E Book Envt 2014 2016

General Knowledge Today
Environment Updates - January 2014 -

June 2016
Published Date: July 12, 2016

Published by: GKTODAY.IN
GKToday 2016 | All Rights Reserved
Suitable for Bank Probationary, Bank Clerical, IBPS Recruitment, NDA, CDS,
LIC/GIC, Railways, SSC, UGC and state / UPSC preliminary Examination.
Environment Updates - January 2014 - June 2016
Contents
ZSI to record climate change impact on animals in ve Himalayan states ............................................. 3
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) ................................................................................................. 3
PM Narendra Modi releases book titled The Birds of Banni Grassland ................................................. 3
About Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) .......................................................................... 4
Sweden inaugurates worlds rst electric road ............................................................................................. 4
Union Government launches Indias rst pilot programme to run two wheelers on CNG in New
Delhi ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
21 June: World Hydrography Day .................................................................................................................... 5
17 June: World Day to Combat Desertication ............................................................................................ 6
Norway becomes the rst country to ban deforestation ............................................................................ 6
8 June: World Oceans Day ................................................................................................................................ 7
Gangetic River dolphin declared city animal of Guwahati ......................................................................... 7
About Gangetic River Dolpin ................................................................................................................... 8
Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App RajVayu on Air Quality Index ........................................ 8
05 June: World Environment Day ................................................................................................................... 9
About World Environment Day (WED) ................................................................................................. 9
Haryana Government launches Asias rst Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme ....................... 9
Union Cabinet approves MoU between US and India to enhance cooperation in wildlife
conservation ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Indias rst integrated web portal to promote Net Zero Energy Buildings launched .......................... 11
Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh wins 2016 India Biodiversity Award ............................... 11
About India Biodiversity Award .............................................................................................................. 12
Sea ice cover around Antarctica is rising: NASA-led study ...................................................................... 12
India fth largest producer of e-waste: Assocham-KPMG Study ........................................................... 13
NGT bans light and heavy diesel vehicles over 10 years in six major cities of Kerala ....................... 14
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity .................................................................................... 14
Himachal Pradesh launches articial propagation programme of mahseer sh for conservation ... 15
About Golden mahseer ............................................................................................................................. 15
Union Government launches Centre for Environmental Health to assess environmental impact on
health .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Himalayan Brown Bears sighted for rst time in Kargil after 1999 War ............................................. 16
About Himalayan Brown Bears .............................................................................................................. 16
Delhi no longer most polluted city in the world ......................................................................................... 16
10 May 2016: World Migratory Bird Day .................................................................................................... 17
Rural Sanitation Initiatives for Ganga Rejuvenation launched in Jharkhand ......................................... 17
Lok Sabha passes Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015 ............................................................. 18
Indian Railways ink MoU with Haryana and Punjab to plant trees alongside Railway Track .......... 19
175 nations sign historic Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day ......................................................... 20
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22 April: Earth Day ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Union Cabinet approves signing the Paris Agreement adopted at 21st CoP ........................................ 21
Delhi Government launches Phase 2 of odd-even scheme ...................................................................... 22
Union Cabinet gives nod to adaptation of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network ..................... 23
PM Narendtra Modi inaugurates 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation ............. 24
Global Tiger population increased for the rst time in 100 years by 22%: WWF & GTF ............... 24
World Bank launches ambitious Climate Change Action Plan ................................................................ 25
Worlds rst White Tiger Safari opens in Madhya Pradesh ..................................................................... 25
Ballast water bringing invasive species to Indian coasts: Scientists ........................................................ 26
MoEFCC noties new environment standards for Gensets ..................................................................... 27
March 23: World Meteorological Day ......................................................................................................... 27
Indias Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCOs World Network of Biosphere
Reserves ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
About Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) ................................................................................. 28
About Biosphere Reserves (BR) ............................................................................................................. 29
March 22: World Water Day .......................................................................................................................... 29
Earth Hour 2016 observed across the World on 19 March 2016 ......................................................... 29
About Earth Hour ..................................................................................................................................... 30
21 March: International Day of Forests ........................................................................................................ 30
March 20: World Sparrow Day ...................................................................................................................... 31
Union Government bans repeat animal testing of drugs .......................................................................... 31
More than 50 animal species critically endangered in India: Government .......................................... 32
MoEFCC releases Four Colour Classication Scheme for industries based on Pollution Index ...... 33
3rd March: World Wildlife Day ...................................................................................................................... 33
India to host 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation ................................................. 34
Rare Falcated Duck sighted in Goa .............................................................................................................. 34
About Falcated Duck ................................................................................................................................ 35
MoEFCC declares Wild pig as vermin for year in Uttarakhand .............................................................. 35
CPCB releases National Air Quality Indices for 24 cities ......................................................................... 36
About National Air Quality Index .......................................................................................................... 36
2 February: World Wetland Day .................................................................................................................... 36
IMD changes language in weather forecasting .......................................................................................... 37
Invasive species of snowake coral discovered off coast of Thiruvananthapuram ............................ 38
About Snowake Corals .......................................................................................................................... 38
Union Government noties stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants ...................... 38
PM Narendra Modi ags off rst prototype electric bus for MPs ......................................................... 39
ZSI Scientists discovered a new eel species named Bengal moray eel .................................................. 40
About Bengal moray eel .......................................................................................................................... 40
Indias biggest wildlife rescue centre commissioned in Nagpur ............................................................. 40
Supreme Court bans registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi ......................................... 41
3
Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA ............................................................... 41
COP 21 adopts historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change ................................................................ 42
Myanmars rst UNESCO biosphere reserve Inle Lake launched .......................................................... 42
About Inle Lake ......................................................................................................................................... 43
NGT bans registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi ..................................................................... 43
About National Green Tribunal ............................................................................................................. 43
First red alert on pollution declared in Beijing ........................................................................................... 44
Indias forest & tree cover increased by 5, 081 Sq km: ISFR 2015 ....................................................... 44
South Western Railways Zone introduces Biodiesel for trains ................................................................ 45
Biodiesel ...................................................................................................................................................... 46
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation announced ......................................................... 46
About Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) ..................................................................................... 47
Union Government releases postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI ....................................... 47
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) .............................................................................................. 47
India, France launched International Solar Alliance .................................................................................. 48
Union Government to roll out BS V norms from April 1, 2019 ............................................................ 48
About Bharat stage (BS) norms ............................................................................................................ 48
NHAI approves pilot project for developing greenbelts along National highways ............................ 49
Northeast Indias rst elephant hospital established at Kaziranga National Park ............................... 49
About Kaziranga National Park ............................................................................................................. 50
NGT bans age-old agricultural practice of straw burning in Northern States ................................... 50
Tropical Cyclone Chapala hits Yemen triggering heavy oods ............................................................... 51
Odisha Government imposes 7- month ban on shing to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles ............. 52
About Olive Ridley Turtles ...................................................................................................................... 52
Punjab to set up bio-ethanol renery to stop menace of straw burning .............................................. 53
Tamil Nadu Government bans Ketoprofen drug to save vultures ......................................................... 53
Deadly effects of Diclofenac on Vultures ............................................................................................. 53
Green Indian Mission plans approved for 4 states .................................................................................... 54
About National Mission for Green India (GIM) ................................................................................ 54
Indias rst Dolphin Community Reserve to come up in West Bengal ................................................. 54
NGT orders to levy environmental tax on trucks entering Delhi ........................................................... 55
Union Government plans to produce power, compost from solid waste under Swachh Bharat
Mission ................................................................................................................................................................ 56
India pledges 33-35 per cent GHGs emission cut by 2030 .................................................................... 56
Marine population declined since 1970: Study .......................................................................................... 56
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bans sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial .................. 57
Diclofenac and Vulture extinction ......................................................................................................... 57
Antarctic Oceans carbon dioxide absorption increased ........................................................................... 57
Union Government launches E-Payment Module to deposit compensatory levies into CAMPA Funds
................................................................................................................................................................................ 58
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What is CAMPA Fund? ........................................................................................................................... 58

Chengalikodan Banana from Kerala accorded GI status ......................................................................... 59
Other GI status products from Kerala ................................................................................................. 59
About Geographical Indication (GI) status ......................................................................................... 59
Cochin Airport becomes worlds rst to operate completely on Solar Power .................................... 59
Bangladesh becomes 1st country to receive funds from UN for Solar Home Systems .................... 60
Demarcation of ESZ around Okhla Bird Sanctuary completed ............................................................. 60
About Okhla Bird Sanctuary ................................................................................................................... 61
Sachin Tendulkar to be Maharashtras Tiger ambassador ....................................................................... 61
Tiger Conservation in Maharashtra ....................................................................................................... 61
Gujarat Government declares ban on use of plastic in state ................................................................... 62
Australia unveils plan to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2030 .............................................. 62
Prospects for 2015 Paris conference of UNFCCC ............................................................................. 62
347 ora, 424 fauna species discovered in 2013-14: Government ....................................................... 63
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan to be Maharashtras new Tiger Conservation Ambassador .............. 63
Tiger Conservation in Maharashtra ...................................................................................................... 64
Union Government launches School Nursery Yojana .............................................................................. 64
About School Nursery Yojana ............................................................................................................... 64
10 August: World Bio-Fuel Day .................................................................................................................... 64
Maharashtra government declares Thane creek area as Flamingo Sanctuary .................................. 65
Facts about Flamingo Sanctuary ............................................................................................................ 65
South Indian states to constitute Inter-State Coordination Council to resolve forest-related issues ..
66
Union Cabinet approves proposal to sign agreement with UNESCO ................................................... 66
Australian court revokes environmental approval for Adanis Carmichael coal mine ....................... 67
India foils UK Companys bid to patent its traditional knowledge for treating hair loss .................. 68
15 Gharials to be released in Beas belt in Punjab to boost tourism ....................................................... 68
About Gharial ............................................................................................................................................ 68
Union Government, 3 states to start articial breeding of Great Indian Bustard ............................... 69
Articial breeding programme of GIB ................................................................................................. 69
About Great Indian Bustard (GIB) ....................................................................................................... 69
Maharashtra cabinet approves Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Scheme ............................ 70
Facts about Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas ...................................................................... 70
Ajay Mathur appointed as Director-General of TERI .............................................................................. 70
About The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) .......................................................................... 70
New sh species named Puntius Dolichopterus discovered in Kerala ................................................... 71
Facts about Puntius Dolichopterus ........................................................................................................ 71
Japan pledges 26% emissions cut by 2030 ................................................................................................. 71
Two new plant species discovered in Western Ghats ............................................................................... 72
Vellithumpa (Anisochilus shoolamudianus) ......................................................................................... 72
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Eriocaulon manoharanii ........................................................................................................................... 72

Krishnapatnam Port receives Golden Peacock award for environment management ...................... 72
India, US ink MoU to establish PACESetter Fund ..................................................................................... 73
New buttery species named Banded Tit found in Arunachal Pradesh ............................................. 73
World Bank approves $650 million loan for Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor ............................ 74
Elephant population rises in Odisha: 2015 Census .................................................................................... 74
India Fourth Largest Carbon Emitter: WRI Analysis ................................................................................. 75
First species of Yeti crab named Kiwa Tyleri found in Antarctica ......................................................... 75
Union Government exempts educational institutions from prior green nod ....................................... 76
Rajasthan becomes No. 1 state in solar energy in India ........................................................................... 76
Union Government launches Bhuvan Ganga Mobile App to aid Clean Ganga Mission .................. 77
Maharashtra declares Blue Mormon as State buttery .......................................................................... 78
About Blue Mormon ................................................................................................................................ 78
Other state symbols of Maharashtra are ............................................................................................. 78
Kerala Government declares June 22 as Snake Bird Day ...................................................................... 78
About Snake Bird ..................................................................................................................................... 78
Typhoon Kujira hits south Chinas Hainan Province ................................................................................ 79
Humans driving Earth to sixth mass extinction: Study ............................................................................. 79
Critically endangered Sangai deer found in Manipur to be translocated ............................................. 80
About Sangai deer .................................................................................................................................... 80
About Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) ..................................................................................... 80
Renewable energy targets quadruple globally in 10 years: IRENA ........................................................ 80
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ................................................................ 81
349 new species of ora and fauna discovered in the past one year in India ..................................... 81
Yellow-Breasted Buntings on the verge of extinction: Study .................................................................. 82
Union Government launches Jal Kranti Abhiyan ....................................................................................... 82
Indias rst green police station inaugurated at New Delhis Maurice Nagar ..................................... 83
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates rst Oil Spill Response Centre for Mumbai & JNPT Harbour ............... 83
05 June: World Environment Day ................................................................................................................. 84
About World Environment Day (WED) .............................................................................................. 84
Everest Glaciers may disappear by 2100 due to global warming: Study .............................................. 85
Himachal Pradesh government sets up satellite tracking system to check forest re ....................... 85
Gujarat Government initiates Sloth Habitat Project .................................................................................. 86
About Sloth bears ..................................................................................................................................... 86
Antarctic ice loss altering earths gravity: Study ........................................................................................ 86
India ranks 24th in Environmental Democracy Index .............................................................................. 87
About Environmental Democracy Index (EDI) .................................................................................. 87
Global energy subsidies to hit US $ 5.3 trillion this year: IMF report .................................................. 88
Union Cabinet approves Namami Gange Program .................................................................................. 88
Asiatic lion population in Gir sanctuary increases to 523: Census report 2015 ................................. 89
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About 2015 lion census ........................................................................................................................... 89

NGT imposes monthly tax on all households in Delhi to clean up Yamuna River ............................ 90
India home to 48 species of bumblebees .................................................................................................... 90
1 in 6 species can face extinction by end of century due to global warming: Study .......................... 91
Rajasthan Government allocates 12 crore rupees for Project Great Indian Bustard ........................... 91
Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr. Ananda Kumar won 2015 Whitley Awards for wildlife conservation .... 92
About Whitley Award .............................................................................................................................. 92
NGT bans burning of waste in Delhi NCR ................................................................................................. 92
India-Bangladesh join hands to protect spectacled Langur ..................................................................... 93
Earth Day is being observed on 22 April ..................................................................................................... 93
Punjab government approves release of Gharials in Sutlej and Beas rivers to promote eco-tourism
............................................................................................................................................................................... 94
About Gharial ............................................................................................................................................ 94
India to chair 9th International Renewable Energy Agency council meet ........................................... 94
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ............................................................... 94
Newly discovered Spider named after Telangana state ............................................................................ 95
Key facts Telangana crab spiders ......................................................................................................... 95
Union Government suspends Greenpeace Indias registration for 6 months ...................................... 95
National Green Tribunal bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi ......................................... 96
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches National Air Quality Index to give pollution information ..
96
RINL launches rst of its kind green project to generate 120 MW power ......................................... 97
Rare spiders sighted in Western Ghats ........................................................................................................ 97
Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population rises in Kaziranga: 2015 Census .......................... 98
Rajasthan passes bill to ban camel slaughter .............................................................................................. 98
Earth Hour 2015 observed across the World ............................................................................................. 99
About Earth Hour ..................................................................................................................................... 99
Union Government reconstitutes SEAC-II in Maharashtra ..................................................................... 99
Mithivirdi nuclear plant gets CRZ nod from Union Government ........................................................ 100
Rajendra Singh wins prestigious 2015 Stockholm Water Prize ............................................................ 100
About Rajendra Singh ............................................................................................................................. 101
About Stockholm Water Prize .............................................................................................................. 101
NGT announces Rs 5,000 ne for littering on railway property ......................................................... 101
Union Environment Ministry revokes suspension of Goa mines .......................................................... 102
Union Government merges Green India Mission merged with MGNREGA to reclaim forest cover
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 102
Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles begins in Odisha ............................................................................. 103
About Olive Ridley Turtles .................................................................................................................... 104
EU formally adopts climate change targets for December 2015 UNFCCC Paris Conference ...... 104
Renowned ornithologist K.S. Lavkumar Khachar passes away ............................................................ 104
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About K.S. Lavkumar Khachar ............................................................................................................ 104

Zoological Society of London and Gujarat Forest Department inks MoU for Asiatic lion
Conservation ..................................................................................................................................................... 105
NGT issues the whip on vintage cars ......................................................................................................... 105
About National Green Tribunal ........................................................................................................... 106
3rd Tortoise Festival organised in Assam .................................................................................................. 106
Key facts .................................................................................................................................................... 106
Environmental loss in Sundarbans worth Rs. 1290 Crore: World Bank Report ............................... 106
Union Government launches Soil Health Card Scheme in Rajasthan ................................................. 107
Key facts of Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme ................................................................................. 107
Muthoot Group partners with WWF for elephant project .................................................................... 108
India signs $8 million loan agreement with World Bank for SLACC Project ................................... 108
About Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaption to Climate change (SLACC) Project ................. 108
Four new sh species discovered in Kerala ............................................................................................... 108
Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concludes in Nepal ....................................................... 109
Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia ................................................................................... 109
Nepals achievement of Zero-poaching ............................................................................................... 110
Two benecial algal species discovered off the west coast of India ..................................................... 110
Key Characteristics of discovered algal species ................................................................................. 110
World Wetlands Day is being observed on 2 February ............................................................................ 111
Signicance of Day ................................................................................................................................... 111
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 111
Jackal research and translocation project launched in Uttar Pradesh .................................................... 111
Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary to come up near Bengaluru .............................................. 112
Key facts about solar fenced elephant sanctuary ............................................................................... 112
Keralas Periyar tiger reserve wins NTCA biennial award ...................................................................... 112
Indias Tigers population increases by 30% since 2011 ........................................................................... 113
World Future Energy Summit begins in Abu Dhabi ................................................................................ 113
2014 hottest year on record: US scientists ................................................................................................. 114
5th General Assembly of IRENA begins in Abu Dhabi ........................................................................... 114
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) .............................................................. 114
3 day Flamingo Festival begins near Pulicat Lake in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh ................ 115
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary ........................................................................................................................ 115
Second National Biodiversity Conference-2015 will be held in Kerala ................................................ 115
For rst time 19 swamp deer translocated from Kaziranga to Manas National Park ...................... 116
NGT forms panel to dispose sand on Yamuna riverbed ......................................................................... 117
Bangladesh oil spill disaster threatens wildlife in Sundarbans forest .................................................... 117
Typhoon Hagupit approaches Philippines .................................................................................................. 118
India helps Maldives to tackle drinking water crisis ................................................................................. 118
Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh to be declared as Tiger Reserve ............................... 119
8
Environment Ministry approves waiver of mandatory green clearances for strategic border roads ..
119
Implications of this decision on strategic border projects .............................................................. 120
2015 to be celebrated as Year of Water Conservation in India ........................................................... 120
Newton-Bhabha Fund announced by UK and India ............................................................................... 120
Key Features: Newton-Bhabha programme ....................................................................................... 121
Worlds tallest hybrid wind turbine installed in Kutch ............................................................................. 121
Canine Distemper Virus pushing tigers towards extinction ................................................................... 122
Keralas Ashtamudi clam shery to rst in India to receive MSC certication .................................. 123
What is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certication programme? .................................... 123
Implications ............................................................................................................................................... 123
About Ashtamudi estuary ...................................................................................................................... 124
Government reconstitutes Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change .......................................... 124
SC gives free hand to NGT to whip Ganga polluting industries .......................................................... 125
Inactivity of other bodies ........................................................................................................................ 125
Efcient functioning of the NGT ......................................................................................................... 126
Government to soon put up Climate Change Adaptation Plan ............................................................ 126
Key Facts About Cyclone Nilofar ................................................................................................................ 126
About Naming of cyclones .................................................................................................................... 127
Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to be Chair of Future Earths Engagement Committee
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 127
Future Earth Engagement Committee ................................................................................................ 127
Earlier roles in international fora .......................................................................................................... 128
Government to create a SPV for Ken-Betwa River Linking Project .................................................... 128
Ken-Betwa River Linking Project ......................................................................................................... 128
Approvals .................................................................................................................................................. 128
North east monsoon gets active over South India ................................................................................... 128
About Northeast Monsoon ................................................................................................................... 129
Government to revive Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change .................................................. 129
Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change ................................................................................... 129
E-rickshaws recognized as special category three-wheeled vehicles ................................................... 129
What are e-rickshaws? ........................................................................................................................... 130
Restrictions .............................................................................................................................................. 130
Key Outcomes of Narendra Modis US visit ............................................................................................. 130
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa wins the Midori Prize 2014 ....................................................................... 131
Union Government to fund Swachh Vidyalaya campaign .................................................................. 132
Ozone layer on road to recovery ................................................................................................................. 132
NGT bans tyre burning in the open, re-use of tyres as fuel .................................................................. 134
Why burning of tyres is harmful for environment? ......................................................................... 135
About National Green Tribunal .......................................................................................................... 135
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Indias rst coral garden to be set up in Gujarat ...................................................................................... 136

Fresh choice of smugglers: R22-Ozone-depleting fridge gas ............................................................. 136
Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria India (STCI) launched ................................................ 137
Coal block allocations from 1993 to 2010 illegal, done arbitrarily: Supreme Court ..................... 137
The Green Bus project: Indias rst ethanol-run public bus launched in Nagpur ........................ 138
South Africa government relocates Rhinos from Kruger National Park ............................................ 138
PM Modi accentuates promoting Tourism, Clean India campaign to be launched on October 2 ..
138
Indias future lies in manufacturing with Zero-Defect and Zero-Effect: PM Narendra Modi ...... 139
Independence Day: Modis mantras for new India .................................................................................. 139
Researchers discover Indias rst jellysh lake in Gujarat ...................................................................... 140
China plans to ban coal use in its capital by 2020 .................................................................................. 140
Mangroves in Sunderbans losing capacity to soak up CO2: Research ................................................ 141
NGRBA brought under Ministry of Water Resources ............................................................................ 142
Science can now explain why suns atmosphere is hotter than its surface ......................................... 142
Urbanization activities impacted a few wetlands: Government ............................................................. 143
Bees choose best owers even before landing just from the color of petals ..................................... 144
Researchers discovered new species of Mayy in India ....................................................................... 144
Man-made water vapour next climate threat ........................................................................................... 144
Science Express for raising biodiversity awareness agged off ............................................................. 145
IUCN adds 8 more Indian bird species to 2014 Red List ...................................................................... 145
Tiger population improves in Uttar Pradesh ............................................................................................. 146
CII-GEC launched EPEAT environmental rating systems for electronics ...................................... 146
Nagoya Protocol gets 50th Instrument of Ratication ........................................................................... 147
Typhoon Rammasun (Glenda) hits Philippines ........................................................................................ 147
Rich nations should capitalize Green Climate Fund: India ..................................................................... 148
Study attributes Oklahoma earthquakes to subsurface wastewater injection .................................... 148
Scientists develop new method to forecast oods upto 11 months in advance ................................. 149
R K Pachauri calls Shopping Malls energy guzzlers ............................................................................ 149
Typhoon Neoguri: Super typhoon moving towards Japan .................................................................... 150
Study shows whales are ecosystem engineers ...................................................................................... 150
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary: Indias 47th Tiger Reserve ................................................................................. 150
Project Mausam: Culture Ministry initiative to explore multi-faceted Indian Ocean ..................... 151
Government sets up Panel to design National Rubber Policy ................................................................ 151
Understanding the collusion between El Nino and Monsoon ................................................................ 151
June 17: World Day to Combat Desertication observed with the theme Land Belongs to the
Future Lets Climate Proof It ................................................................................................................... 153
DLF is Indias rst realty company to get ISO 9001: 2008 certication ........................................... 154
Japan kills 30 minke whales despite ICJ order ......................................................................................... 154
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Delhi is Indias rst kerosene-free city ........................................................................................................ 155

NTPC seeks revocation of ban on Lata Tapovan Hydro Power Project ............................................. 155
IUCN releases Red List of Threatened Species FIFA World Cup 2014 mascot Brazilian three-
banded Armadillo enlisted as Vulnerable ................................................................................................. 156
Scientists locate massive underground water reservoir, three times the size of Earths oceans ..
157
Gujarat gets NCA approval to raise height of Narmada Dam .............................................................. 158
Cyclone Nanauk moves towards Oman, monsoon to reach Maharashtra, Gujarat in few days ... 159
Environment clearance to Navys Project Seabird (Karwar naval base) ............................................. 159
Obama administration demonstrates historic rules to cut coal pollution by 30% ............................ 160
RhoDIS: DNA-based tool to probe poaching ............................................................................................ 161
Ranchis Kanke Dam endangered by waste ............................................................................................... 161
Olive Ridley Conservation programme restarted after nearly 25 years ............................................... 162
Biologists discover 14 new Dancing Frog species in Western Ghats ................................................. 162
El Nino effect may shrink Indias GDP by 1.75%: Assocham ............................................................... 163
Net Metering: An innovation to slash electricity bills ............................................................................ 163
SOLAR-JET: An EU project makes solar kerosene from sunlight ................................................ 165
Polo, Indias only gorilla, breaths his last ................................................................................................... 166
Climate change may lead India to war: UN report ................................................................................. 167
Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020-Launched by WHO-India to protect Vulnerable Rhinos ......... 168
Environmentalist Ms. Almitra Patel ............................................................................................................. 169
U.S. India Energy Dialogue 2014 to advance clean energy access: Promoting Energy Access
through Clean Energy (PEACE) .................................................................................................................. 169
Great Eared Nightjar spotted rst time in Kollams Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary ................... 170
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 15 bird species from India are in critically endangered list ..
172
Mysterious four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases discovered ....................................................... 173
Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Eminent Gandhian and environmentalist selected for Gandhi Peace Prize
2013 ................................................................................................................................................................... 174
Indias Largest Solar Power Plant launched in Madhya Pradesh .......................................................... 175
Indian-origin men win Heinz Awards in US ............................................................................................. 175
Indira Paryavaran Bhawan inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh .................................................. 176
Study: Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems .............................................................. 178
Vizag Zoo: Soon, Indias rst breeding centre for wild dogs (Dhole) ................................................ 179
Dr. Marco Lambertini: New Director-General of WWF International ............................................... 180
National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans on burning tyres in Public Places .......................................... 180
Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) ......................................................................................... 181
India ranked 155th on Yales Environmental Performance Index (EPI) .............................................. 182
CCEA approved Capacity Building Scheme and Rajiv Gandhi Institute for climate change .......... 183
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POSCOs steel plant gets environmental clearance ................................................................................. 184

Supreme Court directs Centre to set up National Regulator for granting all Green Clearances ..
185
Global Warming: Gangotri glacier is shrinking ........................................................................................ 186
Scientists spot rare Indian Pitta after 60 years ......................................................................................... 186
Moclic software can predict weather ..................................................................................................... 187
Study: Mangroves in Florida expanding poleward .................................................................................. 188
PETAs Person of the Year: Dr Shashi Tharoor ....................................................................................... 188
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ZSI to record climate change impact on animals in five Himalayan states

June 30, 2016
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has launched long-term monitoring studies project to
document the effect of climate change on animal biodiversity in five Himalayan states.
These five Himalayan states are Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal
Pradesh.
Key Facts
Under the project, ZSI will monitor indicators in species like butterflies, bees, fish and other
insects to find how their distribution has been affected by climate change.
The project has been funded by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC). The duration of the project is for three years.
To study the effect of climate change on animal biodiversity latest technologies such as GIS
mapping and bioinformatics will be used.
The collected data on the distribution of species will be compared with the old records
available with ZSI. It will help to depict the impact of climate change on their survival.
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
ZSI is the apex institution on animal (fauna) taxonomy in India.
Established: 1 July 1916. 2016 is the centenary year of ZSI.
Headquarter: It also has 16 regional centres located in different parts of the country.
Objective: To promote the survey, exploration, research and documentation on various
aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks advancement of
knowledge on animal taxonomy.
Functions under: Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
(MoEFCC). It activities are coordinated by the Conservation and Survey Division of
MoEFCC.
It has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per
section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002
Activities Undertaken: Study of the fauna of states, of conservation areas, of important
ecosystems. Status survey of endangered species, fauna of India and ecological Studies &
Environmental impact assessments.
ZSI publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983 and is
similar to Red Data Book published by IUCN.
PM Narendra Modi releases book titled The Birds of Banni Grassland
June 28, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a book titled The Birds of Banni Grassland in New Delhi.
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The book was presented to the Prime Minister by the scientists of Gujarat Institute of Desert
Ecology (GUIDE).
The Birds of Banni Grassland is book based on environment and consists of a compilation of the
research work, relating to more than 250 species of birds found in the Banni area of Kutch, Gujarat.
About Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE)
The GUIDE is located at Bhuj. For over 15 years it has been studying the plant, bird and
marine life in the Rann of Kutch.
GUIDEs research activities are linked in the study of understanding and addressing
environmental, ecological and social problems.
It also seeks promoting sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions of the state.
Sweden inaugurates worlds first electric road
June 28, 2016
Sweden inaugurated a test stretch of an electric road in Sandviken to conduct tests with electric
power for hybrid heavy transports on public roads.
With this, Sweden becomes first country in the world to have electric road. The tests will be
conducted on parts of road E16.
Key Facts
The tests will continue up through 2018 and will provide knowledge of how electric roads
work in practice.
The road E16 tests will involve a current collector on the roof of the hybrid heavy trucks cab
that will feed the current down to a hybrid electric motor in the truck.
It will also check feasibility of whether the technology can be used in the future.
These experimental tests are based on the Swedens goal of energy efficiency and a fossil fuel-
free vehicle fleet by 2030.
The project is being partially funded by Swedens three government agencies viz. Swedish
Transport Administration, Swedish Energy Agency, and the countrys innovation agency
Vinnova. The rest funding is provided by the private participants.
Future Potentials: Bring one step closer to fossil fuel-free transport systems. It has the potential to
achieve zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Provides a simple way for developing environmentally
smart transport systems in the existing road networks.
Union Government launches Indias first pilot programme to run two wheelers on CNG
in New Delhi
June 24, 2016
Union Government has launched a pilot programme to run two wheelers on Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG) in New Delhi to curb air pollution in cities.
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The project was jointly launched by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan and Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar at the CGO Complex CNG station.
Key Facts
The first-of-its-kind pilot programme in India to run two-wheelers on CNG has been
launched by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL).
It is being implemented by IGL under its Hawa Badlo movement along with GAIL (Gas
Authority of India Limited).
Under this project, different models of two-wheelers fitted with the CNG kits have been
unveiled to curb rising air pollution in cities.
These CNG two-wheelers are substantially economical as compared to similar variant of
petrol vehicles.
They emit 75% less hydrocarbon and 20% less CO (Carbon monoxide), compared to their
petrol variants.
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL): It is a joint venture of GAIL, BPCL and government of Delhi. It
is the sole supplier of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in the National
Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad.
21 June: World Hydrography Day
June 22, 2016
World Hydrography Day (WHD) is being observed annually on 21 June to publicise the work of
hydrographers and the importance of hydrography.
The observance of the day emphasizes importance of hydrography particularly in protection of
marine reserves and also promotion of safe navigation in international waters and ports.
2016 Theme: Hydrography the key to well-managed seas and waterways. It seeks to highlight the
fundamental importance of hydrography. It also seeks to boost our knowledge of the shape, nature
and depth of the seafloor as a fundamental requirement for the safe, sustainable, proper and cost
effective use of the worlds seas, oceans and waterways.
Background
The idea of observing World Hydrography Day was mooted by the International Hydrographic
Organization (IHO) in 2005. It was officially instituted by the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) by passing resolution A/RES/60/30 Oceans and the law of the sea in 2005.
IHO: It was established as the International Hydrographic Bureau in 1921. It was used as a
mechanism for consulting governments on matters of technical standards, protection of marine
environment, safe navigation etc.
Hydrography: It is the science of surveying and charting bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, lakes,
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and rivers.
17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification
June 17, 2016
The World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) is being observed on 17 June across the world
to promote public awareness related to international cooperation to combat desertification and the
effects of drought.
2016 Theme: Inclusive cooperation for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality. The theme advocates
importance of inclusive cooperation to restore and rehabilitate degraded land. It also advocates to
contribute towards achieving the overall Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2016 Slogan: Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People. It addresses the importance of comprehensive
cooperation and participation in working towards achieving Land Degradation Neutrality.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated declared June 17 as the World Day
to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994. It was observed for the first time in 1995.
The day is observed globally to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing
serious desertification or drought, particularly in Africa.
Norway becomes the first country to ban deforestation
June 13, 2016
Norway has become the first country in the world to prohibit deforestation. In this regard,
Norwegian Parliament had pledged to make governments public procurement policy deforestation-
free.
The step was taken by Norwegian Government based on official recommendations of Norwegian
Parliaments Standing Committee on Energy and Environment as part of the Action Plan on Nature
Diversity.
Key facts
Henceforth, Norway will no longer procure use or procure products that encourage
deforestation.
Under the pledge, Norwegian Government will also not award contracts to any company that
cuts down and destroys forests.
In addition, Norwegian lawmakers also committed to find a way to source essential products
such as soy, palm oil, beef and timber that have little or no impact on ecosystems.
The standing committee also has asked Government to frame separate biodiversity policy and
use funds provided by Government Pension Fund Global to increase biodiversity protection.
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8 June: World Oceans Day

June 8, 2016
The World Oceans Day is being observed globally on 8th June every year to raise global awareness of
the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
The day also seeks to provide a unique opportunity to honour, protect, and conserve the worlds
oceans.
2016 Theme: Healthy oceans, healthy planet. The theme highlights main urgent need to curb the
plastic pollution.
To mark this day variety of activities and actions, such as beach clean-ups special outdoor
explorations, educational and action programs and sustainable seafood events et are organised.
Importance of Oceans
Generate most of the oxygen we breathe
Provides food thus help to feed us
Regulate climate
Help to clean the water we drink
Offer a pharmacopoeia of medicines
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated 8 June as the World Oceans Day in
2008 by passing its resolution 63/111.
Prior to it was unofficially celebrated every 8 June. In 1992, Canada had prosed celebration of this
day at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since 2003, the day has been coordinated by The
Ocean Project.
Gangetic River dolphin declared city animal of Guwahati

June 7, 2016
Assams Guwahati became the first city in the country to have its own city animal after Kamrup
metropolitan district administration declared Gangetic River dolphin as its official mascot.
Gangetic River Dolphin locally in Guwahati is known as Sihu and it is on the verge of extinction.
Less than 2,000 Gangetic river dolphins remain in the Brahmaputra River along Guwahati.
Background
The Kamrup metropolitan district administration had organized the three-month long online
and off-line voting process among three protected animals to decide the city animal.
The voting process was conducted by district administration along with other organisations
such as Assam forest department, Assam state biodiversity bard and Help Earth (NGO).
These three animals were Gangetic River Dolphin (local name: Sihu), Greater Adjutant Stork
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(Hargila) and Black Softshell Turtle (Bor Kaso). These three animals are on the verge of
extinction.
In this voting process Gangetic River dolphin had received highest 24247 votes out of 60003
total votes. While, Greater Adjutant Stork got 18454 votes and Black Softshell Turtle got
17302 votes.
Note: Ganges River dolphin has been official declared as National Aquatic Animal of India.
About Gangetic River Dolpin
The Gangetic Dolpin are also called as the Tigers of Ganga as it enjoys the position in
Ganga that is equivalent to that of the tiger in the forest.
Scientific name: Platanista gangetica.
Habitat: Being freshwater dolphin they prefer deep waters in and around the confluence of
two or more rivers. They share their habitat with fresh water turtles, crocodiles and wetland
birds.
Characteristic features: It has a sturdy, yet flexible body with large flippers. It has a low
triangular dorsal fin. It weighs up to 150 kg. Males are smaller than females. Gangetic Dolpins
are generally blind and use ultrasonic sound to catch their prey.
Protection status: IUCN has listed it as endangered. It is also placed in Schedule-I of the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Threats: Entanglement in fishing nets, hunting for their oil and meat, poisoning of water
supply of river from industrial and agricultural chemicals.
They are facing most significant threat from building of dams along the upper course of their
habitable rivers. It causing the segregation of populations and has a narrowed gene pool in
which dolphins can breed.
Conservation Programme: Union Government (MoEFCC) had launched Ganges River
Dolphin Conservation Programme in 1997 to build a scientific database of their population
status and also study their habitat quality of the dolphins distribution range.
Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App RajVayu on Air Quality Index
June 7, 2016
Rajasthan Government has launched mobile application RajVayu for sharing information about air
quality index of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
The app was launched by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on the eve of World
Environment Day (5th June). With this, Rajasthan becomes first state in country to launch such app
for sharing information about air quality index of cities.
Key features of RajVayu
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Information provided on RajVayu app is based on the data collected by sophisticated air
quality monitoring equipment and weather sensors.
The app has been designed by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) jointly with
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
It would share details about the air quality, such as levels of pollutants likes SOx, NOx, CO,
Ozone particles and Particulate Matter (PM) with the city residents and tourists.
It would also share temperature, wind speed, humidity, weather forecast and advisories.
This app is based on the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR-
India) which is presently connected in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
By 2017, the services of this application would be expanded other cities in the state including in
Ajmer, Alwar, Bhiwadi, Kota and Pali.
Besides, CM Vasundhara Raje also launched another application named Drishti for monitoring of
pollution levels in industrial regions. It has been designed by the RSPCB with the support from
RajComp.
05 June: World Environment Day
June 6, 2016
Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 5 June to raise global awareness to take
positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth.
2016 Theme: Go Wild for Life (Zero tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife) This years theme seeks
to encourage conservation of all those species under threat and calls for taking action to help
safeguard them for future generations.
2016 Host Country: Angola. The African country is seeking to restore its elephants herds, conserve
biodiversity-rich wildlife. It also seeks to safeguard the environment as it continues to rebuild after
more than a quarter-century of civil war.
Observing this day is global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). To mark
this day Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off Tiger Express from Safdarjung station,
New Delhi. It is a semi-luxury tourist train launched with an aim to spread awareness among people
on tiger conservation.
About World Environment Day (WED)
WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening
of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972 which began in Stockholm.
The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973 and since then it is being held every
year with a different themes.
Haryana Government launches Asias first Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme
June 4, 2016
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Haryana Government has launched Asias first Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme at the
Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore.
It was launched by state Chief Minister Manohar Lal by releasing 2 captive bred Himalayan Griffons
vultures in the pre-release aviaries close to the breeding centre at Pinjore.
The vultures were released as part of the soft release or reintroduction programme, in a pre-release
aviary where they would have an unobstructive view of the surrounding. This would help them in
getting used to the habitat in which they would be released in the wild in future. These birds have
been wing-tagged and were leg-ringed for identification.
Himalayan Griffon vultures: They are closely related to the critically endangered resident Gyps
species of vultures but are not endangered. The IUCN has listed this species as Near Threatened .
They are scavengers, preying on dead animals as they have a robust digestive system which can even
digest disease-causing pathogens found in rotting meat of dead. Thus, they help in keeping
environment clean.
Decline in vulture population
The main reason for rapid decline in population of vulture is due to Diclofenac, a non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is given to cattle in inflammation and pain.
Though vultures have robust digestive system, they are not able to break down Diclofenac
and die of renal failure or kidney failure after eating carcasses of cattle administered with the
drug.
Preventive steps taken by Government
The Diclofenac drug was banned by Union Government of India for veterinary use in 2006. It
was banned to bring down prevalence of the drug in cattle carcasses and make the
environment safe for vultures.
Later in July 2015, the multi-dose vials of Diclofenac drug for human use were banned by the
Drug Controller General of India.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between US and India to enhance cooperation in wildlife
conservation
June 1, 2016
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between India and United States (US) to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation
and combating wildlife trafficking.
With this approval, India will benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in the field of (i)
Wildlife conservation (ii) Combating illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives (iii) Management
of wildlife areas.
The MoU seeks cooperation in the following areas
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Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics: it will be useful in the efforts of species
conservation and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes that will lead to
better enforcement.
Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitate the existing institutional capacity of
UNESCO Category-two centre at Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness: Use of information technology
(IT) to strengthen interface of forest managers with the people for sensitising them especially
the children and youth in understanding complex issues of conservation of biodiversity.
Background
India and US are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Both countries also have
established a network of Protected Areas in their respective territories.
As both countries similarities in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking
there is common scope for them to share professional expertise to address priority in this field and
the MoU would provide a convenient platform for collaboration.
Indias first integrated web portal to promote Net Zero Energy Buildings launched
May 28, 2016
The Union Ministry of Power and the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) launched Indias first integrated web portal designed to promote and mainstream Net Zero
Energy Buildings (NZEB) in India.
The portal (www.nzeb.in) was launched by Secretary of Union Ministry of Power Pradeep Kumar
Pujari and Ambassador Mr Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India.
Key features of Portal
A first of its kind portal provides complete information about NZEB that generate as much
energy as they use.
It also helps to achieve near-zero energy status through the use of efficient lighting and
equipment, best practice design strategies and integration of renewable energy technologies.
In addition it also hosts the NZEB Alliance, an industry-wide body setup to drive the Indian
markets toward highly energy-efficient buildings.
It will also provide information for policymakers, architects, engineers, developers,
sustainability consultants and academia.
Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh wins 2016 India Biodiversity Award
May 28, 2016
Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh has won the India Biodiversity
Award 2016.
The tiger reserve was selected in the conservation of threatened species category for its
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Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.

Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme
The Programme is a joint collaboration of Ghora-Aabhe Society, Nature Conservation
Foundation and the State Forest Department.
Under it, urban citizens contribute money to protect hornbill nests around Pakke Tiger
Reserve.
The programme has been a major step towards conservation of four hornbill species that are
found in the adjoining areas of the reserve.
Besides, Hong Niitii, Lower Subansiri has been awarded under category IV Biodiversity
Management Committee (BMC) award.
About India Biodiversity Award
The awards recognise the contribution of a range of stakeholders towards the conservation of
biodiversity.
It is given in four categories viz. Conservation of Threatened Species, Sustainable use of biological
resources, Successful models for access and benefit sharing and Biodiversity Management Committees.
It is joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development
programme (UNDP).
The winner in each category will receive a cash prize of 1 lakh rupees while the runners up
receive 50,000 rupees.
Sea ice cover around Antarctica is rising: NASA-led study
May 26, 2016
A new NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)-led study has found that sea ice
cover surrounding Antarctica has been increasing slightly.
This study shows sharp contrast to the drastic loss of sea ice occurring in the Arctic Ocean to global
temperature rise.
The research study was based on data collected from satellite radar, ocean depth, temperature at sea
surface and also consisted land form to study.
Key findings
The inverse phenomenon for this rise of the sea ice cover was observed due to geology of
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Two persistent geological factors for the rise were the topography of Antarctica and the
depth of the ocean surrounding it.
These two geological factors are influencing ocean currents and winds to drive the formation
and evolution of Antarcticas sea ice cover and help sustain it.
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In this inverse phenomenon, sea ice forms and builds up early in the sea ice growth season
This ice later due to winds gets pushed offshore and northward forming a protective shield of
thicker, older ice that circulates around the continent.
The persistent winds flowing down slope off the continent plays important role in piling of
ice up against the massive ice shield, enhancing its thickness.
The thickness of band of this ice varies in width from roughly 100 to 1,000 km. It protects
and encapsulates younger, thinner ice from being reduced by winds and waves.
This ice drifts away from the continent as the sea ice cover expands creating ice factories
conducive to rapid sea ice growth.
India fifth largest producer of e-waste: Assocham-KPMG Study
May 26, 2016
As per recent study conducted by Assocham-KPMG, India has emerged as the worlds fifth largest
electronic waste (e-waste) producer.
India discards roughly 18.5 lakh tonnes of e-waste each year and telecom equipment alone accounts
for 12% of it.
Key facts
The study has highlighted the concern of rising levels of e-waste generation in India in recent
years.
India being worlds second largest mobile market with 1.03 billion subscribers, nearly 25% of
it end up in e-waste annually.
The unorganised sector in India is estimated to handle around 95% of the e-waste produced
in the country.
The study has suggested that e-waste collection targets implemented in a phased manner
under the current policy should set lower and practically achievable target limits.
Also, detailed implementation procedures for collection of e-waste from the market need
should be prescribed and followed.
Current Policy on e-waste management
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified e-waste
management rules, 2016.
These rules for the first time have time covered under extended producers responsibility
(EPR) of electronics producers.
It has prescribed a waste collection target of 305 e-waste generated under EPR for the first
two years (till 2016) and it will progressively go up to 70% in the seventh year of the rule.
These rules also have prescribed stringent financial penalties for non-compliance.
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NGT bans light and heavy diesel vehicles over 10 years in six major cities of Kerala
May 25, 2016
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Circuit Bench of Kochi has banned light and heavy diesel
vehicles which are more than 10 years old in six major cities of Kerala.
These six major cities are: Thiruvananthapuram (state capital), Kochi (commercial capital),
Kollam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.
Order in this regard was given by the NGT Circuit Bench comprising NGT chairperson Justice
Swatanter Kumar and expert member Bikram Singh Sajwan.
The bench issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Lawyers Environmental Awareness
Forum (LEAF) which had sought action against highly polluting diesel vehicles such as trucks and
buses.
Besides, NGT also directed
State government not to register any diesel vehicle in the capacity of 2000 CC and more,
except public transport and local authority vehicles.
If any vehicle is found to be violating this direction, it shall pay 5000 rupees as environmental
compensation.
The compensation will be collected by pollution control board (PCB) or traffic police and
they shall maintain separate account.
These funds should be utilized for betterment of environment in these cities.
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity
May 23, 2016
Every year May 22 is being observed as International Biodiversity Day (IDB) across the world to
promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Objective: (i) To step-up understanding and awareness about biodiversity issues. (ii) To make
people aware about the importance of biodiversity on the one hand and its unprecedented loss on the
other.
2016 Theme: Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods.
The theme highlights the role of biodiversity in underpinning development. The United Nations
(UN) also has highlighted the importance of biodiversity as an important cross-cutting issue in in the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Biodiversity: It refers to the variety of flora and fauna that make up the ecosystem. The
preservation of the ecosystem is vital to natural balance and human existence.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had proclaimed 22 May as the International
Biodiversity Day by adopting resolution 55/201 on 20 December 2000.
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The day commemorates the adoption of Agreed Text of the Convention of Biological
Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act.
Prior to adaptation of UNGA resolution, 29 December was designated as International
Biodiversity Day to commemorate adaptation of the CBD.
Himachal Pradesh launches artificial propagation programme of mahseer fish for
conservation
May 21, 2016
Himachal Pradesh fisheries department has started an artificial propagation programme for
rehabilitation and conservation of Golden Mahseer fish.
Under this programme, a hatchery has been set up in the state with an outlay of Rs 6 crore to rear
mahseer fish and release its fingerlings into the wild.
Population Decline
The population of the golden mahseer has seen decline in recent times in rivers of Himachal
Pradesh as they are hunted for sport and food.
It also has declined due to various reasons such as construction of dams, barrages,
indiscriminate fishing of juvenile and brood fish, pollution, introduction of exotic species and
habitat deterioration.
About Golden mahseer
Golden mahseer is the longest-living freshwater fish. It is also known as the tiger of Indian
rivers and belongs to the genus Tor.
It is native to mountain and sub-mountain regions and is found at altitudes of up to 2,000
metres above sea level.
During the southwest floods it migrates upstream for spawning and after spawning, it returns
to the original feeding grounds
International Union of Conservation of Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared it
endangered.
Union Government launches Centre for Environmental Health to assess environmental
impact on health
May 20, 2016
The Union Government has launched the Centre for Environmental Health in New Delhi to assess
the impact of environment-related problems on health.
The centre was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda on in New
Delhi. Its mandate is capacity-building, advocacy, outreach and remedial issues.
Key facts
The centre will assess the impact of environment-related problems like climate change, air
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pollution, pesticide use and sanitation on health.

It is a joint initiative of the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) and Public Health
Foundation of India (PHFI).
The centre will conduct research across wide range of environmental health issues, including
water, chemical exposure and hygiene.
It will also establish a policy engagement platform with regular meetings with the civil
society, government, academia and private sector to develop strategies for better
implementation of the eco-friendly policies.
Himalayan Brown Bears sighted for first time in Kargil after 1999 War
May 19, 2016
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Wildlife Department for the first time has sighted group of eight
Himalayan brown bears in Kargils Drass Sector after 1999 India-Pakistan War.
The eight Himalayan brown bears (three adult females and five grown-up cubs) were sighted in the
mountain ranges of Ladakhs Drass area at altitude 16,000 to 21,000 feet.
The sighting is considered as rare record as their natural habitats in Kargils Drass Sector were
damaged during the 1999 war due to heavy artillery shelling for almost three months.
About Himalayan Brown Bears
Scientific name: Ursus arctos isabellinus.
They are also known as the Himalayan red bear, Isabelline bear or Dzu-The. They is a
subspecies of the brown bear.
Description: These bears are the largest mammal in the Himalayan region, males reach up to
2.2 m long while females are a little smaller. They are omnivorous and hibernate in a den
during the winter.
Distribution: In India, they are found in 23 protected areas of the northern states of Jammu
and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal.
In J&K, they are found in Suru, Zanskar, Drass and Kargil in the Ladakh region.
IUNC Status: Critically endangered.
Threats: Loss of suitable habitat, persecution by humans etc.
Delhi no longer most polluted city in the world
May 13, 2016
As per recently released World Health Organisations (WHO) Urban Air Quality Database for 2016,
Delhi is no longer most polluted in the world in terms of air quality.
The dirtiest air was recorded at Zabol City in Iran, which has annual PM2.5 measure of 217 due to
months of dust storms in the summer.
WHOs Urban Air Quality Database for 2016, was based on the annual average of PM2.5 readings of
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3000 cities in 100 countries.

Key highlights of Air Quality Database
Top 10 Cities (PM2.5): Irans Zabol (217), Indias Gwalior (176) and Allahabad (170), Saudi
Arabias Riyadh (156) and Al Jubail (152), Indias Patna (149) and Raipur (144), Cameroons
Bamenda (132), Chinad Xingtai (128) and Baoding (126).
India Related Facts: India is home to four of the top seven cities in the world with the worst
air pollution.
New Delhi ranked as the 11th worst city in the survey. It had an annual average PM2.5
measurement of 122.
Global Facts: More than 80% of people living in urban areas that monitor air pollution are
exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits.
People dwelling in low-income cities are the most impacted. In high-income countries, 56%
of cities meet WHO air quality guidelines.
In case of low- and middle income countries, 98% of cities with more than 100000 inhabitants
do not meet WHO air quality guidelines.
10 May 2016: World Migratory Bird Day
May 10, 2016
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is being observed across the world on the second weekend in
May. This year, WMBD is being observed on 10th May.
The day seeks to raise awareness and highlight the need for the protection of migratory birds and
their habitats.
2016 Theme: Stop the Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds.
On this day people around the world organize public events such as bird festivals, education
programmes, exhibitions and bird-watching excursions to celebrate WMBD.
Background
WMBD was initiated in 2006 by the United Nation as an annual awareness-raising campaign
highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
The day was founded as an effort of the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation of
African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.
Rural Sanitation Initiatives for Ganga Rejuvenation launched in Jharkhand
May 10, 2016
The Union Government has launched nine projects initiatives for rural sanitation initiatives for
conservation of river Ganga in Jharkhand.
It was launched by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation Uma Bharti under Namami Gange Programme in Sahibganj, Jharkhand.
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Key facts
Under this programme, villages located on the entire 83 Km. stretch of Ganga River in
Jharkhand will be covered to improve the health and quality of life.
It will be carried out under the overall guidance of the Ministry with the support from UN
Development Programme (UNDP), community organizations and NGOs.
The programme initiatives will contribute to improved, sustainable liquid and solid waste
management in the identified 78 villages along the Ganga River.
It will also reduce contamination in the Ganga River from rural sources including agriculture.
UNDP will provide technical assistance.
Eight village-level crematoriums, 32 bathing ghats and 40 community toilets will be
constructed under the Programme.
This programme will focus on three significant interventions (i) Promotion of safe,
individual hygiene practices to ensure open defecation free status of all villages along the
river.
(ii) Promotion of cost-effective, appropriate local, easy to manage technologies to ensure
improved access and maintenance of infrastructure created for effective management of
liquid and solid waste.
(iii) Strengthening of local institutions including village level sanitation committees,
panchayats, and self-help groups (SHGs) to manage, maintain and , enhance facilities
established for improved sanitation in the villages and also integrated and a holistic livelihood
approach.
Lok Sabha passes Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015
May 4, 2016
The Lok Sabha passed the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015 for the establishment of
funds under the public accounts of Centre and each State towards compensatory afforestation.
It also provides for additional afforestation and penal compensatory afforestation to regulate
collected funds.
Salient features of the bill
It seeks to establish the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account
of India, and a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of each
state.
The payments into the funds include compensatory afforestation, net present value of forest
(NPV), and any project specific payments.
The National Fund will get 10% of funds collected and the remaining 90% will go to
respective State Fund.
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The collected funds will be utilised for afforestation, regeneration of forest ecosystem, wild
life protection and forest related infrastructure development.
The bill also seeks to establish National and State Compensatory Afforestation Fund
Management and Planning Authorities to manage the funds.
The determination of NPV will be delegated to an expert committee constituted by the
central government.
Background
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA) governs diversion or use of forest land for non-
forest purposes such as industrial or infrastructure projects.
A company diverting forest land must provide alternative land for taking up compensatory
afforestation.
For the afforestation purpose, the company should pay for planting new trees in the
alternative land provided to the state. The loss of forest ecosystem must also be compensated
by paying for (NPV).
In 2002, the Supreme Court of India observed that collected funds for afforestation were
underutilised by the states and it ordered for centrally pooling of funds under ad hoc
Compensatory Afforestation Fund.
The court had set up the ad hoc National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management
and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) to manage the Fund.
In 2009, states also had set up State CAMPAs that receive 10% of funds form National
CAMPA to use for afforestation and forest conservation.
However, in 2013, a CAG report identified that the funds continued to be underutilised.
Indian Railways ink MoU with Haryana and Punjab to plant trees alongside Railway
Track
May 3, 2016
The Union Ministry of Railways and Forest Department of Haryana & Punjab have inked
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for plantation of trees alongside Railway Track on Railway
Land Boundary.
The MoU paves way for planting around 5 lakh trees alongside Railway Track on Railway Land
Boundary prior to Monsoon Season.
Key facts
This agreement paves way improvements with regard to afforestation on railway land.
With this Indian Railways can contribute substantially towards the Green India Mission.
Forest department of respective states will provide expertise in afforestation as well as in
maintenance and disposal of trees.
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The afforestation will help in protecting railway land from illegal encroachment.
Tree plantation will be done without declaring such land as protected forest, thus it will be no
hindrance to railway works and developmental projects.
Union Ministry of Railways has asked all Zonal railways to execute similar agreement between their
zones and concerned State Forest departments as early as possible.
175 nations sign historic Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day
April 23, 2016
175 nations including India have signed the historic Paris Climate Agreement at United Nations
Headquarters in New York along marking a significant step to combat global warming.
On behalf of India, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar signed the agreement at a high-
level ceremony hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of Earth Day (22
April).
The ceremony was attended by heads of governments, foreign ministers, corporate leaders and
artists from across the world.
The agreement will come into force 30 days after at least 55 Parties to the UNFCCC, accounting for
at least 55 per cent of global emissions ratify the agreement.
Key facts
The Paris Climate Agreement was formulated within the framework of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Facilitates enforcement of global GHGs reduction measures, adaptation and finance in the
post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario.
The agreement was adopted by representatives of 195 countries at the 21st Conference of the
Parties of the UNFCCC held in Paris (France) in December 2015.
In the agreement, all countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2
degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Takes into account the principle of equity (climate justice) and common but differentiated
responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities.
The mitigation will be based on consensus among the members that have incorporated their
respective Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
Developed countries will provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts
beginning in 2020 and it would increase with time.
Comment
The signing of this agreement is the first step toward ensuring that it comes into force as
soon as possible.
After the signing, countries must take the further national step of accepting or ratifying the
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agreement.
22 April: Earth Day
April 22, 2016
Every year Earth Day is being observed on the 22nd April to build support for environmental
protection around the world. This year is 46th anniversary of Earth Day.
Significance of the Day: It recognises that Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life
and sustenance. It also aims to raise awareness that humans have a collective responsibility to
promote harmony with nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of
present and future generations.
2016 Theme: Trees for the Earth!. The theme signifies that trees are crucial for combating climate
change as they absorb harmful levels of Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
This years Earth Day coincides with the signing of the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
The agreement is a legally binding on signatory countries to limit global temperature rise to well
below 2 degrees Celsius.
On this day more than one billion people participate in Earth Day campaigns from all around the
globe of all nationalities, faiths and backgrounds.
Background
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then it is being observed in more than 192
countries.
The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a
UNESCO conference on Environment in 1969 as a global holiday.
Later in 1971, a proclamation was signed to observe international Earth Day annually on the
Vernal Equinox by UN Secretary-General U Thant.
Union Cabinet approves signing the Paris Agreement adopted at 21st CoP
April 21, 2016
The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing the Paris Agreement adopted at the 21st
Conference of Parties of UNFCCC held in Paris in December 2015.
In this regard, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change Prakash Javadekar will sign the agreement on behalf of India.
The Paris Agreement on climate change is considered as a milestone in global climate cooperation. It
is meant to enhance the implementation of the Convention and recognizes the principles of common
but differentiated responsibilities, equity and respective capabilities in the light of different national
circumstances.
Key features of the Paris Agreement
Rights of Developing Countries: Acknowledges the development imperatives of
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developing countries and their rights to development.

It also supports their efforts to harmonize development with environment and protecting the
interests of the most vulnerable.
Sustainable Development: It recognizes the importance of sustainable lifestyles and
sustainable patterns of consumption.
In this regard developed countries take the lead and also highlight the importance of climate
justice in its preamble.
Implementation of the Convention: It reflects the principles of equity and common but
differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities especially in the light of different
national circumstances.
Other Objectives: It further ensures that it is not mitigation-centric and includes other
important elements such as adaptation, finance, loss and damage, technology, capacity
building and transparency of action and support. Pre-2020 actions are also part of the
decisions.
Financial support from Developed countries: They have been urged to scale up their
level of financial support with a complete road map.
The sole purpose the financial support from developed countries is to achieve the goal of
mitigating climate change jointly providing US 100 billion dollars by 2020.
The financial support will be used for mitigation and adaptation by significantly increasing
adaptation finance from current levels. It will further provide appropriate technology and
capacity building support.
For more details: (i) Paris Agreement (ii) Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Delhi Government launches Phase 2 of odd-even scheme
April 17, 2016
Delhi Government has launched the second phase of odd-even car rationing scheme to check
pollution in the national capital.
The second phase will be from 15 April 2016 till 30 April 2016. The scheme aims at curbing
vehicular pollution and reducing traffic congestion on the roads of NCR Delhi.
Key facts
Under it, four wheelers with licence plates ending in an odd number will ply on odd dates and
those ending with an even number can run on even dates.
It will be between 8am and 8pm and on Sunday no restrictions are applied. The penalty in
case of a violation is Rs. 2,000.
During this implementation, public transport including buses and the Metro will be run at
high frequency. Residents are being urged to carpool in order to reduce pressure on public
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transport.
Exemptions: President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers and other VIPs
have been exempted. Besides emergency vehicles, vehicles driven by women, CNG vehicles
and cars carrying school children in uniforms will be also exempted.
Union Cabinet gives nod to adaptation of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network
April 13, 2016
The Union cabinet has given its formal approval for adopting the Statute of the South Asia Wildlife
Enforcement Network (SAWEN).
With this, India will become member of SAWEN, a regional inter-governmental body in combating
wildlife crime in the region and beyond.
By becoming member of SAWEN, India will strengthen its ties with the member countries for
controlling the trans-boundary wildlife crimes through coordination, communication, collaboration,
cooperation and capacity building in the region.
What is SAWEN?
SAWEN is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body launched in
January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan.
It aims at working collectively as a strong regional inter-governmental body to combat
wildlife crime by attainting common mutual goals and approaches for combating illegal trade
in the region.
SAWENs regional network comprises of eight South Asia countries: Afghanistan, India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
India has set following objectives to attain the goals
Take initiatives to bring standardization and harmonization in laws and policies of member
countries concerned in conservation of fauna and flora.
Document the trend of illegal trade and poaching, and related threats to the natural
biodiversity within and across countries in the region.
Strengthen institutional responses to combat wildlife crime by promoting research and
information sharing, capacity building and training, technical support, sharing experiences
and outreach.
Encourage member countries to prepare and implement their National Action Plans to curb
wildlife crime and to collaborate towards effective implementation.
Background
South Asian region is very vulnerable to wildlife crimes and illegal traffic due to presence of precious
biodiversity. It is mainly due to presence of large markets as well as traffic routes for wildlife
products in the region. SAWEN was established for mutual collaboration for harmonising as well as
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enforcing the wildlife protection in the region for effective conservation of such precious
biodiversity.
PM Narendtra Modi inaugurates 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger
Conservation
April 12, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the third edition of Asia Ministerial Conference on
Tiger Conservation at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to save wild tigers.
India is host of this edition of conference in which more than 700 tiger experts, scientists, managers,
donors and other stakeholders are participating.
Key facts
The conference will discuss issues related to tiger conservation and anti-poaching strategies.
Ministers and government officials from all 13 tiger range countries (TRCs) participating in
the conference.
These 13 TRCs are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In this edition of conferences participating TRCs will share their (i) good practices and
success stories in conserving tigers (ii) success stories in conserving tigers.
The conference will also bring desired momentum and cooperative will for tiger conservation
at the global level.
It will also have and have long-term ramifications in the future for tiger conservation.
The first edition of Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation was held in Hua Hin,
Thailand in 2010 and second edition was held in Thimphu, Bhutan in 2013.
Global Tiger population increased for the first time in 100 years by 22%: WWF & GTF
April 12, 2016
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), the global tiger
population has increased by 22 per cent after a century of constant decline.
The number of wild tigers across the globe has gone up globally by 22 per cent to 3,890, from the
2010 estimate of 3,200. The data was based on national estimates of countries reported by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
Tiger population in different countries:
India (2226), Russia (433), Indonesia (371), Malaysia (250), Nepal (198), Thailand (189),
Bangladesh (106) and Bhutan (103).
Besides, tiger population is also found in countries like China, Myanmar and Laos PDR.
Comment
The increase in the population can be attributed to multiple factors including increase in tiger
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populations in India, Russia, Nepal and Bhutan, improved surveys and enhanced protection
and conservation efforts.
Further, the collective support of government of different countries, local communities and
law enforcement agencies to WWF in its goal of zero tolerance for tiger poaching across Asia
also has led to increase in tiger population.
World Bank launches ambitious Climate Change Action Plan
April 8, 2016
The World Bank has unveiled an ambitious Climate Change Action Plan (CCP) to accelerate efforts
to tackle climate change over the next five years i.e. by 2020.
It seeks to help developing countries to deliver their targets set in the national climate plans
submitted for the historic climate agreement reached at COP21 in Paris in December 2015.
The Action Plan mainly seeks to help developing countries make major transitions to increase
sources of renewable energy, develop green transport systems, decrease high-carbon energy sources
and build sustainable, livable cities for growing urban populations.
Key highlights
Help in developing countries add 30 GWs of renewable energy.
World Bank would focus on expanding universal access to early-warning systems in the case
of disasters to 100 million people by the year 2020.
World Bank will develop climate-smart agriculture investment plans for at least 40 nations.
Design sustainable forest strategies for 50 countries and promote climate-informed fisheries
management by 2020.
Bring adaptive social protection social safety nets that can quickly support people affected by
a disaster or an economic shock.
Pilot a new approach in 15 cities that aims to boost urban resilience by integrating
infrastructure, land use planning and disaster risk management.
World Bank to quadruple funding over next 5 years to make transport systems more resilient
to climate change.
It will also invest at least US 1 billion dollars to promote energy efficiency and resilient
building by 2020.
Help to green the financial sector through a coordinated approach across banking, capital and
pensions markets to implement changes needed nationally and globally.
Worlds first White Tiger Safari opens in Madhya Pradesh
April 5, 2016
Worlds first White Tiger Safari was inaugurated at Mukundpur in Satna district of Madhya
Pradesh.
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It was inaugurated and opened to public by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The first of its kind safari is situated adjacent to the Mukundpur Zoological Park. It is spread over an
area of 25 hectares and has been built at cost of 50 crore rupees.
The safari houses three white tigers, including two females named Vindhya and Radha and one male
named Raghu.
Background
The first white tiger in Madhya Pradeshs was spotted in Vindhya region in 1915. However, the rare
breed of the big cat spotted for first time died in 1920.
In 1951, a white tiger cub named Mohan was captured by Rewa Maharaja Martand Singh. Later the
cub later became the progenitor of all known white tigers in the world after the Maharaja arranged
for its breeding.
White Tigers in India: It is a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger. They have been reported in
the wild from time to time in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar.
These tigers have white fur because lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which is found in Bengal
tigers with orange colour fur.
Ballast water bringing invasive species to Indian coasts: Scientists
April 4, 2016
Scientists fear that ballast water carried by ships is providing a vehicle to bring in exotic invasive
species across the Indian Coast.
In this regard, a survey was conducted by the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries,
University of Kerala.
In the survey the presence of as many as 10 invasive species was found in the biodiversity-rich
intertidal habitats of the Kerala coast. Some of invasive species include one species each of seaweed,
bryozoan, mollusc and seven species of ascidian. The distribution of invasive species from the Kerala
coast is likely assisted by shipping.
What is Ballast?
Ballast is a compartment in a ship that provides it stability as it holds water which moves in
and out of it to balance the ship.
The compartment usually remains below the water level in order to counteract the weight
above the water level.
Fears
Ballast is one of the biggest transporter of non-native (exotic/invasive) marine species.
Over 10,000 non-native marine species are transported across the world in the ballast water.
The colossal loads of ballast water carried by ships mainly transports fish, viruses, algae, ,
zooplankton, bacteria and benthonic invertebrates to harbours at a faster pace.
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Expansion of ports and minor ports could pave for the introduction of alien species in Indian
marine and coastal areas.
MoEFCC notifies new environment standards for Gensets
March 23, 2016
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the first time notified
new environment standards for Gensets running on various kinds of fuels including LPG, petrol and
diesel in various cities.
The primary aim of the new standards for Gensets is to control air and noise pollution emanating
from the operation of Gensets.
These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after
consultations with industries and other stakeholders.
Key highlights of Notification
In all the three fuel modes of operation of Gensets, a three-tier classification has been
adopted.
These standards will control the air and noise emission profile across different category of
Gensets.
It would be revisited in 4-5 years once air and noise emission quality data and technological
details pertaining to Gensets are available.
Under these standards certification is mandatory for Gensets in terms of Type approval and
Conformity of Production for air emission as well as noise emission.
The manufacturers of Gensets are required to obtain the certification for engine products by
empaneled agencies which help in regulating the unorganised sector.
It will also help curb illegal import of Gensets in the country which were observed to have
higher air and noise emission values.
March 23: World Meteorological Day
March 23, 2016
Every year 23rd March is being observed as World Meteorological Day (WMD). The theme for
2016 year is Hotter, Drier, Wetter. Face the Future.
The theme highlights the disruption caused by climate change on the natural pattern of the seasons
and increasing frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather events such as heat waves,
droughts and heavy rainfall.
On the occasion of WMD, various meteorological research awards will be also given. These awards
include International Meteorological Organization Prize, Professor Dr. Vilho Vaisaila Award and
Norbert Gerbier-Mumm International Award.
Background
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On this day in 1950 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Convention came into force
that aimed at creating WMO. Later in 1951, WMO became United Nations specialized agency for
meteorology, geophysical sciences and operational hydrology.
Indias Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCOs World Network of
Biosphere Reserves
March 22, 2016
Indias Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) was included in the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
It was included along with other 19 sites at the International Coordinating Council of the Man and
the Biosphere (ICCMAB) programme of UNESCO that concluded recently in Lima, Peru.
With the addition of the ABR, total 10 of the 18 biosphere reserves in the country have made it to
the list of World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The other 9 Biosphere Reserves are: Nilgiri (Western Ghats), Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu),
Sunderban (West Bengal), Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand), Nokrek (Meghalaya), Pachmarh (Madhya
Pradesh), Similipal (Odisha), Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) and
Great Nicobar.
The BRs are designated for inclusion in the network by the ICCMAB after evaluating the
nominations forwarded by the State through National MAB Committees.
About Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR)
ABR in situated at the southern-most end of the Western Ghats and spread over two
southern states Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was established in 2001.
The reserve is named after Agastya Mala peak that rises up to almost 1868 metres above sea
level, in Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala.
It covers an area of 3,500 sq km at an altitude ranging from 100 metres to 1,868 metres above
the Mean Sea Level.
It covers Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries and parts of the Neyyar sanctuary in
Kerala and the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu.
Flora: It mostly consists of tropical forests and is home to 2,254 species of higher plants
including about 400 that are endemic.
About 400 Red Listed Plants have been recorded from ABR. About 125 species of orchids and
rare, endemic and threatened plants have been recorded from the reserve.
Fauna: It is home to rare animals include the tiger, Asian Elephant, and Nilgiri Tahr.
Tribe: It is home to the Kanikaran tribe, one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes in the
world.
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About Biosphere Reserves (BR)

They are places for learning about sustainable development that aims to reconcile the
conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources.
In India, BRs protect larger areas of natural habitat and often include one or more National
Parks.
In BRs, protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also
to the human communities who inhabit these regions and their ways of life.
For more information: Biosphere Reserves
March 22: World Water Day
March 22, 2016
Every year World Water Day (WWD) is observed globally on 22 March to preserve and ration
consumption of water.
Significance of the Day: WWD is observed to make a difference for the members of the global
population who suffer from water related issues. It marks a day to prepare for how we manage water
in the future.
2016 Theme: Better Water, Better Jobs. It focuses on the central role that water plays in creating and
supporting good quality jobs. Almost half of the worlds workers (nearly 1.5 billion) people work in
water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery.
Background
WWD was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
Later, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) accepted the recommendation of UNCED and
celebrated first World Water Day on 22 March 1993.
Since then this day is observed annually to draw attention on the importance of freshwater
and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.
2015 theme of WWD was Water and Sustainable Development.
Earth Hour 2016 observed across the World on 19 March 2016
March 21, 2016
The tenth edition of World Wide Fund for Natures (WWFs) Earth Hour was observed across the
World on 19 March 2016 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time.
Earth Hour 2016 encouraged people to explore and adopt a cleaner and more sustainable lifestyle by
embracing renewable energy solutions.
Key facts
In the 2016 edition of Earth Hour, millions of people around the world took part in the event
for the global climate change awareness campaign.
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Over 178 countries and territories participated in the event and more than 1,200 landmarks
along with 40 UNESCO world heritage sites observed the Earth Hour.
For India, the country-specific theme was to encourage usage of solar energy by individuals
and organizations.
Pariss iconic Eiffel Tower, Berlins Brandenburg Gate and Hong Kongs famed skyline also
participated in the Earth Hour by switching off their lights for 1 hour from 8:30pm local time.
In India, Rashtrapati Bhavan also participated by switching off lights for 1 hour.
About Earth Hour
It is an annual global environmental event (movement) organized by the World Wide Fund
for Nature (WWF).
Earth Hours goal is to raise awareness for sustainable energy use and create a more
environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
This day encourages citizens, communities, businesses and organisations to switch the lights
off from 8:30 pm local time for an hour to highlight the plight of the planet.
The first Earth Hour was held on March 31, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Since then it became
annual global environmental event (movement).
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): It is an international non-governmental organization
(NGO) working in the field of the biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of humanitys
footprint on the environment.
21 March: International Day of Forests
March 21, 2016
Every year 21st March is being observed as International Day of Forests to raise awareness of the
importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.
The observance of the day is also used to communicate the vital role forests play in to sustain and
protect us i.e. in environmental sustainability, food security and poverty eradication.
Theme for 2016: Forests and water. The theme highlights importance of forests as key factor to the
planets supply of freshwater, which is essential for life. It also marks the joint celebration of the
International Day of Forests and World Water Day (22nd March).
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had proclaimed 21 March the International Day of
Forests by adopting resolution A/RES/67/200 on 28 November 2012. The first International Day of
Forests was observed on 21 March 2013.
Key facts
Forests cover one third (about 31% of global land area) of the Earths land mass, performing
vital functions around the world.
30
Being the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, forests are a home for more than 80%
of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
Around the world, 1.6 billion people including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures depend
on forests for their livelihood.
Despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits of forests, the
global deforestation continues at an alarming.
Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that
contribute to climate change.
Water Sources: Forested watersheds and wetlands supply around 75% of the worlds
accessible freshwater. Forests generally act as natural water filters.
About one-third of the worlds largest cities obtain a significant proportion of their drinking
water directly from forested protected areas.
Climate change is altering forests role in water flows and the availability of water resources.
March 20: World Sparrow Day
March 21, 2016
The world sparrow day is being observed every year on March 20 to raise awareness of the house
sparrow and other common birds to urban environments and threats to their populations.
The day was celebrated globally by carrying out different activities and events like awareness
campaigns, art competitions and the sparrow processions.
The rationale for celebrating the Day is to use it as a platform to underscore the need to conserve
sparrows as well as the urban biodiversity.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on the occasion of this day inaugurated a sparrow
conservation programme at school levels.
The sparrow, especially the common house sparrow is one of the oldest companions of human
beings. But its population is declining for various reasons such as destruction of its habitat, lack of
insect food for the young and the increasing microwave pollution from mobile phone towers.
World Sparrow Day
It is an international initiative by the Nature Forever Society (NFS) of India in collaboration with the
Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France) and also numerous other national and international
organisations across the world. For the first time, the World Sparrow Day was organised in different
parts of the world in 2010.
Union Government bans repeat animal testing of drugs
March 19, 2016
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has scrapped repeat tests on animals for drugs
which already have been approved by other countries.
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In this regard, the ministry has as amended Schedule Y of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
The new rules state that
There is no need for repeat tests on animals for new drug registrations if complete data from
similar toxicity experiments already exists for drugs approved abroad.
However, no permission will be required to conduct clinical trial intended for academic
purposes in respect of approved drug formulation
The amendments come after repeated appeals by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
(PETA) India and Union Women & Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi who is a well-
known animal rights activist.
More than 50 animal species critically endangered in India: Government
March 15, 2016
Union Government has announced that out of 96,000 animal species found in India more than 50
animals have been assessed as critically endangered (CR) and 310 as endangered (EN).
It was announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in a written reply to the Rajya
Sabha.
Key Facts
The assessment studies were conducted by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and it has
recorded 96,000 species of animals from India.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed 50 animal species as
critically endangered. It includes 18 species of amphibians, 14 varieties of fish, 13 birds and
10 mammals.
IUCN also has assessed 310 animal species as endangered that includes 69 fish, 38 mammals
and 32 amphibians.
Vascular Plants: Botanical Survey of India (BSI) also has notified that out of 19,156 species
of vascular plants found in India.
Of them 1,236 species belong to different threatened categories like critically endangered,
endangered and vulnerable.
Conservation of threatened species: Government has established 730 Protected Areas,
including 535 wildlife sanctuaries, 103 national parks, 26 community reserves and 66
conservation reserves, which primarily cover habitats of threatened megafauna such as rhino,
tiger, elephant and others.
9 of the 18 biosphere reserves found in India are part of the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves of UNESCO.
Recovery programme: National CAMPA Advisory Council has approved the funding for
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recovery programme of various endangered species.

These include Gangetic River Dolphin (CR) with budgetary support of Rs 23 crore,
Dugong (CR) with a budget of Rs 23.58 crore, Great Indian Bustard (CR) with Rs 108.25
crore, Manipur Brow Antlered deer (CR) with support of Rs 99.95 crore and wild
Buffalo (CR) with Rs 2 crore.
MoEFCC releases Four Colour Classification Scheme for industries based on Pollution
Index
March 7, 2016
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released a new
Four-colour Classification Scheme for industries based on their pollution potential.
The four-colour classification scheme of industrial sectors based on the Pollution Index (PI) which
is a function of the (i) Emissions (air pollutants) (ii) Effluents (water pollutants) (iii) hazardous
wastes generated and (iv) Consumption of resources.
Key facts
The PI of any industrial sector is a number ranging from 0 to 100. Increasing value of PI
denotes the increasing degree of pollution load from the industrial sector.
Based on the on Range of Pollution Index, industrial sectors have been categorised into
four colours category. Under the new categorisation system,
Red category: PI score of 60 and above. These are severe polluting industries. Total 60
industries including sugar, thermal power plants, paints and others are under in it.
Orange category: PI score of 41 to 59. They moderately polluting industries. Total 83
industries like coal, washeries and automobile servicing are placed under it.
Green category: PI score of 21 to 40. They are significantly low polluting industries. Total
63 industries are under in it.
White category: PI score below and upto 20. They are non-polluting industries. Total 30
industries are under in it. These industries are exempted from requirement of environmental
clearance.
3rd March: World Wildlife Day
March 3, 2016
Every year 3rd March is being observed as World Wildlife Day (WWD) to celebrate and raise
awareness of the worlds wild fauna and flora.
Significance of Day: It calls for taking up urgent steps to fight wildlife crime which has wide-
ranging environmental, economic and social impacts.
2016 theme: The future of wildlife is in our hands. While the main focus of this years global
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campaigns are African and Asian elephants.

This theme showcases inextricable relationship between people, wildlife and sustainable
development. It seeks to spread awareness for taking national action to ensure the survival of both
lesser known and charismatic species in the wild.
Background
On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 68th session had
designated 3rd March as World Wildlife Day.
On this day in 1973, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted.
Since then CITES plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not
threaten the species survival.
India to host 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation
February 24, 2016
India is going to host Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation from 12 April 2016 to
save tigers. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It will the third such conference on tiger conservation to be hosted by India that will see the
participation of all 13 tiger range countries (TRCs). They are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China,
India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Key facts
In this edition of conferences participating TRCs will share their (i) good practices and
success stories in conserving tigers (ii) success stories in conserving tigers.
The conference will also bring desired momentum and cooperative will for tiger conservation
at the global level.
It will also have and have long-term ramifications in the future for tiger conservation.
The first edition of Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation was held in Hua Hin,
Thailand in 2010 and second edition was held in Thimphu, Bhutan in 2013.
Tiger population in India
India is home to nearly 70% of the worlds tiger population and according to the 2014 tiger census,
there are 2,226 tigers in the country. State-wise, Karnataka has the highest number of tigers (406)
followed by Uttarakhand (340), Madhya Pradesh (308), Tamil Nadu (229), Maharashtra (190), Assam
(167), Kerala (136) and Uttar Pradesh (117).
Rare Falcated Duck sighted in Goa
February 24, 2016
Birdwatchers for first time have sighted Falcated Duck in Goa which is considered as rare vagrant
migrant bird species to the south of India.
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Earlier the bird was sighted two times in southern parts of India away from its natural migratory
habitat in North India. For first time it was sighted in Tamil Nadu in 2012 and second time in Akola
(Maharashtra) in January 2015.
About Falcated Duck
Falcated Duck is a migratory bird, breeding in Russia and north China in summers and in
winter migrate towards north of India.
Conservation prioritisation: Falcated Duck is classified as near threatened by International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
World population of this species is about 89,000 individuals as per the recent estimates.
Threats faced globally: Loss of habitat and hunting.
Loss of habitat especially wetland ecosystem in their winter migratory region is also a cause
for concern.
MoEFCC declares Wild pig as vermin for year in Uttarakhand
February 12, 2016
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has declared Wild Pig
(sus scrofa) as vermin in Uttarakhand for a year.
In this regard, MoEFCC has used its powers enshrined to it by section 62 of the Wildlife Protection
Act (WPA), 1972. For this purpose, ministry has shifted protected wild pig (listed in schedule III to
the Act) in the vermin category to Schedule V of the Act for period of 1 year.
Background
Earlier, Uttarakhand forest department had forwarded proposal to the MoEFCC to declare both wild
pig and Neel Gai (blue bull) vermin. In its proposal, authorities had mentioned that due to
overpopulation of these animals in the areas outside the forest, they have created havoc by harming
life and property including large scale destruction of agriculture produce.
Note: MoEFCC has rejected forest departments proposal to declare Neel Gai (blue bull) vermin.
What does it mean?
This decision will allow state forest authorities and people to carry out an extermination
(hunting/poaching) of wild pigs outside the reserve forest on a large scale.
To do so, they will no longer require permission from the forest or wildlife officials and thus
their actions cannot attract penal provisions of the WPA.
It will seek to balance local population of the wild pigs to mitigate the damage to human life,
crops and other properties in the state for ensuring conservation of wildlife in forests.
What is Vermin?
Vermin means wild mammals and birds which are harmful to crops, farm animals or which
carry disease.
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In India, wild animals can be declared as vermin if they have become (i) dangerous to human
life or property (including standing crops on any land). (ii) become disabled or diseased as to
be beyond recovery.
Using these provisions, any animal listed in Schedule I to IV of WPA can be declared vermin
by listing it in Schedule V for a specific period.
Currently, some animals like the common crow, fruit bats, mice and rats have been listed as
vermin in Schedule V of WPA.
CPCB releases National Air Quality Indices for 24 cities
February 9, 2016
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released National Air Quality Indices (AQI) for 24
cities across India in the month of January 2016.
In the list Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Muzzafarpur (Bihar) were on the top with an AQI value of
409 points each and were coded as severe in terms of air pollution in January 2016.
Key facts
Faridabad (Haryana), Patna (Bihar) and Agra (Uttar Pradesh) were placed at 3rd, 4th and 5th
position with 399, 388 and 372 points respectively.
The national capital Delhi was placed at the 6th position with 362 points and was coded as
very poor in terms of air pollution. Earlier in December 2015, it was coded as Poor in with
293 points.
Earlier in September 2015 and October 2015, Delhi was at the top in the AQI i.e. in terms of air
pollution chart. The World Health Organization (WHO) also had earlier termed Delhi as one of the
most polluted city in the world in terms of air pollution.
About National Air Quality Index
The National AQI is published for every month by CPCB along with a numerical value and a
colour code which helps in comparing air pollution levels in cities.
It is determined on the basis of concentration of 8 pollutants, including Particulate Matter
(PM 2.5, PM 10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO),
ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3) and lead (Pb).
The colour categories are classified into 6 categories depending upon numerical value as
Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very
poor (301-400) and Severe (401-500).
2 February: World Wetland Day
February 2, 2016
Every year World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed on 2 February. The theme for the world
wetland day for year 2016 is Wetlands for our Future Sustainable Livelihoods.
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It highlights the value of wetlands in securing local livelihoods through activities as rice farming,
tourism, fishing and water provision.
Significance of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also
called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
Each year on this day government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and groups of
citizens at all levels to raise public awareness of wetland values and their benefits. They also spread
awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands.
Background
For first time, WWD was celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year. The
theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and Agriculture.
IMD changes language in weather forecasting
January 13, 2016
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has changed the languages and also re-defined terms
that are not scientifically precise in weather forecasting.
In this regard, IMD has issued official notification to do away with outdated language to avoid
communication gap with the civil administration so they can be more realistic in case of upcoming
weather events.
IMD has reviewed the terminology and factors determining each of these terms based on supporting
observational data.
Following are the changes
Classification all-India rainfall into five categories:
Normal: 10 per cent of the long period average (lpa).
Below normal: Rainfall lower than 10 per cent below average of the lpa.
Above normal: Rainfall greater than 10 per cent above average of the lpa.
Deficient year: Rainfall deficit between 10 and 20 per cent up to 40 per cent of Indias spatial
area.
Large deficient year: Rainfall deficit of over 10 per cent across more than 40 per cent of
Indias area.
Criteria to classify seasonal rainfall
The rules have been changed to classify seasonal rainfall. IMD has introduced 6 new
categories replacing old four rainfall categories (excess, normal, deficient and scanty). New
categories are
Large excess: 60 per cent and above.
Excess: between 20 per cent and 59 per cent.
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Normal: minus 19 per cent to plus 19 per cent;

