Why in News? The Ministry of Jal Shakthi has released the first-ever census of water bodies in India, highlighting the number of water bodies and their usage. The census has…
Why in News? The establishment of a large botanical garden in Tamil Nadu, the Chengalpattu Botanical Garden, is a welcome piece of news as it has the potential to become…
Why in News? Linsey E. Haram, et al. ‘Extent and reproduction of coastal species on plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre’, Nature Ecology & Evolution, published in April…
Why in News? Project Tiger was launched by the Union government on April 1, 1973, in a bid to promote conservation of the tiger. The programme came at a time…
Why in News? President Droupadi Murmu took part in Gaj Utsav at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark 30 years of Project Elephant. Status of…
Why in News? The Indian government will officially mark the 50th year of ‘Project Tiger’ on 9 April with a three-day event in Mysuru, Karnataka. About the Project Tiger: Project…
Why in News? The UN 2023 Water Conference was held in New York from March 22-24. It was the first such meeting on water in 46 years. The conference aimed…
Context: According to a new study, an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles weighing about 2 million metric tons are currently afloat in the oceans across the world, and if no…
Why in News? A Parliamentary Standing Committee in India has recommended the establishment of an overarching apex body for glacier management in the country. What are glaciers? A glacier is…
Why in News? Under the highly ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission, India intends to be "the Global Hub for the Production, Use, and Export of Green Hydrogen" and "to assume…
Why in News? India has pledged its continued support for the establishment of two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Antarctica, with the aim of protecting marine life and the ecosystem…
Why in News? Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India has announced that India will support setting up two Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Antarctica to protect marine…
Why in News? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Cycle on March 20 in Interlaken, Switzerland. This Synthesis Report (SYR) of…
Why in News? The Kerala government has announced its first waste-to-energy project in Kozhikode, which is expected to be built in two years and generate about 6 MW of power.…
Why in News? The budget for 2023-24 in India includes some measures towards climate change mitigation, but adaptation has not been given adequate attention. The government needs to adopt a…
Why in News? The Tamil Nadu Forest Department and more than 700 families in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Gudalur in the Nilgiris (including Kattunayakans, Irulas, Paniyas, and Kurumbas) signed the…
Why in News? Disappearance of Horseshoe crabs off Odisha’s Coast. Highlights: Members of the Odisha State Wildlife Advisory Board and scientists of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, appealed…
Why in News? Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister, K. Ramachandran, inspected the Doddabetta Peak to ascertain the feasibility of a cable car project running between Doddabetta Peak and Manthada. However, concerns…
Why in News? The first photographic record of the Eurasian Otter was caught on the infrared camera along the Neeru stream in Jammu and Kashmir. Eurasian Otter: Eurasian Otter (Lutra…
Why in News? The Supreme Court has increased the jurisdiction and powers of a high-powered committee led by its former judge, Justice Deepak Verma, to conduct necessary checks concerning the…
Why in News? In India, the month of February in 2023 has been regarded as the hottest so far since 1901. Highlights: A study published in July 2021 in The…
Why in News? A recent study has finally provided an explanation as to why salt flats around the world have similar patterns of pentagons and hexagons on their ridges. Salt…
Why in News? Two adult female elephants and a makhna were electrocuted by an illegal electric farm fence here, near a village in Marandahalli recently. What does the report say?…
Why in News? Recent study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa finds that extensive fishing off the Coromandel coast could be forcing the great seahorse…
Context: India mapped its forest cover over four decades and why making the data freely available will improve the quality of this vital policy input. How is Tree Cover Different…
Context: The burgeoning problem of managing e-waste is a cross cutting and persisting challenge in an era of rapid urbanisation, digitalisation and population growth. Key provisions of the E Waste…
Why in News? This article discusses the prospects of the carbon trading market in India. Carbon Trade and Carbon Market: Carbon trade is the buying and selling of credits that…
Why in News? This article discusses various initiatives by India towards biodiversity conservation. Highlights: Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, management, and restoration of the variety of life on Earth,…
Why in News? Supreme Court (SC) has given permission to fishermen using Purse Seine Fishing gear to fish beyond territorial waters (12 nautical miles) and within the Exclusive Economic Zone…
Why in News? A new study found that inactive volcanoes contributed 66 percent of preindustrial era sulphate emissions, which are known to have a cooling effect on the planet. What…
Why in News? The country’s geo-sciences and palaeontology experts have raised concerns over the Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022 as they believe that the Bill…
Why in News? A significant portion of single-use plastic gets piled up on coastlines and contributes to the growing burden of marine litter, endangering aquatic biodiversity. In India, anthropogenic activities…
Why in News? Rising number of children in the extraction of the e-waste sector is a crude and hazardous process that goes unregulated. Key provisions of the E Waste Rules:…
Why in News? Three million Indians live in areas where a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) can happen at any time, the first global assessment of such areas has found.…
Why in News? The Union Budget for 2023-24 announced an initiative for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats &…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directions to the Uttarakhand Government to conduct a study of the specific carrying capacity of the hill station. What’s the…
Why in News? Recently, it is reported that a rapidly spreading disease, commonly known as yellow band disease, is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor of Thailand.…
Why in News? Forest Department personnel in Karnataka raided an actor’s farmhouse and seized four Bar-headed geese on the grounds that he was possessing them in violation of the law.…
Why in News? India revised its target to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP to 45 percent by 2030, more ambitious than the earlier target of 34 percent. These…
Why in News? In an attempt to prevent incidents of human-elephant conflict, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to pit tiny honey bees against wild elephants that stray into farms…
Why in News? A Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl (Bubo Nipalensis) was spotted for the first time in the Seshachalam forest, and for the third time in Andhra Pradesh. Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl:…
Why in News? The creation of the Ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) has sparked protests in Kerala and can be a hint of what is likely to occur in other parts…
Why in News? In the latest in a series of wild elephant attacks in Kerala, Subair Kutty, a daily worker, was attacked by a rouge elephant at Sulthan Bathery town…
Why in News? India’s per capita emissions are relatively low (1.8 tons of CO2e per person), but we are still the world’s third-largest single emitter. India has pledged to get…
Why in News? As countries work on reducing their dependence on fossil fuels due to climate change considerations, a race is currently on to secure the energy sources of the…
Why in News? A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is about to deliver its verdict on the validity of Tamil Nadu’s law permitting the practice of jallikattu in Tamil…
Why in News? In Sundarbans, a new shrimp farming initiative offers hope for mangrove restoration. What is the SAIME Initiative? Under Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) initiative, farmers have…
Why in News? According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, out of the total 56.3 million tonnes of discarded e-waste products generated in 2019, only 17.4 percent was officially recorded…
Why in News? As per the recent audit by CAG of MoEF&CC, it was found that the ministry has a mechanism to assess the generation of plastic waste, but none…
Why in News? The Centre has told the Supreme Court that a ban imposed by certain coastal States on purse seine fishing, which is known to disadvantage endangered species, is…
Why in News? Before recognising areas as world heritage sites, UNESCO seeks the opinion of the inhabitants on the implication of the possible declaration on their lives and livelihoods. What…
Why in News? Oran Bachao Yatras are taking place in Rajasthan for the protection of orans or sacred groves facing the threat of destruction due to the land being allotted…
Why in News? Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the COP15 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) Biodiversity and its significance: Biodiversity refers to the variety…
Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the recent growth of traditional medicine (TM), and Ayurveda in particular, while addressing the World Ayurveda Congress 2022 (WAC) earlier this month.…
Why in News? CBD COP 15 is being held in Montreal, Canada. Highlights: The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) traces its origin…
Why in News? Climate-induced displacements have increased both in numbers and magnitude worldwide. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre’s (IDMC) report, 23.7 million people experienced displacements in 2021 as…
Why in News? Rajya Sabha passed the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill in the Monsoon Session. While aspects of protecting species against wildlife…
Why in News? The Madras High Court has recently quashed a show cause notice issued by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to Isha Foundation on November 19, 2021, with…
Why in News? Recently, the Rajya Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 which seeks to give effect to India's obligations under the Convention on International Trade on…
Why in News? Women have historically been underrepresented at the UN’s global conference on climate change, and this year’s COP 27 congregation in Egypt, was no exception. A photo of…
Why in News? According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has continued to be under the…
Why in News? Every year around Deepavali, and like clockwork, Delhi’s air quality makes it to the headlines. As firefighters we are doing well, but as planners doing very little.…
Why in News? December 5 is recognized as World Soil day. Highlights: World Soil Day (WSD) is annually observed on December 5. The theme of WSD 2022 is ‘Soils: Where…
Why in News? Supreme Court’s question regarding the conservation of Great Indian Bustard. Highlights: The Supreme Court(SC) questioned the Government of India for the conservation of the critically endangered Great…
Why in News? Recently the West Bengal Police seized about 270 kg of Turtle calipee (a gelatinous layer found in the lower shells of turtles, believed to be used in…
Why in News? A recent report titled ‘EnviStats India 2022’, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, has highlighted the herculean challenge of disposing of the solid waste…
Why in News? All 197 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed to enable financing for loss and damage to those that need it the most.…
Why in News? The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying have opened a draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2022, for public comment. Background: The draft…
Why in News? If India has to achieve the set of goals enunciated in the ‘Panchamrit’ resolution of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 2021, it is necessary that Panchayati…
Why in News? The Tamil Nadu government notified the Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages in the Madurai district as the first biodiversity heritage site in the State. Highlights: The new Biodiversity…
Why in News? At the recent G-20 summit in Bali, several developed countries have pledged USD 20 billion to wean Indonesia off coal. Highlights: The United States, Japan, Canada and…
Why in News? A recent study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa has found that differing elevations of habitation make one group of Himalayan Gray Langur prefer fruits and…
Why in News? More than 1,10,000 infants are likely to have been killed by air pollution in India in 2019, almost immediately after being born while long-term exposure to outdoor…
Why in News? The government has notified E-waste (management) rules 2022, which will come into force from 1 April next year and apply to every manufacturer, producer refurbisher, dismantler and…
Why in News? Researchers have discovered a new species of crab in the mangroves of Parangipettai near the Vellar river estuary in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. Highlights:…
Why in News? Preliminary findings of a study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) suggest that the density of tigers in the Sunderbans may have reached the carrying capacity…
Why in News? Tamil Nadu has made clear to the Supreme Court that it does not want the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO) to be set up in a sensitive ecological…
Why in News? Veteran environmentalist Ravi Chopra has resigned as chairman of the Supreme Court’s High Powered Committee (HPC) on the Char Dham project, saying that his “belief that the…
Why in News? The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021. Highlights of the Report: The biennial report by…
Why in News? European Commission has proposed to tighten limits for a range of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to tackle contamination in recycled products, health and environment. What are POPs?…
Why in News? The Government is preparing to translocate the first batch of eight from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh soon after the situation…
Why in News? India has recently approved two more vaccines under emergency use authorisation and an antiviral drug, Molnupiravir. About the News: Currently, India uses Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V…
Why in News? The marine environment in the Asia Pacific region is getting strained, Jeopardising lives and Livelihoods. Highlights: Before 1972, humans around the word spewed trash, sewage sludge, and…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal's order in the Visakhapatnam gas tragedy found LG Polymers prima facie liable under the 19th century English law, Principle of “strict liability”, which…
Why in News? Locusts normally arrive during July-October but have already been spotted in Rajasthan. At a time India is battling COVID, they present a new worry with their potential…
Why in News? Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune have come up with plant data of the Northern Western Ghats. Highlights: The researchers investigated the Northern Western Ghats to…
Why in News? According to the West Bengal Forest Department, the latest estimation of tiger numbers in the Indian Sundarbans indicate an increase in the population of big cats, that…
Why in News? Recently, the Centre’s proposal to construct a new Parliament building next to the existing heritage structure was approved by the Environment Ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC). Highlights:…
Why in News? According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), The nationwide lockdown may have dramatically reduced air pollution levels across the country but it hasn’t…
Why in News? Recently the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) announced that a hole in the Arctic ozone layer, believed to be the biggest reported, has closed. Healed Ozone…
Why in News? Recently, the United States President announced that there is a possibility of an executive order to suspend legal immigration into the U.S. for 60 days. Highlights: With…
Why in News? As per the recently published report of NASA, aerosol levels in northern India at the beginning of April were significantly below the normal for this time of…
