State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 21 Nov 2025

Chhattisgarh HC Flags Fly Ash Hazards

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed serious concern about persistent environmental and public safety hazards caused by fly ash from thermal power plants and coal mines in districts like Korba. 

Key Points

• About Fly Ash:
  • Fly ash is a fine particulate residue generated from burning coal; contains silica, alumina, iron oxide, and trace heavy metals.
  • Classified as an industrial by-product and regulated under Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s Fly Ash Utilisation Guidelines.
  • Mainly used in cement, bricks, mine backfilling, road construction, and land reclamation.
  • Unmanaged fly ash leads to respiratory problems, groundwater contamination, and soil infertility.
  • India aims for 100% fly ash utilisation, but many states, including Chhattisgarh, fall short.
• About Korba Mines:
  • Korba district in Chhattisgarh is known as the “Power Capital of India” due to its large coal reserves and concentration of thermal power plants. 
  • It hosts the major Korba Coalfield, operated mainly by SECL (South Eastern Coalfields Limited), and forms one of India’s largest open-cast coal mining clusters with key mines such as Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda.
  • The Gevra mine is among the largest coal mines in Asia by output, making Korba a critical contributor to India’s domestic coal supply and a major feeder for multiple State and Central power plants.
  • Coal in the region has high ash content (30–40%), resulting in significant fly-ash generation. This leads to persistent issues of air pollution, dust emissions, land degradation, and road deterioration due to continuous heavy-vehicle movement.

World Fisheries Day 2025

Why in News?

India marked World Fisheries Day 2025 on 21st November, celebrating sustainability, blue-economy growth, and improved livelihoods for fishers. 

Key Points

• About: World Fisheries Day, observed annually on 21st November, traces its origin to the formation of the World Fisheries Forum in 1997, when delegates from 18 countries met in New Delhi to promote sustainable fishing and safeguard fisher communities, making India the birthplace of this global observance.
• Theme:  The theme for 2025 is “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports.”
  • Total fish production more than doubled from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
  • Marine product exports rose by 11.08%, from US$ 0.81 billion (October 2024) to US$ 0.90 billion (October 2025).
• Ranking: India is the second-largest fish-producing country and among the world’s top shrimp producers.
• Major Initiatives:
  • The government launched the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries & Aquaculture to ensure safe, transparent, and globally compliant seafood supply chains.
  • The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules promote environmentally responsible deep-sea fishing, giving priority access to Fishermen Cooperatives and FFPOs, enhancing income opportunities for small-scale fishers.
  • ReALCRaft is a digital platform enabling online registration, licensing, e-payments, and vessel data updates, with integrated inspections for paperless fisheries governance.
  • NABHMITRA, a two-way satellite communication system for small vessels (<20 m), provides real-time tracking, SOS alerts, and weather updates, improving fisher safety and coordination with coastal authorities.