The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

The correct option is Maintenance of Tiger Reserves.

Explanation:

M-STrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensity Protection and Ecological Status.

It is a software-based monitoring system launched by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Government of India, in 2010 across various tiger reserves in India.

Key features and objectives of the system include:
1. Field Patrol Tracking: It uses GPS, GPRS, and remote sensing technology to track field patrols and assess patrol coverage in tiger reserves.
2. Ecological Status Monitoring: Frontline staff collect field data related to tiger sightings, spatial presence, human impact, and habitat status.
3. Data-Driven Conservation: The collected data is analyzed using a specialized software database to map wildlife presence, intensity of poaching threats, and illegal human activities, helping reserve managers make informed decisions for tiger protection.