APPSC Daily Current Affairs - 7th January 2026
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Coastal Ecosystems
GS Paper II – Governance, Inter-departmental Coordination, Public Policy
State PSC (APPSC / TGPSC) – Mangroves, Green Cover, Coastal Regulation
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Coastal Forests, Mangroves, Green Cover Programme, Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh, Satellite Mapping, Forest Encroachment, Inter-departmental Task Force
For Mains:
- Coastal Ecosystem Protection, Mangrove Conservation, Climate Resilience, Community Participation, Forest Governance, Land Use Regulation, Sustainable Development
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh government has accorded high priority to coastal forest protection, with Deputy Chief Minister and Forest & Environment Minister K. Pawan Kalyan directing officials to fast-track green cover initiatives and bring unclassified mangrove forests under legal protection.
Importance of Coastal Forests
Coastal forests, especially mangroves, play a crucial role in:
- Protecting coastlines from cyclones, storm surges and erosion
- Supporting marine biodiversity and fisheries
- Acting as carbon sinks (blue carbon ecosystems)
- Enhancing livelihood security of coastal communities
Andhra Pradesh, with a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced coastal hazards.
Government Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh
The State is implementing two major flagship programmes:
- Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh
- 50% Green Cover Programme
Achieving 50% green cover has been identified as a key governance and environmental priority under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Mangrove Protection through Satellite Mapping
- Nearly 10,000 acres of unclassified mangrove forests have been identified
- Detection was done using satellite imagery and geospatial data
- The government plans to notify these areas as protected forests, bringing them under the legal forest framework
This step is significant as unclassified forests are often the most vulnerable to encroachment and land-use change.
Institutional and Governance Measures
- A special inter-departmental task force will be constituted
- A clear road map for implementation is to be finalised by the end of January
- Departments dealing with forests, revenue, coastal regulation and rural development will coordinate for time-bound execution
Role of Coastal Communities
The government has emphasised community participation, urging:
- Active involvement of coastal communities in plantation protection
- Local vigilance to prevent forest encroachments
- Community ownership of conservation outcomes
Such participation improves long-term sustainability and compliance.
Environmental and Climate Significance
Strengthening coastal forests contributes to:
- Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
- Biodiversity conservation
- Carbon sequestration and climate mitigation
- Sustainable coastal development
Challenges
- Encroachments on forest and mangrove land
- Competing land-use pressures
- Need for sustained monitoring and enforcement
- Ensuring livelihood compatibility with conservation goals
Way Forward
- Legal notification of all identified mangrove areas
- Integration of satellite monitoring with ground enforcement
- Incentivising community-led conservation
- Linking green cover expansion with climate action plans
Conclusion
By prioritising coastal forest protection, mangrove conservation and green cover expansion, Andhra Pradesh is taking a proactive climate-resilient development approach. The combination of technology-driven mapping, strong governance, and community participation can significantly strengthen coastal ecosystems while safeguarding livelihoods and environmental security.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) Scheme:
- The MISHTI scheme aims to increase mangrove cover along India’s coastline and on salt pan lands through reforestation and afforestation measures.
- The MISHTI scheme was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2023, following India’s participation in the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP27.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: MISHTI focuses on restoring and expanding mangrove forests along the Indian coastline and salt pan areas to enhance coastal resilience and livelihoods.
- Statement 2 is correct: The scheme was launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aligned with India’s commitment after joining the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP27 (2022).
Source: The Hindu
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Cropping Patterns, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Pollution
Why in News?
- In 2025, India overtook China to become the world’s largest rice producer.
- India now supplies ~40% of global rice exports, crossing 20 million metric tonnes.
- This achievement has revived debate on water stress, ecological sustainability, climate change, and virtual water exports, especially from north-western India.
Background: Rice in India’s Agrarian System
- Rice has been central to India’s food security strategy since the Green Revolution.
- Assured procurement under MSP, free/subsidised electricity, and irrigation created a rice–wheat monoculture in Punjab and Haryana.
- What was once a food security imperative has now become an ecological liability.
Facts Regarding Rice
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Agro-Climatic Requirements
- Kharif crop requiring:
- Temperature: >25°C
- Rainfall: >100 cm
- High humidity
- Thrives in water-retentive soils, making it suitable for monsoon regions but problematic in semi-arid zones.
Rice Cultivation Practices
1. Traditional Transplanted Paddy
- Seedlings grown in nurseries and transplanted.
- Requires continuous flooding.
- Consumes 25–27 irrigations per season.
- Maximises yield but is resource-intensive.
2. Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)
- Seeds drilled directly into fields.
- Reduces:
- Water use
- Labour requirement
- Energy consumption
- Crucial for water-stressed regions, but requires:
- Weed control
- Proper soil moisture management
Government Initiatives for Sustainability
Water Management
- Promotion of DSR, micro-irrigation under PMKSY.
- State incentives (e.g., Haryana crop diversification schemes).
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- ICAR’s NICRA programme for drought-, heat- and salinity-tolerant rice.
