General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - August 2019

Aug 2019

Sep 23, 2024

India Signs US-led IPEF bloc's Clean, Fair Economy Agreements

India signed the US-led 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) bloc's agreements on a clean and fair economy. The agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US are aimed at facilitating development, access, and deployment of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies. They also aim to strengthen anti-corruption measures and promote tax transparency within member countries.
The Commerce and Industry Ministry said that the agreement on clean economy intends to accelerate efforts of IPEF partners towards energy security, GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions mitigation, developing innovative ways of reducing dependence on fossil fuel energy and promoting technical cooperation.
The agreement on a fair economy intends to create a more transparent and predictable business environment, which can spur greater trade and investment in the markets of member countries.

Sep 22, 2024

Zimbabwe to Cull 200 Elephants amid Drought

In response to a severe drought, Zimbabwe decided to kill (cull) 200 elephants to help tackle food shortages. This tough decision came because the country's elephant population is too large for the environment to support, and there is an urgent need to provide food for people.
Zimbabwe has over 84,000 elephants, but the land can only comfortably support around 45,000. This means there are far too many elephants, leading to problems for both wildlife and people. Too many elephants use up resources like food and water, making it hard for both animals and humans to survive. As a result, elephants often wander outside their protected areas, causing more conflict with humans.
The decision to cull elephants has sparked criticism from wildlife advocates and conservationists. They argue that killing elephants is harmful to wildlife and could create more problems, like an increase in hunting for bushmeat. However, others believe that this step is necessary to protect both people and the environment.

Sep 21, 2024

India formally Joins International Big Cat Alliance

India formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which it launched in 2023. After an approval from the Union Cabinet, India signed and ratified the framework.
Four nations, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia, have become the IBCA members now. In April 2023, PM Narendra Modi had launched the IBCA with an aim to secure the future of big cats and their landscapes.
Among the seven big cats, five — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah — are found in India, excluding puma and jaguar.

Sep 13, 2024

New Species of Genus Curcuma Discovered in Nagaland

Researchers discovered a new variety of the turmeric, thanks to a serendipitous discovery during a field trip in Nagaland.
Belonging to the genus Curcuma (the ginger family Zingiberaceae), the plant, which stands 65-90-cm high with prominent yellow flowers at full growth, has been given the name Curcuma ungmensis after Ungma, the village in Mokokchung district where it was found.
This family plant has 21 types and 200 taxa in India presently.
Curcuma is one of the most famous and the largest plant of this type of this plant family in India. The best known being turmeric (Curcuma longa), black turmeric (Curcumacaesia) and mango ginger (Curcuma amada).

Sep 12, 2024

Researchers Discover Endangered Myristica Swamp Forest in Maharashtra

Researchers near the Goa-Maharashtra border discovered a sacred Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra. This finding highlights the importance of local communities in preserving rare ecosystems. Sacred groves like this are often protected due to cultural beliefs, in this case, tied to the reverence of Lord Shiva, locally known as Bhalandeshwar.
Myristica magnifica is an endangered plant species mainly found in Karnataka and Kerala. It plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife, including the threatened hornbill birds. This tree is part of the nutmeg family and can grow up to 50 meters tall. Though its seeds resemble nutmeg, they are not as commercially valuable. Its wood is used locally, and the tree's essential oil has potential in aromatherapy.
This discovery makes Kumbral the second village in Maharashtra, after Hewale-Bambarde in Sindhudurg, to have a Myristica swamp forest.

Nepal Became 101st Member of ISA

Nepal became the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi.
The ISA is a global intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advancing solar power adoption for a carbon-neutral future.
The ISA is a collaborative initiative between India and France aimed at uniting efforts to combat climate change by implementing solar energy solutions. It was conceptualised on the side lines of COP21 in Paris in 2015.
Following a 2020 amendment to its Framework Agreement, all UN member states are now eligible to join the Alliance.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26