Environment Current Affairs

Environment Current Affairs, Important for Competitive Exams.

Begusarai in Bihar is world’s most polluted metropolitan area.

According to Air Quality Report 2023 conducted by Swiss organisation IQAir, Begusarai in Bihar has been identified as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area. New Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth consecutive year since 2018.

  • The Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organization IQAir reveals that Delhi’s PM2.5 levels increased from 89.1 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023.
  • India ranks third in terms of air quality, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, following Bangladesh and Pakistan.
  • Over one billion people in India are exposed to PM2.5 levels surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Q: Which city has been ranked as the world’s most polluted capital city for four consecutive years since 2018?

a) Mumbai
b) New Delhi
c) Beijing
d) Tokyo

Ans : b) New Delhi

Q: Which Indian city has emerged as the world’s most polluted metropolitan area?

a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) Chennai
d) Begusarai

Ans : d) Begusarai

Begusarai in Bihar is world’s most polluted metropolitan area. Read More »

Female cheetah Gamini gives birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park

Female cheetah Gamini, originally from South Africa, gave birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park on March 10, 2024.

  1. Gamini is approximately five years old.
  2. This brings the total count of Indian-born cheetah cubs to 13.
  3. The current population of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, including the new cubs, is twenty-six.
  4. The cheetah reintroduction project involved releasing eight Namibian cheetahs (five females and three males) into enclosures at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022.
  5. In February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs were brought to the park from South Africa, including Gamini.

Q: Which female cheetah recently (in March 2024) gave birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park?

a) Gauri
b) Gamini
c) Chitra
d) Laila

Ans : b) Gamini

Female cheetah Gamini gives birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park Read More »

Leopard population in the country has increased by more than 1,000 in last four years

The leopard population in the country has increased by more than one thousand from 2018 to 2022.

  1. The Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Ministry released a report indicating the leopard population has reached 13,874, up from 12,852 in 2018.
  2. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the report in New Delhi.
  3. Central India, particularly Madhya Pradesh, recorded the highest leopard population with 3,907 individuals.
  4. The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with State Forest Departments.
  5. This exercise is crucial for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of Protected Areas in conserving leopard populations.

Q: Which Indian state recorded the highest leopard population according to the report?

a) Rajasthan
b) Kerala
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Uttar Pradesh

Ans : c) Madhya Pradesh

Leopard population in the country has increased by more than 1,000 in last four years Read More »

India has 718 snow leopards, as per first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment

 The first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) has been released on 30 January 2024.

  • First-ever scientific assessment: Conducted over 70% of potential snow leopard range in India (4 years).
  • Population estimate: 718 snow leopards in India, highest in Ladakh (477) followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Habitat: Occupancy recorded in over 93,000 sq km, estimated presence in over 100,000 sq km.

Q: What is the estimated total number of snow leopards in India according to first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) ?

a) 500
b) 718
c) 1000
d) 2000

Ans : b) 718

Q: Which state has the highest number of snow leopards in India as per the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)?

a) Uttarakhand
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Ladakh
d) Sikkim

Ans : c) Ladakh – highest in Ladakh (477)

India has 718 snow leopards, as per first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment Read More »

Suchetha Satish sets new world record for singing in most languages during single concert

  • Suchetha Satish, from Kerala, has set a new world record for singing in the most languages during a single concert at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai..
  • The achievement is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
  • Suchetha’s performance was part of the Concert for Climate, an initiative focused on raising awareness about climate change.
  • She sang in an unprecedented 140 languages during the concert.

Q: How many languages did Suchetha Satish sing in during the record-setting concert in Dubai?

a. 100 languages
b. 120 languages
c. 140 languages
d. 160 languages

Ans : c. 140 languages

Suchetha Satish sets new world record for singing in most languages during single concert Read More »

Nations at COP28 Reach Landmark ‘UAE Consensus’ for a transition away from fossil fuels for net zero by 2050

