Why Are Major Banks Like Citi Quitting the Net Zero Banking Alliance? Sub: Env Sec: Climate change Why in News In recent weeks, several leading American banks, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley, have exited the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). This withdrawal comes amidst shifting political […]
South African Court’s Landmark Judgment: Transitioning Away from Coal Sub : Env Sec: Climate change Why in News South Africa’s High Court in Pretoria delivered a landmark judgment by rejecting the government’s plan to expand coal-fired power generation. The court declared the proposal inconsistent with the country’s Constitution, marking a significant victory for […]
Explained: India’s emissions inventory & efforts at mitigation Sub : Env Sec: Climate change Why in news: India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4), submitted to the UNFCCC. Biennial Update Report (BUR): The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a report submitted every two years by developing countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate […]
Groundwater Contamination in India: Excessive Nitrates and Emerging Concerns Sub: Env Sec: Pollution Why in News A recent report by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) highlights the alarming rise in excessive nitrate levels in groundwater across India, increasing from 359 districts in 2017 to 440 districts in 2023. Nitrate Contamination: About 56% of […]
The Importance of Elders in Wildlife Conservation Sub: Env Sec: Species in news Why in News Recent studies emphasize the detrimental impact of human-induced factors such as climate extremes, habitat destruction, and overexploitation on the elders of various species. The loss of these experienced individuals disrupts population stability and poses severe challenges to […]
M.P. govt. begins disposal of toxic waste from Union Carbide factory Sub: Env Sec: Pollution Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has started the process of disposing of 337 tonnes of toxic waste accumulated at the Union Carbide India Ltd. (UCIL) site in Bhopal, 40 years after the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy. Environmental Cleanup: […]
Panel to look into govt. request to exclude settlements from protected areas Sub : Env Sec: Protected Areas Context: A three-member team from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) will evaluate a request from the Kerala government to exclude certain human settlements from the protected areas. This includes the […]
Squirrels are not as vegan as you think — new research sheds light on ‘opportunistic omnivores’ capable of hunting and stealth Sub :Env Sec: Species in news Context: While squirrels are often associated with adorable antics like nibbling on nuts and shyly peeping from tree trunks, new research has revealed a surprising aspect […]
India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) Sub: Env Sec: Protected Area Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) today at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. The ISFR is brought out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a […]
US commits to 61% emissions cut by 2035: What does its updated NDC plan say? Sub: Env Sec: Climate Change Context: The United States has announced its emission reduction target for 2035, as part of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, committing to a reduction of 61-66% below 2005 […]