Environmental Issues

Introduction Rangelands, vast swathes of grasslands, shrublands, and savannahs, are crucial ecosystems supporting livestock grazing, biodiversity, and ecological balance. However, rangeland degradation is a growing concern globally, with significant implications for India. Rangeland Degradation: Causes Overgrazing: Excessive livestock numbers exceeding the carrying capacity of the land lead to depletion of …

GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology : Biodiversity: Coral reefs are hotspots of marine biodiversity. Coral bleaching disrupts these ecosystems, leading to species decline. Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures due to climate change are the primary cause of coral bleaching. Conservation: Understanding the threats to coral reefs and discussing …

GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology): The syllabus emphasizes climate change mitigation strategies, and carbon farming is a prominent concept in this domain. GS Paper III (Agriculture): You can link carbon farming practices to sustainable agriculture and improved soil health. Essay Paper: Carbon farming can be a compelling point for …

Introduction The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022. It aims to strengthen economic ties among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. This framework holds significance for regional economies, including India, offering …

Introduction Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvest, is a major environmental concern in India. This widespread practice, particularly in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes significantly to air pollution, impacting public health and overall environmental quality. Negative Consequences of Stubble …

Introduction The growing urgency of environmental challenges has prompted innovative solutions across the globe. In this context, India’s Green Credit program emerges as a promising market-based initiative aimed at incentivizing environmentally friendly behavior. Launched in October 2023 as part of the government’s “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) mission, this program seeks …

Introduction: India, a nation undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization, faces a critical challenge: air pollution. This invisible enemy poses a severe threat to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January …

Concept : In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate. Lying 160 km of the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent …

Concept : Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, harming ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The global plastic waste problem is projected to worsen significantly without robust intervention. In recognition of this urgency, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 to develop a new global treaty …

Introduction India has a rich history of co-existence with animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) serves as a cornerstone legislation for safeguarding animal welfare in the country. Enacted in 1960, it aims to minimize unnecessary pain and suffering inflicted upon animals. Objectives of the PCA …

Introduction The Mediterranean Sea, known for its idyllic weather and rich history, can also unleash powerful storms. Medicanes, a portmanteau of “Mediterranean” and “hurricane,” are tropical-like cyclones that occasionally form over this basin. While less frequent and intense than their tropical counterparts, medicanes pose a significant threat to coastal communities …

Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …

Introduction: The National Agroforestry Policy 2014 was introduced by the Government of India to promote sustainable agroforestry practices across the country. Key Objectives: Encourage widespread adoption of agroforestry to enhance income generation and livelihood security for farmers. Facilitate ecological sustainability by promoting the integration of trees with agriculture. Strengthen the …

Concept Green bonds have emerged as a financial instrument aimed at channeling investments into environmentally sustainable projects. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, green bonds offer a mechanism to finance initiatives that mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Definition of Green Bonds: Green bonds are debt …

TABLE OF CONTENTS News Concept of NDRF Key Features of NDRF   News: Tamil Nadu on Wednesday filed a suit in the Supreme Court accusing the Union government of treating the people of the State in a “step-motherly” fashion by delaying the release of disaster relief funds of nearly ₹38,000 …

TABLE OF CONTENTS UNODA Objectives and Functions Key Initiatives and Programs I.UNODA: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs • Established in 1982, UNODA serves as the principal United Nations office dealing with disarmament matters. • Mandate includes promoting nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, among other disarmament efforts. • Headquartered …

Our dependence on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas comes at a hidden cost. When burned for electricity generation, industrial processes, or transportation, these fuels release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The primary polutars behind acid rain are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Imagine a power …

January is usually the month when Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are covered in snow. This winter, however, these areas have been extremely dry. Places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which are well-known skiing destinations, have been unable to provide opportunities for the winter sport. Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its …

The FAME Scheme The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme has been a key driver in the country’s electric mobility journey. Why in NEWS Phase 3 of this scheme is expected to be launched in the upcoming Interim Budget Historical background 2011: The seeds of …

A landslide, also known as a landslip, is a rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or debris on a slope. It’s a type of mass wasting, which refers to any downslope movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity. Why in NEWS: An IIT-Delhi team …