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Subject: Environment

  • Reviving Gharials in Kaziranga

    Why in the News?

    In Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a lone female gharial has emerged as a significant presence, marking a potential revival for the species in the Brahmaputra River.

    About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve:

    • Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga is renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
    • Established in 1905 as a reserve forest and declared a national park in 1974.
    • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment and successful conservation of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
    • Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
    • It hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population, a significant conservation success story.
    • The park spans approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles) of grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

    One-Horned Rhinoceros:

    • One–Horned Rhinos: IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix I ; WPA, 1972: Schedule I.
    • Mainly found in Assam, West Bengal.
    • Assam hosts about 2,640 rhinos across Pobitora WLS, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Kaziranga NP, and Manas NP.

    About Gharial

    • The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
    • It is also found in the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha.
    • Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
    • The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • National Chambal Sanctuary along the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest protected area of the species.

    Recent findings of Gharial in Kaziranga

    • Gharials, distinguished by their long, narrow snouts, were believed to have disappeared from the Brahmaputra by the 1950s.
    • The female gharial, initially spotted in 2021, has grown to nearly adult size, providing hope for their reintroduction into the ecosystem.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

    1. Gharial

    2. Leatherback turtle

    3. Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

  • Niranjan Panel set up to study Pollution Level in Cauvery

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee, headed by Niranjan, Chief Environment Officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, to study the pollution level in the Cauvery.

    About Niranjan Panel

    • The panel will review and submit a report within 10 days to ascertain whether the Cauvery River water is polluted due to the inflow of sewage water, solid waste, industrial waste, and other types of pollutants.
    • The Cauvery water has lost its natural quality due to the pollutants and the health of citizens and aquatic animals are being adversely affected.

    About Cauvery River

    • The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
    • It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
    • Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
    • It remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
    • Protected areas in its basin: Cauvery WLS,  Biligirirangan Hills WLS,  Pushpagiri WLS,  Muthathi WLS,  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary,  Bhimeshwari WLS, Nagarhole NP; Bandipur NP.

    Challenges associated with the Cauvery River:

    • Direct discharge of untreated sewage and domestic waste from towns and cities along the Cauvery contaminates the water, leading to high bacterial loads and nutrient pollution.
    • Industries along the Cauvery, including textiles, dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and others, discharge effluents directly into the river.
    • Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agricultural fields adjacent to the river are washed into the Cauvery during rain and irrigation.
    • Unregulated sand mining and dredging activities disrupt riverbeds and banks, altering natural flow patterns and habitat structures.
    • Introduction of non-native species like tilapia and African catfish, initially for aquaculture, has led to their proliferation in the Cauvery.

    Cauvery Water Dispute:

    • Since 1892, tensions existed between British-ruled Madras and Mysore. 
    • 1924 Agreement aimed to resolve but set the stage for future conflicts. Post-Independence, dam constructions sparked TN appeal. 
    • Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established. 
    • Interim orders by the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) in 1998. 
    • CWDT’s 2013 award allocated water quantities among states. 
    • Monthly and annual water shares by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Normal Year, Karnataka must give 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Challenges arise during monsoons due to varying rainfall. 
    • Article 262 empowers Parliament for inter-state river disputes. The Seventh Schedule defines legislative authority over water resources. 
    • 2018: Cauvery was termed a “national asset” by SC with river water equality upheld. 
    • The Cauvery Management Board (CMB) was established by the Court for implementation. 
    • CWMA and CWRC were established for water regulation and data collection.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?

    1. Nagarhole National Park
    2. Papikonda National Park
    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Afforestation in Delhi Ridge

    Why in the News?

    The Delhi High Court is set to physically inspect the Central and Southern parts of Delhi Ridge to assess the extent of afforestation and cutting of trees in the area.

    Deforestation in Delhi Ridge:

    Over 308 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area has been encroached and another 183 hectares “diverted” for “non-forestry purposes”. ( Data by Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report to the Supreme Court, 2023.)

    About Delhi Ridge

    • Delhi Ridge is located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, extending as a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
      • Composed primarily of quartzite rocks, it spans approximately 35 kilometres from Tughlaqabad in the southeast to Wazirabad in the north along the Yamuna River.
    • Ecological Significance:
      • It acts as the “green lungs” of Delhi, providing crucial ecological services such as carbon sequestration and habitat for wildlife.
      • It protects Delhi from the hot desert winds originating from Rajasthan to the west.
      • It supports diverse flora and fauna, making Delhi one of the world’s most bird-rich capital cities.
      • Efforts are ongoing to maintain biodiversity through biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries like the Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Geographical Features

    • The ridge is believed to be over 1.5 billion years old, making it an ancient geological formation compared to the Himalayas (50 million years old).
    • It functions as a watershed, dividing the Indus Plain to the west from the Gangetic Plain to the east within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    Administrative Divisions:

    • Divided into four main zones: Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge.
    • Each zone has distinct characteristics and faces varying degrees of urban encroachment and conservation efforts.

