ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

CURRENT AFFAIRS
GS PAPER-III
ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Contents
1. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary 2
2. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) 2
3. Melanistic Tigers 3
4. WWF Living Planet Report 2024 4
5. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024-2030 5
6. Centre for Science and Environment 6
7. Key Takeaways from COP-16: Convention on Biological Diversity 7
8. Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 9
9. IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment 9
10. World Cities Report 2024 10
11. Okinawicius tekdi 11
12. Zeroing in on Methane Diplomacy, at COP29 11
13. Protected Planet Report 2024 13
14. Adaptation Gap Report 2024 14
15. Arpactophiluspulawskii 15
16. Diclipterapolymorpha 15
17. Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 16
18. Decline in African Elephant Population 17
19. Red-Headed Vulture 17
20. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve 18
21. Mystery mollusk 19
22. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) 20
23. Sustainable Path to Net-Zero for India 21
24. Green World Awards 2024 22
25. Earning Instead of Burning 23
26. Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) 24
27. Cicada 25
28. Rare Leucistic Peacock 25
29. Minke Whale 26
30. Palparescontrarius 26
31. Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) 26
32. 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) 27
33. Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) 28
34. Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 28

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Environment & Disaster Management

SYLLABUS
(GS Paper-III)
• Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
• Disaster and disaster management.

EDM-1 • The sanctuary is a potential candidate for inclusion

under Project Tiger.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary • In 2020, a Royal Bengal tigress and her cubs were
tragically poisoned due to human-animal conflict.
In News:
Mahadayi Water Dispute:
An adult tigress and three cubs have been spotted in the
• The Mahadayi (Madei, Mandovi) River is a source of
Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa marking the first time
dispute between Karnataka and Goa regarding water
evidence of the species has been recorded in the forests
sharing.
bordering the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka since
• Karnataka seeks to divert water from the river to the
2020.
Malaprabha River basin for drinking water supply in
Key Highlights: several districts, through the Kalasa-Banduri Nala
Location and Geography: project.
• It is located near Chorla Ghat, between North • The matter is currently being heard in the Supreme
Goa and Belgavi, and borders Maharashtra and Court.
Karnataka.
• The sanctuary is traversed by the Mhadei River, which
meets the sea at Panaji, Goa.
Ecological Significance:
• It is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and shares this ecosystem with Mollem
National Park and other protected areas in Goa.
• The sanctuary is integral to wildlife corridors connecting
the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) and
Kali Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), critical for tiger
conservation.
Flora and Fauna: Source: Hindustan Times
• It is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically
endangered Long-billed vultures that nest at Vazra EDM-2
Falls.
• The region supports a variety of flora and fauna due to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
its biodiversity-rich Western Ghats ecosystem.
Conservation Status and Recommendations: In News:
• Goa is the only state in India to have its entire portion The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the
of the Western Ghats under state protection, with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change
Mhadei WLS being a key area. has constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya
has recommended that Mhadei WLS be designated as Pradesh. The team is conducting an independent enquiry
a tiger reserve to enhance protection efforts. in the matter.

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• Develops wildlife crime data

and assists in prosecutions.
• Provides capacity building
for wildlife crime enforcement
agencies.
Operations & Initiatives:
• Conducts operations like
SAVE KURMA, THUNDERBIRD,
WILDNET, and more to counter
wildlife crimes.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate
Change.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
Source: PIB

EDM-3
Melanistic Tigers
Incident Overview: In News:
• Ten elephants found dead in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, • Odisha government relocated a tigress from
Madhya Pradesh, between October 29-31, 2024. Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to
• Preliminary cause of death suspected to be poisoning; Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, to address inbreeding
final cause pending postmortem and toxicological issues among the tiger population.
analysis. • The tigress is part of a genetic diversification plan to
Government Actions: remedy the increasing number of pseudo-melanistic
Union Government: tigers in the region.
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has set Pseudo-melanistic Tigers:
up a team to conduct an independent investigation • Pseudo-melanistic tigers, often referred to as “black
into the deaths. tigers,” exhibit a darker coat with broader, more
Madhya Pradesh Government: prominent stripes.
• Constituted a five-member State-level inquiry • The mutation leads to the appearance of a mostly
committee, headed by the Additional Principal Chief black fur, with occasional white-orange stripes.
Conservator of Forests (APCCF, Wildlife). Genetic Basis:
• Committee includes members from civil society, • This coloration is due to a mutation in the Taqpep
scientists, and veterinarians. gene, which causes the widening and darkening of
• The State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) is conducting stripes on the tiger’s coat.
field investigations, combing surrounding areas for • The mutation is linked to genetic drift and inbreeding
further clues. within the isolated Similipal population.
Other Involved Authorities: Historical Context:
• The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) • These tigers were once considered mythical until the
and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh are 1700s, with sightings only being documented in the
directly supervising the inquiry in Bandhavgarh. 1990s and 2017-18.
• Senior officials from the National Tiger Conservation • The first confirmed genetic evidence of the black
Authority (NTCA) have visited the site for discussions tiger appeared when a cub was born in captivity at
and investigation. Oklahoma City Zoo in the 1970s.
About Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Distribution and Prevalence:
Mandate: • Pseudo-melanistic tigers are predominantly found in
• Combats organized wildlife crime through intelligence Similipal Tiger Reserve, with 27 out of 30 tigers in
gathering and coordination with enforcement Odisha exhibiting the trait.
agencies. • Other instances of such tigers exist in captivity, such

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as in Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar) • The report underscores the urgent need for
and Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Chennai), both biodiversity conservation to maintain ecological
tracing ancestry to Similipal. balance, food security, and human health.
Genetic Studies: Key Findings of the 2024 Report
• A 2021 study by the National Centre for Biological Wildlife Population Decline
Sciences (NCBS) linked the Taqpep gene mutation • 73% Decline in monitored wildlife populations over
to the unique appearance of these tigers. the past 50 years (1970-2020).
• The mutation causes a missense change in the gene, • Freshwater species: Declined by 85%, the most
replacing Cytosine with Thymine (C1360T), altering significant drop.
the tiger’s coat pattern. • Terrestrial species: Declined by 69%.
High Frequency of Mutation in Similipal: • Marine species: Declined by 56%.
• Genetic analyses indicate a high frequency of the Main Threats to Wildlife
Taqpep gene mutation in Similipal tigers, with • Habitat Loss: Primary driver, particularly due to the
a 60% chance that a tiger born there will carry the expansion of food systems.
mutated gene. • Overexploitation: Over-hunting, fishing, and
• Inbreeding and genetic isolation have contributed resource extraction.
to this phenomenon, as Similipal’s tiger population is • Invasive Species: Non-native species disrupt local
geographically cut off from other populations. ecosystems.
• Pollution: Water, air, and soil contamination,
especially in Asia-Pacific.
• Disease: Emerging diseases impacting wildlife
populations.
Ecosystem Risks and Tipping Points
• Decline in wildlife signals risks of ecosystem tipping
points.
• Critical ecosystems, like the Amazon and coral reefs,
face potential irreversible damage.
• Impact on global food security and livelihoods due
to ecosystem collapse.
India’s Wildlife Status
• Vulture populations in India remain critically
endangered.
• Tiger populations have increased to 3,682 (2022).
• Snow leopards have been successfully monitored
with 718 individuals recorded.
Case Study: Chennai’s Wetland Loss
• 85% reduction in Chennai’s wetlands due to urban
expansion, exacerbating flood and drought risks.
• Initiatives like the Tamil Nadu Wetland Mission
aim to restore these wetlands to improve ecosystem
resilience.
Impacts of Wildlife Decline
Source: The Hindu • Ecosystem Imbalance
o Disruption in predator-prey relationships,
EDM-4 pollination, and nutrient cycles due to species
WWF Living Planet Report 2024 decline.
o Leads to ecosystem instability and potential
In News: collapse.
• The WWF Living Planet Report 2024 highlights a • Loss of Biodiversity
drastic 73% decline in the average size of monitored o Reduced genetic diversity makes ecosystems
wildlife populations globally from 1970 to 2020. less resilient to environmental changes.

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o Increases vulnerability to diseases, natural o Awareness Gaps: Insufficient public awareness

disasters, and climate change. on the importance of biodiversity.
• Threats to Food Security Conclusion and Way Forward
o Pollinators like bees and insects are essential for Policy and Action Recommendations
crop yields. • Expand protected areas and restore ecosystems to
o Loss of pollinators threatens global food supply halt biodiversity loss.
and agriculture. • Engage Indigenous communities in conservation
• Human Health Implications and land management practices.
o Healthy ecosystems regulate disease by • Promote sustainable farming, reduce food waste,
controlling pest populations. and encourage plant-based diets to lessen food
o Declining biodiversity increases the risk of production impacts.
zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19. • Shift to renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel use
• Economic Consequences to mitigate climate change.
o Agriculture, fisheries, and tourism industries • Redirect investments from environmentally harmful
depend on healthy ecosystems. sectors to nature-friendly industries.
o Decline in wildlife can lead to job losses and WWF-India’s Call for Collective Action
economic instability. • WWF-India advocates for collective action to align
• Cultural and Social Impacts climate, conservation, and sustainable development
o Wildlife holds cultural, spiritual, and policies.
recreational value for societies worldwide. • The goal is to ensure a resilient and thriving future
o Loss of iconic species diminishes cultural for both biodiversity and human societies.
identities and opportunities for nature-based Source: Down To Earth
tourism.
Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation EDM-5
• Inadequate National Actions
o Despite global commitments (e.g., Global National Biodiversity Strategy and
Biodiversity Framework, Paris Agreement, UN Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024-2030
SDGs), national actions are insufficient to meet
2030 biodiversity targets. In News:
o Risk of crossing tipping points that could lead to The updated NBSAP was released by India at the 16th
irreversible ecosystem degradation. Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on
• Key Drivers of Biodiversity Loss Biological Diversity (CBD).
o Habitat Loss: Driven by agriculture, Overview of the NBSAP (2024-30):
urbanization, and infrastructure development. • Title: Updated National Biodiversity Strategies and
o Climate Change: Rising temperatures, extreme Action Plan: A Roadmap for Conservation of India’s
weather, and altered precipitation patterns. Biodiversity.
o Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, • Objective: To provide a comprehensive roadmap
fishing, logging, and resource extraction. for biodiversity conservation, aligning with global
o Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and plastic frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global
pollution disrupt natural habitats. Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
o Invasive Species: Non-native species Key Features of the Updated NBSAP:
outcompeting and threatening native populations. • Alignment with Global Frameworks:
o Lack of Funding: Inadequate financial resources o The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
for effective conservation. Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022 aims to
o Weak Policy and Enforcement: Poorly halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
implemented habitat protection laws. o India’s updated NBSAP aligns with KMGBF’s
o Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increased interactions goals, focusing on biodiversity conservation,
between expanding human populations and sustainable resource use, and ensuring fair benefit-
wildlife. sharing.
o Genetic Diversity Loss: Reduced genetic • 23 National Biodiversity Targets:
diversity makes species vulnerable to diseases and o The targets are focused on three key themes:
environmental changes.