Nutritional Security
- Fortified rice under NFSA and PM-POSHAN to tackle anaemia.
Climate Action
- Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) to reduce methane emissions.
- Rice practices integrated into India’s climate mitigation strategy.
Major Concerns Associated with Rice Cultivation
1. Groundwater Depletion
- 1 kg rice = 3,000–4,000 litres of water.
- In Punjab–Haryana:
- Water table fell from ~30 feet to 80–200 feet.
- Extraction exceeds recharge by 35–57% annually.
- Represents inter-generational ecological injustice, burdening future generations.
2. Environmental Degradation
- Flooded paddies create anaerobic conditions, emitting methane.
- Rice contributes 10–20% of India’s agricultural GHG emissions.
- Stubble burning worsens:
- PM2.5 pollution
- Winter smog in North India
3. Health Risks
- Use of arsenic-contaminated groundwater leads to arsenic accumulation in rice grains.
- Linked to:
- Cancer
- Neurological disorders
- Heavy pesticide use compounds toxicity.
4. Economic Stress on Farmers
- Rising costs of:
- Deeper borewells
- High-capacity pumps
- Punjab spends ₹39,000 per hectare on rice-related power and fertiliser subsidies.
- Small farmers face debt traps, while large farmers cope better.
5. Climate Vulnerability
- Climate change may reduce rice yields by 6–10%.
- Erratic monsoons threaten rainfed eastern India.
- Creates a water–energy–climate feedback loop:
- Subsidised power → over-extraction → higher emissions
Global Food Security Implications
- India supplies 40% of global rice exports.
- Any production shock can:
- Raise global prices
- Affect food-importing nations in Africa and Asia
- Makes India a systemically important player in global food markets.
Steps Required for Sustainable Rice Production
1. Reforming Subsidy Structures
- Shift from input subsidies to:
- Direct income support
- Payments for ecosystem services
- Ensure MSP and procurement for millets, pulses, oilseeds.
2. Technology & Water Efficiency
- Scale up:
- SRI
- AWD
- Micro-irrigation
- Promote genome-edited drought-tolerant rice.
- Use AI-based advisory systems to cut water use by 30–40%.
3. Institutional & Policy Measures
- Ban new borewells in critical zones.
- Promote community-led groundwater governance.
- Strengthen FPOs for collective action and diversification.
4. Climate Resilience & Diversification
- Break rice–wheat monoculture.
- Promote:
- Millets
- Agroforestry
- Crop rotation
- Support residue management and soil health cards.
5. Enhancing Farmer Incomes
- Expand PMFBY coverage.
- Develop:
- Cold chains
- Agro-processing units
- Rural non-farm employment
Conclusion
India’s dominance in global rice production highlights a critical water–energy–climate–health nexus. While rice remains vital for food security, unchecked expansion threatens ecological sustainability and farmer welfare. A transition toward diversification, subsidy reform, and climate-resilient practices is essential to reconcile food security with long-term sustainability.
UPSC PYQ
Q. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? (2020)
- Crop diversification
- Legume intensification
- Tensiometer use
- Vertical farming
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
CARE MCQ
Q.
With reference to rice cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
- India became the world’s largest rice producer in 2025, overtaking China.
- Rice cultivation occupies nearly one-fourth of India’s total cropped area.
- Traditional transplanted paddy cultivation significantly reduces methane emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: India overtook China in 2025.
• Statement 2 is correct: Rice occupies ~25% of cropped area.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Flooded paddies increase methane emissions.
Relevance:
GS Paper I – Urbanisation, Geography (Urban Climate)
GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change, Biodiversity
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Urban Heat Island (UHI), Surface Temperature, Endotherms, Heat Stress, Microclimate, Habitat Fragmentation, Biotic Homogenisation, Native Trees, Wetlands, Ecosystem Services, SDG 11, SDG 15
For Mains:
- Urban Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Nature-Based Solutions, Sustainable Cities, Climate Adaptation, Urban Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, Human–Wildlife Interface, Environmental Governance
Why in News?
India’s cities are increasingly experiencing extreme heat, intensified by the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Amid this warming, urban birds are emerging as early victims, with rescue centres reporting rising cases of dehydration, collapse, and mortality during heatwaves. Their decline signals a deeper ecological crisis linked to climate change and unsustainable urbanisation
India’s Growing Urban Heat Crisis
Urban India is warming rapidly. Built-up neighbourhoods now experience hotter days and warmer nights, making cities resemble heat chambers. As temperatures cross 45°C in cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad, the most immediate ecological impacts are visible among birds, whose absence has made many urban mornings quieter.
Urban Heat Island (UHI): Meaning and Causes
An Urban Heat Island forms when:
- Concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb heat during the day
- Heat is released slowly at night, preventing cooling
Key Causes in Indian Cities
- Dense construction
- Loss of vegetation
- Vehicular emissions
- Heat from air conditioners
Indian Context
- UHI intensity ranges from 2–10°C
- Peak surface hotspots are 6–8°C hotter
- Cities affected: Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai
Why Birds Are the First Casualties
Birds are especially vulnerable because:
- They are small endotherms
- They have high metabolic rates
- They depend on shade, water, and insects
Reduced tree cover and water availability during heatwaves severely limit their ability to regulate body temperature.
