Current Affairs for 10 November 2025

Western Ghats

Recently, the Karnataka government rejected the Kasturirangan Committee’s report for the environmental conservation of the Western Ghats. The state government argued that the report exaggerated the extent of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), which could hinder developmental projects. This decision has once again revived the debate between development and environmental conservation.

Kasturirangan Committee: Key Recommendations

Geographical and Ecological Significance of the Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats span six Indian states — Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Its total length is approximately 1,600 km, running parallel to India’s western coast.
• It serves as a major watershed region of India.

Ecological and Biodiversity Importance

1. Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghats are considered one of the eight “hottest hotspots of biodiversity” in the world.
2. UNESCO World Heritage: In 2012, 39 sites in the Western Ghats were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3. Endemic Species:
   • 50% of India’s amphibian species and 67% of its freshwater fish species are endemic to this region.
   • Examples: Nilgiri tahr, Malabar civet, Lion-tailed macaque.
4. Water Resources Contribution:
   • The rivers originating from the Western Ghats meet the water needs of around 245 million people.
   • Major rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Periyar originate here.
5. Forest Wealth:
   • 63% of India’s evergreen tree species are found here.
   • It is a major center for medicinal plants.

Major Threats to the Western Ghats

Development vs. Conservation Controversy

• State governments argue that expanding ESA limits would affect mining, dams, roads, and infrastructure projects.
• Environmentalists argue that long-term economic prosperity is only possible if ecological stability is maintained.

Way Forward

1. Institutional Reforms:
   • Establish the Western Ghats Ecology Authority.
   • It should handle monitoring, policy implementation, and coordination.
2. Financial Incentives:
   • Create the Western Ghats Sustainable Development Fund to financially support green development projects.
3. Public Participation:
   • Involve local communities and village councils in conservation decisions.
   • Promote eco-tourism to generate environmentally-friendly employment.
4. Policy Coordination:
   • Ensure balanced policy-making between the central and state governments.
   • Strictly implement Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Conclusion

• The Western Ghats are not only a treasure of India’s biodiversity but also the “lifeline of India’s water resources.”
• Its ecosystem is extremely fragile, with numerous wildlife corridors.
• Active participation of local communities, environmental education, and a sustainable development approach are essential for its conservation.

“Development is meaningful only when it is balanced with the environment.”

Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

India, being a country with diverse geomorphology and rich biodiversity, faces the challenge of balancing development with environmental conservation. To maintain this balance, the government has developed the concept of Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs). The idea is to allow controlled development without disturbing the ecological balance of protected areas.

Objective of ESZ:-

"Not to stop development, but to regulate it in an environmentally sustainable manner."

Definition:-

• ESZs are buffer zones around protected areas such as National Parks, Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, or Biosphere Reserves. They reduce adverse human impacts on core ecological zones. 
• Also referred to as shock absorbers or transition zones, they provide a protective boundary between core conservation areas and external development zones.

Legal Basis of ESZ

Though the term “ESZ” is not explicitly mentioned in a specific law, its legal foundation is derived from:

Need for ESZ

1. Increasing human pressure: Illegal mining, construction, and industrial activities around protected areas affect biodiversity.
2. Human-wildlife conflict: Encroachment and poaching in fringe villages are increasing.
3. Natural resource protection: Buffer zones are necessary to protect water sources, rivers, and forest root systems.
4. Development-conservation balance: Promote sustainable development in environmentally sensitive areas without harming ecology.

Extent and Coverage

• Typically, an ESZ can extend up to 10 km around a protected area.
• The extent is site-specific; highly sensitive areas may require ESZs beyond 10 km.
• As of 2025, over 340 notifications for ESZs around 485 protected areas have been issued in India.

Activities in ESZ

Each ESZ has a Zonal Master Plan that specifies permissible activities in different zones.

