UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 19th November 2025
Source: The Indian Express
Relevance: Prelims (species protection, habitats, laws), GS Paper III (Environment — biodiversity, coastal ecosystems).
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Dugong (species protection, habitats, laws), Dugong Conservation Reserve (Palk Bay), IUCN Conservation Congress 2025
For Mains:
- Ecosystem services of seagrass meadows, Anthropogenic threats, Conservation policy instruments, Socio-economic trade-offs.
Why in News?
- A global IUCN assessment (presented at the IUCN Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi, 2025) highlighted rising threats to dugongs in South Asia and raised concerns about the long-term survival of Indian populations, especially in the Gulf of Kutch and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Recent Indian studies also report toxic metal accumulation in stranded dugongs. Now, the species is vulnerable to extinction due to fishing and pollution.
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
- Organizer: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Type: Quadrennial global conservation summit (every 4 years)
- Host (2025): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Purpose: World’s largest conservation policy forum; shapes global biodiversity & climate agenda.
- India’s Membership: IUCN State Member since 1969
- First Congress: 1948
- Last Congress: Marseille, France (2021)
What are Dugongs?
- Dugong (Dugong dugon): large, slow-moving marine mammal (up to ~3 m long / ~420 kg weight).
- Diet: strictly herbivorous — feeds on seagrass (30–40 kg/day per individual).
- Habitat: shallow, sheltered coastal waters, bays, lagoons, estuaries (<10 m depth).
Prelims Facts
About Dugongs
- Species: Dugongs (Dugong dugon) – only herbivorous marine mammals in India.
- Appearance: Nicknamed sea cows; they resemble a mix of seals and whales.
- Distribution: Found in Indo-Pacific waters, especially near Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Kutch.
- Habitat: Depend on shallow seagrass meadows (e.g., Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, Halodule).
- Longevity: Live up to 70 years.
- Reproduction: Mature at 9–10 years, calve every 3–5 years; growth rate ~5% annually.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Threats: Habitat loss, seagrass degradation, fishing gear entanglement, pollution, and climate change.
- May 28th – World Dugong Day
Geographical Distribution in India
Primary seascapes:
- Gulf of Mannar – Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu) — largest remaining population.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands — smaller, fragmented group.
- Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) — very few individuals.
Ecological significance of dugongs
- Dugongs maintain healthy seagrass meadows by grazing (pruning, uprooting old shoots).
- Seagrass beds are key blue carbon sinks and support fisheries — estimated incremental fish production value from seagrass presence (local studies cite substantial economic benefit).
- Dugong grazing stimulates nutrient cycling and habitat heterogeneity benefitting commercially important species.
Status & population estimates
- IUCN:Vulnerable
- India estimates vary: historic ~200 (2012 MoEFCC), recent estimates range from <250 to 400–450 depending on survey methods and sources.
- Regional counts: Palk Bay ~150–200; Andamans <50; Gulf of Kutch <20. Precise numbers uncertain due to survey challenges.
Major threats — Human activities & habitat degradation
- Fishing bycatch: accidental entanglement in nets — leading cause of mortality.
- Coastal pollution & runoff: industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage increase turbidity and deposit metals in sediments, degrading seagrass.
- Toxic contamination: metals settle in seagrass sediments and bioaccumulate in dugongs.
- Habitat loss & disturbance: coastal development, dredging, trawling, boat traffic, tourism.
- Low reproductive rate: slow breeding (long inter-birth intervals) makes populations vulnerable to even small increases in mortality.
- Fragmentation: small, isolated subpopulations reduce genetic resilience.
Scientific evidence
- Trace metals study (Marine Pollution Bulletin): arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead detected in organs of stranded dugongs (analysis of 46 stranded individuals) — indicates pollution pathways from land to seagrass sediments to dugongs.
- Bycatch records & sightings: field reports and local studies show fisheries-related deaths remain significant despite some reductions.
Government conservation measures
- Legal protection: Dugong listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- MoEFCC Task Force (2010): constituted for dugong conservation planning.
- National Dugong Recovery Programme: partnership with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Dugong Conservation Reserve (Palk Bay, 2022): a 448 sq. km protected seascape to conserve dugongs & seagrass.
- Research & monitoring: periodic surveys, stranding response, localized community engagement initiatives.
Key challenges / gaps
- Survey limitations: Murky waters and elusive behaviour make accurate population estimates difficult.
