In News:

As Delhi’s AQI worsened, the Commission for Air Quality Management issued the order to activate Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Restrictions Under GRAP-IV in Delhi-NCR

• Truck Movement:
  • Banned except for essential goods and trucks using clean fuels (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric).
  • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also banned unless they are CNG or BS-VI diesel or electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel vehicles (medium and heavy goods vehicles) are banned, except for those in essential services.
• Construction Activities:Suspension of all construction work, including public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, etc.
• Schools and Work:
  • Online classes for students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11.
  • Work from home (WFH) recommendations for 50% office capacity in NCR.
  • Central government employees may also be asked to work from home.
  • Offline classes for Classes 10 and 12 continue, but schools for other classes must shift to online mode.
• Other Measures:
  • State governments may impose additional measures such as:
    • Closure of colleges.
    • Odd-even vehicle scheme.
    • Restrictions on non-essential commercial activities.

About GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)

• Purpose: A plan to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region based on AQI levels.
• Approved By: Supreme Court in 2016 (M.C. Mehta v. Union of India).
• Notified by MoEFCC: 2017.
• Implementation Authority: CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management).

Stages of GRAP

GRAP is an incremental system, with measures activated as air quality deteriorates:

• Stage 1: Poor AQI (201-300) – Basic pollution control measures.
• Stage 2: Very Poor AQI (301-400) – Enhanced measures.
• Stage 3: Severe AQI (401-450) – Stricter actions like shutting down industries.
• Stage 4: Severe Plus AQI (Above 450) – Most stringent restrictions, as activated on November 18, 2024.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Introduced: 2014, by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Categories:
  • Good: 0-50
  • Satisfactory: 51-100
  • Moderately Polluted: 101-200
  • Poor: 201-300
  • Very Poor: 301-400
  • Severe: 401-450
  • Severe Plus: 451 and above (current status in Delhi).
• Pollutants Considered: PM10, PM2.5, NO?, SO?, CO, O?, NH?, and Pb.
• Measurement: 24-hour average values for PMs, and 8-hour averages for CO and O?.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• Established: Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) Act, 2021.
• Mandate: To coordinate, research, and manage air quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas.
• Composition: Includes government officials, technical experts, and NGO representatives.
• Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

In News:

The Guru Ghasidas-TamorPingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been officially notified as India's 56th tiger reserve, marking a significant milestone in the country's conservation efforts. Here's an overview of this new reserve:

Key Details:

• Location: The tiger reserve is located across the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
• Area: The reserve spans 2,829.38 square kilometers and includes both core and buffer zones.
  • Core/critical habitat: 2,049.2 sq. km (includes the Guru Ghasidas National Park and TamorPingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
  • Buffer zone: 780.15 sq. km.
• Rank: It is the third largest tiger reserve in India, after the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam).

Connectivity:

The reserve forms part of a landscape complex that extends over nearly 4,500 sq. km and is interconnected with other major tiger reserves:

• Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to the north.
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) to the west.
• Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) to the east.

This connectivity supports greater wildlife movement, reducing the risk of inbreeding and strengthening the overall conservation efforts for the tiger population.

Biodiversity:

The Guru Ghasidas-TamorPingla Tiger Reserve is ecologically rich, harboring a wide array of species:

• 753 species have been documented, including:
  • 230 bird species.
  • 55 mammal species, including several threatened species such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wolves.
  • A variety of invertebrates, especially insects.
• The reserve's terrain includes dense forests, streams, rivers, and varied elevations, making it an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife.

Ecological Importance:

• Situated in the Chota Nagpur and Baghelkhand plateaus, the reserve has varied landscapes that contribute to its ecological diversity. The region's tropical climate and dense forests make it a critical habitat for tigers and other wildlife.
• The reserve's core area forms an important critical tiger habitat, providing a sanctuary for tigers to thrive with minimal human disturbance.

Conservation Impact:

With the addition of this tiger reserve, Chhattisgarh now boasts four tiger reserves, complementing the existing Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati reserves. This bolsters the state's and the country's ongoing efforts to protect and conserve tigers, which are a keystone species in maintaining ecological balance.

Procedural Steps for Notification:

• Identification: The state government identifies a significant ecological area with potential for tiger conservation.
• NTCA Approval: After a thorough assessment, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) evaluates and approves the proposal.
• State Notification: The state government officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• Implementation: The state, with NTCA support, begins implementing conservation and management strategies.

In News:

• In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a new species of sea slug deep within the ocean’s midnight zone—a place that lies between 3,300 to 13,100 feet (1,000 to 4,000 meters) below the ocean's surface.
• The species, named Bathydeviuscaudactylus, is a glowing, swimming sea slug that exhibits several unique adaptations to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep ocean.

Key Features of BathydeviusCaudactylus

• Glowing Bioluminescence: One of the most striking features of this newly discovered mollusk is its ability to glow with bioluminescence. Bathydevius emits a soft, starry glow, an adaptation seen in only a few deep-sea species. The glowing feature plays a role in distracting predators and even includes the ability to detach glowing projections from its tail as a decoy.
• Unique Body Structure: Unlike most sea slugs that typically live on the seafloor, Bathydevius has evolved to thrive in the open water. It has a gelatinous, paddle-like tail and a large, bowl-shaped hood that covers its internal organs, making it appear somewhat like a “megaphone with a feathered tail.” This structure helps it capture prey, such as mysid shrimp, which it traps using its hood.
• Adaptations for Deep Sea Life: Bathydevius' transparent body, along with its ability to drift with ocean currents and flex its body to move vertically in the water column, allow it to navigate the depths of the midnight zone. Its hermaphroditic nature means it carries both male and female reproductive organs, allowing it to reproduce by attaching to the seafloor and laying eggs when needed.

Discovery and Exploration

• The unusual species was first encountered by researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) during a deep-sea dive in February 2000 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called Tiburon. Since then, more than 150 sightings have been made of the creature in the waters off the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from Oregon to Southern California.
• Interestingly, similar creatures have been observed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Mariana Trench, suggesting that Bathydevius may have a wider range than initially thought. A specimen was eventually collected for further study, revealing its identity as a nudibranch, a type of soft-bodied marine mollusk.

Survival Tactics and Behavior

• Prey Capture: Unlike typical sea slugs that scrape food from the seafloor, Bathydevius uses its large hood to trap crustaceans like mysid shrimp. This allows it to thrive in the open ocean where food can be harder to obtain.
• Defensive Mechanisms: When threatened, Bathydevius can glow with bioluminescence to distract predators. This glow, which creates a starry appearance across its back, has been seen in other deep-sea species but is rare in nudibranchs. Additionally, it can detach part of its tail (a glowing projection) to confuse attackers, similar to how lizards shed their tails as a defense mechanism.
• Reproduction and Movement: As a hermaphrodite, Bathydevius has the ability to self-fertilize or mate with other individuals. During reproduction, it descends to the seafloor and uses its foot to temporarily attach, releasing eggs before returning to its swimming lifestyle. It also relies on its flexible, transparent body to blend in with the surroundings and evade predators.

