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Everything You Need to Know About National Endangered Species Day

Mitali k

Did you know that some of your favourite animals might disappear forever if we don’t protect them? That’s why we celebrate National Endangered Species Day every year – to remember how important it is to take care of animals and plants that are in danger of going extinct. India, along with the rest of the world, has celebrated National Endangered Species Day on the third Friday of May every year since 2006. This year the National Endangered Species Day will be celebrated on May 16.

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History

National Endangered Species Day was started in 2006 by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in the US to help people learn about animals and plants that are in danger of disappearing forever.

Why is it celebrated?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, forty percent of animals, insects and plants on this planet are at risk of extinction. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about endangered species-animals and plants that are at risk of extinction because of things like habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and hunting. It reminds us why it is important to protect these species and their homes to keep nature balanced and healthy for future generations.

How is it celebrated in India?

In India, National Endangered Species Day is observed with activities that teach people about the country’s endangered animals. Schools, wildlife groups, museums, and communities organise events such as workshops, online campaigns, and educational programs to spread awareness and encourage people to help protect these species.

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India’s Endangered Animals

Here are some important endangered species in India that you should know about:

  • Bengal Tiger: India’s national animal, the Bengal tiger is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
  • Asiatic Lion: Found only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, this lion is smaller than African lions and critically endangered.
  • Snow Leopard: Lives in the Himalayan mountains and is endangered because of habitat loss and conflicts with humans.
  • Red Panda: Looks like a mix of a cat and bear, lives in forests, and is threatened by deforestation and poaching.
  • Great Indian Bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds, critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
  • Blackbuck: A beautiful antelope endangered because of poaching and habitat loss.
  • Gharial: A long crocodile found in rivers, endangered mainly due to polluted water.
  • Pangolin: A unique ant-eating mammal poached for its scales and meat, critically endangered.
  • One-horned Rhinoceros: Mostly found in northeastern India, vulnerable but recovering due to conservation.
  • Nilgiri Tahr: A mountain goat living in the Western Ghats, endangered due to habitat loss and climate change.
  • Indian Bison (Gaur): The largest wild cattle, threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
  • Kashmiri Red Stag: Critically endangered deer species found in Dachigam National Park.

Word Check: 

An endangered species is one that’s at serious risk of extinction — meaning it could disappear from the planet entirely. This can happen for several reasons:

  • Habitat loss, such as deforestation and urban development
  • Poaching and illegal trade
  • Pollution, including plastic and chemical waste
  • Climate change, which affects food sources and breeding cycles
  • Invasive species introduced by human activity

Watch full video on Cheetah- The Fastest Mammal on LandLeopard Facts For Kids 

What is Operation Sindoor? All You Need to Know About India’s Military Operation 

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In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched precision strikes under a military operation code named ‘Operation Sindoor’ on terrorist infrastructure at nine different sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (“PoK”). The Indian Armed Forces used highly sophisticated and niche technology weapons to carry out the strikes.

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Why did India launch Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was India’s response to the deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, during which 26 innocent civilians were killed. Tensions between India and Pakistan grew after this deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. The attack led to a serious breakdown in relations between the two countries. After the attack, India took several steps meant to punish terror camps based in Pakistan and to send a message to the Pakistan administration that India will not tolerate Pakistan sponsored terrorism. India cut off all trade with Pakistan, closed its borders, and expelled diplomats. India even cancelled the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

After the strikes, later on May 7 morning, the Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri along with two women officers briefed the country on the details of Operation Sindoor. The two women officers were Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said, “The Armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor on the night between May 6 and 7 at 1.05 a.m. and 1.30 a.m. Nine terror camps were targeted and completely destroyed. Terror infrastructures such as centres for recruitment, indoctrination and launch pads are present in Pakistan and PoK”.

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Where did India strike during Operation Sindoor?

Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed forces targeted the following nine places:

  • 2 separate places in Muzaffarabad (PoK)
  • 2 separate places in Kotli (PoK)
  • 1 place in Bhimber (PoK)
  • 2 separate places in Sialkot (Pakistan)
  • 1 place in Bahawalpur (Pakistan)
  • 1 place in Muridke (Pakistan)

India successfully destroyed these terror camps linked to banned terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have carried out many attacks in India. More than 100 terrorists, including five key terrorists responsible for terror attacks in India, were killed during India’s strikes on the terror camps in Pakistan. These locations were identified as key training and operational hubs in Pakistan for terror attacks against India. Further, 11 air bases in Pakistan were also destroyed. Operation Sindoor was executed through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducted from Indian territory.

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What happened after Operation Sindoor?

After the launch of Operation Sindoor by India on May 7, Pakistan flew drones and aircrafts into the Indian airspace all across borders, and launched artillery shelling across the Line of Control. India responded to these attacks by Pakistan by use of appropriate force and successfully neutralised the attacks by Pakistan. The Indian Army inflicted heavy damage on Pakistan.

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Ceasefire the fighting has stopped 

India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, with effect from the evening of May 10.

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Why did India target terror camps and Pakistan based terror organisations?

