On Sustainable Building Materials
Context: India is experiencing an unparalleled surge in construction, with more than 300,000 housing units being built each year. While this growth presents economic prospects and enhances living conditions, it also presents significant environmental hurdles. Relevance: GS3-Environmental Pollution & Degradation Mains Question: Why is addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings important? What are some of […]
The Need to Curb Black Carbon Emissions
Context: The recent developments at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, November 2021, saw India commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning itself as a leader in the race towards carbon neutrality. With over 180 GW of renewable energy capacity installed by 2023 and a target of 500 GW by 2030, as per the Ministry of New […]
Global E-waste Monitor 2024
Context: Recently, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has released the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, which states that the world’s generation of electronic waste is rising five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Global E-waste Monitor 2024 Report E-waste Generation Trends: E-waste Collection […]
International Energy Agency’s Global Methane Tracker 2024
Context: The International Energy Agency’s Global Methane Tracker 2024 indicates that methane emissions from fuel usage in 2023 were nearly at their highest level on record, representing a slight increase compared to 2022. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Major Highlights of Global Methane Tracker 2024 Total Methane Emissions (2023): Bioenergy […]
About Earth Hour 2024
Context: The power discoms in the national capital are gearing up to make the ‘Earth Hour’ a success by encouraging their consumers to switch off non-essential lights and electric appliances for one hour on March 23 night. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Earth Hour World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Key Facts -Source: Business standards
Arrests Made for Supplying Snake Venom for Rave Party
Context: In a recent development, the police have arrested several individuals for allegedly supplying snake venom for a rave party. The arrests were made under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023). Such incidents highlight the illicit and dangerous practices that can endanger both […]
Key Highlights of the World Air Quality Report 2023
Context: India has been identified as the world’s third most polluted country, as per the World Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organisation IQAir. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the World Air Quality Report 2023: WHO Air Quality Guidelines: Pollutants Covered: Particulate Matter (PM): -Source: The Hindu
About World Water Day and Women
Context: Despite significant strides in expanding access to water in households across India, findings from the National Sample Survey 78th round multiple indicator survey (2020-21) reveal that more than 41% of rural households still lack access to safely managed drinking water within their homes. Moreover, there are persistent geographical disparities in household access to safe water, […]
State of Global Climate Report 2023
Context: The new annual State of the Global Climate report, published recently by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), found that 2023 was the hottest year on record. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About State of Global Climate Report 2023: Highlights of the 2023 Report: Record-High Temperatures: Climate System Indicators: Marine […]
Bugun Tribe Donates Forest Land for Conservation
Context: The Bugun tribe, residing near the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, has demonstrated environmental stewardship by donating 1,470 hectares of forest land to the state forest department. This significant gesture not only contributes to conservation efforts but also aids in protecting the Bugun Liocichla bird, highlighting the tribe’s commitment to biodiversity preservation. Relevance: […]