Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

Context: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister officially launched the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district during World Environment Day celebrations. 

About Greater Flamingo

• Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus roseus.
• It is found in Africa, southern Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including India and Pakistan.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
• Presence in India
  • Of the six species of flamingos in the world, India hosts both Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
  • The Greater Flamingo is Gujarat’s state bird.
• Habitat: They live in saltwater lagoons, mudflats, and saline lakes.
• Migration Pattern: Every year, 100,000–150,000 flamingos migrate from Gujarat to Mumbai.
  • They usually arrive in November and settle in the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.

About Greater Flamingo sanctuary

• It is a part of the Gulf of the  Mannar Biosphere Reserve, an ecologically sensitive zone. 
• Objective: protect migratory birds and preserve local biodiversity
• Biodiversity: 
  • Greater Flamingos and Lesser Flamingos , Herons, Egrets, Sandpipers, and Plovers. 
  • Region Includes important ecosystems like: Mangroves, Sand dunes, Mudflats, and Marshes. 
  • The Dhanushkodi lagoon serves as a nursery for fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, supporting local fisheries.
  • The region is also an important nesting site for sea turtles.

International Institute of Administrative Sciences

Context: India has won the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025-2028 term, marking the first time the country has held this position.

About IIAS

• It is an international non-profit organization focusing on scientific research in public administration.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• It has 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centers collaborating on administrative reforms.
• India has been a member since 1998.
• IIAS works closely with the United Nations, participating in CEPA (Committee of Experts on Public Administration) and UNPAN (UN Public Administration Network).
• While IIAS is not officially affiliated with the UN, it actively engages in UN-related administrative initiatives.

Tehri PSP (Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant)

Context: The Tehri PSP is India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant to have  commenced its operation recently at Tehri, Uttarakhand.

About Tehri PSP (Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant)

• Operated by: The 1000 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) will be operated by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCIL)
  • The Tehri Hydro Power Complex’s capacity will be  elevated to 2,400 MW, making it India’s largest Hydropower Complex.
• Aim: The project will significantly strengthen grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy.
• Significance:
  • The project will convert off-peak surplus energy into peaking power, enhancing grid resilience and supporting round-the-clock power availability.
  • Tehri Variable Speed PSP will enhance India’s ability to manage intermittent renewable energy.

About Variable Speed Pumped Hydro Storage (VSPS) Technology

• Variable Speed Pumped Hydro Storage (VSPS) is an advanced form of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) technology. It enhances the efficiency, flexibility, and grid stability of traditional pumped hydro systems, making it a key enabler for renewable energy integration in modern power systems.

Kaziranga National Park Expansion

Context: Recently, the Assam Cabinet, headed by CM Assam, approved the expansion of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

About Kaziranga National Park

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Declared a National Park in 1974.
• Location: Golaghat and Nagoan in the state of Assam 
  • It lies between Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills.
• Rivers: Brahmaputra flows along the northern boundary of the park.
  • Numerous other smaller rivers and streams such as Diphlu River, Mora Diphlu River, and Mora Dhansiri River pass through the National Park.
• Landscape: Sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools.
• Fauna: Many endangered and threatened species like Rhino, Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, and Gangetic River dolphin
• Significance:
  • World’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses: Home to 2,613 one-horned rhinos (70% of global population).
  • High tiger density: 32.64 tigers per 100 sq. km.

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