UPSC QUIZ 23.08.2023

Explanation:

• The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which marks its sixth anniversary, is a significant global agreement aimed at safeguarding people and the environment from the harmful impacts of mercury exposure.

Minamata Convention

• The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and its compounds.
• It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva, Switzerland 2013. It entered into force in 2017.
• Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle is one of the key obligations under the Convention.
• The Convention also addresses interim storage of mercury and its disposal once it becomes waste, sites contaminated by mercury as well as health issues.

Explanation:

• The surge in methane levels in Earth's atmosphere has raised concerns about the planet's ongoing climate transition.As methane, a potent greenhouse gas, gains momentum in its growth, it raises questions about whether Earth is undergoing a 'termination-level transition' similar to past climate shifts.

Methane

• Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
• It is flammable and is used as a fuel worldwide.
• Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
• Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years of its lifetime in the atmosphere.
• Roughly three-fifths of methane emissions come from fossil fuel use, farming, landfills and waste. The remainder is from natural sources, especially vegetation rotting in tropical and northern wetlands.

Explanation:

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently defined a clear Green Hydrogen Standard, which establishes emission thresholds for hydrogen production categorized as 'green'.This significant development positions India at the forefront of global efforts towards sustainable energy solutions.

Definition of Green Hydrogen

• “Green Hydrogen” shall mean Hydrogen produced using renewable energy, including, but not limited to, production through electrolysis or conversion of biomass.
• Renewable energy also includes such electricity generated from renewable sources which is stored in an energy storage system or banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations.

Explanation:

• Russia's Luna-25 crashed on the Moon’s surface, ending its first mission to the lunar surface 47 years after the last landing by the former Soviet Union.
• This leaves India’s Chandrayaan-3 on course to become the first spacecraft to land near the Lunar South Pole.
• Russia's Luna-25 marked the resumption of lunar interest and plans to continue the Luna series.

Luna-25 Mission

• The Luna 25 mission, originally named Luna-Glob, underwent over two decades of development before joining the historic Luna series initiated in 1976.
• The mission aimed to secure Russia's access to the Moon's surface amid its significance in space exploration and geopolitical rivalry.
• While Russia and China lead the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), the U.S. heads the Artemis Accords.

Explanation:

• Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has launched a portal to ensure prompt action against threats and crimes related to trees, forests and wildlife during the tree plantation drive in Rohini.
• Shri Rai said that through the portal https://ghl.eForest.delhi.gov.in people can check the status of their grievances and this will also lead to better coordination within the government.
• He said that this portal would act as a centralized platform for prompt action on complaints received through Green Helpline (1800-11-8600) and ensure timely action in critical situations.
• All the complaints lodged on the helpline will be recorded in this portal.
• Apart from this, information about the action taken on the related complaints will continue to be received from here.
• Mr. Rai said that the accountability of the concerned department will increase with this.
• According to Mr. Rai, this transparency ensures that stakeholders can easily track the status of actions taken, promoting accountability and effective collaboration.
• Issues that can be reported and addressed through the portal include damage to trees, attempts to encroach on forest land, threats to wildlife, wildlife in need of rescue, and other wildlife crimes.