VisionIAS PT 365 December 2024 Environment

ENVIRONMENT
Table of Contents
1. CLIMATE CHANGE __________________ 5 2.4. Land Degradation __________________ 38
2.4.1. UNCCD Data Dashboard ______________ 38
1.1. Global Scenario ____________________ 5 2.4.2. Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) ___________ 39
1.1.1. Ozone Hole ________________________ 5
1.1.2. State of the Cryosphere 2023 __________ 7 2.5. Other Important News ______________ 40
1.2. International Conferences, Conventions and 2.6. International Conventions, Treaties and
Initiatives ____________________________ 9 Initiatives ____________________________ 42
1.2.1. 28th Conference of the Parties (CoP28) __ 9 2.6.1. Minamata Convention on Mercury _____ 42
1.2.2. India at CoP 28 ____________________ 13 2.6.2. UN Global Framework on Chemicals ____ 43
1.2.3. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)14 2.6.3. Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) 44
1.2.4. Guidance on Children’s Rights and
Environment ___________________________ 15
3. BIODIVERSITY _____________________ 45
1.2.5. Other Initiatives in News ____________ 16 3.1. International Conventions, Treaties and
1.3. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation ___ 19 Initiatives ____________________________ 45
1.3.1. Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) _ 19 3.1.1. Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)
1.3.2. Mission LiFE _______________________ 20 _______________________________________ 45
1.3.3. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism 3.1.2. Global Environment Facility ___________ 45
(CBAM) ________________________________ 21 3.1.3. Global Declaration of River Dolphins ____ 46
1.3.4. Debt for Climate Swaps______________ 22 3.1.4. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers'
1.3.5. Reduction of Greenhouse (GHG) Emissions Rights (PPVFR) ___________________________ 47
from Ships _____________________________ 23 3.1.5. International Treaty on Plant Genetic
1.3.6. National Framework for Climate Services Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) _ 48
(NFCS) ________________________________ 23 3.1.6. Other International Conventions and
Initiatives _______________________________ 49
1.4. Other Climate Related Terms and News 24
3.2. Wildlife and Conservation ___________ 50
1.5. Institutions/Organizations in News ___ 26 3.2.1. Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 202350
1.5.1. United Nations Environment Programme 3.2.2. The Wild life (Protection) Amendment Act,
(UNEP) ________________________________ 26 2022___________________________________ 52
1.5.2. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)27 3.2.3. Tiger Conversation in India ___________ 53
3.2.4. Project Cheetah ____________________ 57
2. POLLUTION ______________________ 29 3.2.5. Project Elephant ____________________ 58
2.1. Air Pollution______________________ 29 3.2.6. State of the Rhino 2023 Report ________ 60
2.1.1. Emission Norms for Coal Based Thermal Power 3.2.7. Ban on Drugs Harmful for Vultures _____ 61
Plants _________________________________ 29 3.2.8. Funga: Recognition and Conservation ___ 61
2.1.2. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) __ 29 3.2.9. Export Policy of Red Sanders Wood _____ 62
2.1.3. Regulation on Firecrackers ___________ 31 3.2.10. Invasive Alien Species _______________ 63
2.1.4. Revised Crop Residue Management Guidelines 3.2.11. Red List of Threatened Species _______ 65
______________________________________ 32 3.2.12. Protected Areas in News ____________ 66
2.1.5. Cloud Seeding _____________________ 33 3.2.13. Species in News ___________________ 69
2.1.6. Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan ____________ 33 3.3. Forests___________________________ 78
2.2. Water Pollution and Conservation ____ 34 3.3.1. Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)______________ 78
2.2.1. Ground Water in India ______________ 34 3.3.2. Central Empowered Committee (CEC)___ 79
2.2.2. Water Trading _____________________ 35 3.3.3. United Nation Forum on Forests _______ 79
2.2.3. Other Water Related News ___________ 36 3.3.4. Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme
(IFWCS) ________________________________ 80
2.3. Plastic Pollution ___________________ 37 3.3.5. Other Forest Related News ___________ 81
2.3.1. Plastic Overshoot Day _______________ 37
2.3.2. Zero Draft of Global Treaty to End Plastic 3.4. Wetlands, Coastland and Oceans _____ 82
Pollution_______________________________ 38
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3.4.1. First International Treaty to Protect the High 4.7.5. Sand Mining ______________________ 114
Seas __________________________________ 82
3.4.2. Coral Reef Breakthrough_____________ 83
4.8. Other Important News _____________ 115
3.4.3. Lakes and Wetlands in News _________ 84 4.9. Institutions/Organizations in News ___ 117
3.5. Other Biodiversity Related News _____ 86 4.9.1. International Energy Agency (IEA) _____ 117
4.9.2. International Renewable Energy Agency
3.6. Institutions/Organizations in News ___ 88 (IRENA) _______________________________ 118
3.6.1. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) ________ 88 4.9.3. Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)119
3.6.2. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) ________ 89
3.6.3. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) ___ 90 5. DISASTER MANAGEMENT __________ 120
4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ________ 91 5.1. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

(CDRI) ______________________________ 120
4.1. Framework for Acceptance of Green
Deposits ____________________________ 91 5.2. Risk Tipping Point _________________ 120
4.1.1. Sovereign Green Bond (SGBs) _________ 91 5.3. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) ___ 121
4.2. Resource Efficiency Circular Economy 5.4. Earthquake Swarm ________________ 121
Industry Coalition (RECEIC) _____________ 92
5.5. Landslides in Himalayas ____________ 122
4.3. Green Buildings ___________________ 93
4.3.1. LEED Rating System _________________ 94 5.6. Heatwave in India_________________ 124
5.6.1. Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) __________ 125
4.4. Alternative Fuels and Energy Resources 94
4.4.1. Mission on Advanced and High-Impact 5.7. Cyclones ________________________ 125
Research (MAHIR) _______________________ 94 5.8. Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) 126
4.4.2. US-India Renewable Energy Technology Action
Platform (RETAP) ________________________ 95 5.9. Ennore Oil Spill ___________________ 127
4.4.3. International Solar Alliance (ISA) ______ 96
5.10. Other Disaster Related News _______ 128
4.4.4. National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)97
4.4.5. Ethanol Blending ___________________ 99 5.11. Institutions/Organizations in News __ 128
4.4.6. Compressed Bio-Gas Blending (CBG) __ 100 5.11.1. UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
4.4.7. Offshore Wind Energy ______________ 101 (UNDRR) ______________________________ 128
4.4.8. Tidal Energy ______________________ 101
4.4.9. Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) _____ 102 6. GEOGRAPHY _____________________ 130
4.4.10. Green Energy Open Access Rules (GOAR) 6.1. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) __ 130
2022 _________________________________ 103
4.4.11. Other Alternative Fuels in News _____ 103 6.2. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) __________ 130
4.5. Energy Efficiency _________________ 104 6.3. Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) _____ 131
4.5.1. Star Labelling Programme (SLP) ______ 104
6.4. Geology of Himalayas ______________ 132
4.5.2. National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
_____________________________________ 106 6.5. Water, Ice, Society, and Ecosystems (WISE)
4.5.3. Energy Transition Index ____________ 106 Report _____________________________ 133
4.6. Sustainable Agriculture ____________ 107 6.6. Atlantification ____________________ 133
4.6.1. Certification of Organic Products in India107
4.6.2. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) __ 108 6.7. Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) ______ 134
4.6.3. Agroforestry _____________________ 109 6.8. Aurora __________________________ 134
4.6.4. Other Sustainable Agriculture Practices 110
6.9. Other Terms in News ______________ 135
4.7. Miscellaneous ___________________ 111
4.7.1. G20 Summit Initiatives/Documents ___ 111 6.10. Places in News __________________ 139
4.7.2. 4th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM14) and 8th 6.10.1. Geographical Features (India) _______ 139
Mission Innovation (MI-8) Meeting ________ 112 6.10.2. Geographical Features (International)_ 140
4.7.3. Environmental Cost of War__________ 113 6.10.3. Countries in News _________________ 141
4.7.4. Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) _______ 113
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1. CLIMATE CHANGE
1.1. GLOBAL SCENARIO
1.1.1. OZONE HOLE
Why in the News?
As per a recent study, from
2020-22, ozone hole has
grown larger and thinner over
Antarctica.
About Ozone layer and Ozone
Hole
• Thin shield of gas in Earth’s
Stratosphere
• Absorbs the sun’s
ultraviolet rays.
• Nearly 90% of Earth’s
ozone resides in the
stratosphere.
• Ozone hole: Region of
exceptionally depleted
ozone in the stratosphere
over the Antarctic and
Arctic.
o Denotes areas where ozone levels drop below 220 Dobson Units.
o Average thickness of ozone layer over Earth: 300 Dobson Units
• Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs)
o Human-made gases that reach stratosphere and repeatedly break apart ozone molecules.
✓ A process known as catalytic cycles (a sequence of chemical reactions in the form of a loop)
resulting in destruction of ozone.
• Major ODSs: Chlorine, bromine, CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, halons etc.
• Status: Ozone layer on track to recover within 4 decades (United Nations Environment Programme).
Potential drivers of ozone hole over Antarctica
• Changes in Antarctic polar vortex
o Polar Vortex are stratospheric wind patterns with a vast swirl of low pressure and very cold air, more
pronounced over the South Poles and leads to formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
o PSCs, also known as nacreous clouds or mother of pearl, are formed only below -78C, and trap
outgoing longwave radiation.
o Can destroy ozone by-
✓ Providing a surface that converts benign forms of chlorine into reactive, ozone-destroying forms.
✓ Removing nitrogen compounds that moderates the destructive impact of chlorine.
• Changes in solar cycle.
• Increased atmospheric abundance of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Related News: Impact of Volcanic eruptions on Ozone layer
• As per recent study, eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano may have potentially impacted
ozone layer.
• Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago located in the
southern Pacific Ocean, that erupted in January 2022.
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• Earlier, 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines potentially led to significant ozone loss in
stratosphere.
1.1.1.1. MONTREAL PROTOCOL

Why in the News?
India surpassed Montreal protocol targets, says report by Ministry of Environment and United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
About India’s achievement under Montreal Protocol
• Exceeded the 35% HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) phase-out goal.
o 44% reduction achieved from the 2020 baseline.
• Eliminated HCFC 141b.
o HCFCs are employed as refrigerants in production of new equipment.
o HCFC 141b, is used as a blowing agent in production of rigid polyurethane foam.
• Will also phase out use of HCFCs in new equipment manufacturing completely by December 2024
o Ahead of the Montreal Protocol schedule (2030).
• Other achievements of India in the implementation of Montreal Protocol
o Phased out CFC, Carbon tetrachloride, Halons, etc. for controlled uses.
o HFCs Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage- II is currently under implementation from 2017 (till
2024).
o India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) aims at reducing cooling demand, refrigerant transition, enhancing
energy efficiency and adopting better technology options by 2037-38.
About Montreal Protocol (1987)
• Implemented under the Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985).
• A global environmental treaty to eliminate the production and use of Ozone Depleting Substances
(ODS).
• Signatories: 1st universally ratified Treaty of UN.
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• World Ozone Day celebrated (16th September) each year to commemorate its signing.
• Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol was adopted in 2016 (entered into force 2019), to phase down
production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
o HFCs are non-ODS alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs, but their global warming potential is thousands
of times that of carbon dioxide.
o It divides nations into 3 groups with a four-step path to achieve 80% reduction in HFCs consumption
by 2047.
• India and Montreal protocol
o Became Party to the Vienna Convention (in 1991) and the Montreal Protocol (in 1992).
o Implementing agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
o Ratified Kigali Amendment in 2021.
✓ Under it, India will complete its phase down of HFCs in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative
reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.
1.1.2. STATE OF THE CRYOSPHERE 2023

Why in the News?
The State of the Cryosphere 2023 – Two Degrees is Too High report was released by the International Cryosphere
Climate Initiative (ICCI).
About ICCI
• A network of experts and researchers working with governments and organizations to preserve Earth’s
cryosphere.
• ICCI programs targets the climate dynamics of cryosphere, focuses on the global implications of
cryosphere warming.
Highlights of the report
• Nearly all tropical
glaciers, most mid-
latitude glaciers, and
polar regions will
disappear even if the
temperature rises by 2°
Celsius.
• Himalayas expected to
lose 50 % of today’s
ice if global average
temperatures touch
2°C.
• The last decade witnessed the 7 worst years of ice loss.
About Cryosphere
• Frozen part of the planet.
• Cryosphere's Role in Global Climate
o Help to regulate Earth’s temperature: due to high Albedo.
✓ Albedo is the fraction of light that a surface reflects.
o Store Carbon: Permafrost has trapped tonnes of carbon inside its soil.
o Water availability: Contains 80% of the world's fresh water in the form of glaciers, ice sheets, etc.
• Ice melt in cryosphere causes extreme Weather Events and sea level rise.
• India’s Initiatives to protect cryosphere: National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem;
established a Centre for Himalayan Glaciology in Wadia institute, etc.
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1.1.2.1. ICE MELT IN WEST ANTARCTICA
Why in the News?
Accelerated ice melt was noticed in West Antarctica through various studies and computer simulations.
More on the news
• West Antarctic ice sheet, if completely lost, could contribute to sea level rise of up to 5 meters.
• Ocean-driven melting of floating ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea is the main process contributing to sea-
level rise.
o The Amundsen Sea is located off the coast of West Antarctica.
Sequence of ice melt-
• Melting causes the retreat of the grounding line (i.e.
the line where the ice first goes afloat).
• It reduces the resistance to ice flowing across the
grounding line.
• Faster flow near the grounding line causes more
horizontal stretching leading to thinning.
• It creates steeper surface slopes which increases
the stress that drives the ice forward,
• The faster flow inland causes thinning to propagate
even further into the interior of the ice sheet,
increasing the contribution to sea level rise.
Global efforts to safeguard Antarctica
• Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, with the objectives to
demilitarize Antarctica, promote international scientific cooperation etc. (India is a member).
• Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, 1972
• Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources,1982 (ratified by India)
• Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol), 1991 (signed by India)
India
• Indian Antarctic program, which began in 1981, built three research base stations in Antarctica, named
Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1988) and Bharati (2012).
o As of today, Maitri and Bharati are fully operational.
• The Antarctic Act, 2022: Enacted by India to give effect to Antarctic Treaty, Convention on the
Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and Protocol on Environmental Protection to the
Antarctic Treaty and for matters connected.
o Key provisions: Establishment of Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental
Protection; Permit system; Constitution of Antarctic fund; Stringent penalties; Designated court to
try punishable offences etc.
1.1.2.2. ARCTIC AMPLIFICATION

Why in the News?
World Metrological Organisation (WMO) study highlighted that Arctic has warmed twice as much as world
average.
About Artic Amplification
• Refers to warming differential between the poles and the tropics.
• As per some other studies, Arctic has warmed nearly 4 times faster than the rest of the world over 1979–
2021.
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• Reasons for faster warming of Arctic region
o Polar amplification is much stronger in the Arctic than in Antarctica as it is an ocean covered by sea
ice, while Antarctica is an elevated continent with permanent ice and snow.
o Melting of the ice cover in the Arctic exposes more land/water to the Sun, leading to more absorption
of sunlight.
o Prevailing systems of air circulations transfer heat from the tropics to the poles.
• Summer Arctic sea ice extent is shrinking by 12.6% per decade as a result of global warming.
• Importance of Arctic sea ice
o Role in keeping polar
regions cool and
maintaining earth’s
energy balance.
o Keeps the air cool by
forming a barrier between
cold air above and
relatively warmer water
below.
o Changes in sea ice can
affect biodiversity and
impact mammals such as
polar bears and walruses.
o Affects traditional
subsistence hunting
lifestyle of indigenous populations such as Yup’ik, Iñupiat, and Inuit.
• Reduced ice can open up shipping lanes and increase access to natural resources in Arctic region.
Related concept: Blue Ocean event
• Refers to a situation in which the Arctic Ocean’s ice area drops below 1 Million Sq.Km leading to the
change of arctic surface colour from white to blue.
• Process reduces the amount of sunlight reflected into space, leading to further warming and ice loss.
1.2. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS AND INITIATIVES

1.2.1. 28TH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP28)
Why in the news?
28th COP28 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Dubai,
UAE.
About COP
• Annual conferences of UNFCCC to discuss on ways to address climate crisis.
o Meetings review of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted by member
countries under Paris Agreement (2015).
• Final document called UAE Consensus adopted during COP28.
• Azerbaijan and Brazil to host COP29 (2024) and COP30 (2025), respectively.
Key outcomes of COP28
Pillars of COP28 Key outcomes
Fixing climate • Operationalized Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund
finance o First announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2022
o Meant to compensate countries already dealing with climate change.
✓ L&D refers to the negative consequences arising from the unavoidable
risks of climate change, like rising sea levels, heatwaves, crop failures, etc.
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✓ Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for L&D was established at
COP19 in 2013 in Warsaw (Poland) to address L&D associated with climate
change in developing countries.
o Will be administered by the World Bank as a World Bank-hosted Financial
Intermediary Fund for an interim period of four years.
✓ But managed by an independent secretariat.
o Countries including UAE, Germany, UK, Japan, etc., pledged money to the fund.
• Mobilization of $83.9 billion to climate finance in the Green Climate Fund,
Adaptation Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund, and Special Climate
Change Fund.
• Declaration on a Global Climate Finance Framework (India part of the
declaration).
Focusing on • First implementation report of Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA) was
people, lives and released.
livelihoods • COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate
• COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health
o Released by United Arab Emirates (UAE) in partnership with the World Health
Organization (WHO)
o Signed by over 120 countries including US, UK, Brazil etc.
✓ India has not signed yet.
• COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery & Peace
• Adoption of Global Goal on Adaptation-UAE Framework for Global Climate
Resilience.
o Guides long-term adaptation efforts, in the context of the temperature goal
referred to in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.
o Global Goal on Adaptation is a collective commitment under Article 7.1 of the
Paris Agreement aimed at enhancing world's adaptive capacity, strengthening
resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.
Underpinning • Launch of the COP 28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action
everything with Partnership.
full inclusivity • Appointment of the Youth Climate Champion to serve as the missing bridge
between the COP Presidency and youth stakeholders.
Reports released at COP28
Report Details
Report on • Released by: Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance (IHLEG)
climate finance o Formed by COP26 Presidency, to develop policy options and recommendations
to promote investment for UNFCCC Paris Agreement.
• Key findings
o Global climate finance committed more than tripled over last decade but still too
low.
o Climate finance concentrated in developed economies and China, and in
mitigation rather than adaptation.
An eye on • Released by: International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)
methane Report o IMEO works under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
o Launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit (2021).
• Provides decision-makers a framework, to track and monitor methane emissions, to
plan targeted and ambitious actions for their mitigation.
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About UNFCCC
• An international environmental treaty seeking to reduce greenhouse gases to prevent global warming.
• Genesis: Signed in 1992 at United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also known
as the Earth Summit and is Headquartered in Bonn (Germany).
• Secretariat: Bonn, Germany
• Members: 197 parties (including India)
• Key Agreements:
o Paris Agreement
✓ Adopted in 2015 (legally binding)
✓ Goal: To keep the global average temperature increase well below 2°C above pre-industrial
levels, with efforts to limit the rise to 1.5°C.
o Kyoto Protocol (Adopted in 1997, entered into force in 2005)
✓ Committed industrialized countries and economies in transition to limit and reduce GHG
emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets.
✓ Commitments ended in 2020.
• Initiatives: Momentum for Change Climate Neutral Now (launched by UNFCC Secretariat)
o It urges Individuals, Companies and Governnments to achieve Climate neutrality through three steps
namely; Measuring the climate footprint, Reducing and Offsetting the emissions.
Reports released by UNFCCC
Reports Details
Global • Global stocktake is a process for countries to see whether they are collectively making
stocktake progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement once every 5 years.
(GST) • Global Stocktake (GST) calls on Parties to the Paris Agreement, to follow 8 steps-
technical
synthesis
report
• The draft framework for Global stocktake was released during the Bonn climate meet.
Paris • Implementing latest NDCs will increase emissions by approximately 8.8% by 2030,
Agreement relative to 2010 levels.
Synthesis • 40% of Parties outlined the roles of local communities and rights of Indigenous Peoples
Report in adaptation components of NDCs.
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1.2.1.1. KEY INITIATIVES LAUNCHED IN COP28
Initiative Launched/Initiated Features
Global Green By India • Serve as the international platform for dialogue,
Credit Initiative collaboration, and the exchange of innovative
(GGCI) environmental programs and instruments.
o Also referred as Global Platform for Nature's
Ecological Transformation.
• Key Purposes:
o Sharing of global technical know-how and experiences.
o Shaping green credit policy instruments.
o Supporting implementation (practice component) by
Creating one common value chain.
• Features of GGCI
o 'Green Credit' system, envisages a fully digital and
tradable instrument for environmental sustainability.
o Green Credit Portal,' a repository documenting
plantations and environmental projects working to shape
global demand for future policies.
o Aligned with the principles of the Green Credit program
(GCP).
• “Green credits” focus on voluntary environmental
actions involving the community, private industry and
individuals.
Global • Signed by 118 • Aim:
Renewables and countries on the o Triple the global installed renewable energy capacity
Energy sidelines of to at least 11,000 GW and
Efficiency COP28 o Double the global energy efficiency improvement rate
Pledge • India not a to more than 4% by 2030.
Signatory o Phase down unabated coal.
The Global • Initiated by UAE • Aim:
Cooling Pledge • India not a o Commits the countries to reduce their cooling
Signatory emissions by at least 68% by 2050.
o To increase access to sustainable cooling by 2030.
o To increase the global average efficiency of new air
conditioners by 50%.
• Emission targets draw on the modelling from the UNEP Cool
Coalition report Global Cooling Watch 2023 Keeping it
Chill.
Fossil Fuel, Oil Signed by 50 • A global industry Charter dedicated to speeding up climate
and Gas companies, action and achieving high-scale impact across the oil and
Decarbonization representing more gas sectors.
Charter (OGDC) than 40% of global oil • Key initiative under Global Decarbonization Accelerator
production (GDA), launched at World Climate Action Summit recently.
o GDA is focused on three key pillars:
✓ Scaling energy system of tomorrow;
✓ Decarbonizing energy system of today; and
✓ Targeting methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse
gases.
Africa Green African leaders • Aims to accelerate green growth of industries in Africa and
Industrialisation launched at COP28 attract finance and investment opportunities.
Initiative (AGII)
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G7 climate club • Led by Germany • An open, cooperative, and inclusive forum of climate-
and Chile, along ambitious countries with the goal of supporting the effective
with 36 member implementation of the Paris Agreement and decisions
countries thereunder.
including Kenya, • Aim: To support accelerating climate action and
the European increasing ambition to achieve global net-zero
Union, greenhouse gas emissions by or around mid-century, with
Switzerland and a particular focus on decarbonising industry.
others. • First proposed by Germany during a G7 summit meeting
• India is not a (2022).
member • Interim Secretariat: Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) and International Energy Agency (IEA).
Allied Climate Initial funders • ACP is a philanthropic investment organisation.
Partners (ACP) include Arnold • Aim: To increase the number of climate-related projects
Platform Ventures, Ballmer and businesses in emerging economies.
Group, Bezos Earth • Initial focus regions are Southeast Asia, the Caribbean
Fund, Anita and Josh and Central America, Africa, and India.
Bekenstein, the • Will invest in Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility
Children's (SEACEF).
Investment Fund • ACP and International Finance corporation (IFC) aims to
Foundation (CIFF), generate $ 11 billion for climate investment in developing
etc. countries.
o IFC is the private sector arm of the World Bank that
encourages private investment in developing countries.
ALTERRA fund Announced by UAE • A $30 billion climate fund
• Vision:
o To become the world’s largest private investment
vehicle for climate change action
o Mobilise $250 billion globally by 2030 to create a fairer
climate finance system.
• Focus Areas: Energy Transition; Industrial decarbonization;
Sustainable living; and Climate technologies
1.2.2. INDIA AT COP 28

Why in the News?
India voiced the concerns of the Global South and reiterated the urgency of making climate finance available
to the developing countries in COP28.
India’s role at COP28
Role Details
Co-launched the • LeadIT 2.0 will focus on inclusive & just industry transition, development
Leadership Group for and transfer of low-carbon technology, and financial support to emerging
Industry Transition economies for industry transition.
(LeadIT 2.0) • LeadIT was launched by India and Sweden at the UN Climate Action Summit
in 2019.
Co-hosted (India and • Green Credit Initiative focuses on voluntary environmental actions involving
UAE) event on ‘Green the community, private industry and individuals.
Credits Programme’ at
COP-28
India participated at • MAC seeks to scale up, accelerate conservation, restoration and growing
Mangrove Alliance for plantation efforts of mangrove ecosystems globally.
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Climate (MAC) • It was initiated by the UAE and Indonesia, during COP 27.
Ministerial Meeting at • India is also a member.
COP-28
India-led Global River • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) signed a Memorandum of Common
Cities Alliance (GRCA) Purpose (MoCP) with Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI).
launched • This led to launch of GRCA, as the current River Cities Alliance (RCA) has now
expanded its strength to membership of 267 global river-cities including
India, USA and Denmark.
o RCA is a joint initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to connect river cities and focus on
sustainable river centric development, started in 2021
• GRCA’s secretarial role would be served by NMCG under Ministry of Jal
Shakti (MoJS) and National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA) under Ministry
of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
1.2.3. NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDC)

Why in the News?
UNFCCC secretariat has released NDC Synthesis report 2023 under the Paris Agreement.
Key findings of the report
• World is off track to Paris Agreement goals
o Implementing latest NDCs will increase emissions by approximately 8.8% by 2030, relative to 2010
levels.
• 40% of Parties outlined the roles of local communities and rights of Indigenous Peoples in adaptation
components of NDCs.
About NDCs
• Post-2020 climate actions requested by the Paris Agreement from each Party.
o ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’, signed by the countries during the COP26 of UNFCCC had requested Parties
to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their NDCs by the end of 2022.
• In their NDCs, countries communicate-
o The actions they will take to reduce their GHG emissions in order to reach the goals of the Paris
Agreement.
o Actions they will take to build resilience to adapt to the impacts of rising temperatures.
• Submitted every 5 years to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
India and its NDCs
• First NDC published in 2015 and updated in August 2022.
• Achievement: Achieved 2 of its previous NDCs well ahead of its target.
o Reduced the emission intensity vis-à-vis its GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019.
o Achieved 40% of electric installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources (9 years ahead of target
for 2030).
Related concept: India’s Panchamrit
• India committed five climate actions as ‘Panchamrit’ in CoP26 held at Glasgow
o Reach 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
o Meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
o Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
o Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels.
o Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.
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1.2.4. GUIDANCE ON CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENT
Why in the News?
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) issued the Guidance on Children’s rights and environment.
15
About the Guidance
• Formally known as General Comment No.
26.
o Has Extended the magnitude of triple
planetary crisis - climate emergency,
the collapse of biodiversity and
pervasive pollution as systematic
threat to Children’s rights.
• Has affirmed children’s right to live in a
clean, healthy and sustainable
environment.
• Provides a comprehensive interpretation
of State obligations under the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
• Aims to address the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change on the enjoyment
of children’s rights.
About UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• UNCRC, adopted in 1989, outlines children’s rights, including to life, health, clean drinking water, and
survival and development.
o Ratified by 196 state parties (including India).
• CRC (body of 18 independent experts) monitors implementation of the UNCRC by its States parties.
1.2.5. OTHER INITIATIVES IN NEWS

Initiative Details
Global Greenhouse • The World Meteorological Congress has approved a new GHG monitoring
Gas Watch (GGGW) initiative ‘Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW)’ to aid urgent action in
reducing heat-trapping gases.
• Aims to bring all space-based and surface-based observing systems, as well
as modelling and data assimilation capabilities, under one roof.
o To be built on WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch established in 1989 and
its Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System.
• Will consist of 4 main components
o A comprehensive, sustained, global set of surface-based and satellite-
based observations of CO2, CH4 and N2O concentrations.
o Prior estimates of the GHG emissions;
o A set of global high-resolution Earth System models representing GHG
cycles;
o Associated with the models, data assimilation systems to generate
products of higher accuracy.
First movers’ • India participated in the First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting
coalition (FMC) • FMC: Led by the World Economic Forum and the US government.
• Launched at COP26 as a flagship public-private partnership to clean up
the most carbon-intensive sectors.
• India is a member.
Major Economies • USA aims to catalyse global climate action through its MEF on Energy and
Forum (MEF) on Climate.
Energy and Climate • Launched in 2009, it aims at facilitating candid dialogue among major
emitting countries to garner the political leadership needed to advance efforts
against climate change.
16
• MEF economies account for roughly 80% of global GDP and global
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
o Represents 20 major economies including India, Australia, Brazil, China,
UK, UAE etc.
• MEF leaders deliberated on International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) “Credible
Pathways to 1.5°C”, which identified need for efforts in four key areas-
o Decarbonizing Energy
o Reducing deforestation to net zero by 2030
o Tackling potent, non-CO2 climate pollutants
o Advancing Carbon Management
Enhancing Nature- • Six new countries and UN Environment Programme have joined ENACT
based Solutions for Partnership recently.
an Accelerated o India not a part.
Climate • Launched by: Germany and Egypt along with the IUCN at COP 27, which took
Transformation place at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022.
(ENACT) Partnership • Aims to coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land and
ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based
Solutions (NbS).
Global Research • New Zealand Minister recently invited India to join the GRA for sharing
Alliance on researches on mitigation of climate change impacts on agriculture.
Agricultural • Launched in 2009 to promote international cooperation and investment in
Greenhouse Gases research to mitigate the effect of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
(GRA) • Aims to deepen and broaden mitigation research efforts across the
agricultural sub-sectors of paddy rice, cropping, and livestock.
• Currently has 67 member countries (excluding India).
Kampala Ministerial • Around 48 African countries have agreed to adopt Kampala declaration on
Declaration Migration, Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC).
• Aims to address the nexus of human mobility and climate change in the
continent.
• Declaration calls for enhanced cooperation to address five areas concern:
o Progressive desertification and land degradation
o Unsustainable use of ecosystems
o Unplanned migration of people due to climate change and disasters
o Paucity of data and statistics on the impact of climate change
o Limitations of partnerships and financing to respond to the climate crisis
Data in Climate • The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National
Resilient Agriculture Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have signed an MoU
(DiCRA) to co-create data-driven digital public good, which includes DiCRA.
• DiCRA is a collaborative digital public good that provides open access to key
geospatial datasets pertinent to climate-resilient agriculture.
o Curated by UNDP and partner organizations to inform public investments
in agriculture.
Cool Coalition • UNEP led Cool Coalition has released a Global Cooling Watch report 2023
named “Keeping it Chill: How to meet cooling demands while cutting
emissions”.
o Released to support the Global Cooling Pledge and the Cool Coalition.
• About Cool Coalition
o Launched by: UNEP at the First Global Conference on Synergies
between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and
the Paris Agreement.
o A global network of partners working to provide efficient, climate-friendly
cooling for all.
17
o International Solar Alliance (India) is a partner.
FAO Action Plan • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Launched Action Plan (2022-25) for
(2022-25) Implementation of FAO Strategy on Climate Change (2022–2031).
• The Strategy envisages agrifood systems as sustainable, inclusive, resilient
and adaptive to climate change.
o Currently, Global agrifood systems are responsible for about a third of
total greenhouse gas emissions.
• FAO Action Plan is based on three pillars: Strengthening global and regional
climate policy and governance; Developing countries’ capacities for climate
action and Scaling up climate action on ground.
Climate Change • India this year further improved its global CCPI ranking by securing 7th
Performance Index position (last year it was 8th).
(CCPI) 2024 • About CCPI
o Released by Germanwatch.
o Independent monitoring tool for tracking climate protection
performance.
o Assesses countries performance in four categories:
✓ GHG emissions (40% of the overall score)
✓ Renewable energy (20%),
✓ Energy use (20%) ,
✓ Climate policy (20%).
o Top three places i.e. 1-3 are vacant in CCPI.
• Germanwatch also releases The Global Climate Risk Index.
Nairobi declaration • The first Africa Climate Summit 2023 ends with the ‘Nairobi Declaration’.
• Called for an annual climate finance pledge of $100bn and reforms to
multilateral financial systems
Addis Ababa • The 19th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) 2023,
Declaration held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ended with the declaration.
• Prioritizes wide-ranging actions related to climate change, plastics
pollution, marine protection, land degradation, and natural capital.
• Signed by 54 African Nations.
C40
• Bengaluru Climate Action Plan was unveiled in line with the city's
commitment to C40 Cities and Delhi’s City of Lakes Project and 3i model
were discussed during its meet.
o Delhi’s breakthrough initiatives in fighting climate change
o Delhi’s 3i model is designed for Electric Vehicles and focuses on
Inclusion, incentivization, and Innovation.
• C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities
that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.
o 6 Indian Cities namely Delhi NCT, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru,
and Ahmedabad are parties to it.
Global Greenhouse • Launched by: WMO
Gas Monitoring • Aim: To provide better ways of measuring planet-warming pollution and help
Infrastructure (GGMI) inform policy choices.
• Will integrate space-based and surface-based observing systems, and seek
to clarify uncertainties about where greenhouse gas emissions end up.
• It is embodied by WMO’s 60-year-old World Weather Watch and its
acclaimed Global Atmosphere Watch.
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1.3. CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
1.3.1. CARBON CREDITS TRADING SCHEME (CCTS)
Why in the News?
Ministry Of Power (MoP) announces reforms in Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) launched in 2023.
About CCTS
• Sets up a carbon credit trading market.
• First announced under Energy Conservation Act 2001, amended by Energy Conservation (Amendment)
Bill 2022.
• Key highlights of CCTS
o Sets up National Steering Committee (NSC), aka Indian Carbon Market Governing Board (ICMGB),
headed by power and environment secretaries, to govern and oversee the functions of the Indian
Carbon Market (ICM).
o Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) would be the administrator for the carbon market and set targets
for reduction in emissions, issue carbon credit certificates, and accredit carbon verification
agencies.
o Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) will regulate all trading activities.
o Grid Controller of India will be the registry of ICM.
Major reforms announced by MoP
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to develop the standards and register the project under an offset
mechanism.
• BEE would “validate” carbon credits, as opposed to only “verification” in the original framework.
• Allowed ‘non-obligated entities’ (Non-OEs) (purchase the carbon credit certificates voluntarily) to also
register decarbonization projects and
generate carbon credits.
About Carbon Markets
• Trading systems in which carbon credits
are sold and bought.
• Companies or individuals can use carbon
markets to compensate for their GHG
emissions by purchasing carbon credits
from entities that remove or reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
• One tradable carbon credit equals one
tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent
amount of a different greenhouse gas
reduced, sequestered or avoided.
• Carbon trading introduced by Kyoto
Protocol in 1997.
Related News: National Carbon Registry
• Launched by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• An open-source software that allows countries to effectively manage national data and processes for
trading carbon credits.
o Has been accredited as a digital public good (DPG)
o Can be integrated with national measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems to meet
international reporting requirements.
19
• National carbon Registry will promote development of Carbon Market by facilitating trading of carbon
credits.
• Article 6 of Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve
emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
1.3.2. MISSION LIFE

