State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 17 Apr 2025

Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre

Why in News? 

 Vultures raised by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department at Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, Kerwa Bhopal were released for the first time in their natural habitat   'Halali Dam forest area' . 

Key Points 

• Release of the Vultures: 
  • All the vultures have been fitted with solar powered GPS-GSM trackers (Ornitrack-25). 
    • So that their movement patterns and housing use can be monitored. 
  • Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre was started in the year 2014 in collaboration with Van Vihar and Bombay Natural History Society for the conservation of vultures in Madhya Pradesh. 
• About the Vultures Species in India: 
  • It is one of the 22 species of large scavenger birds that live predominantly in the tropics and subtropics. 
  • They act an important function as nature’s garbage collectors and help to keep the environment clean of waste. 
    • They also play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check. 
  • India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, and the Eurasian Griffon. 
    • Most of these 9 species are at risk of extinction. 
  • Bearded, Long Billed and Oriental White Backed are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The rest are protected under 'Schedule IV'. 
  • Dangers: 
    • Toxins like Diclofenac which is used as a medicine for animals. 
    • Loss of natural habitats due to anthropogenic activities. 
    • Food shortages and contaminated food. 
    • Current from power lines. 

 Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) 

• BNHS is an all-India wildlife research organisation, promoting nature conservation since the year 1883. 
• The objective of BNHS is to conserve nature, mainly biodiversity, through action based on research, education and public awareness.  
• BNHS also organises and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. 

 

Ammonia Gas Leak

Why in News? 

An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, raised concerns among residents.  

Key Points  

• About Ammonia: 
  • Ammonia (NH₃) is a colourless gas with a pungent odor that is widely used in industry and occurs naturally in  the environment and the human body . 
  • It is produced by the Haber-Bosch process (N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃) at high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst . 
  • Its concentrated form is corrosive and can cause burns or explosions at high temperatures . It is stored as a compressed liquid . 
  • It is highly soluble in water and forms ammonium hydroxide on contact with water . 
  • It has 9 times higher energy density than Li-ion batteries and 3 times higher than compressed hydrogen , making it a promising carbon-free energy carrier . 
• Major Applications: