Enviro & Biodiversity | Civilsdaily

Not just Water, other depts roped in for Ganga cleanup 1. HRD Ministry– Set up a national­level institution or a university that offers courses on applied river sciences, to creating expertise in cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga and other rivers. 2. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation­Prioritise open defecation­free villages along the river and create waste management facilities in those villages. 3. Tourism Ministry– Take steps to minimise pollution by promoting eco­friendly tourism activities. 4. Shipping Ministry– Develop sustainable shipping and river transport infrastructure. 5. Rural Development– Prioritise implementation of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) programme in villages along the Ganga. 6. AYUSH– Develop conservation plan for medicinal plants in Gangetic region * Ensure medicinal biodiversity. 7. Youth Affairs and Sports– Encourage youth, volunteers and sportspersons to engage in activities related to Ganga cleaning.

The Indian Express PM Modi inaugurated the interim Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance PM inaugurated International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquarters and inaugurated the interim Secretariat in National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwalpahari, Gurgaon.

1. GoI has dedicated 5 acre land in NISE campus for the ISA Headquarters and also has contributed Rs 175 crore for ISA corpus fund for initial 5 years. 2. ISA is part of Prime Minister’s vision to bring clean and affordable energy within the reach of all and create a sustainable world. 3. ISA will be dedicated to promotion of solar energy for making solar energy a valuable source of affordable and reliable green and clean energy in 121 member countries. 4. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) announced contribution of US $ 1 million each to the ISA corpus fund.

PIB France commits €300 million for solar energy 1. French President Francois Hollande committed €300 million over the next 5 years for the global development of solar energy. 2. He said that the real challenge was to attract investments worth a trillion dollars to promote the renewable source. 3. Mr. Hollande said that the Alliance would focus on three broad areas. Pooling together the requests of countries with a huge potential in order to reduce their cost of capital. Opening the markets in order to reduce the cost of investment. Transferring the necessary technology and know­how from developed to developing countries.

1. A “solitary bee” species was recently discovered in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve. 2. What makes it distinct from other species of solitary bees is the different patterns of the marks on its face and frontal region. 3. The new species play a significant role in pollination, though it does not produce honey. 4. As bees play an important role in the ecosystem as critical pollinators. 5. Scientists believe that without them, the world would face extinction as food options would become highly limited.

What is geocement? 1. Geocement is made out of industrial wastes. 2. It comes in two­part packing – 35 kg Geocement powder and 15 kg Geobinder liquid. 3. Both can be mixed at construction sites like normal cement. 4. It comprises a range of products including geo­binder, geo­powder and geo­concrete (geocrete), is aimed at cutting down carbon emissions by over 80%.

Custom Kiran Global Chems unveils ‘green’ cement 1. Kiran Global Chems Ltd. has introduced its indigenously­developed eco­friendly Geocement. 2. This cement will play a role in cutting carbon emission levels while being stronger than Portland cement. 3. For every tonne of cement production, there will be about 800 kg of CO2 emission. But Geocement will help cut emissions. 4. The anti­bacterial properties of the cement can be used for construction of underground seweage pipes and toilets as well. 5. This company is the first one to come out with green cement for commercial use.

Custom Begin with a rigorous study Delhi’s odd­even trial was brave, but policy needs good research at design stage.

1. Good evidence on the impact of any public policy requires a willingness to experiment, quality data, and a rigorous study design. 2. That can identify what changes can be attributed to the policy alone. 3. The sources of pollution in Delhi are varied, and so will be the solutions. 4. Odd­even policy is a clear departure from how policymakers have sought to tackle worsening pollution. 5. However, it reflects only one of the potential policy innovations. 6. That need to be carefully designed, piloted and evaluated for impact as well as the costs imposed, until there’s a sustained improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

The Indian Express New thrush species found in eastern Himalayas This is the first Indian bird to be named after late Dr. Salim Ali .

The Himalayan Forest Thrush calls out in musical notes.— Photo: Craig Brelsford

1. An International team of scientists have found a new species of the thrush in northeastern India and adjacent parts of China. The bird is named Himalayan Forest Thrush. 2. The bird has been named after Dr. Salim Ali in recognition of his huge contribution to the development of modern Indian ornithology and wildlife conservation. 3. The Himalayan Forest Thrush is only the fourth new bird species described from India by modern ornithologists since Independence. 4. The species is distinguished by its musical song.

International Solar Alliance set to be operational in 6 months 1. An International Solar Alliance (ISA) is likely to be operational by the middle of 2016. 2. Mr. Modi and François Hollande would lay the foundation stone of the alliance at the National Institute of Solar Energy in Gurgaon. 3. One of the objectives of the alliance is to get $1 trillion investments in the solar sector worldwide by 2030. 4. This will be the first time that India will have the headquarters of an international agency. 5. The International Solar Alliance will become a legal entity after a minimum 25 countries ratify it.

Public reluctant to drop diesel for CNG: Centre 1. The Centre remained non­committal on phase out of old diesel fleet to cut air pollution. 2. It blamed the common man’s reluctance to dump diesel for CNG fuel. 3. Govt. pointed out that already 32% of total CNG stock in the Capital were not utilised by the public. 4. The lack of interest may be due to the increased VAT charged, making diesel cheaper than CNG. 5. The court is looking at various measures to solve roadblocks to implement a more effective and accessible public transport system in Delhi and the outskirts.

Cabinet approves policy on Promotion of City Compost 1. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for a Policy on Promotion of City Compost. 2. Market development assistance of Rs. 1500/tonne of city compost for scaling up production and consumption of the product. 3. Market development assistance would lower MRP of city compost for farmers. 4. Eco­Mark standard for City Compost would ensure that environment friendly quality product reaches the farmers. 5. Fertilizer companies and marketing entities will also co­market City Compost with chemical fertilizers through their dealers’ network.

PIB What is the benefit of promoting of City Compost? 1. Composting can reduce the volume of waste to landfill/dumpsite by converting the waste into useful by­products. 2. Compost from city garbage would not only provide carbon and primary/secondary nutrients to soil but also help in keeping the city clean. 3. It will also prevent production of harmful greenhouse gases (especially methane) and toxic material that pollutes groundwater apart from polluting the environment. 4. City Waste composting would also generate employment in urban areas.

PIB Poor Ganga Ganga cleaning project remained an intractable problem due to “bureaucratic quagmire”.

1. Any proposal regarding the Ganga has to satisfy and require the active cooperation of no less than seven to nine departments, both at the Central and state levels 2. The current controversy is about the fate of 6 hydel projects in the Upper Ganga . 3. The environment ministry against the clearly stated position of the water resources ministry has given its nod to five of the six projects in question. 4. It will not only impede the government’s plans of rejuvenating the Ganga. 5. But also smudge the policy clarity that businesses have been demanding in India.

The Indian Express Ministry of Shipping initiates Project Green Port 1. The Ministry of Shipping has started ‘Project Green Ports’ which will help in making the major ports across India cleaner and greener. 2. Project Green Ports will have 2 verticals – Green Ports Initiatives’ related to environmental issues and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. 3. The Green Port Initiatives include sewage/waste water treatment plants, energy generation from renewable energy sources, prohibition of disposal at sea, improving the quality of harbour wastes etc. 4. Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, it has identified few activities with certain time­line to promote cleanliness at the port premises.

PIB Let’s know about International Renewable Energy Agency 1. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. 2. Abu Dhabi is the headquarter of IRENA. 3. It serves as the principal platform for international cooperation and a centre of excellence on renewable energy. 4. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. Custom Let’s know about SAMAR? 1. The SAMAR, equipped with many sophisticated equipments including 12 sky radiometers. 2. It will study aerosols’ different properties and determine how it impact the climate over a longer period of time. 3. At present, country has to depend on other countries’ research for this purpose.

Custom Clearing the air China has declared war on air pollution. India needs to resume a long­detailed discussion on air quality.

1. China has acknowledged that environmental problems have hit crisis levels, and its growth model would have to be adjusted to account for the alarming degradation of air and water quality. 2. India could also do with a renewed focus on air pollution but official response is one of denial questioning the methodology of various studies. 3. Yale Environmental Performance Index ranked India a dismal 174 (out of 178) on air quality, the official response was, predictably, to question its methodology 4. India’s own Central Pollution Control Board in 2011 found that nearly all cities were in violation of national standards for respirable particulate matter. 5. Health costs of such pollution is huge with one even suggesting that air pollution is the fifth­largest killer in India and another estimating a loss of 3.3 years from life expectancy at birth. 6. Paralysing confrontation has been set up between environmental concerns and growth, a false choice that has hurt both growth prospects and the vital project to protect the environment. 7. The environment debate needs to explore the opportunities that are created when industry is greened and growing incomes open up spaces for the adoption of more eco­friendly policies.

The Indian Express Let’s know about BIOFIN project? 1. Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global partnership that helps government’s cost, plan and pay for action on biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use. 2. It was launched in 2012. 3. The BIOFIN methodology is being used by 19 countries to analyze, calculate and develop strategies. 4. To generate the funds they need to meet national biodiversity targets. 5. The initiative is run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Governments of Germany, Switzerland and the European Union.

