Why in news : The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved a master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA) to promote river-sensitive urban planning through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and expert guidance in India’s cities.  

About  :  

River-sensitive urban planning (RSUP) integrates hydrological systems with urban development to create resilient, ecologically balanced, and socially vibrant cities. This approach recognizes rivers as dynamic geographical entities that shape urban form, ecology, and human well-being. 

Foundations of River-Sensitive Planning 

River Systems as Geographical Determinants 

• Hydrological Connectivity: Rivers function as corridors linking upstream and downstream ecosystems, influencing sediment transport, flood regimes, and biodiversity.  
• Topographical Influence: River valleys historically dictated settlement patterns, with cities like Babylon and Rome aligning urban grids with river flows. 
• Climate Interactions: Monsoon-driven rivers (e.g., Ganges, Mekong) require adaptive flood management, while arid-region rivers (e.g., Colorado) demand water conservation strategies.  
• B. Spatial Planning Principles
• Zoning Buffers: Establish no-build zones (riparian buffers) to mitigate flood risks and protect ecosystems (e.g., Singapore’s ABC Waters Program). 
• Multi-Scalar Integration: Link watershed management (macro) with neighborhood-scale green infrastructure (micro) . 

Key Challenges in River-Sensitive Planning 

1. Urban Encroachment and Floodplain Degradation : Unplanned urbanization often leads to the encroachment of floodplains, disrupting natural water absorption and increasing flood risks. In Addis Ababa, informal settlements along the Kebena River have reduced its capacity to handle monsoon flows, exacerbating flooding and pollution. 
2. Pollution from Urban and Industrial Waste : Cities discharge untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and microplastics into rivers. Globally, 63% of sewage enters rivers untreated, with South-East Asia and Africa being the worst affected  
3. Over-Reliance on Gray Infrastructure: Traditional engineering solutions like concrete channels and dams disrupt natural river dynamics. Eg  Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream was buried under roads for decades before its costly daylighting project. 
4. Climate Change and Water Scarcity : Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall strain river systems. Cape Town’s "Day Zero" crisis highlighted how river mismanagement exacerbates water shortages in arid regions 

Key Dimensions of RSUP 

A. Ecological Restoration

• Re-naturalization: Replace concrete channels with meandering rivers (e.g., Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore) to restore habitats and reduce urban heat. 
• Biodiversity Corridors: Create greenways along riverbanks to support wildlife migration (e.g., Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul).  

B. Flood Resilience

• Sponge City Concepts: Use permeable pavements and rain gardens (e.g., Melbourne’s Royal Park Wetlands) to absorb stormwater.  
• Floodplain Reclamation: Restore natural floodplains (e.g., Qunli Wetland, China) to attenuate peak flows.  

C. Socio-Cultural Engagement

• Community Stewardship: Involve locals in river maintenance (e.g., Portland’s Green Streets Program).  
• Heritage Integration: Preserve riverside ghats and cultural landmarks (e.g., Varanasi, India). 

D. Economic Revitalization

• Waterfront Regeneration: Transform post-industrial sites into mixed-use hubs (e.g., Copenhagen’s Cloudburst Boulevards).  
• Ecotourism: Leverage scenic riverscapes for recreation (e.g., Amsterdam’s Canal District)   

Global Programmes for River Sensitive Urban Planning  

1. WWF’s Connected Rivers of Resilience : Protect free-flowing rivers, restore degraded waterways, and promote climate-resilient infrastructure. 
2.  Sustainable Rivers :  Improve the health and life of rivers by changing dam operations to restore and protect ecosystems, while maintaining or enhancing other project benefits. 
3. International Rivers:   A non profit organization aimed to protect rivers and defend the rights of communities that depend on them 
4. UN's Freshwater Challenge : It aims to leverage support to restore 300,000 km of rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030, with a focus on national priorities and inclusive, collaborative implementation. The initiative is supported by various UN entities and organizations, including the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Convention on Wetlands, WWF, and IUCN.  

Indian Programs & Schemes 

1. River Cities Alliance (RCA)

• Led by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and NIUA. 
• Objective: Develop Urban River Management Plans (URMPs) for 30+ cities (e.g., Kanpur, Aurangabad). 
• Key Actions: 
  • Sewage treatment integration with master plans. 
  • Citizen engagement via school programs and river health monitoring.  

2. Sabarmati Riverfront Development – Gujarat

• Objective: Reclaim polluted stretches for tourism and flood control, though criticized for displacing informal settlements.  

3. Chennai Water Mission

• Objective: Restore water bodies (e.g., Pallikaranai marsh) to combat floods and groundwater depletion.  

4. Green Indian Mission

• Goal: Link urban planning with watershed management (e.g., Delhi’s Yamuna revival plans).  