Why in news?
Meri LiFE App was launched by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
More on news
• Aims to empower youngsters and encourage their participation in tackling climate change through
simple actions in daily life
• It provides participative experience in a series of LiFE-related tasks under five themes namely Save
Energy, Save Water, Reduce Single Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, and Adopt Healthy
Lifestyle.
About Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

• An India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and
community action to protect and preserve environment.
• Launched by India at UN Climate Change Conference
(UNFCCC COP26) in 2021.
• Nodal Ministry: MoEFCC for national level coordination and
implementation.
• Objectives:
o To translate vision of LiFE into measurable impact.
o Mobilise at least one billion Indians and other global
citizens to take individual and collective action for
protecting and preserving the environment in the period
2022 to 2027.
o Within India, at least 80% of all villages and urban local
bodies are aimed to become environment-friendly by
2028.
o Nudge individuals and communities to practise
sustainable lifestyle.
✓ Those who practice such a lifestyle are recognised as ‘Pro Planet People’.
• 7 themes of LiFE: Save Energy; Save Water; Say No to Single Use Plastic; Adopt Sustainable Lifestyle;
Reduce Waste; Adopt Healthy Lifestyles and Reduce E-Waste.
• Implementation Mechanism:
o Coordinated and concerted actions by Ministries/Departments.
o Compiling a comprehensive and non-exhaustive list of 75 LiFE actions for individuals, communities
and institutions.
o Identification of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and impact of LiFE actions
o Creation of LiFE Dashboard
Related News: Environmental Information, Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme
(EIACP)
• EIACP Programme Centre at Raipur has created a world record by taking a LiFE (Lifestyle for
Environment) pledge of over 12.38 lakh by people to conserve environment.
• About EIACP
o A project funded by MoEF&CC, to facilitate collection, analysis and dissemination of information
on various facets of environment.
20
o One of the 3 Central Sector sub- scheme under Environment Education, Awareness, Research and
Skill Development (EEARSD).
✓ Other 2 components of EEARSD- Environmental Education Programme (EEP) and Environmental
Research and Development Program (ERDP).
o Replaced Environmental Information System (ENVIS) as a plan programme.
✓ ENVIS Scheme was subsumed within revamped scheme of EEARSD (approved for 2021-22 to
2025-26) in 2022.
1.3.2.1. RIGHT TO REPAIR

Why in news?
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched pilot project on ERSO.
Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO)
• The initiative aims to make India the Repair Capital of the World.
• ERSO involves outsourcing defective/damaged electronic items to Indian repair service organizations
for repair, refurbishment, and calibration to achieve optimal functionality.
About Right to repair
• Notion that consumers should have the right to repair their lawfully purchased products directly, or by
selecting a repair service of their choice.
Initiatives in India
• Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) set up committee on the Right to Repair to emphasize on the
LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) movement through sustainable consumption.
o Key sectors identified for this framework include Farming Equipment, Mobile Phones/ Tablets,
Consumer Durables and Automobiles & Automobile Equipment.
• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution unveiled ‘right to repair’ portal.
o On the portal, manufacturers would share manual of product details with customers so that they could
either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers.
o Initially, mobile phones, electronics, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipment would be
covered.
1.3.3. CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

Why in the News?
India aims to utilise green energy to help industries deal with EU's CBAM.
About CBAM
• Policy instrument to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive
goods that are entering the EU and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.
o Under this, importers must purchase carbon certificates equivalent to the EU's carbon pricing rules.
o EU importers can claim CBAM liability deductions if non-EU producers have already paid emissions
fees in their respective countries.
• Reporting under it started from 1 October 2023.
• Becomes operational in its definitive phase on 1 January 2026.
• Designed to be compatible with WTO rules.
• Its like a non-tariff barrier (NTB) for Indian exports.
o An NTB is any measure, other than a customs tariff, that acts as a barrier to international trade.
• Goods covered by CBAM: Iron, steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen etc.
• Adopted as a part of the EU's Fit for 55 package.
21
About Fit for 55 package
• Refers to the EU’s target of reducing
net greenhouse gas emissions by at
least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels
and achieve net zero emissions by
2050.
• Other Carbon Market reforms
adopted by EU
o Social Climate Fund, to support
people in Europe with the costs
of transitions.
o Reforming Emission Trading
System (ETS): European
industries and energy companies
should cut emissions by 62 % by
2030 compared to 2005 levels, compared to previous target of 43%.
Related News: Green Deal Industrial Plan
• The European Union unveils its ‘Green Deal Industrial Plan.’
• The proposal involves building a simpler regulatory framework, faster access to funds, enhancing
skills, and improving the EU’s trade network.
• Key Features:
o Seeks to formulate a “Net-Zero Industry Act” to speed up the issuance of permits for green projects.
o Aims to establish “Net-Zero Industry Academies” to provide up-skilling and reskilling programs in
strategic industries.
1.3.4. DEBT FOR CLIMATE SWAPS

Why in the News?
Gabon announced
Africa’s largest debt for
nature swap valued at
$500 million.
About Debt for
Climate Swaps
• A type of debt swap
in which the debtor
nation, instead of
continuing to
make external
debt payments in
a foreign
currency, makes
payments in local
currency to finance climate projects domestically on agreed upon terms.
• First used in the 1980s in Latin America.
• The world’s first and largest debt swap to conserve oceans was signed by Ecuador in 2023.
• India is not involved in any such debt for nature swaps till date.
• Other countries involved in such swaps: Brazil, Madagascar, Philippines etc.
22
1.3.5. REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE (GHG) EMISSIONS FROM SHIPS
Why in the news?
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has
adopted a Strategy on the Reduction of GHG
Emissions from Ships.
About the Strategy
• Adopted by Marine Environment Protection
Committee (MEPC 80), an important
committee of IMO.
• GHG by Shipping Industry: Accounts for
2.89% of anthropogenic GHG emissions.
o Includes carbon dioxide (CO2), black
carbon (BC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
nitrous oxide (N2O).
Key Provisions of Strategy
• Reduction of Emissions:
o Reduce CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008.
o Reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
• Technology adoption: Uptake of technologies to reduce:
o at least 5%, striving for 10%, of the energy used by international shipping by 2030.
• Periodic Review: Five-yearly review, first review due in 2028.
Other Efforts for Reducing Emissions from Ships
India
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has released 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines 2023.
• India has been selected as the first country under IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 project.
• Maritime Vision 2030 provides for a sustainable maritime sector.
• Certain Ports to be developed as Hydrogen Hubs (capable of handling, storing, and generation of
green hydrogen by 2030).
• Centre has set 2030 as target for India to become global hub for green shipping.
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
Global
• Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors (India is not signatory).
• Financing Sustainable Maritime Transport (FIN-SMART) Roundtable initiative (IMO-EBRD-World
Bank)
• Global Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centres (MTCC) Network (GMN) (European Union and
IMO)
• IMO CARES (Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping) Foundation Project (2022-
2024)
• International Code for ships operating in polar water or polar code: An international regime adopted
by the International Maritime Organisation in 2014.
1.3.6. NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES (NFCS)

Why in the news?
India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Christ University signed an MoU to collaborate on climate research
during a Workshop on NFCS in India.
23
About NFCS
• NFCS - India proposed under Global
Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
• Since 2009, Switzerland, China,
Germany and UK have also launched the
NFCS.
• Aim: Strengthening the production,
availability, delivery and application of
science-based climate monitoring and
prediction services (refer to
infographics).
• Nodal agency: IMD
About GFCS
• Launched at World Climate Conference-3 in 2009 and coordinated by World Meteorological
Organization (WMO).
• Global partnership of governments (India is a founding Member) and organisations.
• Aim: To achieve a climate-smart society.
1.4. OTHER CLIMATE RELATED TERMS AND NEWS

News Details
India Climate • NITI Aayog released ICED 3.0.
Energy Dashboard • ICED: One-stop platform for near real-time data on the energy sector, climate,
(ICED) 3.0 and related economic datasets based on government-published sources.
o Useful in monitoring the progress of India's clean energy transition journey.
UN Climate Change • To connect the work of governments with the many voluntary and
High-Level collaborative actions taken by cities, regions, businesses and investors, nations
Champions decided to appoint two High-Level Champions.
• H.E. Ms. Razan Al Mubarak and H.E. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai are the UN Climate
Change High-Level Champions for COP28 and COP29.
The Energy • The Green Shift: The Low Carbon Transition of India’s Oil & Gas Sector’ report
Transition Advisory was submitted by ETAC to the Government.
Committee (ETAC) o The report focuses on increasing adoption of clean energy solutions such
as hydrogen, biofuel, nuclear, geothermal, tidal in India’s energy mix.
• About ETAC
o Established in 2021 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG).
o Formed to draw an energy transition pathway for Oil & Gas Public Sector
Undertakings (PSUs) in the country.
Short-lived • As per a recent study, oceans cool the planet by releasing short-lived halogens
halogens that contribute 8-10 per cent of cooling.
• SLH (lifetime of less than six months) are gases that contain the halogen
elements chlorine, bromine, or iodine.
• Source: Marine phytoplankton and algae, abiotic sources from ocean and
tropospheric chemistry.
• Impact: Reduces warming by depleting ozone and reduce the formation of
cooling aerosols.
o SLH increase methane’s lifetime in the atmosphere and increase the
levels of water vapour.
Decarbonisation • Recently, NITI Aayog released “Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023: A
Stocktake on Sectoral Ambition in G20” report.
24
• As per the report, India's total CO₂ emissions: From fuel combustion grew by
330% between 1990 and 2019.
• Decarbonisation Refers to removal or reduction of carbon dioxide output in
atmosphere.
• G20 is responsible for more than 80% of current global CO₂ emissions and
almost 70% of global transport emissions.
Coupled Model • Scientists used Earth system models (ESMs) and high-resolution simulated
Intercomparison precipitation from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6 (CMIP6)
Project-6 (CMIP6) experiments.
experiments o ESMs are a complex integration of environmental variables (atmosphere,
ocean, land, ice, and biosphere) used for understanding our planet.
• CMIP: Project of World Climate Research Programme which is sponsored by
International Science Council, World Meteorological Organization, and
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
• Study is supported under Climate Change Program of the Department of
Science & Technology (DST).
• Other Climate change programme under DST
o Coordinates National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem and
National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
o Both part of the 8 missions under the National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC).
• NAPCC outlines a national strategy to enable the country to adapt to climate
change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India‘s development path
o Other 6 missions under NAPCC: Missions for enhanced energy efficiency,
sustainable habitat, green initiatives, agriculture, solar, and water.
Methylotuvimicrobi • Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1C is a methanotroph (methane-eating
um Buryatense microorganism) bacterial strain.
5GB1C • Can potentially remove methane from major emission sites like landfills,
paddy fields, and oil and gas wells.
o Bacteria produce biomass after consuming methane, which can be used as
feed in aquaculture.
Framework for • WHO has released a Framework for Climate resilient and low carbon health
climate resilient systems.
and low carbon • Aims to enhance the resilience of health systems while simultaneously
health systems reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help safeguard the health of
communities worldwide.
• Important to implement the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and
Health (ATACH) goals.
o ATACH, a WHO initiative, established in 2022, is an informal voluntary
network which works to realize the ambition set at COP26 to build climate
resilient and sustainable health systems.
Just Energy • A New 2.5 billion Euro JET-P deal was announced for Senegal to increase
Transition renewable share in energy mix.
Partnership (JET-P) • About JETP: A financing mechanism that aims to support developing
countries in their transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to clean and
renewable energy sources.
• Launched at the COP26 in Glasgow (2021)
• Senegal has become the fourth country after South Africa, Indonesia
and Vietnam to sign the JET-P deal (India not a Signatory)
• The donor pool consists of countries like Japan, the USA, Canada, Denmark,
France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the EU, and the UK.
25
Climate Policy • The Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2023 report was released by
Initiative released by Climate Policy Initiative.
• CPI: An analysis and advisory organization with expertise in finance and policy.
• Mission: To help governments, businesses and financial institutions to drive
economic growth while addressing climate change.
• Has six offices around the world in Brazil, India, Indonesia, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.
1.5. INSTITUTIONS/ORGANIZATIONS IN NEWS

1.5.1. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)
• An international environmental authority engaged in establishing a global environmental agenda and
promoting the efficient implementation of the Sustainable Development Programme.
• Genesis: Established in 1972, following UN Conference on the Human Environment.
• Headquarters: Nairobi (Kenya)
• Members: 193 UN Member States (including India)
o Approve the programme of work and budget.
• Funding: Relies on voluntary contributions for over 95% of funding needs.
o Environment Fund is UNEP's core fund.
• Hosts the secretariats of various conventions (see infographic) and Entities:
o Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
o Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – hosted jointly by UNEP and the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• 'Common Carbon Metric', supported by UNEP, has been developed for assessing the carbon footprint of
building operations around the world.
26
Recent reports Released by UNEP
Reports Key Highlights
Adaptation Gap • Adaptation gap is the difference between implemented adaptation and societally set
Report 2023 goals.
• Key Findings
o Adaptation finance needs are 10-18 times higher than current public flows.
o Adaptation finance gap is expanding, now at US$194-366 billion annually.
o Action plan on loss and damage has overlooked non-economic losses like
cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
Emission Gap • Tracks the gap between where global emissions are heading with current country
Report 2023 commitments and where they ought to be to limit warming to 1.5°C.
• Key Findings
o Global GHG emissions increased by 1.2 % from 2021 to 2022 with fossil fuel
combustion and industrial processes being main contributors.
o Highly unequal distribution of current and historical emissions: Globally, the
10% of the population with the highest income accounted for 48% of emissions.
o Global warming is estimated to be limited to 3°C if the current policies continue.
Other reports • Turning off the Tap How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular
economy
• Building Materials and The Climate: Constructing A New Future
• What’s Cooking: UNEP’s Special Edition Frontiers Report 2023
• Invest into Healthy Planet, Wastewater -Turning Problem to Solution (developed jointly
by UNEP's Global Wastewater Initiative and GRID-Arendal,)
• Global Environment Outlook
• Global Climate Litigation Report
1.5.2. WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION (WMO)

• A Specialised agency of UN and UN's authoritative voice on the state of Earth's atmosphere, its
interaction with the oceans and the climate.
• Genesis: Established in 1950, replaced the then International Meteorological Organization (1873)
• Headquarter: Geneva (Switzerland)
• Members: 193 members (Including India)
Recent reports Released by WMO
The State of the • Global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15°C above the 1850–1900 average.
Global Climate • Years 2015 to 2022 were eight warmest on record.
2022 report • Concentrations of three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and
nitrous oxide – reached record highs in 2021.
• Overall, 58% of ocean surface experienced at least one marine heatwaves during
2022 and the rate of global mean sea level rise has doubled
Greenhouse Gas • Global average CO2 concentrations in 2022 represent a 150% increase from pre-
Bulletin industrial levels.
• Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) concentrations increased by 264% and
124% respectively from pre-industrial levels in 2022.
• From 1990 to 2022, radiative forcing by long-lived GHGs increased by 49%, with
CO2 accounting for about 78% of this increase.
o Radiative forcing represents the amount of energy per unit area that is added
or removed from the climate system
27
State of Global • Over 50% of global catchments and reservoirs showed deviations, mostly drier
Water than usual.
Resources 2022 • Anomalies in soil moisture and evapotranspiration also matched the deviations
noted in river discharge conditions.
• Asian Water Tower (AWT): From 2000 to 2018, total glacier mass in region
decreased by approximately 4.3%.
o AWT includes Tibetan Plateau, Himalayas, Karakorum, Hindu Kush, the Pamirs,
and Tien Shan Mountains- collectively called the Third Pole.
Other reports • Global Climate 2011-2020 Report
• State of Climate Services Report 2023
• Global atmosphere Watch
• Air Quality and Climate Bulletin
• Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 2023-2027
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2. POLLUTION
2.1. AIR POLLUTION
2.1.1. EMISSION NORMS FOR COAL BASED THERMAL POWER PLANTS
Why in the news?
Only 77 coal-based electricity generation units have installed Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) or circulating
fluidized bed combustion (CFBC), which is less than 8% of the total coal-based electricity generation capacity.
Emission Norms for TPPs
• Environmental emission standards for controlling SO2, NOx & Mercury emissions from coal-based
Thermal Power Plants (TPPs).
o First introduced in 2015 by MoEFCC, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Timelines were extended for majority of coal-based power plants in India in 2021 and 2022.
Key Highlights of the Norms
• 3 Categories with 3 different deadlines
Category Location/area Changed Deadlines
Category A Within a 10-km radius of Delhi-NCR and cities December 31, 2022 to December
population more than 10 Lakh 31, 2024.
Category B 10-km radius of critically-polluted areas or non- December 31, 2023 to December
attainment cities (those cities failed to meet the 31, 2025.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards)
Category C For all other power plants December 31, 2024 to December
31, 2026.
o Power plant units declared to retire before December 31, 2027 will not be required to meet the
specified norms for SOx.
• Use of beneficiated coal: To minimize flyash generation.
o Coal beneficiation: Process through which combustion attribute of the coal is enhanced by
separating the inorganic impurities (volatile matter or ash) from raw coal.
o Each TPPs generating station should achieve 100% utilisation of total ash generated at plant.
Pollution Control Technologies (PCTs) at different stages of a power plant’s operations
Pre-combustion In-combustion Post-combustion
Coal washing and • Low NOx Burner (LNB) and Over- Technologies available for
blending Fire Air (OFA) in boiler for NOx. • SOx emission: Flue-gas desulfurization
• Limestone injection into the (FGD)
furnace for SOx reduction. • NOx Emission: Selective Catalytic or
• CFBC boilers: Highly fuel flexible Non-Catalytic Reduction (SCR/SNCR)
o Environment friendly • Particulate Matter (PM) Emission:
technology to utilize low Electrostatic Precipitators (for large PM)
grade, high moisture lignite. or fabric filters.
2.1.2. GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)

Why in the news?
Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announced a revision in the
existing GRAP to abate air pollution in the region.
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About Graded Response Action Plan
• An emergency response mechanism based on Delhi's Air Quality Index level.
• Prepared in pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order of 2016 in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs Union of India
regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi.
• First notified under Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 in January 2017 by the MoEFCC.
o Implementing the GRAP fell on the now-dissolved Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control)
Authority for the NCR.
• From 2021 onwards, GRAP is being implemented by the CAQM.
• Since October 2022, GRAP has been enforced based on the AQI.
o Older version of the GRAP was enforced based only on the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10.
• Classified under 4 different stages of adverse air quality in Delhi. (Shown in Table)
Revised Graded Response Action Plan
Stages Delhi AQI Actions
Stage I - 201-300 • Strictly enforce NGT / SC’s order on over aged diesel / petrol vehicles and as
'Poor' Air per extant statutes.
Quality • Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / clean fuel
gas based appliances (Shifted from Stage-II to Stage I)
• New Additions:
o Citizen charter: Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular
pollution.
o Do not drive/ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/Petrol vehicles.
Stage ll - 301-400 • Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR
'Very Poor' including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and Office establishments etc.
Air Quality • New Additions:
o Ensure focused and targeted action on the predominant sector(s)
contributing to adverse air quality in all identified hotspots in NCR.
Stage III – 401-450 • NCR state governments/Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi
‘Severe’ (GNCTD): To impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV
Air Quality diesel LMVs (4 wheelers).
• New Additions:
o NCR State Governments/GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing
physical classes in schools for children up to Class V.
Stage IV – 450+ • New Additions:
‘Severe +’ o Do not permit LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs /CNG/BS-VI
Air diesel, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential
Quality services.
o NCR State Governments/GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing
physical classes even for classes VI – IX, class XI and conduct lessons in
an online mode.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
• A statutory body constituted under ‘CAQM in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021’.
• Primary goal: To enhance coordination, conduct research, and identify and address issues related to air
quality in the NCR and its neighboring regions including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
• Releases Statutory Directions for environmental pollution to the state government.
Related concept: National Air Quality Index (NAQI)
• Released by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Includes 8 pollutants-PM10, PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, SO2, CO, NH3 and lead (Pb).
• AQI communicates air quality status using six categories (ranging from Good to Severe).
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About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• A statutory organisation
constituted under the
Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act,
1974.
• Later, was entrusted with
the powers and functions
under the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution)
Act, 1981.
• CPCB along with State
Pollution Control Boards
(SPCBs) are responsible
for implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.
• Major Initiatives:
o National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): A nation-wide programme of ambient air
quality monitoring:
o Under NAMP, 4 air pollutants identified for regular monitoring at all the locations:
✓ Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
✓ Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2
✓ Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM / PM10)
✓ Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
o Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities (PRANA) portal for monitoring of the
implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 131 cities & disseminating
information on air quality to the public.
2.1.3. REGULATION ON FIRECRACKERS

Why in the News?
The Supreme Court
(SC) has directed to
apply the regulations
on Firecrackers to all
the states.
More about the news
• SC clarified that its
2021 directions
against use of
barium and
banned
chemicals in
firecrackers are
now applicable
across country.
• Green crackers
are permissible
following the
directions issued
by Supreme Court
in 2018.
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About Green Crackers
• Don’t contain hazardous elements like barium nitrate.
• Cause 30% reduction in particulate matter using Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) as oxidant.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute
(NEERI) developed green crackers-
o SWAS (safe water releaser) suppresses dust released by releasing water vapour in air.
o STAR (safe thermite cracker) does not comprise potassium nitrate and sulphur, emits reduced
particulate matter disposal and reduced sound intensity.
o SAFAL has minimum usage of aluminium and used magnesium instead.
• NEERI, Nagpur is mandated to conduct research and developmental studies in environmental science
and engineering.
Related Concept: E-crackers

• CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), an electronics laboratory, is
developing safe and pollution free technology of electronic crackers (E-crackers) to meet latent social
aspiration of enjoying fireworks.
• It includes various products like E-Ladi, E-Anar, system for E-cracker show etc.
• At present CSIR-CEERI is ready with the laboratory level prototype of E-Ladi.
o E-Ladi is based on high-voltage electrostatic discharge to generate light/sound effect.
2.1.4. REVISED CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

Why in the news?
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare revised Crop Residue Management Guidelines.
More about the news
• Guidelines will enable efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw generated in Punjab, Haryana, UP
and Delhi and prevent stubble burning.
• Key features of guidelines
o Techno-commercial pilot projects for Paddy Straw Supply Chain to be established between
Beneficiary/Aggregator (Farmers, rural entrepreneurs, FPOs etc) and Industries.
o Government to provide financial assistance on capital cost of machinery and equipment.
✓ Government (jointly by Central and State Governments) to provide financial support of @ 65% of
project cost.
✓ Industry will contribute 25% and Farmers, rural entrepreneurs, FPOs etc. will contribute the
balance 10%.
o State Governments to approve projects through project sanctioning committee.
o Financial assistance to be extended for machines and equipments such as Higher HP Tractor,
Cutters, Tedder etc.
About stubble burning
• A process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting
of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc.
• Impact: Emission of gases such as CH4, CO, N2O and NOx; Particulate
matters; Loss of plant nutrients; and adverse affect on environment
and soil health.
• Reason for stubble burning
o Farmers use less labour-intensive methods, such as the combine
harvester, leaving behind rice stubble.
o 10 days gap between rice harvesting season and sowing of wheat.
o Tradition and Conventional Practice.
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o Can help in Pest and Disease Management.
• Options for Ex-situ management of crop residue
o Biomass pellets as a fuel substitution in thermal power plants.
o Production of compressed bio-gas / bio-CNG from paddy straw
o Alcohol production from paddy straw.
2.1.5. CLOUD SEEDING

Why in the news?
Researchers discussed the possibility of using cloud
seeding to tackle Delhi's air pollution.
About Cloud Seeding
• A weather modification technique to enhance
precipitation by dispersing substances into the air
that help to saturate the clouds.
• Chemicals used: Salts such as silver iodide
(AgI), potassium iodide, sodium chloride, or dry
ice (solid carbon dioxide)
• Conditions required for cloud seeding to be
effective:
o Clouds need to be deep enough and have a
suitable temperature, typically between -10
and -12 degrees Celsius.
o Clouds should cover at least 50% of the
target area.
o Clouds do not form at wind speeds above a certain level.
o Less effective when relative humidity is less than 75%.
o Cold enough clouds needed to contain supercooled liquid water.
Types of cloud seeding
• Hygroscopic cloud seeding: Disperses salts through flares or explosives in the lower portions of clouds.
• Dynamic cloud seeding: Boosts vertical air currents encouraging more water to pass through the clouds.
• Static cloud seeding: Involves spreading a chemical like Agl into moisture-laden clouds.
2.1.6. SWACHH VAYU SARVEKSHAN

Why in the News?
The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) awards were announced.
About Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan
• An initiative by the MoEFCC under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
o NCAP launched by MoEFCC as a comprehensive initiative in partnership with various Ministries and
States to improve air quality at city, regional and national level.
• Objectives of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan
o To create awareness among all sections of the society
o Inform citizens about the health impacts related to exposure.
o Comparing air quality conditions at different locations/cities
o To achieve NCAP goal ‘Clean Air for All’
• All 131 cities covered under NCAP are required to do the self-assessment as per the framework provided
on the PRANA online portal (Dashboard to capture the progress of the NCAP programme).
o 131 cities are categorized into three groups based on population.
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o Better performing cities i.e., the top 3 cities in each category, are rewarded with a cash price, trophy
and Certificate.
• Reports and documents
further vetted by respective
Air Quality Monitoring
Committee (AQMC),
chaired by Principal
Secretary Environment.
o Further examined and
evaluated by CPCB for
ranking, on the basis of
assessment
framework given in
MoEF&CC guideline.
• Results of Swachh Vayu
Sarvekshan 2023
o Indore (Madhya Pradesh) ranked first in 1st category (million plus population)
o Amravati (Maharashtra) ranked first in 2nd category (3-10 lakhs population)
o Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh) ranked first in the 3rd Category (less than 3 lakhs population)
2.2. WATER POLLUTION AND CONSERVATION

2.2.1. GROUND WATER IN INDIA
Why in news?
Union Minister for Jal Shakti released Dynamic Ground
Water Resource Assessment Report for the country
for year 2023.
Key highlights of the report
• Carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board
(CGWB) and States/UTs
• Such joint assessments carried out from 1980
onwards.
o From 2022, the exercise carried out annually.
Indicator Findings
Total annual groundwater • 449.08 billion cubic meters (bcm) (Increased from 437.6 bcm in 2022).
(GW) recharge in the • Major increase noticed in West Bengal, Assam, Telangana,
country Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar.
‘Over-exploited’ units • 11.23% of total assessment units in various States/ UTs. (Decreased
(indicating GW extraction from 14.2% in 2022)
exceeding annually • Accounts for 17 % of total recharge worthy area of the country.
replenishable GW recharge) • Over-exploited’ Units mostly concentrated in:
o North west, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Western
Uttar Pradesh (due to indiscriminate withdrawals of GW).
o Western part, in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat (Arid climate)
o Southern part, including parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh (GW availability low in crystalline aquifers).
34
‘Critical’ units (GW • 3.04 % assessment units
extraction between 90- • Accounts for 3 % of total recharge worthy area of the country.
100%)
“Semi-critical’’ units (GW • 10.65 % assessment units
extraction between 70 % and • Accounts for 12 % of total recharge worthy area of the country.
90 %)
‘Safe’ units (GW extraction • 73.14 % assessment units. (Increased from 67.4% in 2022)
is less than 70 %) • Accounts for 66 % of total recharge worthy area of the country.
GW scenario in India
• World’s largest user of groundwater, exceeding the use of the United States and China combined.
• Water level in more than 60% of wells monitored by CGWB registered a declining trend in the last one
decade.
• Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023,
published by United Nations University – Institute for
Environment and Human Security-
o Some areas in Indo-Gangetic basin in India
already passed the groundwater depletion
tipping point.
✓ When the water table in a given aquifer drops
consistently below the well depth.
o Entire north-western region is predicted to
experience critically low groundwater
availability by 2025.
About Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
• HQ: Faridabad, Haryana.
• Genesis: Established in 1970 by renaming Exploratory
Tube wells Organization.
o Merged with the Ground Water Wing of Geological
Survey of India during 1972.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Mandate: National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for
management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of GW resources.
2.2.2. WATER TRADING

