News: The ‘WTO Reform’ proposal has been pushed in the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). However, the proposed reforms are said to weaken the position of the developing countries. What are the issues in the proposed WTO reforms? As per some experts, the reforms may undermine the participation and say… Continue reading Proposed WTO reform aims to bully developing nations: Civil society members
Tag: down to earth
NASA, USGS release detailed geological map of the moon
What is the News? The United States Geological Survey(USGS) in partnership with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute has released ‘The unified Geologic Map of the Moon’. How was the Unified Geologic Map of the Moon created? The map has been created with the help of the information gathered from six Apollo-era regional maps. It… Continue reading NASA, USGS release detailed geological map of the moon
Diversify crops, shift rice to places that can support it: Central panel
What is the News? The Commission for Agricultural Cost and Prices(CACP) has recommended the promotion of crop diversification, favouring oilseed crops amid the global inflation in oilseeds and vegetable oils prices. What are the recommendations given by CACP? Need for Crop Diversification Dependence on rice-wheat cropping systems especially in States like Punjab, Haryana and western… Continue reading Diversify crops, shift rice to places that can support it: Central panel
Now drones can be used to deliver medical supplies, vaccines in India: ICMR guidelines
What is the News? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released guidelines for drone use in the healthcare sector to ensure access to medicines and vaccines, especially in the geographically difficult terrains in the country. Why should drones be used in the Healthcare Sector? Only 30,000 government-run primary healthcare centres cater to nearly… Continue reading Now drones can be used to deliver medical supplies, vaccines in India: ICMR guidelines
Artificial light may become a new weapon in the fight to control malaria
What is the News? A study has demonstrated that artificial lights can be used as a weapon to fight against malaria. What is the importance of Light? Light regulates much of the timing of biological events like when birds breed, lions hunt – and humans’ sleep patterns. While species have been exposed to changes in… Continue reading Artificial light may become a new weapon in the fight to control malaria
Sustainable Development Report, 2022: India’s SDG preparedness ranking continues to decline: Report
What is the News? The Sustainable Development Report, 2022 has been released. What is the Sustainable Development Report, 2022? Released by: Group of independent experts at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Purpose: It is a global assessment of countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a complement to the official SDG… Continue reading Sustainable Development Report, 2022: India’s SDG preparedness ranking continues to decline: Report
Extreme weather events in India may be transporting more plastic litter into oceans, warn experts
What is the News? According to a study, extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and cyclones may be transporting a significant amount of plastic litter into the sea. Plastic Production in India Plastic production in India began in the late 1950s. Its consumption increased 20 times to 18.45 metric tonnes in 2018 from 0.9… Continue reading Extreme weather events in India may be transporting more plastic litter into oceans, warn experts
Kerala registers car that runs on hydrogen fuel — 1st in country
What is the News? The first hydrogen-powered car named “Toyota Mirai” was registered in Kerala in April 2022. With this, Kerala has become one of the select few states to allow the registration of such cars. Note: The registered vehicle is exempt from taxation because it will be used for research and development purposes. What… Continue reading Kerala registers car that runs on hydrogen fuel — 1st in country
Avulsion in rivers: Kosi River course change not natural; here’s why
What is the News? According to a new study, rivers lining tropical and desert regions are more likely to change directions. These rivers expose the surrounding areas to floods as they abandon their usual route for a new one. What is avulsion? Avulsion means a sudden cutting off of land by flood or change in… Continue reading Avulsion in rivers: Kosi River course change not natural; here’s why
Share of non-CO2 pollutants contributing to global warming almost as much as carbon dioxide: Study
What is the News? According to the study published in the journal, the share of non-CO2 pollutants contributing to global warming is almost as much as carbon dioxide. What is the potential of non-CO2 pollutants on Climate Change? IPCC Working Group reports have shown that the contribution of CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gases to global… Continue reading Share of non-CO2 pollutants contributing to global warming almost as much as carbon dioxide: Study
