environment

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), Functions and Composition

Context: In its first post-election meeting, the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has cleared various projects. Projects include controversial transmission line projects in Little Rann of Kutch and Mollem National Park. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)...

Ethanol Blending Programmes, Advantages, Issues and Concerns

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed all mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for making any ethanol “with immediate effect”. India is on its way to achieving its target of blending 20% of petrol...

Rights Against Climate Change a Human Right

Context: In April 2024, the Supreme Court of India in the case of M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India recognized a human right against the adverse impacts of climate change. More In News The core issue involves protecting...

Forest Conservation Act 1980, Objectives, Features, Amendments

Context: Centre told the NGT that the State did not seek forest clearance for non-forestry activities allowed in a wildlife sanctuary More in News The Assam government did not seek forest clearance for non-forestry activities allowed in a wildlife sanctuary,...

Western Ghats in India, Importance, Recommendations of Kasturirangan Committee

Context: Implementation of recommendations of Kasturirangan Committee by Karnataka More in News The Union government reissued the draft notification classifying parts of the Western Ghats in six States, including Karnataka, as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs). Karnataka Forest and Environment Minister...

What is Cloudburst? Its Causes, Effects, and Forecasting

On August 1-2, 2024, several cloudbursts occurred across Himachal Pradesh, causing severe flash floods and extensive damage. The affected areas include Nirmand, Sainj, Malana in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi, and Rampur in Shimla. The most significant damage occurred in the...

Climate Right, Background and Climate Legislation

Context The Supreme Court of India's judgement in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. vs Union of India & Ors. has established the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change, rooted in the constitutionally guaranteed right to life...

Eco-Sensitive Zones, Purpose and Significance of ESZs

Context Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa are among the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESA) to protect the Western Ghats. These three states have requested a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to facilitate development projects....

India is World’s Second Largest Emitter of Nitrous Oxide

Context: India is the second largest global source of nitrous oxide (N2O), according to a global assessment published in the journal Earth System Science data. Highlights of the Earth System Science Data for N2O Emissions In 2020, nearly 11% of...

Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India, Challenges and Criticisms

Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has finished preparing the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as a new habitat for cheetahs, marking it as the second designated cheetah sanctuary in India after Kuno National Park. Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India The Cheetah...