Summary of the 'Status of Elephants in India' Report (2023)

Key Findings:

• The report published by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) on October 14 reveals a current estimate of 22,446 elephants in India, a decrease of 7,518 from the 2017 estimate of 29,964.
• This census represents the first use of a DNA-based method for estimating elephant populations, proposed as a new baseline for future research.

Historical Context:

• First census in 1929 with population estimates conducted using various methods since then, including direct total counts and methods initiated via Project Elephant in 1992.
• The Synchronous All-India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) method will be used for 2021-2025, which includes dividing regions into cells for systematic monitoring.

Methodology:

• The study divided India into 100 sq. km cells and further into 4 sq. km grids, allowing for detailed data collection (6,66,977 km surveyed).
• Three phases of the study:
  • Phase One: Data collection on mega-herbivores, habitat status, and human disturbance.
  • Phase Two: Assessment of habitat characteristics and impacts.
  • Phase Three: Spatial abundance estimation while factoring human activities and habitat characteristics.

Population Distribution:

• Western Ghats: 11,934 elephants (53.17% of India's total); Karnataka (6,013), Tamil Nadu (3,136), Kerala (2,785).
• Northeastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains: 22.22% elephants, led by Assam (4,159).
• Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains: 9.18%, with Uttarakhand having 1,792 elephants.
• Central India and Eastern Ghats: 8.42%, led by Odisha (912).

Challenges:

• Increased fragmentation of habitats due to commercial plantations, invasive species, farmland fencing, mining, and human encroachment.
• Human-elephant conflicts emerging as elephants invade areas that have been devoid of them for over 200 years, with incidents reported in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• Specific conflicts result in significant loss of human life (150 deaths) and elephant casualties (170 deaths) primarily in Tamil Nadu.

Recommendations:

• Experts emphasize the necessity of community engagement and sensitization campaigns to foster coexistence between humans and elephants, particularly in regions experiencing frequent conflicts.

Constitutional and Policy References:

• While no direct constitutional articles or government policies were cited in the report, the findings underscore the significant need for wildlife protection and habitat conservation aligned with the Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) that emphasize the protection and improvement of the environment.

Future Directions:

• The findings from the DNA-based census serve as a baseline for future monitoring, which aims to enhance habitat preservation efforts and minimize human-wildlife conflict as critical aspects of wildlife conservation strategies in India.

Exam-Focused Notes

Constitutional References:

• Gender Equality: The Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights in Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth).

Judicial Representation:

• The India Justice Report 2025 indicates only 14% of judges in High Courts and 3.1% in the Supreme Court are women, highlighting significant gender disparity in the judiciary.

Crime Data:

• In West Bengal, from 2017-2023, only 20% of crimes against women ended in conviction, suggesting a serious concern regarding women's safety and legal justice.

Government Policies & Schemes:

• Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, emphasized the necessity of private medical colleges ensuring the safety of female students, especially regarding curfews for their movements at night.

Economic Participation:

• Pooja Chauhan, an ironing worker, exemplifies women's agency through economic contributions and financial control within the household, reflecting on the importance of women's empowerment in economic decision-making.

Health Concerns:

• The Zero Mercury Working Group report revealed dangerous mercury-added skin lightening products (SLPs) available on platforms like Amazon, with 7 out of 8 evaluated products in India containing high levels of mercury.

Gender and Societal Issues:

• The struggle for women’s representation and safety is underscored by the societal backdrop where women's voices often go unheard until tragedies occur. The ongoing conversation on issues such as sexual violence and the importance of women’s visibility in public life is pivotal.

Historical & Cultural Context:

• The influence of women’s changing fashion on social norms goes back to the late 1800s during the suffragette movement, emphasizing shifts in gender roles and the evolving image of women in society.

Feminism:

• Personal is Political: A core tenet of second-wave feminism stresses how personal choices reflect broader socio-political issues, as articulated by Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan.

