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Home , Abdul Kalam Island, Anthropause, Deepsea Challenger, Madhav National Park, Panna National Park

CURRENT AFFAIRS PART - III

CONTENTS ENVIRONMENT Smog towers ...... 8 ―The Toxic Truth‖ Report on lead poisoning by UNICEF ...... 9 Report on leopard sightings ...... 9 NGT brings strict conditions for commercial use of ground water ...... 10 World Biofuel day ...... 11 TRAFFIC study on leopards ...... 12 How the tiger can regain its stripes? ...... 13 Ministry releases guide to managing human-elephant conflict ...... 14 No-Go‘ cleared for coal mining ...... 14 BIS‘ draft standard for drinking water supply ...... 15 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) ...... 16 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) – Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA)...... 17 What is ammonium nitrate, which caused the massive explosion in Beirut? ...... 18 Tsunami Ready ...... 18 Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) ...... 19 Draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020 ...... 20 What are National Parks? ...... 21 Low ozone over Brahmaputra River Valley ...... 22 Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0 ...... 22 Net Present Value (NPV) ...... 22 Methane in Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin ...... 23 Living Planet Report 2020 ...... 24 Oil Well Fire, Gas Leakage Largely Tamed ...... 25 The Policy on Promotion of City Compost ...... 26 Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral program ...... 26 Blue flag programme ...... 27 Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority ...... 28 Namami Gange Programme ...... 28

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Kerala to have certified snake handlers ...... 29 What are Zombie fires?...... 30 40% of the Amazon Rainforest Is at Tipping Point To Becoming Savanna ...... 31 Delhi govt to spray bio-decomposer in fields to prevent stubble burning ...... 32 Air Quality Index ...... 32 Stockholm Convention on POPs ...... 32 What is Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)? ...... 34 Tree Transplantation Policy ...... 34 Blue Flag beaches ...... 35 Fly Ash ...... 36 Kaleshwaram eco-clearance violates law NGT ...... 37 Project Snow Leopard ...... 37 Yellow dust ...... 38 Govt. green-lights ‗green‘ firecrackers this year ...... 38 launches flash flood guidance services for South Asia ...... 39 Spike in ammonia levels in Yamuna ...... 39 Project Lion: Proposal identifies 6 relocation sites ...... 41 Smog in Delhi ...... 41 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms ...... 42 Panna Tiger Reserve gets UNESCO‘s ‗Biosphere Reserve‘ Status ...... 43 Deemed forests...... 44 Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo ...... 45 What Is The Beautiful 'Blue ' Spotted Along Coastline? ...... 45 tiger reserve gets the first TX2 award ...... 46 Yamuna River pollution ...... 46 Panel formed to oversee India‘s Paris climate goals ...... 47 Ken-Betwa Interlinking Project Dam ...... 47 NGT seeks action plan on elephant corridors ...... 48 Declare exotic pets, avoid prosecution: how one-time scheme works ...... 49 India mulls E20 fuel to cut vehicular emissions ...... 50 Pokhran‘s ‗firefly diverters‘ shine to save the Great Indian Bustard ...... 51 Tso Kar Wetland Complex ...... 52 International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across the Country ...... 52 2 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

In tree rings, warning of Brahmaputra floods ...... 53 Flue Gas Desulphurization ...... 54 Asian Waterbird Census ...... 54 Why bird flu virus has so many strains and what it means for humans? ...... 55 Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (Across)‖ Scheme. .... 56 SC seeks status report on river water quality ...... 57 Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ...... 58 of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve- a publication by ZSI ...... 58 Conservationist joins panel on elephant corridor case ...... 59 World Sustainable Development Summit ...... 60 The Farakka ‗lock‘ and hilsa, why there is both hope and apprehension ...... 61 What is Carbon Watch— India‘s 1st app to assess one‘s carbon footprint? ...... 61 Ecosensitive zones (ESZ) ...... 62 World Wetlands Day ...... 63 300 felled trees will cost ₹2.2 billion in products, including ...... 64 Clean Energy Can Support India‘s Economic Recovery post-Covid-19 ...... 64 Namami Gange...... 65 Financial and technological commitments under UNFCCC and Paris agreement ...... 66 India‘s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record ...... 67 Assam‘s Dehing Patkai Sanctuary to get national park status ...... 68 Dolphin number dips in Chambal river ...... 69 Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone...... 69 RAISE initiative ...... 70 Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) ...... 70 High levels of ammonia in Yamuna water ...... 71 Green – Ag Project ...... 73 What is aerial seeding?...... 74 Lax on safety: On Nevveli and Vizag disasters ...... 74 Snakebites in India ...... 75 Oil spill in Russia‘s Arctic region ...... 76 devastated by cyclone Amphan ...... 77 Nature Index 2020 ...... 78 New guidelines for import of exotic species ...... 79 3 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

Census of Asiatic Lion ...... 80 Decarbonizing Transport Project ...... 82 Ozone pollution spiked in several cities during ...... 83 What is Anthropause? ...... 83 Sixth mass extinction ...... 84

GEOGRAPHY Southwest monsoon report 2020 ...... 86 Report on the climate of India ...... 87 M-SAND ...... 88 Western Distrubance ...... 89 polar vortex ...... 90 Domestic Vanadium Deposits...... 91 Lithium Exploration in Inda ...... 92 Zombie Fire ...... 93 Typhoon Molave...... 95 Maitri Setu ...... 95 Miyawaki Method ...... 96 South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS ...... 96 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) ...... 97 Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) ...... 98 Mount Everest ...... 99 Digital Ocean ...... 100 Raising in North India Before Winter Ends ...... 101 Origin of Carbon ...... 102 Urban Haats: ...... 104 Cyclone Pabuk ...... 104 Decreasing Rainfall Trend in Wettest place of Earth ...... 104 New Monsoon Models ...... 105 Tristan da Cunha: Largest Marine Protection Zone of Atlantic Ocean ...... 106 ...... 107

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Merger of two black holes ...... 109 Asteroid 465824 ...... 110 What is Solar Cycle 25? ...... 111 Production of lithium in stars...... 112 NEOWISE- a comet ...... 112 Solar Orbiter ...... 113 Perseverance- NASA‘s mission to Mars ...... 114 NASA‘s sonification project ...... 115 Detection of fluorine in hot Extreme Helium Stars ...... 116 What is BeiDou? ...... 117 What is the SpaceX Crew Dragon? ...... 117 What is the SpaceX Crew Dragon? ...... 118 Square Kilometre Array ...... 118 Hope: UAE‘s first mission to Mars ...... 119 China's Tianwen-1 probe ...... 119 ISRO Announces ‗Bhuvan‘ ...... 120 Two flight surgeons for Gaganyaan to train in Russia ...... 121 AstroSat ...... 122 Geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) ...... 122 Vikram Sarabhai: ...... 123 EOS-01, India‘s latest earth observation satellite ...... 124 Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) ...... 125 What is the Ariel Space Mission adopted by the European Space Agency? ...... 125 ISRO‘s Shukrayaan ...... 126 Chang‘e-5 probe: ...... 126 Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft carrying asteroid soil samples nears Earth...... 127 World‘s Largest Solar Tree ...... 127 GPay can share UPI data under law ...... 128 Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) programme ...... 129 India joins US, Russia, China hypersonic Missile club ...... 129

