15th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. World Air Quality Report 2024 – Environment

Why in News?

• Delhi is the world’s most polluted capital city in 2024, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m³, according to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir (Switzerland).
• India ranks as the 5th most polluted country globally, with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines by 10 times.
• Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border) is the most polluted city in India, followed by major NCR cities.

About the World Air Quality Report 2024

• Published by: IQAir, a Swiss air technology company.
• Coverage: 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions & territories.
• Focus: PM2.5 pollution data – considered the most dangerous air pollutant for human health.

Key Findings (Global Perspective):

• Bangladesh remains the most polluted country, followed by Pakistan, India, Tajikistan & Burkina Faso.
• Cities in South Asia dominate the pollution rankings.
• China recorded a decline in PM2.5 levels due to strict air pollution control policies.

India-Specific Findings

1. Delhi: The Most Polluted Capital in the World

• PM2.5 Level: 91.8 μg/m³ (WHO limit: 5 μg/m³)
• Severe Air Quality in Winter Due to:
  • Vehicular & industrial emissions
  • Construction dust
  • Crop stubble burning in Punjab & Haryana

2. Most Polluted Cities in India (2024)

3. India’s Air Pollution Ranking

• India is the 5th most polluted country globally (2023 Rank: 3rd).
• Average PM2.5 Level: 50.6 μg/m³ (WHO Safe Limit: 5 μg/m³).

4. Causes of High Air Pollution in India

• Vehicular & Industrial Emissions – Major contributor to urban pollution.
• Construction & Road Dust – 38% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution.
• Crop Burning in Punjab & Haryana – Seasonal factor increasing PM2.5 levels.
• Coal-Based Power Plants – Account for 60% of India’s electricity production.
• Lack of Efficient Waste Management – Open burning of waste worsens air quality.

Impact of Air Pollution in India

1. Health Impacts

• Respiratory & cardiovascular diseases (asthma, lung cancer, stroke).
• High mortality rates – India records 2 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution (WHO).
• Reduced life expectancy – Delhi residents may lose 11.9 years of life expectancy due to pollution (EPIC Report 2023).

2. Economic Impact

• India loses $95 billion annually (3% of GDP) due to air pollution.
• Increased healthcare burden from pollution-related diseases.
• Reduced labor productivity & crop losses due to smog & climate effects.

3. Environmental Damage

• Soil degradation & reduced agricultural yield due to acidic pollutants.
• Declining biodiversity in polluted regions (e.g., Yamuna river pollution affecting aquatic life).
• Climate change contribution – Black carbon emissions accelerate global warming.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Air Pollution

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) (2019)

• Target: Reduce PM2.5 & PM10 levels by 40% by 2026 in 131 cities.
• Actions:
  • Expansion of EV adoption.
  • Stricter BS-VI vehicle emission norms.
  • Increased use of CNG & electric public transport.

2. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (Delhi NCR)

• Emergency response strategy to control pollution during winter smog.
• Bans on construction, vehicle entry & industrial emissions when AQI worsens.

3. Fasal Bima Yojana & PUSA Bio-Decomposer

• Promoting alternative methods for stubble disposal to reduce crop burning.

4. Push for Renewable Energy

• India aims for 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
• Focus on solar & wind energy expansion.

5. Introduction of ‘Green Credits’

• Similar to Carbon Credits – Incentivizing industries for sustainable practices.

Challenges in Air Quality Management

• Poor Implementation of Policies – NCAP lacks strict enforcement mechanisms.
• Seasonal Pollution Peaks – Crop burning remains uncontrolled despite bans.
• Lack of Public Awareness – Insufficient focus on citizen participation.
• Coordination Issues – Centre-State cooperation needed for long-term solutions.

Example: Failure to control pollution in Delhi despite multiple emergency measures like GRAP & smog towers.

Relevance for Exam

1. Environment & Climate Change (GS Paper-3)

• Air pollution trends & causes in India.
• Impact on health, economy & environment.
• Government policies & challenges in implementation.

