ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
About Must Read News Articles: Must Read News Articles is an initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide links to the most important news articles of the day. It covers The Hindu newspaper. This saves the time and effort of students in identifying useful and important articles. With newspaper websites requiring a paid subscription beyond a certain number of fixed articles, we believe it is one of the best ways to cover all major newspapers in the shortest amount of time.
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GS paper 2
Urgent need to control use of e-cigarettes, says WHO : The World Health Organization highlights the urgent need to regulate e-cigarettes due to their addictive nature and potential health risks. E-cigarettes, specifically those containing nicotine, are linked to increased cigarette use and pose significant threats to children and non-smokers. Despite their prevalence, they are not proven effective for quitting tobacco at the population level. The WHO suggests countries to implement strict measures to protect young people and the general population from the adverse effects of e-cigarettes.
Syllabus Topic – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
GS paper 3
‘India’s fastest’ solar-electric boat launched : Barracuda, India’s fastest solar-electric boat, was recently launched at Navalt Solar and Electric Boats in Alappuzha. This eco-friendly maritime vessel, designed for rough seas, can carry up to 12 passengers and cargo. It reaches a top speed of 12.5 knots with a range of seven hours per charge, featuring twin 50 kW electric motors and solar power. Engineered for noiseless, vibration-free operation, it represents a significant step towards sustainable ocean transportation.
Syllabus Topic – Infrastructure: Energy
COP28 — many a slippery slope ahead : COP28 in Dubai emphasized the critical need to limit global temp rise to 1.5° C, with the global average already nearing this threshold. The conference highlighted the dominant role of fossil fuels in greenhouse gas emissions and the growing presence of the oil industry in negotiations. Despite calls for drastic emission reductions, the final draft was criticized for vague terms and loopholes that could prolong fossil fuel use. The event concluded with limited progress, particularly in financial support for climate-vulnerable countries and concrete steps towards emission reduction targets.
Keeping it relevant – The article highlights the role of climate science in these meetings, emphasizing its importance in driving decisions towards justice and equity in climate action. Despite global recognition of the need to reduce greenhouse gases, particularly from fossil fuels, there’s a notable delay in implementing effective measures. The article criticizes the slow response of COP meetings in leveraging climate science for substantial change, particularly in providing adequate funding and technology for a transition away from fossil fuels.
Syllabus Topic – Climate Change – initiatives
Is India doing enough to tackle climate change? In the light of COP28, The article touches upon several key issues related to climate change and policy:
- The challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
- The complexity of phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.
- The difficulties faced by developing countries, including India, in securing financing for climate action.
- The slow progress in technology transfer to developing countries.
- Significance, and the challenges in raising adequate funds for LDF.
Syllabus Topic – Climate Change – initiatives