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NIMHANS develops new Indian Brain Templates, brain atlas ...... 130 Postage Stamp released on A-SAT ...... 131 CSIR moots ‗mega labs‘ to boost COVID-19 testing: ...... 131 What is the ‗Feluda‘ test for Covid-19 approved by India? ...... 132 Hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) ...... 132 2020 Nobel: Three scientists share Prize in Physiology or Medicine ...... 133 Nobel Prize in Chemistry ...... 134 Gyan Circle Ventures ...... 135 Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) ...... 135 First room-temperature superconductor ...... 136 What is holographic imaging? ...... 136 What is Biofortification? ...... 137 What are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)? ...... 138 The plasma therapy debate ...... 138 IndiGen Program ...... 139 What is a bulk drug park, and why does want one? ...... 139 India set to launch deep mission ...... 140 What are desalination plants? ...... 141 Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) ...... 142 Things you need to know about mRNA vaccines ...... 142 Cord blood banking ...... 143 Quantum key distribution (QKD) ...... 144 National Mathematics Day ...... 145 ‗TiHAN-IIT Hyderabad‘ ...... 145 Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technique ...... 146 What is a Bitcoin? ...... 147 Intentional genomic alteration (IGA) and GalSafe pigs ...... 148 Facial recognition technology ...... 148 Ethanol production: ...... 149 What is Einsteinium? ...... 150 RT-PCR tests: What it is and how it is done? ...... 150 17 major OTT players adopt self-regulatory toolkit ...... 151 What is net neutrality? ...... 151 6 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

Serum Institute`s Covishield vs Bharat Biotech`s ...... 152 National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India ...... 153 India proposes to expand research, tourism in the Arctic: ...... 154 Manufactured sand ...... 155 What is 5G and how prepared is India to adapt to this tech?...... 155 LiDAR- Light Detection and Ranging ...... 156 Fifth State of Matter ...... 157 Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre ...... 158 Statistics day ...... 158 What is the ELISA-based Antibody Test? ...... 159 SATAT Initiative ...... 160 India‘s first plasma bank ...... 161 What is Raman Spectroscopy? ...... 162 National Biopharma Mission (NBM) ...... 163 Kakrapar Atomic Plant achieves Criticality ...... 163 What is Compulsory Licensing? ...... 164 International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) ...... 165

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ENVIRONMENT

SMOG TOWERS A smog tower is a structure designed to work as a large-scale air purifier. This structure fitted with multiple layers of filters which trap fine dust particles suspended in the air as it passes through them. • Air is drawn through fans installed at the top of the tower, passed through filters, and then released near the ground.

Why in News? Supreme Court, last year, had directed authorities to take measures, including asking the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a comprehensive plan on setting up ―smog towers‖ in the capital. Smog towers have been experimented with in recent years in cities in the Netherlands, China, South Korea and Poland. The first such tower was erected in 2015, in Rotterdam, Netherlands (it can filter 30,000 cubic metres of air per hour around it). A tower would reduce 50% of the particulate matter load — fine dust particles suspended in the air — in an area of 1 kilometre in the direction of the wind, as well as 200 metres each along the sides of the tower and against the direction of the wind. Why Delhi needs such measures? Air pollution in the national capital has been an issue of concern for quite some time as Delhi and its suburbs have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world frequently since 2014, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Delhi the most polluted city in the world. • Pollution levels in Delhi increase dramatically during winter — on some days to nearly 10 times above the limits prescribed by WHO, posing a serious risk to vulnerable and also healthy populations. • Reasons behind high pollution levels? • Construction work, industrial and vehicular pollution — in and around the city. • The situation is aggravated at the start of winter by smoke from stubble-burning in north western states, coupled with unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as calm winds, low , and fewer sunny days.

Measures taken to control pollution:

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1. Persuading farmers in Punjab and to use mechanical alternatives to stubble- burning. 2. Closure of thermal power stations in Delhi. 3. Making industries use piped natural gas. 4. Control measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) when pollution levels spike.

―THE TOXIC TRUTH‖ REPORT ON LEAD POISONING BY UNICEF United Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) and Pure Earth which is an international non-profit organization focused on pollution issues, have released a report- ―The Toxic Truth: Children‘s exposure to lead pollution undermines a generation of potential‖. Key findings: 1. Lead poisoning is affecting children on a ―massive and previously unknown scale‖. 2. Around 1 in 3 children - up to 800 million globally - have blood lead levels at, or above, 5 micrograms per decilitre (μg/dL), the amount at which action is required. 3. Nearly half of these children live in South Asia. How lead affects children? 1. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes irreparable harm to children‘s brains. 2. It is particularly destructive to babies and children under the age of five as it damages their brain before they have had the to fully develop, causing them lifelong neurological, cognitive and physical impairment. Factors contributing to lead poisoning: 1. Informal and substandard recycling of lead-acid batteries. 2. Increase in vehicle ownership, combined with the lack of vehicle battery recycling regulation and infrastructure. 3. Workers in dangerous and often illegal recycling operations break open battery cases, spill acid and lead dust in the soil. 4. They also smelt the recovered lead in crude, open-air furnaces that emit toxic fumes poisoning the surrounding community.

REPORT ON LEOPARD SIGHTINGS As part of its global tiger census, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is set to release a dedicated report on leopard sightings. Is there a separate census for leopard? No separate census for leopard is conducted. The quadrennial tiger survey also estimates the population of other animals including leopards by relying on camera trap images. Estimated Leopards in India: • The last formal census on India‘s leopards was conducted in 2014 which estimated the cat‘s population at between 12,000 and 14,000. • They also estimated 8,000 leopards in the vicinity of tiger habitat.

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Issues with the present methodology: Conducting a leopard survey, along with the tiger survey, is problematic as the former is adapted to living on the edge of forests and human habitats, unlike the tiger which is an elusive creature. This had led to gross errors in estimating the true numbers of leopards. But, why it is difficult to hold leopard census directly? Leopards share habitat with both, tigers and humans. They reside in protected areas as well outside them in agricultural fields, scrublands and riverine tracts. Therefore, it is highly difficult to count such a widely distributed population. Besides, there are substantial numbers of leopards and they are well distributed. Hence, a separate wouldn‘t be necessary.

