Green cardamom’s new relatives include two species from Kerala Sub: Env Sec : Biodiversity Why in NEWS Two new species of green cardamom, Elettaria facifera and Elettaria tulipifera, have been discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats, expanding the known diversity of this important spice. These new relatives of the commonly used green cardamom […]
Trump’s exit from Paris Agreement ‘threatens’ future of renewable energy Sub: Env Sec: Int Conventions Context: On the first day of his second Presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The Paris Agreement is a global treaty aimed at limiting global warming […]
Need Policy for Affordable Bioethanol Sub: Env Sec: Sustainable Dev Why in News? Honda Motor Co. Ltd.’s has urged the Indian government to create policies to make bioethanol more affordable, addressing its economic viability and promoting its adoption for carbon neutrality goals. Context India is advancing toward carbon neutrality by focusing on bioethanol […]
Faunal Diversity in Munnar: 24 New Species Documented in Recent Survey Sub: Env Sec: Biodiversity Why in News A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has led to the discovery of 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates. This exercise has significantly enhanced the region’s faunal checklist and highlighted […]
Can Bhopal waste be safely disposed of? Sub: Env Sec: Pollution Context: On January 2, 2025, authorities in Madhya Pradesh began moving 358 tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide facility in Bhopal to the Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district. The waste consists of materials used to manufacture fertilizers, which […]
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 […]