Why in News? The 2020 edition of the annual Global Report on Food Crises has been released. The report is produced by the Global Network against Food Crises, an international…
Why in News? World Bank has recently released a report on the impact of Covid-19 on migration and remittances. Key Points: Globally remittances are projected to decline by about 20%…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently issued a directive for states and Union Territories to take adequate steps to mitigate risks in disposal of bio-medical waste…
Why in News? Recently, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has criticised the Indian government for what it called “growing Islamophobia” in India. Background Info: A religious gathering of muslims…
Context: According to a study, global carbon emissions from the fossil fuel industry could fall by a record 2.5bn tonnes this year(a reduction of 5%), as the coronavirus pandemic triggers…
Why in News? Recently, the UN noted that around 117 million children worldwide are at risk of contracting measles because dozens of countries are curtailing their vaccination programmes as they…
Why in News? US President Donald Trump has planned to put a hold on America’s funding to the World Health Organization, accusing it of becoming China-centric during the ongoing coronavirus…
Context: OPEC, Russia and other allies have outlined plans to cut their oil output by more than a fifth.The US, Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world’s top three oil producers,…
Why in News? The G20 Energy Ministers’ meeting will be adopting a Joint Statement, which inter alia, proposes to establish a Task Force to advise the G20 Energy Ministers on…
Why in News? US President Donald Trump threatened to freeze US funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), saying the international group had failed on the coronavirus pandemic. Highlights: Trump…
Why in News? The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) had its first ever video-conferencing meet recently. In the meet the NBWL cleared infrastructure projects in 11…
Why in News? Owing to a recent news report on a Tiger being infected with COVID-19 in New York (Bronx Zoo), the MoEFCC has issued an advisory regarding the containing…
Why in News? Under the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) safeguard agreement, India has sought consultations with the US. The consultation has been sought on American authorities' decision to increase import…
Why in News? The Central Government has decided to accept contributions from abroad, irrespective of the nationalities, to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund.…
Why in News? The nationwide lockdown, to prevent COVID-19, has led to minimal air pollution in over 90 cities including Delhi. Key Points: During the lockdown, the government has asked…
Why in News? Peatlands, which play a crucial role in regulating global climate by acting as carbon sinks, are facing degradation and need to be urgently monitored, according to a…
Why in News? The Supreme Court has extended the March 31, 2020 deadline for the sale and registration of BS-IV emission norm-compliant vehicles due to the “extraordinary” situation arising out…
Why in News? The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun have conducted a study recently which has found that glaciers in Sikkim are melting at a higher magnitude as…
Why in News? The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing and ratifying of the Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and…
Why in News? The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network recently released the World Happiness Report on the occasion of the World Happiness Day (March 20) which was designated by…
Why in News? In a rare sight after a gap of seven years, mass nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles was witnessed during the daytime along the Rushikulya rookery coast in…
Why in News? Contact tracing is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a disease to Prevent Transmission. ICMR Guidelines: As per Indian Council…
Why in News? Union Environment Ministry has asked for city-level plans for the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as these problems need to be dealt with at the local level.…
Context: Recently, the South India Vulture Conservation Group has come up with a blueprint for the conservation of vulture population in Five South Indian States. About: Out of nine vulture…
Why in News? A public interest litigation petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Centre and State government to constitute a permanent body…
Why in News? A new variety of paddy named ‘Sahyadri Megha’ has been developed by the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga (Karnataka). Need of a New Variety…
Why in News? In a recent question raised in Rajya Sabha, the centre has said that recycling of E-Wastes has doubled in the year 2018-2019 as compared to the previous…
Why in News? The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad has launched Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS), Swell Surge Forecast System and Algal Bloom…
Why in News? Recently, several towns were surveyed in the Himalayan region of Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan to understand the challenges of the water crisis in urban areas of…
Why in News? The recent report of Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) stated that the total number of migratory fauna from India comes to 457 species that includes…
Why in News? WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made it abundantly clear that WHO will not declare COVID-19 a pandemic at this moment. Highlights: A pandemic is defined as the…
Context: Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the constitution of a joint committee to take samples of water from Bengaluru’s Ulsoor lake and its neighbouring areas. About the…
Why in News? Union Minister of State for Home Affairs presided over the valedictory session of the 1st ‘National Conference on Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (CDRR&R) – 2020’,…
Why in News? Recently some Environmental groups have demanded to declare the Eastern Ghats as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. About the Eastern Ghats: The Eastern Ghats run parallel to…
Why in News? Recently, ‘A Future for the World's Children’ report was released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet medical journal. About…
Why in News? India’s proposal to include the Great Indian Bustard, the Asian Elephant and the Bengal Florican in Appendix I of UN Convention on Migratory Species was unanimously accepted…
Why in News? The Kerala government has opposed in the Supreme Court an alternative route proposed by Karnataka to bypass the night-time traffic ban on the National Highway 212 through…
Why in News? Five Global Risks that have the potential to impact and amplify one another in ways that may cascade to create a global systemic crisis have been listed…
Why in News? India and Norway issued a joint statement on climate and environment during the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species…
Why in News? The State of India’s Birds 2020 (SoIB), a new scientific report was jointly released by 10 organisations Recently. Stats of the Report: It was produced using a…
Context: The Antarctic region has registered its highest-ever temperature on record as mercury soared over 20 degrees Celsius earlier in the first week of February, 2020. Researchers logged 20.75 degrees…
Why in News? SATAT is an initiative aimed at setting up of Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make it available in the market for use in automotive fuels as a…
Why in News? Recently, the Greenpeace Southeast Asia has released a report titled ‘Toxic Air: The Price of Fossil Fuels’. Key Findings: It provides a global assessment of the health…
Why in News? The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS), home to the largest number of tigers in the State, is losing out on tiger reserve status due to lack of support…
Why in News? A recent study from IIT Kharagpur named “Anthropogenic forcing exacerbating the urban heat islands in India” noted that mean daytime temperature of surface urban areas going up…
Why in News? India will host the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in February…
Why in News? Researchers have discovered how an ocean water current, which plays a key role in keeping Western Europe warm, could be altered by an influx of large amounts…
Why in News? “Ithai barrage” of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) is slowly causing the death of Loktak Lake by choking its lifeline. About Loktak Lake Largest freshwater…
Why in News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 14 thermal power plants for not complying with a December 31, 2019 deadline to limit Sulphur Dioxide Emissions.…
Why in News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently sent show-cause notices to 14 thermal power plants for not complying with the deadline to limit sulphur dioxide emissions.…
Why in News? According to the Economic Survey 2019-20 released on January 2020, a sum of Rs 343.08 crore has been released under the Green India Mission (GIM) for undertaking…
Context: In recent weeks, locust swarms have attacked crops in more than a dozen countries in Asia and Africa. The United Nations have announced that the situation is extremely alarming…
Why in News? Recently, the Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has provided information about forest fires management and prevention during a reply in Budget Session…
Why in News? Recently, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan geology have found high level of Black Carbon in glacial area of Uttarakhand. What is Black Carbon? Black carbon…
Why in News? January 30, 2020 is the First-Ever World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day(World NTD Day). What is Neglected Tropical Disease? Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of…
Why in News? Cabinet approves proposal for official amendments in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCIM) Bill, 2019. Highlights: The NCIM bill is aimed at bringing reforms…
Why in News? Cabinet approves official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019. Highlights: The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the official amendments in the National…
Why in News? Recently, The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart need to fulfil their extended producer responsibility.…
Why in News? Gram Sabhas in different parts of Tamil Nadu have passed resolutions against the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) and Hydrocarbon Exploration. About Gram Sabha: The term Gram Sabhais…
Why in News? The Supreme Court has lifted its seven-year stay on a proposal to introduce African cheetahs from Namibia into the Indian habitat on an Experimental Basis. About Cheetahs:…
Context: China is struggling to contain the spread of a new virus that has claimed at least six lives so far since 31st December. Almost 300 people have been hospitalised.…
Why in News? The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2019 report was recently published. Carbon Disclosure Project: CDP is published by the Global Reporting Initiative. It is aimed at measuring the…
Why in News? The Environment Ministry has recently issued a notification to exempt oil and gas firms from seeking environmental clearance for on-shore and offshore Drilling Explorations. Background Info: Onshore…
Why in News? Chinese scientists have confirmed can spread between human beings. Corona Virus: Corona viruses are large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in…
Context: The Prime Minister of India has stressed on the need to find an alternative to Plastic in order to keep the environment safe. Though there are several alternatives to…
Why in News? The Environment Ministry has exempted oil and Gas Firms, looking to conduct exploratory drilling, from seeking an Environmental Clearance. Highlights: Until now, even exploratory surveys have required…
Why in News? The Centre issued an Extraordinary Gazette Notification declaring a list of activities and facilities that would be permissible in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas of certain…
Why in News? The last of the four illegal apartment complexes in Maradu, Kerala, was razed by controlled implosion, marking the completion of the demolition drive of the waterfront highrises.…
Why in News? Australia is witnessing its most devastating bushfire season in at least 20 years. About Bushfires: Forest fires, or bushfires, routinely occur across the world in hot and…
Why in News? A study of the Satopanth glacier in order to model the melting of debris-covered glaciers has been carried out by a group of Indian researchers. Their New…
Why in News? An International Team of Researchers has shown that carbon storage was highest in species-rich evergreen forest. The team Spent over six months conducting surveys inside Anamalai Tiger…
Why in News? The Supreme Court recently dismissed appeals by Kapico Kerala Resorts Private Limited, against a Kerala High Court decision banning the construction of resorts on Vembanad Lake in…
Why in News? The year 2019 that went by was the 7thwarmest since record-keeping commenced in 1901. However, the rise in Average Temperatures over India in 2019 was the lowest…
“Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to uphold our moral and historical responsibilities” Climate Change is the defining issue of our time. From shifting weather patterns that…
Why in News? The NGT has directed the CPCB to carry out a study within four months to ascertain whether advance batch automated pyrolysis plants can address pollution caused due…
Why in News? The Forest Advisory Committee, an apex body tasked with adjudicating requests by the industry to raze forest land for commercial ends, has approved a scheme named “Green…
Why in News? The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that mining lease holders should be held responsible for re-grassing mined areas so that biodiversity gets a second chance in these…
Why in News? The Central Government in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified new energy performance standards for Room Air Conditioner (RACs). 240C default setting: The…
Why in News? Recently, Kerala Government has initiated Miyawaki method of afforestation to add green cover.. About Miyawaki method: It is pioneered by Akira Miyawaki, Japanese botanist. He is an…
Context: Recently, the pneumococcalvaccine developed by Serum Institute of India, Pune. It has been pre-qualified by WHO making it all set to be cheaper and more effective than the one that…
Context: Recently, the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs has published the results of the Swachh Survekshan survey. About Swachh Survekshan Survey: First launched in July 2017 it is…
Why in News? A first-of-its-kind Rehabilitation Centre for Freshwater Turtles will be inaugurated in Bihar’s Bhagalpur forest division in January 2020. Highlights: The centre, spread over half a hectare, will…
Why in News? About 21.40% of forest cover in India is prone to fires, with forests in the north-eastern region and central India being the most vulnerable, the 2019 report…
Context: Australia's bushfires are growing so massive and powerful that they create their own weather phenomenon. According to Bureau of Meteorology office, Victoria, it has observed the pyro-cumulonimbus cloudsabove eastern…
Why in News? According to data from the Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC), for the first time in the past three years the number of tiger deaths…
Context: Indore, Jamshedpur are recently declared as the cleanest on Swachh 2020 table. About Swachh Bharat (Urban): Its aim is to attain 100% open Defecation Free status and 100% Solid…
Why in News? The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) has been released recently by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. About the Report: India State of Forest…
Why in News? Kerala’s capital city Thiruvananthapuram was recognised and awarded at the International Zero Waste Conference held in Malaysia in October this year. Apart from Thiruvananthapuram Chennai is the…
Why in News? NTPC is planning to increase solar energy generation in India by 10 GW by 2022, mainly funded by Green Bonds. About GREEN BONDS: The Green Bonds are…
Why in News? Recently, Gujarat and Pakistan are under attack by Hopper. About It is known as tiddis locally and have wreaked havoc on standing crops, which includes castor, cumin,…
Why in News? Russia has recently stated that it is looking forward forward for India to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). About Eurasian Economic Union…
