text:
Q: Get the name of all the edit texts in gridview in Android I'm making a sudoku puzzle app on android. This is what I've done till now
Text Adapter.java
    public class TextAdapter extends BaseAdapter {
    private Context mContext;
    int count = 81;
    int k = 1;
    private static EditText current = null;

    public TextAdapter(Context c) {
        mContext = c;
    }

    @Override
    public int getCount() {
        // TODO Auto-generated method stub
        return 81;
    }

    @Override
    public Object getItem(int arg0) {
        // TODO Auto-generated method stub
        return null;
    }

    @Override
    public long getItemId(int arg0) {
        // TODO Auto-generated method stub
        return 0;
    }

    @Override
    public View getView(int position, View convertView, ViewGroup parent) {
        // TODO Auto-generated method stub

        final EditText editText;
        if (convertView == null) {
            editText = new EditText(mContext);
            editText.setLayoutParams(new GridView.LayoutParams(85, 85));
            editText.setPadding(8, 8, 8, 8);
        } else {
            editText = (EditText) convertView;
        }
        editText.setId(k);
        editText.setGravity(Gravity.CENTER);
        editText.setBackgroundResource(R.drawable.rectangle);
        InputFilter[] FilterArray = new InputFilter[1];
        FilterArray[0] = new InputFilter.LengthFilter(1);
        editText.setFilters(FilterArray);

        editText.setOnFocusChangeListener(new OnFocusChangeListener() {

            @Override
            public void onFocusChange(View view, boolean hasFocus) {
                // TODO Auto-generated method stub
                editText.setInputType(InputType.TYPE_NULL);
                if (current != null) {
                    current.setBackgroundResource(R.drawable.rectangle);
                }
                if (hasFocus) {
                    current = (EditText) view;
                    editText.setBackgroundResource(R.drawable.rectangleblue);
                }
            }
        });

        return editText;
    }

    public static EditText getCurrentEditText() {
        return current;
    }

}

I want to randomly populate some of the edittexts with numbers from 1-9, but I don't know how to get the identifier/name of each edittext.
Is this possible? How?
I'm a novice in android development.

A: When you create an EditText, add them to parent.
parent.addView(editText);

Whenever you want to get the already created EditTexts, you can iterate through the parent's children:
Edittext tempET;
int tempID=0;
for(int i = 0 ; i < parent.getChildCount(); i++) {
     tempET=(EditText) parent.getChildAt(i);
     tempID=tempET.getId();
}