Conclusion:

• Current data indicates a need for enhanced safety protocols for women, increased judicial representation, and better societal recognition of women’s roles to combat gender-based discrimination and violence. Economic sustainability and personal agency for women are critical for addressing systemic issues effectively.

Weather Forecast for Tamil Nadu

• Event: Anticipated widespread rainfall during Deepavali.
• Rainfall Dates: Expected from October 19 to at least October 24, 2025.
• Rainfall Intensity:
  • Heavy and very heavy rainfall anticipated across multiple districts.
  • Rajapalayam recorded the heaviest with 18 cm.
  • More than 40 locations experienced varying levels of heavy rainfall.

Meteorological Insights

• Weather Influences:

  • Active Northeast monsoon contributing to conditions.
  • A trough between weather systems in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
  • Cyclonic circulation over Gulf of Mannar affecting wet weather patterns.

• Low Pressure Areas:

  • A well-marked low pressure in the southeast Arabian Sea is expected to intensify to a depression around Deepavali.
  • Anticipation of another low pressure forming over Southeast Bay of Bengal by October 21 may strengthen by October 23.

Affected Regions

• Expect significant rainfall across 20 districts including:
  • Delta regions and north coastal Tamil Nadu.
  • Anticipated 24 cm rainfall in major areas, notably Chennai and its surroundings on October 22 and 23.

Future Monitoring

• Weather officials, including B. Amudha from the Regional Meteorological Centre, emphasized ongoing surveillance of weather systems for potential intensification and broader impact on neighboring districts as rainfall progresses.

Summary

The situation indicates a notable weather event influenced by low pressure systems, with significant rainfall expected across Tamil Nadu, especially during the festive season of Deepavali, conveying crucial information for disaster preparedness and public safety.

Air Quality in Delhi: Key Facts and Figures

• Current Air Quality Status: Delhi's air quality index (AQI) recorded a level of 268, categorized as ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300), as of the latest report. Certain areas such as Anand Vihar experienced ‘severe’ pollution levels (AQI 401-500), while areas like Wazirpur and Bawana reported ‘very poor’ conditions (AQI 301-400).

• Supreme Court Ruling: On October 15, 2025, the Supreme Court relaxed its blanket ban on fireworks, allowing the sale of green firecrackers (approved by NEERI and PESO) from October 18 to 20. However, the court imposed restrictions on the use of these firecrackers for Deepavali, permitting their use only on October 19 and 20, during specified times (6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

• Projected Air Quality Deterioration: According to the Central government’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is expected to worsen. Forecasts predict:

  • October 19: Upper end of ‘poor’ category
  • October 20: ‘Very poor’ category
  • October 21: Potentially ‘severe’ category if firecracker emissions increase.

• Health and Environmental Impact: The ongoing poor air quality poses significant health risks, correlating with respiratory illnesses and impacting vulnerable populations. Continuous monitoring by agencies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlights the need for sustained policy interventions.

• Legal and Policy Framework:

  • Constitutional and Judicial References: The Supreme Court's engagement highlights constitutional aspects of public health and environmental protection.
  • Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty, encompasses the right to a clean environment.
  • Policies facilitating environmental protection are critical amid rising pollution levels, emphasizing the need for effective law enforcement regarding firecracker usage.

• Government Schemes and Initiatives: The government's approach includes allowing eco-friendly alternatives, emphasized through green firecracker initiatives, to mitigate pollution levels while accommodating cultural practices.

• Future Air Quality Predictions: For the subsequent six days following Deepavali, air quality is predicted to oscillate between ‘severe’ and ‘poor’, necessitating proactive measures and public awareness campaigns to minimize pollution and protect public health.

• Public Compliance and Awareness: Despite court restrictions, public adherence to guidelines regarding firecracker usage remains a challenge, suggesting the need for heightened public education on the environmental impacts of air pollution.

Conclusion: The situation underscores the ongoing struggle between cultural practices and environmental sustainability in urban settings like Delhi, reinforcing the necessity for robust policies, community engagement, and legal frameworks to protect air quality and public health.