Why in the news?
NITI Aayog released a document on water trading mechanisms to promote the reuse of treated wastewater.
About Water Trading Mechanism
• A water market mechanism that considers water as a commodity rather than a public good.
o Can be traded amongst users according to their needs.
• Mechanism: A Water company, rather than creating its own water source, can buy the water from a third
party and sell it to the users.
• Enabling elements for Water Trading
o Ownership of water - should be indisputable.
o Water entitlements- could be transferred.
o Water Reuse Certificates (WRCs) - as tradable permits.
✓ Under the WRC trading system, water users across sectors, including municipal/residential,
industrial and agricultural sectors, shall be registered and get individual targets for water reuse.
35
✓ Water users having WRCs may sell them in the open market, allowing other water users to bridge
the gap between their wastewater reuse targets.
• Water.org started the initiative of WaterCredit loan program to address the barrier of affordable financing
for safe water and sanitation.
o It is a global nonprofit organization working to bring water and sanitation to the world.
2.2.3. OTHER WATER RELATED NEWS

News Details
National Water • President of India conferred 4th National Water Awards, 2022. Prominent winners
Awards are Madhya Pradesh (Best State), Ganjam in Odisha (Best District).
• National Water Awards: Launched in 2018 by Department of Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
o 2nd and 3rd editions given for the years 2019 and 2020.
o Awards not given in the year 2021 due to COVID pandemic.
• Objective: To encourage various stakeholders towards adopting a holistic approach
towards water resources management in the country.
Water Quality • High-Level Committee for rejuvenation of the Yamuna has noted improvements in
Standard WQS of Yamuna.
(WQS) • Commonly used WQS are Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD).
• BOD: Amount of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) needed by aerobic organisms to break
down organic matter present in water.
o Higher BOD indicates low DO and high pollution.
• COD: Amount of DO required to break down the organic material via oxidation in
water.
o Value of COD is always greater than BOD.
o Higher values of COD indicate pollution.
Central Water • According to CWC, in 2023, the water level in reservoirs of India’s southern states
Commission are low.
(CWC) • About CWC
o A premier Technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources.
o Presently functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
o Purpose: Initiating, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with State
Governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of
water resources throughout country.
o Introduced FloodWatch App: Offers real-time updates on flood situations
across the country, along with forecasts for the benefit of the general public.
Jal Diwali - • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Campaign under Atal
"Women for Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with
Water, Water National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).
for Women • Phase I shall witness participation from all States/ UTs, except for Chhattisgarh,
Campaign" Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana.
• About the Campaign: Aims to provide a platform for inclusion of women in water
governance.
• About AMRUT
o Launched by MoHUA in 2015 in 500 cities and towns for developing basic
infrastructure in water supply sectors; storm water drainage; green spaces and
parks etc.
o AMRUT 2.0 (2021-22 to 2025-26) provides universal coverage of water supply
through functional taps in all households.
36
2.3. PLASTIC POLLUTION
2.3.1. PLASTIC OVERSHOOT DAY
Why in the news?
The 2023 Plastic Overshoot Day
Report was released by Swiss-based
research consultancy Earth Action
(EA).
About Plastic Overshoot Day
• Refers to the day when the amount
of plastic waste surpasses the
capability of waste management
systems to effectively manage.
o Based on country’s
Mismanaged Waste Index
(MWI) i.e., the ratio of the mismanaged waste and the total waste.
• On July 28, 2023, the Earth saw its first Plastic Overshoot Day.
• Findings related to India
o India saw its Plastic Overshoot Day on 6th January 2023.
o India is among the 12 countries responsible for 52% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste.
o Categorized as ‘The Waste Sponges’ referring to a low consumption yet a high level of plastic
pollution.
Emerging Tools in Cutting Plastic Pollution
• Plastic credits: Form of tradable credits that can be bought and sold by companies in order to offset their
plastic waste.
• Plastic offsetting: Based on the idea that companies and consumers can compensate for their plastic
consumption by purchasing plastic credits.
• Plastic neutrality: Claimed when a company has purchased enough plastic credits to offset its entire
plastic footprint for a set period of time.
Initiatives to curb Plastic Pollution
India
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021
o Prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastics.
o The thickness of plastic carry bags increased from 50 to 75 microns from 30th September 2021
and to 120 microns with effect from 31st December 2022.
• Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines made applicable to plastic producers.
o Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022: Introduced the Guidelines on
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging and stipulated mandatory targets
on EPR, recycling and reuse of plastic packaging.
• Private sector collaborations: India Plastics Pact (IPP), Un-Plastic Collective (UPC) etc.
• A flagship document on ‘National Circular Economy Roadmap (NCER) for reduction of Plastic waste
in India’ was released.
o The roadmap mentions seven elements (refer image) in framework for achieving circular economy
for plastics.
• The Un-plastic Collective (UPC) co-founded by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and WWF-India.
• ‘Prakriti’& Green Initiatives for Effective Plastic Waste Management
37
Global
• UNEA’s Resolution to “End
Plastic Pollution.”
o 175 countries have endorsed
the UN Environment Assembly
(UNEA-5) resolution in Nairobi
to End Plastic Pollution and
forge an international legally
binding agreement by 2024.
o Countries will be expected to
develop, implement and
update national action plans.
• The Global Partnership on Plastic
Pollution and Marine Litter
(GPML) launched at the United
Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development
(Rio+20).
• Glolitter: Project between the
Government of Norway, IMO, and
FAO aiming to reduce sea-based
marine plastic litter.
• "Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972",
the "London Convention".
2.3.2. ZERO DRAFT OF GLOBAL TREATY TO END PLASTIC POLLUTION

Why in news?
UNEP’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) released the Zero draft of international legally binding
instrument on plastic pollution.
Key highlights of zero draft
• Global bans on the highest-risk plastics. Items may not need to be single-use to be banned, draft
mentions ‘short-lived’ plastics, too.
• Each nation should develop and implement a national plan for its contribution to the Treaty (similar to
Paris Agreement on climate change).
About INC
• Formed by UNEP, INC is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic
pollution, including in marine environments.
• In June 2023 in Paris, INC-2 ended with a mandate to prepare a zero draft of global treaty on plastic
pollution, ahead of next session in Nairobi (Kenya) in November 2023.
• Aim: To complete negotiations by the end of 2024 and create a global, legally binding plastics treaty.
2.4. LAND DEGRADATION

2.4.1. UNCCD DATA DASHBOARD
Why in the News?
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched its first-ever Data Dashboard compiling figures
from 126 countries.
38
Key findings
• Between 2015- 2019, at least 100 million hectares of healthy and productive land were degraded every
year.
• India’s 9.45 percent reported land area is degraded.
• Between 2016- 2019, 50.49 percent of global reported land area and 36.8 percent of India’s land area is
affected by drought.
• Eastern and Central Asia, and Latin America and Caribbean regions experience the most severe
degradation.
About Land degradation
• Deterioration or loss of productive capacity of the soils for present and future.
• 109 countries have set voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets for 2030.
o LDN is a state whereby the
amount and quality of land
resources necessary to
support ecosystem functions
and services to enhance food
security remain stable, or
increase, within specified
ecosystems.
About UN Convention to Combat
Desertification
• Only legally binding framework
set up to address desertification
and effects of drought.
• Genesis: Established in 1994.
• Members: 197 Parties to
Convention (196 country including
India and European Union).
o MoEFCC: Nodal Ministry that
oversees implementation of
Convention in country.
• Global Drought Snapshot Report
released in line with the COP28.
• UNCCD has released a 2018−2030
Strategic Framework that focuses
on:
o Mitigate, adapt and manage land degradation.
o Mobilize financial and nonfinancial resources.
o Improve the condition of land degradation- through participation
2.4.2. SAND AND DUST STORMS (SDS)

Why in the news?
A report titled ‘Sand and Dust Storms (SDS): A Guide to Mitigation, Adaptation, Policy, and Risk
Management Measures in Agriculture’ was released by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
About Sand and Dust Storms (SDS)
• Occurs when strong, turbulent winds erode small particles from dryland surfaces with little or no
vegetation cover.
o 75% of global dust comes from natural sources and 25% from anthropogenic sources.
39
✓ Major anthropogenic factors responsible for SDS include land-use change, agriculture and
deforestation.
• Implications of SDS:
o Deposition of dust on glaciers induces a warming effect and increases the melting of ice.
o Reduces agricultural yield due to sandblasting (damage plants by impact, burial, and exposure of plant
roots).
2.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

News Details
Ground-level • According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ground-level ozone (O3) has
ozone (O3) started to emerge as Delhi’s lead pollutant.
• Ozone formed in the Troposphere called ‘bad ozone’.
• It's a “secondary" pollutant produced when two primary pollutants (nitrogen oxides
and volatile organic compounds) react in sunlight and stagnant air.
• Sources: Emissions from cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and
chemical plants, etc.
• Effects:
o Cause coughing and shortness of breath.
o Damage vegetation and ecosystems.
Champions of • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced 2023 Champions of the
the Earth Earth Award.
Award • Champions of the Earth award honour individuals, groups, and organizations
whose actions have transformative impact on environment.
o Awarded annually since its inception in 2005.
o UN’s highest environmental honour which recognizes outstanding leaders from
government, civil society and private sector.
• To eliminate plastic pollution, 2023 award given in 4 categories to
o Policy leadership category: Mayor Josefina Belmonte of Quezon City
(Philippines) to ban single-use plastics, a trade-in programme for plastic
pollution etc.
o Inspiration and Action category: Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United
Kingdom) in mainstreaming lifecycle approach, including for plastics.
o Entrepreneurial Vision category:
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✓ Blue Circle (China) uses blockchain technology and internet of things to track
and monitor full lifecycle of plastic pollution.
✓ José Manuel Moller (Chile) is founder social enterprise (Algramo) dedicated
to providing refill services that reduce plastic pollution and lower everyday
essentials costs.
o Science and Innovation category: Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research (South Africa) uses cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary
research to develop innovations to tackle plastic pollution.
Ethylene Oxide • European commission classified ethylene oxide as a pesticide residue (earlier
classified as fumigant).
• This means agricultural products being exported to European Union will now be
mandatorily tested.
• Ethylene oxide: Used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze.
o A flammable colorless gas with a sweet odour.
o In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing
agent.
o Classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic.
Endosulfan • National Green Tribunal’s has issued notice to Union Government, Karnataka and
Kerala governments on dumping endosulfan in hilly area of Minchinpadavu in
Kasaragod district of Kerala.
• Endosulfan: An Organochlorine Pesticide used to control variety of insects and
mites crops like soy, rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, coffee, tobacco and cotton.
o Listed under both Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent and
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• Harmful effects: Chronic exposure can lead to reproductive problems, neurological,
damage etc.
Petroleum • Supreme Court has asked Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to
Coke or Pet consider issues related to distribution of highly polluting pet coke.
Coke • Pet coke: A carbon-rich solid material derived from final cracking process of
crude-oil refining.
o Used as a replacement of coal due to its higher calorific value.
o Hydrophobic, less volatile and produces low ash residue.
o Used in Cement manufacturing, lime kilns, industrial boilers, Aluminum
Anodes, etc.
Polyethylene • Researchers have identified a PET46 from a deep-sea microorganism for the first
Terephthalate time.
degrading o PET is a lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and
enzyme (PET46) beverages e.g., soft drinks, water etc.
• PET46 enzyme unique is in its ability to degrade both long-chain and short-chain PET
molecules, enabling continuous degradation.
• Other PET degrading enzymes - PETase, MHETase, THC_Cut1 etc
Great Pacific • In a recent study, Scientists have found that many coastal lifeforms have
Garbage Patch colonised plastic items in GPGP.
(GPGP) • GPGP: A collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean.
o Also known as Pacific trash vortex, the garbage patch is actually two distinct
collections of debris bounded by the massive North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
E-waste in India • Refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have
been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use.
o India is 3rd largest Electronic waste producer in the world after China and the
United States.
• Impact of E-waste: Health Hazard, Environment impact, Social Impact.
41
• E-waste regulated under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
o Applies to every manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler, and
recycler.
o Launched a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime.
✓ EPR was introduced by E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
• EPR means the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound
management of the product until the end of its life.
• Impact of E-waste: Contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury,
cadmium, and flame retardants.
Invisible e- • “Invisible” e-waste was the key focus of this year’s International E-Waste Day.
waste • The day is an annual awareness raising campaign initiated by the not-for-profit
association Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum.
• Invisible e-waste: Electronic items that often go unrecognized and aren’t properly
recycled within the appropriate waste stream are known as invisible e-waste.
• E.g., vapes, LED accessories, USB cables, power tools, smoke detectors, etc.
One-stop • Government will launch one-stop centres called Reduce, Recycle and Reuse
Centres for which will serve as one-stop solution for citizens, commercial enterprises, etc. to
Zero Waste deposit unused or used plastic items, clothes, shoes, footwear, books, and toys.
• About the Centres
o Items will then be given to different stakeholders to be refurbished for reuse or
would be made into new products contributing to a circular economy,
o These ‘RRR’ centres would be set up as part of a nationwide campaign ‘Meri
LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ (‘My Life, My Clean City’) under aegis of Swacch
Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
International • For the first time, IDZW has been observed to encourage everyone to prevent and
Day of Zero minimize waste and promotes a societal shift towards a circular economy (CE).
Waste (IDZW) • 30th March is announced as IDZW by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in
2022.
• Jointly facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human
Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
2.6. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, TREATIES AND INITIATIVES

2.6.1. MINAMATA CONVENTION ON MERCURY
Why in news?
The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5), was held in Geneva.
More on the news
• Parties amended annexes to the Convention with new phase-out dates for certain batteries, switches,
relays and fluorescent lamps.
• A new requirement was agreed to advance the phase-down of dental amalgam and, as of 2025, no mercury
level will be allowed in cosmetics.
About Minamata Convention on Mercury
• Adopted in 2013 at Geneva, came into force in 2017.
• 1st global legally binding treaty to protect human health and environment from adverse effects of
mercury.
• Named after the city in Japan that became the epicentre of Minamata disease, a neurological disease
caused by severe mercury poisoning, in 1950s.
• 144 Parties and 128 Signatories to it.
42
o India ratified it in 2018 with flexibility for continued use of mercury-based products and processes
involving mercury compounds up to 2025.
• Minamata Convention requires that party nations
o Reduce and where feasible eliminate use and release of mercury from Artisanal and Small-Scale
Gold Mining.
o Control mercury air emissions from coal fired power plants, coal-fired industrial boilers etc.
o Phase-out or reduce mercury use in products like batteries, switches, lights, cosmetics, pesticides,
dental amalgam.
o Addresses supply and trade of mercury; safer storage and disposal, and strategies to address
contaminated sites.
About Mercury
• A naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil.
• Other sources: Gold mining, coal-based thermal power plant etc.
• May have toxic effects on nervous system, thyroid, kidneys, lungs, immune system, eyes, gums and
skin.
• Considered by WHO as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern.
• There is no known safe level of exposure.
2.6.2. UN GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON CHEMICALS

Why in the news?
New UN framework to protect environment from harmful chemicals was agreed at the fifth International
Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) in Bonn, Germany.
About “Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste”
• Based around 28 targets to improve responsible management of chemicals and waste.
• Objectives of Global Framework on Chemicals
o Prevention of illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste.
o Phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2025.
o Setting up policies and regulations aimed at reducing chemical pollution by 2030 and promoting
alternative.
• In addition to Global Framework, ICCM5 also adopted the Bonn Declaration.
o Declaration aims to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones,
where appropriate, and enhance the safe management.
About ICCM
• ICCM adopted the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) in 2006, a policy
framework to foster the sound management of chemicals.
o SAICM is a global multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder, and voluntary policy framework to address
challenges related to the adoption of national policies to manage chemicals.
• Other Conventions that deal with Hazardous chemicals
o Basel Convention, 1989: Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal.
o Rotterdam Convention, 1998: Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade.
o Stockholm Convention, 2001: on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
o Waigani Convention, 1995: Convention to ban the Importation of Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes
into Forum Island Countries and to Control the Transboundary Movement and Management of
Hazardous Waste within the South Pacific Region.
43
2.6.3. INCIDENT AND TRAFFICKING DATABASE (ITDB)
Why in the News?
Latest data from IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) found that radioactive contamination is
increasingly found in scraps for recycling as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) study.
More about the news
• Other Findings:
o Radioactive-laced waste products — including vehicles like ships — are being increasingly recycled
without taking care of the hazard management.
o Most common source of contamination is feed material (often obtained from metal recycling
industry) from which the product had been manufactured.
About ITDB
• Established by IAEA Secretariat in 1995 to:
o Assist States on incidents involving illicit trafficking and other related unauthorized activities
involving nuclear and other radioactive materials.
o Maintain and analyze reported information to identifying common threats, trends, and patterns.
• Part of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Plan that aims to
o Assist States in establishing, maintaining, and sustaining national nuclear security regimes.
o Contribute to global efforts to achieve effective nuclear security.
o Facilitate international cooperation and increasing awareness on nuclear security.
44
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3. BIODIVERSITY
3.1. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, TREATIES AND INITIATIVES
3.1.1. GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK FUND (GBFF)
Why in the news?
GBFF was recently ratified and launched at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility.
About GBFF
• Purpose: To finance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
(KMGBF).
• Governance: GBFF Council is represented by the following members,
o 16 from developing countries;
o 14 from developed countries;
o 2 Members from the countries of central and
eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
• Decisions of the Council are to be taken by
consensus.
• Financial management: The World Bank will serve
as the Trustee.
o Will be similar to the Capacity-Building
Initiative for Transparency Trust Fund, Special
Climate Change Fund, etc.
• Fund allocations:
o 20% of the funds would support Indigenous-led
initiatives to protect and conserve biodiversity.
o Prioritise support for Small Island Developing
States and LDCs
Funding Sources are governments,
philanthropy, the private sector, international
financial institutions, etc.
About Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework (KMGBF)
• Adopted in 2022 at COP 15 (held in Montreal) to the
UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Replaced the Aichi Biodiversity Targets that
expired in 2020.
• Not legally binding.
• Sets out 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
3.1.2. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

Why in the news?
The GEF Council approved the disbursement of $1.4 billion to accelerate efforts to tackle the climate,
biodiversity, and pollution crises.
About GEF
• Genesis: Established in 1991 as a multilateral environmental fund to achieve global environmental
benefits.
45
• Objective: Provides grant funds to developing countries for projects covering 4 focal areas: climate
change, biodiversity, international waters and ozone depletion.
• Implementing agencies: World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Membership: 186 members (including India).
• Other key information:
o Operates Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF).
o International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) (May 22) commemorates the adoption of the text of
the Convention.
o Serves as "financial mechanism" to 5 conventions-
✓ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
✓ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
✓ Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
✓ UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
✓ Minamata Convention on Mercury.
✓ Although not linked formally to the Montreal Protocol, supports implementation of the Montreal
Protocol in Countries with Economies in Transition.
Reports released by GEF
Report Details
Inclusive • Released along with Conservation International.
Conservation • Key highlights
Initiative (ICI) o Indigenous peoples own 40% of terrestrial protected areas and 37% of
ecologically intact landscapes.
o Less than 1% of climate change mitigation and adaptation funding is directed to
IPLC (indigenous people and local communities)
• About ICI
o Endorsed by GEF in 2022
o Aim: To support ILPC to secure and enhance their stewardship over landscapes,
seascapes and territories with high biodiversity and irreplaceable ecosystems.
o 4 components
✓ Local Action to deliver Global Environmental Benefits
✓ Global IPLC Capacity Building
✓ IPLC Leadership in International Environmental Policy
✓ Inclusive Conservation Knowledge to Action
3.1.3. GLOBAL DECLARATION OF RIVER DOLPHINS

Why in the News?
11 Countries signed first-of-its-kind Global declaration of River Dolphins by 2030 in Bogota, Colombia.
About the Declaration
• Adopted by River dolphin range states- Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India,
Nepal, Pakistan, Peru and Venezuela.
• Aims to
o Halt and reverse the decline of all river dolphin species in both Asia and South America.
o To safeguard remaining river dolphin species by developing and funding measures.
o Enhance the health of rivers,
About River Dolphins
Top predators in some of the world’s greatest river systems and important indicators of river’s health.
46
Surviving species of River Dolphin
Amazon (aka pink river • Lives only in freshwater.
dolphin or boto) • IUCN Status: Endangered
Ganges (commonly known • Found mainly in Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in India and
as susu) Bangladesh.
(National Aquatic Animal) • IUCN Status: Endangered
• Threats: Construction of dams and barrages, Poaching, fishing, synthetic
fertilisers used in agriculture etc.
Indus (aka bhulan) • Found in Pakistan and River Beas, a tributary of Indus River in Punjab.
• IUCN Status: Endangered
Tucuxi freshwater dolphin • Species that lives in Amazon River system in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador
and Peru.
Irrawaddy • Found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three river
i.e. Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and Mekong.
3.1.4. PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIETIES AND FARMERS' RIGHTS (PPVFR)

Why in the news?
Recently, Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal filed by PepsiCo India Holdings (PIH) against a 2021 order
revoking PIH’s registration of a potato variety FL-2027.
Background of the Issue
• FL-2027 variety of potatoes (commercial name FC-5) was introduced by Pepsi in 2009 through a contract
farming arrangement.
o It was registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act 2016.
• In 2019, Pepsico sued some farmers in Gujarat for illegally growing its registered potato variety and
violating its IPR under the Act.
• In 2021, the registration of FL-2027 was revoked on the grounds of furnishing incorrect information and
infringing farmers’ rights.
About the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act 2001
• Enacted: In 2001 under Article 27(3) (b) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS).
o Conforms with International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), 1978.
• World’s only IPR legislation that grants intellectual property rights not only to the plant breeders but
also to the farmers.
o Unlike UPOV, facilitates the protection of not only new but even existing varieties.
• Objective: To recognise and protect farmers’ rights regarding plant genetic resources.
• Protection period:
o Trees and vines: 18 years.
o For other crops: 15 years.
o For extant varieties: 15 years
• Institutions/Authorities:
o Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FR Authority): Established by the
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture for implementation.
o Functions: Registration of new plant varieties, Facilitating the development and commercialization of
new varieties, etc
o Plant Varieties Protection Appellate Tribunal (PVPAT)
47
✓ To dispose of the appeal within one year.
✓ Decision can be challenged in the High Court.
Rights under the Act
• Breeders’ Rights: Exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, import, or export the protected
variety.
• Researchers’ Rights:
o Can use any of the registered varieties under the Act for conducting experiments or research.
o Can also use a variety as an initial source of variety for the purpose of developing another variety.
• Farmers’ Rights:
o Entitled to register and protect a new variety.
o Can save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seeds of a variety
protected under the PPV&FR Act, 2001.
o Not entitled to sell branded seed of a variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, 2001.
o In the case of non-performance of variety, the farmer shall be compensated.
About International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants
• An intergovernmental organization.
• Genesis: Established by the International Convention for the protection of New Varieties of Plants
(Adopted in 1961)
• HQ: Geneva (Switzerland)
• Objective: Promotes an effective system of plant varieties of plants for the benefits of society.
• India is not a member
3.1.5. INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND

AGRICULTURE (ITPGRFA)
Why in the News?
Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights (GSFR) adopted the Delhi Framework on Farmers’ Rights.
About GSFR
• Organized by: Secretariat of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
(ITPGRFA) of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• PGRFA are the raw material that form basis of all crop varieties and include seeds and all other plant
genetic material.
• Key highlights of Delhi Framework:
o Creating functional synergy across different UN instruments (ITPGRFA, CBD, United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) etc.) for realization of farmers’ rights.
o Establish/support farmer-managed seed system for traditional varieties and create self-sustaining
production and marketing value chain.
o Building farmer-centric partnership opportunities.
About ITPGRFA (also known as seed treaty)
• An international agreement to conserve, use and manage PGRFA around the world.
• A legally binding agreement that was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004 (India is a party).
• Makes it possible to share plant genetic resources across borders through a unique Multilateral System
of Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS).
• Became the guidance for establishment of Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
o The Seed Vault marked its 15th anniversary in 2023.
o It was established and fully funded by Government of Norway.
48
3.1.6. OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND INITIATIVES
News Detail
World Heritage • According to
Convention new research,
the World
Heritage Sites
(WHS’s) make
up less than 1 %
of the Earth’s
surface, but
they harbour
more than 20 %
of the planet’s
biodiversity.
About World
Heritage Sites
• Have
outstanding
universal value
under the World
Heritage
Convention of
1972.
• Sites are
selected under
three categories
i.e. cultural,
natural, and
mixed.
• 42 World Heritage Sites in India.
o 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and one is of mixed type.
• Principle: Recognizes the way in which people interact with nature, and the
fundamental need to preserve the balance between the two.
• Parties and Implementing Agency: 195 State parties including India and World
Heritage Committee.
• Strategic Objectives (Five Cs): Credibility, Conservation, Capacity-building,
Communication and Communities.
Brazzaville Summit • The summit was recently held in Brazzaville (the Capital of Congo) for the
or Summit of the preservation and restoration of the planet’s three ecological lungs.
Three Basins • Three basins:
o Congo basin: Spans across Cameroon, Central African Republic,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, and Gabon.
o Amazon Basin: Extends over 9 countries in South America.
o Borneo-Mekong-Southeast Asia Basin.
• These 3 global ecosystems account for 80% of the world's tropical forests and
2/3 of the earth's biodiversity.=
Safety Across Asia • Launched by the United Nations and coordinated by UN Office on Drugs and
For Global Crime.
Environment (SAFE) • Aims to explore the link between wildlife trafficking and zoonotic diseases to
prevent future pandemics.
49
• China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were the initial countries selected for the
project's survey.
Belem Declaration • Member countries of Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) signed the
Belém Declaration in the Brazilian city of Belém.
o ACTO is an intergovernmental socio-environmental block formed by
signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty.
o Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and
Venezuela are its members.
• Belém Declaration calls for ensuring the participation of Indigenous Peoples
in decision-making
o Also commits to launching the Amazon Alliance to Fight Deforestation.
World Organisation • 33rd Conference on World Animal Health was organised by World Organisation
for Animal Health for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific in Delhi.
• About: Intergovernmental organisation working across borders to improve the
health of animals
• Genesis: founded in 1924, in response to the Rinderpest cattle plague.
• HQ: Paris
• Objective: To disseminate information on animal diseases and establish
international standards for controlling them, including zoonoses.
• Members: 183 (including India)
International • IWC issued its first ‘extinction alert’ for the Vaquita Porpoise whales.
Whaling o These whales are Critically Endangered and found only in northern Gulf of
Commission (IWC) California.
About IWC
• Set up as an inter-governmental organisation under the International
Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946).
• Mandate: Provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make
possible the orderly development of the whaling industry.
• Membership: 88 countries including India.
3.2. WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION

3.2.1. BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2023
Why in the news?
Recently, Parliament passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, amending the Biological Diversity
Act of 2002.
Biological Diversity Act 2002
• Enacted to help India to meet the objectives of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992.
• Provides for a decentralized three-tiered mechanism for regulation.
o National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at the national level,
o State Biodiversity Boards (SSB) at the state level, and
o Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local body level.
• Provides for sharing benefits with biodiversity conservers and holders and creators of associated
knowledge.
o Benefits may be shared in various forms, such as monetary compensation, sharing of intellectual
property rights, or technology transfer.
50
Key changes made in the Biodiversity Amendment Act
Provision Biological Diversity Act 2002 Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023
Extension of • Requires prior approval or • Exempts AYUSH registered practitioners,
Exemptions intimation to the regulatory local people and communities of the area,
authority for accessing including growers and cultivators of
biological resources. biodiversity, from giving prior intimation to
SBB for accessing biological resources for
commercial utilization.
Approval for • Specifies that approval of NBA is • Changes the requirement and now the
Intellectual required before applying for IPR approval will be required before the actual
Property involving biological resources grant of the IPR and not before the application.
Rights (IPR) obtained from India.
Benefit • Requires users of biological • Exempts users of “codified traditional
Sharing resources and associated knowledge” from this requirement.
knowledge to share benefits with
local communities.
Offences and • Offences like failure to take • Decriminalises the offences and makes
Penalties approvals from the authorities offences punishable with a penalty between Rs
for various activities which were 1 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.
punishable up to 5 years or a • Continuing contravention may attract an
fine or both. additional penalty of up to 1 crore rupees
(Here, the adjudicating officer should not be
below the rank of Joint Secretary).
Expansion of • Requires NBA to have 10 ex- • 16 ex officio members representing the
NBA officio members apart from the Ministries like Tribal Affairs, Biotechnology etc.
Chairman. • 4 representatives from SSB.
• 5 non-official members to be • 5 non-official members amongst specialists
appointed from amongst (including legal) and scientists.
specialists (including legal) and • 1 Member-Secretary (must have experience in
scientists. biodiversity conservation), who will be the chief
coordinating officer of the NBA.
About the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• About: An internationally legally binding multilateral treaty
• Objective: Drafted in 1992 with 3 goals
o Conservation of biological diversity.
o Sustainable use of its components
o Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
• Membership: 196 parties including India.
• Core agreements: India has ratified all 3 protocols
51
o Nagoya protocol on benefit sharing
o Cartegena protocol on biosafety.
o Nagoya Kuala Lumpur supplementary protocol on liability
• Other key information: CBD’s governing body is Conference of Parties, Convention cover biodiversity at all
levels.
Related News: People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)
• The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) was
launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Goa
• PBR: A document which contains comprehensive information on locally available Bio-resources
including landscape and demography of a particular area.
o Its provisions are derived from Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards shall provide guidance and
technical support to the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) for preparing PBRs.
• About BMC
o Consists of a Chairperson, and six persons nominated by local bodies, including 1/3rd women and
18% SC/ST.
o Function of BMC: Determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees
on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
3.2.2. THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2022

Why in the News?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified rules under the Wild life (Protection) Amendment
Act (WPA), 2022.
Notified rules
Rules Details
Wild Life • Specifies manner of disposal of wild animal article, trophy etc., which is a State
Disposal of Government or Central Government property.
Wild Animal • Director, Wild Life Preservation or Chief Wild Life Warden or Officer authorized by
Article Rules, Central/State Government, to direct incineration of such Government property by
2023 order.
• Incineration to be conducted in presence of a Committee constituted by Chief Wild
Life Warden.
Breeders of • Specifies procedures, fee, registration etc. for filing of applications for Licence for
Species person engaged in breeding in captivity or artificially propagating a scheduled specimen
Licence listed in Appendix I of Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 2022
Rules, 2023 • Application for licence within a period of 90 days of commencement of Wild Life
(Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 to the Chief Wild Life Warden.
• Chief Wild Life Warden grants the final license and can also pass order for
cancellation.
Other key provisions in WPA, 2022
• Reduces number of schedules from 6 to 4 (see
image)
o Removed the earlier schedule for vermin
species and inserted a new schedule for
specimens listed for extinction under
CITES.
• Wild animals to be declared as Vermin by
Central Government by the way of notification
(any area and for a specified period).
52
• New Chapter VB for implementation of CITES.
• Seeks to empower the Centre to regulate plant or animal species not native to India - invasive alien
species.
• Permitted the use of elephants for 'religious or any other purposes'.
• Central Government to form a Managing Authority and a Scientific Authority to regulate the import and
export of specimens of species.
• Entrusts the Chief Wildlife Warden to control, manage, and maintain all sanctuaries in a state.
3.2.3. TIGER CONVERSATION IN INDIA