In News:

• The Red-Headed Vulture, a critically endangered species, has been sighted for the first time in Kasaragod, Kerala, marking an important addition to the region’s avian biodiversity. This rare sighting occurred at Manhampothikunnu near Mavungal. Prior to this, the species was predominantly seen in the Wayanad region of Kerala.
• This discovery brings the total number of bird species recorded in Kasaragod to 407, showcasing the district's growing avian diversity.

About the Red-Headed Vulture:

• The Red-Headed Vulture (also known as the Asian King Vulture or Pondicherry Vulture) is one of the rarest and most critically endangered species of vultures in India. It is known for its distinctive scarlet red head and black body with a white patch on the abdomen.
• Physical Features: The bird is medium-sized, weighing around 5 kg, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and a length of 80 cm. It is typically solitary, often found alone or with a mate.
• Distribution: Historically found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the Red-Headed Vulture’s numbers have drastically declined in recent decades.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: The Red-Headed Vulture is classified as Critically Endangered.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It is listed under Schedule 1, offering it the highest level of legal protection.
• CITES: The species is also listed in Appendix II, indicating that it requires international conservation efforts to prevent it from becoming endangered.

Threats to Vultures:

• Diclofenac Poisoning: The significant decline in vulture populations in India, including the Red-Headed Vulture, is primarily due to the widespread use of diclofenac (a veterinary drug) to treat livestock. When vultures consume the carcasses of treated animals, they ingest the toxic drug, leading to kidney failure and death.
• Other threats include pesticide contamination, lead poisoning, habitat loss, and collisions with man-made structures like power lines and wind turbines.

Conservation Efforts in India:

• India has undertaken various efforts to protect vultures, including banning diclofenac in 2006 and expanding the ban to other harmful drugs like ketoprofen and aceclofenac in 2023.
• Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs): These centers are focused on captive breeding and reintroduction programs for vultures, helping to increase their populations. The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Uttar Pradesh is one of the latest initiatives, set up to protect and rehabilitate vultures.
• Vulture Safe Zones have been created across India, providing safe habitats for vulture species to recover.
• Vulture Restaurant Initiative: In some regions, safe feeding centers (such as in Jharkhand) have been established, where vultures are provided uncontaminated carcasses, reducing their exposure to toxic substances.
• Legal Protection: Several species of vultures, including the Red-Headed Vulture, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring stringent legal measures against poaching and habitat destruction.

Global Conservation Efforts:

• India’s vulture conservation initiatives are part of a broader international effort under the SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) programme, which involves multiple regional and global organizations working to protect vulture species in South Asia.

In News:

• The population of African elephants has been declining rapidly, with data showing alarming drops across the African continent.
• Survey Period: The study covers population data from 475 sites in 37 countries over 52 years (1964-2016).
• Population Decrease:
  • Savannah Elephants: A 70% decline on average across surveyed sites.
  • Forest Elephants: A 90% decline on average across surveyed sites.
• Overall Impact: The study indicates a 77% average decline in elephant populations across both species.

Main Drivers of Decline

• Poaching: Illegal hunting for ivory and other body parts remains a major threat.
• Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and climate change are encroaching on the elephant’s natural habitats.
• Human-Elephant Conflict: Increased human settlements near elephant habitats lead to conflicts, further endangering elephant populations.

Species Overview

• Two Subspecies:
  • Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Larger and more common, found in open savannas.
  • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): Smaller and more elusive, found in dense rainforests.
• Conservation Status:
  • Savannah Elephant: Endangered (IUCN).
  • Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered (IUCN).
• CITES Listing: Both species are listed under CITES Appendix I, which bans international trade in endangered species.

Regional Impact

• Northern and Eastern Africa: These regions have seen drastic declines, particularly in the Sahel (Mali, Chad, Nigeria), where elephants have been extirpated (locally extinct) due to poaching and insufficient protection.
• Southern Africa: Positive Growth in some areas, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where elephant populations are growing due to strong conservation efforts.

Conservation Success

• Southern Africa: 42% of the surveyed sites showed increasing elephant populations, a testament to successful conservation strategies.
• Government and NGO Efforts: Successful population growth is often attributed to active management, including anti-poaching laws, protected areas, and conservation funding.

Elephant Behavior and Reproduction

• Social Structure: Elephants live in family units led by mature females, with strong social bonds.
• Low Sleep Time: Elephants sleep only 2 hours per day on average.
• Reproduction: They have a long gestation period of up to 2 years, and calves are cared for by mothers and allomothers (non-mother females).

Conservation Challenges

• Sustainability: Continued poaching and habitat destruction threaten to undo gains made in conservation.
• Fragmentation of Populations: With many elephants in isolated pockets, genetic diversity is declining, which could lead to long-term problems for species survival.

In News:

India with an abysmal score of 45.5 (out of 100) has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index, 2024.

Key Highlights:

• India's Ranking:
  • Ranked 176th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI).
  • India is listed among the five worst performers, along with Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).
  • Score: 45.5 out of 100, indicating significant conservation challenges.
• Key Factors Contributing to Low Rank:
  • Inefficient land management practices.
  • Rising threats to biodiversity, exacerbated by unsustainable development and climate change.
• Four Key Markers Assessed by the NCI:
  • Land Management: Ineffective management leading to significant land conversion.
  • Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat loss, fragmentation, and deforestation.
  • Capacity and Governance: Need for stronger political will and better enforcement of conservation laws.
  • Future Trends: Growing pressure from population density, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade.
• Sustainable Land Use Concerns:
  • 53% of land has been converted for urban, 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 due to deforestation.
  • Habitat fragmentation from agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
  • Impact of climate change on sensitive ecosystems like alpine regions and coral reefs.
• Biodiversity Decline:
  • Despite 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species being within Protected Areas (PAs), many species continue to face population decline.
  • 67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species are still experiencing population declines.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade:
  • India is the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trading nation globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion.
  • The NCI emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement and international cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking.
• Ecological Wealth Under Threat:
  • India’s high population density (with a population that has doubled since the late 1970s) continues to put pressure on its ecological wealth.
  • The country faces significant biodiversity challenges due to overpopulation and unsustainable development.
• Recommendations and Optimism:
  • The NCI stresses the need for strong political will and commitment to sustainable development.
  • India can improve its rank by strengthening conservation laws, improving governance, and securing funding for environmental initiatives.
  • The NCI remains optimistic about India’s potential to address its conservation challenges and achieve more sustainable outcomes in the future.
• About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):
• Developed by: Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change (Ben-Gurion University) and BioDB.com (a biodiversity database).
• Purpose: Evaluates the conservation efforts of countries, using a data-driven approach to balance conservation and development.
• Key Focus Areas: Land management, biodiversity threats, governance, and future sustainability trends.

In News:

A new species of Dicliptera, named Diclipterapolymorpha, has been discovered in the Northern Western Ghats of India.

Habitat and Location:

• Diclipterapolymorpha was found in the grasslands of Talegaon-Dabhade, a region known for its grasslands and fodder markets.
• The species thrives in the harsh climatic conditions of the Northern Western Ghats, an area vulnerable to summer droughts and frequent human-induced fires.