What needs to be done then? India‘s leopard population may be only a tenth of what it was a little over a century ago, experiencing catastrophic declines due to human . • Instead of conducting a new leopard census, the cause of the leopard would be served better if conservation strategies were made a priority of policy decisions. • A stringent policy action should be to bring down retaliatory killings as well poaching for trade. • Given the threats the animal faces today–ranging from conflicts with humans, poaching, habitat loss to availability of prey– an initiative similar to ‗‘ is required for the cat.

NGT BRINGS STRICT CONDITIONS FOR COMMERCIAL USE OF GROUND WATER The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has set stringent conditions for commercial groundwater use. • The order came on a plea seeking direction to check depleting groundwater level in the country. NGT has also struck down the Central Ground Water Authority‘s (CGWA) 2020 guidelines, saying they were against the law. The 2018 version of the guidelines had been struck down by the NGT last year. Conditions set by NGT: 1. Industries must expect a complete overhaul in the manner in which the permits are issued for the extraction of groundwater for commercial activities. They must ensure that all the conditions are complied with. 2. The tribunal has specifically banned the general permission for the withdrawal of groundwater, especially to the commercial entities without an environment impact assessment. 3. Permits must be for the specified quantity of water and must be monitored with digital flow metres and audited every year by the third parties. 4. Strict actions, including prosecution and blacklisting, must be taken against those who will fail the audit.

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5. All overexploited, critical and semi-critical (OCS) assessment units must undergo water mapping. 6. Authorities are given three months to make water management plans for all the overexploited, semi-critical, and critical areas. Concerns associated with these conditions: • As per some of the experts, these directions have put rigorous requirements on the businesses at a time when they have been trying to find their way amid COVID-19. • The restrictions make access of groundwater very difficult. • The move by NGT has also been interfering with the legislative functions of the Jal Shakti Ministry. Why NGT felt these conditions were necessary? There was no claim over groundwater levels improving, nor was there a projection for future improvement in the past 23 years of regulation by the CGWB. India was at the bottom of the Water Quality Index, at 120 among 122 countries. Fifty-four per cent of India‘s groundwater wells have decreased in levels, with 21 major cities across the country expected to run out of groundwater by 2020. India extracted the most groundwater. India accounted for 25 per cent of the total annual global water extracted, with the extraction level steadily increasing. According to ‗Water and Related Statistics 2019‘, a report published by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the annual replenishable groundwater resources in India (2017) are 432 BCM, out of which 393 BCM is the annual ―extractable‖ groundwater availability.

WORLD BIOFUEL DAY World Biofuel Day is observed every year on 10th August to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. • The day honours the research experiments by Sir Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) who ran an engine with peanut oil in 1893. • In India, the day has been celebrated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas since 2015. • The theme for 2020 World Biofuel Day in India is ‗Biofuels Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ What are Biofuels? Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel. Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature. • Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manure • Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel • Gaseous: Biogas Classification of Biofuels 1st generation biofuels are also called conventional biofuels. They are made from things like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil. Note that these are all food products. Any biofuel made from a feedstock that can also be consumed as a human food is considered a first-generation biofuel.

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2nd generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock. The sustainability of a feedstock is defined by its availability, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, its impact on land use, and by its potential to threaten the food supply. No second-generation biofuel is also a food crop, though certain food products can become second generation fuels when they are no longer useful for consumption. Second generation biofuels are often called ―advanced biofuels.‖ 3rd generation biofuels are biofuel derived from algae. These biofuels are given their own separate class because of their unique production mechanism and their potential to mitigate most of the drawbacks of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels. 4th generation biofuels: In the production of these fuels, crops that are genetically engineered to take in high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass. The crops are then converted into fuel using second generation techniques.

TRAFFIC STUDY ON LEOPARDS TRAFFIC India has released a paper titled ‗‗SPOTTED‘ in Illegal Wildlife Trade: A Peek into Ongoing Poaching and Illegal Trade of Leopards in India‘. • It is a study on the seizure and mortality of ‗common leopards‘ (Panthera pardus fusca). Highlights of the report • Of the total of 747 leopard deaths between 2015-2019 in India, 596 were linked to illegal wildlife trade and activities related to poaching. • The highest numbers of poaching incidents were reported from the States of and . • Among all the derivatives found in illegal wildlife trade, skin remained the most in- demand product, accounting for 69% of all seizures, while derivatives like claws, teeth and bones were also traded. Background The last formal census on India‘s leopards was conducted in 2014, which estimated the population between 12,000 and 14,000. • The results of a recent census of leopard sightings are likely to be released soon by the Wildlife Institute of India. Conclusion The plight of leopards in illegal wildlife trade has been highlighted from time to time through investigative reports and studies and through various wildlife enforcement actions across the country. However, this has not deterred wildlife smugglers, who are lured by high profits and low risk of detection, to target the species. Therefore, experts suggest that more emphasis should be given to the conservation of leopards. About TRAFFIC TRAFFIC, the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, is the leading non-governmental organisation working globally on the trade of wild animals and plants in the context of both and sustainable development. It was founded in 1976 as a strategic alliance of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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HOW THE TIGER CAN REGAIN ITS STRIPES? Two legal instruments that have enabled tiger recoveries in India are: 1. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. 2. The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, which reinforced Project Tiger. How was this achieved? The political leadership and field efforts behind this recovery had to overcome very difficult social challenges: • Slow growth of the economy. • Excessive reliance on forest exploitation for livelihoods and government revenues. • •Dire poverty, and protein dependency on wild meat that drove massive local hunting. These challenges were overcome and tiger recoveries occurred, but only sporadically in a few reserves. What has changed? What are the challenges? • There was a decline in political commitment to conservation. • There was gradual transition of the field-oriented Forest Department to one whose primary aspiration was to be like the multitasking Indian Administrative Service. • There was also unnecessary and massive borrowings from the Global Environment Facility-World Bank combine to create new models for tiger recovery. • There was also the upsurge of emancipatory political movements for the release of wildlife habitats for cultivation and exploitation by loosely defined ―forest-dwellers‖- This populist movement led to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act of 2006. • The tiger extinction in Sariska Reserve caused a public outcry in 2005, leading to the appointment of a Tiger Task (TTF) by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, it created a tiger management model that benefited the forest bureaucracy more than it did the tigers. International cooperation to protect tiger: Global Tiger forum is the only intergovernmental international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the tiger. • It is focused on saving the remaining five subspecies of tigers distributed over 13 tiger range countries of the world. In India: National authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate change. It was established in 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger task force. It was constituted under enabling provisions of the wildlife (protection) act 1972, as amended in 2006.

