environment

China and Glacial Water Shipments: Recent Developments and Considerations

Context: China has sent 1,500 tonnes of water from Tibetan glaciers to the Maldives. This is the second such shipment within two months. Case Study: Water Diplomacy Between China and Maldives Background The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian...

International Day for Biological Diversity 2024

The International Day for Biological Diversity, observed annually on May 22, is a significant global event sanctioned by the United Nations. This day aims to enhance understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity for human well-being...

Evolution of India’s Climate Policy, Key Determinants, Vision

Context: India faced the dual challenges of sustaining rapid economic growth while addressing the global threat of climate change. Evolution of India’s Climate Policy Over-exploitation by the Developed World: Climate change has reached a crisis stage due to the excessive,...

Carbon Farming in India, Challenges, Global Initiatives

Context: Carbon farming offers climate solutions and economic benefits but faces challenges, especially in developing countries like India, where tailored strategies are needed for widespread adoption. Carbon Farming Carbon farming involves regenerative agricultural practices that aim to improve ecosystem health,...

Biomedical Waste Management, Types, Category, Challenges

Biomedical waste management refers to the proper handling, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste generated during healthcare activities. This type of waste, also known as medical waste or healthcare waste, poses potential hazards to human health and the environment...

National Clean Air Programme, Key Features and Significane

Context: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched by the Indian government aimed to reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the air by 20-30% reduction by 2024 from 2017 levels, but this target was later revised to 40%...

Dubai Flood, Factors and Climate Change Implications

The recent heavy rainfall event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in Dubai, marked a significant departure from the region's typical arid climate. On April 15, 2024, a severe thunderstorm brought unprecedented levels of rainfall, causing widespread disruption and...

Aviation Emissions, Metrics, Historical Changes

Context: Despite being highly carbon-intensive, aviation contributes to only 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Drivers of Change in Aviation Emissions The "Kaya identity" framework, which considers population, income, energy efficiency, and carbon intensity, is used to understand aviation emissions. Factors...

Microplastics, Types, Efforts to Combat Microplastics

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water. What is a Hydrogel? Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks that can retain a large amount of water while maintaining structure...

Right Against Adverse Effects Of Climate Change

Context: The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the “right against the adverse effects of climate change”. In a landmark judgement passed on April 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of India recognized the...