Scientific Evidence of Bird Decline
Multiple studies confirm the link between heat and bird loss:
- Bengaluru Study (2025)
Higher surface temperatures correlated with lower bird abundance - Western Ghats Study (2022)
Rising temperatures and shrinking green cover pushed forest-dependent birds out first - China Multi-City Study (2023)
Stronger urban heat associated with reduced species richness and functional diversity
These findings show that urban warming is reshaping bird communities.
Physiological and Behavioural Stress in Birds
Physiological Impacts
- Dehydration
- Hyperthermia
- Oxidative stress
Behavioural Changes
- Activity shifts to dawn and dusk
- Nest abandonment on exposed branches
- Shortened breeding seasons
- Reduced hatching success and chick survival
Prolonged exposure can cause population decline.
Rescue Data and Ground-Level Evidence
Rescue reports strongly support scientific findings:
- Gujarat Heatwave (2022): Reuters, Al Jazeera reported mass bird rescues
- Wildlife SOS and Charity Bird Hospital recorded sharp increases in heat-related admissions
- Mumbai & Bengaluru (2024): Spikes in kite, myna, and pigeon rescues
- Ahmedabad (May 2025): Jivdaya Charitable Trust treated ~3,800 birds
Key Observation
Areas with trees recorded fewer rescues, while treeless commercial zones saw more collapsed birds.
Urban Heat and Wider Ecosystem Disruption
Urban heat interacts with:
- Air pollution
- Light pollution
- Habitat fragmentation
Ecosystem Impacts
- Reduced insect populations → food loss for birds
- Faster evaporation of ponds → amphibian decline
- Overheated roosts → bats abandon habitats
This leads to biotic homogenisation, where only a few heat-tolerant species survive.
Urban Planning Gaps
Urban heat mitigation often focuses on:
- Reflective roofs
- Pavements
- Ventilation corridors
However, ecological cooling is largely ignored, despite evidence that:
- Tree-rich areas are 1–3°C cooler
- Green spaces like Delhi Ridge and Lodhi Gardens support higher bird diversity and cooler nights
Urban ecologists argue that climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation are inseparable.
Nature-Based Cooling and Biodiversity Solutions
- Increase Urban Canopy
- Native trees like neem, jamun, banyan
- Restore Ponds and Wetlands
- Act as heat sinks and drinking sources
- Green Infrastructure
- Cool roofs, vertical gardens, rooftop vegetation
- Urban Biodiversity Corridors
- Connect parks and water bodies
- Citizen Action
- Water bowls, tree protection, local planting
Policy Linkages and SDG Alignment
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
Nature-based solutions provide climate resilience and biodiversity protection together.
Conclusion
Birds are the most visible indicators of ecological stress in cities. Their silence is a warning that urban growth without ecological sensitivity is unsustainable. Integrating biodiversity into urban planning—through trees, wetlands, and green corridors—offers a cost-effective, inclusive, and climate-resilient solution. Saving birds from urban heat is ultimately about saving the livability and sustainability of Indian cities.
UPSC PYQ
Q . What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating global warming at present and in the immediate future? (2010)
- Appropriate alternative technologies are not sufficiently available.
- India cannot invest huge funds in research and development.
- Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct
Many advanced mitigation technologies (carbon capture, large-scale storage, affordable green alternatives) are either not fully available or not accessible at scale for developing countries like India in the immediate term. - Statement 2 – Correct
India faces financial constraints in investing huge resources in R&D due to competing development priorities such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure, health, and education. Hence, India seeks concessional finance and technology transfer under international climate agreements. - Statement 3 – Incorrect
While some pollution-intensive industries have shifted to developing countries, it is not accurate to claim that many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India as a principal limitation to India’s mitigation efforts. This statement overgeneralizes and is not supported in UPSC context.
CARE MCQ
Q.
Consider the following measures adopted by cities to reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and support urban wildlife:
- Increasing urban tree canopy using native species such as neem, jamun and banyan.
- Restoring ponds and wetlands within urban areas.
- Promoting cool roofs, vertical gardens and rooftop greenery.
- Developing urban biodiversity corridors linking parks and water bodies.
- Encouraging citizen actions such as placing water bowls and protecting old trees.
Which of the above are nature-based strategies that help reduce UHI while supporting urban biodiversity?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
- 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Tree canopy (Statement 1) lowers air and surface temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration.
- Water bodies (Statement 2) act as heat sinks and provide drinking and cooling points for birds and small mammals.
- Cool roofs and vertical gardens (Statement 3) reduce heat absorption and create microhabitats.
- Biodiversity corridors (Statement 4) allow movement of species, increasing resilience to heat stress.
- Citizen-led actions (Statement 5) such as water bowls and tree protection have measurable cooling and ecological benefits.
