ENVIRONMENT

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment – Biodiversity Protection, Climate Change GS-4: Ethics – Scientific Integrity, Resource Prioritization Key Points Colossal Biosciences’ De-extinction Initiative A U.S. company is working to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth and dire wolf using genome editing and cloning. The goal is to restore ecosystems and …

GS3 – Environment – Conservation The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently determined that the site selected for the proposed transhipment port under the Great Nicobar Project does not fall under a ‘no-go’ ecological zone of the island. About the Great Nicobar Project Known officially as the “Holistic Development of Great …

GS3 – Environment – Climate Change A recent report titled “Climate in the Crosshairs” has brought attention to the significant environmental consequences of NATO’s defence-related expenditures, especially the escalation in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from military operations. The report was jointly published by three organisations: Transnational Institute, Tipping Point North …

GS3 – Environment – Climate Change Context  Rising heat stress is negatively impacting labour efficiency and productivity, leading to significant economic setbacks, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. Workers, especially those in low-income jobs, are highly vulnerable as financial needs prevent them from taking breaks during extreme heat. According to …

GS 3 – Environment & Ecology Overview Total Global Species: 23 Species Found in India: 9 Role: Scavengers, feeding on carrion, they prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and maintain ecological balance. Nature: Highly social and often found in groups. Conservation Status Species IUCN Status White-rumped Vulture Critically Endangered Slender-billed …

GS III-ENVIRONMENT Context As of 2023, District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) have been established in 644 districts across 23 states in India. These foundations function under Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. What are District Mineral Foundations (DMFs)? DMFs are non-profit trusts formed by …

GS3 – Environment Context: Supreme Court (SC) Order: Directed the removal of ‘Seven Wonders’ replicas from Ana Sagar Lake to balance tourism with environmental conservation. Why? Part of Ana Sagar Lake is a designated wetland, requiring protection under environmental laws. About Ana Sagar Lake Type: Artificial Lake Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Background India experienced its hottest February in 124 years in 2025, with severe heatwaves in March posing a significant threat to wheat production, crop quality, and food security. Wheat in India: Key Insights Significance: Wheat is the second most essential staple food in India, widely consumed …

GS III-Environment Why in the News? The World Air Quality Report 2024, published by the Swiss organization IQAir, ranked India as the 5th most polluted country globally. This marks an improvement from its 3rd place ranking in 2023. Key Findings of the Report India’s Air Pollution Status Country Ranking: India …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Policy Measures – Urban Mobility Strategies, Sustainable Transport GS-3: Environment & Economy – Electric Vehicles, Emission Reduction, Renewable Energy Key Points Draft EV 2.0 Policy & Goals The Delhi government has finalized its Electric Vehicle (EV) 2.0 Policy, awaiting Cabinet approval. Targets 95% of newly registered …

PRELIMS BITS Context: A rare Small Indian Civet was spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, a region where it is not commonly seen. About Civet Cats: Classification: Not true cats; belong to the family Viverridae, closely related to mongooses. Diversity: 15–20 species worldwide. Distribution: Found in Asia, Africa, …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Introduction Recent discoveries of two new jumping spider species in India and a new leaf-nosed bat species in Sri Lanka highlight the rich biodiversity of the region. These findings emphasize the need for further research and conservation efforts. New Spider Species in India Discovered by: University of Kerala …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Overview Northern India, especially the Indo-Gangetic Plain, faces severe air quality issues. A study in Nature Communications analyzes PM2.5 sources and their health impacts, stressing the need for localized mitigation efforts. PM2.5 Composition Samples from five urban and rural locations were analyzed. Delhi: Dominated by vehicular emissions and …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. This global event highlights the need for wildlife conservation amid increasing threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Key Outcomes of COP16 World leaders at COP16 in Rome finalized a landmark agreement to strengthen biodiversity financing. Resuming after a pause in Cali, Colombia (2024), the conference focused on securing long-term funding for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Major Funding Commitments Governments pledged $200 billion annually …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  A recent study raised concerns about black plastic kitchen utensils containing harmful flame retardants. However, a later correction found the risks were overstated. What Is Black Plastic? Made from recycled electronic waste like old computers and appliances. Contains toxic substances such as bromine, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury. …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Health Concerns: Black plastic products contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which has been linked to human health risks. Source & Composition: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste (such as computers, TVs, and appliances). Electronics contain harmful substances, including: Flame retardants …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, have protested against restrictions on accessing their sacred groves, which have been converted into a tiger enclosure for the translocated tigress Zeenat. About Similipal Tiger Reserve Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT  – SPECIES Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in India-China trade via Tibet. What is the Tea Horse Road? Also known as Chamadao, it was an ancient trade route linking China, Tibet, and …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) has established India’s first wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). What is a Biobank? A biobank is a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and manages biological samples such as blood, …