text:
BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION
Why in News? The Centre issued an Extraordinary Gazette Notification declaring a list of activities and facilities that would be permissible in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas of certain…
CRZ RULES
Why in News? The last of the four illegal apartment complexes in Maradu, Kerala, was razed by controlled implosion, marking the completion of the demolition drive of the waterfront highrises.…
DEVASTATING AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE
Why in News? Australia is witnessing its most devastating bushfire season in at least 20 years. About Bushfires: Forest fires, or bushfires, routinely occur across the world in hot and…
NEW METHOD TO ESTIMATE…
Why in News? A study of the Satopanth glacier in order to model the melting of debris-covered glaciers has been carried out by a group of Indian researchers. Their New…
SPECIES RICH FORESTS OFFER…
Why in News? An International Team of Researchers has shown that carbon storage was highest in species-rich evergreen forest. The team Spent over six months conducting surveys inside Anamalai Tiger…
Environmental Clearance for Projects
Why in News? The Supreme Court recently dismissed appeals by Kapico Kerala Resorts Private Limited, against a Kerala High Court decision banning the construction of resorts on Vembanad Lake in…
2019 WAS 7TH WARMEST…
Why in News? The year 2019 that went by was the 7thwarmest since record-keeping commenced in 1901. However, the rise in Average Temperatures over India in 2019 was the lowest…
CARBON TRADING & CLIMATE…
"Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to uphold our moral and historical responsibilities" Climate Change is the defining issue of our time. From shifting weather patterns that…
NGT DIRECTS CPCB TO…
Why in News? The NGT has directed the CPCB to carry out a study within four months to ascertain whether advance batch automated pyrolysis plants can address pollution caused due…
FOREST COMMITTEE APPROVES SCHEME…
Why in News? The Forest Advisory Committee, an apex body tasked with adjudicating requests by the industry to raze forest land for commercial ends, has approved a scheme named "Green…
RE-GRASSING IS MANDATORY AFTER…
Why in News? The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that mining lease holders should be held responsible for re-grassing mined areas so that biodiversity gets a second chance in these…
Why in News? The Central Government in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified new energy performance standards for Room Air Conditioner (RACs). 240C default setting: The…
MIYAWAKI METHOD-AFFORESTATION
Why in News? Recently, Kerala Government has initiated Miyawaki method of afforestation to add green cover.. About Miyawaki method: It is pioneered by Akira Miyawaki, Japanese botanist. He is an…
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
Context: Recently, the pneumococcalvaccine developed by Serum Institute of India, Pune. It has been pre-qualified by WHO making it all set to be cheaper and more effective than the one that…
SWACHH SURVEKSHAN SURVEY
Context: Recently, the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs has published the results of the Swachh Survekshan survey. About Swachh Survekshan Survey: First launched in July 2017 it is…
TURTLE REHAB CENTRE IN…
Why in News? A first-of-its-kind Rehabilitation Centre for Freshwater Turtles will be inaugurated in Bihar's Bhagalpur forest division in January 2020. Highlights: The centre, spread over half a hectare, will…
Why in News? About 21.40% of forest cover in India is prone to fires, with forests in the north-eastern region and central India being the most vulnerable, the 2019 report…
FIRE-BREATHING CLOUDS
Context: Australia's bushfires are growing so massive and powerful that they create their own weather phenomenon. According to Bureau of Meteorology office, Victoria, it has observed the pyro-cumulonimbus cloudsabove eastern…
INDIA RECORDS LESS TIGER…
Why in News? According to data from the Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC), for the first time in the past three years the number of tiger deaths…
SWACHH 2020 LEAGUE TABLE
Context: Indore, Jamshedpur are recently declared as the cleanest on Swachh 2020 table. About Swachh Bharat (Urban): Its aim is to attain 100% open Defecation Free status and 100% Solid…
OVERALL GREEN COVER RISES,…
IASGateAdmin | 31, Dec 2019
Why in News? The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) has been released recently by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. About the Report: India State of Forest…
Zero-Waste Alliance
Why in News? Kerala's capital city Thiruvananthapuram was recognised and awarded at the International Zero Waste Conference held in Malaysia in October this year. Apart from Thiruvananthapuram Chennai is the…
Why in News? NTPC is planning to increase solar energy generation in India by 10 GW by 2022, mainly funded by Green Bonds. About GREEN BONDS: The Green Bonds are…
Why in News? Recently, Gujarat and Pakistan are under attack by Hopper. About It is known as tiddis locally and have wreaked havoc on standing crops, which includes castor, cumin,…
RUSSIA WANTS INDIA TO…
Why in News? Russia has recently stated that it is looking forward forward for India to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). About Eurasian Economic Union…
SOUTHERN STATES HAVE HIGH…
Why in news? The Indian State Level Disease Burden Initiative has recently prepared a comprehensive estimates of disease burden attributes to mental health. This report is been published in Lancet…
Why in News? After the failure at Madrid, the European Union has come up with an announcement on additional measures it would on climate change, called the European Green European…
WHY INDIA NEEDS PROJECT…
Why in News? The National Ganga Council (NGC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the first time recently with the proposal to save and enhance the population of…
CLIMATE TALKS ENDS WITHOUT…
Why in News? The last longer international climate talks ended with major polluters resisting calls to ramp up efforts to keep global warming in control. About the News: The major…
MODI CHAIRS FIRST MEETING…
Why in News? Our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur Recently. The First Meeting Discussed About: The first meeting of…
HOW INDIA LOST ITS…
Why in News? In the recent UNCCD COP 14 (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), held in Delhi, a researcher from India pronounced desertification as the primary cause of the…
GREEN WINDOW FOR GREEN…
Why in News? The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is planning to set up a dedicated "Green Window to serve the unserved segments of Renewable Energy." Highlights: The IREDA…
HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATING INDIA'S…
Why in News? Recent samples taken from two-thirds of the water quality stations spanning India's major rivers showed contamination by one or more heavy metals, exceeding safe limits set by…
U.S., SAUDI AT BOTTOM…
Why in News? The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are among major polluters showing "hardly any signs" of reducing their Greenhouse Gas Production. About CCPI: The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)is…
IUCN STUDY ON DE-OXYGENATION…
Why in News? The world's oceans have less oxygen today than they did up to, say, 1950 or 1960, according to a new study. Highlights: The report is the work…
TYRE PYROLYSIS
Why in News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 270 tyre pyrolysis units in 19 States for employing technology that is polluting and harmful to the health…
CARBON MARKET
Why in News? Almost halfway through the climate conference in Madrid, one big thing it had to resolve — disagreements over setting up a new carbon market — remains contentious…
CENTRE OBJECTS TO UTTARAKHAND'S…
Why in News? The Union Ministry for Environment and Forests Climate Change (MoEFCC) has objected to an Uttarakhand government's notification defining the term 'forest'. Definition of Forests: The freedom to…
GLOBAL CLIMATE RISK INDEX:…
Around the world, people are experiencing both the subtle and stark effects of climate change. Gradually shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels and more extreme weather events are all clear…
OPERATION CLEAN ART
Why in News? A raid conducted by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) under Special Operation named 'Operation Clean Art' has seized over 50,000 Mongoose hair brushes across 5 state recently. About…
WHITE COATED CORRUPTION: DOCTORS,…
IASGateAdmin | 30, Nov 2019
A recent report by Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SAATHI), a public health group on pharmaceutical marketing practices has revealed widespread use of bribes and inducement by…
NEW U.N. CLIMATE REPORT…
Why in News? The 10th Emissions Gap Report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warned that there's "no sign" greenhouse gases will hit their zenith anytime soon. India-is-the-fourth-largest-emitter-of-greenhouse-gases. Emissions…
PRODUCTION OF CNG FROM…
Why in News? As part of the SATAT scheme, several PSUs Including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited had launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for procurement of…
COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITIES…
Why in News? India will insist upon the principle of 'equity and common but differentiated responsibilities' at next week's COP-25 in Madrid, Spain. CBDR-RC: It is a principle within the…
UNFCCC COP25: CLIMATE CHANGE…
The 25th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Spain from 2nd December,2019, holds a lot of significance. The countries are…
UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
Why in News? Cabinet approves India's Approach to the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Spain Next Week. Highlights: The Cabinet has approved India's negotiating stand at the…
ORAL POLIO VACCINE (OPV)
Why in News? According to Ministry of Health, OPV benefits far outweigh the risks. About: World Health Organization and the Indian government on polio eradication policy described the continued use…
GREENHOUSE GAS IN ATMOSPHERE
Why in News? According to the World Meteorological Organization, levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have reached new record high. About: The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin showed that…
NSO DEBUNKS SWACHH BHARAT…
Why in News? The latest National Statistical Office (NSO) survey on sanitation debunked the claims of an open defecation-free or ODF India made by the Centre's flagship Swachh Bharat scheme.…
NO RELIEF TO RO…
Why in News? The Supreme Court has refused to stay the May 2019 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that banned the use of reverse osmosis (RO) systems where…
INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH, IMI…
Why in News? Intensified Mission Indradhanush, IMI 2.0 is to be rolled out from 2nd December, 2019. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as…
ROLLING OUT TO BS-VI…
Why in News? India Ratings & Research report has said rolling out BS-VI norms to Commercial vehicles (CV) Would Create Short Term Trouble. About Bharat Stage Emission Standards: The Bharat…
DRINKING WATER: QUALITY &…
Why in News? A study by the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has found samples of tap water collected from Mumbai, compliant with the Indian standards for drinking water. However, other…
GREAT BARRIER REEF'S CORAL…
Why in News? A mass coral spawning has begun on Australia's Great Barrier Reef recently. About Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system…
INDIA IS HOME TO…
Why in News? The Ninth Edition of the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas was released on the occasion of International Diabetes Day. About IDF Diabetes Atlas: The IDF Diabetes…
PARLIAMENTARY PANEL EXPRESSES CONCERN…
Why in News? The committee was constituted to examine an expanded role for the Department of Atomic Energy, through the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), to address India's rising cancer burden.…
PNEUMONIA AND DIARRHOEA IN…
Why in News? The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) has recently released 'The 10th Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report' at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. About the…
NGT ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given an ultimatum to the Union Environment Ministry to issue notifications pertaining to prohibition on the use of RO (reverse osmosis)…
U.S.A EXITS PARIS AGREEMENT
Why in News? Recently U.S.A has notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the landmark climate deal by initiating the process of leaving the Paris Agreement. About Paris Agreement:…
INDIAN LUNGS UNDER EXTREME…
Why in News? According to the National Health Profile (NHP)-2019, which was recently released by the Union Health Ministry, "Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West…
NO RELIEF FOR DELHI-NCR…
Why in News? As Delhi chokes, the government has shut all schools till November 5 after a Supreme Court-mandated panel declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR. Highlights: Air quality…
MOST MOUNT EVEREST GLACIERS…
Why in News? A recent study has painted a bleak future for most glaciers in the Mount Everest region, warning that they will either disappear or retreat as a result…
IMPROVEMENT IN INDIA'S SEX…
Why in News? According to the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence's (CBHI) National Health Profile (NHP) 2019, India has registered an improved sex ratio and a decline in birth and…
INDIAN OCEAN RIM TO…
IASGateAdmin | 30, Oct 2019
Why in News? The 29th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change was held in Beijing, China. The countries include BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China). Important Commitments: BASIC Ministers expressed…
BASIC MINISTERIAL MEET ON…
2019 OZONE HOLE IS…
Why in News? National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA have announced that the Antarctic ozone hole hit its smallest annual peak on record since tracking began in 1982.…
MANY HYDROPOWER PROJECTS COULD…
Why in News? Hydropower projects that do not comply with the Centre's ecological flow notification could face closure. Highlight: The Natural Flow Regime is the characteristic pattern of a river's…
HOW AEROSOL FORMATION HELPS…
Why in News? Small aerosol particles help in "brightening" of clouds, enabling them to alter Earth's radiative balance and ultimately its climate, according to a study. Aerosol: An aerosol is…
'FOREIGN' PLASTIC INVADES GREAT…
Why in News? The pristine beaches of the Great Nicobar Island, India's southernmost territory, are under threat from plastic. A survey of five beaches in the islands recorded the presence…
SIKKIM SEES SURGE IN…
Why in News? From the iconic Kaiser-i-Hind to the recently rediscovered Small Woodbrown butterfly, the state of Sikkim is home to nearly 700 species of butterfly. Highlights: There were issues…
ANNUAL GANGES RIVER DOLPHIN…
Why in News? The Annual Ganges River Dolphin Census has begun. Highlights: The census is undertaken by World Wide Fund for Nature-India in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.…
PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE TO NH…
Why in News? A recent study has found that roadkills on the proposed alternative to NH 766 route are one of the highest in the country. Highlights: The eight-month study…
WHO INDIA COUNTRY COOPERATION…
Why in News? Union Health Minister has launched the WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2019–2023. Highlights: The CCS provides a strategic roadmap for WHO to work with…
GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN
Why in News? Starting October 15, some stricter measures to fight air pollution will come into force in Delhi's neighbourhood, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As…
GANGA AAMANTRAN ABHIYAN
Why in News? Jal Shakti Ministry has launched Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan, a unique open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River to create awareness on Ganga rejuvenation and water…
Why in News? In a bid to resolve the crisis of air pollution, the Government has launched green firecrackers Background: The Supreme Court in October 2018 banned the sale, use…
MOSAIC MISSION
Why in News? A native of Kerala, the 32-year-old polar researcher will be the only Indian among 300 scientists from across the world aboard the multidisciplinary drifting observatory for the…
SCALE OF GLOBAL WILDLIFE…
Why in News? The study, by researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Sheffield, published in the Journal Science has found that nearly one in every five…
DRONE CAMERAS THREATENING NILGIRIS…
Why in News? Wildlife enthusiasts believe that the drone cameras pose a huge threat to wildlife. Highlights: Environment conservationists are concerned about the increasing number of enthusiasts using drone cameras…
CONVERTING USED COOKING OIL…
Why in News? The Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas flagged off publicity vans in Delhi, to generate awareness about the initiative of converting used cooking oil…
RS 50,000 FINE FOR…
Context: The Central government has issued a 15-point directive, including cordoning off ghats and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000, to prevent the immersion of idols in the Ganga or…
GREEN ENERGY TARGET LACKS…
Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Climate Action Summit in New York announced India's ambitious aim to increase its renewable energy target to 450 GW (gigawatts). A…
WEEK-LONG IPCC MEET ON…
Why in News? India is hosting the Second Lead Author Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report at New Delhi from 30th…
FOREST-PLUS 2.0
IASGateAdmin | 29, Sep 2019
Why in News? US Agency for International Development (USAID) and India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) officially launched Forest-PLUS 2.0. About Forest-PLUS 2.0: It is a five-year…
INDIA, NEPAL, BHUTAN TO…
Context: With recent studies this year having reported the presence of tigers in high altitude regions in India, experts from India, Nepal and Bhutan under the aegis of their governments…
SHRINKING BUFFER ZONE AT…
Context: Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) that registered the highest growth in tiger numbers in the country the last four years, will have no eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) or at the most…
RADIOACTIVE CESIUM TECHNOLOGY FOR…
Why in News? Indian scientists have now developed a method to measure the rate of soil erosion and associated decrease in organic content in soil by assessing levels of radioactive…
WASTE MANAGEMENT ON SIACHEN…
Why in News? The Indian Army has removed 130 tonnes of garbage from the Siachen Glacier and is cutting potential trash in rations. Challenges: On average, 236 tonnes of waste…
SPECIAL REPORT ON THE…
Why in News? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) was released in Monaco on 25th The report…
DRAFT NATIONAL RESOURCE EFFICIENCY…
Context: Driven by serious sustainability concern, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has proposed a draft National Resource Efficiency Policy 2019 which aims to streamline the efficient use…
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
Context: Instead of giving financial and administrative support to the NGT, efforts are usually directed towards diluting its powers, defeating the very purpose behind its creation. Background: Taking into account…
EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME (ETS)
Why in News? Gujarat became the world's first market for particulate matter emissions in the world, after 155 industrial units of Surat came together for "live trading" under…
SURVEY OF DRAGONFLIES' HINTS…
Context: A survey of dragonflies and damselflies held in the Silent Valley National Park (SVNP) has discovered eight new species, but reported an alarming decrease in the odonate population, raising…
DROUGHT ACTION PLAN
Context: The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) is working on developing a comprehensive drought-proofing action plan for 24 districts in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka this year. Background: The NRAA…
CLEAN AIR COALITION:
Why in News? WHO is launching a "Clean Air Coalition" led by the Governments of Spain andPeru, while a group of philanthropic organizations and foundations were poisedto launch a new…
BLOOMING OF MICROALGAE KILLS…
Why in News? The recent blooming of Noctiluca scintillans, a greenish marine microalgae, in the Gulf of Mannar, has caused the death of more than 180 colonies, mostly on the…
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR RECYCLING…
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for a three-year delay in drawing up a national framework for recycling of…
INVASIVE SPECIES MAY SOON…
Why in News? According to a report filed by an expert committee formed by the Madras High Court, expanding plantations like tea and eucalyptus along with exotic and invasive species…
PARAQUAT HERBICIDE