Deficient: minus 20 per cent to minus 59 per cent.
Large deficient: below 60 per cent
No Rain: 0 per cent.
IMD also has standardized key terms
Heat wave: Temperatures greater than 4.5C above usual temperatures for the region.
Severe heat wave: Temperatures greater than or equal to 47C.
Cold wave: Temperatures less than 4.5C above usual temperatures for the region.
Severe cold wave: Minimum temperature is 2C or lower.
Invasive species of snowflake coral discovered off coast of Thiruvananthapuram
January 5, 2016
Recently scientists have discovered presence of several colonies of an invasive species of snowflake
coral (Carijoa riisei) off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari.
They were discovered at 10 metre depth off Kovalam (Thiruvananthapuram) and 18 metre depth off
Enayam (Kanyakumari). Scientists have noted that these fast-growing alien species could pose a
serious threat to the marine ecology of the region.
About Snowflake Corals
The snowflake coral is native of the tropical Western Atlantic and Caribbean. For first in
1972 it was reported as an invasive species from Hawaii. Since then, it has spread to countries
like Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
It is considered an invasive species because it has capacity to dominate space and crowd out
other marine organisms.
It is known to inhabit reefs and underwater structures such as piers and shipwreck. It can also
attach itself to metal, concrete and even plastic.
In India, it has been reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar (Tamil
Nadu), Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) and Goa.
Threats
As it has capacity to thickly settle and occupy a variety of surfaces it can destabilise the marine
ecosystem.
It can crowd out other marine species like corals, algae, sponges, ascidians that are mainly
contributing to the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants
December 22, 2015
The Union Government has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in
the country with the primary aim of minimising pollution
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In this regard, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued
notification and proposed theses standard to be implemented in a phased manner.
Key facts
These new standards are based on the recommendation of the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) after consultations with different stakeholders.
For implementation of revised standards Thermal power plants are categorised into 3
categories (i) Installed before 31st December, 2003 (ii) Installed after 2003 and up to 31st
December, 2016 and (iii) Installed after 31st December, 2016.
The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of sulphur dioxide (7.3 Kg/MWh), PM10
(0.98 kg/MWh) and Oxide of nitrogen (4.8 kg/MWh).
It would in turn help in bringing about an improvement in the Nation Ambient Air Quality
(AAQ) index around and in thermal power plants.
The technology employed for controlling of proposed emission limit of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) will also help in reducing mercury emission at about 70-90%.
Limiting the use of water in thermal power plant for water conservation as thermal power
plant is a water-intensive industry. In turn it would also lead to a reduction in energy
requirement for drawl of water.
The standards have been made stringent for recently installed plants, compared to earlier ones and
most stringent standards will be for those plants to be set up in future.
PM Narendra Modi flags off first prototype electric bus for MPs
December 22, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off first prototype pollution free electric bus for Members of
Parliament.
The bus powered by battery has been manufactured in the lines with Union Governments flagship
Make in India campaign.
Key facts
The 15-seater eco-friendly bus is coloured in green and blue. It has Go Green message on it.
It is powered by lithium battery developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and is very economical.
The bus is a collaborative effort between the Union Transport Ministry and Pune-based
technology company KPIT.
It has been converted from diesel to electric and will be used to ferry Parliamentarians.
The noiseless bus can save carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions up to 48,000 kg a year. Thats
equal to planting 2400 plants annually and will also save diesel worth Rs. 10 lakh a year.
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ZSI Scientists discovered a new eel species named Bengal moray eel
December 19, 2015
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have a discovered a new species of eel named
Bengal moray eel (Gymnothorax mishrai) along the coast of Digha in Purba Medinipur district of
West Bengal.
The Eels are mainly snake-like fishes with fins and gills and are mostly found at bottom of rivers and
seas.
About Bengal moray eel
Bengal moray eel species is a marine fish species. It is 32.4 cm long and brown in colour.
Their body does not have any patterns.
This species belonging to moray eel has 134 vertebral bones and has been categorised among
the short, brown, patterned moray eels.
The fish is edible like other eel species that are mainly consumed in India is limited to the
coastal areas.
There are around 800 species of eels species found across the world and India is home to 150-200 of
these fish species.
Indias biggest wildlife rescue centre commissioned in Nagpur
December 19, 2015
Indias biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra.
The centre was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in presence of State
Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Key facts
Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre is managed by the Forest Development
Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).
Nagpur based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre.
The centre is spread over 30 hectres and has been created on the lines of Gujarat based Gir
National Park which is also one of the biggest and best wildlife centre in the country.
It has four wards veterinary hospital that would house sick, injured and rescued animals. It
has burial ground in the same premises.
The hospital has state-of-art facilities and is equipped with x-ray machine, operation theatre
etc.
It has cages for herbivorous animals and would house Deer, Sambars and Nilgais. It also has
two enclosures to house 10 Tigers at a time and also separate enclosure for Panthers.
It has enclosure that can house over 100 Birds of mixed species. It also has separated
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enclosure for housing Pythons including Cobra, Rat Snakes and vipers.
The centre also has enclosures for housing 10 small mammals like Wolf, wild Dogs, Jackal.
Supreme Court bans registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi
December 16, 2015
Supreme Court has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs (Sports Utility Vechiles) and luxury
cars in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi.
The ban will be valid to SUVs, luxury cars with engine capacity of 2000 cc or more till March 31,
2016. The SC ruling aims at curbing the alarming pollution level in Delhi.
The Supreme Court ruled that
All trucks not bound for Delhi would be not allowed to enter the capital through National
Highways 1 and 8.
Trucks carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge
(ECC).
EEC will be of 2,600 rupees for big trucks and 1,400 rupees for light commercial vehicles.
All the private cabs operating in Delhi should convert into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
by March 1, 2016.
Commercial vehicles registered before 2005 are banned from entering Delhi.
Delhi government and all civic bodies to stop burning of waste. Asked the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to enforce
construction norms strictly to stop builders from polluting the NCR region.
Presently, over 23 percent (around 8.5 million) of the vehicles on Delhi roads run on diesel and more
than 1,400 new cars are added every day. These diesel vehicles produce much more carcinogenic
nitrogen oxide than petrol cars and are one main source of Particulate Matters.
Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA
December 16, 2015
The average temperature over Arctic land for the year ending in September 2015 was the highest on
record indicating that the Arctic is warming twice as fast as other parts of the Earth.
It was revealed by the annual Arctic Report Card of National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), a federal agency of US for monitoring condition of the oceans and the
atmosphere.
Key facts
The temperatures in areas at latitude 60 degrees north and higher i.e. over Arctic were 1.3
degrees Celsius above average for the year ending in September 2015.
The recorded temperature rise is the warmest since observations began in 1900. Due to
temperature rise the ice in this region is growing thinner each year.
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The sea ice coverage in the Arctic has reached its peak in February 2015 and marked the
lowest extent since record-taking began in 1979.
The newly formed thin ice comprises about 70 per cent of the winter ice cover in the Arctic
Ocean compared to about half that in the 1980s.
The rising temperatures are melting snow and ice cover in this region causing the ground
and sea surface to absorb more heat.
COP 21 adopts historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change
December 14, 2015
Conference of the Parties 21 (COP 21) have adopted the historic Paris Agreement on Climate
Change.
It was adopted by 189 countries of total 196 countries under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that attended the COP 21.
Key facts of Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Facilitates enforcement of global greenhouse gas emission (GHGs) reduction measures in the
post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario.
Takes into account the principle of equity (climate justice) and common but differentiated
responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities.
Based on consensus among the members that have incorporated their respective Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) including India.
Mandatory for all Countries to keep global temperature rising below 2C by 2100 above pre-
industrial levels with an ideal target of keeping temperature rise below 1.5C.
Developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts
beginning in 2020 and it would increase with time.
Empowers countries to determine how to cut their emissions but mandates that they report
transparently on those efforts.
Countries will assess their progress every five years for meeting their climate commitments
and submit new plans to strengthen.
Myanmars first UNESCO biosphere reserve Inle Lake launched
December 12, 2015
Myanmar has launched the countrys first United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state.
With this launch Myanmar opens a new chapter in its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system
conservation.
In June 2015, the lake was officially designated as Myanmars first biosphere reserve under
UNESCOs Man and the Bioshpere (MAB) programme.
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About Inle Lake

Inle Lake is located in Taunggyi district in Myanmars eastern Shan state.
It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 116 km2.
The wetland ecosystem of this freshwater Inle Lake is home to diverse flora and fauna.
It is home to 267 species of birds, out of which 82 are wetland birds. The Inle Lake is nesting
place for globally endangered Sarus crane.
It also has 43 species of freshwater fishes of which 9 species of fish are found nowhere else in
the world.
Apart from its ecological importance, Inle Lake is also has unique for the way the local
inhabitants have adapted their life style to their environment.
Presently, the lake gets funding from the government of Norway for conservation purpose
under the framework of the Inle Lake Conservation and Rehabilitation project.
NGT bans registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi
December 12, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered ban on registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi
to curb the growing menace of air pollution in the capital city.
This ruling was given by NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar and also
questioned Delhi governments odd-even formula for vehicles to check pollution in the city.
Key facts
The ban on registration of new diesel vehicles will be valid till 6th January 2016 as interim
steps i.e. till the next date of hearing of NGT on Delhi pollution.
NGT also ordered the central and state government to stop buying diesel cars in Delhi.
On Delhi governments odd-even formula for vehicles, the tribunal mentioned that might
encourage people to buy two cars.
Background
Presently around 23 per cent of the cars registered in Delhi are running on diesel. The cars running
are likely to emit 7.5 times more particulate matter (PM) compared to petrol cars. As per WHO,
emissions from Diesel cars produce more toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and may cause cancer.
Earlier in April 2015, NGT had banned diesel vehicles over 10 years old in the national capital which
has been labelled as one of worlds most polluted city. In November 2015, Delhi government had
decided that private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers will ply on odd and even dates
from 1st January 2016 for two week.
About National Green Tribunal
NGT is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues. It has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to assure the
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right to a healthy environment of the citizens of India enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution.

First red alert on pollution declared in Beijing
December 8, 2015
The Chinese government has issued its first red alert on pollution (smog) it its Capital Beijing due to
hazardous air quality caused by severe air pollution.
The warning was an upgrade from the previous second highest orange alert. The red alert is the
most serious (highest) warning on a four-tier system of emergency air-pollution response system
was adopted in 2013.
Under the alert
Government has advised schools to be voluntarily close unless they had good air filtration
systems.
Half of private cars in the capital city would be also ordered off the road during the period
with an odd-even number plate system in force.
The other extra measures to be enforced include halting outdoor construction, banning
fireworks and outdoor cooking.
China, the worlds biggest carbon emitter in recent times is grappling with the serious chronic
problem of the air pollution leading to smog in cities. Most of the pollution is caused by the coal-
fired power plants along with vehicle emissions, heating systems and construction and factory work.
Particulate matter (PM) 2.5
Readings of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 particles in Beijing also has climbed 300 micrograms per
cubic meter which is far more than World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 25 per
cubic meter.
PM2.5 are fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter that may occur naturally or from
anthropogenic activities like human industrial processes. They often reach the lungs causing lifelong
respiratory disease and may be fatal if it mixes into the bloodstream.
Indias forest & tree cover increased by 5, 081 Sq km: ISFR 2015
December 5, 2015
According to the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015, Indias forest and tree
cover has been increased by 5081 Square kilometre.
The report was released by the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi
Key facts
The total forest and tree cover in the country is 79.42 million hectare, which accounts for
24.16 per cent of the total geographical area.
The total forest cover of the country has increased by 3, 775 sq km and the tree cover has
gone up by 1, 306 sq km.
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The majority of the increase in forest cover has been observed in open forest category mainly
outside forest areas, followed by Very Dense Forest.
Open Forest area: Increased by 4744 sq km and accounts for 9.14 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Very Dense Forest area: Increased by 2404 sq km and accounts for 2.61 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Total carbon stock: Increased by 1.48 per cent (103 million tonnes) and is estimated to be 7,
044 million tonnes in the countrys forest.
Around 40 per cent forest cover in India is in 9 big patches of 10, 000 sq kms and more. The
increase in mangrove cover also has been included in the increase in total forest cover.
State wise maximum increase in forest cover: Tamil Nadu (2, 501 sq km), Kerala (1, 317
sq km) and Jammu & Kashmir (450 sq km).
Largest forest cover in terms of area: Madhya Pradesh (77, 462 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh
(67, 248 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55, 586 sq km).
Highest percentage of forest cover: Mizoram (88.93%), Lakshadweep (84.56%).
States/UTs having forest cover above 33 per cent: 15 States/UTs have forest cover above
33 percent of the geographical area.
Out of these 7 states/UTs have more than 75 per cent forest cover. They are Mizoram,
Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and
Manipur.
8 states have forest cover in between 33 per cent to 75 per cent. They are Tripura, Goa,
Sikkim, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
Background
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015 is the fourteenth report in the series. It is based on
interpretation of LISS (Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor) III data of indigenous remote sensing
satellite, ResourcesatII. The satellite data interpretation is based extensive and rigorous ground
truthing.
South Western Railways Zone introduces Biodiesel for trains
December 5, 2015
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has introduced
biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone.
In this regard, SWRs first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by five per cent
biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was flagged off from Hubli.
The main aim of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint
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and also to make fuel consumption more efficient.

To meet its biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel filling centres at Hubli, Bengaluru and
Hospet. In next one year all the 13 railway depots within the zone will have their own filling units
and the biodiesel blending will be gradually increased to ten percent.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a green fuel that provides quasi-renewable energy for cleaner alternatives as
sustainable fuel for diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on fossil fuel especially diesel.
It is commonly obtained from crops such as sugarcane, cassava, corn, potato, beetroot and
recently from grapes, banana and dates etc.
Union Government is promoting use of biodiesel in India Railways for the purpose of energy
security, cleaner air and savings in foreign exchange along with employment opportunities in
rural areas.
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation announced
December 4, 2015
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation has been announced by a broad coalition
of nations, river basin organizations, business and civil societies from across the globe.
It was announced during the on-going 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference,
Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Le Bourget, Paris, France.
The announcement was made as part of the Water Resilience Focus event under the Lima to Paris
Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate change.
Paris Pact on water and climate change adaptation
Aims to make water systems which are very foundation of sustainable human development
more resilient to climate change impacts.
It involves a wide geographic coalition of national and cross-border river basin organisations
along with governments, local governments, funding agencies, companies and civil society
Highlights other key partnerships and coalitions to make river basins, aquifers, lakes and
deltas more resilient to climate change and reduce human interference with oceans.
It encompasses individual commitments to implement adaptation plans, strengthening water
monitoring and measurement systems in river basins.
It also seeks at promoting financial sustainability and new investment in water systems
management.
It was signed by almost all countries and have committed for over one billion dollars. India also has
agreed to contribute 20 million dollars to build climate resilience through improved groundwater
management.
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About Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA)

The LPAA on climate change is a joint undertaking of the Peruvian and French COP
(conference of parties) presidencies, UNFCCC Secretariat and the Office of the Secretary-
General of UN.
Aims to strengthen climate action through 2015 and beyond by mobilizing robust global
action towards low carbon and more climate resilient societies.
It seeks to provide enhanced support to the existing initiatives and help to mobilize new
partners by providing them a common platform for the visibility of their commitments,
actions and results in the run up to COP21.
Union Government releases postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI
December 4, 2015
Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the Centenary year of
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
The postage stamp was released by Union Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in
the presence of Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi.
They also released publications of ZSI- the Centenary Souvenir, Centenary Directory and A Glorious 100.
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
ZSI is the apex institution on animal (fauna) taxonomy in India.
Established: 1 July 1916.
Objective: To promote the survey, exploration, research and documentation on various
aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks advancement of
knowledge on animal taxonomy.
Headquarter: Kolkata. It also has 16 regional centres located in different parts of the country.
Functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
(MoEFCC). It activities are coordinated by the Conservation and Survey Division of
MoEFCC.
It has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per
section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002
Activities Undertaken: Study of the fauna of states, of conservation areas, of important
ecosystems.
It also undertakes status survey of endangered species, fauna of India and ecological Studies &
Environmental impact assessments.
ZSI publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983 and is similar
to Red Data Book published by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN).
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India, France launched International Solar Alliance

December 1, 2015
India and France have launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Conference of Parties
(CoP21) Climate Conference in Paris, France.
It was jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in presence
UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon.
The idea of alliance was mooted by Indian PM Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a major step
to mitigate carbon gas emissions.
Key facts
Aims to bring solar rich 121 tropical countries located fully or partly between the Tropic of
Cancer and Capricorn together to tap solar energy.
These tropical countries are potential members of alliance and shall be united by the shared
vision to bring clean, renewable solar energy within the reach of all.
The objective of the alliance is to augment solar power generation in these countries with a
view to contribute global sustainable development.
It would play important role in achieving the objective of keeping global warming below 2
degree Celsius.
It will function from the Gurgaon based National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
Provide common platform to member countries to share collective ambitions to reduce the
cost of finance and technology needed harness the solar energy.
Alliance would pursue cooperation in training, regulatory issues, building institutions,
common standards and investment among the member countries.
Union Government to roll out BS V norms from April 1, 2019
November 28, 2015
Union Government has decided to advance the date for implementation of Bharat Stage (BS) V and
BS VI emission norms for four-wheelers in order to reduce vehicular air pollution from road
transport sector.
As per advance dates, BS V norms will be rolled out from 1st of April, 2019 and BS VI norms from
1st April, 2021.
In this regard draft notification was issued Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as per
the Auto Fuel Policy, 2003.
About Bharat stage (BS) norms
Bharat stage (BS) norms are emission standards decided by the government to regulate the amount
of air pollutants from vehicles. They were adopted in line with European regulation standard Euro
norms in 2000.
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So far, 4 states of Bharat stage (BS) norms have been issued by government. In each stage certain
limit is specified on the released pollutants and in the succeeding higher stages, the BS norms reduces
the limit of pollutant emission.
Issued BS stages are
BS-I Euro 1 2000
BS-II Euro 2 2005
BS-III Euro 3 2010
BS-IV Euro 4 2015 (63 cities till 1 April 2015)
Earlier, Saumitra Chaudhri Committee had recommended to introduce even lesser vehicular pollutant
releasing BS-V (0.005 rspm) and BS-VI (0.0025 rspm) norms throughout the nation by 2022 and
2024 respectively.
NHAI approves pilot project for developing greenbelts along National highways
November 28, 2015
National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI) has approved a pilot project for undertaking
scientific studies on designing greenbelts along national highways.
Proposal in this regard was submitted by Nagpur based National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (NEERI).
Key facts
The pilot project will be implemented on a 5 km stretch on NH-7 (Varanasi to Kanyakumari)
between Jam and Hinganghat in Nagpur region.
Around 20,000 scientifically chosen species of trees are proposed to be planted on both sides
of this stretch in multiple rows at an estimated cost of 11 crore 80 lakh rupees.
The project will run for five years time span. During this period various experiments will be
conducted in NEERI laboratory to record the impact of greenbelt development.
Work activities have been delineated considering two major factors such as Highway
requirement and objectives along with Plant characteristics to fit in the site requirement.
Highway requirement and objectives includes traffic frequency, available space, soil type,
water availability, climatic conditions and anthropogenic interference
Plant characteristics to fit in the site requirement would depend on height, canopy cover, air
pollution Tolerance Index and sociability of selected species of trees.
Besides developing greenbelt, the project will also assist in developing relevant research
infrastructure that may be used for similar studies in future.
Northeast Indias first elephant hospital established at Kaziranga National Park
November 13, 2015
Northeast Indias first exclusive hospital for elephants has been established at the Kaziranga National
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Park in Assam.
The hospital was set up at Mark Shand Memorial Learning Centre in Kaziranga National Park. It
was inaugurated by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild who is founding patron of the UK-based charity
Elephant Family.
About Kaziranga National Park
It is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam and is circumscribed by the
Brahmaputra River.
It was designated with National Park status in 1968 and was declared UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment.
The park hosts two-thirds of the worlds great one-horned rhinoceroses which are listed as
vulnerable on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species.
It is also home to large breeding populations of tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and
swamp deer.
Kaziranga is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for
conservation of avifaunal species.
NGT bans age-old agricultural practice of straw burning in Northern States
November 5, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned age-old agricultural practice of straw burning in
pollution-ravaged New Delhi and 4 northern western states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh.
Ruling in this regard was given by NGT Bench headed by Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar by
keeping in view the serious issue of burning of agriculture waste (straw) which contributes towards
global warming and the environmental pollution.
NGT has directed
Respective governments of Delhi and four northern to keep check the bi-annual menace of
straw burning.
Imposition of 2,500 to 15,000 rupees fine on farmers indulged in straw burning.
District magistrates should form a committee to carry out awareness programmes for farmers
and villagers in order to educate them about the ill-effects of straw burning.
It has clearly mentioned that if the directions of NGT in this regard are not complied with, the Chief
Secretaries concerned states would be held liable.
Straw Burning Menace
Straw Burning is age-old agricultural practice followed by farmers biannually by setting fire
to their fields to clear the land of residue (Straw) of one harvest and sow the next.
It is mainly carried in Northern western states in the month of November to save time under
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the rice-wheat crop rotation and to make the land more fertile and kill pests.
Effects
The menace of straw burning is making the atmosphere in national capital Delhi more
blinding and suffocating as smoke from it moves towards the city.
The open field burning emits Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrous
Oxide (NO) along with particulate matter.
Thus open burning of agriculture remains is considered as a serious issue contributing towards
global warming and the environmental pollution. It is also principle cause of haze and air pollution
putting life of people and children in danger.
Earlier, Union Government had proposed to provide incentives to farmers and promoting efficient
farming practices with subsidies to stop this menace.
The best remedy to stop this menace is to set up bio-ethanol refineries in order to extract sustainable
bio-fuel from agricultural residue with the help of private-public-partnership (PPP) and private
model.
Tropical Cyclone Chapala hits Yemen triggering heavy floods
November 4, 2015
A rare tropical Cyclone Chapala has slammed into Yemen triggering heavy flooding and causing
damage in coastal region of the war racked country.
The cyclone made landfall in the south eastern provinces of Hadramawt and Shabwa along the Gulf
of Aden coast of Yemen in Arabian Sea bringing winds of speed more than 100 kms per hour.
Key facts
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has categorized Cyclone Chapala as a Category
4 equivalent storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
It is believed that Cyclone Chapala is the most powerful storm that has hit Yemen in last five
decades.
It is the second-strongest cyclone on record over the Arabian Sea, only after Cylone Gonu
(2007).
The rainfall brought by cyclone has caused flooding of rivers which are usually dry causing
destructive mudslides.
Earlier the cyclone had wreaked havoc on the island of Socotra, located 350 kilometers off the
Yemeni mainland.
Cyclone Chapala was formed after a low pressure was formed over the Arabian Sea with deep
depression intensity. The low pressure was formed due to record warm water believed to be
associated with an El Nio event and low vertical wind shear.
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Odisha Government imposes 7- month ban on fishing to protect Olive Ridley sea
turtles
November 2, 2015
Odisha Government has imposed seven-month ban till May, 2016 on fishing along the Puri coast in
order to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.
This ban comes prior to arrival of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting in winters along the east coast of
Odhisha.
Under this ban
Trawlers and fishermen are banned to fish within 20 kms from coastline in the turtle nesting
sites.
State Forest Department has set up turtle protection camps including 3 offshore camps in
Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.
It also has set up on-shore camps at 13 places in addition to 4 temporary incubation centres
for safety of eggs.
Every year endangered Olive Ridley turtles arrive during winters for mass nesting in Rushikulya
river mouth and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary along Odisha coast.
The coast is considered as the only place apart from Costa Rica to witness mass nesting by Olive
Ridleys. Every year, between 5 lakh to 10 lakh turtles come to the state for mass nesting.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea.
They are also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle.
Generally found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Protection Status: Listed as endangered species in IUCN Red Data Book because of their
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few remaining nesting sites in the world.

Protected under Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.
Punjab to set up bio-ethanol refinery to stop menace of straw burning
November 1, 2015
Punjab Government has announced to set up bio-ethanol refinery in the state to tackle the menace of
wheat and paddy straw burning.
In this regard, state government has inked MoU with consortium of Beta Renewables, Novozymes
and CVC India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for project estimated worth Rs. 950 crore during the
Progressive Punjab Investor Summit, 2015.
Benefits of bio-ethanol refinery
Would play an important role in solving the chronic problem of straw burning of leftover
agro-based produce especially from wheat and rice feedstocks.
Benefit farmers economically, as they would be paid for their agro-based produce to extract
bio-ethanol.
It would also help in preventing the loss of fertility of soil and damage to environment by
reducing air pollution.
What is Bioethanol?
It is an alcohol derived by process of fermentation mostly from carbohydrates of plant
produce and feedstocks.
Commonly obtained from crops such as sugarcane, cassava, corn, potato, beetroot and
recently grapes, banana and dates etc.
Uses: As a quasi-renewable energy it can be blended with petrol or diesel making it a
sustainable transport fuel. It can also be used an alternative fuel in manufacturing processes
and cosmetic products etc.
Tamil Nadu Government bans Ketoprofen drug to save vultures
October 13, 2015
Tamil Nadu state government has banned Ketoprofen, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) to save critically endangered vulture population in the state.
This drug has been banned in the three western districts of state viz in Erode, Coimbatore and
Nilgiris where the vulture population is in danger.
Ketoprofen is extensively used for veterinary purposes and as an alternative to banned veterinary
painkiller Diclofenac. It is believed that Ketoprofen causes same effect on the vulture population
caused by Diclofenac.
Deadly effects of Diclofenac on Vultures
Vultures act as scavengers, preying on dead animals as they have a robust digestive system
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which can even digest disease-causing pathogens found in rotting meat of dead.
But they are not able to break down Diclofenac and die of renal failure or kidney after eating
carcasses of cattle administered drug.
Meloxicam is an alternative drug which can be used instead of Diclofenac and Ketoprofen.
Earlier in 2006, Union Government had banned the use of veterinary drug Diclofenac for treating
cattle and in September 2015 its sale in multi-dose vial was banned for human use.
Green Indian Mission plans approved for 4 states
October 13, 2015
Union Environment Ministry has approved annual plans of National Mission for Green India (GIM)
of four states viz. Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur and Jharkhand.
In this regard, National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the Perspective Plans (PP) and
Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) of GIM submitted by 4 states.
Key facts
The approval has been granted for alternative energy devices such as biogas, LPG, solar
devices, biomass-based systems and improved stoves.
These devices in turn will help to reduce pressure on forests and provide carbon emission
benefits, along with health and other associated benefits.
It will cover around 27,032 households from these 4 states for financial year 2015-16.
Financial support: PP of all four states has total financial outlay of 90,202.68 lakh rupees for
a plan period of five to ten years. While, APOs of 11,195.32 lakh rupees for same period.
Forest and non-forest area: It will be taken up in the 4 states under GIM during the total
plan period will be 1, 08,335 hectares. Out of it, 81,939 hectares will help in improving the
density of existing forests and 16, 396 hectares in new areas.
About National Mission for Green India (GIM)
GIM is one of the 8key Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC).
It aims at protecting, enhancing and restoring Indias decreasing forest cover and responding
to climate change by a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures.
The mission acknowledges the influence forests on environmental amelioration through
climate change mitigation, water security, food security, biodiversity conservation and
livelihood security of forest-dependent communities.
It hinges on decentralized participatory approach by involving grass root level communities
and organizations in decision making, planning, implementation and monitoring.
Indias first Dolphin Community Reserve to come up in West Bengal
October 9, 2015
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Indias first Dolphin Community Reserve will be established in West Bengal to protect the
endangered mammal, Gangetic river dolphins.
Decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board chaired by state Chief
Wildlife Warden Azam Zaidi.
The reserve would be set up in the Hooghly River between Malda and Sundarbans as per provisions
of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
State Forest department also has announced that it would also conduct a census to estimate the
population of dolphins.
About Gangetic river dolphins
Gangetic river dolphins is Indias national aquatic animal and is often known as the Tiger of
the Ganges.
This dolphin species is an indicator animal which represent healthy river ecosystem in a same
position as a tiger in a forest. Their population is estimated to be less than 2,000 in the
country.
Threats: Some of the major threats are habitat fragmentation due to construction of dams
and barrages, direct killing, indiscriminate fishing and pollution of rivers.
Hooghly River in West Bengal is the last stretch of the Ganges River. It passes through the densely
populated Kolkata city and finally meets Bay of Bengal in the Sundarbans.
NGT orders to levy environmental tax on trucks entering Delhi
October 7, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed all commercial vehicles entering Delhi to pay
environmental compensation charge in addition to the toll tax.
This decision to levy environmental compensation charges dubbed as environmental tax was taken
by NGT as a tough measure to curb air pollution in Delhi.
The green panel has observed that vehicular pollution is one of the main sources of inferior quality
of air in Delhi.
As per the NGT order
Environmental Compensation would be payable at the rates of Rs. 1,000 for three-axle, Rs.
700 for two-axle vehicles and Rs 500 for four-axle and above.
The collected amount would be used for improving the ambient air quality of Delhi. Delhi
Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will maintain a separate account for this collected
amount.
NGT also directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and DPCC to arrange or purchase
instruments for monitoring and checking emission of moving overloaded heavy vehicles.
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Union Government plans to produce power, compost from solid waste under Swachh
Bharat Mission
October 2, 2015
Union Urban Development Ministry has announced crucial policy changes to allow generation of
electricity and compost from municipal solid waste.
It was announced by the Ministry on the occasion of first anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission
which was launched on 2 October 2014.
The Ministry is also finalising the pricing model for the compost produced out of city trash which
would be sold to farmers on subsidised rates.
Other Ministries involved in this project
Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers will forward proposal before Cabinet to provide Market
Development Assistance on sale of city compost to farmers.
Union Ministry of Power is also in the process of amending the Electricity Act 2003 to enable
mandatory purchase of power generated from municipal solid waste. It will also finalise a tariff rate
that would help waste to energy projects to sustain in the market.
India pledges 33-35 per cent GHGs emission cut by 2030
October 2, 2015
India has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per
cent compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
The figures of mitigation action were announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar
in New Delhi ahead of the Paris Climate Change Conference.
In this regard, Union Government has submitted Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
To achieve these targets Union Government wil
Boost the renewable energy capacity to 40 per cent by 2030. About 40 per cent of countrys
electricity requirement will be met through non-fossil fuel sources.
Increase tree cover across the country to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion
tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent.
Require about 2.5 trillion dollars in addition to a number of clean technologies to meet these
targets and measures for adaptation to climate change.
Marine population declined since 1970: Study
September 19, 2015
As per recently released study, populations of marine mammals, fish, birds and reptiles have declined
by 49% since 1970.
The study report was prepared by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of
London (ZSL). In this study more than 1,200 species of marine creatures were analysed in the past 45
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years.
Key facts
Biggest drivers of these declining trends are various human activities such as overfishing,
marine habitat destruction and climate change.
The impact of climate change has mainly attributed to excess absorption of carbon dioxide
into the oceans which is making them more acidic and damaging a number of species.
There is steep decline marine habitat in the form of mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses
which support marine food webs and provide valuable services to people.
The report highlights the need to protect critical marine habitats, sustainably manage fish
stocks more and improve fishing practices and redirect financial flows to support these
needed initiatives.
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bans sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial
September 19, 2015
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial.
Henceforth, it will be sold only in single-dose vial packaging for human use.
This ban was imposed on recommendation of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) in order to save and protect vultures from brink of extinction.
In this regard, MoEFCC has published an official Gazette notification no G.S.R 558 (E) dated 17th
July, 2015, banning packaging of multi-dose vial of Diclofenac.
Diclofenac and Vulture extinction
Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is administered as painkiller to
cattle, is the chief cause of mass extinction of vultures.
Vultures have a robust digestive system which can even digest disease-causing pathogens
found in rotting meat of dead. But they do not have a critical enzyme that breaks down
diclofenac and die of renal failure after eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug.
Vultures feeding on cattle having traces of diclofenac either die from acute kidney failure
within a few days or lose their ability to reproduce.
In 2006, India had banned the use of veterinary drug Diclofenac for treating cattle. But the
multi-dose vials available in the market for human use were widely misused for veterinary
purpose.
Antarctic Oceans carbon dioxide absorption increased
September 11, 2015
As per a new study Antarctic Ocean has been absorbing increasing levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ,
a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) over the past decade.
The research study was published in journal Science and was undertaken by an international
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research team led by Nicolas Gruber, a professor at ETH Zurich.

Key facts
The study dispels fears that Antarctic Oceans (also known as the Southern Ocean) carbon
sink might have begun to saturate due to increase in CO2 absorbing levels.
Researchers have found that since the beginning of the millennium, Antarctic Oceans carbon
sink has become much stronger, regaining its expected strength.
Antarctic Ocean seasonally absorbs vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and releases it
back later in the year.
The seas surrounding Antarctica on an annual average absorb significantly more CO2 than
they release.
These seas help to remove a large part of CO2 that human activities emit into the
atmosphere. Thereby, slowing down the growth of this GHG in the atmosphere, lessening
the rate of climate change.
Antarctic Ocean accounts for 40 per cent of the global oceanic uptake of that man-made
carbon dioxide.
Union Government launches E-Payment Module to deposit compensatory levies into
CAMPA Funds
August 28, 2015
Union Government has launched an e-payment module to make the payment of compensatory levies
into the Compensatory Afforestation Management Planning Authority (CAMPA) Funds.
It was launched by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi in order to make
these payments for diversion of forest land quicker and more transparent.
The e-payment module has a designated account for the payment purpose, depending on the States
in which the forest land is proposed to be diverted. Initially, the payments will be allowed through
two modes viz. online challan mode through RTGS and NEFT and offline challan mode.
The deposit of compensatory levies through the e-portal will be optional till August 31, 2015 and
will be accepted only through the e-module from 1 September 2015.
With the launch of the e-payment portal, henceforth no payments will be accepted other than
through the portal or unless specifically ordered guidelines issued by Ad-hoc CAMPA.
What is CAMPA Fund?
Levies are imposed on development projects that seek land inside a Reserved Forest or a
Protected Area (PA) in a sanctuary or a national park.
These collected levies are accrued in the CAMPA Funds which are to be utilised to plant trees
elsewhere in order to ostensibly compensate the loss of forest due to development projects.
It should be noted that the CAMPA has been created on the order of the Supreme Court in
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October 2002.
The Ad-hoc CAMPA decides the procedure of per-verification of credits of levies in the
State-wise accounts.
Chengalikodan Banana from Kerala accorded GI status
August 21, 2015
Chengalikodan banana variety from Thrissur district of Kerala has been accorded Geographical
Indication (GI) status by the Chennai based Central GI registry.
This banana variant is uniquely grown in Chowannur, Pazhayannur, Wadakkanchery, Puzhakkal
and Ollukkara block panchayats in Thrissur district of Kerala.
Chengalikodan banana is known for its unique shape, size, colour and taste. It was cultivated in
erstwhile Chengazhikode from where it got its name as Chengazhikodan banana which was later
changed as Chengalikodan banana.
Other GI status products from Kerala
Vazhakkulam pineapple, Central Travancore jaggery, Pokkali rice, Palakkadan matta rice, Wayanadan
scented rice varieties Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala are other agricultural products from Kerala
already having GI status.
About Geographical Indication (GI) status
Geographical Indication is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and
evolution over centuries. These products have special quality or reputation attributable to its
geographical origin.
In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of goods (Registration
and Protection) Act, 1999.
Advantages: GI status confers legal protection to these products and prevents unauthorised
use of it by others. It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods and also helps
consumers get quality products of desired traits.
Darjeeling tea was the first agricultural product in India to be accorded with GI tag. Presently,
there are nearly 200 unique products registered as GIs in India.
Cochin Airport becomes worlds first to operate completely on Solar Power
August 21, 2015
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) of Kerala has become the first airport in the world to fully
operate on solar power.
It achieved this feat after Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chand officially commissioned the 12
MWp solar power plant near the cargo complex of airport.
Key facts
The plant comprises 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres near the cargo complex. The
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plant has been installed by the Kolkata-based Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd.
It is capable of generating 50,000 units of electricity daily. It is coupled with an existing 1
MW solar plant commissioned in 2013.
It will make airport absolutely power neutral in terms of energy consumption as it consumes
around 50000 to 60000 units of electricity per day.
The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the grid.
Environmental impact: This green power project will not result in any carbon dioxide emissions
over the next 25 years. It will produce clean source of energy equivalent to non-clean energy
produced from coal fired power plants by burning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of Coals. This
plant is also equivalent to planting 30 lakh trees.
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL): It was the first airport in India to be constructed in
public-private-partnership (PPP) model in 1999. It is only PPP airport in the country that has
handled more than 5 million passengers in a year.
Bangladesh becomes 1st country to receive funds from UN for Solar Home Systems
August 21, 2015
Bangladesh has become the first country in the world to receive funds from United Nations for its
fast growing Solar Home Systems.
In this regard, UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) has issued carbon credits
(CC) worth 3.56 million US dollars to two Bangladeshi organisations.
The two organisations are
Grameen Shakti: Founded by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus with an aim to take clean
solar power systems and communication technology to villages.
Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (IDCOL): It state-owned development
financial institution in Bangladesh. It finances and promotes infrastructure and renewable
energy projects in the country.
The Solar Home Systems of Bangladesh is supported by various international organisations like
Global Environment Facility (GEF) and World Bank. Under this enviro-friendly initiative, around 6
million systems have been installed in Bangladesh covering over 10% of its 160 million population.
This system has become key source electricity for lighting, running TVs & fans and charging mobile
phones by using renewable energy in rural households of Bangladesh
It should be noted that this project plays important role in Bangladeshs efforts to tackle climate-
change as it one of the lowest carbon emitters country but most vulnerable to climate-change.
Demarcation of ESZ around Okhla Bird Sanctuary completed
August 19, 2015
Union Government has completed the demarcation of eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Okhla
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Bird Sanctuary in the national capital region (NCR) of Delhi.

It was announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar mentioning that notification
in this regard will be issued soon.
Earlier, National Green Tribunal (NGT) had passed an order barring any infrastructure development
within 10 kilometre radius from the sanctuarys boundary. This order did not allow the people to get
occupancy certificates who had booked flats in this protected area.
In order solve this problem NGT had directed the Union Ministry of Environment to issue the final
notification on ESZ demarcation around the sanctuary.
Once the final demarcation notification is issued by the government, the home buyers outside the
ESZ will be allowed to get occupancy certificates of their flats which were pending due to NGTs
order.
About Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is situated in Noida Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Delhi-Uttar
Pradesh state border.
Location: Okhla barrage over Yamuna River at the point where the river enters Uttar
Pradesh.
It was designated a bird sanctuary in 1990 with an area of 3.5 square kilometres by the Uttar
Pradesh Government of under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.
Sachin Tendulkar to be Maharashtras Tiger ambassador
August 18, 2015
Maharashtra government has roped Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its new ambassador for the
Tiger Conservation Project. His association will help state government to raise awareness about
saving the tigers in the state.
In this regard Mr. Tendulkar has accepted an offer which was forwarded by state Forest Minister
Sudhir Mungantiwar on July 29, 2015 on the eve of World Tiger Day.
State government had forwarded this proposal to Mr. Tendulkar after Tiger Protection Foundation
approved a proposal of his appointment along with superstar Amitabh Bachchan as ambassador to
promote the Save Tiger campaign in July 2015.
Earlier Mr. Amitabh Bachchan had accepted the request from the government and met the minister
to discuss details of his role and involvement in the project.
Tiger Conservation in Maharashtra
Currently, Maharashtra state has six tiger reserves viz. Tadoba, Melghat, Pench, Nagzira,
Sahyadri and Bor.
It should be noted that except Sahyadri tiger reserve (located in Kokan region) remaining 5
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are located in Vidharbha region of state.

Maharashtra has recorded around 190 tigers as per the 2014 Tiger census (usually conducted
every four years). Tiger population has recorded a steady rise from 103 in 2006 to 169 in
2010.
The increase population of Tigers in state has been attributed to the successful
implementation of various conservation efforts.
Gujarat Government declares ban on use of plastic in state
August 16, 2015
Gujarat Government has declared ban on the use of plastic in the State for the first time.
It was announced by Gujarats first women Chief Minister Anandiben Patel after unfurling the
National Flag at the Independence Day ceremony in Mahisagar district of Gujarat.
This decision was taken keeping in view protection of environment, cleanliness and cattle health. It
should be several municipal bodies in the state already have banned use of plastic bags thinner than
40 microns.
Apart from plastic ban decision, she also announced that 159 towns and 8 cities in the state now have
100 per cent in-house toilets and nearly 8 lakh toilets have been built in rural areas.
Australia unveils plan to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2030
August 12, 2015
Australian government has announced to cut countrys greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by 26-28
per cent of 2005 levels by 2030 as part of negotiations on a global climate deal.
In this regard, Conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott led government will submit its target to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Australias announcement in this regard comes ahead of Climate change conference which is
scheduled to be held in Paris in December 2015.
Being worlds largest exporter of coal and iron ore, Australia is one of the largest carbon emitters on
a per capita mainly due to its reliance on coal-fired power plants.
Currently the country is aiming to reduce its emissions by 5 per cent by 2020, based on the level of
emissions target set in 2000.
Prospects for 2015 Paris conference of UNFCCC
The Paris conference is aiming for international efforts to create a new frame work for
addressing climate change. The new international framework will seek to replace existing
1997 Kyoto Protocol.
The main reason considered to replace this anti-global warming treaty is due to its ineffective
implementation because only rich countries (developed) were required to limit their
emissions.
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The new framework will seek to bring poorer countries (developing) under its ambit and
force them to make commitments under the new framework.
347 flora, 424 fauna species discovered in 2013-14: Government
August 12, 2015
Union Government has announced that 424 species of fauna and 347 species of flora including 2
reptiles have been discovered in the country in 2013-2014.
It was announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in a written reply to the Lok
Sabha.
The written reply mentioned that
These species were discovered by scientists and taxonomists of Botanical Survey of India
(BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in the year 2013-14.
Details of these discovered plant species have been published as Plant Discoveries 2013 and
Plant Discoveries 2014 published by BSI.
While that of animal species has been published in Animal discoveries 2013 and Animal
Discoveries 2014 published by ZSI.
2 new species of reptiles have been discovered for the first time in the country. They are
Rhinophis goweri discovered in Noolathu Kombai, Bodamalai hills and Boiga flaviviridis
discovered in Berahampur, Odisha.
India is known for its rich biological diversity and high endemism. It ranks among the top ten
species rich nations in the world.
As per BSI there are about 47,791 species of plants in India, while as per ZSI studies there are
over 96,000 species of animals in the country.
All endangered species in India are protected under section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act,
2002.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan to be Maharashtras new Tiger Conservation
Ambassador
August 11, 2015
Maharashtra government has roped Superstar Amitabh Bachchan as its new ambassador for the
Tiger Conservation Project. His association will help to raise awareness about saving the tigers in the
state.
In this regard Mr. Bachchan has accepted an offer which was forwarded by state Forest Minister
Sudhir Mungantiwar.
State government had forwarded this proposal to Mr. Bachchan after Tiger Protection Foundation
approved a proposal of his appointment as ambassador to promote the Save Tiger campaign in July
2015.
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It should be noted that Mr. Bachchan is also brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism since February
2010.
Tiger Conservation in Maharashtra
Currently, Maharashtra has six tiger reserves viz. Tadoba, Melghat, Pench, Nagzira, Sahyadri and
Bor. It should be noted that except Sahyadri tiger reserve (located in Kokan region) remaining 5 are
located in Vidharbha region of state.
Maharashtra has recorded around 190 tigers as per the 2014 Tiger census (usually conducted every
four years). Successful implementation of various conservation efforts has helped to increase
population of Tigers in state. Tiger population has recorded a steady rise from 103 in 2006 to 169 in
2010.
Union Government launches School Nursery Yojana
August 10, 2015
Union Government has launched the School Nursery Yojana in a bid to bring school students
closer to nature by involving them in raising of saplings in school nurseries.
The scheme was launched by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi.
About School Nursery Yojana
Objective: To create an everlasting bond between the young school students and plants,
trees. It also seeks to provide an opportunity to the students to learn about nature.
It will develop an organic linkage and positive emotions for the environment among the
school students and in turn keep the schools and the neighbourhood green.
Activities: Schools will distribute saplings to students to plant in their homes and
surroundings through School Nursery.
The school nursery will be in small space of a minimum of 100 sq meters in premises of
school which will provide essential facilities for raising saplings.
In this nursery students will prepare beds for raising saplings and use it for other nursery-
related activities such as preparing mixture of soil, good earth and manure and storage of
seeds.
Other activities: The schools also take up other activities like composting, rain water
harvesting and water recycling.
Thus, the scheme will seek to inculcate best environmental awareness practices in young minds.
10 August: World Bio-Fuel Day
August 10, 2015
Every year 10th August is observed as World Bio-Fuel Day in a bid to create awareness about non
fossil-fuels (Green Fuels).
Significance of Day: On this day in 1893, Sir Rudalph Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) for the
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first time successfully ran mechanical engine with Peanut Oil. His research experiment had predicted
that vegetable oil is going to replace the fossil fuels in the next century to fuel different mechanical
engines. Thus to mark this extraordinary achievement, World Biofuel Day is observed every year on
10th August.
Observations in India
On this occasion four retail outlets of bio fuel blended diesel were launched by Union Petroleum
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. These outlets are located in Delhi, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and
Haldiya.
About Bio-fuels
They are renewable, bio-degradable, sustainable and environment friendly fuel. It can be seen as
alternative to conventional fossil fuels. In case of India its promotion and encouragement can play
important role in energy security and can help to reduce the import of fossil fuel and also save
foreign exchange.
Present Bio-fuels trend in India
Presently ethanol blended petrol programme is being promoted India. In this case ethanol is blended
in petrol with permissible limit ranging from five to ten per cent depending on the availability of
ethanol. Bio-Diesel is used in various modes to transportation in India such as Railways, shipping
and State Road Transport Corporations.
Maharashtra government declares Thane creek area as Flamingo Sanctuary
August 8, 2015
Maharashtra government has declared the area along Thane Creek as Flamingo Sanctuary.
In this regard State Revenue and Forest Department has issued notification to declare northern part
of the creek as a wildlife sanctuary as per provisions of Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection Act),
1972.
It should be noted that this Sanctuary is Maharashtras second Marine sanctuary after Malvan
(marine) Wildlife Sanctuary which was declared in 1987.
Facts about Flamingo Sanctuary
The sanctuary has been named as the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
It is located on the western bank of the Thane Creek between the Vashi and Airoli bridges
that connect Mumbai with Navi Mumbai.
It is spread over an area of 1,690 hectares which include 794 hectares of adjacent water body
and 896 hectares of mangroves.
The adjoining mangrove areas on either side of the creek will be the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ)
of the Sanctuary. These areas are already have been notified as Reserve Forests.
Management of the Sanctuary: It will be managed by the Mumbai Mangrove
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Conservation Unit under the aegis of Mangrove Cell.