Custom High­power body to lead ‘Namami Gange’ 1. The Central govt will be setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for its ambitious Namami Gange programme. 2. The Chief Secretaries of all States through which the Ganga passes will be made members of the board of this SPV. 3. Some selected municipal commissioners of big cities on the Ganga route will also be made members of the board. 4. SPV will help coalesce all the different strands of various ministries into one coherent plan. 5. A major conference called Jal Manthan will be held to discuss all the issues, and to carve out a special plan for the Ganga.

Whales fatally disoriented by sound, magnetism? More than one hypothesis on stranding of whales point to hearing sensitivity of these toothed mammals implicated in such events.

1. Episodes of mass stranding of whales across the world show pilot whales to be the most commonly involved in the phenomenon. 2. More than one hypothesis on stranding of whales, including short­finned pilot whales that died in large numbers on the Thoothukudi coast in Tamil Nadu. 3. Point to hearing sensitivity of these toothed mammals implicated in such events. 4. Sensitivity to low frequency sound is key for whales, as they use echolocation for orientation. 5. An undersea earthquake of 4.7 Richter magnitude that could have sent out magnetic waves and disoriented them, causing them to change their navigational path.

75 cities to be ranked on sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission Swachh Survekshan is the very first survey commissioned by MoUD since the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission.

1. The Ministry of Urban Development has decided to study and rank 75 cities under the mission “Swachh Survekshan”. 2. The assessment will be based on sanitation and cleanliness, while also co­opting the public to give its feedback. 3. It involves three streams of data collection – citizen feedback, municipality self­evaluation and independent assessment. 4. The task of executing the mission has been entrusted with the Quality Council of India. Business Stan When connectivity kills wildlife Demand for night travel ban in national parks gets louder.

1. With a vehicle seemingly as deadly as a gun in tiger reserves, the voices for restrictions on traffic through major and minor roads of the State are getting louder. 2. Apart from wildlife deaths, highways fragment pristine forests — acting as a barrier to free movement — and contribute to habitat degradation. 3. Wildlife mortality owing to vehicular collision seems to be increasing, making a lot of roads a prime candidate for mitigation measures and night closures. 4. Speed­calming measures and re­aligning highways to skirt protected areas must be considered. 5. With the concept of night­time restrictions yielding discernable result in terms of reduced disturbance for many nocturnal species.

How Hybrid Annuity model will help in cleaning Ganga? 1. More number of projects can be taken up with reduced financial liability in the initial years. 2. As the stakes of private participant is spread over the entire period of concession, it would ensure continued operations over long­term. 3. Linking of performance standards with the annuities will ensure desired objective of treated water of appropriate standard. 4. It would gradually build capacity of the Urban Local Bodies by setting ground for recovery of user charges on Polluter Pays Principle. 5. Development of the market for treated water will lead to reduced demand on riverine fresh­water and will result in enhanced flows in river Ganga.

PIB Government brings paradigm shift in Namami Gange 1. The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for taking up Hybrid Annuity based PPP model under Namami Gange Programme. 2. It aims to reform the wastewater sector in India. 3. The model will now be adopted to ensure performance, efficiency, viability and sustainability. 4. In this model, a part of the capital investment (upto 40%) will be paid by govt and the balance through an annuity over the contract duration upto 20 years.

PIB What is Snowflake Coral? 1. The snowflake coral is a colonial soft coral with a tangled, bushy growth form. 2. Its hollow branches go up to 30 centimetres in length, forming a creeping stolon. 3. Native to the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. 4. In 1972, it was first reported as an invasive species in Hawaii. 5. It is known to inhabit reefs and underwater structures such as shipwrecks and piers, attaching itself to metal, concrete and even plastic.

Custom Snowflake coral, a serious threat to biodiversity 1. Scientists have recently discovered the presence of several colonies of an invasive species of snowflake coral off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari. 2. These fast growing alien species have been discovered at a depth of 10 metres off Kovalam, a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram. 3. Scientists have warned that these invasive species of snowflake coral could pose a serious threat to the marine ecology of the region. 4. In India, it was reportedly seen from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu), Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) and Goa.

Did you know about Namami Gange Programme? 1. The Union government approved “Namami Gange” Program in May 2015. 2. It integrates the efforts to clean and protect the Ganga river in a comprehensive manner. 3. It will focus on pollution abatement interventions, namely treatment of wastewater flowing through the open drains through bio­remediation or appropriate in­situ treatment. 4. The focus is to involve people living on the banks of the river to attain sustainable results. 5. The program would be implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organizations i.e., State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).

Custom First Company of Ganga Task Force deployed 1. As a major initiative towards fast track implementation of Namami Gange Programme. 2. The first company of Ganga Task force Battalion was deployed at Garhmukteshwar (U.P.) recently. 3. Three such companies will be deployed soon at Kanpur, Varanasi and Allahabad. 4. The Jawans of the Ganga Task force will be deployed on the banks of the river Ganga to ensure that industry and civilians do not pollute the river. PIB Govt. to implement BS­VI norms by 2020 Petroleum Ministry will spend Rs.30,000 crore for upgrading refineries to implement the clean fuel technology.

1. The government, in a move to fight pollution, will implement Bharat Standard (BS)­VI emission norms by April 1, 2020. 2. The minister urged automobile manufacturers, who had opposed an early deadline to implement the norms due to financial burden, to co­ operate. 3. The decision was taken a day after the Supreme Court pressed for implementing clean vehicular fuel norms soon amid concerns on rising air pollution especially in Delhi. 4. Supreme Court had asked the government to implement BS­VI norms earlier than the April 2021 deadline fixed by the Union government. 5. The apex court also ordered shutting down more entry points at the national capital border for heavy commercial vehicles not meant for Delhi.

1. The Turtle Talks, one of the organisations involved in clean up activities for over a month now. 2. They found over 6 tonnes of garbage during clean­ups at the seashore near Pattinambakkam and the Broken Bridge over the weekend. 3. The Student’s Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN), Chennai Trekking Club and many volunteers were also a part of the clean­up activity. 4. If there is so much garbage on the sands, it will become impossible for the turtles to come and lay their eggs. 5. Another issue is the bright lights along the beach, which might result in the baby turtles moving towards the source of illumination on the road.

Is govt not a polluter, asks SC 1. The SC bench asks Centre why its fleet of ageing diesel vehicles should not be scrapped. 2. Govt. should join forces with the citizen who is forgoing his personal comfort to fight pollution in the National Capital. 3. The apex court asked why the government apparatus required differential treatment from the citizen.

Indian climate models to aid future IPCC reports India will have its own climate change models to project the impact of global warming over the decades.

1. It will form part of the forthcoming 6th IPCC reports that are expected to be available in 2020. 2. The climate models will be prepared by the Pune­based Centre for Climate Change Research. 3. These dynamic models rely on super­computers to compute the weather on a given day and simulate how it would evolve over days, months and even years. 4. These models, developed in the US, have over few years been customised to Indian conditions. 5. Their ability to predict the Indian monsoon has consistently improved over the years.

1. Planting of winter crops begins by October and harvest starts from January. 2. Wheat, pulses & oilseeds have shown a decline. 3. Winter crops are sown with the residual moisture in the soil after kharif crops are harvested, 4. and dry soil and a delayed onset of winter has meant lower sowing.

Live Mint Green norms proposal may shut units: Textile Ministry The Environment Ministry has proposed that nearly all textile processing units should eliminate liquid discharges.

1. It has mandated Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) for textile processing units where waste water discharge is over 25 kilo litres/day. 2. The proposed standards will be too stringent for the domestic textile processing industry. 3. Reason: Setting up ZLD­effluent treatment plants needs huge initial capital investment as well as high recurring expenditure. 4. This can trigger a large­scale job losses in textile sector, which is largely unorganised and comprising of SMEs.

Let's know Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) ? 1. The CMS (also known as Bonn Convention) under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2. It aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. 3. India had become a party to the CMS since 1st November 1983. 4. Pakistan and Nepal are the Indian neighbours who are signatories to this MoU.

Custom India signs agreement aimed at conserving raptors Cabinet approves signing of MOU on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia — also called the Raptor MOU.

1. India will become the 54th country to sign an international agreement aimed at conserving raptors—birds that hunt and feed on animals. 2. This MoU is also called as the ‘Raptor MoU’ under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). 3. Benefits of singing ‘Raptor MoU’ Help India to gain knowledge in effectively managing the habitats of to 76 species of birds under ambit of it. 4. It is also in conformity with the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 wherein the birds have been accorded protection in India. 5. Concert transboundary efforts for conservation of migratory birds through interaction with other signatory countries of the MoU with the CMS.

Live Mint What is TUFS? 1. The Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) was introduced by the govt in 1999. 2. The scheme facilitates new and appropriate technology for making the textile industry globally competitive. 3. It also seeks to reduce the capital cost for the textile industry. 4. The amendments in the scheme are expected to plug the loopholes in the earlier scheme and improve Ease of Doing Business. 5. It will also give a boost to employment generation and exports in the textile sector in a big way.

Two­wheelers face stricter emission norms 1. The Union govt will soon issue a draft notification for stricter emission standards for two­wheelers. 2. Two­wheelers will need to upgrade to Euro­V and Euro­VI emission standards from 2020 and 2022 respectively. 3. It has been observed that two­wheelers are more polluting than the four­wheelers 4. The two­wheelers account for 75% of the total vehicular population of the country.

