General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - June 2023

Jun 2023

Jan 21, 2025

Donald Trump Signs Executive Order to Pull US out of Paris agreement

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the ambitious Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a fulfilment of a campaign promise.
Notably Trump had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement immediately after his first inauguration in January 2017. Joe Biden reversed that decision later.
According to the Trump team, the Paris Agreement places unfair economic burdens on American workers, businesses, and taxpayers. It hampers the economic and national security of the United States while allowing the world's leading polluters such as China to continue to pollute.

Jan 16, 2025

India's Hydrogen Train Engine Sets a Power Benchmark

India's Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently shared a remarkable achievement in the field of green energy technology during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Indian Railways has developed the world's most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, setting a new benchmark in global railway innovation. The engine, built with indigenous technology, reflects India's growing capabilities in green energy and sustainable development.
The engine generates 1,200 horsepower, surpassing the 500-600 horsepower engines developed by other countries.

Clouded Leopard Conservation Efforts in Asia

The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is an elusive predator found in Asia's ancient forests. Its striking coat patterns have made it a subject of fascination. However, its population is declining rapidly due to habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as 'vulnerable'. Recent studies highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address these threats and ensure the species' survival.
Current Status of Clouded Leopard Populations
The clouded leopard's range includes the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, extending to South China and Peninsular Malaysia. Populations in Taiwan are extinct, while those in Vietnam and China are critically low. The IUCN classifies the species' range into four statuses – extant, possibly extant, possibly extinct, and extinct. The extant range currently includes Bhutan, northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Jan 15, 2025

ZSI Discovers New Pangolin Species in Arunachal Pradesh

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of pangolin in Arunachal Pradesh, named the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica). This species is genetically distinct from the Chinese and Indian pangolins found in India.
It is found at altitudes ranging from 180 to 1830 meters above sea level and has dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, typical of other Asian pangolins.
This discovery highlights the pressing need for pangolin conservation, as they are among the most trafficked mammals worldwide.

Jan 14, 2025

Srinagar Meteorology Centre Completes more than 100 Years of its Existence, Designated as Centeni...

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh designated Srinagar Meteorology Centre as Centennial Centre on completion of more than 100 years of existence.
Addressing a landmark event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), he announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu. This significant move is set to bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, further enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.

Jan 08, 2025

Centre Launches India's First Organic Fisheries Cluster

Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the country's first-ever organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim. This initiative aims to revolutionise the aquaculture industry by promoting ecologically sustainable and chemical-free fish farming practices. The cluster will focus on providing organic, antibiotic-free, and pesticide-free fish, catering to eco-conscious markets globally. This development aligns with Sikkim's reputation for sustainable agricultural practices, as the state has already embraced organic farming.
The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to boost farmers' incomes and promote sustainability in aquaculture.

India's First Coastal and Wader Bird Census in Jamnagar, Gujarat

From January 3 to 5, 2025, Gujarat's Jamnagar district hosted India's inaugural census of coastal and wader birds. This significant event aimed to enhance understanding of bird populations and their habitats along the state's coastline.
The census was conducted at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar, India's first designated marine national park. Spanning approximately 170 km of coastline from Okha to Navlakhi, the park encompasses 42 islands and is situated in the Gulf of Kutch. This region is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems.
Jamnagar is home to over 300 bird species, including rare wader birds like the Crab Plover and the Great Knot. The Marine National Park lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a critical migratory route for birds extending from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean. This flyway serves as essential breeding and wintering grounds, contributing to global bird diversity.
The Gujarat government's initiative to conduct this census reflects a commitment to bird conservation. By gathering data on bird populations, habitats, and migration patterns, the census aims to inform effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable preservation of avian biodiversity in the region.

Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura

The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) has recently been discovered in Tripura, marking a significant milestone in the state's biodiversity documentation. This rare species was spotted for the first time in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, an area rich in flora and fauna.
The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing ecological research and wildlife protection in the region. The Banded Royal butterfly, known for its unique appearance, is now officially documented in the peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.

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