Flamingo Habitat in Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
Every year Thane Creek has been attracting migratory flamingos in large numbers since 1994.
Migration period: The flamingos along with their chicks in the month of November migrate to
Mumbai (Thane creek region) and occupy the mudflats and the bordering mangroves in this region.
They stay in this region till May after which they migrate to the Bhuj area of Gujarat for breeding.
Species found: 90 per cent of the Flamingo population consists of Lesser Flamingos (Phoenicopterus
minor)and the remaining 10 per cent are Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). Around 200
species are also spotted along with the flamingos including large numbers of waders (bird species),
globally threatened species of Greater Spotted Eagle and other migratory birds.
South Indian states to constitute Inter-State Coordination Council to resolve forest-
related issues
August 7, 2015
South Indian states have decided to constitute Southern Forest Ministers Interstate Coordination
Council (ISCC) to improve concerted collective efforts for protection of forests and wildlife of the
region.
Decision in this regard was taken in a conference of forest ministers of southern states held in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The council will have full-time secretariat which will function in the respective Forest Departments
of member states for ensuring ecological, socio-economic and livelihood security of the region.
Member states of this council will consists of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pudducherry and
Karnataka. After its establishment Kerala Minister for Forests Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will be
its President for the first year.
Southern Forest Ministers Conference: In this conference member states agreed to address issues
related elephant poaching and smuggling of forest wealth especially smuggling of sandalwood and
red sanders in the region.
These southern states also are planning to establish a regional wildlife crime control bureau in the
line with the National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.
Union Cabinet approves proposal to sign agreement with UNESCO
August 6, 2015
Union Cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to sign an agreement with UNESCO for establishment of a
Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific region.
This centre will be established as a category-2 centre (C2C) of the UN body at the Wildlife Institute
of India (WII) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
By signing this agreement WII Dehradun will be first existing institute to be accorded recognition by
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UNESC. It will be also the first institute to get natural heritage recognition by UNESCO as currently
there are 9 C2C institutes related to cultural heritage.
It should be noted that this agreement has been mooted by the Union Environment Ministry. While,
Union Government will provide capacity building for establishing this centre in order to support
countries in the region for up keeping of heritage and natural sites.
Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific region will provide
Services for evaluation and preparation of proposals for new cultural and heritage sites in
Asia-Pacific region.
Capacity building and training on management and monitoring of heritage sites.
Thus its establishment will have a catalytic effect in case of improving management of heritage sites
in the country. Presently, India has 32 UNESCO heritage sites of which 7 are natural sites and 25 are
cultural sites.
Implications: Operationalization of the UNESCO C2C at WII, Dehradun will enable India to
establish leadership in the Asia-Pacific region that comprises of around 50 countries. This leadership
will be in matters related to management, identification and monitoring of world heritage sites and
to build capacity of a range of professionals and stakeholders.
Australian court revokes environmental approval for Adanis Carmichael coal mine
August 5, 2015
Adani Mining got set back from Australias Federal court as it overturned its government
environmental approval for the Carmichael coal mine under construction in the Australian.
Adanis project of USD 16 billion was overturned by Federal court as Environmentalist claimed the
project will damage the Great Barrier Reef, groundwater at its site and it carbon emissions.
Australian Federal Court strike down Environment Ministrys 2014 approval to Adani Mining as it
fails to include conditions to protect the yakka skink and ornamental snake.
Under this project Adani had planned to ship millions tonnes of coal a year to India but faced
opposition from environmentalist since it started work on the mine in 2010.
In reply to court order Adani stated that the there was technical error from Environment Ministry in
presenting certain document while finalising approval and will re-apply for approval by meeting all
necessary terms.
Carmichael Coal Mine:
It is a proposed coal mine in the north of the Galilee Basin owned by Adani Mining. The produce of
60 million tonnes of coal a year with total extract of 4 billion tonnes is expected from this mine.
The operating life of the mine is estimated to 90 years and will be the largest in Australia. The major
extract from this mine is planned to be exported to India.
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India foils UK Companys bid to patent its traditional knowledge for treating hair loss
August 3, 2015
India has foiled UK based company Pangaea Laboratories Limiteds bid to patent use of pine bark,
turmeric and tea for treating hair loss.
India was able to protect its traditional knowledge after Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
(TKDL), a unit of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had filed pre-grant opposition
against UK based company along with prior-art evidences using these 3 natural ingredients.
In February 2011, Pangaea Laboratories Limited had filed patent application at European Patent
office (EPO) on a medicinal composition for treating hair loss which mainly contained pine bark,
turmeric and green tea.
It should be noted in Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani, it has been proved that
above three natural ingredients are being used as a treatment for hair loss, since ancient times.
Till date TKDL under the aegis of CSIR has achieved success in protecting Indias traditional
knowledge in about 200 such cases without any cost. Earlier, TKDL also had foiled an attempt of
Colgate-Palmolive Company to patent a mouthwash formula containing herb extract from Nutmeg-
Jayaphal which is traditionally used in India as medicine to cure oral diseases.
15 Gharials to be released in Beas belt in Punjab to boost tourism
July 30, 2015
Punjab government has announced to release 15 Gharials in the Beas belt, near Harike Patan in order
boost tourism.
The Gharials species will be released as part of state governments plan to make Beas belt, a natural
habitat of the fish-eating crocodile species.
The release of Gharials has been planned in February-March 2015 near Karmowal village (near
Harike Patan water bodies) by the Experts from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN).
Karmowal village has ample water bodies with sand banks making it suitable site for developing as
habitat for the species. Gharials will be released depending upon the success of the initial phase of
making natural habitat and after the release they will be kept under close watch.
About Gharial
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is also known as the gavial. It is last surviving species of the
family Gavialidae.
It is a fish-eating crocodile and belongs to one of the three crocodilian species found in the
Indian Sub-Continent.
In historic times it was present in Indus River system, including Beas and Sutlej rivers,
indicating healthy river system.
Protection Status: It is listed in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is
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also listed as Critically Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.
Union Government, 3 states to start artificial breeding of Great Indian Bustard
July 25, 2015
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with the 3 state
governments will soon start an artificial breeding programme of Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
Under this integrated collaborative effort, 3 states viz. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra will take
part to boost the population of GIB, one of the critically endangered flying bird species in the world.
The artificially breeding operations of GIBs will begin in 2016 across these 3 states and they will be
later released from captivity to semi-captivity after some time of initial operations.
Artificial breeding programme of GIB
1st initiative of the programme: Seek to establish a captive stock of GIB which will lay
eggs. It will be followed by hatching of the eggs and then they will become chicks.
Later, the chicks will be reared to become adult and will be used to increase population in
captivity, before they are being released in semi-captivity.
Technical expertise: Regarding the breeding programme, will be provided by Wildlife
Institute of India (WII), an autonomous institution of the MoEFCC.
WII will provide expertise in planning, breeding, conserving, hatching of egg of GIB along
with scientific information related to the ecology of the species, its functional dynamics,
physiology and behavioural aspects.
Respective participatory state governments will help in preparing favourable habitat like arid
and semi-arid grasslands needed for GIB.
About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Scientific name: Ardeotis Nigriceps.
Appearance: It is 1 metre in height and weighs nearly 15 kilos. It has black crown on the
forehead with contrasting pale neck and head.
Found in: Once it was found in large number across the grasslands of India and Pakistan, but
now it is restricted to small and isolated fragments in three Indian western states of
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Protection Status: Critically Endangered (CR) species in the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data Book. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act of India, 1972.
Threat: GIB has been exterminated from almost 90 per cent of their former range even
though it has ability to survive in harsh weather conditions. The main reasons are Habitat
loss and poaching.
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Maharashtra cabinet approves Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Scheme

July 24, 2015
Maharashtra Cabinet has approved Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Scheme for for
development of villages around tiger reserves.
The scheme will be launched on project basis from 2015-16 to 2019-2020 and has been proposed by
State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Facts about Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas
Aim: Comprehensive development of villages in and around the buffer zones of tiger reserves.
Objective: To achieve sustainable development of these villages and reduce the man-animal conflict.
The scheme will reduce the dependence of villagers on the forest. It will also boost the
supplementary businesses to farming activities and create alternative employment possibilities to the
villagers in these areas.
Facts: Melghat, Tadoba, Pench, Sahyadri, Nawegaon-Nagzira and Bor are 6 Tiger Reserves loacted
in Maharashtra. Except Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, remaining are located in Vidarbha region of state.
Ajay Mathur appointed as Director-General of TERI
July 24, 2015
Ajay Mathur has been appointed as Director-General (DG) of The Energy and Resources Institute
(TERI).
Decision in this regard was taken by TERIs governing council which comprised prominent
corporate personalities like Deepak Parekh, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Naina Lal Kidwai and
Hemendra Kothari.
He will succeed Nobel laureate RK Pachauri who was removed from the top most position over
sexual harassment charges.
Currently, Mathur is working as the Director General of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of the
Union Government.
About The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI is a non-profit research institution that conducts research work in the fields of energy,
environment and sustainable development.
Established: in 1974 as Tata Energy Research Institute and was renamed The Energy and
Resources Institute in 2003.
Focus: It aims to focus on formulating local and national level strategies for shaping global
solutions to critical issues.
Presently it has over 1200 employees especially research professionals from different
disciplines pertaining to issues of environment and energy.
In 2013, it was ranked as the topmost global think-tank by the International Centre for
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Climate Governance (ICCG).

New fish species named Puntius Dolichopterus discovered in Kerala
July 21, 2015
A new species of cyprinid freshwater fish named Puntius Dolichopterus has been discovered in Keralas
Kayamkulam city.
It was discovered by Mathews Plamoottil, head of the department of zoology in Baby John Memorial
Government College of Kollam district.
Facts about Puntius Dolichopterus
Named after two Greek words dolikhos meaning elongated and pteron meaning wing or
fin. The fish has been included in the fish family Cyprinidae.
Characteristics: It has elongated pectoral fin and shorter dorsal fin. It also has unusually
elongated dorsal spine which is rigid, strong and long and has longer head.
It has lesser number of lateral line scales and pre-dorsal scales. Its body is silvery, pectoral and
anal fin greenish yellow and dorsal fin is light orange red.
Its ventral fin yellow while the caudal fin dusky and an inconspicuous dusky spot present on
scales.
Habitat: found in small and shallow water channels. It is edible and can be utilised as
ornamental fish.
Japan pledges 26% emissions cut by 2030
July 20, 2015
Worlds sixth biggest greenhouse gas polluter, Japan has pledged to cut emissions 26 per cent from
2013 levels by 2030 in a bid to fight calamitous global warming.
In this regard, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led government submitted its target to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Japans announcement comes ahead of Climate change conference to be held in December 2015 in
Paris which is aiming for international efforts to create a new frame work for addressing climate
change. With this Japan became the 19th UNFCCC member party to submit a carbon-cutting pledge
to the United Nations.
Other countries announcements
Unite States: Earlier in 2014, US had committed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28
per cent cut by 2025 from 2005 levels.
European Union (EU): It also had set a target to reduce emission of 35 per cent below 2005 levels
by 2030.
China: Worlds largest emitter officially has not announced its target to reduce the greenhouse gases
emissions yet, but had set a target for the countrys emissions to peak by 2030 in a joint climate
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announcement with US in November, 2014.

Two new plant species discovered in Western Ghats
July 18, 2015
Two new plant species were discovered in Edmalayalar, Pooyamkutty-Adamalayar and
Neriamangalam forest regions of Western Ghats in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
The discovered species have been christened as Vellithumpa and Eriocaulon manoharanii.
They were discovered by a team of researchers led by Professor C.N. Sunil during investigations
conducted as part of a UGC-sponsored project on the flowering plants.
Vellithumpa (Anisochilus shoolamudianus)
It is a very rare species of shrub plant belonging to the mint family. It was discovered growing
on steep wet rocks on Shoolamudy peak in deep inside the Edmalayalar forest range.
The species was named after the place of collection and was given vernacular name
Vellithumpa (means silver flower) as it has white silvery hairs under the leaves and bears
small white flowers with red anthers in cylindrical closely packed clusters.
Eriocaulon manoharanii
It is herbaceous plant belonging to the pipeworts family. It was found discovered in the wet
rocky mountain grasslands of Mamalakandam-Munippara area in the Neriamangalam forest
range.
The species was named after T.M. Manoharan, former Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests in recognition of his contributions to wildlife protection and biodiversity
conservation.
The plant bears small white flowers which grows in clusters and has patchy distribution
which gives scenic beauty to the valleys and grasslands.
Krishnapatnam Port receives Golden Peacock award for environment management
July 15, 2015
Krishnapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh has been awarded Golden Peacock environment
management award for its achievements and initiatives in the field of environment.
The award was presented during the 17th World Congress on Environment Management to C
Sasidhar, Managing Director of Krishnapatnam Port by Union Minister of State for Environment
Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi.
Green initiatives of Krishnapatnam Port
Plantation of over 20 lakhs trees within the port and more than 50,000 trees in the
surrounding villages.
Installation of solar lights in the port and solar water heaters in the employee colony.
Establishing gas connections for villagers so as to discourage them from cutting of mangroves
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as fuel wood.
Adoption of Environment Health and Security program to encourage continuous
improvement in environment protection. It includes waste management, pollution control,
use of renewable resources, resource conservation etc.
About Golden Peacock awards
Instituted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in 1991. They are presented annually under
various categories.
The awards comprise to sets Global Awards and National Awards.
India, US ink MoU to establish PACESetter Fund
July 13, 2015
India and United States (US) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation
to establish the PACESetter Fund in New Delhi.
The MoU was signed by Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India and Upendra Tripathy, Secretary,
Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The PACESetter Fund seeks to support the Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy
(PEACE) track of the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE). In turn, it will
accelerate the commercialization of off-grid clean energy with the help of early-stage funding grants
to develop and test innovative systems, products and business models.
US-India PACE is a flagship initiative on clean energy that combines the resources of several US
agencies and different Ministries of India. It was established with a corpus fund of about 50 crore
rupees with both the countries contributing equally.
A steering Committee comprising the Secretary of the MNRE and US Ambassador to India and 3
representatives from each side has been constituted to oversee the fund management.
New butterfly species named Banded Tit found in Arunachal Pradesh
July 11, 2015
A new tiny butterfly species christened Banded Tit (Hypolycaena Narada) has been discovered in
Arunachal Pradesh.
It was discovered and is denizen of low-lying evergreen forests of the Changlang district of the state
which is part of the one of the biodiversity hotspot of World.
Interesting life cycle: The adult butterflies of this species live only for approximately 2
weeks in month of March every year.
Remaining year, they spend in a dormant state in the form of larval or pupal stages.
It feed primarily on bird-droppings along cool streams in the forests.
However, much of its biology such as its larval host plants, breeding behaviour and precise habitat
requirements are still unknown.
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World Bank approves $650 million loan for Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor
July 2, 2015
World Bank has approved an additional loan of 650 million dollars for Indias Eastern Dedicated
Freight Corridor (DFC) Project.
It was approved in third round of World Bank funding and follows earlier two other loans by the
bank for this project.
This loan will fund
To build 401 km Ludhiana-Khurja section that falls in three North Western states of Uttar
Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.
To develop and enhance the institutional capacity of the Dedicated Freight Corridor
Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) and to build and maintain the DFC infrastructure
network.
Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project
DFC Project aims at the faster delivery of goods between the northern and eastern parts of
the country.
The project will further help to increase the capacity of freight-only lines. It will raise the
axle-load limit from existing 22.9 tonnes to 25 tonnes.
The speeds of freight carriers will be further boosted up to 100 km/hr due to dedicated
freight lines.
Apart from faster delivery of goods, this project is also going to help to reduce greenhouse
gases (GHGs) emissions caused by road transportation in this region.
Elephant population rises in Odisha: 2015 Census
July 1, 2015
The population of elephants has increased to 1,954 in Odisha as per revealed in 2015 Elephant
Census report.
The population of elephants in state has marginally increased by 24 elephants in the terns of
population in 2015 compared to 2012 Elephant Census.
As per 2015 Elephant Census
1450 elephants were enumerated in three elephant reserves viz. Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi and
Sambalpur.
These 3 elephant reserve accounted for 74.21 per cent of the total elephant population of the
state.
Remaining 402 elephants were found outside these elephant reserves and sanctuaries.
Composition: 1,096 elephants were identified as cow elephants and 341 elephants were
identified as tuskers. Around 490 elephants among them aged below 5 years.
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Man animal conflict: in some areas due to enormous anthropogenic pressure and urban
infrastructure development has resulted in decline in population.
Deaths: 13 elephants had died from 2012 to May 2015. 49 elephants had died due to disease.
While, 20 had died due to poaching and 5 were poisoned.
14 elephants were deliberately and 9 were accidentally electrocuted. 13 elephants died after
they were hit by speeding trains and vehicles.
The census which was carried out in 44 forest divisions has shown a positive growth in 26 divisions
and a negative growth in 14 divisions.
India Fourth Largest Carbon Emitter: WRI Analysis
June 27, 2015
India is fourth largest carbon emitter in the world in terms of per capita emission accounting for 6.6
% of global emissions for the year 2012.
It was revealed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in its latest analyses of the country-wise
carbon emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases (GHGs).
According to the analysis figures of WRI,
Top 10 emitters are: China (25.26%), US (14.4%), European Union (10.16%), India (6.69%),
Russia (5.36%), Japan (3.11%), Brazil (2.34%), Indonesia (1.76%), Mexico (1.67%) and Iran
(1.65%).
Emission Disparity: Largest 10 emitters have contributed a majority of over 72% of global
GHGs emissions (excluding change in land use and forestry). Six of the top 10 emitters are
developing countries.
On the other hand, the lowest 100 emitters had contributed less than 3% of global emissions.
Sector wise: energy sector is the largest source of GHGs emissions accounting for more than
75% of global emissions.
Industrial and agricultural sectors also have significantly contributed in GHGs emissions.
The WRI analysis was based on data from its Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT) for the year
2012. It had analysed various economic sectors for the overall emission from different countries.
First species of Yeti crab named Kiwa Tyleri found in Antarctica
June 27, 2015
Team of British scientists have discovered the first species of Yeti crab from hydrothermal vent
systems in Antarctica. Study in this regard was published in the journal Plos One.
Researches have christened this species as Kiwa Tyleri after world-renowned British deep-sea and
polar biologist professor Paul Tyler.
Characteristics of Kiwa Tyleri
Kiwa Tyleri species are found usually in warm-water refuge of hydrothermal vent systems
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surrounded by the cold polar waters in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
It lives in very limited sized habitat near the warm-water hydrothermal vent site.
This species is unable to move between vent sites because of the hostile, low temperature and
extreme polar environment. So they, occur in highly-packed densities.
For food it is dependent on chemosynthetic bacteria which overgrow the surfaces of
hydrothermal vent chimneys.
Its body is densely covered by bristles known as setae. It has fur like appearance due to
bacteria living on it.
Terms
Hydrothermal vent systems: It is a fissure releasing geothermally heated water which
comes out on planets surface. Commonly found in active volcanic places.
Chemosynthetic bacteria: They obtain energy from exothermic oxidation of inorganic or
simple organic compounds in absence of light. This energy is utilized for metabolic processes.
Union Government exempts educational institutions from prior green nod
June 26, 2015
Union Government has exempted builders from obtaining prior green nod for construction of
Universities, School, College and Hostel facilities.
In this regard Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a
circular to exempt green nod for educational institutions provided they should follow sustainable
environment practises of construction.
These educational institutions are exempted from prior green nod under the provisions of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 subject to sustainable environmental
management.
Besides, educational institutes MoEFCC has exempted builders from obtaining prior green nod for
construction of industrial sheds. It also exempts godowns and buildings which are connected with
production related and other associated activities of the unit in the same premise. It should be noted
that industrial sheds as per this circular is a facility being used for keeping plant and machinery of
industrial units.
Interestingly, in this circular MoEFCC had clarified that prior environment clearance is mandatorily
required for construction of Medical Universities and institutes having hospital facilities.
Rajasthan becomes No. 1 state in solar energy in India
June 24, 2015
Rajasthan has become number one state in the country in terms of total installed capacity of solar
energy.
It was revealed in recently released data by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
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Rajasthan with total 1,167 megawatt (MW) installed capacity has surpassed Gujarat (1000 MW)
which was previous number one state in the country.
Top five states in India are (in terms of installed capacity)
Rajasthan: 1047 MW.
Gujarat: 1000 MW.
Madhya Pradesh:563 MW.
Maharashtra: 363 MW.
Andhra Pradesh: 247 MW.
In 2014, Rajasthan government had released its Solar Policy which aimed at installing 25000 MW of
solar power in state. In this policy state government had introduced numerous investor-friendly
measures to tap full potential of solar power.
One of the key measure introduced was to installed solar plants was through State, Private
Enterprises or Public-Private partnership (PPP). In this regard state government had inked
agreements number of private companies to develop solar parks with a cumulative capacity of 26,000
MW.
It should be noted that Rajasthan has all natural advantage for solar parks such as abundant barren
land and high solar radiation (insolation) in the country.
Union Government launches Bhuvan Ganga Mobile App to aid Clean Ganga Mission
June 24, 2015
Union Government has launched Bhuvan Ganga Mobile Application and Web Portal to aid flagship
mission to Clean Ganga.
The app and webportal was launched by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti in New Delhi.
Bhuvan Ganga application: It will facilitate public to upload pictures of pollution sources of the
Ganga River for further action by the authorities concerned. It will also serve platform for people to
monitor pollution in river Ganga and enable decision makers to prioritize interventions.
Bhuvan Ganga Portal: It is deployed as part of Indian Space Research Organisations (ISROs)
Bhuvans geoportal with all geospatial layers related to Ganga River. It will be used as a tool to
support decision making and planning for the Clean Ganga Mission.
Apart from this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between Union Ministry of
Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and ISROs National Remote
Sensing Centre (NRSC). The objective of the MoU is to utilize the geospatial and crowd-sourcing
technologies for monitoring pollution in Ganga River.
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Maharashtra declares Blue Mormon as State butterfly

June 23, 2015
Maharashtra has officially declared Blue Mormon species as State butterfly as part of state symbols.
Decision in this regard was taken in State Wildlife Board meeting presided by Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
With this, Maharashtra became the first State in the country to have a State butterfly.
About Blue Mormon
Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) is the second largest butterfly species in terms of size, after
the southern birdwing (Troides minos).
Description: Blue Mormon has black, velvet wings with bright blue spots. The lower ends of
its wings are black. Its body has some red spots on one side.
Distribution: It is only found in (endemic to) Sri Lanka, Western Ghats of Maharashtra,
South India and coastal belts of the country.
In case of Maharashtra, it can be occasionally spotted in its mainland parts of Vidarbha and
Western Maharashtra.
It should be noted that Maharashtra is home to nearly 225 varieties of butterflies and home to about
15 per cent of their population in the country.
Other state symbols of Maharashtra are
State Animal: Indian giant squirrel (in Marathi- Shekru; ).
State Bird: Yellow-footed green pigeon (in Marathi- Hariyal).
State Flower: Lagerstroemia (in Marathi- Jarul).
State Tree: Mango.
Kerala Government declares June 22 as Snake Bird Day
June 23, 2015
Kerala Government has declared June 22 as Snake Bird Day in a bid to protect the endangered
species which is also known as Indian darter.
The formal announcement was made by State minister for forest Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan at a
function organised by Snake Bird Foundation in Thiruvananthapuram.
About Snake Bird
It is water bird which is also known as Indian darter (Anhinga melanogaster).
It has slender long-neck which is mostly black in colour with silver wing markings.
Conservation Status: As per IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Snake Bird is classified
as Near Threatened species.
Threat: Its population is moderately declining owing anthropogenic reasons like pollution,
drainage, hunting and the collection of eggs and nestlings.
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Found in: Tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It inhabits in shallow inland wetlands
including rivers, lakes, swamps and reservoirs.
In case of India there are over 1500 snake birds in which majority are found in Kerala.
These species usually nests atop tall trees near wetlands. They are largely found in Kottayam,
Alappuzha, Wayanad Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala.
Typhoon Kujira hits south Chinas Hainan Province
June 23, 2015
Typhoon Kujira has made landfall in south Chinas Hainan island province. It is the eighth typhoon
of 2015 in this South-east Asian region.
After Typhoon Kujira struck the mainland region, it had brought heavy rain with packing winds of
up to 90 kilometers per hour. However, after its landfall in Hainan the typhoon (tropical cyclone)
had weakened into a tropical storm.
Prior to landfall of typhoon more than 40,000 people and over 20,000 fishing boats were called back
to harbor. Apart from it around 63 flights have been canceled at the Meilan International Airport in
the provincial capital of Haikou and 99 flights were cancelled at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
Humans driving Earth to sixth mass extinction: Study
June 20, 2015
As per recently published study in the journal Science Advances, humans are driving Earth to sixth
mass extinction.
The study was led by team of experts from Stanford University, Princeton University and the
University of California, Berkeley of United states.
Key facts
The analysis of study was based on documented extinctions of vertebrate species such as
frogs, tigers, reptiles and from fossil records and other historical data.
Researchers had compared the modern rate of species loss to the natural rates of species
disappearance before human activity was dominated.
As per natural rate of extinction, two species go extinct per 10,000 species in 100 years.
However, modern rates of extinction are 8 to 100 times higher. For example, 477 vertebrates
have gone extinct since 1900, rather than 9 that would be expected at natural rates.
The average rate of vertebrate species loss in past 100 years is up to 114 times higher than it
would had been without human activity.
Main causes for species loss includes climate change, pollution, deforestation, habitat loss,
over-exploitation for economic gain etc.
As per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) around 41 percent of all
amphibian species and 26 percent of mammals are threatened with extinction.
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The study calls for rapid and greatly intensified efforts to conserve already threatened species. It also
calls to alleviate pressures on species populations due over-exploitation for economic gain, habitat
loss and climate change.
Critically endangered Sangai deer found in Manipur to be translocated
June 18, 2015
Manipur State Forest Department has decided to translocate a section of critically endangered species
of Brow Antlered (Sangai) deer with an aim to save it from extinction.
The deer is endemic to Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) will be translocated to Pumlen Pat
which is close existing habitat to Loktak.
Pumlen Pat was chosen for translocation as it is also a floating biomass (phumdi) and comprises of
small hillocks which will provide natural habitat for this deer species.
About Sangai deer
Sangai Deer (Rucervus eldii) also called the Dancing Deer is the state animal of Manipur. Once it was
found across the Manipur Valley in abundant now only its remaining natural habitat is found in
Keibul Lamjao National Park.
It is listed as an critically endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN). Conservation efforts have helped in reviving the population of the deer to 204 in 2013 from
less than 100 in 2008.
About Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP)
KLNP is a floating biomass in Manipurs Loktak Lake. It is only floating national park in the world.
It is known around the world for its unique composition which is made up of biomass vegetation
(locally called phumdis) that floats on the surface of the lake. The park which was initially declared as
a Sanctuary in 1966 and later in 1977 it was declared as National Park through a gazette notification.
Renewable energy targets quadruple globally in 10 years: IRENA
June 12, 2015
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has announced that in past one decade
renewable energy targets have quadruple globally.
It was mentioned IRENA Renewable Energy Target Setting report which was released by IRENA
Director-General Adnan Z. Amin on the side lines of IRENAs 9th Council meeting in Dubai.
As per report, 164 countries have adopted at least one type of renewable energy target compared to
43 countries in 2005. All nations are adopting renewable energy targets to meet multiple objectives
including energy security, environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefits.
Developing and emerging economies are leading nations to adopt of renewable energy targets,
accounting for 131 out of the 164 countries. The majority of 150 countries have focused committed
renewable energy targets on the electricity sector
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The numbers of countries setting renewable targets for the heating and cooling sector have increased
to 47 from 2 countries in 2005. Similarly, renewable transport targets have also has doubled to 59
countries from 27 countries in 2005.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of
renewable energy.
It is a global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its
member nations.
Founded: in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi.
Two governing structure: IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level and gives
policy guidance. IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing
various decisions of assembly.
Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder
members of IRENA.
349 new species of flora and fauna discovered in the past one year in India
June 11, 2015
Scientists and taxonomists in India have discovered 349 new species of flora and fauna in the past
one year. Of these discovered flora and fauna 173 species are genera of plants and 176 species of
animals.
The list of new discovered species was published by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) both headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Key facts
Biodiversity hotspots: Most of discoveries were from Indias two Biodiversity hotspots viz
Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. Western Ghats accounted for 22 per cent of the new
discoveries.
While, the Eastern Himalayas accounted for 15 per cent discovered species. 25 species of seed
plants were alone discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
Animal species: Of the 176 new animal species discovered 93 species are of insects, 7 species
are of collembolans, 12 species of arachnidan, 12 species crustacean and 1 species of mollusca.
Reptiles: 2 species of reptiles for the first time have been found in India. One was discovered
in Tamil Nadu and another in Madhya Pradesh.
Fish: 23 new fish species were discovered. Majority of fish species were discovered in north-
east India.
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Amphibians: 24 new amphibian species were discovered. Most of the new species of
amphibians were discovered in the Western Ghats.
New records: Apart from the discovered new species, the BSI has also added 105 new
records species and ZSI 61 new records species.
It should be noted that new records means animals and plants that have been spotted in India
for the first time and those are found elsewhere in the world.
In year 2014, 614 new species of plants and animals were discovered which included 366 plants and
248 animal species. With this, 96,891 species of animals and 47,791 species of plants have been
recorded so far in India.
Yellow-Breasted Buntings on the verge of extinction: Study
June 10, 2015
As per recent study published in the Conservation Biology journal, Yellow-breasted buntings
(Emberiza aureola), a songbird are near to extinction.
The study has mentioned that population this bird species which is also known as he rice bird in
China has plunged by 90 percent since 1980 and disappearing from Eastern Europe, Japan and parts
of Russia.
The main reason mentioned in the study for decline of songbirds is illegal hunting for food and sold
on the black market in China.
Earlier in 1997, China had banned China the hunting of the species following initial population
declines but failed to implement to conservation measures to protect them.
Since 2013, Yellow-breasted buntings have been classified by the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species due to rapid population decline.
The paper compares hunting of this species with the North American passenger pigeon, which
became extinct in 1914 due to industrial-scale hunting.
It should be noted that Yellow-breasted buntings is Eurasian passerine bird that belongs to the
bunting family (Emberizidae). It is migratory bird wintering in south-east Asia, India, and southern
China.
Union Government launches Jal Kranti Abhiyan
June 6, 2015
Union Government launched nationwide Jal Kranti Abhiyan. It was launched by Union Minister of
Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejunivetion Uma Bharti in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims at turning one water scared village in each district of the country into water
surplus village water through a holistic and integrated approach by adopting conservation and
management techniques.
Under the nationwide campaign a village with acute water scarcity on a pilot project will be selected
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as Jal Gram. In this identified village a comprehensive integrated development plan will be framed
and several water conservation activities will be launched.
Activities proposed under the campaign include rain water harvesting, recycling of waste water,
micro irrigation for using water efficiently and mass awareness program. Along with it, a cadre of
local water professional Jal Mitra will be created and they will be given training to create mass
awareness.
As pilot project, activities under this nation campaign will be run in one water stressed village in
each 672 districts in the country.
Indias first green police station inaugurated at New Delhis Maurice Nagar
June 6, 2015
Indias first green police station was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day at
Maurice Nagar in north Delhi.
It was inaugurated by Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi. The police station has various
provisions for preservation and safety of the environment.
Students of Delhi University along with police officials had worked on the renovation of this police
station to make it unique.
Key features of green police station
Roof of station has coating of fresh lime based upon Medieval Indian Construction
Methodology. It will increase Albedo of the station and reduce the heat which helps to save
electrical power.
All light fittings at the police station have been changed to LED lights in order to reduce
consumption of electricity.
All fans installed at this police station will be of five star ratings. It also planned to use solar
panels to light the police station.
The toilets installed in this station are biodegradable and are capable of converting fecal
matter into water and biogas through technique of anaerobic bacterial decomposition.
It is also planned to replace the furniture with bamboo and cane which are believed to be
environment friendly as they do not require cutting of trees.
400 areca palm plants have been planted in the police station and its premises in order to
bring down the carbon presence, as these plants are strong in carbon consumption.
Recycled paper for filing publics complaint will be used in bid to promote the use of recycled
paper.
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates first Oil Spill Response Centre for Mumbai & JNPT Harbour
June 5, 2015
Indias first of its kind Tier-I Oil Spill Response Centre (OSRC) for Mumbai Port Trust (MBT),
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Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and ONGCs facilities at Nhava and Uran was inaugurated on 5
June 2015.
It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari
to tackle pollution and oil spills in and around Mumbai.
Facts about Tier-I Oil Spill Response Centre (OSRC)
OSRC is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in operational readiness for combating
Tier-I oil spill upto 700 tones.
The objective behind setting up this centre is to develop appropriate and effective systems for
the detection and reporting of spillage of oil in order to ensure adequate protection to the
marine environment and public health.
This centre will also ensure prompt and appropriate response technique to control, combat
and prevent oil pollution and dispose recovered waste material in an environmental friendly
manner.
The OSRC is equipped with skilled and trained personnel and wireless communication
facilities for immediately responding to any oil spill. It will monitor on 24/7 basis.
It also includes various plans like Contingency Plan, Health Safety and Environment Plan.
The facility is funded by Participating Oil Companies (POCs). While, MPT will take the
responsibility for tendering and monitoring of Tier-I OSR facility.
05 June: World Environment Day
June 5, 2015
Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 05 June to raise global awareness to take
positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth.
The theme for year 2015 is Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. The theme
highlights the need to respect the carrying capacity of the planet earth and to manage natural
resources efficiently to ensure prosperity and wellbeing globally.
Observing this day is global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The host
country for the WED 2015 is Italy.
To mark this day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a tree plantation campaign across
India by planting Kadamb sapling at the lawns of his Race Course Road residence.
About World Environment Day (WED)
WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening
of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972 which began in Stockholm.
The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973 and since then it is being held every
year with a different themes.
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Everest Glaciers may disappear by 2100 due to global warming: Study

May 28, 2015
A new study has warned that Glaciers in the Everest region of the Himalayas could shrink at least 70
per cent or even disappear entirely by 2100 due to global warming.
This study was undertaken by team of researchers from International Centre for Integrated
Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
For this study, ICIMOD researchers from Nepal, France and Netherlands had studied glaciers in the
Dudh Kosi basin in the Nepal Himalaya.
Key facts
By the end of 2100, most of the glaciers in the Mount Everest region will disappear or
drastically shrink due to temperatures increase because of continuous rise in greenhouse-gas
emissions.
The estimated 5,500 glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region and many of the
worlds tallest peaks may reduce their volume by 70 percent to 99 percent by 2100.
The rate of disappearance will depend on how much greenhouse-gas emissions continue to
rise and indirectly will affect temperature, snowfall and rainfall in this region.
Increased temperatures due to global warming will not only increase the rates of snow and ice
melt, but can also result in a change of precipitation from snow to rain at critical elevations,
where glaciers are concentrated.
It will greatly affect the farming and hydropower generation downstream of the Himalayan
peaks. While, avalanches and earthquakes in this region also can breach the dams, causing
catastrophic floods.
It can also result in the creation and growth of lakes dammed by glacial debris.
Himachal Pradesh government sets up satellite tracking system to check forest fire
May 28, 2015
Himachal Pradesh forest department has set up the satellite tracking system to check and find the
forest fire incidents during summer season.
The main aim of this tracking system is to protect the precious forest in the state from forest fires.
The system is designed in such a way that, occurrence of any fire in the vicinity of forests, will
immediately send SMS alerts to forest officials.
Forest department also has constituted 700 participatory committees for people participation. Along
with it, more than 90 water tanks have been constructed and 100 watch towers had been erected so
that the people could easily detect fire incidents.
Apart from this tracking system, state forest department also has launched awareness campaign
throughout the state for protection of forests from fire and involving local people in detecting fire
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incidents.
Thus this initiative will help to protect the precious forest cover in Himachal Pradesh which is the
main wealth and identification of this hill state. It should be noted that in every summer the forest
fire is a big challenge before the state forest department and now by using satellite tracking system,
continuous vigil will be kept on the forests.
Gujarat Government initiates Sloth Habitat Project
May 26, 2015
Gujarat Government has initiated Sloth Habitat Project in Jessore wildlife sanctuary to provide
better habitat to sloth bears.
The project aims at restoring the ecology of sloth bears in the sanctuary by planting fruit trees and
removing unwanted plant species that have intruded in the habitat.
The planted trees will basically serve as food habitat for the sloth bears as their population increased.
Nearly 293 sloth bears were found in the state forests in last census of 2011.
Unwanted encroached plant species like Lantenaspp and Prospisjuli-flora, which is called as Gando
Baval in local language will be removed.
Background
State governments decision to initiate this project comes after pilot project in this regard has shown
positive results. This pilot project was implemented in Banaskantha district by state forest
department in coordination with the Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC).
However, the final testing will be conducted in the forests of Jessore sanctuary in monsoon season
from June or July and after necessary process the project will be handed over to the state forest
department for implementation on large area.
About Sloth bears
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a nocturnal insectivorous species of bears found in India.
Categorised as vulnerable species in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Red list.
It is black and dark brown in colour with yellowish patch on the chest and has large feet and
claw.
Sloth bear is omnivorous animal and mainly eat honey, termites, fruits (mangoes and figs)
and grass.
Antarctic ice loss altering earths gravity: Study
May 26, 2015
A new scientific study has found that a sudden and massive ice loss in a previously stable region of
Antarctica is causing small changes in the gravitational field of the Earth.
This study was led by Dr Bert Wouters, a Marie Curie Fellow at the University of Bristol, England
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and was recently published in Science Journal.

