What is the news? Recently, researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed a new class of super-hydrophobic cotton composite with Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) that promise marine oil-spill clean-up in near future. What are the features of the new cotton material developed? First, this is a novel, highly porous and water-repellent super-hydrophobic cotton composite material containing… Continue reading Researchers develop super-hydrophobic cotton for oil-spill cleanup
Tag: environmental pollution
How effective is CPCB in its management of e-waste?
Synopsis: In this article, we will discuss the e-waste generation in India, roles and responsibility of CPCB and actions needed by CPCB to manage it. Introduction Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing stream of waste globally. As per the recent report of the United Nations, the world produced around 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019,… Continue reading How effective is CPCB in its management of e-waste?
Biden unveils plan to cut methane emissions
What is the News? The US President has announced the Global Methane Pledge at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate(MEF). What is the Global Methane Pledge? Global Methane Pledge is a joint US-European Union(EU) pledge to cut global methane emissions by nearly 30% in the next decade. The pledge will be formalized at… Continue reading Biden unveils plan to cut methane emissions
A new method developed to convert poultry feather & wool waste to animal feed & fertilizer
What is the News? Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have developed an innovative way to convert keratin waste into fertiliser and animal feeds. What is Keratin Waste? Keratin waste is generated from human hair, poultry feather waste and wool. India generates a huge amount of keratin waste each year. These wastes… Continue reading A new method developed to convert poultry feather & wool waste to animal feed & fertilizer
Explained: What are the tarballs that have resurfaced on Mumbai’s beaches?
What is the News? Recently, black oil-emanating balls also called Tarballs were seen lying on the shore of Mumbai Beach. What are Tarballs? Tarballs are dark-coloured, sticky balls of oil that form when crude oil floats on the ocean surface. They are transported from the open sea to the shores by sea currents and waves.… Continue reading Explained: What are the tarballs that have resurfaced on Mumbai’s beaches?
NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India Launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
What is the News? NITI Aayog along with Rocky Mountain Institute(RMI), an independent non profit organization has launched Shoonya Initiative. About Shoonya Initiative Shoonya is an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and the industry. Aim: To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the urban deliveries segment and create… Continue reading NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India Launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
Not just groundwater, fluoride has poisoned agricultural soil, crops in Bengal
What is the news? A new study has pointed out that crops and vegetables that use fluoride-contaminated groundwater have been contributing to an increase in consumption of fluoride among locals in Bengal. The study investigated the magnitude of fluoride contamination in agricultural land soil and food crops in two districts of Western Bihar, as well… Continue reading Not just groundwater, fluoride has poisoned agricultural soil, crops in Bengal
Centre should direct States to use bio-decomposer: CM
What is the News? Delhi Chief Minister has said that a third-party audit conducted by WAPCOS — a PSU under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry — has found the Pusa bio-decomposer, a microbial solution to turn crop stubble into manure is “highly effective”. Note: In 2020, the Delhi government had given Pusa bio-decompose for free… Continue reading Centre should direct States to use bio-decomposer: CM
Cleaning the Yamuna a story of missed deadlines
Synopsis: The Yamuna, as it passes through Delhi, becomes extremely polluted. Immediate steps are needed to check this sorry state of the river. News: Recently, the draft NCR Regional Plan-2041 was prepared by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). It has fixed 2026 as the new deadline to ensure ‘zero discharge of untreated sewage… Continue reading Cleaning the Yamuna a story of missed deadlines
PRANA portal for air pollution launched
What is the News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched ‘PRANA’ (prana.cpcb.gov.in) Portal. About PRANA Portal: Developed by: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with Knowledge Lens (a B2B product company) Full Form: PRANA stands for Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities. Purpose: It is a portal for… Continue reading PRANA portal for air pollution launched
