Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analysing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously.
This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health
#prelims #mains
#environment
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analysing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously.
This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health
#prelims #mains
#environment
🔳 PM Modi laid the foundation stone of India's first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, which is being developed by NTPC Green Energy.
◼️The first Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam is being set up by NTPC Green Energy Limited.
◼️The Hub will produce 1500 tonnes per day of Green Hydrogen and 7500 tonnes per day of Green Hydrogen derivatives like Green Methanol, Green Urea
◼️The hub will also include establishing 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacities.
◼️The Green Hydrogen Hub will help in achieving the National National Green Hydrogen Mission target of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum of Green Hydrogen and the addition of 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
#UPSC #PSC #prelims #currentaffairs #environment #economics
◼️The first Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam is being set up by NTPC Green Energy Limited.
◼️The Hub will produce 1500 tonnes per day of Green Hydrogen and 7500 tonnes per day of Green Hydrogen derivatives like Green Methanol, Green Urea
◼️The hub will also include establishing 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacities.
◼️The Green Hydrogen Hub will help in achieving the National National Green Hydrogen Mission target of 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum of Green Hydrogen and the addition of 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
#UPSC #PSC #prelims #currentaffairs #environment #economics
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Post-Glacial Ecosystems: A Silver Lining to Climate Change? 🌍❄️
📰 Why in News?
Glacier retreat, a clear consequence of climate change, is revealing opportunities for developing new ecosystems that could help mitigate climate change impacts, as per a global study.
🌱 Key Findings:
✅ Emerging Ecosystems: Glacier retreat gives rise to new ecosystems, capable of capturing carbon through biogeochemical processes and biomass growth.
✅ Microbial Colonization: Microorganisms like bacteria and algae are the first settlers, followed by plants (lichens, mosses, grass), enriching the soil for larger life forms.
✅ Temporary Habitats: Deglaciated areas, particularly in Himalayas and sub-polar regions, act as biodiversity hotspots and serve as refuges for cold-adapted species.
🌍 Why Are These Ecosystems Important?
✅ Biodiversity: Potential for medicinal and agricultural discoveries.
✅ Eco-Tourism: Boosts local economies while promoting conservation.
✅ Water Regulation: Post-glacial ecosystems in regions like the Himalayas help regulate water availability, affecting rivers that millions depend on.
🧊 About Glaciers:
✅ What Are They? Massive ice sheets moving under their own weight, shaping landscapes like valleys and moraines.
✅ Significance: Glaciers store 69% of the world’s freshwater and are critical for water supplies.
🌊 Impacts of Melting Glaciers:
✅ Rising Sea Levels: Causes coastal flooding and erosion.
✅ Freshwater Scarcity: Shrinking glaciers threaten future water supplies.
✅ Biodiversity Loss: Disrupts ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
✅ Economic Risks: Tourism-dependent regions, like the Himalayas, face uncertainties.
✅ Global Warming Feedback Loop: Loss of reflective glacier surfaces accelerates warming.
🌟 Way Forward:
Efforts to study, manage, and promote biodiversity in post-glacial ecosystems are vital for creating a sustainable balance between climate change mitigation and natural habitat preservation. 🌿
#Environment
📰 Why in News?
Glacier retreat, a clear consequence of climate change, is revealing opportunities for developing new ecosystems that could help mitigate climate change impacts, as per a global study.
🌱 Key Findings:
✅ Emerging Ecosystems: Glacier retreat gives rise to new ecosystems, capable of capturing carbon through biogeochemical processes and biomass growth.
✅ Microbial Colonization: Microorganisms like bacteria and algae are the first settlers, followed by plants (lichens, mosses, grass), enriching the soil for larger life forms.
✅ Temporary Habitats: Deglaciated areas, particularly in Himalayas and sub-polar regions, act as biodiversity hotspots and serve as refuges for cold-adapted species.
🌍 Why Are These Ecosystems Important?
✅ Biodiversity: Potential for medicinal and agricultural discoveries.
✅ Eco-Tourism: Boosts local economies while promoting conservation.
✅ Water Regulation: Post-glacial ecosystems in regions like the Himalayas help regulate water availability, affecting rivers that millions depend on.
🧊 About Glaciers:
✅ What Are They? Massive ice sheets moving under their own weight, shaping landscapes like valleys and moraines.
✅ Significance: Glaciers store 69% of the world’s freshwater and are critical for water supplies.
🌊 Impacts of Melting Glaciers:
✅ Rising Sea Levels: Causes coastal flooding and erosion.
✅ Freshwater Scarcity: Shrinking glaciers threaten future water supplies.
✅ Biodiversity Loss: Disrupts ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
✅ Economic Risks: Tourism-dependent regions, like the Himalayas, face uncertainties.
✅ Global Warming Feedback Loop: Loss of reflective glacier surfaces accelerates warming.
🌟 Way Forward:
Efforts to study, manage, and promote biodiversity in post-glacial ecosystems are vital for creating a sustainable balance between climate change mitigation and natural habitat preservation. 🌿
#Environment
NEWS :UN Environment Programme (UNEP) led initiative focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and enhanced water security in Lake Tanganyika Basin.
Lake Tanganyika Basin:
1️⃣ Shared by four countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
2️⃣ One of Africa's Great Lakes and the world's second-largest freshwater lake by volume.
3️⃣ Internationally recognised as a Global biodiversity hotspot.
#environment #prelims
Lake Tanganyika Basin:
1️⃣ Shared by four countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
2️⃣ One of Africa's Great Lakes and the world's second-largest freshwater lake by volume.
3️⃣ Internationally recognised as a Global biodiversity hotspot.