  • Factory accidents, a pointer to rusty inspection reform  

    Why in the news?

    In May 2024, an explosion at a reactor in a chemical factory within the Dombivli Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area caused fatalities and injuries among workers and local residents.

    Present Scenario in India       

    • India continues to witness frequent fatal industrial accidents, often due to non-compliance with safety regulations, inadequate inspections, and compromised safety practices.
    • Recent incidents, such as the Dombivli MIDC chemical factory explosion, highlight the recurring nature of these accidents and their devastating impact on lives and infrastructure.
    • There is a significant disparity between the number of registered factories and the inspection rates across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

    Causes of fatal industrial accidents   

    • Non-compliance with Safety Regulations: Many industrial accidents occur due to the failure of companies to adhere to mandated safety regulations and standards. Examples include improper maintenance of machinery, lack of safety equipment, and inadequate training of personnel in handling hazardous materials.
    • Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection Practices: Poor maintenance of industrial equipment and facilities can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Insufficient or irregular inspection practices contribute to undetected hazards and safety violations that increase the risk of accidents.
    • Human Error and Unsafe Practices: Accidents often result from human errors such as negligence, fatigue, or lack of training. Unsafe work practices, including shortcuts taken to save time or reduce costs, can compromise safety standards and escalate the likelihood of accidents.

    Need for the right reforms 

    • Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Reforms should focus on updating and strengthening safety regulations to align with international standards and best practices. There is a need to close loopholes and ambiguities in existing laws to enhance clarity and enforceability.
    • Improving Inspection and Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for inspecting industrial facilities. Increasing the number of qualified inspectors, improving their training, and implementing advanced inspection techniques like digital monitoring and real-time compliance checks.
    • Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Establishing transparent mechanisms for reporting and investigating industrial accidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

    What can be the solution? (Way forward)

    • Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening and strictly enforcing safety regulations and standards across all industries. Regular updates to ensure regulations are comprehensive, up-to-date with technological advancements, and aligned with international best practices.
    • Improving Inspection and Compliance: Increasing the number of qualified inspectors and improving their training and capabilities.Implementing regular and surprise inspections using modern technologies such as digital monitoring and remote sensing to ensure compliance with safety standards.
    • Promoting Safety Culture: Encouraging a proactive safety culture within industries through training, awareness programs, and incentives for compliance.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Great Indian Bustard Recovery Plan

    bustard

    Why in the News?

    • The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of the conservation program for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican for the 2024-2029 period.

    Note: Both the Bustard and Lesser Florican are critically endangered, with only 140 Bustards and less than 1,000 Lesser Floricans surviving.

    Back2Basics:  Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)

    Details
    Establishment
    • Established by the MoEFCC.
    • Legal Basis: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
    Objective Ensure effective utilization of funds for compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment, wildlife management, and forest resource development.
    Background Created due to the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes; aimed at mitigating the loss of forest cover through compensatory afforestation.
    Structure National CAMPA Advisory Council: Provides policy advice and ensures inter-ministerial coordination.

    State CAMPAs: Manage funds and oversee implementation at the state level.
    Fund Utilization Funds are used for afforestation, forest ecosystem regeneration, wildlife protection, forest infrastructure, and conservation activities.
    Key Activities
    • Afforestation and reforestation
    • Wildlife management
    • Forest management
    • Soil and moisture conservation
    Financial Management
    • Managed by CAMPA at national and state levels;
    • Funds are non-lapsable and specifically allocated for forestry and wildlife activities.
    Monitoring and Reporting Includes regular audits and progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilization and project implementation.
    Legal Framework Governed by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016

    CAMPA Guidelines.
    Impact and Significance Crucial for mitigating deforestation impacts, supporting ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management.

    About Great Indian Bustards

    • GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, the lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
    • GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it.
      • Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
    • GIBs are mainly found in Desert National Park, Rajasthan.
    • Bustards face major threats, including habitat changes and collisions with power lines.
    • Protection accorded:
      • Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
      • Protection under CITES: Appendix I
      • IUCN status: Critically Endangered
      • Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I

    What is the GIB Recovery Plan?