Unique Characteristics:

• The species is fire-resilient (pyrophytic), exhibiting a rare dual-blooming pattern:
  • First Blooming: Occurs post-monsoon, typically from November to March/April.
  • Second Blooming: Triggered by grassland fires in May and June, during which the plant produces dwarf flowering shoots.
• The inflorescence structure is unique in India, with its cymules developing into spicate inflorescences, a feature more commonly found in African species.

Taxonomy:

• The species is named Diclipterapolymorpha to reflect its diverse morphological traits.
• It is taxonomically distinct within the Dicliptera genus, with no known Indian species exhibiting similar characteristics.

Conservation Implications:

• The discovery highlights the need to carefully manage grassland ecosystems, as the species is adapted to fire but still vulnerable to habitat degradation.
• Human-induced fires are essential for the species' blooming cycle but must be managed to avoid overuse and degradation of habitat.
• The species' limited habitat range underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Western Ghats.

Publication:

• A research paper detailing the discovery of Diclipterapolymorpha has been published in the prestigious Kew Bulletin.

In News:

• Arpactophiluspulawskii, a new species of aphid wasp, was discovered in Nagaland (Khuzama district), marking the first record of the genus Arpactophilus outside Australasia.
• This significant discovery highlights the biodiversity of Northeastern India, a region known for its rich and unexplored fauna.

Importance of Discovery:

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers cataloged the species, marking a major range expansion for the genus Arpactophilus, previously only found in Australasia, including regions like New Caledonia.
• The discovery expands the genus’s known distribution by thousands of kilometers, suggesting ecological connections between Nagaland and the Australasian region.

Species Characteristics:

• Arpactophiluspulawskii is distinguished by its square-shaped head, an inverted V-shaped uplifted clypeus, and rust-colored body markings.
• It features a uniquely textured thorax, setting it apart from other species in the genus.
• The wasp was collected from an altitude of over 1,800 meters, indicating Nagaland’s ecological diversity at high altitudes.

Ecological Significance:

• The Arpactophilus genus is known for its unique nesting behavior: females use silk from their abdomen to create protective cells in old termite galleries or mud nests.
• The discovery suggests that Nagaland’s ecological conditions (e.g., high altitude, diverse habitat) support the presence of such specialized fauna, making the region an important site for entomological research.

Taxonomic Contribution:

• The species is named Arpactophiluspulawskii in honor of Dr. Wojciech J. Pulawski, a distinguished expert in wasp taxonomy.

Scientific and Research Implications:

• The discovery is expected to stimulate further entomological research in Northeastern India, especially in areas like Nagaland, which are often overlooked in global biodiversity studies.
• Researchers believe that this discovery could lead to the identification of other unknown species in the region, expanding our understanding of species distribution and the ecological connectivity between regions.

In News:

The Adaptation Gap Report 2024, published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate adaptation efforts, particularly through increased financial support for developing countries. The report, titled Come Hell and High Water, provides an annual assessment of global adaptation progress in planning, implementation, and financing.

Key Findings

• Adaptation Gap:
  • The adaptation finance gap is estimated at $187–359 billion per year.
  • Current adaptation finance falls short, with only $28 billion provided in 2022, meeting just 5% of projected needs.
• Adaptation Progress:
  • International public adaptation finance to developing countries rose to $27.5 billion in 2022, up from $19 billion in 2019, reflecting progress toward the Glasgow Climate Pact's goal of doubling finance by 2025.
• Significance of Adaptation:
  • Ambitious adaptation measures could reduce global climate risk by 50%.
  • For instance, $16 billion annually in agriculture could prevent climate-induced hunger for 78 million people.
• Impact of Global Warming:
  • According to UNEP's Emissions Gap Report 2024, global temperatures may increase by 2.6°C–3.1°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
  • Developing countries face severe vulnerabilities, evidenced by recent floods in Nepal, Nigeria, and Chad.
• National Adaptation Plans (NAPs):
  • While 171 countries have at least one adaptation policy, progress in implementation remains slow.
  • 10 countries have shown no interest in developing adaptation policies.

Challenges in Adaptation Financing

• Financial Burden: Adaptation projects such as seawalls and resilient infrastructure are costly for developing nations.
• Funding Shortfalls:
  • Developed nations have failed to meet financial commitments like the $100 billion goal set for 2020.
  • The adaptation finance gap remains significant in non-private sector-funded areas, such as ecosystem preservation.
• High-Interest Loans: Much current funding relies on high-interest loans, increasing the debt burden for recipient countries.

Recommendations

• Adopt New Financing Goals: Establish an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance at COP29.
• Strategic Adaptation Financing:
  • Shift from project-based to anticipatory and transformational financing.
  • Invest in harder-to-finance areas like ecosystem preservation and cultural heritage.
• Alternative Financing Models: Encourage risk finance, resilience bonds, debt-for-adaptation swaps, and payments for ecosystem services.

Global and Indian Initiatives

Global Initiatives:

• Paris Agreement: Sets a global adaptation goal to enhance resilience.
• UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience: Introduced at COP28, focusing on agriculture, water, and health adaptation targets.
• Adaptation Fund: Provides project funding for developing nations under the Kyoto Protocol.

Indian Initiatives:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes eight missions, such as the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
• Sectoral Schemes:
  • MISHTI: Mangrove initiative for shoreline protection.
  • Amrit Dharohar: Enhances wetland ecosystems.
• India's adaptation spending accounted for 5.6% of GDP in 2021–2022.

In News:

The Protected Planet Report 2024, released by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, evaluates global progress toward achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This target aims to conserve 30% of Earth's terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Current Global Coverage
  • Land and Inland Waters: 17.6% protected.
  • Oceans and Coastal Areas: 8.4% protected.
  • Progress since 2020: Minimal increase (<0.5% for both realms), equivalent to an area twice the size of Colombia.
• Remaining Challenges to Achieve Target 3 by 2030
  • Land: An additional 12.4% of land area must be protected (equivalent to Brazil + Australia).
  • Ocean: 21.6% more marine areas must be safeguarded (larger than the Indian Ocean).
  • Key Gaps:
    • Only 8.5% of protected areas on land are well-connected.
    • Only one-fifth of the areas critical for biodiversity are fully protected.
    • Biodiversity representation remains uneven, with some ecological regions having no protection at all.
• Governance and Effectiveness Issues
  • Less than 5% of protected land and 1.3% of marine areas have management effectiveness assessments.
  • Only 0.2% of protected land and 0.01% of marine areas have undergone equitable governance assessments.
  • Indigenous governance covers less than 4% of protected areas despite Indigenous and traditional territories covering 13.6% of the terrestrial areas.
• Ocean Conservation Progress: Most progress is in national waters; however, areas beyond national jurisdiction (the high seas) remain underrepresented (<11% coverage).
• Data Deficiency: Insufficient data to measure biodiversity outcomes, equity, and governance in protected areas.

Importance of Target 3

• Biodiversity Benefits: Protected areas play a critical role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
• Ecosystem Services: These areas contribute to clean air, water, climate regulation, and food security.
• Cultural and Economic Significance: They uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring equitable governance and sustainable resource use.

