6GHz spectrum band

 India is presently grappling with a considerable decision concerning the allocation and use of the 6GHz spectrum band that has a long way-attaining implications for the country’s technological development, financial increase, and global competitiveness.

• Spectrum Management
• Spectrum is a finite resource that is vital for wireless communication. Effective spectrum control is critical to ensure that this useful resource is used effectively and equitably. 
• In India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are responsible for spectrum allocation and law.

Key Spectrum Bands

• 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz: These bands are widely used for WiFi and different wireless communication technology in India and in the world.
• 2.4GHz has confined information bandwidth, but has a larger area with coverage. 
• 5GHz is appreciably quicker, but covers a shorter distance.
• This country of WiFi technology remained the equal well into the introduction of WiFi 6 that makes use of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies concurrently, with more performance, resulting in better speeds.
• 6 GHz (WiFi 6E): It permits and brings up theoretical most speeds to 9.6Gbps.
• It relied on the band of spectrum among 5,925MHz and seven,125MHz, called 6GHz spectrum.
• Globally, In many countries, along with Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, the U.K., and the U.S., the 6GHz spectrum has been de-certified for Wi-Fi use, making an allowance for more suitable WiFi capabilities and quicker internet speeds.
• India and China have now not yet permitted the usage of this spectrum for Wi-Fi, leading to a regulatory impasse.

Current Status in India

• In India, the 6GHz band is currently allocated to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite tv communications.
• This allocation has created a bottleneck for telecom operators and technology corporations keen to leverage this spectrum for WiFi and 5G services. 
• The Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) has emphasized the importance of this spectrum for meeting the objectives of the National Broadband Mission and making sure cost-efficient deployment of 5G networks.
• The World Radiocommunications Conference has extended the last date for nations to determine on the use of the 6GHz spectrum until 2027.

Debate Over the 6GHz Spectrum

• Telecom Operators vs. Technology Firms: Telecom operators argue that the 6GHz band is crucial for expanding 5G services and meeting future data needs.
• On the other hand, technology firms endorse its use in WiFi to aid the growing variety of connected devices and high-velocity internet necessities.
• Economic Implications: Allocating the 6GHz band for unlicensed use should substantially reduce the prices associated with 5G deployment.
• However, maintaining it for satellite communications might restrict the capacity for technological innovation and economic boom.
• Global Standards and Competitiveness: Many international locations, consisting of the U.S., U.K., and South Korea, have already followed regulations to delist the 6GHz band for unlicensed use.
• India’s delay in making a decision ought to impact its global competitiveness and potential to draw investments in the tech sector.

Potential Solutions

• Partial Delisting: Allowing a part of the 6GHz band for unlicensed use even as maintaining a few for satellite tv communications.
• Phased Implementation: Gradually transitioning the 6GHz band for unlicensed use, offering time for stakeholders to evolve.
• International Collaboration: Engaging with international regulatory bodies to align India’s policies with worldwide requirements and satisfactory practices.

Conclusion

• India’s selection at the 6GHz spectrum may have a profound effect on its technological panorama. 
• Striking the proper balance between the needs of telecom operators, technology companies, and satellite tv communications is important for fostering innovation, monetary increase, and international competitiveness.

A migrant boat sinks near the Greek island of Samos, killing 6 children and 2 adults

•  Lake A migrant boat sank off the Greek island of Samos, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including six children.

Ballistic missiles, Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)

• The war in Ukraine has seen its share of escalations by both sides. But Russia firing an intermediate-range ballistic missile might be the biggest one yet.

 Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)

Centre Approves Rs 2,750 Cr For Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) till March 31, 2028.

 Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• It was launched in 2016 by NITI Ayog to develop and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industries.

Role of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) under AIM

• Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are established in schools to encourage creativity and innovation by providing access to modern technology such as 3D printers, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• The ATLs are being established across all districts in India, with a focus on providing innovative workspaces in schools.
• "Mentor of Change" initiative under AIM
• It is a program that offers free professional mentorship to students at Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL). 
• "Mentors of Change" are volunteers for mentorship and to help students to learn future skills.
• It promotes active collaboration among the government, academia, industry, individuals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create an environment of innovation and mentorship.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0

• The objective of AIM 2.0 is to expand and strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and contribute to India''s vision of becoming a "Viksit Bharat" through increased global competitiveness and innovation.

How does AIM 2.0 differ from AIM 1.0 in terms of approach?

• While AIM 1.0 focused on developing new innovation infrastructure, AIM 2.0 shifted its focus to piloting new initiatives to fill existing ecosystem gaps and expanding successful programs through collaborations with central and state governments, industry, academia, and the community.

