Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

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

  • Arctic Tundra is emitting more Carbon than it absorbs: NOAA

    Why in the News?

    • The Arctic Tundra, a frozen treeless biome, has traditionally served as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon for thousands of years.
      • However, recent changes in this ecosystem are turning it into a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    What is Arctic Tundra?

    • Arctic Tundra is cold, treeless biome located in the northernmost regions of Earth, primarily within the Arctic Circle.
    • Climate:
      • Experiences long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
      • Temperatures range from -28°C in winter to 3°C in summer.
      • Ground is permanently frozen, restricting plant root growth and shaping the ecosystem.
      • Experiences 24-hour daylight in summer and long polar nights in winter.
    • Biodiversity and Vegetation:
      • Limited to low-growing vegetation like mosses, lichens, grasses, and small shrubs, adapted to short growing seasons.
      • Hosts animals like Arctic foxes, polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds, though overall biodiversity is low.
    • Adaptations:
      • Animals: Thick fur and fat layers in species like polar bears to survive extreme cold.
      • Plants: Shallow roots for quick nutrient absorption during short summers.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders. The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

    (a) African Savanna

    (b) Central Asian Steppe

    (c) North American Prairie

    (d) Siberian Tundra

  • Green hydrogen and the financing challenge

    Why in the news?

    India aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 to lead in the sector and reduce emissions, but the high costs of financing may hinder this goal.

    Hydrogen fuel comes in three types:

    • Grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas), Blue hydrogen (Grey hydrogen with carbon capture), and Green hydrogen (produced using renewable energy through electrolysis, with no emissions).

    What are the key financial barriers to scaling green hydrogen production?

    • High Production Costs: The cost of producing green hydrogen is significantly higher ($5.30-$6.70 per kg) compared to traditional grey/blue hydrogen ($1.9-$2.4 per kg). This price disparity makes green hydrogen economically uncompetitive and deters investment and offtake.
    • High Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC): In emerging markets like India, higher perceived risks increase borrowing costs. This results in a high WACC, which heavily influences the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and the overall cost of green hydrogen production.
    • High Electrolyzer Costs: The current costs of electrolyzers, ranging from $500-1,400/kW for alkaline and $1,100-1,800/kW for proton exchange membrane systems, further strain the financial viability of green hydrogen projects.
    • Scaling Challenge: Green hydrogen production costs can only decrease with scaled production, but scaling up requires financial viability. The market faces a catch-22 situation: without economies of scale, production remains expensive, and without lowering costs, scaling is unfeasible.

    How can innovative financing mechanisms be developed?

    • Blended Finance Models: Combining public and private capital can help lower risks and make investments in green hydrogen more attractive. Government-backed financial instruments or concessional loans can reduce borrowing costs, lowering WACC.
    • Green Bonds and Climate Financing: The issuance of green bonds to raise capital for renewable energy projects can provide long-term funding at lower costs. These bonds can appeal to investors with an interest in sustainable investments.
    • Private-Public Partnerships (PPP): Collaborations between government and private sectors can help mitigate risks and ensure the financing of green hydrogen projects. To attract private investors, governments can provide financial support through incentives, subsidies, or tax breaks.
    • Carbon Credits and Offtake Agreements: Green hydrogen projects could leverage carbon credits or long-term offtake agreements to secure steady revenue streams, which would increase investor confidence and help finance production scale-up.

    What role do policy frameworks play in facilitating investment in green hydrogen?

    • Incentives and Subsidies: Government policies offering subsidies, tax incentives, or feed-in tariffs can help offset the high initial costs of green hydrogen production and encourage private investment.
    • Long-Term Policy Clarity: Clear, stable, and long-term policy frameworks provide certainty to investors, reducing perceived risks and lowering the cost of capital. Such policies could include long-term targets for green hydrogen production, financing support, and infrastructure development.
    • Regulatory Support for Innovation: Governments can encourage innovation by providing regulatory frameworks that support new technologies, such as electrolyzers and advanced hydrogen storage solutions, ensuring the rapid scaling of green hydrogen.
    • Market Creation and Demand-Driven Initiatives: Policies that create demand for green hydrogen, such as mandatory usage targets for industries like steel, transportation, or chemicals, can drive off-take agreements and ensure market stability.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

  • Olive Ridley Turtles

    Why in the News?

    Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles have been found along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season, raising concerns about their conservation.

    About Olive Ridley Turtles:

    Details
    • Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace.
    • They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
    • Unique mass nesting behavior (Arribada), where thousands of females lay eggs in synchronized waves on the same beach.
    Their Habitat and Protection Status
    • Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
    • Largest rookery (breeding colony) is at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha, India.
    • Other major nesting sites include Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981) and Rushikulya river mouth (discovered in 1994).
    • Protection Status:
    1. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    2. CITES: Appendix I (No international trade)
    3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest level of protection)
    Conservation Efforts
    • Project Olivia by Indian Coastguard to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, especially after the Gahirmatha rookery recognition.
    • Legal protections and environmental regulations safeguard nesting sites and prevent poaching.
    • Olive Ridley Protection Program ensures the safety of nests and hatchlings.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile

    (b) Olive ridley turtle

    (c) Gangetic dolphin

    (d) Gharial

  • [pib] Import of Hazardous Waste

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has provided details of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to the Lok Sabha.

    About Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016:

    Details Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Objective: Ensure safe storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes, minimizing harm to the environment and human health.
    Features of the Rules Import Regulations:

    1. Import of hazardous waste listed in Part A of Schedule III is permitted for recycling, recovery, reuse, and co-processing.
    2. Import for disposal is strictly prohibited in India.
    3. Import is allowed only for actual users (industries) with permission from MoEF&CC and a license from DGFT.

    Illegal Imports:

    1. Any import of hazardous waste without prior permission from MoEF&CC is illegal.
    2. Legal action can be taken under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 or the Customs Act, 1962.
    3. Ports and Customs Authorities are responsible for monitoring and taking action against illegal imports.

    Import/Export of Waste:

    1. No hazardous waste can be imported for final disposal into India.
    2. The rules specify procedures for importing and exporting hazardous waste.
    3. Exemptions are made for the export of silk waste and defective electrical/electronic components.

    Wastes Prohibited for Import:

    1. Waste edible fats and oils (animal/vegetable origin)
    2. Household waste
    3. Critical care medical equipment
    4. Tyres for direct re-use
    5. Plastic waste, including PET bottles
    6. Electrical and electronic scrap
    7. Other chemical wastes, especially in solvent form

    Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities:

    1. The rules provide clear directions on how treatment, storage, and disposal facilities should be established.
    2. SPCBs must approve layout of these facilities.
    Powers and Functions of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
    • Duties Assigned to State Governments: Allocate space for recycling and pre-processing of hazardous waste, and implement skill development activities for worker safety.
    • Annual Reports: State governments must submit reports on hazardous waste management to MoEFCC. SPCBs must submit an annual inventory of hazardous waste management activities to ensure compliance
    • Monitoring and Compliance: SPCBs monitor adherence to rules and take action against violations.
    • Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities: SPCBs approve and monitor facilities for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

    (a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

    (b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

    (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

    (d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

  • [pib] Green Cover around Coalfields

    Why in the News?

    Coal & Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have implemented various innovative plantation techniques in addition to traditional methods to increase green cover in and around coalfields.

    Achievements in Green Cover Creation:

    • Coal & Lignite PSUs have successfully created green cover on 10,942 hectares of land as part of their plantation and bio-reclamation efforts over the last 5 years.
    • The efforts are primarily focused on coal and lignite mining areas and surrounding regions.