ESZ Notification Process

1. State Government Proposal: Survey the geography, socio-economic data, and human activities around the protected area.
2. MoEFCC Review: Central government issues a draft notification.
3. Public Hearing & Objections: Seek suggestions and objections from the public and local bodies.
4. Final Notification: Finalize boundaries and rules after considering suggestions.
5. Monitoring Committee Formation: Include district collector, DFO, local NGOs, and village representatives for oversight.

Significance / Benefits of ESZ

• Protects biodiversity and maintains ecosystem stability.
• Safeguards catchment areas and river sources.
• Provides a buffer for wildlife habitats.
• Promotes environmentally-friendly tourism and livelihood options.
• Helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Challenges

Recent Examples / Case Studies

Judicial Interventions

1. Supreme Court (June 2022): Minimum 1 km ESZ mandatory around all protected areas.
2. Goa Foundation v. Union of India (2006): ESZ aims to regulate, not prohibit development.
3. T.N. Godavarman Case: Directed timely demarcation of ESZs by MoEFCC.

Recent Government Initiatives

• Green Development Plan: Provide alternative livelihoods in ESZs via organic farming, solar energy, and eco-tourism.
• Digital Mapping of ESZs: Use GIS and satellite imagery for precise demarcation.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Financial support for afforestation and eco-restoration activities in ESZs.

Water Crisis in Iran and Solutions

Why in News

According to recent reports, the water level in the dam reservoirs supplying water to the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad has fallen below 3%, and the country is facing a severe water crisis. The president has warned that if the situation does not improve, the capital, Tehran, may have to be evacuated.

Water Crisis in Iran: Key Factors

• Mismanagement and inefficient governance: Including excessive dam construction, illegal well drilling, and unsustainable agriculture.
• Inappropriate agriculture: Agriculture consumes over 90% of Iran's water.
• Climate change and drought: Iran is located in a naturally arid region, and climate change has exacerbated drought events.
  • The severe drought that has been occurring for the past five years has exacerbated the situation, leading to reduced rainfall.
• Aging infrastructure: Water supply systems in cities are outdated, leading to significant water leakage.
• Overexploitation of groundwater: The use of powerful pumps and the digging of deep wells has depleted groundwater reserves at an alarming rate.

Effects of the Water Crisis

• Environmental degradation: Major rivers have dried up, and key water bodies like Lake Urmia have shrunk, leading to salt flats and dust storms.
• Social unrest and migration: Water shortages have forced thousands of farmers and rural residents to abandon their livelihoods and migrate to cities.
• Food security and economy: This crisis threatens food security and agricultural productivity, causing significant economic losses.
  • The World Bank estimates that water scarcity could reduce Iran's GDP growth rate by 6% by 2050.
• Public health: Poor water quality has increased health concerns.

The Way Forward: Solutions

• The Iranian government has introduced some measures, but experts argue that they are often short-term and do not address the root causes.
• Proposed permanent solutions include implementing modern irrigation techniques, improving water governance, enforcing strict regulations on water consumption, and investing in wastewater treatment.
• Without addressing current mismanagement, the crisis is expected to worsen, potentially rendering parts of the country uninhabitable.

Human Biomass Movement is 40 Times Greater than Terrestrial Organisms

Reference

According to a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, the biomass movement of humans on Earth is 40 times greater than that of all terrestrial animals, birds, and insects combined.

Meaning of Biomass Movement

• Definition: The biomass movement of a species is defined as the product of its total biomass (total weight) and the distance traveled per year.
• Example:
  • The Arctic Tern, a bird weighing only 100 grams, travels 90,000 km each year.
  • Despite this, its total biomass movement is only 0.016 gigatons per kilometer per year (Gt/km/yr).
  • The biomass movement of African elephants is estimated to be approximately 7 Gt/km/yr.