AIM 2.0 aims to strengthen the ecosystem by:

• Increasing input (bringing more innovators and entrepreneurs into the system).
• Improving throughput (increasing the success rate of startups).
• Enhancing output (producing better jobs, products, and services).

Two programs aimed at increasing input

• The Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI) aims to create innovation ecosystems in 22 scheduled languages, lowering barriers for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who do not speak English. It includes the creation of 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers.
• The Frontier Program aims to create customized innovation ecosystems in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts. It plans to establish 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in these areas The Frontier Program aims to create customized innovation ecosystems in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts. It plans to establish 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in these areas.

Two programs focus on improving the quality of output:

• The Industrial Accelerator Program aims to increase industry involvement in expanding advanced startups. It seeks to establish at least ten Industry Accelerators in critical sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
• The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) Program aims to establish iDEX-like platforms in central ministries for integrating and procuring from startups in key industry sectors. 

Way Forward

• AIM 2.0 will boost India''s global competitiveness by supporting the startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and assisting in the development of innovative products and services. It will also encourage international collaborations to establish India as a global innovation leader.

Centre launches scheme to promote natural farming

• The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 2,481 crore (central share-Rs 1,584 crore and  state share– Rs 897 crore) till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).

Benefits of the scheme

• Rooted in the traditional knowledge inherited from their forefathers, farmers will practise natural farming as a chemical free farming which involves local livestock integrated natural farming methods, diversified crop systems, etc. 
• Natural farming follows local agro-ecological principles rooted in local knowledge, location specific technologies and is evolved as per the local agro-ecology.
• • Natural farming will build and maintain healthy soil ecosystems, promote biodiversity and encourage diverse cropping systems to enhance resilience as suitable to the local agroecology. 
• NMNF is launched as a shift to scientifically revive and strengthen agriculture practices towards sustainability, climate resilience and healthy food for farmer families and consumers.
• NMNF aims at promoting natural farming practices for providing safe and nutritious food for all. 
• The Mission is designed to support farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency to externally purchased inputs. 
• It will popularise integrated agriculture-animal husbandry models and establish scientifically supported common standards and easy farmer-friendly certification procedures for naturally grown chemical-free produce, besides creating and promoting a single national brand for such produce.
• NMNF will promote natural farming among one crore farmers in 7.5 lakh hectare.

Implementation of the scheme

• The government will select willing panchayats for the development of 15,000 natural farming clusters and encourage setting up 10,000 need-based bio-input resources centres to supply natural farming inputs with Rs 1 lakh as seed capital assistance.
• Around 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained/supported in a batch of 30 at agriculture universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and 200 local natural farming institutions. 
• At the block level, 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/community resource persons will be deployed for awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding of willing farmers in the clusters.
•  An online digital platform — with a geo-tagged database of practising farmers, farms, soil health, input costs, etc — will be set up to monitor and track the progress.
• The focus will also be on strengthening on-farm agro-ecological research and knowledge-based extension capacity of agri-institutions like ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and agriculture universities, etc. 
• Farmers will be provided with an easy simple certification system and dedicated common branding to provide access to market their natural farming produce. Real time geo-tagged & referenced monitoring of NMNF implementation shall be done through an online portal.

Cicadas

• North American cicadas have life cycles that last for prime numbers of years, putting pressure on the idea that humans created mathematics.

COP29 gets Article 6 of Paris Agreement operational, opens carbon markets

• Article 6 of the Paris Agreement was adopted at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

COP29 conference Baku, Azerbaijan

• Following nine years of negotiations, COP29 successfully adopted Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (2015), which allows countries to cooperate voluntarily to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through carbon markets. 

Key topics of discussion during the COP29 

Setting Climate Finance Goals

• Developing countries demanded at least $1 trillion per year between 2025 and 2035 to help meet emission targets known as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
• Developing countries, including China, India, and the Group of 77, have demanded that developed countries bear the majority of climate finance, which includes mitigation, adaptation, and compensation for climate damage. They also advocated for contributions based on historical emissions and per capita GDP.
• Developed countries, particularly the European Union, have set a target of $1.3 trillion per year by 2035. This target would be met through "various sources," such as public, private, bilateral, and multilateral contributions. However, there was disagreement about the proportion of grants and loans, with developed countries opposing a predominantly grant-based model.

Addressing Carbon Emissions

• Scientific assessments predicted a 0.8% increase in emissions in 2023, despite global emissions reduction efforts falling short of expectations. Developing countries highlighted the need for developed countries to shoulder more responsibility for climate finance due to their historical emissions.

