E-waste is a waste which contains discarded or unwanted electronic devices and parts that are harmful to environment if not disposed properly.

The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) categorizes E-waste into-

1. Hazardous E-waste – contains toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium.
2. Non-Hazardous E-waste- does not contain toxic substances.example-desktop computers, printers etc.

Impact of E-waste  –

1. Toxic chemicals released from e-waste can severely impact the human health by causing respiratory problems,cancer,neurological damage etc.
2. Toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium contaminate soil, affecting plant growth and wildlife.
3. E-waste contaminants enter waterways, harming aquatic life.
4. Burning e-waste releases toxic fumes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
5. E-waste chemicals disrupt hormonal balance and fertility.

Solutions to E-waste –

1. Reduce, Reuse,Recycle, Refurbishment and Responsible disposable of E-waste.
2. Establishing and enforcing guidelines, regulations, and procedures to manage electronic waste generation, collection, storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal.
3. Organized efforts to educate and inform the public about the risks and consequences of electronic waste.

The escalating issue of E-waste poses significant environmental and health risks. Effective management through responsible disposal, recycling, and sustainable electronics design is crucial. Governments, organizations, and individuals must collaborate to mitigate E-waste impacts, promoting a safer and more sustainable future for all. Collective action is necessary to address this growing concern.

World Health Organization (WHO) defines Climate change as the long-term changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, which can have significant impacts on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Socio economic impacts of Climate change –

1. Rising sea levels , flooding and extreme weather events damage infrastructure.example-Miami Beach flooding due to sea level rise costing $400 million annually.
2. Climate related disruptions impact trade ,commerce and economic growth.example-Indian drought in 2019 reduced cotton production, affecting textile industry.
3. Increased disease, transmission,heat stress and mental health issues.example-Typhoid fever increase associated with climate-driven water scarcity in Zimbabwe.
4. Rising sea level, drought and extreme weather events forces people to migrate.example -In West Bengal 70,000+ people were displaced due to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
5. Climate change threatens cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods . example -Floods and landslides damage ancient Vijayanagara Empire ruins.
6. Climate related stress reduces agricultural productivity and work efficiency.

Steps taken by government at National and Global level –

1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) enhances ecological sustainability .
2. Reducing Emissions Intensity by 45% as compared to 2005 levels .
3. Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) promotes a healthy, low consumption, and sustainable lifestyle.
4. G20 Leadership focuses on climate finance, energy security, and green hydrogen .
5. Just Transition Energy Partnership framework for phasing out coal.

India’s efforts demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigating climate change impacts. Continued collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector is crucial for achieving a climate resilient future.

Organic Green Revolution –

A sustainable agricultural movement that promotes the use of organic and eco-friendly practices to increase crop yields, improve food security, and protect the environment, while ensuring social and economic benefits for farmers and rural communities.

Indian agricultural sector has not been able to bring an organic green revolution because –

1. High conversion costs from conventional to organic farming i.e transitioning from chemical-based fertilizers to organic compost cost ₹50,000 to ₹100,000 per hectare.
2. Inadequate irrigation facilities in India i.e only 45% of India’s cultivable land is irrigated.
3. Limited funding for organic farming research and development.
4. Lack of clarity on organic farming standards .
5. Lack of education and awareness among farmers.
6. Traditional farming practices and mindsets.
7. Poor storage and transportation infrastructure i.e only 10% of India’s storage capacity is scientific and modern.
8. Limited access to organic markets and certification.
9. Limited use of precision agriculture and digital technologies.
10. Inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

These factors hinder the widespread adoption of Organic Green Revolution in Indian agriculture. Addressing these challenges can help promote sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Water Quality Association defines Water purification as the treatment of water to remove contaminants, impurities, and pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, to produce safe and clean drinking water.

Methods of Water Purification – 

1. Physical methods involve removing contaminants and impurities through physical processes, without altering the chemical composition of the water.example-filtration(passing water through a physical barrier to remove impurities) , sedimentation(allowing heavy particles to settle) & flotation(removing suspended solids using air bubbles).
2. Chemical methods in water purification involve using chemicals to remove contaminants and impurities from water.example-disinfection( killing microorganisms using chemicals), coagulation( removing suspended solids using chemicals) & ion exchange.
3. Biological methods in water purification utilize living organisms or their byproducts to remove contaminants and impurities from water.example-biological filtration( using microorganisms to break down organic matter) & activated sludge  (using microorganisms to treat wastewater).
4. Membrane methods in water purification utilize semipermeable membranes to remove contaminants and impurities from water.example – reverse osmosis( using semipermeable membranes to remove impurities) ,ultrafiltration( removing particles and microorganisms)  & microfiltration( removing suspended solids and bacteria) .
5. Natural methods in water purification utilize natural processes and materials to remove contaminants and impurities from water.example – solar disinfection( using sunlight to kill microorganisms) & wetlands treatment.

Water purification is a critical process that requires careful consideration of various methods and technologies. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, we can work towards providing safe, clean, and sustainable water for all.

According to Ashis Nandy -“Secularism is the separation of religion from the state, but not from society. It’s a contextual concept, varying with cultural and historical contexts.”

Key tenets of Secularism in India –

1. Coexistence of diverse religious communities
2. Respecting religious differences
3.  Celebrating diverse festivals and traditions
4. Promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding
5.  Encouraging secular values and ethics

Differences between Indian and Western Secularism –

1. Indian secularism draws it’s values from traditional Indian thoughts (e.g., sarva dharma samabhava) whereas Western secularism influenced by rationalism, humanism, and liberalism.
2. Indian secularism seeks balance between religious diversity and state neutrality whereas Western secularism believes in separation of church and state.
3. Indian secularism prioritizes protection of minority rights whereas Western secularism often overlooks minority concerns.
4. Indian secularism is shaped by India’s unique historical and cultural context whereas Western secularism emerged from enlightenment and modernity.

Indian secularism is a beacon of hope for diverse societies by integrating traditional values with modernity.It also recognizes the role of religion in public life with tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.