    • The proposal was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
    • The proposal includes:
      • Rewilding Bustards bred in ex-situ conservation centres,
      • Conducting detailed population studies, and
      • Developing artificial insemination techniques.

    Back2Basics: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

    • WII is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • It was established in 1982.
    • It is based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
      • Functions: It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.

    Why such a move?

    • Indicator Species: The GIB is a key indicator species of grassland habitat, signalling the health of these environments.
    • Population Decline: The population has declined from around 700 individuals to less than 150 due to habitat loss, predation, and death by overhead power lines.
    • Supreme Court Order: The Supreme Court recognized the threat from power lines and constituted an expert committee to assess the feasibility of overhead and underground electric lines in the bustard’s habitats.

    Conservation Efforts and Achievements

    • Recovery Plan: Initial efforts began between 2012-2013 with a long-term recovery project, which firmed up in 2016 with a Rs 33.85 crore funding outlay.
    • Funding and Agreements: The project was funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, with a tripartite agreement in 2018 involving the Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department, and WII.
    • In-Situ Breeding: Conservation breeding began in 2019, resulting in a founder population of 40 GIBs at the Ramdevra centre.

    Achievements at Breeding Centres

    • Successful Breeding: Eggs collected from the wild were incubated and chicks were hand-reared. The breeding centres now have a founder population of 40 GIBs.
    • Scientific Reasoning: Creating a founder population prevents extirpation and captures genetic variability. The goal is to have at least 20 adult birds including 15 females.

    Future Plans

    • Next Phase (2024-2033): The immediate next phase will run until 2029, targeting the upgradation of the CBC at Ramdevra and the development of the Lesser Florican CBC at Sorsan.
    • Population Surveys: Surveys will be conducted in Rajasthan and other range states to monitor population status.
    • Release into the Wild: The most important target is releasing captive-bred GIBs into the wild, preceded by soft release in enclosures.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
    1. It is spread over two districts.
    2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
    3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [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

  • How urban expansion makes Delhi susceptible to flooding? 

    Why in the news?

    Heavy rain brought Delhi and NCR to a standstill, causing severe water-logging, traffic snarls, power cuts, property damage, and 11 deaths from structural collapses and electrocution.

    • Climate change and rising temperatures have intensified the overflow of rivers and lakes, snowmelt, storm surges (such as hurricanes and cyclones), and abnormally heavy rains. This, coupled with locational vulnerabilities, has resulted in increased instances of urban flooding.

    Principal Reasons Behind Chronic Urban Flooding in Delhi

    • Unchecked Urban Expansion: Rapid, ill-planned urban growth without considering natural topography and drainage patterns.
    • Inadequate Drainage Systems: Existing drainage systems are unable to handle high-intensity rainfall, leading to significant runoff.
    • Concrete Overdevelopment: Excessive construction on low-lying areas and flood plains, leaving little room for water absorption.
    • Destruction of Water Bodies: Reduction of water bodies that could manage floodwaters, with many converted into real estate.
    • Neglect of Water in Urban Planning: Lack of a comprehensive water masterplan that integrates water management into urban development.

    Present Scenario of Rapid Urbanization in Delhi NCR

    • Fastest Urban Expansion: Delhi is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with its geographic size almost doubling between 1991 and 2011.
    • Population Growth: Predicted to overtake Tokyo as the world’s most populous city by 2030, with an estimated population of 39 million.
    • Urban Sprawl: Expansion primarily on the peripheries, converting rural areas into urban zones, and rapid urbanization in NCR cities like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.

    Challenges and Limitations

    • Topographical Neglect: Building in low-lying areas and on flood plains, disrupting natural drainage and increasing flood risks.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient desilting of drains, inadequate stormwater management systems, and improper solid waste management.
    • Lack of a Water Masterplan: Absence of comprehensive planning for clean and wastewater flows, leading to issues like the flooding of new infrastructures like the Pragati Maidan Tunnel.
    • Reduction of green space and water bodies: Conversion of green spaces and water bodies into concrete developments, further aggravating flood situations.
    • Inconsistent Urban Planning: No systematic approach to integrating natural water flows and gradients into urban development plans.

    Recommendations (Way Forward)

    • Integrated Urban Planning: Develop a water masterplan that prioritizes water management in urban development.
    • Protection of Water Bodies: Preserve and restore existing water bodies to manage floodwaters effectively.
    • Sustainable Development: Implement policies to prevent construction in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    • Infrastructure Improvement: Enhance drainage systems, desilting processes, and solid waste management to reduce water logging.
    • Public Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of sustainable urban planning and the risks of unchecked urbanization.
    Case study: Copenhagen, Denmark has an excellent “Five Finger Plan” that integrates urban infrastructure, transport, and green spaces. The city emphasizes sustainability, public life, and sensitive development. Indian Government can consider this plane.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • [pib] Metal Oxide Nano-composite developed for Environmental Clean-up

    Why in the News?