• Air Quality in Delhi: Delhi's air quality remains poor for the fourth consecutive day, with a reported Air Quality Index (AQI) of 254, which classified it as 'poor'. Some areas fell into the 'very poor' category, with Anand Vihar recording the highest AQI at 382.

• AQI Classification:

  • 51-100: Satisfactory
  • 101-200: Moderate
  • 201-300: Poor
  • 301-400: Very Poor
  • 401-500: Severe

• Monitoring Stations: Out of 38 stations, five reported 'very poor' air quality. Locations with critical readings included:

  • Anand Vihar: 382
  • Wazirpur: 351
  • Jahangirpuri: 342
  • Bawana: 315
  • Siri Fort: 309

• Forecast: The air quality is projected to remain poor from October 18-19, with a possibility of deterioration to 'very poor' on October 20 due to extra emissions from firecrackers.

• Government Response: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the delayed implementation of the Winter Action Plan intended to combat the deteriorating air quality. Former Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated a 15-day delay in launching the plan.

• Political Statements: AAP's accountability was challenged by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who accused AAP of misleading the public regarding air quality data and criticized its past decisions, including imposing bans on green firecrackers.

This data reflects the current pollution scenario in Delhi and highlights political responses, without diving into partisan debates.

Summary of Kolkata Firecracker Regulations for Kali Puja and Diwali

Key Directives:

• Green Firecrackers Regulation:
  • The Kolkata Police has issued a directive allowing only the use of green firecrackers between October 20 (8 PM - 10 PM) and October 28 (6 AM - 8 AM) during Kali Puja and Diwali.
  • Similar regulations apply for Chhat Puja.

Judicial Oversight:

• Calcutta High Court Ruling:
  • On October 16, 2025, the court directed the West Bengal government to enforce regulations established in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from November 2023 aimed at reducing air and sound pollution during the festival seasons.
  • Further orders include banning the sale of all firecrackers except those classified as green with a QR code.

Government Initiatives:

• Pollution Management:
  • The PIL emphasizes the need for the Kolkata Police and the State Pollution Control Board to inspect sales at Bazi Bazar and to ensure compliance with firecracker regulations.
  • A government meeting on August 29, 2025, led to the decision to establish green firecracker clusters and strategies for monitoring pollution levels during festival periods.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Inspection Protocols:
  • The Kolkata Police and fire department officials are actively inspecting firecracker sale stalls to enforce compliance with the new regulations.
  • The State Pollution Control Board is tasked with monitoring pollution levels during the festival period and is required to submit reports on enforcement and pollution management efforts.

Background Context:

• Environmental Concerns:
  • The regulations are rooted in ongoing concerns about air quality and public health, particularly during high-pollution periods initiated by traditional celebrations.

Relevance to Constitutional Articles:

• The measures taken align with the Right to a Healthy Environment, which can be associated with Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring the right to life shall be interpreted to include the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Conclusion:

The Kolkata regulations for the usage of firecrackers during Kali Puja and Diwali are part of a broader effort to balance cultural practices with environmental safety, reflecting judicial oversight and governmental initiatives to meet public health standards amidst traditional festivities. Compliance with green firecracker sales and pollution monitoring is essential for effective enforcement of these measures.

Northeast Monsoon Preparedness in Tamil Nadu (Vellore District)

• Flood-Prone Areas: Identification of 163 flood-prone spots by district administrations in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, and Tirupattur.

  • Tiruvannamalai: Highest risk with 68 low-lying areas, particularly in Cheyyar and Arani.
  • Ranipet: 42 spots identified.
  • Vellore: 26 flood-prone areas mainly around the Ariyur area near Thorapadi lake.
  • Tirupattur: 27 identified areas.

• Evacuations and Relief Centers: Residents in low-lying regions such as river banks and canals have been advised to relocate to elevated areas and temporary relief centers established by district authorities.

• Infrastructure Preparedness:

  • Vellore City: 12 vulnerable spots mainly concentrated in Ariyur; each zone equipped with motor pumps to remove stagnant water.
    • Zone 4: 10 pumps deployed due to its location in a low-lying area.