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FOREST MINISTRY RELEASES GUIDE TO MANAGING HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has compiled the best practices of human-elephant conflict management in India. These include: 1. Retaining elephants in their natural habitats by creating water sources and management of forest fires. 2. Elephant Proof trenches in . 3. Hanging fences and rubble walls in . 4. Use of chilli smoke in north Bengal and playing the sound of bees or carnivores in Assam. 5. An elephant corridor initiative where 25.37 acres of private land was purchased at Edayarahalli-Doddasampige in Karnataka as part of conservation efforts. 6. Use of technology: Individual identification, monitoring of elephants in south Bengal and sending SMS alerts to warn of elephant presence. Need for these management strategies: Over 500 humans are killed in encounters with elephants annually, and crops and property worth millions are also damaged. Many elephants are also killed in retaliation due to conflict. Some Facts about Elephant 1. Asian elephants are listed as ―Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. 2. Indian Elephant has also been listed in the Appendix I of the Convention of the Migratory species in the recently concluded Conference of Parties of CMS 13 at Gandhi Nagar, in February 2020. 3. Elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal of India. 4. India has the largest number of wild Asian Elephants, estimated at 29,964 according to the 2017 census by Project Elephant. The figure amounts to about 60% of the species‘ global population.

NO-GO‘ FORESTS CLEARED FOR COAL MINING As per the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) findings, 1. Since 2015, of the 49 blocks cleared for coal mining, 9 were in ‗No-Go‘ areas, or regions that were once classified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change as containing very dense forests and hence closed to coal mining. 2. In 2020, of the 41 blocks put up for auction, 21 feature in the original No-Go list. 3. Currently India is not utilising its existing capacity fully: 67% of the mines auctioned since 2015 are were not operational yet. What’s the issue? The environment ministry's ban on mining in areas of thick forest cover has locked away millions of tonnes of coal reserves. According to the power ministry, coal shortage is likely to hold up new power projects of over 17,000 mw aggregate capacity. This has triggered debate among the ministries of coal, power and steel on the 'Go, No-Go' concept's merits.

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What are 'No Go' areas in coal mining? In 2009, the environment and coal ministries had jointly placed the country's forested areas under two categories - Go and No-Go - and imposed a ban on mining in the 'No-Go' zones on environmental grounds. • ‗No Go‘ areas are those having either more than 10 per cent weighted forest cover (WFC) or more than 30 per cent gross forest cover (GFC). Is there a need for classifying 'Go' and 'No Go' areas? The exercise is aimed at prioritising forest areas under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. • Besides, Diversion of forest land for coal mining in these areas, which are rich in flora and fauna, will have "avoidable serious adverse impact on forests and wildlife". If mining were to continue, even with afforestation and reclamation, it would not be possible to restore the regions biodiversity. Criticisms of this policy: The concept has no legal standing- They are mandated neither under Forest Conservation Rules, 2003 nor under any circular issued by the ministry of environment and forests.

BIS‘ DRAFT STANDARD FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prepared a draft standard for the supply system of piped drinking water- ‗Drinking water supply quality management system — requirements for piped drinking water supply service‘. • The draft has been prepared by the BIS‘ Public Drinking Water Supply Services Sectional Committee. Highlights of the draft: 1. It outlines the process of water supply, from raw water sources to household taps. 2. It outlines the requirements for a water supplier or a water utility on how they should establish, operate, maintain and improve their piped drinking water supply service. 3. It states that the water treatment process should be planned in such a manner that after treatment the drinking water should conform to the Indian Standard (IS) 10500 developed by the BIS. 4. It contains guidelines for top management of the water utility, in terms of accountability and customer focus, establishing a quality policy for their service, monitoring the quality of water released to people, and conducting a water audit. 5. It states that the concept of district metering area (DMA) should be adopted where possible. DMA is a concept for controlling leakages in the water network, which is essentially divided into a number of sectors, called the DMAs, and where flow meters are installed to detect leaks. 6. It mentions that water should be sampled at the treatment plant every four hours against quality parameters. In the distribution system, the sampling should be done every eight hours at the water reservoirs. Random sampling should also be done at household levels. Significance of the draft and need for it:

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The standard holds importance as it is expected to make the process of piped water supply more uniform, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas of the country where the system runs on various government orders and circulars.

NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME (NCAP) The National Green Tribunal has slammed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) over its report on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) which proposes 20-30% reduction of air pollution by 2024. What’s the issue? MoEF had recently informed the NGT that a committee has concluded that 20-30% pollutant reduction under the NCAP seems realistic. • The Ministry had further said that pollution could not be controlled except to the extent of certain per cent. However, the NGT has disapproved this submission saying that the MoEF‘s view was against the constitutional mandate under Article 21 and also against statutory mandate. Observations made by the NGT: Right to Clean Air stood recognised as part of Right to Life and failure to address air pollution was denial of Right to Life. The enforcement of ‗Sustainable Development‘ principle and ‗Public Trust Doctrine‘ required stern measures to be adopted to give effect to the mandate of international obligations for which the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and other laws had been enacted. What does the NCAP say on this? What are the issues? Under the NCAP, the target is to achieve norms in 10 years and reduce load to the extent of 35% in first three years with further reduction of pollution later. • This meant for 10 years pollution would remain unaddressed which is too long period of tolerating violations when clean air was Right to Life. • Further, it is also not clear what type of pollutants or all pollutants would be reduced. • Besides, in 2019, the number of Non-Attainment Cities (NACs) has gone up from 102 to 122. Need of the hour 1. Violation of laid down air pollution levels resulting in large number of deaths and diseases needed to be addressed expeditiously. 2. Targeted time of reduction of pollution loads needed to be reduced and planned steps needed to be sternly implemented on the ground. About the National Clean Air Programme: Launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in 2019. It was not notified under the Environment Protection Act or any other Act. It is envisaged as a scheme to provide the States and the Centre with a framework to combat air pollution. • It has a major goal of reducing the of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of diameter 2.5

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micrometer or less, or PM2.5) in the atmosphere by at least 20% by the year 2024, with 2017 as the base year for comparison. Who all will participate? Apart from experts from the industry and academia, the programme will be a collaboration between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, and Central Pollution Control Board. Which cities will fall under this? Initially, 102 cities from 23 States and UTs were chosen as non-attainment cities. With the exception of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, most of those chosen are tier two cities. • The cities were selected on the basis of the ambient air quality data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) of 2011 – 2015. • Maharashtra had the maximum number of cities chosen for the programme.

NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDC) – TRANSPORT INITIATIVE FOR ASIA (TIA). NITI Aayog has launched the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA). About NDC- TIA: It is a joint programme, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). • It aims to promote a comprehensive approach to decarbonize transport in India, Vietnam, and China. • It is implemented by a consortium of seven other organisations. • On behalf of the , NITI Aayog will be the implementing partner. Implementation: The NDC-TIA programme has duration of 4 years. It will allow India and other partner countries to achieve accountable long-term targets by making a sectoral contribution through various interventions, coordinated with a large number of stakeholders in the domain. • This will contribute towards achieving their NDCs and increasing their ambition in the transport sector of 2025 NDCs.

