India Meteorological Department(IMD) celebrates 145th Foundation Day

News:The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) is celebrating its 145th Foundation day on 15th January,2020. Facts: About India Meteorological Department (IMD) India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875.It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology. IMD… Continue reading India Meteorological Department(IMD) celebrates 145th Foundation Day

Española Giant tortoises

News: The Galápagos National Park has announced it is ending Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative (GTRI), captive breeding program, for Española Giant Tortoises Facts: About Española Giant Tortoises  Giant tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. Geographic Range: Española Island [formerly Hood Island] in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.  IUCN Status: Critically… Continue reading Española Giant tortoises

Explained: Why eruption of a tiny, ‘complex’ volcano is causing concern

News: Taal Volcano erupted on 12th January Facts: About Taal Volcano It is located on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. It is classified as a “complex” volcano. Additional Information: Volcano: A volcano on Earth is a vent or fissure in the planet’s crust through which lava, ash, rock, and gases erupt Major Types… Continue reading Explained: Why eruption of a tiny, ‘complex’ volcano is causing concern

Huge increase in open-loop scrubber usage in ships: Report

News:According to GlobalData,there has been a huge increase in the use of open-loop scrubbers in ships in just last one year even as a debate about their viability in mitigating sulphur emissions from ships has also escalated. Facts: About Scrubbers in Ships: Scrubbers are used to remove particulate matter and harmful components such as sulphur… Continue reading Huge increase in open-loop scrubber usage in ships: Report

Kaziranga records 96 species of wetland birds

News: According to the second wetland bird count, conducted by officials of the Kaziranga National Park, the park has 96 species of wetland birds. Facts: About Kaziranga National Park Location: Spread across parts of Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. Major Rivers: Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri. Perennial wetlands: Sohola (largest), Borbeel, Kawoimari,… Continue reading Kaziranga records 96 species of wetland birds

What are CRZ rules which the demolished Maradu flats violated?

News: Four illegal apartment complexes in Maradu, Kerala, were demolished for violating the provisions of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. Facts: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification was issued in 1991 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The main aim of the Rules is to protect the coastal environment. Coastal Regulation Zone: All the coastal stretches… Continue reading What are CRZ rules which the demolished Maradu flats violated?

Climate news aggregator launches dashboard to track progress of air pollution management plan

News: Climate and energy news aggregator, http://www.carboncopy.info, has launched a dashboard — ncap.carboncopy.info — to track the progress of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Facts: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019 by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is a five-year action plan with 2019 as the first… Continue reading Climate news aggregator launches dashboard to track progress of air pollution management plan

A Giant fish is declared extinct — how do scientists conclude that?

News: Chinese researchers, based on the Red List criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have concluded that Chinese Paddlefish are extinct. Facts: Chinese paddlefish, also known as the Chinese swordfish lived in Yangtze River in China. It dates back 200 million years. The researchers estimate that it became functionally extinct by… Continue reading A Giant fish is declared extinct — how do scientists conclude that?

Centre notifies new Wetland Conservation Rules

News: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has put forward Guidelines for implementing Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 Facts: Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 Key Features: Prohibits conversion for non-wetland uses, setting up or expansion of industries in wetland areas. Prohibits disposal of construction and demolition waste within the wetlands. Each… Continue reading Centre notifies new Wetland Conservation Rules

Declare Goa sanctuaries as ‘tiger reserve’: Activists

News: Activists from Goa have demanded that certain areas in wildlife sanctuaries of the state be notified as ‘tiger reserve’. Facts: Background: In 2017, Goa government had sent a proposal to Centre, according to which 500 Sq.km area of Mhadei, Netravali and Cotigao sanctuaries and some part of Mahaveer National Park was to be declared… Continue reading Declare Goa sanctuaries as ‘tiger reserve’: Activists

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