Environment Current Affairs

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

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

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi has successfully developed a high-yielding short-duration paddy variety called Pusa-2090.

1. Purpose of Development: The new variety aims to address challenges associated with paddy stubble burning and air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
2. Stubble Burning Issue: The traditional paddy crop, transplanted in June, is usually ready for harvest by late October, leaving farmers with minimal time to prepare fields for the next wheat crop. Stubble burning has been a common practice due to this time constraint.
3. Comparison with Existing Variety: Pusa-2090 is an improved version of the existing Pusa-44 variety. The new variety matures in 120 to 125 days, providing farmers with approximately 30 more days compared to Pusa-44, which takes 155 to 160 days to mature.
4. Advantages of Pusa-2090: The shortened maturity period of Pusa-2090 allows farmers more time to ready their fields for the subsequent crop, reducing the reliance on stubble burning.

Q.: How does the maturity period of Pusa-2090 compare to the existing Pusa-44 paddy variety?

a. Pusa-2090 takes longer to mature
b. Pusa-2090 and Pusa-44 have similar maturity periods
c. Pusa-2090 matures faster than Pusa-44
d. None of the above

Ans : c. Pusa-2090 matures faster than Pusa-44

Q.: Why do farmers in the Delhi-NCR region resort to burning paddy stubble?

a. Tradition and cultural practices
b. Lack of awareness
c. Short time between paddy harvest and sowing wheat
d. Soil enrichment

Ans : c. Short time between paddy harvest and sowing wheat

1. All schools in Delhi will be closed from November 9 to 18, 2023.
2. The decision to close schools was made by the Education Department of Delhi.
3. The reason for this closure is the adverse weather conditions and rising pollution levels in the national capital.
4. The Delhi Government issued an order stating that the winter break will be observed during this period, and further orders for the remaining portion of the break will be issued later.
5. The decision to close schools is due to the implementation of GRAP-IV measures in response to severe air quality issues in Delhi and the prediction of no improvement in the near future by the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department).
6. The Delhi Environment Minister, along with Transport and Revenue Ministers, chaired a meeting to ensure compliance with instructions given by the Supreme Court regarding pollution control.

Q.: Why are all schools in Delhi were closed from November 9 to 18, 2023?

A) Due to a teacher’s strike
B) Adverse weather conditions and rising pollution levels
C) Summer vacation
D) Scheduled maintenance work

Ans : B) Adverse weather conditions and rising pollution levels

The Odd-Even vehicle system will be implemented in Delhi for one week, from the 13th to the 20th of the current month, in response to air pollution concerns. This decision was communicated by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

1. The ban on BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles will continue in GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan – Level 4).
2. Entry of trucks, except for LNG, CNG, and electric trucks carrying essential commodities and essential service vehicles, is prohibited in Delhi.
3. Despite the measures taken, the air quality in the National Capital Delhi remains in the severe category, with the city covered in a thick haze.
4. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an air quality index of 435 at 12 Noon, reflecting the high level of air pollution.

What is Odd-Even vehicle system

The Odd-Even vehicle system, also known as the Odd-Even scheme, is a traffic management measure implemented in several cities, including Delhi, to curb air pollution and reduce traffic congestion. The system typically operates as follows:

1. Alternate Days: On specific days, vehicles with license plate numbers ending in odd digits (such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are allowed to ply on the roads, while on other days, vehicles with license plate numbers ending in even digits (such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted.
2. Exemptions: The system often exempts certain categories of vehicles from the restrictions, such as public transport, emergency vehicles, and vehicles running on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Q.: What is the purpose of the Odd-Even vehicle system in Delhi?

a. To reduce noise pollution
b. To promote the use of bicycles
c. To address traffic congestion
d. To combat air pollution

Answer: d. To combat air pollution

The government implemented Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) -IV restrictions, which represent the final stage of the air pollution control plan, with immediate effect on November 5, 2023.

1. Delhi-NCR is facing worsening air quality, leading to additional curbs being imposed by the central government.
2. The restrictions include a ban on several vehicle categories, a requirement for 50% of employees to work from home, and the possibility of school closures.
3. The Central Pollution Control Board reported that Delhi’s average air quality index reached 463, categorizing it as ‘severe.’
4. Key restrictions under GRAP-IV include limiting truck traffic entry into Delhi, allowing only certain types of vehicles to enter Delhi, banning certain types of diesel vehicles in the city, and suspending certain construction and development activities.
5. Decisions regarding the discontinuation of physical classes for certain school levels, work arrangements in public and private offices, and emergency measures are to be made by relevant state and central authorities.

Q.: What does GRAP-IV stand for in the context of air quality control?

a. Greenhouse Reduction Action Plan – Level IV
b. Government Restrictions on Air Pollution – Phase IV
c. Graded Response Action Plan – Stage IV
d. Greater Restriction on Airborne Particles – Version 4

Ans : c. Graded Response Action Plan – Stage IV