UPSC Current Affairs April 29 2026

News at a Glance

Mystery of ‘Missing’ Great Indian Bustard Chick Not Such a Mystery

Relevance: :GS Paper III – Environment | Biodiversity | Species Conservation

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

For Prelims:

Great Indian Bustard (GIB), Jumpstart Method, Ardeotis nigriceps, Critically Endangered, CITES Appendix I, Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Grassland Ecosystem, Species Recovery Programme, Captive Breeding

For Mains:

species conservation, grassland ecology, flagship species, habitat fragmentation, conservation breeding, power line mortality, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity governance, endangered species recovery, in-situ and ex-situ conservation

Why in News?

A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick hatched in Kutch, Gujarat, using an innovative conservation technique called the “jumpstart method” has gone missing after learning to fly.
Officials stated that the disappearance is not entirely mysterious because once the chick became capable of flight, it likely moved into the open grassland landscape and may have fallen prey to predators.
This chick was significant because it marked the first successful use of the jumpstart method for GIB conservation in Gujarat.
The event has again brought attention to the critically endangered status of the Great Indian Bustard and the urgent need for strong conservation efforts.

About the Great Indian Bustard Chick Case

The chick was hatched on March 26, 2026, in the Naiya grassland of Kutch, Gujarat.
It was born after conservationists transferred a fertile egg from Rajasthan’s captive breeding centre to Gujarat.
This was necessary because Gujarat currently has only three surviving female GIBs in the wild, and their eggs are generally infertile due to the absence of breeding males.
The chick was observed safely for several weeks and started flying around April 18.
After learning to fly, it was not seen for 4–5 days, creating concern that it may have been preyed upon or moved beyond the monitoring zone.
Because the chick was too small, it was not geotagged, making tracking difficult.

What is the Jumpstart Method

The jumpstart method is an innovative conservation technique used to increase the survival chances of endangered bird species.

How it works?

A wild female GIB lays an infertile egg in Gujarat
Conservationists carefully replace that infertile egg with a fertile egg brought from a captive breeding centre in Rajasthan
The wild female then naturally incubates and raises the fertile chick as her own offspring

This combines the advantages of captive breeding and wild parental care.

It improves survival rates because the chick grows in its natural habitat while still benefiting from scientific intervention.
This method is especially useful where local breeding populations are too small for natural reproduction.

About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is among India’s most critically endangered birds.
It is considered the flagship species of Indian grasslands and an important indicator of ecosystem health.

Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps

Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open scrublands, and dry plains

Distribution: Mainly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with very small fragmented populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh

State Bird: Rajasthan

Conservation Status of GIB

IUCN Red List:Critically Endangered

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I – highest legal protection

CITES: Appendix I – international trade prohibited except under exceptional circumstances

CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Protected under international conservation commitments

Great Indian Bustard (GIB) – Causes of Critical Endangerment

*Factor*	*Key Points*
*Collision with Power Lines*	Biggest threat; poor frontal vision leads to collision with overhead transmission lines → high mortality
*Habitat Loss*	Grasslands misclassified as “wastelands” → diverted for agriculture, solar parks, industries
*Hunting & Poaching*	Historical decline due to hunting; now reduced but impact still visible in low population
*Fragmented Population*	Small, isolated populations → low genetic diversity and breeding success
*Low Reproductive Rate*	Lays only one egg at a time → very slow population recovery

Conservation Efforts for Great Indian Bustard

Initiative	Key Points
Project Great Indian Bustard	Species-specific recovery programme focusing on habitat protection and population increase
Captive Breeding Centres	Located at Ramdevra and Sam (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan); use artificial incubation
Artificial Insemination	Scientific breeding method to improve success rate and maintain genetic diversity
Power Line Mitigation	Underground cabling + bird diverters to reduce collision deaths

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Species Recovery Programme

The Great Indian Bustard is covered under the Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH).

Objective

To provide focused scientific intervention for critically endangered species with small and declining populations.

Features

100% central assistance to States and UTs
Scientific recovery plans prepared with institutions like Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
In-situ conservation (natural habitat protection)
Ex-situ conservation (captive breeding and reintroduction)
Anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration

Challenges in Conservation of Great Indian Bustard

Delayed Detection – Vast open grasslands make continuous tracking and early threat identification difficult
Monitoring Constraints – Small chicks cannot be easily geotagged → limits scientific tracking
Renewable Energy Conflict – Expansion of solar and wind projects increases power line networks in habitat
Weak Grassland Policy – Grasslands often undervalued compared to forests in conservation planni

Way Forward

Power transmission lines in GIB habitats must be shifted underground wherever possible.

Grasslands should be legally recognized as ecologically important ecosystems and not treated as wastelands.Captive breeding must be strengthened with better genetic management. Jumpstart methods should be expanded in suitable habitats.

Satellite tracking and non-invasive monitoring systems should be improved.Community-based conservation must be made central to long-term success.Inter-state coordination between Rajasthan and Gujarat is necessary for species recovery.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the Great Indian Bustard chick highlights both the fragility and hope of conservation efforts.

While the missing chick may simply have entered the risks of natural life in the wild, its successful hatching through the jumpstart method marks an important breakthrough.

Saving the Great Indian Bustard is not only about protecting a single bird species but also about preserving India’s threatened grassland ecosystems.

CARE MCQ

Q. With reference to the Great Indian Bustard, consider the following statements:

It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
Collision with overhead power lines is one of its major threats.
It is naturally found in dense tropical rainforests of North-East India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct : the Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

Statement 2 is correct : power line collision is the leading cause of mortality.

Statement 3 is incorrect : GIB is mainly found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, not tropical rainforests.

Q.Which of the following birds found in India is NOT listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List?

(a) Great Indian Bustard
(b) White-bellied Heron
(c) Indian Vulture
(d) Himalayan Quail

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The Indian Vulture is classified as Endangered, not Critically Endangered, though it has suffered a drastic population decline mainly due to diclofenac poisoning. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

The Great Indian Bustard is listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and collision with power lines.

The White-bellied Heron is also classified as Critically Endangered, with a very small global population and severe habitat threats.

The Himalayan Quail is considered Critically Endangered and is possibly extinct, as it has not been reliably sighted for many decades.

Q.Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Jerdon’s Courser, a bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India, was rediscovered in 1986 after being considered extinct for several decades.

Statement-II: The Great Indian Bustard, once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Statement-I is correct:Jerdon’s Courser is a rare nocturnal bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It was believed to be extinct for many decades before being rediscovered in 1986, making it one of the most remarkable rediscoveries in Indian wildlife conservation. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Statement-II is incorrect: The Great Indian Bustard is not classified as Vulnerable. It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List due to severe habitat destruction, hunting, and threats from overhead power lines. Its population has declined sharply, making it one of India’s most threatened bird species. Hence, this statement is incorrect.

Q.Consider the following species:

Asiatic Lion
Great Indian Bustard
Snow Leopard
Olive Ridley Turtle

How many of the above-mentioned species are listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Asiatic Lion — Endangered
The Asiatic Lion is found mainly in Gir National Park, Gujarat, and is listed as Endangered due to restricted habitat and vulnerability to disease outbreaks.
Great Indian Bustard — Critically Endangered
It is not Endangered but placed in a higher threat category due to extremely low population levels.
Snow Leopard — Vulnerable
The Snow Leopard is listed as Vulnerable, not Endangered, after reassessment by IUCN.
Olive Ridley Turtle — Vulnerable
It is classified as Vulnerable because of threats like fishing nets, habitat destruction, and coastal development.

Thus, only one species (Asiatic Lion) is listed specifically as Endangered.

FAQs

Q1. Why is the Great Indian Bustard important?

Ans: is a flagship species of Indian grasslands and an indicator of ecosystem health.

Q2. What is the jumpstart method?

Ans: It is a conservation method where a fertile egg is placed in the nest of a wild female to improve breeding success.

Q3. What is the biggest threat to GIB?

Ans: Collision with overhead power transmission lines is the most serious threat.

Q4. Why are grasslands important for GIB?

Ans: They provide breeding grounds, food sources, and open landscapes necessary for survival.

Q5. How many GIBs are left globally?

Ans: The estimated global population is fewer than 200 individuals.

Source: Indian Express

Bangladesh Starts Fueling Its First Nuclear Plant in Landmark Move

Relevance: :GS Paper II – International Relations | GS Paper III – Energy | Science and Technology

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

For Prelims:

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), VVER-1200, Uranium Fuel Loading, Nuclear Fission, Rosatom, IAEA, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), Generation III+ Reactor, Physical Start-up, Nuclear Fuel Assemblies

For Mains:

energy security, nuclear diplomacy, clean energy transition, regional strategic cooperation, low-carbon development, civil nuclear cooperation, sustainable development, South Asian energy transition, nuclear safety governance, Russia-Bangladesh relations

Why in News?

Bangladesh has started loading uranium fuel into its first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), marking a historic step in its energy journey.
This makes Bangladesh enter the final phase before electricity generation from nuclear power begins.
The plant is expected to generate 2,400 MW of electricity and may meet nearly 10% of the country’s total power demand.
The project has been built with Russian financial and technical support and represents a major milestone in South Asia’s clean energy transition.

About Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP)

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project and the country’s largest power generation project.
It is located at Rooppur in Ishwardi, Pabna District, on the banks of the Padma River.
The project is being developed by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) with major support from Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom.
Bangladesh becomes the 33rd country in the world to use nuclear power for electricity generation.

What is Uranium Fuel Loading?

Fuel loading is the process of placing enriched uranium fuel assemblies inside the reactor core.
This marks the beginning of the “physical start-up” phase of a nuclear power plant.
In RNPP, 163 fuel assemblies are being inserted into the first reactor unit.
After this stage, the reactor reaches the minimum controllable power level, followed by testing, safety checks, and gradual increase in power generation.
Only after successful testing does the plant begin supplying electricity to the national grid.
Thus, fuel loading is one of the most important milestones before actual electricity production begins.

