ENVIRONMENT

GS3 – Environment Context: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) postponed the NCR-wide ban on fuel sales to End-of-Life Vehicles to 1 November 2025 due to operational challenges. Definition of ELVs: Vehicles deemed unfit due to age, structural damage, or failing fitness tests under the Motor Vehicles Act. As …

GS3 – Environment Context The Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems—initially mandated in 2015 to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. FGD Importance FGDs are critical for removing SO₂, a pollutant linked to acid rain and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), both hazardous …

GS3 – Environment   Context: The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 as part of its broader push towards clean and sustainable energy. Key Highlights of the Policy: Purpose: Promote energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and encourage community development via geothermal energy. Tenure: Projects to be allotted …

GS3 – Environment Context: As concerns grow over the aviation sector’s environmental impact, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is emerging as a key low-emission alternative. What is SAF? SAF, or aviation biofuel, is a renewable alternative to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and possesses similar chemical properties. It can be produced …

GS3 – Environment Context: The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—a carbon tax on imports—has sparked backlash from BRICS nations, who see it as discriminatory and unfair. What is CBAM? A carbon border tax imposed by the EU on imports from countries with higher carbon emissions than EU industries. …

GS3 – Environment Context: In the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil, there is growing discontent—especially from developing nations—regarding the effectiveness of the UNFCCC. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, is a legally non-binding treaty. Its annual Conference of the Parties (COP) …

GS3 – Environment Context The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) took place in Seville, Spain, where nations adopted the ‘Sevilla Commitment’, aiming to address the $4 trillion annual SDG financing gap faced by developing nations. This was the first inter-governmentally endorsed financing framework since 2015. The event …

GS3 – Environment Context Recent studies (IE | TH) have found microplastics in critical regions of the human cardiovascular system—such as the pericardium, myocardium, and major arteries—suggesting their infiltration into deep tissues. These particles contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, potentially causing heart attacks and strokes. What Are Microplastics? …

GS3 – Environment   Context The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which came into force in 1975 as the world’s first legally binding agreement aimed at regulating international wildlife trade. What is CITES? CITES …

GS3 – Environment Context Sudden jellyfish blooms have been observed in Kerala’s Cochin backwaters, raising ecological and economic concerns. What is a Jellyfish Bloom? A dense aggregation of jellyfish triggered by environmental changes, typically during April–May and October–December across Indian coasts. Species Reported: Acromitus flagellatus, Blackfordia virginica, Pleurobrachia sp., Pelagia …

GS III – Environment Context Rajasthan has proposed redrawing the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, potentially benefiting over 50 mines in the region. About Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH): Legal Basis: Defined under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, post its 2006 amendment. Purpose: Ensures an inviolate area …

GS3 – Environment Context: ERW is emerging as a viable method for carbon sequestration by spreading crushed rock over agricultural lands to accelerate natural weathering. Mechanism of ERW: Carbon Capture Process: CO₂ from air or soil dissolves in rainwater, forming carbonic acid. This reacts with rocks, breaking down minerals and …

GS3 – Environment Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report, offering crucial insights into key climate trends and challenges in the region. About the Report Prepared by: WMO, with inputs from: National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) UN agencies Objective: To …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The first half of 2025 has seen a series of weather anomalies across India, highlighting the deepening impacts of climate change on urban environments, marked by abnormal temperatures, erratic rainfall, elevated humidity, and increasing urban fragility. Rising Humidity: Key Drivers Warming Oceans: Elevated sea surface …

GS3 – Environment  Context: India faces a dual challenge: balancing energy security and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This necessitates a gradual but firm shift from coal to renewables, ensuring a just transition for affected communities and sectors. India’s Coal Consumption & Energy Mix Coal Dependency: Contributes ~55% of …

GS3 – Environment Context The government has proposed new guidelines to regulate the operational temperature range of air conditioners (ACs) across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. Key Proposal Newly manufactured ACs will be required to operate within a preset temperature range of 20°C to …

GS 3 – Environment & Ecology Geographic Range Native to South and Southeast Asia Found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra) India hosts over 60% of the global population of Asian elephants. Conservation Status Agency Status IUCN Red List Endangered …

GS-3: Environment and Biodiversity Key Highlights A 4.2-metre-long inflorescence (cluster of flowers) was discovered in a wild banana species (Musa indandamanensis) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is the longest banana inflorescence ever recorded worldwide. The species is endemic to the Andaman region and was first recorded in 2012 …

GS-3: Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Key Highlights The Kadbanwadi grassland in Maharashtra’s Pune district, home to the Indian grey wolf, is witnessing an alarming decline in the wolf population. From 70 wolves (2016) to just 6 (2024), the fall is attributed largely to threats from feral dogs, which hunt in …

GS-3: Environment and Climate Change Key Highlights Climate-driven food shortages and nutrient losses impact gut microbiota, increasing disease risks. Elevated CO₂ levels reduce micronutrients (e.g., phosphorus, zinc, iron) in crops like wheat and maize. Malnutrition and reduced microbial diversity are linked to diseases like eczema, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. …