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o Reducing threats to biodiversity o Green Bonds
o Ensuring sustainable use of biodiversity o Green Funds
o Enhancing tools for biodiversity implementation o Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
• Key Domains of Focus: • Incentives for Financial Solutions:
o Area-based conservation: Protecting ecosystems o India aims to explore funding from corporate
and habitats. social responsibility (CSR), ecological fiscal
o Ecosystem resilience: Enhancing the ability of transfers, and access and benefit sharing
ecosystems to withstand environmental stressors. mechanisms to meet the financial needs for
o Recovery and conservation of threatened species. biodiversity conservation.
o Conservation of agrobiodiversity: Ensuring the Challenges and Strategies:
sustainability of agricultural biodiversity. • Challenges India Faces:
o Sustainable management of biodiversity. o Habitat fragmentation
o Enabling tools and solutions: Including financial o Pollution
and technical support for implementation. o Illegal wildlife trade
• Financial Plan and Expenditure: o Adverse effects of climate change
o Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) • Strategic Responses:
estimated an average annual expenditure of Rs o The updated NBSAP provides strategies
32,20,713 crore (FY 2017-2022) for biodiversity to address these challenges, ensuring
conservation. comprehensive conservation and sustainable use
o Future funding requirements (FY 2024-2030) of biodiversity.
estimated at Rs 81,664.88 crore annually at the Source: Down To Earth
central government level.
o Biodiversity Finance Plan suggests financing EDM-6
solutions, including public finance, corporate
social responsibility (CSR), Ecological Fiscal Centre for Science and Environment
Transfer (EFT), and Access and Benefit Sharing
(ABS) mechanisms. In News:
• Capacity Building: Centre for Science and Environment release a report
o The NBSAP stresses the need for capacity on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic
building across various levels—national, state, Packaging
and local. Key Findings:
o Focus on skills acquisition for biodiversity • EPR Guidelines (2022) were a step towards
management and enhancing knowledge to enforcing the “polluter pays” principle, but the system
implement conservation strategies. faces significant issues in its implementation and
Implementation Framework: registration processes.
• Multi-Level Governance: • Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report,
o At the national level, the Ministry of released on October 29, 2024, highlights gaps in
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change the EPR system for plastic packaging and suggests
(MoEFCC) will oversee implementation with corrective actions.
involvement from 22 other ministries. EPR Guidelines Overview:
o State-level: Involves State Biodiversity Boards • Issued by: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
o Local level: Community-driven efforts through • Objective: Hold producers, importers, brand owners
Biodiversity Management Committees. (PIBOs), and plastic waste processors (PWPs)
• BIOFIN and Resource Mobilization: responsible for managing plastic packaging waste.
o India is recognized as a leading country in the • Key Requirements:
implementation of the Biodiversity Finance o PIBOs must register on a centralized portal and
Initiative (BIOFIN). set targets for collection, recycling, and reuse of
o Encouragement for private entrepreneurs, plastic packaging.
businesses, and international donors to invest o Registration involves compliance with targets
in biodiversity through innovative financial on end-of-life recycling and recycled content
instruments like: usage.

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Problems Identified in the Current EPR System: • Standardize Packaging:

• Low Registration and Enrollment: o Focus on product standardization to ensure
o 41,577 registrations on the EPR portal, but a that packaging materials are uniform and easily
significant discrepancy in the type of stakeholders recyclable.
registered. • Strengthen Monitoring:
o 83% of registered entities are importers, 11% o Improve oversight on the registration process
are producers, and only 6% are brand owners. and ensure that all polluters (producers,
o Producers contribute 65% of the plastic packaging importers, brand owners) comply with the
in the market but have low registration. system’s guidelines.
Absence of Key Polluters: EPR and Plastic Waste Management: Context and
o Manufacturers of virgin plastics are notably Importance
absent from the portal, despite being required to • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy
register. approach where the responsibility of managing the
• Fraudulent Practices: entire lifecycle of plastic products (from production
o 700,000 fake certificates were generated to disposal) lies with the producer.
by plastic recyclers, far exceeding the actual • It is an essential part of India’s Plastic Waste
certificate generation capacity. Management Rules (2016), which mandate the
o The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recycling and proper disposal of plastic packaging
found that such fraudulent activities are waste.
undermining the integrity of the system. Key Elements of EPR:
o For example, end-of-life co-processing units (e.g., • Producer Accountability: Producers are responsible
cement plants) claimed to have processed 335.4 for the take-back, recycling, and final disposal of
million tonnes per annum of plastic waste, while plastic packaging.
their actual capacity is just 11.4 million tonnes • Waste Minimization: Encourages reducing waste
per annum. at the source by promoting sustainable packaging
Underreporting and Mismanagement: designs.
o Despite 23.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging • Lifecycle Approach: Considers the entire lifecycle
being introduced into the market, the CPCB’s of the product, focusing on sustainability from
estimation of plastic waste generation (4.1 MT production to disposal.
annually) is underestimated. • Polluter Pays Principle: Ensures that the cost of
• Lack of Stakeholder Representation: waste management is borne by those responsible for
o Urban local bodies and informal waste generating the waste.
collectors—key contributors to plastic waste Source: Down To Earth
management—are not included in the EPR
framework, which limits their incentives and EDM-7
support.
Key Takeaways from COP-16:
Recommendations for Improvement:
• Incorporate the Informal Sector: Convention on Biological Diversity
o Recognize informal waste collectors and waste
management agencies in the EPR framework In News:
to improve traceability and ensure better waste The 16th edition of the Convention of Biological Diversity
management. (CBD) in Cali, Colombia was concluded.
• Eliminate Fraudulent Practices: Key Agreements at COP-16
o Strict actions need to be taken against fraudulent • Establishment of the Cali Fund
recyclers and fake certificate issuers to restore o Purpose: To ensure equitable benefit-sharing
credibility to the EPR system. from the use of Digital Sequence Information
• Establish Fair Pricing for EPR Certificates: (DSI) on genetic resources.
o Undertake baseline cost studies to determine o Focus on Indigenous Communities: At least 50%
the true costs of plastic waste management, of the Cali Fund will support Indigenous peoples
ensuring fair pricing for recycling certificates and local communities, with special emphasis on
and preventing undervaluation. women and youth.

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• Creation of a Permanent Subsidiary Body • Biodiversity and Human Health
o Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples: A new body will o Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health:
ensure the active participation of Indigenous groups Aimed at preventing zoonotic diseases and
in biodiversity conservation and policy discussions. promoting human, animal, and environmental
• Resource Mobilisation Strategy health.
o Target Funding: The conference agreed on a Challenges in Biodiversity Protection
strategy to secure USD 200 billion annually by Key Threats to Biodiversity
2030 to support global biodiversity initiatives. • Population Growth and Resource Demand:
o Kunming Biodiversity Fund: A contribution Increasing population and demand for biological
of USD 200 million from China to support resources lead to over-exploitation.
biodiversity funding. • Habitat Degradation and Climate Change:
• Management of Invasive Alien Species Destruction of ecosystems and climate change
o New Guidelines: Proposals for databases, threaten species globally.
cross-border trade regulations, and enhanced • Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species
coordination with e-commerce platforms to
harms local biodiversity.
manage invasive species.
• Government Policies: Policies that prioritize
• Identification of Ecologically or Biologically
development without environmental safeguards
Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)
contribute to biodiversity loss.
o Enhanced Process: COP-16 agreed on an evolved
process for identifying EBSAs, a critical aspect of Gaps in Global Biodiversity Framework
marine conservation. • Weak Legal Language: Concerns about insufficient
• Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health legal protection for critical ecosystems.
o One Health Approach: Approval of a global • Lack of Implementation Mechanisms: Absence
action plan to curb zoonotic diseases, promote of mandatory review mechanisms for biodiversity
health, and safeguard ecosystems. targets.
India’s Contribution at COP-16 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action (KMGBF)
Plan (NBSAP) Framework Overview
• Financial Commitment: India plans to invest • Adoption: Adopted at COP-15 in 2022, the KMGBF
₹81,664 crore (USD 9.8 billion) from 2025-30 on sets 23 action-oriented targets for biodiversity by 2030.
biodiversity conservation. • Key Goals: Includes restoring 30% of degraded
• Focus Areas: India highlighted efforts such as the ecosystems and reducing the risk of invasive species
establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance, by 50%.
expansion of Ramsar sites, and increased spending on • Living in Harmony with Nature: The framework
biodiversity from 2018-2022. envisions achieving biodiversity targets and living
sustainably with nature by 2050.
International Finance Support
• Global Partnerships: India emphasized the need Way Forward: Moving from Agreements to Action
for international finance to meet biodiversity targets, • Participation of Stakeholders-Inclusive Approach:
particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders,
Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). including governments, businesses, and local
communities, in biodiversity conservation.
Key Outcomes from COP-16
• Integrated Resource Management-Ecosystem
• New Mechanisms for Biodiversity Conservation
Approach: Promoting a holistic approach to
o Cali Fund: Ensures equitable benefit-sharing
managing biodiversity and natural resources.
from genetic resources.
• Strengthening Governance-Good Governance
o Permanent Subsidiary Body: Facilitates the
Practices: Encouraging better governance to prevent
inclusion of Indigenous peoples in policy-making.
unregulated exploitation of natural resources.
• Funding and Resource Mobilization
• International Financial Support-Alignment with
o USD 200 Billion Annually: Strategy to secure
Financial Institutions: Aligning global financial
funding for biodiversity initiatives.
institutions and multilateral development banks with
o Redirecting Harmful Subsidies: Agreement to
biodiversity conservation goals.
redirect USD 500 billion in harmful subsidies by
Source: The Hindu
2030.

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EDM-8 exceeding the $34 billion tracked from 2021 to 2022.

• Private Investment: The report highlights the
Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 need for greater private climate investment and
regulatory reforms to attract capital for adaptation
In News: initiatives.
Climate change to put APAC GDP on thin ice with 41%
• Renewable Energy: APAC is well-positioned to
melt by 2100.
embrace renewable energy for a net-zero transition,
Key Highlights: and the use of carbon markets could help achieve
Economic Losses Due to Climate Change: climate goals cost-effectively.
• APAC Region: High-end greenhouse gas emissions Regional Net-Zero Goals and Progress:
could reduce GDP by 17% by 2070 and 41% by • Net-Zero Targets: 36 out of 44 Asian economies have
2100. set net-zero emissions targets, but only 4 have legally
• India: Projected to experience a 24.7% GDP loss by committed to these goals. India and China target
2070, with neighboring countries like Bangladesh 2070 and 2060, respectively, while many OECD
(30.5%), Vietnam (30.2%), and Indonesia (26.8%) countries aim for 2050 targets.
facing even steeper declines. • Policy Gaps: Developing Asia needs clearer policies
Major Drivers of Economic Losses: and increased financing to meet climate ambitions.
• Sea-Level Rise: Up to 300 million people at risk of Institutions like ADB are crucial in supporting these
coastal flooding by 2070. Annual damages could efforts.
reach $3 trillion by 2070. Action Plan for the Future:
• Labour Productivity: The APAC region could lose • Urgent Climate Action: The report stresses the
4.9% of GDP from reduced labour productivity, with importance of coordinated action to address
India facing a sharper 11.6% loss. escalating climate risks.
• Cooling Demand: Rising temperatures could reduce • Enhanced Adaptation Finance: There is a need to
regional GDP by 3.3%, but India’s cooling demands scale up adaptation-focused finance to tackle the
could cut its GDP by 5.1%. growing climate challenges facing the region.
• Flooding and Storms: Increased rainfall and storm
India’s Vulnerability and Climate Challenges:
intensity will exacerbate flooding and landslides,
• Labour Impact: India is expected to experience a
particularly in mountainous regions like the India-
11.6% GDP loss due to declining labour productivity,
China border, where landslides could rise by 30-
the highest among APAC countries.
70% under severe warming.
• Cooling Demands: A 5.1% reduction in GDP due to
Impact on Key Sectors: increased cooling demand.
• River Flooding: By 2070, annual riverine flooding • Flood Damage: India’s flood-related losses could
could cause $1.3 trillion in damages across the surpass $1.1 trillion annually by 2070, with damages
APAC, affecting over 110 million people. India could to residential and commercial properties.
face over $1,100 billion in flood-related damages Source: Business Standard
annually.
• Forest Productivity: Climate change could reduce
EDM-9
forest productivity by 10-30% by 2070 across
APAC. India could see losses over 25%, making it IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment
one of the hardest-hit countries, alongside Vietnam
and Southeast Asia. In News:
Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities: More than one in three tree species threatened with
• Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding could lead to extinction, finds IUCN’s first Global Tree Assessment
widespread economic damage, with India expected to Key Highlights:
suffer significant losses, particularly in coastal areas. Global Tree Extinction Risk:
• Ecosystem Threats: Intensified storms, rainfall, • 38% of the world’s tree species are now facing the
and landslides will affect ecosystems, forests, and risk of extinction — over one in three tree species
agriculture across the region. is at risk.
Climate Change and Adaptation Needs: • This means 16,425 out of 47,282 tree species analyzed
• Investment Requirements: Developing Asia requires by the International Union for Conservation of
$102–431 billion annually for climate adaptation, far Nature (IUCN) are under threat.

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• Threatened tree species outnumber all threatened need for enhanced conservation efforts, including:
birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians • Habitat protection and restoration.
combined, highlighting the urgent need for • Ex-situ conservation through seed banks and
conservation action. botanical gardens.
Key Drivers of Threat: • Diversified and species-focused reforestation
• Deforestation: The primary threat to trees is strategies.
deforestation, driven by agriculture, livestock • Supporting community-led conservation initiatives
rearing, and urban development, especially in to safeguard vulnerable tree species.
tropical regions. Source: Down To Earth
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increasingly
frequent storms exacerbate the threats, particularly EDM-10
in tropical regions and islands. World Cities Report 2024
• Invasive Species & Pests: Non-native species, pests,
and diseases are adding pressure to vulnerable tree
In News:
populations.
The World Cities Report 2024, released by UN-Habitat,
Geographic Vulnerabilities: highlights the urgent need for cities to address climate
• Islands are particularly vulnerable, with a high change, both as victims and major contributors.
proportion of threatened species due to habitat
Key Findings of the Report
destruction and urbanization.
• Temperature Increases by 2040: Nearly 2 billion
• South America, which boasts the highest tree
people living in urban areas are projected to face at
diversity, faces significant threats, with 3,356 out of
least a 0.5°C rise in temperature by 2040, exposing
13,668 species at risk, mainly due to deforestation
them to heatwaves and other climate-related risks.
for agriculture.
• Urban Vulnerability and Climate Risk:
Ecological and Economic Importance of Trees: o Cities are disproportionately affected by
• Trees play a fundamental role in carbon, water, and climate change while being major contributors
nutrient cycles, and are critical for soil formation to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbates
and climate regulation. their vulnerability to events like floods, cyclones,
• The loss of trees poses a growing threat to thousands and heatwaves.
of other species of plants, fungi, and animals. o The urban population is facing a dual challenge:
• Trees are essential for local communities, providing increased heat and extreme weather events such
resources such as timber, medicines, food, and fuel. as flooding, cyclones, and erratic rainfall.
Over 5,000 species of trees are used for timber and • Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Risks: Over 2,000 cities
construction, while more than 2,000 species are vital in low coastal areas, many located under 5 meters
for food, fuel, and medicine. above sea level, are at heightened risk from sea-level
Conservation Status: rise and storm surges, potentially affecting more
• Tree species are threatened across 192 countries. than 1.4 billion people by 2040.
• The assessment is the first global analysis of the • Riverine Flooding: Flood exposure in cities is
conservation status of trees, enabling better- growing 3.5 times faster than in rural areas, with 517
informed conservation decisions. million people in urban areas projected to be exposed
Positive Actions and Strategies: to riverine flooding by 2030.
• Successful community-driven conservation efforts • Investment Gap: Cities require between USD
have had positive outcomes in places like the Juan 4.5 trillion and USD 5.4 trillion annually to
Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji. build and maintain climate-resilient systems, but
• Some countries, including Ghana, Colombia, Chile, current investments stand at only USD 831 billion,
and Kenya, already have national strategies for tree highlighting a massive funding shortfall.
conservation. • Decline in Urban Green Spaces: The average share
• Ex-situ conservation, such as seed banks and of urban green spaces has dropped from 19.5% in
botanical gardens, is also crucial to safeguard species 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, reducing cities’ ability to
that may not survive in the wild. absorb carbon, manage heat, and provide essential
Urgent Call for Action: ecosystem services.
The IUCN Global Tree Assessment underlines the urgent • Vulnerable Communities: Informal settlements

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

and slums, often situated in environmentally • AMRUT Mission: Aims to provide basic
sensitive areas, are disproportionately affected by infrastructure and sustainable urban development
climate impacts. These communities lack adequate in cities, including water supply, sewage, and green
infrastructure and are often unable to invest in spaces.
necessary upgrades due to eviction fears or lack of • Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Focuses on
legal recognition. improving waste management and reducing
• Green Gentrification: While climate interventions pollution in urban areas.
like park creation can provide environmental benefits, • FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and
they can also lead to green gentrification—displacing Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles):
low-income households or increasing property values Promotes electric vehicles to reduce urban air
and rents, thus pricing vulnerable communities out. pollution and carbon emissions.
Contributing Factors to Urban Global Warming • Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Facilitates the
• Energy Consumption: Urban areas account for integration of renewable energy sources into the
71-76% of global CO₂ emissions from energy use, national grid, encouraging clean energy use in urban
driven by dense populations, industrial activities, centers.
transportation, and high-energy demand for buildings. Source: PIB
• Industrial Activities: Urban industries and power EDM-11
plants release a variety of greenhouse gases (GHGs), Okinawicius tekdi
including CO₂, methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide
(N₂O).
In News:
• Land Use Changes: Urban expansion leads to
Researchers have recently discovered a new species
deforestation and reduced carbon absorption,
of jumping spider in the Baner Hill area, underscoring
contributing to global warming. Urban land areas are
the region’s rich biodiversity and the growing need to
expected to more than triple by 2050, accelerating
preserve the natural landscapes around Pune.
environmental degradation.
• Waste Generation: Decomposing waste in landfills
About Okinawicius tekdi:
• The newly identified species, named Okinawicius
releases methane, a potent GHG, exacerbating the
tekdi, is a jumping spider that contributes to the
greenhouse effect.
growing diversity of India’s spider population, now
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban Heat Islands
numbering 326 species of jumping spiders.
(UHIs) occur when cities absorb and retain more heat
• The name “tekdi” comes from the Marathi word for
due to their dense infrastructure (asphalt, concrete,
“hill,” reflecting the spider’s habitat.
and buildings), increasing local temperatures and
• The last time a spider species was identified in Pune
energy consumption.
was over three decades ago.
Impacts of Global Warming on Cities
• Heatwaves: Cities, especially in warmer regions like
About Jumping Spiders:
• Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae
India, are experiencing more severe heatwaves and
and are known for their distinctive eight legs and
rising temperatures.
remarkable jumping ability.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: UHIs increase the
• These spiders possess a segmented body, a tough
intensity of heatwaves, particularly in high-
exoskeleton, and jointed legs.
density cities, where buildings and roads trap heat,
• In addition to their agility, they are famous for
exacerbating energy demands and public health risks.
spinning webs that they use to capture their prey.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising sea levels threaten coastal
Source: Times of India
cities with flooding and storm surges, displacing
communities and disrupting economies.
• Wildfire Seasons: Warming temperatures and EDM-12
prolonged droughts increase the risk of wildfires in Zeroing in on Methane Diplomacy, at
urban areas, particularly in forest-adjacent cities.
India’s Climate Initiatives for Urban Areas
COP29
• Smart Cities Mission: Focuses on developing
In News:
sustainable urban infrastructure, promoting smart
From November 11 to 22, 2024, global leaders will
technologies, and enhancing resilience to climate
gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of
impacts.

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Environmental and Health Impact of Methane
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This year’s Emissions
summit, known as the Finance COP, will focus on setting • Methane-related fires at waste dumpsites, such as the
a new global climate finance target—the New Collective Bhalswa dump in Delhi (2022), have highlighted the
Quantified Goal (NCQG). broader environmental and health risks of methane
A key focus of the summit is the reduction of methane emissions. These fires contribute significantly to
emissions, as countries aim to curb near-term temperature air pollution, making it urgent for India to address
increases, which buys critical time for long-term CO2 methane in its waste management and agricultural
reductions necessary for stabilizing climate change. sectors.
U.S.-China Collaboration and Methane Reduction India’s Initiatives for Methane Reduction
US-China Collaboration Despite Geopolitical Waste Management Programs
Tensions • Comprehensive Waste Management Framework
• Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the United India’s waste management sector is a significant
States and China have found common ground on the source of methane, contributing 14% of the nation’s
issue of methane reduction. Both nations recognize the total emissions. Although a comprehensive regulatory
importance of addressing methane emissions, which framework for waste management has been developed,
are more potent in the short term than CO2. They, implementation remains slow due to local capacity
along with the United Arab Emirates, organized a constraints and financial limitations.
summit at COP28 to discuss methane and other non- • Innovative Solutions Indore, a city in Madhya
CO2 pollutants. Pradesh, has pioneered waste sorting and biomethane
China’s National Plan for Methane Emissions production. The city’s initiative includes:
• In November 2023, China launched its first national o Sorting organic waste
methane reduction plan, emphasizing capacity- o Converting it into biogas to fuel city buses
building efforts over explicit reduction targets. This This model has gained national attention and is being
plan marked a significant step in China’s climate considered for replication in other cities.
policy, underscoring its commitment to mitigating • GOBARdhan Scheme Launched as part of the
methane emissions alongside the U.S. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the Galvanizing
• Given that China and the U.S. are the two largest Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan)
contributors to methane emissions globally, their scheme encourages rural communities to convert
collaboration presents a significant opportunity for cattle manure and other organic waste into biogas
global climate mitigation efforts. India, the third- and compost, reducing methane emissions from
largest emitter of methane, could benefit from this livestock waste while providing additional income to
partnership by seeking financial support and technical rural households.
expertise to address its methane challenges. Agricultural and Livestock Emission Reduction
India’s Methane Emissions Profile and Challenges • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
Emissions Breakdown (NMSA) The NMSA promotes climate-resilient
India’s Third Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC agricultural practices that reduce methane emissions.
indicates that in 2016, India emitted approximately 409 For example, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)
million tons of CO2-equivalent methane. The major is a water-saving technique used in rice farming that
sources of these emissions include: reduces methane emissions by limiting anaerobic
• Agriculture: 74% (mainly from livestock and rice decomposition.
cultivation) • National Livestock Mission Under the National
• Waste: 14% (unmanaged organic waste in landfills Livestock Mission, practices such as improved
and dumpsites) fodder management, silage making, and Total Mixed
• Energy: 11% Ration (TMR) feeding are being promoted. These
• Industrial processes: 1% practices reduce methane emissions from livestock by
Due to the dominant role of agriculture, India has been improving digestion and feed efficiency.
cautious about committing to stringent methane reduction Opportunities for India at COP29
targets. Initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge, Leveraging U.S.-China Methane Partnership
which calls for a 30% reduction from 2020 levels by COP29 offers India an opportunity to leverage the U.S.-
2030, have not been fully embraced. China collaboration on methane reduction. By engaging

