Context – Two people were rescued from the attack of Orcas in the strait of Gibraltar. Key facts related to Orcas: Along with pilot whales and sperm whales, this is the only mammal species other than humans, where females are known to have an […]
Context: In a mere three years, from 2019 to 2022, India may have lost close to 5.8 million full-grown trees in agricultural lands, says a satellite-imagery-based analysis by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Sustainability. […]
Context: Lead poisoning poses a significant threat to public health, particularly among children, with pervasive exposure across various facets of daily life. Lead Pollution Magnitude of the Issue A 2020 report by UNICEF estimated that nearly 27 crore Indian children have unsafe blood lead […]
Context: Bio-energy projects set up by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA), to use the vast quantities of flammable pine needles for generating electricity have been “unsuccessful”, with officials saying appropriate technology does not yet exist to use them. Pine Resources of Uttarakhand […]
Context: Semal trees are being wiped out in Rajasthan due to their use in Holika Dahan festivities. News Highlight Semal tree Ecological Benefits Significance for Tribes Economic benefits Medicinal Benefits Landscaping
Context: Two Kerala government-controlled temple boards, which together manage 2,500-odd temples in the state, have banned use of oleander flowers (locally known as arali) in temple offerings after a 24-year old woman died after accidentally chewing some oleander leaves. Oleander Plant Significance in traditional […]
Context: India is negotiating to secure lithium blocks in Australia as it aims to finalise a deal through state owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL). The discussions are reportedly under way for two lithium blocks and three cobalt blocks. Significance for India: Why is […]
Context: Flamingos make merry at a pond in Navi Mumbai at the end of their migratory season. World Migratory Bird Day is observed on May 11, Saturday. World Migratory Bird Day How is World Migratory Bird Day Celebrated? The World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) […]
Context: The Maharashtra Forest department plans to translocate tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in the state’s western region. About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is one of only five tiger reserves in the country — […]
Context: Scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have recorded an alarming situation of severe coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea owing to marine heat waves. About Marine Heat Waves Incidences of Marine Heat Waves About Report: Recorded by Scientists at ICAR-Central […]
About Carbon Farming? What are various Carbon farming practices? What are various merits of Carbon farming? What are the associated challenges? What steps have been taken by Government of India in this regard?
Context: A study by the Kerala State Forest Protective State Organisation, an association states that removing exotic plants from forest areas will help ensure food for wild elephants at Chinnakkanal in Munnar. Chinnakkanal Background Suggestions Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) West Indian Lantana (kongini) Eucalyptus […]
Context – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has come up with its latest report, ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’. How workers are impacted on account of climate change? All such things impact the worker’s health, lower down their productivity, […]
Context: A modelling study has found methane emissions from fossil fuels declined between 1990 and the 2000s and have been stable since, whereas microbes have been producing more methane of late. One reason could be an increase in cattle-rearing in Latin America and more […]
Context: The report focuses on e-waste, such as smartphones, computers and solar panels. It does not cover lithium batteries used in e-vehicles. About Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 Key Findings
Context: Earth Day observed annually on April 22 since 1970, marked by millions supporting environmental conservation. Agriculture and Sustainability Challenges in Environmental Sustainability Policy Challenges Suggestions to reform policies Groundwater depletion Reduced Crop Diversity Urgent need for policies balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. […]
Context: With a resolve to remove the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) from the endangered status, the Tamil Nadu government will conduct a synchronised survey of the State animal. The three-day exercise is being done to estimate the population of the Tahrs, which once roamed […]
About Heat Crisis The immediate threat posed by heat waves Health Impacts of Heat Exposure The health ramifications of global warming are extensive and multifaceted, impacting human, animal, and plant health. Direct consequences include: Environmental and Societal Consequences Adaptive Strategies for a Warmer World […]
Context: The Supreme Court stopped the building of four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana. They asked the government for explanations and said the dams could harm wildlife and people living there, as well as the environment. The court said no construction […]
What is India’s stance regarding renewable energy? Targets India has taken several steps to promote renewable energy: Despite these efforts, India faces challenges in increasing renewable energy: Way Forward Conclusion