Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 4 January 2025 | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
In a first, the Chhattisgarh state has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).
The moves aimed to highlight the direct link between significant environmental contributions of forests like clean air, water conservation, biodiversity and the state’s economic progress.
The action plan is designed to ensure that economic development is achieved while preserving the pristine environment for future generations.
The new approach assesses the often overlooked benefits that forests provide, such as regulating the climate, enriching soil quality, purifying water, absorbing carbon dioxide among others. These services will now be formally included in the state's economic planning.
Chhattisgarh with 44 per cent of its land covered by forests, the state's natural resources are central to the livelihoods of millions of people. Forest products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants contribute significantly to the rural economy, while forests also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon.
“The ambitious step, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a 'Developed India 2047',” said Vishnu Deo Sai, the chief minister.
Such an initiative will allow for a comprehensive valuation of forests with an emphasis on their economic and environmental benefits.
“By linking these benefits to the Green GDP, Chhattisgarh intends to improve budget planning and create policies prioritising economic growth and ecological sustainability,” V Sreenivasa Rao (PCCF & Head of Forest Force) told this newspaper.
In the recent report of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) in its findings cited that there is a remarkable increase in forest and tree cover in Chhattisgarh apparently owing to biodiversity protection and environmental-forest conservation efforts.
Under the new measure taken, Chhattisgarh not just strives to conserve the state’s forest but also recognises their value beyond timber and resources.
CM Sai underlined the cultural and religious significance of Chhattisgarh’s forests, which are deeply tied to tribal traditions and provide spiritual solace to local communities. The forests contribute to employment through eco-tourism activities, such as jungle safaris and camping in popular national parks of the state.
To accurately estimate the economic value of forests, the scientists will assess the essential ecosystem services they provide. This includes:

• Clean Air: Amount of CO2 absorbed by trees and converted into Oxygen will be quantified and its market value will be added to Green GDP.
• Water Conservation: The water provided by forest through rivers, springs will be calculated for its economic impact.
• Biodiversity: The contribution of forest fauna (animals, birds, insects) to maintain ecological balance and aiding farming.

[Excerpt from The New Indian Express "Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP Initiative" Dated 04/01/25]

Q1: What is the primary objective of Chhattisgarh's Green GDP initiative?
(a) Increase forest cover to 50%
(b) Enhance budget planning and prioritise ecological sustainability
(c) Replace traditional GDP calculations entirely
(d) Promote conventional technologies over sustainable ones

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Q2: What does Green GDP measure that traditional GDP does not?
(a) Total economic output
(b) Military expenditure
(c) Environmental degradation and resource depletion
(d) Population growth

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Q3: Which of the following ecosystem services are quantified under Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP initiative?
(a) CO2 absorption and water conservation
(b) Electricity production and urbanisation
(c) Fossil fuel extraction and industrial output
(d) Road infrastructure and transportation

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Q4: Which countries have adopted Green GDP principles as part of their development models?
(a) China, Bhutan, and European Union countries
(b) United States, Japan, and Australia
(c) Russia, Brazil, and South Africa
(d) India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

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Q5: What are some challenges in implementing Green GDP?
(a) Lack of government interest and consumer demand
(b) Valuation complexities, data limitations, and lack of standardisation
(c) High costs of natural resources and low environmental awareness
(d) Declining forest cover and insufficient technology

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