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

with these two major emitters, India can seek: for both realms), equivalent to an area twice the
• Financial support size of Colombia.
• Technical assistance • Remaining Challenges to Achieve Target 3 by 2030
• Capacity-building resources, particularly for its o Land: An additional 12.4% of land area must be
waste sector, which is a significant source of methane protected (equivalent to Brazil + Australia).
emissions. o Ocean: 21.6% more marine areas must be
Accurate data on methane emissions, such as satellite- safeguarded (larger than the Indian Ocean).
based monitoring, can help India refine its emission o Key Gaps:
inventories and enhance the effectiveness of its methane o Only 8.5% of protected areas on land are well-
mitigation efforts. connected.
Fast-Tracking India’s Methane Reduction Efforts o Only one-fifth of the areas critical for biodiversity
• Although methane is not the primary focus at are fully protected.
COP29, India has an opportunity to fast-track its o Biodiversity representation remains uneven, with
efforts in methane reduction. The country’s existing some ecological regions having no protection at
policies and initiatives, such as waste management all.
programs and agricultural missions, provide a • Governance and Effectiveness Issues
foundation upon which international collaboration o Less than 5% of protected land and 1.3% of
can build. marine areas have management effectiveness
• Recent data from satellite monitoring in cities like assessments.
Delhi and Mumbai shows that actual methane o Only 0.2% of protected land and 0.01% of marine
emissions from waste dumpsites may be 50%-100% areas have undergone equitable governance
higher than previously estimated, highlighting the assessments.
urgency of addressing this issue. o Indigenous governance covers less than 4% of
Conclusion protected areas despite Indigenous and traditional
• Although methane may not dominate the COP29 territories covering 13.6% of the terrestrial areas.
agenda, it represents a critical pathway for India to • Ocean Conservation Progress: Most progress is
accelerate its climate action. With the groundwork in national waters; however, areas beyond national
already laid through domestic policies and innovative jurisdiction (the high seas) remain underrepresented
solutions, India now requires enhanced financial and (<11% coverage).
technical backing to scale up its methane reduction • Data Deficiency: Insufficient data to measure
initiatives. By engaging proactively at COP29, India biodiversity outcomes, equity, and governance in
has a unique opportunity to secure the resources protected areas.
needed to tackle methane emissions, benefiting both Importance of Target 3
its citizens and the global fight against climate change. • Biodiversity Benefits: Protected areas play a critical
Source: The Hindu role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
• Ecosystem Services: These areas contribute to clean
EDM-13 air, water, climate regulation, and food security.
• Cultural and Economic Significance: They
Protected Planet Report 2024 uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local
communities, ensuring equitable governance and
In News: sustainable resource use.
The Protected Planet Report 2024, released by UNEP- Key Recommendations
WCMC and IUCN, evaluates global progress toward • Accelerate Conservation Efforts:
achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global o Expand protected and conserved areas with a
Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This target aims focus on biodiversity hotspots.
to conserve 30% of Earth’s terrestrial, inland water, o Ensure areas are ecologically connected and
coastal, and marine areas by 2030. effectively managed.
Key Highlights of the Report • Strengthen Indigenous and Local Contributions:
• Current Global Coverage o Recognize and support the stewardship of
o Land and Inland Waters: 17.6% protected. Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
o Oceans and Coastal Areas: 8.4% protected. o Ensure their voices and knowledge systems are
o Progress since 2020: Minimal increase (<0.5% integrated into conservation planning.

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• Improve Governance and Equity: o For instance, $16 billion annually in agriculture
o Address gaps in equitable governance and include could prevent climate-induced hunger for 78
rights-based approaches. million people.
• Global Cooperation: • Impact of Global Warming:
o Increase international financing to developing o According to UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report
nations for biodiversity conservation. 2024, global temperatures may increase by
o Foster cross-border partnerships and support data- 2.6°C–3.1°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
sharing initiatives. o Developing countries face severe vulnerabilities,
• Enhance Data Availability: evidenced by recent floods in Nepal, Nigeria,
o Collect and disseminate data on the effectiveness and Chad.
of protected areas and their biodiversity outcomes. • National Adaptation Plans (NAPs):
India’s Role and Strategy o While 171 countries have at least one adaptation
• Commitment to KM-GBF: India updated its policy, progress in implementation remains slow.
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan o 10 countries have shown no interest in developing
(NBSAP) to align with the KM-GBF goals, aiming to adaptation policies.
protect 30% of natural areas by 2030. Challenges in Adaptation Financing
• Focus on Restoration: Prioritizes the restoration • Financial Burden: Adaptation projects such as
of forests, rivers, and other ecosystems to maintain seawalls and resilient infrastructure are costly for
essential resources like clean air and water. developing nations.
• Indigenous Participation: India emphasizes • Funding Shortfalls:
integrating Indigenous territories into its conservation o Developed nations have failed to meet financial
framework. commitments like the $100 billion goal set for
Source: UNEP 2020.
o The adaptation finance gap remains significant
EDM-14 in non-private sector-funded areas, such as
Adaptation Gap Report 2024 ecosystem preservation.
• High-Interest Loans: Much current funding relies
In News: on high-interest loans, increasing the debt burden for
The Adaptation Gap Report 2024, published by the recipient countries.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Recommendations
underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate • Adopt New Financing Goals: Establish an ambitious
adaptation efforts, particularly through increased financial New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance
support for developing countries. The report, titled Come at COP29.
Hell and High Water, provides an annual assessment of • Strategic Adaptation Financing:
global adaptation progress in planning, implementation, o Shift from project-based to anticipatory and
and financing. transformational financing.
Key Findings o Invest in harder-to-finance areas like ecosystem
• Adaptation Gap: preservation and cultural heritage.
o The adaptation finance gap is estimated at $187– • Alternative Financing Models: Encourage risk
359 billion per year. finance, resilience bonds, debt-for-adaptation
o Current adaptation finance falls short, with only swaps, and payments for ecosystem services.
$28 billion provided in 2022, meeting just 5% of Global and Indian Initiatives
projected needs. Global Initiatives:
• Adaptation Progress: • Paris Agreement: Sets a global adaptation goal to
o International public adaptation finance to enhance resilience.
developing countries rose to $27.5 billion in • UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience:
2022, up from $19 billion in 2019, reflecting Introduced at COP28, focusing on agriculture, water,
progress toward the Glasgow Climate Pact’s and health adaptation targets.
goal of doubling finance by 2025. • Adaptation Fund: Provides project funding for
• Significance of Adaptation: developing nations under the Kyoto Protocol.
o Ambitious adaptation measures could reduce Indian Initiatives:
global climate risk by 50%. • National Action Plan on Climate Change

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

(NAPCC): Includes eight missions, such as the Taxonomic Contribution:

National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change • The species is named Arpactophiluspulawskii in
(NAFCC). honor of Dr. Wojciech J. Pulawski, a distinguished
• Sectoral Schemes: expert in wasp taxonomy.
o MISHTI: Mangrove initiative for shoreline Scientific and Research Implications:
protection. • The discovery is expected to stimulate further
o Amrit Dharohar: Enhances wetland ecosystems. entomological research in Northeastern India,
• India’s adaptation spending accounted for 5.6% of especially in areas like Nagaland, which are often
GDP in 2021–2022. overlooked in global biodiversity studies.
Source: Down To Earth • Researchers believe that this discovery could lead
to the identification of other unknown species in
EDM-15 the region, expanding our understanding of species
Arpactophiluspulawskii distribution and the ecological connectivity between
regions.
In News: Source: The Hindu
• Arpactophiluspulawskii, a new species of aphid
wasp, was discovered in Nagaland (Khuzama EDM-16
district), marking the first record of the genus Diclipterapolymorpha
Arpactophilus outside Australasia.
• This significant discovery highlights the biodiversity In News:
of Northeastern India, a region known for its rich Anew species of Dicliptera, named Diclipterapolymorpha,
and unexplored fauna. has been discovered in the Northern Western Ghats of
Importance of Discovery: India.
• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers Habitat and Location:
cataloged the species, marking a major range • Diclipterapolymorpha was found in the grasslands of
expansion for the genus Arpactophilus, previously Talegaon-Dabhade, a region known for its grasslands
only found in Australasia, including regions like and fodder markets.
New Caledonia. • The species thrives in the harsh climatic conditions
• The discovery expands the genus’s known distribution of the Northern Western Ghats, an area vulnerable to
by thousands of kilometers, suggesting ecological summer droughts and frequent human-induced fires.
connections between Nagaland and the Australasian Unique Characteristics:
region. • The species is fire-resilient (pyrophytic), exhibiting
Species Characteristics: a rare dual-blooming pattern:
• Arpactophiluspulawskii is distinguished by its o First Blooming: Occurs post-monsoon, typically
square-shaped head, an inverted V-shaped uplifted from November to March/April.
clypeus, and rust-colored body markings. o Second Blooming: Triggered by grassland fires in
• It features a uniquely textured thorax, setting it May and June, during which the plant produces
apart from other species in the genus. dwarf flowering shoots.
• The wasp was collected from an altitude of over 1,800 • The inflorescence structure is unique in India, with
meters, indicating Nagaland’s ecological diversity at its cymules developing into spicate inflorescences, a
high altitudes. feature more commonly found in African species.
Ecological Significance: Taxonomy:
• The Arpactophilus genus is known for its unique • The species is named Diclipterapolymorpha to reflect
nesting behavior: females use silk from their its diverse morphological traits.
abdomen to create protective cells in old termite • It is taxonomically distinct within the Dicliptera
galleries or mud nests. genus, with no known Indian species exhibiting
• The discovery suggests that Nagaland’s ecological similar characteristics.
conditions (e.g., high altitude, diverse habitat) Conservation Implications:
support the presence of such specialized fauna, • The discovery highlights the need to carefully manage
making the region an important site for entomological grassland ecosystems, as the species is adapted to fire
research. but still vulnerable to habitat degradation.