Need for such initiatives • India has a massive and diverse transport sector that caters to the needs of billion people. • It has the world‘s second-largest road network, which contributes to maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through all means of transportation. • With increasing urbanisation, the fleet size i.e. the number of sales of vehicles is increasing rapidly. • It is projected that the total number of vehicles will be doubled by 2030.

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WHAT IS AMMONIUM NITRATE, WHICH CAUSED THE MASSIVE EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT? The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port on August 4 was caused by over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate kept in storage for over six years. What is it? In its pure form, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water. Where all is it used? • It is the main ingredient in the manufacture of commercial explosives used in mining and construction. • It is a common chemical ingredient of agricultural fertilisers. • It is also the main component of the explosive composition known as ANFO — ammonium nitrate fuel oil. When it can cause a fire hazard? Pure ammonium nitrate is not an explosive on its own. It is classified as an oxidiser (Grade 5.1) under the United Nations classification of dangerous goods. • If mixed with ingredients like fuel or some other contaminants, or because of some other external factors, it can be very explosive. The explosion of large storage can happen primarily in two ways: 1. 1.By some type detonation or initiation because the storage comes in contact with explosive mixture. 2. Due to a fire which starts in the ammonium nitrate store because of the heat generated due to the oxidation process at large scale. How is it regulated in India? • In India, its usage is regulated as per The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, under The Explosives Act, 1884. • The rules also make storage of ammonium nitrate in large quantities in populated areas illegal in India. • For the manufacture of ammonium nitrate, an Industrial licence is required under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951. • A license under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 is also required for any activity related to ammonium nitrate. Health effects: An ammonium nitrate explosion produces massive amounts of nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a red, bad-smelling gas. It can irritate the . Elevated levels of these pollutants are particularly concerning for people with respiratory conditions.

TSUNAMI READY has achieved another milestone in disaster management. Venkatraipur in Ganjam and Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur have been recognised by UNESCO-IOC as Tsunami-Ready Communities. About Tsunami Ready:

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Tsunami Ready is a community performance-based programme. Initiated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO to promote tsunami preparedness through the active collaboration of public, community leaders, and national and local emergency management agencies. Objectives of the programme: • To improve the coastal community‘s preparedness for tsunami emergencies. • To minimize the loss of life and property. • To ensure a structural and systematic approach in building community preparedness. About the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC): • IOC-UNESCO was established in 1960 as a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO and is the only competent organization for marine science within the UN system. • The purpose of the Commission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity-building, in order to learn more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine environment, and the decision-making processes of its Member States. • The IOC is recognized through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the competent international organization in the fields of Marine Scientific Research and Transfer of Marine Technology.

GREEN TERM AHEAD MARKET (GTAM) Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) in electricity launched as a first step towards greening the Indian short term power market. What is GTAM? It is an alternative new model introduced for selling off the power by the renewable developers in the open market without getting into long term power purchase agreements (PPA). Key features of GTAM: • Transactions through GTAM will be bilateral in nature with clear identification of corresponding buyers and sellers, there will not be any difficulty in accounting for Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). • GTAM contracts will be segregated into Solar RPO & Non-Solar RPO as RPO targets are also segregated. • Daily & Weekly Contracts – Bidding will take place on MWh basis. • Price discovery will take place on a continuous basis i.e. price time priority basis. Subsequently, looking at the market conditions open auction can be introduced for daily & weekly contracts. • Energy scheduled through GTAM contract shall be considered as deemed RPO compliance of the buyer. Significance and benefits of the move: • The introduction of GTAM platform would lessen the burden on RE-rich States and incentivize them to develop RE capacity beyond their own RPO.

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• This would promote RE merchant capacity addition and help in achieving RE capacity addition targets of the country. • GTAM platform will also lead to increase in number of participants in renewable energy sector. • It will benefit buyers of RE through competitive prices and transparent and flexible procurement. • It will also benefit RE sellers by providing access to pan- India market.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) NOTIFICATION 2020 The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have raised several concerns about the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, 2020 and have asked the government how its provisions correspond with India‘s obligations under international law. Who are UN Special Rapporteurs? They are independent experts working on behalf of the United Nations. They work on a country or a thematic mandate specified by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The three important issues raised by UN Special Rapporteurs are: 1. The draft notification includes under Clauses 14 (2) and 26 an exemption of several large industries and projects from public consultation — as part of the environment impact assessment process — such as chemical manufacturing and petroleum products; building, construction and area development; inland waterways and expansion or widening of national highways. • These exemptions are unwarranted given the substantial environmental and human rights negative impacts that can arise from projects in these areas. 2. The draft notification does not require publication of information or holding of public consultation for projects labelled by the Central government as ‗involving strategic considerations‘. • The draft does not provide clarification regarding the criteria for categorizing projects ‗strategic‘ by the Central Government and hence could be open to excessively broad interpretations. 3. There is a clause on ―post-facto clearance‖. These are for projects that have started without obtaining the required environmental clearances or permissions. • This practice contradicts basic principles related to the environmental rule of law. Background: Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, India notified its first EIA norms in 1994, setting in place a legal framework for regulating activities that access, utilise, and affect (pollute) natural resources. • Every development project has been required to go through the EIA process for obtaining prior environmental clearance ever since. • The 1994 EIA notification was replaced with a modified draft in 2006. • Earlier this year, the government redrafted it again to incorporate the amendments and relevant court orders issued since 2006, and to make the EIA ―process more transparent and expedient.‖

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Other contentious provisions in the draft: 1. It shortens the period of public consultation hearings to a maximum of 40 days. 2. It reduces from 30 to 20 days the time provided for the public to submit their responses during a public hearing for any application seeking environmental clearance. 3. It also allows the declaration of some areas as ―economically sensitive areas‖ without a public hearing or environmental clearance, and several ―red‖ and ―orange‖-classified toxic industries could now operate as close as 0-5 km from a Protected Area in ―callous disregard‖ for forests. 4. The increased validity of the environment clearances for mining projects (50 years versus 30 years currently) and river valley projects (15 years versus 10 years currently) raises the risk of irreversible environmental, social and health consequences on account of the project remaining unnoticed for long.

