What happened
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the 4th Eco Warrior Awards and Conclave in New Delhi (organised by the Indian Forest Service Association and Indian Masterminds) and honoured frontline forest personnel who turn conservation policy into action. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Brij Kishore Singh (1976-batch IFS, Karnataka cadre), noted for work against sandalwood smuggling and related forest crime. Fifteen forest officers were recognised; Special Projects recognition went to Project Elephant and Rajasthan’s Great Indian Bustard conservation project.
Background
Yadav stressed a landscape approach linking forests, wildlife, agriculture, water, livelihoods and settlements, citing climate change, extreme weather, forest fires, water stress, habitat fragmentation and invasive species as challenges. DG (Forests) & Special Secretary Sushil Kumar Awasthi and IFSA office-bearers attended. Panel themes included AI for conservation, corporate roles in forest management, and environmental ethics. Inputs were also carried via PIB.
Why it matters for exams
- Project Elephant and Great Indian Bustard are environment static + current mix
- IFS / MoEFCC institutional facts for polity & environment
- Awards and personalities appear in State PSC GK
Key facts for exams
- Event: 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026, New Delhi
- Minister: Bhupender Yadav, MoEFCC
- Lifetime Achievement: Brij Kishore Singh (IFS 1976, Karnataka)
- Special Projects: Project Elephant; GIB project (Rajasthan)
- Organisers: IFSA & Indian Masterminds
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Eco Warrior Awards 2026?
- Sushil Kumar Awasthi
- Brij Kishore Singh
- Bharat Lal
- Anita Karn
Answer: B. Brij Kishore Singh, IFS 1976 Karnataka.
Q2. Which species project in Rajasthan got Special Projects recognition?
- Project Tiger
- Great Indian Bustard
- Project Snow Leopard
- Hangul
Answer: B. Great Indian Bustard conservation project.
Q3. Project Elephant is administered under which Union Ministry?
- Agriculture
- Jal Shakti
- Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Tribal Affairs
Answer: C. MoEFCC.
Source: DD India with PIB inputs (29–30 Sep 2026).