Environment

Scientists have warned that the 6th mass extinction of life on earth is unfolding more quickly than feared.  The main drivers of wildlife decline are habitat loss, overconsumption, pollution, invasive species, disease, as well as poaching in the case of tigers, elephants, rhinos and other large animals prized for their body parts. The ultimate cause … Read more DMPQ- What do you understand by the term sixth mass extinction.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants ( POP’s) is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment. … Read more DMPQ- Stockholm Convention

A xerophyte is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water such as a desert or ice- or snow-covered region in the Alps or the Arctic. Popular examples of xerophytes are cacti, pineapple, and some Gymnosperm plants. Xerophyte adaptations increase water intake, limit water loss, and store … Read more DMPQ- What is Xerophyte?

It is a Central Sector Scheme and is being implemented with the objective: To provide clean cooking fuel for kitchens, lighting and meeting other thermal and small power needs of farmers/dairy farmers /users including individual households and to improve organic manure system (not eliminate chemical fertilizer) based on bio-slurry from biogas plants in rural and … Read more DMPQ- New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme

Ecological efficiency is the amount of energy that is transferred from one trophic level to the next. It is defined as the energy supply available to trophic level N + 1, divided by the energy consumed by trophic level N. This follows the 10% rule, which states that roughly 10% of the energy at one … Read more DMPQ- What do you understand by the term Ecological efficiency?

An oligotrophic lake or water body is one which has relatively low productivity due to the low nutrient content in the lake. These lakes usually have quite clear water due to the limited growth of algae in the lake. The waters of such lakes are of high-drinking quality. Such lakes support aquatic species who require … Read more DMPQ- Oligotrophic lakes

Flue gas (sometimes called exhaust gas or stack gas) is the gas that emanates from combustion plants and which contains the reaction products of fuel and combustion air and residual substances such as particulate matter (dust), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. The composition of flue gas depends upon the composition and properties of … Read more DMPQ-What is flue gas desulphurisation Process and How it is helpful for Environment?

The special characteristics that enable plants and animals to be successful in a particular environment are called adaptations. Epiphytes are plants that live on the surface of other plants, especially the trunk and branches. They grow on trees to take advantage of the sunlight in the canopy. Most are orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and Philodendron relatives. … Read more DMPQ-What are the adaptation made by the plants in the Rainforest region?

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) under UNFCCC is a global endeavor to use carbon sequestration potential of the forests to manage climate change within acceptable limits of tolerance. In simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation”, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of … Read more DMPQ-REDD+

Coral bleaching happens when corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. Corals are bright and colorful because of microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. The zooxanthellae live within the coral in a mutually beneficial relationship, each helping the other survive. But when the ocean environment changes—if it gets too hot, for instance—the coral stresses out and … Read more DMPQ-What is coral bleaching and what are the causes of coral bleaching?

Under this initiative, TRIFED will integrate its Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana with this global environmental intervention termed as TICD (TRIFED’s Initiative to Combat Desertification). TRIFED will be partnering with the German Cooperation (GIZ) to involve the tribal community for rehabilitating the degraded land while supplementing the income of tribal community. 4P1000 Initiative: The international … Read more DMPQ- What is TRIFED initiative to Combat desertification?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the Angikaar Campaign. The campaign was officially rolled out in all cities with PMAY (U) on October 2, 2019. It has been launched for social behaviour change, focusing on issues such as water & energy conservation, waste management, health, tree plantation, sanitation and hygiene. The campaign … Read more DMPQ- Recently Angikaar compaign was in the news. What is Angikkar compaign and comment upon its significance.

Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. Water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away. Upwelling occurs in the open ocean and along coastlines. Water that rises to the surface as a … Read more DMPQ- What is upwelling and how does it affect the marine ecosystem.

