Water and Air Pollution Control Acts in India: Key Provisions

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and for maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water in the country.

The Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act was enacted in 1977 to provide for the levy and collection of a cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of industrial activities.

Read More

Solar System, Earth Systems, and Natural Resources

The Solar System and Earth

The solar system consists of eight planets: four small, inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and four major, outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). There are also 152 natural satellites (moons) within the solar system.

Earth: A Unique Planet

Earth is distinct from other planets due to several key factors:

  • Its average distance from the sun.
  • An atmosphere that generates a greenhouse effect, resulting in an average temperature of 15°C.
  • Abundant water,
Read More

Environmental Threats: Toxic Substances, Radiation, Habitat Loss

Other Toxic Substances

Toxic substances are chemicals whose manufacture, processing, distribution, use, and disposal pose a risk to human health and the environment. Most of these toxic substances are synthetic chemicals that enter the environment and persist there for long periods. In areas where chemicals are produced, significant concentrations of toxic substances can accumulate. If these substances seep into the soil or water, they may contaminate the water supply, air, crops, and domestic animals.

Read More

Fundamentals of Science: Rocks, Minerals, Plate Tectonics & Evolution

Science Overview

What is Science?

  • Derived from Latin scientia, meaning knowledge.
  • Discovery through observation; not static, continuously evolving.
  • Creation of new knowledge through research.

Types of Knowledge

  • Belief Knowledge: Inherent, personal, and often supernatural.
  • Research Knowledge: Universal, based on observable and measurable phenomena.

Facts

  • Derived from both belief and research knowledge.
  • Science is based on facts that can be tested and repeated.

How Science Works

  • A process of observations (data)
Read More

Postmortem Abiotic Phenomena: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abiotic Postmortem Phenomena

Abiotic postmortem phenomena exhibit generalized or localized expressions, providing crucial insights into the timing of death. These phenomena behave as inert entities, dependent on environmental conditions. Key characteristics include:

  • Strong individual character
  • Standardized data, applicable universally
  • Unaffected by biochemical or enzymatic processes
  • Slow and consistent progression

1. Cadaveric Dehydration

Dehydration has limited practical application in determining the

Read More

Crystalline Forms and Volcanic Mass: A Geomorphological Analysis

Crystalline Forms and Volcanic Mass

Crystalline Masses

The term “rock crystal” is useful for referring collectively to intrusive igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as anorthosites and gneiss. They are divided into groups:

Homogeneous Crystalline Masses

These are huge intrusive granite bodies, sometimes kilometers deep, that reach the surface through erosion. Their topographical development varies; the texture and composition of the rock mass depend on whether or not it has been faulted. Once a batholith

Read More