Why in news :  Amid repeated deaths from animal attacks and rising anger over them, Kerala has declared the Human-Animal Conflict as a state-specific disaster.

About: 

What is human-wildlife conflict? 

• Human-wildlife conflict is defined as "any interaction between humans and wildlife that results in negative impacts on human social, economic or cultural life, on the conservation of wildlife populations, or on the environment.

What are the direct costs of human-wildlife conflict? 

• Direct costs to humans are the financial, social and cultural losses suffered as a result of human-wildlife conflict. Examples include: 
• Raiding and destruction of food crops
• Loss of income from sales of produce from cash crops
• Damage to water sources and installations
• Damage to stored produce
• Loss of livestock

Causes of Conflict Across the World 

• Habitat Reduction and Degradation:  In the Amazon, extensive deforestation has led to significant habitat loss for countless species. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that over 18 million acres of forest are lost annually, equivalent to 27 soccer fields every minute.
• Availability of Resources Outside Protected Areas:  In Africa, elephants are known to leave protected areas to raid crops such as maize, which are richer in nutrients compared to their natural diet.
• Species Behavior and Social Dynamics:  In Yellowstone National Park, the reintroduction of wolves has altered the behavior of certain species, leading to new dynamics between wildlife and human populations on the park boundaries.
• Human Socioeconomic Factors: In Madagascar, impoverished communities rely on hunting and forest resources for survival, leading to frequent encounters and conflicts with endemic species.
• Population Growth Pressures: The Global Human-Wildlife Conflict Toolkit reports that in areas with high rates of human population growth, such as sub-Saharan Africa, human-wildlife conflicts have escalated due to increased competition for land and resources.

HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT ACROSS INDIA 

HOW STATES HANDLE HUMAN ANIMAL CONFLICT AS A STATE SPECIFIC DISASTER ?

PROBABLE MITIGATION MEASURES OF MAN ANIMAL CONFLICT 

• Habitat Restoration and Conservation: By safeguarding and rejuvenating wildlife habitats, the tendency of animals to venture into human areas for sustenance and lodging decreases. The creation of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor has helped to connect fragmented habitats across Central America.
• Agricultural Safeguards: Employing methods like barriers, deterrent devices, and the introduction of a variety of crops can safeguard agricultural produce from wildlife, thereby diminishing financial setbacks for agriculturists. In the USA, farmers use noise-making devices and reflective tapes to keep birds away from fruit crops, significantly reducing crop damage.
• Advance Alert Mechanisms: The establishment of systems that notify communities of wildlife presence can aid in averting conflicts and safeguard human lives. Wildlife authorities in Canada use an app that alerts users in real-time about wildlife sightings, including bears.
• Community Involvement and Awareness: Enlightening communities on peaceful cohabitation with wildlife, promoting conservation awareness, and training in conflict resolution can enhance mutual respect and patience towards wild fauna. In Australia, the "Living with Wildlife" program educates communities about coexisting with kangaroos and other native species.
• Conflict Management Systems: Instituting mechanisms for resolving wildlife conflicts, such as dedicated response teams or emergency communication services, can lead to swift action and reduce human-animal disputes. The establishment of Rapid Response Teams in Bhutan to deal with human-wildlife conflicts has led to timely interventions.

GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO TACKLE HUMAN ANIMAL CONFLICT 

• Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: This act establishes a legal structure for wildlife conservation efforts, including the ban on hunting, the safeguarding and management of wildlife habitats, and the creation of protected zones.
• Biological Diversity Act of 2002: As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, India ensures that this act supports existing forest and wildlife legislation to conserve biological diversity.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016): This plan aims to bolster the network of protected areas, prioritize the conservation of threatened species and their habitats, regulate wildlife trade, and support initiatives in research, education, and training.
• Project Tiger: Initiated in 1973 as a government-sponsored program, Project Tiger aims to create safe habitats for tigers within the nation's national parks, helping to preserve this endangered species.
• Project Elephant: Launched in February 1992, this centrally sponsored initiative focuses on the conservation of elephants, their habitats, and migration corridors to ensure their protection.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA sets forth guidelines for Central Government ministries and departments to incorporate disaster prevention and mitigation strategies into their development agendas and projects.