Why in News? The use of herbicide Paraquat killed around 170 people in the last two years in Odisha's Burla district leading to demands for its ban. Highlights: Paraquat is…
AKADEMIK LOMONOSOV- RUSSIA'S FLOATING…
Why in News? Recently Russian-built floating nuclear power plant completed its 5,000-km journey along the Northern Sea Route, causing excitement in the energy sector, but sparking fears among environmentalists over…
INDIA COOLING ACTION PLAN
Why in News? The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Babul Supriyo was speaking at an event in New Delhi to mark World Ozone…
GROWING BETTER: TEN CRITICAL…
Why in News? A new global study titled "Growing Better: Ten Critical Transitions to Transform Food and Land Use" has quantified the damage that the modern food industry does to…
VULTURE CULTURE: HOW THE…
Why in News? The commendable role played by the Vulture Care Centres (VCC) in saving the endangered vulture species has brought the VCC in limelight. Growth of VCC: In the…
IIT MADRAS FINDS AN…
Why in News? Recently the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering has published the work of the team from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras who were able to…
NEW DELHI DECLARATION
Context: After 12 days of talks, the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ended with 196 countries and the European Union adopting…
INDIA LOST 31% OF…
Context: India lost 31 per cent, or 5.65 million hectares (mha), of grassland area in a decade, showed data the Union government presented to the United Nations Convention to Combat…
DESERTIFICATION OF LAND AROUND…
Why in News? According to a report tabled at the ongoing 14the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) every year around 12 million hectares…
MILITARY MEDICINE FOR SCO…
Why in News? The first conference of Military Medicine for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Member States will be held in Delhi. Significance: The conference will be the first Military co-operation…
HOW ARE VEHICLES TESTED…
Why in News? After the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 the fine for PUC violations has now gone up to Rs 10,000; it used to be Rs 1,000 for the…
COP14 OF UNITED NATIONS…
Why in News? The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in New Delhi, India between 2nd and 13th September…
GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP A…
Why in News? Union Environment Ministry released a report on Status of Tiger Habitats in high altitude Ecosystems. Highlights: The study is led by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), with…
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE…
Why in News? A new study has found that climate change has benefited bananas over the last several decades but predicted that the trend will reverse, with climate change eventually…
INDIA ANNOUNCES CONTRIBUTION OF…
Why in News? India has announced a contribution of 22 million US Dollars to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) for the 6th replenishment cycle, an increase…
AIR POLLUTION IN INDIAN…
Context: The report is one of two from a study by the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiologic (PURE), both published online in The Lancet on Tuesday and presented at the…
INDIA TAKES OVER COP…
Why in News? Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and Executive Secretary, UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), jointly inaugurated the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to…
CENTRAL BANKS ARE WAKING…
Context: The impact of climate change on the stability of individual financial institutions and the financial system in general is growing. It influences the types of activities that financial institutions…
Why in News? Australian government downgrades outlook for the Great Barrier Reef to 'very poor'. Coral along large swathes of the 2,300-kilometre reef have been killed by rising sea temperatures…
COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION FUND
Why in News? The Union Environment Ministry has transferred ₹47,436 crore to 27 States for afforestation. Highlights: The funds are long-pending dues, part of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF), that…
WAR ON PLASTICS
IASGateAdmin | 30, Aug 2019
Context: The PM invoked Gandhi in his appeals, and it has been speculated that a specific ban may be announced on October 2, the Mahatma's 150th birthday. Single-Use Plastic: As…
CITES WASHINGTON CONVENTION
Why in News? A resolution calling for Japan and the European Union (EU) to close their legal domestic ivory markets was not adopted at the ongoing 18th Conference of Parties…
CSIR TO CERTIFY AIR…
Context: The Union Environment Ministry has tasked the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)National Physical Laboratory (NPL) with certifying air quality monitoring instruments. Why This Move? This is in…
WAR ON PLASTIC
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat urged the people to observe the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year as a day to make India…
PARIS AGREEMENT TARGETS
Context: In their recent joint declaration, India and France have committed to making long-term plans to contain emissions. Background: During Prime Minister of India's visit to Paris last week, a…
FATF HAS PUT PAKISTAN…
Context: Financial Action Task Force affiliate Asia Pacific Group (APG) places Pakistan on Blacklist for failing to combat terrorism, money laundering and meeting the required global Background: At its meeting…
SUNDARBANS CONSERVATION
Why in News? Discovery India and World Wide Fund (WWF) India have partnered with the Government of West Bengal and local communities in the Sundarban to help save the world's…
INTENDED NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS
Why in News? Countries across the globe committed to create a new international climate agreement by the conclusion of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the…
INDIA LARGEST EMITTER OF…
Why in news? A new report by Greenpeace India shows the country is the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide in the world, with more than 15% of all the anthropogenic…
Why in News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has relaxed the procedure for environmental clearances of developmental activities in the buffer zone. Highlights: Buffer Zone is…
Context- Tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, have been found in the Arctic region and the Alps, carried by the wind, according to a new study that was widely…
GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FOREST…
Why in news? The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has released the first-ever global assessment of forest biodiversity. Key Findings: There has been a 53% decline in the number…
HUMAN- ELEPHANT CONFLICT
Context: Tension has gripped several villages in the western belt of Chittoor district, from Palamaner to Somala, with wild elephants raiding crops and damaging huts. Recent Issue: In the latest…
Context- A new study has found that farmers in north India can not only help reduce air pollution but also improve the productivity of their soil and earn more profits…
TRANSLOCATION OF ASIATIC WILD…
Context: Five female wild buffaloes will be translocated from Assam to the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Raipur district, to help revive the waning population of Chhattisgarh's State animal and expand…
ZERO DEFECT AND ZERO…
Why in News? The Government has launched a scheme namely "Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme". Highlights: The objective of the scheme for promotion of Zero Defect and…
URANIUM MINING IN NALLAMALA…
Context: Joint Forum for People's Democratic Rights protests uranium mining in Nallamala Forest. Background: Many of these forest reserves have rich mineral deposits under them which are being eyed upon…
FORMALIN IN FISH
Context: Government has banned the import of fish in view of the scare of formalin, a cancer inducing chemical used to illegally preserve fish being found in it. Background: Over…
FLOODS IN MAHARASHTRA
Context: Between August 1 and 10, rains battered south-western Maharashtra, and rising water levels in local rivers breached the banks. Areas in Pune, Kolhapur, Satara and Sangli saw large areas…
Why in News? India has submitted proposals regarding changes to the listing of various wildlife species in the CITES secretariat meeting, scheduled later this month in Geneva, Switzerland. CITES: CITES…
Context: IIT-H, Harvard varsity study mercury accumulation in fish The joint research looked into how climate change impacted accumulation of the metal Background: A joint research by the Indian Institute…
MAHARASHTRA TO SET UP…
Context: In the wake an unprecedented flood like situation and record rainfall this season, the State government will constitute a task force of local and global experts to study impact…
NATURAL SIGNS OF FLOODS…
Why in News? A study in the Journal of the British Academy has found that indigenous knowledge on how nature warns of flooding is relevant in urban areas as well.…
IPCC REPORT ON LAND…
Context: A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released presents the most recent evidence on how the different uses of land — forests, agriculture, urbanization- are…
Why in News? With doubled tiger populations in India, the loss of habitat, a decline of prey and poaching continues to be a threat to tigers' survival. Along with these,…
INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHES E-CARS…
Why in News? The Indian Army launched e-cars for use of its officials in New Delhi on August 1. The e-car initiative has been launched in partnership with Energy Efficiency…
CONSERVATION OF WATERBODIES
Context: In the last few decades, waterbodies have been under continuous and unrelenting stress, caused primarily by rapid urbanisation and unplanned growth. Encroachment of waterbodies has been identified as a…
WATER STRESS INDEX
Why in News? The sub-national Water Stress Index is formulated by London-based risk analytics firm Verisk Maplecroft. It lists India as the 46th highest risk country in the world. Water…
ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICES LTD
Why in News? The Indian Army in step with government policies on environmental protection has launched an ecological initiative with employing E Cars for use of its officials in New…
CHENCHUS AND TIGERS OF…
IASGateAdmin | 31, Jul 2019
Context- Chenchus the Members of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Nallamala forest understands tigers and help them let live and multiply. Who are Chenchus The Chenchus are a…
INSURANCE SCHEME FOR CATTLE…
Context: The Union Environment Ministry and the Department of Livestock and Animal Husbandry are exploring a scheme to devise an insurance policy that will compensate people who lose their livestock…
GREEN BONDS AND CLIMATE…
Context: New study finds firms that have adopted green bonds benefit from both positive financial and environmental outcomes. What Are Green Bonds: A green bond is like any other regular…
GRAIN BY GRAIN –…
Context: 'Grain by Grain' Report which is the complete assessment of the environmental performance of fertilizer industry in India was released by Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) About: The…
INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY: INDIA…
Context: Prime Minister released tiger estimation figures and said that India has achieved the target of doubling the tiger count four years ahead of the deadline. The country now has…
VANISHING WILDLIFE: 22 SPECIES…
Context : The data tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change states that four species of fauna and 18 species of flora have…
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE…
Why in News? International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational…
HIMALAYAN CONCLAVE
Context- Himalayan Conclave is being held in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Objective The objective is to discuss various issues related to the development of Himalayan States. The main agenda for the conclave…
BANDIPUR NIGHT TRAFFIC BAN
Context- The Karnataka Government have banned night traffic through the road passing through Bandipur National Park as conservationists argued that it is disturbing the wildlife, recently there has been a…
LARGE-SCALE BURNING OF GRASSLANDS…
Context: A recent study on "prescribed burning" of large tracts of grassland in the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) reveals that such burning is detrimental to endemic invertebrates. What Are Grasslands?…
RHESUS MACAQUE DECLARED VERMIN…
Context- Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) has declared Monkeys (Rhesus Macaque) as 'vermin' in Himachal Pradesh. What is Vermin? Any animal which poses a threat to human and their livelihood especially…
COFFEE TABLE BOOK FOR…
Why in News? Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has launched a Coffee Table Book to commemorate five decades of partnership between the Ministry and the UN World Food…
What is Plan Bee? Plan Bee, is an amplifying system imitating the buzz of a swarm of honey bees to keep wild elephants away from Railway Tracks. Award: For Plan…
PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES,…
Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 52 companies — including Amazon, Flipkart, Danone Foods and Beverages and Patanjali Ayurveda Limited — for not specifying a time…
MIYAWAKI" METHOD OF AFFORESTATION
Why in News? Telangana Government has introduced the Japanese "Miyawaki" method of afforestation to grow urban forests and expand the green cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation…
CORAL REHAB PROGRAMME
Why in News? The National Centre for Coastal Research's (NCCR) proposal of dropping 'melted plastic rocks or slabs' on the seabed for growing coral reefs and address the problem of…
HYDROGEN-ENRICHED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS…
Why in News? Delhi will be the first city in the country to roll out hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) buses for public transport from November 2020. Highlights: It will…
Why in News? Scientists from 17 nations will take part in the year-long MOSAIC mission as they anchor the RV Polarstern ship to a large piece of Arctic sea ice…
ANNUAL PIRACY REPORT (ICC-IMB)…
Context- According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), West Africa's Gulf of Guinea became the world's most pirate-infested sea in 2018. Published by ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) The ICC…
Why in News? The National Green Tribunal has sought a report from the authorities on the current status on disposal and management of fly ash. Fly Ash: Fly ash is…
IASGateAdmin | 27, Jun 2019
Why in News? Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) estimates the density of vegetation and amount of food abundance available for herbivorous animals, for example, elephants. This index has a negative…
U.S.-CHINA TRADE WAR MAY…
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war escalation could knock off 0.4 percentage points from world GDP growth by 2020, and possibly lead to the lowest growth since 2009, according to Fitch…
WATER VULNERABLE MEGACITIES IN…
Why in News? A study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) evaluated 400 cities globally in 2018 with focus on megacities facing high combined levels of water scarcity —…
U.K SINHA COMMITTEE
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January, 2019 set up an expert committee under former SEBI chairman U.K. Sinha to Suggest Long-Term Solutions for the economic and Financial…
HUMAN WASTE ON EVEREST…
Context: Concern over the human waste left behind by climbers on their way to the world's highest mountain peak, Mount Everest. Issue: It (human waste left by climbers on Mount…
Asean Vows to Tackle…
It is learned that five countries viz; China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand dump more than half of the eight million tonnes of plastic waste that end up in oceans…
INDIA TO RAISE TERROR,…
Theme "Human Centered Future Society" Issue to be taken up: Digital economy Artificial Intelligence Global Health Ageing Marine Plastic What is DFFT or Data Free Flow with Trust? This is…
HIMALAYAN GLACIERS ARE MELTING…
Context: Comparing data obtained by Cold War• era spy satellites with images from modern stereo satellites have shown Himalayan glaciers are Melting. Background: During cold war Spy satellite war deployed…
REN21'S Renewable 2019 Global…
Why in News? The REN21's Renewable 2019 Global Status Report (GSR) was recently released. Global prospects of the Report: Renewables now supply around 26 per cent of global electricity production…
World Population Prospects 2019:…
According to the World Population Prospects 2019, India Will Become the Most Populous Nation by 2027. The 2019 revision of the World Population Prospects is the twenty-sixth edition of the…
Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP)…
Almost 2/3rd of the global population which stopped defecating openly between 2000 and 2017 has been from India. However there has been no growth in the population with access to…
Godavari Mangroves at Coringa…
Context: The government has begun the process to get UNESCO's World Heritage Site status for Godavari Mangroves at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, near Kakinada. Once the Coringa sanctuary gets the heritage…
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO…
Context: 14th Session of Conference of United Nations Convention Desertification will be held in between September 2 and 14. About: One-third of the Earth's land degraded, affecting more than people…
NEW SPECIES IN EASTERN…
Context-23 new species from the eastern Himalayas of a group of plants commonly known as Balsams or jewelweeds UPSC mainly asks question regarding new species of plant, animal found in…
IN ARUNACHAL, THE GOLDEN…
Why in News: Scientists have found that the golden cat in six types of colours cinnamon, golden, gray, melanistic, ocelot and tightly rosetted Golden is no longer the only colour…
MAHARASHTRA: ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY SEEKS…
Why in News: The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has sought a detailed report on the sowing of unapproved genetically modified (GM) cotton and brinjal in Maharashtra. Details: 1,000…
DU SCIENTISTS DISCOVER FROG…
Why in News: A team of scientists from Delhi University and the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with researchers from Indonesia and the US, have discovered a new species…
CAN INDIA'S CITIES ACCOMMODATE…
Why in News: In India, evidence about climate migration is less although the number of climate migrants could be high, given the recent events of frequent floods and droughts. Climate…
ALL YOU NEED TO…
Why in News: A recent study has ranked Mumbai as the most traffic-congested city in the world for the second straight year, and Delhi at fourth place. Traffic Index 2018…
AVIATION SECTOR FACES HEAT…
Why in News: Under pressure from frequent flyers alarmed over climate change, the airline industry says it is "hellbent" on reducing emissions — but the technology needed to drastically reduce…
GOLDEN LANGUR TO GET…
Why in News: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will have non-human beneficiaries — the rare golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) in a reserve forest in western Assam's…
RAIN DEFICIT AND WATER…
Why in News: Reportedly, nearly 40% of the country is facing an acute paucity of pre-monsoon rain, causing severe water distress in scorching heat. Background: / How is the rain…
MUMBAI RANKED FIRST AMONG…
Why in News: An analysis of traffic congestion done in more 400 cities across six continents has found that commuters in Mumbai spent the most time on the road last…
JUST 20% WATER LEFT…
Why in News: According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), Water storage in reservoirs of most States of the west and south India has dipped to less than the average…
BSVI NORMS
Why in News: / BS Emission Norms: The BS or Bharat Stage emission standards are norms instituted by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion…
SOLAR ROOF TOP ENERGY
Why in News: India receives about 300 clear and solar energy in Indian days in a year and solar exposure of 5,000 trillion kilowatt-hours every year. It makes India a…
Why in News: Water storage in reservoirs of most States of west and south India has dipped to less than the average of last 10 years, the Central Water Commission…
PLANT 25 TREES FOR…
Why in news: The Gauhati High Court has ordered a villager in Assam to plant and take care of 25 trees as punishment for poisoning as many vultures to death.…
NGT stays linkage of…
Why in News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order staying the Andhra Pradesh Government's scheme to link Godavari Krishna and Penna Rivers of the State. It ordered…
NGT Raps states for…
Why in news The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 25 lakh each on the States of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal for not taking adequate…
Philippines returns trash to…
Why in news Tonnes of garbage sent to the Philippines years ago was shipped back to Canada after a festering diplomatic row. Details: Asian nations are increasingly objecting to being…
