Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) have discovered seven species of water treaders semi-aquatic insects.These insects can walk or run on the surface of the water. The newly described species belong to the genus Mesovelia whose size ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm. These insects are equipped with hydrophobic setae(bristles) on their legs.The… Continue reading 7 new species of insects that can walk on water discovered
Category: Factly: Environment
This category contains all Current Affairs Factly Articles for Prelims, related to the Environment. You can find all relevant Environment related updates on this page. This page is specifically useful for UPSC Prelims exam.
NITI Aayog releases Report on the Composite Water Management Index 2.0
NITI Aayog has released a second report on Composite Water Management Index(CWMI 2.0). The report has been prepared in association with Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development. CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17. Gujarat continues to hold on to its rank one… Continue reading NITI Aayog releases Report on the Composite Water Management Index 2.0
SARAL – ‘State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index’
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) has launched the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index–SARAL. It is the first of its kind index to provide a comprehensive overview of state-level measures adopted to facilitate rooftop solar deployment. The index has been designed by MNRE, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India… Continue reading SARAL – ‘State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index’
Explained: Report on illegal global tiger trade counts 2,359; highest in India
A recent report titled ‘Skin and Bones Unresolved:An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 2000-2018’ has quantified the illegal global trade in tigers and tiger parts between 2000 and 2018. The report has been compiled by TRAFFIC in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund(WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN). The report says that… Continue reading Explained: Report on illegal global tiger trade counts 2,359; highest in India
Worsening water quality reducing economic growth by a third in some countries: World Bank
The World Bank has released a report on the relation between water pollution and economic growth. The report relied on the biggest-ever database assembled on global water quality using monitoring stations, satellite data and machine learning models. According to the report,poor water quality is affecting economic growth and worsening health conditions.It says that a lack… Continue reading Worsening water quality reducing economic growth by a third in some countries: World Bank
R K Singh approves proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) has approved a proposal to declare ocean energy as renewable energy. This means that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion will now be considered as Renewable Energy. This decision will help the sector to grow as it will… Continue reading R K Singh approves proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy
Nepal bans single use plastics on Everest region
Nepal authorities have announced a ban on single-use plastics in Mount Everest region.The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2020. This decision is aimed at reducing the vast amounts of waste left by trekkers and mountaineers. Single-use plastics,often referred to as disposable plastics are commonly used for plastic packaging.It includes items intended… Continue reading Nepal bans single use plastics on Everest region
Delhi: 90% batteries ending up in informal sector
According to a report titled ‘Loaded batteries:Mapping the toxic waste trail”,more than 90% of the lead-acid batteries disposed off are ending up with the informal sector. This means they are not only being unscientifically disposed and dismantled but are also polluting the environment in a major way. The reasons for shops giving away lead-acid batteries… Continue reading Delhi: 90% batteries ending up in informal sector
Policy for M-sand to be put in place soon
The Tamil Nadu government will put in place an M-sand policy.The policy aims to promote the use of M-sand as an alternative building material. The policy will also help to eliminate the pervasion of sub-standard products in the market through the regulation of trade. M sand stands for Manufactured sand.It is a substitute of river… Continue reading Policy for M-sand to be put in place soon
WHO will release its first report on microplastics in drinking water
The World Health Organization(WHO) will be releasing it’s report on the presence of microplastics in drinking water. The report will examine the potential human health risks associated with exposure to microplastics in the environment. Microplastics are plastics which are less than five mm in diameter in size. They enter the environment either as primary industrial… Continue reading WHO will release its first report on microplastics in drinking water
