What is the News? The World Health Organization(WHO) has released a report titled “Children and Digital Dumpsites”. About Children and Digital Dumpsites Report: The report summarizes the latest scientific knowledge on the links between informal e-waste recycling activities and the health impact among children. The report also underlined the risk faced by children working in… Continue reading Children and Digital Dumpsites Report Highlights impacts of E-waste
Tag: ENV_0
“Oil Spill” at Sri Lanka’s Coast
What is the News? Sri Lanka is preparing for a major oil spill. A burnt-out container ship is sinking outside Colombo’s harbor with nearly 350 tonnes of oil in its fuel tanks. This ship was burning for the last 13 days, causing Sri Lanka’s worst maritime environmental disaster. What is an Oil Spill? Oil Spill… Continue reading “Oil Spill” at Sri Lanka’s Coast
Biomedical Waste Management during pandemic – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction Prior to the pandemic, India’s biomedical waste management capacity was already limited. Now, with the advent of the pandemic, biomedical waste generation has increased manifold. CPCB has given guidelines to discard the biomedical waste generated in Covid-19 camps and Covid-related material such as gloves and masks in households. However, the implementation of the guidelines… Continue reading Biomedical Waste Management during pandemic – Explained, Pointwise
Long-term “nitrogen dioxide”(NO2) exposure affects lungs: Study
What is the News? According to a study, Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide(NO2) pollution can affect lung function. Also, NO2 can increase the risk of pulmonary disease. Key Findings: The annual maximum NO2 exposure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is 21.3 parts per billion. The study found that air pollution exposures in some… Continue reading Long-term “nitrogen dioxide”(NO2) exposure affects lungs: Study
Issue of Nuclear Waste pollution – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The establishment of nuclear plants happened as an alternative to thermal power stations due to their low carbon footprint. However, a particular issue associated with their functioning is the generation of nuclear waste (or radioactive waste). This waste is highly contaminated and requires proper processing and treatment before its release into the environment. The… Continue reading Issue of Nuclear Waste pollution – Explained, Pointwise
Japan to release “Fukushima Radioactive Water” into sea
What is the News? Japan is planning to release more than 1 million metric tons of Fukushima radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. The Japanese government planned to release this water into the ocean after two years. About Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is located in the town of… Continue reading Japan to release “Fukushima Radioactive Water” into sea
Why India should adopt Net-Zero Emission Target?
Synopsis: India should adopt the net-zero emission target like others. It will lead to simultaneous attainment of net-zero emission and economic growth. Some temporary challenges may arise, but they can be tackled with robust policy measures. Background: Recently 58 countries have made a commitment to attain net-zero emission by 2050. They currently emit more than… Continue reading Why India should adopt Net-Zero Emission Target?
Initiatives under ‘Namami Gange Programme’
What is the News? The Government of India is currently implementing several initiatives under the Namami Gange Programme to clean the polluted rivers of Ganga. Namami Gange Programme: Launched in: The Programme was launched in 2014. It is an Integrated Conservation Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aim: To achieve effective abatement of pollution,… Continue reading Initiatives under ‘Namami Gange Programme’
Vehicle Scrappage Policy: Challenges and Suggestions
Synopsis: Vehicle Scrappage policy will work if incentives are aimed at increasing fuel-efficiency. Introduction The Transport Ministry announced the Vehicle Scrappage policy, after the move for a green tax on ageing and polluting automobiles. This step promises economic benefits, a cleaner environment, and thousands of jobs. Vehicles belonging to the government and the public sector… Continue reading Vehicle Scrappage Policy: Challenges and Suggestions
Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Programme
What is the news? The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister announces the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Programme. It is also known as the Vehicle scrapping policy. Aim of the Policy: The policy aims to create an ecosystem to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles. It will reduce pollution, improve fuel efficiency, and increase the government’s… Continue reading Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Programme
Single Use Plastic Pollution in India – A hidden pandemic
Synopsis: COVID-19 pandemic paused and reversed India’s progress against single-use plastic pollution. Few necessary steps are essential to continue the progress. Background Single-use plastics were in use in great quantities during the COVID-19 pandemic to produce gloves, sanitary equipment etc. However, no attention has been paid to where the increased plastic waste will end… Continue reading Single Use Plastic Pollution in India – A hidden pandemic
“World Air Quality Report, 2020” Released
What is the News? IQ Air, a Swiss air quality technology company released a report titled “World Air Quality Report, 2020”. About World Air Quality Report: World Air Quality is an annual report. The report is based on PM2.5 data from 106 countries based on data from ground-based monitoring stations. The report is handled by… Continue reading “World Air Quality Report, 2020” Released
Panel Recommendations to improve “Air Quality in Kerala”
What is the news? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) appointed a joint committee to study air pollution in Kerala. It made several recommendations to improve air quality in Kerala. What are the key recommendations of the panel? Installation of vapor recovery systems at fuelling stations Retrofitting of diesel vehicles with particulate filters to improve air… Continue reading Panel Recommendations to improve “Air Quality in Kerala”
Legacy Waste management in India – Explained Pointwise
Introduction India produces 277 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, according to a 2016 estimate. This amount is equal to 13% of the global waste. At present, India only has 1604 solid waste treatment plants to treat this waste. They too, are not operating at their maximum capacity. So on an average, India recycles… Continue reading Legacy Waste management in India – Explained Pointwise
A CSE study on Pollution Levels in Cities and Towns
What is the news? Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) has released a study analysing the difference in winter air pollution levels in cities and towns. It compares data of 2020-21 winter and the previous winters. About the study: The study analysed 99 cities. 75% of data completeness for two consecutive winters is the minimum criteria.… Continue reading A CSE study on Pollution Levels in Cities and Towns
Transport Minister launches ‘Go Electric Campaign’
What is the News? The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways launches the “Go Electric” Campaign. Go Electric Campaign: It is a campaign of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to promote and spread awareness on electric mobility. Objectives: It will boost the confidence of electric vehicle manufacturers. Furthermore, it will spread awareness about… Continue reading Transport Minister launches ‘Go Electric Campaign’
Pollution kills 54,000 people in Delhi in 2020: Greenpeace Southeast Asia Report
What is the News? Greenpeace, an environmental NGO released a report titled “Greenpeace Southeast Asia analysis of the cost to the economy due to air pollution”. About the report: The report is based on a Cost Estimator. It is an online tool that estimates the real-time health impact and economic cost of fine particulate matters… Continue reading Pollution kills 54,000 people in Delhi in 2020: Greenpeace Southeast Asia Report
“Vehicle Scrappage Policy” to phase out old and unfit vehicles
What is the news? The Finance Minister has announced the voluntary vehicle scrappage policy. It aims at phasing out old and unfit vehicles. About vehicle scrappage policy Aim of the Policy: Scrappage policy will encourage fuel-efficient, environment-friendly vehicles on the road. Thereby It will reduce vehicular pollution and the oil import bill. Key Features :… Continue reading “Vehicle Scrappage Policy” to phase out old and unfit vehicles
Vehicle Scrappage Policy and the associated challenges: Explained
Recently, The Finance Minister announced the “Vehicle Scrapping Policy” in her Budget speech. The policy will phase out older, inefficient and polluting vehicles. Apart from that, the policy will also promote the use of more environment-friendly vehicles and reduce the oil import bill. But it is not an easy task and has a few challenges… Continue reading Vehicle Scrappage Policy and the associated challenges: Explained
Taxing older vehicles: A Way forward
Source: click here Syllabus: GS 3 Synopsis: Raising the tax on older vehicles will help in reducing pollution. Introduction The Centre has planned a policy to raise road tax on vehicles of a certain age from April 1 next year. This has the potential to renew a big part of India’s vehicles on the road,… Continue reading Taxing older vehicles: A Way forward
Green tax on vehicles older than 15 years
Why in News? The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has approved a proposal to levy a ‘green tax’ on old vehicles. The policy will come into effect on April 1, 2022. What is Green Tax? Green tax is also called pollution tax or environmental tax. It is the tax levied on goods that… Continue reading Green tax on vehicles older than 15 years
PCRA launches ‘SAKSHAM’ campaign for green and clean energy awareness
News: Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has launched a month-long campaign “SAKSHAM”. Facts: SAKSHAM: It is a people-centric fuel conservation mega campaign that aims to highlight the adverse health and environmental impacts of increasing carbon footprints. The idea is to convince consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring in behavioral change to use fossil… Continue reading PCRA launches ‘SAKSHAM’ campaign for green and clean energy awareness
Effect of air pollution on Pregnancy loss : Lancet study
News: Lancet has released a first of its kind study to estimate the effect of air pollution on pregnancy loss across the South Asia region. Facts: About the Study: The study combined data from household surveys on health from 1998-2016 (from women who reported at least one pregnancy loss and one or more live births) and estimated… Continue reading Effect of air pollution on Pregnancy loss : Lancet study
Air pollution killed 1.7 million Indians in 2019: Lancet report
News: A report titled “The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative” was published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health. Facts: India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative: It was launched in 2015. It is a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Public Health Foundation of India(PHFI), Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation(IHME) and senior… Continue reading Air pollution killed 1.7 million Indians in 2019: Lancet report
Air Quality Commission directs for 100% switching over of industries in Delhi to PNG
Air Quality Commission Source: PIB News: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas reviewed the progress of switching over of Industries operating in Delhi to Piped Natural Gas with the Government of NCT of Delhi, GAIL and Indraprastha Gas Limited. Facts: Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas: The commission… Continue reading Air Quality Commission directs for 100% switching over of industries in Delhi to PNG
Coal sector reforms to reduce CO2 emissions
News: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has conducted a webinar titled “Reducing CO2 footprints of India’s coal-based power sector”. Facts: Coal Sector: Coal Sector Emissions: India’s coal-based thermal power sector is one of the country’s biggest emitters of CO2.It emits 1.1 giga-tonne of CO2 every year; this is 2.5% of global GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions,… Continue reading Coal sector reforms to reduce CO2 emissions
Waste to Energy