Goa celebrates its statehood…
IASgateway mahalakshmi | 31, May 2019
CONTEXT: Goa celebrated its statehood day on 30th May. It was on this day in 1987 Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union. Before this, Goa, along with…
'Hawa Aane De' launched…
CONTEXT: Union Environment Ministry on 29th May launched the song 'Hawa Aane De' to spread awareness about Air pollution. The song was launched by Secretary, Ministry of Environment C K…
84 CITIES SUBMIT PLANS…
IASGateAdmin | 30, May 2019
Why in News: Eighty-four out of the 102 cities that have been tasked with reducing toxic particulate matter levels by 20%-30% by 2024 have submitted their proposals Background: One hundred…
NEW SPECIES OF WASP…
Why in News: A new species of wasp from the genus Kudakrumia has been recently identified by scientists in Goa. Background: The wasp, Kudakrumia rangnekari, was named after Goa-based researcher…
Rivers loaded with antibiotics…
CONTEXT: Rivers worldwide are polluted with antibiotics that exceed environmental safety thresholds by up to 300 times, according to research. Scientists found one or more common antibiotics in two-thirds of…
Malaysia's last male Rhino…
CONTEXT: Malaysia's last male Sumatran rhinoceros died on May 27, dashing efforts to save the critically endangered species in the country. The rhino, named Tam, was about 30 years old…
Sri Lanka signs tripartite…
CONTEXT: Sri Lanka has signed a tripartite agreement with India and Japan for development of eastern terminal of Colombo port. The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed in Colombo today…
SURAT FIRE TRAGEDY
Why in News: More than 20 students died in a massive fire in a Surat coaching centre. Besides fixing accountability, the tragedy calls for updating the fire safety protocol countrywide.…
MT. EVEREST: LEARN FROM…
Why in News: The safety protocol must be tightened to scale Everest. Details Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848 metres, draws adventurers from all over. But the mountain…
INDIA AMONG COUNTRIES WHERE…
Why in news: Global estimates published by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence…
WORLD'S RIVERS LOADED WITH…
Why in news: Rivers worldwide are polluted with antibiotics that exceed environmental safety thresholds by up to 300 times, according to research unveiled at a conference on meeting of environmental…
New medicinal plants found…
Scientists attempting to document indigenous medicinal knowledge of Zeliangrong ethnic group in Manipur have found new medicinal plants. Scientists identified plants like Gynura cusimbua, Hedyotis scandens, Mussaenda glabra and Schima…
THOUSANDS LEFT HOMELESS AFTER…
Why in News: More than a thousand families in Tripura have been displaced after their houses were submerged in flash floods that hit parts of the state. Details: The floods…
SURAT BUILDING FIRE: GUJARAT…
Why in News: Shaken out of apathy by the devastating fire at an illegal structure in Surat that claimed the life of 22 students, the Gujarat government asked builders to…
NO WIND, NO SUN:…
Why in News: Renewable energy sector stifled by a host of issues — from low tariffs to lack of government push Background: / What is the actual status of renewable…
ZERO WASTE CHENNAI INITIATIVE…
Why in News: A major initiative towards Zero Waste Chennai has begun in Anna Nagar. Background: / Vision: The vision for the Zero Waste initiative is to minimise movement of…
LESSONS FROM FANI CYCLONE…
Why in News: A horrific tropical cyclone Fani made landfall in Odisha recently. It is imperative at this juncture to understand the increasingly climate-risked world that Fani indicated. Background: What…
RARE VINE SNAKE SPECIES…
Why in News: At a time when coastal Odisha is staring at an ecology crisis in the aftermath of cyclone Fani, a team of researchers has discovered a new snake…
STUDY PINPOINTS SOURCE OF…
Why in News: Rogue emissions of a gas that harms the ozone layer are coming from eastern China, primarily from two heavily industrialised provinces, an international team of researchers said…
AMARANTHUS SARADHIANA
Why in News: New species of ANARANTHUS SARADHIANA has been discoverd in kerala Background: New species of Amaranthus saradhiana has been discovered in Kerala. It is the first time that…
ONE BILLION YEAR OLD…
Why in News: Microfossils of a globular spore connected to a T-shaped filament excavated in an Arctic region of north-western Canada represent the oldest-known fungus, a discovery that sheds light…
BISHNOIS
Why in News: The bishnoi farmers in Rajasthan fill the troughs to save deer in rajasthan Details: Bishnoi farmers in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts of northern Rajasthan have dug up…
KOCHI OFFERS HELP TO…
Why in News: Plan of action to go green by emulating Cochin International Airport limited's use of solar energy. Background: / What is ISA? The International Solar Alliance is an…
THIRD PARTY MOTOR INSURANCE…
Why in News: Insurance regulator IRDAI proposed an increase in third party (TP) motor insurance premium rates for various categories of automobiles from cars, two-wheelers and school buses to trucks.…
HORNBILLS AMONG TOP SEED…
Why in News: The study carried out in Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh noted that hornbills, one among the large-sized frugivores, are the top seed dispersers. Details: They are…
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS OF A…
Why in News: Technology is a solution to the world's environmental challenges, but also part of the problem. Industry executives are facing rising pressure to clean up their energy and…
150 MILLION DOLLAR LOAN…
Why in News: Negotiations are expected for the first tranche of the World Bank's development policy loan (DPL) of $150 million for the Rebuild Kerala initiative. Details: Since this is…
VARANASI HAS ONLY ONE…
Why in News: Varanasi is being ranked as one among the top 3 most polluted cities in the world three years ago, a Right to Information request has found. Details:…
E-WASTE: DISPOSAL NOT AS…
Why in News: More companies being brought into ambit of extended producers responsibility in T.N. Background: A total of 65 companies with a presence in the State have been brought…
DNA DATABASE COMING UP…
Why in News: The Union Environment Ministry has embarked on a project to create DNA profiles of all rhinos in the country. Details: The Indian rhino could be the first…
ASSAM PRODUCES AN ORCHID…
Why in News: A discovery in Assam has given India one of its smallest orchids in terms of size and duration of bloom to be recorded botanically. Details: Lecanorchis taiwaniana,…
VEDANTA GETS APPROVAL FOR…
Why in News: The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has granted the Terms of Reference to Vedanta Ltd's Cairn Oil & Gas, to carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)…
RAIN-LOVING SNAKE DISCOVERED IN…
Why in News: Russian journal published the discovery of a reddish-brown pit viper in Arunachal Pradesh, the New Zealand-based journal Zootaxa has come with the discovery of a non-venomous snake…
CCMB SCIENTISTS SEQUENCE ASIATIC…
Why in News: The entire genome of Asiatic lion, an endangered species, has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. Details: The information would…
180 NATIONS AGREE ON…
Why in News: Around 180 governments agreed on a new UN accord to regulate the export of plastic waste, some eight million tonnes of which ends up in the oceans…
Cyclone Fani's Fury Creates…
Why in News: The extremely severe cyclone, Fani, has created four new mouths in Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lake, connecting to Bay of Bengal. Details: Chilika lagoon had…
Long wait for power…
Why in news: Hot and humid weather has compounded the woes of the cyclone-affected people in Odisha, with the government facing a gigantic task of restoring power to houses…
Barn owls to fight…
Why in news: The Union Territory of Lakshadweep have 'recruited' three pairs of barn owls from Kerala to fight against the rodents. Details: The owls were chosen from among healthy…
BELLANDUR LAKE IS DRYING…
Why in News: Bellandur Lake, the city's most polluted waterbody, is drying up. In the past few days, the water level has reduced with the lakebed being visible in some…
CIRCLE OF LIFE: ON…
Why in News: Biodiversity assessments must be factored into all economic activity Details: The overwhelming message from the global assessment report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem…
MILLION SPECIES AT RISK…
Why in News: The report found that up to one million of Earth's estimated eight million plant, insect and animal species is at risk of extinction, many within decades. Details:…
SCIENTISTS CARRY OUT GENETIC…
Why in News: Ancestry largely derived from South Asia with minor influences from elsewhere Details: Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands, scattered over approximately 78,000 square km of the…
HERMIT BREAKS 194-DAY FAST…
Why in News: Swami Atmabodhanand, who wants natural flow restored, gets assurance on ending sand mining Details: A 27-year-old hermit in Haridwar, Swami Atmabodhanand, has broken his 194-day fast in…
SURVIVING FANI :ON ODISHA…
Why in News: The Odisha government has shown by example how to manage a natural disaster Details: Cyclone Fani has left a trail of destruction across a large part of…
SEVERE CYCLONE FANI HITS…
Why in News The extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani barrelled into the Odisha coast, unleashing torrential rain and winds gusting up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, bringing…
ONLY 10 OF 100…
Why in News: Only 10 of the 100 sewage infrastructure projects commissioned after 2015 have been finished under the Namami Gange mission, according to records. Details: Commissioning of sewage treatment…
DENISOVANS LIVED IN TIBETAN…
Why in News Species adapted to low-oxygen environment before modern humans arrived Details: Analysis of a fossil jawbone containing molars recovered from Baishiya Karst cave in Xiahe, Gansu, China shows…
HERITAGE SITES AT RISK…
Why in News Researchers plotted glaciers at U.N. designated sites and used data modelling to predict ice loss. Details: Glaciers are set to vanish from almost half of U.N.- designated…
ARMY CLAIMS ITS CLIMBERS…
Why in News Indian Army claimed that one of its teams spotted mysterious footprints of mythical creature "Yeti" close to Nepal's Makalu Base Camp Details: The Indian Army has claimed …
FANI IS THE COUNTRY'S…
Why in News Unusual formation due to the warming of the Bay of Bengal basin; protracted gestation could lead to its gaining strength Details: Cyclonic storm Fani, which is lying…
LAWYER FIGHTING PALM OIL…
IASGateAdmin | 30, Apr 2019
Why in News Alfred Brownell is among six activists to be honoured Details: The Upper Guinean Forest is considered one of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems, a dense tropical…
COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO OVERSEE…
Why in News The Union Environment Ministry has constituted a committee to implement the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution by 20%-30% in…
Draft Un Report
Why in News: Extinction of species due to loss of clean air, drinkable water, CO2-absorbing forests, pollinating insects, protein-rich fish and storm blocking mangroves says-UN Draft Report. Background: Causes for…
WORLD FORESTS ARE IN…
Why in News? The world lost 12 million hectares of tree cover last year, an area nearly the size of England Details: The world lost 12 million hectares of tropical…
ANTARCTIC PENGUINS SUFFER HUGE…
Why in News? Tens of thousands of breeding penguins abandon site as climate change impacts on ice Details: Scientists have raised concerns over Antarctica's second biggest breeding ground for emperor…
MARUTI SUZUKI DUMP 'DIRTY'…
Why in News? The company plans to stop manufacturing diesel-powered vehicles from the next financial year. New BS VI norms will make them un competitive Implications of BS-VI standard on…
SCIENTISTS TRACK INDIAN OCEAN'S…
Why in News: Indian Ocean is the world's biggest dumping ground for plastic waste, but where the trash ultimately ends up has remained a mystery, The researchers from the University…
LONDONS CLIMATE CHANGE PROTESTORS…
Why in News? The so-called Extinction Rebellion took over the heart of the UK capital in a bid to focus global attention on rising temperatures and sea levels caused by…
SCIENTISTS USE EU SATELLITE…
Why in News? A team of Greek university students gently deposits a wall-sized PVC frame on the surface before divers moor it at sea. Marine litter: Marine debris, also known…
EARTH DAY: SAVING THE…
Why in News: Celebrating the Earth day on April 22 Background: Saving the diversity and abundance of life on the earth may cost $100 billion a year, say scientists who…
IN A FIRST, EAST…
Why in News? Sighting of news species on the island chain has gone up since the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, say researchers of the ZSI. Details: Distinguished by the green and…
INDIAN BULLFROGS TAKE TO…
Why in news: Indian bullfrogs introduced in the Andaman Islands are invasive, and eat native wildlife including fish and lizards. Experiments reveal that bullfrog tadpoles ate up all tadpoles of…
INDOOR AIR EMISSIONS AFFECT…
Why in News? Indoor air pollution accounted for 40% of PM 2.5 pollution in the Gangetic basin. Details: India can achieve its air quality goals if it completely eliminates emissions…
OVER ONE LAKH OLIVE…
Why in News? The eggs that were laid in March began hatching in kalam island off Odisha coast Details: The idyllic Kalam Island off the Odisha coast has become lively…
GANGA HAS HIGHER PROPORTION…
Why in News: A study commissioned by the Union Water Resources Ministry to probe the "unique properties" of the Ganga found that the river water contains a significantly higher proportion…
DRAFT INDIAN FOREST ACT
Why in News: The draft Bill reinforces the idea of bureaucratic control of forests, providing immunity for actions such as use of firearms by personnel to prevent an offence. Background:…
NEED TO ADDRESS GROWTH…
Why in News: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted the need to address growth challenges as the inflation outlook remained benign, at the meeting of the monetary…
JET SUSPENDS ALL FLIGHTS…
Why in News: Jet Airways announced temporary suspension of all its international and domestic flights, with the last flight operating between Amritsar and Mumbai. Background: Since no emergency funding from…
ON CLIMATE CHANGE, A…
Why in news: Playing the role of a riot cop dispersing a peaceful but illegal sit-in on the steps of France's National Assembly, Non-Violent Civil Disobedience 101, a one-day basic…
MONSOON LIKELY TO BE…
Why in News: Monsoon rains in India are likely to be "normal" this year, says India Meteorological Department. Background: The Indian agriculture is considered a gamble against monsoon because agricultural…
ENDANGERED TURTLE DIES; ONLY…
Why in News? The last known female Yangtze giant softshell turtle has died in China, potentially dooming the species to extinction. Details: The Wildlife Conservations Society (WCS) calls the Yangtze…
A COIL IN THE…
Why in News? The coil eliminates the need for daily drug administration and brings down cost TB treatment: The treatment of tuberculosis is becoming more difficult as most patients don't…
INDIA STARES AT PILE…
Why in News: India will likely to have a new category of electronic waste, namely solar e-waste by 2050, India's e- waste rules have no laws mandating solar cell manufacturers…
DABHOL PROJECT
why in News? The Supreme Court said it is quarter of a century too late to order a judicial inquiry into the "serious infirmities" detected in the Enron-promoted Dabhol power…
A GENETIC METHOD TO…
Why in news: Scientists have been using genetics to study wild animals using very low-quality DNA. Details: A new genetic method developed by a National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)team…
IIT MADRAS TOPS CENTRE'S…
Details: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has topped the Centre's ranking of higher education institutions, followed by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and IIT-Delhi. Seven IITs appear…
Why in news? Local administrators must draw up plans to address heat stress and possible water scarcity. Background: The monsoon, which normally sets in between June 1 and July 15…
MODERATE DRINKING MAY NOT…
Why in News? One or two drinks a day might protect against stroke are not true, according to the results of a major genetic study. Details: Previous researches claim that…
WILL "NEELAKURINJI" BLOOM NEXT…
Why is it in News? Wildlife experts say the recent large-scale wildfires on the grassland could have wiped out all the seeds of the endemic flowers. Neelakurinji: Kurinji or Neelakurinji…
NEW SPIDER SPECIES IN…
Why in News: A group of jumping spiders that mostly occur in Eurasia and Africa, has been spotted for the first time in Ernakulam's ILLITHODU forests. The team also found…
134 HOMES DESTROYED IN…
Why in News: Thursday's fires broke out in the eastern province of Gangwon, razing about 525 hectares and about 134 homes, seven warehouses and other structures, the government said in…
BLEACHING HITS WORLD'S SOUTHERNMOST…
Why in News: The corals off Lord Howe island has been hit by coral bleaching. What are Corals? Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps. These polyps…
SUDDEN RELEASE OF WATER…
Why in News? The sudden release of water simultaneously from different reservoirs during heavy rain had aggravated the damage during the floods in last year says Kerala high court. Background:…
ADDING EGG OR MILK…
About 38% of children in India below the age of five years are stunted. Research suggests that the reason for this is that young children consume mainly cereal-based food, which…
KERALA IS HOME TO…
Why in News: A small ironwood tree that bears clumps of white flowers on its stalks, and a new species of wild fern are the latest additions to Kerala's flora.…
APRIL, MAY TO BE…
Why in News: Indian meteorological department has said the average maximum temperatures are likely to be warmer than normal by 0.5C-1C in several places in central and northwest India. Indian…
CHIPKO MOVEMENT
Why in News: People tie rakhis to trees on south Mumbai in protest against Coastal Road project. What is Chipko movement: Chipko movement was the uprising against the felling of…
SC SUSPENDS ECO CLEARANCE…
Why in news: The SC in a recent judgement observed, that the health of the environment is key to preserving the right to life and suspended the environmental clearance granted…
CLIMATE CHANGE MAY HIT…
IASGateAdmin | 31, Mar 2019
Increased warming in the Indian Ocean and the resultant weakening of the Indian summer monsoon may come in the way of India's goal of leading the world's wind power generation.…
POISONED CATTLE CARCASS KILLS…
37 vultures belonging to three endangered species died in eastern Assam after feeding on pesticide-laced cattle carcass. Most of the 37 vultures that died are Himalayan griffon. A few are…
CAMERA TRAPS REVEAL SECRET…
Northeast India is home to nine wild cats, including the 'standard four': The clouded leopard Asiatic golden cat Marbled cat and Leopard However, very little is known about these cats…
OCEAN HEAT HITS RECORD…
Ocean heat hit a record high in 2018, raising urgent new concerns about the threat global warming is posing to marine life.In its latest State of the Climate overview, the…
COW TOILETS' TO CUT…
Teaching cows to use the toilet is not the easiest task, but a Dutch inventor is banking on a new bovine urinal to help cut emissions that cause environmental damage.…
FOSSILS PINPOINT DAY ASTEROID…
A fossilised snapshot of the day nearly 66 million years ago when an asteroid smacked the earth, fire rained from the sky and the ground shook far worse than any…
ecotourism centres closed in…
The entry of tourists to four major ecotourism tourism centres under the South Wayanad Forest Division in Wayanad district has been closed as per a directive of the Kerala High Court. Ecotourism…
STUDYING ANIMAL SOUNDS FOR…
In some forests of central Africa, the Amazon and Borneo, the sounds of chainsaws and gunshots signs of illegal activities such as logging and poaching are picked up and communicated…
INDIA'S CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS…
India emitted 2,299 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2018, a 4.8% rise from last year, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). India's emissions growth this…
STUBBLE BURNING MENACE EMERGES…
Paddy fields in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, look black these days with some of them emitting plumes of smoke. Relatively a new phenomenon in this part of the…
VULTURE NESTS IN MUDUMALAI…
The number of vulture nests built during the breeding season in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has dropped drastically, from 47 active nests in 2018 to just over 30 this year.…
Sunstroke claims three lives…
Sunburn marks were reportedly found on the men, but autopsy reports are awaited to ascertain the cause of death. Though a third death reportedly due to sunstroke was reported from…
Rushikulya waits for Olive…
Even after waiting for almost a month, Olive Ridley turtles have not yet arrived for mass nesting at Odisha's Rushikulya rookery and Devi river mouth. The reasons are not fully…
