Synopsis: Government’s plan to promote ethanol, its benefit to the country, various effects of this plan, its impact on crop diversification and food security and way forward. Introduction India is planning to use surplus rice, besides sugarcane, to meet its bio-fuel target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol. Could this pose problems for India’s crop diversification… Continue reading Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture?
We can’t stabilise the climate without carbon offsets — so how do we make them work?
Synopsis: Carbon offsetting affords an opportunity to achieving net-zero emission targets but only if its done with full integrity. Introduction Carbon offsetting has been in news lately. The Grattan Institute released a new report on the role of offsetting in achieving net zero targets. Carbon offsetting is a difficult part of the climate change conversation… Continue reading We can’t stabilise the climate without carbon offsets — so how do we make them work?
Protecting India’s natural laboratories
Synopsis: India needs to take measures to protect and conserve Geoheritage sites. Introduction India has a very unique geodiversity. India has tall mountains, deep valleys, sculpted landforms, long-winding coastlines, hot mineral springs, active volcanoes, diverse soil types, mineralised areas, and globally important fossil-bearing sites. It is long known as the world’s ‘natural laboratory’ for geo-scientific… Continue reading Protecting India’s natural laboratories
How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
Synopsis: Steps to be taken to push famers away from resorting to stubble burning Introduction Farmers across northern India burn stubble to clear fields for the winter wheat sowing season. It is both a health and an environmental hazard that repeats every year. A 2018 Lancet study reported this as the number one reason for… Continue reading How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
Taxing multinationals
Synopsis: Global agreement on taxing multinational corporations and way forward for India Introduction After several years of negotiations, 136 countries, representing over 90 per cent of global output, finalised the agreement last week to tax multinational corporations. Since almost all members of the OECD’s framework on base erosion and profit shifting have agreed, tax avoidance… Continue reading Taxing multinationals
Detoxing pilot project has brought a river back from dead: Meghalaya
What is the news? Meghalaya government has claimed that a detoxing project through the use of phycoremediation has rejuvenated Lukha river. The project was funded by the “District Mineral Fund”. What is the reason for contamination? The Lukha River was considered toxic beyond redemption a decade ago. Meghalaya’s pollution control board in its report blamed drainage… Continue reading Detoxing pilot project has brought a river back from dead: Meghalaya
U.K. asks India to update climate goals
What is the news? Recently, the British Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister had a meeting. The meeting occurred a few weeks ahead of a United Nations climate change summit in the U.K. During the meeting, the British PM urged India to update India’s NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) targets, besides they also talked about vaccine… Continue reading U.K. asks India to update climate goals
Over 2 lakh RTI pleas pending
What is the News? Satark Nagrik Sangathan(SNS) has released a Report Card on the Performance of Information Commissions in India, 2021. What are the key findings of the report? Vacancies in Information Commissions: Under the RTI Act, information commissions consist of a chief information commissioner and up to 10 information commissioners, appointed by the President of… Continue reading Over 2 lakh RTI pleas pending
Union Minister inaugurates training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health
What is the News Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has inaugurated a training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health. The program is structured around the basics & benefits of Indian sandalwood, seed handling, nursery techniques & managing the health of the plant. What is Sandalwood? Sandalwood is a class… Continue reading Union Minister inaugurates training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health
Globally, India recorded the highest loss in terrestrial water storage
What is the News? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report titled 2021 State of Climate Services Report. What are the key findings of the 2021 State of Climate Services Report? Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) Terrestrial Water Storage(TWS) has dropped at a rate of 1 cm per year in 20 years (2002-2021). Note:… Continue reading Globally, India recorded the highest loss in terrestrial water storage