2. Governance & Policy (GS Paper-2)

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) & its effectiveness.
• Intergovernmental coordination in tackling air pollution.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. Which organization publishes the World Air Quality Report?
   a) World Health Organization (WHO)
   b) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
   c) IQAir ✅
   d) Greenpeace
2. Which city was the most polluted in India as per the World Air Quality Report 2024?
   a) Delhi
   b) Byrnihat ✅
   c) Gurugram
   d) Noida
3. Which government initiative aims to reduce PM2.5 levels in 131 cities?
   a) National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) ✅
   b) Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
   c) Paris Agreement
   d) Kyoto Protocol
4. Which sector contributes the most to air pollution in India?
   a) Agriculture
   b) Transportation & Industry ✅
   c) Mining
   d) Waste Management

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. Analyze the key findings of the World Air Quality Report 2024. Discuss the major causes of air pollution in India.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in improving air quality. What challenges hinder its success?
3. How does air pollution affect India’s health, economy, and environment? Suggest policy measures to reduce pollution levels.
4. Explain the role of technology & renewable energy in combating India’s air pollution crisis.

Final Takeaway

• Delhi is the world’s most polluted capital with PM2.5 levels at 91.8 μg/m³.
• India ranks 5th in global pollution levels; Byrnihat (Assam) is the most polluted Indian city.
• Major pollution sources: Vehicles, industries, stubble burning & coal power plants.
• Government response: NCAP, GRAP, EV promotion & renewable energy push.
• Challenges remain in enforcement, seasonal pollution control & public awareness.

2. The Gender Budget – Bigger Allocations, Little Impact – Governance

Why in News?

• The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹4.49 lakh crore for women-centric schemes, a 37.25% increase from ₹3.27 lakh crore in 2024-25.
• Despite higher allocations, fund utilization remains a challenge, especially in SC/ST welfare programs.
• Digitalization has created barriers for marginalized women in accessing welfare benefits.
• Kerala’s Kudumbashree model is seen as a success in ensuring effective gender budgeting.

Understanding the Gender Budget

What is Gender Budgeting?

• Definition: Gender budgeting is a policy tool that ensures government allocations address gender inequalities in various sectors.
• Introduced in India: 2005-06 (as part of the Union Budget).
• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD).

Structure of Gender Budget in India:

• Part A – Schemes exclusively for women (e.g., Beti Bachao Beti Padhao).
• Part B – 30% or more of funds allocated to women in mixed-gender schemes (e.g., MGNREGA, PM Jan Dhan Yojana).

Major Women-Centric Schemes Under Gender Budget 2025-26

New Initiatives in 2025-26 Gender Budget:

• Women-Led Startups Fund – ₹500 crore for female entrepreneurs.
• Expansion of One-Stop Centres – Support for domestic violence survivors.
• Free Skill Development Programs – 2 million women to receive vocational training.

Key Challenges in Gender Budget Implementation

1. Bureaucratic Delays

• Lengthy approval processes delay fund disbursement.
• Example: “Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students” – Funds often reach students after their academic year ends.

2. Misallocation of Funds

• Money meant for women’s welfare gets diverted to general infrastructure projects.
• Example: Funds from Nirbhaya Fund were used for CCTV cameras instead of women’s safety programs.

3. Digital Barriers for Marginalized Women

• Many women in rural areas lack digital literacy.
• Aadhaar-linked DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes fail due to lack of bank access.
• Example: Rajasthan’s PVTG Development Programs faced low registration rates due to digital challenges.

4. Lack of Community Participation

• SC/ST women are often excluded from decision-making.
• Example: Tribal welfare funds do not reach remote villages due to poor ground-level monitoring.

5. Absence of Gender-Disaggregated Data

• No clear data on how many women benefit from mixed-gender schemes.
• This makes policy assessment difficult and leads to ineffective planning.

Case Study: Kudumbashree Mission (Kerala)

What is Kudumbashree?

• Launched in 1998, Kerala’s Kudumbashree program is India’s largest women-led self-help initiative.

Why is Kudumbashree Successful?

• Community-Led Approach – Women participate in decision-making.
• Economic Empowerment – Supports micro-enterprises & self-employment.
• Efficient Fund Utilization – Money directly reaches beneficiaries.
• Education & Digital Training – Enhances women’s access to financial & social schemes.

Lessons for India’s Gender Budgeting:

• Decentralized Planning – Engage local women’s groups in budget decisions.
• Direct Cash Transfers – Reduce middlemen & fund leakages.
• Skill Training for Women – Link gender budget with employment programs.

