STATE OF THE OCEAN REPORT, 2024 The UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024 emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced oceanographic research and data collection. The report underscores the critical gaps in data and research and calls for immediate action to support healthy and resilient oceans. Key Highlights Inadequate Data and Research Critical Gap: The report
GLOBAL NITROUS OXIDE BUDGET Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming and ozone layer depletion. A recent study by the Global Carbon Project (GCP) titled “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget (1980-2020)” highlights the alarming rise in N₂O emissions, particularly from human activities. Key Findings of the Study Alarming Rise in
3 STATES SEEK SHRINKING OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot that spans six states in India: Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. In order to conserve its unique ecology while allowing for sustainable development, the concept of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) was
URBANISATION Urbanisation is the process where people move from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, significantly impacting India’s urban centres, which face challenges such as water shortages, urban heating, and infrastructural strains. What is Urbanisation? Urbanisation refers to the movement of
INDIA'S POWER SECTOR India's power sector plays a pivotal role in its economic development, catering to a vast and diverse population. However, it faces numerous challenges ranging from demand-supply imbalances to environmental concerns. The sector is predominantly reliant on coal for electricity generation, despite efforts to diversify towards renewable energy sources. Current Status of India's
NO OUTCOME IN BONN MEETING: WHY MONEY IS KEY TO CLIMATE ACTION The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is an emerging international climate finance target that aims to build upon and exceed the current commitment of $100 billion per year from developed countries to assist developing nations in addressing climate change. This new target seeks
HIGH COURT’S TAKE ON MARRIAGE ACT, AN EROSION OF RIGHTS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Special Marriage Act, 1954, was enacted to provide a legal framework for inter-faith marriages in India, promoting the values of individual autonomy, liberty, and equality. However, a recent order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court
SILK ROAD The Silk Road is a historic network of trade routes that connected civilizations from East Asia to the Mediterranean, spanning over 1,500 years of human history. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, cultures, and technologies between diverse regions of the world. Named after the lucrative trade in silk that originated in China,
SMART CITIES MISSION The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched on June 25, 2015, by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The mission aims to develop 100 cities across India into smart cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens.
DSR CULTIVATION NEEDS LESS WATER, LABOUR, WHY IS IT STILL NOT POPULAR TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS The Punjab government is promoting the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique to reduce water usage and labour in paddy cultivation. Despite incentives and benefits, DSR adoption remains low. Benefits of DSR Water Conservation: Reduces
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX (EPI) The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial assessment that evaluates countries' performance in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. It provides insights into how nations are progressing towards international environmental goals and commitments, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (NSC) OF INDIA In the context of enhanced global strategic relations, the National Security Advisors of India and the U.S. recently met to discuss strengthening cooperation in various critical areas. This meeting marks the first official U.S. visit since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election for a third term. U.S. National Security Advisor