Why in news? The Indian State Level Disease Burden Initiative has recently prepared a comprehensive estimates of disease burden attributes to mental health. This report is been published in Lancet…
Why in News? After the failure at Madrid, the European Union has come up with an announcement on additional measures it would on climate change, called the European Green European…
Why in News? The National Ganga Council (NGC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the first time recently with the proposal to save and enhance the population of…
Why in News? The last longer international climate talks ended with major polluters resisting calls to ramp up efforts to keep global warming in control. About the News: The major…
Why in News? Our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur Recently. The First Meeting Discussed About: The first meeting of…
Why in News? In the recent UNCCD COP 14 (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), held in Delhi, a researcher from India pronounced desertification as the primary cause of the…
Why in News? The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is planning to set up a dedicated “Green Window to serve the unserved segments of Renewable Energy.” Highlights: The IREDA…
Why in News? Recent samples taken from two-thirds of the water quality stations spanning India’s major rivers showed contamination by one or more heavy metals, exceeding safe limits set by…
Why in News? The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are among major polluters showing “hardly any signs” of reducing their Greenhouse Gas Production. About CCPI: The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)is…
Why in News? The world’s oceans have less oxygen today than they did up to, say, 1950 or 1960, according to a new study. Highlights: The report is the work…
Why in News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 270 tyre pyrolysis units in 19 States for employing technology that is polluting and harmful to the health…
Why in News? Almost halfway through the climate conference in Madrid, one big thing it had to resolve — disagreements over setting up a new carbon market — remains contentious…
Why in News? The Union Ministry for Environment and Forests Climate Change (MoEFCC) has objected to an Uttarakhand government’s notification defining the term ‘forest’. Definition of Forests: The freedom to…
Around the world, people are experiencing both the subtle and stark effects of climate change. Gradually shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels and more extreme weather events are all clear…
Why in News? A raid conducted by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) under Special Operation named 'Operation Clean Art' has seized over 50,000 Mongoose hair brushes across 5 state recently. About…
A recent report by Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SAATHI), a public health group on pharmaceutical marketing practices has revealed widespread use of bribes and inducement by…
Why in News? The 10th Emissions Gap Report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warned that there’s “no sign” greenhouse gases will hit their zenith anytime soon. India-is-the-fourth-largest-emitter-of-greenhouse-gases. Emissions…
Why in News? As part of the SATAT scheme, several PSUs Including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited had launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for procurement of…
Why in News? India will insist upon the principle of ‘equity and common but differentiated responsibilities’ at next week’s COP-25 in Madrid, Spain. CBDR-RC: It is a principle within the…
The 25th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Spain from 2nd December,2019, holds a lot of significance. The countries are…
Why in News? Cabinet approves India’s Approach to the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Spain Next Week. Highlights: The Cabinet has approved India’s negotiating stand at the…
Why in News? According to Ministry of Health, OPV benefits far outweigh the risks. About: World Health Organization and the Indian government on polio eradication policy described the continued use…
Why in News? According to the World Meteorological Organization, levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have reached new record high. About: The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin showed that…
Why in News? The latest National Statistical Office (NSO) survey on sanitation debunked the claims of an open defecation-free or ODF India made by the Centre’s flagship Swachh Bharat scheme.…
Why in News? The Supreme Court has refused to stay the May 2019 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that banned the use of reverse osmosis (RO) systems where…
Why in News? Intensified Mission Indradhanush, IMI 2.0 is to be rolled out from 2nd December, 2019. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as…
Why in News? India Ratings & Research report has said rolling out BS-VI norms to Commercial vehicles (CV) Would Create Short Term Trouble. About Bharat Stage Emission Standards: The Bharat…
Why in News? A study by the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has found samples of tap water collected from Mumbai, compliant with the Indian standards for drinking water. However, other…
Why in News? A mass coral spawning has begun on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef recently. About Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system…
Why in News? The Ninth Edition of the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas was released on the occasion of International Diabetes Day. About IDF Diabetes Atlas: The IDF Diabetes…
Why in News? The committee was constituted to examine an expanded role for the Department of Atomic Energy, through the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), to address India’s rising cancer burden.…
Why in News? The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) has recently released ‘The 10th Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report’ at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. About the…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given an ultimatum to the Union Environment Ministry to issue notifications pertaining to prohibition on the use of RO (reverse osmosis)…
Why in News? Recently U.S.A has notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the landmark climate deal by initiating the process of leaving the Paris Agreement. About Paris Agreement:…
Why in News? According to the National Health Profile (NHP)-2019, which was recently released by the Union Health Ministry, “Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West…
Why in News? As Delhi chokes, the government has shut all schools till November 5 after a Supreme Court-mandated panel declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR. Highlights: Air quality…
Why in News? A recent study has painted a bleak future for most glaciers in the Mount Everest region, warning that they will either disappear or retreat as a result…
Why in News? According to the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence’s (CBHI) National Health Profile (NHP) 2019, India has registered an improved sex ratio and a decline in birth and…
Why in News? The 29th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change was held in Beijing, China. The countries include BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China). Important Commitments: BASIC Ministers expressed…
Why in News? National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA have announced that the Antarctic ozone hole hit its smallest annual peak on record since tracking began in 1982.…
Why in News? Hydropower projects that do not comply with the Centre’s ecological flow notification could face closure. Highlight: The Natural Flow Regime is the characteristic pattern of a river’s…
Why in News? Small aerosol particles help in “brightening” of clouds, enabling them to alter Earth’s radiative balance and ultimately its climate, according to a study. Aerosol: An aerosol is…
Why in News? The pristine beaches of the Great Nicobar Island, India’s southernmost territory, are under threat from plastic. A survey of five beaches in the islands recorded the presence…
Why in News? From the iconic Kaiser-i-Hind to the recently rediscovered Small Woodbrown butterfly, the state of Sikkim is home to nearly 700 species of butterfly. Highlights: There were issues…
Why in News? The Annual Ganges River Dolphin Census has begun. Highlights: The census is undertaken by World Wide Fund for Nature-India in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.…