- Enforcement weakness: Protected zones often face weak implementation; illegal/unsuitable fishing gear persists.
- Lack of affordable alternatives: Fishers lack cost-effective gear alternatives to reduce bycatch.
- Pollution control shortfalls: Inadequate treatment of industrial/agricultural runoff and municipal wastewater.
- Limited incentives: Insufficient incentive schemes for fishers to shift to dugong-friendly practices.
- Coordination: Need for stronger inter-state and central coordination for coastal conservation.
Way forward (Policy & Conservation Recommendations)
- Strengthen habitat protection: Enforce no-trawl/no-seine zones in critical seagrass meadows; expand marine protected areas around dugong hotspots.
- Bycatch mitigation: Promote and subsidise dugong-friendly fishing gear; time-area closures during key movement periods.
- Pollution reduction: Enforce effluent norms, treat municipal sewage, control agricultural runoff; monitor metal discharges from industry.
- Regular scientific monitoring: Long-term aerial/boat surveys, eDNA and remote sensing of seagrass, stranding networks and necropsies.
- Community-based conservation: Engage fishing communities with incentives, alternative livelihoods and co-management.
- Awareness & education: local outreach on dugong value, blue carbon benefits, and safe fishing practices.
- Rehabilitation & rescue protocols: strengthen rapid response for stranded or entangled dugongs.
- Integrate conservation with fisheries policy: align fishers’ welfare with dugong protection through compensation/subsidy schemes.
Way forward (Policy & Conservation Recommendations)
- Strengthen habitat protection: Enforce no-trawl/no-seine zones in critical seagrass meadows; expand marine protected areas around dugong hotspots.
- Bycatch mitigation: Promote and subsidise dugong-friendly fishing gear; time-area closures during key movement periods.
- Pollution reduction: Enforce effluent norms, treat municipal sewage, control agricultural runoff; monitor metal discharges from industry.
- Regular scientific monitoring: Long-term aerial/boat surveys, eDNA and remote sensing of seagrass, stranding networks and necropsies.
- Community-based conservation: Engage fishing communities with incentives, alternative livelihoods and co-management.
- Awareness & education: local outreach on dugong value, blue carbon benefits, and safe fishing practices.
- Rehabilitation & rescue protocols: strengthen rapid response for stranded or entangled dugongs.
- Integrate conservation with fisheries policy: align fishers’ welfare with dugong protection through compensation/subsidy schemes.
Conclusion
Dugongs are sentinel species for healthy seagrass ecosystems and provide vital ecological and economic services. Their decline in India — driven largely by fisheries bycatch, pollution and habitat degradation — signals broader coastal ecosystem stress. Legal protection and reserves are positive steps, but reversing decline requires stronger enforcement, pollution control, fisher engagement, habitat restoration and sustained scientific monitoring.
UPSC PYQ
- With reference to dugong, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- It is found along the entire coast of India.
- It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu)
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat)
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about dugongs in India:
- Dugongs are herbivores that feed primarily on seagrass.
- Dugongs are listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay was established in 2022.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Source: Climate Change Performance Index
Relevance: GS–III: Climate Change, Energy Transition, Environmental Governance
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026,Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute & Climate Action Network,Green Finance Taxonomy,National Carbon Market Framework
For Mains:
- Reasons behind India’s fall in CCPI rankings,Coal dependence vs energy transition challenge,Governance and institutional gaps in India’s climate architecture.
Why in News?
India has fallen 13 places to 23rd rank in the CCPI 2026, released at COP30 (Belem). The drop is linked to the absence of a coal-exit timeline, continued auction of coal blocks, low renewable share in actual energy use, and weak carbon-pricing signals.The Times of India also notes that India remains a major coal, oil, and gas producer, contributing to the decline.
About Climate Change Performance Index:
- The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is an annual independent index (since 2005) that evaluates the climate mitigation performance of 63 countries + EU, covering 90% of global GHG emissions.
It assesses countries across four categories:
- GHG Emissions,
- Renewable Energy,
- Energy Use,
- Climate Policy.
- It was first published in 2005.
- The index is prepared by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network.
Released at UNFCCC COP30 (Belem, Brazil) for 2026, the CCPI is widely used to ensure accountability, increase transparency, and track progress under the Paris Agreement.
