Bharat Stage–VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms
Why is it in News? Relevance GS III – Environment & Ecology , Science & Techology What are Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms? What is BS-VI? How to Identify a BS-VI Vehicle? What Changed from BS-IV to BS-VI? 1. Emission Limits (Diesel Cars) 2. Emission Limits (Petrol Cars) 3. Fuel Quality 4. Advanced Technologies Why Are […]
UNEA-7 (United Nations Environment Assembly-7)
Why is it in News? Relevance What is UNEA? UNEA-7 at a Glance Adopted Dropped / Diluted Leadership Transition Analytical Assessment Achievements Shortcomings Global Significance Way Forward Conclusion UNEA-7 adopted 11 resolutions advancing cooperation on minerals, reefs and chemicals, but lingering divisions over deep-sea protection, environmental crime and UNEP’s authority exposed the limits of current […]
How is the Aravalli range to be protected?
Why is it in News? Relevance What are the Aravalli Hills? Ecological Significance How Do Aravallis Prevent Desertification of the Indo-Gangetic Plain? Problem: Mining & Ecological Degradation Why Was a Uniform Definition Necessary? What Definition Did the SC Settle On? Central Empowered Committee (CEC): Key Recommendations Has the Supreme Court Completely Banned Mining? Government Initiative: […]
Inhalable Microplastics and Urban Air Pollution
Why is this in News? Relevance GS III – Environment & Public Health What are Microplastics? Traditional Air Pollution Framework Key Findings of the Study Concentration Levels Seasonal Variation “Trojan Horse” Effect Health Implications Sources of Inhalable Microplastics Why Delhi and Kolkata are Worse Affected Governance and Policy Gaps
GRAP-IV in Delhi–NCR
Why is this in News? Relevance What is GRAP? GRAP Stages and AQI Thresholds GRAP Stage AQI Range Air Quality Category GRAP-I 201–300 Poor GRAP-II 301–400 Very Poor GRAP-III 401–450 Severe GRAP-IV >450 Severe+ / Hazardous What is GRAP-IV? Measures Enforced Under GRAP-IV Transport Restrictions Construction and Infrastructure Educational Institutions Offices and Workplaces Institutional Framework […]
Are methane emissions in India being missed?
Why is this in News? Relevance GS III – Environment & Climate Change GS III – Urban Development Methane: The Basics Landfills as Methane Factories India’s Methane Profile (Waste Sector Focus) The Core Problem: Measuring an Invisible Gas Model-based Estimation (Traditional) Ground-based Monitoring Satellite Monitoring: The Game Changer Types of Satellite Data Key Missions & […]
Western Tragopan
WHY IS IT IN NEWS? Relevance GS-III – Environment & Ecology WHAT IS THE WESTERN TRAGOPAN? a) Taxonomy b) IUCN Status c) Habitat d) Ecological role POPULATION STATUS & FRAGMENTATION a) Wild population b) Key threats THE MISSING LINK: IN-SITU CONSERVATION Experts repeatedly emphasise that ex-situ breeding cannot substitute for habitat protection. Key issues: COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION: A PROMISING […]
Airborne Microplastics in India
Why is this in news? Relevance GS-3 (Environment) GS-2 (Health) Basic understanding: What are airborne microplastics? Key scientific concerns raised by Padma doctors Exposure and infiltration Role as carriers of pathogens Direct health impacts Emerging medical linkages highlighted 1. Cardiovascular risk 2. Diabetes and metabolic disorders 3. Insulin resistance 4. Immune and hormonal disruption Structural […]
Developing Nations Call for ‘Meat Tax’ on High-Income Countries
Why is it in News? Relevance GS 3 – Environment & Climate Change GS 2 – International Relations What Is a ‘Meat Tax’ Proposal? Why Agriculture Is Under Scrutiny What the Belém Declaration Seeks Who Are the Signatories? Rationale Behind the Demand a) Disproportionate Emissions b) Inequity in Climate Burden c) Rising Livestock Demand Unsustainable Why High-Income […]
Why India struggles to clear its air
Why Is It in News? Relevance GS3 – Environment / Pollution• National air pollution control architecture: CAQM, CPCB, SPCBs.• Sectoral sources: biomass, transport, industry, construction dust.• Meteorology–inversion dynamics in Indo-Gangetic Plain.• Failure of “end-of-pipe” measures; need for structural interventions.• Health impacts → DALY burden, economic productivity losses. GS2 – Governance / Federal Issues• Inter-state coordination failures (Punjab–Haryana–Delhi).• Institutional fragmentation → weak compliance.• Judiciary’s role vs executive capacity (EPCA to CAQM shift).• Behavioural […]