Context: Recently Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone for a 11.5 MW waste-to-energy plant near Bidadi. This plant is expected to process 600 tonnes per day of inorganic waste. What is the significance of Waste to Energy Plants? The waste-to-energy plants usually accept the RDF material generated in organic composting plants. They also… Continue reading Waste to Energy
Innovations to curb air pollution
Innovations to curb air pollution Context-It is important to have systemic changes at the policy and strategy levels to curb air pollution in India. Why air quality monitoring is essential? Monitoring helps in assessing the level of pollution in relation to ambient air quality standards. Robust monitoring helps to guard against extreme events by alerting… Continue reading Innovations to curb air pollution
How to end pollution
Context: An independent Environmental Protection Agency is required to build scientific and technical capacity for controlling pollution. What are the sources of pollution? Sources: Seasonal sources: crop-burning and fireworks grab attention at this time of year. According to a study by Chandra Venkataraman of IIT-Mumbai and other scientists, the biggest sources nationally are cooking fires, coal-fired… Continue reading How to end pollution
Explained: Increase in ammonia levels in Yamuna
Increase in ammonia levels in Yamuna News: Water supply was affected in parts of Delhi after a spike in Ammonia levels in the river Yamuna led to a temporary closure of two water treatment plants. Facts: Ammonia(NH3): It is a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics,… Continue reading Explained: Increase in ammonia levels in Yamuna
Firecrackers ban ahead of festival season
Context- National Green Tribunal bans firecrackers in place where air quality is poor. What are the guidelines of National Green Tribunal for firecrackers? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed that there would be a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers between November 10 and 30 in places where air quality is ‘poor’… Continue reading Firecrackers ban ahead of festival season
The cost of clearing the air
The cost of clearing the air Context: In February, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹4,400 crore package for 2020-21 to tackle air pollution in 102 of India’s most polluted cities. More on news: The funds would be used to reduce particulate matter by 20%-30% from 2017 levels by 2024 under the National Clean Air Programme… Continue reading The cost of clearing the air
Stubble Burning Issue
Stubble Burning Issue and Analysis Context: New innovative method, the PUSA Decomposer, developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa can offer a sustainable solution for stubble burning. What is stubble burning? Stubble burning refers to the practice of farmers setting fire to plant debris that remain in farms after harvest. Stubble burning is practised… Continue reading Stubble Burning Issue
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia(TIA)
Nationally Determined Contributions News: NITI Aayog will virtually launch the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA). Facts: NDC Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA): The initiative aims to promote a comprehensive approach to decarbonize transport in India, Vietnam, and China over the period 2020-24. Supported by: It is supported by the International… Continue reading Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia(TIA)
Ratification of seven (7) chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on POPs
News: The Union Cabinet has approved the Ratification of seven (7) chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs). Facts: Seven POPs: The seven POPs prohibited from manufacturing, trading using, importing and exporting are: Chlordecone Hexabromobiphenyl Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Hepta Bromodiphenyl Ether Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether Pentachlorobenzene Hexabromocyclododecane and Hexachlorobutadiene. Significance: The… Continue reading Ratification of seven (7) chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on POPs
Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP)
News: Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority(EPCA) has directed Delhi and neighboring States to implement the Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP) from 15th October 2020. Facts: Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP): It is a set of stratified actions that are taken once the pollution level reaches a certain specified limit. When was it notified? The action plan… Continue reading Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP)
Air Pollution in India and green recovery
What is the state of air pollution in India? India recorded the highest PM2.5 exposure and the most increase in deaths between 2010 and 2019. Air pollution accounts for 20 per cent of newborn deaths worldwide, 24 per cent of these infant deaths occur in India which is the highest. This defies the principles of… Continue reading Air Pollution in India and green recovery
Reason for Delhi October pollution Level
Source: The Indian Express Syllabus: GS-3- Environment Context: Delhi’s air quality started to dip as the AQI touched very poor for the very first time this October. Why does air pollution rise in October each year? Air pollution in Delhi and the whole of the Indo Gangetic Plains is a complex phenomenon that is dependent on… Continue reading Reason for Delhi October pollution Level
Delhi Air pollution on rise: Reasons and initiatives taken
With the onset of winters, Delhi Air pollution has started increasing. Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category with stubble burning causing a rise in pollution levels. Air pollution in Delhi and the whole of the Indo Gangetic Plains is a complex phenomenon that is dependent on a variety of factors. The first and… Continue reading Delhi Air pollution on rise: Reasons and initiatives taken
Benzene Pollution
Benzene Pollution is a colourless or light-yellow chemical that is liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odour and is highly flammable. Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Normal environmental concentrations of benzene are unlikely to damage… Continue reading Benzene Pollution