Ashtamudi, a lake in distress 1. There is a massive scale encroachments continuing along Ashtamudi lake. 2. It is the estuarine islands of the lake that are expanding in size due to encroachments. 3. The lake is a Ramsar wetland of international importance and second largest estuarine system in Kerala.

Let's know about National solar Mission? 1. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was launched on the 11th January, 2010. 2. The Mission has set the ambitious target of deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2022 3. Aimed at reducing the cost of solar power generation in the country through –

Long term policy Large scale deployment goals Aggressive R&D Domestic production of critical raw materials and products. Custom Green light for Rs. 5,000 crore sop for rooftop solar power There will be no subsidy for commercial establishments in the private sector.

1. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved an increase in the budget for implementation of grid­connected solar rooftop systems to Rs.5,000 crore to 2019­2020. 2. This will support installation of 4,200 MW solar rooftop systems in the country in next 5 years. 3. The capital subsidy of 30 per cent will be provided for general category States and Union Territories and 70 per cent for special category States. 4. This will enable the balance capacity through market mode to achieve the target of 40,000 MWp by 2022. 5. The government has revised the target of National Solar Mission (NSM) from 20,000 MWp to 1 lakh MWp by 2022.

What are Bharat Stage emission standards? 1. This are emission standards instituted by the GoI to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. 2. The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment & Forests and climate change. 3. The standards, based on European regulations were first introduced in 2000. 4. Since October 2010, Bharat stage III (BS­III) norms have been enforced across the country. 5. In 30 major cities, Bharat stage IV (BS­IV) norms have been in place since April 2010.

Custom Let's know about European emission standards (EES)? 1. EES define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. 2. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards. 3. The stages are typically referred to as Euro 1, Euro 2, Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 for Light Duty Vehicle standards. 4. The corresponding series of standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles use Roman, rather than Arabic numerals (Euro I, Euro II, etc.)

Custom 1. The introduction of clean fuels under Euro V and VI standards will be done in phases. 2. According to the draft, old vehicles will need to switch to Euro V and Euro VI norms from April 1, 2019 and April 1, 2021 respectively. 3. The new norms are planned to be introduced in new vehicles from 2020 and 2022. 4. At present, BS­IV auto fuels are being supplied in over 30 cities, and the rest of the country has BS­III fuels. 5. Supreme Court has banned registration of diesel cars and SUVs with 2000 CC engine capacities in the Delhi and the National Capital Region till March 31, 2016.

Let's know about Road Dust 1. Road dust is a mix of both coarse and fine particles, while the latter is relatively more worrisome. 2. Sources – Burning of biomass and municipal solid waste, and industrial stacks. 3. Dust is a generic term for a vast mix of metals –silicone, aluminium, titanium, manganese, copper, barium, antimony, selenium and zinc. 4. Health Implications – respiratory diseases, asthma and silicosis.

Custom Cars not the biggest polluters 1. According to a IIT Kanpur study, road dust contribute a far greater share of the city’s air pollution. 2. Road dust contributed 56% of all PM10 pollution while it was 38% for PM2.5. 3. It is relatively hard to tackle dust because of Delhi’s geographic location and propensity to dust from the Thar desert. 4. Also, the winter air traps dust along with a host of other airborne pollutant. 5. The lack of larger policy to contain road­side construction and the regular cleaning of roads is also a major cause.

Let’s know about Olive Ridley turtles? 1. Also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a medium­sized species of sea turtle. 2. Found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 3. They are best known for their behavior of synchronized nesting in mass numbers. 4. The olive ridley is classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN, and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. 5. The Convention on Migratory Species and Inter­American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles have also provided olive ridleys with protection.

Custom Olive Ridleys find new haven in East Godavari A recent study has revealed that Olive Ridley Turtles are finding the islands in East Godavari district safe abodes for nesting.

1. There has been a steady increase in the number of these seasonable visitors arriving at the Hope Island, Sacemento Island, Yellaiahpeta and Surasani Yanam. 2. Every December, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come all the way from the Indian Ocean to the shores of Bay of Bengal in search of suitable places for nesting. 3. The seashores in Odisha are the most sought after sites for these turtle varieties to lay eggs before swimming back to the Indian Ocean.

The gap in environmental crime statistics Rajasthan alone accounts for half of all environmental crimes committed in India in 2014. In six states and four Union territories, no environmental crimes were recorded.

1. In 2014, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) began compiling data on environment­related offences. 2. Ironically, Delhi, which rivals Beijing in poor air quality and where the Yamuna is choking under the weight of industrial and household waste, records no crimes under 2 laws. 3. Most of the offences relate to just two Acts, the Forest Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, with the bulk recorded under the former.

How does the NCRB define an environment­related offence?It includes violations under only 5 laws: Forest Act, 1927 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (as amended in 1988).

Live Mint Women, bikers out of Delhi’s odd­even formula Delhi government has released the blueprint for its odd­even vehicle formula, which comes into force from Jan 1 for a 15­day trial.

This is India’s first attempt at controlling air pollution by disallowing vehicles with odd and even registration plates to ply on roads on alternate days. Who are all exempted? 2­wheelers and cars driven by women. Vehicles that are run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Vehicles of very important persons (VIPs), and those carrying differently­abled people. Ambulances, fire brigade, hospital, prison and hearse vehicles.

Business Stan More Chinese cities issue red alerts for heavy smog More Chinese cities are issuing their first red alerts for pollution in response to forecasts of heavy smog.

1. Shandong province in eastern China issued alerts in 4 cities after warning that the density of particulate matter in the air would exceed high levels for more than 24 hours. 2. China’s air pollution is notorious after 3 decades of breakneck economic growth. 3. Beijing issued its first two red alerts in December under a 4­tier warning system that has been in place for two years. 4. Environmental authorities said that their forecasting model must predict 3 or more days of smog at particular levels on the city’s air quality index.

Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants Government has notified the revised standards for coal­based Thermal Power Plants in the country with the primary aim of minimising pollution.

1. Government has notified the revised standards for coal­based Thermal Power Plants with the primary aim of minimising pollution. 2. The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of sulphur dioxide, PM10 and Oxide of nitrogen. 3. It would in turn help in bringing about an improvement in the Nation Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) index around and in thermal power plants. 4. 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 70­90%.

PIB 1. They are Tour Operators, Accommodation and Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes & Rivers sectors. 2. Hotels at the project stage itself are required to incorporate various eco­friendly measures. 3. It includes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Rainwater Harvesting System, pollution control, measures for energy and water conservation etc.

PIB Role of tropical forests in reducing global warming Tropical forests can achieve a below 2 C rise in global warming by 2050.

1. As the transition from total reliance on fossil fuels to that on renewable sources of energy is expected to take place over the next 35 years. 2. Enhancing carbon uptake and reducing emissions could account for as much as 50 per cent of total carbon emissions. 3. To achieve a 75 per cent likelihood of avoiding warming in excess of 2 degrees C through changes in fossil fuel emissions alone. 4. The landscape with shifting cultivation has 10 per cent of the land in crops, say, and 90 per cent of the land in fallows.

1. Climate change is warming lakes around the world at an alarming rate, threatening freshwater supplies and ecosystems. 2. Lakes are warming at an average of 0.34 degrees Celsius each decade all around the world, threatening freshwater supplies and ecosystems. 3. At the current rate, algal blooms, which can ultimately rob water of oxygen, will increase 20 per cent in lakes over the next century. 4. These rates also imply that emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, will increase 4 per cent over the next decade. 5. The ice­covered lakes, including Canadian lakes, are warming twice as fast as air temperatures and the North American Great Lakes are among the fastest warming lakes in the world.

Once again, it’s SC cracking down to clean up air Ban on registration of over 2000 cc diesel vehicles until March 31.

1. SC has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs and luxury cars in the entire NCR of Delhi. 2. The SC ruling aims at curbing the alarming pollution level in Delhi. 3. Trucks carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge (ECC). 4. These diesel vehicles produce much more carcinogenic nitrogen oxide than petrol cars and are one main source of Particulate Matters.

The Indian Express What is the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE)? RCEs are acknowledged based on recommendations of the Ubuntu Committee of Peers for the RCEs, which consists of signatories of the Ubuntu Declaration signed in 2002.

1. RCEs aspire to achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) by translating its global objectives into the context of the local communities in which they operate. 2. RCEs also develop regional knowledge bases to support ESD and promote its goals in a resource effective manner. 3. The RCE­Tirupati will work on a mix of features like Eastern Ghats, coastal communities, marine ecosystem and biodiversity.

Other 5 RCEs in India – RCE­Srinagar, working on western Himalayas RCE­Guwahati on Eastern Himalayas RCE­Chandigarh on wetland ecosystems RCE­TERI (Goa) on Youth empowerment and energy RCE­Kodagu on traditional knowledge and tribal communities of Western Ghats.

Custom RCE­Tirupati to focus on Eastern Ghats With special focus on fragile environment and sustainable development of Eastern Ghats, the United Nations University has sanctioned a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) to Tirupati.

1. The RCE­Tirupati will be part of the Foundation for Environmentally Sustainable Development with Focus on health, education, awareness and livelihoods. 2. The region initially selected for operation is the stretch comprising Chittoor, Kadapa, Nellore and Prakasam districts. 3. The centre aims at capacity building in target groups. 4. Such as schools and colleges and creating awareness among tribal and coastal communities on importance of bio­resources, their judicious use and conservation.