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• Human-induced fires are essential for the species’ fragmentation, and deforestation.
blooming cycle but must be managed to avoid overuse o Capacity and Governance: Need for stronger
and degradation of habitat. political will and better enforcement of
• The species’ limited habitat range underscores the conservation laws.
need for conservation efforts to protect the delicate o Future Trends: Growing pressure from
ecosystems of the Western Ghats. population density, climate change, and illegal
Publication: wildlife trade.
• A research paper detailing the discovery of Sustainable Land Use Concerns:
Diclipterapolymorpha has been published in the • 53% of land has been converted for urban,
prestigious Kew Bulletin. industrial, and agricultural purposes.
• High use of pesticides and concerns over soil
pollution.
• Sustainable nitrogen index of 0.77 indicates significant
risks to soil health.
Marine Conservation Issues:
• Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are under
protected areas, with no protected areas within its
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Significant improvements needed in marine
conservation despite 7.5% of terrestrial areas being
protected.
Deforestation and Habitat Loss:
• 23,300 sq. km of tree cover lost between 2001-2019
Source: PIB due to deforestation.
• Habitat fragmentation from agriculture,
EDM-17 urbanization, and infrastructure development.
• Impact of climate change on sensitive ecosystems
Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) like alpine regions and coral reefs.
2024 Biodiversity Decline:
• Despite 40% of marine species and 65% of
In News: terrestrial species being within Protected Areas
India with an abysmal score of 45.5 (out of 100) has been (PAs), many species continue to face population
ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index, decline.
2024. • 67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial
Key Highlights: species are still experiencing population declines.
India’s Ranking: Illegal Wildlife Trade:
• Ranked 176th out of 180 countries in the 2024 • India is the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trading
Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI). nation globally, with an estimated annual trade
• India is listed among the five worst performers, value of £15 billion.
along with Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), • The NCI emphasizes the need for stronger
and Micronesia (177). enforcement and international cooperation to
• Score: 45.5 out of 100, indicating significant combat wildlife trafficking.
conservation challenges. Ecological Wealth Under Threat:
Key Factors Contributing to Low Rank: • India’s high population density (with a population
• Inefficient land management practices. that has doubled since the late 1970s) continues to put
• Rising threats to biodiversity, exacerbated by pressure on its ecological wealth.
unsustainable development and climate change. • The country faces significant biodiversity challenges
• Four Key Markers Assessed by the NCI: due to overpopulation and unsustainable development.
o Land Management: Ineffective management Recommendations and Optimism:
leading to significant land conversion. • The NCI stresses the need for strong political will
o Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat loss, and commitment to sustainable development.

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• India can improve its rank by strengthening o Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered
conservation laws, improving governance, and (IUCN).
securing funding for environmental initiatives. • CITES Listing: Both species are listed under CITES
• The NCI remains optimistic about India’s potential to Appendix I, which bans international trade in
address its conservation challenges and achieve more endangered species.
sustainable outcomes in the future. Regional Impact
About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI): • Northern and Eastern Africa: These regions have
• Developed by: Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of seen drastic declines, particularly in the Sahel (Mali,
Sustainability and Climate Change (Ben-Gurion Chad, Nigeria), where elephants have been extirpated
University) and [Link] (a biodiversity database). (locally extinct) due to poaching and insufficient
• Purpose: Evaluates the conservation efforts of protection.
countries, using a data-driven approach to balance • Southern Africa: Positive Growth in some areas,
conservation and development. particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia,
• Key Focus Areas: Land management, biodiversity where elephant populations are growing due to
threats, governance, and future sustainability trends. strong conservation efforts.
Source: Down To Earth Conservation Success
• Southern Africa: 42% of the surveyed sites showed
EDM-18 increasing elephant populations, a testament to
Decline in African Elephant Population successful conservation strategies.
• Government and NGO Efforts: Successful
population growth is often attributed to active
In News:
management, including anti-poaching laws,
• The population of African elephants has been
protected areas, and conservation funding.
declining rapidly, with data showing alarming drops
across the African continent. Elephant Behavior and Reproduction
• Survey Period: The study covers population data • Social Structure: Elephants live in family units led
from 475 sites in 37 countries over 52 years (1964- by mature females, with strong social bonds.
2016). • Low Sleep Time: Elephants sleep only 2 hours per
• Population Decrease: day on average.
o Savannah Elephants: A 70% decline on average • Reproduction: They have a long gestation period of
across surveyed sites. up to 2 years, and calves are cared for by mothers
o Forest Elephants: A 90% decline on average and allomothers (non-mother females).
across surveyed sites. Conservation Challenges
• Overall Impact: The study indicates a 77% average • Sustainability: Continued poaching and habitat
decline in elephant populations across both species. destruction threaten to undo gains made in
Main Drivers of Decline conservation.
• Poaching: Illegal hunting for ivory and other body • Fragmentation of Populations: With many elephants
parts remains a major threat. in isolated pockets, genetic diversity is declining,
• Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agricultural expansion, which could lead to long-term problems for species
and climate change are encroaching on the elephant’s survival.
natural habitats. Source: The Hindu
• Human-Elephant Conflict: Increased human EDM-19
settlements near elephant habitats lead to conflicts,
further endangering elephant populations.
Red-Headed Vulture
Species Overview
In News:
• Two Subspecies:
• The Red-Headed Vulture, a critically endangered
o Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Larger
species, has been sighted for the first time in
and more common, found in open savannas.
Kasaragod, Kerala, marking an important addition
o Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): Smaller
to the region’s avian biodiversity. This rare sighting
and more elusive, found in dense rainforests.
occurred at Manhampothikunnu near Mavungal.
• Conservation Status:
Prior to this, the species was predominantly seen in
o Savannah Elephant: Endangered (IUCN).
the Wayanad region of Kerala.

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• This discovery brings the total number of bird species • Vulture Safe Zones have been created across India,
recorded in Kasaragod to 407, showcasing the providing safe habitats for vulture species to recover.
district’s growing avian diversity. • Vulture Restaurant Initiative: In some regions,
About the Red-Headed Vulture: safe feeding centers (such as in Jharkhand) have
• The Red-Headed Vulture (also known as the Asian been established, where vultures are provided
King Vulture or Pondicherry Vulture) is one of uncontaminated carcasses, reducing their exposure to
the rarest and most critically endangered species of toxic substances.
vultures in India. It is known for its distinctive scarlet • Legal Protection: Several species of vultures,
red head and black body with a white patch on the including the Red-Headed Vulture, are protected
abdomen. under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act,
• Physical Features: The bird is medium-sized, 1972, ensuring stringent legal measures against
weighing around 5 kg, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 poaching and habitat destruction.
meters and a length of 80 cm. It is typically solitary, Global Conservation Efforts:
often found alone or with a mate. • India’s vulture conservation initiatives are part of a
• Distribution: Historically found in Central India, broader international effort under the SAVE (Saving
Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) programme,
of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the Red- which involves multiple regional and global
Headed Vulture’s numbers have drastically declined organizations working to protect vulture species in
in recent decades. South Asia.
Conservation Status: Source: The Hindu
• IUCN Red List: The Red-Headed Vulture is classified
as Critically Endangered. EDM-20
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It is listed under Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger
Schedule 1, offering it the highest level of legal
protection. Reserve
• CITES: The species is also listed in Appendix II,
indicating that it requires international conservation In News:
efforts to prevent it from becoming endangered. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in
Threats to Vultures: Chhattisgarh has been officially notified as India’s 56th
• Diclofenac Poisoning: The significant decline in tiger reserve, marking a significant milestone in the
vulture populations in India, including the Red- country’s conservation efforts. Here’s an overview of this
Headed Vulture, is primarily due to the widespread new reserve:
use of diclofenac (a veterinary drug) to treat livestock. Key Details:
When vultures consume the carcasses of treated • Location: The tiger reserve is located across the
animals, they ingest the toxic drug, leading to kidney Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea,
failure and death. Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
• Other threats include pesticide contamination, lead • Area: The reserve spans 2,829.38 square kilometers
poisoning, habitat loss, and collisions with man- and includes both core and buffer zones.
made structures like power lines and wind turbines. o Core/critical habitat: 2,049.2 sq. km (includes
Conservation Efforts in India: the Guru Ghasidas National Park and
• India has undertaken various efforts to protect vultures, TamorPingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
including banning diclofenac in 2006 and expanding o Buffer zone: 780.15 sq. km.
the ban to other harmful drugs like ketoprofen and • Rank: It is the third largest tiger reserve in India,
aceclofenac in 2023. after the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
• Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs): (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).
These centers are focused on captive breeding and Connectivity:
reintroduction programs for vultures, helping to The reserve forms part of a landscape complex that
increase their populations. The Jatayu Conservation extends over nearly 4,500 sq. km and is interconnected
and Breeding Centre in Uttar Pradesh is one of with other major tiger reserves:
the latest initiatives, set up to protect and rehabilitate • Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to
vultures. the north.

Nov. 2024: SERIES III ALS Current Affairs 18

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to EDM-21

the west.
• Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) to the east.
Mystery mollusk
This connectivity supports greater wildlife movement, In News:
reducing the risk of inbreeding and strengthening the • In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have
overall conservation efforts for the tiger population. identified a new species of sea slug deep within the
Biodiversity: ocean’s midnight zone—a place that lies between
The Guru Ghasidas-TamorPingla Tiger Reserve is 3,300 to 13,100 feet (1,000 to 4,000 meters) below
ecologically rich, harboring a wide array of species: the ocean’s surface.
• 753 species have been documented, including: • The species, named Bathydeviuscaudactylus,
o 230 bird species. is a glowing, swimming sea slug that exhibits
o 55 mammal species, including several threatened several unique adaptations to survive in the extreme
species such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and conditions of the deep ocean.
wolves. Key Features of BathydeviusCaudactylus
o A variety of invertebrates, especially insects. • Glowing Bioluminescence: One of the most striking
• The reserve’s terrain includes dense forests, streams, features of this newly discovered mollusk is its ability
rivers, and varied elevations, making it an ideal habitat to glow with bioluminescence. Bathydevius emits
for tigers and other wildlife. a soft, starry glow, an adaptation seen in only a few
Ecological Importance: deep-sea species. The glowing feature plays a role in
• Situated in the Chota Nagpur and Baghelkhand distracting predators and even includes the ability
to detach glowing projections from its tail as a decoy.
plateaus, the reserve has varied landscapes that
• Unique Body Structure: Unlike most sea slugs that
contribute to its ecological diversity. The region’s
typically live on the seafloor, Bathydevius has evolved
tropical climate and dense forests make it a critical
to thrive in the open water. It has a gelatinous, paddle-
habitat for tigers and other wildlife. like tail and a large, bowl-shaped hood that covers
• The reserve’s core area forms an important critical its internal organs, making it appear somewhat like
tiger habitat, providing a sanctuary for tigers to a “megaphone with a feathered tail.” This structure
thrive with minimal human disturbance. helps it capture prey, such as mysid shrimp, which it
Conservation Impact: traps using its hood.
• With the addition of this tiger reserve, Chhattisgarh • Adaptations for Deep Sea Life: Bathydevius’
now boasts four tiger reserves, complementing transparent body, along with its ability to drift with
the existing Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and ocean currents and flex its body to move vertically
Indravati reserves. This bolsters the state’s and the in the water column, allow it to navigate the depths of
country’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve the midnight zone. Its hermaphroditic nature means
tigers, which are a keystone species in maintaining it carries both male and female reproductive organs,
ecological balance. allowing it to reproduce by attaching to the seafloor
Procedural Steps for Notification: and laying eggs when needed.
• Identification: The state government identifies a Discovery and Exploration
significant ecological area with potential for tiger • The unusual species was first encountered by
conservation. researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• NTCA Approval: After a thorough assessment, the Research Institute (MBARI) during a deep-sea dive
in February 2000 using a remotely operated vehicle
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
(ROV) called Tiburon. Since then, more than 150
evaluates and approves the proposal.
sightings have been made of the creature in the waters
• State Notification: The state government officially
off the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from
notifies the area as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Oregon to Southern California.
Protection Act of 1972. • Interestingly, similar creatures have been observed
• Implementation: The state, with NTCA support, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
begins implementing conservation and management Administration (NOAA) in the Mariana Trench,
strategies. suggesting that Bathydevius may have a wider range
Source: The Hindu than initially thought. A specimen was eventually

