Lead in turmeric more than 200 times the limit in parts of India: Study Sub: Env Sec: Pollution Lead levels in turmeric sold in India, Nepal and Pakistan were several times higher than the regulatory limit, according to a new study. Samples from India’s Patna, and Pakistan’s Karachi and Peshawar had lead levels […]
Sustainable Cooling Initiatives for Climate Resilience and Global Collaboration Sub: Env Sec: Int conventions Why in News Global warming has intensified the demand for sustainable cooling solutions, which are vital for vulnerable populations worldwide. On September 21, 2024, the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) issued the Wilmington Declaration, emphasizing […]
Dramatically increase climate adaptation efforts, starting with a commitment to act on finance at COP29: Adaptation Gap Report 2024 Sub: Env Sec: Climate Change Context: The UNEP released its Adaptation Gap Report 2024 titled “Come hell and high water” on November 7, 2024, just before the start of the 29th Conference of Parties […]
10 tigers traced, officials confirm to DTE after reports of 25 missing felines in Ranthambore cause panic Sub : Env Sec: Protected Area Context: Ten of the 25 tigers recently reported as ‘missing’ from Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve have been located, officials confirmed to Down To Earth (DTE). Fifteen tigers are […]
Tardigrades and Their Survival Mechanisms: A Blueprint for Human Advancements Sub : Env Sec: Species in news Why in News The discovery of new insights into tardigrade biology, particularly their remarkable resistance to extreme environments like radiation, dehydration, and freezing, has generated global interest. The latest findings, particularly on the genetic mechanisms behind […]
Biopiracy Sub: Env Sec: Biodiversity Biopiracy refers to the unauthorized exploitation of biological resources and traditional knowledge by corporations, researchers, or countries. This often involves the patenting of indigenous plants, animals, or knowledge for commercial purposes without compensating the source community or country. Common Forms: Patent claims on traditional medicinal plants without acknowledgment […]
Amicus curiae suggest restricting elephant parades to religious festivals Sub: Env Sec: Env legislation Context: An amicus curiae report by T.C. Suresh Menon, presented to the Kerala High Court, suggests restrictions on the use of captive elephants in processions to protect their welfare. This report is part of a suo motu proceeding initiated […]
India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study bets on wetlands to address the challenges of climate adaptation and resilience Sub: Env Sec: Climate Change Context: India’s first study on teal carbon, conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, highlights the importance of conserving wetlands as part of climate adaptation and resilience efforts. […]
COP29 will launch with looming funding gap Sub: Env Sec: Int Conventions Context: At the recent COP16 U.N. biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, wealthy nations struggled to commit the necessary funds for global conservation, shifting the focus towards private financing to address the funding shortfall. Funding Challenges and Goals: Annual Funding Target: The […]