Why in News? A recent study has found that roadkills on the proposed alternative to NH 766 route are one of the highest in the country. Highlights: The eight-month study…
Why in News? Union Health Minister has launched the WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2019–2023. Highlights: The CCS provides a strategic roadmap for WHO to work with…
Why in News? Starting October 15, some stricter measures to fight air pollution will come into force in Delhi’s neighbourhood, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As…
Why in News? Jal Shakti Ministry has launched Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan, a unique open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River to create awareness on Ganga rejuvenation and water…
Why in News? In a bid to resolve the crisis of air pollution, the Government has launched green firecrackers Background: The Supreme Court in October 2018 banned the sale, use…
Why in News? A native of Kerala, the 32-year-old polar researcher will be the only Indian among 300 scientists from across the world aboard the multidisciplinary drifting observatory for the…
Why in News? The study, by researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Sheffield, published in the Journal Science has found that nearly one in every five…
Why in News? Wildlife enthusiasts believe that the drone cameras pose a huge threat to wildlife. Highlights: Environment conservationists are concerned about the increasing number of enthusiasts using drone cameras…
Why in News? The Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas flagged off publicity vans in Delhi, to generate awareness about the initiative of converting used cooking oil…
Context: The Central government has issued a 15-point directive, including cordoning off ghats and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000, to prevent the immersion of idols in the Ganga or…
Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Climate Action Summit in New York announced India’s ambitious aim to increase its renewable energy target to 450 GW (gigawatts). A…
Why in News? India is hosting the Second Lead Author Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report at New Delhi from 30th…
Why in News? US Agency for International Development (USAID) and India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) officially launched Forest-PLUS 2.0. About Forest-PLUS 2.0: It is a five-year…
Context: With recent studies this year having reported the presence of tigers in high altitude regions in India, experts from India, Nepal and Bhutan under the aegis of their governments…
Context: Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) that registered the highest growth in tiger numbers in the country the last four years, will have no eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) or at the most…
Why in News? Indian scientists have now developed a method to measure the rate of soil erosion and associated decrease in organic content in soil by assessing levels of radioactive…
Why in News? The Indian Army has removed 130 tonnes of garbage from the Siachen Glacier and is cutting potential trash in rations. Challenges: On average, 236 tonnes of waste…
Why in News? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) was released in Monaco on 25th The report…
Context: Driven by serious sustainability concern, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has proposed a draft National Resource Efficiency Policy 2019 which aims to streamline the efficient use…
Context: Instead of giving financial and administrative support to the NGT, efforts are usually directed towards diluting its powers, defeating the very purpose behind its creation. Background: Taking into account…
Why in News? Gujarat became the world’s first market for particulate matter emissions in the world, after 155 industrial units of Surat came together for “live trading” under…
Context: A survey of dragonflies and damselflies held in the Silent Valley National Park (SVNP) has discovered eight new species, but reported an alarming decrease in the odonate population, raising…
Context: The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) is working on developing a comprehensive drought-proofing action plan for 24 districts in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka this year. Background: The NRAA…
Why in News? WHO is launching a “Clean Air Coalition” led by the Governments of Spain andPeru, while a group of philanthropic organizations and foundations were poisedto launch a new…
Why in News? The recent blooming of Noctiluca scintillans, a greenish marine microalgae, in the Gulf of Mannar, has caused the death of more than 180 colonies, mostly on the…
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for a three-year delay in drawing up a national framework for recycling of…
Why in News? According to a report filed by an expert committee formed by the Madras High Court, expanding plantations like tea and eucalyptus along with exotic and invasive species…
Why in News? The use of herbicide Paraquat killed around 170 people in the last two years in Odisha’s Burla district leading to demands for its ban. Highlights: Paraquat is…
Why in News? Recently Russian-built floating nuclear power plant completed its 5,000-km journey along the Northern Sea Route, causing excitement in the energy sector, but sparking fears among environmentalists over…
Why in News? The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Babul Supriyo was speaking at an event in New Delhi to mark World Ozone…
Why in News? A new global study titled “Growing Better: Ten Critical Transitions to Transform Food and Land Use” has quantified the damage that the modern food industry does to…
Why in News? The commendable role played by the Vulture Care Centres (VCC) in saving the endangered vulture species has brought the VCC in limelight. Growth of VCC: In the…
Why in News? Recently the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering has published the work of the team from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras who were able to…
Context: After 12 days of talks, the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ended with 196 countries and the European Union adopting…
Context: India lost 31 per cent, or 5.65 million hectares (mha), of grassland area in a decade, showed data the Union government presented to the United Nations Convention to Combat…
Why in News? According to a report tabled at the ongoing 14the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) every year around 12 million hectares…
Why in News? The first conference of Military Medicine for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Member States will be held in Delhi. Significance: The conference will be the first Military co-operation…
Why in News? After the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 the fine for PUC violations has now gone up to Rs 10,000; it used to be Rs 1,000 for the…
Why in News? The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in New Delhi, India between 2nd and 13th September…
Why in News? Union Environment Ministry released a report on Status of Tiger Habitats in high altitude Ecosystems. Highlights: The study is led by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), with…
Why in News? A new study has found that climate change has benefited bananas over the last several decades but predicted that the trend will reverse, with climate change eventually…
Why in News? India has announced a contribution of 22 million US Dollars to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) for the 6th replenishment cycle, an increase…
Context: The report is one of two from a study by the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiologic (PURE), both published online in The Lancet on Tuesday and presented at the…
Why in News? Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and Executive Secretary, UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), jointly inaugurated the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to…
Context: The impact of climate change on the stability of individual financial institutions and the financial system in general is growing. It influences the types of activities that financial institutions…
Why in News? Australian government downgrades outlook for the Great Barrier Reef to ‘very poor’. Coral along large swathes of the 2,300-kilometre reef have been killed by rising sea temperatures…
