The Western Ghats’ king cobra, commonly called ‘Kalinga Sarpa’, will soon be recognized in the scientific community as Ophiophagus kaalinga.
AboutKaalinga (Ophiophagus kaalinga):
Details
Geographical Location
• Native to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, and extends to adjacent regions within the Western Ghats.
• Prefers dense tropical forests and hilly terrains.
Physical Features
• Can grow up to 10-12 feet.
• Carnivorous, feeding on snakes, small mammals, and lizards.
• Potent neurotoxic venom capable of killing several humans or an elephant in a single bite.
Uniqueness
• Known for territorial behaviour and intelligence.
• Females build and fiercely guard nests (4 ft x 3 ft) with 23-43 eggs per clutch.
Conservation Status
• At risk due to habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, and the absence of specific anti-venom.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
WPA, 1972:Schedule II (accorded protection but with lesser restrictions compared to Schedule I)
PYQ:
[2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold-blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will boost climate-related lending by up to $7.2 billion following an agreement by the United States and Japan to provide risk guarantees for some existing loans.
This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
About
ADB was founded in 1966 following the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East.
Headquarters: Located in Manila, Philippines.
Status: Official UN Observer.
Aims and Objectives
Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific region.
Provide Program Assistance that provides loans (hard/soft), technical assistance, and grants.
Enhances effectiveness through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing to mobilize additional financial resources.
Goals and Targets
ADB raises funds primarily through bond issues on global capital markets.
The ADB has set a climate finance target of $100 billion from 2019 to 2030. The U.S. will guarantee $1 billion of existing ADB loans, while Japan will underwrite $600 million.
Advantages of the Guarantee Structure:
Expands ADB’s lending capacity.
Lending space will be used over 5 years, while the guarantees will last for 25 years.
Example: A sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Pakistan using cooking oil, with ADB covering about half of the $90 million cost.
Membership
Total Members: 67 countries, with 48 from Asia and the Pacific.
Membership Eligibility: Includes members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
Major Shareholders: Japan and the United States (Each hold 15.607% of shares), China ( 6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
With Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. and ongoing conflicts in West Asia, India faces a significant challenge at COP29: it must reduce carbon emissions fairly, sustain economic growth, and attract climate funding for essential investments.
Primary Challenges Facing India’s Renewable Energy Transition
Policy Instability: Frequent changes in policies create uncertainty for investors, hindering long-term planning and investment in renewable energy projects.
Financial Constraints: India requires substantial investment—estimated at about $10 trillion by 2070—for its energy transition, yet access to affordable financing remains a significant barrier.
Infrastructure Limitations: The existing energy infrastructure is often inadequate to support the rapid deployment of renewable technologies, particularly in rural areas where access to clean energy is limited.
Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Coal remains a dominant source of energy, accounting for approximately 73% of total power generation. This reliance complicates the shift towards renewables.
Geographical Disparities: There are uneven resources and infrastructure across regions, affecting the adoption and efficiency of renewable technologies.
Environmental and Social Concerns: Rapid expansion of renewable energy can lead to land use conflicts, impacting agriculture and local ecosystems. Additionally, there are concerns about job losses in traditional energy sectors during the transition.
How India Can Secure Financing for Its Green Transition?
International Collaboration: Engaging with global partners through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance can attract foreign investments and technology transfers.
Innovative Financing Models: Implementing operational expenditure (opex) models rather than capital expenditure (capex) can lower upfront costs for consumers. For example, community solar projects can allow shared ownership and reduce individual financial burdens.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging collaborations between government entities and private investors can mobilize resources for large-scale renewable projects while sharing risks.
Targeted Subsidies: Redirecting subsidies from fossil fuels to clean energy technologies can create a more favorable financial environment for renewable investments. This includes enhancing support for green technologies through tax incentives and grants.
Strategies That Can Be Implemented (Way Forward)
Decentralized Energy Systems: Promoting distributed renewable energy sources (like rooftop solar) can empower local communities and reduce dependence on centralized power systems. Innovative business models such as community solar can enhance accessibility.
Digital Integration: Leveraging digital technologies to manage energy distribution more efficiently can optimize resource use and enhance system resilience. Investments in smart meters and AI-driven energy management systems are essential.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Developing a circular economy framework for managing waste from renewable technologies can improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. This includes recycling materials from solar panels and batteries.
Focus on Supply Chains: Positioning India within global clean energy supply chains rather than adopting protectionist policies can enhance competitiveness and attract investments. Collaborating with other countries on technology development is crucial.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating consumers about the benefits of renewable technologies and encouraging adoption through financial incentives can drive demand for green solutions
Mains PYQ:
Q 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. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Savanna elephants have experienced a significant population decline of around 70% across surveyed sites, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
Decline in African Elephants Population
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.
Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.
The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.
