Background
The National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
It exists for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment and relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
The Tribunal is mandated to endeavour to dispose of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing.
It is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, nor by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and is guided by principles of natural justice; it is, however, vested with the powers of a civil court for discharging its functions.
Section 19 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 gives the Tribunal power to regulate its own procedure.
The NGT was set up at five places of sittings and follows a circuit procedure; New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.
The Tribunal identifies necessary parties under statutes mentioned in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010 and requires them to respond by email.
It entertains letter petitions, and a complaint can be filed even without an advocate.
Established on:
18.10.2010
Statute:
National Green Tribunal Act 2010
Disposal mandate:
within 6 months of filing
Principal Place of Sitting:
New Delhi
Other places of sitting:
Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai
Why it matters for exams: The NGT's founding statute, its five places of sitting and the six-month disposal norm are standard Kerala PSC and UPSC environment-and-polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Jal Jeevan Mission is run by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, through the National Jal Jeevan Mission.
Its vision is that every rural household has drinking water supply in adequate quantity of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges.
Its core objective is to provide a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household, and functional tap connections to schools, Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, health centres, wellness centres and community buildings.
FHTCs are prioritised in villages in drought prone and desert areas and in Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages.
Retrofitting of completed and ongoing schemes is supported to provide FHTCs at a minimum service level of 55 lpcd.
Supported components include development of in-village piped water supply infrastructure, development or augmentation of reliable drinking water sources, bulk water transfer, treatment plants and distribution networks, technological interventions for removal of contaminants, and greywater management.
The mission promotes voluntary community ownership through contribution in cash, kind and/or labour and voluntary labour (shramdaan).
The mission's stated target was a Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024 for every rural household.
Ministry:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Implementing department:
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Minimum service level on retrofitting:
55 lpcd
Core deliverable:
Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC)
Why it matters for exams: FHTC, the 55 lpcd service level and the ministry that runs Jal Jeevan Mission are frequently asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC scheme questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was hosted by India at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, from 2nd to 13th September 2019.
It witnessed widespread participation from over 9000 participants from across the globe.
Country parties agreed to make the Sustainable Development Goal target of achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 a national target for action.
Through the Delhi Declaration, ministers expressed support for new initiatives or coalitions aiming to improve human health and well-being, the health of ecosystems, and to advance peace and security.
The Union Environment Minister committed to provide effective leadership to the UNCCD during India's two-year tenure of Presidentship, and called for synergy between all three Rio Conventions.
COP14 ended after 11 days of meetings, 11 high-level, 30 committee and over 170 stakeholder meetings, 145 side-events and 44 exhibitions.
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw is the Executive Secretary of UNCCD.
Venue:
India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida
Dates:
2nd to 13th September 2019
Participants:
over 9000 participants
Key outcome:
Delhi Declaration; land degradation neutrality by 2030 as a national target
UNCCD Executive Secretary:
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw
Why it matters for exams: UNCCD COP14's venue, dates, the Delhi Declaration and India's two-year Presidency are frequently asked together.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The World Heritage Convention is an international agreement created by UNESCO in 1972 and adopted by its member countries to protect important cultural and natural sites.
India became part of this Convention in November 1977.
As of October 2024, there are 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 196 countries, comprising 952 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed sites.
India's journey on the List began in 1983 with the listing of Agra Fort, followed by the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.
In July 2024, 'Moidams: The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty' from Assam was inscribed as a cultural property, and the Ministry of Culture recorded 43 World Heritage Sites for India at that point with 62 more on UNESCO's Tentative List.
The Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Delhi from 21st to 31st July 2024, attended by nearly 2900 international and national delegates from more than 140 countries.
Convention created:
by UNESCO in 1972
India joined:
November 1977
Sites worldwide:
1,223 sites across 196 countries (952 cultural, 231 natural, 40 mixed)
India's first inscriptions:
Agra Fort in 1983, then Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves
46th World Heritage Committee:
Delhi, 21st to 31st July 2024
Why it matters for exams: The 1972 Convention year, India's November 1977 accession and the 1983 first inscriptions are staple culture-section facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international environmental treaty for protection of the Ozone Layer by phasing out the production and consumption of man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).
India became a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 19 June 1992 and has since ratified the amendments to the Protocol.
The Kigali Amendment was agreed at the 28th Meeting of the Parties (MOP) held in October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, which added hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of controlled substances and approved a timeline for their gradual reduction by 80-85 per cent by the late 2040s.
The Union Cabinet approved ratification of the Kigali Amendment by India, with a national strategy for HFC phase down to be developed after consultation with industry stakeholders by 2023.