19 ALS Current Affairs Nov. 2024: SERIES III

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
collected for further study, revealing its identity as a o Work from home (WFH) recommendations for
nudibranch, a type of soft-bodied marine mollusk. 50% office capacity in NCR.
Survival Tactics and Behavior o Central government employees may also be
• Prey Capture: Unlike typical sea slugs that scrape asked to work from home.
food from the seafloor, Bathydevius uses its large o Offline classes for Classes 10 and 12 continue,
hood to trap crustaceans like mysid shrimp. This but schools for other classes must shift to online
allows it to thrive in the open ocean where food can mode.
be harder to obtain. • Other Measures:
• Defensive Mechanisms: When threatened, o State governments may impose additional
Bathydevius can glow with bioluminescence to measures such as:
distract predators. This glow, which creates a starry o Closure of colleges.
appearance across its back, has been seen in other deep- o Odd-even vehicle scheme.
sea species but is rare in nudibranchs. Additionally, it o Restrictions on non-essential commercial
can detach part of its tail (a glowing projection) to activities.
confuse attackers, similar to how lizards shed their About GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)
tails as a defense mechanism. • Purpose: A plan to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-
• Reproduction and Movement: As a hermaphrodite, NCR region based on AQI levels.
Bathydevius has the ability to self-fertilize or • Approved By: Supreme Court in 2016 (M.C. Mehta
mate with other individuals. During reproduction, v. Union of India).
it descends to the seafloor and uses its foot to • Notified by MoEFCC: 2017.
temporarily attach, releasing eggs before returning to • Implementation Authority: CAQM (Commission
its swimming lifestyle. It also relies on its flexible, for Air Quality Management).
transparent body to blend in with the surroundings Stages of GRAP
and evade predators. GRAP is an incremental system, with measures activated
Source: CNN Science as air quality deteriorates:
• Stage 1: Poor AQI (201-300) – Basic pollution
EDM-22 control measures.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) • Stage 2: Very Poor AQI (301-400) – Enhanced
measures.
• Stage 3: Severe AQI (401-450) – Stricter actions like
In News:
shutting down industries.
As Delhi’s AQI worsened, the Commission for Air
• Stage 4: Severe Plus AQI (Above 450) – Most
Quality Management issued the order to activate Stage-
stringent restrictions, as activated on November 18,
IV of the Graded Response Action Plan.
2024.
Restrictions Under GRAP-IV in Delhi-NCR
• Truck Movement:
Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Introduced: 2014, by Central Pollution Control
o Banned except for essential goods and trucks
Board (CPCB).
using clean fuels (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or
• Categories:
electric).
o Good: 0-50
o Non-essential light commercial vehicles
o Satisfactory: 51-100
registered outside Delhi are also banned unless
o Moderately Polluted: 101-200
they are CNG or BS-VI diesel or electric vehicles
o Poor: 201-300
(EVs).
o Very Poor: 301-400
o Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel vehicles
o Severe: 401-450
(medium and heavy goods vehicles) are banned,
o Severe Plus: 451 and above (current status in
except for those in essential services.
Delhi).
• Construction Activities: Suspension of all construction
• Pollutants Considered: PM10, PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂,
work, including public projects like highways, roads,
CO, O₃, NH₃, and Pb.
flyovers, power lines, pipelines, etc.
• Measurement: 24-hour average values for PMs, and
• Schools and Work:
8-hour averages for CO and O₃.
o Online classes for students of Classes 6 to 9 and
Class 11. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
• Established: Under the Commission for Air Quality

Nov. 2024: SERIES III ALS Current Affairs 20

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Management in National Capital Region (NCR) o The impacts of climate change disproportionately
Act, 2021. affect the economically weaker sections, making
• Mandate: To coordinate, research, and manage air the transition to net-zero not only an environmental
quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas. challenge but a social justice issue as well.
• Composition: Includes government officials, The Challenge of Balancing Development and
technical experts, and NGO representatives. Sustainability
• Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi and parts of Haryana, • Limits of India’s Resources
Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. o India faces resource constraints, including land,
Source: The Hindu water, and biodiversity, which limit the feasible
expansion of renewable energy capacity.
EDM-23 o Meeting energy demands while ensuring
Sustainable Path to Net-Zero for India food security, forest cover, and biodiversity
preservation becomes increasingly challenging
In News: as energy requirements rise.
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon • Sustainable Consumption vs. Aspirational Lifestyles
emissions by 2070 presents a significant challenge, with o India’s aspiration to emulate the developed world’s
only 45 years remaining to reach this ambitious target. lifestyle is unsustainable due to limited resources,
The path to net-zero requires a balancing act between which could lead to severe consequences like
economic development, energy security, and climate groundwater depletion, heat stress, and
adaptation. India’s efforts to meet its climate goals biodiversity loss.
will be shaped by multiple factors, including resource o The focus should be on sufficiency consumption
constraints, land use, and financial limitations. corridors, ensuring that consumption meets
developmental goals without exceeding
Why Net-Zero at All?
sustainable limits.
• Scientific Consensus on Climate Change
o Climate change is a growing concern, with the Projected Power Demand and Renewable Energy
global temperature rise already reaching 1.1°C Targets
above pre-industrial levels. • Rising Power Demand
o To avoid catastrophic impacts, the world needs to o India’s power demand could increase nine to ten-
limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C. The remaining fold by 2070. Meeting this demand entirely via
global carbon budget for this target is around 400- renewable energy requires significant expansion
500 billion tonnes of CO₂. in energy generation capacity:
• Necessity of Sharp Emission Reductions o 5,500 GW of solar energy
o Countries must drastically reduce emissions to o 1,500 GW of wind energy
stay within the carbon budget. Achieving net- • Land Use Constraints
zero emissions is essential for maintaining global o To meet these targets, India must address land-use
climate stability. trade-offs. Expanding beyond 3,500 GW of solar
Equity in Net-Zero Transitions and 900 GW of wind would require significant
• Developed vs. Developing Countries compromises in land availability for other uses,
o Developed nations, historically responsible for including agriculture and conservation.
a large share of emissions, are expected to lead Strategic Pathways to Net-Zero: Demand and Supply
the transition. However, they have not met the Measures
financial and technological support commitments • Demand-Side Measures
for developing countries. o Energy-efficient construction: Use of better
o Developing nations like India, with low per capita materials and passive designs to reduce cooling
emissions, are under pressure to balance climate energy demand.
action with economic development. o Urban transport: Shift to public and non-
• Climate Justice motorized transport to reduce energy
o India’s per capita emissions are among the consumption in cities.
lowest globally, but the richest 10% of Indians o Dietary choices: Promoting sustainable dietary
contribute significantly to national emissions, practices to reduce the carbon footprint of food
exacerbating inequality. systems.

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
o Electrification: Focus on alternative fuels and Key Highlights:
energy-efficient appliances. • Reason for the Award:
• Supply-Side Measures o The award was granted to CIL for its Thalassemia
o Decentralization of Energy Production: Bal Sewa Yojna, a CSR initiative aimed at
Expanding rooftop solar panels and solar pumps providing permanent curative treatment for
for agriculture. Thalassemia through Bone Marrow Transplants
o Nuclear Power Expansion: Increase nuclear (BMT).
energy to provide a low-carbon baseload and o The scheme provides financial assistance of up
complement renewable sources like solar and to ₹10 lakh for BMT and has helped over 600
wind, which are intermittent. Thalassemia patients across India.
The Role of International Cooperation and Financial • Background of the Award:
Support o The Green Organization, an independent,
• Global Cooperation non-political, non-profit environmental group,
o Global climate action requires alignment between conferred the award.
national interests, which may not always coincide, o The organization has been recognizing and
as seen in the context of the U.S. presidential promoting environmental best practices and
election potentially influencing global climate CSR initiatives globally since its establishment in
policy. 1994.
o India’s path to net-zero depends heavily on • CIL’s Role in CSR:
international climate financing, technology o CIL has been a pioneer in CSR, with its
transfer, and collaborative efforts to address Thalassemia Bal SewaYojna being the first of its
climate justice. kind among public sector undertakings in India.
• Equitable Financing for Developing Countries o The initiative partners with 17 prominent
o Developed countries are expected to provide hospitals across India to provide stem cell
financial support to developing nations like India transplants for Thalassemia patients.
to achieve climate goals. However, this support • CIL’s Contribution to India’s Energy Sector:
has been insufficient to date. o CIL is responsible for producing over 80% of
Conclusion: India’s Balancing Act India’s coal and contributes to 70% of the total
India faces a challenging balancing act as it seeks to coal-based power generation in the country.
provide quality of life for its growing population while o CIL accounts for 55% of India’s total power
achieving its climate adaptation and mitigation goals. generation and meets 40% of the primary
The path to net-zero will require careful management commercial energy requirements.
of economic growth, energy production, and resource • Environmental Initiatives by CIL:
conservation. India must focus on demand-side strategies o CIL has adopted various measures to improve
to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency while environmental sustainability, including:
expanding renewable energy infrastructure in a sustainable o Expanding green cover over mined areas.
manner. Additionally, international cooperation and o Creating eco-parks and tourism spots.
financial support will be crucial in ensuring that India’s o Providing mine water for domestic and
transition to net-zero is equitable, efficient, and aligned agricultural use to surrounding villages.
with its developmental priorities. • About Coal India Limited (CIL):
Source: The Hindu o Established: November 1975.
o Headquarters: Kolkata.
EDM-24 o Status: A Maharatna company and the largest
coal-producing company in the world.
Green World Awards 2024 o Subsidiaries: CIL has seven producing
subsidiaries and is a major corporate employer in
In News: India.
Coal India Limited (CIL) under the aegis of the • About the Green Organization:
Ministry of Coal, has been conferred with the esteemed o Founded: 1994.
Green World Environment Award in the Corporate o Nature: Independent, non-political, non-profit
Social Responsibility (CSR) category along with the organization.
distinguished tile of Green World Ambassador. o Objective: To recognize, reward, and promote

