Environment
Syllabus: Environment Source: DTE Context: As the world moves toward the finalization of the Global Plastics Treaty, reducing microplastic pollution has become an urgent priority, demanding a multi-pronged approach involving regulations, innovative technologies, and global cooperation. What are Microplastics and Their Classifications Definition: Plastics less than 5 mm in diameter, formed through fragmentation or intentionally …
Source: TH Context: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana heavily pollutes NCR air. While satellites monitor fires, farmers burning outside detection windows raise concerns about tracking methods and government measures. About Satellites Used to Track Stubble Burning: NASA Satellites: Aqua (2002) and Suomi-NPP (2011) with MODIS and VIIRS instruments detect fires via visible and infrared …
Source: TH Context: The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), a rare and vulnerable bird of prey, was recently sighted in the Pulluzhi kole wetlands, a Ramsar-protected area in Kerala. About Eastern Imperial Eagle: Scientific Classification: Member of the family Accipitridae; subfamily Aquilinae. Habitat: Found in old forests, mountain and riverine forests, and isolated tall trees …
Source: TH Context: Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site, faces ecological threats from pollution and habitat degradation, with recent fish deaths from algal blooms endangering biodiversity and local livelihoods. More about news: Issues: Pollution: Sewage discharge, plastic dumping, and illegal waste disposal are rampant. Encroachments: Illegal constructions block water flow and degrade habitats. Microplastics: High …
Source: TH Context: Nearly 500 miners have locked themselves in the Cayirhan coal mine near Ankara, Turkiye, protesting the privatization of the mine and associated thermal power plant. About Cayirhan Mine: Location: Situated on the outskirts of Ankara, in Ankara Province, Turkiye. Grade of Coal: Produces lignite, a low-grade coal primarily used for power generation. …
Source: IE Context: Argentina, under President Javier Milei’s leadership, is reconsidering its commitment to the Paris Agreement, citing philosophical disagreements and a re-evaluation of its climate strategies. About Paris Agreement: Adoption: Signed in 2015 by 195 countries to address global climate change. Goals: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap …
Source: TH Context: The recent conflict between tigers and villagers near the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan highlights the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence. Overcrowding, habitat overlap, and inadequate management have led to tragic incidents, emphasizing the need for balanced conservation strategies and human safety measures. About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR): Location: Situated at the confluence …
Source: CCPI Context: The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 evaluates the climate protection performance of 63 countries and the EU, collectively responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2025: Origin: First published in 2005. Published by: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network. Aim: To monitor …
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UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 22 November 2024 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are …
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Source: Forbes Context: Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, a rare geological phenomenon formed by highly saline groundwater. About Salt Chimneys: Formation: Created by the upward flow of hypersaline brine from aquifers, leading to the crystallization of halite upon contact with Dead Sea …
Source: TH Context: El Cajas National Park, located in the highlands of Ecuador near Cuenca, has been severely impacted by wildfires exacerbated by a prolonged and severe drought. The Ecuadorian government has declared a 60-day national emergency to address the raging forest fires, which threaten not only the park’s ecological integrity but also its critical …
Source: DD News Context: The COP29 Presidency launched the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration, with over 30 countries committing to set sectoral targets for reducing methane emissions from organic waste. About Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration: Launch: COP29, by the Presidency in collaboration with UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Signatories: Over …
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Source: PIB Context: Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category. About Green World Environment Award: Award Significance: Recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and CSR initiatives globally. Recipient: Coal India Limited in 2024 for its Thalassemia Bal …
Source: PIB Context: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been notified as India’s 56th tiger reserve. This milestone reflects India’s ongoing efforts to conserve tigers and their habitats under Project Tiger and the National Wildlife Plan. About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: Location: Spread over 2,829.38 sq. km in Chhattisgarh, encompassing Guru …
Syllabus: Climate resilient infrastructure. Source: TH Context: High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) are essential for achieving sustainable living in the face of climate change, rising urbanization, and energy demands. Designed to conserve resources, enhance energy efficiency, and withstand extreme weather, HPBs represent the future of sustainable construction and urban resilience. High-Performance Buildings: Definition: HPBs are designed to …
Source: ANI Context: At COP29 in Azerbaijan, the UAE announced the establishment of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, a major step to enhance global energy efficiency and reduce emissions. About Global Energy Efficiency Alliance: Objective: Double annual global energy efficiency rates by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions. Vision: Aligns with the UAE Consensus from COP28 …
Source: TOI Context: Scientists have uncovered the largest coral colony on Earth in the Solomon Islands, offering insights into marine ecosystems’ resilience and the threats posed by climate change. New Discovery of Coral Colony: Location: Solomon Islands, Southwest Pacific Ocean. Region and Depth: Found 42 feet underwater, near the Macquarie Ridge. Size and Structure: Measures …
Source: News on Air Context: To address the worsening air quality in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): What is GRAP? A framework of emergency measures aimed at preventing the further deterioration of air quality …
Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification addressing a long-standing industry demand by removing the requirement for dual compliance of Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE). Exempts Industries from Dual Approvals: Key Points What is Dual Approval? Dual approval refers to the mandatory requirement …
Source: DTE Context: The Hokersar wetland, a Ramsar site in the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed a sharp decline in migratory bird populations due to an 81% rainfall deficit in the region. About Hokersar Wetland: Location: Situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, within the northwest Himalayan biogeographic province. Receives water from Doodhganga River, a tributary of …
