Why in news :  Recently, the Minister of State for the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs provided data that reflects growing use of electronic and electrical devices across the country.   

About :   

India witnessed a surge in electronic waste (e-waste) generation over the past five years, rising from 1.01 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 1.751 million MT in 2023-24, according to data presented by Minister of State for Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  

Increasing E-waste in India 

• Rapid Technological Advancements :  A report by ASSOCHAM-NEC states that the average lifespan of mobile phones in India is now 2-3 years, down from 7-8 years a decade ago. 
• Growth of Urbanization and Rising Incomes :  The per capita income in India rose by 15.8% in FY 2022-23, contributing to higher consumption. 
• Inadequate Repair Culture and Planned Obsolescence : Many modern smartphones do not allow easy battery replacements, forcing consumers to buy new devices when batteries fail. 
• Poor Recycling Practices :   Only 22% of India’s e-waste was formally recycled in 2022, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 
• Increased Digitization : Programs to provide laptops and tablets in schools under schemes like PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) increase device penetration. 

Global E-waste  

• The world generated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019, projected to reach 74.7 million tonnes by 2030 (Global E-Waste Monitor 2020). 
• The largest contributors are China, the United States , and India.  

Types and Categories of E-waste 

• Large Household Appliances : Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers. These contribute the largest share of global e-waste due to their size and widespread use.These often contain harmful substances like CFCs (in old refrigerators) and heavy metals.
• Small Household Appliances : Vacuum cleaners, toasters, hair dryers, microwaves, irons.A rapidly growing category due to urbanization and consumer lifestyle changes.: Contain small components that are hard to recycle.  
• IT and Telecommunication Equipment : Computers, laptops, printers, phones, tablets, modems, routers. High contribution due to frequent upgrades and shorter product life cycles. Contain rare metals (e.g., gold, cobalt) and hazardous substances like lead in circuit boards.
• Consumer Electronics and Entertainment Devices : TVs, radios, cameras, gaming consoles, headphones, speakers.  Moderate, but growing due to increased adoption of smart devices.  Plastics and LCD components are difficult to recycle and often toxic.
• Lighting Equipment : Fluorescent lamps, LEDs, incandescent bulbs.  Smaller contribution but significant in developing countries.  Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, while LEDs have rare earth elements. 
• Electric Tools and Medical Devices : Power tools, drills, sewing machines, thermometers, dialysis machines, ECG equipment.  Low contribution, but e-waste from healthcare is rising. Medical equipment often requires specialized recycling processes due to the presence of hazardous or radioactive materials. 

Environmental Impact of Micro-E-waste 

• Micro-e-waste includes small electronic components such as SIM cards, microchips, sensors, and circuit boards. Innovations like nanotechnology-based recycling can help extract materials efficiently. 

E-waste and Cybersecurity Risks 

• Discarded devices like hard drives, laptops, and smartphones often store sensitive data. 
• If not wiped properly, they can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and corporate espionage. 

Rare Earth Element Dependency 

• Many electronic devices rely on rare earth elements (REEs) like neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium (used in magnets, screens, and batteries). Recycling REEs from e-waste can reduce dependency on mining, which is environmentally damaging and geopolitically sensitive.: REE recovery from e-waste is technically challenging and expensive but crucial for resource security. 

E-waste’s Role in Climate Change 

• The production and disposal of electronic goods contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially from the mining of raw materials and energy-intensive manufacturing.Improper disposal (e.g., burning e-waste) releases harmful GHGs like methane and fluorocarbons. 

E-waste in Space 

• Also known as space debris, this includes defunct satellites, old rocket parts, and fragments from collisions. 
• Space debris poses risks to active satellites and spacecraft. 
• Lack of international frameworks for space debris mitigation. 

Geopolitical Aspects of E-waste 

• Developed nations often export e-waste to developing countries under the guise of "donations" or "recyclable goods," creating environmental dumping grounds. 
• Stricter regulations like the Basel Convention aim to curb this, but enforcement remains weak. E-waste trade has also become a source of illicit income for organized crime. 

Initiatives to Manage E-Waste at National (India) Level  

• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2018 and 2022) 
  • Introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to collect and channel e-waste for proper disposal. 
  • Mandated producers, manufacturers, dealers, and refurbishers to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 
• Setting up of E-Waste Recycling Units 
  • India has established over 400 authorized e-waste recyclers with a total capacity to process around 1.2 million metric tons annually (as of 2023). 
• E-Waste Clinics 
  
  • First Initiative: Bhopal launched India's first e-waste clinic in 2020. 
  • Karnataka: Set up an e-waste park in Bengaluru to process e-waste scientifically.
• Legislative Push for Lithium-ion Battery Recycling 
  • India's rapid EV adoption has led to policies promoting recycling of EV batteries to address emerging e-waste streams. 

