ENVIRONMENT

GS-1: Urbanization – Urban Safety Infrastructure Key Points: A tragic fire in a Kolkata hotel in the crowded Burrabazar area claimed 14 lives and injured 13, revealing deficiencies in urban fire safety and response. The six-storey building had only one staircase and no alternative exits, breaching fire safety regulations. A …

Overview: Massive forest fires are currently affecting various parts of Uttarakhand, with nearly 100 hectares of woodland already burned. These fires have been intensified by a prolonged heatwave and extremely dry conditions. In certain affected zones, helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets—a specialized aerial firefighting device—have been deployed to deliver water …

GS 1 The Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir recently experienced severe weather, including heavy rainfall and hailstorms, leading to significant destruction in the area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region recorded 16.9 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period—an astonishing 575% increase compared to the average …

Context: The Ministry of Mines has released guidelines to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to boost innovation and research in critical mineral technologies. What is NCMM? The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is a flagship programme launched in Union Budget 2024–25 to secure …

Over the past year, Kerala has witnessed a notable reduction in the number of juvenile elephants, largely due to the outbreak of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHVs). What are EEHVs? EEHVs represent a group of novel double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the herpesvirus family. They specifically infect Asian and African elephants, …

GS 1 – Environment Context: A recent study suggests that iguanas colonized Fiji by surviving an 8,000-kilometer oceanic journey—the longest known migration of any land-dwelling vertebrate. About Iguanas Iguanas are terrestrial reptiles, yet they are found on distant Pacific islands such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Galápagos, raising the question: …

Prelims-Species (GS I – Environment) Context: A recent discovery in the Atacama Trench has reshaped existing knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems, with the identification of Dulcibella camanchaca—a newly classified predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella Camanchaca New Species Identified: A previously unknown amphipod species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters in …

GS III- Environment, Geography Context: The phenomenon known as Kavaru has been observed in the undrained Pokkali rice fields and the Vembanad backwaters of Kerala. Understanding Kavaru Definition: Kavaru refers to bioluminescence, a natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi emit light in water. Trigger Factors: Increased …

GS3 – ENVIRONMENT:  Overview: In 2024, India successfully phased out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in manufacturing, aligning with its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. This action is critical for ozone layer protection and addressing climate change, marking a significant step toward sustainable environmental practices. Montreal Protocol Overview: The Montreal …