India will complete its phase down of HFCs in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.
The HFC phase down is expected to prevent the emission of up to 105 million tonne of carbondioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases, helping to avoid up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global temperature rise by 2100.
India became a Party:
19 June 1992
Kigali Amendment agreed:
28th Meeting of the Parties, October 2016, Kigali, Rwanda
India's phase down steps:
10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047
Emissions avoided:
105 million tonne of carbondioxide equivalent
Warming avoided:
0.5 degree Celsius by 2100
Why it matters for exams: The year India joined the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali venue and India's four-step HFC phase down schedule are standard environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
India is one of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
India signed the Convention in 1982.
During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to India's list of Ramsar sites.
During 2014 to 2022, the country added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change marked the 75th year of Independence by announcing 75 Ramsar Sites in the country.
Convention signed:
Ramsar, Iran, in 1971
India signed:
1982
Sites added 1982 to 2013:
26 sites
Wetlands added 2014 to 2022:
49 new wetlands
Why it matters for exams: The year and place of the Ramsar Convention and the year India joined it are repeatedly asked in environment sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by the Prime Minister of India during the United Nations Climate Action Summit on the 23rd September, 2019, at New York.
On 28th August, 2019, the Cabinet had approved the setting up of CDRI with its Secretariat in New Delhi along with a support of Rs. 480 crore to CDRI.
The Union Cabinet later approved the categorization of CDRI as an 'International Organization' and the signing of the Headquarters Agreement with CDRI, granting it the exemptions, immunities and privileges contemplated under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
At the time of that approval, thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organizations and two (02) private sector organizations had joined as members of CDRI.
CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks.
Launched at:
United Nations Climate Action Summit, New York
Launch date:
23rd September, 2019
Cabinet approval for setting up:
28th August, 2019
Government support:
Rs. 480 crore
Membership at categorisation:
thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organizations and two (02) private sector organizations
Why it matters for exams: CDRI is one of two major global initiatives launched by India, and its launch venue, Secretariat city and corpus are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Aizawl is the largest city as well as the capital of the state of Mizoram in India. It is situated on a ridge 1132 metres, or 3715 ft, above sea level. The city lies north of the Tropic of Cancer in the northern part of Mizoram, with the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. Summer temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures from 11 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Altitude:
1132 metres (3715 ft) above sea level
Summer temperature:
20-30 degrees Celsius
Winter temperature:
11-21 degrees Celsius
Why it matters for exams: State capitals, their altitudes and the Indian States crossed by the Tropic of Cancer are standard objective questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Lawngtlai was declared a district on 18th September, 1998, having previously been under Chhimtuipui District. The district is cut off by Lunglei District and Siaha District into two parts, the eastern part lying on the eastern side of the Chhimtuipui River, the biggest river in the state, and has three sub-divisions, Sangau, Chawngte and Lawngtlai (Sadar). Its literacy rate of 66.41 per cent is the lowest in the state. Phawngpui, at a height of 2,157 m above mean sea level, is the tallest mountain in the State and lies about 165 km from Lawngtlai Town. Phawngpui National Park covers approximately 50 sq. kms and Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 110 sq. km. About 60 per cent of residents depend on agriculture and allied sectors, the service sector accounts for 37.90 per cent and the secondary sector for 2.4 per cent.
Height of Phawngpui:
2,157 m above mean sea level
Phawngpui National Park area:
approximately 50 sq. kms
Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary area:
approximately 110 sq. km
Literacy rate:
66.41 per cent, lowest in the state
Why it matters for exams: Highest peaks of Indian States and the national parks of Mizoram are standard geography and environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Mamit district was etched out from the erstwhile Aizawl District under Mizoram Government Notification No. A.600Ill2ll95-GAD dated 11.3.98 and started functioning on 24th April, 1998, with its headquarters at Mamit. Covering 3025.75 km sq, it is the fourth largest district in Mizoram. Its total population is 86,364, of whom 14,899 or 17.25 per cent live in urban areas and 95.0 per cent are Scheduled Tribes. Its sex ratio of 927 is the lowest among the eight districts and its literacy rate of 84.9 per cent is the second lowest in the state. It is bounded by Hailakandi district of Assam in the north, North Tripura district and Bangladesh in the west, Lunglei district in the south and Kolasib and Aizawl districts in the east. The major rivers are Tlawng, Tut, Teirei, Langkaih and Khawthlangtuipui.