    Guidelines and EC Conditions

    • The MoEF&CC sets out specific and general conditions for plantation in the Environmental Clearance (EC) of coal mining projects.
    • Plantations are carried out on:
      • Reclaimed degraded forest areas
      • Non-forest lands and overburden dumps to ensure proper reclamation and regeneration of green cover.
    • Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, 16 Eco-parks/Mine Tourism sites have been established over the last 5 years.
    • These sites aim to:
      • Promote environmental regeneration
      • Encourage tourism and recreational activities in coal mining areas, boosting local economies and raising environmental awareness.

    Innovative techniques for enhancing Green Cover around Coalfields

    • Three-tier plantation: A method involving planting different species at varying heights to create a layered canopy for enhanced biodiversity.
    • Seed ball plantation: Seeds are encased in soil and compost balls and thrown in barren or degraded areas to promote natural growth.
    • Miyawaki plantation: A high-density plantation technique aimed at creating a dense, self-sustaining forest in a shorter period.
    • High-tech cultivation: Utilizing modern agricultural techniques for efficient plantation and maintenance.
    • Bamboo plantation: Focusing on bamboo as a fast-growing and environmentally beneficial plant for reclamation.
    • Drip irrigation on overburden dumps: Use of efficient water management systems to promote plantation on areas like overburden dumps.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
    2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • First Ice-Free day in the Arctic could come by 2030: Study

    Why in the News?

    A recent study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—where sea ice falls below one million square kilometres—by 2030, or even sooner.

    Key Highlights of the Study

    • First Ice-Free Day Prediction: The study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day (less than one million square kilometres of sea ice) by 2030, or even sooner, depending on climatic conditions.
    • Simulations and Models:
      • 11 different climate models were used to run 366 simulations from 2023 to 2100 to assess the future of Arctic sea ice.
      • Most simulations predict the ice-free day within 7 to 20 years, with some models suggesting it could happen as early as September 2027.
    • Conditions for Ice-Free Day: The occurrence of an ice-free day will depend on a combination of unusually warm seasons and stormy weather, which accelerates the melting of the sea ice.
    • Impact on Sea Ice: Once the first ice-free day occurs, it could be followed by an ice-free period lasting between 11 to 53 days, potentially leading to the first ice-free month.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    Why does it matter?

    • Climate Change Acceleration: The loss of sea ice will amplify the Albedo effect, causing the Arctic region to absorb more sunlight and heat, which will accelerate global warming and trigger extreme weather events in mid-latitudes.
    • Rising Sea Levels: The loss of Arctic ice contributes to sea level rise, with potential long-term impacts on coastal populations and ecosystems, particularly if the Greenland ice sheet melts completely, which could raise sea levels by 6 meters.
    • Ecosystem and Species Impact: The melting of sea ice will threaten species that rely on the ice for habitat, such as polar bears, walruses, and reindeer, disrupting the Arctic food chain.
    • Human and Infrastructure Threats: Arctic communities and their infrastructure are at risk as the region warms at four times the global average, threatening the livelihoods of people living in these areas.

    Back2Basics: Albedo Effect

    arctic albedo

    • It refers to the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface.
    • It is expressed as a percentage; a surface with a high albedo reflects more sunlight, while a surface with a low albedo absorbs more.
    • Light-colored surfaces like ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight, whereas dark surfaces like oceans and forests have low albedo, absorbing more heat.

     

    PYQ:

    [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.

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
    (c) all the solar radiations
    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

  • Beijing’s War Against Air Pollution

    Why in the News?

    In 2015, Beijing had an annual average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 in 2024. However, Beijing has since achieved a one-third reduction in its pollution levels, with the most notable decline occurring between 2013 and 2017.

    Why discuss Beijing in the context of Delhi?

    The comparison between Beijing and Delhi is significant due to their shared status as capitals of emerging economies facing severe air pollution challenges.  

    • Similar Pollution Levels: In 2015, Beijing had an average AQI of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 for 2024. This similarity highlights the potential for improvement in Delhi, as Beijing has successfully reduced its pollution levels significantly since then.