Global Initiatives to Manage  E-waste  

• Basel Convention (1989)
  • Regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste. 
  • Prevents the illegal dumping of e-waste from developed to developing countries. 
  • Amendments: In 2019, an amendment specifically addressed the regulation of plastic and e-waste. 
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) E-Waste Targets
  • Goal: By 2023, ITU aims to increase global e-waste recycling to 30% and establish e-waste policies in 50% of countries. 
• European Union Directives
  • WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive): 
    • Mandatory take-back programs for e-waste. 
    • Sets targets for e-waste collection and recycling within member states. 
• Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership
  • A joint initiative by UNU, ITU, and ISWA (International Solid Waste Association). 
  • Publishes annual Global E-Waste Monitors with data, trends, and policy recommendations. 
• Green Electronics Council (GEC) 
  • Runs the EPEAT ( Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) )   ecolabel program, helping consumers identify sustainable electronics. 
  • Encourages manufacturers to prioritize eco-friendly designs. 

Where to use ? 

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Environment Management and Conservation  

Source :  

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/indias-e-waste-surges-by-73-in-5-years 

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electronic-waste-(e-waste) 

Why in news : In recent years, the Arctic tundra's ability to emit less and absorb more carbon has been impacted, according to the 'Arctic Report Card', an annual report on the polar region. 

About :   

Arctic Tundra Transition from Carbon Sink to Carbon Source 

The Arctic tundra, traditionally a major carbon sink, has now become a source of carbon emissions for the first time in millennia, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in December 2024. This shift is driven by two primary factors: rising temperatures and increasing wildfires. This change significantly impacts global warming and climate change, as the region’s ability to store carbon has been compromised. 

Key Findings of the NOAA 2024 Arctic Report Card 

The NOAA 2024 Arctic Report Card highlights the unprecedented shift of the Arctic tundra from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter. For the first time in thousands of years, the tundra is releasing more carbon than it absorbs, exacerbating the global climate crisis. 

How the Arctic Tundra Traditionally Stores Carbon 

The Arctic tundra’s cold conditions allowed it to act as a carbon sink, storing over 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon in its permafrost. This carbon was locked away due to slow decomposition of organic matter, unlike other ecosystems where carbon is returned to the atmosphere. However, with thawing permafrost, this stored carbon is now being released, significantly altering the carbon cycle. 

Why Is the Arctic Tundra Now Emitting More Carbon? 

Two main factors have caused the Arctic tundra to transition from a carbon sink to a source of carbon emissions:

• Rising Temperatures: The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average. In 2024, surface temperatures were the second-warmest on record since 1900. The thawing of permafrost releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), a more potent greenhouse gas. As the permafrost melts, dormant microbes become active, breaking down organic matter and releasing more carbon.
  
• Increased Wildfires: In recent years, the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Arctic have increased. The 2023 wildfire season was the worst on record, and 2024 also saw significant wildfire emissions. These fires release large amounts of carbon and accelerate the thawing of permafrost, creating a vicious cycle of carbon release.
• Cumulative Effects (2001-2020): Between 2001 and 2020, the Arctic tundra began emitting more carbon than it was absorbing, marking a tipping point. This period saw both higher temperatures and more frequent wildfires, leading to an unprecedented shift in the region's carbon balance.

Global Impact of the Arctic Tundra Emitting More Carbon 

The Arctic tundra plays a vital role in regulating global temperatures by absorbing carbon. When it emits more carbon, a feedback loop is triggered, where the release of CO₂ and methane leads to further warming, causing more permafrost to melt and more carbon to be released. This accelerates both regional and global warming. 

What Happens Next? 

The trend of the Arctic tundra emitting carbon can still be reversed if global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are implemented. Cutting emissions from fossil fuels and human activities can slow the thawing of permafrost, offering the Arctic a chance to recover. Scientists like Brendan Rogers emphasize that reducing emissions is essential for mitigating this problem and stabilizing the carbon dynamics of the Arctic. 

Global Carbon Projections for 2024 

According to the Global Carbon Project (November 2024), CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion are expected to rise slightly, reaching 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024, up from 40.6 billion tonnes in 2023. Emissions from land-use changes, such as deforestation, are projected to add another 4.2 billion tonnes of CO₂. These rising emissions complicate efforts to stabilize the Arctic’s carbon balance. 

Source :  

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/arctic-tundra-emit-carbon-absorb-9728512/ 

Where to use ? 

Paper I ( Geography Optional ) : Global Warming and Climate Change  

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Environment Conservation 

Why in news : Recently, large amounts of water began gushing out from underground in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan that is attributed to the Artesian Well in India.  