Human Biomass Movement: A Global Impact

• According to a recent study, the biomass movement of humans is 4,000 Gt/km/yr.
  • This is 40 times greater than the combined estimate of all terrestrial wildlife, birds, and insects.
  • It is also 6 times greater than the maximum biomass movement estimated for all terrestrial animals.
• According to the scientists, “This study demonstrates that humans are a species on Earth that has become a planetary force. We must understand that just as we impact the environment, we also have a responsibility to protect it.”

The Scale of Human Mobility

• According to the study, an average human travels approximately 30 km per day.
• Of this, approximately 65% ​​is by car and motorcycle, 10% by airplane, and 5% by train or metro.
• Two-thirds of all motorized travel occurs in high- or upper-middle-income countries.

Compared to other species

• The total biomass movement of all terrestrial wild mammals (excluding bats) is estimated at 30 Gt/km/yr.
• This movement has declined the most in larger animals that migrate long distances.
• Interestingly, the biomass movement of domestic animals was found to be approximately equal to that of humans, with non-dairy cattle contributing the most.

Impact on Marine Life

• Studies have shown that marine biomass movement, once the highest on Earth, has half since 1850.
• The main reason for this is industrial fishing.
• Whaling: These activities have severely impacted marine ecosystems.

Human Impact on Ecology

• The movement of both humans and animals has profound effects on the ecosystem:
  • Transport of nutrients and organisms
  • Changes in ecosystem structure
  • Impacts on biodiversity.
• But the unusually high mobility of humans has made it clear that we are not only part of the environment, but have become a major factor in its transformation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the global scale of human activities. We are not only the most mobile species on Earth's surface, but our mobility has profoundly impacted climate change, pollution, and ecological balance. Therefore, it is essential that humanity balances its dynamic power with responsibility and environmental protection, so that the natural balance of life on Earth is maintained.

C5+1: Central Asia and the United States of America

• Meaning: C5 = Five Central Asian countries + 1 = USA
• Therefore, “C5+1” represents the group of five Central Asian countries and the USA.

Purpose of Establishment:

The platform was created to develop:

• Regional stability
• Economic prosperity
• Shared solutions for global challenges

Focus Areas:

• Regional connectivity
• Energy security
• Collective security framework
• Trade cooperation

Three Pillars of Cooperation (C5+1):

US Policy in Central Asia:

Central Asia has historically been under Russian and Chinese influence. Through C5+1, the USA seeks to offer a third strategic alternative.

Key Points:

• The Trump administration signed agreements worth $12.4 billion within six months, covering rare earth minerals, aviation, and security cooperation.
• China currently controls almost 90% of the world’s rare earth resources.
• The US aims to break China’s economic monopoly and develop alternative mineral sources.
• Kazakhstan has recently discovered 20 million tons of rare earth minerals, including cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium, critical for:
  • Smartphones
  • Computer chips
  • Military technology

Strategic Interest of the USA:

• Central Asia lies in the geographical “Heartland” between Russia and China.
• The region is rich in oil, gas, uranium, and rare earth metals.
• Access to these resources allows the US to challenge China’s dominance.

India’s Role and Perspective:

Although India is not part of C5+1, Central Asia is a key geopolitical region for India’s foreign policy.

India’s Connect Central Asia Policy (2012):

• Objective: Develop broad political, economic, security, and cultural partnerships with Central Asian countries.

India’s Priorities in the Region:

Key Indian Projects:

1. TAPI Gas Pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India)
   • Provides India with a new source of natural gas.
2. Chabahar Port (Iran)
   • Strategic route for India to access Central Asia
3. Bypasses Pakistan
   • International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
   • 7,200 km multi-modal network connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe
   • Reduces trade costs and transit time, ensuring faster access to Europe

INSTC Route and Significance:

Significance:

• Reduces transit time by 40%
• Reduces costs by 30%
• Provides direct India–Europe trade route

Wider Objectives of the USA:

1. Limit Russian and Chinese influence — integrate Central Asia into Western economic structures to balance Eurasia.
2. Develop alternative supply chains — especially for energy and rare earth minerals.
   • Connect Central Asia to the Western bloc (US–EU).
   • Establish a “New Balance of Power” in the region.

