Environment

Pollution Control Funds Largely Unused, Panel Flags Concerns

By BPN News Desk March 26, 2025

The Environment Ministry is under scrutiny after a parliamentary panel revealed that it had utilized less than 1% of the ₹858 crore allocated for pollution control in the financial year 2024–25. The finding has raised alarms about administrative inefficiencies and delayed implementation of crucial environmental programs, particularly at a time when urban air quality

Environment Pollution

Only Seven Countries Met WHO Air Quality Standards in 2024

By BPN News Desk March 16, 2025

In 2024, only seven countries met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to data from IQAir. These countries are Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia, and Iceland. In contrast, the most polluted countries were Chad and Bangladesh, with average PM2.5 concentrations

Environment Pollution

Delhi Tops Global Pollution Rankings; 13 Indian Cities Among World’s 20 Most Polluted

By BPN News Desk March 11, 2025

A recent global air quality report has revealed that 13 out of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Delhi ranking as the most polluted capital. This alarming revelation underscores the escalating air pollution crisis, affecting millions across the country. Delhi’s Alarming Pollution Levels Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated

Environment Natural Calamities

Ex-Cyclone Alfred Causes Severe Flooding and Power Outages

By BPN News Desk March 9, 2025

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has wreaked havoc across Australia’s east coast, leading to severe flooding and widespread power outages affecting over 300,000 homes. The storm’s impact has been particularly intense in Queensland and New South Wales, where emergency services are responding to ongoing hazardous conditions. Massive Power Outages Across Queensland As of Sunday,

Environment

Microsoft Commits to 30-Year Carbon Removal Project in India

By BPN News Desk March 8, 2025

Microsoft has entered into a landmark 30-year agreement to advance its carbon removal initiatives through a large-scale afforestation project in India. This initiative, in collaboration with Climate Impact Partners and Terra Natural Capital, aims to enhance environmental sustainability while supporting local communities. Microsoft’s Commitment to Carbon Removal As

Environment Pollution

Coal Emissions Slash India’s Rice and Wheat Yields

By BPN News Desk February 28, 2025

Recent research has revealed that emissions from coal-fired power plants in India are significantly reducing rice and wheat yields, with some regions experiencing losses exceeding 10%. This decline is primarily attributed to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emissions, which negatively impact crop health and productivity. Impact of NO₂ Emissions on Crop Yields Studies indicate that

Environment Green Energy

India Plans Major Investment in Solar Manufacturing

By BPN News Desk February 25, 2025

In a strategic move to bolster its renewable energy sector, India is finalizing a $1 billion capital subsidy initiative aimed at enhancing domestic solar manufacturing capabilities. This substantial investment underscores the nation’s commitment to reducing reliance on imports and achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets. Objectives of the Subsidy Plan The

Environment Wildlife

Introduction of African Cheetahs in India Sparks Debate

By BPN News Desk February 20, 2025

The recent initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into India’s wildlife reserves has ignited a debate among conservationists and scientists. While the project aims to restore the cheetah population in India, experts have raised concerns regarding its ecological viability and the potential challenges in managing the translocated species. Ecological and Management

Environment Green Energy

BHEL Wins ₹8,000 Crore Order for Koradi Thermal Power Project

By BPN News Desk February 11, 2025

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has secured a significant contract valued at approximately ₹8,000 crore from the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (Mahagenco). The order entails the supply of the Boiler, Turbine, and Generator (BTG) package for two 660-MW units at the Koradi Thermal Power Station in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Details of the Koradi […]

Environment Pollution

Supreme Court Criticizes Government Over Power Plant Emission Extensions

By BPN News Desk February 9, 2025

The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the government’s repeated extensions granted to coal-fired power plants for meeting emission norms. The court questioned whether these extensions effectively serve as a “license to pollute,” potentially worsening environmental degradation and posing a risk to public health. Background on Emission Standard