Tag: Environment and Ecology
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Breaking Free from China’s Shackles on Critical Minerals
Critical Minerals. Imagine your phone, a solar panel, or even an electric car. What do they all have in common? They rely on something called critical minerals. These minerals are special materials such as lithium, cobalt, and silicon, that are used to build technologies that power our world. They are vital for everything from smartphones…
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COP29 Divisive Climate Conference India at COP29
Five Key Takeaways from a Divisive Climate Conference. Introduction: India’s Call for Fair Climate Finance India’s role in climate finance and global climate action is pivotal, balancing rapid economic growth with sustainability. Despite contributing only 6% of global emissions in 2021 and accounting for just 3% of cumulative historical emissions, India faces significant climate vulnerability…
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India’s Carbon Pricing Strategy: Balancing Growth and Sustainability.
India’s Carbon Pricing Strategy: This essay looks at the article “We must Take a Pragmatic Approach to Carbon Pricing” by Prachi Priya & R.V. Anuradha, published in The Mint on October 17, 2024. It explains India’s plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while still focusing on growing its economy. India’s approach shows that the country…
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Gandhi’s Relevance in the 21st Century: A Pathway to Achieving the SDGs
This essay is based on an article by Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, titled “Gandhi Embodied Principles of UN Charter Well Before They were Framed,” published in The Indian Express on October 2, 2024, for Gandhi Jayanti. It looks at how Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence, sustainability, and justice can help solve…
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Tackling Stubble Burning: Role of the Supreme Court of India and Sustainable Solutions
A front-page article in The Hindu (September 25, 2024), titled “‘We Want Answers’: Apex Court Seeks Report on Stubble Burning from Panel on Air Quality,” reports that the Supreme Court requested a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on stubble burning, following concerns from senior advocate Anitha Shenoy. In November 2023, the…
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Global Soil Partnership(GSP)
Context: GSP’s 12th Plenary Assembly commenced with the goal of improving and maintaining health of 50% of world’s soils by 2030, focusing on 3Rs: reduce, re-use, and renew. Global Soil Partnership Founded in 2012, the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) is a globally recognized mechanism that works towards global soil health and sustainability. Its mission is…
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Natural Intelligence for Sustainable Living
Introduction Natural intelligence is the unique ability of living organisms to learn from their surroundings, adapt to new challenges, and solve problems in order to survive and thrive. Unlike artificial intelligence, which is programmed by humans, natural intelligence is developed through millions of years of evolution and is evident in the behaviours and interactions…
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Species in News: Albatrosses
Context: Conservationists announced plans to bomb a remote South African island with pesticide pellets to eradicate mice that are attacking albatrosses and other seabirds. More on News: Conservationists reported that mice on Marion Island, located about 2,000 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, are eating the eggs and even live birds of important seabird species.…
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Ramsar Sites
Context: The Union Environment Minister announced the addition of three new Ramsar sites in India, bringing the total number to 85. More on News: The newly designated sites include: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary: In Tamil Nadu, it is situated on the banks of the Noyyal River. The wetland is home to species like the Eurasian…
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Extremophile
Context: Scientists have discovered bacteria living inside microwave ovens. About Bacteria: Definition: Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in their millions, in every environment, both inside and outside other organisms. They are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one biological cell. Bacteria constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Cell Structure: Bacteria…
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Government Approves BioE3 Policy and Vigyan Dhara Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘BioE3’ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy and the Vigyan Dhara scheme. More on News: These initiatives foster high-performance biomanufacturing and innovation-driven support for R&D and entrepreneurship across various thematic sectors. The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes from the Department of Science…
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Species in News: Chital
Context: A recent paper suggests that the distribution Chital within the 5,000 square kilometres of the Chennai Metropolitan Area should be mapped. It recommends identifying the different sub-populations and key corridors to effectively manage the species’ population. About Chital Common Names: Chital or cheetal (Axis axis), Asiatic deer; also known as spotted deer, chital deer,…
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FSSAI Action on Microplastic Contamination in Food
Context: According to a PTI report, all Indian salt and sugar brands, both packaged and unpackaged, contain microplastics. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a project to address the issue of microplastic contamination in food. About the Project: FSSAI has launched the project “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging…
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Alien Species and Antarctica’s Ecosystem
Context: Researchers have warned that objects drifting ashore in Antarctica could bring non-native plant and animal species. If these species manage to survive the cold, they could disrupt the native ecosystems. More on News: The Antarctic Peninsula is the region most at risk of non-native species introductions, which can occur through natural oceanic dispersal,…
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Transition from Dirty Fuels to Clean Energy: Challenges and Unexpected Diversions
About India’s Energy Landscape: Heavy investments in clean energy do not eliminate reliance on older fuels immediately. India is the fastest-growing large economy, but far from being a high-income country. The country’s energy needs are growing rapidly. India is expanding its solar and wind capacities and developing a clean energy storage ecosystem. Despite this, demand…
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Antarctic Worms: Thriving in the Cold with Bacterial Help
Context: The study, published in Science Advances, highlights the vital role of microbe-host interactions in marine ecosystems, and provides important insights into how microorganisms help maintain the survival of marine organisms. More on News: Researchers sampled coastal areas in Antarctica’s Ross Sea, identifying common marine worm species. Analysis revealed bacteria within these worms not…
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Translocation of Deer to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: As lions make Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) their second home, the Forest Department in Gujarat started translocating spotted deer and Sambar from Gir to BWS, using Boma Technique. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS): It is located hardly 15 km from the coast of Porbandar town of Porbandar district. The hilly forest of Barda stands…
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Underground Coal Gasification
Context: The Ministry of Coal has launched India’s first pilot project for underground coal gasification in Jharkhand. More on News: It will be located at Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand, selected for its suitability to Indian geo-mining conditions. It aims to transform the coal industry by converting coal into valuable gases like…
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67th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council
Context: The 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) concluded with a significant approval of $736.4 million in funding for nature protection and renewal projects. Including support for the Great Green Wall and investment in large-scale initiatives for sustainable cities, cleaner industries, improved ocean and land health, and greater climate change resilience. Funding…
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Indiconema: A New Diatom Genus Discovered in India’s Ghats
Context: Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have made an exciting discovery in the pristine waters of the Eastern and Western Ghats. More on News The journal Phycologia reported one species of Indiconema in the Eastern Ghats and another in the…
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Species in News: lynxes, Bears, and Wolves
Context: The reintroduction of lynxes, bears, and wolves to Britain and Ireland is expected to be challenging, with both farmers and rewilding proponents acknowledging the complexity due to various political, economic, social, legal, and environmental factors. About Bear: Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae Genus: Ursus Species Count:…