Decline in Solar Radiation Raises Concerns Amid Climate Change
Context: As concerns about climate change mount, the significance of renewable energy sources such as solar power becomes increasingly evident. However, a recent study by scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has unveiled a troubling trend. It suggests that the quantity of solar radiation available for conversion into electricity by solar panels is decreasing […]
Producing Better Labor Statistics
Context: The continual evolution of labor institutions is driven by both objective factors, such as changes in product markets, technology, trade, and investment, and subjective factors, including the orientations of involved agencies. This dynamic applies to the industrial relations system and labor market (IRS-LM), where variables like trade unions, collective bargaining, and strikes are in flux. Reforms […]
Why are Unclassed Forests ‘missing’?
Context: In accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court dated February 19, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published various State Expert Committee (SEC) reports on its website earlier this April. This interim measure was initiated in response to a public interest litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Act […]
On the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Context: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), initiated by the Indian government in 2019, aimed to reduce atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) levels by 20-30% by 2024, based on 2017 levels. This target was later revised to a 40% reduction by 2026. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change allocated ₹10,422.73 crore to facilitate this initiative. Despite proactive […]
India Loses 2.33 Million Hectares of Tree Cover Since 2000
Context: Recent data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) monitoring project shows that India has experienced a loss of 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since the year 2000. This decline represents a 6% reduction in tree cover over this period. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings of Global […]
Restoring Earth’s Right to Good Health
Context: In a groundbreaking ruling, the European Court of Human Rights has found the Government of Switzerland culpable of breaching the rights of a cohort of elderly women belonging to a Swiss civil society group named KlimaSeniorinnen. The court emphasized that the government’s efforts to mitigate emissions were insufficient and had failed to shield women from […]
Green Credit Programme
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) has clarified that under the Green Credit Program(GCP) primacy must be accorded to restoring ecosystems over merely tree planting. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Green Credit Programme: Objectives: Tradable Credits: Program Administrator: Green Credit Activities: The programme promotes a range of activities that contribute to environmental […]
Right to Protection from Climate Change Impacts
Context: The Supreme Court of India recently acknowledged the right to protection from the impacts of climate change as part of the fundamental rights to life (Article 21) and equality (Article 19) enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This landmark ruling was made during a case concerning the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard and the […]
Land Conflict Watch Links Land Conflicts to Forest Rights Act Enforcement
Context: A recent report by Land Conflict Watch, a data research agency tracking land-related conflicts in India, has highlighted a notable correlation between land conflicts and the enforcement of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The findings suggest that the implementation and interpretation of the FRA may be contributing to conflicts over land rights and ownership, […]
The Great Indian Bustard and Climate Action Verdict
Context: In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the existence of a fundamental entitlement to freedom from the adverse effects of climate change (referred to as ‘the right’ hereafter). The decision has drawn considerable attention from environmentalists, primarily focusing on its implications for safeguarding the Great Indian Bustard. This article takes a […]