CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -PM Modi launches Project Lion, Project Dolphin during Independence-Day celebrations. Project Lion is to involve conservation of Asiatic Lions. It will focus on habitat development by engaging modern technologies. Also, the project is to address Human-Wildlife conflict.

Detailed explanation-2: -Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched Project Lion in 1972 “as India’s first species conservation programme, ” according to former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. The Asiatic Lion Project began in 1972 with the goal of saving 21 critically endangered lion species in Gujarat’s Gir landscape.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project is a project by the government of India to protect the remaining population of the Asiatic lion through relocation to other parts of the country via reintroduction.

Detailed explanation-4: -“Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” was launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for three financial years from 2018 to 2021 with an aim to protect and conserve the world’s last ranging free population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Gir Forest in the State of Gujarat, India is the last natural habitat of more than 674 wild Asiatic lions, though plans are afoot to re-introduce some to Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighboring State of Madhya Pradesh in n India to ensure their longterm survival against epidemics and natural calamities.