♦ The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, increasing the total to 89. The newly designated Ramsar sites include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. This marks a significant milestone for Sikkim and Jharkhand, as they have secured their first ever Ramsar sites.

♦ A Ramsar site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. These sites hold global significance as they provide essential habitats for biodiversity, support local communities, and play a crucial role in climate regulation by storing carbon and mitigating floods. Wetlands function as natural water purifiers, filtering pollutants and enhancing water quality. They also serve as critical breeding grounds for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making them vital for maintaining ecological balance.