An algal bloom is a sudden increase in the population of algae in a freshwater or marine habitat. The bloom generally looks like a scum on the surface of the water and may colour it blue-green, red, or yellow, depending upon the species of algae involved. An algal bloom is caused by enrichment in the … Read more DMPQ- How algal boom destroys the freshwater or marine habitat?

Edge effect: Edge effects refer to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats. Trophic cascade: A trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators and involving reciprocal changes in the relative population of Predator and prey through a food chain … Read more DMPQ- Explain the following terms: • Edge effect • Trophic cascade • Dieback

As an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, CM provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. CMS brings together the countries through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a … Read more DMPQ- Convention on conservation of Migratory species.

The ‘wise use’ approach of Ramsar Convention is globally recognized. Notably, the wise use approach was coined in 1972, much before the hallmark 1992 Rio Conference wherein the term sustainable development was rendered a definition. The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and … Read more DMPQ- Wise used approach is often seen in the news. What is Wise used approach and explain its genesis.

Autogenic engineers: They change the environment via their own physical structures, i.e. their living and dead tissues. As they grow and become larger, their living and dead tissues create habitats for other organisms to live on or in. Examples of Autogenic Engineering: Trees, corals, and giant kelps are good examples of autogenic engineers. As they … Read more DMPQ- What are Autogenic Engineers and How they work. Explain with the help of examples.

An important characteristic of all communities is that their composition and structure constantly change in response to the changing environmental conditions. This change is orderly and sequential, parallel with the changes in the physical environment. These changes lead finally to a community that is in near equilibrium with the environment and that is called a … Read more DMPQ- What do you mean by Ecological succession?

The Government of India set up Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. It functions under the administrative control of Ministry of Power. The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and … Read more DMPQ- What are the regulatory functions of Bureau of Energy efficiency?

Seagrasses are flowering plants (angiosperms) which grow in marine environments. Seagrass can easily be confused with marine macroalgae (Seaweed). Seagrasses are considered vascular plants and have roots, stems and leaves. Sea grass produces flowers, seeds and fruits. Seagrass plays a vital role in oxygen production and absorption of carbon dioxide. It acts as a purifier … Read more DMPQ- What do you understand by “ Sea grass” and “ sea weed”?

Inorganic plant nutrients are water soluble nitrates and phosphates that cause excessive growth of algae and otheraquatic plants. The excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to added nutrients is called Eutrophication.   Impact of Eutrophication on environment: Creation of dense blooms of noxious, foul-smelling phytoplankton known as Algal Blooms that reduce waterclarity and … Read more DMPQ-What is eutrophication and How does it affect the marine ecosystem?

A soil may be rich in salts because the parent rock from which it was formed contains salts. Sea water is anothersource of salts in low-lying areas along the coast. A very common source of salts in irrigated soils is the irrigationwater itself. Most irrigation waters contain some salts. After irrigation, the water added to … Read more DMPQ- What do you understand by the term soil salinity? Write down the effects of increase in the soil salinity?

Indian forests face a number of problems which are both natural and man-made. Some of the major problems are: Inadequate and dwindling forest cover. Low productivity Nature of forests and their uneconomical utilisation Lack of transport facilities Forest fires Plant diseases, insects and pests Obsolete methods of lumbering and sawing Lack of commercial forests Lack … Read more DMPQ- What are the challenges to the management and preservation of Indian Forestry.

Launched in 2005, Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.Seven protected areas are Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary … Read more DMPQ-Write a short note on RHINO conservation.

Air Quality Early Warning Systemis designed to predict extreme air pollution events and give alerts to take necessary steps as per Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Government of India. The air pollution system has been developed jointly by the scientists at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, India Meteorological Department and National … Read more DMPQ- Air quality is declining to a high proportion. In this context explain the system of Advanced Air quality early warning system.

Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and across the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue. The purpose of Talanoa is to share stories, build empathy and to make wise decisions for the collective good. The process of Talanoa involves the sharing of ideas, skills and experience through storytelling. … Read more DMPQ- Write a short note on Talanoa dialogue.