CCPI 2026 – Highlights of the Report on India
1. India’s Long-Term Climate Intent – Positive Signals
The report acknowledges India’s ambitious climate strategy, supported by multiple long-standing initiatives:- BEE Appliance Labelling Programme (since 2006)
- Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Mechanism (since 2012)
- Rapid renewable energy deployment through auctions and fiscal incentives
- Record participation in RE auctions and declining tariffs
- Achievement of 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources (2025) — 5 years ahead of the 2030 NDC target
- Progress on Green Finance Taxonomy and a National Carbon Market Framework
2. Persistent Coal Dependence – Major Obstacle
Despite progress, India’s energy pathway remains coal-centric, which heavily affects its CCPI ranking:- No national coal exit timeline
- New coal blocks continue to be auctioned
- India holds among the 10 largest developed coal reserves and plans to increase production
- Fossil fuel subsidies and infrastructure lock-ins persist
- Weak and uneven carbon pricing signals
3. Challenges in Renewable Energy Expansion
While renewables are expanding, several structural and social issues persist:- India’s solar rooftop capacity reached 20.8 GW (Sept 2025), with 9 GW added in one year, now 17% of total solar installations
- But large grid-scale RE projects have caused:
- Land conflicts
- Displacement of communities
- Water stress
- Human rights concerns
- Ecosystem degradation
4. Policy Gaps: Misalignment with 1.5°C Pathway
India’s updated NDC includes:- 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030
- 45% emissions intensity reduction (vs 2005)
- Net Zero 2070 is not aligned with a 1.5°C pathway
- No interim milestones for 2035 or 2040
- Lack of sector-specific decarbonisation pathways
- Weak state-level accountability
- Limited civil society consultation on major climate decisions
5. International Leadership vs Domestic Contradictions
Internationally, India shows strong leadership:- Advocates CBDR (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities)
- Leads global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
6. Expert Recommendations
CCPI experts urge India to adopt:- Time-bound coal phase-down and eventual phase-out
- A “no-new-coal” date and a peak-coal year
- Redirect fossil subsidies toward decentralised, community-owned RE
- Stronger environmental and social safeguards for RE siting
- Better biomass accounting and restrictions on woody biomass
- Binding fossil fuel phase-out roadmaps for:
- Transport
- Buildings
- Industry
- Clear milestones for 2035 & 2040
- A just transition designed with local communities
- Expanded risk-buffer tools for:
- Smallholders
- Women
- Vulnerable groups
Why Are the Top 3 Ranks Empty?
According to the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, no country in the world has performed strongly enough across all four categories—
GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy —to earn an overall “very high” rating. As a result, the top three global positions remain vacant for yet another year.
Way Forward
- Adopt a Time-Bound Coal Phase-Down Plan
Declare no-new-coal date, identify peak coal year, and gradually phase out fossil subsidies. - Accelerate Inclusive Renewable Energy Expansion
Promote decentralised, community-owned RE; strengthen rooftop solar; ensure social and environmental safeguards to prevent land conflicts. - Strengthen Carbon Pricing Mechanisms
Operationalise the national carbon market and introduce stronger carbon price signals for high-emission sectors. - Create Sector-Specific Decarbonisation Roadmaps
Clear 2035 & 2040 milestones for transport, buildings, industry, and power; align Net Zero 2070 with 1.5°C pathway. - Enhance State-Level Climate Governance
Introduce state climate scorecards, climate budgeting, and stricter accountability for NDC implementation. - Boost Climate Finance and Green Taxonomy
Expand green bonds, blended finance, storage investment, and green hydrogen ecosystem. - Ensure a Just and Equitable Transition
Protect workers, smallholders, tribal communities, and women; co-design transition plans with local stakeholders. - Build Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Mandatory climate-risk assessments for major projects; strengthen heat action plans, coastal protection, and resilient agriculture.
Conclusion
India’s decline in CCPI 2026 underscores the urgent need to align long-term climate ambition with short-term energy decisions. While renewable energy capacity has grown impressively, the absence of a coal phase-out strategy, weak carbon pricing, and unresolved governance gaps continue to constrain India’s overall performance. A sustainable, inclusive, and just energy transition—supported by sectoral roadmaps, state-level accountability, and community participation—is essential for India to regain leadership in global climate mitigation.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following components used in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):
- GHG Emissions
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Use
- Climate Policy