General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - December 2018

Dec 2018

Jul 03, 2023

Zoological Survey of India celebrates 108th ZSI Day with Special Focus on 'Mission Life'

Union Minister for Environment & Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav said we must all do everything to protect Nature and the Gifts it bestows upon us. The Minister inaugurated a three-day celebration programme of the 108th Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Day with Special Focus on 'Mission Life' in Kolkota .
Addressing the gathering Mr. Yadav congratulated ZSI for completing 108 glorious years dedicated to the service of our faunal diversity. The Minister categorically pointed out that we must protect the Indian faunal diversity to protect ourselves as climate change has busted the myth that humans are superior to nature.
The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that ZSI should focus on the research and conservation of important wetlands of Gangetic plains of India as 'Sarovar Mitra', by initiating a programme for citizen scientists for better data dissemination and conservation awareness.

Jun 29, 2023

India's First Hydrogen-powered Train to Run from Jind district, Haryana

In a significant step towards embracing sustainable transportation, India is poised to launch its first-ever hydrogen-powered train. Hydrogen trains, which rely on fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, offer a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel trains. This groundbreaking initiative marks a promising stride in India's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution.
The first hydrogen fuel-powered train in India is scheduled to operate along the Jind-Sonipat route. This strategic choice for the inaugural route highlights the commitment of Indian authorities to transform regional transport networks with sustainable alternatives. By launching the hydrogen train in this corridor, India aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen technology in a real-world setting.
Hydrogen trains offer numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional diesel locomotives. Unlike their counterparts, hydrogen trains do not emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, or particulate matter. By eliminating these hazardous emissions, hydrogen trains play a crucial role in curbing air pollution, mitigating climate change, and enhancing the overall quality of the environment.

Jun 26, 2023

Antarctic 'Landfast' Ice Likely to Reduce by End of Century

Antarctica's 'landfast' ice, the stationary sea ice forming around and remaining attached to the coastline or among grounded icebergs, is likely to reduce by the end of this century, in its season length, thickness and extent, according to a new review.
A critical breeding habitat for emperor penguins and essential for their survival, landfast ice provides a key substrate for early-season primary production fuelling coastal marine food cycles.

Blue Pansy Declared As Official Butterfly of J&K

The rich biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir received a significant boost with the official declaration of the Blue Pansy (Junonia Orithya) as the region's official butterfly. The announcement, made by Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government for the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, marked a crucial step towards preserving and protecting the natural heritage of this picturesque region.
The Blue Pansy, known for its vibrant blue hues, is found in various parts of Southeast Asian countries, Australia, and Africa. With its territorial nature and stunning appearance, this butterfly captivates both enthusiasts and experts. The species is further distinguished by its remarkable adaptability, resulting in 26 local subspecies across its range.
This official recognition not only signifies the unique charm of the Blue Pansy but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of species and the delicate balance of the environment. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to conserve and protect the region's natural heritage for future generations.

Jun 21, 2023

Himalayan Glaciers on Track to Lose up to 75% of Ice by 2100

Glaciers in Asia's Hindu Kush Himalaya could lose up to 75% of their volume by century's end due to global warming, causing both dangerous flooding and water shortages for the 240 million people who live in the mountainous region, according to a new report.
A team of international scientists found that ice loss in the region, home to the famous peaks of Everest and K2, is speeding up. During the 2010s, the glaciers shed ice as much as 65% faster than they had in the preceding decade, according to the assessment by the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), an intergovernmental scientific authority on the region.

Jun 20, 2023

UN Adopts Historic High Seas Treaty

The United Nations adopted the world's first international treaty to protect the high seas. The adoption of the treaty represented the formation of a landmark accord designed to protect remote ecosystems that are vital to humanity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty as a historic achievement.
The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.
The treaty was a result of more than 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations. The UN member states agreed to text for the treaty in March.
The treaty will establish a legal framework to extend environmental protection to international waters, which form more than 60 per cent of the world's oceans.
The United Nations High Seas Treaty is a legally binding instrument the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It is an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty or the BBNJ treaty.

Europe Becomes Fastest Warming Continent in World

A climate report claimed that Europe needs to brace itself for more deadly heat waves which are led by climate change, emphasising that it emerged as the fastest-warming continent of the world, with its temperature rising by 2.3 degree Celsius 2022 compared to that in pre-industrial times.
As per the report, prepared by the World Meteorological Organisation and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, released in 2023, the increasing temperature will lead to record sea-surface temperatures, unprecedented glacier melt and crop-withering drought.
Since the 1980s, Europe has been warming twice the global average and witnessed its warmest summer on record in 2022 as countries like France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom faced their warmest year on record.

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