Did you know about Inle Lake ? 1. Inle Lake is located in Taunggyi district in Myanmar’s eastern Shan state. 2. It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 116 km. 3. The wetland ecosystem of this freshwater Inle Lake is home to diverse flora and fauna. 4. The Inle Lake is nesting place for globally endangered Sarus crane.

Custom Myanmar launches first UNESCO biosphere reserve 1. Myanmar has launched the country’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state. 2. With this launch Myanmar opens a new chapter in its commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. 3. In June 2015, the lake was officially designated as Myanmar’s first biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.

Custom Government to Rope in CPSUs in Namami Gange Programme 1. Govt. is initiating a number of entry level activities which will lead to visible results in a short time frame. 2. These activities will include: Repair, modernization and provision of public amenities at ghats. Cleaning of the river surface. Treatment of directly discharging drains in villages along Ganga. Repair, renovation and construction of crematoria.

3. In the medium term, it is targeting creation of sewage treatment infrastructure on priority in all 118 cities and towns on the banks of Ganga. 4. The Ministry has divided the entire length of Ganga in 5 stretches coinciding with the boundaries of the states and allocated them to few CPSUs. 5. These PSUs will take up the entry level activities and the assessment work in their designated stretches and will be responsible for implementation.

PIB Differentiation now forward­looking: U.S. 1. Differentiation in climate responsibility will now be a forward­looking concept. 2. The earlier notion of differentiated responsibilities had accounted for the historical role of developed countries in high global carbon emissions, though it could not be implemented. 3. The current framework provides for robust financial and technological support for the poor and developing countries with a strong participation of the private sector.

1. The pact was fair in splitting responsibility between developed and developing countries. 2. The Paris Climate Conference is a crucial point in the global climate governance process. 3. The outcome has a bearing with the undertaking of climate change of the human being and our future of sustainable development. 4. The World Bank welcomed the “historic” accord, saying it reflected aspiration and seriousness to preserve the planet for future generations.

Historic Paris climate pact puts world on green path CoP21 agreement adopted unanimously at the plenary session amid cheers; Common but differentiated responsibilities give developing nations a cushion.

The first global evaluation of the implementation of the Paris Agreement is to take place in 2023, and thereafter every five years to help all countries.

Major features of the text It takes into account the differentiation and responsibility of developing countries, and their respective capacities in light of national circumstances Key objective of containing mean global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius and to endeavour to limit it to 1.5 degrees

Draft Paris Agreement There will be 5­yearly national contributions on actions taken to address climate change Provision of 100 billion per year as a floor by 2020 to help developing nations.

1. India is taking the line that developed countries are rigid, leaving little flexibility for alternative solutions. 2. The world’s top greenhouse gas emitter, China, remains firm on differentiation. 3. In COP21, India faces criticism for trying to weaken the legal rigour of a 5­year review mechanism and engaging in brinkmanship. 4. In reservations on periodic review of the INDCs, civil society organisations agree that the proposal remains vague on whether it includes finance and technology transfer.

Global NGOs want roadmap to 1.5 degrees Global NGOs raised the pressure with a joint demand that the final pact spell out the roadmap to achieving the goal of 1.5°C rise in temperature.

1. Oxfam, Greenpeace, the WWF, the International Trade Union Confederation, ActionAid, and CIDSE, a Catholic network come together to raise a voice for common climate goal. 2. The leaders at the Paris climate conference should catch up with the world and meet the demands of people and communities who wanted them to move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy access for all. 3. The voluntary pledges made by countries, called INDCs, were totally inadequate for the task of cutting carbon emissions significantly. 4. The level of ambition in these pledges should be raised before 2020 by the rich countries, which had the capacity to do so. 5. Justice must be ensured for the people who suffer the impact of the historic problem.

No accord yet, Paris climate talks go into overtime Provisions in the new near­final outcome text would deal a blow to small island states and coastal countries that experience more intense weather events.

The climate talks in Paris went into overtime, as countries hit a hurdle on three major issues —

Differentiation between developed and developing nations Financial arrangements for the developing world Ambition for a global temperature target

1. The new near­final outcome text controversially has two options on meeting loss and damage needs of developing nations. 2. One is a general provision that talks of the averting, minimizing and addressing it, and another, more detailed, excludes any regime of liability and compensation. 3. The second provides countries help with risk assessment, risk management, insurance, help to relocate those displaced by climate event change.

What are various classification of forests? 1. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forest cover in 4 classes. 2. Very Dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density of 70% and above. 3. Moderately dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 40% and 70%. 4. Open forests: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 10% and 40%. 5. Scrubs: All forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10%.

Custom Green cover battling for survival in Karnataka 1. There is a stark reduction in moderately dense forest by nearly 30,000 acres in the state of Karnataka. 2. The moderately dense forest are generally found in the lower reaches of Western Ghats. 3. The dense forests form only 4% of the total forest area in the State. 4. The state has seen massive increase in open forests that are either afforested land or plantations. 5. The large­scale replanting of eucalyptus and acacia plantations may have led to the perception of lower greenery in the State.

India adds 112 sq. km. to mangrove cover 1. The latest report of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), 2015 has recorded a net increase of 112 sq. km. of mangroves forest. 2. The FSI report in 2013 recorded a net decrease of 34 sq. km. of mangrove forest. 3. 2015 Report: The overall mangrove cover in the country stands at 4,740 sq. km., which is 0.14 sq. km. of India’s overall geographical area. 4. Mangroves are crucial to the survival of the coastal ecosystem, which is very vulnerable to climate change. 5. The studies suggest that mangroves absorb the highest amount of carbon in the nature, including soil carbon.

BASIC optimistic about legally binding Paris deal Group makes it clear that while they were fully cooperating with France to arrive at an agreement, they would like to see specific and clear provisions on financial support.

1. The BASIC group committed themselves to a comprehensive, balanced, ambitious and legally binding agreement emerging from the Paris Climate Change conference. 2. They cautioned that it must not deviate from differentiation principles that are already part of the UNFCCC. 3. Pre­2020 action by all parties is part of the mandate given in the climate conference in Durban, South Africa 4 years ago. 4. Developing countries can make voluntary bilateral donations or engage in other forms of South­South cooperation. 5. BASIC countries facing pressure from the US and EU to widen the base of countries making climate finance donations, although on a “voluntary” basis, covering emerging economies.

Let’s know more about NAPCC? 1. India’s first National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlining existing and future policies and programs addressing climate mitigation and adaptation. 2. The plan identifies 8 core “national missions” running through 2017. 3. It directs ministries to submit detailed implementation plans to the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change by December 2008. 4. The plan “identifies measures that promote development objectives while also yielding co­benefits for addressing climate change effectively.”

8 Core Missions are – National Solar Mission National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency National Mission on Sustainable Habitat National Water Mission National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem National Mission for a “Green India” National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

Custom ‘Green energy targets remain a mirage’ Just about half of that target was met, according to the CAG.

1. An audit report tabled in Parliament showed that government had failed to meet its targets for scaling up use of renewable energy sources under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). 2. The NAPCC had envisaged raising renewable energy sources to 8 per cent of the national energy mix for electricity by 2012­13 and 9 per cent by 2013­14. 3. The national achievement for purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources in those 2 years was only 4.28 per cent and 4.51 per cent, respectively. 4. Except for Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh, none of the 24 States it reviewed had fixed their renewable purchase obligations.

India to have 8 new observatories 1. India announced a programme to open 8 more long­term ecological observatories to study the effects of climate change. 2. The new facilities under Indian Long Term Ecological Observatories(ILTEO) will assess the health of 8 different biomes. 3. It will scientifically monitor flora and fauna to assess how climate change is affecting natural and closely associated human systems in agriculture and pastoralism. 4. It will cover the Western Himalayas to Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas to Andaman and Nicobar islands, central India to the Sundarbans, and from J&K to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

1. Concessional loans from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. 2. Loans under Priority Sector Lending upto Rs. 15 crore for renewable energy. 3. Bank loans as a part of home loan/ home improvement loan for rooftop solar systems projects. 4. Subsidy for grid connected rooftop solar systems, solar pumping systems, concentrated solar thermal and other off­grid solar applications.

PIB 1. India asked developed countries how their economies could grow without growth in India and other developing nations. 2. India is being asked for a peaking date for coal use. 3. As China has provided, and urged to adopt a five­yearly periodic review of its national emission reduction pledges. 4. In absolute terms, the United States and many other countries had more emissions from coal than India did. 5. The BASIC group — India, China, Brazil and South Africa, will have a meeting, apparently to forge a consensus and resist some of the pressures from the developed world.

1. A 10­year tax holiday for Solar Power Projects. 2. Exemption from excise duties and concession on import duties on components and equipment required to set up a solar plant 3. A subsidy of 30% of the project cost for off­grid solar thermal projects. 4. Guaranteed market through solar power purchase obligation to states.

PIB 1. The health of majestic Gangotri glacier that feeds the river Ganges has been affected. 2. As maximum temperature in region has shot up by 0.9 degree Celsius and snowfall reduced by 37 cm annually. 3. Scientists from institute, part of the DRDO, were based at ‘Bhojbasa’ observation station, nearly 5 km south from Gangotri glacier snout named ‘Gaumukh’, to record the findings. 4. Situated in Uttarakhand district, the 30.2 km­long Gangotri glacier is the second largest in India. 5. One of the primary sources of fresh water supply to the river Ganges, Gangotri has been found to have retreated more than 1,500 metres in the last 70 years.