Way Forward: Strengthening Gender Budgeting in India

1. Improve Fund Utilization

• Faster disbursal mechanisms to reduce bureaucratic delays.
• Strict monitoring of fund allocation to prevent mismanagement.

2. Strengthen Digital & Financial Literacy

• Provide digital training for rural women to access welfare benefits.
• Expand banking access under PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

3. Increase Women’s Representation in Policy Making

• Involve grassroots organizations (SHGs, Panchayats) in gender budget planning.
• Mandatory inclusion of women leaders in development projects.

4. Focus on Gender-Disaggregated Data Collection

• Require detailed reporting of women beneficiaries in all schemes.
• Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time tracking of gender budget funds.

Relevance for Exam

1. Economy & Governance (GS Paper-2 & 3)

• Budgeting for social welfare & gender equality.
• Evaluation of government policies for women empowerment.

2. Social Justice & Women Empowerment (GS Paper-1 & 2)

• Role of gender budgeting in reducing gender disparity.
• Success stories like Kudumbashree for policy improvements.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. What is Gender Budgeting?
   a) Allocating funds only for women-led businesses
   b) Incorporating gender-specific policies in budget allocations ✅
   c) Reserving 33% of budget for women
   d) Providing free bank accounts to women
2. Which scheme falls under “Part A” of the Gender Budget?
   a) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ✅
   b) MGNREGA
   c) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
   d) National Rural Health Mission
3. Which of the following challenges affects Gender Budget implementation?
   a) Bureaucratic delays
   b) Misallocation of funds
   c) Digital barriers for marginalized women
   d) All of the above ✅
4. What is the objective of Kudumbashree?
   a) Empower rural women through self-help groups & skill development ✅
   b) Provide free health insurance to women
   c) Reserve 50% of political seats for women
   d) Create financial literacy programs for urban women

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. What is Gender Budgeting? Analyze its impact on women’s empowerment in India.
2. Despite increased allocation, India’s Gender Budget has limited impact. Discuss the key challenges & suggest reforms.
3. Explain the role of Kudumbashree in gender-inclusive development. What lessons can be applied to India’s Gender Budget?
4. Discuss how digitalization has affected access to women-centric welfare schemes. Suggest policy solutions.
5. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes under the Gender Budget 2025-26.

Final Takeaway

• India’s Gender Budget 2025-26 increased by 37.25% to ₹4.49 lakh crore.
• Challenges include bureaucratic delays, digital exclusion & misallocation of funds.
• Kudumbashree’s success shows the importance of community participation & direct fund utilization.
• Way forward: Faster fund disbursal, digital training, gender-data tracking & stronger policy execution.
• Women’s economic empowerment is key to India’s long-term growth & social equity.

3. INS Imphal – Defence and Security

Why in News?

• INS Imphal made its maiden port visit to Port Louis, Mauritius, ahead of the country’s 57th National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025.
• This highlights India’s growing naval diplomacy and maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean nations.
• INS Imphal is a stealth-guided missile destroyer, commissioned in December 2023.

Significance of the Visit:

• Strengthens India-Mauritius maritime ties under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
• Enhances naval cooperation & defense partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Showcases India’s indigenous warship-building capabilities.

About INS Imphal

• Commissioned On: December 2023
• Class: Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) stealth-guided missile destroyer
• Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai
• Designed By: Warship Design Bureau, Indian Navy
• First Indian Navy warship to be named after a Northeastern city (Imphal, Manipur).

Other Ships in Project 15B Class:

• INS Visakhapatnam (Commissioned in 2021)
• INS Mormugao (Commissioned in 2022)
• INS Surat (Expected commission: 2025)

First naval warship with facilities for women officers and sailors.

Significance of the Name “INS Imphal”

• Named after Imphal, the capital of Manipur, to honor India’s Northeast region.
• Crest design includes:
  • Kangla Palace – A historical symbol of Manipur’s cultural heritage.
  • Kangla-Sa – A mythical guardian of Manipur.