5. Jal Jeevan Mission – Urban

• Objective: Ensure tap water supply while protecting river catchments  

Way forward for River Sensitive Planning  

1. Integrated Planning : Embed river health into urban master plans using cross-sectoral zoning (e.g., Melbourne’s Urban Stormwater Strategy ties drainage to park networks). It mandates "blue-green corridors" in city bylaws to prevent floodplain encroachment. 
2. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) : Replace concrete with wetlands (e.g., Hue City’s Tam Giang Lagoon treats sewage via aquatic plants, cutting costs by 40%). 
3. Community Engagement : Adopt Portland’s Green Street Stewards model, where locals maintain bioswales, reducing runoff upkeep costs by 30%. 

Source :  

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/nmcg-approves-annual-master-plan-to-promote-river-sensitive-urban-planning-under-rca/ 

Where to Use ? 

Paper II  ( Geography Optional )  :  Urbanisation and Ecology  

Why in news :  A report released by the UN Spotlight Initiative shows that climate change is increasing gender based violence (GBV) against women, especially in poor and vulnerable communities.  

About :  

Key Findings of Report:  

A ‘shadow pandemic’ in the making: The report explains that extreme weather, displacement, food insecurity, and economic instability are key factors increasing the prevalence and severity of gender-based violence. 

Prevalence and Severity 

• Climate change could be responsible for as many as one in ten cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) by the century's end.
• Globally, over one in three women—more than one billion—experience some form of violence in their lifetimes, including IPV, sexual assault, physical abuse, coercion, and emotional or psychological harm.
• IPV is the most widespread form of violence against women, yet many incidents remain hidden. Only 40% of survivors share their experiences, and just 7% report them to formal institutions such as police or healthcare providers.
• The likelihood of severe violence—including femicide, sexual exploitation, forced child marriage, and rape used in conflict—rises under the pressures brought by climate change.

Link to Climate Change 

• Global warming and frequent extreme weather events—like droughts, floods, and storms—contribute to increased risks of violence, especially for women and girls already living with IPV.
• A 1°C rise in temperature has been linked to a 4.7% increase in IPV.
• In 2023, climate and geological disasters affected 93.1 million people, while 423 million women globally were estimated to have experienced IPV.
• A projected 2°C temperature rise by 2090 could lead to an additional 40 million women facing IPV each year. This figure may more than double under a 3.5°C warming scenario. 

Recommendation 

1. Ensure climate action does no harm:  Climate strategies must incorporate a gender perspective to prevent inadvertently increasing violence risks—such as through poorly designed carbon credit markets or unsupervised mining operations.
2. Improve community resilience: Climate adaptation policies should promote gender equity and fair resource distribution, enabling women and girls to bounce back more effectively from climate-induced shocks. Scaling up women-led innovations in climate-smart farming and renewable energy is crucial.
3. Strengthen climate action: Including women equally in climate policy-making leads to more inclusive and effective solutions. Gender-balanced leadership improves climate outcomes, including emissions reductions and better stewardship of natural resources.

Source : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/climate-crisis-fuelling-gender-based-violence-un-report-warns 

https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/how-gender-inequality-and-climate-change-are-interconnected 

Where to use :  

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Socio Economic Impact of Environment  

Why in news : The 'Revive Our Ocean' initiative, launched by the international NGO Dynamic Planet, seeks to boost marine conservation by empowering local communities to create marine protected areas (MPAs) and promote sustainable economic growth through fishing and tourism.  

About :  

• This initiative supports the 30X30 goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to safeguard 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.  
• Initially focusing on seven countries—the UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico—the initiative will empower local communities to create and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) effectively. 
• It emphasizes the economic benefits of MPAs, citing examples like Spain’s Medes Island, where a no-fishing zone brings in USD 16 million per year from tourism. T 
• The initiative also aligns with the 2023 High Seas Treaty, which needs ratification by 60 nations to take effect (India has already signed the treaty). 

Measures to Revive Ocean  

• Establishing Effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Marine Protected Areas are one of the most effective tools for ocean conservation when properly implemented.  Research shows that actively managed MPAs with strong protection levels can significantly increase fish biomass - by up to 600% in fully protected areas compared to unprotected waters. 
• Combating Marine Pollution : With 8-10 million metric tons of plastic entering oceans annually (80% of marine pollution), a Global Plastics Treaty is being negotiated to address the full lifecycle of plastics 
• Land-Based Solutions: Since most marine pollution originates on land, the UN SDG Target 14.1 aims to significantly reduce land-based marine pollution by 2025. Strategies include improving wastewater treatment and regulating agricultural runoff that causes dead zones  
• Mangrove Momentum: Conservation International aims for a 20% net increase in global mangrove coverage by 2030. Their projects in places like Costa Rica's Gulf of Nicoya protect vital nursery habitats while supporting 6,000+ fishers. Coastal wetlands store five times more carbon per hectare than rainforests, making their restoration a climate solution too.  