3.2.3.1. PROJECT TIGER
Why in News?
PM inaugurated the programme 'Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger' in Mysuru, Karnataka.
More about the news
• The International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) was also launched by India during the event.
• IBCA was first proposed by India at an international group against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in
2019.
o Aim: Conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and
Puma.
o Will provide assured support over 5 years with guaranteed funding of over Rs. 800 crores.
About Project Tiger
• Centrally Sponsored scheme, launched in 1973.
o Initially launched in 9 Tiger reserves (TRs) in different states of India.
o Provides central assistance to tiger range States for in-situ conservation of tigers.
• Ministry: MoEFCC
• Objective: To ensure the maintenance of a viable population of tigers in India.
• Implementing Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
o Overarching supervisory/coordination role and approves the Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by the
State Governments.
• Funding pattern: Centre provides financial assistance to States of 60% and 50% for expenditure on all non-
recurring items and recurring items respectively.
o North-eastern and Himalayan States are provided 90% central assistance in both cases.
• The Centre has merged Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
o A new division named ‘Project Tiger and Elephant Division’ (PT&E) created under the MoEF&CC.
o The staff and divisional heads of Project Elephant (PE) will report to the additional director general of
forests (ADGF), Project Tiger (PT), who has now been designated as ADGF (PT&E).
• Activities undertaken under Project Tiger
o Establishment and development of new Tiger Reserves (55 in total).
o Core-buffer strategy for TRs: Core areas are kept free of all human activities, a co-existence agenda
adopted in buffer and fringe areas with landscape approach.
✓ NTCA banned new construction in tiger reserves’ core areas.
o Assessment using application M-STrIPES.
o Independent monitoring/evaluation of tiger reserve by developing Management Effectiveness
Evaluation (MEE) Framework.
o Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) deployed in several TRs for focused anti-poaching operations.
o E-Bird project uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for Surveillance and Monitoring.
53
About Indian Tiger or Royal Bengal Tiger
(Panthera Tigris)
• Declared as the National Animal of
India.
• Habitat: Largest population is in
India, smaller groups in Bangladesh,
Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
• Distribution of Tiger population in
India: Habitats ranging from the high
mountains, mangrove swamps, tall
grasslands, to dry and moist
deciduous forests, as well as
evergreen and shola forest systems.
• Significance of tiger conservation:
o Ecological: Both an Umbrella
species(tied to its geographic
species range) and a Keystone species(Define an entire ecosystem).
o Economic: Ecotourism and related industries.
o Cultural and spiritual
• Characteristics:
o Solitary and territorial animal, and an adult male’s territory may encompass territories of two to
seven females.
o Stripes are individually as unique as human fingerprints.
• Other conservation measures: TX2, St. Petersburg Declaration etc.
3.2.3.2. NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA)

Why in the news?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) released the Status of Tigers, co-predators and Prey in
India-2022 report and MEE of Tiger Reserves in India (5th cycle) – Final report.
About NTCA
• Statutory body constituted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in 2006.
• Genesis: Launched in 2005, following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
• Composition:
o Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (Chairperson)
o Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (as Vice-Chairperson)
o 3 members of Parliament
o Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests and other members.
• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
• Objectives:
o Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger.
o Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of TR,
o Providing for an oversight by Parliament.
o Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding TR.
• Other key information: Has a Guinness book record for the largest camera-trap wildlife survey in 2019.
Reports released by NTCA
Reports Details
Status of • Population: India currently harbours almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Tigers, co- o Central India and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains witnessed a notable
predators increase in tiger population.
54
and Prey in • Technique used-
India-2022 o M-STrIPES (Monitoring System For Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological
report Status): uses a Global Positioning System and remote sensing.
o Camera trap-based Capture-Mark-Recapture: Camera trap surveys for the
abundance and density estimation of tigers.
o In areas where camera trapping was not possible molecular tools were used by
extracting DNA from cats.
MEE of • About MEE

Tiger o Used from 2006 to
Reserves assess tiger
in India reserves.
(5th cycle) o Jointly conducted
– Final by the National
report Tiger
Conservation
Authority (NTCA)
and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
o Framework given by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources World Commission on Protected Areas (See infographic).
• Findings of 5th cycle of MEE
o 51 tiger reserves were evaluated.
55
✓ Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala ranked as the best-maintained tiger reserve.
o Overall mean MEE score increased to 78%.
✓ None of the country's tiger reserves as 'Poor’.
o Headline indicator 'carbon capture and climate change' received the lowest score
in the current cycle due to the absence of a mandate for it in Tiger Conservation Plans.
3.2.3.3. OTHER NEWS RELATED TO TIGER CONSERVATION

News Description
Dholpur-Karauli • NTCA accords final approval to DKTR.
Tiger Reserve • Other recently approved TR: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(DKTR) • TRs are notified by State Governments on the advice of NTCA under Section 38V
of the Wildlife (Protection) or WPA Act, 1972.
o In a related development MoEFCC cleared the NTCA’s in-principle approval to
declare Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (in Rajasthan) as tiger reserve.
About DKTR
• Geographical location and other
important features
o Extends between the Dholpur and
Karauli districts of Eastern
Rajasthan bordering Madhya
Pradesh.
o 5th TR from Rajasthan (Other 4-
Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra
Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari)
• Rivers: Chambal River flows through
its vicinity.
• Forest: Tropical dry deciduous forest
• Fauna and Flora: Sambhar, Chital, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyena and
Leopard etc.
Tiger • India’s first inter-state tiger translocation project had failed.
Translocation • Tiger relocation project was initiated in 2018 by NTCA, wherein two big cats to be
Project trans-located.
o A male (Mahavir) from Kanha Tiger Reserve and a female (Sundari) from
Bandhavgarh from Madhya Pradesh were relocated to Satkosia Tiger Reserve
in Odisha.
• Failure of Project: Poor prey augmentation; lack of capacity building of staff;
enhancement of protection couldn’t be achieved; funds provided under Project Tiger
were diverted; Tiger-Human conflict.
IUCN’s • ITHCP has launched a Call for Concept Notes for Phase IV of Program.
Integrated Tiger o Phase IV will expand its focus to include other Pantherine species, in
Habitat particular leopards and clouded leopards.
Conservation • Launched in 2014, it’s a strategic funding mechanism supported by German
Programme Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
(ITHCP) or Tiger o Contributing to Global Tiger Recovery Programme.
program
Global Tiger • Overall increase of 60% in Tiger Population was highlighted by a report submitted
Recovery under GTRP 2.0.
Program (GTRP) • GTRP was an effort of 13 countries to double tiger numbers in the wild by 2022.
o Evolved under the Global Tiger Initiative in 2010 via the St Petersburg
Declaration.
• In 2022, GTRP 2.0 was launched (till 2034).
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3.2.4. PROJECT CHEETAH
Why in the News?
NTCA formed Cheetah Project Steering Committee (CPSC) to keep watch on cheetah project.
About CPSC
• The 11 member CPSC, comprising national and international experts constituted to oversee the
implementation of Project Cheetah will be in force for two years.
o ‘Committee is formed in the wake of the recent death of cubs born to a translocated Namibian
cheetah at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh.
Key features of project Cheetah
• At least 50 Cheetahs (mostly from southern Africa) will be introduced in various National Parks over five
years.
• Implementation by: NTCA
• Funding of project: From Project Tiger as well as Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning
Authority (CAMPA).
• Aim: To introduce African cheetah in India.
o Cheetah declared extinct from India in 1952 becoming only large wild mammalian species that went
extinct since independence (1947).
Progress made
• Out of 6 criteria for assessing short-term success, project has already met four criteria namely: 50%
survival of introduced cheetahs, Establishment of home ranges, Birth of cubs in Kuno, Revenue to local
communities.
• Restorative investments in other selected areas (Nauradehi and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuaries in MP)
have commenced.
• Central government has approved setting up a cheetah breeding and conservation centre in Banni
Grassland.
• Earlier 20 Cheetahs were translocated from Namibia (8) and South Africa (12) to KNP, Madhya Pradesh.
o Currently there are 19 Cheetahs in India after the death of 6 adults and 4 new born cubs.
About African Cheetah
• Protected under Appendix 1 of
CITES.
• IUCN status: African Cheetah
(Vulnerable); Asiatic Cheetah
(Critically endangered).
• Both a flagship species
(selected to act as an
ambassador, icon or symbol for
a defined habitat, issue,
campaign or environmental
cause) and an umbrella
species.
o World’s fastest land
mammal.
o Diurnal i.e., they hunt
during the day.
o Unlike other big cats (lions,
tigers, etc.) don’t roar.
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o Gestation period- 93 days.
o Live in three main social groups: females and their cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males.
✓ Females lead a nomadic life searching for prey in large home ranges, males are more sedentary
and instead establish much smaller territories.
o Among large carnivores, conflicts with human interests are lowest for cheetahs.
3.2.5. PROJECT ELEPHANT

Why in the News?
President Participated in Gaj
Utsav at Kaziranga National
Park and Tiger Reserve
(KNPTR) in Assam to mark 30
years of Project Elephant.
About Kaziranga National
Park
• Geographical location
and other Important
features:
o Located on edge of
the Eastern
Himalayan
biodiversity
hotspots – Golaghat
and Nagaon district.
o Brahmaputra lies on the North and Karbi Anglong hills on the South of Kaziranga.
o A UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
• Rivers: Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri.
• Forests: Tropical moist broadleaf forests.
• Fauna and Flora:
o Great Indian Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant etc.
o Kumbhi, Indian gooseberry, cotton tree, elephant Apple etc. Largest ER: Mysore ER in Karnataka
About Project Elephant
• Launched in 1992 by MoEFCC
• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Support and Coverage: Financial and Technical support are being provided to major elephant-bearing
States in the country. Presently the Project is being implemented in 22 States/UTs.
• Steering Committee: Includes representatives of the Government as well as non-government wildlife
experts and scientists.
• Elephant reserves in India:
o Declared as an administrative category by the government to demarcate large landscapes that hold
elephants and their movements.
o 33 elephant reserves (cover a total area of nearly 80,000 sq km).
o Highest number of ERs: Tamil Nadu and Assam (5 each) followed by Kerala (4) and Odisha (3).
• Elephant Corridors of India
o West Bengal has the highest number of elephant corridors.
o There are 6 transnational corridors between India and Nepal.
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About Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
o Highly intelligent animals characterised by strong family bonds with sophisticated forms of
communication.
o Complex behaviour, including the ability to feel grief and compassion.
o Form herds of related females led by the oldest female, the 'matriarch'.
o Have the longest gestation period of all mammals (18 to 22 months).
o Adult male Asian elephants are less social than females.
o They enter musth -- a mate-
searching strategy for old (above
30 years of age) males, annually.
o Kumki elephants: Term used in
India for captive Asian elephants
that are trained to be used in
operations to trap wild
elephants.
• Habitat: Found in the central and
southern Western Ghats, North
East India, eastern India and
northern India and in some parts of
southern peninsular India.
o India is home to > 60% of all wild
Asian elephants.
o India had 29,964 elephants.
(Elephant Census 2017)
o Highest number
of elephants:
Karnataka,
followed by
Assam and
Kerala.
• Threats: Human-
elephant conflict,
habitat loss and
fragmentations,
poaching and the loss
of genetic viability
resulting from small
population size and
isolation.
• Other Measures to
protect elephants:
o AI -based sensor
system “Gajraj”
will be deployed
to prevent
elephant deaths
in rail accidents.
o Census is carried
out at every five-year interval.
o Planting of native species of trees in Assam.
✓ Species include Amla, Bel, Gamhari, Jamun, Bhumura, Arjun etc.
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3.2.6. STATE OF THE RHINO 2023 REPORT
Why in the News?
International Rhino Foundation (IRF) released the State of Rhino 2023 report.
About IRF
• Founded as International
Black Rhino Foundation in
1991.
• Dedicated to survival of all
five living rhino species.
• Key findings
o Greater one-horned
rhino (aka Indian rhino)
population in India and
Nepal continues to grow.
o Black rhino populations are increasing despite constant poaching pressure.
o Population of white rhinos and Sumatran rhinos are decreasing.
About Rhino
• 5 species of rhino (refer image)
o 3 found in Asia: Sumatran rhino, Javan rhino and Great one horned rhino (Indian rhino).
o 2 found in Africa: White rhino and Black rhino
• They comparatively have poor vision and mostly rely on the sense of smell.
o Rhino horns are made of Keratin and grow up to 7cm a year
o Asian rhinos are excellent swimmers and can easily swim across rivers.
About Indian rhino
o Largest of all rhino species.
o Usually solitary, except for females
with small calves.
o Male rhinos fight violently for
preferred habitual areas.
o Cover their skin in mud aids
thermo-regulation by preventing
overheating.
o Can run fast (up to 40 km/h) and
are very agile.
• Threats: Poaching for medical purpose
(biggest threat), habitat loss, low genetic diversity.
• Habitat: Alluvial Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands and riverine forest.
o Found commonly in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India, with India being home to or over 85% of the
population.
o In India found in- Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam.
o Assam has 71% of the world’s population (2895 as per 2022 census) with Kaziranga National Park
harbouring the highest number.
• Conservation Measures
o National Rhino Conservation Strategy 2019 to conserve Indian rhinoceros.
o New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019.
o Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is a joint program of Assam Forest Department, World Wide Fund for
Nature – India (WWF-India) and IRF to increase rhinos population.
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3.2.7. BAN ON DRUGS HARMFUL FOR VULTURES
Why in the news?
Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recommended a ban on two
more drugs harmful to vultures.
More about the news
• DTAB agreed to prohibit drugs Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac
for treatment of livestock.
• DTAB: Highest statutory decision-making body on technical
matters related to drugs.
o Part of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
(CDSCO) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
About the Drug ban
• Ketoprofen, Aceclofenac, Diclofenac and Nimesulide are
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used in
veterinary practice that have been proven toxic to vultures
and other birds of prey.
o Diclofenac is already banned by India.
• Some NSAIDs are not fully metabolized by vultures and cause
damage to the birds’ kidneys.
• A total of 9 species of vultures are found in India (see image).
o Population of White-backed Vulture, Slender billed
Vulture and Long billed Vulture) has declined drastically
over the past decades.
o Vultures are part of Species Recovery Pogramme.
3.2.8. FUNGA: RECOGNITION AND CONSERVATION

Why in the news?
The Fungi Foundation through UN Biodiversity has urged people globally to use the word ‘Funga’ whenever they
say, ‘flora and fauna’, as part of the trinity of life on Earth.
About Funga/Fungi
• Refers to the levels of diversity of fungi in any given place.
• Vary from single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms.
• Distribution: From tropical, temperate to arctic regions in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Threats: Loss of habitat and hosts, over-exploitation, climate change and pollution.
• Significance of Fungi: Culinary use, Mycorrhizal, Carbon reservoirs, Decomposition and nutrient cycling,
Mycoremediation and Medicine.
Comparing Flora, Fauna and Funga (3Fs)
Aspect Flora Fauna Funga
Kingdom Plantae (Plants) Animalia (Animals) Fungi
Examples Algae, Flowers, Trees Insects, Reptiles, Mammals Mushrooms, molds, yeasts
Mobility Immobile generally Capable of Movement Immobile generally
Reproduction Through seeds, spores, Through sexual and asexual Through Spores or asexual
vegetative propagation reproduction reproduction
Role in Primary producer Consumer, Prey, and predator Decomposers
ecosystem
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3.2.9. EXPORT POLICY OF RED SANDERS WOOD
Why in the news?
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry amended export
policy of red sanders wood sourced from privately cultivated land.
More about the news
• Amendments issued under the power conferred by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation)
Act,1992 and Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
• Under the foreign trade policy import of Red Sanders is prohibited, while its export is restricted.
o Earlier DGFT in 2019 had revised its export policy to permit export of Red Sanders, in log form and
roots, if it is exclusively obtained from private cultivated land (including pattaland).
• Recent amendment allows-
o Annual export quota for artificially propagated red sanders and
o Zero export quota for wild specimens of red sanders.
About Red Sanders
• Conservation Status
o IUCN Status: Endangered
o Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, India: Schedule IV
o CITES Status: Appendix II
• Habitat: Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats of India.
o Found in distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh.
o Very slow-growing tree species that attains maturity after 25 – 40 years.
o Resistant to droughts.
o Also known as: Almug, Saunderwood, Red Sanders, Red Sanderswood, Red Saunders, Yerra
Chandanam, Rakta chandana (Indian), Lal Chandan, Ragat Chandan, Rukhto Chandan, Undum.
o High in demand across Asia, particularly China, due to its therapeutic properties, for use in
cosmetics, medicinal products, and high-end furniture/woodcraft.
Related News: CITES Review of Significant Trade
• 77th CITES Standing Committee meeting removed Red Sanders from Review of Significant Trade (RST).
• CITES RST process enables
disciplinary action (trade
suspensions) on countries
that do not meet their
obligations.
About CITES (the Convention on
International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora)
• An international agreement
between governments.
• Genesis: Drafted as a result
of a resolution adopted in
1963 at a meeting of
members of IUCN (The World
Conservation Union).
o Text agreed in 1973
and entered in force in
1975 .
62
• Secretariat: Administered by UNEP,located at Geneva, Switzerland.
• Objective: To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten
the survival of the species
• Membership: 184 Parties (including India)
o Management Authority for CITES (CITES-MA) in India: Director of Wildlife Preservation,
Government of India.
• Other key Information:
o Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme: An international collaboration that
measures the levels, trends and causes of elephant mortality.
✓ India has 10 sites participating in MIKE programme.
o Legally binding on the Parties, but does not take the place of national laws.
o Each Party has to adopt its own domestic legislation to its implementation at the national level.
o All 184 Parties have right to attend, to put forward proposals to consider, and to vote on all
decisions.
o Species covered by CITES listed in 3 Appendices.
3.2.10. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES

Why in the News?
The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has released the ‘Assessment
Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control’.
About Invasive Alien Species
• Represent a subset of alien species known to have established and spread with negative impacts on
biodiversity, local ecosystems, and species.
o Alien species: Animals/plants/other organisms introduced by human activities to new regions.
o All Alien species are not invasive species
and they can benefit from extreme weather.
• As per the report, invasive alien species are one
of the five major direct drivers of biodiversity
loss globally.
Global Efforts
• Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG):
Global network of scientific and policy experts
on invasive species, and was established in
1994.
o Organized under Species Survival
Commission (SSC) of the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
About Intergovernmental Science-policy platform
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
• About: An independent intergovernmental body
o Not a UN body.
• Genesis: Established in 2012
• Committed to strengthening the science-policy interface for the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES.
• Membership: 144 members including India.
63
Related News: Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC)
• The APPPC unanimously elected India as chair of the Standing Committee on Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) for the biennium 2023-24 during the 32nd Session held in Bangkok.
• About: Intergovernmental organisation that promotes cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific
region to enhance plant health and protection.
• Genesis: Established in 1956 as a regional body approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) of the United Nations.
• Mandate: helps with the management of outbreaks of invasive species to promote safe agricultural
trade.
3.2.10.1. INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEWS

Species Description
Prosopis • As per the it is threatening to pulverize native vegetation across 21 islands in the
Chilensis Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR).
o GoMBR, India’s first marine biosphere reserve, is one of the important habitats
for coastal birds migrating from the Arctic Circle.
• Drought-resistant plant
• Native to the arid regions of four South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,
and Peru).
• Also known as Chilean mesquite.
Mosquitofish • A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis and
Gambusia holbrooki, have invaded various ecosystems across India.
• Widely introduced worldwide as a form of biological mosquito control (feeds on
mosquito larvae).
• Native to U.S.
• Habitat: Shallow waters, dense vegetation growth where larvae and pupae hide.
• Introduced 1st in India in 1928, during British rule.
Conocarpus • Invasive mangrove species, recently banned by Gujarat government.
Trees o Earlier, Telangana government also banned it.
• A genus of two species of flowering plants of Winter, native to tropical regions of the
world.
• Widely used in public spaces for its ornamental looks
Ludwigia • An invasive weed, is threatening elephant habitats and foraging grounds in Tamil Nadu.
peruviana o Infested the majority of the hill station’s swamps, locally known as vayals .
• Popularly called primrose willow.
• Native of Central and South America including Peru.
• Used as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers.
• Grows fast along water bodies.
• Among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil Nadu.
Red fire ant • It was found in Europe for the first time.
• Native to: South America however, spread in United States, Mexico, the Caribbean,
China, and Australia.
• Impacts
o Form 'super colonies' with multiple queens and has the ability to spread rapidly.
o Feed on fauna that nests or feeds on the ground, including insects, spiders, etc.
• Communication: Through chemical secretions and stridulation (sounds produced by
rubbing or drumming one body part against another)
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3.2.11. RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES
Why in the News?
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released an updated Red List of threatened species.
Key-findings
• Around 44,000 are threatened with extinction, which increased by 2000 from last year.
• Saiga: Moved from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened.
o An antelope that have roamed the earth since the last Ice Age.
• 25% of freshwater fish at risk of extinction
o At least 17% affected by climate change.
• First global freshwater fish assessment
• Four freshwater subterranean fish species (found in water bodies under the surface) from Kerala
included in list:
o Endangered:
Shaji's Catfish,
Abdulkalam's Blind
Cave Catfish,
Pangio Bhujia
o Vulnerable:
Gollum snakehead
About Red list
• A critical indicator of
the health of the
world’s biodiversity.
• Provides information
about range,
population size,
habitat and ecology,
use and trade, threats,
and conservation
actions.
• Criteria used to
determine the risk of
species: Population
size reduction,
Restricted geographical
range, small population
and declining, Very
small or lives in a
restricted area and
Quantitative analysis of
extinction risk.
About IUCN
• Genesis: Created in 1948.
• HQ: Gland, Switzerland
• Mandate: To advance sustainable development and create a just world that values and conserves nature
• Membership: Composed of both government and civil society organisations.
• Other Reports:
o State of the World’s Amphibians: The Second Global Amphibian Assessment Report.
65
3.2.12. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS
Arunachal Pradesh
Kamlang Tiger • Kamlang Tiger Reserve conducted a butterfly walk and nature trail event for the first
Reserve time ever in association with NGOs.
• Geographical location and other important features
o Location: Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
o Has Sub-tropical climate
o Glow Lake falls within reserve.
o Important Bird Areas (IBA) of Birdlife International
• River: Kamlang, Tawa, Lang
• Forest: Tropical, temperate and alpine.
• Flora and Fauna: Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Tiger, Himalayan Palm Civets,
Hornbill, etc.
Assam
Bura Chapori • Rhinoceros has returned to this sanctuary after 40 years.
Wildlife Sanctuary • Geographical location and other important features:
o Location: South bank of Brahmaputra in Sonitpur district.
o Part of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (centrally located Protected Area of
Assam)
o A notified buffer of the Kazairanga Tiger reserve.
66
• Forest type: wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests
• Flora and Fauna: Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Bengal
Florican, Black-necked Stork etc.
Chhattisgarh
Lemru elephant • Request of the Chhattisgarh state to de-notify coal mines falling under the Lemru
reserves (LER) Elephant Corridor has been accepted by Ministry of Coal.
• LER was established to prevent human-animal conflict with elephants moving
into Chhattisgarh from Odisha and Jharkhand.
o Location: part of the Hasdeo Aranya forests (rich in coal deposits) and is
known as lungs of Chhattisgarh.
Jharkhand
Palamau Tiger • Four soft-release centres for Cheetals are under construction in PTR.
Reserve (PTR) • Geographical location and other important features
o Location: western part of the Chotanagpur plateau, and is a part of Betla
National Park and Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rivers: North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha.
• Forest type: Mixed deciduous forests.
• Flora and Fauna: Tigers, leopards, wolves, etc.
Mizoram
Dampa Tiger • A new species of toad (Frog) Bufoides bhupathyi was found in Dampa tiger reserve.
Reserve o It is named after known Indian herpetologist Subramanian Bhupathy.
o Location: western flank (Lushai Hills) of Mizoram, bounded by the
Chittagong hill tracts (Sazek hill range) of Bangladesh.
• River: Khawthlangtuipui,Teirei
• Forest type: tropical evergreen to semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora and Fauna: Hoolock Gibbon, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Golden Cat,
Himalayan Black Bear etc.
Kerala
Kadalundi • Experts noticed that shrinking mudflat ecosystem of Kadalundi river is keeping
Vallikunnu shorebirds away.
Community • Geographical location and other important features
Reserve (KVCR) o Location: Kerala
o Greek traders came here, calling it Tyndis.
o India's first river front community reserve.
✓ Community Reserve: A protected area category first introduced through
the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002.
✓ Act as buffer zones to or corridors between established national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests.
✓ Can be declared as conservation areas if they are uninhabited and
completely owned by the Government.
✓ Governing authority: Chief Wildlife Warden of the State
✓ Restrictions: Agriculture and Hunting prohibited, collection of non-
timber forest produce allowed.
• River: Kadalundi
• Forest type: Mangroves Forest
• Flora and Fauna: 8 species of mangroves, crabs, , crustaceans, otters, etc.
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Odisha
Debrigarh • High prey density was recorded in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha.
Wildlife • Geographical location and other important features
Sanctuary o Location: near reservoir of Hirakud Dam, built on Mahanadi River.
• Forest type: dry deciduous forest
• Flora and Fauna: Indian Bison, Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boars, Sambhar and
Chausingha, etc.
Similipal Tiger • According to Union government Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in
Reserve (STR) Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha.
o As per All India Tiger Estimation (2022), out of 16 tigers 10 were melanistic at
STR.
o A single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep)
causes the black tigers to develop broadened stripes.
o Location: Mayurbhanj district (Odisha)
o Was added to UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program in 2009.
o Harbors the only population of melanistic tigers in the world.
✓ Identified as a distinct genetic cluster for conservation.
✓ Receives funding assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH).
• Rivers: Budhabalanga, Salandi and many tributaries of Baitarani river.
• Forest type: Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous with some evergreen patches
• Flora and Fauna: Sal, Tiger, Elephant, Hill Mynah, Leopard, Sambar, giant squirrel,
etc.
Tamil Nadu
Mukurthi • Recently, Tamil Nadu Police increased vigil around Mukurthi National Park to curb
National Park poaching.
o Location: Nilgiri hills
o Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
o Shares borders with Mudumalai National Park and Silent Valley National
Park.
• Forest type: Montane grasslands and shrublands, shola forests
• Flora and Fauna: Rhododendron, raspberries and black berries, Barking deer,
Indian Elephant, panther, Indian leopard, Jackal etc.
Kalakad TR or • Plea in Madras high court to restrict entry of outsiders inside KMTR to protect flora,
Kalakad fauna.
Mundanthurai TR • Geographical location and other important features
(KMTR) o Location: Southern Western Ghat.
o Consists of two adjacent sanctuaries:
✓ Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS),
✓ Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary (MTS)
o Part of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests.
o Forms part of the interstate (Kerala and TN) Agasthyamalai Biosphere
Reserve.
o Established primarily for conservation of Lion Tailed Macaque.
• River: River Thamirabarani and 13 other rivers originate from KMTR, popularizing it
as River Sanctuary.
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• Forest type: Changes from dry thorn forest to dry deciduous.
• Flora and Fauna: Leopard, Indian Pangolin, Mouse Deer, Great Indian Hornbill etc.
Anamalai Tiger • ATR is carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of the
Reserve (ATR) Anamalais.
• Geographical location and other important
features
o Location: Southern Western Ghats.
o Home for six different indigenous people i.e.,
Malai Malasars, Kadar, Malasar, Muduvan,
Pulayar, Eravallar.
o CATS recognized.
• River: Aliyar, Uppar, and Nirar
• Forest type: Wet evergreen forests, semi-
evergreen forests, moist deciduous, dry
deciduous, dry thorn and shola forests.
• Flora and fauna: Mango, Jackfruit, Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking
deer, Mouse deer, etc.
Uttarakhand
Gangotri National • Decided to transfer approximately 50 hectares of land to the Army and Indo-
Park (GNP) Tibetan Border.
o Location: Uttarkashi District region
o Runs along the international boundary between India and China.
o Provides continuity for conservation with the Govind National Park and
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
o Important Bird Areas (IBA) of Birdlife International.
o Gaumukh glacier, the origin of river Ganges located inside the park.
• River: Bhagirathi
• Forest type: Himalayan moist temperate forest, Himalayan dry temperate forest,
sub-alpine forest, moist alpine scrub and dry alpine scrub
• Flora and Fauna: Pine, Deodar, oak, rhododendrons, black bear, brown bear,
Himalayan Monal, Himalayan thar, musk deer and snow leopard etc.
Uttar Pradesh
Dudhwa TR • Female Royal Bengal Tiger was found in buffer zone of
Dudhwa TR.
o Location: India-Nepal border
o Comprises Dudhwa National Park, and two nearby
Sanctuaries, viz. Kishanpur and Katerniaghat.
o Recognized under CATS.
• Rivers: Suheli, Mohana, Joraha,Sharda and Ull.
• Forest type: Moist deciduous forest
• Flora and Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Sloth
Bear
3.2.13. SPECIES IN NEWS