About :  

The features of Artesian Wells in Rajasthan are as follows: 

• Water Eruption: In the desert regions of Rajasthan, water is trapped beneath a geological layer of sandstone. When the top layer is pierced, the pressure forces the water to rise, often erupting in a fountain-like manner. 
• Evidence of an Ancient Sea: The water drawn from the borewell has high salinity, similar to that of ancient sea or saline groundwater sources. This water is believed to be connected to the Tethys Sea, which existed about 250 million years ago. 
• Presence of Marine Clay: Along with the water, fine white marine clay containing skeletal remains, called "oozes," is brought to the surface. This further supports the theory that the groundwater is a remnant of an ancient sea. 
• Tertiary Sand: The sand found in the area, which is believed to date back to the Tertiary period (around 6 million years ago), is also brought up with the groundwater. 
• Geological Significance: The Jaisalmer region was once adjacent to the Tethys Sea, where dinosaurs lived on one side and deep waters existed on the other. Fossils of giant sharks have been discovered only in India (Jaisalmer), Japan, and Thailand, making the region significant in paleontological studies. 

Source :  

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/jaisalmer-water-reason-artesian-condition-saraswati-9763117/ 

Where to use :  

Paper II  ( Geography Optional ) : Physical Setting  

Nazca Lines : Nazca Lines are a group of geoglyphs, or large designs made on the ground by creators using elements of the landscape such as stones, gravel, dirt or lumber. 

• Location: These are located in the arid Peruvian coastal plain, some 400 km south of Lima. 
• The Nazca Lines were discovered by hikers in the mid 1920s and later on Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe studied them systematically in These are believed to be the greatest known archaeological enigma, owing to their size, continuity, nature and quality. 
• The vast majority of the lines date from 200 B.C. to A.D. 500, to a time when a people referred to as the Nazca inhabited the region. 
• The earliest lines, created with piled up stones, date as far back as 500 B.C.
• The Lines were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

Bioplastics : Bioplastics are derived from renewable organic sources like sugarcane, corn, unlike traditional plastics made from petroleum. They are not always biodegradable or compostable. 

• Bioplastics are produced by extracting sugar from plants like corn and sugarcane and converting it into polylactic acids (PLAs). Alternatively, they can be made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from microorganisms which are then polymerized into bioplastic. 

Green Steel : Green steel is defined by its carbon emissions relative to the established threshold. Steel must emit less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne to be considered green. The rating system categorizes steel by its emissions reductions, with five stars awarded to steel emitting less than 1.6 tonnes. 

Electronic soil : The electronic soil (eSoil) developed is a novel conductive cultivation substrate tailored specifically for hydroponic systems. Unlike traditional substrates like mineral wool, which are non-biodegradable and manufactured using energy-intensive processes, eSoil is composed of cellulose, a biopolymer, blended with a conductive polymer known as PEDOT (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)). This innovative blend of materials allows for the stimulation of root systems in plants through low-power electrical currents

Pelagic Birds : Pelagic birds are species that spend a significant amount of their lives on the open ocean. They are adapted to life in the marine environment, with feeding, breeding, and other behaviors deeply intertwined with the oceanic ecosystem. They have distinctive wing adaptations, with exceptionally long and thin wings that allow them to fly effortlessly for long periods without rest. Many pelagic birds also have special salt glands. 

The Gujarat Forest Department, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) pioneered a crucial project to restore coral ecosystems in the state, after beginning and continuing collaboration through whale shark conservation.   Beginning with creating an inventory of the biodiversity in Mithapur reef, the project also evaluated threats, took actions to mitigate them and even worked at spreading awareness on this important ecosystem. The highlight of the project was the unprecedented attempt to transplant locally-extirpated coral species as well as to enrich reef health through restoration activities including placement of artificial substrates for the corals to extend their reach.  

Where to use :  

Paper I ( Geography Optional ) : Coral reefs and Coral Bleaching. 

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Contemporary issues  

1. Ramappa Temple

Why in news : Centre approves ₹141 Crore loans for development of Ramappa Circuit under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. 

About :  

• The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is a magnificent testament to the architectural prowess of the Kakatiya dynasty. 
• The presiding deity of the temple is Ramalingeswara Swamy.
• Located in Palampet, Telangana, this 13th-century temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. 
  
  • Approx :  Mulugu district  

2. Dumbur Dam

Why in news : India has refuted allegations that the recent floods in eastern Bangladesh were caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam over Gumti River in Tripura. 

