ENVIRONMENT

GS3 ENVIRONMENT Recent Discovery: Otters spotted in Gurez Valley after 25 years. Location: Kishangana River, Gurez Valley, Kashmir. Historical Context Common in 1990s: Eurasian otters were abundant in Kashmir rivers. Decline Post-1997: Due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticide use. Scientific Classification Species Name: Lutra lutra Common Names: Eurasian Otter, …

GS3 ECOLOGY& ENVIRONMENT The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization focused on big cat conservation worldwide. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, to mark 50 years of Project Tiger, its creation was endorsed by the Indian Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024, with headquarters in India. …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Historic Recognition: New Zealand has officially granted Mount Taranaki, also called Taranaki Maunga, the status of a legal person, affirming its cultural and spiritual significance to the Indigenous Māori community. This decision is part of efforts to address historical injustices resulting from colonisation. Key Highlights Historical Context Taranaki …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  A recent study analyzed data spanning three decades and examined over 600 species of animals, plants, and fungi across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Genetic Diversity: Refers to the range of inherited traits within a species, crucial for population adaptation to changing environments. It is vital for the long-term survival …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The endangered Olive Ridley turtles are renowned for their mass nesting phenomenon called “arribada.” In 2024, they skipped nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth, but experts anticipate a significant nesting event in 2025. Mass Nesting Behaviour Olive Ridley turtles follow a cyclical nesting pattern, typically every …

GS 3 – Environment Context: Indore and Udaipur have become the first Indian cities to receive the prestigious Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on W etlands. What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)? Definition: A voluntary recognition under the Ramsar Convention that honors cities for their efforts in …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Blue carbon ecosystems, encompassing mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, are vital carbon sinks that significantly outperform traditional forests in carbon sequestration. What Are Blue Carbon Ecosystems? Coastal and marine habitats that capture and store carbon. Crucial for biodiversity, marine life habitats, and coastal protection from erosion …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Overview: Water storage levels in major reservoirs across India have been declining for the twelfth consecutive week, as reported by the Central Water Commission (CWC). This decline is largely due to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall, raising concerns about future water availability for various sectors. Current Water Storage: …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: A recent study in Namibia emphasizes how dedicated water points and improved infrastructure can help alleviate human-elephant conflicts. Approaches to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Separate Resource Zones: Establish water points or dams specifically for wildlife, situated far from human settlements, to minimize encounters. Example: Namibia’s National …

GS3- ENVIRONMENT This groundbreaking achievement in coral conservation and restoration represents a significant step toward mitigating the impacts of climate change on coral ecosystems. Australian researchers have pioneered this technique to restore damaged reefs. About Cryo-Born Corals Cryo-Born Corals: Created using cryopreservation techniques, which involve freezing coral cells and tissues …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT Climate change is severely disrupting the planet’s water cycle, leading to a cascade of consequences for ecosystems, human populations, and global water resources. According to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, compiled by researchers from Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, and Germany using data from ground stations and satellites, …

GS 3 – Environment – Schemes Context: UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting Launched in 2015, UJALA is a zero-subsidy initiative. Also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), it is the world’s largest domestic lighting initiative. Objective: To promote energy efficiency in households by reducing energy consumption, …

GS 3 – Environment – Species Why in news: The recent discovery of Pallas’s cat in Himachal Pradesh, India, during a snow leopard survey, provides the first photographic evidence of this elusive species in the region. This emphasizes the need to conserve lesser-known wildlife in the Indian Himalayas. Pallas’s Cat: …

GS 3 – Environment A recent four-day faunal survey at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary has provided valuable additions to the sanctuary’s biodiversity records, enhancing the understanding of its rich fauna. About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Situated in the southern part of the Western Ghats, in Kollam district, Kerala. Area: Approximately …

GS 3 – Environment Why in news: India is set to conduct its first-ever Coastline-Waders Bird Census in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district from January 3 to 5, 2025. Location: The census will take place in the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, India’s first designated marine national park, covering approximately 170 …

GS 3 – Environment – Species The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), the largest land mammal in Asia, holds significant ecological, cultural, and conservation importance, especially in India. Physical Characteristics: Size: Males can reach heights up to 9 feet, while females grow up to 7.9 feet. Weight: Ranges between 3,000 to …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with significant outcomes, including the adoption of the Baku Climate Unity Pact. About the Conference of the Parties (COP) Supreme Decision-Making Body: COP is the primary decision-making platform under the United Nations Framework Convention on …

MAINS – GS3 – ENVIRONMENT The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the intensifying climate crisis, marked by unprecedented weather extremes and alarming greenhouse gas emissions. Global leaders are being urged to take swift action to mitigate the escalating environmental disaster. Key Highlights of the Report Extreme Weather …

MAINS – GS3 – ENVIRONMENT Pacific Marine Heatwave and its Impact: The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave wiped out approximately four million seabirds in Alaska, highlighting the severe ecological consequences of climate change on marine life. Intergovernmental Report on Biodiversity Loss: The report, known as the Assessment Report on the Underlying …

GS 3 – Environment – Species The recovering population of sea otters in California, especially in the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, has played a critical role in controlling the proliferation of invasive green crabs. Sea Otters: History: Heavily hunted in the 18th and 19th centuries for their dense …