Key Recommendations

• Accelerate Conservation Efforts:
  • Expand protected and conserved areas with a focus on biodiversity hotspots.
  • Ensure areas are ecologically connected and effectively managed.
• Strengthen Indigenous and Local Contributions:
  • Recognize and support the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
  • Ensure their voices and knowledge systems are integrated into conservation planning.
• Improve Governance and Equity:
  • Address gaps in equitable governance and include rights-based approaches.
• Global Cooperation:
  • Increase international financing to developing nations for biodiversity conservation.
  • Foster cross-border partnerships and support data-sharing initiatives.
• Enhance Data Availability:
  • Collect and disseminate data on the effectiveness of protected areas and their biodiversity outcomes.

India’s Role and Strategy

• Commitment to KM-GBF: India updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align with the KM-GBF goals, aiming to protect 30% of natural areas by 2030.
• Focus on Restoration: Prioritizes the restoration of forests, rivers, and other ecosystems to maintain essential resources like clean air and water.
• Indigenous Participation: India emphasizes integrating Indigenous territories into its conservation framework.

In News:

Researchers have recently discovered a new species of jumping spider in the Baner Hill area, underscoring the region's rich biodiversity and the growing need to preserve the natural landscapes around Pune.

About Okinawicius tekdi:

• The newly identified species, named Okinawicius tekdi, is a jumping spider that contributes to the growing diversity of India's spider population, now numbering 326 species of jumping spiders.
• The name "tekdi" comes from the Marathi word for "hill," reflecting the spider's habitat.
• The last time a spider species was identified in Pune was over three decades ago.

About Jumping Spiders:

• Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae and are known for their distinctive eight legs and remarkable jumping ability.
• These spiders possess a segmented body, a tough exoskeleton, and jointed legs.
• In addition to their agility, they are famous for spinning webs that they use to capture their prey.

In News:

The World Cities Report 2024, released by UN-Habitat, highlights the urgent need for cities to address climate change, both as victims and major contributors.

Key Findings of the Report

• Temperature Increases by 2040: Nearly 2 billion people living in urban areas are projected to face at least a 0.5°C rise in temperature by 2040, exposing them to heatwaves and other climate-related risks.
• Urban Vulnerability and Climate Risk:
  • Cities are disproportionately affected by climate change while being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbates their vulnerability to events like floods, cyclones, and heatwaves.
  • The urban population is facing a dual challenge: increased heat and extreme weather events such as flooding, cyclones, and erratic rainfall.
• Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Risks: Over 2,000 cities in low coastal areas, many located under 5 meters above sea level, are at heightened risk from sea-level rise and storm surges, potentially affecting more than 1.4 billion people by 2040.
• Riverine Flooding: Flood exposure in cities is growing 3.5 times faster than in rural areas, with 517 million people in urban areas projected to be exposed to riverine flooding by 2030.
• Investment Gap: Cities require between USD 4.5 trillion and USD 5.4 trillion annually to build and maintain climate-resilient systems, but current investments stand at only USD 831 billion, highlighting a massive funding shortfall.
• Decline in Urban Green Spaces: The average share of urban green spaces has dropped from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, reducing cities' ability to absorb carbon, manage heat, and provide essential ecosystem services.
• Vulnerable Communities: Informal settlements and slums, often situated in environmentally sensitive areas, are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. These communities lack adequate infrastructure and are often unable to invest in necessary upgrades due to eviction fears or lack of legal recognition.
• Green Gentrification: While climate interventions like park creation can provide environmental benefits, they can also lead to green gentrification—displacing low-income households or increasing property values and rents, thus pricing vulnerable communities out.

Contributing Factors to Urban Global Warming

• Energy Consumption: Urban areas account for 71-76% of global CO? emissions from energy use, driven by dense populations, industrial activities, transportation, and high-energy demand for buildings.
• Industrial Activities: Urban industries and power plants release a variety of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including CO?, methane (CH?), and nitrous oxide (N?O).
• Land Use Changes: Urban expansion leads to deforestation and reduced carbon absorption, contributing to global warming. Urban land areas are expected to more than triple by 2050, accelerating environmental degradation.
• Waste Generation: Decomposing waste in landfills releases methane, a potent GHG, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) occur when cities absorb and retain more heat due to their dense infrastructure (asphalt, concrete, and buildings), increasing local temperatures and energy consumption.

Impacts of Global Warming on Cities

• Heatwaves: Cities, especially in warmer regions like India, are experiencing more severe heatwaves and rising temperatures.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: UHIs increase the intensity of heatwaves, particularly in high-density cities, where buildings and roads trap heat, exacerbating energy demands and public health risks.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities with flooding and storm surges, displacing communities and disrupting economies.
• Wildfire Seasons: Warming temperatures and prolonged droughts increase the risk of wildfires in urban areas, particularly in forest-adjacent cities.

India's Climate Initiatives for Urban Areas

• Smart Cities Mission: Focuses on developing sustainable urban infrastructure, promoting smart technologies, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
• AMRUT Mission: Aims to provide basic infrastructure and sustainable urban development in cities, including water supply, sewage, and green spaces.
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Focuses on improving waste management and reducing pollution in urban areas.
• FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles): Promotes electric vehicles to reduce urban air pollution and carbon emissions.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid, encouraging clean energy use in urban centers.

In News:

More than one in three tree species threatened with extinction, finds IUCN’s first Global Tree Assessment

Key Highlights:

Global Tree Extinction Risk:

• 38% of the world’s tree species are now facing the risk of extinction — over one in three tree species is at risk.
• This means 16,425 out of 47,282 tree speciesanalyzed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are under threat.
• Threatened tree species outnumber all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.

Key Drivers of Threat:

• Deforestation: The primary threat to trees is deforestation, driven by agriculture, livestock rearing, and urban development, especially in tropical regions.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms exacerbate the threats, particularly in tropical regions and islands.
• Invasive Species & Pests: Non-native species, pests, and diseases are adding pressure to vulnerable tree populations.

Geographic Vulnerabilities:

• Islands are particularly vulnerable, with a high proportion of threatened species due to habitat destruction and urbanization.
• South America, which boasts the highest tree diversity, faces significant threats, with 3,356 out of 13,668 species at risk, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture.

Ecological and Economic Importance of Trees:

• Trees play a fundamental role in carbon, water, and nutrient cycles, and are critical for soil formation and climate regulation.
• The loss of trees poses a growing threat to thousands of other species of plants, fungi, and animals.
• Trees are essential for local communities, providing resources such as timber, medicines, food, and fuel. Over 5,000 species of trees are used for timber and construction, while more than 2,000 species are vital for food, fuel, and medicine.

Conservation Status:

• Tree species are threatened across 192 countries.
• The assessment is the first global analysis of the conservation status of trees, enabling better-informed conservation decisions.

Positive Actions and Strategies:

• Successful community-driven conservation efforts have had positive outcomes in places like the Juan Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji.
• Some countries, including Ghana, Colombia, Chile, and Kenya, already have national strategies for tree conservation.
• Ex-situ conservation, such as seed banks and botanical gardens, is also crucial to safeguard species that may not survive in the wild.

Urgent Call for Action:

The IUCN Global Tree Assessment underlines the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts, including:

• Habitat protection and restoration.
• Ex-situ conservation through seed banks and botanical gardens.
• Diversified and species-focused reforestation strategies.
• Supporting community-led conservation initiatives to safeguard vulnerable tree species.