Key Features:

Feature	Details
Capacity	2 × 1,200 MW = 2,400 MW
Reactor Type	VVER-1200 (Generation III+ reactor)
Safety	Passive & active safety, double containment, core catcher, emergency cooling
Financial Support	Mainly funded by Russian loans

India’s Strategic Relevance

India has a strategic interest in Bangladesh’s nuclear development because of geographical proximity and regional stability.
India has supported Bangladesh through technical consultations and training assistance.
A safe and stable nuclear programme in Bangladesh contributes to regional energy cooperation and strengthens South Asian strategic balance.
It also reflects broader India-Bangladesh cooperation in power, connectivity, and economic development.

Nuclear Fission vs Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fission

It is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus such as Uranium-235 into smaller nuclei.
This releases a huge amount of energy and more neutrons, creating a chain reaction.
Used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.

Nuclear Fusion

It is the combining of light nuclei such as hydrogen isotopes to form a heavier nucleus.
This releases even more energy than fission.
Fusion powers the Sun and stars but is still under experimental research for commercial electricity generation.

Advantages of Nuclear Energy

Low Carbon Emissions: Supports climate goals and net-zero pathways.
Reliable Base Load Power:Unlike solar and wind, nuclear plants provide continuous electricity.
High Energy Density: A small amount of fuel produces a very large amount of energy.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence:Improves strategic autonomy and energy security.
Long-Term Supply Stability:Useful for rapidly growing economies with rising power demand.

Challenges of Nuclear Energy

Radioactive Waste: Safe disposal remains a major long-term challenge.
High Initial Cost:Plant construction requires massive capital investment and long time periods.
Safety Risks:Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima created major public concern.
Nuclear Proliferation: Technology misuse for weapons remains a global security concern.

India’s Nuclear Programme

India follows a unique Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme designed by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.

Stage I: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium

Stage II: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium and uranium

Stage III: Thorium-based reactors using India’s large thorium reserves

Recently, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, marking India’s progress in Stage II.

Bangladesh’s Rooppur project highlights how nuclear energy remains central to South Asia’s energy future.

Way Forward

Strong regulatory oversight by the IAEA and national authorities must continue.

Regional cooperation in nuclear safety, emergency response, and training should be strengthened. Public awareness regarding peaceful nuclear energy must improve.

Waste management systems and long-term safety protocols should remain a priority.

South Asian countries should balance nuclear expansion with renewable energy integration for sustainable development.

Conclusion

The start of uranium fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant marks a historic milestone for Bangladesh’s development journey.
It strengthens energy security, supports clean growth, and transforms Bangladesh into a nuclear power-producing nation.
For South Asia, it highlights the growing importance of nuclear energy in achieving sustainable development and strategic autonomy.

CARE MCQ

Q. With reference to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, consider the following statements:

It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
It uses VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors.
The project is being developed with technical and financial support from France.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct : Rooppur is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project.

Statement 2 is correct : it uses Russian-designed VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors.

Statement 3 is incorrect: the project is supported by Russia, not France.

Q. Which of the following best describes the principle behind fusion energy production?

(a) Splitting heavy nuclei into lighter fragments through a neutron-induced chain reaction

(b) Combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, with energy released due to mass defect

(d) Maintaining the process with slow neutrons in a moderated, subcritical assembly heated to plasma conditions

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion is the process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a very large amount of energy. This energy comes from the mass defect, where a small amount of mass is converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation E = mc².

A common example is the fusion of Deuterium (D) and Tritium (T) to form Helium and a neutron. Fusion powers the Sun and other stars and is considered a future clean energy source because it produces enormous energy with less long-term radioactive waste compared to fission.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding India’s three-stage nuclear power programme:

Statement-I: The first stage of India’s nuclear power programme, involving Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), uses natural uranium as fuel and does not require enrichment.

Statement-II: The second stage, focused on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), uses plutonium-239 produced from the first stage and breeds thorium-232 into uranium-235 for use in the third stage.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

In the first stage of India’s nuclear programme, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are used. These reactors use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water (D₂O) as moderator and coolant. Since PHWRs can efficiently use natural uranium, uranium enrichment is not required, which makes them suitable for India’s limited uranium resources. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Q.Consider the following statements about the applications of nuclear fission:

Nuclear fission is used in the production of electricity in nuclear power plants.
It is utilized in the medical field for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Nuclear fission is a primary method for the propulsion of deep-space exploration spacecraft.
The process of nuclear fission is applied in agricultural industries for food irradiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1, 2, and 4 only

c) 2, 3, and 4 only

d) All of the above

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity through steam turbines.

Statement 2 is correct: In the medical field, radioisotopes produced in nuclear reactors (an outcome of nuclear fission processes) are used in radiation therapy for treating certain cancers.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Deep-space spacecraft generally use solar power or radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that rely on natural radioactive decay, not controlled nuclear fission reactors for propulsion.

Statement 4 is correct: Food irradiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life uses gamma radiation from radioisotopes (like Cobalt-60) that are commonly produced in nuclear reactors, linking it to nuclear fission applications.