Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park
Guindy National Park, located in Chennai along the Coromandel Coast, is a unique ecosystem that showcases the rich biodiversity of the region.
Flora
- Tropical dry evergreen forest.
- Unique to the Coromandel coast of India.
- Sacred grove - Sapta Kannika Grove.
- Scrub and thorn forests.
Notes:
- Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest: Characterized by a diverse range of plant species adapted to a dry climate.
- Sapta Kannika Grove: A sacred grove, emphasizing the cultural and ecological significance of the region.
- Scrub and Thorn Forests: Ecosystems supporting hardy vegetation adapted to arid conditions.
Fauna
- Blackbuck, Toddy cat, Civet cat, Jungle cat, Pangolin, Hedgehog, Shrew, black-naped hare.
- Spotted deers, jackals, varieties of snakes.
- Over 100 species of birds and over 60 species of butterflies.
Notes:
- Blackbuck: A graceful antelope species.
- Pangolin: A unique, scaly mammal often referred to as a "scaly anteater."
- Sacred Grove: Preserved areas with cultural and religious significance, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Practice Question – Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements about Blackbuck:
1. They are the state animal of Rajasthan.
2. They are considered sacred by the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan.
3. They can produce alarm sounds to alert their herd about dangers.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Mixed-Member Proportional Representation
Mixed-Member Proportional Representation
Mixed-Member Proportional Representation is a hybrid electoral system designed to balance the benefits of both the proportional representation system and the first-past-the-post electoral system.
Result of Elections
- Local representative elected through the first-past-the-post system.
- National government composed of representatives from multiple parties.
- Number of seats for each party is proportional to the number of votes they received.
- Smaller parties get representation, fostering inclusivity.
Advantages
- Reduces wasted votes, ensuring a more efficient use of the electorate's choices.
- Gives smaller parties representation, promoting diversity in political voices.
- Helps maintain a local connection between voters and their representatives.
Disadvantages
- Can create complex and large legislatures, potentially making decision-making more challenging.
- May lead to the formation of more coalition governments, requiring negotiation and compromise.
Practice Question – Prelims
Q. Which electoral system combines individual local representation with national proportional representation, allowing voters to cast two separate votes?
(a) First-Past-The-Post system
(b) Single Transferable vote
(c) Mixed-Member Proportional
(d) Preferential Voting System
Urban Air Pollution
Practice Question – Mains GS – III
Q. What are the major causes of Urban air pollution in the world?. Discuss the steps to be taken to address the issue of urban air pollution?
Urban Air Pollution
Data on Urban Air Pollution
- Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC) data reveals that out of the 50 most polluted cities in the world, 39 are in India.
- The average Indian loses 5.3 years of life expectancy due to air pollution, with residents of Delhi losing 11.9 years.
Causes of Urban Air Pollution
- Industrialization & Urbanization:
- Industrial areas exhibit alarmingly poor air quality due to the release of toxic gases from factories.
- Around 80 different toxins, including asbestos, dioxin, lead, and chromium, are emitted into the air.
- Rapid Urbanization:
- Deforestation for public infrastructure leads to unscientific construction, contributing to urban air pollution.
- More than 80% of the urban population lives in areas with emissions above WHO limits.
- Agricultural Emissions:
- Agricultural activities produce pollutants like Ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to urban air pollution.
- Stubble burning and waste burning in cities like New Delhi exacerbate pollution.
- Vehicular Emissions:
- The increase in private vehicles due to urban employment and rising income contributes significantly to air pollution.
- Data shows a significant growth in India's automobile market, leading to increased vehicular emissions.
Steps to Address Urban Air Pollution
- Regulatory Steps: Implement airshed management based on meteorological patterns, enact air quality acts, and consider emission fees.
- Afforestation of Urban Areas: Expand green cover to reduce dust and air pollution, as seen in the case study of Ahmedabad.
- Comprehensive Policy on Stubble Burning: Implement policies to address agricultural contributions to air pollution.
- Odd-Even Vehicle Policy Rule: Implement measures like the odd-even vehicle policy to control vehicular emissions.
- Regularly Updating Emission Standards (BS Norms): Keep emission standards up-to-date to ensure vehicles adhere to pollution control norms.
- Effective Implementation of Vehicle Scrappage Policy: Enforce policies for scrapping old vehicles to reduce emissions.
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