Environmental Issues

Demographic Shift and India

Context: India’s elderly population (those aged 60 and above) is expanding rapidly. In 2023, there are 149 million elderly individuals, making up 10.5% of the total population. By 2050, this figure is projected to reach 347 million, or 20.8% of the population. Challenges of an Ageing Population Increasing Dependency Ratio: …

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State of Global Water Resources Report

Context (DTE): The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published the State of Global Water Resources Report, highlighting that 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers. Contributing Factors Increased Water Demand: The report pointed out that growing agricultural and industrial demand placed added pressure on river systems, worsening the already low …

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Elephant Census

Context: Recent data from an unreleased elephant census, which incorporated new counting techniques, has revealed a decline in elephant populations across several regions of India, particularly in southern West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Kerala. Previous Counting Methods Total Direct Count Up until 2002, India used the “total direct count” method, …

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EnviStats India 2024

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 7th consecutive edition of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts,” aligned with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework. Findings From 2000 to 2023, the number of Total Protected Areas saw an increase of approximately 72%, while the area …

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Chromium Contamination of Groundwater

Context: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate chromium contamination in the groundwater of Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Key Details: Location: Sukinda Valley in Odisha is home to 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits. Chromium Characteristics: Chromium is a shiny, hard, brittle metal with …

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Climate Policy of India

Context: India’s Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has introduced a significant new dimension to the country’s climate change jurisprudence. SC Verdict The Supreme Court recognized the right to “be free from the adverse effects of climate change” as …

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Environmental Impact of Coal

Context: India’s coal consumption has surpassed that of North America and Europe, highlighting the significant environmental impacts associated with its usage. Coal Mining: Habitat Destruction and Contamination: Coal mining devastates natural habitats and pollutes the environment, affecting humans, animals, and plants. It leaves permanent scars on the landscape. Mine Wastes: …

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Non-Inclusion of Heatwaves in Notified Disasters

The ongoing severe heatwave across the country has reignited discussions about officially recognizing heatwaves as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How India Manages Disasters Constitutional Context There is no mention of disasters in the Constitution of India. Legislative Framework Disaster Management Act (DMA) 2005: Enacted following the 1999 …

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