What is the News? Around 175 countries have endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi, Kenya titled “End Plastic Pollution: Towards an internationally legally binding instrument”. What is the purpose of this resolution? The resolution has agreed to end plastic pollution and adopt an international, legally binding agreement by 2024. … Continue reading End Plastic Pollution: 175 countries commit to forge internationally binding treaty on plastic pollution
Tag: down to earth
Most carbon capture & utilization technologies may be counterproductive: Study
What is the News? According to a study, most Carbon Capture and Utilization(CCU) technologies that suck carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert it into fuel or other valuable products, might fail to help the world reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. What are Carbon Capture and Utilization(CCU) technologies? CCU technologies either capture carbon… Continue reading Most carbon capture & utilization technologies may be counterproductive: Study
How the saltwater crocodile once lorded over Vietnam’s waterways and then died out
What is the News? Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) which was once used to be found in Vietnam and southern China has become extinct in these areas due to human activity. What is a Saltwater Crocodile? Saltwater Crocodile is the largest of the 23 species of ‘extant’ or living crocodilians. This includes ‘true crocodiles’, alligators and… Continue reading How the saltwater crocodile once lorded over Vietnam’s waterways and then died out
Wildfires will be more frequent, larger and intense due to climate change: UNEP
What is the News? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest Annual Frontiers Report. About Annual Frontiers Report This is the fourth edition of the Frontiers Report. The first one was first published in 2016. Focus: The report identifies three issues: 1) Urban noise pollution, 2) wildfires and 3) phenological shifts. The report… Continue reading Wildfires will be more frequent, larger and intense due to climate change: UNEP
About PMFBY: India’s facade of agricultural insurance
What is the News? Since its launch in 2016, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has seen a consistent fall in acreage and the number of farmers covered. What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY)? Click Here to read about it Other Features of the Scheme: This scheme was initially compulsory for loanee farmers but… Continue reading About PMFBY: India’s facade of agricultural insurance
MNRE’s new policy framework recognises distributed renewable energy as solution for uplifting rural economy
What is the News? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released a draft policy framework for Distributed Renewable Energy(DRE). What is Distributed Renewable Energy(DRE)? Distributed Renewable Energy(DRE) is the term used when electricity is generated from renewable energy sources near the point of use instead of centralized generation sources from power plants. What… Continue reading MNRE’s new policy framework recognises distributed renewable energy as solution for uplifting rural economy
Maharashtra may become 8th state to opt out of Centre’s flagship crop insurance scheme
What is the News? Maharashtra may follow several other big states and opt-out of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY). What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY)? Click Here to read about it Which States have opted out of PMFBY? States such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab and West Bengal — all predominantly… Continue reading Maharashtra may become 8th state to opt out of Centre’s flagship crop insurance scheme
Why Union Budget is not good in environmental terms
News: Indian government at Glasgow CoP26 has set targets like achieving Net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and Reduction of one billion carbon emissions by 2021 to 2030, etc. However, the recent budget does not have provisions that would help it achieve these. What are the issues in the present Budget wrt environment conservation? Reduced… Continue reading Why Union Budget is not good in environmental terms
Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed
What is the News? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has pledged to map around 80% of the world’s ocean floors by 2030. At present, only 20% of the seabed has been mapped and studied. Why is the ocean floor being mapped by UNESCO? The ocean floor is being mapped and studied… Continue reading Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed
Electric vehicles can lower emissions of volatile organic compounds in India by 2030: Study
What is the news? According to a study, India can slash emissions of volatile organic molecules (VOC) by 76% in the next eight years by swapping all two- and three-wheelers with electric vehicles and all diesel-fuelled ones with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)? Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC) are organic chemical compounds… Continue reading Electric vehicles can lower emissions of volatile organic compounds in India by 2030: Study