Custom Proposal to achieve zero emissions growth by 2060­80 Informed sources confirmed that India felt that a transparency and accountability regime should not treat rich and poor nations alike.

1. Agreement in Paris would unlock massive investments in renewable energy technologies by recognising plans that cover 94 per cent of global carbon emissions of 184 countries. 2. A technology framework will be part of the deal, “providing overarching guidance to the work of the Technology Mechanism”. 3. It would promote and facilitate enhanced action on technology development and transfer. 4. The document that forms the basis for final Paris Agreement prepared by the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action of the UNFCCC.

What’s the fuss about El Niño? 1. The El Niño is a weather phenomenon resulting in warmer than expected ocean temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the tropical belt of the Pacific Ocean. 2. The effects of El Niño include reversal of wind patterns across the Pacific, drought in Australasia, and unseasonal heavy rain in South America. 3. Indian Ocean Dipole is warmer sea temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and a cooler eastern Indian Ocean. 4. It kept ocean temperatures high in the south Bay of Bengal resulting in strong weather systems in the South Andaman Sea.

Custom Draft Paris pact stresses ‘voluntary contributions’ India says it’s ready for a regime of stocktaking of future carbon emissions.

1. In a clear signal that active diplomacy is at work to forge an agreement in Paris based on voluntary pledges, one that is subject to transparent monitoring. 2. India is not in a position to fix a target year for peaking of carbon emissions because of the current state of its development. 3. In summary, the review favoured a 1.5 degrees rise over a 2 degree rise that would greatly affect vulnerable nations, said Climate Action Network International.

India ready to cut coal dependence if given clean­tech, funds India made it clear that development of solar and wind energy will remain its first commitment followed by hydro and nuclear power while the rest will be from coal.

1. India looks at an agreement in Paris which “enables” financial support from those nations who have developed on the “backs of cheap energy“. 2. To those who have to meet their energy demands with more expensive but low­carbon or zero­carbon energy. 3. The 12­day climate conference in Paris will for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations. 4. Aims to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2 degrees C over pre­ industrial temperatures.

Let’s know about the G77? 1. Group of 77 was established on the 15th of June 1964 during a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held in Geneva. 2. To promote equality in the international economic and social order and promote the interests of the developing world. 3. This was largely seen as an initial step towards the international endorsement of a new trade policy for development. 4. South Africa holds the Chairmanship for 2015.

Custom G77, China mount sharp attack on rich nations Accuse them of trying to amend the UNFCCC by tying finance to conditionalities in the draft agreement of Paris summit.

1. The G77+China views this as a deviation from what was agreed at the Climate Change conference held in Durban in 2011. 2. The mandate at that event was for full implementation of the UNFCCC, and come up with an agreement to deal with climate change beyond 2020. 3. Two sharp issues raised by the group are on the inclusion of loosely defined text and conditionalities to financing. 4. The G77 group is also unhappy with the foregrounding of decarbonisation in the draft text.

1. It is a reminder of increasing frequency of such freak weather events across the Indian sub­continent. 2. The lakes of Chennai have a natural flood discharge channel which drains the spillover. 3. But. the construction over many of these water bodies, have blocked the smooth flow of water. 4. CSE’s research shows that Chennai had more than 600 waterbodies in the 1980s, but reduced to mere few recently.

India has a smart plan for fighting climate change There’s merit to Modi’s demand for ‘climate justice’ and success in Paris requires that all countries recognize it. To many eyes, India looks like a roadblock to an effective world climate deal. PM Modi’s demand for “climate justice” that, rich nations should reduce their carbon emissions even as India and others continue to pollute.

How does PM’s central argument is sound? India can’t accept a hard limit on emissions when it’s still trying to lift hundreds of millions of Indians, more than 20% of whom lack electricity, out of poverty. Western nations are most responsible for the greenhouse gases (Historical emissions) now in the atmosphere.

What’s the balanced solution on it? India has pressed developed nations to fulfil their promise to provide $100 billion a year to help India and others develop clean energy. What the country needs more is access to cheaper capital. It’s taken welcome steps in this direction by authorizing tax­free investment bonds and by setting up programmes to encourage private investment in renewables.

The Way Forward Better clean and grid technology could allow India to tap its potential for rooftop solar projects and access to next­generation solar cells could lower costs further. If India can’t raise its climate targets immediately, it should at least not block efforts to scrutinize the progress that all countries are making.

In the short term, India’s carbon emissions are virtually certain to rise. But that doesn’t mean the country can’t help move the world toward a clean­ energy future. Live Mint NGT asks Centre on policy to move old vehicles out of city 1. The NGT asked the Centre if there was any policy for transferring old vehicles from Delhi to other cities that are less polluted. 2. It emphasised that vehicles be transferred only to places with high dilution of air as it did not want to create another Delhi. 3. In 2014, the NGT had suggested moving out old vehicles from Delhi as it banned those older than 10 years in the city.

India wants funding, tech in Paris text 1. India is pushing for provisions in the Paris text for a technology and financial mechanism. 2. These mechanisms will make it possible to raise low­cost capital and widely deploy renewable technologies. 3. The provisions on finance and technology are central to the goals to reduce carbon emissions for developing countries as they grow.

Let’s dive into Him­Parivarthan project? 1. The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) institute, initiated Him­Parivarthan project to assess the extent of the glacier melt. 2. Under this project four sites have been identified on the glacier based on the data of the last twenty years. 3. It will be monitored over the next two years to understand the climate change on the glacier.

Custom What you need to know about SASE? 1. Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) was set up under DRDO in 1969 near Manali. 2. To combat the hazards of snow and avalanches to help the Armed Forces to fight and live in the mountains. 3. Also to accelerate the pace of socio­economic growth of the inaccessible snowbound hill regions.

SASE was initially assigned the task of studying snow and avalanche problems along certain mountain highways in snowbound belt of Indian Himalayas. Custom ‘Climate change is changing landscape of Ladakh’ “The snowfall has come down significantly in the last couple of decades and the glacier is melting at a higher rate putting the lives of farmers at risk,” says ‘glacier man’ Chewang Norphel.

1. The excessive glacier melt is resulting in floods putting the lives of 80 per cent of farmers in the region at risk as glaciers are the primary source of water. 2. This has affected agriculture in Leh and affected crop pattern. 3. The effects of climate change are also very much evident on the Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. 4. The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), an institute under the DRDO has recently initiated “Him­Parivarthan”, a project to assess the extent of the glacier melt.

Chewang Norphel called the glacier man for creating artificial glaciers in Ladakh to tide over the water shortage for irrigation. 1. A plan to reduce carbon intensity of growth by 33­35 per cent over 2005 levels. 2. India will raise the share of non­fossil fuel power to 40 per cent by 2030, to produce 175 GW of renewable power by 2022. 3. India was the third largest emitter of atmosphere­warming greenhouse gases (7 per cent), after China (25 per cent) and the U.S. (15 per cent). 4. As per historical terms, India’s contribution to the cumulative stock of gases already in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution is negligible, with America occupying the major share.

Lets know more about International Solar Alliance 1. ISA is conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich countries to address their special energy needs. 2. It seeks to share collective ambitions to reduce the cost of finance and technology to deploy solar power widely. 3. It will ensure that generation and storage technologies would be adapted to the individual countries’ needs. 4. The Alliance would pursue cooperation in training, building institutions, regulatory issues, common standards, and investment including joint ventures. 5. It will function from the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon. Custom Modi launches International Solar Alliance 1. India launched an International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the CoP21 Climate Conference. 2. The revolution in the field would bring power to all citizens, and create unlimited economic opportunity. 3. The new body has invited all countries located fully or partly between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn to join. 4. India will provide land and $30 million to form a secretariat for the Alliance, and also support it for 5 years. 5. It will promote solar technologies and investment in the solar sector to enhance income generation for the poor and global environment.

$7­bn pledge for clean energy research 1. Microsoft co­founder Bill Gates and other investors pledged $7 billion for R&D of clean energy. 2. It was part of a larger initiative with world governments that promised to double spending on renewable energy research. 3. He warned potential investors that new energy technologies take longer than IT or biotech to launch. 4. The fund will support a wide range of technologies such as biofuels, carbon capture, high wind, fission, fusion, etc.

Let's explore Bharat Stage Emission Standards 1. These standards regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. 2. It works on a 2­pronged strategy, i.e. reducing the sulphur content in fuel and augmenting some equipments which optimises engine. 3. India is following European emission norms with a time lag of 5 years.

Custom Why India must up the stakes in Paris While India should not hesitate to defend its interests at the climate negotiations, it should be careful to not paint itself into a corner. The Paris climate negotiations are a pivotal moment for global climate policy and carry huge implications for India’s developmental future. In a political move, as a highly vulnerable country, with relatively high energy efficiency, low per capita carbon emissions, and a respectable track record of domestic initiatives, India has a good hand. But it has to play it well.

How does India achieve both substantive and political objectives coming out of Paris? India needs to join the gathering consensus that the 2015 agreement will take the form of a legally binding treaty. A treaty signals the highest expression of political will, generates accountability and predictability in implementation, and typically survives national political changes. Secondly, India needs to argue for a more effective review and update process. That includes regular, 5­year updates based on a global aggregate stocktaking of country contributions is in India’s interest as a highly vulnerable country.