Note: As per the amendments made under the ‘Wild life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022’, species that
are covered under Appendices of CITES are listed under Schedule IV of the Act.
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Terrestrial species
Hangul (Kashmir • Population of Hangul (Kashmir stag) has registered a 10 percent increase.
Stag) Protection status
Characteristics
• Subspecies of Central Asian red deer endemic to Kashmir and surrounding
areas
Habitat
• Found in dense riverine forests in high valleys and mountains of Jammu and
Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.
• In Kashmir, found primarily in Dachigam National Park (DNP) and Tral wildlife
sanctuary.
Conservation Measures: Project hangul, state animal of Jammu and Kashmir
Nilgiri Tahr • Tamil Nadu government launched Project Nilgiri Tahr.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Only mountain ungulate (animal with hooves) in southern India amongst the
12 species present in India.
• Locally known as “Varaiaadu”
• Two epics — Silappathikaram and Sivakasindamani — mention its
descriptions
Habitat
• Endemic to western ghats
• Ernavikulam National Park in Anamalai Hills, Kerala, home to the largest
population.
Conservation Measures
• State animal of Tamil Nadu
• October 7 declared as Nilgiri Tahr day by Tamil Nadu
Sangai deer • Manipur Government raised concern that Loktak Lake’s hydroelectric plan
may affect Sangai deer.
Protection status
Characteristics
• A medium-sized deer, with unique distinctive antlers
• Called Dancing deer
Habitat
• Loktak lake inside Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur), over floating
biomass called phumdi
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o Loktak Lake was designated as a wetland of international importance
under the Ramsar Convention.
• State animal of Manipur
Pangolin • Scientists have discovered a new species of highly endangered Pangolin in
China.
Protection status (Indian Pangolin)
Characteristics
• Only mammals wholly covered in scales.
• Adult male is about one-third larger than the female.
• If under threat, will immediately curl into a tight ball.
Habitat
• Four species live in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin, White-bellied pangolin,
Giant Ground pangolin and Temminck's Ground pangolin.
• Four species found in Asia: Indian pangolin, Philippine pangolin, Sunda
pangolin, and the Chinese pangolin.
Hoolock Gibbon • Conservation status of India’s only ape (Hoolock Gibbon) was a cause for
concern at a global event on gibbons held in China.
Protection status:
• IUCN: Endangered (Western hoolock gibbon) and
• Vulnerable (Eastern hoolock gibbon).
Characteristics
• Gibb smallest and fastest of all apes, commonly found near rivers.
• Omnivorous and survive by eating fruits, insects, and leaves.
Habitat:
• Live in tropical and subtropical forests in the south-eastern part of Asia.
• Hoolock gibbon, unique to India’s northeast, is one of 20 species of gibbons
on Earth
Namdapha flying • Missing for 42 years, flying squirrel resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh.
squirrel Protection status
Characteristics:
• A nocturnal, endemic to northeastern India mammal.
• Range: Only known with certainty from a single specimen collected in
Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Threats: Poaching, habitat loss.
Habitat:
• Occurs in dry deciduous montane forests occupying moist forest tracts along
streams.
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Dhole • A rare sighting of Dhole was encountered in Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Play an important role as apex predators in forest ecosystems.
• Carnivore of the dog family
Habitat
• Found in the forests of central, south, and southeast Asia.
• Most populations found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand.
• Threats: Habitat loss, reduced prey base, retaliatory killings.
• Dhole conservation breeding program.
Attenborough • Elusive Attenborough echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi) rediscovered in
echidna Indonesia.
o Named after famed British naturalist David Attenborough, it was last seen
in 1961.
Protection status
Characteristics:
• There are four echidna species.
• Three have long beaks, with the Attenborough echidna, and the western
echidna considered critically endangered.
• Nocturnal and shy
• Members of the monotremes – an egg-laying mammal (the only other
member is the duck-billed platypus)
• Eat through toothless beaks.
Habitat:
• Found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.
Emperor Penguins • A study predicted that Emperor Penguins will face Quasi-Extinction by the end
of the century.
• Quasi-extinction threshold reflects that a population may be doomed to
extinction even if there are still individuals alive.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Flightless birds and biggest of the 18 species of penguins
• Carnivores and live in groups called colonies
• Males incubate the eggs for a period of 65-75 days in a specially adapted
brood pouch
Habitat
• Outlying Antarctic islands
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has recognised the Mithun (Bos
frontalis) as a food animal.
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Mithun o Food Animals are those that are raised and used for food production or
consumption by humans.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Species: Ruminant species of Bovidae family.
• Similar to that of Gaur (Indian bison) but are smaller in size.
Habitat:
• Live at altitudes of 300-3000m above the sea level
• Largest population is in India along with Bangladesh, Myanmar and China.
o Habitat in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• Also found in parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
• State animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
• ICAR-National research Centre on Mithun was established in Nagaland
Avian Species
Great Indian Bustard • The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to come up with plans
to save the bird species.
Protection status
Characteristics
• An agro-grassland bird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
• An omnivorous bird.
• Males play no role in the incubation and care of the young.
• Bustard Species Found in India: Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and
the Bengal Florican
• Called ‘Son Chiriya’ in Madhya Pradesh, ‘Godawan’ in Rajasthan and
‘Maldhok’ in Maharashtra.
• Threat: Habitat loss and alteration, collisions with high tension electric wires,
fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages
Habitat
• Mainly confined to Rajasthan, Gujarat and few tracts of Andhra Pradesh
o Rajasthan has the highest population.
• Sites for the establishment of a conservation breeding centres.
Western Tragopan • A gradual increase in the population of the bird species was observed in
Himachal Pradesh’s Sarahan pheasantry.
Protection status
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Characteristics
• During the breeding season (April-June), it inhabits little-disturbed temperate
coniferous and deciduous forests.
• Feeds mostly on leaves, shoots and seeds, but also consumes insects and
other invertebrates.
• Threat: Habitat degradation and fragmentation through subsistence farming,
etc.
Habitat
• Endemic to the northwest Himalaya, within a narrow range of north Pakistan
through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, to the western part of
Garhwal.
• State bird of Himachal Pradesh
Dodo • Geneticists and conservationists have joined forces to re-introduce the Dodo,
extinct since the late 17th century.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Flightless birds
• Related to pigeons and the closest living relative of the dodo is the Nicobar
pigeon.
• Believed to have used gizzard stones to help its digestion.
• Reason for its extinction: Deforestation, hunting, and destruction of their
nests by animals brought to the island by the Dutch
Habitat
• Were endemic to the island of Mauritius
Mangrove Pitta Birds • A first-ever census of mangrove pitta birds was carried out in Odisha and
around 179 birds were sighted.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Small secretive birds, measuring 17 to 19 cm in length and weighing 45 to
65 grams.
• Usually feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.
• A ground forager (an animal that searches widely for food)
Habitat
• Found in the eastern part of India especially in Odisha and West Bengal along
with countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore etc.
Painted Storks • One of the largest flocks of Painted Storks has been spotted in Andhra
(Mycteria Pradesh.
leucocephala)
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Protection status
Characteristics
• Belong to Ciconiidae family.
• Breeding season
o July to October in North India
o November to March in South India.
• Have a long heavy yellow beak with a down curved tip.
• Bare head is reddish or orange
Habitat
• Usually seen in freshwater wetlands and occasionally in coastal regions.
• Widely distributed over plains of Asia.
• Found in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and
Vietnam.
Aquatic Species
Ghol or Black spotted • Gujarat declared Ghol species as the state fish at the Global Fisheries
Crocker Conference India 2023.
Characteristics
• Its swim bladders are highly priced because of their medicinal and
commercial values.
• Exported to countries of south-east Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore and
Malaysia).
• Usage:
• To prepare isinglass (a form of collagen used mainly for the clarification of
wine and beer).
• Traditional medicine (believed to prevent bleeding in patients with urinary
problems).
• Cosmetics.
Habitat:
• Widely distributed in Indo-Pacific from Persian Gulf to Pacific Ocea
Reptiles, insects, amphibians , etc.

Gharial (Gavialis • 35 hatchlings of Gharial, a crocodile species, were spotted near Satkosia
gangeticus) gorge in Mahanadi River in Odisha.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Snout of the gharial is uniquely the thinnest and most elongated among all
the crocodilians.
• Unlike other crocodiles, the gharials feed on warm-blooded species
o Even largest gharial adults feed exclusively on fish,
• Use sandy banks for basking and breeding.
• Most aquatic of all crocodilians for it never moves far from the water.
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• Has a thick skin covered with smooth epidermal scales that do not overlap.
Habitat:
• Reside exclusively in river habitats with deep, clear, fast-flowing waters and
steep, sandy banks.
• Adult gharials prefer still, deep pools, formed at sharp river-bends and river
confluences.
• Found majorly in Chambal River (tributary of Yamuna River).
Red Sand Boa • A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India report flags the
illegal trade of red sand boa.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Non-Venomous and Ovoviviparous snake.
• Called a "Two-headed snake" due to its round tail that looks like a head.
• Used for making certain medicines, cosmetics, and in black magic, and is in
huge demand in the international market.
Habitat:
• Endemic to India, Pakistan, and Iran
Dancing Frogs • Dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are considered one of the most
threatened amphibian genera as per second Global Amphibian Assessment
of IUCN
Protection status (IUCN Status)
• Nilgiri Dancing Frog:Vulnerable
• White-Cheeked Dancing Frog: Endangered
• Characteristics
• Named so as they perform “foot flagging” in which males stretch up their hind
legs one at a time and wave their webbed toes in air in a rapid motion akin to a
dance.
• Threats: Invasive species, land use change, extreme weather, etc.
Habitat:
• Endemic to the Western Ghats
Yellow-bellied Sea • Recently Yellow-bellied Sea snake, a highly venomous species of snake was
snake (Pelamis seen on the coast of Bay of Bengal, which is usually found in Arabian Sea.
Platurus) Protection status
Characteristics
• Has a distinctive bicolor pattern with a yellow underbelly and brown back
with a flattened yellow tail with large black spots
• Carnivores and feed on fishes.
• Can swim by lateral undulation of the body, and can move both forwards and
backwards.
Habitat
• Tropical parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
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Plant species
Gucchi mushroom • Unpredictable weather patterns and early springs have left gucchi
mushroom hunters in distress.
• Characteristics
o Also known as Morel Mushrooms
o Costliest among fungi in the world.
o Grows in clusters on logs of decaying wood.
o Limited to a few weeks in the spring.
o Cannot be cultivated commercially, does not grow at the same spot every
time.
• Health Benefits: Rich in potassium, vitamins (including Vitamin D), copper and
antioxidants.
• Habitat: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Baobabs • Bhil tribe of Central India is opposing the forest department’s decision to
give permission for uprooting baobab trees for commercial use.
Protection status
Characteristics
• Belongs to the genus Adansonia are native to mainland Africa, Madagascar,
and Australia.
• Have unusual barrel-like trunks \Known for their extraordinary longevity (live
up to 2,000 years) and ethnobotanical importance.
• Tree’s unique pendulous flowers are pollinated by bats and bush babies.
Gentiana Kurroo • Uttarakhand Forest Department has successfully saved the

plant from extinction
• Characteristics
o It is a perennial herb with flowers that are deep blue,
paler in the throat and spotted with green and white
o They are also called as Himalayan gentian or Trayman
• Health Benefits: used for liver ailments, digestive disorders, diabetes,
asthma, and urinary tract infections
• Habitat: found in grasslands and rocky areas in Himalayas region of India,
Nepal, and Pakistan.
Newly discovered species
Impatiens • Plant species was recently discovered by Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in
karuppusamy Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.
• Named after Dr. S Karuppusamy (Madhura College, Tamil Nadu) for his
significant contributions to the taxonomy of south Indian angiosperms.
Lysionotus • Species of epiphytic plant (grow upon another plant) discovered by BSI.
namchoomii • Found in Himalayas, Japan and Indo-China.
• Named in honour of late Chau Phunkyoo Nomchoon, a social reformer from
Arunachal Pradesh’s Khapti community.
Curcuma • Flowering plant species discovered in Manipur
Kakchingense
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Cyrtodactylus • Species of gecko and named after the town Vairengte (in Mizoram),
vairengtensis
Noa-Dihing Music • New species of music frog in the Namdapha-Kamlang landscape of Arunachal
Frog Pradesh.
• Named after the Noa-Dihing River tributary of Brahmaputra River.
Batillipes Kalami • New species of marine tardigrade after former President A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam.
o Tardigrades (Water Bears), are microscopic eight-legged animals.
• Belong to species known as extremophiles (survive in extreme conditions, up
to 30 years without food or water).
Armageddon • Damselfly species found in the Western Ghats (Kerala).
Reedtail • Direct reference to the concept of “Ecological Armageddon”, a term used to
describe the devastating decline of insect populations around the world.
Badis limaakumi • Small freshwater fish found from the Milak river, Nagaland
Pterygotrigla • Zoological Survey of India discovered a new species of marine fish from West
intermedica Bengal.
3.3. FORESTS
3.3.1. ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ)
Why in the news?
MoEFCC has unveiled the draft
notification for an ESZ for Dachigam
National Park (DNP), Thajwas (Baltal) and
Overa- Aru wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu
and Kashmir.
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
• Created as “shock absorbers” for the
protected areas.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-
2016) provides for establishing ESZ
under the Environmental (Protection)
Act, 1986.
• As per National Wildlife Action Plan
(2002-2016), land within 10 km of
boundaries of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as ESZ.
• In 2022, the Supreme Court mandated that a minimum 1-km ESZ around national parks or wildlife
sanctuaries should be there.
o In 2023, SC ruled it is not applicable to ESZs in respect to which draft and final notifications have
been issued and where the national parks etc. located on inter-state borders or share common
boundaries.
o No mining is allowed, either within national parks and sanctuaries or in a 1-km radius.
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About Dachigam National Park (DNP)
• Geographical location and other important
features
o Located in Jammu and Kashmir (Zabarwan
mountain ranges of the Himalayas).
o Occupies almost half of the catchment zone
of the Dal Lake.
o Dachigam nallah coming from Marshar Lake
flows through it.
• Fauna: Hangul or Kashmir stag, Himalayan
Brown bear, Indian leopard, Himalayan grey
langur, yellow-throated marten etc.
• Flora: the vegetation is typically Himalayan
moist temperate forest and consists of trees
like Kashmir elm, White willow, Himalayan
Poplar, apricots and oaks etc.
3.3.2. CENTRAL EMPOWERED COMMITTEE (CEC)

Why in news?
MoEF&CC forms a new CEC on Environmental issues, exercising power under the Environment (Protection)
Act (1986).
About CEC
• Permanent statutory body
• To replace an ad hoc CEC formed in 2002 for monitoring the implementation of SC’s order in TN
Godavarman vs. Union of India (1996).
• Composition:
o Chairman and 3 Expert Members selected for 3 years (extendable once upto age of 60).
o Chief Coordinating Officer a serving officer not below rank of DIG of Forests/Director in GOI.
• All of them should have experience in Environment, Forest and Wildlife.
• Functions:
o Monitor implementation of SCs orders and place reports of noncompliance before the Centre.
o Deal with any applications made by any aggrieved person.
• Jurisdiction: Whole country
o If State differs from CEC’s recommendation, it shall be referred to the Centre whose decision shall be
final and binding.
3.3.3. UNITED NATION FORUM ON FORESTS

Why in the news?
India hosted a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) event as part of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
More on the news
• CLI focussed on two thematic areas-
o Forest fires/ wildfires
o Forest Certification (FC) & Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
• Primary goal: To contribute to the discussions of UNFF regarding the implementation of Sustainable
Forest Management and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF).
• UNSPF 2017-2030 (adopted by UNGA) has six Global Forest Goals and 26 associated targets which are
voluntary and universal.
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About Sustainable Forest Management (SFM)
• Ensures that forests supply goods and services
meeting both present and future needs.
o UN Forest Instrument encourages SFM through
voluntary certification systems or other
appropriate mechanisms in a transparent manner.
• Other UN declarations related to Forests: ’New York
Declaration on Forests
o 1st endorsed at the United Nations Climate
Summit in 2014.
o Proposes a global timeline to end the loss of
forests.
o Endorsed by governments, big companies and
indigenous communities.
• Forest certification is a mechanism for forest monitoring, tracing and labeling forest products, where
the quality of forest management is judged against a series of agreed standards.
o Between 2010- 2021, area of forest land under certification schemes increased by 35%.
About United Nation Forum on Forests (UNFF)
• Genesis: Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) in 2000 established UNFF as a
subsidiary body.
• About: It promotes the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests
and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.
• Members: All Member States of United Nations (including India which is a founding member) and
specialized agencies.
3.3.4. INDIAN FOREST & WOOD CERTIFICATION SCHEME (IFWCS)

Why in news?
MoEFCC launched Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS).
About IFWCS
• National forest certification scheme of India
• Designed to promote SFM and sustainable management of Trees outside Forests (TOF) in country.
• Offers voluntary third-party certification.
• Provides market incentives to various entities (state forest departments, individual farmers, or Farmer
Producer Organizations) that adhere to responsible forest management and agroforestry practices in
their operation.
• Applicable across country, both in forest areas and TOF plantations on government, private, agroforestry
and other lands.
• Certification applicable for both timber and non-timber forest produce.
• Includes three types of certification-
o Forest management certification
o TOF management certification
o Chain of Custody Certification (traceability of a forest product).
• Forest Management certification is based on Indian Forest Management Standard, consisting of 8
criteria, which is an integral part of National Working Plan Code 2023.
• Institutional arrangement for IFWCS
o Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council: Act as a multi-stakeholder advisory body.
o Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal: Act as operating agency and responsible for overall
management of IFWCS.
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o National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under Quality Council of India: Accredit
certification bodies to carry out independent audits of various entities.
About National Working Plan Code (NWPC)-2023
• For scientific management of forests and evolving new approaches.
o First adopted in 2004 with a subsequent amendment in 2014.
• Incorporates India Forest Management Standards (IFMS), a set of 8 comprehensive guidelines and
rules applicable to all states which focus upon-
o Soil and water conservation, productivity and utilisations of forest resources, enhancement of
social-economic and cultural benefits related to forests, extent and condition of forest and tree
cover and adequacy of policy, legal and institutional framework.
o IFMS developed form Bhopal-India process (1998), one of the nine global initiatives for forest
management.
• For the first time, NWPC-2023 prescribed state forest departments to engage in continuous data
collection and its updation in a centralized database.
3.3.5. OTHER FOREST RELATED NEWS

News Details
International • Its 59th Council session concluded recently.
Tropical Timber • About ITTO
Organisation (ITTO) o An intergovernmental organization founded in 1989
o HQ:Yokohama (Japan)
o Aim: To promote the sustainable management and conservation of tropical
forests
o Membership: 76 countries (Including India)
o Governing body consists of International Tropical Timber Council.
Accredited • Ministry of Coal has proposed 579 hectares of reclaimed land under ACA
Compensatory program.
Afforestation (ACA) About ACA
• Introduced under Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022
• A system of proactive afforestation to obtain approval for non- forestry use of
forest land.
• Under ACA, people and government entities can raise vegetation on fallow land
and sell it to project developers who need to meet CA targets.
o Before this, Forest Department undertook compensatory afforestation (CA)
only after approval of diversion of forest land for non-forestry use.
• CA is mandatory under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for non- forestry use of
forestland.
Global Forest • The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Maryland updated
Watch Global Forest Review (GFR) on the Global Forest Watch platform.
• WRI established Global Forest Watch in 1997 as part of the Forest Frontiers
Initiative.
o Started as a network of NGOs producing up-to-date reports about the state of
forests.
o As of 2019 it provides data on 82 countries (Including India).
• About WRI
o A global nonprofit organization established in 1997.
o Mandate:
✓ Focuses countries to meet people’s essential needs
✓ Protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate
✓ Build more resilient communities.
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Collaborative • CPF has launched the Joint Call to Action for Forests towards 2030.
Partnership on About CPF
Forests (CPF) • Genesis: Established in 2001 by a resolution of the Economic and Social
Council of the UN (ECOSOC) as an voluntary interagency partnership on
forests.
• Mission: To help enhance the contribution of all types of forests and trees
outside forests to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Functions: Support work of UN Forum on Forests (UNFF), provide scientific and
technical advice to the UNFF, etc.
• Members: Comprises international organizations, institutions, and
secretariats that have substantial programs on forests.
3.4. WETLANDS, COASTLAND AND OCEANS

3.4.1. FIRST INTERNATIONAL TREATY TO PROTECT THE HIGH SEAS
Why in the news?
UN adopts world's first international treaty to protect the high seas.
About the Treaty
• Adopted by the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National
Jurisdiction (BBNJ), “high seas” treaty aims at taking stewardship of ocean on behalf of present and future
generations.
o Adopted under the framework of United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
o Legally binding in nature.
o Will enter into force after ratification from 60 countries.
Key highlights of the treaty

• Strengthening resilience and contains provisions based on polluter-pays principle as well as
mechanisms for disputes.
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• Parties must assess potential environmental impacts of any planned activities beyond their
jurisdictions.
• Offers guidance, including through an integrated approach to ocean management that builds ecosystem
resilience to tackle adverse effects of climate change and ocean acidification.
• Recognize rights and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities, freedom of
scientific research, and need for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
• Aims to establish large-scale marine protected areas in international waters, which protect marine
biodiversity in high seas.
• Also calls for setting up of a Conference of Parties to oversee and enforce compliance with treaty’s
terms
3.4.2. CORAL REEF BREAKTHROUGH

Why in the news?
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has launched the Coral Reef Breakthrough in partnership with
Global Fund for Coral Reefs and High-Level Climate Champions.
International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)
• A global partnership between Nations and organizations
• Genesis: Founded in 1994 by Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, Philippines, Sweden, UK, and USA.
• Strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around world.
• Members: 101 members (including India).
• Other information: Part of Global Fund for Coral Reefs Coalition, a blended finance instrument to
mobilise action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems.
o Blended finance: Strategic use of development finance for mobilisation of additional finance towards
sustainable development.
✓ Uses concessional finance (i.e. a subsidy) to reduce perceived risk of an investment.
About Coral Reef Breakthrough
• Aims to prevent extinction of at least 125,000 km2 of shallow-water tropical coral reefs.
• Action Plans to achieve target
o Mitigate local drivers of loss including land-based sources of pollution, destructive coastal
development, and overfishing.
o Bolster resilience based coral reef conservation efforts by aligning with and surpassing global coastal
protection targets including 30by30.
✓ Target 3 of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework i.e. at least 30% of terrestrial and
inland water areas, and marine and coastal areas should be conserved by 2030.
o Assist the development and implementation of innovative solutions at scale and climate-smart
designs that support coral to impact 30% of degraded reefs by 2030.
o Secure investments of at least USD 12 billion by 2030 from public and private sources
About Coral reefs
• Marine invertebrate animals with hard exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate.
• Made up of colonies of hundreds to thousands of tiny individual corals, called polyps.
• 45 countries have 75% of world’s coral reefs.
• Global distribution: Mainly Found in Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Maldives, Fiji, Papua New Guinea
o Presence in India: Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands.
• Department of Fisheries is promoting Artificial reef under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for
rejuvenating coastal fisheries.
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Staghorn coral
• A genome-wide survey of highly endangered staghorn coral in the Caribbean has identified 10 genomic
regions associated with resilience against white band disease.
• Characteristics
o One of the most important corals in the Caribbean.
o Along with elkhorn coral and star corals it built Caribbean coral reefs over the last
5,000 years.
o Can form dense groups called “thickets” in very shallow water.
o Get food from photosynthetic algae that live inside the coral's cells.
3.4.3. LAKES AND WETLANDS IN NEWS
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Wetlands Details
Chilika Lake, • 88 Bird species were found in lake during annual summer survey of birds conducted
Odisha by Chilika wildlife division of Odisha.
• Asia’s largest brackish water
• World’s 2nd largest coastal lagoon.
• 1st Indian Wetland of International Importance (WII) to be designated under Ramsar
Convention in 1981.
o 1st site in Asia which was removed from Montreux Record (MR) in 2002.
✓ MR is register of WII where changes in ecological character have occurred or
are likely to occur.
• Kalijai temple situated on an island in Chilika Lake.
• Major attraction: Nalabana Bird Sanctuary and Irrawaddy dolphin (Endangered -
IUCN Red List).
Pulicat lake • After a six-year absence, lesser flamingos found their way back to Pulicat Lake.
o Lesser flamingo (IUCN: Near Threatened) is a rare migratory bird from the sub-
Saharan region in Africa.
• Location: Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu Border
• 2nd largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India (after Chilka lake).
• A Ramsar site
• Three major rivers feed the lagoon: Arani, Kalangi and Swarnamukhi River.
• Barrier island of Sriharikota separates it from Bay of Bengal.
Dal Lake, • Thousands of dead fish float on Dal Lake due to temperature variations at different
Jammu and depths of lake.
Kashmir • Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
• Called “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
• Formed due to flood spillage from Jhelum River.
• Has floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri.
o The houseboats called Shikhara are closely associated with Dal Lake.
Bhoj Wetland, • National Green Tribunal has banned the operation of cruise boats in Upper Lake in
Madhya Bhopal and other wetland site.
Pradesh o It further banned construction within "no development zone" i.e. "buffer zone”
as provided in Wetland Rules, 2017.
• Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002.
• Has 2 man-made reservoirs i.e. Upper lake (Bhojtal) and Lower Lake.
Vembanad • Cabomba Furcuta, aka Pink Bloom, due its massive flowering, has been a new threat
Kole Wetland, to the Kole fields, in addition to water hyacinth and Salvinia molesta.
Kerala • Largest brackish lake of Kerala
• Fed by 10 rivers
o Pamba and Achankovil rivers in Vembanad form part of the Kuttanad- Famous for
exotic fish varieties and paddy fields that are below sea level.
• Part of Central Asian Flyway
• Harbors birds like Spot billed Pelican.
Deepor Beel, • Assam government has expressed intent to allow water sports and tourism-related
Assam activities in Deepor Beel.
• Permanent freshwater lake and largest Beel (lake) in Brahmaputra valley of Lower
Assam.
• A wildlife sanctuary, Ramsar site and Important Bird Area site (declared by an NGO
Birdlife International).
• Migratory bird spotted: White-eyed pochard, greylag goose, Baer's pochard, etc.
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• Threat to Beel: Filling of wetlands for habitation, pollution, fishing, excessive fodder
practices etc.
Kanwar lake • Kanwar Lake is facing threat of running dry.
(Kabartal • A freshwater natural wetland
Wetland), • Draws water from confluence of rivers Gandak, Bia and Kareh.
Bihar • Part of Central Asian Flyway
• Ox-bow lake . (located in an abandoned meander loop of a river channel.)
• Designated as Ramsar wetland site in 2020.
Kolleru Lake, • An inventory of land use and other activities adjacent to Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary is
Andhra underway for declaring it an eco-sensitive zone.
Pradesh • Largest freshwater lake in India
• Connected to Krishna and Godavari systems.
• Fed by seasonal Budameru and Tammileru rivers.
• A Ramsar Site
• Flora: Ipomoea aquatic, Ottelia spp, Prosopis juliflora, etc
• Fauna: Grey pelican (Indicator Species), migratory birds like Glossy ibis, Painted
storks, etc.
Sundarbans, • Experts from India and Bangladesh believe that climate change triggered loss and
West Bengal damage in the Sundarbans, should be seen as a “global commons”.
• A cluster of low-lying islands in Bay of Bengal
• Location: Spread across India (40%) and Bangladesh (60%).
o Lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers.
• World’s Largest area of mangrove forest.
• A Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ramsar site.
• Fauna: Estuarine crocodile, royal Bengal tiger, Water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin,
Olive ridley turtle etc.
• Threats: Vulnerable to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, sea-level rise and coastline
erosion.
3.5. OTHER BIODIVERSITY RELATED NEWS

News Description
Operation • Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) saved 955 live baby Gangetic turtles
“Kachchhap” in a crackdown on illegal wildlife trade in multicity Operation “Kachchhap”.
o India is one of the world's hotspots for turtle diversity, representing 29
species of tortoises and freshwater turtles.
o The Ganges river system is home to 13 such species.
• DRI, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of
Finance, is the apex agency of the Indian Customs in the field of anti-
smuggling in India.
Cryptobiosis • Scientists brought microscopic worms back to life after they were frozen in the
Siberian permafrost for 46,000 years by entering in to state called
cryptobiosis.
• Cryptobiosis is the state of an organism when it shows no visible signs of life
and when its metabolic activity becomes hardly measurable or comes
reversibly to a standstill.
Facultative • Scientists have documented the first-known instance of a FP (also referred as
parthenogenesis "virgin birth”) by a crocodile.
(FP) • FP is the ability of sexually reproducing species to sometimes produce
offspring asexually.
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• In FP, a female's egg cell can develop into a baby without being fertilized by a
male's sperm cell.
o Here, in making an egg cell, a precursor cell divides into four cells. One of
them acts as a sperm cell and fuses with the egg to become fertilized.
• FP has also been documented in other species of fish, birds, lizards and
snakes.
Environmental DNA • Scientists found elusive De Winton’s Golden Mole (Cryptochloris wintoni) for
(eDNA) the 1st time in last 87 years with the help of Environmental DNA (eDNA)
technique.
o De Winton’s Golden Mole (IUCN status - Critically endangered) is endemic to
South Africa.
o Key features: Completely blind and dwells entirely underground.
• eDNA Technique: Method for studying biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem
changes.
o In it, collected DNA is compared and matched with reference DNA.
• eDNA is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that is released from an organism into
the environment.
Tropicalisation • A study indicates that rising sea temperatures due to climate change are
causing tropical marine species to move from equator towards poles and
retraction of temperate species.
o This mass movement of marine life has been termed tropicalisation.
• Borealisation is expansion of temperate species (terrestrial and marine) into
Arctic polar- regions.
Indian National • Recently, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS)
Centre for Ocean deploys two deep sea gliders into the Bay of Bengal to study climate change.
Information • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS)
Services (INCOIS) o Genesis - It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science
Organisation (ESSO).
o Mission - To provide ocean data, information and advisory services to
society, industry, the government and the scientific community.
o Organizational Structure -
✓ Chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
✓ A director along with a governing council oversees its functioning.
o Other important functions -
✓ To establish an Early Warning System for Tsunami and Storm Surges.
✓ To promote research in the field of ocean information and related
services including satellite oceanography.
First Census of • Ministry of Jal Shakti released All India report of the first census of Water
Water bodies Bodies.
• Objective is to develop a national database for all water bodies.
o Launched in convergence with 6th Minor Irrigation Census under Centrally
Sponsored Scheme “Irrigation Census”.
• Key highlights of the Census
o 24.24 lakh water bodies
✓ 97.1% in rural areas
✓ 2.9% are in urban areas
o Top 3 states with most water bodies: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh.
o States/UTs with least water bodies: Sikkim, Chandigarh, Delhi.
o Man-made water bodies: 78%
o Natural water bodies: 22%
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o 55.2% owned by private entities, rest are under public ownership.
MISHTI • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was
launched on the World Environment Day (5th June 2023).
• Aim: “Restoration of mangrove forests” by undertaking mangrove reforestation/
afforestation measures along India’s coast by adopting existing best practices in
India and globally.
• Financial outlay: 100 Crores allocated for the FY 2023-24.
• Funding Cycle: 80% of the project cost borne by the Government of India,
remaining 20% contributed by respective State Governments
Rejuvenating • The Secretary, the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), reviewed the
Watersheds for Implementation Support Mission of REWARD program.
Agricultural • REWARD: A World Bank assisted Watershed development program which is
Resilience through being implemented from 2021 to 2026.
Innovative • Objective: Strengthen capacities of National and State institutions to adopt
Development improved watershed management in selected watersheds of participating States
(REWARD) program • Presently implemented in Karnataka and Odisha.