CONCLUSION 

Managing human-wildlife conflict (HWC) centers on enhancing the safety and cohabitation of people and wildlife. To reduce forest dependency, governments should foster socioeconomic development and provide sustainable livelihood alternatives for communities near forests. Technical and organizational support is essential for incorporating coexistence strategies. Conservation plans should anticipate and mitigate potential conflicts, requiring interdisciplinary approaches for effective resolution. Strategic partnerships among governmental, humanitarian, and conservation entities are vital for synergizing HWC management and risk prevention. Embracing a "One Health" approach acknowledges the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Recognizing HWC as pivotal for sustainable development and wildlife conservation is crucial for achieving harmony with nature by 2050, aligning with the SDGs and the Convention on Biological Diversity's objectives.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kerala-man-animal-conflict-state-specific-disaster-explained-9201527/

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/kerala-declares-human-animal-conflict-a-state-specific-disaster-2924973

Where to use : 

Paper II ( Geography Optional ): Man Animal Conflict 

Why in news :  The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Consumer Affairs Ministry has issued guidelines for the ‘Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims‘. This initiative is part of the government’s crackdown on misleading advertisements.Greenwashin

About : 

Greenwashing refers to the practice where companies, organizations, or even nations make dubious or unverifiable claims about their products, services, or operations being environmentally sustainable. It involves using deceptive symbols, imagery, or language to highlight environmental benefits while masking harmful practices.

Examples of Greenwashing

• Volkswagen’s Dieselgate Scandal: This is a classic example where the company falsely promoted its vehicles as environmentally friendly while manipulating emissions data.

Types of Greenwashing

1. Greenhushing: The act of withholding information about sustainability initiatives and achievements to avoid scrutiny.
2. Green-crowding: Hiding within a group of organizations to evade individual scrutiny of unsustainable practices.
3. Greenshifting: Shifting the burden of adopting eco-friendly practices to consumers rather than taking significant corporate actions.
4. Greenlighting: Highlighting specific environmental initiatives to divert attention from the organization’s broader, harmful activities.
5. Green Labelling: Using labels or certifications that suggest sustainability, which, upon inspection, prove to be misleading or baseless.

Key Points from the Greenwashing Guidelines

1. Target Audience: These guidelines apply to manufacturers, service providers, traders, advertising agencies, and endorsers, mandating that environmental claims are substantiated with evidence.
2. Sustainability Claims: Terms like “eco-friendly,” “green,” “sustainable,” or “natural” must be supported by verifiable evidence. For instance, claims such as “100% eco-friendly” or “zero emissions” must include detailed, precise information about the product or service.
3. Penalties: Violators of these guidelines can face penalties for misleading advertising or engaging in unfair trade practices under consumer protection laws.
4. Clarity of Technical Terms: To enhance consumer understanding, complex terms such as “greenhouse gas emissions” or “Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)” must be explained in plain, accessible language.

Concerns About Greenwashing

1. Undermining Climate Goals: Greenwashing threatens the credibility of climate targets by promoting exaggerated or false claims about environmental initiatives.
2. Unjust Recognition: Entities involved in greenwashing may gain undue recognition or rewards, thereby encouraging irresponsible behavior.
3. Market Disruption: Deceptive environmental claims can distort markets by giving unethical companies an unfair competitive edge over those adhering to genuine sustainability standards.
4. Regulatory Gaps: The lack of comprehensive regulations and standards for environmental claims allows greenwashing to go unchecked.
5. Carbon Credit Challenges: Greenwashing undermines the integrity of carbon credit markets, especially in informal setups, where insufficient regulation and certification by unofficial entities lead to transparency issues.

Key Drivers of Greenwashing in India

1. Regulatory Pressure: Policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compel companies to project themselves as environmentally responsible.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The Companies Act, 2013, mandates businesses to allocate 2% of their profits toward CSR activities, incentivizing exaggerated claims about environmental efforts.

Global Initiatives Against Greenwashing

1. COP27: At the 27th Conference of Parties, the United Nations Secretary-General emphasized zero tolerance for greenwashing and urged private corporations to adopt genuine sustainable practices.
2. European Green Bond Standards: The European Union introduced the world’s first green bond standards to combat greenwashing. The “European Green Bond” label requires 85% of funds to be allocated to sustainable activities within the EU, supporting the transition to climate neutrality.

Provisions to Address Greenwashing in India

1. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: This law classifies greenwashing as an unfair trade practice and provides penalties and remedies for consumers affected by such deceptive practices.
2. SEBI Guidelines: The Securities and Exchange Board of India issued regulations for issuers of green debt securities to ensure transparency and protect investor interests while fostering the development of the green securities market.
3. Role of ASCI: The Advertising Standards Council of India oversees advertising practices and has jurisdiction over misleading advertisements, including those involving greenwashing claims.

Where to use : 

Paper III ( General Studies )  : Environment 

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/greenwashing-guidelines-govt-tackling-companies-dubious-climate-friendly-claims-9622453/

Why in news : The Union Environment Ministry notified new rules for violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024.