Strengthening Global Governance 

• High Seas Treaty: The 2023 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement aims to protect the 61% of oceans outside national jurisdiction.  
• UN Ocean Conference 2025: It is aimed to  accelerate SDG 14 implementation, potentially featuring High Seas Treaty ratification and the "Nice Ocean Action Plan".   
• EU Ocean Pact: This political initiative for sustainable ocean management will be presented at UNOC 2025, informed by stakeholder input. The EU is also implementing its Nature Restoration Law to support marine ecosystem recovery 

Conclusion  

From community-led conservation to multinational treaties governing the high seas, we have the tools to reverse ocean decline.  Immediate need  is an  urgent action, adequate funding, and political will to implement these solutions at scale. 

Source:  https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/revive-our-ocean-initiative-launched-protect-coastal-waters-2025-04-24/ 

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/new-initiative-launched-to-revive-oceans-through-community-led-protection 

Where to use ? 

Paper I ( Geography Optional ) : Ocean and resources  

Paper III ( General STudies ) : Ecosystem and Conservation . 

Green Cryptocurrencies: Green cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that minimize environmental impact by using energy-efficient consensus mechanisms like Proof-of-Stake instead of energy-intensive Proof-of-Work. Examples include Chia and Cardano. They aim to reduce carbon footprints while ensuring secure, decentralized transactions, aligning with sustainable finance goals in a climate-conscious digital economy. 

Bioengineering: Bioengineering applies principles of biology and engineering to develop technologies for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. It includes genetic modification, prosthetics, synthetic organs, and tissue engineering. This interdisciplinary field enhances human life by solving biological problems through innovative design and biotechnology. 

Mantis Shrimps: Mantis shrimps are marine crustaceans known for their powerful claws and extraordinary vision. Their eyes can detect polarized light and up to 12 color channels, far surpassing human capability. They use ballistic strikes to hunt prey, inspiring studies in biomechanics, materials science, and underwater imaging technologies. 

Perovskite Solar Cells: Perovskite solar cells are next-generation photovoltaic devices using perovskite-structured materials to convert sunlight into electricity. They offer high efficiency, low production costs, and flexibility compared to traditional silicon-based cells. Challenges remain in stability and scalability, but they hold promise for revolutionizing renewable energy. 

Biosignature Gases: Biosignature gases are atmospheric compounds—like oxygen, methane, or ozone—produced by living organisms, serving as potential indicators of life on other planets. Scientists study these gases in exoplanet atmospheres to detect signs of extraterrestrial life, using remote sensing and space telescope data in astrobiology research. 

Industrial development has significantly altered forest landscapes.  

• Clearing the Talabira coal blocks diverted 1,038.19 ha of forest (≈192.6 ha in Sambalpur and the remainder in Jharsuguda). 5.96 ha of forest were redirected for a major 400 kV transmission line project in the division.  
• Surveys of the Katikela range have noted a severe decline in spotted deer, and wildlife are reported moving into distant habitats to escape disturbance.  
• Riparian ecosystems (in the Mahanadi–Ib basin) also face higher erosion and sedimentation as hills are leveled. 
• Official data report that 529 tribal families in Jharsuguda were displaced by mining projects in the past decade. 
• Dust and runoff from mines and plants damage nearby crops and water supplies. 
• Displacement without full rehabilitation contributes to social strife and resentment. Villagers report that resettlement under Odisha’s rehabilitation policy is often incomplete, leaving displaced households socially marginalized 

Source :  file:///C:/Users/Archna/Downloads/2023PurnikaMeherMeghaDagaArabindaSharma.pdf 

1. Baisaran Valley  

Why in news : Recently deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran valley (Pahalgam), Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians.  

About :  

• Baisaran Valley, located just 5 kilometers away from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, is famous as a top sightseeing destination, called mini-Switzerland because of its picturesque beauty. 
• The valley has glacially-carved meadows, surrounded by coniferous forests and snow-clad peaks — a classic example of a U-shaped valley and glacial geomorphology. 
• It acts as a seasonal grazing ground (pastureland) for Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, hence also part of a transhumance ecosystem. 
• As part of the Lidder River catchment, the valley contributes to the Jhelum River system. 
• Approx :  Anantnag 

2. Ramaipur  

Why in news : The Centre has proposed a mega leather cluster in Ramaipur, Kanpur.  

About :  

• Ramaipur lies around 20–25 km south of Kanpur city and is situated along the National Highway-86 (NH 86). 
• It is part of the Kanpur Industrial Development Corridor under DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor) influence zones. 
• The site lies within the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region, known for alluvial soil and high water table. 
• Approx : Kanpur  

3. Ramban  

Why in news :  Torrential rain in Ramban tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir has caused casualties, significant infrastructure damage, and forced emergency relocations. 

