Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control
Context: The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recently released an “Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control.” Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Major Highlights of the Report: Invasive Alien Species: Invasive alien species, also known as invasive exotic species or non-native species, are organisms introduced to regions or ecosystems […]
Building Infrastructure In Mountainous Areas
Context: Building infrastructure in mountainous areas cannot follow the same approach as in flat plains. The devastating floods in northern India in August have raised serious concerns among top officials. In the previous month, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a bench, recommended the formation of an expert committee to conduct a thorough and […]
Red Sand Boad
Context: A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa between the years 2016-2021. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Red Sand Boa Distribution and Behavior Physical Characteristics Ecological Role Conservation Status -Source: The Hindu
Promoting Fungi Awareness: “Funga” for “Flora and Fauna
Context: Recently, United Nations Biodiversity advocates the use of the term “funga” instead of “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi in ecosystems. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Recognizing Fungi: UN Biodiversity’s Call for “Funga” UN Biodiversity advocates for the inclusion of fungi in conservation frameworks, placing them […]
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Context: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has gathered at Bonn, Germany, for the body’s 10th plenary. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: IPBES: Empowering Biodiversity Governance through Expert Insights Scientific Guidance for Policymakers Distinct Autonomy from United Nations Global Membership and Inclusivity Organizational Structure -Source: The […]
Exploring the Himalayan Vulture
Context: Recently, the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati has achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully breeding the elusive Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in captivity for the first time in India. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Exploring the Himalayan Vulture Conservation Status: Impressive Characteristics: Habitat and Range: Ecosystem Role: Captive Breeding […]
Lion-Tailed Macaque
Context: Recently, Lion-tailed macaque has been sporadically spotted by conservationists in the forests of Nadugani, shared by the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu and Nilambur in Kerala. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Lion-tailed Macaque: Appearance Habitat Threats Conservation Status -Source: The Hindu
Rising Methane Levels and Climate Transition: Concerns
Context: The increase in methane levels in the Earth’s atmosphere has prompted worries regarding the ongoing climate transition. The escalation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has led to discussions about the possibility of Earth undergoing a ‘termination-level transition’ akin to historical climate shifts. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Methane: […]
Sixth Anniversary of the Minamata Convention
Context: The sixth anniversary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is a reminder of global efforts to combat the toxic effects of mercury. On this occasion, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reflects on the ongoing campaign to eradicate the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of […]
About The Herons
Context: The annual heronry count jointly organised by WWF-India in association with the Forest department in Thiruvananthapuram district has recorded more heronries that in the past. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About Heron: Global Distribution: Feeding Habits: Breeding and Nesting: Importance of Heronry Counts: -Source: The Hindu