General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - July 2022

Jul 2022

May 09, 2024

India Surpasses Japan as 3rd Largest Solar Power Generator in 2023

India's remarkable surge in solar energy deployment propelled it past Japan, securing its position as the world's third-largest solar power generator in 2023. Solar energy continued its unprecedented growth streak, outpacing coal in global electricity generation for the 19th consecutive year.
In 2015, India ranked ninth in solar energy deployment, but by 2023, it produced 5.8% of its electricity from solar, up from 0.5% in 2015. This significant increase underscores India's commitment to clean energy and its pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
Ember's report highlights that solar energy witnessed a remarkable increase globally, with 2023's solar generation exceeding six times that of 2015. The top four solar growth countries, including India, accounted for 75% of this growth, emphasizing the widespread adoption of solar power worldwide.

Scientists Unveil World's Deepest Blue Hole in Mexico

Researchers revealed the Taam Ja' Blue Hole in Mexico's Chetumal Bay as the deepest known blue hole on Earth, descending to a staggering depth of 1,380 feet. Surpassing the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, by 480 feet, this abyss presents a tantalizing opportunity for scientific exploration and the potential discovery of new marine life.
Initial depth readings of the Taam Ja' Blue Hole, taken in 2021, left much to conjecture, reaching only 900 feet with echo-sounders. However, a recent dive equipped with advanced technology, including a state-of-the-art CTD profiler, provided deeper insights into its dimensions. Despite their best efforts, researchers were unable to reach the bottom, encountering possible obstacles like underwater ledges or strong currents at 1,380 feet. This enigmatic depth raises questions about the structure and potential interconnectedness of underground cave systems within the blue hole.

May 03, 2024

Oldest Evidence of Earth's Magnetic Field Found in Rocks

Geologists from MIT and Oxford University discovered the oldest evidence of Earth's magnetic field in 3.7 billion-year-old rocks from Greenland's Isua Supracrustal Belt. This finding suggests Earth's conditions may have been habitable earlier than thought, with a stable magnetic shield playing a crucial role. The magnetic field protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays, sustains the atmosphere, and allows liquid water essential for life. By analyzing the magnetic properties and orientation of iron-oxide minerals, researchers determined the ancient field's strength, extending the known existence of Earth's magnetic field by 200 million years.

India to Host Delegation from Kenya, Discuss Cheetah Sourcing

India is likely to host a delegation of Kenyan officials later this month to explore the possibility of sourcing cheetahs from the east African country for the next phase of Project Cheetah.
The Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was chosen as the second site for reintroduction of cheetahs last year (2023).
The authorities will host the Kenyan delegation to primarily discuss their willingness to translocate cheetahs to India, the terms of such a translocation, including the number of cheetahs they are willing to part with. As part of Project Cheetah, India plans to introduce eight to 14 cheetahs annually for five years, subject to availability.

May 01, 2024

Kathmandu Tops List for 'Unhealthy Air' Worldwide: Urgent Mask-Wearing Advisory Issued

In Nepal, the Ministry of Health and Population has urged people to wear masks given the increase in air pollution in Kathmandu valley. The air quality in Kathmandu was at the top of the list of cities with 'unhealthy air' in the world. According to IQAir, an organisation that measures the real-time pollution of 101 cities in the world, Kathmandu was found to be the most polluted city in the world.
In terms of pollution, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand and Dhaka in Bangladesh are ranked first, second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. People are advised not to come out of their homes unnecessarily, not to travel and to stay away from highly polluted areas.

Meteorite Impact Formed Luna Crater in Gujarat

A recent geochemical analysis has confirmed that the Luna crater, located in the Banni Plains grassland of Gujarat, India, was formed by a meteorite impact approximately 6,900 years ago. The crater, named after its proximity to the village of Luna, measures 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) in width and has an outer rim that rises about 6 meters (20 feet) above the crater floor.
Scientists in India had suspected the crater's extraterrestrial origin but lacked confirmation until February 2024
The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured a detailed image of the crater on February 24, 2024
Geochemical analysis revealed characteristic signatures of a meteorite impact, including rare minerals formed under extreme temperatures and pressures, as well as high concentrations of iridium.

Apr 26, 2024

Fourth Session on Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution is being held in Ottawa, Canada from April 23 to 29. The objective of this penultimate round of negotiations is to refine the text of the draft agreement, aiming to finalise the treaty at the fifth session (INC-5) in November 2024.
In March 2022, the UN Environment Assembly adopted a historic resolution to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution
The treaty aims to address the full life cycle of plastic, including production, design and disposal
INC began its work in late 2022 with the ambition to complete negotiations by end of 2024
Previous sessions were held in Uruguay (INC-1), France (INC-2), and Kenya (INC-3).

Karnataka and Gujarat Lead India's Clean Energy Transition

A report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember evaluated the progress of India's clean electricity transition at the state level. While Karnataka and Gujarat maintained strong performances, states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh lag behind, necessitating increased efforts for renewable energy integration and decarbonisation.

Apr 25, 2024

Karnataka and Gujarat Lead India's Clean Energy Transition: Report

The report assesses India's clean energy transition, highlighting Karnataka and Gujarat's leading roles and the need for improvement in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
A recent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember evaluates the progress of India's clean electricity transition at the state level. While Karnataka and Gujarat maintain strong performances, states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh lag behind, necessitating increased efforts for renewable energy integration and decarbonization.
Karnataka and Gujarat continue to excel in integrating renewable energy sources and decarbonizing their power sectors.
Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh need to enhance renewable energy deployment and strengthen distribution companies.
Cyclical weather patterns and economic growth drive increasing peak electricity demand in India.
States must be prepared to transition to clean energy sources to meet rising demand.
While national progress towards clean energy transition is positive, disparities exist at the state level.
Some states demonstrate readiness for transition but lack progress in decarbonization.

Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference: Bhutan's Earth Day Initiative

On Earth Day 2024, Bhutan is spearheading the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference. With a goal of mobilising $1 billion over a decade, the conference aims to preserve tiger habitats critical for biodiversity and supporting millions of people.
Under the patronage of Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, the conference, co-organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Tiger Conservation Coalition, will spotlight sustainable finance, UN's Global Biodiversity Framework, and public-private partnerships vital for tiger conservation.
Formed ahead of the 2022 Year of the Tiger, the coalition, comprising leading organisations like IUCN, WWF, and UNDP, supports tiger range countries in ambitious conservation efforts, ensuring impact for both nature and communities.

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