In News:

Climate change to put APAC GDP on thin ice with 41% melt by 2100.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Losses Due to Climate Change:
  • APAC Region: High-end greenhouse gas emissions could reduce GDP by 17% by 2070 and 41% by 2100.
  • India: Projected to experience a 24.7% GDP loss by 2070, with neighboring countries like Bangladesh (30.5%), Vietnam (30.2%), and Indonesia (26.8%) facing even steeper declines.
• Major Drivers of Economic Losses:
  • Sea-Level Rise: Up to 300 million people at risk of coastal flooding by 2070. Annual damages could reach $3 trillion by 2070.
  • Labour Productivity: The APAC region could lose 4.9% of GDP from reduced labour productivity, with India facing a sharper 11.6% loss.
  • Cooling Demand: Rising temperatures could reduce regional GDP by 3.3%, but India's cooling demands could cut its GDP by 5.1%.
  • Flooding and Storms: Increased rainfall and storm intensity will exacerbate flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like the India-China border, where landslides could rise by 30-70% under severe warming.
• Impact on Key Sectors:
  • River Flooding: By 2070, annual riverine flooding could cause $1.3 trillion in damages across the APAC, affecting over 110 million people. India could face over $1,100 billion in flood-related damages annually.
  • Forest Productivity: Climate change could reduce forest productivity by 10-30% by 2070 across APAC. India could see losses over 25%, making it one of the hardest-hit countries, alongside Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
• Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities:
  • Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding could lead to widespread economic damage, with India expected to suffer significant losses, particularly in coastal areas.
  • Ecosystem Threats: Intensified storms, rainfall, and landslides will affect ecosystems, forests, and agriculture across the region.
• Climate Change and Adaptation Needs:
  • Investment Requirements: Developing Asia requires $102–431 billion annually for climate adaptation, far exceeding the $34 billion tracked from 2021 to 2022.
  • Private Investment: The report highlights the need for greater private climate investment and regulatory reforms to attract capital for adaptation initiatives.
  • Renewable Energy: APAC is well-positioned to embrace renewable energy for a net-zero transition, and the use of carbon markets could help achieve climate goals cost-effectively.
• Regional Net-Zero Goals and Progress:
  • Net-Zero Targets: 36 out of 44 Asian economies have set net-zero emissions targets, but only 4 have legally committed to these goals. India and China target 2070 and 2060, respectively, while many OECD countries aim for 2050 targets.
  • Policy Gaps: Developing Asia needs clearer policies and increased financing to meet climate ambitions. Institutions like ADB are crucial in supporting these efforts.
• Action Plan for the Future:
  • Urgent Climate Action: The report stresses the importance of coordinated action to address escalating climate risks.
  • Enhanced Adaptation Finance: There is a need to scale up adaptation-focused finance to tackle the growing climate challenges facing the region.

India's Vulnerability and Climate Challenges:

• Labour Impact: India is expected to experience a 11.6% GDP loss due to declining labour productivity, the highest among APAC countries.
• Cooling Demands: A 5.1% reduction in GDP due to increased cooling demand.
• Flood Damage: India’s flood-related losses could surpass $1.1 trillion annually by 2070, with damages to residential and commercial properties.

In News:

Kodo millet is a staple food for many tribal and economically weaker sections in India. It is one of the 'hardiest crops, drought tolerant with high yield potential and excellent storage properties,' according to researchers

Background on Kodo Millet:

• Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), also known as Kodra or Varagu, is a hardy, drought-tolerant crop widely grown in India, especially in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is a staple food for many tribal and economically weaker sections of India and is used to make various dishes like idli, dosa, and rotis.
• Kodo millet is valued for its high yield, nutritional benefits (rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), and storage properties.

Incident in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• 10 elephants from a herd of 13 died over three days in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
• The cause of death was suspected to be mycotoxins associated with kodo millet, particularly Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA), which is toxic to animals.

Historical Cases of Kodo Poisoning:

• The first human cases of kodo poisoning were reported in 1922 in the Indian Medical Gazette.
• Animals, including elephants, have also been affected by kodo millet consumption, with documented deaths as early as 1983.
• Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA), a mycotoxin, was identified as the cause of kodo poisoning in the 1980s.

Why Does Kodo Millet Become Poisonous?

• Kodo millet is grown in dry and semi-arid regions and is vulnerable to fungal infections, particularly Ergot fungus, which produces CPA.
• When the crop encounters rainfall during maturing and harvesting, fungal infection can lead to "poisoned kodo," known locally as 'Matawna Kodoo' or 'Matona Kodo'.
• The mycotoxins in the infected millet are stable and resistant to standard food processing techniques.

Impact of Mycotoxins on Animals:

• Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, giddiness, unconsciousness, rapid pulse, cold extremities, limb tremors.
• Nervous and cardiovascular systems are primarily affected, causing liver dysfunction, heart damage, and gastrointestinal issues.
• In severe cases, consumption of infected kodo millet can cause death due to cardiovascular collapse and organ failure.
• Similar symptoms of depression and loss of mobility were observed in animal studies, including in mice.

Solution to Kodo Toxicity:

• Biocontrol agents (organisms that fight harmful pathogens) can help reduce fungal growth and mycotoxin production in kodo millet.
• Good agricultural practices: Sorting, proper storage in airtight containers, and avoiding moisture exposure during threshing can minimize contamination.
• Post-harvest management: Removing infected grains is crucial to preventing the spread of the disease.

Detection of Mycotoxins in Kodo Millet:

• Challenges: Mycotoxins are often undetectable by sight, and traditional methods like chromatography are time-consuming.
• Rapid detection tools: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and biosensors offer faster, on-site methods for detecting mycotoxins in kodo millet.

In News:

Centre for Science and Environment release a report on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Packaging

Key Findings:

• EPR Guidelines (2022) were a step towards enforcing the "polluter pays" principle, but the system faces significant issues in its implementation and registration processes.
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, released on October 29, 2024, highlights gaps in the EPR system for plastic packaging and suggests corrective actions.

EPR Guidelines Overview:

• Issued by: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Objective: Hold producers, importers, brand owners (PIBOs), and plastic waste processors (PWPs) responsible for managing plastic packaging waste.
• Key Requirements:
  • PIBOs must register on a centralized portal and set targets for collection, recycling, and reuse of plastic packaging.
  • Registration involves compliance with targets on end-of-life recycling and recycled content usage.

Problems Identified in the Current EPR System:

• Low Registration and Enrollment:
  • 41,577 registrations on the EPR portal, but a significant discrepancy in the type of stakeholders registered.
  • 83% of registered entities are importers, 11% are producers, and only 6% are brand owners.
  • Producers contribute 65% of the plastic packaging in the market but have low registration.
• Absence of Key Polluters:
  • Manufacturers of virgin plastics are notably absent from the portal, despite being required to register.
• Fraudulent Practices:
  • 700,000 fake certificates were generated by plastic recyclers, far exceeding the actual certificate generation capacity.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that such fraudulent activities are undermining the integrity of the system.
  • For example, end-of-life co-processing units (e.g., cement plants) claimed to have processed 335.4 million tonnes per annum of plastic waste, while their actual capacity is just 11.4 million tonnes per annum.
• Underreporting and Mismanagement:
  • Despite 23.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging being introduced into the market, the CPCB’s estimation of plastic waste generation (4.1 MT annually) is underestimated.
• Lack of Stakeholder Representation:
  • Urban local bodies and informal waste collectors—key contributors to plastic waste management—are not included in the EPR framework, which limits their incentives and support.

