According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Reading, more than 500 species of birds could go extinct within the next 100 years. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, analyzed data from nearly 10,000 bird species—covering almost all known bird species—and used information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature to assess extinction risks.
Habitat Loss: The expansion and intensification of agriculture was identified as the most significant cause of bird extinction risk. Habitat loss, more than any other factor, threatens bird populations around the world.
Threatened Species: Birds such as the puffin, European turtle dove, and great bustard are among those predicted to be at high risk of disappearing if current trends continue.
Environmental Impact: The loss of these birds would negatively affect the environment, as many plants and animals depend on birds for pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance.
Even if people stop hunting birds and destroying their homes, many birds will still be at risk. Scientists say that some birds need extra help, like special breeding programs and places to live, to survive. The scientists say we need to act fast to protect these birds by saving their homes and helping the most endangered ones. This will keep nature healthy and balanced.
India’s coastline is significantly longer than previously thought, now measured at 11,098.81 kilometers—an increase of 48% from the earlier accepted length of 7,516.6 kilometers. This change is not due to any territorial expansion but results from advancements in measurement techniques and a shift in the scale used for calculation.
The previous official measurement of India’s coastline, approximately 7,516.6 km, was recorded in the 1970s. Earlier measurements relied on less detailed maps that missed many small curves, bays, and islands. With the help of modern tools such as satellites, drones, and sophisticated computer software, researchers have been able to include all the intricate features along the coast, resulting in a longer and more precise coastline measurement. This improved measurement is important for better managing coastal resources, protecting the environment, planning for climate change adaptation, and developing ports and fisheries. States such as Gujarat and West Bengal saw significant increases in their recorded coastline lengths.
A coastline is the place where the land meets the ocean or sea. It’s the edge of the land next to the water. Coastlines can be straight or have lots of curves, beaches, and small bays. They can change over time because of waves and weather.
India has established its very first butterfly sanctuary in Kannur, Kerala. On June 18, the Kerala State Wildlife Board renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. With this, it became India’s first protected forest dedicated entirely to butterflies. The sanctuary covers around 55 square kilometers and is home to over 266 species of butterflies, including several rare and endangered varieties.
In addition to butterflies, the sanctuary also supports wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and giant squirrels. Visitors can explore the area through guided tours called the Butterfly Safari Trail, which educates people about butterflies, their habitats, and conservation efforts. The Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary plays a vital role in protecting butterflies and their natural environment, ensuring that these fascinating insects continue to thrive for years to come.
Twelve incredible forts built by the Maratha Empire have just been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, meaning the whole world now recognizes their special importance. These forts, known as the “Maratha Military Landscapes“, were constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries to protect the kingdom and control important trade routes. Most of these forts are located in Maharashtra, including famous ones like Raigad, Shivneri, and Pratapgad, while one, Gingee Fort, is in Tamil Nadu. These forts are celebrated for their smart designs, strong walls, and clever use of natural features such as hills, islands, and coastlines to make them difficult to attack.
The great Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used these forts to defend his empire and plan battles. UNESCO announced this honour during its 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris. This recognition will help bring more attention and care to these forts, which is wonderful news for history lovers and tourists.
Since taking office in 2014, PM Narendra Modi has emerged as one of the most globally recognized Indian leaders, receiving 27 top-tier state awards from nations spanning Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Here’s a detailed list of the top civilian awards conferred on PM Modi by 27 countries:
Country
Award Name
Year Bestowed
Saudi Arabia
Order of King Abdulaziz (Sash)
2016
Afghanistan
State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
2016
Palestine
Grand Collar of the State of Palestine
2018
United Arab Emirates
Order of Zayed
2019
Russia
Order of St Andrew the Apostle
2019
Maldives
Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen
2019
Bahrain
King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (First Class)
2019
United States
Legion of Merit
2020
Bhutan
Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King)
2021/2024
Papua New Guinea
Grand Companion, Order of Logohu
2023
Fiji
Companion, Order of Fiji
2023
Palau
Ebakl Award
2023
Egypt
Order of the Nile
2023
France
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
2023
Greece
Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
2023
Dominica
Dominica Award of Honour
2024
Nigeria
Grand Commander, Order of the Niger
2024
Guyana
Order of Excellence
2024
Barbados
Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados
2024
Kuwait
Order of Mubarak Al‑Kabeer
Dec 2024
Mauritius
Grand Commander, Order of the Star & Key of the Indian Ocean
Mar 2025
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana
Apr 2025
Cyprus
Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
June 16, 2025
Ghana
Officer, Order of the Star of Ghana
July 2, 2025
Trinidad & Tobago
Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
July 4, 2025
Brazil
Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
July 8, 2025
Namibia
Grand Collar, Order of the Welwitschia Mirabilis
July 9, 2025
Significance of These Honours:
Strategic Recognition: Many of these awards coincide with important bilateral deals, strategic partnerships, or cultural diplomacy efforts.
India’s Rising Global Profile: The honours reflect how India is increasingly viewed as a key player in global governance.
Soft Power Diplomacy: Through these recognitions, India strengthens its soft power footprint — especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Pacific nations.
First Indian PM to receive such a large number of top foreign honours.
First foreign recipient of Bhutan’s Order of the Druk Gyalpo and Mauritius’s Grand Commander title.
Only Indian leader honoured by countries as geopolitically diverse as France, Brazil, Namibia, and Fiji.
Here are the most recent highest civilian awards received by PM Narendra Modi:-
Ghana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest national honor, the “Order of the Star of Ghana“, during his visit to the country. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant contributions globally. The honour was presented by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama. It has also been bestowed upon notable leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana is historic, as it marked the first time in 30 years that an Indian Prime Minister visited the country.
Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, becoming the first foreign leader to receive the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour. At a special ceremony held at the President’s House, President Christine Kangaloo presented the award in recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statesmanship and his exceptional efforts in strengthening bilateralties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Brazil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, “The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross”, by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during his visit to the country. The award recognises the Indian Prime Minister’s contributions to deepening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between India and Brazil on regional and global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian PM in 57 years to undertake a state visit to Brazil.
Namibia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian honour, the “Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis”. This is the first visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Namibia and the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s international recognition through 27 prestigious awards is a remarkable chapter in India’s diplomatic history. These honours highlight his leadership, global influence, and India’s deeper ties with countries across the world.
