Northeast African Cheetah: A Unique Subspecies
Context: A group of experts have appealed to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to reclassify the status of the Northeast African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) to ‘endangered’ from ‘vulnerable’. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Northeast African Cheetah: A Unique Subspecies Geographical Presence: Genetic Relations: Distinctive Features: Physical Characteristics: Habitat and Distribution: […]
What is Biodiversity Credit
Context: Biodiversity Credits, proposed as a financial mechanism, aim to support initiatives aligned with the ambitious targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Established during the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the KMGBF outlines comprehensive goals for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and fair benefit sharing. Relevance: GS […]
Gujarat’s Wolf Reintroduction Project
Context: Gujarat’s unique project to reintroduce captive-bred wolves into the wild demonstrates promising early success, marking the first initiative of its kind outside the United States. The endeavor aims to replenish wolf populations, enabling them to function as biocontrol agents, regulating the populations of wild herbivores such as nilgai (blue bulls) and wild boars. Relevance: […]
About the Snow leopard
Context: Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the Snow Leopard(Panthera uncia) as its national symbol, signifying its commitment to conservation and ecological balance. Relevance: GS III- Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About the Snow leopard Snow Leopards in India and their conservation -Source: The Hindu
Ensuring Better Indoor Air Quality
Context: During the winter season, as the Air Quality Index declines, the issue of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) becomes a significant concern due to its potential adverse effects on occupants’ health. Despite the prevailing outdoor pollution, individuals often prefer staying indoors to avoid exposure to high pollution levels. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Pollution and Conservation Mains Question: Recognizing the […]
Strategic Lithium Deal with Argentina
Context: India is on the verge of finalizing a crucial agreement for five lithium blocks in Argentina, marking a pivotal step in diversifying its sources of critical minerals. This strategic move holds the potential to significantly diminish India’s dependency on China for essential resources, presenting a game-changing development in the country’s resource security. Relevance: GS […]
About Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Context: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently declared a notable rise in the tiger population at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), with the number of big cats increasing from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2023. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Factors Behind Increased Tiger Population in VTR: Key Features […]
Rediscovery of Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Context: The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) has recently reappeared in Arunachal Pradesh after an absence of 42 years. The last documented sighting was in 1981 when a single individual was observed in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Namdapha […]
ASA Bans Airlines Greenwashing Ads
Context: The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned advertisements from Air France, Lufthansa, and Etihad, accusing them of misleading consumers with false claims of flight sustainability and downplaying the environmental impact of air travel. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What Is Greenwashing? Examples of Greenwashing Effects of greenwashing -Source: […]
India’s Ethanol Conundrum
Context: As COP28 in Dubai saw the commitment of over 100 countries to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, India is confronted with a delicate situation concerning its ethanol blending objective. Despite the rise in ethanol blended petrol (EBP) from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23, the 20% target by 2025 faces hurdles due to low […]