In News According to a new ISRO atlas, around 29.7 per cent of India’s land is degraded. Key Findings of Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India: Land Degradation: Some 97.85 million hectares (MHA) of India’s total geographical area (TGA) of 328.72 MHA underwent land degradation during 2018-19. Land degradation within dryland regions (arid, semi-arid […]
In News Recently, the Cabinet approved Ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for phase down of Hydrofluorocarbons. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer It is an international environmental treaty for protection of the Ozone Layer by phasing out the production and consumption […]
In News Four more Indian sites have been recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention taking the number of such sites in the country to 46. New Ramsar Sites Wadhwana Wetland (Gujarat) It is located in a semi-arid agricultural landscape and it is surrounded by wheat and paddy fields and villages. The […]
In News Recently, the Centre notified ban on the use of ‘single-use plastic items from July by 2022 Key Points of notification Prohibited commodities: The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the 1st July 2022 and other […]
In News Recently, Scientists confirmed that stimulating bacteria with nutrients in the cold seawaters of the Canadian Arctic can help decompose diesel and other petroleum oil after oil spills Key Points of study The scientists recreated the oceanic atmosphere with sediments from the sea bed, artificial seawater in bottles kept at 4 degrees Celsius. They […]
Context A recent study has found Microplastics in samples of tap water supplied to Goa households. The study was carried out by CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography and Delhi-based research and advocacy organisation Toxics Link. Major Findings Microplastics were detected in all tap water samples as well as water samples collected from different Water Treatment Plants […]
In News A Investor Summit will be organized to invite investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure. About the Summit The summit involves the participation from potential investors, industry experts, and concerned central and state government ministries. The Summit is being organized to invite investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure under the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet […]
In News The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the report, ‘Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis’. About It is the first part of IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). It sets the stage for the Conference of Parties (CoP) 26 conference in November 2021. The report mentioned that Indian subcontinent may see an […]
In News Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021 was passed by both Houses amid ongoing protests. Need for Bill Lack of a Permanent Mechanism: There was a lack of a permanent, dedicated and participative mechanism to adopt a collaborative and participatory approach that involves […]
In News Experts said the Delhi government has to speed up implementation of alternatives to stubble burning. About The centre, facing criticism from farmers protesting against the farm laws, had committed to removing a clause in the Air Commission Bill, 2021 that would penalise farmers for burning stubble, an important contributor to noxious air quality. […]