Carbon market agreement

• The carbon market agreement at COP29 established a supervised UN carbon market aligned with the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (signed during COP 21 in 2015) to allow countries to trade carbon credits to meet emission targets.
• Article 6.2 permits bilateral agreements for carbon trading, while Article 6.4 establishes a global carbon market.

Concerns regarding the adoption of Article 6 at COP29

• Experts argue that the framework lacks transparency, accountability, and monitoring, and that there are no serious consequences for reporting inconsistencies or failure to follow the framework.
• Participating countries are not required to disclose how they avoid double counting or quantify mitigation outcomes, which could result in inaccurate reporting and ineffective emission reductions.
• The rules do not adequately prevent the trade of low-quality carbon credits, which has the potential to compromise the carbon markets'' environmental integrity.

Way Forward

• The COP29 conference has made progress in carbon markets mechanism, but significant gaps remain in climate financing, therefore bridging the gap between developed and developing countries is essential for meeting the climate goals and ensuring long term sustainable development.

Glacial lake expansion

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Centre and others in a matter regarding the rapid expansion of the Himalayan glacial lakes, raising concerns over the increasing risk of natural disasters.
• The NGT took suo motu cognisance of a news report showing about 10.81 per cent increase of the glacial lakes in the last 13 years due to the rising temperatures.

 According to the report, the melting of glaciers due to increase in temperature paved the way for larger glacial lakes, which held more water and, in turn, increased the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.

• A recent report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) has highlighted a significant expansion of glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, with an increase of 10.81 per cent in surface area from 2011 to 2024. The report also notes that the surface area of glacial lakes in India has increased by 33.7 per cent during the same period.
• The NGT noted the report had outlined the sudden growth of these lakes that posed a heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which could be catastrophic for downstream communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity.
• The report identifies 67 lakes in India that have seen an increase of over 40 per cent in surface area, placing them in the high-risk category for potential GLOFs. 

 The most notable expansions have been observed in regions such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

What are glacial lakes?

• The Himalayan arc is young and tectonically active, formed as a result of massive collision between Eurasia and the northward drifting Indian plate about 50 million years ago. It forms the northern limit of India. 
•  The Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalayan region hosts the largest and most important glacier systems outside  the poles and is commonly referred to as the “Third Pole” on the Earth.
• A glacial lake is formed when a glacier erodes the land, and then melts, filling the depression created by the glacier.
• These bodies of water play a crucial role as freshwater sources for rivers in the Himalayan region.
• Glaciers across the globe have been experiencing unprecedented rates of retreat and thinning due to human-caused climate change.
• This retreat leads to the formation of new lakes and the enlargement of existing ones in the Himalayan region. 
• The glacial lakes are categorised based on their formation process into four broad categories:
• i) Moraine-dammed (water dammed by moraine)
• ii) Ice-dammed (water dammed by ice)
• iii) Erosion (water dammed in depressions formed by erosion)
• iv) Other glacial lakes.
• Glacial lakes also pose significant risks such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can have devastating consequences for communities downstream.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

• Flash floods caused by the outburst of glacial lakes, called as Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), are well known in the Himalayan region where such lakes had often been formed by landslides. 
• GLOFs have immense potential of flooding in downstream areas, causing disastrous consequences due to release of large volumes of water in a very short interval of time. 
• Glacial lakes release large volumes of meltwater due to the failure of natural dams, such as those made of moraine or ice, resulting in sudden and severe flooding downstream. 
• These dam failures can be triggered by various factors, including avalanches of ice or rock, extreme weather events, and other environmental factors.
• Most often, the consequences arising out of such situations are highly unpredictable primarily due to lack of availability of sufficient data regarding rainfall intensity, location of landslide, impounded volume and area and physical conditions of lakes/ water bodies. 
• GLOFs are not a new phenomenon but with the worldwide receding of glaciers and rising temperature the probability of their occurrences has risen in many mountain ranges.
• The frequency of GLOF events has been increasing since the second half of the 20th century due to the combined effects of climate change and deforestation.

DRDO ‘successfully conducts’ flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

Hypersonic Missiles

India tests its first hypersonic missile

Indian, int’l scientists discover new frog species in Garo Hills

• The SACON team from TN''s Anaikatti discovers new frog species in Meghalaya during two-year study.

 Raorchestes asakgrensis

• A new species of frog was discovered in the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, Garo Hills, Meghalaya, named to honor local conservation efforts.
• It is a small arboreal frog with a pointed snout and visible tympanum, found at 174 meters elevation. Males measure 20.49 mm and females 22.8 mm in snout-vent length.
• Males call from shrubs at dusk, with peak activity after the first monsoon rains.

