Current Context : According to a new study India’s reliance on kerosene-based lamps accounts for about 10 per cent of the total residential black carbon emissions. ABOUT BLACK CARBON: Black carbon, or soot, is a major component of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter). It results from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass (wood, cow dung) and other organic materials. Sources: Primary sources in India include traditional cookstoves, diesel engines, forest fires, wildfires, and agricultural burning. Environmental Impact: Black carbon has a warming impact that is 460 to 1,500 times higher than CO₂. It absorbs sunlight, increasing local temperatures and accelerating glacier....Read More

Current Context : Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Shri. Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) in Maharashtra. ABOUT Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) is an eco-initiative developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Location: Situated on the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway-44near Jamtha, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Area: Covers 8.23 hectares, with 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry. Aim : Designed as a bird habitat and recreational space for locals and tourists, promoting environmental sustainability. FEATURES: Fast-growing trees that produce oxygen to help reduce air pollution and promote a healthier environment. Bird Habitat: Designed to replicate natural....Read More

Current Context : India has become World’s third largest Producer and Consumer of Ethanol. About Ethanol : Ethanol is a renewable biofuel derived from organic materials, primarily sugarcane, corn, and other biomass. It is widely used in blended fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and as an alternative to fossil fuels. India's Ethanol Production: India has become the world's third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol. The country is increasing ethanol production mainly from sugarcane and diversifying to other feedstocks like corn and biomass. Ethanol Blending Program (EBP): India has been promoting the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)to blend ethanol with petrol. The government has set a target....Read More

Current Context : India has developed its first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant at Pune. Aim : to advance Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and carbon emission reduction. Location & Capacity: at Pune, has a capacity to process 1.4 tonnes of CO2 per day and converts it into methanol. Key Stakeholders: Jointly developed by IIT Delhi and Thermax Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with strong support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Budget : Estimated project cost is ₹31 crore, funded by DST under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Significance: The....Read More

Current Context : India and the United States have agreed to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electrification of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and the use of hydrogen in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment. About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) : It is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in aviation. Benefits: Lower Carbon Emissions: SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%over its lifecycle. Feedstock: Derived from renewable sources like biomass, used cooking oil, and municipal waste. Compatibility: SAF can be blended with traditional jet fuel and used without engine modifications. Challenges: Currently more expensive and limited in....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Delhi government has started preparations to spray bio-decomposer over 5,000 acres of farmland in New Delhi. Aim : to reduce pollution and promote sustainable agricultural practices. ABOUT It is a microbial liquid spray that breaks down paddy stubble, making it easily absorbable into the soil and eliminating the need for burning. Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). The government has been providing the bio-decomposer solution free of charge since 2020 in outer Delhi. Adopted in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and NCT of Delhi. ADVANTAGES: Pollution ReductioN: Prevents the burning of paddy stubble, helping to....Read More

Current Context : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully completed the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is situated in Al Dhafra, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf. It is a four-reactor plant, will provide 25 percent of the electricity required by the hot, desert Gulf state, where air-conditioning is widespread. It will also power major industries such as oil production, steel manufacturing, and aluminum About UAE The UAE is a federation of seven emirates. Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and....Read More

Current Context : Gensol Engineering Limited, in partnership with Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd.,will develop India's first Bio-Hydrogen project. It is expected to be completed within 18 months, aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and represents a significant step towards sustainable energy. ABOUT BIO-HYDROGEN  Bio-hydrogen is generated using organic materials such as biomass or microorganisms. It is considered a clean and renewable energy source, which has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Advantages of Bio-hydrogen Renewable: Produced from organic materials and biomass, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Low Emissions: When....Read More

Current Context : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined the Punjab government a huge amount Rs 1,000 crore for failed to manage its solid and liquid waste properly, despite many warnings and legal obligations. ABOUT NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (NGT) It is a specialized judicial body in India that handles cases related to environmental protection and conservation. It was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Objective : providing a dedicated platform for addressing environmental issues and ensuring effective and timely justice in environmental matters. Jurisdiction: wide range of environmental issues, including air and water pollution, hazardous waste management,....Read More

Current Context : Solar paraboloid technology is emerging as a potentially transformative solution to grapple the urgent need to transition to renewable energy in the world. ABOUT SOLAR PARABOLOIDS It is an advanced form of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and operates using a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) system. It consists of long, parabolic mirrors that focus sunlight onto a receiver tube positioned at the focal line of the mirror. Advantages : it has ability to operate at higher temperatures, up to 300C, significantly increasing thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss.Read More