About The Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty
Context: The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) concluded with the member states mandating the INC secretariat to develop a zero draft to end plastic pollution including in the marine environment. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty Plastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Plastic […]
About The Marine Sand Watch
Context: Recently, a newly launched data platform called “Marine Sand Watch” sheds light on this critical issue, revealing the scale of sand extraction and its far-reaching consequences. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Marine Sand Watch The Marine Sand Watch is a significant initiative aimed at monitoring and tracking activities related […]
Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control
Context: The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recently released an “Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control.” Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Major Highlights of the Report: Invasive Alien Species: Invasive alien species, also known as invasive exotic species or non-native species, are organisms introduced to regions or ecosystems […]
Building Infrastructure In Mountainous Areas
Context: Building infrastructure in mountainous areas cannot follow the same approach as in flat plains. The devastating floods in northern India in August have raised serious concerns among top officials. In the previous month, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a bench, recommended the formation of an expert committee to conduct a thorough and […]
Red Sand Boad
Context: A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa between the years 2016-2021. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Red Sand Boa Distribution and Behavior Physical Characteristics Ecological Role Conservation Status -Source: The Hindu
Promoting Fungi Awareness: “Funga” for “Flora and Fauna
Context: Recently, United Nations Biodiversity advocates the use of the term “funga” instead of “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi in ecosystems. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Recognizing Fungi: UN Biodiversity’s Call for “Funga” UN Biodiversity advocates for the inclusion of fungi in conservation frameworks, placing them […]
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Context: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has gathered at Bonn, Germany, for the body’s 10th plenary. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: IPBES: Empowering Biodiversity Governance through Expert Insights Scientific Guidance for Policymakers Distinct Autonomy from United Nations Global Membership and Inclusivity Organizational Structure -Source: The […]
Exploring the Himalayan Vulture
Context: Recently, the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati has achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully breeding the elusive Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in captivity for the first time in India. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Exploring the Himalayan Vulture Conservation Status: Impressive Characteristics: Habitat and Range: Ecosystem Role: Captive Breeding […]
Lion-Tailed Macaque
Context: Recently, Lion-tailed macaque has been sporadically spotted by conservationists in the forests of Nadugani, shared by the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu and Nilambur in Kerala. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Lion-tailed Macaque: Appearance Habitat Threats Conservation Status -Source: The Hindu
Rising Methane Levels and Climate Transition: Concerns
Context: The increase in methane levels in the Earth’s atmosphere has prompted worries regarding the ongoing climate transition. The escalation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has led to discussions about the possibility of Earth undergoing a ‘termination-level transition’ akin to historical climate shifts. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Methane: […]