Recommendations for Improvement:

• Incorporate the Informal Sector:
  • Recognize informal waste collectors and waste management agencies in the EPR framework to improve traceability and ensure better waste management.
• Eliminate Fraudulent Practices:
  • Strict actions need to be taken against fraudulent recyclers and fake certificate issuers to restore credibility to the EPR system.
• Establish Fair Pricing for EPR Certificates:
  • Undertake baseline cost studies to determine the true costs of plastic waste management, ensuring fair pricing for recycling certificates and preventing undervaluation.
• Standardize Packaging:
  • Focus on product standardization to ensure that packaging materials are uniform and easily recyclable.
• Strengthen Monitoring:
  • Improve oversight on the registration process and ensure that all polluters (producers, importers, brand owners) comply with the system’s guidelines.

EPR and Plastic Waste Management: Context and Importance

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where the responsibility of managing the entire lifecycle of plastic products (from production to disposal) lies with the producer.
• It is an essential part of India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), which mandate the recycling and proper disposal of plastic packaging waste.

Key Elements of EPR:

• Producer Accountability: Producers are responsible for the take-back, recycling, and final disposal of plastic packaging.
• Waste Minimization: Encourages reducing waste at the source by promoting sustainable packaging designs.
• Lifecycle Approach: Considers the entire lifecycle of the product, focusing on sustainability from production to disposal.
• Polluter Pays Principle: Ensures that the cost of waste management is borne by those responsible for generating the waste.

In News:

The updated NBSAP was released by India at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Overview of the NBSAP (2024-30):

• Title:Updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan: A Roadmap for Conservation of India’s Biodiversity.
• Objective: To provide a comprehensive roadmap for biodiversity conservation, aligning with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Key Features of the Updated NBSAP:

• Alignment with Global Frameworks:
  • The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022 aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
  • India’s updated NBSAP aligns with KMGBF’s goals, focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and ensuring fair benefit-sharing.
• 23 National Biodiversity Targets:
  • The targets are focused on three key themes:
    • Reducing threats to biodiversity
    • Ensuring sustainable use of biodiversity
    • Enhancing tools for biodiversity implementation
• Key Domains of Focus:
  • Area-based conservation: Protecting ecosystems and habitats.
  • Ecosystem resilience: Enhancing the ability of ecosystems to withstand environmental stressors.
  • Recovery and conservation of threatened species.
  • Conservation of agrobiodiversity: Ensuring the sustainability of agricultural biodiversity.
  • Sustainable management of biodiversity.
  • Enabling tools and solutions: Including financial and technical support for implementation.
• Financial Plan and Expenditure:
  • Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) estimated an average annual expenditure of Rs 32,20,713 crore (FY 2017-2022) for biodiversity conservation.
  • Future funding requirements (FY 2024-2030) estimated at Rs 81,664.88 crore annually at the central government level.
  • Biodiversity Finance Plan suggests financing solutions, including public finance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT), and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms.
• Capacity Building:
  • The NBSAP stresses the need for capacity building across various levels—national, state, and local.
  • Focus on skills acquisition for biodiversity management and enhancing knowledge to implement conservation strategies.

Implementation Framework:

• Multi-Level Governance:
  • At the national level, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will oversee implementation with involvement from 22 other ministries.
  • State-level: Involves State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
  • Local level: Community-driven efforts through Biodiversity Management Committees.
• BIOFIN and Resource Mobilization:
  • India is recognized as a leading country in the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).
  • Encouragement for private entrepreneurs, businesses, and international donors to invest in biodiversity through innovative financial instruments like:
    • Green Bonds
    • Green Funds
    • Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
• Incentives for Financial Solutions:
  • India aims to explore funding from corporate social responsibility (CSR), ecological fiscal transfers, and access and benefit sharing mechanisms to meet the financial needs for biodiversity conservation.

Challenges and Strategies:

• Challenges India Faces:
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Pollution
  • Illegal wildlife trade
  • Adverse effects of climate change
• Strategic Responses:
  • The updated NBSAP provides strategies to address these challenges, ensuring comprehensive conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

In News:

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. The team is conducting an independent enquiry in the matter.

• Incident Overview:
  • Ten elephants found dead in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, between October 29-31, 2024.
  • Preliminary cause of death suspected to be poisoning; final cause pending postmortem and toxicological analysis.
• Government Actions:
  • Union Government:
    • The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has set up a team to conduct an independent investigation into the deaths.
  • Madhya Pradesh Government:
    • Constituted a five-member State-level inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF, Wildlife).
    • Committee includes members from civil society, scientists, and veterinarians.
    • The State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) is conducting field investigations, combing surrounding areas for further clues.
  • Other Involved Authorities:
    • The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh are directly supervising the inquiry in Bandhavgarh.
    • Senior officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) have visited the site for discussions and investigation.

About Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):

• Mandate:
  • Combats organized wildlife crime through intelligence gathering and coordination with enforcement agencies.
  • 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.

In News:

• Odisha government relocated a tigress from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, to address inbreeding issues among the tiger population.
• The tigress is part of a genetic diversification plan to remedy the increasing number of pseudo-melanistic tigers in the region.

Pseudo-melanistic Tigers:

• Pseudo-melanistic tigers, often referred to as "black tigers," exhibit a darker coat with broader, more prominent stripes.
• The mutation leads to the appearance of a mostly black fur, with occasional white-orange stripes.

Genetic Basis:

• This coloration is due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene, which causes the widening and darkening of stripes on the tiger's coat.
• The mutation is linked to genetic drift and inbreeding within the isolated Similipal population.

Historical Context:

• These tigers were once considered mythical until the 1700s, with sightings only being documented in the 1990s and 2017-18.
• The first confirmed genetic evidence of the black tiger appeared when a cub was born in captivity at Oklahoma City Zoo in the 1970s.

Distribution and Prevalence:

• Pseudo-melanistic tigers are predominantly found in Similipal Tiger Reserve, with 27 out of 30 tigers in Odisha exhibiting the trait.
• Other instances of such tigers exist in captivity, such as in Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar) and Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Chennai), both tracing ancestry to Similipal.

Genetic Studies:

• A 2021 study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) linked the Taqpep gene mutation to the unique appearance of these tigers.
• The mutation causes a missense change in the gene, replacing Cytosine with Thymine (C1360T), altering the tiger’s coat pattern.

High Frequency of Mutation in Similipal:

• Genetic analyses indicate a high frequency of the Taqpep gene mutation in Similipal tigers, with a 60% chance that a tiger born there will carry the mutated gene.
• Inbreeding and genetic isolation have contributed to this phenomenon, as Similipal’s tiger population is geographically cut off from other populations.

