United Nations Global Stocktake Report
Context: The climate crisis became intricately entwined with the G20 summit in Delhi, especially in the conversations about clean energy, sustainable development, and the shared responsibility needed to prevent it. Relevance: GS3- Environment Mains Question: The recently released UN Global Stocktake Report must form the basis of negotiations to aid the discovery and adoption of […]
Push to Criminalize Ecocide
Context: The Maya train project in Mexico, designed to connect tourists with historic Maya sites, has raised concerns about its possible adverse effects on the environment and culture. This controversy highlights the discussion around “ecocide” and the increasing worldwide push to make environmental harm a criminal offense. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of […]
India is staring at Water Poverty
Context: Based on recently released data from the India Meteorological Department, the South-West monsoon for the June to August 2023 period has been inadequate in 42 percent of the districts (see the table for reference). Specifically, in August, the country witnessed a rainfall deficit of 32 percent compared to the normal average, with the southern […]
About The Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty
Context: The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) concluded with the member states mandating the INC secretariat to develop a zero draft to end plastic pollution including in the marine environment. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty Plastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Plastic […]
About The Marine Sand Watch
Context: Recently, a newly launched data platform called “Marine Sand Watch” sheds light on this critical issue, revealing the scale of sand extraction and its far-reaching consequences. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Marine Sand Watch The Marine Sand Watch is a significant initiative aimed at monitoring and tracking activities related […]
Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control
Context: The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recently released an “Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control.” Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Major Highlights of the Report: Invasive Alien Species: Invasive alien species, also known as invasive exotic species or non-native species, are organisms introduced to regions or ecosystems […]
Building Infrastructure In Mountainous Areas
Context: Building infrastructure in mountainous areas cannot follow the same approach as in flat plains. The devastating floods in northern India in August have raised serious concerns among top officials. In the previous month, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a bench, recommended the formation of an expert committee to conduct a thorough and […]
Red Sand Boad
Context: A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa between the years 2016-2021. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Red Sand Boa Distribution and Behavior Physical Characteristics Ecological Role Conservation Status -Source: The Hindu
Promoting Fungi Awareness: “Funga” for “Flora and Fauna
Context: Recently, United Nations Biodiversity advocates the use of the term “funga” instead of “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi in ecosystems. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Recognizing Fungi: UN Biodiversity’s Call for “Funga” UN Biodiversity advocates for the inclusion of fungi in conservation frameworks, placing them […]
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Context: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has gathered at Bonn, Germany, for the body’s 10th plenary. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: IPBES: Empowering Biodiversity Governance through Expert Insights Scientific Guidance for Policymakers Distinct Autonomy from United Nations Global Membership and Inclusivity Organizational Structure -Source: The […]