Key highlights of Study
The changes were observed using the CryoSat-2 satellite, a mission of the European Space
Agency (ESA) dedicated to remote-sensing of ice.
Researchers have found that the ice surface of some of the glaciers is currently going down by
as much as 4 m each year.
They also have found out that Southern Antarctic Peninsula showed no signs of change up to
2009. But after 2009, multiple glaciers along a vast coastal expanse suddenly started to shed
ice into the ocean.
These glaciers measure around 750 km in length and are shrinking nearly at a constant rate of
60 cubic km and adding about 55 trillion litres of water each year.
With level of shrinking, this region now has become the second largest contributor to sea
level rise in Antarctica and causing small changes in the gravity field of the Earth.
India ranks 24th in Environmental Democracy Index
May 22, 2015
India has ranked 24th out of 70 countries in the first Environmental Democracy Index (EDI).
The index was recently released by Washington-based World Resources Institute (WRI) and Access
Initiative.
In the first edition of this index, Lithuania has topped among the 70 countries.
Top ten countries are: Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, United States, South Africa, United Kingdom,
Hungary, Bulgaria, Panama and Colombia.
Key facts from EDI report
Right to environmental information has been established in the 93 per cent of the assessed
countries.
However, many nations lag on providing citizens basic environmental information i.e.
around 79 per cent of assessed countries have earned only fair or poor ratings for public
participation.
Nearly half or around 46 per cent of assessed countries do not provide any ambient air quality
data online for their capital cities.
In 73 per cent of the countries, courts or their judiciary hear environmental cases.
Only 14 per cent of the countries assessed have legal mechanisms that help women to access
courts in order to obtain redress when their environmental rights are violated.
About Environmental Democracy Index (EDI)
EDI evaluates progress of countries in enacting laws in order to promote citizen engagement
and accountability, transparency in environmental decision-making.
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The index evaluates countries based on recognised international standards including 75 legal
and 24 practice indicators.
Global energy subsidies to hit US $ 5.3 trillion this year: IMF report
May 19, 2015
International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent report titled Act Local, Solve Global: The $5.3 Trillion
Energy Subsidy Problem has voiced alarm about energy subsidies across the world.
The report has clearly mentioned that theenergy subsidies across the world are expected to reach 5.3
trillion dollars in 2015, more than government health spending.
Key facts from report
The rising subsidy figures are among the largest negative factors for economic growth which
is piling up adverse effects on efficiency, growth and inequality.
2015 energy subsidies will represent 6.5 per cent of the global economy, likely exceeding
government health spending across the world.
China is the largest spender on energy subsidies and spends around 2.3 trillion dollars a year,
followed by the United States at 699 billion dollars and Russia at 335 billion dollars.
While India spends 277 billion dollars, Japan spends 157 billion dollars and European Union
(EU) spends around 330 billion dollars.
Overall energy subsidies had more than doubled since 2011 which had amounted to 2 trillion
dollars i.e. 2.9 percent of the worlds gross domestic product.
It has damaging effects on air quality and health, such as premature deaths due to global
warming.
By getting energy prices right can help national governments achieve their goals not only for
the environment but also for inclusive growth and sound public finances.
Definition of energy subsidies: The IMF report defined energy subsidies as the difference between
the amount of money consumers pay for energy and its true costs, plus a countrys normal sales or
value-added tax rate.
In addition, the true costs include environmental effects like carbon emissions that lead to global
warming and the health effects.
Union Cabinet approves Namami Gange Program
May 14, 2015
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the flagship Namami
Gange Program. The program integrates the efforts to clean and protect the River Ganga in a
comprehensive manner by involving differed States and grassroots level institutions.
It has a budgetary outlay of 20000 crore rupees for 2015-20. It will be implemented National Ganga
River Basin Authority (NGRBA) with the help of State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
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In order to improve implementation of the program, a three-tier mechanism has been proposed for
project monitoring. It will comprise of
At national level: High level task force chaired by Cabinet Secretary and assisted by NMCG.
At national level: State level committee chaired by Chief Secretary and assisted by SPMG.
At District level: District level committee chaired by the District Magistrate.
Focus area of Program
Pollution abatement interventions by interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater
flowing through the open drains through bio-remediation.
Use of innovative technologies for sewage treatment plants (STPs) and effluent treatment
plant (ETPs).
Rehabilitation and augmentation of existing STPs and immediate short term measures for
arresting pollution at exit points on river front to prevent inflow of sewage etc.
Funding: Union government will provide 100% funding for various projects under this program.
For this Union Government will adopt Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV) approach for pollution hotspots.
Enforcement: In an attempt to bolster enforcement of this program and to check pollution and
protect the river, Union government will establish a Territorial Army unit named 4-battalion Ganga
Eco-Task Force.
Asiatic lion population in Gir sanctuary increases to 523: Census report 2015
May 11, 2015
According to 2015 census report, the number of Asiatic lions in Gir sanctuary of Gujarat and its
surrounding areas has gone up to 523.
This 14th census lion census, has registered 27 percent increase in the number of Asiatic lions
compared to 2010 census which had registered 411 Asiatic lions.
As per recent census,
There are 201 female, 109 male lions and 213 sub-adults as well as cubs in Gir sanctuary and
other protected areas in Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts of
Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
268 lions were sighted in Junagadh district and 44 lions in the Gir-Somnath district. While
174 lions were sighted in Amreli district and 37 lions in Bhavnagar districts.
The lions habitat area has almost doubled in last five years and has considerably increased to
22,000 square kilometers.
About 2015 lion census
Lion census is being carried out at every 5 years by Gujarat state forest department.
2015 Lion census exercise was carried out from 1st to 5th May, 2015.
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The lion population was registered using Global Positioning System (GPS) incase of direct
sighting or direct contact methods.
The census was conducted by more than 2 thousand persons. It included 600 units of
enumerators, government officials, trackers, wildlife experts, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs).
Note: Asiatic lions found in Gir sanctuary are only wild population of Asiatic lions in the world.
They are categorised as endangered species in International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red list.
NGT imposes monthly tax on all households in Delhi to clean up Yamuna River
May 9, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered that every household in Delhi must pay a monthly
environmental compensation to clean up pollution in Yamuna River.
Decision in this regard was taken by NGT bench headed by its chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
This decision was given while hearing a petition by environmental activist, Manoj Misra against
severe pollution in Yamuna River.
NGT has ordered that, to clean up Yamuna River the compensation will be paid by a particular
household and will be directly proportional to the property tax or water tax, whichever is higher.
In case of households in unauthorised colonies, which do not pay property tax or water bill will pay
the amount ranging from 100 to 500 rupees to clean river.
This compensation amount would be added to electricity bills, water bill or the property tax by the
respective departments which will later transfer the money to Delhi government.
The fund collected from this environmental compensation will be utilized to set up new sewage
treatment plants and provide other technology to clean up river Yamuna.
India home to 48 species of bumblebees
May 5, 2015
Recently released book Indian Bumblebees has revealed that India is home to 48 of the 250 known
species of bumblebees.
The book is written by entomologist M.S. Saini and co-authors Rifat H. Raina and Harpeet Singh
Ghator.
These 48 known species of bumblebees native to India and are the only pollinators of vegetation in
high-altitude regions.
Key facts about Indian Bumblebees
Bumblebees are social insects and live in colonies and the size of it depends on the species.
They are similar to the honeybees.
Mostly characterised by yellow, black and reddish body hair and are often striped.
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Generally found on altitudes of 2,000-15,000 feet along the entire Himalayas from Jammu &
Kashmir to Nagaland.
Life cycle: The founder of the Bumblebees colony is the queen. She hibernates throughout
winter and in spring finds a site for new nest. She then lays her eggs in autumn which will
result in the first batch of workers.
Importance: Bumblebees play an important role in the ecosystem and are crucial for
pollination at higher altitudes. Thus without them seed setting and fruiting will not take place
in many plants.
They pollinate fruit trees, vegetables, cash crops and even ornamental and medicinal plants
high in the Himalayas.
1 in 6 species can face extinction by end of century due to global warming: Study
May 4, 2015
Recently published study in journal Science has found out that 1 out of 6 species on Earth could
possibly extinct by the end of the century as a result of increasing global warming if the emission of
carbon dioxide (CO2) stays the same.
The study published was titled Accelerating extinction risk from climate change and is authored by Mark
C. Urban. The study highlighted the urgency to take strong action in order to address climate
change.
Key facts from the report
16 percent of species in the world would face the risk of extinction because of climatic factors.
The endemic plants and animals of Australia, South America and New Zealand are at risk as
for they would not be able to go to other place when their only homeland becomes
uninhabitable.
While, the species in North American and European regions have the lowest extinction risk
due to climate change.
The extinction risks from climate change will also accelerate for every degree rise in global
temperature if everyone didnt act now to limit future climate change.
Climate change will affect wildlife directly and indirectly as it may lead to change in weather
patterns that may affect the food they rely on or the habitat they live in.
Rajasthan Government allocates 12 crore rupees for Project Great Indian Bustard
May 3, 2015
Rajasthan Forest department has allotted more than twelve crore rupees for a bird conservation
programme, Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
For this project Japan Bank is going to provide financial support of three crore rupees.
Under the GIB Project, closures will be made at many places in Khudi rasla, Pokhran and Shahgarh
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of Jaislmer district for safe habitat of bird. In order to regularly monitor the bird information chips
will installed.
The Great Indian Bustard locally called as Godawan is also the state bird of Rajasthan.
Status of the Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard presently is confined to only eight pockets in 6 Indian states-
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The largest population is found in Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan
Great Indian Bustard is the State Bird of Rajasthan and locally is called as Godawan.
It is listed as critically endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red data list.
Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr. Ananda Kumar won 2015 Whitley Awards for wildlife
conservation
April 30, 2015
Two Indians, Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr Ananda Kumar have been awarded with the prestigious 2015
Whitley Awards for their contribution to wildlife conservation in developing countries.
Both of them received a Whitley prize worth 35000 pound along with seven other environmentalists
at a ceremony in Royal Geographical Society, London.
Dr. Pramod Patil was awarded for his work to protect the iconic great Indian bustard (GIB) in the
Thar Desert.
While, Dr Ananda Kumar received this award for developing innovative communication systems
namely Elephant Information Network (EIN) has enabled human-elephant coexistence in southern
India.
About Whitley Award
The Whitley Award was established in 1994 by Edward Whitley and given by the Whitley
Fund for Nature (WFN).
Every year, the award recognises and celebrates effective national and regional conservation
leaders across the globe.
The award is also dubbed as Green Oscar.
NGT bans burning of waste in Delhi NCR
April 29, 2015
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a complete ban on burning of any kind of garbage,
leaves, plastic waste and rubber in the open in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
This decision of NGT bench headed by its chairperson Swatanter Kumar comes in line with a series
of orders to control air pollution in the Delhi- NCR and on an application by a person identified as
Vardhaman Kaushik.
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In this regard, NGT also has directed authorities to levy a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found burning
such material in the open.
NGT also mentioned that burning of garbage and other material like plastic in open accounts for
nearly 30% of the air pollution in the capital and its suburbs.
Earlier, NGT had banned over 15-year-old petrol vehicles and over 10-year-old diesel vehicles from
plying on Delhi-NCR roads and also had issued detailed guidelines to tackle air pollution from
construction activity in the Delhi-NCR area.
India-Bangladesh join hands to protect spectacled Langur
April 25, 2015
India and Bangladesh have decided to take concerted conservation efforts to protect the rare
spectacled Langur.
These conservation efforts will be taken to protect this species of Langur found in Patharia Hills
Reserve Forest on either side of the fenced border along both nations in Karimganj district of
Assams Barak Valley.
Decision in this regard was taken into effect at the meeting of higher officials of both countries.
The primary focus of this conservation effort is to preserve the habitat for the survival of the
primates in the Patharia Hills Reserve Forest that is posing a major threat to the wildlife present in
the forest.
It also seeks to spread awareness campaigns which will be conducted in the fringe villages to urge
people not to destroy the forests for firewood.
Spectacled Monkey is popularly known as the Chasme vala bandar. They have white spectacle like
patches around the eyes.
The Patheria Hills reserve Forest is spread over an area of around seven thousand hectares on the
Indian side and consists of two blocks Patheria A and B.
It is only the forest in Assam, where the Spectacled Monkey is found while Mizoram and Tripura are
the other two states in the country where it inhabits.
Apart from spectacled Langur, the reserve forest is also home to the endangered Hoolock Gibbon
and Golden Langur.
It should be noted that Golden langue is one of endangered primate species in India.
Earth Day is being observed on 22 April
April 22, 2015
Earth day is being observed on the 22nd April every year. This day seeks to build support for
environmental protection around the world.
This years theme for the day is Its Our Turn to Lead and is 45th anniversary of Earth Day.
On this day more than one billion people participate in Earth Day campaigns every year from all
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around the globe of all nationalities, faiths and backgrounds.

Background
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then it is being observed in more than 192
countries.
The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a
UNESCO conference on Environment in 1969 as a global holiday.
Later in 1971, a proclamation was signed to observe international Earth Day annually on the
Vernal Equinox by UN Secretary-General U Thant.
Punjab government approves release of Gharials in Sutlej and Beas rivers to promote
eco-tourism
April 17, 2015
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on 17 April 2015 approved release of Gharials in Sutlej
and Beas rives in the state to promote eco-tourism.
Initially, 10 Gharials (last surviving species of the family Gavialidae) will be released in the Harike
Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of Gharial Recovery Action Plan.
Decision in this regard was taken after recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife.
Union Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) also had given permission
for release of Gharials under Section 12 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
About Gharial
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is also known as the gavial.
It is a fish-eating crocodile and belongs to one of the three crocodilian species found in the
Indian Sub-Continent.
It is listed in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is also listed as Critically Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.
In historic times it was present in Indus River system, including Beas and Sutlej rivers,
indicating healthy river system.
India to chair 9th International Renewable Energy Agency council meet
April 11, 2015
India is going to chair the ninth International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) council meeting
to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The 9th IRENA council is scheduled to start from 10 June 2015 and will be a two day event.
In this meeting 21 member nations of IRENA council are going to take part. They will guide the
agencys future programmes and activities.
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IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of

renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information
exchange within its member nations.
Founded: in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Two governing structure: IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level and gives
policy guidance.
IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing various decisions
of assembly.
Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder
members of IRENA.
Newly discovered Spider named after Telangana state
April 10, 2015
Newly discovered spiders of Thomisidae family have been named as Telangana crab spider (Thomisus
telanganensis) i.e. after Indian state of Telangana.
These spiders were discovered by G.B. Pravalikha and Chelmala Srinivasulu, wildlife and taxonomy
researchers from the Zoology Department of Osmania University at an expedition at Nagnur in
Karimnagar district of Telangana.
Key facts Telangana crab spiders
Morphologically they resemble crabs and are hence also called crab spiders.
Have tendency to walk sideways like crabs.
They lie on flowering plants and wait for prey so they are also known as flower spiders.
Do not weave webs like traditional spiders.
They attack immobilise their prey with venom and prey all of a sudden.
Size is between 3 mm and 23 mm.
Colour varies from dull to bright and colourful.
Generally are bio-controlling agents and help to keep the insect population under control.
Thus are important to the ecosystem.
Union Government suspends Greenpeace Indias registration for 6 months
April 10, 2015
Union government has suspended the registration of Greenpeace India, a non-profit environmental
organization for six months with immediate effect.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after Greenpeace India
had prejudicially acted against the public interests and economic interests of the country.
As per MHA, Greenpeace India has used its funds received from foreign sources for unauthorised
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purposes and has violated the rules mentioned Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA),
2010.
If Greenpeace India fails to make a satisfactory presentation to the Union government in this regard,
its licence may be cancelled permanently.
Background
Governments action against the Greenpeace came in the wake of the Intelligence Bureaus
(IBs) report on foreign funding of NGOs.
In the IB report, it had charged the Greenpeace and other lobby groups for preventing
economic growth of country by campaigning against mining, power projects and genetically
modified food.
Security agencies also have alleged that nearly 200 foreign donors were indulged in money
laundering under the garb of donating money to some of these organisations.
National Green Tribunal bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi
April 7, 2015
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 7 April 2015 held that all diesel vehicles heavy or light
which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted to ply in Delhi and NCR.
The judgment was given by bench headed by NGT Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar on a petition
filed by Vardhaman Kaushik who had contended that the level of particulates in Delhi is raising
manifold.
NGT bench held that
Diesel is prime source of air pollution in Delhi. The current situation is so alarming that
people have been advised to leave Delhi due to adverse effects on health.
Numbers of countries like Brazil, China, and Denmark etc are in the process or have
prohibited diesel vehicles. They have achieved it by imposing stringent taxes on the vehicles.
Certain stringent measures need to be taken to ensure that residents of Delhi do not travel
closer to ill-health with each breath they take.
In this regard, tribunal bench directed the Transport department of Delhi government and other
concerned authorities to prepare a comprehensive data of registration of all such vehicles which are
10 or more years old.
Earlier in November 2014, NGT had banned all the petrol vehicles over 15-year old in Delhi and
NCR.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches National Air Quality Index to give pollution
information
April 6, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Air Quality Index (AQI) to give pollution
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information on real time basis.

Initially the new index will cover 10 cities. They are Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow,
Agra, Faridabad, Varanasi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Later it will be extended to more than 60 cities
with a population exceeding one million.
Facts about National Air Quality Index (AQI)
AQI will be used to inform people about daily air quality in turn it will provide advisories on
health consequences.
It will also tell how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects.
The AQI has been developed for six pollutants- nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone,
Particle Pollution (PM)2.5, PM10 and carbon monoxide.
The new AQI is hosted on the website of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
RINL launches first of its kind green project to generate 120 MW power
March 31, 2015
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) the corporate entity of Vizag Steel Plant (VSP) on 31 March
2015 launched novel green project that can generate 120 MW power.
It is first of its kind green project launched in Indian Steel Industry that can generate pollution free
captive power using 100 per cent Blast Furnace Gas and Coke Oven Gas.
The plant consists of state-of-the-art Boiler Turbo Generator (BTG) Power Plant technology in
order to efficiently utilise the surplus Blast Furnace Gas (BFG). This Power Plant is designed for
firing 100 per cent BFG and Coke Oven Gas for the new captive power plant of 120 MW-capacity.
The plant is built at a cost of Rs 676 crore. It will help VSP to move step towards achieving self-
sufficiency in power generation and to reduce dependency on the State Grid in the process of steel
making.
Presently, RINL is having three turbo generators each 60 MW (180 MW) capacity and two turbo
generators of 67.5 each (135MW) capacity. Thus, having total captive power generation capacity of
315 MW.
Rare spiders sighted in Western Ghats
March 31, 2015
Researchers have discovered rare huntsman and jumping spider in the Western Ghats belong to the
Sparassidae and Salticidae families.
They were discovered by the research team of arachnologists led by Dr. P.A. Sebastian, Director of
the Division of Arachnology in Sacred Heart College, Kochi in Kerala.
Huntsman spider- It was sighted at Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. These
spiders are known for their speed and unique hunting mode. Sometimes they hide in the ambush and
surprise the prey.
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Some of these spiders make a substrate-borne sound when they detect a chemical left by a nearby
female of their species.
Jumping spider- It was sighted at the Malayattoor and Bhoothathankettu reserve forest. These
spiders jump from one place to another like a grasshopper.
The jumping spider was given the name Stenaelurillus albus due to the presence of a unique whitish
area on the copulatory organ of the male spider.
The discovery is considered unique as only 17 species of jumping spider having mating plugs have
been reported of the approximate 5,800 jumping spiders recorded.
Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population rises in Kaziranga: 2015 Census
March 29, 2015
As per the latest census, the Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population in Assams Kaziranga
National Park (KNP) world heritage site has increased to over 2401.
The census was conducted by Assams forest department in association with several wildlife NGOs as
a regular exercise in the park for four days from 24 to 28 March 2015.
Entire Park was divided into 81 blocks for the purpose of census and the whole exercise involved
about 200 people.
Key highlights of census
The census has counted 2,401 rhinos in the park in indicating that their population has
increased by 71 rhinos the past two years.
About 1,651 adult rhinos were counted in the census followed by 294 sub adult rhinos.
251 juvenile rhinos in the park were estimated followed by 205 calves.
Previous census
It should be noted that Rhino census is conducted every three years. The last census was
carried out in 2012. It had confirmed 2,290 rhinos in the park.
However, a special census of the rhinos was conducted in 2013 by Assam Government. The
special census had confirmed 2,329 rhinos in the park.
It was conducted after the poaching incidents had increased in the park and large numbers of
rhinos were poached.
Rajasthan passes bill to ban camel slaughter
March 29, 2015
Rajasthan Government on 27 March 2015 passed the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and
Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Bill, 2015. It was passed in state legislative assembly
by a voice vote.
The bill bans the slaughter, trading and unauthorised transportation of camels in the state. It also
prescribes rigorous punishment for its violation including five years of rigorous imprisonment along
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with monetary fine. Causing injury to camel is also punishable as per the bill.
Background
The bill was enacted after several cases of intentional killings of camel and its progeny had
come to light in state. Large numbers of camels for the purpose of slaughter were transported
to other states.
The menace illegal camel slaughter and trade had increased in recent times due to the
recurrent famine and scarcity conditions in the state. It had resulted in the decline of the
camel population.
In July 2014, state government had declared camel as the state animal of Rajasthan in order to
curb its illegal trade.
Earth Hour 2015 observed across the World
March 29, 2015
Ninth edition of Earth Hour was observed on 28 March 2015 across the World. Earth Hour 2015
encouraged people to explore and adopt a cleaner and more sustainable lifestyle by embracing
renewable energy solutions.
In this edition of Earth Hour, millions of people around the world took part in the event for the
global climate change awareness campaign.
Over 170 countries participated in the event and more than 1,200 landmarks along with 40 UNESCO
world heritage sites observed the Earth Hour.
Pariss iconic Eiffel Tower, Berlins Brandenburg Gate and Hong Kongs famed skyline also
participated in the Earth Hour by switching off their lights. The Eiffel Tower turned off lights for
only five minutes due to security reasons.
About Earth Hour
It is an annual global event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The initiative began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia and later became global event.
Earth Hours goal is to raise awareness for sustainable energy use and create a more
environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
This day encourages citizens, communities, businesses and organisations to switch the lights
off from 8:30 pm local time for an hour to highlight the plight of the planet.
Union Government reconstitutes SEAC-II in Maharashtra
March 23, 2015
Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has reconstituted the second
State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in Maharashtra.
The reconstituted SEAC-II will assess projects falling in category 8 of the schedule of (Environment
Impact Assessment) EIA notification 2006 in the Mumbai metropolitan region and Konkan division
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in Maharashtra.
SEAC-II will have seven members and will be headed by retired IAS officer Johny Joseph as
Chairman. The term of the chairman and members of the committee will be till October 2016.
The state government will provide all logistic support and financial to the SEAC-II.
Background
In Maharashtra, there are two SEAC-I and SEAC-II committees. Both the committees
appraise projects for environment clearance in the state.
The SEAC-I looks at projects from across the state, while the SEAC-II assess projects from
the Mumbai metropolitan region and Konkan division.
Both committees recommend either approval or rejection the projects to the State
Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
Mithivirdi nuclear plant gets CRZ nod from Union Government
March 22, 2015
Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given coastal regulatory
zone (CRZ) nod to the 6,000-MW Mithivirdi Nuclear Power Plant of Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited (NPCIL) in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.
The clearance was granted by MoEFCC for constructing an intake and outfall facility in the plant.
This intake channel will be 100 metre wide and 10 metre deep and a discharge facility comprising of
Condenser Cooling Water Discharge tunnels will be 8 metre diameter and 6 kms in length for each
two units and a total of 18 kms each for units.
MoEFCC also has proposed to construct a small barge handling marine facility having a draft of 3-4
metres. It will help for receiving and handling over dimensional consignments (ODCs) during the
construction stage of the plant and will be in the form of a shore-based wharf type or an open-piled
jetty system.
MoEFCC also asked NPCIL to examine possibilities of deploying ultrasonic devices with the help of
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) to divert the aquatic life from entering into the sea
water intake in connection. The ministry also has asked filters to be provided at intake to prevent
entry of marine life along with the sea water.
It should be noted that this environmental clearance for the plant is seen as a big boost for NPCIL
that has been facing severe opposition from local farmers and social activists.
Rajendra Singh wins prestigious 2015 Stockholm Water Prize
March 21, 2015
Renowned water conservationist and environment activist Rajendra Singh has been conferred
with 2015 Stockholm Water Prize.
He was awarded this prize for his innovative water restoration efforts and consistent attempts to
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improve the water security in villages in India.

About Rajendra Singh
He is popularly known as Water Man of India. He started his career in 1980 as a National
Service Volunteer and later joined NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS).
Rajendra Singh along with volunteered young people and TBS members had started
movement purifying traditional rainwater tanks (johads).
He also had played important role in rejuvenating Arvari River after johads and check dams
were constructed on it. It has helped Arvari River to become perennial river and was awarded
International River Prize.
Since then he has pioneered in building around 8,600 johads and other structures to collect
water in state of Rajasthan. This initiative has brought water back to around 1,000 villages
across the state.
He was also member of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) from 2009-12.
Awards- He was awarded with Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in
2001.
About Stockholm Water Prize
Established- 1991.
The prize is founded and financed by Stockholm Water Foundation and administered by the
Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
It recognizes persons for their outstanding achievements in conservation and protection of
the worlds water resources and presented annually.
The award carries US 150,000 dollars and a specially designed sculpture.
Rajendra Singh is fourth Indian to win the prestigious global award. Others are
1993- Madhav Chitale.
2005- Sunita Narain.
2009- Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.
NGT announces Rs 5,000 fine for littering on railway property
March 19, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on individuals spotted littering or
throwing waste on the railway platforms and tracks.
It was announced by a NGT bench, headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
In this regard NGT has passed a slew of directions to the Railways and other authorities for
maintaining cleanliness on railway tracks.
The Tribunal directed the Railways and the Delhi Municipal Corporations to place dustbins after
identifying exact locations for collection of garbage.
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NGT also directed the Railways instead of directly releasing the garbage into sewer system they
should collect, transport and treat the waste at the treatment plants. The tribunal also directed the
concerned authorities to install mobile toilets near slum clusters in order to control pollution caused
by plastic products and human defecation around railway tracks.
NGT gave the directions on a petition filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania. The
petitioners were seeking a blanket ban on use and sale of plastic products on railway platforms across
the country besides a ban on open defecation by people around tracks.
Union Environment Ministry revokes suspension of Goa mines
March 18, 2015
Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has revoked 3 year-old suspension of
environmental clearances (ECs) of mines in Goa. It was announced by Goa Chief Minister
Laxmikant Parsekar.
This decision will pave the way for resumption of iron ore extraction in the state especially in 72 out
of the total 89 approved mining leases.
MoEF decision to lift the ban on mining was taken as per the directives of the Supreme Court (SC).
With revocation of mining suspension, state government now will decide the ore extraction limits
for individual miners so that mining output does not exceed the cap of 20 million tonnes (mt) set by
SC.
Background
In 2012, then Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan had suspended ECs for 93 mining
leases in Goa.
The ECs were suspended by her following the recommendations of report submitted by
commission headed by former Supreme Court justice MB Shah.
The commission in its report had highlighted rampant illegal extraction of the raw material
in the state. The suspension had completely halted the iron ore mining in the state.
In April 2014, SC had lifted this ban and had ruled that iron ore extraction in state will
require clearances form MoEF and approval from the state government. The court also had
set a cap of 20mt a year for all output in Goa.
Union Government merges Green India Mission merged with MGNREGA to reclaim
forest cover
March 15, 2015
Union Government has merged Green India Mission (GIM) with the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Scheme.
By merging GIM with MGNREGA Scheme government seeks to increase 10 million hectares of
forest cover.
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Key facts
National Mission for a Green India aims for afforestation at 10 million hectares of land over
the next decade in order to increase and improve the countrys forest cover. It also aims at
improving ecosystems services, forest based livelihood income of about three million
households and to enhance annual CO2 sequestration.
At present under MGNREGA Scheme green works such as water harvesting, afforestation
and farm forestry are undertaken which are implemented by Union Ministry of Rural
Development.
Government will also use modern technology like remote sensing to monitor the progress of
this initiative regularly.
Union Government also has set out convergence guidelines in this regard after consulting both
Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and Rural Development Ministries.
Convergence guidelines includes
All lands including community lands, village common lands, revenue wastelands, wetlands,
shifting cultivation areas, and private agricultural lands will be eligible for afforestation.
Under MGNREGA for afforestation, forest works such as pre-plantation, planting, watering
and pit digging will be undertaken. Fencing, plant support and protection activities,
mulching, weeding and manuring the plants will be also undertaken.
Technical advice related to the plant species suitable for area and to raise nurseries will be
provided by State Forest Development Agencies (SFDA).
SFDA will also deliver information related to plant material to each gram panchayat before
July each year meeting the cost from MGNREGA funds.
Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles begins in Odisha
March 13, 2015
The mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles, an endangered species has begun at mouth of river
Rushikulya in Ganjam district of Odisha. Over 10,000 female turtles have laid eggs on the first day, in
the 3-km-long sandy beach from Gokharakuda to Podampeta.
Along with nesting sites at river Rushikulya mouth and Gahiramatha, the mouth of Devi River in
Odisha is also famous for mass nesting.
The mass nesting season of Olive Ridley sea turtles is a unique phenomenon and each female turtle
lays around 100-150 eggs. These eggs hatch after 45 to 50 days of the nesting. However, the mother
turtles do not wait till hatching and baby turtles are left alone for their survival.
For the mass nesting, around 175 persons, including forest personnel, wildlife activists and nearby
local villagers are engaged in protection of the Olive Ridley turtles and the eggs round the clock.
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About Olive Ridley Turtles

Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea.
They are also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle.
Olive Ridley Turtles are generally found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific
and Indian Oceans.
They are listed as endangered species in IUCN Red Data Book because of their few remaining
nesting sites in the world.
EU formally adopts climate change targets for December 2015 UNFCCC Paris
Conference
March 7, 2015
The European Union (EU) has formally adopted climate change targets for December 2015
UNFCCC Paris Conference. Adopted climate change target includes a 40 per cent cut in emissions by
2030.
These targets were agreed by leaders of the 28 EU member-states at a summit in October 2014 but
now have been officially forwarded to the United Nations.
EU announcement comes prior to the deadline of March 31, 2015 as it is binding on countries to
announce their commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
EU countries when taken together form the worlds biggest economy and accounts for nine per cent
of global emissions of greenhouse gases. EU has agreed to cut the greenhouse gas emissions by at
least 40 per cent compared to 1990 levels.
United States also has formally announced its intention to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent in
2025 compared with their level in 2005. It should be noted that US accounts for 12 per cent of global
greenhouse gases emissions.
While, China has set a target date of 2030 for its global greenhouse gases emissions to reach peak.
Renowned ornithologist K.S. Lavkumar Khachar passes away
March 4, 2015
Renowned ornithologist and environmentalist K.S. Lavkumar Khachar passed away in Rajkot,
Gujarat. He was 84.
As environmentalist he had a long association with the environmental conservation intuitions like
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India.
About K.S. Lavkumar Khachar
Khachar was educated at Rajkumar College in Rajkot and belonged to the erstwhile princely
family of Jasdan from Gujarat.
He was among the pioneers of nature conservation in India and had worked to spread
awareness about ornithology, nature and wildlife conservation in the country.
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He had organized and led several environmental education activities in Gujarat especially
conservation work in the Gulf of Kutch islands and Gir forest, famous for Asiatic Lions.
In 1984, he had served as director of the Nature Discovery Centre of the Centre for
Environment Education (CEE).
Book- In 1981, he had authored and produced book Sixty Indian Birds along with RS
Dharmakumarsinhji.
Awards- For his pioneering work in ornithology and on the Nanda Devi National Park, he
has been conferred with prestigious Salim Ali-Loke Wan Tho Lifetime Award for Excellence in
Ornithology. In 2004, he was also awarded the Venu Menon Lifetime Achievement Award.
Zoological Society of London and Gujarat Forest Department inks MoU for Asiatic lion
Conservation
February 27, 2015
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Gujarat Forest Department on 26 February 2015 have inked
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for conservation of Asiatic lion and its habitat.
As part of MoU, ZSL with its expertise in managing zoo will provide
Technical assistance to forest department to manage rescue and treatments centres.
Technical support in veterinary support and expertise in managing the landscape and the
habitat of the area and also training the staff in handling rescue operations.
It will also help to manage Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh.
State Forest Department will use smart software jointly developed by the ZSL and the Gujarat
forest department for tracking the movement of their staff and even the lions.
Earlier in 2014, ZSL had launched charitys new Lions400, a fundraising campaign and had raised
over 135,000 towards helping to save the Asian lions.
NGT issues the whip on vintage cars
February 24, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued whip on vintage cars and directed that no such car will be
permitted on the roads of Delhi.
This order was issued by bench of NGT headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on the lines
of its earlier order that had banned all vehicles older than 15 years.
In its order NGT bench also mentioned that, no fitness certificates to the vintage cars will be issued
by any authority without specific permission of the tribunal.
NGTs order was issued on a plea hearing, filed by Madan Mohan, director of 21 Gun Salute
International Vintage Car Rally, who had moved the tribunal seeking permission for the rally.
Background
In November 2014, NGT in its judgment had held that vehicles which are more than 15 years
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old are banned to run on the city roads.

NGT also had directed the concerned authorities take appropriate steps in accordance with
law including seizure of these vehicles it they are found running on road.
NGT is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues. It was constituted by Parliament under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
(NGT) under Indias constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the
right to a healthy environment.
3rd Tortoise Festival organised in Assam
February 23, 2015
3rd Tortoise Festival was organised on the banks of Hajong Lake in Dima Hasao district of Assam by
Dima Hasao Environment and Forest Department.
This festival aims to create awareness among the villagers surrounding villages of Hajong Lake about
the safety of the endangered tortoise species available in the area.
Key facts
Hajong Lake is popularly known as the tortoise lake, is a natural habitat of the few unique
tortoise i.e. hill terrapins.
It is situated 80 kilometres north of Haflong in the remote Dima Hasao district.
Hajong Lake is the only natural tortoise habitat in Assam, where some endangered species of
tide-water tortoise of north-east India are still living.
It is facing a hostile condition due to ever-growing human intervention in their habitats and
at present, there are around 400 to 500 tortoises dwelling in this Lake.
Environmental loss in Sundarbans worth Rs. 1290 Crore: World Bank Report
February 22, 2015
As per World Banks recently released report Building Resilience for Sustainable Development of the
Sundarbans, environmental damage in the climate change-hit islands of Sundarbans is costing India
Rs. 1,290 crore each year.
This report was jointly prepared by World Bank in collaboration with the West Bengal government.
Key facts of report
Losses- Annually the cost of environmental damage associated with ecosystem degradation
and biodiversity loss is about Rs. 670 crore. While, the cost of health effects due to poor
environment is estimated at Rs. 620 crore.
Factors- The losses are due to combination of factors associated with unsustainable and
inefficient economic activities in Sundarbans.
These factors include mangrove destruction, impact of cyclones, reduced agricultural yields
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and unsustainable fisheries as well as destruction of ecosystem services.

Cyclones- Damage costs from cyclones are the highest and accounts for damages worth Rs.
290 crore. It also includes damages to houses, agriculture, human injuries and fatalities.
Health issues- Due to environmental degradation, villagers in Sundarbans are suffering from
poor health outcomes. This degradation is generally in the form of adverse natural events,
such as cyclones and storms and increases in soil salinity.
These risk factors contribute considerably to mortality and morbidity, particularly among
women and children.
Other losses- Climate change along with the sea level rise also has resulted in shrimp losses,
carbon sequestration losses associated with degradation of mangrove forest, soil salinity in
terms of impact on rice yields, loss of biodiversity and agricultural land losses.
About Sundarbans
Sundarbans is an archipelago of 54 islands and is home to about 44 lakh people. It is a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
In recent times it is hit hard by an increase in floods, storms, salinity and erosion caused by rising
sea-levels and global warming.
Union Government launches Soil Health Card Scheme in Rajasthan
February 20, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched nationwide Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme in
Suratgarh town of Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan.
During the launch PM gave slogan- Swasth Dharaa. Khet Haraa (Healthy Earth, Green Farm).
Key facts of Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme
SHC is centrally-sponsored nationwide scheme which aims to help farmers to improve the
productivity of farms by providing them basic information for use of nutrients or fertilizers.
The card carries crop-wise recommendation of fertilisers that are required for farm lands. It
also helps farmers identify health of soil and judiciously use soil nutrients.
Under this scheme Centre plans to target over 14 crore farmers in the next three years. In
financial year 2014-15, around 3 crore farmers will be covered to check the excess use of
fertilisers.
Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme was announced by NDA government led by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in its first budget presented in July 2014.
In the budget, government had allotted Rs. 100 crore for issuing cards under the scheme.
Government also had allotted additional Rs. 56 crore to set up 100 mobile soil testing laboratories
across India.
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Muthoot Group partners with WWF for elephant project

February 15, 2015
Kerala-based business conglomerate Muthoot Group has launched the Friends for Life project in
partnership with World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-India.
This project aims at effective management of human-elephant conflict (HEC) to protect the habitats
of Asian elephants in six states as 4 priority landscapes and 1 priority site earmarked by WWF-India.
Priority landscapes include North Bank landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga and Karbi-
Anglong in Assam, Terai Arc landscape in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Western Ghats
landscape in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and also some parts of northern West Bengal.
This project was launched in Kochi as part of the Muthoots Haathi Mera Saathi Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
This project will address the problems and provide solutions in terms of reducing elephant and
human lives lost in the earmarked priority landscapes. It will also secure crop and property damage in
villages and build a future where humans and elephants can live in harmony with each other in
selected landscapes.
India signs $8 million loan agreement with World Bank for SLACC Project
February 14, 2015
India signed a loan grant agreement worth US $8 million with World Bank for Sustainable
Livelihoods and Adaption to Climate change (SLACC) Project.
The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Finance Tarun Bajaj and World
Banks India Country Director Onno Ruhl.
About Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaption to Climate change (SLACC) Project
SLACC Project aims at improving the adaptive capacity of the rural poor particularly women
farmers engaged in farm-based livelihoods to cope with climate change and scale up the
demonstrated best practices.
SLACC project will be implemented in collaboration with government programs such as
Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
While, National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is the implementing agency of SLACC.
It will focus to provide assistance in Climatic hazards that affect the availability of natural
resources, which adversely affect the livelihoods of the poor by impacting production,
affecting incomes and preventing building up of assets.
Four new fish species discovered in Kerala
February 12, 2015
Four new fish species named Puntius nelsoni, Puntius nigronotus, Systomus chryseus and Systomus rufus
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have been discovered in Kerala.

They were discovered by Mathews Plamoottil, a zoology professor at Baby John Memorial
Government College in Kollam.
Facts about discovered species
Puntius nelson- Body and fins of this fish is yellowish in colour. Its head is deeper, the snout
shorter and the mouth wider. It was discovered at Kallumkal in Thiruvalla, at the place where
Pamba and Manimala rivers merge.
Puntius nigronotus- It has dorsal fin, black in colour and has more rays. Its lateral line
scales are greater than its closest relatives. It was discovered at Mananthavady in the hilly
Wayanad district.
Systomus chryseus- It is golden in colour and its pectoral fin is greatly elongated. It was
discovered from Keezhvaipur near Thiruvalla.
Systomus rufus- Its fins are red in colour. It was discovered from Venpala, near Thiruvalla
district.
All the four new species have received a Zoo bank register number from the International
Commission of Zoological Nomenclature (the worldwide scientific authority for naming new
animals). The new species of the genus Systomus was discovered after one-and-a-half century.
Detailed articles describing these new species have been published in international publications like
Journal of Research in Biology and International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies.
Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concludes in Nepal
February 6, 2015
A symposium, Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th February
2015.
Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia
This five-day anti-poaching symposium started on 2 February 2015, was hosted by the
Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation of Nepal.
It was co-hosted by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Global Tiger Forum (GTF),
National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and South Asia Wildlife Enforcement
Network (SAWEN)
This event had brought together global anti-poaching experts and delegates from countries
like Bangaladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia,
Thailand and Vietnam.
In this event, experts shared best anti-poaching practices, tools and technologies with the aim
of launching a coordinated Asia-wide push to stop poaching.
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Among the Tiger Range Countries that participated in this Zero Poaching in Asia
symposium, Nepal is the only country to achieve zero poaching.
Nepals achievement of Zero-poaching
Nepal had celebrated two zero poaching years i.e. in 2011 and 2014.
In both years no single critically endangered rhino was killed and for past three years not a
single tiger was killed.
Nepal was able to achieve remarkable success in wildlife conservation mainly due to its three
C policies, commitment, collaboration and coordination of conservation efforts undertaken
by local communities and the security forces.
Nepals wildlife
Nepal, which shares the Terai Arc landscape with India, has rich bio-diversity and rare flora
and fauna. It is home to endangered animals like tigers, rhinos, elephants and gangetic
dolphins.
It has 10 national parks, three wildlife reserves and six conservation areas that cover more
than 13,000 square miles in total. As per the previous animal census there are 534
endangered rhinos and 198 tigers in Nepal.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) is Nepals nodal agency
to monitor its rich biodiversity.
Two beneficial algal species discovered off the west coast of India
February 5, 2015
Recently, two beneficial algal species Ulva paschima Bast and Cladophora goensis Bast were
discovered off the west coast of India.
They were discovered by Dr. Felix Bast and two research students working with him. These findings
were published in the journals PLOS One and Indian Journal of Marine Sciences.
Key Characteristics of discovered algal species
Carbon capture properties- These species have excellent carbon capture properties i.e.
ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So it can be used as bio-fuels and help
reduce global warming.
Endemic- Both of them are endemic species to the western coast of India. So, their
cultivation is not going to cause any environmental harm and reduces the risk of bio invasion
in this region.
Bloom forming- Both species being bloom forming they have spontaneous growth. So there
is no need for any expensive cultivation systems such as photobioreactors or extensive use of
fertilizers/pesticides. They can grow sporadically at shorelines and can sequester CO.
Medicinal values- Both species have similar characteristic like other algal species which
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have Kahalalide-F , used in in clinical trials against prostate and breast cancers. So they can be
used in Pharmaceutical products.
It should be noted that, this discovery was the first molecular study on Indian algae, and first algal
species discoveed in past 40 years.
World Wetlands Day is being observed on 2 February
February 2, 2015
Every year World wetland day (WWD) is observed on 2 February.
The theme for the world wetland day 2015 is Wetlands for our future.
Significance of Day
This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar
Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
Each year on this day government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
groups of citizens at all levels of the community raise public awareness of wetland values and
their benefits. They also spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular.
Background
For first time, WWD was celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year. The
theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and Agriculture.
Some facts
Currently there are 2,186 wetlands of international importance sites under the Ramsar
Convention known as Ramsar Sites covering around 208,449,277 hectares km.
The maximum Ramsar sites are located in UK i.e. 168.
The largest area covered by the Ramsar sites is in Canada.
The number of parties to the Ramsar Convention is 168.
Ramsar Sites in India are 26 (as of September 2012).
Jackal research and translocation project launched in Uttar Pradesh
February 2, 2015
Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh (UP) Forest Department and Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) is launching Jackal Research & Translocation Project in UP.
Under this project, study and translocation of 30-35 wild jackals from Akbars Tomb in Sikandra,
Agra to safe natural habitat will be undertaken.
Jackal Translocation Project
It seeks to protect Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) population in Akbars tomb as well as
jackals.
Recent surveys have shown that jackal population has increased inside the Akbars tomb
premises.
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It had resulted in decrease in population of Blackbucks as jackals were preying on the young
fawn of the black bucks.
This project will help to reduce unnatural proximity between these two species by
translocating jackal to other safe natural habitat and save almost 100 blackbucks.
Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary to come up near Bengaluru
February 1, 2015
Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary will come up near Bengaluru, Karnataka.
It was announced by an international animal rights and conservation group People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (PETA).
In this regard, PETA and the Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka have joined hands.
Key facts about solar fenced elephant sanctuary
Its main objective is to allow elephants in this park to move around freely within the secure
area to curb man- animal conflicts in this area.
It will cover 49.5 hectare area within the Biological Park which is an extension of the
Bannerghatta National Park.
Designed by the PETA consultant and elephant expert Carol Buckley and basically includes
solar electric fence and a state-of-the-art emergency corral made of steel pipes.
Local caregivers will be also trained on the principles of protected contact. It will allow safe
interaction between human beings and elephants by keeping them separated by a barrier.
It will also replace age-old routine of physical punishment techniques to manage the
elephants, by positive reinforcement techniques.
Keralas Periyar tiger reserve wins NTCA biennial award
January 22, 2015
Periyar Tiger Reserve located in Kerala has won the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) biennial award for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve.
Public participation in managing the Periyar Tiger Reserve
India Eco-Development project (IEDP): Peoples participation started in the reserve in
December 1996 by establishing India Eco-Development project (IEDP). It was a community-
based eco-tourism initiative, which promoted tourism activities which helped visitors. It also
promoted pepper growing in this region and marketing it.
Periyar Foundation: Later in 2006, reserve set up the Periyar Foundation which was a
model for other reserves in biodiversity conservation and community participation in
managing natural resources. It involved 75 communities living around the reserve, including
tribal people.
There are around 19 different eco-tourism programmes apart from village eco-development
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programmes for public participation in managing the reserve.