• Water Management:

  • Excess rainwater from Tiruvannamalai is directed to the Vengaikaal irrigation tank (30% capacity).
  • Vellore Corporation has desilted its stormwater drainage system, which spans approximately 220 km in key areas (Katpadi, Sathuvachari, Old Town, Kaspa).
  • The Nicholson canal (9 km long) facilitates discharging excess rainwater from hills to Palar River.

• Current Weather Impact:

  • Continuous rainfall in areas including Vellore, Arcot, Arakkonam, and more has resulted in knee-deep inundation in low-lying areas such as Sampath Nagar and Kansalpet.
  • Water bodies in the region are rapidly filling.

• Waterbody Statistics: A total of 4,167 water bodies reported, which include:

  • 1,119 Minor Irrigation sources maintained by the Water Resources Department (WRD).

• Reservoir Levels: Major reservoirs in these districts are reaching approximately 50% of total capacity, prompting alerts for residents living along water channels linked to these water bodies.

This preparedness initiative highlights the intersection of environmental management and community safety in response to monsoon-related flooding risks in Tamil Nadu.

• Judicial Ruling: The Kerala High Court expressed concern regarding hazardous waste dumping in the Periyar River, specifically noting pollution levels that pose imminent danger to public health. The High Court, led by a Division Bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and M.B. Snehalatha, criticized the lack of cooperation between the Centre and the State in addressing the pollution crisis.

• Constitutional References: The court indicated potential violations related to environmental protection that could implicate provisions under the Disaster Management Act, emphasizing the need for urgent actions to tackle the pollution.

• Pollution Sources: Hazardous chemicals, notably DDT, Benzene Hexachloride, and Endosulfan, were detected at elevated levels in sediment samples collected from Kuzhikandam Creek (a tributary of the Periyar) following a mass fish kill reported on May 20, 2024. The highest concentration of DDT (210.4 mg/kg) was found near the discharge point of Hindustan Insecticides Limited.

• Environmental Impact: The court noted the high sulphate concentration in samples from the creek and its tributaries, as part of an analysis conducted by an expert committee formed to investigate the mass fish kill incident.

• Government Actions: The court ordered the competent authority at the Centre to engage in discussions with the Secretary (Environment) of the Government of Kerala to identify viable solutions for pollution abatement, including exploring alternative sites for effluent treatment.

• Proposed Solutions: An alternative suggestion to rejuvenate Kuzhikandam Creek using existing infrastructure from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) was introduced during proceedings.

• Commitment of the Judiciary: The court demonstrated a strong stance against further delays in addressing this environmental issue and underscored the urgency in cleaning up both the Periyar River and Kuzhikandam Creek.

• Expert Committee Findings: The findings regarding pollution levels and hazardous substances were part of the report furnished by the expert committee constituted by the High Court, highlighting the systemic environmental challenges faced in the area, indicative of broader regulatory and environmental compliance weaknesses.

This summary underscores the critical aspects of the environmental case involving the Periyar River, illustrating ongoing judicial oversight and the need for coordinated governmental responses to pollution issues under national laws and environmental protection frameworks.

Summary of Article on Environmental and Carbon Credit Strategies

Key Issues & Concepts:

• Growth Model and Environmental Limits: The traditional growth model, rooted in the Industrial Revolution, risks surpassing planetary boundaries. Transitioning to a sustainable model is necessary, especially for developing nations facing poverty.
• Decoupling Growth from Pollution: The focus should be on increasing economic growth without high pollution levels through cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.

Carbon Credits:

• Definition: A carbon credit signifies a certified reduction or removal of greenhouse gases, often used to offset emissions by firms transitioning to greener processes.
• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): India is establishing its own carbon market with emission-intensity benchmarks for energy-intensive sectors, including voluntary offsets. Draft methods for biomass, compressed biogas, and low-emission agriculture are in place.
• Global Market Trends: Approximately 175 million to 180 million carbon credits are retired annually, mainly from renewable projects.