Nov. 2024: SERIES III ALS Current Affairs 22

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

environmental and CSR best practices worldwide. Technologies for Paddy Straw Utilization
o Initiatives: The Green World Awards are part of Large-Scale Technologies
global efforts to encourage sustainability and • Direct Combustion: Burns rice straw under
corporate social responsibility. controlled conditions to generate heat for cooking
• Significance of the Award: and industrial uses. While its calorific value is lower
o The Green World Environment Award highlights than that of petrol and diesel, it is still viable for local
CIL’s commitment to social responsibility and energy generation.
environmental sustainability while maintaining • Pyrolysis and Gasification:
its core role as an energy provider. o Pyrolysis: Converts rice straw into bio-oil through
o The recognition underscores CIL’s leadership heating at 200-760°C in the absence of oxygen.
in integrating CSR initiatives with corporate o Gasification: Converts rice straw into syngas at
operations to contribute to national development. higher temperatures (480-1,650°C) with limited
Source: PIB oxygen. Challenges include low gas production
and tar accumulation.
EDM-25 • Biochar Production: Rice straw is incinerated at
Earning Instead of Burning lower temperatures to produce biochar, which is
used as a soil conditioner to improve fertility, water
In News: retention, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Paddy straw burning, prevalent in Punjab, Haryana, • Power Generation: Biomass-based power plants
and Uttar Pradesh, contributes to severe air pollution, use rice straw to generate electricity, providing a
especially during the post-harvest period in October and sustainable energy source, especially for rural areas.
November. Despite various government measures and States like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are
subsidies to reduce stubble burning, it continues due to scaling up such plants.
economic and operational constraints faced by farmers. • Pellet Production: Rice straw is compressed into
To address this issue, innovative technologies for the compact pellets, improving its density, transportability,
productive use of paddy straw need to be explored. and combustion efficiency. These pellets can partially
replace coal in power plants, offering an alternative
Stubble Burning: Causes and Consequences
use for crop residue.
Reasons for Stubble Burning
• Biofuels: Conversion of rice straw into biofuels like
• Short Crop Cycles: The narrow window between
ethanol and biogas helps reduce dependency on fossil
paddy harvest and wheat sowing forces farmers to
fuels and supports the renewable energy transition.
burn straw to prepare fields quickly.
• Paper Production: Rice straw, with its high cellulose
• Economic Constraints: High costs of alternative
content, is used as an eco-friendly alternative to wood
residue management methods.
in the paper and pulp industry, reducing environmental
• Lack of Awareness: Farmers are often unaware of
impact.
sustainable alternatives.
• Limited Mechanization: Availability of crop residue
Small-Scale Technologies
• Composting: Rice straw can be composted to
management machinery is inadequate.
produce organic fertilizer, enhancing soil health.
• Policy Gaps: Ineffective enforcement of regulations
Vermicomposting is another effective method, though
and insufficient incentives.
awareness among farmers remains low.
Consequences of Stubble Burning
• Mushroom Cultivation: Rice straw serves as an ideal
• Air Pollution: Emission of harmful pollutants like
substrate for growing mushrooms, particularly species
PM2.5, CO2, and CO contributes to air quality
like Volvariellavolvacea. This practice provides an
degradation.
additional income source for farmers.
• Health Hazards: Increased respiratory illnesses due
• Silica Extraction: Rice straw contains high silica
to the inhalation of toxic fumes.
content, which can be extracted for industrial
• Soil Degradation: Loss of essential nutrients and
applications like construction and electronics.
organic matter.
• Fodder for Ruminants: Though rice straw is low
• Climate Change: Stubble burning releases
in digestibility due to high silica content, it can be
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
used as animal feed after pre-treatment, such as
• Economic Costs: Increased health care costs and loss
drying, grinding, or chemical processes to enhance its
of soil fertility.
nutritional value.

23 ALS Current Affairs Nov. 2024: SERIES III

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
• Adsorbent for Pollution Control: Rice straw o Energy efficiency standards: Introduced, but
can be used to remove heavy metals and toxins coverage remains inadequate.
from contaminated water, showing promise in o Electric vehicle (EV) deployment: Significant
environmental clean-up efforts. progress, especially in two-wheelers.
• Soil Incorporation: Instead of burning, rice straw • Challenges for India:
can be incorporated directly into the soil to improve o Heavy reliance on coal: India remains one of the
fertility, moisture retention, and crop yield. This top 10 countries with the largest developed coal
practice is already being adopted in regions like reserves.
Punjab and Haryana. o Growth-oriented approach: Economic growth
Conclusion: Path Forward and energy demand continue to drive climate action,
Stubble burning continues to be a significant with limited change in climate policy expected.
environmental challenge, but the development and • Future Pledges:
adoption of technologies for utilizing paddy straw o Net-zero emissions by 2070.
can offer viable solutions. Both large- and small-scale o Global leadership in green energy.
technologies can convert rice straw into valuable CCPI 2025 Rankings Overview
products like biofuels, power, and fertilizers. To ensure Rank Country Key Points
widespread implementation, efforts must be made to No country performed well enough
increase awareness among farmers and stakeholders, 1-3 Empty
to achieve a "very high" rating.
coupled with strong policy support and infrastructural Leading climate actions but ranks
investment. A collaborative approach involving the 4 Denmark
4th technically.
government, industries, and farmers is essential for Strong climate performance, follows
sustainable management of rice straw, benefiting both 5 Netherlands
Denmark.
the environment and the economy. Notable improvement due to coal
Source: Down To Earth 6 U.K. phase-out and halting new fossil
fuel licenses.
EDM-26 10 India
High performer, despite challenges
like reliance on coal.
Climate Change Performance Index
Largest emitter, heavily reliant on
(CCPI 2025) 55 China coal, ranks 55th despite promising
plans.
In News: Second-largest emitter, ranks 57th
57 U.S.
Recently, the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI with insufficient climate targets.
2025) report was released at the annual UN climate Major climate policy setbacks,
conference in Baku. 59 Argentina including potential exit from Paris
Key Highlights: Agreement.
• It is published by think tanks German watch, New Iran, Saudi
Lowest-ranked, major oil and
Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network Arabia,
64-67 gas producers with weak climate
UAE,
International. It was first published in 2005. Russia
policies.
• It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in
terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy. General Findings of the Report
India’s Ranking in Climate Change Performance • CCPI Methodology: Assesses 63 countries (plus the
(CCPI 2025) EU) responsible for 90% of global emissions based on
• India’s Rank: 10th (Dropped two places from the their emissions, renewable energy efforts, and climate
previous year). policies.
• Key Factors for India’s High Rank: • Global Trends:
o Low per capita emissions: 2.9 tons of CO2 o No country has been able to secure a “very high”
equivalent (global average: 6.6 tons). rating across all categories.
o Rapid deployment of renewables: India is a o Denmark and Netherlands are among the top
leader in solar energy projects, including large- performers.
scale solar and rooftop solar schemes. o The U.K. shows significant progress with its coal
o Renewable energy targets: Aims for 500 GW of phase-out and fossil fuel policies.
renewable energy capacity by 2030. Source: The Hindu

Nov. 2024: SERIES III ALS Current Affairs 24

 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

EDM-27 to predators such as turtles and other forest creatures

because they are clumsy and defenseless, making
Cicada them easy prey for predators.
Significance of the 2024 Emergence:
In News:
• The coinciding emergence of cicadas from different
North American cicadas have life cycles that last for
broods (13-year and 17-year cycles) is a rare event
prime numbers of years, putting pressure on the idea that
that highlights the complexity and mathematical
humans created mathematics.
precision behind the cicada life cycle.
What are Cicadas? Source: The Hindu
• Classification: Cicadas are insects that belong to the
order Hemiptera and the superfamily Cicadoidea.
• Physical Features: Hemipteran insects (also known EDM-28
as true bugs) have piercing-sucking mouthparts and Rare Leucistic Peacock
two pairs of wings.
• Life Span: Cicadas spend the majority of their life In News:
underground, feeding on plant sap. Once they emerge Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff and members of a
from the soil, they have a short adult life span of about non-governmental organisation rescued a rare peacock
2 to 4 weeks. with white feathers, caused by a genetic condition called
Habitat: leucism, in Coimbatore.
• Preferred Environment: Cicadas are typically found Key Highlights:
in natural forests with large trees and are considered Incident Details:
canopy dwellers. • Species: Indian peacock (Pavocristatus), known for
• Global Distribution: Cicadas are found on every its beautiful plumage.
continent except Antarctica. The highest genetic • Condition: The peacock was rescued due to a leg
diversity of cicadas is found in India and Bangladesh, injury and its rare white plumage.
followed by China. • Cause of White Plumage: The bird’s white feathers
Cicada Emergence and Life Cycle: are caused by leucism, a genetic condition that
• Life Cycle: Cicadas have a complex life cycle, reduces pigmentation in feathers while leaving eye
involving long periods of underground development color unaffected.
followed by brief adult emergence. Expert Insights:
• Periodical Cicadas: There are species of cicadas that • Leucism: It causes partial loss of pigmentation in
emerge in 13-year and 17-year cycles. animals. A leucistic animal retains normal eye color
• Broods: Initially, 30 broods were categorized based but has pale or white coloration.
on geography and emergence times, but currently, • Distinction from Albinism: Unlike albinism, which
only about 15 broods remain active due to some results in a complete lack of melanin and often causes
broods becoming extinct. red or pink eyes, leucistic animals retain normal eye
• Unique Phenomenon: In April 2024, a rare event is pigmentation.
expected where a trillion cicadas from two different • Identification of Leucism in Peacock: The bird’s dark
broods will emerge simultaneously in the Midwest eyes and pink bill and feet confirmed it as fully leucistic.
and Southeast regions of the United States. Peacock Species:
Cicada’s underground Development: • Indian Peacock (Pavocristatus): The National Bird
• Feeding on Sap: During their underground phase, of India, native to India and Sri Lanka. It belongs
cicadas feed on the sap of plants. to the Phasianidae family, which also includes
• Purpose of Long Development: Researchers believe pheasants, quails, and jungle fowl.
the long development period helps cicadas evade • Green Peacock (Pavomuticus): Found from
above-ground predators by keeping them hidden in Myanmar to Java.
the soil. Conservation Status:
Vulnerability after Emergence: • IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern.
• Emergence Behavior: Once cicadas emerge, they • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The Indian peacock is
construct a “cicada hut” to shed their nymphal skins, listed under Schedule I, offering it the highest level of
then climb onto nearby trees or vegetation. legal protection in India.
• Predator Vulnerability: Adult cicadas are vulnerable Source: The Hindu