How does a tailored approach to differentiation makes a difference? The tailored approach to differentiation will need to build on the notion of ‘self­differentiation,’ in which countries implicitly place themselves along a spectrum of actions through their climate pledges. India could use a key idea at Paris, the ‘progression principle’. That each country moves over time to ever more ambitious pledges, to argue that progression should be based on current starting points which reflect developed and developing countries’ differences.

India’s climate diplomacy must rise to the challenge of protecting its interests in a manner suited to the emerging political and negotiating context.Govt. bats for revising RPO target to 10% by 2022 The government is looking at increasing renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets from 3 per cent to 10 per cent so as to meet the 1 lakh MW solar capacity by 2022.

1. Under the RPO, distribution companies (discoms) are mandated to purchase a certain amount of their power from renewable sources. 2. The current tariff policy mentions separate percentages of RPO for solar and non­solar sources. 3. If we have to achieve the target of 1,00,000 MW of green power, we will have to increase the RPO targets to 8­10 per cent by 2022. 4. Right now some states have given RPO target (solar, non­solar combine) of 5­7 per cent, so that they need to increase to 15 per cent by 2022. 5. The recently announced UDAY package that aims to alleviate the discoms’ debts also includes a rule that they will now have to comply with the RPO.

Let’s know United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? 1. UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). 2. It was also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. 3. The objective of the treaty is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Custom Hopes rise for Paris climate deal Paris prepares to host the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change conference beginning on Monday.

1. For India and other developing countries, the momentum that has built around the Paris conference is an opportunity to press their case for funds from the First World. 2. On the issue of raising funds to help developing countries mitigate their carbon emissions, and help communities adapt to climate change consequences. 3. Funding poor countries with 100 billion dollars a year by 2020. 4. It’s one of the decided actions under the UNFCCC, although only pledges totalling about ten billion have come in so far.

The draft notification for BS­V and BS­VI norms for automobile sector issued 1. The Ministry of Road Transport & highways (MoRT&H) has decided to advance the date for implementation of the higher level emission standards. 2. The govt. is keen that the road transport sector should take a lead role in reducing the harmful effects of emissions on environment and climate change. 3. Accordingly, the ministry has now decided to implement BS –V norms from 2019. 4. BS­VI norms, which aim at substantial reduction in NOx/4C levels will be implemented from 2021. 5. This reflects a firm commitment to play a major role in reducing vehicular emissions.

PIB 2015 set to be ‘hottest year on record’, says UN This is due to a combination of a strong El Niũo and human­induced global warming.

1. This year is set to be the hottest on record and 2016 could be even hotter due to the current El Niũo weather pattern. 2. The global average surface temperatures in 2015 were likely to reach what it called the “symbolic and significant milestone” of 1° Celsius above the pre­industrial era. 3. The El Nino weather pattern, marked by warming sea­surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, causes extremes such as scorching weather and flooding. What is carbon space? 1. The IPCC, in its 5th Assessment Report, has published a carbon dioxide(CO2) emission budget, which tells us how much CO2 can the world emit to stay below 2°C global warming. 2. IPCC estimates that to remain below 2°C the world can emit only about 2,900 Gt of CO2 from all sources from the dawn of industrial revolution till 2100. 3. Till 2011, the world has already emitted 1,900 Gt of CO2. 4. This means that out of the budget of 2,900 Gt, only 1,000 Gt remains to be used between now and 2100. 5. It is also called as Carbon budget.

Custom India to press for equity at climate talks despite pressure India has been engaging with Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries along with developed nations to evolve a consensus.

1. Two areas of failure in the climate process are creation of the $100­billion annual climate finance fund, and transfer of green technologies. 2. The other contested area is that of transparency norms for use of funds. 3. The overall approach of the rich countries is seen as expanding the base of contributors, while shrinking the base of recipients. 4. India is also taking the lead in demanding the major share of the carbon space for the developing world.

Weather­related disasters becoming more frequent: UN report An average of 335 weather­related disasters were recorded per year between 2005 and 2014, an increase of 14 % from 1995­2004.

1. The Human Cost of Weather Related Disasters report, also found the 5 countries hit by the highest number of disasters were the US, China, India, the Philippines and Indonesia. 2. Asia accounts for the “lion’s share of disaster impacts” including 332,000 deaths and 3.7 billion people affected. 3. Flooding alone accounted for almost half of all weather related disasters between 1995 and 2015, affecting 2.3 billion people, out of which 95% live in Asia. 4. Weather and climate are major drivers of disaster risk.

Live Mint Let’s have a jaunt to Famous lakes. 1. Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake of Kerala, named after ancient Sastha temple (a pilgrimage centre) located on its bank. 2. The purity of the lake water for drinking use is attributed to the presence of large population of larva called cavaborus that consumes bacteria in the lake water. 3. Vembanad Lake holds rich fish diversity and has identified under National Wetlands Conservation Programme. 4. Ashtamudi Estuary, a large palm­shaped waterbody which is fed by the Kallada River, a tropical brackish water habitat. 5. Ashtamudi means ‘eight coned’ in the local Malayalam language.

Custom Let’s dive into Ramsar Sites Convention, 1971? 1. Ramsar Convention (formally, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat). 2. It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. 3. The Ramsar Convention has listed 2,122 wetlands of international importance spreading over 20.53 crore hectare across the world. 4. In India, there are 26 Ramsar sites, covers 6.89 lakh hectare.

Custom Genetic cataloguing of aquatic germplasm A genetic catalogue of the aquatic germplasm of the Ramsar sites of Kerala using molecular tools will soon be created.

1. A project to prepare the document of the shell and fin fish varieties of the fish diversities of the Ramsar sites of Ashtamudi estuary, Sasthamkotta Lake and Vembanad­Kol Wetland in Kerala. 2. The current project envisages generating DNA barcodes of the fish and shellfish species. 3. It will serve as specific markers to facilitate accuracy in documenting the valuable fish resources of the study area. 4. The study would help in developing species­specific molecular signature through DNA barcoding of the fish diversity. 5. The DNA­based approaches could resolve the taxonomic ambiguities and may even lead to the possible identification of new species hoped the scientists.

Wetlands of India are considered as the most threatened of all ecosystems in India due to habitat degradation, salinity, excessive inundation, water pollution, excessive development like road building. 1. Following extensive survey and public consultation, State government submitted report on the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee. 2. It had considered as ESZ areas not only the wildlife areas but also eco­sensitive zones in 40 taluks of the State. 3. As per directions of SC, the Forest Department has started the process of taking possession of forest land that has been encroached upon. 4. At present, acquisition was in cases where encroachment has been more than three acres. 5. In cases where encroachment was less than three acres, leaving it to the State government to decide.

To Make India Brighter and Smarter Launches iLEDtheway 1. Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launched the microsite www.iledtheway.in . 2. It is a great initiative, to take the pledge to switch to LED bulbs, to protect the environment and make country more energy efficient. 3. Switching to LED bulbs will not only bring down carbon footprint, but ensure savings. 4. Under the DELP scheme, EESL has distributed over 2.4 crore LED bulbs to consumers.

PIB NGT says no to age­old practice of straw burning Banned in pollution­ravaged New Delhi and 4 northern western states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

1. Serious issue of burning of agricultural waste (straw) which contributes towards global warming and the environmental pollution. 2. Straw Burning is age­old agricultural practice followed by farmers biannually by setting fire to fields to clear the land of residue of one harvest and sow the next. 3. It carried in Northern western states to save time under the rice­wheat crop rotation and to make the land more fertile and kill pests. 4. Open field burning emits Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrous Oxide (NO) along with particulate matter.

Best remedy to stop menace is to set up bio­ethanol refineries in order to extract sustainable biofuel from agricultural residue with the help of PPP model.

New Tariff Policy to Support Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 1. Government will make it compulsory for power plants located within the radius of 100 kms of the city. 2. To use processed waste water and release clean water for drinking purpose in the vicinity. 3. New policy will make it compulsory for the local power distribution companies to buy electricity generated from the waste. 4. These measures will give a push to Government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

PIB Animals caught in the headlights Sophisticated mapping technology can ensure that roads steer clear of wildlife areas, but the government has been reluctant to address the issue.

What’s the critical issue ? Policy is silent on a critical issue, that of highway stretches passing through forests, particularly, our sanctuaries and national parks. Speeding vehicles plying on these roads cause the deaths of thousands of animals, large and small, every year. A study in 2010 reported that 1,035 roadkills of wildlife recorded in 430 days on a 9.2 km stretch of NH 7, passes through the Pench Tiger Reserve. Highway stretches passing through forests cause severe fragmentation of habitats.

Recommendations for Bypassing forests, Way forward ? A sub­committee constituted in 2013 reiterated the recommendation in the National Wildlife Action Plan 2002­2016. Ministry of Surface Transport must plan roads, highways and expressways in such a manner that all national parks and sanctuaries are bypassed and wildlife corridors avoided.

If ‘Smart Cities’ comes to reality, then why not ‘Smart Highways’ ? For existing highways through forests, bypasses need to retrofit with state­of­the­art, science­based solutions for minimising roadkills. Carefully conceived underpasses, overpasses, flyovers and canopy bridges, taking animal behaviour and traditional wildlife movement patterns into consideration.