In News:

An adult tigress and three cubs have been spotted in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa marking the first time evidence of the species has been recorded in the forests bordering the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka since 2020.

Key Highlights:

Location and Geography:

• It is located near Chorla Ghat, between North Goa and Belgavi, and borders Maharashtra and 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:

• It is home to diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Long-billed vultures that nest at Vazra Falls.
• The region supports a variety of flora and fauna due to its biodiversity-rich Western Ghats ecosystem.

Conservation Status and Recommendations:

• Goa is the only state in India to have its entire portion of the Western Ghats under state protection, with Mhadei WLS being a key area.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recommended that Mhadei WLS be designated as a tiger reserve to enhance protection efforts.
• The sanctuary is a potential candidate for inclusion under Project Tiger.
• In 2020, a Royal Bengal tigress and her cubs were tragically poisoned due to human-animal conflict.

Mahadayi Water Dispute:

• The Mahadayi (Madei, Mandovi) River is a source of dispute between Karnataka and Goa regarding water sharing.
• Karnataka seeks to divert water from the river to the Malaprabha River basin for drinking water supply in several districts, through the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.
• The matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court.

In News:

The 2024 edition of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change presents critical insights into the intersection of health and climate change.

Key Findings from the 2024 Report

• Air Pollution and Mortality in India:
  • In 2021, air pollution was responsible for 1.6 million deaths in India.
  • Fossil fuels (coal and liquid gas) were identified as major contributors, accounting for 38% of these deaths.
  • India was ranked as the second-highest emitter of PM2.5 globally in 2022, contributing 15.8% of consumption-based and 16.9% of production-based PM2.5 emissions.
• Impact of Heat Stress:
  • In 2023, India experienced 2400 hours (or 100 days) of moderate to high heat stress, particularly during light outdoor activities like walking.
  • Heatwaves have become more frequent, with adults over 65 years experiencing 8.4 heatwave days per year, a 58% increase from 1990-1999.
  • This increased heat exposure has led to a loss of 181 billion labor hours globally, translating into an economic loss of approximately $141 billion.
• Global and National Trends in Air Pollution:
  • PM2.5 is particularly hazardous because it is fine enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to severe health risks like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO?), Sulphur Dioxide (SO?), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Ozone (O?) were identified as other pollutants contributing to poor air quality in India.
• Health Impact of Extreme Weather:
  • The 2023 heatwave was one of the hottest years on record, exacerbating health risks worldwide, especially for the elderly.
  • Droughts and heatwaves also contributed to a rise in food insecurity, affecting millions globally.
• Disease Transmission and Climate Change:
  • Dengue transmission potential rose by 85% from 1951-1960 to 2014-2023.
  • Coastal areas suitable for the spread of Vibrio pathogens, which cause cholera, expanded by 23%, affecting over 210 million people.
• Health Effects of Fossil Fuel Pollution:
  • Continued reliance on fossil fuels worsens air quality, leading to health problems such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Government Efforts to Tackle Air Pollution in India

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
  • NCAP is a national strategy to reduce air pollution across India, with specific action plans for 131 non-attainment cities. The initiative is supported through various central government schemes such as:
    1. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
    2. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
    3. Smart City Mission
    4. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II)
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms:
  • BS-VI standards aim to significantly reduce vehicular pollution, lowering permissible limits for NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions from vehicles.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR):
  • SAFAR measures air quality and provides forecasts for metropolitan cities based on real-time data, helping authorities take preventive actions.
• Promotion of Renewable Energy:
  • India achieved a record 11% of electricity from renewable energy in 2022. However, 71% of India’s electricity still comes from coal, underscoring the need for a faster transition to cleaner energy sources.

In News:

According to the WMO, the last time the earth had a similar CO2 concentration was 3-5 million years ago, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 metres higher than they are now

Key Highlights:

• Record High Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Levels:
  • In 2023, annual mean carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rose by 2.3 parts per million (ppm), reaching a new record of 420 ppm.
  • This marks the 12th consecutive year with an increase of over 2 ppm in CO2 levels.
• Historical Context:
  • CO2 levels not seen in 3-5 million years, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher, and sea levels were 10-20 meters higher than they are today.
• Key GHGs at Record Highs:
  • The globally averaged surface concentrations of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide all reached new highs in 2023.
• Contributors to the Increase in CO2:
  • Natural Variability: Natural factors such as large vegetation fires and reduced carbon absorption by forests contributed to higher CO2 levels.
  • Human Activity: High fossil fuel emissions from human and industrial activities also played a major role.
  • El Niño Phenomenon: The El Niño event led to higher temperatures and drier conditions, exacerbating the rise in GHG levels through increased wildfires and reduced carbon absorption by land sinks.
• Climate Feedback Loop Concerns:
  • The WMO warned of a vicious cycle:
    • Climate change could cause ecosystems to become larger sources of GHGs.
    • Wildfires could release more carbon, and warmer oceans may absorb less CO2, leading to more CO2 remaining in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
• Radiative Forcing:
  • Radiative forcing (the warming effect on climate) from long-lived GHGs has increased by 51.5% from 1990 to 2023, with CO2 contributing 81% of this increase.
• Methane Concerns:
  • Methane saw its largest three-year increase between 2020 and 2022.
  • This increase was linked to warmer temperatures and wetter land conditions during the 2020-2022 La Niña conditions, which caused an uptick in methane emissions from natural wetlands.
• Long-Term Impact of CO2:
  • Given CO2's long atmospheric lifetime, even with rapid emissions reductions, the warming effect will persist for several decades.

In News:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently published the Emissions Gap Report 2024, in anticipation of the COP29 meeting of the UNFCCC to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Key Highlights:

• Current Trajectory of Global Warming:
  • If countries continue with current environmental policies, global temperatures are expected to rise by 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • This is significantly higher than the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with an effort to cap it at 1.5°C.
• Paris Agreement at Risk:
  • Even if all Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are fully implemented (including both unconditional and conditional emissions reduction targets), the world would still experience 2.6°C of warming by 2030.
  • This presents a major challenge to achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
• Urgent Need for Action:
  • To limit global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 and decline by 43% by 2030.
  • The report highlights the emission gap between current pledges and what is required to meet the 1.5°C goal.
• Record High Emissions:
  • Global greenhouse gas emissions hit a record 57.1 gigatons of CO? equivalent in 2023.
  • This represents an increase of 1.3% compared to 2022, continuing the upward trend from the previous decade.
• India’s Emissions:
  • India’s greenhouse gas emissions grew by 6.1% between 2022 and 2023.
  • Per capita emissions in India were 2.9 tCO?e in 2022, significantly lower than China (11 tCO?e) and the U.S. (18 tCO?e).
• G20 Countries’ Contribution:
  • G20 countries, excluding the African Union, contributed 77% of global emissions in 2023.
  • The six largest emitters (including China, U.S., and India) were responsible for 63% of global emissions.
  • This shows a significant imbalance in emissions, with developed countries having much higher per capita emissions compared to developing nations like India and Africa.
• Necessary Emissions Cuts:
  • To keep the 1.5°C target within reach, global emissions need to be cut by at least 7.5% annually until 2035.
  • Cost of bridging the emissions gap: Achieving net-zero by 2050 will require USD 900 billion to USD 2.1 trillion annually, approximately 1% of global GDP.
• Emission Reduction Pathways:
  • Renewable Energy: Scaling up solar and wind energy technologies could contribute up to 27% of the required emissions reductions by 2030.
  • Forest Conservation: Protecting and restoring forests could provide 20% of the required emissions reductions by 2030.
  • Other crucial measures include improving energy efficiency, transitioning to electric vehicles, and focusing on fuel switching in key sectors like transport, industry, and buildings.
• Disparities in Emissions:
  • Despite changes over the past two decades, large disparities remain between emissions across regions.
  • Developed countries have three times higher per capita emissions compared to the global average, while India, the African Union, and least developed countries continue to have much lower emissions.
• Call to Action:
  • UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urged countries to act now, stating: “No more hot air, please.” The urgency is to ramp up climate pledges and ensure stronger actions in the upcoming COP29 talks in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024), where nations must work to get on a 1.5°C pathway.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Established: 1972, following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
• Governing Body: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters, with 193 Member States.
• Programs & Initiatives: UNEP leads global efforts on climate action, ecosystem restoration, clean seas, and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Reports: UNEP publishes crucial assessments like the Emissions Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, and Adaptation Gap Report, influencing global environmental policies.

