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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
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24 August, 2025
3 Min Read
The Smooth-Coated Otters have recently been in the news following the arrival of a pair at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi from Surat, marking a rare animal exchange after 20 years. This development is significant for both conservation efforts and the public’s awareness of this vulnerable species.
Scientific Classification: The smooth-coated otter is the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale.
Geographical Range: Smooth-coated otters are found across southern and Southeast Asia, including India, China, and even a small population in Iraq.
They thrive in lowlands, coastal mangrove forests, peat swamp forests, and freshwater wetlands such as large forested rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. While they are adapted for aquatic life, they are also comfortable on land and can travel overland in search of suitable habitats.
Size and Appearance: The smooth-coated otter is the largest species of otter in Southeast Asia.
Their fur is shorter and smoother compared to other otter species.
Their fur is typically light to dark brown dorsally and light brown to grayish ventrally.
Under fur is tightly packed, and they have longer, water-repellent guard hairs.
Behavior: They are strong swimmers and are known for hunting in groups. When fishing, they often travel in a V-formation going upstream, showcasing their social and cooperative hunting style.
The species faces numerous threats, primarily due to loss of habitat, habitat degradation caused by water pollution from fertilizers, pesticides, and poaching.
The IUCN Red List classifies the smooth-coated otter as Vulnerable, reflecting the significant risks they face in their natural habitat.
The move to bring these otters to the National Zoological Park in Delhi is part of ongoing efforts to boost conservation awareness and provide a safe breeding environment. The exchange program between zoos, which is rare and takes place over long periods, is critical in maintaining genetic diversity and reinforcing the importance of wildlife protection.
Source: THE HINDU
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20 Nov, 25
India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) UPSC GS-2 INDO PACIFIC – IR/PSIR IPOI is India’s open, voluntary and non-treaty-based maritime initiative for building a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific through practical cooperation. Why in News? India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Ini
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19 May, 26
AI Impact Summit 2026 UPSC GS-3 S&T PT-MAINS The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 positioned India as a Global South leader by shifting global AI debate from only AI safety and regulation to AI for development, inclusion and real-world impact. Why in News? India hosted the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 at B
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27 Jun, 25
Hong Kong Convention for Safe Ship Recycling UPSC GS-3 ENVIRONMENT PT-MAINS The Hong Kong International Convention, 2009 is an IMO treaty that ensures ships are recycled safely without unnecessary risk to human health, worker safety and the environment. Why in News? The Hong Kong Convention entered into force on 26 June 2
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14 Nov, 23
LeadIT 2.0: Leadership Group for Industry Transition UPSC GS-2 IR GS-3 S&T LeadIT 2.0 is the second phase of the India-Sweden-led global initiative to support low-carbon transition in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Why in News? The second phase of LeadIT was announced at the LeadIT Summit 2023, ho
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03 Sep, 25
India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR The India-EFTA TEPA is a comprehensive trade pact between India and four non-EU European countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — aimed at boosting trade, investment, jobs, services, technology and supply-chain resilience. Wh
21 May,2026
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