There have been several terrorist attacks in India since 2001 where there has been a direct involvement of Pakistan. Despite India giving evidence, Pakistan has refused to take action against terrorist organisations and continues to extend support to them. The examples of major terrorist attacks include: 2001 Parliament attack, 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2011 attacks in Delhi and Mumbai, 2013 Hyderabad, 2015 Gurdaspur, 2016 Uri, 2017 Amarnath Yathra, and 2019 Pulwama. After the recent Pahalgam attack, India decided to give a befitting reply to the terror attacks on India by terror organisations based in Pakistan.

Also read PM Launches A War Against Obesity 

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Civil Drills

On May 7, India carried out mock drills across 244 districts in the country. These drills, codenamed ‘Operation Abhyas’, were held to ensure that the civilians are prepared and aware about safety protocols. During the drills air raid warning sirens were played in some areas and training was conducted for civilians and students on how to protect themselves during a hostile attack. These mock drills are like fire safety and earthquake drills that you may have at your school. The main reason for conducting the drills was to ensure that everyone stays calm and is prepared.

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If you feel or felt anxious after hearing about Operation Sindoor, here are a few things you can do:

  • Talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counselor about how you are feeling.
  • Ask questions if you are confused or scared. Adults can help explain what’s happening in a way that’s easier to understand and reassure you that you are safe.
  • Focus on calming activities like drawing, reading, playing games, or spending time with friends and family to help distract from anxious thoughts.
  • Remember that safety measures are in place. The Indian government and armed forces worked together to keep everyone safe.

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Padma Awards 2025: Full List of Winners

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Padma Vibhushan 2025 Winners

1

Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous), Literature and Education, Kerala

2

Dr. Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy, Medicine, Telangana

3

Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, Art, Karnataka

4

Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous), Trade & Industry, Japan

Watch the full video on Who Is Mahatma Gandhi?

Padma Bhushan 2025 Winners

 

1.

Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, Art, Andhra Pradesh

2.

Shri Vinod Kumar Dham, Science and Engineering, United States of America

3.

Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous), Public Affairs, Bihar

4.

Shri Shekhar Kapur, Art, Maharashtra

5.

Shri S. Ajith Kumar, Art, Tamil Nadu

6.

Shri Pankaj R. Patel, Trade and Industry, Gujarat

7.

Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Medicine, Kerala

8.

Dr. Arkalgud Anantaramaiah Surya Prakash, Literature and Education (Journalism), Karnataka

9.

Shri Sreejesh P. R., Sports, Kerala

10.

Shri Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas (Posthumous), Art, Maharashtra

Padma Shri 2025 Winners

1.

Dr. Shyam Bihari Agrawal, Art, Uttar Pradesh

2.

H.E. Shka. Shaikha Ali Jaber Al-Sabah, Yoga, Kuwait

3.

Dr. K. Omanakutty Amma, Art, Kerala

4.

Shri Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous), Art, Andhra Pradesh

5.

Shri Ravichandran Ashwin, Sports, Tamil Nadu

6.

Shri Joynacharan Bathari, Art, Assam

7.

Smt. Begam Batool, Art, Rajasthan

8.

Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya, Trade and Industry, Maharashtra

9.

Prof. Anil Kumar Boro, Literature and Education, Assam

10.

Shri R. G. Chandramogan, Trade and Industry, Tamil Nadu

11.

Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, Literature and Education, Maharashtra

12.

Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan, Art, Madhya Pradesh

13.

Dr. K. Damodaran, Culinary, Tamil Nadu

14.

Shri Gokul Chandra Das, Art, West Bengal

15.

Smt. Nirmala Devi, Art, Bihar

16.

Shri Hriday Narayan Dikshit, Literature and Education, Uttar Pradesh

17.

Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, Literature and Education, Uttar Pradesh

18.

Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, Art, Odisha

19.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Trade and Industry, Maharashtra

20.

Prof. Bharat Gupt, Art, Delhi

21.

Shri Naren Gurung, Art, Sikkim

22.

Smt. Shalini Devi Holkar, Trade and Industry, Madhya Pradesh

23.

Shri VasudeoTaranath Kamath, Art, Maharashtra

24.

Dr. Jaspinder Narula Kaul, Art, Maharashtra

25.

Shri Stephen Knapp, Literature and Education, United States of America

26.

Shri Lama Lobzang (Posthumous), Spiritualism, Ladakh

27.

Shri Vinayak Lohani, Social Work, West Bengal

28.

Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, Medicine, Odisha

29.

Shri Baijnath Maharaj, Spiritualism, Rajasthan

30.

Jainacharya Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj, Spiritualism, Rajasthan

31.

Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Art, Maharashtra

32.

Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, Art, West Bengal

33.

Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam, Literature and Education, Rajasthan

34.

Prof. Nitin Nohria, Literature and Education, United States of America

35.

Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa, Trade and Industry, Punjab

36.

Prof. Ratan Kumar Parimoo, Art, Gujarat

37.

Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar, Social Work, Maharashtra

38.

Dr. Hassan Raghu, Art, Karnataka

39.

Dr. Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer, Literature and Education (Journalism), Tamil Nadu

40.

Shri Durga Charan Ranbir, Art, Odisha

41.

Prof. Arunoday Saha, Literature and Education, Tripura

42.

Smt. Libia Lobo Prataprao Sardesai, Social Work, Goa

43.

Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, Art, Andhra Pradesh

44.

Dr. Prativa Satpathy, Literature and Education, Odisha

45.

Shri Hariman Sharma, Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh

46.

Prof. (Dr.) Chandrakant Trikamlal Sheth (Posthumous), Literature and Education, Gujarat

47.

Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shilliekyatara, Art, Karnataka

48.

Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla, Literature and Education, Gujarat

49.

Shri Arijit Aditi Surinder Singh, Art, West Bengal

50.

Dr. Satyapal Singh, Sports, Uttar Pradesh

51.

Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji, Art, Punjab

52.

Shri Suresh Harilal Soni, Social Work, Gujarat

53.

Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy Sthapathy, Art, Tamil Nadu

54.

Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, Literature and Education, Meghalaya

55.

Shri C. S. Vaidyanathan, Public Affairs, Delhi

56.

Dr. Surinder Kumar Vasal, Science and Engineering, Delhi

57.

Dr. Deshmane Vijayalaxmi, Medicine, Karnataka

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World Mourns Pope Francis

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Pope Francis, the elected leader of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88, just one day after celebrating Easter. He passed away after a period of ill health at his home in Vatican City, the traditional residence and workplace of the Popes. His funeral was held on April 26 and was attended by leaders from across the world like the Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the American Donald Trump, Former American President Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Watch full video on #PELE : All About The Football Legend, ‘Pelé’

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What will happen now?

A new Pope will be chosen by the Catholic Church’s highest-ranking priests, known as cardinals. After the funeral of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals (the senior most clergy of the Catholic Church) will gather from around the world at the Vatican City for a special meeting called the Conclave. The College of Cardinals will cast their votes to decide the next Pope. Four cardinals from India will be eligible to vote in the Conclave. Of the 252 cardinals, only 135 have the right to vote in the papal election. To be elected Pope, a cardinal must receive at least two-thirds of the votes, and this voting process can last for several days.

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About Pope Francis

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. Pope Francis was the first pope from South America and was known for caring a lot about helping poor people, promoting justice, and bringing people together. He was chosen to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013.

Did you know?

Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent country, completely surrounded by the city of Rome in Italy.

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India Freezes the Indus Waters Treaty

Mitali k

The Indian Government has announced many stringent measures that it has decided to take against Pakistan because of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,

Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. Leaders from across the world have condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. One of the main measures taken by India is suspension of the landmark Indus Waters Treaty 1960 (“Treaty”) with Pakistan. “The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism”, said an Indian government official.

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About The Indus River System

The Indus system comprises the main river, Indus, and five left bank tributaries, i.e Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, and Chenab. The Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are called the Eastern Rivers, while the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus are known as the Western Rivers. The water from these rivers is very important for both India and Pakistan. India is called the upper riparian because it is located upstream, where the rivers begin, while Pakistan is the lower riparian, downstream from India. This means India is in a position to control how much water flows down to Pakistan.

What is the Indus Treaty?

The Treaty is an official agreement that was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan to document the understanding between the two countries on how to distribute and share the water from the Indus River and its branches. The Indus river and its branches flow through both countries, and after India and Pakistan became separate nations in 1947, there were problems about who could use the water. To solve this, the World Bank helped India and Pakistan sign the Treaty to share the waters of the cross-border rivers. This Treaty is very important because millions of people in both countries rely on these rivers for water and food.

According to the Treaty:

  • India gets control of three rivers called the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) and can use all their water.
  • Pakistan gets control of the three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), which carry most of the water.
  • India is allowed to use the Western Rivers for generating hydroelectric power and for limited agricultural purposes, but it cannot construct infrastructure that blocks or diverts the flow of water from these rivers into Pakistan

That Treaty withstood three wars between India and Pakistan – in 1965, 1971, and

1999.

What does the suspension of the treaty mean?

The suspension of the Treaty means that there is a threat to Pakistan from India that it could, if and when it chooses to, restrict the flow of water from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab into Pakistan. The decision to suspend the Treaty is likely to have a big impact on Pakistan.

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How will this impact Pakistan?

 

The Indus River system is Pakistan’s main source of water supporting tens of millions of people. This network provides about 23% of the country’s water for farming, which is vital because agriculture supports 68% of people living in rural areas. Due to the suspension of the Treaty, there could be less water available, which would make it harder for farmers to grow food and could cause food shortages. Pakistan already has problems with managing water, like running out of groundwater and not having enough places to store water, so losing river water would make things even tougher for people living in the countryside.

 

Other Measures taken by the Indian government

 

The Indian Government has also closed off the main border crossing linking the two countries, Attari-Wagah crossing. This includes suspending the movement of people and goods. The Indian Government has also ordered expulsion of diplomats and for certain Pakistani visa holders to leave India.

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