About :  

• Ramban is a town in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is the district headquarters of Ramban district.  
• It lies on the banks of the Chenab river . 
• The boundary lines of Ramban district have come to be drawn from Patnitop on its south, Assar on its east, Gool on its west and Banihal on its north. 
• There is an important fort known as Gajpat Fort on the top of the mountain.  
• Approx : Udhampur  

4. Golconda  

Why in news :  A rare 23.24-carat Golconda Blue diamond, with deep roots in India’s royal history, is set to be auctioned.  

About :  

• Golconda is a fortified citadel and ruined city located on the western outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. 
• The complex was put by UNESCO on its "tentative list" to become a World Heritage Site in 2014, with other forts in the region, under the name Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate . 
• Golconda is renowned for the diamonds found on the south-east at Kollur Mine near Kollur, Guntur district, Paritala and Atkur in Krishna district.  
• Approx : Hyderabad 

5. Gandhi Sagar WLS 

Why in news : The Cheetah Project Steering Committee approved the relocation of some cheetahs from Kuno and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh), to expand the habitat.  

About :  

• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts in Madhya Pradesh, India. 
• The Chambal River passes through the sanctuary dividing it into two parts.  
• The principal tree species found in the Sanctuary are Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash etc. 
• It is a designated Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). 
• Approx : Mandsaur 

Q1. With reference to the Global Carbon Tax on Shipping, consider the following statements: 

1. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) imposed the carbon tax. 

2. The tax will be applicable to ships with a gross tonnage exceeding 5,000 starting in 2028. 

3. The revenue collected from this tax will be used to fund decarbonization efforts in the maritime industry. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Atmospheric Rivers: 

1. Atmospheric rivers are elongated, narrow corridors of highly concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that carry large amounts of water vapor from tropical regions toward mid-latitude and polar areas. 

2. These phenomena are typically linked to Maritime Tropical (mT) air masses and often result in heavy rainfall or snowfall when they make landfall. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the world’s oldest lifeforms: 

1. Cyanobacteria were the earliest known organisms capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, playing a key role in initiating the Great Oxidation Event. 

2. Stromatolites are fossilized, layered formations created by the activity of ancient cyanobacteria colonies. 

3. Archaea, though genetically distinct from eukaryotes, are prokaryotes like bacteria but are often found in extreme habitats, such as hydrothermal vents or highly saline environments. 

How many of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. All three 
4. None 

Q4. Consider the following statements: 

1. The Hadean proto-crust, Earth's primordial crust, developed during the Hadean Aeon—a time characterized by extreme temperatures, widespread volcanic activity, and a largely molten surface. 

2. The Archean Eon succeeded the Hadean period, witnessing the emergence of Earth’s first enduring crust and the initial stages of plate tectonic activity. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Q5. Regarding the Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, consider the following statements: 

1. Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a technology employed in coal-fired power plants to eliminate sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from combustion exhaust gases before their release into the atmosphere. 

2. Since nearly 90% of India’s coal reserves have low sulfur content, the necessity for widespread FGD system adoption is relatively reduced compared to regions with high-sulfur coal. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Q6. Regarding the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements: 

1. The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization initiated by India during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. 

2. In 2025, India was formally declared the host nation for the IBCA, serving as its permanent headquarters and secretariat. 

3. Membership in the IBCA is open to all UN member states within the natural habitat range of big cats, as well as non-range countries committed to supporting their conservation. 

How many of the statements given above is/are not correct? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. All three 
4. None 

Q7. With reference to Cloudbursts, consider the following statements: 

1. A cloudburst occurs when descending dry air over a mountain range undergoes rapid warming, triggering intense rainfall on the leeward side. 

2. Given their highly localized and abrupt nature, cloudbursts are difficult to forecast but can result in catastrophic downpours, often causing flash floods and landslides. 

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Q8. Consider the following: 

1. Pusa Decomposer 

2. Pelletization of crop residues 

3. Biochar production 

4. Happy Seeder 

Which of the methods given above directly helps in reducing stubble burning by utilizing crop residues for productive purposes? 

1. 1, 2, and 4 only 
2. 1, 3, and 4 only 
3. 1, 2, 3, and 4 
4. 2 and 3 only 

Q9. Consider the following states: 

1. Punjab 

2. Uttar Pradesh 

3. Bihar 

4. Uttarakhand 

How many of the above are traversed by the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. Only three 
4. All four 

Q10. Consider the following features: 

1. These organisms are primitive marine crustaceans, sharing evolutionary ties with crabs and lobsters. 

2. They inhabit self-constructed burrows in ocean floor sediments. 

3. They are categorized as "Spearers" or "Smashers", reflecting their distinct prey-capture adaptations. 

Which of the following species is best described by the above features? 

1. Mantis Shrimp 
2. Pistol Shrimp 
3. Tiger Prawn 
4. Ghost Shrimp