Area:
3025.75 km sq
Total population:
86,364
Sex ratio:
927, lowest among eight districts
Literacy rate:
84.9 per cent
Why it matters for exams: Districts touching two international or inter-State neighbours, and district-level sex ratio and literacy extremes, are frequent objective questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Lunglei district occupies more or less the central part of Mizoram and has a total area of 3,552.61 sq.km. It is divided into three rural development blocks: Lunglei with 1,117.06 sq.km, Lungsen with 1,046.29 sq.km and Bunghmun with 1,389.26 sq.km. The district headquarters, Lunglei Town, lies in the south-central part of Mizoram, is the second largest settlement of Mizoram and stands at an altitude of 1222 metres. The district lies between 22 degrees 30 minutes N and 23 degrees 18 minutes N latitude. It is bounded by Siaha on the south-east, Lawngtlai on the south-west, Serchhip on the north-east, Mamit on the north-west and Hnahthial on the east, and shares an international border with Bangladesh on the west. It has two sub-divisions, Lunglei and Tlabung.
Total area:
3,552.61 sq.km
Altitude of Lunglei Town:
1222 metres
Rural development blocks:
3 - Lunglei, Lungsen, Bunghmun
Why it matters for exams: Mizoram's international borders and district geography are standard map-based questions in State and Union examinations.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Pathanamthitta district administration records that three important rivers flow through the district, all originating from mountains of the Western Ghats range.
The Pamba, 176 km long and the third longest river in Kerala, has its origin in Pulachimala.
The Achankovil river, 128 km long, originates from Pasukida Mettu, and the Manimala river, 90 km long, originates from the Thattamalai hills.
A small portion of the Kallada river also falls on the southern border of the district.
The Pamba and Achankovil rivers together drain more than 70% of the total area of Pathanamthitta.
The district is the thirteenth district of Kerala and has three natural divisions: the Lowland, the Midland and the Highland.
Pamba length:
176 km
Pamba origin:
Pulachimala
Achankovil length:
128 km
Manimala length:
90 km
District rank:
thirteenth district of Kerala
Why it matters for exams: River lengths and origins are among the most repeated Kerala geography questions in PSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department records that the World Heritage Committee, an independent body of 21 States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention of UNESCO, considered the inscription of forest areas of the Western Ghats on the World Heritage List at its meeting held from 24 June to 6 July in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.
The Kerala areas included in the World Heritage Site fall under five sub-clusters. The Agasthyamalai sub-cluster covers Shendurney, Neyyar and Peppara wildlife sanctuaries and the Kulathupuzha and Palode ranges.
The Periyar sub-cluster covers Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Ranni, Konni and Achencovil divisions.
The Anamalai sub-cluster covers Eravikulam National Park, Mankulam Division, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mannavan Shola and Karianshola; the Nilgiri sub-cluster covers Silent Valley National Park, New Amarambalam Reserve Forests, Kalikavu Range and Attappady Reserve Forests.
The Thalakkavery sub-cluster covers Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The department notes that the Western Ghats is recognised as one of the world's eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity and is home to at least 325 globally threatened species.
Committee members:
21 States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention
Globally threatened species:
at least 325
Thalakkavery sub-cluster in Kerala:
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Why it matters for exams: Which Kerala protected area sits in which Western Ghats sub-cluster is a recurring matching question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department states that Kerala is home to two tiger reserves, Periyar and Parambikulam.
Periyar Tiger Reserve was notified as a tiger reserve in 2007, by G.O(P) No. 75/07/F&WLD dt.31/12/2007, with a core area of 881 sq km and a buffer area of 44 sq km, giving a total area of 925 sq km.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve was notified in 2009, by G.O(P)No.53/2009/F&WLD dated 16/12/2009, with a core area of 390.89 sq km and a buffer area of 252.77 sq km, giving a total area of 643.66 sq km.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2006 to establish the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and to empower states to notify areas as tiger reserves.
Under NTCA guidelines, tourism is permitted only in designated areas of the buffer zone, not exceeding 20 per cent of the total area.
Periyar TR total area:
925 sq km
Periyar TR notification year:
2007
Parambikulam TR total area:
643.66 sq km
Parambikulam TR notification year:
2009
Tourism cap in buffer:
not exceeding 20% of the total area
Why it matters for exams: Core and buffer areas of Periyar and Parambikulam, and the 2006 amendment that created the NTCA, are standard environment-and-governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department records Pampadum Shola National Park, in Idukki district, as the smallest national park in the state, covering an area of 1.32 sq. km, and declared a national park in 2004.
Anamudi Shola National Park, also in Idukki district, covers an area of 7.5 sq. km and was declared a national park in 2003.