Features & Capabilities of INS Imphal

1. Size & Speed
   • Length: 164 meters
   • Weight: 7,500 tonnes
   • Speed: Up to 56 km/h (30 knots)
2. Combat & Defense Capabilities
   • Anti-Air Warfare: Armed with Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles (LR-SAMs).
   • Anti-Submarine Warfare: Equipped with:
     • Indigenous sonar system for underwater threat detection.
     • Torpedo launchers & depth charge launchers.
   • Stealth Technology:
     • Reduces radar cross-section, making it harder to detect by enemy forces.
   • Electronic Warfare Suite:
     • Advanced jammers & decoys to counter enemy radar and missile threats.
3. Indigenous Weapon Systems (75% Made in India)
   • BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles – Can strike at speeds of Mach 3.
   • 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount – Fast-firing naval artillery.
   • AK-630 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) – For short-range defense against missiles & aircraft.
4. Advanced Surveillance & Protection
   • Modern Surveillance Radar:
     • Provides real-time tracking of aerial & surface threats.
   • Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS):
     • Protects the crew from chemical, biological & nuclear threats.

Strategic Importance of INS Imphal

1. Enhancing India’s Naval Strength

• Part of India’s strategy to build a blue-water navy.
• Strengthens offensive & defensive capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

2. Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy

• Supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.
• Enhances India’s defense ties with Mauritius, Seychelles, and other Indian Ocean nations.

3. Boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense

• 75% Indigenous Content – A major step in Make in India for defense.
• Developed by Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL), showcasing India’s advanced warship-building capabilities.

Relevance for Exam

1. Defense & Security

• India’s naval modernization under Project 15B.
• Importance of stealth warships in modern warfare.
• Role of India’s navy in securing maritime trade routes.

2. International Relations

• India-Mauritius defense cooperation.
• Maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• India’s SAGAR initiative & Indo-Pacific strategy.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. Which of the following is true about INS Imphal?
   a) It is an aircraft carrier.
   b) It is a Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyer. ✅
   c) It was built by the Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
   d) It is India’s first nuclear-powered warship.
2. Which of the following warships belong to the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class?
   a) INS Kolkata, INS Kochi
   b) INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Surat ✅
   c) INS Vikrant, INS Viraat
   d) INS Khanderi, INS Kalvari
3. What is the significance of INS Imphal?
   a) It is the first Indian Navy warship named after a Northeast city. ✅
   b) It is India’s first aircraft carrier.
   c) It is a nuclear submarine.
   d) It is a foreign-built warship.
4. Which Indian naval warship is equipped with BrahMos missiles?
   a) INS Arihant
   b) INS Vikrant
   c) INS Imphal ✅
   d) INS Kiltan
5. Which of the following Indian naval initiatives focuses on security in the Indian Ocean Region?
   a) QUAD Alliance
   b) SAGAR Initiative ✅
   c) AUKUS
   d) Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. Discuss the significance of INS Imphal in India’s naval modernization and maritime security strategy.
2. What is the strategic importance of Project 15B destroyers for the Indian Navy? How do they enhance India’s defense capabilities?
3. Explain India’s SAGAR initiative and its impact on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
4. Analyze the role of indigenous defense manufacturing in India’s naval strength. Discuss the contributions of warships like INS Imphal.
5. How do stealth warships like INS Imphal enhance India’s naval deterrence and maritime security?

Final Takeaway

• INS Imphal is a Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyer commissioned in December 2023.
• First Indian warship named after a Northeast city (Imphal, Manipur).
• Equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 SAMs & advanced anti-submarine systems.
• 75% indigenously built under Make in India (Mazagon Dock Ltd.).
• Enhances India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Strengthens India-Mauritius naval cooperation under the SAGAR initiative.

4. ISRO Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt – Science and Technology

Why in News?

• On March 14, 2025, ISRO successfully undocked satellites in the SpaDeX mission, marking India’s first in-space undocking operation.
• India joins the U.S., Russia, and China as the fourth country to demonstrate space docking and undocking technology.
• The mission is crucial for future space exploration, including human spaceflight (Gaganyaan), lunar sample return (Chandrayaan-4), and India’s future space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station – BAS).

Significance of the Achievement:

• Strengthens India’s autonomous space technology.
• Paves the way for in-orbit spacecraft servicing & refueling.
• Enhances ISRO’s deep-space exploration capabilities.

About SpaDeX Mission (Space Docking Experiment)

• Launched By: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60)
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), 476 km altitude, 55° inclination
• Objective:
  • Demonstrate docking, undocking, and power transfer between two satellites.
  • Develop technologies for autonomous spacecraft maneuvering.

Key Components:

• SDX-01 (Chaser Satellite) – Equipped with a High-Resolution Camera (HRC).
• SDX-02 (Target Satellite) – Carries a Miniature Multispectral Payload (MMX) and Radiation Monitor (RadMon).

Post-Docking Operations:

• Continued standalone missions for two years.
• Focus on imaging, resource monitoring, & radiation environment studies.

Technological Significance

1. Space Docking & Rendezvous Capabilities
   • Essential for human spaceflight missions (Gaganyaan).
   • Allows modular space station assembly & in-orbit repairs.
2. Power Transfer Between Docked Satellites
   • Enables fuel refueling & servicing of aging satellites.
   • Extends satellite lifespans, reducing space debris.
3. Future Applications in ISRO Missions
   • Human Spaceflight (Gaganyaan) – Enables crew transfer & docking with space stations.
   • Chandrayaan-4 – Key for lunar sample return.
   • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) – Essential for assembling & maintaining India’s proposed space station.

Strategic Importance for India

• Boosts India’s Space Autonomy
  • Reduces dependence on foreign technology for in-orbit servicing.
• Strengthens India’s Role in Global Space Economy
  • Opens doors for international collaborations on deep-space missions.
• Supports India’s Indo-Pacific Space Strategy
  • Enhances India’s regional leadership in space technology.
• Prepares for Deep-Space Exploration
  • Docking & undocking tech is essential for future Mars & interplanetary missions.

Relevance for Exam

1. Science & Technology (GS Paper-3)

• India’s advancements in space docking technology.
• Role of ISRO in space exploration.

2. Defense & Strategic Importance (GS Paper-3)

• Significance of docking technology for space security & human spaceflight.
• India’s positioning in global space technology race.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. What is the objective of ISRO’s SpaDeX mission?
   a) Demonstrating space docking & undocking technology ✅
   b) Launching India’s first space station
   c) Testing nuclear propulsion for deep-space missions
   d) Conducting human spaceflight
2. Which of the following statements about the SpaDeX mission is correct?
   a) It was launched using the GSLV Mk III.
   b) It involves two satellites docking & undocking in low Earth orbit. ✅
   c) It is part of Chandrayaan-3.
   d) It is India’s first human spaceflight mission.
3. Which of the following countries have demonstrated space docking technology?
   a) U.S., Russia, China, India ✅
   b) U.S., France, Japan, India
   c) Russia, UK, China, Israel
   d) China, Germany, U.S., Brazil
4. What is the purpose of India’s future Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)?
   a) To establish a permanent Indian space station ✅
   b) To send astronauts to Mars
   c) To conduct robotic lunar landings
   d) To manufacture satellites in space

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. Explain the significance of ISRO’s SpaDeX mission in advancing India’s space capabilities.
2. What are the strategic benefits of space docking technology? How can it support future deep-space missions?
3. Discuss India’s progress in space exploration and the role of missions like SpaDeX in strengthening ISRO’s human spaceflight program.
4. Evaluate India’s prospects of building a space station (BAS). What are the challenges and opportunities?

Final Takeaway

• SpaDeX is India’s first space docking & undocking demonstration.
• India becomes the 4th country (after U.S., Russia, China) to achieve space docking.
• Supports future missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4 & Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
• Strengthens India’s role in deep-space exploration & in-orbit servicing.

5. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Environment

Why in News?

• A wildfire has spread across approximately 50 hectares within the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• The incident highlights rising environmental threats to forest ecosystems in India, especially due to climate change and human activities.

Concerns Raised:

• Loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction.
• Threat to wildlife species living in the sanctuary.
• Increase in forest fires across Rajasthan due to extreme heat & dry conditions.

About Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Outskirts of Udaipur city, Rajasthan
• Geographical Feature: Nestled in the Aravalli Hills
• Area Covered: 5.19 square kilometers

1. Historical Significance
   • Surrounds the Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace), built in 1874 by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar.
   • The fort was intended as an astronomical observatory and later served as a monsoon retreat for the royal family.
2. Bari Lake (Tiger Lake)
   • Located on the western slopes of the sanctuary.
   • Built by Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar Dynasty.
   • Serves as a water source for wildlife in the region.
3. Vegetation & Forest Type
   • Mix of Deciduous & Semi-Evergreen Forests.
     • Flora:Teak, Mango, Neem, Jamun, Khair, Ber, Bamboo Groves.
4. Wildlife & Biodiversity
   • Mammals:
     • Panthers, Hyenas, Wild Boars, Jackals, Sloth Bears, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Four-Horned Antelopes.
   • Birds:
     • Peafowls, Parakeets, Eagles, and Owls.
   • Reptiles:
     • Monitor Lizards, Cobras, and Pythons.

Causes of Forest Fires in Rajasthan

1. Climate Change & Rising Temperatures
   • Higher summer temperatures increase the risk of spontaneous combustion of dry vegetation.
   • Rajasthan experiences prolonged dry spells leading to fire-prone conditions.
2. Human Activities
   • Illegal deforestation & encroachments weaken forest resilience.
   • Burning agricultural residue near forest areas.
   • Tourist activities (campfires, discarded cigarette butts).
3. Natural Causes
   • Lightning strikes during pre-monsoon storms.
   • Strong winds spread small fires rapidly.

Impact of Wildfires in Sajjangarh Sanctuary

1. Loss of Wildlife & Habitat

• Fires destroy nesting sites & food sources for animals.
• Causes forced migration and human-animal conflicts.

2. Damage to Forest Cover

• Leads to soil degradation & reduced groundwater retention.
• Affects Bari Lake’s ecosystem, reducing water availability.

3. Impact on Local Climate

• Reduced vegetation increases temperature fluctuations.
• Loss of trees worsens air pollution & carbon emissions.

4. Economic & Tourism Losses

• Udaipur’s eco-tourism & wildlife safaris are affected.
• Restoration costs strain government conservation budgets.

Conservation Efforts & Way Forward

1. Fire Management Strategies

• Early warning systems using satellite monitoring.
• Creating firebreaks (clearing vegetation to stop fire spread).
• Strengthening local forest ranger teams with better equipment.

2. Community-Based Conservation

• Involving local communities & tribal groups in fire prevention.
• Eco-tourism initiatives to generate conservation funds.

3. Afforestation & Habitat Restoration

• Replanting native tree species in fire-damaged areas.
• Artificial water sources for wildlife during summer months.

4. Strengthening Wildlife Protection Laws

• Stricter penalties for illegal encroachment & arson.
• Increased patrolling in fire-prone areas.

Relevance for Exam

1. Environment & Biodiversity

• Forest conservation strategies.
• Impact of climate change on wildlife reserves.

2. Disaster Management

• Causes & prevention of forest fires.
• Role of technology in fire detection & response.

3. Rajasthan Geography (State-Specific Topics)

• Aravalli Hills & forest ecosystems.
• Impact of wildfires on Rajasthan’s wildlife reserves.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which Indian state?
   a) Gujarat
   b) Rajasthan ✅
   c) Madhya Pradesh
   d) Maharashtra
2. Which of the following animals is found in Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
   a) Snow Leopard
   b) Sloth Bear ✅
   c) Indian Bison
   d) Red Panda
3. What is the primary reason for wildfires in Rajasthan’s forests?
   a) Dry climate & human activities ✅
   b) Excess rainfall
   c) Earthquakes
   d) Volcanic activity
4. Which water body is located within Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
   a) Nakki Lake
   b) Bari Lake (Tiger Lake) ✅
   c) Fateh Sagar Lake
   d) Sambhar Lake

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. Discuss the causes and impact of wildfires in Rajasthan’s forests. Suggest strategies for better forest fire management.
2. Explain the significance of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan’s ecosystem. How can it be protected from climate and human threats?
3. Analyze the role of community-based conservation in protecting wildlife reserves like Sajjangarh.
4. What are the key challenges in forest conservation in the Aravalli Hills region? Discuss with reference to recent wildfire incidents.

Final Takeaway

• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Udaipur, Rajasthan) was recently affected by a wildfire covering 50 hectares.
• Home to diverse flora & fauna, including panthers, sloth bears, and sambar deer.
• Wildfires are caused by climate change, human activities & natural factors.
• Impacts include habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and economic damage.
• Way forward includes fire management, afforestation, and local community involvement.