environment

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...

Disaster Management in India, Initiatives, Evolving Landscape of Disaster

Context: The formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005 was a crucial step in India's disaster management efforts. However, the changing nature of disasters, particularly the rise of multi-hazard events, necessitates a significant upgrade and overhaul of...

Canopy Bridges for Gibbons in Assam

Context: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has allocated funds to build canopy bridges over a railway track that splits the primary habitat of India's only ape species in eastern Assam. Canopy Bridges A canopy bridge is a type of wildlife...

Eucalyptus Trees Controversy in Kerala

Context: The Kerala government's recent order allowing the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees sparked controversy due to concerns raised by environmentalists about its potential negative impact on forests and human-animal conflict. Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC)...

China and Glacial Water Shipments: Recent Developments and Considerations

Context: China has sent 1,500 tonnes of water from Tibetan glaciers to the Maldives. This is the second such shipment within two months. Case Study: Water Diplomacy Between China and Maldives Background The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian...