Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Why in News ? Recent wildfires in Southern California have brought into light the use of pink fire retardant as authorities deploy aerial resources to combat the flames.  What is Pink Fire Retardant? Pink fire retardant is a chemical mixture used to control or slow the spread of wildfires. The most commonly used brand in […]

Why in News? India submitted its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC on 30th December 2024. India’s Climate Goals: Net-Zero Target: Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 (announced at COP26 in 2021). Progress: India reported a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019 in its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4). Key […]

Why in News ? Polar vortex brings its bitter cold to Southern US. What is  polar vortex? It is a large area of low-pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles, both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is a natural part of Earth’s atmospheric dynamics and plays a crucial role in regulating global […]

The Earth’s water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves various processes that circulate water through the oceans, atmosphere, land, and living organisms. This cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and sustaining life. Key Processes of the […]

Carbon-Dioxide-Equivalent (MtCO2e): The term carbon-dioxide-equivalent (CO₂e) is a metric used to measure the impact of different greenhouse gases (GHGs) on global warming, expressed in terms of the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂). It allows for the comparison of the global warming potential (GWP) of various gases by converting them into a single unit. 1 […]

Why in news ? A massive protest took place in Bongaigaon, Assam after a golden langur was killed in an accident on the National Highway-117. The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) is an endangered primate species found in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is recognized for its striking golden or cream-colored fur and is endemic to a […]

Why in News? The country’s first-ever ‘Coastline-Waders Bird Census’ was began recently  at Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The three-day census which has been jointly organized by the Department of Forest and the Bird Conservation Society will also host significant events focusing on counting wader and coastal bird species. About Waders: Waders, […]

Key Highlights of India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) 1. Submission Details Date of Submission: December 30, 2024. Content: Updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and includes India’s GHG inventory for 2020, along with mitigation actions, challenges, financial requirements, and capacity-building needs. 2. Reduction in GHG Emissions (2020) Decrease in Emissions: India’s GHG emissions reduced […]

Key Points: 1. Context Four major UN-led summits on biodiversity (Colombia), climate (Azerbaijan), land degradation (Saudi Arabia), and plastic pollution (South Korea) did not achieve substantial progress. These summits were intended to align global goals, address accountability, and secure financing for critical environmental issues. 2. Reasons for Failures a) Diverging National Priorities Developing nations’ demands: […]

Synthetic Drugs: Synthetic drugs are chemically manufactured substances that mimic the effects of natural drugs but are produced in laboratories rather than being derived from natural sources. They can have potent effects on the brain and body and are often created to circumvent drug regulations or produce more intense effects than their natural counterparts. Types […]