Agricultural Projects and Challenges:

• Only 4 out of 64 Indian agricultural projects under the Verra registry have issued credits due to weak engagement with farmers.
• Rewards from carbon projects risk perpetuating exploitative power structures reminiscent of colonial practices.

Case Studies:

• Northern Kenya Rangelands Project: Launched in 2012, this project aimed for significant CO2 reduction but faced scrutiny for inadequate community consent and rights violations. The project was scrutinized for bypassing consent and affecting local land rights, leading to a suspension of credit issuance.
• Lake Turkana Wind Power Project: Encroached on community grazing lands, raising concerns about sustainability versus local rights.

Application to India:

• Indian projects, particularly in afforestation and agriculture, might disrupt customary land use without community consent, echoing the challenges observed in Kenya.
• Concerns regarding caste-based exclusions in benefit distribution from carbon projects have been raised.

Recommendations:

• Community Rights and Benefit Sharing: Emphasizing the protection of land rights and equitable distribution of benefits is crucial to avoid repeating colonial exploitation.
• Balanced Regulatory Framework: India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme needs a transparent and participatory approach to safeguard community interests without imposing burdens.

Conclusion:

For effective climate action in India, stakeholder consultation and adaptive regulations are required to uphold justice in carbon markets. Failure to address these issues may replicate exploitative models under the guise of sustainability while marginalizing vulnerable groups.

Constitutional and Legal Context:

• No specific constitutional articles or legislative references were made in the article.

Government Schemes and Policies:

• Establishment of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) aimed at setting emission-intensity benchmarks.

Notable Economic Data:

• An estimated market of approximately 175 million to 180 million carbon credits retired annually.

International Agreements:

• Reference to global carbon markets and the operation of the Verra registry for carbon credit projects.

Science & Technology Updates:

• Adoption of cleaner technologies for growth and sustainability; exploration of renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmental Context:

• Focus on sustainable methods of agriculture and renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change impacts.

Final Note:

These highlights underline the importance of integrating environmental justice with economic development, ensuring that all strata of society benefit from climate initiatives.

Northeast Monsoon Update

Onset and Impact

• The Northeast monsoon has set in early this year on October 17, ahead of the typical date of October 20.
• It is vital for Tamil Nadu, contributing significantly to the state's annual rainfall.
• Expected duration of heavy rains spans until October 22, affecting several districts, especially coastal and delta regions.

Meteorological Observations

• The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported the simultaneous exit of the Southwest monsoon and onset of the Northeast monsoon.
• Indicators for the onset included an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area and easterly winds.

Previous Year Comparison

• In 2024, monsoon onset was on October 15, with a recorded 33% excess rainfall by the season's end.

Rainfall Statistics

• In the 24 hours leading to October 17, significant rainfall recorded:
  • Kayalpattinam: 15 cm
  • Thoothukudi: 15 cm
  • Thiruchendur: 13 cm
• Other districts reporting heavy rainfall include Ranipet, Tirunelveli, and Mayiladuthurai.

Forecast and Weather Systems

• Upcoming weather systems expected:
  • Low pressure area developing over the south Arabian Sea by October 18.
  • Another low pressure area anticipated over the southeast Bay of Bengal by October 24.

Government Alerts

• An orange alert has been issued for five districts including Tirunelveli and Virudhunagar due to expected isolated heavy rainfall.
• Heavy rainfall forecasted for an additional 14 districts, such as Madurai and Coimbatore.

Water Management Measures

• The Water Resources Department has increased water release from the Poondi reservoir to 4,500 cubic feet per second due to heavy inflow.
• Increased water levels in reservoirs and subsequent channeling to Cholavaram tank for storage and checks.

Key Points

• Early onset of Northeast monsoon: October 17, 2025.
• Heavy rainfall expected in several Tamil Nadu districts through October 22.
• Orange alert issued for districts due to very heavy isolated rainfall.
• Water resources management adjustments made in response to significant rainfall.