Environment

 

Environment Current Affairs, Important for Competitive Exams.

World Hottest Day : July 22, 2024

According to preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency, Monday, July 22, 2024, was the World hottest day on record, surpassing the previous day, July 21. The global average surface air temperature reached 17.15 degrees Celsius.

Historical Context:

  • The record was previously set for four consecutive days in early July 2023.
  • Before that, the hottest day was in August 2016.

Recent Heat Records:

  • Cities in Japan, Indonesia, and China have recently registered record heat.
  • Gulf countries have experienced heat indexes exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.
  • Parts of Europe have seen temperatures surge past 45 degrees Celsius.

Cause of Record Heat:

  • Scientists attribute the record heat to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels.
  • Unlike the previous year, which saw a combination of climate change and the El Nino pattern, this record was set without El Nino’s influence.

Q.: When was the World hottest day on record according to the preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency?

A) July 21, 2023
B) July 22, 2024
C) August 2016
D) July 20, 2023

Ans : B) July 22, 2024
According to preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency, Monday, July 22, 2024, was the World hottest day on record,

Q.: What was the global average surface air temperature on the hottest day on record on July 22, 2024?

A) 17.00 degrees Celsius
B) 17.10 degrees Celsius
C) 17.15 degrees Celsius
D) 17.20 degrees Celsius

Ans : C) 17.15 degrees Celsius
The global average surface air temperature reached 17.15 degrees Celsius.

World Environment Day- June 5

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This United Nations day is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, and government entities.

The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is “Land restoration, desertification & drought resilience”. It focuses on #GenerationRestoration, emphasizing the importance of growing forests, reviving water sources, and bringing back soils.

Q: When do we celebrate World Environment Day every year?

A) January 1
B) April 22
C) June 5
D) September 21

Correct Answer: C) June 5

Q: What is the primary cause of ozone depletion in the Earth’s atmosphere?

A) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B) Methane (CH₄)
C) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
D) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Correct Answer: C) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Q: Which gas is responsible for the greenhouse effect?

A) Oxygen (O₂)
B) Nitrogen (N₂)
C) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
D) Argon (Ar)

Correct Answer: C) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Onset Of Southwest Monsoon In Kerala : IMD

Southwest Monsoon rains began in Kerala, India on June 30, 2024, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Typically, monsoon rains start in Kerala around June 1 and spread across the country by mid-July, aiding the planting of major crops like rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane.

  • Monsoon rains provide 70% of India’s annual water supply, vital for farming and replenishing water sources.
  • About half of India’s farmland relies solely on monsoon rains for irrigation.
  • Overall monsoon rainfall this year is predicted to be 106% of the long-term average.
  • The IMD classifies normal rainfall as 96% to 104% of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the June-September period.

Q: Which major crops are aided by the monsoon rains in India?

A) Wheat, barley, oats, and rye
B) Rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane
C) Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic
D) Apples, oranges, bananas, and mangoes

Answer: B) Rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane

Q: What is the 50-year average rainfall for the June-September period, according to the IMD?

A) 70 cm (28 inches)
B) 80 cm (32 inches)
C) 87 cm (35 inches)
D) 100 cm (40 inches)

Answer: C) 87 cm (35 inches)

Q.: By when do the southwest monsoon rains typically spread across the whole country?

A) Mid-June
B) End of June
C) Mid-July
D) End of July

Answer: C) Mid-July

52.9°C in Mungeshpur, Delhi on May 29, 2024, could be due to a sensor error or local factors

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the recorded temperature of 52.9°C in Mungeshpur, Delhi on May 29, 2024, could be due to a sensor error or local factors.

  • It was reported the highest temperature reading ever recorded in Delhi and India.
  • IMD is currently examining the data and sensors as the Mungeshpur reading is an outlier compared to other stations.
  • IMD has five major climate stations in Safdarjung, Palam, Ayanagar, Ridge, and Lodi Road, which should be used to determine trends and extremes.
  • Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, stated that the Mungeshpur temperature is not yet official and is very unlikely, with senior IMD officials asked to verify the report.

Q: What did the India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarify about the temperature reading of 52.9°C in Mungeshpur, Delhi on May 29, 2024?