Why in News? The Union Environment Ministry has transferred ₹47,436 crore to 27 States for afforestation. Highlights: The funds are long-pending dues, part of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF), that…
Context: The PM invoked Gandhi in his appeals, and it has been speculated that a specific ban may be announced on October 2, the Mahatma's 150th birthday. Single-Use Plastic: As…
Why in News? A resolution calling for Japan and the European Union (EU) to close their legal domestic ivory markets was not adopted at the ongoing 18th Conference of Parties…
Context: The Union Environment Ministry has tasked the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)National Physical Laboratory (NPL) with certifying air quality monitoring instruments. Why This Move? This is in…
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat urged the people to observe the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year as a day to make India…
Context: In their recent joint declaration, India and France have committed to making long-term plans to contain emissions. Background: During Prime Minister of India’s visit to Paris last week, a…
Context: Financial Action Task Force affiliate Asia Pacific Group (APG) places Pakistan on Blacklist for failing to combat terrorism, money laundering and meeting the required global Background: At its meeting…
Why in News? Discovery India and World Wide Fund (WWF) India have partnered with the Government of West Bengal and local communities in the Sundarban to help save the world’s…
Why in News? Countries across the globe committed to create a new international climate agreement by the conclusion of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the…
Why in news? A new report by Greenpeace India shows the country is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide in the world, with more than 15% of all the anthropogenic…
Why in News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has relaxed the procedure for environmental clearances of developmental activities in the buffer zone. Highlights: Buffer Zone is…
Context- Tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, have been found in the Arctic region and the Alps, carried by the wind, according to a new study that was widely…
Why in news? The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has released the first-ever global assessment of forest biodiversity. Key Findings: There has been a 53% decline in the number…
Context: Tension has gripped several villages in the western belt of Chittoor district, from Palamaner to Somala, with wild elephants raiding crops and damaging huts. Recent Issue: In the latest…
Context- A new study has found that farmers in north India can not only help reduce air pollution but also improve the productivity of their soil and earn more profits…
Context: Five female wild buffaloes will be translocated from Assam to the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Raipur district, to help revive the waning population of Chhattisgarh’s State animal and expand…
Why in News? The Government has launched a scheme namely “Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme”. Highlights: The objective of the scheme for promotion of Zero Defect and…
Context: Joint Forum for People’s Democratic Rights protests uranium mining in Nallamala Forest. Background: Many of these forest reserves have rich mineral deposits under them which are being eyed upon…
Context: Government has banned the import of fish in view of the scare of formalin, a cancer inducing chemical used to illegally preserve fish being found in it. Background: Over…
Context: Between August 1 and 10, rains battered south-western Maharashtra, and rising water levels in local rivers breached the banks. Areas in Pune, Kolhapur, Satara and Sangli saw large areas…
Why in News? India has submitted proposals regarding changes to the listing of various wildlife species in the CITES secretariat meeting, scheduled later this month in Geneva, Switzerland. CITES: CITES…
Context: IIT-H, Harvard varsity study mercury accumulation in fish The joint research looked into how climate change impacted accumulation of the metal Background: A joint research by the Indian Institute…
Context: In the wake an unprecedented flood like situation and record rainfall this season, the State government will constitute a task force of local and global experts to study impact…
Why in News? A study in the Journal of the British Academy has found that indigenous knowledge on how nature warns of flooding is relevant in urban areas as well.…
Context: A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released presents the most recent evidence on how the different uses of land — forests, agriculture, urbanization- are…
Why in News? With doubled tiger populations in India, the loss of habitat, a decline of prey and poaching continues to be a threat to tigers’ survival. Along with these,…
Why in News? The Indian Army launched e-cars for use of its officials in New Delhi on August 1. The e-car initiative has been launched in partnership with Energy Efficiency…
Context: In the last few decades, waterbodies have been under continuous and unrelenting stress, caused primarily by rapid urbanisation and unplanned growth. Encroachment of waterbodies has been identified as a…
Why in News? The sub-national Water Stress Index is formulated by London-based risk analytics firm Verisk Maplecroft. It lists India as the 46th highest risk country in the world. Water…
Why in News? The Indian Army in step with government policies on environmental protection has launched an ecological initiative with employing E Cars for use of its officials in New…
Context- Chenchus the Members of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Nallamala forest understands tigers and help them let live and multiply. Who are Chenchus The Chenchus are a…
Context: The Union Environment Ministry and the Department of Livestock and Animal Husbandry are exploring a scheme to devise an insurance policy that will compensate people who lose their livestock…
Context: New study finds firms that have adopted green bonds benefit from both positive financial and environmental outcomes. What Are Green Bonds: A green bond is like any other regular…
Context: ‘Grain by Grain’ Report which is the complete assessment of the environmental performance of fertilizer industry in India was released by Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) About: The…
Context: Prime Minister released tiger estimation figures and said that India has achieved the target of doubling the tiger count four years ahead of the deadline. The country now has…
Context : The data tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change states that four species of fauna and 18 species of flora have…
Why in News? International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational…
Context- Himalayan Conclave is being held in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Objective The objective is to discuss various issues related to the development of Himalayan States. The main agenda for the conclave…
Context- The Karnataka Government have banned night traffic through the road passing through Bandipur National Park as conservationists argued that it is disturbing the wildlife, recently there has been a…
Context: A recent study on “prescribed burning” of large tracts of grassland in the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) reveals that such burning is detrimental to endemic invertebrates. What Are Grasslands?…
Context- Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) has declared Monkeys (Rhesus Macaque) as ‘vermin’ in Himachal Pradesh. What is Vermin? Any animal which poses a threat to human and their livelihood especially…
Why in News? Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has launched a Coffee Table Book to commemorate five decades of partnership between the Ministry and the UN World Food…
What is Plan Bee? Plan Bee, is an amplifying system imitating the buzz of a swarm of honey bees to keep wild elephants away from Railway Tracks. Award: For Plan…
Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 52 companies — including Amazon, Flipkart, Danone Foods and Beverages and Patanjali Ayurveda Limited — for not specifying a time…
Why in News? Telangana Government has introduced the Japanese “Miyawaki” method of afforestation to grow urban forests and expand the green cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation…