    • Common Sources of Pollution: Both cities experience high pollution from similar sources, including vehicular emissions, coal combustion, and industrial activities. The regional contributions to air quality issues are also significant in both cases, particularly during winter months.
    • Need for Collective Action: Just as Beijing required a coordinated effort across its region to combat pollution, Delhi must engage neighboring areas in a collective strategy to effectively address its air quality crisis.

    What did Beijing do and how did it achieve it?

    • Phased and Strategic Planning: Implemented a 20-year anti-pollution programme in three phases (1998-2017) with local government autonomy and public participation to ensure gradual and sustainable progress.
      • 1998-2008: Initial groundwork.
      • 2009-2012: Strengthening regulations.
      • 2013-2017: Aggressive measures termed the “war against air pollution.
    • Energy Sector Transition: Shifted from coal to cleaner energy by renovating power plants, eliminating coal boilers, and replacing residential coal heating, reducing major emissions.
    • Transportation Reforms: Upgraded public transport infrastructure, introduced emission controls in vehicles, and phased out polluting vehicles with subsidies, reducing transportation-based pollutants.
    • Regional Collaboration and Investment: Partnered with five neighboring provinces for coordinated pollution control and increased financial investment sixfold to implement targeted measures effectively.

    • Financial Investment: A sixfold increase in investment over four years supported these initiatives, allowing for significant infrastructure improvements and regulatory enforcement.

    As a result of these efforts, major pollutants like sulfur dioxide and PM2.5 saw significant reductions (e.g., PM2.5 decreased by 59% between 2013-2017).

     

    What can Delhi learn from the Beijing experience?

    • Integrated Public Transport System: Establishing an efficient bus-metro system to reduce reliance on private vehicles is essential. Upgrading the bus fleet and enhancing last-mile connectivity can significantly improve public transport accessibility.
    • Energy Transition: Similar to Beijing’s shift away from coal, Delhi should diversify its energy sources by promoting renewable energy options like solar power while reducing dependence on coal-fired plants.
    • Regional Coordination: Pollution control efforts should extend beyond city limits to include neighboring regions, fostering collaboration similar to Beijing’s regional initiatives.
    • Public Advocacy for Clean Air: Encouraging citizen engagement in demanding accountability from the government can build political will for implementing necessary changes.
    • Political Will and Consistency: Addressing air pollution requires sustained political commitment and a long-term action plan rather than ad hoc measures that fail to tackle root causes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Policy Implementation and Regional Collaboration: Formulate and enforce a comprehensive, long-term pollution control policy with coordinated efforts involving Delhi and its neighboring states to address regional pollution sources effectively.
    • Promote Sustainable Infrastructure and Public Engagement: Invest in renewable energy, green public transport, and urban planning while fostering public participation and advocacy for clean air to ensure accountability and sustained progress.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Climate impact of exploring space passing below the radar

    Why in the News?

    The growing reliance on space technologies for climate monitoring highlights urgent environmental concerns, including orbital debris and system interference, necessitating swift international regulations to ensure sustainable space exploration practices.

    How do Rockets affect the environment?

    • Emissions from Launches: Every rocket launch releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere. Black carbon is particularly concerning as it absorbs sunlight much more effectively than carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming.
    • Ozone Layer Depletion: Rocket propellants, especially those containing chlorine-based chemicals, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer at high altitudes. This increases ground-level exposure to ultraviolet radiation and disrupts atmospheric circulation, negatively impacting global climate.
    • Satellite Ash: When satellites re-enter the atmosphere at the end of their missions, they burn up and release metallic ash into the middle layers of the atmosphere, which can harm the atmosphere and potentially alter climate patterns.
    • Manufacturing Footprint: The production of satellites involves energy-intensive processes that have large carbon footprints due to the extraction and processing of metals and composite materials.
    • Space Mining Potential: Future activities such as space mining could lead to increased industrial activity both in space and on Earth, further contributing to environmental impacts.

    What are the Barriers to space sustainability?

