GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Why in the News?

As India marks Jim Corbett’s 150th birth anniversary (1875–2025), it reflects on his legacy as a hunter, naturalist, author, and conservationist—after whom Corbett National Park is named.

Who was Jim Corbett?

Full Name: Edward James Corbett (1875–1955), nicknamed Carpet Sahib in Kumaon.
Profession: British hunter, naturalist, author, and later a wildlife conservationist.
Famous Books: Man-Eaters of Kumaon, The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag, My India, Jungle Lore, Tree Tops.
Hunter Turned Hero:
- Known for tracking and killing man-eating tigers and leopards in Kumaon and Garhwal.
- Used patient observation and deep knowledge of terrain and animal behaviour.
Shift to Conservation:
- Grew concerned about dwindling tiger numbers and deforestation.
- Advocated for wildlife protection and ecological balance.
Commemoration: India’s first national park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957 in his honour.

Back2Basics: Jim Corbett National Park

Established: 1936 as Hailey National Park; later renamed in 1957.
Location: Nainital district, Uttarakhand; core of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Historical Importance:
- Launch site of Project Tiger in 1973, India’s flagship tiger conservation programme.
Geography:
- Lies in Shivalik and Outer Himalayan foothills.
- Rivers: Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi.
- Area: Over 500 sq km (includes Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as buffer).
Biodiversity:
- Flora: Moist deciduous forest with Sal, Khair, and Sissoo; 600+ plant species.
- Fauna: Over 230 tigers (highest density in the world), elephants, leopards, deer (sambar, chital, barking), sloth bears, wild boars, birds, and reptiles.

[UPSC 2013] Consider the following pairs : National Park River flowing through the Park

1. Corbett National Park : Ganga

2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas

3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) None*

July 26, 2025

Why in the News?

A 24-year-long study conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep has declined by 50% since 1998.

Coral Decline in Lakshadweep: Key Highlights

Study Duration: Based on a 24-year study (1998–2022).
Findings: 50% decline in live coral cover—from 37.2% to 19.6%.
Main Cause: Repeated marine heatwaves linked to climate change.
Study Locations: Monitored across Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls.
Response Clusters: Six coral groups identified based on:
- Depth and wave exposure
- Heat resistance and recovery patterns
Recovery Timeline: Requires at least 6 years without bleaching for healthy regeneration.

Back2Basics: Corals and Coral Bleaching:

About: Corals are colonies of tiny animals called polyps, which build calcium carbonate skeletons.
Symbiotic Algae: Host zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that provide nutrients via photosynthesis.

Coral Types:

- Hard Corals: Form reef structures (e.g., brain coral, staghorn coral).
- Soft Corals: Flexible, grow on reef surfaces but do not build reefs.
Habitat Requirements:
- Water Quality: Must be clean and low in sediment.
- Temperature Range: Prefer 20–21°C.
- Depth: Typically found in waters less than 90 metres deep.
- Salinity: Optimal range is 27–30 parts per thousand (ppt).
- Ocean Currents: Require nutrient-rich water flow.
Coral Bleaching:
- Cause: Triggered by heat stress, pollution, or acidification, which drive algae out.
- Effect: Coral turns white due to loss of algae; Loses its main food source. Dies if stress persists for long periods.

[UPSC 2022] “Biorock Technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?

Options: (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs * (b) Development of building materials using plant residues (c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas (d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests

July 25, 2025

Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India: World Bank Report (2024)

Why in the News?

The World Bank’s report, “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, warns that climate risks like extreme heat and floods threaten India’s cities, despite their role as economic growth engines.

About the ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’ Report

Prepared By: World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Focus: Evaluates Indian cities’ exposure to climate risks like heatwaves and urban flooding
Scope: Covers 24 cities with deeper analysis of Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram
Support: Backed by Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

Key Highlights:

Urban Growth:

- 70% of new jobs to emerge in urban areas by 2030
- Urban population to nearly double to 951 million by 2050
- Estimated housing demand: 144 million new homes by 2070

Climate Vulnerabilities:

- Urban heat: City temperatures rising by 3–4°C due to the heat island effect
- Flood risk: Rapid construction limiting natural drainage and stormwater absorption

Investment Needs: $2.4 trillion required by 2050 for low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure

Recommendations:

- Promote cool roofs, urban green spaces, and early warning systems
- Invest in energy-efficient housing, flood-resilient transport, and waste systems
- Strengthen urban financial systems and incentivize private participation

Back2Basics: World Bank

Overview: A global development organisation supporting economic progress in developing nations
Founded: 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
Members: 189 countries
India and the WB:
- India is a founding member of the IBRD and currently participates in four out of the five World Bank Group entities.
- India’s first World Bank loan, in 1948, was for railway rehabilitation.
Constituent Institutions:
- IBRD – International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- IDA – International Development Association
- IFC – International Finance Corporation
- MIGA – Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
- ICSID – International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
Key Reports:
- World Development Report
- Global Economic Prospects
- Ease of Doing Business Index (now replaced)
- Business Ready (B-READY)

[UPSC 2025] The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35°C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?

I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts. II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Options: (a) I only (b) II only* (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

July 24, 2025

[pib] New Lichen Species reveals ancient Symbiosis

Why in the News?

A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

What are Lichens?

lichen

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, composed of a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont)—either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont produces food through photosynthesis.
Lichens are key ecological contributors:
- They build soil by breaking down rocks.
- Serve as bioindicators of environmental and air quality.
- Provide food for insects and small animals.
Despite being often overlooked, lichens are vital to ecosystem stability and resilience.

About the Newly Discovered Lichen Species:

Discovery: Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats by MACS-Agarkar Research Institute, Pune.
First of Its Kind: First Indian Allographa species confirmed using molecular data.
Biodiversity Addition: 53rd Allographa species in India; 22nd from the Western Ghats.
Funding Support: Research funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under a lichen symbiosis project.

Key Features Revealed:

Morphology: Crustose body with effuse soredia; Contains norstictic acid—rare among related species.
Algal Partner: Photobiont identified as Trentepohlia, expanding understanding of tropical lichen symbiosis.
Molecular Markers: Analysis used fungal markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2) and algal marker (ITS).
Phylogenetic Placement: Closely related to Allographa xanthospora; visually similar to Graphis glaucescens.

[UPSC 2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

Options: (a) algae and bacteria (b) algae and fungi* (c) bacteria and fungi (d) fungi and mosses

July 19, 2025

[16th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How is global shipping trying to decarbonise?

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

Linkage: The fundamental objective behind global shipping’s decarbonization efforts is to reduce the level of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to combat global warming. The shift to green fuels like green ammonia and e-methanol by the shipping industry represents a crucial “control measure” aimed at achieving this objective.

Mentor’s Comment: India is positioning itself as a global hub for green marine fuels like green methanol and green ammonia, aligning with global shipping’s decarbonisation goals by 2040–2050. With strong policy support, India is accelerating electrolyser manufacturing, advancing carbon capture technologies, and reviving its shipbuilding sector. By promoting green fuel exports, the country aims to seize a strategic opportunity in the global transition to clean energy and assert its maritime leadership in the emerging green shipping economy.

Today’s editorial analyses the green fuels in shipping decarbonisation. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Recently, Global shipping is moving towards reducing carbon emissions by 2040–2050, which offers a major opportunity for India. Currently, most merchant ships run on fuels like Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), diesel, and liquefied methane gas.

What are green fuels?

Green fuels are derived from green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind). Green ammonia is created by combining green hydrogen and nitrogen.
Green methanol is produced from green hydrogen and CO₂ (captured from industrial sources). These fuels are carbon-neutral or low-carbon alternatives to conventional shipping fuels like VLSFO or LNG.

How do green fuels aid in shipping decarbonisation?

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Green fuels like green methanol and green ammonia significantly reduce or eliminate CO₂ and GHG emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels such as VLSFO and LNG. Eg: Green methanol emits about 10% of CO₂ compared to VLSFO, while green ammonia emits virtually zero greenhouse gases.
Compatibility with Existing Systems (for Transition): Green methanol is a suitable transitional fuel requiring minimal retrofitting of existing ship engines, supporting a smooth shift from fossil fuels. Eg: Over 360 methanol-capable ships are already in service or on order, including by global giants like Maersk and CMA CGM.
Enables Compliance with Future Emission Norms: Adoption of green fuels ensures alignment with global decarbonisation goals and helps meet emission standards set for 2040–2050 by international maritime bodies. Eg: India’s initiative to build green fuel hubs at Tuticorin and Kandla supports compliance with IMO’s emission targets.