Lessons from models around world On Trans­Canada Highway passing through Banff National Park, where an 80 per cent reduction deaths reportedly been achieved, by an extensive system of wildlife underpasses and overpasses. With many developed countries having already shown the way, we have no excuse to lag behind.

Supreme Court caution Recall a significant observation made by the SC, held that our approach to development should be eco­centric, rather than focussing only on what is good for humans.

It’s time to walk the talk, not only by heeding the values enshrined in our Constitution and cultural ethos, but also by incorporating the best practices of eco­centric highways.More Indian birds enter list of threatened species Destruction of grasslands, wetlands and forests takes its toll on birds

1. According to Red List of birds released by the IUCN for 2015, total of 180 bird species in India are now threatened, as against 173 last year. 2. Five have been uplisted from the Least Concerned to the Near Threatened category, a sign of increased threat. 3. It includes Northern Lapwing (a grassland bird) and four wetland birds, namely Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian Oystercatcher and Bar­ Tailed Godwit. 4. Two other wetland birds, Horned Grebe and Common Pochard have been uplisted from Least Concerned to Vulnerable. 5. Steppe Eagle (a raptor from grasslands), which is a regular winter visitor to the Indian subcontinent, uplisted from Least Concerned to Endangered.

Three vulture species, namely White­backed, Slender­billed and Long­billed have also been severely affected by diclofenac.Clean Ganga: Corporates to fix sewage in towns The government has been inviting corporates, both in the public and private sector, to ‘adopt’ towns and cities of their choice and fix the sewerage system there.

1. The govt. has decided that urban sewage management would be entrusted to corporate houses instead of municipal and civic agencies. 2. There are 118 towns and cities on the bank of the Ganga and each one of them is up for ‘adoption’ by corporate groups. 3. The companies are being asked to invest in improving sewage networks and setting up treatment plants. 4. The companies can recover their investment, and also make profits, from the fixed annuities that the government will pay them during this period. 5. The urban local bodies, especially in smaller towns, did not have the capacity or expertise to plan and execute these projects.

The Indian Express NGT is empowered to order govt for banning old vehicles 1. The SC said the tribunal is empowered to issue directives to the Centre for banning vehicles more than 15 years old from plying on Delhi roads. 2. It held that NGT can exercise the powers of judicial review and examine the validity of notifications passed under different laws. 3. It recalled a judgment by the tribunal in July 2014 which declared the NGT to be a court, holding that it has all the trappings of a judicial body. 4. Earlier, in April, the NGT had issued a fresh ban on all diesel vehicles more than 10 years old from plying in the NCR.

The Indian Express India, China seen leading growth in green bond market: Moody’s report The global green bond market is expected to exceed $40 billion, with countries such as India and China offering sizeable growth potential.

1. India is looking to raise these low­cost, long­term funds to finance its plan to quadruple its renewable energy production and to make it economically viable. 2. Seeking to minimize India’s dependence on the coal­fuelled electricity, government has pushed renewable energy to the top of its energy security agenda. 3. India has established itself as an early leader in Asia’s nascent green bond market. 4. India plans to set up a green energy capacity of 175,000 megawatt (MW) by 2022. 5. Solar, wind, biomass and small hydro power plants will contribute 100,000MW, 60,000MW, 10,000MW and 5,000MW respectively.

A Green bond is a debt instrument with which an entity raises money from investors. The bond issuer gets capital while the investors receive fixed income in the form of interest. When the bond matures, the money is repaid. Live Mint Union Government flagged off Climate Special Science Express The Science Express aims to create awareness among various sections of the society especially the students about various challenges and issues associated with Climate Change

1. It is an innovative science exhibition mounted on a 16 coach AC train and has been custom­built for Department of Science and Technology (DoS&T) by Indian Railway. 2. It is collaborative initiative of DoS&T and Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Union Ministry of Railways. 3. For the first time, solar panels have been installed on the roof top of coaches. 4. Broad themes covered in each exhibition coach on Climate change, Adaptation, Mitigation etc.

PIB Green Indian Mission plans approved for 4 states Union Environment Ministry has approved annual plans of National Mission for Green India (GIM) of four states viz. Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur and Jharkhand.

1. 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. 2. The approval has been granted for alternative energy devices such as biogas, LPG, solar devices, biomass­based systems and improved stoves. 3. GIM is one of the 8 key Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). 4. It aims at protecting, enhancing and restoring India’s decreasing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures.

The Economic Times Now ‘right moment’ for carbon tax: IMF chief The time is right for governments to introduce taxes on carbon emissions, which would help fight global warming and raise badly needed revenue.

1. Besides discouraging pollution, taxing greenhouse gas emissions would added bonus of helping governments boost their revenues at a time when many countries have dipped heavily into their “fiscal buffers”. 2. Governments needs to tax carbon emissions rather than rely on emissions trading. 3. Revenues from carbon taxes could contribute to rich nations’ funding target of USD 100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer nations fight the impacts of climate change.

The Indian Express Climate goals on target The significance of India’s re­framing of climate change as climate justice goes beyond the numbers, which focus on milestones in emissions reduction rather than global transformation From the perspective of International Energy Agency, India will use less coal for electricity generation than the US even in 2040. India is the third largest economy in terms of PPP. In the recent times, it is offering concrete deliverables. It has achieved an emissions intensity reduction of 18.6%. India now aims for 33 to 35%. India has decided to have 40% of the total installed power capacity in 2030 based on non­fossil fuel­based. Currently, renewable energy, nuclear energy and hydropower together contribute 30% of the overall installed capacity. India is seeking investments of U.S. $100 billion over seven years to boost the domestic solar energy capacity by 33 times to 1,00,000 megawatts by 2022.

Snapshot of Governmental efforts PM Modi’s campaign for climate change sets geopolitical shift inculcates confidence to shape the new rules. PM has also called for countries to “take into account the levels of development of various countries and allow them the developmental space so that they can also aspire to become middle and developed countries”. The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions state that India’s “objective in Paris in December 2015 is to establish an effective, cooperative and equitable global architecture”.

Three milestone elements of framework Promoting sustainable production processes and sustainable lifestyles across the globe. Creation of a regime where facilitative technology transfer replaces an exploitative market­driven mechanism. A common understanding of universal progress.

Analysing facts Experts say that nearly two­fifth of the cumulative emission reductions required by 2050 could come from efficiency improvements. Key systems such as the transport, energy, housing and food systems should be transformed.

Over 4GW of solar power stream by end of fiscal Presently Rajasthan leads in solar power capacity addition, followed by Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

1. The country is set to add more than 4 GW of solar power by March 2016, the largest annual addition of capacity in the solar sector. 2. From 4,345 MW of new capacity, 3,775 MW of capacity will be added under the state government’s policies category. 3. India added a cumulative grid­connected solar capacity of 4,262 MW. 4. About 330 MW will be added through the viability gap funding scheme (phase II and Batch I of National Solar Mission).

India unveils climate target to cut carbon intensity India pledges 33­35 pct cut in carbon intensity by 2030 from 2005 levels.

1. No “peak emissions” target or carbon market pledges and coal set to be dominating power sector in future. 2. It would target 40 per cent cumulative installed power capacity from non­fossil fuel sources by 2030. 3. China, the world’s biggest emitter, pledged to reduce its carbon intensity by 60­65 per cent by 2030, by carbon trading. 4. India did not give a commitment in its submission to establishing carbon trading. 5. India need to spend around $206 billion between 2015 and 2030 for actions in agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, ecosystems etc.

India will set emissions reduction target: Javadekar India’s INDCs will contain an emissions reduction target, as well as a target for reducing energy intensity.

1. China proposed to peak its emissions around 2030 and increase its share of non­fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 20% by the same year as part of its INDCs. 2. Chinese President declared that they would launch a nationwide cap­and­trade system to reduce carbon emissions from 2017. 3. India has to put economic growth before committing itself to cut down emissions, a measure that will slow down the economy. 4. The climate change debate must lead to a debate on unsustainable consumption and lifestyles such as those of the average American.

Swachh Bharat: plan to produce power, compost from solid waste The Urban Development Ministry is planning to generate electricity and compost from municipal solid waste.

1. A proposal will be introduced before Cabinet to provide Market Development Assistance on sale of city compost to farmers. 2. Ministry of Power will amend the Electricity Act 2003 to enable mandatory purchase of power generated from municipal solid waste. 3. The Power Ministry was finalising a tariff rate that would help “waste to energy projects” sustain in the market. 4. The Ministry is also finalising the pricing model for the compost produced out of city trash, and it would be sold to farmers on subsidised rates.

Govt launches Green Highways Policy Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy 2015, aims at planting trees along 6,000 km of highways in the first year

1. Aim is to help the environment, help local communities, and generate employment by planting trees along all the highways in the country. 2. The Green Highway Policy will help in making India pollution free. It will also help in curtailing the number of road accidents in India. 3. The vision of the policy is to provide dignified employment to local people and communities. 4. The vision of the policy is to develop eco­friendly National Highways with the participation of the community, NGOs, private sector and the Forest Department for economic growth and development in a sustainable manner.

Ministry of H&FW bans sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial 1. Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial. Henceforth, it will be sold only in single­dose vial packaging for human use. 2. This ban was imposed on recommendation of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in order to save and protect vultures from brink of extinction. 3. Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti­inflammatory drug (NSAID) is administered as painkiller to cattle, is the chief cause of mass extinction of vultures. 4. Vultures have a robust digestive system which can even digest disease­causing pathogens found in rotting meat of dead. But,do not have a critical enzyme that breaks down diclofenac and die of renal failure after eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug. 5. In 2006, India had banned the use of veterinary drug Diclofenac for treating cattle. But the multi­dose vials available in the market for human use were widely misused for veterinary purpose.

Custom 13 nations roar on climate change burden The 13 participating nations are Argentina, Bolivia, China, Cuba, El Salvador, Ecuador, Iran, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Malaysia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and India. 1. Climate change negotiators from 13 Like­Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs),calling for developed nations to not pass on the financial burden of climate action on developing countries. 2. The Paris agreement should ensure the provision of adequate support by developed countries to developing countries in meeting their needs and costs of adaptation actions. 3. The countries also called on the developed countries to provide a clear roadmap for raising the promised $ 100 billion per year by 2020 for the Green Climate Fund. 4. LMDCs deeply concerned with the slow pace of negotiations given the limited negotiating time left before Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 in Paris. 5. The countries reiterated their view that the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) have to be comprehensive,lays down guidelines for national and regional development plans to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and curbing climate change.

Ocean fish numbers on ‘brink of collapse’: WWF report 1. The report said populations of fish, marine mammals, birds and reptiles had fallen 49% between 1970 and 2012. For fish alone, the decline was 50%. 2. Damage to coral reefs and mangroves, which are nurseries for many fish, add to problems led by over­fishing. 3. Other threats include coastal development, pollution and climate change, which is raising temperatures and making waters more acidic. 4. New UN sustainable development goals, including ending over­fishing and destructive fishing practices by 2020 and restoring stocks “in the shortest time feasible” is needed. 5. Safeguarding the oceans can help economic growth, curb poverty and raise food security, it says.

Live Mint Another development task for India Even with a focused approach, India will face several challenges, external and internal, in implementing selected Sustainable Development Goals. 1. The SDG agenda negotiated by the UN membership over the past three years is, perhaps, the most ambitious roadmap ever drawn up by the world body. 2. It lists 17 goals ranging from “Goal 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere” to “Goal 17 – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development” and a staggering 169 targets that need to be monitored and implemented by 2030. 3. In contrast, the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted by countries in 2000 to reduce extreme poverty by 2015, had a mere eight goals and 18 targets less than half and around one­tenth of the SDG goals and targets respectively. 4. Domestic efforts of a single country China , that pulled more people out of poverty than any other. 5. Today, India is home to more than 30% of the global estimate of over 1 billion people who live in extreme poverty. 6. A single Indian state Uttar Pradesh (UP),accounts for 8% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty. 7. Externally, India will have to raise adequate resources and also acquire the necessary technology to help achieve its SDG objectives. 8. In particular, the panchayat, which will be crucial to ensuring inclusion at the local level, remains the weakest link. 9. Finally, NITI Aayog, which also has the task of monitoring progress on implementation of the SDGs, will have to innovate to keep track of all 169 targets.

These formidable challenges notwithstanding, were India to succeed in addressing them, it will not only help achieve the SDGs, but would also put India on the path of becoming a global power. Live Mint Ban on plastic packaging of food, drugs: NGT seeks Centre view

1. The National Green Tribunal has directed the Centre and various stakeholders to file their submissions on a proposal that there should be a complete prohibition on the use of plastic packaging in food and pharmaceutical formulations of any kind. 2. The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by NGO Him Jagriti Uttaranchal Welfare Society seeking restrictions on the use of plastic bottle and multi­layered, plastic packages or pet bottles by imposing a ban on packaging of carbonated soft drink. 3. It also noted the submissions by the NGO which had referred to the minutes of the 70th meeting of the Drug Technical Advisory Board held on August 18. The NGO contended that it has been clearly established that certain pharmaceutical preparations packaged in PET bottles upon testing showed presence of chromium, antimony, lead, etc at room temperature.

Chewang Norphel: The Ice Man of India

The Man Who Creates Artificial Glaciers To Meet The Water Needs Of Ladakh. He has created 10 artificial glaciers in Ladakh to help people deal with water scarcity in this cold, mountainous region.

“Almost all the villages in Ladakh have roads, culverts, bridges, buildings or irrigation systems made by me,” says Norphel. But his biggest contribution came in the form of artificial glaciers.

But what was the problem that he was trying to solve for? 1. 80 percent of the population depends on farming, and their main source of irrigation water is the water that comes from the melting of snow and glaciers. 2. Because of global warming, the glaciers are receding quickly and as a result, farmers face a lot of difficulty in getting adequate water. 3. The important thing is to control the velocity of the water.

It struck him that the water that melts from natural glaciers due to high temperatures in summer goes to waste as it flows into the river. Instead, if this water can be stored in summer and autumn so that it can form a glacier in winter, then this artificial glacier would melt in spring and provide water to the villagers at the right time.

His simple idea has received acclaim across the globe and he has proved that if man is the one responsible for disturbing nature, he also has the capacity to save it. You just need the right intention to do so. Better India SAI Sanctuary – The only private wildlife sanctuary in IndiaSAI = Save Animals Initiative Sanctuary Trust Pamela and Anil Malhotra bought 55 acres of land 23 years ago, and today they have converted it into a beautiful forest of over 300 acres.

The couple, passionate about wildlife and nature conservation, bought 55 acres of land to plant native trees and protect the environment. Today, they are responsible for creating over 300 acres of wild life sanctuary that hosts animals like Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Hyena, Wild Boar, Leopards, Sambhar, etc.

They bought around 55 acres of unused and abandoned land from the farmers who were not using it due to excess of rainfall in Kodagu district of Karnataka.

“We chose Kodagu because it is the micro hotspot of biodiversity in the entire planet,” Pamela says.

The huge trees and thick forest has also helped several birds like hornbill find their homes. There are over 305 species of birds that visit this sanctuary regularly.

The sanctuary also won the “Wildlife and Tourism Initiative Of The Year” award by Sanctuary Asia in conjunction with Tour Operators for Tigers in 2014. This is an appeal that Pamela and Anil Malhotra have made to all wealthy Indians to save our forests, wildlife and freshwater sources. They are even willing to help anyone who is willing to try.

Better India [op­ed snap] Getting the climate story right 1. A ‘2015 Agreement’ is to be signed at the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference in Paris, this December. 2. Currently, there is no international benchmark of what counts as sufficient climate action but then every country needs to have a story. Right? 3. India is in the early stage of 3 transformations: a demographic transition for which its needs to create jobs; a shift from a rural to an at least half­urban society; and vastly expanded infrastructure to support both transitions. 4. Given these factors, it would be foolhardy to place a cap on India’s carbon headroom. 5. Still, India must signal serious intent, both because it wants to be seen as a responsible global player, and because an effective climate agreement is firmly in its own interests.

[oped snap] Death by Breath: Swachh Bharat should include Swachh air 1. Euro V & VI norms could reduce particulate matter from diesel vehicles by 80%. 2. Euro VI standards will reduce HC and NOx by 40% over Bharat IV and by 70% over the most prevalent Bharat III. 3. Bharat IV was first implemented only in 13 cities & opponents of climate control claim that the next stage of Bharat norms should be for pan­India or not at all. 4. Another issue – Persistent diesel subsidies in the past have led to an explosion of diesel cars – responsible for carcinogenic and other pollutants.

The Indian Express Saumitra Chaudhuri Committee for Auto fuel vision policy 2025 (2/2) 1. Saumitra’s report touched on – Bharat norms (next stage implementation), Taxation issues & Alternative fuels. Let’s study a few of the fuels. 2. Methanol – is readily biodegradable, can be used directly or by blending with petrol, is already used in racing cars of China. 3. Ethanol – burns cleaner and burns more completely than petrol, is an organic solvent, can be derived from Sugar cane juice and molasses. 4. Hydrogen Fuel – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s Green Initiatives for Future Transport (GIFT). It has vision­2020 for Hydrogen. Discuss: Ethanol as a fuel is an interesting case study in Brazil. Also, while we are at it – do revise the 4 categories of bio­fuels and their differences.

Saumitra Chaudhuri Committee for Auto fuel vision policy 2025 (1/2) 1. In the last two flashcards, we talked about carbon tax. Let’s take a step forward to the recommendations given by a former Planning Commission member. 2. In India, we follow Euro norms under the label “Bharat stage” norms. This defines the maximum limit of pollutant that a vehicle can emit. 3. Recommended nationwide fuel standards to be BS­4. Upgrading refineries to produce Euro­V equivalent petrol and diesel will need ~Rs.80,000 crore. 4. Cost can be met by a Special Fuel Upgradation Cess of 75 paise per litre on fuel. BS­6 emission norms are expected by 2024. Discuss: What are the parameters of Bharat Stage or Euro norms? Go to the 2nd part of the same series. Of orthodox tea and pesticide levels 1. Orthodox teas are made in the same way as crush tear and curl CTC teas, but with most of the leaf remaining intact. 2. India and Iran will together review the issue of maximum residue levels (MRL) of pesticides in teas. 3. Iran is an estimated 100 million kg market which is mostly serviced by Sri Lanka. India’s presence was muted in view of the earlier U.S. sanctions on Iran. 4. India ranks 2nd in world production of tea and fourth in the world market as tea exporting country. What are these US­Indo sanctions we are talking about?