  • A. It was officially confirmed
  • B. It could be due to a sensor error or local factor
  • C. It was recorded in all major stations
  • D. It is normal temperature

Ans : B. It could be due to a sensor error or local factor

Cyclone Remal : Landfall around midnight on May 26, 2024 in West Bangal

Cyclone Remal is the first pre-monsoon cyclone of 2024 in the Bay of Bengal. The landfall is expected between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) around midnight on May 26, 2024.

Impact Areas:

  • West Bengal: Heavy to very heavy rain in South and North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly on May 26-27.
  • Odisha: North Odisha will experience impacts on May 26-27.
  • Northeast India: Extremely heavy precipitation on May 27-28.
  • Specific districts in West Bengal (Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia) to receive heavy rain on May 26-27.

Alerts and Warnings:

  • Red Alert: Coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h on May 26 and 90-100 km/h on May 27, along with extremely heavy rainfall.
  • Orange Alert: Kolkata, Howrah, and Purba Medinipur districts, with wind speeds of 80-90 km/h on May 26 and 70-80 km/h on May 27, with heavy to very heavy rain.
  • Yellow Warning: Isolated places in Balasore, Odisha, may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) on May 26.

Q: What is the name of the first pre-monsoon cyclone of 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, make landfall on 26 May 2024?

A) Cyclone Fani
B) Cyclone Amphan
C) Cyclone Yaas
D) Cyclone Remal

Ans : D) Cyclone Remal

Monsoon will arrive in Kerala towards the end of May : IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the south-west monsoon will likely arrive in Kerala towards the end of this month (May 2024).

Kerala has been experiencing sporadic rains recently. These rains have significantly reduced the temperature in the state.

Q: Which monsoon normally set in over Kerala towards the end of May / first week of June every year?

A) North-east monsoon
B) South-west monsoon
C) Winter monsoon
D) Summer monsoon

Answer: B) South-west monsoon

Powerful Solar Storm hit Earth causing Celestial Light Displays in Skies from Australia to Britain

An unusually powerful solar storm hit Earth on the night of May 10, causing celestial light displays from Australia to Britain. The solar storm poses a threat of potential disruptions to Earth’s communications networks, satellites, and power grids as it continues into the weekend.

  1. The solar storm was caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun.
  2. It was upgraded to an ‘extreme’ geomagnetic storm, the first since the ‘Halloween Storms’ of October 2003.
  3. More Coronal Mass Ejections are expected to impact the planet in the upcoming days.
  4. Social media was filled with images of auroras from northern Europe to Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean.
  5. The solar flares originated from a large cluster of sunspots, 17 times wider than Earth.
  6. The Sun is nearing the peak of an 11-year cycle, resulting in increased solar activity.
  7. Fluctuating magnetic fields during geomagnetic storms can create currents in long wires, potentially causing power outages and issues in engineering.
  8. Spacecraft are vulnerable to high levels of radiation during solar storms, but Earth’s atmosphere shields the planet.
  9. Pigeons and other species with internal biological compasses may be impacted by geomagnetic storms.
  10. The Carrington Event, the most powerful geomagnetic storm in recorded history, occurred in September 1859.

Q: What caused the powerful solar storm that hit Earth on May 10, 2024?

a) Solar flares
b) Coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
c) Lunar eclipse
d) Solar eclipse

Ans : b) Coronal mass ejections (CMEs)

Q:What is the approximate frequency of the solar activity cycle mentioned in the passage?

a) 7 years
b) 11 years
c) 50 years
d) 100 years

Ans : b) 11 years

World Earth Day, observed on April 22

World Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a global event dedicated to environmental protection.

Origins and Purpose:

  • The first Earth Day was organized on April 22, 1970, by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network).
  • It mobilized millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, marking the birth of the modern environmental movement.
  • Earth Day aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and advocate for a sustainable future.
  • Earth Day is now celebrated in over 193 countries, involving more than 1 billion people.
  • It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.

2024 Theme: Planet vs. Plastics:

Theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” The goal is to end plastics for human and planetary health by demanding a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.

Q: Which day is celebrated as World Earth Day?

A) 21 August
B) 22 April
C) 21 December
D) 22 May

Ans : B) 22 April

Q: What was the theme of World Earth Day 2024?

A) End Plastic Pollution
B) Ecosystem Restoration
C) Time for Nature
D) Planet vs. Plastics

Ans : D) Planet vs. Plastics

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

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

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

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)

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

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