Indias Tigers population increases by 30% since 2011
January 20, 2015
As per tiger census report 2014, the population of tigers in India has increased from 1,706 in 2011 to
2,226 in 2014.
This tiger census report was released by Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar.
Key facts of tiger census report 2014
It shows an increase of 30 per cent in countrys tiger population compared to 2011 tiger
census report.
The latest tiger census figures show that Karnataka has the highest number of tigers in the
age group of 1.5 years and more. It has 408 tigers in that age group.
While census figures show that 340 tigers are in Uttarakhand, 308 in Madhya Pradesh, 229 in
Tamil Nadu, 190 in Maharashtra, 167 in Assam, 136 in Kerala and 117 in Uttar Pradesh.
As per new census, India is estimated to be home to around 70% of the worlds tigers.
For census, total of 3,78,118 sq km of forest area in 18 tiger states was surveyed with a total of
1,540 unique tiger photo captures.
Tiger census
In India, tiger census is carried out after a gap of every four years by the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA).
2006 tiger census: Tiger population estimated was 1,411.
2010 tiger census: Tiger population estimated was 1,706.
World Future Energy Summit begins in Abu Dhabi
January 19, 2015
The World Future Energy Summit 2015 has begun in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It is eight edition of the summit and will be four day event.
It will provide platform to delegates including world leaders, international policy makers, industry
leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists from all over the world including
India.
Delegates will discuss the future of renewable energy and how to overcome the challenges in tapping
potential of it.
Key highlights of World Future Energy Summit
It will provide a platform for commercial solutions to clean and green energy.
It will include exhibition of first-of-its-kind, fully integrated hybrid product that captures
both solar and wind energy to provide more consistent power generation.
Summit will also display a mobile solar power plant on a trailer with a 4.8 kWp capacity and
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battery storage of up to 20 kWh and a new turbine that converts energy from sea waves.
It will also display parabolic sun-dish concentrators combined with a specialized steam
generator suitable for enhanced oil recovery, power generation, water desalination
operations and power generations are on display.
2014 hottest year on record: US scientists
January 19, 2015
According to US scientists, year 2014 was the hottest year on record, with global average
temperature increasing about 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880.
It was revealed by two separate analyses carried out by NASA and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Key outcomes
10 warmest years since records began in the 19th century have all been since 1997.
In 2014, record temperatures were spread around the globe. It included most of Europe
stretching into northern Africa, the western United States, far eastern Russia into western
Alaska, parts of interior South America, parts of eastern and western coastal Australia and
elsewhere.
Recent trends of warming have been dominated by human emissions of greenhouse gases.
Earlier, it was thought of chaotic weather patterns. But later it was considered that year-to-
year fluctuations in average global temperature are caused by phenomena such as El Nino or
La Nina.
El Nino or La Nina phenomena generally warm or cool the tropical Pacific oceanic region and
are thought to have played a role in the flattening of the long-term warming trend over the
past 15 years.
However, 2014s record warmth occurred during an El Nino-neutral year.
5th General Assembly of IRENA begins in Abu Dhabi
January 18, 2015
The 5th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has began in
Abu Dhabi.
Government leaders from more than 150 countries including India and representatives from more
than 110 international organizations are taking part in this two day meet.
5th meet of IRENA seeks to address global issues like enhancing the share of renewable energy in the
overall energy mix and to tackle global challenges like climate change, energy access and energy
security.
It is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable
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energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its
member nations.
It was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Members: In total it has 138 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent members of IRENA.
3 day Flamingo Festival begins near Pulicat Lake in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
January 10, 2015
3 day Flamingo Festival has begun at the famous brackish water of Lake Pulicat in Nelapattu Bird
Sanctuary located at Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It will be hosted in Doravari Satram mandal,
in Nellore district.
This festival provides a unique opportunity for people, particularly ornithologists,
environmentalists, bird watchers, forest and tourism officials
To study the bio-diversity of Pulicat and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
To initiate measure to conserve the bio-zones for future generations in this area.
It also promotes eco-tourism in the district. In this three day festival, several cultural and
entertainment programmes will take place.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, considered one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds of
pelicans and other birds.
It is located about 20 km north of the Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu
border.
This sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares.
Every year from October to March, different species of migratory birds, roosting migrants
and some rare and endangered species from various parts of the world visit the habitat.
This sanctuary plays important role in nesting of various birds especially migratory birds.
Birds found in this sanctuary are: Flamingos, Pelicans, Siberian Storks, Open Billed
Storks, Night Herons, Egrets, Little Cormorant, Golden Backed Wood Pecker, Spotted and
Ring Doves, King Fishers, Painted Storks, White Necked Storks, Spoon Bills and other
species of birds.
The villagers in area nearby to this sanctuary treat the migratory birds with affection and
provide protection to them.
Second National Biodiversity Conference-2015 will be held in Kerala
December 31, 2014
The National Biodiversity Conference (NBC)-2015 will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
from 23rd to 27th February.
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It will be second edition of this biodiversity conference and its focal theme for 2015 is Biodiversity:
Access and Benefit Sharing.
NBC is being organized as the most important biodiversity mega event of India, under the auspices
of MoEF and National Biodiversity Authority and all other organisations involved in conservation
and promotion of biodiversity in the country.
2 edition of NBC will consists of conference, workshops and exhibitions that will help to create
awareness for accounting natural capital as a national asset.
All conservation leaders and natural resource managers are going to participate in this conference to
promote sustainable development.
Background: It is a biennial event and first NBC was organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board
(KSBB) in Thiruvananthapuram. The theme of NBC 2012 was Biodiversity for food security.
For first time 19 swamp deer translocated from Kaziranga to Manas National Park
December 29, 2014
For the first time in India, a herd of 19 swamp deer were translocated from Kaziranga National Park
to Manas National Park in Assam. It was part of Eastern Swamp Deer Conservation Project to
source their population to Manas National Park.
This translocation initiative was initiated by a team of experts from the Assam Forest Department
(AFD), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Assam College of Veterinary Science.
As a part of translocation, they were transported more than 400 kms away from present habitat and
were released in a specially prepared enclosure or boma in Manas. This boma (enclosure) is secured
by a two-line power fence installed over a barrier to deter leopards.
In this enclosure, they are provided with transplanted short grass originally from their habitat to
ensure wellbeing of the herd.
As part of translocation they will kept in boma for the first few months and later will be released in
the park in batches. While some of them will be kept in the boma for breeding purposes.
Swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) are popularly known as Barasingha. Its entire
population is currently found only in Kaziranga National Park.
Eastern Swamp Deer Conservation Project- It is an ecological research programme of AFD and
WTI along with ONGC started in 2010. The aim of the project is to understand the ecology of the
eastern swamp deer and develop management strategies for conservation of their last surviving
population in India.
The project generally focuses on researching diet, genetic constitution and behaviour of swap deers
which will provide useful insight for scientific management of the sub-species in Kaziranga, along
with creating a second home in Manas National Park.
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Translocation: It is a wildlife conservation biology which includes capture, transport and release or
introduce species from their original habitat to another habitat far away. It seeks to reduce the risk of
their extinction by increasing, augmenting their critical population.
NGT forms panel to dispose sand on Yamuna riverbed
December 21, 2014
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a committee to weigh and dispose around 70,000
cubic metre of sand and clay lying on the riverbed of Yamuna at Wazirabad and Jagatpur bund areas
in New Delhi.
This decision was taken by a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swantanter Kumar after
Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had informed NGT regarding disposing of sand and clay lying on the river bed
to contractors which was banned earlier.
Guidelines set by NGT bench
The committee will deposit entire earning from this sand and clay with DJB.
Mining in the name of dredging will be carried out by any of the respondents till the next
date of hearing on January 27, 2015.
The royalty would be computed on actual content of clay and sand in the dredging material.
Background
Earlier, NGT had completely banned sand mining in the name of dredging on Yamuna River at the
two sites. This decision was taken after a petition seeking a complete ban on illegal sand mining in
New Delhi without obtaining environmental clearance.
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT) is a federal legislation enacted by the
Parliament of India, under Indias constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the
citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.
The tribunal itself is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases
pertaining to environmental issues.
Bangladesh oil spill disaster threatens wildlife in Sundarbans forest
December 13, 2014
Bangladeshs oil spill disaster is considered as ecological catastrophe which may threaten rare
dolphins, other wildlife species and worlds largest mangrove forests in the Sundrbans.
Oil spill disaster: The tanker carrying an estimated 350,000 litres of furnace oil partly sank in the
Sundarbans Shela River after it collided with another vessel.
These oil slicks have spread over a 60 kilometre-long area and have entered into another river as
well as a network of canals in the vast Sundarbans delta which comprises a network of rivers and
canals straddling Bangladesh and India.
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Environmental Impact
This disaster may be considered as an ecological catastrophe and can destroy the delicate ecology of
the Sundarbans a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Sundrban has worlds largest mangrove forest which is home to wide range of fauna, including 260
bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the
Indian python. It is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.
The oil spills has already blackened the shoreline and started degrading the water quality, threatening
trees, plankton, vast populations of small fishes.
Rare Irrawaddy dolphin may be the first victim of this oil spill as the thick layer of oil on the surface
of the river may cut down the dissolved oxygen, leading to suffocation of these dolphins due to lack
of oxygen.
It may even threaten Sunderban tigers as there feed on herbivores animals like deer and other are
going to suffer from oil spill as their vegetation may be covered by a thick layer of oil and rinse into
the soil once the water recedes during the tides.
Typhoon Hagupit approaches Philippines
December 7, 2014
Typhoon Hagupit has approached Philippines and has made landfall in the town of Dolores in the
eastern Philippines with terrifying winds and intense rain pounding in the eastern part.
The powerful storm from the typhoon which has its origin from the Pacific Ocean crashed into the
remote fishing communities of Samar Island with wind gusts of 210 km/hr. Almost 7 lakh people
were evacuated before the typhoon. United Nations has mentioned it as one of the worlds biggest
peacetime evacuations.
Typhoo Hagupit is expected to make five landfalls as it crosses the Philippines before leaving the
country by 10th December 2014.
India helps Maldives to tackle drinking water crisis
December 6, 2014
India helped Maldives to tackle drinking water crisis after the only water desalination plant in
Maldives capital Male, had caught fire and had to be shut down. Due to this emergency over 100,000
residents of Male were left without drinking water
Earlier, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen had declared a crisis situation and had appealed to
India, Sri Lanka and China and the United States for help.
Indias help: In the response to Maldives urgent call, India has sent over 200 tonnes of drinking
water through 5 IAF heavy-lift aircraft and also pressed into service naval warships to supply potable
water to Male.
Indian Navys patrol vessel INS Sukanya already has reached Male and will be stationed there to
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produce water round the clock to meet the water crisis. It is carrying 35 tonnes of fresh water and
has two reverse osmosis (RO) plants onboard which have a capacity of producing 20 tonnes of fresh
water per day.
Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh to be declared as Tiger Reserve
November 24, 2014
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has given in-principle approval for creation of
Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh. The NTCA in this regard has sought a
final proposal from the Chhattisgarh state administration.
Guru Ghasidas national park lies between two important tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh (Madhya
Pradesh) and Palamau (Jharkhand) and is also contiguous with the Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserve
(Madhya Pradesh).
Background
In June 2011, the proposal to declare Guru Ghasidas National Park as a tiger reserve was
proposed by the then Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests
Jairam Ramesh to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh.
The proposal was made after the area was surveyed by the Wildlife Institute of India in 2010.
The survey had clearly mentioned that, though the prey population in the habitat is low at
present, it has considerable diversity. Therefore, with good management and protection
under Project Tiger, the area has a potential for supporting a viable tiger population along
with the Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserve.
At present, Chhattisgarh has three tiger reserves- Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi and Achanakmar.
According to an NTCA, these reserves have 26 tigers as per Tiger census of 2010.
Environment Ministry approves waiver of mandatory green clearances for strategic
border roads
November 22, 2014
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has given in-principle approval to Union Home
Ministry and Ministry for Road Transport and Highways for waiver of mandatory forest and
environment clearances for construction of strategic roads and bridges along border.
This in-principle approval by MoEF was granted in order to expedite strategic border projects under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for creation of border security
related infrastructure within five kilometres aerial distance from the International Border.
Earlier, Union Home Ministry had requested MoEF to exempt environment clearance for
infrastructure projects falling within 100 km from Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control
(LAC) and International Border (IB).
In response to this request, MoEF has allowed diversion of land for setting up of surveillance
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equipment within 5 km from the International Border and 100 km from LAC.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also had requested MoEF to give environment and forest
clearances at their respective state level in order to expedite these infrastructure projects along the
States having borders.
The states mentioned were: Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat.
MoEF gave approval to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Forest (Conservation) Act
for creation of security related installations for all states having international border except to the
state of Jammu & Kashmir as this Act do not extend to it.
Implications of this decision on strategic border projects
Paramilitary organisations like Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
are the first line of defence along the IB. This approval will help them to meet their most of
installations requirements such as border roads, fencing, Border Outposts, floodlights,
surveillance and power infrastructure are required to be created along or near the IB.
Due to the inhospitable terrain along the LAC, installations of the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police deployed along the LAC as first line defence, are required to be created at far away
distance from the LAC. Now they can construct strategic installations within 100kms of LAC.
These strategic projects will help to tackle repeated incursions along LoC, LAC and IB.
2015 to be celebrated as Year of Water Conservation in India
November 23, 2014
The year 2015-16 will be observed as water conservation year in India. Recently, it was announced
by the Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti while
inaugurating an international seminar on water risk and water stewardship held at New Delhi.
To mark this conservation year, a public movement will be launched. The cooperation of state
governments, NGOs, civil society, youth and retired personnel will be taken to meet efforts aimed at
conserving water.
As per minister, public movement has become a necessity for conservation of water and river in the
country as it is an important element of development.
Newton-Bhabha Fund announced by UK and India
November 12, 2014
India and United Kingdom (UK) have announced a Newton-Bhabha Fund programme to scale up
their bilateral research & innovation relationship to a greater level. This new initiative was
announced during a meeting between Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Harsh
Vardhan and the UK Minister for Universities, Science and Cities Greg Clark, who co-chaired the 4th
UK-India Science and Innovation Council (SIC) held at new Delhi.
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The Newton-Bhabha Fund is a programme which aims to build up strong interdisciplinary

dimension that will further strategise the science, research and innovation cooperation between the
UK and India. For this programme UK will provide 50 million pounds over 5 years period and India
will provide similar matched efforts.
Key Features: Newton-Bhabha programme
Joint PhD student mobility programme: It aims to pave the way for the next generation
of researchers in the UK and India to interact with each other and build long-term R&D
linkages and collaborations. This mobility programme will be administered by British
Council India and the Department of Science and Technology. It will start from March 2015
to sponsor UK and Indian PhD students to spend a period of their study (3 to 6 months) in
Premier Indian and UK higher education institutions.
New research projects in Mental Health and Substance Abuse: These new projects will
be joint initiative of Medical Research Council (MRC) of UK and Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR). ICMR will fund the Indian component for this project while UK will
provide up to 2 million pounds.
Setting up Centres for research in Renewable Energy: These centres will be jointly co-
funded by RCUK Energy programme and Department of Science and Technology (DST) of
India. UK and the Department of Science & Technology of India will provide support to
business-led research and development aimed at tackling societal challenges.
Centre Partnerships in Cancer Biology, Translational Regenerative Medicines in
Neuroscience and Antimicrobial Resistance: It will be funded jointly up to 7 million
pounds by Medical Research Council (MRC) of UK and Department of Biotechnology
(DBT), India.
Worlds tallest hybrid wind turbine installed in Kutch
November 8, 2014
Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Energy has installed the worlds first and tallest hybrid wind
generator turbine in Kutch, Gujarat. This installation was part Gujarats focused approach on
enhancing Renewable Energy Portfolio in order to meet the dual objective of Sustainable
Development and ensuring Indias Energy Security.
In 2008, the Suzlon Energy had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat
Government to set up 2000 MW of wind energy capacity in the state.
Key features of Suzlons tallest hybrid wind generator turbine
The turbine will generate 12-15 percent more energy.
Hybrid wind turbine will be 120-metre in height. It is taller than conventional wind turbine
towers by 40 metres.
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With this new turbine, the installed wind energy capacity at the Kutch region of Gujarat has
gone up to 1100 MW. It makes it the Asias biggest wind energy park at one location.
This tower is ideal for low wind areas and the potential is huge. In the next three years, this
region will have 2000 MW of wind energy capacity.
About Suzlon Energy
Suzlon Energy is a leading wind power products and services company with a global footprint. It was
established in 1995. Suzlon is credited with developing one of the worlds largest wind farms in the
western Indian state of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The company has presence across six continents: North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe,
and Africa. The Suzlon Group has built its presence in over 31 countries and has achieved a
milestone by crossing over 25000 MW of wind power installations globally.
Canine Distemper Virus pushing tigers towards extinction
November 8, 2014
According to a new study from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), canine distemper virus
(CDV) has the potential to be a significant driver in pushing the tigers towards extinction. This
deadly virus is adding a new threat to tiger populations along with to the existing pressures of habitat
loss, poaching and depletion of prey species.
Researchers have evaluated these impacts on the Amur tiger population in Russias Sikhote-Alin
Biosphere Zapovednik (SABZ), where tiger numbers declined from 38 individuals to 9 in the years
2007 to 2012.
How the study took place?
The scientists used computer modeling to simulate the effects of CDV infection on isolated
tiger populations of various sizes and through a series of transmission scenarios.
These included tiger-to-tiger transmission and transmission through predation on CDV-
infected domestic dogs or infected wild carnivores (such as foxes, raccoon dogs and badgers).
High and low-risk scenarios for the model were created based on variation in the prevalence
of CDV and the tigers contact with sources of exposure.
A key finding of this study
Modeling shows that smaller populations of tigers were found to be more vulnerable to
extinction by CDV.
Populations consisting of 25 individuals were 1.65 times more likely to decline in the next 50
years when CDV was present.
The results are profoundly disturbing for global wild tigers as in most sites wild tigers are
limited to populations of less than 25 adult breeding individuals.
About canine distemper virus (CDV)
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Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects animals. The disease is highly contagious (via
inhalation) and fatal 50% of the time, thus making it the leading cause of infectious disease death.
The virus infects the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, the brain, and spinal cord of animals.
Common symptoms can include: 1) High fever, 2) Watery discharge from the eyes and nose, 3)
Vomiting and diarrhea, 4) Hardening of the footpads and nose, 5) Seizures of any part of the body 6)
Paralysis.
It is most commonly associated with domestic animals such as dogs and ferrets, but it can infect wild
animals.
Keralas Ashtamudi clam fishery to first in India to receive MSC certification
November 8, 2014
Clam fishery in the Ashtamudi estuary in Kolam district of Kerala is the first in India to receive
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This certification will help to boost sustainable
fisheries while protecting the ecosystem in this Wetland area.
It has become the third in Asia to receive this recognition.
It is a joint effort of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, the Kerala
State Fisheries Department and the World Wildlife Fund, along with the local fishing community.
What is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification programme?
The MSC programme is the worlds most rigorous, science-based standard criteria for
sustainable seafood.
MSC certification is basically ecolabel used to monitor the health of the worlds oceans by
recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make
when buying seafood, and working with partners to transform the seafood market to a
sustainable basis.
This certification implies the implementation of measures that will ensure that the resource is
not overfished at the cost of the eco-system.
When buyers choose to purchase MSC certified fish, fisheries are rewarded for sustainable
practices.
Thus MSC programme helps to harness market forces to incentivise positive environmental
change.
Globally, over 11 per cent of the annual global harvest of wild fisheries is engaged in the MSC
programme. Globally more than 19,500 seafood products are certified and eco-lebeled by
MSC.
Implications
It also opens up the scope for other fisheries in India to work towards MSC certification that
will enhance conservation and sustainability of the resource while providing greater
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economic returns.
This may be set an example by showcasing the world that development and environment
protection go hand in hand and participatory approach at the local level in managing
biodiversity is an important aspect of it.
About Ashtamudi estuary
Ashtamudi estuary is a Ramsar Wetland of international importance and second largest in Kerala.
Clam fishery in this estuary dates back to 1981 and supports livelihood of around 3,000 fishermen
involved in collection, cleaning, processing and trading of clams. In 1993, clam commercial fishery
had declined due overfishing in order to meet its demand in South Asian countries.
In order to stop overfishing strict guidelines were introduced which included closed season fishing,
mesh restrictions for nets, minimum export size and banning mechanical clam fishing.
Government reconstitutes Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change
November 5, 2014
On 5th November 2014, Union government reconstituted the Prime Ministers Council on Climate
Change.
The new Council on Climate Change will be headed by Prime Minister. It will formulate and
coordinate the National Action Plan for Assessment, Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change.
The council will have 18 members, which includes 13 government representatives and 5 non-
government members. Among 13 government representatives, 8 will be ministers.
The council will focus on the following tasks:
The new council will coordinate the action plan and advise the government on proactive
measures that can be taken to deal with the challenge of climate change.
It will facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and guide policy in relevant areas.
The council will evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the
national level.
It will provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment, adaptation
and mitigation of climate change and periodically monitor key policy decisions.
The composition of the re-constituted Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change:
1. Prime Minister(Head of Council)

2. Minister for External Affairs
3. Union Finance Minister
4. Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change: It will assist the Prime
Ministers Office in facilitating the work of the council.
5. Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
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6. Union Minister for Agriculture.

7. Union Minister for Urban Development.
8. Union Minister for Science and Technology.
9. Union MoS of Power, Coal and NRE.
10. Principal Secretary to PM (Member-convener of this panel)
11. Cabinet Secretary.
12. Foreign Secretary.
13. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
Retained members from previous council
4. R. K. Pachauri, Chairperson ofIPCC and TERI.

5. Nitin Desai.
6. Chandrasekar Dasgupta
Newly added members
7. Ajay Mathur, Chairperson, BEE

8. M. Mouskar, retired IAS officer.
Previous Council
The first and previous was formed in 2007. It was chaired by then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh. It included government representatives and non-government members. But this council had
not met for over three years.
Sunita Narain, Raj Chengappa, R.Ramachandran,Prodopto Ghosh and RatanTata were the members
of this council who are dropped from this years council.
The countrys National Action Plan on Climate Change was framed by this Council.
SC gives free hand to NGT to whip Ganga polluting industries
October 29, 2014
The SC has asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to actively involve itself in the cleaning up of
the Ganges river
Inactivity of other bodies
The SC asked the NGT to step in and take up the task of closing down industries polluting Ganga
and take action against industries failing to install adequate anti-pollution measures to treat
industrial effluents by March 2015. This responsibility had been entrusted to the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution control boards (SPCBs). However, these agencies have
failed to even implement SC orders which have been passed over the last 30 years to reduce
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pollutants in the Ganga.

Efficient functioning of the NGT
The SC opined that the NGTs work, with its expertise in the field of environment, was impressive.
The NGT would be in a better position to follow through on judgments and monitor their
implementation in certain scenarios like the closure of polluting industries. Also, it can oversee the
actions taken by different authorities and environmental agencies.
The SC has decided to give a free rein to NGT to take control of the cleaning-up of the Ganga. It will
deal with the highly polluting industries which are discharging untreated effluents into Ganga and
take appropriate measures, as it deems fit. The SC will retain control of certain matter such as those
relating to discharge of untreated sewage from municipalities and towns in the Ganga basin states.
The Court also asked the NGT to file status reports after intervals of six months on action being
taken by it against polluting industries.
Government to soon put up Climate Change Adaptation Plan
October 29, 2014
The Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change announced that that Government will
soon put up a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The Minister made this announcement after
inaugurating a national workshop on Scaling up Good Practices for Climate Change Adaptation in
New Delhi. Key points:
The Minister said that Indians, especially the farming community, are very good at
adaptation. Best practices from around the country should be shared.
Every city, district and state will have to create its ownclimate change The government has
already set aside Rs. 100 cr in the budget for the development of this Plan.
The Minister said that the whole world was focusing on mitigation, but stress also has to be
placed on adaptation, along with mitigation.
The Minister stressed the importance of employment of adaptation techniques like watershed
based farmer centric agro meteorology, waterbudgeting , sustainable culture and energy
efficiency.
He also highlighted the need for setting aside adequate finance and technology to meet the
challenges of climate change.
Key Facts About Cyclone Nilofar
October 28, 2014
A deep depression that has formed over the Arabian Sea is expected to turn into a tropical
cyclone Nilofar. Nilofar has the potential to strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 1
hurricane before its Arabian Peninsula landfall.
In India, the North Gujarat coast is expected to bear the brunt of Nilofar. It is expected to land
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in Gujarat on October 31 with a wind speed of over 120 kmph

District authorities in the coastal areas of Gujarat have been warned to be prepared for heavy
rains and storm. The authorities are also monitoring the situation and the control rooms are
operational. The authorities of the Kandla Port Trust, State Maritime Board and the Forest
Department, besides local leaders in villages have been put on high alert.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the coastal districts of Gujarat
will isolated very heavy rainfall from October 30 which will intensify further into a severe
cyclone storm within 24 hours
Alerts will be issued to concerned local authorities on status of the storm every three hours
Other than India, Nilofar is also expected to hit eastern Yemen or Oman with damaging
winds, flooding rain and dangerously rough seas. It is also expected to bring potentially heavy
rainfall to parts of Pakistan, especially Karachi.
It is to be noted that tropical cyclones are unusual in this part of the world. Generally, only
one or two tropical cyclones form every year in Arabian Sea.
About Naming of cyclones
In the West, hurricanes and tropical cyclones have been given their own names since 1953. This was
done in accordance with a convention by Miamis National Hurricane Centre and is maintained and
updated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO is an agenct of the UN and
based out of Geneva.
However, South Asia and the Middle East did not adhere to this practice of naming storms till much
later. In an effort to name the cyclones without offending any of the countries in the region, all the
countries came together in 2004 to evolve a mechanism to name the tropical cyclones. According to
the agreed upon system, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Sri Lanka and
Thailand meet every year and each country submits its list of names. Each country gets a turn to
name the storm in alphabetical order. Till now, the countries have decided on 64 names. Hudhud
was a suggestion of Oman, while Nilofar was Pakistans suggestion.
Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to be Chair of Future Earths
Engagement Committee
October 28, 2014
Jairam Ramesh, former Environment Minister, has been asked to chair the Future Earth
Engagement Committee.
Future Earth Engagement Committee
The Committee is a global research platform panel on sustainable development. The strategic
advisory group was instituted by an alliance of organisations including the UNEP (UN Environment
Programme), UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). However, the
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Committee is the flagship initiative of the Science and Technology Alliance for Global Sustainability.
The committee will provide knowledge and support to hasten the introduction of sustainable
technologies. The committee will consist of leaders from stakeholder groups, including business,
policy and civil society and will be representative of various societal partners, who can help bring
about change.
The Committee will comprise of 18 members and will be fully constituted by the end of 2014.
Earlier roles in international fora
Jairam Ramesh was also a member of the UN Secretary Generals High-Level Global Sustainability
Panel between 2011 and 2012. He also played a key role in the UN Climate Change Conferences at
Copenhagen in 2009 and Cancun in 2010.
Government to create a SPV for Ken-Betwa River Linking Project
October 28, 2014
The Centre is planning to create a SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) to implement the Ken-Betwa River
Linking Project. Interlinking the rivers of India has been one of the major initiative of the NDA
government at the Centre.
Ken-Betwa River Linking Project
The Ken-Betwa link is one of the 16 river linking proposals under the Peninsular Component of the
National Perspective Plan (NPP) for water resources development. It envisages diversion of surplus
water from the Ken basin to the water-deficit Betwa basin. The project will have a dam on Ken river
along with a 221 km link canal. The project was conceived in two phases, with the first phase
benefitting both states, and the second phase confined to Madhya Pradesh. There are plans to
implement both phases at the same time.
The project is expected to facilitate annual irrigation for 6.35 lakh hectares and supply drinking
water to 13.42 lakh people. Also, a 78MW hydropower plant is expected to become operational after
the two rivers are linked.
Approvals
The project will involve the two neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, both of
which have in principle given their consent for creation of the SPV. Also the Ministry of
Environment and Forests has given its approval for conducting the EIA (Environmental Impact
Assessment) Study for the project.
North east monsoon gets active over South India
October 28, 2014
The northeast monsoon is active over south India, according to the IMD (Indian Meteorological
Department) which has forecast rain or thundershowers in the region.
The northeast monsoon is expected to be vigorous over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and southern
interior of Karnataka, and active over Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most places in Rayalaseema,
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Karnataka and Lakshadweep, and many places in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu are already experiencing rainfall.
About Northeast Monsoon
The period between October to December in peninsular India is referred to as the northeast
monsoon season. The northeast monsoon used to be called post-monsoon season or retreating
southwest monsoon season.
The northeast monsoon is a major period of rainfall activity over the southern peninsula, especially
coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and the Tamilnadu-Pondicherry region. For Tamilnadu, this is
the main rainy season accounting for about 48% of the annual rainfall.
Generally, northeast monsoon rains occur in spells of about 3 to 4 days duration. Spells exceeding 4
days occur less often and there are long spells of dry weather with little or no rain. Rainfall is
concentrated in the afternoon, evening or early part of the night, except when a depression is formed
nearby.
Government to revive Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change
October 10, 2014
The Central government is planning to reconstitute and revive the PMs Council on Cilmate
Change. This Council oversaw the implementation of the eight missions under the NAPCC
(National Action Plan on Climate Change). This advisory body had not met in the last three years.
An Executive Committee had been set up in January 2013, comprising of officials from relevant
Ministries, to assist the Council and monitor implementation of the eight missions. However,
despite this, lack of funding and co-ordination lead to slow implementation of proposals under the
eight missions. Most missions have been underperforming in relation to their targets.
With renewed emphasis on climate change in the international, the government has deemed it
imperative to formulate a coherent domestic climate change policy. The reconstituted Council is
expected to review the implementation of the eight missions and undertake a comprehensive
reassessment of the countrys climate change policy. Moreover, the composition of the Council is
expected to be tweaked to accommodate more members from the industrial sector.
Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change
The Council was established in 2007. It was responsible for framing the NAPCC in 2008. The High
Level Advisory group was given the role of co-coordinating action plans for assessment, adaptation
and mitigation of climate change. It also advised the government on multiple climate change related
issues and facilitated inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination in the arena of climate change.
E-rickshaws recognized as special category three-wheeled vehicles
October 3, 2014
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highway has issued a notification amending the Motor Vehicles
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Act, allowing e-rickshaws to ply in New Delhi. Earlier, a Delhi HC judgment had banned e-
rickshaws due to safety concerns. But, the Centre has recognized e-rickshaws as a special category
and has come out with guidelines for their usage. This decision has been taking by the government
after taking into consideration the loss of livelihood caused to many e-rickshaw drivers because of
the ban.
What are e-rickshaws?
E-rickshaws or electric rickshaws are three wheeled vehicles that are operated with an electric
motor. The notification defines e-rickshaws as a special purpose battery operated vehicle having
three wheels and intended to provide last mile connectivity for transport of passengers.
Restrictions
An e-rickshaws cam carry a maximum of four passengers, excluding the driver, and luggage that
weighs no more than 40 kg. The maximum allowed speed limit for e-rickshaws is 25 km/hr and the
netpower of its motor cannot be more than 2,000 W.
Further, a license issued/renewed for an e-rickshaw will be valid only for three years from the date
of issue.
Key Outcomes of Narendra Modis US visit
October 2, 2014
A joint editorial released by India and US highlighted the following developments in the bilateral
relationship of the two countries:-
Indo- US Investment Initiative
Establishment of an Indo- US Investment Initiative led by the Ministry of Finance on the Indian
side and the Department of Treasury on the American side, with special focus on capital market
development and financing of infrastructure. This Initiative will focus on increasing investment by
institutional investors and corporate entities
Infrastructure Collaboration Platform
Establishment of an Infrastructure Collaboration Platform convened by the Ministry of Finance
on the Indian side and the Department of Commerce on the American side to facilitate the
participation of American companies in Indian infrastructure projects
Trade Policy Forum
The two countries committed to work through the Trade Policy Forum to promote a business
environment that was conducive for companies to invest and manufacture in both in India and US.
Also, an annual high-level Intellectual Property Working Group as a part of the Trade Policy Forum
will be formed to look into issues related to innovation.
Others
The two leaders also committed to hold public-private discussions in the early part of 2015
under the already existing Commercial Dialogue on new areas of cooperation, including
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innovation in advanced manufacturing

After reiterating their commitment to working together towards the creation of a new global
agreement on climate change, they agreed to hold an urgent meeting of their bilateral task
force on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) prior to the next meeting of the Montreal Protocol
The two leaders launched a new US India Climate Fellowship Program to build each others
long term capacity to address climate change related issues
A MoU between the Export-Import Bank and the Indian Renewable Energy Development
Agency was signed. This MoU would make up to $1 bn in financing available to India to help
its transition to a low carbon and climate resilient energy economy, at the same time boosting
American renewable energy exports to India
The countries also agreed to a 10 year extension of the 2005 Framework for the US India
Defense Relationship
The two leaders decided to intensify cooperation in maritime security, mainly by enhancing
technology partnerships for Indias Navy and also upgrading the existing military exercise
Malabar.
USA pledged to help India counter the threat of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) through
I&T (information and technology)
The two leaders appreciated the establishment and planned first meeting of the NASA-ISRO
Mars Joint Working Group under the U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group and
hoped for further co-operation in the area of space technology
The two countries agreed to launch a new phase of the India-U.S. Vaccine Action Program
and emphasis on developing affordable vaccines for dengue, malaria, and TB
The two countries pledged to work together towards the export of nuclear technology from
US to India to make India more self-reliant. In furtherance of this, the countries decided to
continue working towards Indias phased entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia
Group. The American President expressed his support for Indias early application and
eventual membership in all four regimes.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa wins the Midori Prize 2014
September 17, 2014
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts in
Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014) in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in
the Himalayas.
Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
(ATREE) in Bangalore, will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct 16-17,
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2014 Conference of Parties (COP-12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in South
Korea. India, the at present the chair of the COP-11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at the
COP-12 in South Korea. The theme of this years COP-12 meeting is Biodiversity for Sustainable
Development.
Other Awardees For Year 2014
Alfred Oteng-Yeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National Biodiversity Committee
Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuas, Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal
Researcher, National Research Council (CONICET) Argentina.
Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the AEON Environmental Foundation,
the Midori Prize is regarded a major element at the service of the objectives of the United
Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020. The Prize honors 3 individuals who have made
exceptional contribution to conservation and sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have
inspired several biodiversity-related works, as well as fostering consciousness about biodiversity.
Each winner gets a certificate, a memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize
serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
2011-2020.
Union Government to fund Swachh Vidyalaya campaign
September 16, 2014
Union Human Resource Development Ministry to fund the Swachh Vidyalaya (Clean Schools)
campaign, via the Swachh Bharat Kosh.
Centre will setup Swachh Bharat Kosh to fund the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign.
HRD Ministry will anchor the Swachh Vidyalaya (Clean Schools) drive. The campaign
purposes to make sure the facility of toilets in all government schools by August 15, 2015. Swachh
Vidyalaya campaign is part of mission to make India a clean country by 2019, the 150 th birth
anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi.
Swachh Bharat Campaign, announced by PM Narendra Modi on the eve of 68th Independence Day
on August 15, 2014, is scheduled to be launched on October 2, 2014. As part of the drive, public
sector units under 25 Ministries have vowed Rs. 400 crore for the drive and private and public sector
companies would be persuaded to build toilet blocks in schools. Tata Consultancy Services and
Bharti Enterprises have pledged Rs 100 Crore each.
Ozone layer on road to recovery
September 13, 2014
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Approximately 30 years after the protections of the Montreal Protocol were put
into action, theres more proof that the international contract to safeguard
Earths ozone layer is effective, as per a fresh by 300 scientists. The large
quantity of most ozone-depleting matters in the atmosphere have fallen since the
earlier assessment, in 2010, and Earths shielding ozone layer is displaying signs
of recovery, as per the Assessment for Decision-Makers, part of a larger
report to be released early next year.
The report is the most recent in a sequence delivered every four years by the international scientific
community, headed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and co-sponsored by NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the European Commission. The Decision-makers trust on these logical
updates and have used them to increase protection of the ozone layer, banning or restricting the use
of ozone-depleting substances, for example.
The stratospheric ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, safeguards the Earth from dangerous ultraviolet
rays of the sun. Maximum ozone is located in the stratosphere, far above Earth. The ozone layer acts
as a safeguard, absorbing Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation from the Sun and safeguarding Earths surface
from dangerous volumes of UV radiation. In the 1970s, NOAA researchers started to identify that
particular chemicals, including chemicals called Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons (CFCs) and Halons, used
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extensively in cooling and firefighting, could reach the stratosphere and activate reactions that
damages ozone. In 1985, scientists noticed that a seasonal Ozone Hole was establishing in the
Antarctic spring, NOAA researchers performed a key role in showing that those same chemicals
were triggering the hole.
Because of the Montreal Protocol, several ozone-damaging chemicals have been substituted by
substances that dont destroy ozone. Nonetheless, certain new chemicals, including the CFC-
substitute Hydro-Fluoro-Carbons (HFCs), are powerful greenhouse gases and could substantially
lead to climate change in the upcoming periods. Researchers from NOAAs Earth System Research
Laboratory play a significant part in this subject, testing offered new materials to understand if they
are harmless for the ozone layer, climate and the environment.
Key findings:
1. Measures taken under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone
Layer are assisting the restore of the ozone layer to yardstick 1980 levels.
2. The climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol could be considerably offset by
projected emissions of HFCs (Hydro-Fluoro-Carbons) utilized to substitute ozone
depleting materials.
3. The yearly Antarctic ozone hole has triggered substantial changes in Southern
Hemisphere surface climate in the summer. Ozone reduction has contributed to cooling
of the lower stratosphere and this is very probable the main reason of noticed changes in
Southern Hemisphere summertime circulation over of late decades, with linked effects on
surface temperature, precipitation, and the oceans.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, where the ozone depletion is lesser, there is no
convincing link between stratospheric ozone depletion and tropospheric climate.
5. CO2, Nitrous Oxide and Methane will have an growing influence on the ozone layer.
What happens to the ozone layer in the second half of the 21st century will mostly be
determined by the concentrations of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide the 3 key long-lived
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In general, CO2 and methane lead to increase global
ozone levels. By contrast, nitrous oxide, a by-product of food production, is both a strong
greenhouse gas and an ozone depleting gas, and is expected to become more significant in
future ozone depletion.
NGT bans tyre burning in the open, re-use of tyres as fuel

September 13, 2014
The western zone bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the burning of tyres
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in public areas and also the reuse of old tyres as fuel in industries and brick kilns.
The bench has instructed the environment division of the state government to take a resolution on
the Maharashtra Pollution Control Boards (MPCB) suggestions in 8 weeks and release essential
notification in 2 weeks later. Burning of tyres in open areas, public places and localities, such as
residential areas, schools, hospitals and offices, is banned, the bench noted whilst holding the police,
district administration and ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) accountable for executing the prohibition.
Any disobedience has to be regarded as an offence under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code
(disobedience to order promulgated by public servant), it said.
The direction was circulated on a petition filed by city-based Sahyog Trust, which upraised
thoughtful worries over burning of tyres on human health as tyre burning yields poisonous smoke
which is dangerous to the total environment and human health.
The bench observed that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPBC) is fostering the use of old
tyres as fuel in cement, power and steel industry, however several aspects such as the pollution
latent, tyre generation data, technology choices, techno-economic feasibility and social consequences
must be well thought-out.
Why burning of tyres is harmful for environment?
Burning tyres emit toxic soup of pollutants that contains harmful gases and chemicals viz. carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, chromium, arsenic, zinc, barium, cobalt, copper, iron, aluminum,
manganese and vanadium, etc. which are hazardous to the human beings as well as to the
environment. Minuscule particles released during the burning can settle deep in the lungs. Tyres
contain 25 % extender oils derived from benzene, 25% styrene, a derivative of benzene, and 25% 1,3
butadiene. both benzene and 1,3 butadiene are suspected human carcinogens. (A carcinogen is any
substance, radionuclide or radiation, that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer).
A special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues.
Established on October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
Objective: For effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental
protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of
any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to
persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but
shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and
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Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.

Note: The National Green Tribunal ruling can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Indias first coral garden to be set up in Gujarat
September 4, 2014
In an effort to protect numerous coral species at one place and to enhance tourism in the state, the
countrys first Coral garden will be set up at Mithapur coastal region of Devbhoomi-Dwarka
district in Gujarat, which will conserve coral species. Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata
Chemicals Limited (TCL) have inked a MoU to set up the first of its kind coral garden. The project
will be financed by the Gujarat forest department as WTI has inked a broader MoU with the state
also.
As per the project plan of the Mithapur Coral garden, the reef will be divided into several divisions
where nearly all the coral species will be made accessible at one place. It would be beneficial not only
for education and tourism, but also for refurbishment of the reef.
Tourists will be able to view the beauty of corals as the authorities intend to have wading,
snorkeling, diving, representative pool, jetty and boat anchoring areas in it.
Fresh choice of smugglers: R22-Ozone-depleting fridge gas
September 8, 2014
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has warned its offices at ports about smuggling of
ozone-depleting materials as there has been a fresh surge in efforts to unlawfully ship R-22 gas,
which is used in refrigerants and air-conditioners (ACs). The department of revenue intelligence has
recognized fresh ways of smuggling these items into the country viz. R-22 gas cylinders were found
to be hidden in shipments where the importer had stated shipments of furniture, kitchen cabinets,
photocopiers,fruits, etc.
R-22 gas (Chloro-di-fluoro-methane) is permitted to be imported in India but is licensed. Given the
rising market for fridges and air-conditioners, the demand is greater than licensed supply.
In some nations, use of the R22 will will be banned by 2015, while manufacturers were banded from
using it in products launched after 2004. R-22 has been predominantly phased out in new equipment
in the US under the Montreal Protocol, and has been substituted by other refrigerants with lower
ozone depletion ability such as Propane (R-290), Pentafluoroethane, R-134a (1,1,1,2-
tetrafluoroethane), and blended mixtures of HFCs such as R-409A, R-410A, R-438A, and R-507A.
R22 (HCFC-22 or Chloro-di-fluoro-methane or di-fluoro-mono-chloro-methane)
Better known as HCFC-22, or R-22
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Other names: Di-fluoro-mono-chloro-methane, Mono-chloro-di-fluoro-methane, HCFC-22,

R-22, Genetron 22, Freon 22, Arcton 4, Arcton 22
A Hydro-Chloro-Fluoro-Carbon (HCFC)
Colorless gas
Mostly used as a propellant and refrigerant
Has Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and High Global Warming Potential (GWP) a
powerful greenhouse gas with a GWP of 1810 (i.e. 1810 times as powerful as carbon
dioxide).
Despite ODP and GWP, the worldwide use of R-22 continues to rise for its high demand in
developing nations.
Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria India (STCI) launched
August 27, 2014
In a proposal to augment its sustainability offerings, the Union Ministry of Tourism launched the
comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for accommodation, tour operators
and beaches, backwaters, lakes and rivers sectors.
STCI has been launched to develop tourism in India based on principles of sustainability and
minimizing carbon footprints. While talking about sustainability, one should not only talk about
conservation of resources but also our culture and heritage. All the stakeholders in the Tourism
industry have been requested to be eco-sensitive and implement the STCI and have been requested
to do business for long-term profits with diverse aims.
STCI were formulated by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Tourism.
The principles of sustainability include:
Conservation of water, energy, culture, heritage, revival of ancient architecture, involvement of
communities, protection of wildlife and non- exploitation of women, children and weaker sections.
Coal block allocations from 1993 to 2010 illegal, done arbitrarily: Supreme Court
August 26, 2014
The Supreme Court declared illegal all coal block allocations between 1993 and 2010, saying these
were done in an unfair, arbitrary and non-transparent manner without following any objective
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criteria. The court, however, said that further hearing was required to decide whether there is a need
for cancelling around 200 coal block allocations.
The petitions were based on the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (CAG) report that the exchequer
suffered a loss of Rs. 1.64 lakh crore due to the arbitrary allocations of coal blocks. The coal blocks
allocated to private companies between 2004 to March 2010 are situated in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh,
Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
The Green Bus project: Indias first ethanol-run public bus launched in Nagpur
August 26, 2014
India launched The Green Bus project in Nagpur with the launch of its first ethanol-run,
environment-friendly public bus. The bus will emit carbon dioxide as low as 15% to 90% and its
emissions will be monitored by the Union government, Maharashtra state government and Nagpur
Municipal Corporation.
The buses are manufactured by Swedish company Scania Commercial Vehicle India Ltd. Scania
has additionally introduced an engine in consonance with Bharat Stage 5 Norms, a step toward
further reducing the emissions.
South Africa government relocates Rhinos from Kruger National Park
August 13, 2014
South African Governments Ministry of Environment has announced its plan to evacuate hundreds
of rhinos from countrys famous Kruger National Park to save them from poachers. The step is
part of a plan to curb illegal hunts for rhino horn. The number of rhinos to be relocated can be up to
500. South Africa is home to more than 80% of Africas rhinos. Illegal poaching has surged from 13 in
2007 to 1,004 in 2013.
The Kruger National Park, which is of a similar size to Wales or Israel, is thought to be home to as
few as 8,400 white rhinos. Although international trade in rhino horn has been made illegal since
1977, demand remains high in some Asian nations, where it is used both in traditional medicine and
as a symbol of wealth.
PM Modi accentuates promoting Tourism, Clean India campaign to be launched on
October 2
August 15, 2014
PM Narendra Modi stressed on the need to promote tourism saying it provides employment to
the poorest of the poor. He pointed out filthiness in the country as a big obstacle in
promoting tourism and our national character.
He observed that even after so many years of independence, when we stand at the threshold of one
and half decade of 21st century, we still live in filthiness. He held that cleanliness is very big
work. He called upon the countrymen to make a resolve that they would never spread filthiness
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and keep their surroundings clean.

He decided to launch a Clean India campaign from October 2, 2014 this year on the birth
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi marking the importance Mahatma gave to cleanliness. The
campaign will be carried out for next 4 years and will conclude on the 150th birth anniversary of
Mahatma in 2019.
Mr. Modi appealed to the Members of Parliaments to utilize MPLAD funds for constructing toilets
in schools for a year. He called upon the corporate sector also to give priority to the provision of
toilets in schools with their expenditure under Corporate Social Responsibility. He urged
them to achieve this target within one year with the help of state governments and on the next
August 15, we should be in a firm position to announce that there is no school in India without
separate toilets for boys and girls.
Indias future lies in manufacturing with Zero-Defect and Zero-Effect: PM Narendra
Modi
August 15, 2014
PM Narendra Modi, in his maiden speech from Red Fort, stressed on achieving economic self-
reliance, saying the country should strive to become a manufacturing hub for global investors
with Zero-defect products and Zero-effect on environment.
He invited global investors to make India their manufacturing base and urged the young industrial
workforce and entrepreneurs to strive to build the made-in-India brand. He appealed the people
world over, Come, make in India, Come, manufacture in India. Sell in any country of the world
but manufacture here. We have got skill, talent, discipline, and determination to do something. The
PM called upon the Indian enterprise to think of ways by which the country does not have to import
goods, but export to the world.
Zero Defect, Zero Effect manufacturing
PM Modi urged entrepreneurs that they would never compromise, at least on two fronts. First,
Zero defect and, second, Zero effect. He suggested that Indian goods should be manufactured in
such a way that they bear zero defects and that our exported goods are never returned to us. The
goods should also have zero effect that they should not have a negative impact on the environment.
Independence Day: Modis mantras for new India
August 15, 2014
Addressing India on the occasion of countrys 68th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi made a
sensational and motivational speech using catchy slogans expressing his vision and mantras for
building a new India.
Excerpts from his speech:
Pradhan Sevak: Today Indians, both in India and all over the world, are celebrating Independence
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Day. I convey my greetings to them not as a Pradhan Mantri, but Pradhan Sevak (prime public
servant).
Make in India: We need to build up the manufacturing sector. I want to tell the world: Come,
make in India. It is an invitation to investors with a view to make India a manufacturing hub.
Zero defect, zero effect: Our manufacturing should have zero defect so that our products should
not be rejected in the global market. Besides, we should also keep in mind that manufacturing should
not have any negative impact on our environment. This underscores the importance of skilled
workforce, while also keeping in mind the importance of protecting the environment.
Digital India: India used to be called a land of snake charmers. Today, our youth has surprised the
world with its IT skills. Our dream is to build a Digital India. The digital focus was in consonance
with Modis election promises of a new India and focus on IT.
He concluded his speech saluting the devotion, the sacrifices of the security forces of the country,
para-military forces of the country, and all the security forces of the country to protect Mother India.
He urged the countrymen with the quote , , Eternal vigilance is the price
of liberty. He exhorted the countrymen to be vigilant and take the country to new heights and
move forward with this resolution.
Researchers discover Indias first jellyfish lake in Gujarat
August 7, 2014
Marine researchers have found a jellyfish lake in Gujarat, which is probably the first such lake in the
country.
As per marine biologists, the concentration and density of jellyfish is very high in this lake. A team of
researchers led by wildlife scientist BC Choudhury from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) found the
jellyfish habitat during a routine field visit to a small town Armabada in Gujarat.
Biologists found that the bottom of the lake, spanned over 5-6 hectares, was carpeted with a type of
jellyfish known as upside down jellyfish. They are called so because they swim upside down
unlike others. Another distinctive characteristic of the lake is that these jellyfish are present all
around the year unlike other places where they are seasonal. As per experts, the thriving population
of jellyfish in the lake might be linked to low predation.
Though jellyfish are found in various parts of coastal India but they are rarely found in lakes. Eil
Malk Island in Palau is worlds renowned jellyfish lake.
China plans to ban coal use in its capital by 2020
August 6, 2014
Chinas capital city Beijing which is battling with severe air pollution, particularly smog, has
announced plans to ban the use of coal by the end of year 2020. Beijing drew nearly 25% of its
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energy consumption by using coal in 2012 and 22% of the fine particles floating in the capitals air
were also the result of coal use. Besides coal, emissions from motor vehicles, industrial production
and general dust also contributed to pollution in the city. Even with the Beijing ban, coal use is likely
to increase in China.
Coal-fired power and heating is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and has played a major role
in turning China into the worlds largest emitter of carbon and other greenhouse
gases. Pressure is mounting on Chinas central government to clean up the countrys polluted
environment, as dissatisfaction over smog and water and soil contamination surges among Chinas
growing middle class.
Recently, the central government listed environmental protection as one of the top criteria by which
leaders will be judged. In September 2013, the government announced a ban on new coal-fired
power plants around Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Mangroves in Sunderbans losing capacity to soak up CO2: Research
August 6, 2014
As per a latest research financed by the Union government and headed by noted marine scientist
Abhijit Mitra, the Sunderbans huge mangrove forest is rapidly losing its capacity to absorb
carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases, from the atmosphere due to increase in the
salinity of water, unchecked deforestation and pollution.
As per the study, the mangrove forest, marsh grass, phytoplanktons, molluscus and other coastal
vegetation in the largest delta on earth are the natural absorbers of carbon dioxide (CO2). The locked
carbon in the plants is known as Blue Carbons. The absorption of CO2 is a process which plays a
role in reduction of the warming of the earth and other bad effects of climate change.
The study titled Blue Carbon Estimation in Coastal Zone of Eastern India Sunderbans was
submitted to the government in 2013. The researchers who conducted the study expressed concerns,
especially towards the central Sunderbans, one of the three zones into which the forest was divided
for the study, the other two being western and eastern.
The situation, especially in the central part, is quite alarming. The capacity of the mangrove forest,
especially the Byne species, to absorb carbon dioxide has declined significantly. This will affect the
whole ecosystem of the area.
The study was focused mainly on the Byne species of mangrove. There are 34 other species of
mangroves found in the forest including Keora and Genwa. The situation is worrying because less
absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere meant higher proportion of CO2 in the atmosphere which
traps heat.
The main causes of such an alarming situation in the Sunderbans, a UNESCO world heritage site,
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are increased salinity in water and human activities like shrimp farming, kiln industries and
deforestation.
Sharp increase in the salinity of water in Matla River: The mangroves thrive on fresh
water, but due to lack of fresh water the height of mangroves has reduced significantly,
bringing down its capacity to absorb carbons. Due to deposition of silt at the confluence of
the Vidyadhari and Matla rivers, fresh water is unable to enter the Matla river resulting into
rise in its salinity.
Human incursion in these areas for activities like shrimp farming, setting up of brick kiln
industry and deforestation has added to the problem.
NGRBA brought under Ministry of Water Resources
August 5, 2014
The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has been shifted from the Ministry of
Environment to the Ministry of Water Resources . Hereafter, all issues pertaining to conservation,
development management and abatement of pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries will also be
directed by the Ministry of Water Resources.
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
The government of India gave River Ganga the status of a national river and constituted the
NGRBA in February 2009, under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
NGRBA is a planning, financing, monitoring and coordinating body of the Centre and the states.
The purpose of the NGRBA is to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the
river Ganga by adopting a river basin approach for comprehensive planning and management.
The NDA-led central government has given priority for cleaning river Ganga for which Rs 2,037
crores was sanctioned in the Union Budget 2014-15 under the Ganga Conservation Mission
named Namami Gange.
Science can now explain why suns atmosphere is hotter than its surface
August 2, 2014
Researchers have found substantial evidence to explain why the Suns outer atmosphere is much
hotter than its surface.
As per scientists, Nanoflares a continuous infusion of impulsive bursts of heating, none of which
can be individually detected is behind the production of the extra heat.
The photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun, is around 6,000 Kelvins, while the corona reaches
temperatures which are 300 times more than the photosphere.
NASAs EUNIS (Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph) rocket, equipped with a
very sensitive spectrograph gathered information about the Sun about how much material is present
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at a given temperature by recording different wavelengths of light.

EUNIS flew up nearly 321 km above the ground aboard a sounding rocket and gathered about
collected observations from above the planets air.
It scanned a region on the Sun known to be magnetically complex, also termed active region, which
can often be the source of larger flares and coronal mass ejections.
Several theories have been offered for how the magnetic energy coursing through the corona is
converted into the heat that raises the temperature.
The EUNIS spectrograph was tuned into a range of wavelengths useful for locating material at
temperatures of 10 million Kelvin temperatures that are a key characteristic of nanoflares.
Scientists have conjectured that infinite number of nanoflares could heat up solar material in the
atmosphere to temperatures of up to 10 million Kelvins. This material would cool very rapidly,
producing ample solar material at the 1 to 3 million degrees regularly seen in the corona. However,
the faint presence of that extremely hot material should remain.
The EUNIS team studied the data from the rocket and found a wavelength of light indicating
presence of 10 million degree material.
Urbanization activities impacted a few wetlands: Government
July 31, 2014
The government has said that a few wetlands in the country have reportedly been impacted due to
various developmental activities and urbanization.
As per Environment Ministry, for conservation and management of wetlands, the centrally
sponsored scheme National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was implemented
till 2012-13. However, for better synchronization and to avoid overlap the NWCP has been
merged with another scheme National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
for holistic conservation of lakes and wetlands. Under NWCP, 115 wetlands in 24 states and two
UTs have been identified for conservation and management. So far, the central government has
released an amount of Rs 133.64 to the concerned states for undertaking various conservation
programmes.
In order to regulate certain activities within the identified wetlands, the government notified the
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules in December 2010. At the behest of Environment
Ministry, the Space Applications Centre (SAC) Ahmedabad has prepared a National Wetland
Inventory Atlas on 1:50,000 scale using Indian Remote Sensing Satellite III data of pre- and post-
monsoon seasons during 2006-11.
As per the atlas, there are a total of 7, 57,060 wetlands covering an estimated area of 15.26 million
hectare, that is around 4.63% of the geographic area of India.
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Bees choose best flowers even before landing just from the color of petals
July 31, 2014
As per a scientific study, Bumblebees select most nutritious flowers for providing best food for their
young simply by looking at the colour of the petals even before landing on the flower. As bees do
not ingest pollen unlike nectar while foraging on flowers, it has been unclear whether they are able
to form associative relationships between what a flower looks like and the quality of its pollen. The
study used bumblebee foragers housed under controlled conditions to test whether they do learn
about flowers during pollen collection.
The findings showed that bumblebees can individually evaluate pollen samples and
differentiate between them during collection, quickly forming preferences for a particular
type of pollen. They are able to detect differences in pollen, even before landing, which means they
may be able to discriminate, just from the colour of the petals, which flowers are richer in nutritious
content.
Researchers discovered new species of Mayfly in India
July 28, 2014
Researchers have found a new species of mayfly in the southern Western Ghats of
India.
As per scientists, this is the first time that any mayfly belonging to the genus Labiobaetis has been
found in peninsular India. The new species, called Labiobaetis soldani, has been named after Dr
T Soldan honoring his remarkable contribution to the understanding of the Ephemeroptera of
Palaearctic and Oriental realms.
Man-made water vapour next climate threat
July 30, 2014
Scientists have warned that increasing levels of water vapour in the upper troposphere a
key intensifier of global warming owing to greenhouse gases will amplify climate change
impacts over the next decades.
Scientists at University of Miamis Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science conducted
the first study to confirm that human activities have increased water vapour in the upper
troposphere. To find out the potential causes of a 30-year moistening trend in the upper
troposphere, a region 3-7 miles above the earths surface, they measured water vapour in the upper
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troposphere collected by NOAA satellites. They showed that rising water vapour in the upper
troposphere cannot be explained by natural forces such as volcanoes and changes in solar
activity but by increased greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases contribute immensely in raising temperatures by trapping the earths radiant heat
inside the atmosphere. This warming also increases the buildup of atmospheric water vapour, the
most abundant greenhouse gas. The moistening of the atmosphere traps more radiant heat and
contributes in amplifying greenhouse effect.
The study explains with the help of climate models that as the climate warms from the burning of
fossil fuels, the concentrations of water vapour in the atmosphere will also increase due to that
warming which result into trapping of more heat and further increases the Earths temperature.
Science Express for raising biodiversity awareness flagged off
July 29, 2014
The third phase of Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) was flagged off from
Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi.
The train with its innovative exhibition aims to spread awareness amongst masses in general and
youth in particular about the exceptional biodiversity of India.
Science Express is a flagship programme of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change, Ministry of Science and Technology and Indian Railways. The train covering a span
of 194 days at 57 locations would reach out to 30 lakh students.
In fact, the train was the brand ambassador of the COP-11. It exhibited Indias rich biodiversity to
delegates from over 190 nations.
IUCN adds 8 more Indian bird species to 2014 Red List
July 27, 2014
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has added eight new bird species
found in India to the 2014 Red List. Now, over 170 species of birds in the country stand threatened.
The eight species of birds newly added to the Red List are:
1. Woolly-necked stork
2. Ashy-headed green pigeon
3. Red-headed falcon
4. Andaman teal
5. Andaman green pigeon
6. Himalayan griffon
7. Bearded vulture
8. Yunnan nuthatch.
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Tiger population improves in Uttar Pradesh

July 27, 2014
The number of tigers Uttar Pradesh has improved in the core area of Dudhwa tiger reserve. The
initial figures for two years, 2011 to 2013, have shown 72 to 80 tigers in the core area of the reserve.
As per tiger census 2010-11, there were 118 tigers in Dudhwa reserve. In all, 72 to 80 tigers have
been estimated in these areas. Once figures for Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, North and South
kheri forest division come, tiger numbers might increase up to 125.
UP has a major tiger population in Dudhwa tiger reserve comprising Dudhwa National Park (680 sq
km), Kishenpur Sanctuary (204 sq km) and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (440 sq km); Pilibhit
(720 sq km); North Kheri (350 sq km) and South Kheri (460 sq km).
Bijnor forests in west and Suhelwa (Gonda-Bahraich) and Sohagibarwa wildlife sanctuaries
(Maharajganj) in east have smaller tiger populations.
CII-GEC launched EPEAT environmental rating systems for electronics
July 24, 2014
CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development along with US based the Green
Electronics Council launched Indian debut of the Electronic Product Environmental
Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental-rating system for electronics.
The Green Electronics Council is a U.S-based non-profit organization that manages the EPEAT
system.
EPEAT ratings have been benefiting environments by helping companies, governments and
consumers around the world compare and buy devices with comparably less environment cost.
India is the 43rd country in which EPEAT registration and verification services are now available to
help consumers select products that reduce their environmental impact.
EPEAT, which is an acronym for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, rates
products on a lifecycle basis. The system addresses the elimination of toxic substances, the use of
recycled and recyclable materials, product design for recycling, product longevity, energy efficiency,
corporate performance and packaging attributes, as well as requiring manufacturer responsibility for
collection and responsible recycling of all registered devices. Manufacturers must register their
products in EPEAT on a country-by-country basis to ensure all product and service criteria are
supported and verified for local markets.
Currently, the EPEAT system rates PCs and Displays, Televisions and Imaging Equipment (printers,
copiers, scanners etc.), with standards for Servers and Mobile Phones in development. At present,
India registrations include Desktops, Notebooks, Workstations, Thin Clients and Displays. Devices
will be continually added to the Registry as they are deemed compliant with EPEATs environmental
requirements.
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Nagoya Protocol gets 50th Instrument of Ratification

July 15, 2014
The Nagoya Protocol has received the required 50th instrument of ratification on July 14,
2014. India, having hosted CoP-11 to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in Hyderabad in
October 2012, is currently the President of CoP till CoP-12 to be held in Pyeongchang, South
Korea in October 2014.
The Protocol on access and benefit sharing will enter into force on 90th day October 12, 2014. It
will facilitate early coming into effect of this significant international treaty that has been a priority
of India as head of CoP. India played a significant role through its efforts in the last 21 months using
political and diplomatic channels.
Ratification of the Nagoya Protocol by 51 parties to the CBD is also a considered as a major development
towards achieving the first of the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of
Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversityis a
supplementary pact to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It provides a
transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the
CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The
Protocol was adopted on October 29, 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan, and will enter into
force on October12, 2014. It has been ratified by 50 states and the European Union. Its objective is
the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, thereby
contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Typhoon Rammasun (Glenda) hits Philippines
July 19, 2014
Even as the Philippines was trying to recover from the destruction caused by super typhoon Haiyan
last year, another typhoon Rammasun smashed large parts of the Philippines killing one person and
forcing hundreds of thousands to take shelter in evacuation centres. Typhoon Rammasun (also
known as Glenda) hit south of Manila on the Philippine island of Luzon before moving west toward
Chinas Hainan Island.
Sustained wind speeds were estimated at over 230 kilometers per hour, making Rammasun a
Category 4 storm (and just short of being officially classified a super typhoon). Rammasun, which
is Thai for God of Thunder, is now heading into the South China Sea and is likely to hit South
China.
The Philippines was recently hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013 and devastated Samar
and adjoining Leyte island, killing up to 7300 people in one of the nations worst natural disasters.
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Rich nations should capitalize Green Climate Fund: India

July 14, 2014
Expressing concerns over the empty coffers of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), India urged rich
countries to give their consent to a road-map for its capitalization by 2015 the year the world will
have a universal global climate treaty.
Speaking at the Major Economies Forum (MEF) in Paris, Indias Environment minister Prakash
Javadekar also suggested that part of GCF, which was launched in 2009-10, should be used for
funding critical technologies and buying Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) so that it can be made
available to developing nations free of cost.
He referred to the annual Budget to inform that India had had taken a number of measures to fight
climate change including earmarking Rs 100 crore for National Adaptation Fund, launching of
mission for Himalayan region, Clean Ganga mission and hike in cess on coal from Rs 50 a tonne to
Rs 100 a tonne.
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
GCF is a fund within the framework of the UNFCCC set up as a mechanism to transfer money
from the developed nations to the developing countries, in order to help the developing nations in
adaptation and mitigation practices to tackle climate change. The GCF is based in the new Songdo
district of Incheon, South Korea. It is managed by a Board of 24 members.
The GCF will support projects, programmes, policies and other activities in developing nations. It
intends to be the fulcrum of efforts to increase Climate Finance of $100 billion a year by 2020.
Study attributes Oklahoma earthquakes to subsurface wastewater injection
July 11, 2014
A study has attributed the dramatic increase in earthquakes in central Oklahoma since 2009 to
subsurface wastewater injection at a few wastewater disposal wells. As per researchers, Oklahoma
earthquakes make up nearly half of all central and eastern U.S. seismicity from 2008 to 2013, many
occurring in areas of high-rate water disposal.
Induced seismicity poses as a primary obstacle to expanded shale gas and unconventional
hydrocarbon development. The study offers insight into the process by which the earthquakes are
induced and suggests that sticking to standard best practices may significantly cut down the danger of
inducing seismicity. The best practices include avoiding wastewater disposal near major faults and
the use of suitable monitoring and mitigation schemes.
As per research, 4 of the highest-volume disposal wells in Oklahoma (about 0.05% of wells) are
capable of triggering about 20% of recent central U.S. earthquakes in a series, called a swarm,
spanning nearly 2,000 sq kms, as shown by the study of modeled pore pressure surge at relocated
earthquake hypocenters.
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Earthquakes are induced at distances more than 30 kms from the disposal wells, far away from
current criteria of 5 kms from the well for diagnosis of induced earthquakes.
The area of increased pressure related to these wells keeps expanding, increasing the probability of
encountering a larger fault and thus raising the risk of triggering an earthquake of higher-magnitude.
Scientists develop new method to forecast floods upto 11 months in advance
July 9, 2014
Researchers have developed a new method to forecast devastating floods up to 11 months in
advance, based on satellite monitoring of minute changes in the gravitational field of river basins.
Scientists measured the quantity of water that was stored in a river basin months ahead of the spring
flood season. Their statistical model precisely predicted this major flood event 5 months in advance.
Scientists at the University of California studied satellite data and examined past river floods, such as
the ones that occurred in Missouri in 2011. Researchers used NASAs twin GRACE satellites to
examine a regions flood potential. As the satellites revolved around the Earth, minute changes in
gravity alter the satellites orbit. These changes are proportional to changes in mass, such as a buildup
of water and snow. The team took into account all potential water sources, including snow, surface
water, soil moisture and groundwater. They found that with their method they could predict dangerous
flooding 5 months in advance and could potentially extend that window to 11 months.
R K Pachauri calls Shopping Malls energy guzzlers
July 9, 2014
Noted environmentalist and, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) R K
Pachauri termed shopping malls as energy guzzlers and said they are not suited to the Indian
environment.
Pachauri, who is also chairperson of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), said that buildings contribute to green house gas emissions and they
should be made more efficient. The largest growth of buildings is taking place in the emerging
economies. Most of the buildings projected to be standing in 2030 in India are yet to be constructed.
With a view to speed up the development of high performance buildings in India and Southeast
Asia, TERI and the US Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a strategic
collaboration. TERIs GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) and USGBCs
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) have joined hands to promote the
best of global and Indian practices to ensure efficiency of design, construction and operation of high
performance buildings.
For new buildings, GRIHA projects will have the opportunity to earn LEED certification and LEED
buildings will have the opportunity to get GRIHA certification.
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Typhoon Neoguri: Super typhoon moving towards Japan

July 7, 2014
A super typhoon named Neoguri was advancing north for Japan on July 7, 2014, set to lash the
southern Okinawa archipelagoes with heavy rain and powerful winds before making landfall on
Kyushu, Japans westernmost main island. The typhoon was already heading at more than 250 km an
hour (150 mph) and may become more powerful as it advances north. But it was not expected to be
as intense as Typhoon Haiyan, which killed thousands in the Philippines in 2013. Typhoon Neoguri,
is known as Florita in Philippines. It is the 8th named storm and the second typhoon of the yearly
typhoon season and is a large and powerful tropical cyclone affecting Okinawa, Japan.
Study shows whales are ecosystem engineers
July 6, 2014
As per a new study, whales have a powerful and positive influence on the function of oceans, global
carbon storage, and the health of commercial fisheries. Scientists tallied several decades of research
on whales from around the world, have discovered that whales, in fact, make a huge impact on ocean
ecosystem.
As per scientists, the population of whales has declined by at least 66% and perhaps as high as 90%
which has likely changed the structure and function of the oceans, but recovery is possible and in
many cases is already in progress.
Great whales which include Baleen and Sperm whales, include the largest animals to have ever
existed on Earth. They are the oceans ecosystem engineers as they have huge metabolic demands
they consume many fish and invertebrates, are themselves prey to other predators like killer whales,
and circulate nutrients through the water.
Even their dead remains, excreta, provide habitat for many species that only dwell on these whale
falls. The biomass and abundance of great whales has been dramatically reduced by commercial
whaling.
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary: Indias 47th Tiger Reserve
July 2, 2014
As per the notification of Environment Ministry, Maharashtras Bor Wildlife Sanctuary will
become the countrys 47th Tiger Reserve with an aim to bolster the conservation efforts of the
national animal.
Notified by the State in 1970, the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, is rich in biodiversity with a great variety
of flora and fauna, including tiger, co-predators, prey animals and birds.
The habitat is picturesque and is on the periphery of Nagpur and Wardha districts, amidst the
Satpura-Maikal landscape, forming catchment of the River Bor. The sanctuary is also an important
corridor between Tadoba-Andhari and Pench Tiger Reserves of the State. Bor is the 6th tiger reserve
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of Maharashtra.
Project Mausam: Culture Ministry initiative to explore multi-faceted Indian Ocean
June 22, 2014
th
Indias Union Ministry of Culture launched Project Mausam at the 38 summit of the World
Heritage Committee in Doha, Qatar. The Project aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean
region and collaborate archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of
cultural, commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean.
Several countries including China, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Myanmar, and Vietnam have also shown keen
interest in this project.
New Delhi will host first international conference on Project Mausam in February 2015
with national and international research partners and collaborators. The theme of the conference
will be Great Centres of Learning: Knowledge Societies and the Making of the Indian Ocean
region.
Government sets up Panel to design National Rubber Policy
June 20, 2014
An expert panel has been set up by the Union Government to formulate National Rubber Policy.
The committee will be headed by the Additional Secretary (Plantations) Department of Commerce.
Other members of the committee will be from relevant ministries, Rubber Board, industry, growers,
processors and research institutions. The panel will look into the issues relating to production,
development and exports of rubber and related products and design a comprehensive policy related
to Natural, Synthetic and Reclaimed Rubber.
Understanding the collusion between El Nino and Monsoon
June 24, 2014
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is anticipating an El Nino developing in the Pacific
and so there is considerable worry over its impact on this years monsoon. These concerns seem to
escalate with the delayed arrival of rains over Kerala and a retarded monsoon progression towards
north.
Around a century back Sir Gilbert Walker, then Director-General of Observatories in India, found
indications that changes in the Pacific affects the monsoon. With more studies, scientific
understanding of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has increased significantly in recent
decades.
It must be noted that not every El Nino hinders the monsoon. But when the Pacific Ocean becomes
exceptionally warm the probability of monsoon turning deficient rises sharply. When the Pacific is
neither too warm nor cool, there is only a 16% chance of a monsoon ending in a drought. As per
rainfall data for 126 years, the possibility of a drought soars to over 40% when there is an El Nino.
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Some cases of El Ninos impact:

1997 was a year of one of the most powerful El Nino events in the last century. The waters of
the equatorial Pacific Ocean had warmed sharply even before the onset of monsoon. As such
a phenomenon typically stymies monsoon rains over India, a severe drought was widely
predicted. However, the monsoon that year ended with above average rains.
In 2002, a moderate El Nino surprisingly broke down the monsoon which resulted into a
massive drought.
The above instances clearly show how challenging it is to accurately forecast how an El Nino will
advance and what impact it will make on monsoon.
In 1997, the eastern Pacific had become unusually warm, thereby restricting the atmospheric
circulation changes that negatively affected the monsoon. It was when the sea surface temperature
abnormalities were highest in the central Pacific that an El Nino had drought-producing effects
in India. Central Pacific El Ninos were witnessed in 2002 as well as in 2004 and 2009, with all
three years ending in drought.
There are several factors which can influence the effect of El Nino on the monsoon. For example:
Part of Pacific that warms, Eastern or Central
Indian Ocean Diapole (IOD), Positive or Negative
How the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) affects the monsoon?
IOD which is also known as the Indian Nino is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures
in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the
eastern part of the ocean.
Positive IOD (Indian Ocean Diapole IOD):
In this case, the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean off Sumatra in Indonesia becomes colder than
normal while the western tropical part of the ocean near the African coast becomes unusually warm.
Such an event has been found to be beneficial for the monsoon.
Role of EQUINOO (Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation):
During the positive phase of the Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO), there is
enhanced cloud formation and rainfall in western part of the equatorial ocean near the African coast
while such activity is suppressed near Sumatra. This phase produces good rains over India.
Negative IOD (Indian Ocean Diapole IOD):
In this case the opposite of the above mentioned case occurs. The eastern equatorial Indian Ocean off
Sumatra in Indonesia becomes abnormally warm while the western tropical part of the ocean near
the African coast becomes relatively colder. This effect obstructs the progression of monsoon over
India.
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Negative EQUINOO (Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation):

A negative EQUINOO causes heightened cloud formation and rainfall near Indonesia thus retards
rains over India.
Although EQUINOO and IOD cooperate during strong positive IOD events, as happened in 1994
and 1997, they do not always shape up so. For instance, the severe drought of 2002 occurred when a
moderate El Nino as well as strong negative EQUINOO together took a toll on the monsoon. The
IOD that year was somewhat positive.
Interplay between IOD and El Nino:
An IOD can weaken or aggravate an El Ninos impact on the monsoon.
A positive IOD had facilitated normal or excess rainfall over India in 1983, 1994 and 1997 despite an
El Nino in those years. But during years such as 1992, a negative IOD and El Nino had cooperatively
produced deficient rainfall.
The positive IOD in 2007 appeared together with La Nia which is a very rare phenomenon that has
happened only once in the available historical data (in 1967).
Latest Forecast:
At present, it is difficult to say which type of El Nino would evolve this year. The current generation
of climate models does not have the capacity to differentiate whether a central or eastern Pacific El
Nino will manifest. As per Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
(JAMSTEC) group, there is a very high chance of a negative IOD turning up in 2014.
June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification observed with the theme Land Belongs
to the Future Lets Climate Proof It
June 17, 2014
World Day to Combat Desertification was observed on June 17, 2014 to promote public
awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing severe drought and/or desertification,
particularly in Africa.
The theme for 2014 is Land Belongs to the Future Lets Climate Proof It.
Globally, around 1.5 billion people depend on degrading areas for their livings, and nearly half of the
worlds very poor (42%) dwell in degraded areas, rendering them some of the most insecure places in
the world, and in some cases their imbalance can destabilize whole political regions.
The world is not isolated from the effect instability caused by the suffering of these people. As per
estimates, by 2020 around 60 million people will migrate from desertified regions in Sub-Saharan
Africa towards Northern Africa and Europe.
The theme emphasizes on raising awareness about the potential of ecosystem-based adaptation as a
policy for coping with the impacts of climate change, particularly in the drylands. Ecosystem-based
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adaptation means the strengthening of natural systems to absorb the worst impacts of climate
change. Healthy ecosystems are less susceptible to the impacts and hazards of climate change.
June 17 as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was declared by the United Nations
General Assembly in 1994.
DLF is Indias first realty company to get ISO 9001: 2008 certification
June 16, 2014
Realty behemoth DLF has become Indias first real estate firm to get ISO 9001:2008 quality
certification for development of housing and commercial projects.
DLF Home Developers Ltd, an arm of DLF, has received ISO 9001:2008 certification after meeting
the rigorous standards set by British Standard Institute (BSI), a recognized business standards
company.
DLF Home Developers is the first realty firm in the country to receive this internationally
recognized Quality Management system (QMS) accreditation.
The certification DLF has achieved the certification which focused The Development of
Commercial and Residential Complexes after undergoing rigorous assessment for its adherence
to delivery schedules of both residential and commercial projects, customer satisfaction and quality of
construction.
With the implementation of QMS, DLF ensures highest level of process and quality control in
execution of its projects. QMS has very meticulously documented procedures addressing highest
level of specifications to be achieved during various stages of development. The QMS rules help
enhance systems, improve areas of weakness and cut down process in-efficiencies. This system
ensures conformity to all applicable legal and regulatory requisites. It gives an extra stress on health,
safety and environment at the work place during the course of construction.
Japan kills 30 minke whales despite ICJ order
June 14, 2014
As per a report by Japanese Fisheries Agency, Japan has continued the hunting of whales and has
killed 30 minke whales off Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefacture (at its north-east coast), in the first hunt
since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) March 2014 order which directed Tokyo to halt
killing the whales in the Antarctic.
In March 2014, the ICJ ruled that Japans annual expedition to the Southern Ocean was a commercial
activity disguised as research.
ICJ ordered ban on Japans JARPA II (started in 2005) whaling programme in Sothern Ocean in
the Antarctic. The UNs apex court imposed a temporary halt on Japans whaling programmme in
Antarctic waters after hearing a case brought against Japan by Australia and environmental groups.
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The 16-member panel of ICJ decided that the whaling exercise of Japan is not justified. The court
directed Tokyo to choose any one courses of action in this regard- either stop hunting the whales or
redesign its hunting programme for scientific purposes. Japan agreed to the order of the ICJ.
Japan has exploited an ambiguity in a 1986 global moratorium that allows lethal research on the
mammals. Japan sometimes also paints the demands for an end to whaling as cultural imperialism in
the country.
Insufficiency in the ICJ order
Though the ICJ judgment directs Japan to stop whaling in Antarctic under JARPA II but it doesnt
make any mention on its annual hunts in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Japan is free to continue
hunting of whales in the Pacific.
Delhi is Indias first kerosene-free city
June 19, 2014
As per an announcement by the Delhi Government, the national capital has become the first
kerosene-free city in the country. It was announced that the Delhi: A Kerosene-Free City
Scheme, 2012 has been implemented successfully and now no subsidized kerosene is being provided
in the national capital.
The scheme was started in 2012 in collaboration with three Oil Marketing Companies and Union
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for which Delhi Government had spent Rs 62 crores.
Earlier, Delhi was getting about 53,000 Kilolitre of kerosene oil annually from the Centre, which was
distributed to eligible households at a subsidized price.
Delhi government launched Kerosene-Free City Scheme 2012 under which free gas connections
along with LPG filled cylinders, two burner gas stove, regulator and suraksha pipe were
issued to the Jhuggi Ration Card ( JRC), Below Poverty Line ( BPL) and Antodaya Ann
Yojana ( AAY) ration card holders who were using kerosene oil for cooking.
This measure would boost environment conservation efforts as no toxic gases would be produced
from burning the oil, lesser possibility of adulteration in petrol, positive impact on air pollution and
improvement in the quality of life of people covered under the scheme in addition to fewer fire
accidents and burn injuries.
As per law, any person involved in kerosene oil trade is liable for prosecution under Essential
Commodities Act, 1955 and Delhi Kerosene Oil Control Order, 1962. A complaint can be registered
in this regard on the helpline number 1967.
NTPC seeks revocation of ban on Lata Tapovan Hydro Power Project
June 16, 2014
NTPC has filed a plea seeking continuation of work on its Lata Tapovan Hydro Power Project in
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Uttarakhand that was put on hold following the Supreme Courts May 7 order. The apex court
has issued notice to the government in this regard.
The court had ordered a halt to 24 projects that were proposed within 100 km of eco-sensitive
zone from Gangotri. It had also directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF) and the Uttarakhand government not to grant any environmental or forest approvals for
any hydroelectric project in the hill state.
The court had asked the MoEF to form an expert panel to carry out a detailed study whether
hydroelectric power projects both existing and under construction have contributed to the
environmental degradation in Uttarakhand, if so, to what extent. The expert committee was also
directed to examine whether these projects had contributed to the natural disaster that had hit the
state in June 2013.
As per the plea submitted by the NTPC, the expert panel constituted by the ministry deviates from
the directions issued by the court, which had said it would have the representatives of the
Uttarakhand government, Wildlife Institute of India, Central Electricity Authority, Central Water
Commission and other expert bodies to undertake the detailed study as directed by it.
NTPC also said that due to delay it is losing time and the costs of the projects are also escalating.
IUCN releases Red List of Threatened Species FIFA World Cup 2014 mascot
Brazilian three-banded Armadillo enlisted as Vulnerable
June 15, 2014
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the Red List of
Threatened Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is celebrating its 50 anniversary in
th
2014. As of now, the Red List has 73,686 assessed species, of which 22,103 are threatened with
extinction. The release includes lemurs, Japanese eels, slipper orchids.
The Brazilian three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) which is FIFA

World Cup 2014 mascot has been enlisted as Vulnerable as its population has
decreased by more than a third in the past 10 due to destruction of half its
shrubland habitat.
The Brazilian 3-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) is an armadillo species endemic to Brazil. In
Brazil it is locally known as tatu-bola as it can roll itself into a ball.
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Lemurs are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates on the planet as more than 90% of
lemurs are now threatened with extinction.
Some of the facts about Lemurs:
Of the 99 known species, which live on the island of Madagascar 22 species are critically
endangered, including the Indri, the largest living lemur.
48 species of lemur are endangered, including Madame Berthes mouse lemur, the world
smallest primate.
20 lemur species are vulnerable.
Lemurs are threatened by the loss of their tropical forest habitat due to rise in illegal logging
on account of political instability and surging levels of poverty in the past 20 years.
Japanese eel:
It is a traditional food in Japan and the countrys most expensive food fish. It is endangered due to:
Habitat loss
Unsustainable fishing
Obstructions to migration
Pollution
Changes in oceanic currents
The assessment of species is done using the Species Information Service Toolkit, an application
developed in partnership with Solertium and IUCN.
Scientists locate massive underground water reservoir, three times the size of
Earths oceans
June 14, 2014
Researchers have found a massive reservoir of water three times the size of Earths oceans located
hundreds of miles beneath the surface of the planet. Scientists from Northwestern University and the
University of New Mexico provided the first ever evidence for potentially oceans worth of water
deep beneath the United States.
Though the water is not in the general liquid form the elements for water are bound up in rock
deep in the planets mantle the discovery may correspond to earths biggest water reservoir. It is
due to the presence of liquid water on the surface that makes our planet fit for human habitation, and
researchers have long been trying to puzzle out just how much water may be cycling between Earths
surface and internal reservoirs through plate tectonics.
Researchers have discovered deep pockets of magma situated about 400 miles underneath North
America, a possible sign of the presence of water at these depths. The discovery indicates that water
from the Earths surface can reach such great depths by plate tectonics, in due course causing partial
melting of the rocks found deep in the mantle. Scientists are considering evidence for a whole-Earth
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water cycle, which may help explain the huge quantity of liquid water on the surface earth.
Researchers have been in quest of this missing deep water for years. They have long conjectured that
water is locked in a rocky layer of the Earths mantle between the lower mantle and upper mantle, at
depths between 250 miles and 410 miles.
Scientists Jacobsen and Schmandt are the first to provide direct proof that there may be water in
Transition Zone of the mantle on a regional scale. Scientists tried to produce evidence that
melting may take place about 400 miles deep in the Earth. H2O trapped in mantle rocks, such as those
comprising the mineral ringwoodite is the fundamental thing to the process. If just 1% of the
weight of mantle rock in this zone is H2O that would be tantamount to around 3 times the amount of
water in oceans on Earths surface.
The water which has been discovered is not in the form of liquid, ice or vapor. It is water locked
inside the molecular composition of the minerals in the mantle rock. The high pressure and
temperature produced by the weight of 250 miles of solid rock breaks a water molecule to form a
hydroxyl radical (OH), which can bind into a minerals crystal structure.
The research rests on a discovery in which researchers found a piece of the mineral ringwoodite
inside a diamond spewed from a depth of 400 miles by a volcano in Brazil. That minuscule piece of
ringwoodite the only sample in existence from within the Earth contained an unexpected
quantity of water bound in solid form in the mineral.
Gujarat gets NCA approval to raise height of Narmada Dam
June 13, 2014
The Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has given nod to raise the height of the Sardar Sarovar
Dam by 17 metres to 138.62 metres, which, on its completion, would allow Gujarat to get three
times more water for irrigation. The new height would make it the second highest dam in the world
after Grand Coulee in the US.
A higher dam will improve the efficiency of hydro-power generation and water supply capacity of
this project, and is likely to benefit not just Gujarat but also adjacent states of Rajashthan,
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Gujarat has been waiting for this decision for last 8 years.
Activist Medha Patkar, who drew attention to the dislocation of thousands of people as a result of
this move, is protesting the decision and has called the move undemocratic.
As per Patkar, the dam with its current height has 2 lakh people in its affected region. If the height is
increased by 17 metres, the thickly populated villages in Nimad area of Madhya Pradesh with houses,
farms, shops, temples, mosques and standing crops would be submerged. The centre will allow
Gujarat to raise the height of the dam from existing 121.91m to 138.7m
Benefits of Project:
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Irrigation water to 1.8 million hectares to benefit one million farmers.

Drinking water for 9,633 villages and 131 towns
Who gets what:
WATER: Rajasthan (1.79%), Maharashtra (0.89%), Gujarat (32.14%), Madhya Pradesh
(65.18%)
POWER: Maharashtra (27%), Gujarat (16%), Madhya Pradesh (57%)
Cyclone Nanauk moves towards Oman, monsoon to reach Maharashtra, Gujarat in few
days
June 12, 2014
Nanauk, the tropical cyclone that emerged in the east-central Arabian Sea is likely to hit
Oman on June 15, 2014. Due to the influence of the cyclone, Delhi witnessed an unexpected hike in
moisture levels which caused rain bringing the soaring temperature down. As per Indias Met
Department the cyclone is likely to affect the southwest monsoon.Under the influence of this
cyclone, the south west monsoon will move along the west coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Environment clearance to Navys Project Seabird (Karwar naval base)
June 11, 2014
The new Government of India has given environmental clearance to Indian Navys ambitious naval
infrastructure project Seabird in Karwar (Phase-II).
Project Seabird (Karwar naval base)
The Western Fleet of Indian Navy in Mumbai faced security challenges during the Indo-Pakistan
War of 1971 due to congestion in the shipping lanes from commercial shipping traffic, fishing boats
and tourists. To address these concerns several options were mulled over after the war.
Alternative locations for a base on the west coast were considered, including Thiruvananthapuram,
Kannur and Thoothukudi. In the early 1980s, then Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Oscar
Stanley Dawson proposed a dedicated naval base between the hills of the Western Ghats and
the Arabian Sea near Karwar in Karnataka state.
Advantages of Karwar (Karnataka) as Naval Base:
1. Located south of the naval bases in Mumbai and Goa and north of Kochi and is very close to
the worlds busiest shipping route between the Persian Gulf and east Asia and beyond the
range of most strike aircraft from neighboring countries.
2. It has a natural deep-water harbour and considerable land area for expansion to accommodate
larger aircraft carriers.
However, due to a variety of reasons, including the 1991 economic crisis, development of the base
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was delayed.Following Pokhran-II in 1999, then Defence Minister George Fernandes approved
Project Seabird to move forward with the construction of the new naval base at Karwar. Contracts
were awarded to Larsen & Toubro as the lead contractor for the marine works on the harbour, in
partnership with Hochtief, Ballast Nadem Dredging of the Netherlands, Radisson of Australia and
Nedeco of The Netherland.
Over 5 km of breakwater were built using over 4.4 million cubic meters of rock to protect the
harbour. To provide berth to even larger aircraft carriers, the Binaga Bay was dredged and its rock
outcrops blasted. Anjadip Island is one of the two islands to which the breakwaters are linked for
reinforcement. A second channel will be added to the base to allow warships to enter and exit the
port at the same time.
The Karwar base will be one of the largest naval bases of India and will be executed in two phases. It
will house various warships including Indias largest warship and aircraft carrier INS
Vikramaditya. INS Kadamba is an Indian Navy base situated near Karwar in Karnataka.
The phase I of the base, known as Project Seabird, was completed in 2005 and the base was
commissioned on May 31, 2005.
The phase II of the project began in 2011. At present, INS Kadamba is the third largest Indian naval
base, and is expected to become the largest naval base in the eastern hemisphere after completion of
expansion Phase IIB.
Obama administration demonstrates historic rules to cut coal pollution by 30%
June 3, 2014
The Obama administration showed notable environment directives for clipping carbon pollution
from power plants by 30%, stimulating vision for a global agreement to end climate change. The
fresh rules, officially declared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), characterise the first
time Barack Obama, or any other President, has been motivated to control carbon pollution from
power plants. Power plants are the biggest single source of Carbon dioxide (CO2) discharges that
trigger climate change.
The directives, which would slash carbon pollution from power plants by 30% from 2005 levels by
2030, would combat climate change whilst furnishing US with steadfast and cheap power. Former
US Vice-President Al Gore on EPA Carbon Emissions Guidelines held that the novel rules were the
most important step taken to combat the climate crisis in our countrys history.
The guidelines would hopefully prove to be a critical step to dealing with climate change. Power
plants are the largest single source of carbon pollution, accounting for nearly 40% of the emissions
that trigger climate change.
At present, in US there are no national restrictions to the amount of carbon pollution that Power
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plants can pump into the atmosphere. Albeit, CO2 from power plants had been falling since 2005,
owing to the economic recession and the shift from coal to inexpensive natural gas.
Thus, these directives would put US on passage for long term and long-term cuts to carbon
pollution. These fresh standards would also send a strong communication across the world that its
occasion to face the universal risk of climate change.
The rules could affect 1,600 power plants across US. About 600 of these operate on coal, including
many that are nearly 50 years old and will have the most difficulty meeting the new standards.
States and Power companies will have a variety of alternatives to accomplish the new standards:
substituting coal by cleaner-burning natural gas; establishing cap-and-trade markets; increasing
renewables such as wind and solar power; or boosting customers to consume less energy by
switching to more effective heating and cooling appliances. States will have to come up with a plan
till 2016 to mee the goals. Some states will have less go-getting targets, while others will have more.
But the lobby groups for the coal industry, which will be hit toughest by the fresh directions, held
that the directives would upset the economy and lead to power outages. The Republicans also held
the fresh benchmarks would kill coal and eventually lead to power outages.
RhoDIS: DNA-based tool to probe poaching
May 28, 2014
Assam government is considering introducing RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Indexing System), a DNA-
based forensic tool to probe and prosecute suspects involved cases of rhino poaching. The tool will
be used in the collection of each individual rhinos unique DNA profile and developing a database
which can be referenced when producing legal evidence in cases of rhino poaching.
It has been observed that poachers often go scot-free for want of irrefutable evidence. Poachers killed
and dehorned 41 rhinos in Assam and about 1,000 rhinos in South Africa in 2013. In 2014, as many
as 16 rhinos have been killed in Kaziranga, Assam. The Assam government is also mulling over the
option of establishing fast-track courts to conduct speedy trials against poachers. The RhODIS would
help provide concrete evidence, as required for conviction in poaching cases.
Ranchis Kanke Dam endangered by waste
May 27, 2014
Ranchis key water reservoir Kanke Dam that hitherto provided water to thousands of houses
located around it has been receiving waste emanating from human activities concentrated around its
periphery which has become a threat of extinction to the water body. The dam situated in the Kanke
area of Ranchi is famous for its beautiful picnic spot besides a place that offers tranquility.
But the Dam has been an object of neglect for the State Government. The Dam which was built in
1954 has not been cleaned even once since it came into existence. Algal bloom has started in the
dam and it is creating a lot of problem for the treatment plant. It affects quality of the water. Besides,
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the water body has reduced in area.