Why in News? The National Centre for Coastal Research’s (NCCR) proposal of dropping ‘melted plastic rocks or slabs’ on the seabed for growing coral reefs and address the problem of…
Why in News? Delhi will be the first city in the country to roll out hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) buses for public transport from November 2020. Highlights: It will…
Why in News? Scientists from 17 nations will take part in the year-long MOSAIC mission as they anchor the RV Polarstern ship to a large piece of Arctic sea ice…
Context- According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea became the world’s most pirate-infested sea in 2018. Published by ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) The ICC…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal has sought a report from the authorities on the current status on disposal and management of fly ash. Fly Ash: Fly ash is…
Why in News? Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) estimates the density of vegetation and amount of food abundance available for herbivorous animals, for example, elephants. This index has a negative…
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war escalation could knock off 0.4 percentage points from world GDP growth by 2020, and possibly lead to the lowest growth since 2009, according to Fitch…
Why in News? A study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) evaluated 400 cities globally in 2018 with focus on megacities facing high combined levels of water scarcity —…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January, 2019 set up an expert committee under former SEBI chairman U.K. Sinha to Suggest Long-Term Solutions for the economic and Financial…
Context: Concern over the human waste left behind by climbers on their way to the world’s highest mountain peak, Mount Everest. Issue: It (human waste left by climbers on Mount…
It is learned that five countries viz; China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand dump more than half of the eight million tonnes of plastic waste that end up in oceans…
Theme “Human Centered Future Society” Issue to be taken up: Digital economy Artificial Intelligence Global Health Ageing Marine Plastic What is DFFT or Data Free Flow with Trust? This is…
Context: Comparing data obtained by Cold War• era spy satellites with images from modern stereo satellites have shown Himalayan glaciers are Melting. Background: During cold war Spy satellite war deployed…
Why in News? The REN21’s Renewable 2019 Global Status Report (GSR) was recently released. Global prospects of the Report: Renewables now supply around 26 per cent of global electricity production…
According to the World Population Prospects 2019, India Will Become the Most Populous Nation by 2027. The 2019 revision of the World Population Prospects is the twenty-sixth edition of the…
Almost 2/3rd of the global population which stopped defecating openly between 2000 and 2017 has been from India. However there has been no growth in the population with access to…
Context: The government has begun the process to get UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status for Godavari Mangroves at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, near Kakinada. Once the Coringa sanctuary gets the heritage…
Context: 14th Session of Conference of United Nations Convention Desertification will be held in between September 2 and 14. About: One-third of the Earth’s land degraded, affecting more than people…
Context-23 new species from the eastern Himalayas of a group of plants commonly known as Balsams or jewelweeds UPSC mainly asks question regarding new species of plant, animal found in…
Why in News: Scientists have found that the golden cat in six types of colours cinnamon, golden, gray, melanistic, ocelot and tightly rosetted Golden is no longer the only colour…
Why in News: The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has sought a detailed report on the sowing of unapproved genetically modified (GM) cotton and brinjal in Maharashtra. Details: 1,000…
Why in News: A team of scientists from Delhi University and the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with researchers from Indonesia and the US, have discovered a new species…
Why in News: In India, evidence about climate migration is less although the number of climate migrants could be high, given the recent events of frequent floods and droughts. Climate…
Why in News: A recent study has ranked Mumbai as the most traffic-congested city in the world for the second straight year, and Delhi at fourth place. Traffic Index 2018…
Why in News: Under pressure from frequent flyers alarmed over climate change, the airline industry says it is “hellbent” on reducing emissions — but the technology needed to drastically reduce…
Why in News: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will have non-human beneficiaries — the rare golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) in a reserve forest in western Assam’s…
Why in News: Reportedly, nearly 40% of the country is facing an acute paucity of pre-monsoon rain, causing severe water distress in scorching heat. Background: / How is the rain…
Why in News: An analysis of traffic congestion done in more 400 cities across six continents has found that commuters in Mumbai spent the most time on the road last…
Why in News: According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), Water storage in reservoirs of most States of the west and south India has dipped to less than the average…
Why in News: / BS Emission Norms: The BS or Bharat Stage emission standards are norms instituted by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion…
Why in News: India receives about 300 clear and solar energy in Indian days in a year and solar exposure of 5,000 trillion kilowatt-hours every year. It makes India a…
Why in News: Water storage in reservoirs of most States of west and south India has dipped to less than the average of last 10 years, the Central Water Commission…
Why in news: The Gauhati High Court has ordered a villager in Assam to plant and take care of 25 trees as punishment for poisoning as many vultures to death.…
Why in News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order staying the Andhra Pradesh Government’s scheme to link Godavari Krishna and Penna Rivers of the State. It ordered…
Why in news The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 25 lakh each on the States of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal for not taking adequate…
Why in news Tonnes of garbage sent to the Philippines years ago was shipped back to Canada after a festering diplomatic row. Details: Asian nations are increasingly objecting to being…
CONTEXT: Goa celebrated its statehood day on 30th May. It was on this day in 1987 Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union. Before this, Goa, along with…
CONTEXT: Union Environment Ministry on 29th May launched the song 'Hawa Aane De' to spread awareness about Air pollution. The song was launched by Secretary, Ministry of Environment C K…
Why in News: Eighty-four out of the 102 cities that have been tasked with reducing toxic particulate matter levels by 20%-30% by 2024 have submitted their proposals Background: One hundred…
Why in News: A new species of wasp from the genus Kudakrumia has been recently identified by scientists in Goa. Background: The wasp, Kudakrumia rangnekari, was named after Goa-based researcher…
CONTEXT: Rivers worldwide are polluted with antibiotics that exceed environmental safety thresholds by up to 300 times, according to research. Scientists found one or more common antibiotics in two-thirds of…
CONTEXT: Malaysia’s last male Sumatran rhinoceros died on May 27, dashing efforts to save the critically endangered species in the country. The rhino, named Tam, was about 30 years old…
CONTEXT: Sri Lanka has signed a tripartite agreement with India and Japan for development of eastern terminal of Colombo port. The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed in Colombo today…
Why in News: More than 20 students died in a massive fire in a Surat coaching centre. Besides fixing accountability, the tragedy calls for updating the fire safety protocol countrywide.…
Why in News: The safety protocol must be tightened to scale Everest. Details Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 metres, draws adventurers from all over. But the mountain…