#environment #prelims
🔆 Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs)
📍 Definition:
✅ Chlorine, bromine, CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, halons, etc.
📍 Potential Drivers of Ozone Hole over Antarctica:
1. Changes in Antarctic polar vortex
2. Changes in solar cycle
3. Increased atmospheric abundance of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
📍 Polar Vortex
✅ Stratospheric wind patterns with vast low-pressure areas and very cold air, more pronounced over the South Poles.
✅ Leads to formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
📍 Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on Ozone Layer:
✅ Triggers massive stratospheric water vapor plume.
✅ Injects large quantities of sulphur dioxide (facilitates chemical conversion of chlorine making it more reactive).
✅ Contributes atmospheric bromine and hydrogen chloride.
✅ Eruption particles provide surfaces for chemical reactions for ODSs.
📍 PSCs (Polar Stratospheric Clouds):
✅ Also known as nacreous clouds or mother of pearl.
✅ Formed below -78°C and trap outgoing longwave radiation.
📍 Location:
✅ Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago located in the Southern Pacific Ocean, erupted in January 2022.
📍 Ozone Layer Depletion Process (Infographic):
✅ 1st step: UV rays split chlorine atom from CFC molecule.
✅ 2nd step: Chlorine atom breaks up ozone molecule.
✅ 3rd step: The chlorine molecule left behind creates chlorine monoxide and oxygen (O2).
#environment
📍 Definition:
✅ Chlorine, bromine, CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, halons, etc.
📍 Potential Drivers of Ozone Hole over Antarctica:
1. Changes in Antarctic polar vortex
2. Changes in solar cycle
3. Increased atmospheric abundance of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
📍 Polar Vortex
✅ Stratospheric wind patterns with vast low-pressure areas and very cold air, more pronounced over the South Poles.
✅ Leads to formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
📍 Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on Ozone Layer:
✅ Triggers massive stratospheric water vapor plume.
✅ Injects large quantities of sulphur dioxide (facilitates chemical conversion of chlorine making it more reactive).
✅ Contributes atmospheric bromine and hydrogen chloride.
✅ Eruption particles provide surfaces for chemical reactions for ODSs.
📍 PSCs (Polar Stratospheric Clouds):
✅ Also known as nacreous clouds or mother of pearl.
✅ Formed below -78°C and trap outgoing longwave radiation.
📍 Location:
✅ Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago located in the Southern Pacific Ocean, erupted in January 2022.
📍 Ozone Layer Depletion Process (Infographic):
✅ 1st step: UV rays split chlorine atom from CFC molecule.
✅ 2nd step: Chlorine atom breaks up ozone molecule.
✅ 3rd step: The chlorine molecule left behind creates chlorine monoxide and oxygen (O2).
#environment
🔆What is PBAT?
✅Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP).
📍What is PBAT?
✅PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer used as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics.
✅It is a copolymer of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid and can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods.
✅PBAT is often blended with other biopolymers to enhance its mechanical and barrier properties
📍Properties of PBAT
✅100% compostable – breaks down into water, CO₂, and biomass under industrial composting conditions within 180 days.
✅Flexible and tough, making it ideal for bags, films, and packaging.
✅It is moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and offers good barrier properties.
#gs3
#environment
✅Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP).
📍What is PBAT?
✅PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer used as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics.
✅It is a copolymer of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid and can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods.
✅PBAT is often blended with other biopolymers to enhance its mechanical and barrier properties
📍Properties of PBAT
✅100% compostable – breaks down into water, CO₂, and biomass under industrial composting conditions within 180 days.
✅Flexible and tough, making it ideal for bags, films, and packaging.
✅It is moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and offers good barrier properties.
#gs3
#environment
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🔆 Marine Microplastics Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk
📍 New U.S. study finds health impact correlation with ocean microplastic exposure
✅ Microplastic pollution (within 370 km of U.S. coast) linked to:
– 18% ↑ in Type-2 diabetes
– 7% ↑ in coronary artery disease
– 9% ↑ in stroke incidents
✅ Study used data from 152 coastal counties.
✅ Pattern holds even after controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, healthcare access, etc.
✅ Suggests microplastics as a potential new risk factor in chronic disease burden.
📝 Prelims Question:
Which of the following diseases has NOT been associated with microplastic exposure in recent studies?
A. Type-2 Diabetes
B. Coronary Artery Disease
C. Stroke
D. Asthma
Answer: D
📝 Mains Question (GS3 – Environment/Health):
#GS3 #Environment #Microplastics #PublicHealth #Diabetes #Prelims2025 #Mains2025
📍 New U.S. study finds health impact correlation with ocean microplastic exposure
✅ Microplastic pollution (within 370 km of U.S. coast) linked to:
– 18% ↑ in Type-2 diabetes
– 7% ↑ in coronary artery disease
– 9% ↑ in stroke incidents
✅ Study used data from 152 coastal counties.
✅ Pattern holds even after controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, healthcare access, etc.
✅ Suggests microplastics as a potential new risk factor in chronic disease burden.
📝 Prelims Question:
Which of the following diseases has NOT been associated with microplastic exposure in recent studies?
A. Type-2 Diabetes
B. Coronary Artery Disease
C. Stroke
D. Asthma
Answer: D
📝 Mains Question (GS3 – Environment/Health):
#GS3 #Environment #Microplastics #PublicHealth #Diabetes #Prelims2025 #Mains2025
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Every year, the shores of Costa Rica host the largest sea turtle gathering on Earth, an extraordinary event known as an arribada (Spanish for "arrival").
#prelims #environment
#prelims #environment
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