The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world, inhabiting warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.The species is listed as … Read more DMPQ- Write a short note on Arribada.

The National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has developed the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) to enable effective water management in Indian states in the face of this growing crisis. The CWMI is envisioned to bring about much-required improvements in water resource management and conservation in India in a coherent and collaborative manner. The … Read more DMPQ: Write a short note on Composite water management Index

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify … Read more DMPQ- Blue flag certification and its significance.

India’s nomination of the Jaipur City, Rajasthan got status of the World Heritage List of UNESCO during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Baku, Azerbaijan.  The nomination of Jaipur City has successfully been done by complying with the various UNESCO guidelines of 2017. India’s nomination was initially recommended by the ICOMOS … Read more DMPQ: Jaipur was given the tag of world heritage city recently. Who gives this tag and why it was given?

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. We maintain this deficit by liquidating stocks of ecological resources and accumulating waste, primarily carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Earth Overshoot Day is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint … Read more DMPQ: What is Earth overshoot day and what does it signifies

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. The MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973 at IMO. The Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a spate of tanker … Read more DMPQ: Write a short note on MARPOL Convention?

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the ‘List of Wetlands of International Importance’ where variations in ecological character have happened, are happen, or are likely to happen as an outcome of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. Wetlands are areas of fen, marsh, peatland or water, whether artificial or natural, … Read more DMPQ- Write short note on Montreaus records.

Organic farming is an agricultural system that works in harmony with nature. It largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc.) and rely upon crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection. Organic farming … Read more DMPQ-What do you mean by organic farming? What are its benefits?

India State of Forest Report 2019 has been prepared by Forest Survey of India (FSI). It is a biannual report. The report is prepared after mapping of forests and trees through satellite. Key highlights of the report are as follows: the forest area has increased by 3976 kilometers and the area of trees by 1212 … Read more DMPQ-Recently Forest report was released by forest survey of India. Highlight the major findings.

Dead zones are hypoxic (low-oxygen) areas in the world’s oceans and large lakes. They are caused by “excessive nutrient pollution from human activities coupled with other factors that deplete the oxygen required to support most marine life in bottom and near-bottom water. Historically, many of these sites were naturally occurring. However, in the 1970s, oceanographers … Read more DMPQ- What are dead zones and comment on their genesis?

Climate finance refers to local, national or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change. The Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement call for financial assistance from Parties with more financial resources to those that are less endowed and more … Read more DMPQ- What do you understand by the term climate financing? Explain the sources of climate financing.

Shola forests are tropical Montane forests found in the valleys separated by rolling grasslands only in the higher elevations. They are found only in South India in the Southern Western Ghats. The shola forests are patches of forests that occur only in the valleys where there is least reach of the fog and mist. Other … Read more DMPQ- Write a short note on the Shola forest.

Air pollution is broken down into ambient (outdoor) air pollution and indoor air pollution. This pollution comes from many sources, the majority of them a result of human activity: the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal to generate electricity for homes and businesses, or petrol and diesel to power our cars, buses, ships and … Read more DMPQ- What is Air pollution? How does it affect the health of the Human on Planet earth.

Sand and gravel, together known as aggregate, is the 2nd largest raw material used on earth after water. Indiscriminate sand mining in India not only threatens the environment and ecosystem but  also endangers the economy. Therefore, sustainable sand mining (SSM) is recommended. Sustainable sand mining uses sound scientific assessment, adopts best practices, construction technology, and … Read more DMPQ- What is sustainable sand mining and comment on the importance of Sustainable sand Mining.

Tiger census is done to quantified and identify the population of Tigers in India. It is an important component of tiger conservation programme. It is published by the wildlife institute of India. Method of TC are as follows: Pugmark technique: It has been one of the most popular ways of counting tigers. Each tiger is … Read more DMPQ-What is Tiger census? What is the need of conduction Tiger census?