     A new metal oxide nanocomposite has been developed by The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST)  that can help photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants like dyes and pharmaceuticals and hence can be used as sustainable technologies for cleaning up the environment.

    Understanding Photocatalysis and Metal Oxides

    • Photocatalysis is a process that uses light to accelerate chemical reactions, particularly useful for degrading harmful substances in water and air.
    • They facilitate this reaction without being consumed.
    • Examples: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO)  and Tungsten Trioxide (WO3)

    How do they work?

    • When exposed to light, these metal oxides generate electron-hole pairs.
    • These pairs are highly reactive and can break down pollutants into harmless by-products.
      • Work Efficiency: The overall efficiency of this process depends on several factors, including the choice of metal oxide, its crystal structure, light intensity, pollutant concentration, pH level, and the amount of catalyst used.
      • Optimisation: Optimizing these factors is crucial for maximising the degradation rates of pollutants. Adjustments in the type of metal oxide, light parameters, and other conditions can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency.

    Breakthrough by IASST: NiTF Composite

    • The team developed a nanocomposite called NiTF, which stands for Nickel-doped Titanium Dioxide on Fuller’s Earth. 
    • This innovative material combines the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide with the adsorption capabilities of Fuller’s earth, a type of natural clay.

    What is Fuller Earth?

    • Fuller’s earth is a term for various clays used as an absorbent, filter, or bleaching agent.
    • Products labeled fuller’s earth typically consist of palygorskite or bentonite.
    • Primary modern uses include as absorbents for oil, grease, and animal waste, and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers

    Testing and Results

    • The NiTF nanocomposite was tested for its ability to decolorize methylene blue, a common dye.
      • Methylene blue is a persistent pollutant toxic to aquatic life, harmful to human health, and causes colour pollution in water bodies.
    • The results were impressive, with the composite achieving a 96.15% decolorization of the dye solution at a pH of 9.0 under visible light within 90 minutes.
    • Fuller’s earth enhanced the TiO2’s ability to adsorb pollutants, even in the absence of light.
    • This suggests that the NiTF nanocomposite could be a cost-effective solution for environmental photocatalysis, providing benefits even in low-light conditions.

    Potential Applications

    • Catalysis: The nanocomposite can enhance the efficiency of various chemical reactions.
    • Energy Storage: It has the potential to improve systems for storing energy.
    • Sensors: The material can be used to develop highly sensitive detection devices.
    • Optoelectronics: The nanocomposite can advance technologies that use light for electronic devices.
    • Biomedical Fields: It can be applied in medical treatments and diagnostics.
    • Coatings: The material can be used to create protective and functional surfaces.
    • Renewable Energy: It can facilitate water splitting to produce renewable energy.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in the health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

  • What are hurricanes, their types?    

    Why in the news?

    Due to Hurricane Beryl sweeping through the Windward Islands, the Indian Men’s cricket team, victorious in the T20 World Cup, finds itself stranded in Barbados.

    What do we know about Hurricane Beryl?

    • Early Category 4 Storm: Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, sustaining winds of at least 130 miles per hour (209 kilometres per hour).
    • Location and Impact: It is currently affecting the Windward Islands in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, including Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
    • Forecast: The National Hurricane Centre has issued warnings for life-threatening winds and storm surges in the affected islands, with the potential for violent winds and flash flooding.
    • Preparations: Local authorities in Barbados have suspended school classes and taken other precautions, such as shutting down the water supply, in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact.
    • Historical Context: Hurricane Beryl is noted as the strongest storm to impact the Windward Islands since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

    What are hurricanes and how do they form?

    • Formation: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator where warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, creating low air pressure.
    • Fuel: They are fueled by the heat and moisture evaporating from the ocean, forming clouds and spinning due to the Earth’s rotation.
    • Eye Formation: As the storm system intensifies, an eye forms at its centre, with storms rotating counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of it.
    • Impact of Warming World: Warmer sea surface temperatures due to climate change may lead to slower decay of hurricanes upon landfall, potentially increasing their severity.

    Are hurricanes becoming more severe now?

    • Research Findings: Studies suggest that warmer sea surface temperatures contribute to the slower decay of hurricanes, potentially prolonging their destructive impacts inland.
    • Record-Breaking Seasons: The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season has seen a record number of named storms, indicating a trend towards more frequent and intense hurricane activity.