Details on Community Reserve:

NATIONAL GOPAL RATNA AWARD 2024

• On November 26, 2024, during the National Milk Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024.

What is the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA)?

• It is one of the highest national awards in the livestock and dairy industries to recognize and encourage individuals such as indigenous animal farmers, AI technicians, and dairy cooperatives. 
• These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions in the fields of animal husbandry and dairying.

The NGRA are awarded in three categories

• Best dairy farmer raising indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.
• Best artificial insemination technician (AIT).
• Best Dairy Cooperative, Milk Producer Company, or Dairy Farmer Producer Organization.

Role of the livestock sector in India’s economy

• The livestock sector accounts for one-third of the agriculture and allied sectors'' Gross Value Added (GVA) and is growing at a rate of more than 8% per year. 
• It has a significant impact on farmer income, especially for small and marginal farmers, women, and the landless. 
• Millions of people across the country benefit from the sector''s affordable and nutritious food alternatives.

Initiative to conserve indigenous bovine breeds

• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 
• Implemented across the country since February 2014 with the objective of creating/strengthening infrastructure for quality milk production, procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products through the State Implementing Agency (SIA), i.e. the State Cooperative Dairy Federation.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• The Mission was launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds to increase the productivity and conservation of indigenous cattle.

Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• The Union Government supports the efforts of the State Governments/Union Territories by providing financial assistance through the ''LHDCP''.
• It is a Central sector scheme, intending to reduce risk to animal health through prophylactic vaccination against animal diseases, capacity building of Veterinary services, disease surveillance, and strengthening Veterinary infrastructure.

New Evidence on Ocean Algae and its link with Global warming

• Scientists have found new evidence that desertification, potentially linked to global warming, leads to large amounts of nutrient-rich dust landing in the sea, causing ocean algae to grow rapidly.

Phytoplankton Bloom:

• Rapid multiplication of phytoplankton when conditions (light, nutrients, temperature) are optimal, forming blooms visible via satellite due to chlorophyll.

Significance:

• Produce ~50% of Earth''s oxygen.
• Play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
• Form the base of marine food webs, benefiting marine life and human fisheries.

Causes of the Bloom

• Primary Trigger:
• Nutrient-rich dust from drought-affected drylands in southern Africa (e.g., Etosha and Makgadikgadi salt pans, Namibian desert, Kalahari pan belt). Dust is deposited via wind and rainfall into nutrient-limited waters.
• Analysis Method:
• Tracked water parcels (Lagrangian trajectories) to confirm dust origin rather than local nutrient sources.

Impacts on Ocean and Marine Life

• Marine Food Web:
• Likely improved zooplankton and fish populations due to increased food availability.

Carbon Sequestration:

• The region acted as a carbon sink, absorbing significant carbon dioxide via high photosynthesis rates during the bloom.

Implications of Future Blooms

• Rising air temperatures, increased dryness, and dust emissions could make such blooms more frequent. Potential benefits like enhanced carbon removal from the atmosphere through ocean fertilization. Further Research is needed to confirm long-term impacts on climate regulation and marine ecosystems.

Rising Space Junk raises Concerns

• As the number of satellites goes up, there is an improved concern about the Space Junk.
• More than 10,000 active satellites are in orbit across the planet. This number is envisioned to shoot as much as more than 100,000 by the 2030s.
• As the number of satellites is going up, so will the space junk pollutants.

Space Debris

• Junk from space objects falling to the earth involve noticeably small fragments from rockets that survive the friction of the atmosphere.
• Space junk can range in length, from tiny bits like paint chips, to larger pieces like old satellites or rocket tiers.
• In recent times, a large bite of a 25-tonne Chinese rocket fell into the Indian Ocean in 2021.

Elements causing Space junk 

• Defunct Satellites: Satellites that do not function are left in orbit, contributing to particles.
• Rocket Stages: Spent rocket tiers and other launch vehicle elements which can be abandoned after use remain in orbit.
• Collisions: Objects in orbit often collide at high speeds, creating smaller particles fragments that boom the overall junk in space.
• Spacecraft and Mission Debris: Parts of spacecraft or equipment released throughout missions (e.g., screws, paint flecks) make a contribution to the debris space.

Concerns

• Collision Risks: High-speed particle collisions can create more fragments, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle that threatens satellites, spacecraft, and the distant environment.
• Threats to Operational Satellites: Debris can damage or ruin energetic satellites, growing the hazard to conversation, climate, and navigation systems.
• Atmospheric Pollution: Larger particles re-coming into Earth’s atmosphere can dissipate or fall into oceans, probably liberating poisonous substances.
• Space Accessibility: The growing debris discipline limits the secure use of Earth’s orbital space, making future missions harder and highly-priced.
• Long-term Sustainability: The accumulation of debris should preclude space exploration for destiny generations, making space much less handy.

Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by of Space Objects

• This conference is one of the several international agreements that complement the Outer Space Treaty, the overarching framework guiding the behaviour of countries in space. 
• The Liability Convention came into force in 1972 and deals particularly with damage due to space objects to other space assets, however it also applies to damage caused by falling items in the world.
• The Convention makes the launching country “virtually in charge” to pay repayment for any harm caused by its space object on earth or to a flight in air.
• The country in which the junk falls can stake a claim for compensation if it’s been damaged by the falling object.
• The quantity of repayment is to be determined “in accordance with international law and the standards of justice and fairness”.
• This provision of the Convention has resulted in compensation price handiest as soon as to this point — when Canada sought damages from the then Soviet Union, for a satellite with radioactive substance that fell into an uninhabited space in its northern territory in 1978. 

Suggestions

• Active Debris Removal (ADR): Develop and deploy robotic systems or spacecraft designed to seize and put off huge particles from orbit, along with the ClearSpace-1 task by the European Space Agency.
• Improved Satellite Design: Use light-weight substances and create satellites that reduce particle technology in the course of collisions or disasters.
• Increased Tracking and Monitoring: Enhance space situational cognizance with better tracking systems to reveal particles and keep away from collisions.
• Collision Avoidance: Implement collision-avoidance maneuvers for operational satellites and space stations to prevent particle technology from unintended influences.

State of the World’s Children 2024

•  The recent UNICEF report titled “State of the World’s Children 2024” sheds light on the alarming risks faced by children globally due to the ongoing planetary crisis. This report emphasizes that over one billion children are currently exposed to heightened threats from climate change, pollution, and other environmental challenges. 

Key Findings of the UNICEF Report

• Global Child Population Trends: As noted in the report, the global child population will likely remain fairly constant, or around 2.3 billion, through the 2050s and beyond. It is therefore important to consider the needs and welfare of children as they form a dominant age bracket of the world’s population. In particular, South Asia would be home to a significant percentage of such people, and thus continuing to address child vulnerability within the context of environmental threats remains a critical agenda for the continent’s policies.
• Risks from Climate Change: Through the assessment of the report, climate change has emerged as a main cause of children’s risks. Natural disasters including floods, drought, and hurricanes have a very high impact on children by increasing mortality and childhood morbidity. Compounding the disaster on education makes their status worse as they cannot fully develop and improve their future.
• Pollution and Health Hazards: Pollution is considered as another significant problem described in the report. Worldwide, about 1 billion children are exposed to polluted air endangering their lungs and their life in general. Toxic substances are also claimed that poison does not only harm the body but also results in poor learning and growth of children hence; the report shows that Intellectual disability is also caused by exposure to toxic substances and by implication, children’s poor learning and growth.

Regional Disparities

• South Asia’s Challenges: The issues are worst in the South Asia region of the world which is home to almost one third of the world’s children. It has a very young population, high population density; poverty, and is prone for climate change related disasters. Consequently, there is a high level of vulnerability especially on factors such as malnutrition, disease bursts, and limited access to education and health facilities.
• Global Inequality: The report also highlights the inequalities faced by children in different regions. While some countries have made strides in improving child welfare, others lag significantly behind due to political instability, economic challenges, and inadequate infrastructure. This disparity calls for targeted interventions that consider local contexts and prioritize resources for the most affected populations.

Recommendations for Action

• Strengthening Policies: In order to minimise such risks, UNICEF supports measures to enhance children’s rights policies against adverse effects of environmental disasters. There are calls to mainstream child protection in Climate Outfit and Resilience Frameworks and accompany and amplify children’s participation in decision-making.
• Increasing Investment in Child Welfare: Only if the child welfare programs are invested will be safe, albeit against environmental risks. This encompasses expansion of clean air and water availability, better health care facilities, continuity of education during calamities.
• Promoting Awareness and Advocacy: It is important to raise public awareness pertaining to the certain risk children experience in specific crisis contexts. Voluntary associations should step up campaigns by appealing to community and other actors to endorse child centred agendas at the national and global level.

Conclusion

• The UNICEF report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the planetary crisis’s impact on children. With over one billion children at risk from climate change and pollution, it is imperative for governments and organisations worldwide to take decisive action. By prioritising children’s rights and well-being in policy frameworks, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for all children globally.