CURRENT AFFAIRS | 23 MAY 2026
A new study published in Science Advances (May 2026) has found that heat stress collapses the cilia-driven ventilation system inside coral polyps at around 37°C — choking oxygen supply and triggering mass mortality even before classical bleaching is visible. The finding lands as the world remains inside the 4th global mass coral bleaching event, declared in April 2024 by NOAA and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). India’s Lakshadweep and Gulf of Mannar reefs are squarely in the danger zone. For CLAT 2027, the story knits together environmental law, climate jurisprudence and constitutional rights.
Environmental & Constitutional Framework
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992: Rio Earth Summit treaty for conservation of biological diversity.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002: India’s domestic statute implementing CBD obligations; established NBA, SBBs and BMCs.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Corals (Order Scleractinia) listed in Schedule I — highest protection.
- International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), 1994: Multi-stakeholder partnership; India is a member.
- Article 48A (DPSP): State to protect and improve the environment.
- Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.
- MK Ranjitsinh v Union of India (2024): SC read right against adverse climate impacts into Articles 21 + 14.
- IPCC AR6: 70–90% reef loss at 1.5°C warming; greater than 99% at 2°C.
CLAT Angle
- Climate + environment is a steady CLAT theme — MK Ranjitsinh (2024) is the must-know case of the year.
- Distinguish between the four global bleaching events: 1998, 2010, 2014–17, 2024–present.
- Indian reef regions: Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar, Gulf of Kutch.
- Schedule placement under WPA 1972 is a high-frequency fact MCQ.
Key Facts
| Anchor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Study Date | May 2026 (Science Advances) |
| Threshold | Ciliary ventilation collapse at ~37°C |
| 4th Global Bleaching | Declared April 2024 (NOAA + ICRI) |
| Indian Reefs at Risk | Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar |
| CBD | Rio 1992; India domestic statute 2002 |
| Landmark Case | MK Ranjitsinh v UoI (2024) |
| IPCC AR6 | 70-90% reef loss at 1.5°C |
Mnemonic — REEF
Ranjitsinh (climate right) · Environment DPSP (Art 48A) · EWS of biodiversity = Schedule I corals · Fourth global bleaching ongoing.
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
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