    What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?

    • No Fundamental Difference: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all types of tropical cyclones, named differently based on their location:
    • Hurricanes: Form over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
    • Typhoons: Form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
    • Cyclones: Form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
    • Naming Conventions: The different names signify regional differences but refer to the same meteorological phenomenon of tropical cyclones.

    Way forward: 

    • Implementation of Advanced Forecasting Technologies: Invest in state-of-the-art meteorological tools and satellite technology to enhance the accuracy and lead time of hurricane forecasts.
    • Community Preparedness Programs: Establish comprehensive community outreach programs to educate residents about hurricane risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency shelter locations.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Worlds Oldest Prehistoric Ostrich Nest discovered in Andhra 

    ostrich
    PC: India Today

    Why in the News?

    Archaeologists have discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.

    Prehistoric Ostrich Nest: Details of the Discovery

    • The nest, identified as the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, measures 9-10 feet in width.
    • The nest was once home to 9-11 eggs but was capable of holding 30-40 eggs at a time.
    • Ostriches are mega omnivores, weighing between 90 and 140 kg and standing seven to nine feet tall.

    What are Megafauna?

    • Megafauna generally refers to animals weighing more than 50 kg, though scientific definitions vary.
    • The term was first used by Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1876 book, “The Geographical Distribution of Animals.”
    • Megafauna can be classified into:
      • Megaherbivores (plant-eaters),
      • Megacarnivores (meat-eaters), and
      • Megaomnivores (who eat both plants and meat).

    Historical Evidence of Megafauna

    • Early Documentation: Richard Lydekker in 1884 presented the earliest documented evidence of ostriches in the subcontinent, identifying the extinct Struthio asiaticus in the Dhok Pathan deposits in Upper Siwalik Hills, present-day Pakistan.
    • Discoveries in Maharashtra: Archaeologist S A Sali in 1989 reported ostrich eggshell beads and engraved pieces dating back to 50,000–40,000 years ago at Patne, Maharashtra.
    • CCMB Research in 2017: Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad established the presence of ostriches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat 25,000 years ago.

    Broader Implications and Studies

    • Biogeographical Dispersion: The presence of ostriches in India is attributed to bio-geographical dispersion from the continental drifting of Gondwanaland.
    • Late Quaternary Extinctions: The study, titled ‘Late Quaternary extinctions in the Indian Subcontinent,’ established that the disappearance of large animals began around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of humans.
    • Co-Evolution Hypothesis: The study supports the hypothesis that fauna and their resilience to extinction resulted from coevolution with hominins, with geographic isolation and abiotic factors accelerating extinction.

    PYQ:

    [2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of:

    (a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

    (b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.

    (c) Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.

    (d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

  • [pib] Fauna of India Checklist Portal

    Why in the News?

    • The Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched a portal documenting all animal species in India.
      • The Portal was launched on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

    About the Fauna of India Checklist Portal

    • The portal consists of records of more than 100,000 animal species, prepared by over 150 scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) over two years.
    • This checklist is the first comprehensive document on faunal species in India, covering 121 checklists of all known taxa across 36 phyla, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
    • It is a compilation of all animal species recorded in India since the 1750s, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
    • It provides essential data for conservation and management efforts, forming the basis for all biological sciences.
    • Significance of Portal: 
      • With this, India has become the first country to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species, positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
      • The comprehensive documentation of India’s fauna aligns with Mission LiFE by providing crucial data for biodiversity conservation.

    Details from the ZSI Report

    • A 2023 ZSI report highlights that India is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations, hosting around 7-8% of the world’s documented species and containing four of the 34 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
    • The report lists 641 discoveries made by scientists and experts from India during 2023 with Kerala topping the list, followed by West Bengal.
    • It includes 442 new species globally and 199 newly recorded species in India.

    Significant Discoveries in 2023

    • New Species: The 2023 findings include 112 hymenopterans, 86 arachnids, 47 new fishes, 20 reptiles, and two mammals.
    • New Mammals: An ibex species found in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, named Capra himalayensis, and a new bat species, Miniopterus srinii, was discovered in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
    • State Rankings: Kerala recorded the highest number of new discoveries with 101, followed by West Bengal with 72, Tamil Nadu with 62, and Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka with 45 each.

    About Mission LiFE

    • Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, is a global mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
    • It was inaugurated by the PM Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
    • The program aims to mobilise one billion Indians and individuals worldwide to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
    • It aligns with the P3 model, promoting Pro Planet People and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
    • It operates based on the principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet’.

     

    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