Current Affairs search results for tag: Environment

1. India’s Renewable Energy Sector

Tags: Environment

India’s Renewable Energy Sector 

Why in news?

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released its latest data, highlighting substantial growth in India’s renewable energy sector from October 2023 to October 2024.
•  This progress underscores India’s commitment to achieving its clean energy targets in line with the ‘Panchamrit’ goals set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Important points:

• India's total renewable energy installed capacity increased by a staggering 24.2 GW (13.5%) in a year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024 from 178.98 GW in October 2023. 
• This significant rise aligns with India’s ambitious targets in the field of RE sector. Including nuclear energy, the total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to211.36 GW in 2024, compared to 186.46 GW in 2023.

Solar and Wind Power Surge:

Solar Power: 

• The solar sector saw a remarkable increase of 20.1 GW (27.9%), growing from 72.02 GW in October 2023 to 92.12 GW in October 2024. 
• The combined total solar capacity, including projects under implementation and tendered, now stands at 250.57 GW, a significant rise from 166.49 GW last year.

Wind Power:

• Wind energy also demonstrated steady growth, with installed capacity increasing by 7.8%, from 44.29 GW in October 2023 to 47.72 GW in 2024. 
• Total capacity in the pipeline for wind projects has now reached 72.35 GW.

Hydro and Nuclear Contributions:

• As of October 2024,large hydro projects contributed 46.93 GW to India’s renewable portfolio, while nuclear power capacity contributed 8.18 GW.

Significance:

• These contributions strengthen the diversity and resilience of India’s renewable energy mix, supporting the country’s comprehensive approach to green energy transition.
• This will help in achieving India's renewable energy target is to install 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. 

2. Scientists discover a new fire-resilient and dual-blooming species of Dicliptera

Tags: Environment

Scientists discover a new fire-resilient and  dual-blooming species of Dicliptera 

Why in news?

• A newfire resilient dual blooming speciesexperiences a burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires and has an inflorescence structure that is rare in Indian species has been discovered in the Western Ghats..
• A recent discovery by a team led byDr. Mandar Datar,including Talegaon-Dabhade based botanist Adittya Dharap and Ph.D. student Bhushan Shigwan, has added a new species to the genus Dicliptera, which they have named Dicliptera polymorpha. 

Features:

• Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive species, notable for itsfire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern.
•  In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires commonly set by locals in the region. 
• It is the only known Indian specieswith this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest allies being found in Africa.
• The species was named Dicliptera polymorpha to reflect its diverse morphological traits.
•  Despite these harsh conditions, the species has adapted to survive and bloom twice a year. The first flowering phase occurs from post-monsoon (early November) to March or April, while the second flowering phase in May and June is triggered by fires.
• During this second phase, the woody rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots, leading to a more abundant but shorter flowering period.

Importance:

• The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha holds important conservation implications. 
• The species' unique adaptation to fire and its limited habitat range in the Western Ghats highlight the need for careful management of grassland ecosystems. 
• Frequent human-induced fires, while part of the species' life cycle, must be balanced to prevent habitat degradation that could threaten its survival. 
• Protecting the grasslands from overuse and ensuring that fire management practices support biodiversity are crucial steps in conserving this newly discovered species.
• This discovery underscores the importance of preserving the Western Ghats' delicate ecosystems, which harbour many yet-to-be-discovered species with unique adaptations.
• The Western Ghats, one of India's four global biodiversity hotspots.

3. Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai

Tags: Environment

Crocodile Conservation Centre  at Anaikarai

Why in news?

• A Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district (Tamil Nadu)is to be established by the Forest Department to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.

Aims:

• The centre will be established at a cost of 2.5 crore based on a detailed proposal sent by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Chennai to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.
•  To create awareness among local communities on human safety and conservation of the reptiles.

Crocodile Conservation Project:

• The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park: 
• The project was launched in response to the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and indiscriminate killing for commercial purposes. 
• The project's success is attributed to the breeding and rearing centers established in 34 locations across India.
•  World Crocodile Day, also known as World Crocodile Day, is celebrated all over the world on 17 June every year. 
• The main objective of celebrating World Crocodile Day is a global campaign to raise public awareness about the endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world and highlight their plight.

Annual Reptile Census 2023:

• According to the Annual Reptile Census 2023, a slight increase in the number of saltwater crocodiles has been recorded in the areas around Bhitarkanika National Park in India.
• The three main species of crocodilians in India are the saltwater crocodile, the mugger, and the gharial. 
• The Kendrapara district of Odisha is theonly district in India where all three species are found.

