General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - December 2018

Dec 2018

Jun 19, 2021

India and US Launch a Hydrogen Task Force in Clean Energy Push

The United States Department of Energy (DOE), India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) have jointly launched a US-India Hydrogen Task Force. This is under the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP).
India and US had decided to revamp their strategic partnership to focus on clean energy sectors such as biofuels and hydrogen after the Joe Biden administration took charge. In March this year, the two countries said they will intensify efforts to take advantage of advanced U.S. technologies and India's rapidly growing energy market.

Jun 18, 2021

Google Maps Detects Mysterious Underwater Island

In a fascinating development, Google Maps detected a possible bean-shaped 'underwater island' in the Arabian Sea near Kerala's Kochi, which has become a subject of curiosity among experts.
The satellite image showing the mysterious island was first noticed out by the Chellanam Karshika Tourism Development Society. The president advocate KX Julappan posted a screenshot of Google Maps showing the island-like structure on Facebook.

ACME Joins Hand with UNSOPS & IFU for Solar Project

Gurgaon based solar power project developer ACME signed a shareholders' agreement with UNOPS S3i and IFU for developing a 250-megawatt (Mw) solar power plant located in the Rajasthan state of India.
The total value of the project is close to US$ 200 million, of which about a quarter would be financed through equity contributions by the three co-investors.
The 250 MW project was won by ACME in 2019 at a tariff of Rs. 2.48 per unit.
S3i is a fund by UNOPS or United Nations Office for Project Services for investing in projects in affordable housing, renewable energy, and health, and innovation.
IFU is a Danish investment fund for developing countries. IFU provides risk capital to companies operating in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans, and guarantees.

Jun 17, 2021

Egyptian Vulture Seen in UK for First Time in 150 Years

An Egyptian vulture has been seen in the UK for the first time in what is believed to be more than 150 years.
Described as a "once-in-a-century" sighting, it is thought it may have come to the Isles of Scilly from Northern France.
If the incredibly rare sighting is confirmed to be a wild bird, it would be the first since 1868, say experts.
There have been two official sightings recorded in the UK - one in Somerset in 1825 and another in Essex in 1868.

Govt. Okays Proposal to Roll out Project to Explore Deep Ocean for Resources

The Centre approved a proposal to roll out a "deep ocean mission" to explore the deep ocean for resources and develop deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will support the blue economy and take India into a new era.
The proposal for launching the "deep sea mission" came from the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Under the mission, a mineral study will be conducted 6,000 metres deep in the ocean. The mission will also study the changes, if any, noticed due to climate change.
A study will also be conducted on more deep sea biodiversity.
An advanced marine station will be set up for ocean biology under the mission. There will also be an offshore thermal energy centre, which will help new emerging sectors.
After the US, Russia, France, Japan and China, India will be the sixth country to have this kind of technology.

Jun 16, 2021

Sustainable Development Report 2021

Sustainable Development Report was prepared and released by experts from UN Sustainable Development Solution Network (SDSN). The index compares how countries implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This year, Finland was ranked highest in the index.
A Nordic country has ranked at the top of SDG Index for the first time.
Finland has topped even when COVID-19 has slowed down sustainable development process across the world.
As per Government, Finland has topped the index based on its achievements with respect to the goals related to poverty reduction, health, education, energy, water, peace, reduction of inequality and rule of law.

Jun 14, 2021

Maharashtra Govt. Clears Action Plan to Protect Heritage Trees

The Maharashtra Cabinet passed an action plan to protect and preserve trees older than 50 years in urban areas by terming them heritage trees.
The plan includes the concept of heritage tree and plan of action for conservation; method to define age of the tree; compensatory plantation; rules to be followed before hacking trees; formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority; structure of the local tree authority and their duties; tree census; fixing land of tree plantation; transplantation of trees; and tree cess and fine to be charged.
The State will also bring about amendments in the Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act. As per the plan, trees older than 50 will be termed heritage trees. The Environment and Climate Change Department will issue guidelines in consultation with the State Forest Department based on the existing methods.

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