Impact of Reduced PM2.5 Pollution on Life Expectancy in India
Context: A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) highlights a positive correlation between improved air quality and life expectancy in India. Favorable weather conditions and a slight reduction in emissions from 2021 to 2022 led to decreased PM2.5 levels, which have, in turn, contributed to extending the average […]
Establishing a Carbon Market
Context: In her Budget speech, the Finance Minister indicated that industries with high pollution levels, such as iron, steel, and aluminium, will need to meet specific emission targets. She stated, “A roadmap will be developed to transition ‘hard-to-abate’ industries from energy efficiency targets to emission targets. Regulations will be introduced to shift these industries from the […]
Conservation Efforts for Horseshoe Crabs in India
Context: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Department, has initiated a project to tag Horseshoe Crabs. This initiative aims to preserve this ancient species by tagging hundreds of crabs to study their population patterns and identify potential threats to their survival. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Horseshoe Crabs […]
Alarming Environmental Decline in the Aravallis
Context: A recent scientific study has exposed the severe environmental repercussions of ongoing land use changes in the Aravallis. The study reveals that the continuous destruction of these hills is causing significant biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and a decline in vegetation cover, signaling an urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies to reverse these damaging trends. […]
India’s Ethanol Blending Initiative Faces Challenges
Context: India is progressing towards its ambitious goal of blending 20% of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26, aiming to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. However, this initiative is not without its challenges. Concerns persist regarding the fuel efficiency of existing vehicles when using blended fuel, which could potentially impact performance and maintenance. Relevance: […]
About The Owlflies
Context: Recently, a rare species of owlfly species Glyptobasis dentifera has been rediscovered after 75 years from Kerala by researchers. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Owlflies -Source: The Hindu
Responsible Tourism: Our Promise to Future Generations
Context: Visit Agra, and you’ll be confronted with a distressing sight: graffiti defacing the walls of its iconic monuments. Lovers carving their names into the Taj Mahal—a symbol of eternal love—are tarnishing its legacy with their careless actions. This is just one instance of irresponsible tourism. From defacing historic landmarks to littering, harming natural environments, […]
About World Biofuel Day
Context: World Biofuel Day, observed on August 10, 2024, serves as an important occasion to promote non-fossil fuel energy solutions, highlighting biofuels as sustainable alternatives. This day also underscores significant government efforts to support the biofuel industry. Additionally, the commemoration honors a pivotal moment in history: the successful operation of an engine using peanut oil […]
Clean Plant Programme
Context: The Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), with an outlay of Rs 1,766 crore, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Clean Plant Programme for Enhancing Horticulture Additional Features: Anticipated Benefits: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) The Horticulture […]
Research Findings on Coral Reefs
Context: Ocean temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef hit their highest level in 400 years over the past decade. The reef suffered mass coral bleaching events between 2016 and 2024. Relevance: Environment and Ecology (Conservation of Environment and Ecology, Environmental Pollution and Degradation) Dimensions of the Article: Research Findings on Coral Reefs: Great Barrier Reef About Coral Reefs Risks […]