About  

• Location – Tripura, India.
• Purpose – Primarily used for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
• Significance – Supplies 40 MW of power to Bangladesh

Gumti River: 

• Originates from – Dumbur Lake in Tripura
• Course – Flows southward through Tripura and then into Bangladesh, eventually joining the Meghna River 
• Tributaries – Raima and Manu on the left, and the Deo and Khowai on the right
• Terrain – The upper course flows through hilly terrain, while the lower course traverses fertile plains 
  
  • Approx : Agartala  

3. Idukki, Kerala

Why in news : Farmers in Idukki, Kerala, are now reeling under the menace of spotted locust infestation. 

About :  

• It is the largest district in Kerala and lies amid the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats in Kerala. 
• Around 66% of Kerala's power needs come from various Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki district. 
• Numerous cash crops and spices are cultivated throughout the district, making it The Spice Garden of Kerala. 
• The Periyar River is a major river that originates and flows through Idukki.  
• The Pamba River is another important river that originates from Idukki district. 
  
  • Approx :  Munnar   
    

4. Pong Dam 

Why in news : Over 25,000 people displaced by the Pong dam on the Beas river in Himachal Pradesh have been waiting to be relocated for over five decades. 

• The Pong Dam, also recognized as the Beas Dam, is an embankment dam made of earth located on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. 
• Its primary purposes include water storage for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectric power. 
• Construction commenced in 1961, concluding in 1974, making it the tallest dam of its kind in the country at that time. 
• The heightened water level led to the formation of a man-made lake named Maharana Pratap Sagar, named after the prominent Mewar ruler. 
  • Approx :  Kangra  

5. Varkala Cliff

Why in news : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a reply from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and others over the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a designated national geo-heritage site. 

About :  

• It is a beautiful natural formation located in Varkala, a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. 
• The cliff, including both northern and southern ones, covering a total distance of 3 km exposes the sedimentary rock formation of the Mio-pliocene Age. 
• Varkala was the only place in the west coast of the country where sediments in the MioPliocene age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago) had been exposed.
• The cliff, also known as the North Cliff, stretches along the coast for about one kilometre, towering up to 80 metres above the sea level at some points. 
• The Papanasam Beach, located at the base of the cliff, is revered for its natural springs and believed to have therapeutic properties. 
  • Approx :  Thiruvinanthapuram 

Q1. Consider the following statements about Ramappa Temple:

1. It is located in Telangana and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. 
2. The “sandbox technique” used in its foundation involves the use of lime, jaggery, and black myrobalan fruit. 
3. The temple was built by the Chola dynasty.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2. The Gumti River, associated with Dumbur Dam, originates in which of the following Indian states? 

(a) Manipur

(b) Tripura

(c) Meghalaya

(d) Assam

Q3. Which of the following statements about Spotted Locust (Aularches miliaris) is correct? 

(a) It is commonly found in North America.

(b) It belongs to the family Acrididae.

(c) It is known for its colorful appearance and is found in South and Southeast Asia. 

(d) Its habitat is limited to desert areas.

Q4. The exercise CINBAX is conducted between:

(a) Indian Army and Cambodian Army

(b) Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy

(c) Indian Air Force and Malaysian Air Force

(d) Indian Coast Guard and Indonesian Coast Guard

Q5. Varkala Cliff, recently in news, is known for:

1. Its sedimentary rock formations of the Mio-Pliocene Age.
2. Being the only place on India’s west coast where Mio-Pliocene sediments are exposed. 
3. Papanasam Beach located at its base, known for natural springs with therapeutic properties. 

Select the correct answer using the code below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q6. The Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located in:

(a) Mexico

(b) Chile

(c) Peru

(d) Bolivia

Q7. What is the term 'brain rot', recently recognized as Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, associated with? 

(a) Decline in physical health due to excessive social media use

(b) Decline in intellectual abilities caused by excessive consumption of trivial online content 

(c) Damage to the brain due to air pollution

(d) A rare neurological disease caused by bacterial infection

Q8. Consider the following statements about ecDNA (extrachromosomal DNA):

1. It exists outside of chromosomes within the cell nucleus.
2. It plays a significant role in cancer progression and drug resistance.
3. ecDNA formation occurs due to errors in DNA replication or chromothripsis. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q9. Bioplastics are advantageous because:

1. They are derived from renewable organic sources like sugarcane and corn. 
2. They always decompose naturally and are biodegradable.
3. Bioplastics production helps absorb CO2 and reduces the carbon footprint. 

Select the correct answer using the code below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q10. India recently defined "Green Steel." Which of the following is true?

1. Green steel must emit less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of finished steel. 
2. A star-rating system has been introduced to evaluate green steel based on emissions. 
3. Steel emitting less than 1.6 tonnes of CO2 per tonne qualifies for a 5-star rating. 

Which of the statements above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3