Dive into key environmental and geographical topics crucial for competitive exams, covering air pollution, India’s energy goals, unique geological formations, major infrastructure projects, and global climate initiatives.
Understanding Air Pollution’s Impact
Air pollution remains a critical concern, with substances like sulfur dioxide (SO2) playing a significant role. When SO2 is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with ammonia (NH3) to form ammonium sulfate, contributing substantially to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.
Exposure to PM2.5 is detrimental to human health, linked to chronic conditions such as asthma, heart attacks, and other respiratory ailments. While SO2 itself can irritate eyes, throat, and lungs, long-term exposure can lead to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death.
It’s important to note that while SO2 contributes to acid rain, carbon monoxide (CO) does not play a role in its formation, affecting ecosystems through its corrosive nature.
India’s Ambitious Energy Goals
India is on an aggressive path towards sustainable energy. The nation aims to install a whopping 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030, a significant target for a rapidly developing economy.
Nuclear energy is a key component of this strategy, with India currently operating 22 nuclear reactors, collectively providing 6780 MWe of installed capacity. The goal is to triple this capacity to around 17 GW by 2030.
Renewable energy is also experiencing a boom. In 2024, India achieved its highest annual renewable energy installation to date, adding almost 30 GW, with solar energy accounting for nearly 24 GW of this impressive growth.
Exploring Karewa Formations in Kashmir
The distinctive Karewa formations are high tablelands found exclusively in India’s Kashmir Valley. These geological features are a result of natural upliftment of the Pir Panjal ranges, which occurred approximately four million years ago.
The elevation of the Pir Panjal range created an orographic barrier, blocking moisture-laden summer monsoon winds from reaching the valley. This geological shift ultimately led to Kashmir’s present-day Mediterranean-type climate, characterized by warm summers and harsh, rainy winters, with winter snowfall being the primary source of water replenishment.
The Etalin Hydel Project: A Balancing Act
The proposed 3,087-MW Etalin hydel project is slated for the Dibang valley in Arunachal Pradesh. It is designed as a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers, which are tributaries of the Dibang river, itself a feeder to the Brahmaputra.
A run-of-the-river project minimizes water storage, relying on the natural flow of the river. This ambitious project, located upstream of India’s major rivers, has garnered attention due to its scale and potential environmental implications.
Boosting Agriculture and Fisheries through Innovation
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in May 2020 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, aims to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector. The scheme focuses on enhancing aquaculture productivity from 3 to 5 tonnes per hectare, improving overall fisheries management, and creating 55 lakh new jobs.
Another agricultural innovation gaining traction is biostimulants. These substances or microorganisms work by stimulating natural processes in plants to improve nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Unlike traditional fertilizers, biostimulants do not directly provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium but enhance the plant’s natural abilities. Biostimulants are now regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, ensuring quality and safety.
The Role of the UNFCCC Secretariat
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, established in 1992 and currently based in Bonn, Germany, plays a crucial role in global climate action. It supports the implementation of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the landmark Paris Agreement.
A key function of the secretariat is maintaining the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are at the heart of the Paris Agreement’s efforts to mitigate climate change. The secretariat actively engages not only with governments but also with non-Party stakeholders such as businesses, cities, and civil society groups, fostering broad participation in climate initiatives.
Recognizing Environmental Excellence
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is considered the world’s most prestigious annual environmental award, often referred to as the “green Nobel Prize.” In 2025, this esteemed prize was awarded to Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondizio for their significant contributions to environmental science.
- SO2 reacts with ammonia to form ammonium sulfate, contributing to PM2.5 pollution.
- India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030.
- Karewa formations are unique tablelands in the Kashmir Valley, influencing its climate.
- The Etalin hydel project in Arunachal Pradesh is a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers.
- Biostimulants enhance plant growth and stress tolerance without directly providing nutrients.
- The UNFCCC secretariat, located in Bonn, Germany, supports global climate agreements and maintains the NDCs registry.
These topics highlight the ongoing efforts and challenges in environment and geography, providing crucial insights for those preparing for competitive examinations and for anyone interested in our planet’s future.
