Implications of Exempting 78% of Thermal Power Plants
Context Relevance : GS-3 – Environment and Energy; air pollution, public health, and emission standards. What are FGDs and Why Do They Matter? Feature Description Purpose Reduces SO₂ emissions by up to 95% from coal combustion Mechanism Uses limestone slurry or seawater to scrub sulphur oxides from flue gas Relevance SO₂ contributes to PM2.5 formation, acid rain, respiratory and […]
India’s Open Ecosystems: Rethinking Wastelands
What Are Open Ecosystems? Open ecosystems refer to grasslands, deserts, scrublands, savannas, and open woodlands — landscapes characterized by low tree cover but high ecological and cultural value. Relevance : GS-3 – Environment and Ecology; Land degradation, biodiversity, and sustainable land use. The ‘Wasteland’ Misclassification: A Colonial Legacy Official Label Ecological Reality “Wasteland” (as per Wasteland Atlas of India) Functional […]
Rare Great Hornbill sighting in Ezhimala sparks renewed calls
Ecological Context Relevance : GS 3(Environment and ecology) The Sighting: Key Facts Significance of the Sighting Conservation & Policy Implications Indicator Details Conservation Priority High (Endangered, Schedule I species) Conservation Concern Habitat shrinkage, forest fragmentation, poaching Policy Call Need for micro-level habitat protection in coastal areas Research Need Mapping of non-traditional sightings and coastal foraging corridors […]
Environment impact study for Nicobar project downplays earthquake risks
The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project has raised serious concerns over inadequate seismic risk assessment in a highly geo-dynamic region. Experts warn that the Environmental Impact Assessment downplays the threat of future mega-earthquakes and tsunamis, despite the area’s known vulnerability. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure , Environment and Ecology) Project Overview Core Concerns Highlighted EIA Study Limitations Seismic Vulnerability Expert Warnings Data Gaps […]
Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat
Microplastics: An Invisible, Bioactive Threat Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology-Pollution) Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Plastics Reproductive & Developmental Disruption Cancer & Chronic Disease Link India’s Alarming Plastic Footprint Public Health Costs & Governance Gaps Emerging Science: Ageing & Bio-Monitoring (BHARAT Project) Recommendations & Systemic Solutions Short-Term Medium-Term Long-Term
Ministry defers forest land nod for Puri airport
Context & Background Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure ,Environment and Ecology) Environmental Concerns Raised Olive Ridley Turtles: Migratory Birds: Dolphins & Other Wildlife: Forest & Biodiversity Loss Regulatory & Scientific Inputs Operational Issues Highlighted Comparative Global Perspectives Interlinkages with Key Laws & Policies Additional Facts Challenges & Policy Concerns Way Forward
Crushed stone is being spread across farms to capture carbon
What is Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)? Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) How It Works Effectiveness: What Studies Show Challenges in Measuring CO₂ Removal Other Environmental & Agricultural Benefits Risks & Limitations Carbon Credit Potential
Rising evaporative demand spotlights India’s data and research gap
What is Evaporative Demand? Relevance: GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Concept of ‘Thirstwave’ Coined by Kukal & Hobbins (2025): Agricultural Implications Higher evaporative demand leads to: Measurement Tool: Standardised Short-Crop Evapotranspiration India’s Historical Data & Contradictions Recent Indian Research Research and Policy Gaps India lacks: Global South Vulnerability Way Forward
Rice reveals surprise ability to adapt to cold faster than evolution
Scientific Discovery Relevance : GS 1(Environment and Ecology) Mechanism: Epigenetics & ACT1 Gene Experimental Details Historical Context & Theoretical Implications Significance for Evolutionary Biology
New flowering plant species discovered in Aravali hills near Jaipur
About the Discovery Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Botanical Significance Ecological & Conservation Importance Scientific & Institutional Collaboration India’s Portulaca Diversity