How can India become a global hub for marine green fuel production?

Utilising Coastal Industrial Clusters for Integrated Green Fuel Zones: India can leverage existing coastal industrial zones to integrate green fuel production with port logistics, reducing supply chain costs and boosting efficiency. Eg: The Mumbai–Pune industrial corridor near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port can be developed into a green methanol hub with co-located renewable energy, CO₂ sources, and export terminals.
Exporting Green Fuels Through Strategic Trade Partnerships: By forging long-term green energy export agreements with fuel-deficit countries, India can secure demand and scale up production. Eg: A partnership with the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime initiative could enable India to export green methanol to European ports aiming for carbon-neutral shipping.
Establishing Research and Innovation Centers in Maritime States: Setting up marine green fuel R&D centres in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, or Odisha can drive innovation in fuel production, storage, and engine retrofits. Eg: A dedicated Marine Energy Innovation Park in Visakhapatnam could support pilot projects for green ammonia engines and advanced electrolyser technology.

What are the challenges?

High Capital Costs and Infrastructure Requirements: Transitioning to green fuels requires significant investments in retrofitting ships, building new vessels, and developing bunkering infrastructure. Eg: Installing methanol-compatible systems or ammonia handling setups onboard involves major design changes and safety adaptations, slowing adoption.
Limited Availability and High Price of Green Fuels: Green fuels like e-methanol and green ammonia are still expensive and scarce due to high renewable electricity costsand limited production capacity. Eg: In February, e-methanol cost $1,950/tonne in Singapore, compared to $560/tonne for VLSFO, making the shift economically difficult.

What are the policy and financial tools that are key to scaling green methanol in India?

Sovereign Guarantees and Off-take Assurance: Government-backed sovereign guarantees reduce investment risks and enable access to low-cost international finance, while off-take agreements ensure steady demand, improving project bankability.
Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) and Domestic Manufacturing Support: PLI schemes for electrolyser manufacturing help reduce import dependence, lower production costs, and localise the green fuel value chain.
Carbon Capture and CCUS Incentives: Policy incentives for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) make it viable to obtain CO₂ from industrial sources, which is essential for green methanol production using green hydrogen.

In what ways can green fuel shipbuilding boost India’s maritime sector?

Revival of Domestic Shipyards through High-Value Orders: Building green fuel-compatible ships can generate consistent demand for Indian shipyards, modernising infrastructure and creating skilled employment. Eg: Reviving the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Andhra Pradesh with contracts for green ferries and coastal cargo vessels can reinvigorate domestic shipbuilding.
Enhancing India’s Global Ship Export Potential: Developing expertise in green shipbuilding can position India as an exporter of eco-friendly vessels to emerging markets transitioning to low-emission fleets. Eg: India can export hybrid-electric and green methanol-compatible vessels to island nations in the Indian Ocean and Africa implementing IMO emission norms.
Strengthening India’s Role in the Green Maritime Supply Chain: Green shipbuilding can attract global OEMs and technology partners, integrating India into the international green maritime supply chain. Eg: Setting up a Green Marine Innovation Cluster in Kochi with global collaboration could turn the region into a hub for next-gen ship components and propulsion systems.

Case study:

Denmark – Green Methanol Leadership: Denmark, through Maersk, is leading the global shift to green methanol-powered shipping, with multiple vessels ordered and partnerships for fuel production. Government support and private sector collaboration have positioned Denmark as a model for green shipping innovation and sustainable maritime infrastructure.

Japan – Advancing Green Ammonia Shipping: Japan is pioneering green ammonia as a marine fuel with state-backed funding, R&D, and prototype vessels under companies like NYK Line. Its investments in ammonia bunkering infrastructure and domestic shipbuilding are helping build a complete green maritime ecosystem.

Way forward:

Develop Integrated Green Maritime Ecosystems: India should establish green fuel production, bunkering, and shipbuilding hubs along key coastal regions by combining policy incentives, infrastructure investment, and private sector participation.
Leverage Financial Tools and Global Partnerships: Use sovereign guarantees, PLI schemes, and international green financing to scale up green methanol projects, while forging strategic trade and technology alliances with global maritime leaders.

July 16, 2025

Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)

Why in the News?

The Assam Forest Department is conducting DNA profiling of 2,500 rhino horns using the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) to aid wildlife forensics and curb illegal trade.

What is Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)?

Overview: It is a wildlife forensic tool designed to combat rhino poaching through DNA profiling.
Development: It was originally developed by South Africa and later adapted for use in India.
Working: The system helps build a genetic database of individual rhinos by collecting DNA from horns, tissues, dung, or blood samples.
Utility: Each rhino has a unique DNA profile, making it possible to match confiscated horns with individual animals or poaching locations.
Implementing Agency: In India, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is responsible for RhODIS genetic analysis under the RhODIS India program.
Applications of RhODIS: The system plays a vital role in linking seized rhino horns to poaching incidents, providing admissible forensic evidence in court cases, tracking illegal wildlife trade routes and criminal networks, and monitoring genetic diversity and population health over time.

About One-Horned Rhinoceros:

Overview: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a herbivorous megafauna species native to the Indian subcontinent.
Distinctive Features: It is also called the Indian rhinoceros and is characterized by its single black horn and thick, armor-like skin.
Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, in Appendix I of CITES, and under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
Major Habitats in India: Its primary habitats include Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang National Parks in Assam; Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks in West Bengal; and the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
Population Growth: Its has increased from around 1,500 in the 1980s to over 4,000 in 2024, with Assam alone holding 80% of the global population. Kaziranga National Park houses the largest population, with 2,613 rhinos as per 2022 data.
Primary Threats: Major threats include poaching for horns driven by illegal wildlife trade and false beliefs about medicinal value, as well as habitat degradation due to floods, encroachment, and climate change.
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (Project Rhino): It was launched in 2005, aimed to spread the rhino population across seven protected areas.

[UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.

2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.

3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

July 16, 2025

New butterfly species Zographetus mathewi found in Western Ghats

Why in the News?

A team of Indian conservationists has identified a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, in the biologically rich Western Ghats.

About Zographetus mathewi

Overview: Zographetus mathewi is a newly identified species of skipper butterfly.
Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the family Hesperiidae and the genus Zographetus Watson, 1893.
Distribution: This species is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, Western Ghats.
Genus: It is the 15th species in the Zographetus genus and the 5th recorded in India.
Publication and Naming: Published in the journal Entomon, the butterfly was named in honour of George Mathew, a noted Indian entomologist.

Key Features of Zographetus mathewi

Similarity with Other Species: It closely resembles Zographetus ogygia but differs in wing venation patterns and genitalia structure in both male and female butterflies.
Species Group Traits: It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species-group, which is known for swollen forewing veins in males as a secondary sexual trait, a distinct basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing, and yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.

[UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements :

I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.

II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.

III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III*

July 16, 2025

Smoke and Sulphur: On sulphur dioxide emissions, public health

Why in the News?

Recently the Environment Ministry of India has recently exempted most coal-fired power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, reversing its 2015 mandate. This move weakens efforts to control sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, a harmful air pollutant.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) system?

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are air pollution control technologies used in thermal power plants to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases (the exhaust emitted when coal or oil is burned).

Why has FGD installation been exempted for most coal plants?

Low Sulphur Content in Indian Coal: Indian coal contains naturally low sulphur, reducing the urgency to control SO₂ emissions. Eg: The expert committee stated that SO₂ levels near plants using Indian coal were already below permissible limits.
High Installation and Operational Costs: Installing FGD systems is capital-intensive and can increase electricity tariffs. Eg: Many private power producers cited cost constraints as a barrier to following the 2015 FGD mandate.
Limited Vendor Capacity in India: There is a shortage of FGD equipment suppliers, causing delays in implementation. Eg: From 2015–2024, only 8% of 600 units installed FGDs, primarily by NTPC (a public sector company).
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and delayed project execution timelines. Eg: The Environment Ministry cited COVID-related delays for missing 2024 FGD deadlines.
Scientific Reassessment of SO₂ Effects: New studies suggest sulphates formed from SO₂ may have a climate-cooling effect, weakening the urgency of emission controls. Eg: The Power Ministry argued that reducing sulphates could actually worsen global warming.

How does SO₂ affect health and air quality?

Respiratory Health Impacts: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) irritates the respiratory tract, causing issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and shortness of breath, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In Delhi, spikes in SO₂ levels have been linked to increased hospital visits for respiratory ailments during winter months.
Formation of Particulate Matter (PM2.5): SO₂ reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphate aerosols, a major component of PM2.5, which penetrates deep into lungs and contributes to air pollution. Industrial belts like Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh record high levels of particulate pollution, partly due to emissions from coal-fired plants.
Reduced Visibility and Environmental Damage: SO₂ contributes to acid rain and haze, damaging crops, soil, and water sources, and reducing visibility. Areas near thermal power plants, such as in Chhattisgarh, have reported acidic soil degradation, affecting agriculture.

What does selective FGD enforcement indicate about regulation?

Location-Based Policy Inconsistency: The decision to mandate FGD installation only near NCR and urban hotspots suggests that environmental regulations are being applied selectively, not based on uniform scientific standards, but geographical and political considerations.
Weak Enforcement and Shifting Priorities: Exempting most coal plants despite earlier commitments reflects regulatory dilution, raising concerns about policy backtracking and the government’s willingness to compromise on environmental health in favor of industrial or economic concerns.
Undermining Scientific Credibility and Public Trust: Ignoring the original mandate without robust public debate weakens trust in evidence-based regulation, indicating that scientific advisories are not consistently followed in policy implementation.

Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

Ensures Transparency and Accountability: Open public debate creates transparency, compelling policymakers to justify decisions and remain accountable to citizens.
Strengthens Scientific Rigor: Debate enables scientific scrutiny of environmental claims, ensuring that policy changes are based on credible evidenceand expert consultation.
Safeguards Public Health and Democratic Rights: Inclusive discussions protect public health and uphold democratic values by allowing citizens to voice concerns over pollution-related policies.

Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this market-based mechanism promotes energy efficiency in industries, indirectly reducing emissions.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, it aims for a 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024 (now extended), and addresses urban air pollution through sector-specific mitigation plans.
Retrofitting of Plants: Plants identified in pollution hotspots, those near NCR or million-plus cities, are required to install FGD by 2028, as per latest Environment Ministry directive.
Promotion of Renewable Energy and Ujjwala Yojana: Transition towards cleaner energy sources (solar, wind) and LPG distribution under Ujjwala Yojana has reduced reliance on coal and biomass, indirectly curbing SO₂ emissions.

Way forward:

Revise FGD Policy Through Transparent Public Consultation: Any change in environmental regulation, especially exemptions, must involve scientific review, public debate, and stakeholder consultations to ensure credibility and protect public health.
Strengthen Pollution Monitoring and Accountability: Enhance the real-time SO₂ monitoring network, enforce uniform emission standards, and link compliance with financial or operational incentives to promote cleaner technologies across all power plants.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2024] Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.

Linkage: The article talks about the Environment Ministry’s decision to exempt most coal-fired plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which is a significant government initiative related to an environmental issue (sulphur dioxide emissions) and its mitigation. This is a direct and comprehensive question about environmental issues and the government’s initiatives and mitigation measures.

July 14, 2025

Assessing India’s Carbon Credit trading scheme targets

Why in the News?

The Indian government recently set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity targets for key industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). These targets apply to eight major industries, including steel, cement, aluminium, and textiles, and aim to reduce emissions per unit of production.

What is CCTS?

The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) allows entities—such as factories, refineries, or power plants—that emit less than their permitted carbon limits to earn carbon credits. These credits can then be traded with other entities that have exceeded their emission limits.

What is the importance of assessing carbon targets at the economy-wide level?

Reflects true environmental impact: Evaluating targets at the economy-wide level ensures we understand the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is the ultimate goal of climate action.
Enables flexible compliance: It allows efficient entities to overachieve and trade credits with less efficient ones, reducing total emissions cost-effectively. Eg: In India’s PAT scheme, cement plants exceeding targets sold energy-saving certificates to aluminium units lagging behind.
Aligns with national commitments: It supports the evaluation of whether India is on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero targets, beyond fragmented sectoral views. Eg: India aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 – a goal only visible through economy-wide analysis.

What is the PAT Scheme?

The PAT Scheme sets energy efficiency targets for large, energy-intensive industries. Companies that exceed their targets earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which they can trade with other companies that fail to meet their targets.

How has the PAT scheme proven effective in reducing energy intensity?

Encouraged market-based efficiency: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme allowed industries to meet energy targets using tradable efficiency certificates, creating a cost-effective compliance mechanism.
Achieved aggregate reduction: Despite mixed results at the entity or sector level, overall energy intensity in India declined across PAT cycles, proving its system-wide impact. Eg: Between 2012–14, even as chlor-alkali sector’s intensity rose, combined data showed less energy used per unit of output.
Enabled flexible transition: PAT helped industries adopt incremental improvements or buy credits instead of making costly in-house upgrades, ensuring participation without economic strain. Eg: Aluminium units improved production processes, while others chose certificate trading to meet targets.

Why are entity-level targets insufficient to assess emission reduction?

Limited Scope of Impact: Targets at the entity level show progress in isolation and may miss the broader picture. For instance, even if some paper or chlor-alkali plants increase their energy use per unit of output, overall national emissions may still fall due to reductions in other sectors.
Focus on Transactions, Not Outcomes: These targets often guide financial trades between companies rather than ensuring actual emissions reduction. A steel plant may meet its target not by cutting emissions but by buying efficiency certificates from another unit.
Inconsistency Across Sectors: Emission reductions may vary widely across sectors. While cement and aluminium sectors may improve efficiency, others may lag. Solely relying on entity targets could misrepresent the real national decarbonisation progress.

What limits the comparison of CCTS targets with past and future benchmarks?

Mismatch in Scope: The CCTS targets apply only to a part of India’s industrial base, making it difficult to compare them with economy-wide goals like the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Eg. CCTS covers only 8 industrial sectors, while NDCs span all sectors including agriculture and transport.
Changing Baselines and Ambition Levels: Past schemes like PAT Cycle I had relatively modest targets. Comparing them with current CCTS goals may underestimate the urgency for stronger action aligned with net-zero by 2070. Eg. A sector that achieved 1% reduction earlier may now require over 2.5% annual reduction to stay on track.
Different Indicators Used: Past targets often focused on energy intensity, while future goals (like NDCs) emphasise emissions intensity per GDP or value added, making direct comparison methodologically inconsistent. Eg. Comparing energy saved per unit of production vs emissions per unit of GDP distorts true climate ambition.

How do CCTS targets align with India’s NDC and net-zero goals?

Partial Alignment with Emission Intensity Reduction: The CCTS targets aim to reduce emissions intensity in key industrial sectors, contributing to India’s NDC goal of reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). However, the annual reduction rateof ~1.68% in CCTS sectors is lower than the required pace for full alignment.
Lag Behind Power Sector Decarbonisation: Compared to the power sector, which has low-cost mitigation options and a projected 3.44% annual decline in emissions intensity, the industrial sector’s slower pace (~2.53%) under CCTS may hinder the broader net-zero pathway.
Need for Greater Sectoral Ambition: The current CCTS trajectory appears less aggressive than necessary for the 2070 net-zero target. Without scaling upambition across more sectors and tightening targets, CCTS alone cannot ensure full alignment with India’s long-term climate goals.

Way forward:

Enhance Sectoral Ambition with Dynamic Targeting: Revise CCTS targets periodically based on economy-wide modelling aligned with India’s NDC and net-zero goals, ensuring progressively stringent emission intensity reductions across all major industrial sectors.
Integrate Technology and Incentives: Promote adoption of clean technologies through financial incentives, carbon pricing, and capacity-building support to enable industries to decarbonize efficiently without compromising growth.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2014] Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.

Linkage: The article talks about the concept of “carbon credit,” which is a fundamental component of carbon trading schemes, including India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) which is related to the demand of the question.

July 14, 2025

Specie in news: Lion-Tailed Macaque

Why in the News?

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.

About Lion-Tailed Macaque:

Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
Habitat and Behaviour
- Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
- Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
- Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
- Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
Behaviour:
- Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
- Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
- Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
Conservation Status:

- IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Population and Conservation Efforts:

- Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
- Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
Ecological Importance:
- Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
- Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

July 14, 2025