WHAT ARE NATIONAL PARKS? The Assam government has approved the addition of 30.53 sq. km (3,053 hectares) to the 884 sq. km . Implications and significance of the move: • The latest additions would help provide connectivity to Orang and Nameri National Parks across river Brahmaputra, besides the hills of Karbi Anglong to the south of the park, where the rhino, tiger, deer and other animals take refuge during the floods. What are National Parks? They are the areas that are set by the government to conserve the natural environment.‖ • A national park has more restrictions as compared to a wildlife sanctuary. • Their boundaries are fixed and defined. • The main objective of a national park is to protect the natural environment of the area and biodiversity conservation. What is allowed and what is not allowed inside National Parks: • Here, no human activity is allowed. • Grazing of livestock and private tenurial rights are not permitted here. • Species mentioned in the Schedules of the Wildlife Act are not allowed to be hunted or captured. • No person shall destroy, remove, or exploit any wildlife from a National Park or destroy or damage the habitat of any wild animal or deprive any wild animal of its habitat within a national park. • They cannot be downgraded to the status of a ‗sanctuary‘. • Declaration of National Parks: • National parks can be declared both by the Central Government and State governments. No alteration of the boundaries of a national park shall be made except on a resolution passed by the State Legislature.

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LOW OZONE OVER BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER VALLEY Researchers have found that the concentration of near surface ozone in this region is low compared to the other urban locations in India. What is Tropospheric or ground-level ozone? It is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). It usually increases when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight, impacting human health. Why low ozone in Brahmaputra Valley? This site is well influenced by local sources such as adjacent major national highway. During the daylight hours, the site is in or nearly in a photo-stationary state, indicating a low impact of organic species on the ozone . Why we should be concerned about ground-level ozone? • Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on people and the environment, and it is the main ingredient in ―smog.‖ • Elevated ground-level ozone exposures affect agricultural crops and trees, especially slow growing crops and long-lived trees. • The main health concern of exposure to ambient ground-level ozone is its effect on the respiratory system, especially on lung function.

CLIMATE SMART CITIES ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK (CSCAF) 2.0 Launched recently by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). What is CSCAF? • CSCAF initiative intends to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India. • The objective of CSCAF is to provide a clear roadmap for cities towards combating Climate Change while planning and implementing their actions, including investments. • The Climate Centre for Cities under National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is supporting MoHUA in implementation of CSCAF. The framework has 28 indicators across five categories namely: 1. Energy and Green Buildings. 2. Urban Planning, Green Cover & Biodiversity. 3. Mobility and Air Quality. 4. Water Management. 5. Waste Management.

NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) The Union Ministry of Mines had requested the Environment Ministry to exempt it from paying NPV. • However, the Environment Ministry has refused saying that it would be ‗inappropriate‘ to grant such an exemption as this was mandated by the Supreme Court. Why exempt?

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• All areas of exploration are not converted into mining. Only about 1% cases are converted to mining. Considering these, payment of NPV is regarded as an avoidable expenditure. • Even payment of NPV at a rate of 2% or 5% is one of the major challenges which lead to delay in the exploration/ prospecting activities. What is NPV? The Net Present Value (NPV) is a monetary approximation of the value that is lost when a piece of forest land has been razed. • This is on the basis of the services and ecological value and there are prescribed formulae for calculating this amount which depends on the location and nature of the forest and the type of industrial enterprise that will replace a particular parcel of forest. • It was developed by a committee led by Professor Kanchan Gupta, of the Institute of Economic Growth. When was it introduced? To regulate forest diversions, Supreme Court introduced a high ‗net present value‘ (NPV) charge on the lands diverted.

METHANE IN KRISHNA-GODAVARI (KG) BASIN Researchers from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have found that the methane hydrate deposits are located in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basins are of biogenic origin. Significance of KG basin • Even the lowest estimate of methane present in the methane hydrates in KG Basin is twice that of all fossil fuel reserves available worldwide. • Researchers have also predicted the rate of biogenic methane generation in KG Basin hydrates to be 0.031 millimoles methane/gTOC/Day, resulting in total deposits of methane around 0.56 to 7.68trillion cubic feet (TCF). What is Methane? How is it formed or produced? It is a clean and economical fuel. On Earth, methane (CH4) is a naturally occurring gas. Most of the methane on Earth is produced in biological processes — some of it by microbes, and some occurring as underground natural gas that had been formed by earlier generations of microbial life. Many of these methane-producing microbes live in the digestive systems of animals, especially cows. However, methane can also be produced by abiotic processes (those that do not involve living organisms). • It has been found to occur in formations such as rocks, springs and aquifers, and studies have concluded that it was formed there by chemical reactions between carbon and hydrogen atoms at low temperature. • Once it is released into the atmospheres of either Earth or Mars, methane is relatively short-lived. • Methane concentrations on Earth is over 1,800 parts per million. What is methane hydrate? • Methane hydrate is formed when hydrogen-bonded water and methane gas come into contact at high pressures and low temperatures in oceans. • It is estimated that one cubic meter of methane hydrate contains 160-180 cubic meters of methane.

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LIVING PLANET REPORT 2020 Released by international non-profit World Wide Fund for Nature. • This year‘s Living Planet Report, a collaboration between WWF International and the Zoological Society of London, is the 13th edition of the biennial publication tracking wildlife populations around the world. Key findings: 1. The population of vertebrate species declined by around 68 per cent between 1970 and 2016. Living Planet Index was used by the report to calculate this decline. 2. Wildlife populations in freshwater habitats suffered a decline of 84 per cent, equivalent to four per cent per year, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. 3. The average two-thirds decline in global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish in less than 50 years in large parts is due to the same environmental destruction, which is contributing to emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Covid-19. 4. 75 per cent of earth‘s ice-free land has been significantly altered, most of the oceans polluted and over 85 per cent area of wetlands lost ~ all due to human activity. 5. One in five plants is threatened with extinction. Factors responsible for this decline: 1. Land-use change. 2. Use and trade of wildlife. 3. Natural habitat loss. 4. Degradation and deforestation driven by food production processes. India's scenario: • India has 2.4 per cent global land share, about eight per cent global biodiversity and around 16 per cent global population • However, it has lost 12 per cent of its wild mammals, 19 per cent amphibians and 3 per cent birds over last five decades. • India‘s ecological footprint per person is less than 1.6 global hectares (gha) / person (smaller than that of many large countries). But, its high population size has made the gross footprint significantly high. Reforms suggested: • Making food production and trade more efficient and ecologically sustainable. • Reducing waste and favouring healthier and more environmentally friendly diets. Conclusion: The report underlines humanity‘s increasing destruction of nature had catastrophic impacts not just on wildlife populations, but also on human health. Therefore, in the midst of a global pandemic, it is now more important than ever to take unprecedented and coordinated global action to halt and start to reverse the loss of biodiversity and wildlife populations across the globe by the end of the decade. What is Living Planet Report? • It is published every 2 years by WWF. • It is a comprehensive study of trends in global biodiversity and the health of the planet. • The report presents a comprehensive overview of the state of the natural world through the Living Planet Index (LPI).

