of the BSF is governed by the Border Security Force Act, 1968, which defines its powers, duties, and organizational structure.

3. Objectives
The key objectives of the BSF include:

• Ensuring the security and integrity of India’s borders

• Preventing trans-border crimes such as smuggling and trafficking

• Checking illegal migration and infiltration

• Maintaining vigilance and surveillance along sensitive border areas