State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 19 Dec 2025

Rare Dholes Spotted in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News? 

Rare wild dogs called Dholes were spotted for the first time in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points

• Event: Two rare Dholes were officially sighted in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary by the Dewas forest department.  
• IUCN Status: The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) also called the Asiatic wild dog, is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 
• WPA Status: It is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 . 
• Natural Habitat: Dense forests, deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and grassland–forest mosaics along with high mountain steppes regions. 
• Distribution: Found in Western Ghats, Central Indian forests, Eastern Ghats, and parts of the Himalayan foothills. 
• Significance: It’s the first documented appearance of these elusive predators in this sanctuary, exciting forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts.  
• Wildlife Indicator: Dholes are effective pack hunters that can even challenge larger predators, indicating a healthy and balanced ecosystem where they appear.  
• Next Steps: Forest officials plan surveys with camera traps and patrol units to check whether the sighted Dholes are part of a larger pack or just transient visitors.  
• Regional Context: Dholes are known in other Madhya Pradesh parks like Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha, but their presence near Indore-Ujjain region is very rare.

Madhya Pradesh to Boost TB Mukt Bharat Efforts

Why in News?

Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda conducted a targeted meeting with Madhya Pradesh MPs to fast-track the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, highlighting the critical role of parliamentarians in driving TB elimination efforts at the grassroots level.

Key Points

• Event & Leadership: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda convened a meeting with MPs from Madhya Pradesh under the theme “Parliamentarians Championing a TB Mukt Bharat.
• Objective: To mobilise community action, strengthen awareness, and accelerate India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis by engaging elected representatives and local stakeholders.
• TB: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and India aims to eliminate TB by 2025 under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
• National Progress: India has made significant gains in TB control, including a 21% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2024 and a 90% treatment success rate, surpassing global averages.
• Support Tools: Emphasis on enhanced diagnostics (including AI‑enabled chest X‑rays) and nutritional support under the Ni‑kshay Poshan Yojana for TB patients. 
• MP Commitments: MPs pledged to promote early detection camps (Ni‑kshay Shivirs), engage Ni‑kshay Mitras and volunteers, and prioritize TB services at the district level. 
• Jan Andolan: Over 2 lakh MYBharat volunteers, 6.7 lakh Ni‑kshay Mitras, and 30,000+ elected representatives are supporting the mission‑mode TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan across the country.