About: 

• Initial Applicability : The Act initially applies to the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the union territories.
• Court Cognizance : Complaints can be filed by authorized officers from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), Pollution Control Committees, and Integrated Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as other designated individuals.
• Consent for Establishing Industries : Operating an industry without obtaining the necessary consent from the SPCB is punishable by imprisonment for up to six years.
• Monitoring : The Act imposes penalties for tampering with monitoring devices used to assess whether industries or treatment plants are set up appropriately. Penalties range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh.
• Penalty for Other Offences : An unspecified offence under the Act currently carries a maximum punishment of three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both. The Bill proposes removing imprisonment and instead imposing a monetary penalty of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh. Failure to pay this penalty may result in up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of twice the penalty amount.
• Appeal : Appeals against penalty orders can be made to the National Green Tribunal, which requires a 10% deposit of the penalty amount for the appeal. The penalties collected will be directed to the Environment Protection Fund.
• Appointment of Adjudicating Officers : The central government appoints adjudicating officers, with a minimum rank of Joint Secretary, to determine penalties.
• Appointment of SPCB Chairmen : Under the Act, the chairman of an SPCB is nominated by the state government. The Bill introduces the provision that the central government will specify the nomination process and the terms and conditions of the chairman’s service.

New Rules Under the Water Act 2024

• Shift from Criminal to Civil Penalties : The violations under the Water Act will no longer attract criminal charges; instead, they will be subject to monetary penalties.
• Exemptions to ‘White’ Category Industries : Industries classified as low or non-polluting, known as "White" industries, are exempt from requiring prior permission to operate under the Water Act.
• Empowerment of Authorities : Authorized officers from the CPCB, SPCBs, Pollution Control Committees, and Integrated Regional Offices are empowered to file complaints to adjudicating officers for specific violations.
• Role of Adjudicating Officer : Adjudicating officers, with a minimum rank of Joint Secretary from the state government, are responsible for managing complaints, issuing violation notices, and overseeing the inquiry process. To ensure efficiency, the entire inquiry process must be completed within six months of issuing the notice.

Where to use : 

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Environment Legislation & Conservation 

Source :  

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rules-under-new-water-act-notified-how-inquiry-and-penalties-process-will-work-9665847/

High Seas : The high seas are defined by international law as all parts of the ocean that aren’t included in the exclusive economic zone, the territorial sea, the internal waters of a country, or the archipelagic waters of an archipelagic country. The high seas are some of the most biologically productive in the world – teeming with plankton and home to ocean giants like predatory fish, whales, and sharks.

Parasitoid : Parasitoids are small insects whose immature stages develop either within or attached to the outside of other insects, referred to as hosts. Parasitoids eventually kill the host they feed on, as opposed to parasites like fleas and ticks, which typically feed upon hosts without killing them.

Sacred Groves : Sacred groves are woodlands collectively safeguarded by communities, typically holding profound religious significance for the responsible community. Also known as sacred forests, these groves consist of natural vegetation preserved by local communities based on religious convictions and traditional rituals.

Latitudinal Diversity Gradient  :  The latitudinal biodiversity gradient refers to the pattern of increasing species richness (number of species) from the poles to the equator. This gradient has been observed across various taxa, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, and it holds true for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Biofilm reactor : Biofilm reactors are used in wastewater treatment plants to remove organic carbon, nutrients, pathogens, and odor. They are often used in combination with activated sludge treatment or oxidation ponds.

• There are more than 7000 active brick kilns in Bangladesh to meet the country's growing demand for building materials. Urban air pollution has become a great concern in this region due to the stack emissions during the brick manufacturing period.
• However, study has also assessed the effect of heavy metals released from brick kiln emissions during their production period on the adjacent soil environment of the region. 
• The concentration level of cadmium resulted to be very high than its threshold limit in the majority of the sampling locations. Study findings indicate prospective damage to the studied soil environment and ecological settings of Ashulia, due to the emissions from the brick kilns which require suggested emission control and soil remediation actions, and implementation of eco-brick manufacturing technologies without further delay.

Where to use ?

Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Soil erosion and degradation , Influence of man on ecology

Source : 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010022001962

1. Kuno National Park 

Why in news : Recently, the Madhya Pradesh CM said that more cheetahs would be introduced to the Kuno Palpur National Park soon.

• It lies in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India near the Vindhyan Hills.
• Named after the Kuno River (One of the main tributaries of the Chambal River) that cuts across it, Kuno is primarily a grassland region.
• Kuno National Park was selected under ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’. 
  • Approx : Sheopur 

2. Sasvad

Why in news :  Sasvad in Maharashtra earned the cleanest city title among those with a population below 1 lakh.