Both are part of the Anamalai sub-cluster, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The name “Pampadum Shola” translates to “the forest where the snake dances”, and the park serves as a wildlife corridor between Eravikulam National Park and the Palani Hills.
Anamudi Shola forms part of the catchment area for the Pambar and Chinnar rivers, and shelters the Nilgiri Tahr, the Indian Wild Dog and the Nilgiri Marten.
Pampadum Shola area:
1.32 sq. km
Pampadum Shola notified:
2004
Anamudi Shola area:
7.5 sq. km
Anamudi Shola notified:
2003
Why it matters for exams: The smallest and largest protected areas of Kerala, with their notification years, are frequently asked one-mark facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department records that Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills, was declared a national park in 1985.
It is an expanse of tropical moist evergreen forest, and the Kunthipuzha River flows through its terrain.
Endangered fauna there include the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), the Nilgiri langur and the Malabar giant squirrel.
The area gained prominence in the 1970s, when environmentalists launched the “Save Silent Valley” movement, which halted a proposed hydroelectric project.
The park is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Declared a national park:
1985
River:
Kunthipuzha
Flagship primate:
Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus)
Why it matters for exams: Silent Valley and the Save Silent Valley movement are standing favourites in Kerala PSC and UPSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The Supreme Court bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan granted Bihar eight weeks to remove unauthorised structures from the Ganga flood plains in Patna. The stretch lies between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat. The state had reported only partial compliance, citing recent flooding from Nepal. The bench said this was granted for one last time, failing which the chief secretary would be summoned. Those claiming the land must submit title deeds and building authorisation, or their representations will not be considered. The bench heard the matter and passed the order on 28 September 2026, when the state's Advocate General reported partial compliance with the 21 July direction (which had given six weeks); the order was reported by PTI on 2 October 2026.
Time allowed:
Eight weeks
Stretch:
Nauzar Ghat to Nurpur Ghat, Patna
Why it matters for exams: Floodplain protection, NGT appeals and contempt powers are linked topics for environment law and polity.
UPSC
In plain words
Floodplain Land adjoining a river that is inundated in floods — It is ecologically fragile and holds floodwater.
28 September 2026
Delhi's winter pollution plan fixes two separate construction-ban windows.
From 1 November to 31 January, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction are barred.
From 10 December to 20 January there is a complete construction ban, and vehicles carrying construction material are also restricted from entering Delhi.
Essential public infrastructure projects are exempted.
Government and private offices are to operate at 50 per cent physical attendance from 1 November to 31 January, with the remaining staff working from home; essential services are exempt.
Enforcement is to be stepped up against vehicles registered outside Delhi, and parking charges raised to discourage private vehicle use on peak pollution days.
Dust-generating work banned:
1 November to 31 January
Complete construction ban:
10 December to 20 January
Office attendance:
50 per cent
Why it matters for exams: The dates of Delhi's construction bans and the 50 per cent work-from-home rule are the kind of specific administrative measures asked in current affairs papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The 30th meeting of the Full Commission of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held on 28.09.2026 under Chairperson Shri Rajesh Verma.
It approved modifications to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Schedule for the National Capital Region.
The revised schedule has 25 actions in Stage-I, 8 in Stage-II, 10 in Stage-III and 5 in Stage-IV, a total of 48 actions.
Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs are extended to Sonipat, besides Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The exemption for BS-IV and below goods vehicles carrying essential commodities is removed in Stages III and IV.
Commission meeting:
30th Full Commission meeting, 28.09.2026
CAQM Chairperson:
Shri Rajesh Verma
Total GRAP actions:
48 (25 + 8 + 10 + 5)
District added:
Sonipat
Why it matters for exams: GRAP and CAQM feature repeatedly in environment and governance sections of UPSC and PSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
28 September 2026
The death toll from the Indonesian ferry that capsized earlier in September rose to 66, as divers continued searching on the 16th day of the operation. The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, and an unknown number of vehicles when it capsized in bad weather early on 13 September during a voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Search and rescue agency figures put the toll at 66 dead, 108 survivors and 69 still missing. Divers working through the 4,277-ton vessel were limited to a maximum depth of 27 metres and faced leaking fuel, dense gas concentrations and unstable structures, which slowed the search. Officials said the ship's operator needs to right the vessel and bring it to the surface. Indonesia relies on ferries to connect its 17,000 islands, as sea travel is cheaper and more accessible than flying.
Vessel:
Virgo Transport 8
People on board:
243, including 30 crew
Toll:
66 dead, 108 survivors, 69 missing
Route:
Surabaya, East Java to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan
Date of capsize:
13 September
Why it matters for exams: Major world disasters, with place names and figures, are standard current-affairs recall questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC