50% coral Cover Reduction in Lakshadweep
Key Findings of the Study Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Scientific Contribution Climate Change Linkages Retrospective Linkages Concerns & Risks Way Ahead (Policy + Scientific)
Is the plastic industry trying to influence green policies?
The Backbone of India’s Plastic Recycling Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Steps Toward Formal Integration Challenges Persist Global Industry Tactics: Parallels with Tobacco Vulnerability of the Global South The Way Forward
Alien plant species taking over native ecosystems
Context & Key Findings What are Alien Plant Species? Impact on Tropical Ecosystems Environmental Impacts Impacts in India Global Trends & Projections Drivers of Invasion Policy & Economic Challenges Way Forward: Recommendations
Why 78% coal plants won’t need to add anti-pollution devices
Context Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Why are SO2 emissions from coal plants a concern? Original plan for pollution control Current classification of plants Power plants divided into 3 categories (2021 update): 78% of all coal plants fall under Category C and are now exempted from installing FGDs. Why this relaxation now? Economic argument Criticism […]
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Chandrapur
Introduction Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Dimensions of the Conflict 1. Ecological Dimension 2. Socio-Economic Dimension 3. Governance & Policy Dimension 4. Legal Framework Limitations 5. Technological & Administrative Interventions 6. Ethical and Cultural Dimension Case Studies Chandrapur, Maharashtra (2024–25) Sundarbans, West Bengal Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh Wayanad, Kerala Way Forward Useful Data Points
Green’ power capacity outpaces thermal, but storage woes weigh on grid stability
India’s Key Milestone Relevance : GS 3(Energy and Environment) Installed Capacity (in GW) Year Thermal Large Hydro Renewables Non-Fossil Share June 2015 191.26 42.62 35.78 30.4% June 2020 230.90 45.7 87.67 37.8% June 2025 242.04 49.38 184.62 50.1% Thermal Still Dominates Storage Capacity – Major Bottleneck Grid Instability Events Policy Measures Underway Strategic Implications
Study flags high summer ozone levels in big cities
Key Findings: Summer 2025 Ozone (O₃) Crisis Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Climate Change ) City-wise Breaches in Ozone Standards City Days O₃ exceeded standard (out of 92) Change vs 2024 Delhi 33 days — Bengaluru 45 days ↑ 29% Mumbai 32 days ↑ 42% Chennai 15 days ↑ (from 0) Kolkata 22 days (↓ from […]
Share of clean energy in electricity still below 30%
Context & Significance Relevance : GS 3(Energy and Environment) Installed Capacity vs. Actual Electricity Supply Historical Progress (2014–2024) Understanding Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF) Technical & Structural Challenges Solutions and the Way Forward Expert Opinions Broader Implications
Environment Ministry defends revised framework for thermal plants to meet SO₂ emission norms
Context On July 11, 2025, the Union Environment Ministry issued a revised framework to regulate sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from thermal power plants. It has exempted many older coal-based plants from retrofitting Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) devices and staggered deadlines for compliance based on location-based categorisation. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Scientific & Technical Basis Key Elements of the New Framework Category […]
Kaziranga records high diversity of grassland birds in survey
Context & Significance Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) About Kaziranga National Park Feature Detail Location Assam, Brahmaputra floodplains Total Area 1,174 sq. km UNESCO World Heritage Site Yes, since 1985 Habitat Type Mix of wet grasslands, forests, and wetlands Known for One-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and now, grassland birds Key Findings from the Survey Species Category […]