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What is Living Planet Index (LPI)? It is a measure of the state of the world‘s biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats. What is ecological footprint? Ecological footprint is the biologically productive area needed to provide for everything used by people: fruits and vegetables, fish, wood, fibres, absorption of CO2 from fossil fuels use, and space for buildings and roads. • It is currently developed by Global Footprint Network (an independent think-tank). The GHG footprint and carbon footprint are a component of Ecological Footprint. • Humanity‘s Ecological Footprint for 2014 was 1.7 planet Earth‘s. This meant that humanity‘s demands were 1.7 times faster than what the Earth‘s ecosystems renewed.

ASSAM OIL WELL FIRE, GAS LEAKAGE LARGELY TAMED The raging oil well fire in Assam which continued for more than three months has been primarily controlled, and it would take a few more weeks to control the gas leakage and fire fully. What happened? Natural gas and oil condensate started leaking from an oil well of the state-owned OIL field at Baghjan in eastern Assam's Tinsukia district 110 days back. The leakage caught fire 97 days ago on June 9. How it was tamed? • The natural gas of the well number five at Baghjan was diverted partly into production and partly flared in two flare pits. • The main aim of this operation was to reduce wellhead of the blowout well, which will help in the next action for killing the well. Why do blowouts happen? The pressure balance in a well may be disturbed leading to ‗kicks‘ or changes in pressure. If these are not controlled in time, the ‗kicks‘ can turn into a sudden blowout. There are many possible reasons behind blowouts,―from simple lack of attention, poor workmanship, bad maintenance, old age, sabotage to morpho-tectonic factors‖. Why is it so difficult to control? The control of a blowout depends on two things: the size of the reservoir and the pressure at which the gas/oil is flowing out. This reservoir was particularly difficult to control since it was a gas well and ran the risk of catching fire at any point. Impact on the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: Environmentalists and local people said the fire had left a trail of devastation in the adjoining areas, including the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The well is at an aerial distance of 900 metres from the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. • The national park houses some of the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna – around 36 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds.

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THE POLICY ON PROMOTION OF CITY COMPOST To process and use city waste as compost, the Policy on Promotion of City Compost was approved in 2016. • Under the policy, assistance of Rs 1,500 per tonne of city compost will be provided to fertilizer companies for marketing and promotion of city compost. • Announced by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. What's the issue now? The lack of an appropriate market and ineffective implementation hasn't given this much- needed practice the desired popularity. Besides, the high manufacturing and selling cost of the compost, questionable product quality, no direct incentive/subsidy to farmers and lack of knowledge among other concerns, ensured city compost didn‘t become a popular option for farmers. Potential for city compost: India currently produces close to 1.5 lakh tonnes of solid waste every day and its biodegradable fraction ranges between 30 per cent and 70 per cent for various Indian cities. This means there is a huge potential for compositing, the most natural form of processing wet waste. Why this is a serious issue? Uncontrolled decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites also leads to emission of potent greenhouse gases. So, it is imperative that necessary actions be taken to promote appropriate disposal mechanisms for solid waste management.

GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO REDUCE LAND DEGRADATION AND PROGRAM Launched at the recently held Environment Ministerial Meeting (EMM) of the G20 countries which took place under the Presidency of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About the Initiative: It aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation within G20 member states and globally, taking into account possible implications on the achievement of other SDGs and adhering to the principle of doing no harm. What is Land Degradation? It is the reduction or loss of biological or economic productivity of the land resulting from land uses or from a process or combination of processes, including human activities and climatic variations. What is Desertification? It is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one-third of the world‗s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. The major causes for land degradation include: 1. Land clearance, such as clearcutting and deforestation 2. Agricultural depletion of soil nutrients through poor farming practices 3. Livestock including overgrazing and over drafting 4. Inappropriate irrigation and over drafting

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5. Urban sprawl and commercial development 6. Vehicle off-roading 7. Quarrying of stone, sand, ore and minerals Steps taken by India: • Desert Development Programme. • Integrated Watershed Management Programme which is now subsume under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. • National agriculture policy 2000. • National Mission on Green India which is a part of National Action Plan on Climate Change. • National Afforestation Programme. • Soil Conservation in the Catchment of River Valley Projects and Flood Prone Rivers. • National Watershed Development Project for Rain fed Areas. • Fodder and Feed Development Scheme – a component of Development including Grass Reserves , Command Area Development and Management Programme. • National water policy 2012 • National forest Policy 1988

BLUE FLAG PROGRAMME On the occasion of International Coastal Clean-Up Day (Celebrated since 1986), for the first time eight beaches of India are recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification. • International Coastal Clean-Up Day is marked each year on the third Saturday of September as an initiative of the Washington-based Ocean Conservancy, a volunteer effort for ocean health. The eight beaches recommended are: Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman and Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in , Rushikonda in , Golden in Odisha and Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. About Blue flag programme: The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non- governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). • It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. Definition: The ‗Blue Flag‘ beach is an ‗eco-tourism model‘ and marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area. Key facts: • Japan and South Korea are the only countries in South and southeastern Asia to have Blue Flag beaches.

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• Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395, respectively. Criteria: There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory. Beaches identified in India: • 13 pilot beaches have been identified for the certification. • Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha‘s Konark coast is the first to complete the tag certification process.

ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION (PREVENTION AND CONTROL) AUTHORITY EPCA recently wrote to the chief secretaries of Punjab and Haryana stating that early burning of crop residue was taking place and urged them to address the issue ―urgently‖. EPCA is a Supreme Court mandated body tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region. It was notified in 1998 by Environment Ministry under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Composition: Besides the chairman, the EPCA has 14 members, some of whom are the environment secretary of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council, transport commissioner of the NCT, the commissioners of various municipal corporations of Delhi and professors at IIT Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University. Powers: It has the power suo-moto, or on the basis of complaints made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment. Functions: • To protect and improve quality of environment and prevent and control environmental pollution in National Capital Region. • To enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR as per the pollution levels.

NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME PM Modi inaugurated 6 mega projects in Uttarakhand under Namami Gange. • The six sewage treatment plants or STPs were inaugurated at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni-ki-Reti and Badrinath via video conference. About Namami Gange Programme: It an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‗Flagship Programme‘ in June 2014. • It seeks to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. • It is being operated under Ministry of Jal Shakti. Implementation: The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organizations i.e., State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).

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• NMCG is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council (set in 2016; which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NRGBA). National Ganga Council (NGC) was Created in October 2016 under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016. It is headed by Prime Minister. Funding: It has a Rs. 20,000-crore, centrally-funded, non-lapsable corpus and consists of nearly 288 projects. Main Pillars of the Namami Gange Programme are: 1. Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure 2. River-Surface Cleaning 3. Afforestation 4. Industrial Effluent Monitoring 5. River-Front Development 6. Bio-Diversity 7. Public Awareness 8. Ganga Gram

KERALA TO HAVE CERTIFIED SNAKE HANDLERS Members of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister have asked the government to consider selling enemy properties valued at over₹1 lakh crore to take care of the current expenditure which will drive growth. What are enemy properties? Properties that were left behind by the people who took citizenship of Pakistan and China. • There are more than 9000 such properties left behind by Pakistani nationals and 126 by Chinese nationals. • Of the total properties left behind by those who took Pakistani citizenship, 4,991 are located in , the highest in the country. has 2,735 such estates and Delhi 487. • The highest number of properties left by Chinese nationals is in (57).West Bengal has 29 such properties and Assam seven. Who oversees these properties? Under the Defence of India Rules framed under The Defence of India Act, 1962, the Government of India took over the properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality. • These ―enemy properties‖ were vested by the central government in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India. The same was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian war. • The Tashkent Declaration of January 10, 1966 included a clause that said India and Pakistan would discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict. However, the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties in their country in the year 1971 itself.

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How did India deal with enemy property? The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968, provided for the continuous vesting of enemy property in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India. Some movable properties too, are categorised as enemy properties. The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017: The act amended The Enemy Property Act, 1968, and The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Salient features of the new act: Expanded the definition of the term enemy subject and enemy firm: To include 1. The legal heir and successor of an enemy, whether a citizen of India or a citizen of a country which is not an enemy and 2. The succeeding firm of an enemy firm, irrespective of the nationality of its members or partners. The enemy property continues to vest in the Custodian: Even if the enemy or enemy subject or enemy firm ceases to be an enemy due to death, extinction, winding up of business or change of nationality, or that the legal heir or successor is a citizen of India or a citizen of a country which is not an enemy. Power to dispose these properties: The Custodian may dispose of enemy properties: With prior approval of the central government, the Custodian may dispose of enemy properties vested in him in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and the government may issue directions to the Custodian for this purpose.

WHAT ARE ZOMBIE FIRES? Zombie fires‘ becoming more frequent in Arctic in addition to fires occurring in the once-frozen tundra. What are they? A zombie fire is a fire that continues to burn underground and then reignites on the surface after a period of time. What's the concern now? Fires in the Arctic are spreading to areas which were formerly fire-resistant. The tundra — north of the Arctic Circle — is drying up and vegetation there like moss, grass, dwarf shrubs, etc are starting to catch fire. • The fires and record temperatures have the potential of turning the carbon sink into a carbon source and increasing global warming. Need of the hour: • There is an urgent need to understand the nature of fires in the Arctic which are evolving and changing rapidly. • The issue needs to be taken up as an issue of global importance. • There is a need for global cooperation, investment and action in monitoring fires. • Also needed it the learning from indigenous people of the Arctic about how fire was traditional used.

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• New permafrost- and peat-sensitive approaches to wildland fire fighting are also needed to save the Arctic.

40% OF THE AMAZON RAINFOREST IS AT TIPPING POINT TO BECOMING SAVANNA A study was conducted on the state of Amazon Forests under Global Fire Emissions Database project run by NASA. Key findings: • Fires in the Amazon region in 2019 were unprecedented in their destruction. Thousands of fires had burned more than 7,600 square kilometres by October that year. But, fires in the Amazon in 2020 surpassed those of 2019. • Despite the surge in fires, international attention has waned in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • As of 2019, an estimated 17 per cent of the Amazon‘s forest cover has been clear-cut or burned since the 1970s. What are the concerns now? • As the rainforest bleeds biomass through deforestation; it loses its ability to capture carbon from the atmosphere and releases carbon through combustion. • If the annual fires burning the Amazon are not curtailed, one of the world‘s largest carbon sinks will progressively devolve into a carbon faucet, releasing more carbon dioxide than it sequesters. Forests to semi-arid Savannah: Many researchers predict that deforestation is propelling the Amazon towards a tipping point, beyond which it will gradually transform into a semi-arid savanna. • If the deforestation of the rainforest continues past a threshold of 20-25 per cent total deforestation, multiple positive feedback loops will spark the desertification of the Amazon Basin. Why Amazon is significant? Amazon rainforest covers approximately eight million square kilometres — an area larger than — and is home to an astounding amount of biodiversity. • It helps balance the global carbon budget by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and plays a key role in the global water cycle, stabilizing global climate and rainfall. • Spread of Amazon: • These are large tropical rainforest occupying the drainage basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries in northern South America and covering an area of 6,000,000 square km. • Comprising about 40% of Brazil‘s total area, it is bounded by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian central plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The basin is shared by eight countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname), as well as the overseas territory of French Guiana.

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DELHI GOVT TO SPRAY BIO-DECOMPOSER IN FIELDS TO PREVENT STUBBLE BURNING Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that the Delhi government will start spraying bio-decomposer prepared by Pusa Research Institute from October 11 to prevent stubble burning What's the plan? • Pusa Research Institute has developed capsules containing bio-decomposers. These capsules are mixed with a solution. • When applied on fields, it dissolves the stem of stubble, converts it into compost, fertility of land increases and less fertiliser is used. • Delhi government will provide the solution to farmers free of cost and spray it in farms. • The solution will help in the disposal of stubble, without the involvement of stubble burning. How were these bio-decomposers formed? • Pusa Decomposer is a mix of seven fungi that produce enzymes to digest cellulose, lignin and pectin in paddy straw. • The fungi thrive at 30-32 degree Celsius, which is the temperature prevailing when paddy is harvested and wheat is sown. • The IARI has commercialised the technology. It has licensed six companies.

AIR QUALITY INDEX Delhi‘s air quality has entered the ‗poor‘ zone on the Central Pollution Control Board‘s air quality index -- the first time since June 28. What is the National Air Quality Index? Launched in 2014 with outline ‗One Number – One Color -One Description‘ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. • The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), and Nitrogen • Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). • AQI has six categories of air quality. These are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor and Severe. • It has been developed by the CPCB in consultation with IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical and air-quality professionals.

STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON POPS Union Cabinet has approved the Ratification of seven chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). • The Cabinet has also delegated its powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to the Union Ministers of External Affairs (MEA) and Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations.

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These are: 1. Chlordecone. 2. Hexabromobiphenyl. 3. Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether. 4. Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether. 5. Pentachlorobenzene. 6. Hexabromocyclododecane. 7. Hexachlorobutadiene. Benefits for India: The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the National Implementation Plan (NIP). About Stockholm Convention on POPs: Signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004 (Ninety days after the ratification by at least 50 signatory states). Aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). What are POPs? In 1995, the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called for global action to be taken on POPs, which it defined as ―chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment