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Daily News Analysis

Daily News Analysis

High Seas Treaty: Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

 The Union Cabinet of India has approved the signing of the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will lead its implementation in India. What are High Seas? Definition: High seas refer to oceanic areas that lie outside the jurisdiction of any individual country. National jurisdictions typically extend up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from
25 Jul,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Taxonomy for Climate Finance

 1. What is a Climate Finance Taxonomy? A climate finance taxonomy is a classification system designed to define and categorize economic activities based on their environmental sustainability. It helps identify which investments are considered environmentally friendly or sustainable, thereby guiding investors and financial institutions toward impactful climate-related investments. 2. Importa
11 Jul,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

 Paraguay recently joined as the 100th country in the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Global Energy Transition Landscape: Current Challenges: The trajectory towards sustainable development is not aligned with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Current projections suggest a moderate 4% reduction in global emissions by 2050, potentially pushin
09 Jul,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

UN Water Convention

  Introduction: The UN Water Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996. Its primary goal is to foster the sustainable management of shared water resources across borders and to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
02 Jul,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)

 Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is in the news because the Ministry of Coal has recently launched a significant pilot project in Jharkhand’s Jamtara District. This initiative aims to harness UCG technology, which converts unmineable coal into valuable gas for energy production. More context: Policy Background: In 2015, the Indian Ministry of Coal approved a dedicated policy fram
30 Jun,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Wetlands in Bihar

 The Nagi and Nakti Wetlands in Bihar have recently been designated as Ramsar Sites, reflecting their international importance as wetlands. This brings the total number of Ramsar Sites in India to 82, tying the country with China for third place globally in terms of Ramsar Sites. Key Facts About Nagi and Nakti Wetlands: Location: Situated in Jamui district, Bihar, within the Jhajha forest
11 Jun,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Montreal Protocol

 The Montreal Protocol is widely recognized as one of the most successful environmental agreements. Effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol Reduction of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS): The Montreal Protocol has significantly reduced emissions of ODS, including Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Since 2021, five years earlier than anticipated, there has been a notable decrease in
09 Jun,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Himalayan Region

 The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is in the spotlight due to recent Supreme Court judgments emphasizing the need for a sustainable development model, particularly in light of new fundamental rights related to climate change. Key issues and rulings: New Fundamental Right to Climate Change: MK Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India (2024): The Supreme Court recognized a fundamental right to
06 Jun,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

International Big Cat Alliance

 Overview: The Union Cabinet formally announced the establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore from the central government until 2028. About International Big Cat Alliance: It is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in April 2023 in Mysuru commemorating the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The objective of
06 Mar,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

What is Melanochlamys Droupadi

 Overview: Researchers of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new species of head-shield sea slug from Odisha and the West Bengal coast named ‘Melanochlamys Droupadi’. About Melanochlamys Droupadi It is a new marine species of head-shield sea slug with ruby red spot. This species belonging to Melanochlamys genus was discovered from Digha of West Beng
05 Mar,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Kanger Valley National Park 

 In a first-of-its-kind model of convergence, Kanger Valley National Park is working with a coalition of various organizations and government departments to prepare a landscape-based ecological restoration plan for the national park. About Kanger Valley National Park Location: It is located in Jagdalpur, in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state. It is located on the bank
02 Feb,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP)

 The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) is a zoo in Darjeeling, India. It's also known as the Darjeeling Zoo and is the largest high-altitude zoo in the country. The zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and is known for its breeding programs for red pandas, Himalayan salamanders, Tibetan wolves, and snow leopards. World Association for Zoos and Aquar
31 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Snow leopard

 Context: Sadyr Zhaparov, the president of Kyrgyzstan signed a decree to declare the snow leopard as the national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. About Snow Leopard: Scientific Name: Panthera uncia Indicator Species: Snow leopards serve as crucial indicators of the mountain ecosystem's health due to their role as the top predator in the food web. Habitat: Found in the mountains of central A
30 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Buxa National Park

 Context: Recently, a tiger has been observed in West Bengal’s Buxa National  Park. The previous  sighting of Tiger was after 23 years on December 12, 2021. News: Possible Factors Contributing to the Tiger Population Recovery: Growth in the number of prey animals for tigers. Increase in the size of grassland habitats, providing more suitable areas for tiger popula
30 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Bhitarkanika National Park

 Odisha’s Bhitarkanika national park will soon be connected by rail as the proposed Jajpur Road-Dhamra railway line will pass through the park. Location: It is located in Kendrapara district in the state of Odisha. It is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans.  The national park that is sprawling across 672 km² of mangrove swamp
28 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary

 After relocating deer from Cuttack, the Odisha state government is planning to introduce Sambar and Gaur (bison) in the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary. It is located in Khurda district of Odisha represents the north-eastern limits of Eastern Ghats.  It is also a home to a number of threatened wild animals and birds. This landscape got sanctuary status in 1982. The climat
28 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Qanat system- Water Conservation

 Some of Africa’s dry areas face serious water shortages due to minimal rainfall. An ancient system of drawing water from aquifers, the “qanat system”, could help. Qanat system It is an ancient type of water-supply system, developed and still used in arid regions of the world.It taps underground mountain water sources trapped in and beneath the upper reaches of allu
26 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Revival of the tiger: A joint effort, a cultural renaissance

 Context: Its near extinction in 1973 was a pivotal moment in India’s conservation history. Now, Corbett has the highest density of wild tigers in the world Corbett Tiger Reserve: Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) manages tiger reserves based on a comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan, covering core and buffer zones across three districts in Uttarakhand. Over the past four years, the reserve
24 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

National Birds Day

 January 5 is observed as National Birds Day introduced by U.S.A in 2002 and followed in some parts of the world. It is aimed at raising awareness for the conservation of avian species that have been adversely affected by habitat destruction, reducing food choices and climate change. The theme of the National Birds Day 2024 is ‘Right to Fight’. Birds in N
19 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

National Mission for Clean Ganga- River Conservation

 On 12th August 2011, the NMCG was listed as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986. NGRBA was dissolved in 2016 and replaced by the National Council for Re
18 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

 Context: Forest officials in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) rescued a wild elephant calf who was found separated from the herd About Anamalai Tiger Reserve: - Location:         The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a protected area situated at an elevation of 1400 m in the Anamalai Hills within Pollachi and Coimbatore Districts of Tamil Nadu. Positioned to the s
17 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Enhanced tiger population at Valmiki Tiger reserve

 Context: The increase in tiger numbers in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar was facilitated by diminished human activity, including bans on mining. In VTR, the status of tiger conservation has seen significant improvements: Mining Restrictions: Strict measures, including a complete ban on sand and stone mining within VTR, along with rigorous restrictions on mining activities in its eco-sens
07 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

CZA allows Odisha’s Nandankanan to receive cheetah, African lion from Dubai Safari

 Context: The Central Zoo Authority has allowed the Odisha government to carry out the planned transfer of a cheetah, African lion and Chimpanzee from Dubai Safari Park (DSP) to Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), Bhubaneswar. The CZA has asked the wildlife wing of the State Forest and Environment Department to keep requisite housing facilities ready in accordance with its guideline. News: &
07 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

GLOBAL GOAL ON ADAPTATION AND THE ROAD FROM DUBAI

 NEWS: The recent UNFCCC conference in Dubai (COP28) marked a significant shift in addressing climate change.Instead of the usual lip service to adaptation, a critical issue often neglected by the international community, COP28 finally pushed this concern into the spotlight. This suggests a potential move away from the traditional focus on mitigation (reducing emissions) towards a more balanced app
04 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chipko movement

 The Chipko movement was a non-violent agitation in 1973 that was aimed at protection and conservation of trees. Gandhian social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt, founder of the cooperative organisation Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh, led the first Chipko movement near the village of Mandal in 1973. The movement is an uprising against the felling of trees in Uttar Pradesh’s Chamoli district
03 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Bio Credits – Biodiversity credits

 There is an urgent need to regulate frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of biodiversity credits. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) Aim - KMGBF aims to catalyze transformative action by governments, and subnational and local authorities, with the involvement of all of society, to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Adoption - KMGBF was adopte
02 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Turtles and status

 Sea Turtle These are large, air-breathing reptiles that live in tropical and subtropical seas all over the world. Their shells are made up of an upper section (carapace) and a lower section (plastron). Hard scales or scutes cover all but the leatherback, and the number and arrangement of these scutes can be used to identify the species. The upper shell, or carapace, of each sea tur
01 Jan,2024 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

THE SHAPE OF CLIMATE JUSTICE IN A WARMING INDIA

 Why in the News? The recently held G-20 summit at Delhi decided upon tripling renewable energy capacity and voluntary doubling of the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030, as a part of the Delhi Declaration.       What should be the ideals for a just energy-transition? Here are some key ideals for ensuring a just and equitable ener
20 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

DROUGHT IN THE AMAZON

 Why in the News? The Amazon rainforest has been witnessing intense drought with numerous rivers vital for travel having dried up which has deprived Indigenous communities living in the area of water, food, or medicine in villages. News in Detail:  The Rio Negro, one of the world’s largest rivers by discharge levels, has fallen to a record low level of 13.59 metres in Brazil.
19 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

WHEN TIGERS AND JACKALS GET THE SAME PROTECTION-Wildlife protection act

 Why in the News? The number of species included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022 has been increased, recently. Schedule 1 confers the highest protection and contains about 600 species of vertebrates and hundreds of invertebrates. Schedule 2 contains about 2,000 species (with 1,134 species of birds alone) The Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act,
18 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Kanha National Park

 It is also known as Kanha–Kisli National Park. It is one of the tiger reserves of India and the largest national park of the state of Madhya Pradesh and in Central India. The park hosts fauna such as Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, barasingha (adapted to swampy areas) and dhole. The reserve has lowland forest of a
18 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

DHANAURI WETLAND

 The Dhanauri Wetlands is a birdwatching area located in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Dhanauri Wetlands is home to over 120 Sarus cranes Sarus Cranes is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. IUCN status - Vulnerable CITES -Appendix ll Omnivorous, eating insects (especially grasshoppers), aquatic plants, fish (perhaps only in captivity), frogs, crus
17 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Estivation

 ``   Estivation is when animals are dormant because weather conditions are very hot and dry. Their breathing rate, heart rate and metabolic rate decrease to conserve energy under these harsh conditions. Humans estivate during the winter months as well as some of these animals.  A few animals on this list include water-holding frog the desert tortoise
17 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

KAZIRANGA SANCTUARY

 KAZIRANGA SANCTUARY     Kaziranga National Park is a national park of the state of Assam, India. The park, hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species. The park area
17 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

GI tag for Goan Cashew

 GI tag for Goan Cashew     Goan cashew, derived from the Portuguese name ‘caju’ or ‘kaju’ in Konkani. Cashew, native to northeast Brazil in Latin America was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570). Significance of providing GI tag for Goan Cashew: Traders and processors have to comply with the norms of quality,
12 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

 Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary     The sanctuary lies in the Indo-Chinese transition zone and so has highly endemic and significant flora and fauna species. The sanctuary has been named after the Dibang River, a tributary of Brahmaputra River.  It lies adjacent to the Mouling National Park. Has been declared as one of the major bio-diversity hotspots of the
11 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Kamlang Tiger Reserve (TR)

 Kamlang Tiger Reserve (TR)     The Kamlang TR is present in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh and is contiguous to the Namdhapa Tiger Reserve. It is home to all four big cats - tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard. It also has several species of hornbills such as Rufous-necked hornbills and Wreathed hornbills that visits in the winters. 
11 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

PHONOTAXIS

 PHONOTAXIS     Phonotaxis is defined as the movement by an animal in response to a sound. It has usually observed among crickets, moths, frogs, and toads, among a few other creatures. Two types of phonotaxis include: Positive phonotaxis Its purpose is attraction It happens when the females of a particular species are attracted to the sounds mad
09 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

THE DHOLE OR ASIATIC WILD DOG 

 THE DHOLE OR ASIATIC WILD DOG      It is the only endangered wild pack-living canid in the tropical Indian forests It is considered at high risk of extinction with endangered category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List The diurnal activity of the dholes had the highest temporal overlap with leopards and the lowest with clou
09 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Global amphibian assessment

 Global amphibian assessment     The assessment is coordinated by the Amphibian Red List Authority, a branch of the Amphibian Specialist Group of the IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. The assessment has revealed that, 2 out of every 5 amphibians are threatened with extinction.  Between 2004 and 2022, a few critical threats have pushed more than
07 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

An Accounting System for Carbon

 An Accounting System for Carbon   Climate ‘polycrisis’: It was a term made popular by Adam Tooze. It refers to the interconnected and compounding crises related to climate change that are affecting the planet not only in few sectors but across several sectors and domains. It encompasses all dimensions of impacts of climate change such as physical, social, e
05 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

National Turmeric Board

 National Turmeric Board     Aims to provide leadership in all matters related to turmeric, coordinate with relevant government agencies, particularly the Spices Board, and spearhead efforts to advance the turmeric sector within the country.  The key objective of the board is to raise awareness and consumption of turmeric domestically and internationally. 
05 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Faulty policies on invasive exotics

 Faulty policies on invasive exotics   Why in the News? The invasive Conocarpus species of trees have been banned by Gujarat recently due to concerns over its management. This comes after the invasive species was banned by Telangana last year. There is a possibility of several other states following the suit. This can discourage horticulturists and nurseries from mul
02 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Jellyfish

 Jellyfish Jellyfish are mainly free-swimming marine animals with umbrella-shaped bells and trailing tentacles, while some tend to be immobile anchored to the seabed by stalks. The tentacles are armed with stinging cells and used to capture prey and defend against predators. They are found all over the world, from surface waters to the deep sea, from marine to freshwater, b
01 Oct,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Cleantech, for an inclusive green future in India

 Cleantech, for an inclusive green future in India Green economy paradigm: It involves adoption of climate action that aligns with the development aspirations of the population and contributes to overall economic growth. It provides an optimistic pathway to align development and environmental outcomes Building a solar park or an e-vehicle charging station shall expand infrastructur
26 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

The State of India’s Birds-2023 report

 The State of India’s Birds-2023 report     The State of India’s Birds report: The report is an assessment of the distribution range, trends in abundance and conservation status of 942 of India’s 1,200 bird species Carried out by 13 partner organisations, including the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It h
26 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

The House Crow

 The House Crow     The house crow (Corvus splendens), also known as the Indian, greynecked, Ceylon or Colombo crow, is a common bird of the crow family that is of Asian origin. Its size ranges in size  of 40 cm (16 in) in length. It has a widespread distribution in southern Asia, being native to
26 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Honey Bees

 Honey Bees     The Muğla region in Bayram mountains of Turkey which produces almost all of the world's pine honey from Mugla Bees, ravaged by 2021 wildfires is yet to recover to pre-wildfire production levels. Honey bees are all native to mainland Afro-Eurasia. The western honey bee, (Apis mellifera) has been domesticated for honey production and cr
25 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Turning a Deaf ear to Himalayas

 Tourism in Himalayas: As per the NITI Aayog report, the growth of tourism in Indian Himalayan Region is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023.   The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR): The Himalayan landscapes spans across three regions – Western Himalayas, Sikkim and Western Arunachal Pradesh. IHR extends from the Indus River in the
16 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Survey at Corbett Tiger Reserve

 About 275 bird species, including two critically endangered, four vulnerable ones and two endangered species, were counted during a survey at Corbett Tiger Reserve. Two endangered species — Pallas’s fish-eagle, Egyptian vulture and four vulnerable bird species — great hornbill, great slaty woodpecker, grey-crowned prinia and river tern — have been counted in the survey
16 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Biological Diversity Amendment Bill,2021

 Why in the News? Lok Sabha has passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill,2021 replacing Biological Diversity Act, 2002.   News in detail: Rationale for introduction of Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Anthropogenic activities leading to loss of biodiversity and extinction of species. Concerns of bio-piracy- unauthorized appropriation of biological resources and relat
12 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Preservation of Amazon Rainforests

 Preservation of Amazon Rainforests Why in the News? Brazil’s Amazon Summit has concluded recently with a hope to protect the tropical rainforests of the Amazon forests that has been facing a threat to its existence.   The Brazil’s Amazon Summit: The 2-day Summit aimed at bringing convergence among countries for conserving the Amazon and other rainforests around t
11 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Royal Bengal Tiger

 Royal Bengal Tiger                                                             The 5
08 Aug,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Nature Restoration Law

 Nature Restoration Law A biodiversity bill initiated by the European Commission in the EU Parliament was passed. It aims to recover degraded ecosystems by reclamation of forested areas, marine habitats and growing birds, bees in the farmlands. Indicates Europe's commitment to achieving green goals and climate adaptation goals.
13 Jul,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chapter 6: Youth for Environment Sustainability

 Introduction •    To combat climate change, preserve environmental resources, and reverse the decline of biodiversity, immediate action is needed. •    Initiatives to combat climate change spearheaded by youth could improve education generally and help the world reach net-Zero Emissions by 2030. Also, it would contribute to ensuring the standard of livin
20 Feb,2023 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chapter 1: ZOOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

 Introduction •    India is one of the mega-biodiversity countries in the world with unique biogeographical locations, diversified climatic conditions and wide array of ecosystems from deep sea to high mountain ranges at Himalayas. •    According to world biogeographic categorization, India represents two of the major realms, the Palearctic and Indo-Malay
30 Oct,2022 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chapter 3 : Safeguarding Ocean

 Introduction •    The majority of our current and future energy needs are derived from the oceans. •    Around 96.5 percent of the water on Earth is contained in the seas, which cover about two-thirds of the planet's surface. •    Millions of cells, the fundamental biological unit of both plants and humans, contain roughly 70% wa
30 Oct,2022 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

Chapter 5: Wonder in the West

 Introduction •    Gujarat is fortunate to have a diverse ecosystem that supports a large number of wildlife species. The State is home to numerous migrating birds, unique and endangered species of flora and animals, and many ecological hotspots.  •    The presence of 7,500 species of flora and fauna, of which 2,550 are angiosperms and 1,366 are vert
30 Oct,2022 GS-3 Environmental Conservation

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