Subject: Environment Context: To consolidate and synergize the plastic processing industry Government is setting up Plastic Parks with state-of-the-art infrastructure informed by minister in Rajya sabha Concept: Under the scheme, Central Government provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 40 crore per project. The remaining project […]
Subject: Environment Context: Central Pollution Control Board has celebrated its 46th Foundation Day and pledged to provide technical leadership for more science-based environmental management. Concept: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), statutory organisation, was constituted in September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers […]
Subject: Environment Context: Mystery elephant deaths in Botswana is caused by cyanobacteria Concept: Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is found worldwide especially in calm, nutrient-rich waters Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that affect animals and humans People may be exposed to cyanobacterial toxins by drinking or bathing in contaminated water Symptoms include skin […]
Subject: Environment Context: The number of arsenic-affected habitations in the country increased by 145 per cent in the last five years, according to data shared with the Parliament September 18, 2020. Concept: Most of the arsenic-affected habitations lie in the Ganga and Brahmaputra alluvial plains; in the states of Assam, Bihar, UP and Bengal. Assam had […]
Subject: Environment Context: Eight Indian beaches recommended for coveted Blue Flag international eco-label Concept: Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by an international agency ‘Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark’ based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads Environmental education and information Bathing water quality Environment management and conservation safety and services […]
Subject: Environment Context: Global warming has dramatically changed the Arctic’s climate, adding a rainy season almost equal to India’s and up to 10 months without snow Concept: There are regions of our planet that have continued to be pristine for millions of years, like Antarctica and the Arctic. These regions are the barometer to gauge the severity of […]
Subject: Environment Context: Fertilizers usage has been making climate change worse Concept: Widely-used synthetic fertiliser, ammonium nitrate and its chemical cousins ammonium sulfate, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate are significant contributors to climate change. Fertilizers production is energy-intensive, requiring the burning of fossil fuels. After farmers apply these synthetic fertilisers to crops, chains of chemical […]
Subject: Environment Context: Scientists specialising in different aspects of the Himalayas discussed a range of areas like landslide disaster risk reduction, Himalayan seismicity, risk awareness, and mitigation, and journey of black carbon towards Himalayan cryosphere on the occasion of Himalaya Diwas. Concept: The discussions were part of an online celebration of ‘Himalaya Diwas’ by Wadia Institute of […]