Archive

1. The Planetary Boundaries framework was proposed in 2009 by Johan Rockström and a team of 28 scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Centre to define a safe operating space for humanity.

2. The framework identifies nine critical Earth-system processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the planet.

1. Nearly 70 percent of India’s surface water is contaminated, and the country ranks 120th out of 122 nations on the global Water Quality Index, highlighting the severity of its water pollution crisis.

2. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India has 296 polluted river stretches spread across 271 rivers.

1. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is India’s national framework for reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions through carbon pricing and the creation of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

2. CCTS was introduced under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 and shifts the focus from energy-efficiency targets to direct reduction of carbon emissions.

1. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was launched in 2014–15 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

2. From 2018–19, NMSA was operationalised as a sub-mission under the Green Revolution–Krishonnati Yojana umbrella scheme.

1. India ranks as the world’s third-largest country in terms of large dams and currently has 6,628 specified dams, including 6,545 operational dams and 83 under construction.

2. The gross water storage capacity of India’s specified dams is approximately 330 billion cubic metres, making them vital for irrigation, hydropower, flood control, and water security.

1. The Great Nicobar Project aims to develop Great Nicobar Island into a strategic maritime and economic hub by leveraging its location near the East-West international shipping route.

2. The project site lies about 40 nautical miles from the East-West shipping route, giving it strong potential for transshipment activity and strategic maritime relevance in the Indian Ocean region.

1. World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March, marking adoption of CITES, while the 2026 theme focuses on medicinal and aromatic plants, health heritage, and livelihoods.

2. India is among the world’s 17 mega biodiversity rich countries and holds nearly 7 percent of global biodiversity, giving special significance to medicinal plant conservation.

1. India’s energy system is being reshaped to provide reliable, affordable, cleaner, and more secure power for households, farms, industries, transport systems, and public services.

2. Average electricity availability in rural areas increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours, while urban power supply improved from 22.1 hours to 23.4 hours.

1) Average rural electricity supply improved from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours now, while urban supply improved from 22.1 hours in 2014 to 23.4 hours now.

2) India is among the world’s top three energy consumers, and electricity demand keeps rising with more households, growing industry, and expanding services.

1. India generates about 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, including crop residues, husk, straw, and food-processing by-products, creating serious air, soil, and water contamination risks when mismanaged.

2. MNRE estimates agricultural residues could generate over 18,000 MW of power annually, alongside producing nutrient-rich organic fertilisers that improve soil health and significantly reduce dependence on chemical inputs.