Overall Analysis:

Conclusion:

• C5+1 serves as a platform for the US to balance Russia–China influence in Central Asia.
• It is also seen as a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• India, though not part of this forum, is strengthening its economic and strategic presence through its Connect Central Asia Policy, Chabahar Port, and INSTC.

Thus, C5+1 is not only a US–Central Asia cooperation platform but is also emerging as a new center for the Asian power balance.

Forest Conservation in India

Forest conservation in India is not only environmental but also deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions:

• Vedic Era: Forests were revered as Vandevata or Aranyadevata (forest deities).
• Maurya & Gupta Periods: Early state forest policies existed.
  • Kautilya referred to forests as “state property” in Arthashastra.
• British Period:
  • 1864 – Establishment of Imperial Forest Department.
  • Indian Forest Act, 1878 (later revised in 1927) centralized forest control.
• Post-Independence:
  • Forest conservation was linked with developmental goals.
  • 1976 – 42nd Constitutional Amendment moved “Forests” from State List to Concurrent List, giving both Union and States policymaking authority.

Current Status of Forests in India (ISFR 2023)

Economic and Ecological Importance of Forests

(i) Economic Contribution

• Forests contribute ~1.5% directly to GDP, with much higher indirect contribution.
• Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like lac, tendu leaves, resin, medicinal plants support the livelihoods of 27.5 million rural people.
• Estimated value of ecosystem services: ~$120 billion/year.

(ii) Ecological Benefits

• Carbon Sink: Indian forests absorb ~24,000 million tons of CO₂.
• Soil conservation, water resource protection, biodiversity support, microclimate regulation.
• Mangroves protect coasts from erosion and storms.

(iii) Social & Cultural Significance

• ~3,000 tribal communities depend on forests for livelihood and culture.
• Sacred Groves in 12 states act as “living museums of biodiversity.”

Key Challenges

1. Deforestation:
   • 3.3% tree cover lost (2001–2022, Global Forest Watch).
   • Driven by mining, urbanization, roads, and dams.
2. Forest Fires:
   • ~36% forest area annually prone to fires.
3. High-risk states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Manipur.
4. Climate Change:
   • Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts → higher tree mortality.
   • Illegal Logging & Timber Trade.
5. Human-Wildlife Conflict:
   • Expansion of settlements vs conservation of tigers, elephants, leopards.
6. Afforestation vs Natural Forests:
   • Monoculture plantations reduce ecological diversity.

Institutional and Legal Framework

Major Government Initiatives

1. Green India Mission (2014): 10 million hectares reforestation in 10 years.
2. Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): ₹66,000+ crore allocated to states by 2023.
3. National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Village-level forestry via JFMCs.
4. Eco-Task Forces (ETF): Army-assisted afforestation, water conservation, land rehabilitation.
5. National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Promote bamboo as “green gold.”
6. Digital Forest Mapping: Real-time monitoring with GIS, drones, satellite imagery.

Global Initiatives India is Part Of

Best Practices

Way Forward

1. Link conservation to economic policy:
   • Implement Green GDP & Natural Capital Accounting.
2. Empower local communities:
   • Effective implementation of Forest Rights Act.
3. Climate-smart forestry:
   • Use native species; biodiversity-focused plantations.
4. Enhance community participation:
   • Transparent Joint Forest Management.
5. Forest fire management:
   • AI-based alert systems; firebreak zones.
6. Legal reforms:
   • Align Forest (Conservation) Act with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
7. Education & Awareness:
   • Promote “Green Club” culture in schools and colleges.

Conclusion

• India’s forest conservation efforts are integral to environmental policy, national security, climate responsibility, and social justice.
• India demonstrates that development and environmental protection can complement each other.
• A green and secure future depends on every citizen adopting forest preservation in daily life.