3.6.1. WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA (WII)
• Genesis: Established in 1982 as an autonomous natural resource service institution under MoEFCC.
• Function: Conducts wildlife research in the areas of Biodiversity, Endangered Species, etc.
• President of WII Society: Minister in charge of MoEFCC.
• Located in Dehradun.
Reports released by WII
Report Highlights
State of India’s Birds 2023’ Report • Released jointly with Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
• A periodic assessment of the distribution range, trends in
abundance and conservation status of India’s key bird species.
• Key highlights:
o Bird species richness has reduced
o Long-distance migrants have declined the most, by over
50%.
✓ Shorebirds that breed in the Arctic have been
particularly affected (declining by close to 80%).
o Several bird species such as the Indian Peafowl, Rock
Pigeon, Asian Koel and House Crow are showing an
increasing trend.
• Key birds and their habitat
o Endangered
✓ Indian Skimmer: Around Chambal, Ganga, Mahanadi,
Yamuna, and Son
✓ Black-bellied Tern: Around Chambal, Mahanadi, Ganga,
Son, Godavari, and Yamuna
o Critically Endangered
✓ Bengal Florican: Restricted to the Himalayan Terai and
grasslands of northeastern India (Uttar Pradesh, Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh)
✓ Baer’s Pochard: Wetlands of Assam and Manipur
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3.6.2. ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (ZSI)
• Genesis: Established in 1916, traces its origin to Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in
1875.
• Mandate: Undertakes exploring, naming, describing, classifying and documenting animals from all
over India.
• HQ: Kolkata
• Declared as the Designated Repository for the National Zoological Collection as per the National
Biodiversity Act, 2002.
Recent reports release by ZSI
Report Highlights
Flora and • India added 664 animal species to its fauna database and 339 taxa to its flora.
Fauna • The list by MoEFCC also contains new records (species found in India for the first time)
Database of animals and new distributional records of flora.
o Faunal discoveries are compiled by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the
Floral by Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
• Maximum discoveries of both flora and fauna were made in Kerala.
• Key Fauna discovered
o Meghalaya:
✓ Miniopterus phillipsi, a long-fingered bat
✓ Glischropus meghalayanus, a bamboo-dwelling bat
o Arunachal Pradesh
✓ Sela macaque (Macaca selai) named after Sela Pass.
✓ Macaca leucogenys, a white-cheeked macaque (found in Modog, Tibet) sighted
in India for the first time.
o Narcondam Island of Andaman
✓ Ficedula zanthopygia, a yellow-rumped flycatcher (known from Mongolia,
China, Korea and Japan) found in India.
• Key flora discovered
o Calanthe lamellose: Found in India in the Japfu mountain range in Kohima,
Nagaland.
o Nandadevia Pusalkar: Foothills and warm outer valleys of Uttarakhand Himalayas.
o Nilgiriella Pusalkar: Endemic to southern Western Ghats and distributed in
Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
75 Endemic • Findings are part of ZSI’s publication “75 Endemic Birds of India” that provides details
Birds of of bio-geographic regions where the species are found, their conservation status,
India distinguishing traits, preferred habitats etc.
o Endemic species of plants and animals are found exclusively in a particular area.
• Other Key findings
o India home to 12.40% of global bird diversity.
o Three endemic species not recorded in last few decades
✓ Manipur Bush Quail
✓ Himalayan Quail
✓ Jerdon’s Courser
o Three species classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN
✓ Himalayan Quail
✓ Jerdon’s Courser
✓ Bugun Liocichla
o Highest number of endemic species have been recorded in Western Ghats
✓ Malabar Grey Hornbill
✓ Malabar Parakeet
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✓ Ashambu Laughing Thrush
✓ White-bellied Sholakili
o Several species are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
✓ Nicobar Megapode (
✓ Nicobar Serpent Eagle
✓ Andaman Crake
✓ Andaman Barn Owl
3.6.3. WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF)

• An international nonprofit organization working in nearly 100 countries.
• Aim: To develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which
they live.
• Genesis: Established in 1961 as World Wildlife fund at IUCN's headquarters in Morges, Switzerland
o Renamed as World Wide Fund for Nature in 1985
o WWF India established as a Charitable Trust in 1969.
• HQ: Gland, Switzerland
• Organizes worldwide movement ‘Earth Hour’
o Genesis: 2007, started as a "lights off" movement in Sydney
o Observed every year in March between in country's local time
• Reports released by WWF
• Living Planet Report 2022 (Uses Living Planet index (LPI))
o LPI: Measure of state of world's biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate
species from terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.
o Adopted by the Convention of Biological Diversity as an indicator of progress towards its 2011-
2020 targets and can play an important role in monitoring progress towards the post-2020 goals.
• High Cost of Cheap Water Report
90
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4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.1. FRAMEWORK FOR ACCEPTANCE OF GREEN DEPOSITS
Why in the News?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a framework for acceptance of ‘Green Deposits’
About Green deposit
• An interest-bearing deposit, received by regulated entities (REs) for fixed period and proceeds of which
are earmarked for being allocated towards green finance.
o Aims to offer green deposits to customers, protect interest of depositors, to achieve their
sustainability agenda, address greenwashing concerns and augment the flow of credit to green
activities/project.
Key highlights of framework for acceptance of green deposits
• Applicable to following entities (known as regulated entities (RE)):
o Scheduled Commercial Banks including Small Finance Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks,
Local Area Banks and Payments Banks)
o All Deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) registered with RBI including Housing
Finance Companies (HFCs).
• To be denominated in Indian Rupees only.
• Not mandatory for RE to raise green deposits.
• RE cannot finance green activities/ projects first and raise green deposits later.
• Investments made by REs in Sovereign Green Bonds are covered under the framework.
• Deposits raised under the framework are covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee
Corporation.
• Green activities/ projects financed under the framework can be classified under the priority sector if they
meet priority sector lending (PSL) guidelines of RBI.
• Banks are allowed to offer overdraft facilities to customers against Green Deposits.
• Annual Independent Third-Party Verification/Assurance for funds raised through green deposits.
Included Sectors/projects Excluded projects
• Renewable Energy • Projects involving new/existing extraction, production and distribution
• Energy Efficiency of fossil fuels
• Clean Transportation • Nuclear power generation
• Climate Change • Direct waste incineration
Adaptation, • Renewable energy projects generating biomass energy from feedstock
• Sustainable Water and originating from protected areas
Waste management • Alcohol, weapons, tobacco, gaming, or palm oil industries,
• Green Buildings etc. • Landfill projects
• Hydropower plants larger than 25 MW etc.
4.1.1. SOVEREIGN GREEN BOND (SGBS)

Government issued FY24’s first tranche of Sovereign Green Bond (SGBs) announced in 2022-23 budget.
About SGBs
• Green bonds: Debt instruments that support expenditures and projects with environmental benefits.
• India issued its 1st green bond in 2015.
• Union Budget 2022-23 announced the issuance of SGBs.
• India's final Sovereign Green Bonds framework:
o Use of Proceeds: Outlines 9 eligible categories of projects to finance using SGrB proceeds.
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o 2-tier governance process: Eligible categories of projects under framework
✓ Ministry or department in
• Renewable Energy
charge of implementing the
project or program responsible • Energy Efficiency
for the initial selection of • Clean Transportation
projects. • Climate Change Adaptation
✓ Green Finance Working • Sustainable Water and Waste Management
Committee: oversees and • Pollution Prevention and Control
validates decisions by the • Green Buildings
ministries or departments • Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
o Management: Proceeds are and Land Use
deposited into the Consolidated Fund • Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation
of India and managed by the Ministry
of Finance’s Public Debt Management Cell.
o Audit: by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
Related concepts:
Sustainability Bond
• India Exim Bank has listed its 10-year $1billion sustainability bond on Sustainable Bond Market
platform at London Stock Exchange
• Sustainability Bonds are specifically designed to raise money for environmentally- and socially
responsible initiatives.
• Combines the features of Green- and Social Bonds.
Rhino Bond
• Rhino bond boosts South Africa’s efforts to protect Black Rhinos and support local communities.
• Wildlife Conservation Bond, aka Rhino Bond, is a first-of-its-kind, outcome-based financial instrument
that channels investments to achieve conservation outcomes.
• The World Bank priced the Wildlife Conservation Bond (WCB) to support South Africa’s efforts to
conserve endangered species.
4.2. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY CIRCULAR ECONOMY INDUSTRY COALITION

(RECEIC)
Why in the news?
Recently, RECEIC was launched
at the G20 4th Environment and
Climate Sustainability
Working Group (ECSWG)
meeting, held in Mumbai.
About RECEIC
• An industry-driven
initiative.
• About 39 companies
headquartered in 11
countries have joined the
coalition as its founding members.
• Envisaged to accelerate the implementation of
o The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
o Climate Goals under the Paris Agreement.
o Goals and targets under the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
o Kigali Amendments, Resource Efficiency Dialogue Roadmap and other relevant international goals.
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• Structured around the three guiding
pillars:
o Partnerships for Impact
o Enhancing Capabilities and
Technology Collaborations
o Investments for Scale
About Circular Economy (CE)
• An economic system where means of
production are organized around reusing
and recycling the inputs.
o At the end of a product’s life, the
materials used to make it are kept in the
economy and reused wherever
possible.
• According to the Circularity Gap Report
2023, only 7.2% of the global economy is
circular with a declining trend.
Related News: Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG)

• 4th G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) Meeting concluded in India.
• About SFWG:
o Established in 2016 as Green Finance Study Group.
o Aim: To mobilize sustainable finance to ensure global growth and stability to promote the transition
towards greener, more resilient, and inclusive societies
o SFWG during India’s G20 presidency has identified various challenges for green financing-
✓ Lack of clear and predictable public climate policy
✓ Lack of investment-ready or bankable projects for Capital inflow
4.3. GREEN BUILDINGS

Why in the news?
Recently Indian Green Building Congress was held in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) by the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC).
About Green Building
• Refer to the use of environmentally friendly construction materials, processes, operation, and
maintenance.
• Different from Energy-efficient, and Net-zero carbon buildings.
• Concept driven by incentives to reduce the cost of energy and waste management considering global
warming and environmental degradation.
• Some innovative solutions in green construction:
o Agrocrete: Carbon-negative building material made of crop residues such as paddy straw, wheat
straw, sugarcane bagasse, etc.
o Carbon Craft Tile: Made with upcycled carbon by using recovered carbon waste as a resource
o Use of Geothermal Heating, Smart Grid refrigerators, Vegetated rooftops, etc.
About IGBC
• India’s Prem, ier Certification body for Green Buildings.
• One of the founding members of World Green Building Council
93
o A network of national green building councils in more than ninety countries, established In 2002, for
transformation of the built environment to make it healthier and more sustainable.
• Established in 2001 by the Confederation of Indian Industry
• Headquarters: Hyderabad
4.3.1. LEED RATING SYSTEM

Why in the news?
India outperforms US and China in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) net zero
certifications.
About LEED rating system
• A globally recognized certification system.
• Provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.
• Developed by: U.S. Green Building Council and administered by Green Business Certification Inc.
• Achieves and recognizes building at 4 certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum.
• LEED India Programme administered by: Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
About LEED Zero
• A complement to LEED certification.
• Recognises projects that have reached net zero or net positive status in the categories of carbon,
energy, water, or waste.
• India has 73 LEED Zero certified projects, comprising 45% of the more than 150 total LEED Zero
certifications.
o Nearly one-third of all carbon emissions in India come from building and construction sector.
• Haryana and Tamil Nadu are leading states in certifications.
• India’s DLF group is the leader globally in total LEED Zero certifications.
Related concept: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)
• India’s own green building rating system
• Jointly developed by: The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• A five star rating system.
• Rating valid for a period of 5 years.
4.4. ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND ENERGY RESOURCES

4.4.1. MISSION ON ADVANCED AND HIGH-IMPACT RESEARCH (MAHIR)
Why in news?
The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have jointly launched the Mission on
Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) to leverage Emerging Technologies in the Power Sector.
About MAHIR
• Key objectives
o Identify emerging technologies of future relevance.
o Create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem for energy Sector Stakeholders.
• Funding: Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Central Public Sector
Enterprises under them, and also Centres’ budgetary resources.
• Approach: Technology life cycle approach of Idea to Product.
• Duration: 5 years (2023-28)
• Structure of the Mission
o Technical Scoping Committee chaired by Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
94
✓ Role: Identify and recommend
potential technologies for
development, monitoring of
approved projects, etc.
o Apex Committee chaired by Union
Minister for Power & New and Renewable
Energy
✓ Role: Look into international
collaborations, approve and
monitor the research proposals
• Coverage: The proposals for outcome-
linked funding will be invited from
companies/ organizations across the globe.
• Selection of the proposal: To be done
through Quality cum Cost-Based
Selection (QCBS) basis.
• Patent: The IPR of the technology
developed would be shared by the
Government of India and the Research
Agency.
4.4.2. US-INDIA RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ACTION PLATFORM (RETAP)

Why in the News?
The RETAP was launched under
US-India under Strategic Clean
Energy Partnership (SCEP).
About US-India SCEP
• Joint effort to advance energy security, emphasizes electrification and decarbonisation and scale up
emerging clean energy technologies.
• Established as one of the two-track engagements under the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda
2030 Partnership.
o Other engagement: Climate Action and
Finance Mobilization Dialogue.
• Consists of 5 pillars (refer image)
About RETAP
• Aim: To accelerate the development of
emerging renewable technologies.
• Focus on green hydrogen, wind energy, and
long-duration energy storage, and explore
geothermal and tidal energy, etc.
• Launched by: United States Department of
Energy (DOE) and Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE), India.
• Pillars of RETAP
o Research & Development
o Piloting and testing of Innovative
Technologies
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o Advanced Training & Skill Development
o Policy and Planning for advancing enabling technologies
o Investment, Incubation, and Outreach programs
4.4.3. INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)

Why in the News?
ISA announced that Global Solar Facility (GSF) is set to receive a capital contribution of $35 million dollars in
its 6th Session held recently.
About GSF
• Approved by ISA Assembly
• Expected to attract private capital to flow into off-grid solar projects, rooftop solar projects, and productive
use solar projects.
• GSF will provide:
o Payment guarantee fund
o Insurance fund to mitigate project risks
o Investment fund for Technical Assistance
• Designed to catalyze solar investments in underserved segments and geographies across Africa.
• After Africa, GSF aims to expand to regions such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
About ISA
• About: A treaty-based international intergovernmental organization.
• Genesis: Conceived as a joint effort by India and France.
o Conceptualized on side-lines of the Conference of Parties to UNFCCC held in Paris in 2015.
• HQ: Gurugram, India
• Membership: 97 countries have signed and ratified (including India).
• Mandate: Strives to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by
Sun.
Other important initiatives of ISA
Initiatives Key Features/Highlights
One Sun, One • Aims to connect different regional grids through a common grid that will be used to
World, One transfer RE power and, thus, realize potential of RE sources, especially solar energy.
Grid • Led by India and UK in collaboration with International Solar Alliance (ISA) and
(OSOWOG) World Bank Group.
• Divided into 3 phases:
o Phase 1: Indian Grid interconnection with Middle East, South Asia and South East
Asian grids.
o Phase 2: Would connect the functional first phase to the pool of renewable
resources in Africa.
o Phase 3: Final step of global interconnection.
• India has already established cross-border interconnections with its neighbours
through which electricity is exported to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar and
imported from Bhutan.
• A MoU on BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection was also signed in 2018.
Solar • Run by the ISA in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development
Technology Organization (UNIDO).
Application • Aim: To create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states
Resource to enhance quality infrastructure for the uptake of solar energy products and services.
Centre [STAR
C] Initiative
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4.4.4. NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION (NGHM)
Why in the news?
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified Indian Green Hydrogen Standard under National
Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Key notified Standards
• Outlines emission thresholds that must be met in order to classify produced hydrogen as ‘Green’.
• Definition: Green Hydrogen (GH) is produced using renewable energy including, production through
electrolysis or biomass conversion.
• Emission thresholds: Well-to-gate emission (i.e., water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, etc.) of
not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent/kg H2.
• Nodal Authority: Bureau of Energy Efficiency to accredit agencies for the monitoring, verification, and
certification of GH production projects.
About NGHM
• Aim: To make India a Global Hub for producing, utilizing, and exporting GH.
• Expected Mission Outcomes by 2030
o GH production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum.
o Renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in country.
o Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
o Over ₹1 lakh crore cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports.
• Mission Sub Components
o Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen
Transition Programme (SIGHT) for financial
incentive, implemented by Solar Energy
Corporation of India, under two components
namely
✓ Component I - Targeting domestic
manufacturing of electrolysers
✓ Component II - Production of Green Hydrogen
o Strategic Hydrogen Innovation
Partnership(SHIP) PPP framework for R&D.
• India is prioritising green hydrogen as a potential
solution to decarbonise industries like fertilisers, oil
and steel, etc.
About Hydrogen as Fuel
• Clean-burning fuel with water as its by-product.
• Produced with the help of an electrolyzer.
o Electrolysis: Process of using electricity to split
water into hydrogen and oxygen.
• 99% of pure hydrogen demand in India comes from
primarily two sectors, i.e., refinery (petroleum
refining) & fertilizers (ammonia production).
• Has the potential to be used in other sectors as an
energy carrier.
• Different colour codes have been assigned to
distinguish between hydrogen generated from various sources (refer infographic).
• Advantages: Near zero harmful emission, high energy efficiency, etc.
• Disadvantages: Storage of hydrogen is complex, highly inflammable, cost of production is high, etc.
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4.4.4.1. GREEN HYDROGEN FUEL CELL
Why in the News?
Indian Oil Corporations launched India's
1st Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus.
About Hydrogen Fuel cells
• An electrochemical energy
conversion device that generates
electricity, heat, and water by using
hydrogen and air.
o Fuel cell technology, powered
by hydrogen, is a significant
component of the e-mobility
landscape.
• Working Mechanism
o Consist of two electrodes, an
anode, and a cathode, where the
reactions take place.
✓ An electrolyte and a catalyst in fuel cell facilitate reactions.
o Hydrogen enters a cell and splits into charged protons and electrons at the anode
o Negatively charged electrons are forced through a circuit, generating electricity, and propelling
vehicles using motors.
o Positively charged protons pass through a membrane to cathode, combining with oxygen to form
water.
• Benefits
o Lower operational costs due to higher efficiency and high energy density of hydrogen.
o Shorter refueling time, and vehicle mileage not influenced by weather conditions.
o Decarbonization of transportation.
• Issues: Lack of infrastructure for production, transportation, flammability and storage of hydrogen, High
cost, Technological challenges like system size, management of air, heat and water, etc.
4.4.4.2. OTHER INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTION OF HYDROGEN FUEL

Initiatives Key Features/Highlights
R&D Roadmap for Green • Released by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Hydrogen Ecosystem in • Aims to address the challenges and cost effectiveness of green hydrogen
India production ecosystem including its storage and transportation.
• Draft proposes 3 key approaches for R&D in Green Hydrogen;
o Blue Sky Projects (long term strategy for Intellectual Property),
o Mission Mode approach for Electrolysers and
o Grand Challenge to encourage startups.
Hydrogen for Heritage • India proposed to invite global firms to manufacture Hydrogen trains for
scheme implementing the Hydrogen for heritage scheme.
• Announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
• Indian Railways (IR) has envisaged to
o Run 35 Hydrogen trains.
o Retro fitment of Hydrogen Fuel cell on existing Diesel Electric Multiple
Unit (DEMU).
Incentive Scheme for • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified the incentives
scheme under Mode 2A (Green Ammonia) and Mode 2B (Green Hydrogen) of
the SIGHT Programme.
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Production of Green • Aim: To maximize the production, enhance cost-competitiveness and
Ammonia and Green encourage large scale utilization of Green Ammonia and Green hydrogen.
Hydrogen • Implementing Agency:
o For Mode-2A (Green Ammonia) scheme, Solar Energy Corporation of
India Limited (SECI).
o For Mode-2B (Green Hydrogen) scheme, Oil & Gas companies and
Centre for High Technology (CHT) - nominated by Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas.
About Green ammonia
• Made using 100% renewable and carbon-free source.
o Blue Ammonia: Ammonia for which by-product CO2 has been captured
and stored, reducing climate impact
o Grey/Brown Ammonia: Ammonia produced using fossil fuels.
• Ammonia (NH3) is a pungent gas widely used to make fertilizers.
o Produced through Haber-Bosch process in which hydrogen and
nitrogen are reacted together at high temperatures and pressures.
• Ministry of Power has notified Green Ammonia Policy in 2022
4.4.5. ETHANOL BLENDING

Why in the News?
Sugar mills are on course to meet their 12% ethanol blending target.
About ethanol blending
• Ethanol blend: Second generation biofuel in which a blended motor fuel contains ethyl alcohol at least
99% pure.
• Derived from agricultural products, and blended exclusively with gasoline.
o Apart from sugarcane-based raw materials, ethanol production from surplus rice with Food
Corporation of India and Maize is also allowed.
• Government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme wherein OMCs sell petrol
blended with ethanol.
• Advantages of Ethanol blended fuel: Reduces GHG emissions, improve air quality, higher octane number
than gasoline etc.
• Disadvantages: Lower energy content per volume, less efficient, etc.
• Status in India
o Target of achieving average 10% blending was achieved in June, 2022 and target of 20% ethanol
blending was advanced to 2025 (from 2030).
o E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, launched 2 years ahead of target.
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4.4.6. COMPRESSED BIO-GAS BLENDING (CBG)
Why in the News?
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas introduced phase-wise CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) in CNG
(Transport) & PNG (Domestic) segments of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Sector.
About CBO
• Obligation where mixtures of
traditional and alternative fuels (like
CBG) are blended in varying
percentages in order to displace
petroleum.
• CBO Roadmap
o Voluntary till FY 2024-2025
o Mandatory blending obligation start
from FY 2025-26.
o CBO kept as 1%, 3% and 4% of total
CNG/PNG consumption for FY26,
FY27 and FY28 respectively. From
2028-29 onwards CBO will be 5%.
o Central Repository Body shall
monitor and implement blending
mandate.
About Compressed Bio Gas (CBG)
• Biogas: A mixture of methane, CO2 and
small quantities of other gases
o Produced naturally through the
anaerobic decomposition of biomass, such as agricultural residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane
press mud, etc.
• CBG: Obtained after purification and compression of bio-gas
o Has a high methane content (>90%) and higher calorific value (47-52 MJ/kg).
o Other components of CBG: CO2 (<4%), Hydrogen Sulphide (<16 ppm), Nitrogen (<0.5%), Oxygen
(<0.5%), and Moisture (<5mg/m3).
4.4.6.1. SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION (SATAT)

Why in the news?
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas submitted an action taken report on its earlier
recommendations on the subject ‘Review of Implementation of CBG (SATAT)’.
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About SATAT
• Launch: 2018
• Objective: Encourages entrepreneurs to set up CBG plants, produce & supply CBG to Oil Marketing
Companies (OMCs) for sale as automotive & industrial fuels.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
Other initiatives to promote CBG in India
• Integration of Bio-CNG as a fuel for transportation
• National Policy on Biofuels, 2018
• GOBAR-Dhan Scheme: To support villages in effective management of cattle and bio-degradable
wastes.
• Recognition of CBG projects under the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) scheme by the RBI to improve
access to credit.
• Fertilizer Control Order for Fermented Organic Manure: To promote usage of organic fertilizer in
agriculture and expand market for solid and liquid by-products of CBG plants.
• National Bioenergy Programme by MNRE: For capacity building and research in biogas, solid waste
management, and other bioenergy aspects.
4.4.7. OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Why in the news?
MNRE issued tender for construction of India’s first offshore wind projects in Tamil Nadu.
About Offshore Wind energy
• Wind Energy is classified into-
o Onshore wind energy: Wind turbines are placed in farmland, coastal areas near the ocean’s edge, or at
high altitudes.
o Offshore wind energy: Wind turbines are situated out to sea or in large bodies of water
• Benefits: Offshore wind turbines are more efficient, more land for projects and lack of physical interference
etc.
• Potential in India: ~140 Gigawatt of electricity from offshore wind.
o MNRE has set a target of 30 GW offshore wind installations by 2030.
• Initiatives taken for offshore wind energy
o National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015.
o Global Collaborations on Facilitating Offshore Wind Energy in India (FOWIND) with European Union.
• About Wind energy in India
o India stands 4th in the world in terms of wind power installed capacity (43.7 GW), only after China, USA
and Germany.
o Wind energy contributes to 10.3% in India’s energy basket.
4.4.8. TIDAL ENERGY

Why in the news?
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy submitted a report on ‘Tidal Power Development in India.’
Recommendations of the committee
• The committee stated that the estimated potential of tidal and wave energy in India are 12455 MW and
41300 MW, respectively.
• Potential areas with low/medium tidal wave strength:
o Gulf of Khambat, Gulf of Kutch & southern regions in Gujarat.
o Palk Bay- Mannar Channel in Tamil Nadu.
o Hoogly river, South Haldia & Sunderbans in West Bengal.
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o Potential of Ocean-
Thermal energy has
not been estimated
till date.
• Other types of Ocean
Energy
o Waves Energy
derived from
transfer of kinetic
energy of wind to the
upper surface of the
ocean.
o Ocean currents
Energy derived from
oceanic
circulations.
o Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion
derived from
temperature
differences between
upper and lower
ocean layers.
4.4.9. ELECTRIFIED FLEX FUEL VEHICLE (FFV)

Why in the News?
The World’s first prototype of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex fuel vehicle’ was launched.
About electrified FFV
• Has both the flex fuel engine as well as an electric powertrain.
• Offers higher use of ethanol combined with better fuel efficiencies.
About FFV
• Has Internal combustion engine that can run on more than one type of fuel, or even a mixture of fuels
such as petrol and ethanol.
o For example: E85 which has 85% ethanol fuel and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume.
• Benefits: Lower harmful pollutant emission like Carbon monoxide, sulphur, etc., reduced import
dependence on crude oil.
• Drawbacks: Lower mileage compared to traditional gasoline, use of water-intensive crops such as
sugarcane for production of ethanol, etc.
About Bharat Stage VI (BS VI)
• Bharat stage (BS) emission standards: Regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion
engine and spark-ignition engine equipment.
• Government decided to leapfrog directly from BS-IV to BS-VI emission norms w.e.f. April 01, 2020.
• Fuel quality has improved significantly from BS-IV to BS-VI norms by reducing the permissible Sulphur
content by 80% (from 50 Parts Per Million (ppm) to maximum 10 ppm).
• This enabled introduction of advanced emission control technologies, including-
o Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) and
o Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) systems for reduction in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions.
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4.4.10. GREEN ENERGY OPEN ACCESS RULES (GOAR) 2022
Why in the News?
Government had notified Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access)
Rules, 2022 for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy.
About Open Access
• Open Access (OA) means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution
system provided to eligible consumers, generators and state distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Key features of GOAR 2022
• Promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including from Waste-to-Energy
plants.
• Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer
• Limit of OA Transaction reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW for green energy.
• Consumers entitled to demand supply of Green Power from Discoms.
o Discoms obligated to procure and supply green power to eligible consumers.
• Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.
• There shall be a uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), on all obligated entities in area of a
distribution licensees. Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia included for fulfillment of its RPO.
Renewable energy capacity in India
• Government of India aims to install 250 GW of renewable energy capacity by March 2028.
o It is a part of India's plans to bring its renewable energy generation to 500 GW by 2030, to help cut its
carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 level.
• Presently, India has installed 176.49 GW renewable capacity by June 2023.
o Solar currently makes up over half of India’s renewables capacity, with wind accounting for almost
one third.
4.4.11. OTHER ALTERNATIVE FUELS IN NEWS

Fuel Details
Natural Gas • India’s natural gas consumption fell 6% in FY23 as compared to FY22.
About Natural Gas
• Odourless gaseous mixture of light hydrocarbons including ethane, methane,
propane, butane and pentanes.
• Also consists of CO2, Helium, Hydrogen Sulphide and Nitrogen.
• Physical Properties: Neither corrosive nor toxic, High ignition temperature, Narrow
flammability range
• Types:
o Conventional: Found in large cracks and spaces between the layers of the rock
o Unconventional: Found in shale, sandstone and other sedimentary rocks
o Associated: Found along with deposits of Crude oil
o Coalbed Methane: Found in coal deposits.
Dimethyl Ether • Country's first Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuelled tractor was developed by IIT Kanpur
(DME) About DME
• Colourless, non-toxic, highly flammable gas at ambient conditions, but can be
handled as a liquid when lightly pressurized.
• Primarily produced by converting natural gas, organic waste or biomass to
synthesis gas (syngas).
o Syngas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
• Properties similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
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• Used as an alternative to diesel, in chemical industry, and as an aerosol
propellant.
• Benefits of DME:
o High brake thermal efficiency and cetane number.
o Renewable and can help in reducing India’s oil import bill.
o Eliminates particulate emissions.
• Challenges: Low energy density, lower calorific value, poor anti-knock performance,
needs engine modification etc.
MD15 • Indian Railways Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) along with
the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), has developed a special fuel called Methanol
Diesel-15 (MD15).
• It is a fuel blend that consists of 15% Methanol, 71% Mineral Diesel and 14% Coupler
additives.
4.5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

4.5.1. STAR LABELLING PROGRAMME (SLP)
Why in the News?
Government also recently launched a Star Labeling Programme (SLP) for Solar Photovoltaic Modules (PVM).
About the SLP
• Background: Launched in 2006 by Ministry of Power under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Objective: Provide consumers with an informed choice regarding the energy savings and cost-saving
potential of various energy-consuming appliances.
• Implementation: By Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
o Applicability: Mandatory for 15 appliances and voluntary for 20.
o Achievement: Emissions reduction of almost 58 million tonnes of CO2 per annum.
• In 2015, BEE launched a
voluntary labelling
program for inverter
Room ACs, and made the
program mandatory in
January, 2018.
• In 2018, BEE adopted an
improved rating
methodology (ISEER) that
factors in variance in
temperature across the
various climatic zones in
India and operating hours.
o ISEER is the ratio of
the cooling seasonal
total load (in kWh) to
cooling seasonal
energy consumption
(in kWh).
About the SLP for PVM
• To help citizens to make an informed decision while deploying solar PVM or solar panels.
o Solar panels convert light energy captured from Sun into electric energy.
• Voluntary for two years and will be compulsory after that.
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• Expected outcome
o A progression from 1-Star to 5-Star solar PVM will result in additional electricity generation of around
35%.
o Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million tonnes per annum by 2030.
About Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
• Established: In 2001 as a statutory body under provisions of Energy Conservation Act (ESA), 2001
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Ministry: Ministry of Power
• Objective: Reducing energy intensity of the Indian Economy
• Functions:
o Create awareness on energy efficiency and conservation
o Promote innovative financing for energy efficiency
Other initiatives of BEE
Initiative Details
India’s Energy • The International Energy Agency cited India’s ECBC as a notable exception
Conservation among developing countries.
Building Code About ECBC:
(ECBC), 2017 • Released by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power.
o Sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings.
• Prescribes new energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to
be constructed across India.
• Applicability: Both government and Private commercial buildings with certain
specifications.
• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 changed ECBC to ‘Energy
Conservation and Sustainable Building Code’.
o It now applies to office and residential buildings meeting certain criteria.
State Energy • Ministry of Power released SEEI 2021-22.
Efficiency Index • Developed by BEE in collaboration with Alliance for an Energy Efficient
(SEEI) Economy (AEEE) a not-for-profit organization
• Assesses the annual progress of States and UTs in energy efficiency (EE)
implementation.
• Uses 51 indicators across seven sectors namely:
o Buildings, industry, municipality, transport, agriculture, distribution
companies (DISCOMs), and cross-sectoral initiatives.
• Key Highlights
o Categorizes states and UTs as ‘Front runner’ (>60), ‘Achiever’ (50-60),
‘Contender’ (30-49.5), and ‘Aspirant’ (<30).
o States in Front Runner category: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
Rajasthan and Telangana.
o Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showed most improvement since the last
index.
UTPRERAK (Unnat • Ministry of Power established UTPRERAK, a Centre of Excellence to Accelerate
Takniki Pradarshan Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies in Indian Industry.
Kendra) • Set up by BEE.
• To be implemented to support projects in areas such as training/capacity
building, showcase for energy efficient technologies, information centre and
knowledge repository etc.
• Centre mandated to become the key reference and resource institution on
industrial energy-efficient technologies
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4.5.2. NATIONAL EFFICIENT COOKING PROGRAMME (NECP)
Why in the news?
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) launched the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP).
About National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
• Subset of the Clean Cooking Scheme.
• Aim: To revolutionise cooking practices in India.
• Target: To deploy 20 Lakh induction-based cook stoves across India.
• Focus: Non-Solar/Electricity-based Induction Cookstoves, aligning with the Go-electric initiative by the
Ministry of Power.
o Go Electric Campaign aims to create awareness on the e-mobility ecosystem & benefits of electric
cooking through Information, Communication and Education (ICE) activities.
About EESL
• A joint venture of 4 Public Sector Undertakings- NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC
Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Ministry: Ministry of Power
• Objective: To enable ecosystems for responsible energy adoption with innovations and market creation
approaches.
• Other information: Does not take support of any subsidy from the Govt.
• Other Flagship Programs of EESL:
o Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)
o Street Lighting National Programme
o Smart Meter National Programme
o Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme etc.
4.5.3. ENERGY TRANSITION INDEX

Why in News?
World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Accenture, released the report titled “Fostering Effective
Energy Transition 2023” and Energy Transition Index (ETI).
About Energy Transition Index (ETI), 2023
• Prepared on the three parameters-
equity, security, and sustainable.
• Key Findings
o Sweden is placed at the first spot,
followed by Norway and Denmark.
o India has been ranked at 67th place
out of 120 countries.
o India & Singapore are the only two
countries making advances in all
aspects of energy system
performance.
o ET has increased each consecutive
year over the last decade, but the
growth has plateaued in the past
three years, due to rising
challenges to the equity and inclusiveness of the transition.
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• Energy transition: Refers to the global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based systems of energy
production and consumption (including oil, natural gas, and coal) to renewable energy (RE) sources like
wind and solar.
4.6. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

4.6.1. CERTIFICATION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS IN INDIA
Why in the News?
European Union (EU)
audit findings reveal
deficiencies in the
certification process of
Indian organic products
for exports to the EU.
About Organic Farming
• Promotes and
enhances agro-
ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycle and soil biological activity.
• Uses on-farm agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm
inputs.
• Benefits of Organic Farming
o For the Environment: Prohibits Use of Harmful Pesticides; Healthy Soil; Mitigate climate change
through carbon sequestration; Reduces Erosion; Cleaner Water; Stimulates Biodiversity and
microorganisms; Ethical pasture-based systems etc.
o For Farmers:
Reduces the input
cost; Attract more
customers; More
resilient to extreme
weather events etc.
o For Consumers:
Healthier; Higher
nutritional quality
etc.
• Status in India:
o Highest number of
Organic farmers in
the world 44.3 Lakhs (Economic Survey 2022-23) with 59.1 Lakh Ha under Organic cultivation
o Sikkim became the world’s first 100% organic state.
Organic products certification in India
National • Involves accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for
Programme for organic production, promotion of organic farming and
Organic marketing, etc.
Production • Recognized by European Commission and Switzerland.
(NPOP) • Implementing agency: Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under Ministry
of Commerce & Industries
• Accredited Certification Bodies responsible for certifying.
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Participatory • Ensures that production of organic products takes place in
Guarantee accordance with laid-down quality standards.
System of India o Form of a documented logo or a statement.
(PGS-India) • Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Makes certification system affordable and accessible without
need for third-party certification agencies.
• Local Group responsible for certifying.
Jaivik Bharat logo • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
introduced the logo to communicate the adherence to the
National organic standards (Both PSG and NPOP).
4.6.1.1. NATIONAL COOPERATIVE ORGANICS LTD (NCOL)

Why in the News?
Organic food products of National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) were launched under brand name
‘Bharat Organics’.
About the launched products
• Six organic products were launched under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand - tur dal, chana dal, sugar, rajma,
basmati rice, and Sonamasoori rice.
• Concept of 'Organic under one roof' i.e. a network of retail outlets for all organic products started through
NCOL was also launched.
• NOCL is one of the three new cooperatives the government has set up.
• Other 2- National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL).
About NOCL
• Established in 2023, under the Multi state Cooperative Societies act, 2002.
• Aim: To provide a platform to all the farmers doing natural farming to make arrangements for the marketing
of their produce.
• Promoted by: Amul, National Cooperative consumers federation of India Ltd, National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), National Diary Development Board (NDDB) (chief
promoter) and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
• Membership: Any cooperative society or an association of persons (as permitted by the Central Registrar)
can become its member.
4.6.2. ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING (ZBNF)

Why in the News?
The Ministry of Rural
Development (MoRD)
and the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare (MoA&FW)
launched the training of
Krishi Sakhis for the
promotion of Natural
Farming.
About Krishi Sakhis
• Practicing farmers and trained para-extension professionals in agriculture at the grassroots level.
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• Encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural methods by
raising awareness
About ZBNF
• Natural farming technique in which farming is done without-
o Use of chemicals
o Use of credit or spending any money on purchased inputs.
• Method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practises based on 4 pillars (refer
image).
• Reduces the cost of production down to zero due to utilisation of all the natural resources available in and
around the crops.
• Originally promoted by Maharashtrian agriculturist Subhash Palekar.
• Promoted in Union Budget 2019- 20.
• A recent report highlighted significantly higher crop yield and unaffected nutrient availability compared
to organic or conventional farming.
4.6.3. AGROFORESTRY
Why in the news?
Recently, the Centre released a fact sheet to promote agroforestry prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry
Research and Education (ICFRE).
About the Fact sheet
• Released details of cultivating 36 specific species, including bamboo, that are suitable for agroforestry
systems and home gardens.
• The 36 species include Leucaena leucocephala, or subabul, and various varieties of eucalyptus.
o Subabul: Considered an invasive species that has been reported as a weed in more than 20 countries,
according to an IUCN database.
o Eucalyptus: Considered highly water-intensive.
About Agroforestry
• Combination of practicing agriculture and forestry
together.
• Components of agroforestry: Crops, trees, and livestock.
• Agroforestry systems (classified based on type of
component):
o Agri silviculture (crops + trees),
o Silvopastoral (pasture/livestock + trees); and
o Agrosilvopastoral (crops + pasture + trees).
• Attributes of the Agroforestry system are Productivity,
Sustainability and Adoptability
About Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
• Autonomous Council under MoEFCC.
• Umbrella Organisation for forest research, education and extension needs of the country.
• HQ: Dehradun
o Also has 9 Regional Research Institutes and 5 Centres in different India’s bio-geographical regions.
Government Initiatives for Agroforestry
• Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (Har Medh par Ped) Scheme: Launched in 2016-17 to encourage tree
plantation on farmland along with crops.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): It has been implemented since 2014-15
for holistic growth of horticulture covering fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, etc.
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• National Agroforestry Policy, 2014: To encourage and expand tree plantation in a complementarity and
integrated manner with crops and livestock.
• Exempted many tree species from the Felling and Transit rules, and removed bamboo from the
category of forest produce to enable large-scale cultivation.
4.6.4. OTHER SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES

Practice Details
Cellular • Cellular Agriculture is being promoted in the backdrop of rising contribution of food
Agriculture industry in carbon emissions.
About Cellular Agriculture
• Production of animal-based products from cell cultures rather than directly from
animals.
• Uses 2 different approaches:
o Cell cultivation (cellular): Meat directly produced from cells (fed with nutrients in
large cultivators).
o Precision fermentation (acellular): Microorganisms used rather than cell cultures
to produce products such as milk and egg-white proteins.
Direct- • Labour shortages and rains getting delayed are pushing farmers in several leading rice-
Seeding Rice growing states to adopt DSR method.
(DSR) About DSR system
method • Rice seeds are sown directly into field, as opposed to traditional method of growing
seedlings in a nursery, then transplanting into flooded field.
• In DSR, water is replaced by real chemical herbicides, and in transplanting, standing
water acts as herbicide and prevents growth of weeds by denying them oxygen in
submerged stage.
• Advantages: Water conservation, less methane pollution, require less labour.
• Disadvantages: High seed demand, higher weed, not suitable everywhere.
Electronic • Researchers develop 'electronic soil', a low-power bioelectronic growth substrate,
Soil (e-Soil) tailored for hydroponic cultivation.
o e-Soil can electrically stimulate the root system and growth environment of
plants.
• Hydroponics is soil-free plant cultivation, utilising water, nutrients, and a substrate for
root attachment.
• Benefits-
o Precise nutrient control ensures faster growth, higher yields, and superior quality
produce.
o Enables vertical cultivation in large towers to maximise space efficiency.
o Uses dramatically less water compared with conventionally grown plants.
o Significantly fewer pests.
• Disadvantages: High Set-Up Cost, Special Expertise, Susceptibility to Waterborne
Diseases etc.
Miyawaki • South Eastern Coalfileds Ltd (SECL) will undertake plantation using Miyawaki method
Plantation in coal belt region of Chhattisgarh.
Method • Pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
• Involves planting native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants within every square
meter to create a dense canopy layer of tall trees in small land parcels.
• Benefits of the method: Forests grow rapidly; Utility in urban forestry; increase carbon
sequestration, reduce air and noise pollution and attract local birds and insects.
110
Recirculatory • It is a technology in which water is recycled and reused after mechanical and
Aquaculture biological filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites.
System (RAS) • Use: High-density culture of various species of fish, utilizing minimum land area and
water.
• Advantages: Reduced operational costs, climate resilience, production of a broad
range of species, judicious use of land and water, etc.
• Disadvantages: High capital cost, requirement of uninterrupted power supply, etc.
4.7. MISCELLANEOUS
4.7.1. G20 SUMMIT INITIATIVES/DOCUMENTS
Why in the News?
The G20 Summit ended with various unanimously adopted Principles and documents.
Please note, the topic G20 will be covered in detail in International Relations edition of the PT 365 Series.
Key initiatives and outcome documents
Initiatives/Documents Details
Millets And Other • Participants of G20 Meeting of Agriculture Chief Scientists on “Sustainable
Ancient Grains Agriculture and Food System for Healthy People and Planet” unanimously
International supported launch of MAHARISHI.
ReSearcH Initiative • Secretariat to be housed at Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR),
(MAHARISHI) Hyderabad with technical support from ICRISAT, One CGIAR Centres and
other International organisations.
• Focus on Research and Awareness about agro-biodiversity, food security,
and nutrition aligning with International Year of Millets 2023.
• Millets are known as nutri-cereals or superfoods, mainly grown on marginal
land in dry areas of temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions.
Global Biofuel alliance • India launched the GBA at the G20 summit.
(GBA) • Aim: To serve as a catalytic platform, fostering global collaboration for the
advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels.
• GBA Members-
o 7 G20 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India Italy, South Africa, USA.
o 4 G20 invitee countries: Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, UAE.
o 8 Non- G20 countries: Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri
Lanka, Uganda, Finland.
o 12 International organizations: World Bank, ADB, WEF, World LPG
Organization, UN Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, ICAO, IEA,
International Energy Forum, IRENA, World Biogas Association.
• Significance of GBA
o Aims to expedite global uptake of biofuels.
o Facilitate development, adoption and implementation of recognized
standards for biofuels adoption and trade
High-level Principles Outlined 9HLPs
on Lifestyles (HLPs) for • Promote inter-linkages between development, environment and climate
Sustainable agendas.
Development • Support international and national efforts towards meeting the basic
needs of all people.
• Promote environmentally friendly individual, sustainable production and
community behavior.
• Mainstream sustainability of all aspects of economy.
111
• Leverage potential of data and digital technology for sustainable
ecosystem.
• Recognize and amplify role of local communities, local and regional
governments and traditional knowledge
• Strengthen international cooperation, collective action and partnership.
G20 2023 Action Plan • To focus on key transformative transition areas i.e.,
on Accelerating o Digital transformation.
Progress on SDGs o Gender equality and empowerment of women.
o Implementing sustainable, inclusive and just transitions globally,
while leaving no one behind.
• Financing for accelerating progress on SDGs
o Enhanced access to adequate finance from all sources is critical.
o Encourage innovative inclusive financing mechanisms such as
blended finance, green bonds in developing countries.
o Reaffirm the need to assist developing countries in attaining long-term
debt sustainability.
Chennai High-Level • Set of principles for a sustainable and resilient blue economy, majorly call
Principles for:
o Establish and Implement Blue Economy Monitoring and Evaluation
Mechanisms
o Enhance Ocean Finance
o Promote using Marine
Spatial Planning.
o Address Marine Pollution
and Reverse Biodiversity Loss
o Recognise and Protect
Indigenous and Traditional
Knowledge
• About Blue Economy
o Sustainable use of ocean
resources for economic growth, improved livelihood and jobs, and
ocean ecosystem health (according to World Bank).
o SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine
resources.
4.7.2. 4TH CLEAN ENERGY MINISTERIAL

(CEM14) AND 8TH MISSION INNOVATION
(MI-8) MEETING
Why in the news
India hosted 4th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM14)
and 8th Mission Innovation (MI-8) meeting under the
theme "Advancing Clean Energy Together”.
About Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM)
• A high-level global forum (India is a member) to
advance clean energy technology to encourage
transition to a global clean energy economy.
• Initiatives launched
o Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-Hubs): A
cross-sectoral public-private platform to de-
112
risk investments needed to produce low- and zero-emission fuels to be transported by maritime
sector.
About Mission Innovation (MI)
• Global initiative to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible to all.
o First phase was launched alongside Paris Agreement in 2015.
o Mission Innovation 2.0, second phase of MI, was launched in 2021.
• Consists of 23 countries and EU.
o India a founding member.
4.7.3. ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF WAR

Why in the news?
Experts have raised concerns with respect to environmental impact and associated costs of Russia-Ukraine
war and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Key Initiatives launched to minimize environmental impact of war
• Geneva Convention (1949): Imposes restrictions on warfare methods aiming to cause widespread, long-
term, and severe damage to the natural environment.
• Brundtland Report (1987): The report "Our Common Future" introduced the concept of sustainable
development.
• Stockholm Conference (1972): Prohibits the use of all weapons of mass destruction.
• UN Conference on Environment and Development (1992 Rio Conference)
o Principle 24 emphasizes that armed conflict is fundamentally harmful to sustainable development,
urging nations to adhere to international environmental norms during war.
o Principle 25 emphasizes the interconnectedness and indivisibility of peace and sustainable
development.
• Rome Statutes (1998) - Article 12: Addresses the responsibility of states regarding environmental damage
in armed conflicts.
• International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (by UN
General Assembly): Recognizes the importance of preventing environmental exploitation during conflicts.
• Draft Principles on Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts (2022): Adopted by the
International Law Commission, these principles provide a framework for environmental protection during
armed conflicts.
• UN Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification
Techniques (ENMOD) (1976): Aims to prevent the military or hostile use of environmental modification
techniques.
4.7.4. KEN-BETWA LINK PROJECT (KBLP)

Why in the news?
Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) secured final forest clearance.
About KBLP
• Approved In 2021 under National Perspective Plan (NPP).
• Location: Bundelkhand, a drought-prone region, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh.
• Envisages transfer of water from Ken River to Betwa River (water deficit). Both rivers are tributaries of
river Yamuna.
• 2 phases:
o Phase I: Construction of Daudhan dam complex and subsidiary units such as Low-level Tunnel, Ken-
Betwa Link canal, and powerhouses.
113
o Phase II: Construction of Lower
Orr dam, Bina Complex project,
and Kotha Barrage.
• Significance of KBLP: Address water
scarcity in Bundelkhand region for
water supply and irrigation; Power
generation (103 MW of hydropower
and 27 MW solar power) etc.
• Concerns with KBLP: Loss of 20 lakh
trees; Submergence of areas of
Panna Tiger Reserve; threat to
wildlife like gharials of Ken Gharial
Sanctuary etc.
About NPP
• Formulated by the then Ministry of
Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti)
to transfer water from surplus basin
to water deficit basin.
• Based on NPP, National Water
Development Agency (NWDA)
identified 30 river links—16 under
Peninsular component (including KBLP) and 14 under Himalayan Component.
Other River interlinking projects in News
Project Details
Kalasa-Banduri • Tenders floated for implementation of Kalasa Banduri project were put out without
project obtaining forest and environment clearance
• Aims to divert water from two tributaries of the Mahadayi river (also known as
Mandovi): Kalasa and Banduri to the Malaprabha river.
o Mahadayi originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district of
Karnataka and flows into the Arabian Sea in Goa.
• Aimed at facilitating drinking water for towns in drought-hit northern Karnataka.
4.7.5. SAND MINING

Why in the News?
National Green
Tribunal (NGT) makes
consent from State
Pollution Control
Board (SPCB)
mandatory for river
sand mining.
About Sand
• 2nd most
exploited natural
resource in the
world after water.
• Main sources of sand in India: River (riverbed and flood plain), Lakes and reservoirs, Agricultural fields,
Coastal / marine sand, Palaeo-channels etc.
114
Regulations for Sand Mining in India
• Sand classified as a minor mineral under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957
(MMDR Act).
o Administrative control over minor minerals vests with State Governments, and accordingly, regulated
through State specific rules.
• MoEFCC issued Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines (2016).
o Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (2020) released as a supplemental to the 2016
guidelines.
o Outline following objectives- Identification and Quantification of Mineral Resource and its optimal
utilization; Setting up the procedure for replenishment study of Sand; Post Environmental Clearance
Monitoring; Procedure for Environmental Audit; Control the instance of illegal mining, etc
• Ministry of Mines has prepared Sand Mining Framework (2018).
o Framework envisages alternative sources of sand in form of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) from
crushed rock fines, sand from Overburden (OB) of coal mines.
About National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• Genesis: Established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act 2010
• New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting (Other places: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai)
• Functions:
o Effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of
forests etc.
o Giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property
• Not bound by the procedure laid down under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• Guided by principles of natural justice.
• Mandated to dispose applications/appeals within 6 months of filing
4.8. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

News Details
UN Sustainable • NITI Aayog and UN have signed Government of India - United Nations Sustainable
Development Development Cooperation Framework (GoI- UNSDCF) 2023-27.
Cooperation • GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 is built on four strategic pillars derived from the 2030
Framework 2023-27 Agenda – People, Prosperity, Planet and Participation.
o Four interlinked pillars have 6 outcome areas
✓ Health and Well Being; Nutrition and Food Security;
✓ Quality Education;
✓ Economic Growth and Decent Work;
✓ Environment, Climate, WASH and Resilience; and
✓ Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions.
• Represents UN development system’s collective offer to India for achievement
of Sustainable Development Goals.
• UNSDCF designated as principal planning and implementation instrument for
UN Development System at country level.
Partnership for • RISE is an initiative of World Bank and G7 under Japan’s Presidency.
Resilient and o RISE is a $40 million partnership project to diversify supply chains for clean
Inclusive Supply- energy products.
chain • Aims: To support low- and middle-income countries in playing bigger roles in the
Enhancement midstream (mineral processing and refining) and downstream (component
(RISE) manufacturing and assembly) in supply chains of clean energy products.
Earth System • A research has flagged that 7 of the 8 ESBs that are critical for stability of the
Boundaries (ESBs) Earth’s health and survival of species have already been crossed.
115
• ESBs are scientifically quantified safe and just limits for climate, freshwater,
biodiversity and different kinds of pollution.
o By operating within these limits, we can maintain a stable and resilient
planet with accessibility to necessary resources.
o These are hard limits and even temporary overshooting of some of the
boundaries can permanently damage the planet’s critical systems.
Cool roof policy • Government of Telangana announced its Cool Roof policy to reduce the impact
of heat on building.
• Cool roof policy
o Mandatory for all government and non- residential commercial buildings.
o Aims to make buildings thermally resilient and reduce their energy
consumption.
o Occupancy certificate would only be given after compliance.
o Insulation of the roof can be done by using
✓ Paints or liquids with high reflectivity,
✓ Prefabricated material like poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) membranes or
bitumen-based sheeting..
Mission 50K- EV4 • Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a pilot
Eco scheme called Mission 50K-EV4ECO.
• Mission aims to strengthen the Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India by
financing EVs purchase through direct and indirect lending to Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and NBFCs respectively.
• To serve as precursor to SIDBI-World Bank's EVOLVE programme
Perovskite • Scientists discovered that a nanoscale ink coating could improve stability
enough to make next-generation perovskite solar cells suitable for mass
production of next-generation solar cells.
• A naturally occurring mineral of calcium titanate.
• Properties of Perovskite: Lightweight, high optical conductivity and absorption,
high efficiency, cheaper to produce compared to traditional silicon-based cells.
• Applications: Solar Panels industry, Space technology etc.
• Limitations: Gets decomposed when they react with moisture and oxygen,
suffers from a drop in efficiency and energy output during the manufacturing
process etc.
‘One CGIAR’ Global • International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (To control
Initiative the instance of illegal mining) joins One Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) global initiative.
• ICRISAT: Established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the
Government of India and the CGIAR in 1972.
o An international research institute with a focus on tropical dryland agrifood
system innovation.
o ICRISAT in India is one of CGIAR's research centers.
• One CGIAR: A reformulation of CGIAR's partnerships, and global presence,
aiming for greater integration and impact in the face global challenges.
• About CGIAR
o Publicly-funded network of agrifood systems research centers, established
in 1971.
o Aim: Build a unified approach to transforming food, land, and water systems
to address the challenges of the climate crisis.
o Project of Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an
international research program, is carried out under a consultative group on
CGIAR headquartered in France.
116
Norman Borlaug • Dr. Swati Nayak, an Indian scientist at International Rice Research Institute
Field Award for (IRRI), was named the recipient of the prestigious award in 2023.
Field Research and o She is recognized for her innovative approach to engaging smallholder
Application farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems and adoption of climate-
resilient and nutritious rice varieties.
• $10,000 award recognizes exceptional, science-based achievement in
international agriculture and food production by an individual under the age of
40.
o Endowed by: Rockefeller Foundation.
Holistic • The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), denotified the entire Galathea
Development of Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in the Nicobar Islands for the construction of proposed
Great Nicobar International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) project.
Island at Andaman • The development of this Mega Container Terminal is a part of the holistic
& Nicobar Islands development of Great Nicobar Island.
Project • The MoEF&CC granted environmental clearance to the project in 2022
• Has 4 components: International Transhipment Port, Greenfield International
Airport, a power plant, and a new township that could constitute a Special
Economic Zone.
• To be implemented over a period of 30 years.
• Issues with the project: Loss of tree cover and mangroves, adverse impact on
biodiversity and marine life, encroachment into tribal areas.
• Great Nicobar Island
o Southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago.
o Has tropical evergreen forest ecosystem.
o Part of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB).
Mullaperiyar Dam • Supreme Court has ordered Survey of India to determine whether the Kerala’s
mega parking project Near Mullaperiyar Dam is encroaching Periyar Lake Lease
Agreement (1886) territory.
• Survey of India is the National Survey and Mapping Organization (set up in
1767)
o It works under the Department of Science & Technology.
About Mullaperiyar dam
• Constructed during 1887-1895 and owned, operated, and maintained by Tamil
Nadu Government, within Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Located in upper reaches of river Periyar, which flows into Kerala after
originating in Tamil Nadu.

4.9.1. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA)
• Autonomous inter-governmental organisation within the OECD framework.
• Genesis: Established in in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies after the oil crisis (1973)
• Membership: 31 members and 13 associate members (India Associate member).
o To be a member, the country should be an OECD member along with a capacity to hold a crude reserve
for 90 days of the previous year's import.
Reports released by IEA
World Energy • Key highlights
Outlook 2023 o Fossil fuel share in the global energy supply is projected to reduce from around
80% to 73% by 2030.
117
o Renewables are set to contribute 80% of new power capacity by 2030 in the
stated policies scenario (STEPS), with solar PV alone accounting for more than half
of this.
• India specific observations
o India has now become an importer of modern clean energy technologies as it
scales up solar and wind power generation capacity.
o Over the past five years, solar PV has accounted for nearly 60% of new generation
capacity.
o India’s demand for electricity for running household air-conditioners is
estimated to expand nine-fold by 2050.
Other reports • Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023: Jointly released by International Energy Agency,
International Renewable Energy Agency, and UN Climate Change High-Level
Champions.
• Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions report: Provides a first-of-its-kind
stocktake of grids worldwide.
• Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations in Net Zero Transitions report
• World Energy Balances
• Energy Technology Perspectives
• World Energy Statistics and Net Zero by 2050
• Net Zero Roadmap Report: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach
• Imperative of Cutting Methane from Fossil Fuels
• A Policy Toolkit for Implementing LiFE
4.9.2. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)

• An intergovernmental organisation mandated to facilitate cooperation and promote the adoption and
sustainable use of renewable energy.
• Genesis: Established in 2009,
• HQ: Masdar City - Abu Dhabi
• Membership: 169 Members (India a member)
Reports released by IRENA
Reports Key highlights
World Energy Transitions • Current pledges and plans fall well short of IRENA’s 1.5°C pathway and
Outlook 2023 will result in an emissions gap of 16 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2050.
• Global investment across all energy transition technologies reached a
record high of USD 1.3 trillion in 2022
Tripling Renewable Power • Jointly launched by COP28 Presidency, International Renewable
and Doubling Energy Energy Agency (IRENA), and Global Renewables Alliance on sidelines
Efficiency by 2030: Crucial of Pre-COP event in Abu Dhabi.
Steps Towards 1.5 °C
Tracking SDG 7: The Energy • Released through the collaboration between the International Energy
Progress’ report Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), United
Nations Statistics Division, World Bank, and the WHO.
o SDG 7 provides for achieving affordable, reliable, sustainable, and
modern energy for all.
• Key Findings:
o The current pace is not adequate to achieve any of the 2030 targets.
o India alone accounts for the largest share of the access deficit
(defined as the population lacking access to electricity), followed by
China.
Other reports • Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022
• Low-cost finance for the energy transition report
118
4.9.3. FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION (FAO)
• Headquarters: Rome (Italy)
• Specialized agency of United Nations
• Leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security
• Members: 195 Members (Including India)
• Reports released by FAO
o The Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security: 1st-ever global estimation of impact of
disasters on agricultural production.
o State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) Report 2023: FAO dedicated two consecutive editions of SOFA
to same theme for the first time ever.
o Asia and the Pacific - Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends
o The status of women in agrifood systems.
119
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5. DISASTER MANAGEMENT
5.1. COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE (CDRI)
Why in the news?
The cabinet approved the ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and the Coalition
for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
More about the news
• In 2022, Cabinet had approved recognition of CDRI as an International Organization and for signing of
HQA for granting CDRI exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section- 3 of
United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
o Act was enacted to give effect to Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United
Nations, adopted by UN General Assembly in 1946.
• UN Charter allows UN, and also its officials, to enjoy in the territory of each of its Members such legal
capacity, privileges and immunities which are necessary for the exercise of its functions and the
fulfilment of its purposes.
o Section 3 of the act states that premises of UN shall be inviolable. Act was also extended to several
other international organisations.
• Signing of HQA will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona, so that it can carry out
its functions internationally, more efficiently.
About CDRI
• Genesis: A global partnership launched in 2019 by Indian Prime Minister at UN Climate Action Summit (New
York).
• Objective: To promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby
ensuring sustainable development.
• Membership: 31 Countries (including India), 6 International Organisations and 2 private sector
organizations as members.
• Other Key information: Works at intersection of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and
the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Reports: Biennial report on global infrastructure titled “Global Infrastructure Resilience: Capturing the
Resilience Dividend”.
Related Concepts
• Resilient infrastructure: Infrastructure that can absorb, respond to, and recover from hazard events and
shocks.
• Infrastructure for resilience: Infrastructure that supports broader social and economic or systemic
resilience without generating or accumulating new systemic risk.
• Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions (NbIS): Refers to practices that concurrently protect and
provide infrastructure, adapt to climate change, promote environmental integrity and biodiversity,
and provide social well-being
5.2. RISK TIPPING POINT

Why in news?
As per Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023, world is fast approaching risk tipping points on multiple
fronts.
More on the news
• Report released by United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-
EHS)
120
o An academic arm of the United Nations,
established in 2003.
o Acts as a global think tank.
o Mission: Carry out research on risks and
adaptation related to environmental
hazards and global change.
About Risk tipping point
• Moment when a socioecological system
loses its ability to buffer risks, leading to
increased potential for catastrophic
impacts.
• Six interconnected risk tipping points are:
o Accelerating extinctions that trigger chain reaction to ecosystem collapse.
o Groundwater depletion that drains water risking food supply.
o Mountain glaciers melting.
o Space debris causing loss of multiple satellites.
o Unbearable heat making it hard to live in some areas.
o Uninsurable future when rising risks make homes unaffordable.
5.3. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

Why in the News?
Sikkim witnessed Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) due to bursting of the southern bank of the South Lhonak
Lake.
Causes for Sikkim flash floods
• Sikkim’s South Lhonak Lake, experienced accelerated melting.
• GLOF event combined with rainfall due to cloud burst.
• Release of water from Chungthang Dam.
About Glacial Lakes and GLOFs
• Glacial lakes: Large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
• GLOF: A sudden release of a significant amount of water retained in a glacial lake, irrespective of the cause.
• GLOF vulnerability in India
o As per recent ICIMOD report (Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-WISE) assessment report) - in the event of global
warming between 1.5°C to 2°C, by 2100, glaciers are set to lose 30–50% of their volume compared
with 2015.
o India has witnessed at least three highly devastating GLOF events over the last decade —Kedarnath
(2013), Chamoli (2021) and Sikkim (2023).
5.4. EARTHQUAKE SWARM

Why in the news?
2,200 earthquakes were observed in Iceland in 24 hours.
About Earthquakes and Earthquake Swarm
• Any sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic waves (Body Waves (P and S) and
Surface Waves (Rayleigh and Love) through Earth’s rocks (refer infographic).
o S-Waves can only travel through solids.
121
• Earthquake swarms
o Sequences of many earthquakes that occur in a relatively short period without a specific foreshock,
mainshock or after Shocks.
o Can last for hours, days, or even
weeks.
o Mostly consist of low to moderate-
magnitude events, although larger
quakes can occur within the swarm
sequence.
o Often occur at relatively shallow
depths within the Earth's crust.
o Usually occur along existing fault
systems which experience
continuous stress and strain
accumulation.
• Reasons for occurrence in Iceland:
Diverging plate movements in Mid-
Atlantic Ridge
o Can also create of Hotspots
through which a vertical plume of
hot molten rock erupts from the
mantle.
• Iceland is Europe's largest and most
active volcanic region.
o Mount Fagradalsfjall and Eyjafjallajokull volcano are two major earthquake zones in Iceland.
Related news: Coseismic Ionospheric Perturbations (CIP)
• A study has revealed that even smaller earthquakes have their reflection in the ionosphere.
• Earthquakes generate ionospheric disturbances that are referred to as Coseismic ionospheric
perturbations (CIP).
• Coseismic vertical crustal movements excite acoustic waves in the atmosphere.
o These waves propagate to reach the ionosphere, causing disturbances in electrons along the line
of sights connecting ground Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and satellites.
• The CIPs can help to observe earthquake sources from space and may pave the way for deciphering
earthquake precursors using space-based observations.
5.5. LANDSLIDES IN HIMALAYAS

