GM Mustard
Context: Recently, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommended the “environmental release” of the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 for seed production and conduct of field demonstration studies with respect to its effects, if any, on honey bees and other pollinating insects. Relevance: GS II: Environment […]
Blue Flag Certification
Context: Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep. This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to 12. Relevance: GS III- Environment Dimensions of the Article: About Blue flag programme Other 10 Beaches which have Received […]
Blue Flag Beaches
Focus: GS Paper – 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation Why in News? In yet another recognition of India’s commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources, the globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag”, has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy […]
Viral Spillover risk
Context: The effects of climate change range are being witnessed across a range of environments – from changes in crop yields due to unreliable weather conditions to the extinction of species. According to new research, yet another effect could be the increased risk of “viral spillover” in some regions that could cause new pandemics over […]
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday told the forest officials of Uttarakhand that it would direct the Union government to form a committee to initiate an investigation into “illegal tree cutting” in Jim Corbett National Park. Relevance: GS-III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: National Green Tribunal (NGT) Structure of National Green […]
The Great Indian Bustard
Context: The recent sighting of three Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) deep in Pakistan’s Cholistan desert has given rise to speculation that the endangered birds might have flown across the international border from India’s Desert National Park (DNP) Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Species in News, Conservation of Biodiversity) Dimensions of the Article: About the […]
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment)
Context: Prime Minister, in the presence of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, launched ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle For Environment), a new initiative for sustainable and healthy lifestyle at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Details About LiFE-Movement Vision and Mission of LiFE What can be done to […]
Single Use Plastic
Focus: GS III- Environment and Ecology Why in News? The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued notification banning production, sale, stocking & distribution, import and usage of identified Single Use Plastic (SUP) items including cutlery items, thin packaging films, candy & ice-cream sticks. About Single use plastic Single-use plastics, often also referred […]
Carbon-Dating On Disputed Structure
Context: Recently, a Varanasi district court has rejected the plea to conduct carbon-dating of the disputed structure known to have been found inside the premises of the Gyanvapi Mosque. Relevance: GS II: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What is carbon dating? What about non-living things? Is there anything that cannot be dated? What […]
What Is Graded Response Action Plan?
Context: The Commission for Air Quality Management directed authorities to enforce stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on diesel generators and use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries, with immediate effect. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What is the […]