4. India’s climate policies expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 4 billion tonnes by 2030

Tags: Environment

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Why in news?

• Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reported that India’s climate policies expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 4 billion tonnes by 2030.

About Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW):

• CEEW is a leading Policy research institute and think tank based in Delhi, India. .

Key points:

• According to the  report, in the power sector alone, policies promoting renewable energy are expected to drive a24-per cent decline in coal-based electricity generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.
• India’s current climate policies are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around four billion tonnes between 2020 and 2030, and drive a 24-per cent reduction in coal-based power generation, according to a new report.
• This is significant considering the fast-developing South Asian country, now the fifth-largest economy in the world, had committed to reducing emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 at COP26 in Glasgow.
• The study by Delhi-based independent think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) said policies for India’s power, residential and transport sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2)
• According to the report, in the power sector alone, policies promoting renewable energy are  between 2015 and 2030,expected to drive a 24-per cent decline in coal-based electricity generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.
• This is equivalent to avoiding 80 GW of coal-based power plants that would have otherwise been installed to meet India’s burgeoning power demand.

Current main source of electricity :

• At present, India generatesaround 71 per cent of its electricity using coal.
• Further, with strategic support and competitive tenders, the share of combined solar and wind power in India’s energy mix is projected torise to 26 per cent by 2030 and 43 percent by 2050, up from only around 3 per cent in 2015.

5. NITI Aayog will be launching ‘Jal Utsav'

Tags: Environment

JAL UTSAV-2024

Why in news?

• NITI Aayog will be launching a 15 day ‘Jal Utsav’ starting 6th November,2024 to create awareness and sensitivity towards water management, conservation and sustainability. 

Objectives of the JAL UTSAV:

• Jal Utsav is being implemented in 20 Aspirational Districts/Blocksbetween November 6-20, 2024 in partnership with National Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. 
• The Festival being launched across 20 states, envisages community participation in preservation and protection of water resources. 
•  The campaign follows the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who mooted the idea of ‘Jal Utsav’ on the lines of ‘Nadi Utsav’during the 3rd Chief Secretaries Conference held in December, 2023.
• It seeks to instill a sense of responsibility towards efficient water use among households and water management among utilities and agencies. 

Key features:

• In this initiative, school students are being enrolled in water management activities, empowering them to act as catalysts for change within their families and communities.
• The fortnight long festival will be launched with ‘Jal Bandhan’– the symbolic tying of sacred thread on water assets by eminent personalities and local leaders.and sustainable use. 

Through this pledge, communities are being encouraged to abide by the 5Rs: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recharge while using water.

• The subsequent days of the Jal Utsav fortnight will include cleaning of Jal Sampada assets; celebrating Jal Sanchay Diwas; encouraging teachers to lead through creating water management awareness through stories, experiments and visits to water bodies and also by training the students on water quality testing using field test kits (FTKs). 
• Students will be given exposure visits to water supply and treatment plants for greater awareness about water management; organizing Jal Utsav Run or marathon; planting of trees under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naamat Jal Sampada premises are also the activities planned for the fortnight.
•  People for skill development under Nal Jal Mitra initiative of Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will also be enrolled during the Jal Utsav. 
• Self-help Groups and ASHA workers are also being included in this festival for sensitization and capacity building.
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6. Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is set to achieve India's first Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Certification.

Tags: Environment

Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park

Why in news?

• Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is set to achieveIndia's first Indian Green Building Council  (IGBC) Certification.

About Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park:

• Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park is located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh,housing more than 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds.
• It will be the first zoo in Indiato receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). 
•  Indian Green Building  Council certification will recognize the zoo’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, setting a precedent for conservation efforts in the country.

About IGBC:

• IGBC is India's Premier certification body, headquartered in Hyderabad. IGBC is the founding member of the World Green Building Council discussing global issues at COP and similar global platforms. 
• IGBC was formed in 2001as part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

7. Markhor, the largest wild goat in the world,is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir

Tags: Environment

Markhor, the largest wild goat in the world

Why in news?

• Markhor, the largest wild goat in the world,is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir and measures must be taken to protect its habitat to increase its population.

What is Markhor?

• The markhor is a wild goat species indigenous to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
• It is found in the moist to semi-arid mountain tracts of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
• In J&K, Markhor’s population is found in Shopian, Banihal pass to Shamsbari area of the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch.

Important features of Markhor:

• It is known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns.
• It is considered to be an apt flagship species for catalysing conservation in these mountain tracks. 
• It is adapted to mountainous terrain, between 600 and 3,600 m elevation, with open woodlands, scrublands and light forests.
• It is a diurnal animal and is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon. 

Conservation status

• IUCN : ‘Near Threatened’
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 : Schedule I
• CITES:Appendix I 

Threats: Its population has been affected mostly by unabated human intervention and biotic factors.

8. India launched the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at COP 16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in Colombia.

Tags: Environment

COP 16 on Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Why in news?

• India launched the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at COP 16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in Colombia.

Important point:

• Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, released India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), at the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
•  The document was released during a special event called ‘Roadmap for achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets and release of India’s updated NBSAP’, on 30th October 2024, in Cali, Colombia.
• India adopted ‘Whole-of-Government’ and ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach in updating its NBSAP, outlining strategies to address environmental challenges through ecosystem restoration, species recovery program, and community-driven conservation efforts.

What is COP on  CBD?

• COP stands for Conference of the Parties, which is the governing body of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• The first COP (Conference of the Parties) for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Nassau, Bahamas in 1994.
• The CBD is an international treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity and use it sustainably. COP meetings are held every two years to review progress, set priorities, and commit to future plans. 
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9. 'Kaveri Meets Ganga’ - First Programme under Amrit Parampara festival series

Tags: Environment

Kaveri Meets Ganga’ - First Programme under Amrit Parampara festival series: 

Why in news:

• ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ - First Programme under Amrit Parampara festival series being held from 2nd to 5th November 2024 at Kartavya Path and CCR
•  What is the Amrit Parampara festival series?
• The Ministry of Culture is proud to announce the commencement of a special festival series titled Amrit Parampara, a grand celebration to unite India through art and culture.

Aims of the festival series:

• Amrit Parampara aims to celebrate traditional arts and art forms of India with special focus on declining and dying art forms and traditions across performing arts, visuals arts and literature by curating innovative programs anchored in traditional artforms with modern packaging and technology based interactive and immersive experiences. 
• A series of programs under the umbrella campaign Amrit Parampara are planned across various monuments and locations of Delhi in the near future.
• The first programme under the Amrit Parampara Series is ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ which is bringing the best of dance and musical traditions from South India to North India and also showcasing artistic traditions from North India in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. 

Organized by:

• Sangeet Natak Akademi,  Kalakshetra & CCRT, autonomous institutions of the Ministry of Culture are jointly organizing the Kaveri Meets Ganga programme.
• Starting on 2nd November 2024 at iconic locations, including Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka, the festival will showcase India’s folk and traditional art forms in a captivating series of performances. ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ is also a tribute to the essence of the renowned Margazhi Festival, that takes place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu during the Margazhi month of the Tamil calendar. 

Key Features:

• Audiences will experience everything from Nagar Sankirtan and Govardhan Puja from Braj to Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Bharatanatyam by celebrated artists, and folk traditions such as Panchavadyam and Theyyam from Kerala.
• The Amrit Parampara series has been designed to promote the continuity of India’s cultural legacy through four key pillars: the foundation of Bharatiya Sanskriti, a blend of cultural education and entertainment, the synthesis of diverse ideas, and a multi-sensory experience.
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10. Central government begins probe into elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Tags: Environment

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

Why in news:

• Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to investigate the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. 
• Further, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has also constituted a five-member State level committee, to enquire into the matter and submit a report to the Government
• As per the preliminary information shared by the concerned officers from the State of Madhya Pradesh, the death of the elephants may be because of poisoning.

Cause of death:

• Initially it seems that poison may be the cause of death of these Elephants.
•  The final cause of death shall only be ascertained after through enquiry, detailed Postmortem reports, results of histopathological and toxicological reports and other corroborative evidences. 

What is the issue?

• The patrolling staff of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve detected the death of four elephants in Salkhania beats of Pataur and Khiatuli range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh on 29.10.24.
•  On further combing of the adjoining areas, six more elephants were found sick or unconscious in the vicinity. The field staff and local veterinary officers started medication of the sick elephants, which was supported by a team of veterinarians from the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health (SWFH). 
• However, four sick elephants succumbed to death on 30.10.24. Further, even after continuous medication and treatment, remaining two sick and unconscious elephants lost their lives on 31.10.24
•  Out of those dead ten elephants, one was male and nine were female.
•  The viscera after the postmortem have been sent to IVRI Izzat Nagar, Bareilly and FSL, Sagar for toxicological and histopathological investigations on 01.11.24.

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