• Saswad is situated on the banks of the Karha River in the Pune district of Maharashtra .
• It is one of the  trade route and  center for Buddhist monasteries.
• It is called as land of Brave and Intellectual People. Sasvad gets legacy from Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj , Founder of Maratha Empire.
  • Approx : Pune 

3. Koderma 

Why in news :  Recently, a ‘Vulture restaurant’ has been set up in Koderma district, Jharkhand to conserve the vulture species.

• Koderma is a city and a notified area in the Koderma subdivision of the Koderma district in the Indian state of Jharkhand.
• Koderma is a part of Chotanagpur Plateau .
• Koderma district also has a sanctuary namely Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary which comes under the jurisdiction of Hazaribagh Wildlife Division
  • Approx : Hazaribagh

4. Willingdon island 

Why in news : Port unions urge PM to help revive activities on Willingdon Island

• Willingdon Island is a seaport located in the city of Kochi, Kerala.
• It is the largest man-made/artificial island of India and is surrounded by backwaters (a part of a river in which there is little or no current).
• It was carved out of Vembanad Lake and is connected via road and rail. The island is connected to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge.
  • Approx : Kochi 

5. Wadge Bank 

Why in news : Wadge Bank faces a potential threat as the Indian government considers offering three oil and gas blocks for exploration and development.

• It is a 10,000 square kilometers area, located approximately 50 kilometers south of Kanyakumari.
• It features shallow waters, a nearly flat bottom topography, and a continental shelf.
• The low intensity of currents, waves, and tides makes it an ideal location for the accumulation of nutrients and fish food. 
  • Approx : Kanyakumari

Q1. Select the incorrect answer from the following statements regarding Vaitarna River ?

1. This river has its sources in the Brahmagiri Hills located within the Western Ghats. 
2. The Tanya River contributes to it as a tributary on the left bank. 
3. It stands as the most significant river traversing the Northern Konkan region 
4. It is characterized as one of the rivers that flow towards the west.

Q2. With reference to the Bull Shark, which of the following statements are correct?

1. This species is widely distributed across the globe in warm, shallow waters.
2. It has the capability to live in both saline and freshwater environments. 
3. It is often referred to as freshwater sharks.
4. They have been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. This plant thrives in consistently warm conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20° to 35°C throughout the year.
2. It necessitates substantial precipitation, approximately 200 cm. 
3. For optimal growth, soils should be deep, crumbly, and have good drainage.

Which one of the following crops requires the above climatic conditions?

1. Millets
2. Pulses
3. Rubber
4. Wheat

Q4. Select the correct statements about Rip currents :

1. Powerful  ocean currents that move outward from the coastline.
2. Intense currents that run along the coast, parallel to the shore.
3. Gentle currents that carry and leave sand on the shorelines.
4. Submerged channels created through the erosion by waves.

Q5. Consider the following statements about Harit Nauka initiative:

1. The aim is to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, following the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
2. Under the guidelines of the Harit Nauka initiative, all states are required to transition to green fuels for half of their passenger fleets operating on inland waterways within the next decade, and achieve 100% green fuel usage by 2045.

Which of the above mentioned statements is / are correct ?

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

Q6. With reference to the Report on the Status of Leopards in India 2022, consider the following statements:

1. There was an 8% decrease in the leopard population in India from 2018 to 2022.
2. Madhya Pradesh boasts the largest leopard population, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu following.
3. In the Shivalik landscape, over fifty percent of leopards reside outside designated protected areas.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q7. Consider the following tribes:

1. Shompen
2. Onges
3. Todas 
4. Sentinelese

How many of the tribes mentioned above are indigenous to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

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

Q8. Consider the following statements regaridng Pigeon pea (Tur): 

1. This plant thrives in soils ranging from loamy to sandy that have good drainage.
2. Cool and temperate climate accompanied by regular rainfall provides the best conditions for growing pigeon pea.
3. In India, pigeon pea is intercropped in approximately 80-90% of its cultivation.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q9. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the term “Solar Maximum”?

1. This phenomenon involves an abrupt, powerful surge of energy on the Sun's surface, frequently resulting in the emission of electromagnetic radiation across the full spectrum.
2. A steady flow of charged particles, primarily electrons and protons, emanates from the Sun, extending throughout the solar system.
3. This term describes the phase in the solar cycle where solar activity peaks, marked by a rise in sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
4. It represents a large-scale release of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun's corona into outer space.

Q10. The Unjust Climate Report was released by which of the following:

1. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
3. World Bank
4. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)