Environment 2025 Current Affairs Jan
Environment 2025 Current Affairs Jan
About Tigers
• India holds 75% of the world’s tiger population. Population distributed across 57 reserves,
spanning mangroves, grasslands, deciduous forests, and high-altitude ecosystems.
• Flagship and Umbrella species; tiger conservation benefits entire ecosystems.
• Unique stripes like human fingerprints.
• Territorial; solitary except for mating or raising cubs.
• Excellent swimmers.
Conservation Status
• IUCN Red List: Endangered (Panthera tigris).
• CITES: Listed under Appendix I, which prohibits international trade.
• India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species, offering the highest legal
protection.
• Global Population: Approximately 4,500 wild tigers (India harbors 75% of the global
population).
Habitat
• Found in 13 Tiger Range Countries: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Russia,
China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia.
• Tiger Habitats in India: Tigers are highly adaptable and occupy diverse ecosystems:
o Tropical Moist Evergreen Forests: Example: Western Ghats (Kudremukh, Periyar Tiger
Reserve).
o Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: Example: Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya
Pradesh.
o Mangroves: Example: Sundarbans (adapted to saline waters and tidal ecosystem).
o Temperate Forests and Grasslands: Example: Himalayan foothills (Corbett, Rajaji Tiger
Reserve).
o Shola Forests: Example: Anamalai and Parambikulam in the Western Ghats.
Population in India
• India's Tiger Census (2022): 3,967 tigers (appx) population in India. It was conducted using
camera traps and M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection & Ecological
Status).
• State-Wise Tiger Population:
o Highest Population: Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers), followed by Karnataka (563) &
Uttarakhand (560).
o Lowest Population: Mizoram and West Bengal (Sundarbans) report fewer than 5-10
tigers each.
o Highest Density: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand (14-15 tigers per 100 sq. km).
o Lowest Density: Reserves in Northeast India and Sundarbans, where vast, challenging
terrains reduce visibility and density metrics.
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger
Habitat”?
a) Corbett
b) Ranthambore
c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
d) Sundarbans
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Sewage Management
Why in the News?
• Amendment to River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Authorities
Order, 2016:
o Permits discharge of treated effluent into the Ganga after exploring reuse options.
o Aims to improve biodiversity by ensuring better water flow.
Namami Gange
• Aim: Integrated conservation and rejuvenation.
• Funding: Centrally sponsored.
• Achievements:
o Reduction in untreated wastewater entering the Ganga.
o Infrastructure development: Over 150 STPs completed as of 2023.
Mandate of IMD:
• Observations and Forecasts: Take meteorological observations and provide forecasts.
• Weather Warnings: Issue warnings against severe weather phenomena.
• Meteorological Statistics: Supply data for agriculture, industries, etc.
• Research: Conduct and promote research in meteorology and related fields.
• Seismology: Detect and locate earthquakes, evaluate seismicity across India.
PRITHvi VIgyan
Union Cabinet approved the PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) scheme under the Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MoES) to consolidate research efforts in Earth System Science.
About PRITHVI:
• Duration: 2021–2026.
• Budget: ₹4,797 crore.
• Objective: Develop advanced Earth system science research and services to address climate,
ocean, and disaster-related challenges.
• Sub-Schemes:
o ACROSS (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services).
o O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources, and Technology).
o PACER (Polar Science and Cryosphere Research).
o SAGE (Seismology and Geosciences).
o REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training, and Outreach).
Key Highlights of the Report: The report identifies 10 trade policy areas that can be aligned
with climate mitigation and sustainability goals. Key tools include: Trade Facilitation,
Regulations and Certification, Import Tariffs, Subsidies, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
and Internal Taxation and Carbon Pricing.
Significance of the Report: Links international trade policies with climate action goals, aligning
with multilateral environmental agreements like UNFCCC. Highlights WTO's role in addressing
climate challenges through trade reforms.
The report 'Trade Policy Tools for Climate Action' highlights the role of international trade in
climate action. It is released by:
a) UNEP
b) WTO
c) IPCC
d) UNFCCC
Megalosaurus
Fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered in regions like Gujarat (Rahioli fossil beds) and
Madhya Pradesh. Rajasaurus narmadensis, a carnivorous dinosaur species, was discovered in
India.
Mycorrhizal Fungi
A recent study analyzed role of Mycorrhizal Fungi (Arbuscular and Ectomycorrhizal) in shaping
Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG).
Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG): A global pattern where species diversity is highest near
equator and decreases towards the poles.
Mycorrhizal Fungi: Fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots.
Mycorrhizal fungi help plants survive in nutrient-poor soils. It plays a vital role in:
• Aid in nutrient absorption.
• Enhance plant growth and ecosystem stability.
Objectives of GFAI:
• Promote Sustainable Energy: Encourage collaboration among businesses, governments, and
research institutions of both countries.
• Support Carbon Neutrality: Aligns with India's Net Zero by 2070 goal and Denmark’s
expertise in green energy.
• Renewable Energy Leadership: Aims to position India as a global leader in the green energy
value chain.
• Foster Innovation: Drives partnerships and technological advancements in green fuel
production.
Green Fuels: Also known as biofuels or green hydrocarbons, these are produced from biomass
(plant or waste materials). It is created using biological (fermentation) or thermochemical
(pyrolysis, gasification) methods. Examples: Bioethanol, biodiesel, green hydrogen, and
renewable natural gas.
About NCAP
• Objective: Improve air quality in 131 cities, including cities exceed National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 5 consecutive years & Million Plus Cities (Cities with a
population exceeding 1 million).
• Targets: Reduce Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by up to 40% by
2025-26 (Base year: 2017).
• Implemented by CPCB at the national level & City Action Plans to be implemented by state
governments and municipal bodies.
• PRANA Portal i.e. Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment Cities: Keeps
Track on NCAP progress and implementation.
Progress So Far:
Improvements in PM Levels:
• PM2.5: Improvements recorded in 27 out of 49 cities monitored.
• PM10: Improvements seen in 24 out of 46 cities monitored.
• Notable Cities:
o Varanasi: Significant reduction in both PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
o Agra and Jodhpur: Achieved similar reductions in particulate matter concentrations.
Global Risks Perception Survey: Conducted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to assess
pressing global challenges. It categorizes risks into short-term (next 2 years) and long-term (next
10 years). Themes of Risks:
• Economic Risks: Inequality, inflation, illicit activities.
• Environmental Risks: Climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse.
• Technological Risks: Cybersecurity, misinformation.
• Societal Risks: Infectious diseases, societal polarization.
Global Long-Term Risks (2025 and beyond): Extreme Weather Events, Critical Changes to Earth
Systems & Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Collapse.
The Global Risks Report is annually released by which of the following organizations?
a) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
b) World Bank
c) World Economic Forum (WEF)
d) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Conjoined Silverline
A new butterfly species, Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta), was identified in Karnataka's
Kodagu district, marking the first such discovery in the Western Ghats in 40 years.
• Morphological Characteristics: Features fused spots and bands with shiny silver lines in the
center. Males: Display dark shining blue wings & Females: Have dark brown wings.
• False Head: Lower wing tips bear orange dots, resembling a false head, which helps deter
predators.
• Habitat: Found in Kodagu district, Karnataka, within the Western Ghats, a biodiversity
hotspot.
Himalayan Wolf
First-ever IUCN assessment of the Himalayan Wolf has been published, highlighting
conservation concerns and threats.
Population Decline: Total estimated population: 2,275–3,792 mature individuals, but India-
specific population: 227–378 individuals. Noted continuing decline in the area, extent, and/or
quality of habitat.
Himalayan Wolf
• Habitat: Found in high-altitude regions (>3,900 meters): Himalayas (India and Nepal) &
Tibetan Plateau.
• Characteristics:
o Thick fur with brown coloration on the back and tail.
o Paler yellows on the face, limbs, and underside.
o Larger than Indian and European wolves.
o Prefer wild prey over domestic animals.
o Possess genetic adaptations to survive in hypoxic conditions of high altitudes.
• Conservation Status:
o IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).
o CITES: Appendix I (prohibits trade in body parts).
• It has distinctive ‘V’ shaped white chest mark. It has thick fur adapted to cold alpine
environments. It consumes both plant material and animal matter.
• It is an apex predator, the Tibetan Brown Bear plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem
balance in its habitat.
• Also known as the Tibetan Blue Bear due to its unique fur coloration.
• Listed under:
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection).
o CITES: Appendix I (prohibits international trade in species and their parts).
• Habitat:
o Inhabits alpine forests, meadows, and steppe regions.
o Found at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters.
• Geographic Distribution: Primarily located in:
o Tibetan Plateau and its neighboring regions like Nepal and Bhutan.
o Recently sighted in Sikkim, indicating possible range expansion.
• Threats:
o Habitat loss due to climate change and human activities.
o Poaching for body parts and fur.
o Human-wildlife conflict, especially in regions with livestock rearing.
Vulture Restaurant
A Vulture Restaurant has been set up in Koderma district, Jharkhand to address the adverse
effects of veterinary drugs, especially diclofenac, on vultures.
Eurasian otter
Recently sighted in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, the Eurasian otter’s presence highlights
its ecological importance and conservation concerns.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS VIVEK SHARMA
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Eurasian otter
Binturong (Bearcat)
• Largest civet species in India.
• Notable for its semi-prehensile tail, aiding in arboreal movement.
• Known for its distinctive popcorn-like smell, attributed to scent glands.
• Distribution: Global: Native to South-East Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
India: Found in Meghalaya and Sikkim.
• Conservation Status:
o IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
o CITES: Appendix III (regulated trade).
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).
• Conservation Status:
o IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
o CITES: Appendix I (bans international trade).
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
Kaziranga:
• Location: Situated in Sheopur and Morena districts, Madhya Pradesh. It is part of Central
Indian Vindhyan Hills.
• Ecological Features: Dry deciduous forests interspersed with grasslands, providing an ideal
habitat for cheetahs. Kuno River is the park's primary water source. Dominant tree species:
Kardhai, Salai & Khair.
• Fauna: Spotted deer, Chousingha (Four-horned antelope), Nilgai, Blackbuck, Leopard, & Wild
Dog (Dhole).
• Cheetahs as part of Project Cheetah, which involves the reintroduction of cheetahs into the
wild in India after 70 years.
Location: Situated south of Cape Comorin in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. It is part of
Indian continental shelf.
Unique Features: Among most productive coastal areas globally due to rich marine biodiversity.
It is found at convergence of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in this region creates a distinct
water current pattern, varying with the southwest and northeast monsoons.
Deep-Sea Corals
Scientists have mapped largest deep-sea coral reef off US Atlantic coast using advanced
underwater mapping technology.