Strawberries cherry-picked from Nilgiris
The Nilgiris, known for its teas, potatoes, carrots and a range of exotic vegetables, is witnessing farmers going in for strawberries too. Strawberry plants were grown in the Nilgiris, especially…
It's a frog! It's…
One of the first books about racket-tailed drongo was Salim Ali's The Book of Indian Birds. Ali writes that the racket-tailed drongo in flight with its long tail feathers streaming…
Protected areas matter to…
The survival of the threatened bumphead parrotfish in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hinges on the persistence of coral reefs and presence of marine protected areas. Implementing fishing regulations could…
Plastic harms Galapagos wildlife
Tonnes of plastic waste wash up on the shores of the Galapagos islands where microparticles end up in the stomachs of species found only in the Pacific archipelago 1,000 km…
Urban areas cooler than…
A study of 89 urban areas in India has found that though there is an absolute increase in temperature during heat waves in both urban and non-urban areas, the urban…
Enforcing a ban will…
Only educating farmers about the monetary costs of burning stubble can address the environmental crisis triggered every year. Burning stubble, the rice chaff left over after harvesting, is linked to…
Where the house sparrows…
A study on the nesting habits of the house sparrow in the Nilgiris has highlighted certain interesting behavioural changes among the birds, and also outlined a few causes of concern…
UN meet dilutes Indian…
An ambitious resolution piloted by India to phase out single-use plastics by 2025, was watered down at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) at Nairobi. Deadline pushed back: However, the…
A climate vulnerability index…
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be commissioning a study to assess the climate risks faced by States in India. This follows an assessment of the global warming…
Despite objections, Bannerghatta National…
Bannerghatta National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), which provides a regulated buffer zone around protected areas, will remain at 168.84 sq.km. despite thousands of citizens formally objecting to the reduction of…
Much to gain if…
India could save at least $3 trillion (Rs. 210 trillion approx.) in healthcare costs if it implemented policy initiatives consistent with ensuring that the globe didn't heat up beyond 1.5…
India's biodiversity-rich zones also…
Human impacts on species occur across 84% of the earth's surface, Southeast Asian tropical forests — including India's biodiversity-rich Western Ghats, Himalaya and the north-east — also fall in this…
India's newest frog evolved…
The discovery of the starry dwarf frog, a nocturnal amphibian that lives under leaf litter on a mountain top in Kerala's Wayanad Sanctuary. Morphological Characters: It is just 2 cm…
Black panther photographed in…
A melanistic leopard, commonly known a black panther, was recently photographed in the wild in the Nilgiris. Conservationists said that sightings of melanistic leopards were not uncommon in the Nilgiris,…
A mobile app to…
Now, smart phone users who want to contribute to the environment may help by recording plastics seen in the ocean. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and National Centre…
New app to help…
Students of a private engineering college have come out with a mobile application that can come in handy for the Forest Department to pool in data for conservation of olive…
The mysterious disappearance of…
A Royal Bengal tigress, F03, that strayed out of north-central Assam's Orang National Park 16 months ago, had set off one of the biggest operations in the State to trap…
Hammerhead shark refuge found…
A new breeding ground for endangered hammerhead sharks has been found in the Galapagos Islands. This natural refuge off the island of Santa Cruz is home to about 20 sharks.…
Worms that can regrow…
The ability to regenerate an entire head evolved relatively recently in some species. Scientists have found at least four species of marine ribbon worms that have independently evolved the ability…
N. Korea may be…
North Korea may be preparing for a missile or space launch, U.S. news outlet NPR has reported, based on satellite image analysis of a key facility near Pyongyang. The images…
Pushing the purple frog…
The rare and endangered soil-dwelling purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) begins its life as a tadpole in certain fast-flowing streams of the Western Ghats. Scientists have now found that the speed…
When the hills fall…
A year ago, Kurangani, a village in the district of Theni, was teeming with people from cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, seeking adventure. They would scale the Othamaram, Kolukkumalai and…
Grizzled giant squirrel scores…
The number of Grizzled giant squirrel has crossed one hundred in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, its only natural habitat in the State. The latest survey conducted from February 12 to…
BRING IN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT…
In News: The Centre should bring in a constitutional amendment to fix the proportion of devolution of Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection between the Central and the State Governments…
India Bans Import of…
Taking an important step towards tackling menace of plastic waste, the government has put a complete ban on import of solid plastic waste/scrap into the country. India every day generates…
IQ AIR AIRVISUAL AND…
Gurugram led all cities in pollution levels in 2018 according to data released by IQ Air AirVisual and Greenpeace. Three other Indian cities joined Faisalabad, Pakistan, in the top five.…
AIR POLLUTION DUE TO…
Mains: GS 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Air pollution due to crop residue burning in northern India causes an estimated economic loss of $30 billion annually,…
Seismometer In Maharashtra
In News The National Centre of Seismology (NCS) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) decided to have another seismometer would be installed in Palghar district, taking the total number of such…
Report On Conservation Of…
In News Scientists have called for "joint conservation activities" for the protection of the herd of six female elephants surviving under severe anthropogenic stress may be helped by trans-boundary conservation.…
In News Air pollution due to crop residue burning in northern India causes an estimated economic loss of $30 billion annually, and is a leading risk factor of acute respiratory…
Report on Ganga Basin
IASGateAdmin | 24, Feb 2019
An assessment commissioned by the World Bank which submitted to the Central Water Commission found that Ganga river basin could see crop failures rise three-fold and drinking water shortage go…
Wood snake, last seen…
A species of wood snake that wasn't seen for 140 years has resurfaced in a survey conducted by scientists in the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The species, endemic to the Meghamalai…
Inkjet Solar Panels set…
Perovskites-coated cells are light, Flexible and Inexpensive: Perovskites — a new generation of cheaper solar cells — that makes it possible to produce solar panels under lower temperatures, thus sharply…
Scientists Warn of Climate…
Future generations face an environmental "time bomb" as the world's groundwater systems take decades to respond to the present-day impact of climate change. Found underground in cracks in soil, sand…
Plants might be able…
The plant accumulates lead in the root and shoot: A native roadside plant that can take up lead from the soil and thus help in removing the metal from the…
Giant Cavity in Antarctic…
The 300-metre-tall gap can hold 14 billion Tonnes of ice: NASA scientists have discovered a gigantic cavity, almost 300 metres tall, growing at the bottom of the Thwaites Glacier in…
18 Indian Institutions to…
Context: Eighteen research institutions in India are among a group of 50 institutions — called the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) — in the United Kingdom and South Asia that…
Green Land ICE melts…
In News: Greenland's melting ice, which causes sea levels to rise, disappeared four times faster in 2013 than in 2003 and is noticeable across the Arctic island, not just on…
19 Amphibian species are…
In News: An updated list of Indian amphibians was released on the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) website, with 19 species being treated as critically endangered and 33 species as…
Spontaneous fire on Bengaluru's…
Context: A huge plume of smoke was spotted emanating from the middle of Varthur lake, raising the spectre of severe pollution leading to seemingly spontaneous combustion. Details While Bellandur lake…
Flamingo Fete a Huge…
Context: The Flamingo Festival had a flying start on Sunday with tourists, both domestic and foreign, making a beeline for the picturesque Pullicat lake, a safe haven for migratory birds.…
Train Hits Killed 49…
What's in the News? In addition, 11 tigers and 13 lions died in railway and road accidents in the past three years In 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and…
No Pause in Climate…
Context: The research says the world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as global warming threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for…
Bid to curb Pollution,…
Context: Looking beyond national capital which invariably gets wider attention on critical issue of air pollution, the Centre launched a comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities, National…
[su_row] [su_column size="1/2" center="no" class=""] A year ago, Kurangani, a village in the district of Theni, was teeming with people from cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, seeking adventure. They would…
Animals begin to arrive…
Context: With the rise in mercury in the Nilgiri Biosphere, the seasonal migration of wild animals from wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)…
Gas Hydrates Produced Under…
Context: Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have experimentally shown that methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) can exist as gas hydrates at temperatures and pressures seen in interstellar…
Scientists Unearth Aisa's First…
Details: A quaint fossilised leaf is one of the most recent finds throwing light on India's past. The leaf fossil is the first of Dioscorea yams from Asia and hints…
NGT Says Notification on…
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has termed the suggestion by Union Water Resources Ministry to have 'Water Conservation free' as "unsustainable" Details: The NGT has asked to lay down…
Breedings Season Proves Fatal…
Context: Many of the first batch of olive ridley turtles that chose the Andhra Pradesh coast for the annual breeding season have died before they reached the destination, after being…
Exotic Tress Eating up…
Context: There is a loss of grasslands in Western Ghats due to presence of exotic species. Details: Though grassland afforestation using pine, acacia and eucalyptus ceased in 1996, the exotics…
Ganga water quality has…
Context: The water quality of the Ganga in 2018 has "improved over last year", according to a written statement in the Rajya Sabha. Details: The three parameters were analysed to…
Cinereous Vulture Sighted in…
Context: It is considered as rare sight to visualize the bird in Jharkhand, as it would not extend beyond Rajasthan normally Details: It is usually during the winter that a…
Warming leads to water…
Context: Climate change is driving glaciers in the Himalayas to melt more rapidly than at any point in the last 10,000 years, and could soon cause water supply shortage in…
IAF plane takes to…
Context: For the first time, an An-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) flew with blended bio-jet fuel produced from Jatropha oil, unlocking the possibility of gradually expanding…
The Indian bustard: on…
Context: The Great Indian Bustard, showing its decline in recent years. Details: India, effectively the only home of the bustards, now harbours less than 150 individuals in five States. It…
Climate talks deliver 'rule…
Context: A deal has been brought down at COP24 to breathe life into the landmark 2015 Paris climate treaty. Details: Delegates from nearly 200 states finalized a common rule book…
India recorded 95 tiger…
Context: According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) records till December 15, 2018, there were 95 cases of tiger deaths in the country. Of this, 41 cases of tiger…
13 Feared Dead in…
Context: At least 13 miners are feared dead in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday. Details: District police officials said the miners were trapped…
Water Traces Found on…
Context: NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft discovered evidence of water on a relatively nearby skyscraper-sized asteroid, Bennu, a rocky acorn-shaped object that may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth,…
Around 5,000 Migratory Birds…
In News: Around 5,000 migratory birds have arrived at Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve along the International border in the outskirts of Jammu. Key Facts: Located about 30 km from Jammu,…
1st International conference on…
Why in news? The first International Conference on 'Sustainable Water Management' began on December 10, 2018 at Indian School of Business (ISB) in Mohali, Punjab. The conference is being organised…
Don't believe the ANTI-GMO…
What's in the Editorial? A review article, "Modern technologies for sustainable food and nutrition security", which appeared in the November 25 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Current Science, is deeply worrying. The…
Study – Cyclone Forecast
Weather observations in the Arctic can help track tropical and mid-latitude cyclones more accurately, improving the forecast of extreme climate events found research. About: The data were analysed using a…
Sale BAN on BS…
The Supreme Court has ordered a ban on sales of vehicles compliant with BS-IV emission norms in India starting 1st April 2020. Thus, India will be moving directly on from…
Green Fire crackers unlikely…
Why in News? There is little likelihood of 'green' firecrackers being available in the market in time for this year's Deepavali even though a clutch of CSIR laboratories have developed…
Delhi Tops National Charts…
Context: WHO has released the report which that Delhi and Varanasi are among the 14 Indian cities that figure in a list of 20 most polluted cities in the world…
CDV in GIR Forests
Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Virology (NIV) have confirmed the presence of the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in at least five of 24 samples that were tested…
Black Spotted Turtles
India accounts for 29% of black spotted turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) seized from across seven countries in South Asia, states a recent report by TRAFFIC, an international network monitoring trade in…
88-Million-Year-Old ISLE and Crater…
Why in News? Geological Survey chooses heritage locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka for UNESCO site status In a first, an ancient circular lake created by a meteorite strike in Maharashtra…
Why in News? Jaipur in Rajasthan recorded 22 confirmed cases of Zika virus, the government has put neighbouring states on high alert. About the News: Given that the pink city…
Cyclone – TILTI
In News: Odisha, Andhra on red alert as cyclone Titli inches close Severe Cyclonic Storm 'TITLI' over west central Bay of Bengal: Tropical cyclone: A tropical cyclone is the generic…
Pollution hits a high…
Why in News? The Capital continues to battle dangerous levels of pollution and it recorded its worst score on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the season. Very poor category:…
News Species of Humming…
Why in News? A team of ornithologists in Ecuador has identified a new species of hummingbird: a lovely blue-green creature that lives in a cold, barren highland area and is…
Human Animal Conflict
A study of patterns of leopard attacks here reveal that some areas are high-risk zones requiring urgent conservation measures for the safety of both man and beast. About: There has…
Mandated Flow in Ganga
In News: In a first, the Union government has mandated the minimum quantity of water or ecological flow as it's called in scientific circles that various stretches of the Ganga…
Punjab Government Bans sale…
Why in News? • The Punjab government has banned the sale of glyphosate, a herbicide which is extensively used in the State to control a wide variety of weeds in…
Moths are key to…
Why in News? Moths are widely considered as pests, but a recent study by scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has revealed that these group of insects are pollinators…
Ant as Pollinator
Researchers from Kerala's Central University have found that common white-footed ants are the best pollinators of a rare evergreen tree in the southern Western Ghats. About: To find out which…
Centre increases in share
Why in News? The Centre has enhanced its contribution in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) from 75 per cent to 90 per cent with effect from April, the Ministry…
C-FLOWS, (Chennai Flood Warning…
In news: The office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to government of India, research institutions, chief among them the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai, and IITs, got together…
Mission Sequence Gene
In News: India is planning a major mission to sequence the genes of a "large" group of Indians — akin to projects in the U.K., China, Japan and Australia —…
UN Launches Work Place…
Why in News? The United Nations has launched a strategy to deal with workplace mental health issues and the well-being of its staff by dealing with the stigma attached to…
Mission Anti-Microbial Resistance
In News: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & technology, & Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council Jointly launched "Mission AMR" This call aims at finding innovative solutions to the growing…
Eat Right Movement
Aim: The Eat Right Movement" aims to empower the citizens by improving their health and wellbeing. Led by the FSSAI (autonomous body of ministry of health and family welfare), it…
SC Control on fire…
Supreme court places restrictions on the nature of firecrackers that can be burst during festivals. The court has also placed rules around timings for bursting firecrackers. About: The court favoured…
Mammals of India (MAOI)
Why in News? National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore have come up with a new citizen-science repository on Indian mammals, called Mammals of India (MaOI), Which is an…
Air Pollution Weakens Bones
In News: Recent research shows pollution accelerates the process of bone deterioration, Air pollution has been linked to increase in worsening of bone diseases and their symptoms. Background: Osteoporosis is…
Global Warming of 1.5oC,…
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment. With clear benefits to people and…
India's First methanol cooking…
Why in News? The Namrup-based Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL) on Friday rolled out the country's first methanol-based cooking fuel which will be cheaper than conventional LPG fuel. About: Oct 5th,…
Assam to introduce methane…
In news: Public sector Assam Petrochemicals Limited is set to introduce – in a first in India – methanol as cleaner, cheaper alternative to liquefied petroleum gas. Background: As India…
Center hikes ethanol prices
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the revised the price of ethanol to be procured for blending with petrol under the Ethanol Blending Programme. Background: The price of…
Cyclone Daye
Why in news? Heavy rainfall due to cyclonic storm Daye has brought normal life to a standstill in Odisha, leaving several parts in the state waterlogged. Gates of the Upper…
Niti Panel urges plan
NITI Aayog constituted group of experts has urged the government to set up a dedicated mission to salvage and revive spring water systems in the country's Himalayan States submitted their…
Horn bill watch Initiative
A citizen science initiative of documenting Indian hornbills is providing valuable inputs for the conservation of the unique bird. About: Hornbill Watch (HW) is an online platform created specifically to…
New method to track…
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Savannah River National Laboratory have developed a low-cost method for real-time monitoring of pollutants using commonly available…
Catastrophe Bond
The recent floods in Kerala have set off a debate need of catastrophe bond in India. Considering that only about 30% of the damage from natural disasters are insured, such…
Nilgiri Tahr climb population…
A recent census has revealed that the population of the Nilgiri tahr (an endangered mountain goat) at the Mukurthi National Park has grown by an impressive 18% in the last…
Why in news? Under new norms, cities and towns wanting to be declared ODF+ (Open Defecation Free Plus) must also be free of public urination and not just open defecation.…
Polluted cities

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The condo money pit
September 2019 Issue /
Sep.September 20, 2019 10:00 AM
By Francisco Alvarado
Swire has 135 units left to sell in the Rise building in Brickell City Centre.
UPDATED, Oct. 4, 11: 30 a.m.: For the first owners of a two-bedroom luxury condo on the 36th floor of Rise, one of two new luxury towers at Brickell City Centre, buying at a preconstruction price turned out to be a losing proposition. On May 10, a shell corporation owned by Venezuelans Carolina Jimenez Suastegui and Jose Marazita Espinar sold the 1,344-square-foot unit for $700,000, which was a 24 percent loss from what they paid in 2016, when Rise was completed. After deducting closing costs and the broker's commission, Suastegui and Espinar cleared $637,000 three years after closing at a purchase price of $920,900.
Sandra Heath, the Fortune International Realty agent who listed their unit, said Suastegui and Espinar decided to cut their losses before the hole got deeper. Even though they were successful in renting out the unit, her clients were in financial distress and had a mortgage on the property for $450,000 with a due date of Aug. 1, Heath said.
"They ran the numbers, and even if they had kept it for 10 years they would have ended up paying even more than they were making," Heath said. "They decided to take a loss now rather than a bigger loss later."
Suastegui and Espinar are not the only Rise preconstruction buyers to take a beating in Miami's resale market. Analyzing Multiple Listing Service resales data, The Real Deal found that 12 units at the 43-story building were resold between January 2018 and June 2019, at a time when the developer was also unloading more than 100 remaining units. Eleven of those resellers flipped their units at prices way below what they paid during the project's preconstruction ramp-up. The only deal to make money was the March 18 sale of a four-bedroom unit on the 39th floor for $2.8 million; the original owner paid $2.7 million in 2016. However, after deducting closing costs and sales commissions, the reseller walked away with $2.5 million.
A comparison of the resale prices and preconstruction prices shows the resellers flipped their units for an average of 11.77 percent less than what they originally paid. Subtracting closing costs and sales commissions, the gap widens to 22.5 percent. The units spent an average of 308 days, or 10 months, on the market.
The Rise resales provide a snapshot of the dovetailing luxury condo market in South Florida, in which resellers seeking to cash out their investments are competing against developers for the same diminishing pool of wealthy buyers. As a result, developers like Rise's Swire are offering deal sweeteners, such as covering maintenance costs or property taxes for a full year, in order to sell out remaining units, local luxury brokers and market analysts said. Resellers have no choice but to drop their asking prices and take a financial hit, they noted.
"We are definitely in a buyers' market," Heath said. "We are seeing 10 percent discounts from sellers' original asking prices."
Ana Bozovic, a Miami Beach broker and founder of Analytics Miami, said resellers aren't getting higher returns because they can't compete with developers that can spend six-figure sums on marketing and give brokers higher commissions than the standard 3 percent in the resale market. Many developers are offering a minimum of 5 percent and as much as 10 percent. Thus, "agents have an incentive to market the developers' units," Bozovic said.
What's more, units in new buildings in the urban core, such as Rise, attract less interest because the abundance of luxury condos available along the waterfront.
"There is so much inventory on the ocean that it is difficult to get people to buy properties that are not on the water," she said.
In the red
The condo resale market experienced an inventory increase of 75 percent in 2018, according to the 2019 ISG Miami Report, which tracks the luxury condo market in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The MLS showed 21,000 condos on the resale market for all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties and an average of 2,400 sales per month as of April, ISG found.
During the first three quarters of 2018, Miami-area resellers of new construction properties lost an average of 3 percent, not including buying and selling costs, according to an analysis of the resale market by Miami-based HB Roswell Realty and digital data firm CondoBlackBook. The report looked at 102 resales involving condos built from 2016 to 2018 in downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach and surrounding coastal communities.
Of those deals, 38 broke even or made a profit while 64 resales lost money. When factoring in buying and selling costs, 78 percent of the 102 resales were left in the red after closing, the report found.
"For those who speculatively invest in preconstruction properties, timing is everything," said Sep Niakan, president of CondoBlackBook. "Most owners in Miami lost money reselling new construction units that they acquired when the market was stronger."
Another broker, who has listed Rise condos for resale and requested anonymity, said Swire is giving buyers credits, in the form of free maintenance association fees for two years or covering their taxes, that are not factored into the final sale price. "The developer's prices appear high because they don't want to look like they are going against the people who bought from them during preconstruction," the broker said.
According to Swire, the average listing price for a Rise resale condo is $1.2 million, while the average price for a new development unit is $941,000.
Through its spokesperson, the developer would not comment on what credits the company is offering to sell out its remaining 106 units at Rise and 26 units in the sister tower, Reach, but said the incentives generally do not result in pricing that is below the preconstruction prices. The two towers have a total of 780 units.
The spokesperson said some of the 12 Rise resellers were distressed buyers who needed to cash out. "We've been seeing incidences like this across Miami lately," the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the number of active condo listings is growing at a faster rate than sales, according to MLS data crunched by Analytics Miami. Its most recent report shows that the luxury condo market in Miami and Miami Beach ended June with more active listings than in the same month last year. Miami ended the second quarter with the lowest transaction volume since 2010, Bozovic said.
"Buyers of preconstruction are not fully informed, so they probably think they have a market to resell into. They have no idea how small the resale market really is past certain thresholds," she said. "The luxury market is much, much smaller than most people think it is."
Correction: A previous version of this story provided the incorrect number of unsold units at Rise and Reach. Separately, Swire now says it does not cover the cost of real estate taxes as part of a buyer incentive.
condo market
Related, PMG slapped with suits alleging faulty construction, false advertising
A look at South Florida's top sales
Foreigners still prefer Florida
Earfuls of sunshine
'Narchitecture' that's beloved in the (bleary) eye of the beholder
What's on the market: Broward's top offerings priced low
What's on the market: While new record looks unlikely, Palm Beach primed for big deals
Standing at the Apogee in Miami's market


Donate blood 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, September 30, in the Youth Building Gym. Make an appointment from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, September 9, 16 and 23, in the Parish Life lobby. Details: Carmen Rivera at 704-295-4818 or crivera@mpumc.org.


If you are looking for serious rugby or social rugby you will be made more than welcome - just turn up for training on a Tuesday at the club until October 13th and then the Portway Rugby Development centre at 7:00pm or at the club on a Thursday at 7:00pm. Alternatively turn up at the club on a Saturday and bring your boots!
To play at Clifton it is really important you register and pay to become a member please click here to see how you can register and pay online.
Click on the Team link and select the relevant team for for coaches contact details.
We have a very active and highly successful Junior and Mini section that caters for 6 to 17 year olds. The club is taken over by the Juniors and Minis every Sunday.
We welcome players of all abilities and experience, and the emphasis is on fun. This is a great chance for parents and children to come along and see what Clifton rugby is all about. So why not give us a try ?
To understand how you can register and pay online for your membership click here.
If you haven't already got one of these, then you can get one from your coach / team admin. There is no charge as it is included in your membership fee.
We offer many other ways to join Clifton Rugby Club from spectating to volunteering to social. For more information email. Our non-playing membership is handled by Clifton stalwart Mike Anderton who can discuss at length(!) the benefits you will receive as a member. Please email Mike at mjma1930@googlemail.com or contact him at 01179 688092.


text:
Q: React Transition Group V2 skipping the entering/exiting status I'm trying to get my head around React Transition Group V2
I built a demo using create-react-app and the example in the documentation but it skips the entering/exiting status' and doesn't trigger a Transition.
So far I have….
Tried Inline (like in the documentation) and also using the class name, but same result.
added and removed browser specific css
Fiddled around with all the props, with little luck (although the appear prop did trigger 'entering' and run the transition)
Here's a link to the documentation: https://reactcommunity.org/react-transition-group/
And here's what I have.  (I know V2 is pretty new so any help will be greatly appreciated.)
import React, { Component } from 'react';
import Transition from 'react-transition-group/Transition'

class App extends Component {

  state = { show: false }

  handleClick = e => {
    this.setState({show: !this.state.show})
  }
  render() {

    const duration = 300;

    const defaultStyle = {
      transition: `opacity ${duration}ms ease-in-out`,
      opacity: 0,
    }

    const transitionStyles = {
      entering: { opacity: 1 },
      entered:  { opacity: 1 },
    };

    const Fade = ({ in: inProp }) => (
      <Transition in={inProp} timeout={duration}>
        {(state) => (

            I'm A fade Transition!

        )}
      </Transition>
    );

    return (

          <Fade in={this.state.show}/>
          <button onClick={this.handleClick}>TOGGLE</button>

    );
  }
}

export default App;

A: Okay, my apologies, I made a simple mistake.
The Presentational Fade Component threw me and I incorrectly nested it within the App component.
I moved it and its associated consts outside the App component and voila!
import React, { Component } from 'react';
import Transition from 'react-transition-group/Transition'

const duration = 300;

const defaultStyle = {
  transition: `opacity ${duration}ms ease-in-out`,
  opacity: 0,
}

const transitionStyles = {
  entering: { opacity: 1 },
  entered:  { opacity: 1 },
};

const Fade = ({ in: inProp }) => (
  <Transition in={inProp} timeout={duration}>
    {(state) => (

        I'm A fade Transition!

    )}
  </Transition>
);

class App extends Component {

  state = { show: false }

  handleClick = e => {
    this.setState({show: !this.state.show})
  }
  render() {
    return (

          <Fade in={this.state.show}/>
          <button onClick={this.handleClick}>TOGGLE</button>

    );
  }
}

export default App;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange