India’s Green Energy Rise, Including ‘Green Coal’
Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s latest report highlights a significant surge in global optimism about India’s economic prospects, particularly within the energy sector. This year, green energy projects valued at approximately Rs 700 billion are set to commence, marking a major milestone in investment. Relevance: Mains Question: What is green coal and how does it differ from the traditional […]
Advisory Opinion of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Context: International climate change litigation reached a significant milestone on May 21, 2024, when the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued an advisory opinion requested by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). This opinion addressed the specific obligations of Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law […]
Fight to Preserve our Fragile Ecosystems
Context: The planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges. On May 29, 2024, media reports revealed that Delhi recorded an astonishing temperature of over 50 degrees Celsius, marking an 80-year record. Additionally, the Capital City is on the brink of a severe water crisis, exacerbated by political disputes and blame games. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Pollution and Conservation […]
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park’s Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Context: Recently, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in India, particularly in the successful breeding and nurturing of Striped hyenas and Asiatic wild dogs (Dhole). Relevance: GS III- Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Conservation Dimensions of this article: Key Points About Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) […]
World Environment Day and India’s First Biospheres
Context: World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June every year to encourage awareness and environmental protection. In a remarkable initiative to combat deforestation and restore biodiversity, two environmentalists have spearheaded the creation of India’s first biospheres within tiger reserve Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Facts About World Environment […]
KAZA-TFCA States Renew Withdrawal Calls from CITES
Context: At the 2024 Heads of State Summit for the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) in Livingstone, Zambia, member states renewed their calls to withdraw from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This demand stems from repeated denials of permission to sell their abundant ivory and other […]
60th Meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies
Context: As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC later this year, the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has urged developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments in combating climate change. Additionally, the 60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) is scheduled to take place […]
Forest Fires in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest
Context: Recently, Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has experienced its largest forest fires on record in the first four months of 2024. These fires have been fueled by a record drought in the Amazon region, driven by the El Nino climate phenomenon and global warming, leading to extremely dry conditions. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions […]
IUCN Report Warns of Global Mangrove Ecosystem Collapse
Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a new report indicating that half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapsing. This is the IUCN’s first comprehensive global assessment of mangroves. The report, titled “Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems,” was unveiled on International Day for Biodiversity (22nd May). Relevance: […]
Environmental Concerns Over Sky Lantern Festival Near Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site
Context: Recently, the traditional Chinese sky lantern festival has ignited outrage among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists due to its proximity to a nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. According to environmentalists, the bamboo or metal wire frames of these lanterns take months to decompose and pose a significant threat by trapping wildlife, including […]