In News:

Hong Kong discovers dinosaur fossils for the first time

Key Details:

• • Significance: This marks the first-ever discovery of dinosaur fossils in Hong Kong.
• Time Period:The fossils date back to the Cretaceous Period, approximately 145 million to 66 million years ago.
• Fossil Details:The fossils belong to a large dinosaur, but further studies are required to determine the exact species.Initial analysis suggests the dinosaur may have been buried by sand and gravel after death, later being washed to the surface by a flood before being buried again.
• Site and Protection:Port Island, part of a geopark, is closed to the public to facilitate ongoing fossil investigations and excavation work.
• Geological and Archaeological Importance:The discovery underscores the significance of Hong Kong's geoparks and its role in preserving and showcasing natural history.This finding contributes to global understanding of prehistoric life, especially in the Cretaceous period.

In News:

India with an abysmal score of 45.5 (out of 100) has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index, 2024.

India's Ranking and Score:

• Rank: India ranks 176th out of 180 countries.
• Score: 45.5 out of 100.
• Context: India is listed among the five "worst performers," alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).

Key Factors Affecting India’s Ranking:

• Inefficient Land Management: The main contributing factor to India's low ranking.
• Threats to Biodiversity: Rising threats due to habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, and pollution.
• Deforestation: Between 2001 and 2019, India lost 23,300 sq. km of tree cover, exacerbating biodiversity loss.

Focus Areas of the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

• Land Management: Inefficient land use practices, with 53% of land converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
• Biodiversity Threats: Habitat loss, fragmentation, and declining populations of marine and terrestrial species.
• Governance and Capacity: Challenges in enforcement of laws and governance structures that support conservation.
• Future Trends: India faces both opportunities and challenges, given its high population density and rapid development.

Key Findings:                                    

• Land Conversion and Urbanization: High rates of land conversion (53%) for development purposes, contributing to habitat loss.
• Soil Pollution: Issues with pesticide use and soil pollution (low nitrogen index of 0.77), affecting soil health.
• Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of national waterways and none within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are protected.
• Deforestation Impact: Loss of 23,300 sq. km of forest between 2001-2019.
• Biodiversity Decline: Despite 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species in protected areas, biodiversity continues to decline—67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species face population decreases.

Marine and Terrestrial Conservation:

• Marine Areas: Need for greater investment in marine conservation, as India's marine protected areas (MPAs) are limited.
• Protected Areas: While 7.5% of India’s terrestrial area is protected, significant threats like climate change and habitat fragmentation persist.

Biodiversity and Climate Change:

• Climate Change Risks: Impacts on vulnerable ecosystems, including coral reefs and alpine regions, further threaten biodiversity.
• Population Growth: India’s rapidly growing population (one of the highest in the world) places constant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.

Illegal Wildlife Trade:

• Global Ranking: India is the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an annual trade worth approximately £15 billion.
• Call for Action: Stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and international cooperation are crucial to combat illegal wildlife trade.

SDGs and India’s Conservation Challenges:

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land): India faces significant challenges in meeting these Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in protecting marine life and terrestrial ecosystems.

Recommendations for Improvement:

• Stronger Political Will: Political commitment is essential for passing laws that promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
• Enforcement and Funding: Increased funding for environmental initiatives and better enforcement of conservation policies are necessary to address the conservation challenges.
• Sustainable Development: Integrating sustainable land use practices and improving governance structures for conservation are key areas for focus.

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response"in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

Launch of Pandemic Fund Project

• Objective: Strengthening animal health security in India to enhance pandemic preparedness and response.
• Funding: $25 million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.
• Location: New Delhi, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.

Context and Importance

• Livestock Sector: Crucial for socio-economic upliftment, contributing to employment and rural development.
• Growth in Livestock Sector: Significant progress in the last 9 years through schemes like the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP).
• Key Diseases Targeted:
  • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): Aimed at eradication, with over 90.87 crore vaccines administered.
  • Brucellosis: Over 4.23 crore vaccines administered.

Objectives of the Pandemic Fund Project

• Enhanced Disease Surveillance: Includes genomic and environmental monitoring for early warning systems.
• Laboratory Infrastructure Development: Upgradation for better diagnosis and disease management.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships for global monitoring of zoonotic diseases.
• Integrated Monitoring System: Creation of a robust system for managing zoonotic diseases, with a focus on early detection and containment.

Documents Released for Strengthening Animal Health

• Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG):
  • Best practices for veterinary care to improve livestock health and productivity.
  • Supports national action plans, especially for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases:
  • Framework for effective response and containment during animal disease outbreaks.
  • Ensures timely mitigation of animal disease crises.

One Health Approach

• Integration of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health: Key to preventing and managing future health crises.
• Zoonotic Risks: The project emphasizes reducing zoonotic disease transmission from animals to humans, crucial given the origins of many recent public health emergencies.

Implementation and Collaboration

• The project will be executed in collaboration with global institutions:
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • World Bank

A critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was successfully born through artificial insemination (AI) at a breeding center in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, marking a crucial step in efforts to save the species.

Endangered Status:

• The Great Indian Bustard is classified as critically endangered with fewer than 150 individuals left in the wild in India.
• About 90% of these birds are found in the desert areas of Rajasthan, with smaller populations in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Main Threats to the Species:

• Habitat Loss: The primary threat is the loss of habitat, which is often perceived as wasteland and is diverted for infrastructure projects like roads and development.
• Slow Reproductive Rate: The bustard’s low reproductive rate exacerbates its risk of extinction.

Conservation Efforts: Bustard Recovery Program

• In 2016, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change launched the Bustard Recovery Program to focus on captive breeding and creating a sustainable environment for the reintroduction of GIBs into the wild.
• A dedicated GIB breeding center was set up at the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as part of this initiative.

• Protection Status of GIB: 
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix 1
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • It is also the state bird of Rajasthan, emphasizing its importance in the region’s biodiversity.