Why in the News?
An under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand's
Uttarkashi collapsed due to a landslide.
More about the news
• Silkyara-Barkot tunnel will connect Yamunotri on the south
end to Dharasu on the north end.
• It is part of Char-Dham all-weather road project.
• Tunnel is being built in an area comprising limestone and other
soft rocks that tend to collapse.
• Possible reasons for collapse might have been fractured or
fragile rock and/ or seepage of water through loose patches.
122
Why are Himalayas more prone to landslides?
• Geological
o Diverse geological formations, including varying rock types and fault lines.
o High prevalence of seismicity.
• Morphological
o Mountains of unconsolidated sediments of gravel and alluvium, particularly the Shiwalik region,
make them unsuitable for construction.
o High water tables leading to water seepage through loose patches.
• Climatological
o Snow and ice accumulation in and around tunnels.
o Extreme weather events like Cloud bursts.
• Anthropogenic
o Sub-optimal design and construction, including inadequate investigations.
o Climate-change induced warming leading to thawing of permafrost region.
Initiatives to tackle Landslides
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) undertakes landslide susceptibility mapping in different parts of the
country and has developed a Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) under LANDSLIP project.
• NDMA has released National Landslide Risk Management Strategy and guidelines for Landslide
Hazard Zonation.
Techniques of Tunnel Construction
• Conventional methods
• Drill and Blast Method (DBM): Drilling holes into the rocks, loading them with explosives to break them
apart.
o Carries the potential risk of causing undesired events.
o Used in construction of tunnels in places like Himalayas.
• Other methods: New Austrian Tunneling Methodology (NATM), and Drainage, Reinforcement,
Excavation, Support Solution (DRESS).
• Mechanized methods
o Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)
• Bore the rock from the front while supporting the excavating tunnel behind the machine by installing precast
concrete segments.
• More expensive than DBM, but much safer.
• Used in construction of underground tunnels for Delhi Metro.
• Other methods: Road Headers.
Related concept: Rat Hole Mining
• Rat Hole Mining method was used to rescue workers in Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse.
• Involves digging of narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to
descend and extract coal.
• Mostly prevalent in Meghalaya because of thinness of coal found there.
• Banning Status
o The National Green Tribunal had banned Rat hole mining in 2014 on grounds of the practice being
unscientific and unsafe for workers.
o However, in 2019 Supreme Court stated that if coal mining is done under Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act and Mineral Concession Rules 1960, then NGT ban will not be
applicable.
• Issues associated with rat hole mining: Soil erosion; Water pollution; Poor Ventilation; Involvement of
children etc.
123
5.6. HEATWAVE IN INDIA
Why in the news?
Government’s 5-member team to
visit worst-affected states by
Heatwaves.
About Heat wave
• A condition of air temperature
which becomes fatal to the human
body when exposed.
o Defined based on the
temperature thresholds over
a region in terms of actual
temperature or its departure
from normal.
• According to IMD, Heat wave is
considered if maximum
temperature of a station reaches
at least 40 degree Celsius or
more for Plains and at least 30
degree Celsius or more for Hilly
regions.
• Efforts to deal with Heat Waves
o National Action Plan on Heat Related Illness (NAP-HRI)
✓ It was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2021.
✓ It outlines the challenges posed by heat waves, heat-related illnesses and their management from
primary to tertiary level.
o NDMA guidelines on Heat Waves.
124
About India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• National meteorological service of the country and handles services related to meteorology, seismology,
and associated subjects.
• Genesis: Established in 1875 by Government of British India
• Currently under Ministry of Earth Science
• Acts as one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological
Organization.
5.6.1. MARINE HEATWAVES (MHWS)

Why in the News?
World Meteorological Organization forecasts that Marine Heatwaves (MHW) may extend till 2024.
About MHWs
• Long-term, persistent warming and discrete periods of extreme regional ocean warming is called MHWs.
o Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal) experienced it recently.
• Causes: Occurs when the surface temperature of a particular region of the sea rises to 3 or 4 degrees
Celsius above the average temperature for at least five days.
o El Nino has contributed in its occurrence.
• Key Characteristics:
o Can last for weeks or even years.
o Can affect small areas of coastline or span multiple oceans.
o Have increased by 50% over the past decade and now last longer and are more severe.
• Impacts:
o Marine ecosystems: Deaths of several marine species, alter their migration patterns, lead to coral
bleaching and even impact weather patterns.
o Humans: Make hurricanes and tropical cyclones stronger more intense and frequent.
o Precipitation: Due to its presence in the Bay of Bengal, northwest India received sufficient rainfall.
5.7. CYCLONES
Why in the news?
Severe Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” caused widespread damage across coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu.
More about the news
• Cyclone Michaung is 4th tropical cyclone of year over the Bay of Bengal.
• The name Michaung was proposed by Myanmar, denoting resilience and fortitude.
• Naming of cyclone
o Six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), including IMD, and five regional Tropical
Cyclone Warning Centres are mandated for issuing advisories and naming of cyclonic storms.
o Naming of cyclones in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea started in September 2004.
What are Cyclones and how are they formed?
• A large-scale system of air that rotates around the centre of a low-pressure area.
• As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), characterised by inward spiralling winds that
rotate
o Anticlockwise in Northern Hemisphere
o Clockwise in Southern Hemisphere
• Favourable conditions for their formation are-
o Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C.
125
o Presence of the Coriolis force.
o Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
o A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
o Upper divergence above the sea level system.
• Other Recent Cyclones in News
o Cyclone Ilsa: Made landfall in Western Australia.
o Cyclone Mocha: Classified as a ‘Super Cyclone’(where wind speeds ≥ 222 kmph), made landfall along
Myanmar coast.
o Cyclone Midhili: After crossing Bangladesh coast, weakened into a deep depression and later into a
depression.
✓ Cyclonic storm is cyclonic disturbance in which the maximum average surface wind speed is in
range of 34 to 47 knots (62 to 88 kmph).
✓ In deep depression, maximum sustained wind speed lies in the range 28 to 33 knots (50 to 61
kmph).
✓ Depression is a cyclonic disturbance in which maximum sustained surface wind speed is between
17 and 33 knots (31 and 61 kmph).
Related concept: Fujiwhara effect

• As per National Weather Service, when two hurricanes or cyclones spinning in same direction are
brought close together, they begin an intense dance around their common centre which is called
Fujiwhara effect.
• It can cause formation of mega cyclone causing large scale destructions.
• It was observed for the first time over western Pacific Ocean, when typhoons Marie and Kathy merged
in 1964. And was first Identified by Sakuhei Fujiwhara in 1921 in Japan
5.8. DROUGHT EARLY WARNING SYSTEM (DEWS)

Why in the News?
According to the data from the Drought Early Warning
System (DEWS), 30% of India’s land area experienced
different degrees of drought in September 2023.
Drought Early Warning System (DEWS)
• India’s first real-time drought-monitoring platform
• Run by the Water and Climate Lab of IIT
Gandhinagar.
• A network of regional and national
partners that share information and
coordinate actions to provide
accurate, timely, and integrated
information at the relevant spatial
scale.
• Identifies drought based on the
Standardised Soil Moisture Index
(SSI) and Standardised Precipitation
Index (SPI).
o Soil moisture drought is indicated
by SSI- shows the amount of water
available to plants.
o SPI, based on rainfall data, is a
tool used to indicate
meteorological drought.
126
• As per DEWS, August 2023- driest August since 1901 when record-keeping began.
Drought Monitoring in India
• NADAMS (National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System) provides near real-time
information on prevalence, severity level and persistence of agricultural drought at state/ district/sub-
district level.
• FASAL (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro- meteorology and Land based observations)
project for crop production, forecasting of field crops.
• Satellite data from ISRO to monitor various drought related indicators.
About Drought
• A prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle.
• According to IMD, a drought year is where:
o Rainfall deficiency is greater than 10% of the Long-Period Average (LPA) value and
o More than 20% of the area is affected by moderate or severe drought conditions or a combination of
both.
• Over 68% of cropped areas in India are vulnerable to drought.
5.9. ENNORE OIL SPILL

Why in the News?
Oil spill occurred in Ennore region of Chennai after cyclone
Michaung-induced floods.
About Oil Spill
• Release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into
environment, especially marine areas.
• Causes of Oil Spills: Equipment breaking down due to
human errors; deliberate acts by illegal dumping natural
disasters like hurricanes, etc.
• Impacts of oil spill
o Destroys insulating ability of fur on mammals and
impacts water repelling qualities of a bird’s feathers.
o Impacts immune system and reproduction of
dolphins and whales by oil inhalation.
o Health problems like heart damage, immune system
effects, headache due to strong odour, skin irritation,
etc.
o Obstruct passage of sunlight into sea, thereby
destroying photosynthesising phytoplankton.
o Impacts mangrove forests as they can no longer
shield coastlines.
• Bio remediation technology developed in India for Oil
spills
o Oilzapper (developed by TERI), an eco-friendly
technique of using the bacteria to get rid of oil sludges
and oil- spill.
o Oilivorous-S (jointly developed by TERI and Indian Oil
Corporation Ltd) has an additional bacterial strain
that makes it more effective against sludge and
crude oil with high-sulphur content.
127
Related news: National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)
• Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) chaired 25th meeting of NOSDCP in Gujarat's Vadinagar
coast.
• NOSDCP promulgated by ICG (part of Ministry of Defence) in 1996.
o Apex plan for responding to oil spill disasters in Indian waters and is applicable to shipping, ports,
and oil industries.
o ICG is Central Coordinating Authority in India for matters related to Oil Spill.
o Since 2003, NOSDCP has come under purview of National Disaster Management Authority,
Ministry of Home Affairs.
• NOSDCP Objective: To establish
o Effective system for detection and reporting of spills;
o Record-keeping procedures to facilitate recovery of costs; etc.
5.10. OTHER DISASTER RELATED NEWS

News Details
Cloudburst • Cloudburst is a rain event if 10 cm rainfall is received at a station in one hour.
(According to IMD)
o Extent: It is a localized but intense rainfall activity and usually occurs over a
small geographical region of about 20 to 30 sq. km.
✓ Cumulonimbus clouds are mainly involved in its occurrence.
o Vulnerable Regions: Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the northeastern hill
States of India (due to terrain and elevation).
✓ Cloud bursts do occur at plains.
• Occurrence
o Via orographic lift: When an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher
elevation as it moves over rising terrain.
o Rain fails to fall down in a steady shower: Causes excessive condensation in
the clouds as new drops form and old drops are pushed back into it by the
updraft.
Avalanche • Tourists were killed after an avalanche struck the Gangtok-Nathu La road in Sikkim.
• Avalanche: A mass of material moving rapidly down a slope which begins when
an unstable mass of snow breaks away from a slope.
• Types: Rock avalanches (consist of shattered rock), ice avalanches (occur in the
vicinity of a glacier), and debris avalanches (contain unconsolidated materials, e.g.,
loose stones and soil).
National • NIDM recently got global recognition as ‘centre of excellence’ on landslide disaster
Institute of reduction for the period 2023-2026.
Disaster • A statutory organisation under the National Disaster Management Act 2005
Management (under Ministry of Home Affairs).
(NIDM) • Tasked with human resource development, capacity building, training, research,
documentation, and policy advocacy in the field of disaster management.
• Union Home Minister is President of NIDM.

5.11.1. UN OFFICE FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (UNDRR)
• Genesis: Established in 1999.
• Mandate: To facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
• Other information: Tasked to support the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework
(2015-2030) and coordinates action within the UN system around disaster risk reduction.
128
Report Observations
“2023 Global • Survey aimed to understand the progress made in disability inclusion in DRR. It
Survey Report on is follow-up to the 2013 Global Survey.
Persons with o Shows limited progress in disability inclusion over past 10 years, with no
Disabilities and significant differences across the regions.
Disasters” • Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030 was first of the major 2015 development
frameworks.
o Recognizes Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as contributing stakeholders,
and emphasizing the need for their inclusion in all DRR policies and practices.
• DRR is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic
efforts to analyse and reduce causal factors of disasters.
Global • Theme of report is “Mapping Resilience for Sustainable Development Goals”.
Assessment • Key highlights of report
Report on DRR • Number of recorded disasters has increased fivefold over past 50 years.
2023 (GAR- DRR • Global best practices for resilience include India’s Heat action plans in cities to
2023) deal with heatwaves; Sahel’s Great Green Wall to counteract desertification etc.
129
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AHMEDABAD BENGALURU BHOPAL CHANDIGARH DELHI GUWAHATI HYDERABAD JAIPUR JODHPUR LUCKNOW PRAYAGRAJ PUNE RANCHI
6. GEOGRAPHY
6.1. EL NIÑO SOUTHERN OSCILLATION (ENSO)
Why in the news?
Nature’s Scientific Report revealed the regional and temporal variability of Indian summer monsoon in
relation to El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO).
About ENSO
• A single climate phenomenon
• Characterised by the periodic warming and cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• Has 3 phases:
o El Niño (Occurs every 2-7 years): Associated with the warming of the ocean surface temperatures in
the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
✓ Impacts: Deficient rainfall over Indian subcontinent and Asia, rise in global monthly mean ocean
temperatures
o La Niña: Cooling of ocean surface or below-average sea surface temperatures (SST), in central and
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
✓ Impacts: Enhances monsoon rainfall.
o Neutral: Neither El Niño nor La Niña
El Niño-monsoon relationship
• Inverse relationship between ENSO and Indian
monsoon rainfall.
• El Niño-monsoon connection:
o Strengthened from moderate to strong during
1901-1940
o Remained stable until 1980 & consistently
weakened from 1981-2018.
• Reasons for weakening trend
o Increased surface warming over Eurasia
o Strengthening and pole ward shift of the jet streams over the North Atlantic
o Increased GHG concentration
o Shift in the surface wind circulation pattern over the Indo-Pacific region.
• Location of the El Niño event within the Pacific Ocean also affects Indian monsoon.
o Warming in the central Pacific Ocean has more pronounced influence than warming in the eastern
Pacific Ocean.
o El Niño induces a subsidence or downward movement of air, which in turn acts to suppress monsoon
rainfall.
• Other factors that affect Indian summer monsoon rainfall -
o Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
o Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
o Atlantic Meridional Oscillation (AMO)
o Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM)
6.2. INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE (IOD)

Why in the news?
As per UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), El Niño and a positive IOD are
associated with above-normal rains and flooding.
130
About IOD
• Refers to the difference in sea surface temperature between the eastern and western sides of the Indian
Ocean.
• Also known as Indian Nino.
• Has 3 phases:
o Positive: Western side is warmer than the eastern side.
✓ Helps rainfall along Indian subcontinent and African coast while suppresses rainfall over
Indonesia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
o Negative: Cooler western side and warmer eastern side.
✓ Results in greater precipitation in Australia and drier conditions in East Africa.
o Neutral: Temperatures close to normal across the Indian Ocean.
• IOD has a link with El Nino Southern Oscillations (ENSO) through an extension of the Walker Circulation
(air flow in equatorial Pacific) to the west and associated warm water flow from Pacific to Indian Ocean.
6.3. PACIFIC DECADAL OSCILLATION (PDO)

Why in the news?
As per a study, a combination of
global warming and the Pacific
Decadal Oscillation (PDO) could
make cyclones more frequent.
About PDO
• Refers to long-term ocean
fluctuation in Pacific Ocean.
• 2 phases:
o Cool or Negative Phase:
Lower than normal sea-
surface heights/ocean
temperatures in the eastern
equatorial Pacific.
✓ And a warm horseshoe
pattern of higher-than-
normal sea-surface heights connecting the north, west and southern Pacific (refer to image).
o Warm or positive phase: West Pacific Ocean becomes cool and the wedge in the east warms.
• Waxes and wanes approximately every 20 to 30 years.
• However, in the recent time, the ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ phases have been much shorter.
131
Relationship between PDO, ENSO and global warming
• Negative PDO along with La Nina phase: Creates suitable condition for the tropical cyclones.
o PDO entered a cooler or negative phase in 2019.
o If it remains so, it could mean more tropical cyclones in the post-monsoon months that originate near
the equator.
• PDO event can go hand-in-hand with impacts of ENSO: Associated impacts can be amplified if both
phenomena in same phase.
o ENSO (El Niño phase) with a positive PDO generally not good for the Indian monsoon.
• Negative phases of PDO linked to times of slower warming:
o Tend to increase mixing of colder, deep ocean waters with warmer surface waters. R
o educes the rate of global warming caused by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6.4. GEOLOGY OF HIMALAYAS

Why in the news?
Jammu & Kashmir and
Ladakh hit by several
mild-intensity
earthquakes within 24
hours.
Reasons for Earthquake
• Ongoing collision of
Indian tectonic
plate with Eurasian
plate.
o Indian plate is
diving under
(subduction) the
Eurasian plate in
north-northeast
direction.
• Geology of the
Himalayas on its southern side is characterised by three major tectonic units:
o Main Central Thrust (MCT)
o Main Boundary Thrust (MBT)
o Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) or Main Frontal Thrust (MFT).
• There is about 700 km stretch in Central Himalayas where MFT has shown no sign of any rupturing for
several centuries, which is referred to as “Central seismic gap”.
o Seismic gap regions: High risk areas for large earthquakes in the future.
About Main Central Thrust (MCT)
• Highest and oldest Thrust.
• A north-dipping fault and marks tectonic contact between higher and lesser Himalayas.
o Lesser and sub-Himalayas are separated by MBT, and HFT constitutes southern-most and youngest
thrust.
o In the current era, both MBT and HFT faults are considered more active compared to MCT.
• All these three faults conjoin along basal detachment plane—called décollement in geophysical
language—called Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT).
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6.5. WATER, ICE, SOCIETY, AND ECOSYSTEMS (WISE) REPORT
Why in news?
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) released Water, Ice, Society, and
Ecosystems (WISE) report for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
More on News
• Report highlighted impacts of climate change on HKH:
o Glaciers disappeared 65% faster in the 2010s than in the previous decade.
o With accelerated glacier melt, ‘peak water’ (stage in which the supply of fresh snow water due to
glacier melt will be the highest ever) will be reached around mid-century and then is expected to
decrease by the end of the century.
About ICIMOD
• An intergovernmental knowledge and
development organization (established in
1983)
• Focuses on climate and environmental
risks, green economies, and sustainable
action.
• Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and
Pakistan
About Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region
• Spans an area of approximately. 4.3 million

square km in Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal,
and Pakistan.
• Hosts world’s highest peaks like Mount
Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• Known as ‘Third Pole or Water Tower of
Asia’ as it holds largest ice reserves
outside of polar regions.
• Has young and rising mountains, highly vulnerable to multiple hazards such as earthquakes and
landslides.
Related News: Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalayas Initiative
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the “Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush
Himalayas Initiative”.
• It was result of shared commitment and strong collaboration between ADB, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Initiative will combine cutting edge risk assessment and risk management tools, such as insurance
and risk transfer, to help guide investment decisions for large scale infrastructure.
6.6. ATLANTIFICATION
Why in the News?
Atlantification is making the Arctic Ocean saltier and warmer.
About Atlantification
• Process wherein warm water from Atlantic is being advected into Arctic Ocean in increasing amounts.
• Makes parts of Barents Sea to more closely resemble the Atlantic.
133
• Normal Situation
o Top of the Arctic Ocean covered by sea ice.
o Below this, a layer of freshwater, followed
by a deeper layer of warmer, saltier water
gets delivered to Arctic from Atlantic.
o Layers are held intact due to differences in
water salinity, protecting sea ice from
being melted by incoming warm water from
Atlantic.
• However, rapid decline in arctic ice covers
causes the oceans to mix together driving
Atlantification.
o Once sparked, Atlantification causes
further melting of sea ice leading to more
Atlantification.
• One of the reasons: Process called Arctic
Dipole
o Associated with anticyclonic winds over
North America and cyclonic winds over Eurasia which alternates in an approximately 15-year cycle.
• Positive phase of Arctic Dipole contributes to slowing Arctic sea-ice loss whereas negative phase
accelerates sea-ice decline.
6.7. INDIAN OCEAN GEOID LOW (IOGL)

Why in the news?
Researchers from IISc, Bengaluru have identified the cause
of an over three million square kilometres-wide ‘gravity
hole’ - Known as the Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL).
About IOGL
• Geoids: Anomalies on Earth's undulating map.
o Earth is not a true sphere and is flatter on poles and
bulges along equator.
o Leads to variation in gravitational pull making
earth’s shape irregular.
• Location of IOGL: Just south of Sri Lanka.
• Earth’s gravitational pull is weakest at this point.
• Sea level here is 100 metres lower than global average.
• Cause: Plumes of molten rock rising along the edges of
Tethys Ocean bed.
• Called lowest geoid anomaly on Earth.
• Process:
o Hot material from African super plume (Earth’s mantle) carries heat from near the core to the crust
which gets deflected eastwards.
o Lighter elements in upper to mid-mantle under IOGL leads to low gravity in this area.
6.8. AURORA
Why in the News?
The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) situated at nearly 14,800 feet above sea level at Mount Saraswati in the
Hanle Valley of Changthang, Ladakh successfully documented rare Aurora phenomenon.
134
About Aurora
• Patterns of bright lights in the sky caused by Geomagnetic storms.
• Seen when particles ejected by the Sun (during coronal mass ejection) interact with the magnetic field
around the Earth.
• Usually visible near poles.
• Occur at any time of the day but can’t be seen with the naked eye unless it’s dark.
• Shape of Earth's magnetic field creates two auroral ovals:
o Northern lights (aurora borealis) in Northern Hemisphere
o Southern lights (aurora australis) in Southern Hemisphere
• Conditions for Aurora light: A Clear Sky, No Clouds, Total darkness.
• About IAO: India’s only dark sky reserve- An area where measures are taken to reduce artificial light pollution
to observe sky at night.
6.9. OTHER TERMS IN NEWS

Terms Details
Omega Blocking • Study says, recent floods in the Mediterranean regions were caused by low-
pressure systems forming around an Omega Block centred over the
Netherlands.
• Omega block
resembling Ω occurs
when two low-
pressure systems
become cut off from
the main flow of the
jet stream,
sandwiching a high-
pressure system
between them.
• It is also linked to
other extreme
events such as Pakistan floods, heatwaves in France & Germany.
Atlantic • Study says AMOC
Meridional will collapse
Overturning with 95%
Circulation certainty
(AMOC) between 2025
and 2095.
• AMOC: System of
ocean currents
in the Atlantic
Ocean that
circulates heat
from the tropics
towards the North
Pole and
disseminates
cold, saline,
dense waters
towards the
Tropics and
towards the South Pole.
135
• Consequences of slowing AMOC:
o Rise in Sea level rise across the U.S. East Coast.
o Cooling of the northern hemisphere
o Decreased rainfall over Europe
Blue Hole • Scientists have uncovered blue hole (known as Taam Ja /deep water) off the coast
of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
o Yucatan Peninsula is located in Central America, separating the Gulf of Mexico
and the Caribbean Sea and includes parts of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize
• Blue Hole: Massive underwater sinkhole
• Considered hotspots of microbial biodiversity.
• Believed to be formed in the Ice Age (sea level was 100–120 m lower than current
levels).
• Get their names from their indigo centers and light blue perimeters.
• Deepest blue hole on earth: Dragon Hole or Longdong in the South China Sea.
Ureilite • As per a study Dhala crater of Madhya Pradesh was result of collision of a
meteorite, called Ureilite.
• Ureilites are a rare class of primitive meteorites present on Earth.
• Consist of silicate rock, mostly olivine and pyroxene, carbon (diamond or
graphite), metal sulphides.
• Meteor impact craters in India also found in Ramgarh (Rajasthan) and Lonar
(Maharashtra).
Khazan Land • NGT highlighted the failure of authorities to follow environmental rules for
construction on Khazan land.
• Khazan Land
o Coastal wetlands of Goa and is a low-lying, saline water-logged area
influenced by tidal flows.
o Acts as main drainage system for floodwater.
o Reclaimed from mangrove forest through an intricate system of dykes,
sluice gates and canals.
o Uses in agriculture, aquaculture and salt panning.
Diel Vertical • DVM is synchronised movement of deep-sea marine animals up and down in
Migration (DVM) oceanic water column over a daily cycle.
• Free-floating zooplanktons swim up to food-rich surface waters at night to feed
when light is scarce and they are “hidden” from predators and return to the
depths before sun rises.
• DVM plays a pivotal role in sequestering carbon where animals remove
substantial amounts of carbon from Upper Ocean as they feed on surface-
dwelling plankton and carry carbon with them when they return to deeper waters.
Katabatic and • Study says Katabatic winds play a role in cooling Himalayas.
Anabatic winds • Katabatic winds: Cool, denser air moving downhill due to gravity.
• Affects local climates, even reducing humidity in the air and blowing away snow.
• Anabatic wind: Warm wind that blows up a mountain slope due to a warmer
temperature on mountain slope compared to the temperature in air column
influencing cloud formation and precipitation patterns.
Chilla-i-Kalan • Chilla-i-Kalan is a Persian term that means ‘major cold’ (40 days) of harsh winter
began in Kashmir in Kashmir.
o Followed by Chillai Khurd or small cold (20 days) 10-day-long ‘Chillai Bacha’
or baby cold (10 days).
Winter solstice • It occurs on December 22, the shortest day occurs when direct sunlight hits the
2023 Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere.
136
• Earth’s 23.5-degree
tilt along with its
spin, and orbit cause
sunlight duration
variations at
different locations
throughout the year.
• Leads to-
o Equinox: When
sun is directly
over the equator
and it occurs on -
21 March and 23
September.
o Solstice: Two
types-Winter and Summer Solstice
• Summer Solstice occurs on 21st June when direct sunlight is over the Tropic of
cancer in the Northern hemisphere.
Phreatomagmatic • A new island emerged Off Japan after an underwater volcano eruption near Iwoto
eruptions Island in the western Pacific.
• Scientists said it was formed due to phreatomagmatic eruptions.
• They are hazardous eruption in which both magma and water interacts
explosively, leading to concurrent ejection of steam and pyroclastic
fragments.
E Prime layer • Study says a new layer called “E prime layer” at the outermost part of Earth's
core is a result of surface water penetrating deep into the planet which alters
the composition of the metallic liquid core's outermost region.
• Research suggests that tectonic plates carrying surface water have
transported it deep into the Earth over billions of years.
• This led to the formation of a hydrogen-rich, silicon-depleted layer at the outer
core.
Ring of fire • Ring of fire will occur on the upcoming solar eclipse in October.
• During an Eclipse when the moon obstructs the sun but does not fully cover the
disk of the sun, leaving a thin outer ring often called a "ring of fire."
o Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon travels between Earth and the sun,
obstructing the view of the sun's face.
Note: The concept is different from the Ring of Fire (Circum-Pacific Belt)
characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
Sundargarh • The Arch has been awarded the 'Geo Heritage tag' by Geological Survey of India
Natural Arch • It is a geological feature located in the Chhengapahar Reserve Forest of Odisha
• To be the biggest natural arch of the country (Height 30m) to receive the Geo
Heritage tag.
• Geo Heritage Tag: Sites of rare and unique geological, geo-morphological,
mineralogical significance, including caves and natural rock sculptures of
national and international interest.
o Declared by Geological Survey of India
Magnetospheric • Study of energetic ion variations during magnetospheric substorm intervals can
substorm help improve accuracy of space weather forecasting.
• Magnetospheric substorm: A short-lived process in which a portion of the
energy, extracted by interaction between solar wind and Earth's
magnetosphere, is released.
137
• Depends on Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF), solar wind velocity, and on solar
wind dynamic pressure.
• Average duration: about 2-4 hours.
• Southward direction of IMF is a necessary prerequisite for substorm occurrence
Groundwater • A study has found that Groundwater pumping has tilted the planet nearly 80
Extraction Tilted centimetres east between 1993 and 2010 alone.
Earth’s Spin • Planet’s geographic north and south poles, where its axis intersects the
surface, are not fixed.
• The axis and hence the poles fluctuate due to variations in Earth’s mass
distribution.
Shelf Cloud • A shelf cloud was recently witnessed in Uttarakhand.
• Shelf clouds: Also known as Arcus clouds
• Often associated with powerful storm systems and are often reported as wall
clouds, funnel clouds, or rotation.
• Sometimes seen beneath cumulonimbus clouds, the dense, towering vertical
clouds that cause intense rain.
• Formed when a cold downdraft from a cumulonimbus cloud reaches the
ground; the cold air may spread rapidly along the ground, pushing existing warm
moist air upwards.
o As this air rises, water vapour condenses into the patterns associated with
shelf clouds.
Homo naledi • New evidence suggests that Homo naledi, an extinct human species, may have
buried their dead and carved meaningful symbols in a cave.
o The burials are older than any known Homo sapiens burials by at least
100,000 years.
• Features of Homo naledi
o Walked fully upright and had hands that were similar to ours.
o Shoulders were built for climbing.
o Teeth were shaped like that of older primates.
o Brain size was just one-third of that of modern humans.
• Humankind’s earliest ancestors: Ardipithicines, Australopithecines, Homo
habilis, Homo ergaster/erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, Denisovans
Sun Halo/22- • Sun halo was witnessed in North India.
degree Halo • About Sun Halo: Multi-colored ring that appears like a rainbow circling the star.
• Also called 22-degree halo (as radius of the circle is always ~22 degrees).
• Formation:
o Refraction/bending when sunlight enters the ice crystals in the thin cirrus
clouds.
o Causes the sun's rays to separate into their component colours (because
of dispersion), creating a spectrum which is visible as halo.
• Conditions: Crystals oriented and positioned with respect to one’s eye.
• Used for weather forecasting in earlier times.
• Researchers have discovered Argoland, a landmass that detached from western
Argoland Australia 155 million years ago.
• Considered to be an integral part of the supercontinent Gondwana.
• Lost due to the tectonic pressure which stretched the landmass and drove it
away spreading it over Southeast Asia.
• Dispersed parts have formed various archipelagos of the Southeast Asia.
138
6.10. PLACES IN NEWS
6.10.1. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES (INDIA)
139
6.10.2. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES (INTERNATIONAL)
140
6.10.3. COUNTRIES IN NEWS
141

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ENVIRONMENT

4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ________ 91 5.1. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

1.1.1.1. MONTREAL PROTOCOL

1.1.2. STATE OF THE CRYOSPHERE 2023

1.1.2.2. ARCTIC AMPLIFICATION

1.2. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS AND INITIATIVES

1.2.2. INDIA AT COP 28

1.2.3. NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDC)

1.2.5. OTHER INITIATIVES IN NEWS

1.3.2. MISSION LIFE

About Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

1.3.2.1. RIGHT TO REPAIR

1.3.3. CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

1.3.4. DEBT FOR CLIMATE SWAPS

1.3.6. NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES (NFCS)

1.4. OTHER CLIMATE RELATED TERMS AND NEWS

1.5. INSTITUTIONS/ORGANIZATIONS IN NEWS

1.5.2. WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION (WMO)

2.1.2. GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)

2.1.3. REGULATION ON FIRECRACKERS

Related Concept: E-crackers

2.1.4. REVISED CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

2.1.5. CLOUD SEEDING

2.1.6. SWACHH VAYU SARVEKSHAN

2.2. WATER POLLUTION AND CONSERVATION

2.2.2. WATER TRADING

2.2.3. OTHER WATER RELATED NEWS

2.3.2. ZERO DRAFT OF GLOBAL TREATY TO END PLASTIC POLLUTION

2.4. LAND DEGRADATION

2.4.2. SAND AND DUST STORMS (SDS)

2.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

2.6. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, TREATIES AND INITIATIVES

2.6.2. UN GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON CHEMICALS

Understanding the Developing an eye for Understanding the

Key Features of Key Features of

3.1.2. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

3.1.3. GLOBAL DECLARATION OF RIVER DOLPHINS

3.1.4. PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIETIES AND FARMERS' RIGHTS (PPVFR)

3.1.5. INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND

3.2. WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION

3.2.2. THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2022

3.2.3. TIGER CONVERSATION IN INDIA

3.2.3.2. NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA)

MEE of • About MEE

3.2.3.3. OTHER NEWS RELATED TO TIGER CONSERVATION

3.2.5. PROJECT ELEPHANT

3.2.8. FUNGA: RECOGNITION AND CONSERVATION

3.2.10. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES

3.2.10.1. INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEWS

3.2.13. SPECIES IN NEWS

Reptiles, insects, amphibians , etc.

Gentiana Kurroo • Uttarakhand Forest Department has successfully saved the

3.3.2. CENTRAL EMPOWERED COMMITTEE (CEC)

3.3.3. UNITED NATION FORUM ON FORESTS

3.3.4. INDIAN FOREST & WOOD CERTIFICATION SCHEME (IFWCS)

3.3.5. OTHER FOREST RELATED NEWS

3.4. WETLANDS, COASTLAND AND OCEANS

Key highlights of the treaty

3.4.2. CORAL REEF BREAKTHROUGH

3.4.3. LAKES AND WETLANDS IN NEWS