Features of African Elephants:
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
They are divided into savanna (bush) elephants (larger, with bigger tusks and open grassland habitat) and forest elephants (smaller, with straighter tusks and dense forest habitats).
Highly intelligent, African elephants display memory, empathy, and intricate social bonds within herds.
The study of Corpse Flower’s (Amorphophallus titanum) heat generation and odor emission has revealed how it attracts pollinators through unique adaptations for reproduction.
About theCorpse Flower (Titan Arum):
Details
Scientific Name
Amorphophallus titanum
Habitat
Rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia
Features
Grows up to 10-12 feet in height.
Blooms once every 5-10 years; bloom lasts 24-48 hours.
Carrion-feeding insects (flies, beetles) are attracted by smell and heat.
Strong smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators;
Smells like cheese, garlic, decaying fish, sweaty socks, and feces
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative in New Delhi.
What is the primary aim of the Animal Health Security Project?
The Animal Health Security Project aims to strengthen India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, reducing zoonotic disease risks through enhanced surveillance, laboratory systems, and regional collaboration.
What are the objectives of the Animal Health Security Project?
Prevention, Detection, and Response: Enhance India’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, minimizing risks of pathogens transmitting from animals to humans.
Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve and integrate animal disease surveillance and early warning systems to promptly identify potential threats.
Laboratory and Vaccine Infrastructure: Upgrade and expand laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities to ensure preparedness.
Data Systems and Analytics: Strengthen interoperable data systems and analytics capabilities to support informed decision-making and risk communication.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation for transboundary animal disease control through cross-border collaborations.
How is the project funded and what is its timeline?
The project is funded by the Pandemic Fund established by the G20 countries, which aims to help low- and middle-income countries improve their pandemic preparedness.
The fund’s first round raised $2 billion, and India’s project received a $25 million grant.
The project will be implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Timeline: Expected to conclude by August 2026.
Why is this project necessary for India?
Zoonotic Disease Threat: About two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic (transmitted from animals), with recent examples including COVID-19. India’s large population of 536 million livestock makes it vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks.
Public Health Impact: With five of the six major global public health emergencies in recent decades being zoonotic, the project is crucial for India’s pandemic prevention and public health security.
Vulnerable Population Protection: By addressing animal health threats, the project aims to protect the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations reliant on livestock.
Way forward:
Strengthen Coordination Across Sectors: Enhance collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental sectors to create an integrated response to zoonotic threats, ensuring swift data sharing and response mechanisms.
Sustain Capacity Building and Infrastructure Investments: Ensure continued investment in laboratory networks, vaccine production, and training to maintain preparedness, and bolster resilience against emerging animal-to-human diseases beyond the project’s timeline.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment:The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a region in southern India, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, it faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.
Today’s editorial explores the pressing issues surrounding the Nilgiris as a shared wilderness, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Experts at a recent conference emphasized the urgent need for community involvement in restoration efforts within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
They highlighted threats such as invasive species, unregulated tourism, and land use changes that have disrupted the ecological balance.
About the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR):
• Located in the Western Ghats of southern India, it is a critical ecological zone renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. • Established in 1986, it was the first biosphere reserve in India and is recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. • The NBR spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, making it a significant area for conservation efforts.
Significance: • The diverse vegetation types, ranging from tropical evergreen forests to montane sholas and grasslands, contribute to the region’s ecological richness. • It supports many endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. • The region’s forests are crucial for watershed management, helping to regulate water flow and maintain water quality for millions of people living downstream. • The forests within the NBR act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change effects.
What are the ecological challenges facing the Nilgiris?
Habitat Loss: Non-native plants like Lantana and Eucalyptus are taking over, outcompeting local flora and harming wildlife habitats.
Urbanization and agricultural expansion (like tea and coffee plantations) are destroying natural landscapes, leading to fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
Climate Change: Altered weather patterns are affecting plant and animal distributions, causing shifts in biodiversity and increasing soil erosion.
Unregulated Tourism: Increased tourist activity is causing littering and habitat disturbance, putting pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
As humans expand into wildlife areas, Human-animal conflicts arise, especially with elephants raiding crops, leading to retaliatory actions.
Illegal Activities: Poaching and illegal logging threaten the region’s biodiversity, particularly valuable species like sandalwood.
How do indigenous communities interact with and contribute to the conservation of the Nilgiris?
Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous peoples have deep knowledge about local plants and animals, helping them manage resources sustainably.
For example, Their traditional farming methods, such as rotational agriculture, promote ecological balance and help maintain wildlife habitats.
Sustainable Practices: Many rely on non-timber forest products (like honey and medicinal plants) and practice eco-friendly agriculture, which supports both their livelihoods and biodiversity.
Indigenous groups actively participate in conservation projects, such as restoring degraded areas and managing invasive species.