Olive Ridley Conservation programme restarted after nearly 25 years
May 25, 2014
The wildlife flank of the Forest Department has re-started the Olive Ridley
conservation after nearly 25 years by setting up a hatchery at Besant Nagar in
Chennai. The department set up the hatchery in January 2014 near the broken
bridge behind the Theosophical Society premises. Around a dozen people have
been employed to guard the hatchery and collect eggs.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a
medium-sized species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and
Indian Oceans.
Olive Ridley Turtles:
Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea .
Also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle.
Found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Global population of annual nesting females of these turtles reduced to 852,550 by 2008.
Considered vulnerable because of their few remaining nesting sites in the world.
Largest breeding ground for these turtles: The Gahirmatha Beach in Kendrapara district
of Odisha (India), now a part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in
2002.
Worlds largest known rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Two other mass nesting beaches on the mouth of rivers Rushikulya and Devi.
Biologists discover 14 new Dancing Frog species in Western Ghats
May 11, 2014
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Indian scientists have found 14 new species of Dancing Frogs in the Western
Ghats. The tiny agile amphibians earned their name for the unusual kicks they
use to attract mates.
The kicking or foot-flagging is a breeding behavior shown only by the males. They stretch, extend
and whip their legs out to the side to draw the attention of females who might have difficulty
hearing mating croaks over the sound of water flowing through perennial hill
streams. Compared with other frogs, these frogs are so sensitive to this habitat that any change
might be ravaging for them.
El Nino effect may shrink Indias GDP by 1.75%: Assocham
May 10, 2014
As per a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), the
5% deficiency in rains due to possible El Nino factor in this monsoon could impact Indias
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 1.75% in the 2014-15 fiscal, affecting lakhs of unskilled jobs.
Rain deficit could also impact food inflation, which has always been a concern to policy makers. The
loss to the GDP of about 1.75 % would be equivalent to around Rs 1,80,000 crore.
Indian agriculture in heavily dependent on rains as about 60% of net sown area of the country is
rain-fed. With every 1% deficit in rains, the countrys GDP plummets by 0.35%. Therefore, a good
agricultural output is a must for India to increase demand for services and industrial products.
India is forecasted to have below normal monsoon in 2014 with Meteorological department
predicting 95% rainfall because of the El-Nino effect, which is generally linked with the warming of
ocean water.
Net Metering: An innovation to slash electricity bills
May 3, 2014
Over two years of its launch in Andhra Pradesh, Net Metering system may soon be taken up by
other states of India.
[icon name=icon-question-sign]What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is an eco-friendly idea that encourages the power consumers to adopt the generation
of solar power to manage their demand and supply of electricity. In this process, the consumers not
only generate power for their own needs but also get paid for the excess power generated by their
solar Photovoltaic systems (PV systems). The excess electricity is send to the central grid which
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pays for the energy thus generated.

[icon name=icon-question-sign]How Net Metering works?
The electricity generated by the PV systems serves the immediate energy needs of your home and
slashes your monthly electricity bill. Any extra power your home needsday or nightis
automatically supplied by PG&E. The excess electricity generated by your system, but your home
does not use, is exported back to the electric grid.
[icon name=icon-question-sign]Why is it called Net Metering?
Net Metering system is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the
electricity they contribute to the grid. For example, if a residential customer owns a PV system, it
may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. If the home is net-metered,
the electricity meter will run backwards to provide a credit against what electricity is
consumed at night or other periods where the homes electricity use exceeds the systems
output. Customers are only billed for their net energy use. Generally, only 20-40% of a solar
energy systems output ever goes into the grid.
[icon name=icon-question-sign]What are the benefits of Net Metering?
1. Eco-friendly as it doesnt generate harmful emissions

2. Reduces dependence on conventional energy sources
3. Provides electricity to power deficient homes
4. Encourages generation of solar energy by power consumers through incentives like negative
bills and credits to surplus producers.
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SOLAR-JET: An EU project makes solar kerosene from sunlight

May 2, 2014
A research project named SOLAR-JET funded by the European Union (EU) has produced the
worlds first solar jet fuel from water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists have for the first time
successfully showed the entire production chain for renewable kerosene, using concentrated light as
a high-temperature energy source. The project is still in nascent stage, with a glassful of jet fuel
produced in laboratory conditions, using simulated sunlight. However, researchers hope that in
future any liquid hydrocarbon fuels could be produced from sunlight, CO2 and water.
[icon name=icon-question-sign]How did the researchers produce jet fuel from sunlight?
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In the SOLAR-JET experiment, researchers used concentrated light simulated

sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water to Synthesis Gas (Syngas) in a
high-temperature solar reactor containing metal-oxide based materials developed
at ETH Zrich. The Syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide)
was then converted into kerosene by Shell using the established Fischer-
Tropsch process.
[icon name=icon-question-sign]What is the significance of SOLAR-JET Experiment?
This experiment aims to develop a technology through which we might one day produce cleaner and
plentiful fuel for planes, cars and other forms of transport. This could significantly enhance energy
security and turn one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming into a useful
resource.
Polo, Indias only gorilla, breaths his last
May 2, 2014
Polo (43), Indias only gorilla, listed as one of the world s critically endangered
species, passed away at the Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens),
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Karnataka. The male Western Lowland Gorilla, which was gifted to Mysore zoo by
Dublin zoo about 19 years ago, had been ill since over a month.
Climate change may lead India to war: UN report
April 6, 2014
UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its report evaluating affects of climate
change on human health, settlements and natural resources issued a warning that if no actions are
taken to limit the ill-effects of global warming, Asia may face pressure on water resources and food-
grain production in the future, thereby mounting the risk of armed conflict amongst India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and China.
Albeit the report doesnt have any country-specific forecastings, the region-wise findings in the
report have thrown many eye-opening conclusions for India. As per the Report, if steps are not
taken to control the rise in temperature:
India might lose up to 1.7% of its GDP if the yearly mean temperature rises by 1 degree
Celsius compared to pre-industrialization level.
India might face extreme weather events, viz. flash floods in Uttarakhand and cyclone Phailin
in Odisha.
Beach tourism in India, could be affected.
Increase in risk of armed conflict around the world as it aggravates poverty.
Key indications/ findings from the report:
In most parts of the world, coming times experience more extreme weather events viz.
floods, cyclones, cloud bursts, unseasonal excessive rains and drought, etc.
Amongst the most affected nations in Asia would be: Bangladesh, China, India, Maldives,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Climate change will be an influential factor in designing of national security policies.
By middle of the 21st century, stern pressure on fresh water resources in South Asia and
China (Himalayan river basins) may develop into a basis for armed conflict in the region.
Coastal flooding will affect tourism in India.
Fall in food-grain production (wheat in India and Pakistan; wheat and maize in China)
Sea-level rise will affect coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata
Fishing community will be affected, as some marine fauna will face extinction by 2050
Himalayan Glaciers continue to shrink, affecting water resources downstream
Human health will be affected by climate change, mainly by exasperating health issues.
UN IPCC Report: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability
(Source: http://www.ipcc.ch/)
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Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020-Launched by WHO-India to protect Vulnerable

Rhinos
March 28, 2014
WHO-India launched Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 programme to protect and increase the
population of the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). IVR 2020 is a partnership among
the Government of Assam, the International Rhino Foundation, the World Wide Fund for Nature,
the Bodoland Territorial Council, and the U.S. Fish & World Wildlife foundation.
Purpose: To attain a population of 3,000 wild one-horned rhinos in seven of Assams protected areas
by the year 2020.
Procedure to protect & increase the population of Rhinos
The horns of rhinos will be trimmed before their translocation to Laokhowa-Burachapori
Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaon district of the state.
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The trimming will be done in a way that any damage is not done to their internal organs and
the trimmed horns will grow back to their original shape within four to five months.
This action of trimming will also protect them from the poachers, who hunt them just to take
away their horns.
Note: Rhinos are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species. To achieve the
targeted number, the programme needs an increase by 600 over the existing population available in
the state in next 8 years. It means an annual increase of about 3 %.
Environmentalist Ms. Almitra Patel
March 24, 2014
Environmentalist Ms. Almitra Patel is the member of Supreme Court Committee for Solid Waste
Management of India. She has a very strong technical background and experience in several
engineering fields, good para-medical knowledge and on a wide variety of pollution-related issues.
About Ms. Patels work in the field of environment & solid waste management practices
Honorary Tree Warden for Karnataka.
Founder Member of Swabhimana.
Fought a successful battle against poor solid waste management and filed a Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) to force the Union Government to put in place effective solid waste
management rules in the country.
Designed and supervised construction of 41 low-cost homes, 22 poultry sheds and 2 large
school buildings.
Designed and built a gender-friendly low-cost toilet to prevent blockage of sewers.
Convener, INTACH Waste Network.
Honorary Advisor / supporter / mentor of numerous students, entrepreneurs, individuals
and NGOs in the fields of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Waste Water
Management.
Award(s): Economic Times Achiever of the Year for Environment in Karnataka, Golden
Jubilee Award for Environment from Bangalore City Corpn, Kempegowda Award-winner
for Environment, etc.
Publications: Vacuum Concrete, Track Down Your Induction Furnace Lining Problems,
Strategies for Slum Free cities : A Discussion Paper, etc.
Note: Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 2000 apply to every
municipal authority that would be responsible for the collection, segregation, processing,
transportation and disposal of solid waste.
U.S. India Energy Dialogue 2014 to advance clean energy access: Promoting Energy
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Access through Clean Energy (PEACE)

March 23, 2014
India and the USA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a joint implementation
committee to regularly monitor and boost the PEACE (Promoting Energy Access through Clean
Energy) initiative in New Delhi. This new initiative PEACE was launched in 2013 under the India-
US Energy Dialogue.
Objective: To harness commercial enterprise to bring clean energy access to un-served and
underserved Indian villages, capture lessons learned, and develop best practices. Reliable and cost-
effective off-grid clean energy solutions can significantly improve the quality of life and economic
conditions in rural households and communities.
Focus Areas of Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE)
Sharing best practices and institutional and other approaches.
Finance.
Technology innovation, standards, testing, and certification.
Skill development and information sharing.
Under the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue 2014, both the Governments finalized an initial plan
of activities viz.
To create a new PACEsetter fund to support the development of early-stage, innovative
clean energy solutions for un-served and underserved populations in India.
To cooperate on a study to recommend the design of a smart micro-grid pilot to test and
validate a business model for scaling up smart micro-grids commercially.
Will work with stakeholders to develop a quality assurance framework, including control
standards and performance benchmarks, that can serve consumers better in terms of safety,
reliability, performance and cost comparison, and facilitate the delivery of high quality
products to the market.
Off-Grid Alliance: To establish an alliance of businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and
government to strengthen Indias off-grid ecosystem, bring existing efforts to scale, and
attract new businesses and commercial enterprises.
Note: The implementation of PEACE will be under the New Technology and Renewable Energy
(NTRE) Working Group of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue.
Great Eared Nightjar spotted first time in Kollams Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
March 21, 2014
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As per the annual bird survey at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, a brood
of the highly elusive nocturnal forest bird, the Great Eared Nightjar was spotted
first time in Kollam, Kerala. Earlier, it was recorded from the Siruvani foothills in
Tamil Nadu in May 1995.
(The Great Eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis bourdilloni) belongs to the nightjar family. It
gets its name from the two erect earlike tufts of feathers on its head, behind the eyes).
About the Kollams Bird survey at Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Led by the team of the nature lovers forum Warblers and Waders.
For the survey, the sanctuary was divided into six sub-divisions viz. Kattilappara, Kallar-
Rockwood, Umayar, Rosemala, Dharbhakulam, and Pandimotta.
194 bird species were recorded.
Objective: To update the checklist of birds in the sanctuary and study their status,
abundance, and distribution in different habitats.
Noteworthy bird species recorded viz. Painted Bush Quail, Sri Lankan Frogmouth,
White-Bellied Black Woodpecker, Great Indian Pied Hornbill, Black Baza, Blue-Bearded Bee-
eater, Red-Winged Crested Cuckoo, Great-eared Nightjar, Lesser Fishing Eagle, Mountain
Hawk Eagle, Booted Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Malay Bittern, Brown Fish Owl, Black-
capped Kingfisher, Thick-billed Warbler, Speckled Piculet, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, and
the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Highest bird presence of 124 species was recorded at Kattillappara and the lowest of 51 at
Dharbhakulam.
Important birds recorded during previous surveys but absent this time were the Osprey,
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Lesser Coucal, Long-tailed Nightjar, Grey Heron, and the Hair Crested Drongo.
Note: The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary ( established in 1984 and located in Kollam District,
Kerala) is rich in biodiversity and the Warblers and Waders has been conducting bird surveys there
in association with the Kerala Forest Department since 1995. It is a protected area in the Western
Ghats, India and comes under the control of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 15 bird species from India are in critically
endangered list
March 14, 2014
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Birds 2013 marked 15
species of birds from India as critically endangered (CR).
Critically Endangered (CR): The highest risk category of the IUCN Red List of threatened
species, comprising those that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Bird species falling under the Critically Endangered category in India:-
Migratory wetland species: Baers Pochard, Siberian Crane and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
Non-migratory wetland species: White-bellied Heron.
Grassland species:Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Jerdons Courser and Sociable
Lapwing.
Forest species:Forest Owlet.
Scavengers: Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Slender-billed
Vulture.
Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck are now considered Extinct for all practical
purposes.
Uplisted (facing greater danger) species in 2013 IUCN list from
Least Concern to Near Threatened: River Lapwing and River Tern.
Least Concern to Vulnerable: Long-tailed Duck.
Cause: Decline of these species due to destruction of wetlands and riverine habitats.
Major reasons of decline of bird species in India
Drastic modification, fragmentation, degradation and loss of habitat, environmental pollution
(both industrial and due to increased pesticide usage), poaching and land use changes, etc.
Changes in cropping pattern due to various reasons, including implementation of irrigation
schemes, increased pesticide usage, livestock-grazing, high levels of disturbance and
developmental activities viz. mining and hydel projects resulted in marginal fall in their
population.
Drastic loss of grassland habitat over the past decades has severely threatened species viz.
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Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican and Jerdons Courser.

Destruction of deciduous forests in central India has lead to the decline in Forest Owlet
numbers.
Destruction of forests in the fragile Western Ghats and Himalaya continue to endanger the
existence of many other species.
Use of chemical components as in the case of diclofenacs effect of vulture species.
About IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Headquarters:United Kingdom.
Founded: 1964.
Parent organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Worlds most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Objective: To have the category of every species re-evaluated every five years if possible or at
least every ten years.
Powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change,
critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive.
Provides information on population size and trends, geographic range and habitat needs of
species.
Evaluates species in 9 categories through a criteria viz. rate of decline, population size, area of
geographic distribution, and degree of population, distribution fragmentation, etc.
Categories: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered
(EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD) and Not
Evaluated (NE).
Mysterious four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases discovered
March 13, 2014
The scientists from the University of East Anglia, UK discovered traces of four new man-made
gases in the atmosphere that are capable of destroying the ozone layer and intensifying global
warming. Scientists stated that the new gases are manmade because they were not seen in the
atmosphere until the 1960s.
About four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases
Three of the gases are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one is a Hydro- Chlorofluorocarbon
(HCFC), which can also damage ozone.
The four new gases have been identified as CFC-112, CFC112a, CFC-113a, HCFC-133a.
CFC-113a: An agrochemical intermediate for the manufacture of pyrethroids. (a type of
insecticide once widely used in agriculture).
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CFC-113a and HCFC-133a: Intermediaries in the production of widely used refrigerants.

CFC-112 and 112a may have been used in the production of solvents and used to clean
electrical components.
Of the four species identified, CFC-113 seems to be most worrying, as it is an insecticide
coming from a very small but growing emissions source somewhere as yet unidentified.
CFC and HCFC gases have been found to damage the ozone layer, which is essential to filter
ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer in humans.
As per estimate, about 74,000 tonnes of these gases have been released into the atmosphere.
The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Note: The ozone layer protect the planet from damaging ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer
and eye cataracts.
Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Eminent Gandhian and environmentalist selected for Gandhi
Peace Prize 2013
March 5, 2014
The noted Gandhian and environmentalist, Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt selected for the Gandhi Peace
Prize for 2013.
About Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Born:1934.
Indian Gandhian environmentalist and social activist.
Founder of the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh in Gopeshwar, which later
became the mother organization to the Chipko Movement.
Known for his work on subaltern social ecology, and considered one of Indias
first modern environmentalist
One of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the
Raman Magsaysay Award in 1982.
Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Green legend-Greenies Eco Award-2010,
Raman Magsaysay Award, etc.
Note: Gandhi Peace Prize is an award that is bestowed to individuals and organizations for their
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contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through peace and other
Gandhian methods.
Indias Largest Solar Power Plant launched in Madhya Pradesh
March 3, 2014
Welspun Solar MP project, the largest Solar Power Plant of India launched at Bhagwanpur in
Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
About Welspun Solar MP project
The 151-megawatt photovoltaic plant.
Worlds 2nd largest & Asias Largest solar project (Single Plant).
Constructed by: Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL).
Location: Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
Inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Set up at a cost of Rs. 1100 crore on 305 hectares of land.
Supply power at Rs. 8.05 a kWh.
This Project will raise Indian solar capacity by 7%.
About Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL)
Biggest developer of solar photovoltaic projects of India.
Headquarters:New Delhi.
Objective: To develop 1,000 MW of wind power projects by 2014.
The energy arm of Welspun Group is an independent power producer with plans to build grid
connected 750MW of solar power & 1 GW of wind power plants across India.
Indian-origin men win Heinz Awards in US
March 1, 2014
Indian-origin men, Professor Abraham Verghese and Mr. Sanjeev Arora are among the five
recipients who won the 19th Heinz awards 2013 and will be honored in Pittsburgh on April 3, 2014.
Each winner will receive a cash award of $250,000 each as well as a medallion inscribed with an
image of late US senator John Heinz.
19th Heinz Awards 2013: Category and its recipients
Arts and humanities Professor Abraham Verghese, a doctor and author based at
Stanford University Medical School, USA was given the award in recognition of his best-
selling authorship. In his first book, My Own Country, he wrote extensively about AIDS in
rural areas of Tennesse. He belongs to Kerala.
Public policy Dr. Sanjeev Arora, professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico
in Albuquerque, was recognized for revolutionizing community healthcare using video
conferencing technology. He belongs to Kota, Rajasthan.
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Environment Professor Jonathan Foley, director of the Institute on the Environment

at the University of Minnesota where he has conducted research on the global environment
and how to improve the efficiency of food production.
Human condition Mr. Salman Khan, founder of online Khan Academy in Mountain
View, Calif., an educational nonprofit that offers free tutorials and exercises to students
around the world.
Technology, the economy and employment Leila Janah (an entrepreneur based in San
Francisco, USA) was honored for founding the nonprofits Samasource and SamaUSA that
uses an Internet to train and employ people in impoverished communities around the world.
About Heinz Awards
Established in 1993 by Ms. Teresa Heinz, the chairwoman of the Heinz Family Foundation
in honor of her late husband, Senator H. John Heinz III, the Pennsylvania Republican.
Headquarters:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (separate from the international food company).
Annually awarded by the Heinz Family Foundation.
The Heinz Awards celebrates the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing
the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to Senator
John Heinz, who died in a midair aircraft collision in 1991.
Awards recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions in five areas: Arts
and Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy, and Technology, the
Economy and Employment.
Indira Paryavaran Bhawan inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh
February 27, 2014
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Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in

New Delhi, which will house the Ministry of Environment and Forests and has a
provision to accommodate its 600 officials.
About Indira Paryavaran Bhawan
Project of Ministry of Environment and Forests
A Project for Construction of New office Building at Aliganj, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi.
Indias first on site Net Zero green building built by the adoption of Solar Passive design and
energy efficient building material.
The building is targeted to achieve LEED India Platinum Rating and GRIHA 5 star rating.
Cost: Rs. 209 crore, include the cost of land, solar photo voltaic power generation and its evacuation
system, three level mechanized basement parking system, air-conditioning system supported by geo-
thermal cooling, IT services, audio and video system in auditoriums and committee rooms, furniture,
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provision for horticulture and other services including reuse of water by recycling the waste water
and also to make the building friendly to physically challenged.
Requirements of GRIHA 5-Star and LEEDS Platinum ratings
Effective Ventilation has been achieved by orientating the building in an East-West direction,
separating different blocks with connecting corridors and having a large central court yard.
The design is such that 75% of natural daylight is utilized to reduce energy consumption.
The entire building has an access friendly design for differently-abled persons.
With an Installed capacity of 930 KW peak power, the building has the largest roof top Solar
system among Multi storied buildings in India.
Total energy savings of about 40% has been achieved by adoption of energy Efficient Chilled
Beam system of Air Conditioning. This is an innovative air conditioning system, where air
conditioning is done by convection currents rather than air flow through diffusers and chilled
water is circulated right up to the diffuser points unlike the conventional systems.
Green materials have been used like Fly ash bricks, regional building materials, materials with
high recycled content, high reflectance terrace tiles and rock wool Insulation of outer walls.
Rapidly renewable Bamboo Jute Composite material has been used for door frames &
shutters.
UPVC windows with hermetically sealed double glass, Calcium Silicate ceiling tiles having
high recycled content and grass paver blocks in pavements and roads.
Reduction in water consumption has been achieved by use of Low discharge water fixtures,
recycling of waste water through Sewage Treatment Plant, use of plants with Low water
demand in landscaping, use of Geothermal cooling for HVAC system, rain water harvesting
and use of curing compounds during construction.
Study: Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems
February 23, 2014
As per study led by University of Minnesota researchers, the fertilization of natural grasslands,
either intentionally or unintentionally as a side effect of global farming and industry, is having a
destabilizing effect on global grassland ecosystems.
About the study on Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems
First international experiment by using a network of natural grassland research sites around
the world known as Nutrient Network (or NutNet).
Assessed the effect of fertilizer on 41 sites across 5 continents.
The experimental network included eco-systems from alpine areas of China to Serengeti in
Tanzania.
Outcome: Found that plant diversity in natural ecosystems creates more stable ecosystems
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over time because of less synchronized growth of plants.

Also found that grassland diversity and stability reduces when fertilizers added.
In other words, the balance output of the ecological safety net on addition of fertilizer was
upset across diverse grassland as the various organisms in those disappeared.
NutNet is a grassroots campaign that is supported by scientists who volunteer their time
and resources.
Published in the international journal Nature.
Vizag Zoo: Soon, Indias first breeding centre for wild dogs (Dhole)
February 21, 2014
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) or Vizag Zoo will be the first zoo
in India to have a conservation breeding centre for the endangered wild dog or
Dhole. The Central Zoo Authority selected IGZP to have a breeding centre for
Dholes.
Project: will be completed in two to three months.
Cost: Rs. 50 lakh.
In India, the Dholes are protected under Schedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (As
per the schedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, permission is required to kill any
individual unless in self-defense or if an individual is a man killer.
About Dhole
Also called the Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog.
Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus. Order: Carnivora.
Highly social and cooperative animal lives in large clans which occasionally split up into small packs
to hunt.
Highest number of wild dogs in captivity in India: 22.
Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN: Due to ongoing habitat loss, depletion of its
prey base, competition from other predators, persecution and possibly diseases from domestic and
feral dogs.
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Dr. Marco Lambertini: New Director-General of WWF International

February 15, 2014
Dr. Marco Lambertini appointed as the Director General of World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF) International. He will begin his new role with the global conservation organization on May
1, 2014.
Dr. Marco Lambertini
At present, he is the chief executive of Bird Life International.
Holds an experience of 25 years as a global conservation leader.
Began his association with WWF as a youth volunteer growing up in his native Italy.
About World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
An international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the
conservation, research and restoration of the environment.
Founded: April 29, 1961.
Headquarters: Gland, Vaud, Switzerland.
Mission: To stop the degradation of the planets natural environment and to build a future in
which humans live in harmony with nature.
Focus: On the conservation of three biomes that contain most of the worlds biodiversity:
oceans and coasts, forests, and freshwater ecosystems.
Also concerned with endangered species, pollution and climate change.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans on burning tyres in Public Places
February 12, 2014
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the burning of tyres at public places viz. roads, areas
surrounded by residential buildings and also during protests by political and religious groups, as this
leads to health hazards.
As per the Western Zone Bench of NGT-Pune ruling:
The local police shall take prompt check on burning of tyres and any negligence in the instructions given by
NGT-Pune may entail penal aftermaths as specified in section 26 of the National Green tribunal Act,
2010. Any violation of the order may result in a penalty of up to Rs 10 crore, extendible to up to Rs 25 crores
and/or imprisonment of 3 years.
The decision came on a petition filed by the Sahyog Trust and other advocates against the
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the state of Maharashtra.
Why burning of tyres is harmful for environment?
Burning tyres emit toxic soup of pollutants that contains harmful gases and chemicals viz. carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, chromium, arsenic, zinc, barium, cobalt, copper, iron, aluminum,
manganese and vanadium, etc. which are hazardous to the human beings as well as to the
environment. Minuscule particles released during the burning can settle deep in the lungs. Tyres
180
contain 25 % extender oils derived from benzene, 25% styrene, a derivative of benzene, and 25% 1,3
butadiene. both benzene and 1,3 butadiene are suspected human carcinogens. (A carcinogen is any
substance, radionuclide or radiation, that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer).
A special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues.
Established on October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
Objective: For effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental
protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of
any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to
persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but
shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and
Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.
Note: The National Green Tribunal ruling can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction (SAVE)
February 5, 2014
The Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) programme declared that it has plans to
release up to 25 birds into a 30,000-sq-km drug-free safe zone. A project hopes to start releasing
captive-bred birds into the wild by 2016, after experiencing the devastation wrought by a drug on
Asian vulture populations.
In order to ensure that the species affected do not disappear completely from the wild, SAVE
identified a number of priorities viz.
To establish a number of vast safe zones for the captive-bred birds to be released within.
The areas have a radius of 100km and the consortium has identified six such areas some of
which cross national borders into Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Establishment of a captive-breeding programme that would provide the birds to be released
back into the wider environment, once it was safe to do so.
Why Asian vulture population is declining?
Diclofenac, a painkilling drug administered to cattle, is the main cause of mass extinction of
vultures.
Vultures, which have a digestive system robust enough to even digest disease-causing
pathogens found in rotting meat of dead, do not have a critical enzyme that breaks down
diclofenac and die of renal failure after eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug.
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Vultures feeding on cattle either die from acute kidney failure within a few days or lose their
ability to reproduce.
In 2006, India banned the use of veterinary drug Diclofenac, which is toxic to any vulture that
feeds on the carcass of recently treated cattle, but SAVE in its study, stated that the drug continues to
be sold and used illegally today.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put vultures on its list of
critically endangered species.
The most common species of vultures in South Asia:
Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), also known as the Indian vulture.
White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus).
Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris).
Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvushave).
Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
About SAVE (Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction)
The consortium of like-minded, regional and international organizations, created to oversee
and co-ordinate conservation, campaigning and fundraising activities to help the plight of
south Asias vultures.
Objective: To save three critically important species from extinction through a single
programme.
SAVE partners:Bombay Natural History Society, Bird Conservation Nepal, RSPB (UK), National
Trust for Nature Conservation (Nepal), International Centre for Birds of Prey (UK) and Zoological
Society of London.
India ranked 155th on Yales Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
January 30, 2014
India ranked 155th out of 178 countries with an index score of 31.23 points, in its efforts to address
environmental challenges, in the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) issued by Yale
University. Regardless of an improvement in overall performance, India ranks behind China (118),
Pakistan (148) and Nepal (139). Among the BRICS nations, South Africa was placed at 72nd
position, followed by Russia (73), Brazil (77) and China (118).
About 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
Prepared by Americas Yale and Columbia universities in collaboration with the World
Economic Forum (WEF) as well as with support from the Samuel Family Foundation and the
McCall MacBain Foundation.
Released at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
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Objectives that provide the overarching structure of the 2014 EPI: Environmental
Health and Ecosystem Vitality.
The 178 nations in the index represent 99% of the global population, 98% of the worlds total
land area and 97% of the global GDP.
Ranking based on High -priority environmental indicators: health impacts, air quality,
water and sanitation, water resources, agriculture, forests, fisheries, bio-diversity and habitat,
climate and energy.
The overall list is topped by Switzerland followed by Luxembourg, Australia, Singapore and
Czech Republic.
The least five performers: Somalia, Mali, Haiti, Lesotho, Afghanistan all are grappling
with civil unrest, significant economic development pressures, and political turmoil.
The EPI ranks how well countries perform on high-priority environmental issues in two broad
policy areas: Protection of human health from environmental harm and protection of ecosystems.
CCEA approved Capacity Building Scheme and Rajiv Gandhi Institute for climate
change
January 24, 2014
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Capacity Building Scheme and Rajiv
Gandhi Institute for climate change. Both the schemes will work for the state and centre to analyse
the climate change and their impacts which can hamper the life of citizen. The whole project is cost
Rs.290 crore.
a) The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Climate Change Studies and Action will be an autonomous
body which will have four key functional areas. The areas are related to
Environmental-scientific assessments and modelling.
Economic and legal analysis.
Monitoring and policy making.
Training, capacity building and advocacy and database, documentation and inventory
management.
Soon, the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) will take a call on the structure of institute and the time
period for its completion. The CoS would consists of secretaries in the ministries of environment
and forest, finance, renewable energy, agriculture, water resources and earth science.
b) The Capacity Building Scheme is designed to undertake and augment various activities
including Coordination of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan
on Climate Change.
Note: The NAPCC consistes of 8 government-backed missions, was launched by the Centre in 2008.
183
It includes governments priority area to work in the field of solar energy, enhanced energy
efficiency, sustainable habitat, conserving water, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, a Green
India mission, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge platform for Climate Change.
POSCOs steel plant gets environmental clearance
January 13, 2014
Indias Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has given environmental clearance to
South Korean steel manufacturer POSCO for its Rs 52,000 crore steel plant in Odisha. The
company who made the largest FDI investment in India has got the clearance after a long wait of
eight years to begin with the project. POSCO intends to build the steel plant with an annual
production capacity of 12 million tons. The approval has been granted a week ahead of South
Korean President Park Geun Hyes visit to India.
The company has been directed by the government to spend 5% of the total investment on
enterprise social commitments, but, at present it is not clear what that would entail.
As per MoEF, POSCOs project comprised of two aspects a steel plant and a port project.
MoEF has delinked the two and granted approval for the steel plant. Environment clearance for the
port is pending.
The POSCO-India story:
POSCO (formerly Pohang Iron and Steel Company), a multinational steel-making company
headquartered in Pohang, South Korea. POSCO-India Private Limited is a planned Indian subsidiary
of POSCO, an integrated steel producer with headquarters in Korea.
June 2005: South Koreas Pohang Steel Co signs memorandum with Orissa Govt to set up Rs
51,000cr steel project, the biggest FDI in India.
Aug 2008: SC upholds in-principle clearance for use of forest land but directs environment
ministry to probe alleged violations
Jan 2010: Ministry says clearance for diversion of forest land subject to implementation of
Forest Rights Act
Aug 2010: Ministry of Environment and Forestry halts project, probes alleged violation of
forest rights
Jan 31, 2011: Ministry of Environment and Forestry completes its probe of forest rights
compliance, clears steel & power plants and captive port
Jun 14, 2011: Orissa government paused land acquisition at the proposed steel plant of
POSCO in Dhinkia grampanchayat.
September 8, 2011: Orissa High Court rules that land acquisition is in public interest, allows
non-private land acquisition by state government for POSCO India to proceed, orders a
184
continued pause on the acquisition of private land till further ruling.

March 2012: In his Official visit to Seoul, South-Korea, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
assures South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul that the POSCO project will be
implemented and there was progress on it.
Later March 2012: The National Green Tribunal suspended the environment clearance
granted to POSCOs proposed mega steel project in Orissa.
January 2014: MoEF gives clearance to the steel project part of POSCOs project.
Supreme Court directs Centre to set up National Regulator for granting all Green
Clearances
January 11, 2014
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to establish a national regulator for environmental
clearances. The apex regulator will supervise grant of clearances and implementation of forest policy
and environmental laws. The apex court has given the Centre time till March 31 to appoint the
regulator and set up offices in as many States as possible under Section 3(3) of the Environment
(Protection) Act 1986.
Why does the Supreme Court want a national regulator for green clearances?
It has come to the notice of the apex court that the current mechanism under the Environment
Impact Assessment Notification dated September 14, 2006, issued by the Government with regard to
processing, appraisals, and approval of the projects for environmental clearance is deficient in many
respects. It, therefore, felt the need for a regulator at the national level with its offices in all the States
which can conduct an independent, objective and transparent appraisal and approval of the projects
for environmental clearances which can also monitor the implementation of the conditions laid
down in the environmental clearances.
How may this decision affect Centres power?
The granting of environmental clearances has so far remained a suspect due to absolute Government
control over Forest Advisory Committees, entrusted under the Act to oversee adherence to
environmental norms. The latest decision will not only deprive the Centre of its arbitrary power to
take decisions on projects, but would also ensure that those found guilty of violations are awarded
sizeable penalties under the polluter pays principle.
What is the reaction of MoEF over this decision?
The MoEF has strongly objected to this direction as it believes that it would not be feasible for a
single authority with limited number of experts to look into the diverse and inter-linked nature of
issues involved in the grant of environment clearances to various categories of projects. It further
says that the volume of work being dealt by six expert advisory panels could not be done by single
regulator, instead, it may result in financial pressure on the government exchequer which otherwise
185
could be utilized to strengthen the existing regulatory mechanism.

Global Warming: Gangotri glacier is shrinking
January 11, 2014
As per report titled, Estimation of retreat rate of Gangotri glacier, the Gangotri glacier is
receding like other glaciers in the Himalayas and its volume and size is shrinking between Gaumukh
and Bhojbasa. The appraisal of retreat measured by using rapid static and kinematics GPS survey.
The study is conducted by scientists from G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and
Development in Almora.
Excerpts of the report Estimation of retreat rate of Gangotri glacier
The retreat in the past decade was higher than it is in this decade. Still, there is some
disintegration in the upper regions of the glacier which shows that some tectonic activities
are going on in the region. This might be alarming but it is under study.
From year 2000 onwards, the average rate of retreat of the glacier per year has about 12 to 13
m..
Global warming is also the one of the factor for glacial retreat.
Recessional moraines and broad glacial terrace- like features provide sufficient evidence of
the shrinking of the glacier in the recent past between Gaumukh and Bhojbasa.
The River Bhagirathi originates from the glacier retreated more than 1,500m in the last 70
years.
About Gangotri Glacier
Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
The glacier is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic
kilometers.
The glaciers originate at about 7100 m above the sea level and are 30.2 km long and width
that varies between 0.5 and 2.5 km.
The River Bhagirathi is one of the main tributaries of the Ganga, originates from Gangotri
glacier.
Scientists spot rare Indian Pitta after 60 years
January 11, 2014
186
Indian Pitta, a bird endemic to the Himalayan foothills and Western

Ghats, was spotted at Aravalli Biodiversity Park near Vasant
Kunj in Delhi recently. As per ornithologists, Indian Pitta, a small and colourful
bird which is mainly seen in closed-canopy forests, was spotted in Delhi after 60
years.
Why sighting of Indian Pitta is special for scientists?
The sighting of Indian Pitta or Navaratna was last reported by ornithologist Usha Ganguli in her
book-A Guide to the Birds of Delhi. But for scientists, the spotting of the bird in national capital
after 60 years is special because it was seen in the mining pits which they have converted in to moist
forests. As an experiment, scientists planted evergreen species in these despoiled pits of Aravalis
which was a wasteland earlier. The bird discovered the type of atmosphere it needs at this location.
Moclic software can predict weather
January 6, 2014
Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) designed the software
Monitoring Climate Change (Moclic) by which anyone is able to determine their community,
state or countrys weather activity for the days and months ahead.
Characteristics of Monitoring Climate Change (Moclic) software
It is possible to organize, store and operate geo-referenced data from climate elements.
Can calculate bio and agro-climatic indicators, such as humidity, aridity, rain erosion and
rainfall concentration.
The new software feeds on data from weather stations of any state or country, with which
what happens in a small ranch regarding temperature, can be known more accurately.
Presently, the software we are using till date uses global information.
Allows an agronomist to obtain annual rainfall records and relate them to the crops
production figures for explanation of a possible event.
The software is very simple and can be used by decision making characters, as governors, breeders,
physicians, farmers, students or anyone whose repercussions could have economic politic or social
187
effects.
Study: Mangroves in Florida expanding poleward
January 3, 2014
According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
journal, Mangrove trees, which are highly sensitive to cold, have expanded extremely on the pole
ward side or on the Atlantic coast of Florida as the frequency of frosts has diminished.
Mangroves are restricted to the tropical areas as they cannot tolerate the extreme cold events that are
so very typical of the temperate zone. Thus, the massive expansion of mangroves in the temperate
zone of Florida during the last three decades is a proof of climate changes role.
Over 28 years, the Florida coast, from Miami northwards, gained more than 3,000 acres of
Mangroves.
The reason for this strange expansion/reduction in mangrove coverage boils down to
extreme cold events days colder than -4o C. The -4o C is the physiological temperature
limit of mangrove survival.
Usefulness of Mangrove trees
They form a biomass of trees that tolerate salt in tidal areas near freshwater estuaries on
tropical coastlines.
Support great biological diversity, including numerous species of crustaceans, fish, birds and
molluscs.
Both salt marshes and mangroves help contain flooding, store atmospheric carbon and
contribute to the expansion of the land mass.
Note: At present, Mangrove forests face deforestation from carbon production, aquaculture and
urbanization, and are threatened by drainage from sewers, while salt marshes are threatened by
waste-water pollution and rising sea levels.
PETAs Person of the Year: Dr Shashi Tharoor
January 3, 2014
The Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi
Tharoor named as the Person of the Year by the animal rights body PETA
188
(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) India for taking steps to
advance animal protection. Mr. Tharoor recommended the National Council for
Teacher Education (NCERT) to ban the use of animals, viz. for dissection, etc, in
training teachers.
By his initiative, in 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a directive instructing all
the institutes or establishments associated with teaching of medical, pharmacy and other courses in
life sciences to follow UGC guidelines for discontinuation of dissection and animal experimentation
in universities and colleges and introduce use of alternatives to animal experimentation.
About People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India
Based in Mumbai, launched in January 2000.
Operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or
use for entertainment.
Focuses primarily on the areas in which the greatest numbers of animals suffer the most: in
the food and leather industries, laboratories and the entertainment industry.
Responsible for the ending of animal experiments by the West Bengal Board of Secondary
Education in 2008.
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General Knowledge Today

Environment Updates - January 2014 -

Published Date: July 12, 2016

22 April: Earth Day ............................................................................................................................................ 21

What is CAMPA Fund? ........................................................................................................................... 58

Eriocaulon manoharanii ........................................................................................................................... 72

About 2015 lion census ........................................................................................................................... 89

About K.S. Lavkumar Khachar ............................................................................................................ 104

Indias rst coral garden to be set up in Gujarat ...................................................................................... 136

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Delhi is Indias rst kerosene-free city ........................................................................................................ 155

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

POSCOs steel plant gets environmental clearance ................................................................................. 184

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

ZSI to record climate change impact on animals in five Himalayan states

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

8 June: World Oceans Day

Gangetic River dolphin declared city animal of Guwahati

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

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pollution, pesticide use and sanitation on health.

3000 cities in 100 countries.

developing countries and their rights to development.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

About Biosphere Reserves (BR)

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

recovery programme of various endangered species.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

campaigns are African and Asian elephants.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Normal: minus 19 per cent to plus 19 per cent;

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

About Inle Lake

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

right to a healthy environment of the citizens of India enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution.

and also to make fuel consumption more efficient.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

About Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA)

India, France launched International Solar Alliance

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few remaining nesting sites in the world.

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research team led by Nicolas Gruber, a professor at ETH Zurich.

2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Bird Sanctuary in the national capital region (NCR) of Delhi.

are located in Vidharbha region of state.

Conservation Unit under the aegis of Mangrove Cell.

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Maharashtra cabinet approves Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Jan Van Vikas Scheme

Climate Governance (ICCG).