Uttarakhand’s Proposed ‘Green Cess’ on Outstation Vehicles
Why in News Relevance Background and Context Key Features of the Green Cess Economic & Environmental Rationale National Parallels (India) State/City Measure Key Outcome Delhi NCR Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles Reduced entry of old diesel trucks, improved AQI marginally Himachal Pradesh Green Fee on vehicles entering tourist towns (Manali, Shimla) Finances solid waste […]
Great Green Wall in A.P. to save coastline from degradation
Context Relevance: Basics Term Explanation Great Green Wall A linear or contiguous forestation belt acting as an ecological shield against natural hazards. Coastal Degradation Loss of coastal land, soil erosion, salinization, and habitat destruction due to human activity, sea-level rise, and extreme events. Ecological Shield A natural barrier (trees, mangroves, vegetation) that reduces wind, wave, and storm surge […]
Women and ambient air pollution in India
Context Relevance: Basics Term Explanation Ambient Air Pollution Outdoor air pollution from vehicles, industries, power plants, dust, and other sources. Indoor Air Pollution Pollution inside homes due to burning of biomass, coal, and firewood, commonly in rural areas. PM2.5 Fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm) that penetrates lungs and bloodstream, causing cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Vulnerable Groups Women […]
Record rise in global CO2 concentrations
Why in News ? Relevance: Understanding CO2 and Greenhouse Gases ? Trends and Record Increase Causes Behind Record Rise Global Temperature Context Implications and Challenges Key Data / Facts Parameter 2024 Value Trend / Notes CO2 concentration 423.1 ppm +2.9 ppm from 2023, +51.4 ppm since 1990 Global temp above pre-industrial 1.55°C First annual average […]
Sustainable fuel use could quadruple by 2035
Why is it in the News? Relevance Sustainable Fuels and Global Energy Transition Definition and Types Current Global Impact Drivers of Sustainable Fuel Adoption Overview Projected Growth to 2035 Economic and Investment Implications Technological Innovation Policy and Regulatory Actions Global Cooperation
Elephant population dips nearly 18%, Western Ghats remain primary habitat
Why is it in the News? Relevance: Basic Concepts Current Population Overview Reasons for Decline Habitat loss & fragmentation Human-elephant conflict (HEC) Poaching Disruption of breeding grounds Conservation Challenges Significance Quick Revision
Microplastics pollution threatens Goa’s estuarine fisheries
Why is it in the News? Relevance: Basic Concepts 1. Microplastics 2. Bioaccumulation & Trophic Transfer 3. Estuarine Ecosystems Key Findings of the Study Aspect Observation Sample Studied 251 fish across 9 species (finfish and shellfish) from various depths in Mandovi estuary Microplastic Particles Found 4,871 total; 3,369 plastic polymers (19 types) Source of Pollution […]
Snow leopards are the world’s least genetically diverse big cat
Understanding the Snow Leopard Relevance : Genetics and Evolutionary Insights Threats to Survival Conservation Efforts Ecological and Strategic Importance Research Insights (Stanford Study, PNAS 2025) Key Takeaways
Red List initiative
Why in News ? Relevance Understanding the Red List Objectives of the National Red List Key Stakeholders Significance of the Initiative Challenges Why It Matters Now ? Conclusion India’s National Red List provides evidence-based prioritization for species conservation, aligning with global biodiversity commitments. It enables targeted policies, protects endemic species, and promotes scientific and community […]
Microplastics impact coral reproduction at multiple stages
Why in News Relevance: Coral Reproduction Basics About the Study Key Findings Mechanism of Impact Comparison with Earlier Studies Year Study Focus Key Outcome 2019 (Australia) Weathered PP effects on Acropora tenuis Reduced fertilization, minimal impact on embryo & larval stages 2024 Microplastic pollution & coral gametes Confirmed impact on gametes but not on larval […]