National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

Why in the News? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled Scheme Guidelines to enhance testing facilities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This initiative is part of India's strategy to boost the green hydrogen sector. Key Features of the Guidelines: Budgetary Outlay: Total Allocation: ₹200 Crore allocate

Bioplastics from Cassava

The production of compostable bioplastic bags from cassava by smallholder farmers in Nagaland represents a promising development in sustainable materials. Process of Bioplastic Production Starch Extraction: Source: Cassava roots, which are rich in starch, are used for this purpose. Method: The cassava roots are cleaned and then crushed to create a pulp. This pulp is processed to extr

Air Pollution's Impact on Pollinators

Overview of the Study: A study conducted by researchers from the University of Reading highlights the detrimental effects of air pollution on pollinators such as bees, moths, and butterflies. The key findings are: Foraging Efficiency Decline: Pollinators experienced a 39% reduction in foraging efficiency when exposed to elevated levels of air pollution. Pests' Relative Insensitivit

A recent study has claimed that BioTRIG, a new waste management technology could help rural Indians.

About BioTRIG: It is a new waste management technology based on the pyrolysis system. It works by sealing the waste inside an oxygen-free chamber and heating it above 400 degrees Celsius. Useful chemicals are produced in the process. In the study, the researchers outlined that three products of pyrolysis — bio-oil, syngas and biochar fertilizer — could help rural Indians live

The National Mission for Clean Ganga

Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), has assumed new powers under which it may now permit the discharge of treated sewage and effluent that conforms to the prescribed “norms” into the river, canal or water bodies. News: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, issued a notification to amend the River Ganga (Rejuvenation,

Bharat stage emission standards

Context: The Supreme Court Thursday asked the Centre to formulate a policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles and to replace them with BSVI vehicles. News: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to formulate a policy within six months regarding the use of the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Tughlaqabad, Delhi, to address air pollution concerns. The order followed a plea by the Conta

GolDN

IIT Bombay has developed an instrument, GolDN (pronounced as Golden) for melt-mixing of waste thermoplastic polymers and inorganic particulate fillers to manufacture polymer composites. GolDN is a single screw extruder that mechanically recycles waste plastic polymers through melt-mixing. The instrument can manufacture composites from thermoplastic waste that can be molded

Ennore ammonia gas leak | NGT takes suo motu cognisance

Context: Based on media reports of several people from Periakuppam, Ernavur, Burma Nagar experiencing breathlessness and eye and skin irritation after leakage of ammonia from gas pipelines of the unit, the NGT on December 27 issued directions to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to file a report on the incident.  News: A gas leakage occurred in the subsea pipeline of Cor

Green Credit

Green Credit     It is a special programme that allows an individual or entity to earn Green Credit and trade it on a dedicated exchange. Green Credit refers to a unit of an incentive provided for specified activities that deliver a positive impact on the environment. It is launched at the national level to leverage a competitive market-based approach for incentiv

Large ozone hole detected over Antarctica

Why in the News? Recent satellite measurements by European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite as part of the EU’s environmental monitoring program over Antarctica have detected a giant hole in the ozone layer. The hole i.e., the “ozone-depleted area” was 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles) in size, roughly three times the size of Brazil.

P20 Summit

P20 Summit     The 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) will be inaugurated by India and will be hosted by the Parliament of India under the broader framework of India's G20 presidency. It will have 4 main sessions: Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Showcasing Achievements, Accelerating Progress Sustainable Energy Transit

National Action Plan for Green Shipping

National Action Plan for Green Shipping Why in the News? At the INMEX SMM India 2023 maritime industry exhibition, the potential benefits of National Action Plan for Green Shipping were projected by the Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan. The initiative shall help in promoting eco-friendly practices and incentives for low-emission ships. It shall also help position I

How wastewater can help tackle water shortages

How wastewater can help tackle water shortages     Why in the News? Water shortages are causing tensions in Europe as it is experiencing severe heat and drought due to lack of rainfall in 2023. In Spain, water reserves have dropped to 41% leading to severe crop losses and water restrictions in place in some regions. Human-induced climate change has led to in

India’s hidden adversary, Lead poisoning

India’s hidden adversary, Lead poisoning     Lead poisoning: More than half of the children in India (close to 20 crore) have lead levels in their blood >5 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL) as per 2021 study. WHO:  Any level >5 µg/dL is “a trigger for a thorough review of the ways in which a person is being exposed to lead and

Hydrogen for Heritage Scheme

Hydrogen for Heritage Scheme The scheme aims to revolutionise the railway industry by incorporating hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to diesel engines. The Indian Railways has planned to operate 35 Hydrogen-powered trains to run across 8 heritage routes that are environmentally sensitive hilly regions with a potential for tourism. The project thus promotes clean energy sources with

Textile Wastewater Treatment Plant

  New, inexpensive method that significantly decreases textile effluent pollution has been developed by NIT Warangal. In an effort to treat wastewater in the textile and apparel industry located in the Hanumakonda area of Telangana in an environmentally responsible manner, NIT Warangal, Prime Textiles, and IMPRINT have created a pilot-scale textile effluent treatment faci

lead poisoning

The enormous environmental damage, human exposure, and serious public health issues brought on by the widespread use of lead have affected many regions of the world. Regarding Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning, also known as chronic intoxication, is brought on by the body absorbing lead, and symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the muscles, as well as weariness, nausea, diarrhoea,

Chapter 6: Water Governance

Introduction Gujarat has historically been a state with limited water resources. Its evolution from a water-scarce to a water-secure condition is a tale in and of itself. The Transformation: Because of numerous droughts in Gujarat's western and northern districts, a significant number of people have migrated there. Every development project in those areas is centred on water manageme

Chapter 8: Our Water Heroes

Introduction •    We have a long tradition of conserving water. •    A prime example of that is the Ahar-Pyre system. •    Indians' role in water conservation during British rule is examined in three groups. •    These are "Water Services," "Water Structures," and "Jal Satyagraha.&quo