25 ALS Current Affairs Nov. 2024: SERIES III

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EDM-29 EDM-30
Minke Whale Palparescontrarius
In News: In News:
Scientists have directly measured the hearing range of Palparescontrarius is a species of antlion that was
minke whales for the first time, finding that they can recently spotted for the first time in Tamil Nadu, on
detect high-frequency sounds up to 90 kHz. the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus. It is
Key Highlights: notable for being a large-sized adult antlion that
• Implication for Ocean Noise: The study suggests resembles a dragonfly but has distinct characteristics
that baleen whales, including minke whales, may be that separate it from dragonflies, such as its clubbed
more affected by anthropogenic ocean noise (e.g., antennae and fluttering flight.
naval sonar) than previously recognized, as their Key Features of Palparescontrarius:
hearing range had been underestimated. • Appearance:
• Research Method: A novel catch-and-release o The adult Palparescontrarius is large and
technique was used to temporarily hold adolescent resembles a dragonfly in its general body structure.
minke whales in Norway for auditory evoked potential o It has lacy wings, long clubbed antennae, and a
(AEP) tests to measure their hearing sensitivity. slender, grayish body.
• Findings: Contrary to the belief that baleen whales o Its wings are typically clear, although some
are low-frequency specialists, minke whales can species of antlions have spots on their wings.
detect frequencies between 45 kHz to 90 kHz. • Flight and Behavior:
• Impact of Findings: The results could affect future o Unlike dragonflies, Palparescontrarius has a
regulations on ocean noise and its impact on marine distinct fluttering flight.
mammals, as better hearing data is now available for o It is a weak flier and can often be spotted at night
baleen whales. near illuminated spots.
Minke Whale Overview: • Habitat and Lifestyle:
• Family: Minke whales are members of the baleen o Like other antlions, Palparescontrarius is found
or “great” whale family and are the smallest of the in dry, sandy regions and is mostly active at
rorquals. night.
• Species: There are two recognized species: o The larvae of this species are particularly known
o Common minke whale (Balaenoptera for their predatory behavior, as they trap ants
acutorostrata), found in various ocean basins. and other small insects in cone-shaped pits they
o Antarctic minke whale (B. bonaerensis), found dig into the sand.
in the Southern Hemisphere. • Ecological Importance:
• Subspecies: o Antlions, including Palparescontrarius, are
o Dwarf minke whale: An unnamed subspecies of harmless to humans and beneficial to the
the common minke whale, mostly in the Southern environment because they feed on ants and other
Hemisphere. insects, thus helping to control pest populations.
o North Atlantic (B. a. acutorostrata) and North Source: Times of India
Pacific (B. a. scammoni) subspecies of common
minke whales. EDM-31
• Distribution: Minke whales are widely spread across Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
tropical, temperate, and polar regions (65°S to 80°N),
with common minke whales in all ocean basins In News:
and dwarf minke whales mostly in the Southern • A rare Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) was spotted in
Hemisphere. the Pulluzhi Kole wetlands. This marks a significant
• Feeding Areas: They feed in cooler waters at higher event as the species was last reported in Kannur in
latitudes and can be found both inshore and offshore. 2003.
• Conservation Status (IUCN): Key Highlights:
o Common minke whale: Least Concern. • Habitat and Migration:
o Antarctic minke whale: Data Deficient. o The Imperial Eagle primarily breeds in south-
Source: The Hindu eastern Europe, west, and central Asia.

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o During the winter months, it migrates to regions countries. It also launched the Paris Agreement
including north-eastern Africa, West Asia, and Crediting Mechanism, ensuring safeguards for
parts of Southeast Asia. human rights and the environment.
• Conservation Status: The IUCN Red List lists the • Transparency and Adaptation: COP29 saw 13
Imperial Eagle as a vulnerable species, indicating countries submit their Biennial Transparency
its potential risk of extinction, underscoring the need Reports, promoting greater accountability. The Baku
for its conservation efforts. Adaptation Roadmap was launched to speed up
• Importance of Conservation: National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in Least Developed
o The Kole fields are a Ramsar-protected area, Countries (LDCs).
emphasizing their critical role in preserving • Gender and Inclusivity: A new Gender Action Plan
migratory bird habitats. was developed, and the Lima Work Programme
o Ongoing conservation and observation efforts on Gender was extended for another 10 years. Over
in these wetlands are essential for protecting the 55,000 people, including civil society, Indigenous
diverse bird species that use the area. peoples, and youth, participated.
Features of the Imperial Eagle: • Global Climate Action: The 2024 Yearbook of
• Scientific Name: Aquila heliaca Global Climate Action highlighted the role of non-
• Physical Characteristics: Party stakeholders like businesses and sub-national
o Size: Length ranges from 68 to 90 cm, with a actors in combating climate change.
wingspan between 1.76 to 2.2 meters. India’s Role at COP29: India played an active role in
o Color: It has a pale golden crown and nape, with highlighting resilient infrastructure initiatives like
a grey base extending to the tail. Its wings feature the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
prominent white “braces” on the scapulars. (CDRI) and advocated for financial resources to
o Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically smaller support Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
than females. India also pushed for solar energy adoption through
• Habitat: Prefers old forests, mountainous regions, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and promoted
and riverside forests. gender-inclusive climate policies. India co-hosted the
• Feeding: It has strong legs and curved talons for LeadIT summit with Sweden, focusing on industrial
capturing and killing prey, and exceptional eyesight decarbonization.
to spot prey from high altitudes. Challenges at COP29:
• Conservation Efforts: Continued monitoring and • Inadequate Finance: Despite ambitious targets,
protection of the Kole wetlands and other vital many countries felt the financial commitments were
habitats are crucial for the survival of this vulnerable insufficient and distant.
species and other at-risk birds. • Private Sector Dependency: The reliance on private
Source: The Hindu sector contributions raised concerns about the
reliability of funding.
EDM-32 • Emission Reduction Gaps: There was a lack of
sufficient pledges to meet the 1.5°C global warming
29th UN Climate Change Conference target, with rising emissions.
(COP29) • Geopolitical Conflicts: Disputes over issues like the
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
In News: hindered progress.
The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), India’s Carbon Credit Framework:
held in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on enhancing climate India introduced the Energy Conservation
finance, adaptation measures, and global cooperation. (Amendment) Act, 2022, establishing a domestic carbon
Key Outcomes of COP29: market and setting a legislative framework for carbon
• Climate Finance: A new goal was set to triple credit trading. This aligns with India’s NDCs and aims
climate finance for developing countries to USD 300 to support sustainable growth while reducing emissions.
billion annually by 2035. The total climate finance However, concerns about the integrity of carbon credits
target aims for USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035. and potential “greenwashing” need to be addressed
• Carbon Markets: The conference operationalized through rigorous verification systems.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes Conclusion:
frameworks for carbon credit trading between COP29 marked progress in scaling up climate finance,

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
carbon markets, and adaptation efforts, but significant programme for 2025-26, focusing on:
challenges remain, especially in finance, emission o Advancing ambitious climate change mitigation
reductions, and geopolitical cooperation. India’s policies.
initiatives in carbon credit frameworks and resilience o Transforming industries through
are steps toward a sustainable future. Moving forward, decarbonisation.
a collaborative, transparent, and adaptive approach is o Boosting international climate cooperation.
crucial to meet global climate goals. Industrial Decarbonisation:
Source: Indian Express • Decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon dioxide
(CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
EDM-33 industrial activities.
Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) • Key sectors for decarbonisation include petroleum
refining, chemical manufacturing, iron and steel,
cement production, and the food and beverage
In News:
sector.
• GMP was launched at COP29, on Energy Day,
by the United Nations Industrial Development Support for EMDEs:
Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club. • The platform focuses on helping emerging and
• Aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation developing economies overcome challenges such as
in heavy-emitting industries of emerging and lack of resources, technology, and capacity to adopt
developing economies (EMDEs). cleaner industrial methods.
• The platform addresses the annual funding gap • Climate finance is crucial to pilot and scale low-
of US$125 billion required to achieve net-zero carbon technologies in these regions.
emissions goals. Future Role of GMP:
Key Highlights: • The GMP will play a critical role in incorporating
industrial decarbonisation into countries’
Support Mechanism:
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for
• GMP operates as a support mechanism for the
COP30.
Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
• The platform aims to accelerate progress by connecting
• Activities are supported by the interim secretariat
developing countries with finance, technology, and
of the OECD and the International Energy Agency
expertise to transition to low-emission industries.
(IEA).
Source: Down To Earth
Key Objectives:
• Match country-specific decarbonisation needs with
global technical and financial resources.
EDM-34
• Facilitate the decarbonisation of energy and Sanyukt Vimochan 2024
emissions-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel,
cement, chemicals, and aluminium. In News:
• Offer assistance in policy development, technology Recently, the Indian Army successfully conducted the
transfer, and investment facilitation to promote Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and
low-carbon industrial practices. Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, ‘SanyuktVimochan
Global Participation: 2024’ at Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.
• Countries like Germany, Chile, Uruguay, Turkey, Key Highlights:
Bangladesh, and Indonesia are actively involved. • Conducted by: Konark Corps of Southern Command,
• Non-state actors include UNIDO, World Bank, Indian Army.
Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and GIZ, • Day 1: Tabletop Exercise (TTX)
supporting the platform’s initiatives. o Theme: ‘Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat’.
Funding Gap: o Focused on simulating a cyclone scenario
• Industrial decarbonisation requires an increase in affecting the Okha-Porbandar coastline.
investments from US$15 billion (current) to US$70 o Discussed disaster relief strategies and
billion by 2030, and US$125 billion by 2050, interagency cooperation to improve response
especially for sectors like steel and cement. readiness.
Climate Club Work Programme (2025-26): o Attended by senior officials from NDMA, Armed
• The GMP is part of the Climate Club’s new work Forces, State Disaster Management, and industry

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 ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

representatives, including delegates from nine evacuate and assist victims.

foreign countries. o Resuscitation and Rehabilitation: Restoration
• Day 2: Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration efforts for affected citizens.
o Held at Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar. • Industrial Display &Atmanirbhar Bharat
o Simulated Disaster Scenario: Coordinated Initiative:
response to a cyclone, showcasing joint operations o Showcased indigenous HADR equipment from
by: Indian defense industries.
o Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, o Highlighted technological advancements and
NDRF, SDRF, and other Central and State self-reliance in disaster management.
agencies. • SanyuktVimochan 2024 enhanced India’s disaster
o Key actions demonstrated: response capabilities, ensuring a coordinated and
o Requisition and Surveillance: Civil effective approach to humanitarian assistance.
administration’s request for Armed Forces’ • The exercise also bolstered India’s leadership in
assistance, followed by area surveillance. global disaster relief, contributing to international best
o Rescue Operations: Insertion of personnel to practices and collaborative efforts in humanitarian
rescue casualties. assistance and disaster response.
o Casualty Evacuation: Use of resources to Source: PIB

29 ALS Current Affairs Nov. 2024: SERIES III