  • Landmark agreement in Dubai, the ‘UAE Consensus,’ calls for a transition away from fossil fuels for net zero by 2050.
  • COP28, ending on 14 Dec 2023, is a turning point in global climate change efforts, with 198 participating Parties aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
  • COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, emphasizes the historic achievement, highlighting inclusivity across diverse sectors, including private and public sectors, civil society, faith leaders, youth, and indigenous peoples.
  • UAE Consensus encourages economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions, targeting tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
  • COP28’s ‘Action Agenda’ includes bold steps in fast-tracking energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people and nature, and fostering inclusivity, mobilizing an unprecedented $85 billion for climate action.
  • Key achievements involve the launch of ALTÉRRA, a $30 billion private finance vehicle by the UAE, the endorsement of the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate,’ and the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health.’
  • Global Decarbonisation Accelerator (GDA) introduces initiatives like the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter.
  • COP28 delivers historic negotiated outcomes, including operationalization of Loss and Damage, $792 million in early pledges, advancement of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and institutionalization of the Youth Climate Champion.
  • Focus now shifts to implementing agreements at COP29 and COP30, with collaboration agreements signed with Brazil (COP30 host) and efforts with Azerbaijan (COP29 host) for ambitious updated climate plans.
  • COP28 sets a precedent for future conferences, providing a blueprint for ambitious and inclusive global climate action.

MCQs

  1. What is the primary focus of the ‘UAE Consensus’ reached in Dubai at COP28 ?
    • a) Transitioning to renewable energy
    • b) Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
    • c) Enhancing climate finance
    • d) Strengthening global partnerships
  2. What does COP28 aim to achieve in terms of global warming?
    • a) Limiting it to 2°C
    • b) Limiting it to 1.5°C
    • c) Reducing emissions by 50%
    • d) Achieving complete carbon neutrality

Nations at COP28 Reach Landmark ‘UAE Consensus’ for a transition away from fossil fuels for net zero by 2050 Read More »

Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung crosses south Andhra Pradesh coast

  1. Cyclone “Michaung” Crossing and Movement:
    • On December 5, 2023, Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’ crossed the South Andhra Pradesh coast close to Bapatla at 1330 hours.
    • Moved northwards with a speed of 10 kmph during the past 06 hours.
  2. Weakening and Wind Speed Forecast:
    • The storm is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm.
    • Forecasted maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
  3. Impact on Odisha:
    • Anticipated heavy rains in most parts of southern Odisha and the coastal region of the state.
  4. Impact on Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:
    • North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry expected to experience light to moderate rainfall in most places.
    • Isolated heavy rainfall forecasted on Tuesday morning, decreasing thereafter.

Q: Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung crossed which state’s coast in December 2023?

a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Odisha

Ans : c) Andhra Pradesh

Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung crosses south Andhra Pradesh coast Read More »

COP28 Summit in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023

  • The 28th session of COP (Conference of the Parties) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change started in Dubai on November 30, 2023, and will run until December 12.
  • The conference has a central theme of accelerating collective climate action and increasing ambition in response to the growing Climate Crisis.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the UAE to participate in the World Climate Action Summit, which is the High-Level Segment of COP-28.
  • During the Summit, PM Modi will address the audience and take part in three high-level side events in Dubai.

Q: Where is 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place?

a. New York, USA
b. Geneva, Switzerland
c. Dubai, UAE
d. Paris, France

Ans : c. Dubai, UAE

COP28 Summit in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023 Read More »

World’s Largest Single-Site Solar Power Plant in Abu Dhabi inaugurated

The United Arab Emirates inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, the 2-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project (IPP), located 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi.

  1. The solar plant will generate enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes and is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
  2. The inauguration comes ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and Sheikh Hazza highlighted the UAE’s commitment to clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting global climate action.
  3. United Arab Emirates will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) from November 30th to December 12 2023.

Q.: When is the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) scheduled to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates?

a. October 15-25, 2023
b. November 30-December 12, 2023
c. January 5-15, 2024
d. February 20-March 2, 2024

Ans : b. November 30-December 12, 2023

Q.: Where is world’s largest single-site solar power plant located ?

a. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
b. Beijing, China
c. California, United States
d. London, United Kingdom

Ans : a. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

World’s Largest Single-Site Solar Power Plant in Abu Dhabi inaugurated Read More »

UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported record-high levels of climate-heating gases in the atmosphere

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported record-high levels of climate-heating gases in the atmosphere in 2022.

  1. The heating effect of greenhouse gases increased by 50% between 1990 and 2022, with the primary driver being the burning of fossil fuels.
  2. Carbon dioxide concentration is now 50% higher than pre-Industrial Revolution levels.
  3. The concentrations of the two other major greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, also experienced growth.
  4. The WMO released this report in anticipation of the UN’s Cop28 climate summit, scheduled to begin on November 30.

Q.: What did the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report about climate-heating gases in 2022?

a. Decreased levels
b. Record highs
c. Stable levels
d. No change

Ans : b. Record highs

UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported record-high levels of climate-heating gases in the atmosphere Read More »

Scroll to Top