Advocacy: Indigenous leaders advocate for their rights to land and resources, emphasizing their role as protectors of the environment.
They pass down traditional knowledge to younger generations through workshops, ensuring that conservation practices continue.
What policies or initiatives are necessary to balance development and conservation in the Nilgiris?
Carbon Neutral Initiatives: Need to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices, such as cycling tours and car-free pathways, to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution.
Community Involvement: Facilitate the development of sustainable livelihoods that align with conservation goals, such as harvesting non-timber forest products. Their traditional knowledge can guide sustainable practices and restoration activities.
Regulation of Development Activities: State governments needs to enforce stringent regulations on construction activities to prevent encroachments and protect wetlands and other sensitive areas.
Restoration Projects: Need to develop programs that focus on restoring degraded habitats, such as montane grasslands and shola forests, which are critical for biodiversity.
Water Resource Protection: Need to implement measures to safeguard water bodies from pollution and encroachment, recognizing that the Nilgiris are vital water sources for surrounding regions.
For example, restoring wetland areas that have been converted for agriculture or development, enhancing their capacity to retain water and support biodiversity.
Way Forward: By recognizing the interconnectedness of culture and ecology, there is potential to develop sustainable practices that honor both the natural environment and the rich heritage of its inhabitants. The path forward lies in fostering collaboration and promoting awareness about the importance of conserving this unique biosphere for future generations.
The Indian government’s 2022 “Extended Producer Responsibility” guidelines mark progress, but a recent report states that stronger measures are needed to fully enforce the “polluter pays” principle in plastic waste management, per a recent CSE report.
What is the CSE report?
A CSE report is a publication by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a prominent Delhi-based think tank focused on environmental research and advocacy.
CSE reports analyze pressing environmental issues, often providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where producers are given significant financial and sometimes operational responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
The primary goal of EPR is to make manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially in terms of environmental impact, by ensuring that they take part in the collection, recycling, and disposal processes.
Extent of the misuse of EPR certificates in India’s plastic recycling industry
Fake Certificates: An assessment by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed the generation of over 700,000 fake recycling certificates, indicating widespread fraud among plastic recyclers.
Certificate Inflation: Some processors and recyclers reported volumes vastly exceeding their registered capacities.
For example, cement plants engaged in end-of-life co-processing claimed to process 335.4 million tonnes annually, despite an actual capacity of only 11.4 million tonnes.
Undermined Trust: Fraudulent activities result in artificially low certificate prices, undermining the credibility of the EPR system and making it difficult to accurately track plastic waste management.
How does this impact environmental compliance and plastic waste management?
Underreported Waste Generation: PIBOs introduced 23.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging in April 2022, translating to an annual waste generation of approximately 8 million tonnes. However, CPCB’s estimate of 4.1 million tonnes of plastic waste generation annually indicates significant underreporting.
Limited Stakeholder Participation: The absence of key contributors, such as urban local bodies and informal waste collectors from the EPR system, reduces traceability and leaves much of the waste management burden on local governments.
Compromised Recycling Integrity: Due to low-cost fraudulent certificates, genuine recycling efforts suffer from underfunding and inadequate regulation, jeopardizing sustainable plastic waste management efforts and hindering the implementation of the “polluter pays” principle.
What measures can be implemented to improve oversight and accountability within the EPR framework?
Inclusion of Informal Sector: Recognizing and formalizing the role of informal waste collectors and urban local bodies within the EPR framework could enhance waste collection, segregation, and recycling rates, creating a more transparent value chain.
Combatting Fraud: Strengthening the auditing and certification process to identify and remove fraudulent recyclers and processors, supported by stricter legal and financial penalties, would help deter misuse.
Transparent Reporting: Enhancing the EPR portal to ensure accurate data collection on plastic waste generation and disposal, and setting fair prices for recycling certificates to prevent undervaluation.
Standardizing Products: By mandating uniform standards for plastic packaging materials and designs, recyclability could be improved, reducing contamination and making recycling more effective.
Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability: Strengthening CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards’ (SPCBs) monitoring capacity and ensuring consistent enforcement of guidelines at both the state and central levels.
The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population.
Why discuss this?
The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27 of them.
A total of 13 adult tigers (seven females and six males) were found to be pseudo-melanistic in Similipal, and no other wild habitat in the world has pseudo-melanistic tigers.
Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
Details
Location
Located in the Mayurbhanj District, Northernmost part of Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Highest Peak
Twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini, at 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Designation
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; included in the Project Tiger national conservation program in 1973.
UNESCO Recognition
Included as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
Terrain
Mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Vegetation
A mix of different forest types, predominantly Northern tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
Tribal Communities
Inhabited by various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Flora
Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal being the dominant tree species.
Fauna
Diverse wildlife including Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, etc.
PYQ:
[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
