Current Affairs - Environment

India's renewable energy capacity surpassed 200 GW in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey towards sustainable energy. This achievement represents a 14% year-on-year increase, indicating substantial growth in the sector. The growth can be attributed to various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting renewable energy sources, such as solar and green hydrogen, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This progress aligns with India's Panchamrit goals, which emphasize the importance of sustainable energy in the country's development.

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) started the commercial supply of electricity from a 37.50 MW segment of its 200 MW Solar PV Project in Sadla, Gujarat. This milestone aligns with NTPC Group's commitment to expanding renewable energy, contributing to their overall installed capacity of 76,598.18 MW. The initiative reflects NTPC's strategic focus on sustainability, aiming for 50% non-fossil fuel generation and achieving a 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032, thereby enhancing India's clean energy footprint.

A study highlighted that emissions from private aviation increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023. This rapid growth underscores the environmental challenges posed by the aviation sector, which is already a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Private jets have a disproportionately high carbon footprint per passenger compared to commercial flights and trains, exacerbating their environmental impact through CO2 emissions and additional greenhouse gases like nitrogen oxides and vapour trails.

The dodo, a flightless bird native to Mauritius, became extinct in 1681 due to overhunting and habitat destruction. It stands as a poignant reminder of human-induced extinction and environmental negligence. Today, the bird’s image is being revived through Kashmiri papier mâché art, symbolizing deforestation and ecological awareness. These crafted dodo models have gained global popularity, especially in Mauritius, where the bird is a national emblem. This cultural and artistic endeavour not only promotes environmental sustainability but also strengthens international ties through cultural exchange and handicrafts.

The Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary is located in Assam, a state known for its rich biodiversity, including approximately 950 bird species. A study conducted between October 2022 and March 2024 revealed a 72% decline in bird species count over 27 years, dropping from 167 species in 1997 to 47 species. The major causes include overfishing, poaching, and habitat degradation. Assam's unique ecosystems underscore the need for urgent conservation efforts to restore the sanctuary's biodiversity.