    • Lack of Regulation: Current space activities operate outside international sustainability frameworks like the Paris Agreement. There are no clear guidelines for emissions from rockets and satellites, allowing unchecked growth that contributes to global warming.
    • Overcrowding in Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The increasing number of satellites and debris threatens to overcrowd LEO, making future missions more expensive and complicating access to space as a shared resource.
    • Need for International Cooperation: Effective regulation requires collaboration through international bodies like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) to create enforceable standards for emissions and debris management.
    • Outdated Treaties: Existing frameworks such as the Outer Space Treaty lack binding provisions that address environmental impacts, limiting their effectiveness in promoting responsible space use.

    What would be the innovative solutions?

    • Reusable Rockets: Developing reusable rockets can significantly reduce manufacturing waste and lower costs by allowing components to be used in multiple missions. However, these rockets may be heavier, increasing fuel consumption, and require costly refurbishments.
    • Cleaner Fuels: Transitioning to cleaner fuels such as liquid hydrogen or biofuels can minimize harmful emissions during launches. However, current hydrogen production methods often rely on non-renewable energy sources, undermining its environmental benefits.
    • Biodegradable Satellites: Designing satellites with biodegradable materials that disintegrate upon re-entry could help prevent long-term debris accumulation. However, these materials currently lack durability for space conditions and face high development costs.
    • Autonomous Debris Removal (ADR): Technologies like robotic arms and laser systems show promise for cleaning up orbital debris but require significant investment and legal clarity before implementation.
    • Global Traffic Monitoring System: Establishing a real-time monitoring system for satellites and debris could reduce collision risks and optimize orbital use. However, data-sharing concerns due to security and commercial interests hinder its development.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish Binding International Frameworks: Governments should collaborate through COPUOS and other international platforms to create enforceable regulations for emissions, debris mitigation, and sustainable practices in space exploration.
    • Promote Innovation Through Incentives: Public and private entities should prioritize funding for green technologies, such as cleaner fuels, biodegradable satellites, and debris removal systems. Financial incentives like subsidies, tax benefits, or penalties can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the space sector.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?  (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Egyptian Cotton Leafworm (A Moth Species)

    Why in the News?

    A moth species called Egyptian cotton leafworm can hear sounds emitted by stressed plants, a study confirmed.

    About the Egyptian Cotton Leafworm

    Details
    • Scientific name: Spodoptera littoralis.
    • Polyphagous pest affecting crops like cotton, tomatoes, maize, tobacco, and peppers.
    • Found across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia.
    • The moth has been spreading to new areas due to climate change.
    • Larvae damage crops by feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers, reducing crop yield and quality.
    Findings of the Study
    • Female moths use plant acoustic emissions (sound clicks) to decide where to lay eggs.
    • These sounds, undetectable to humans, help the moths identify healthier, hydrated plants for egg-laying.
    • Moths avoid stressed, dehydrated plants that produce stress-related sounds.
    Impact on Agriculture
    • Harmful in cotton-growing regions.
    • Larvae cause significant damage to a variety of crops, particularly cotton, tomatoes, and tobacco, impacting the quality and quantity of the produce.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following statements is / are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?

    1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.

    2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.

    3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Eurasian Little Gull spotted in Delhi for first time

    Why in the News?

    For the first time, the Eurasian Little Gull was spotted in the National Capital Region (NCR) near Sultanpur National Park at Chandu.

    About the Eurasian Little Gull:

    Details
    Overview and Physical Characteristics
    • Scientific Name: Larus minutus
    • Common Name: Eurasian Little Gull
    • Size: 30-33 cm in length, wingspan 75-85 cm; Weight: 70–150 grams
    Habitat and Features
    • Breeding Habitat: Marshy wetlands, shallow freshwater lakes, and estuaries in Northern Eurasia (Russia, Eastern Europe).
    • Winter Migration: Offshore waters, coastal areas, and estuaries around the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea.
    • Migratory Pattern: Migrations from northern breeding grounds to warmer regions in winter.
    Conservation Status
    • Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
    • Rare sightings of the species in India, particularly inland regions like NCR.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are-

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians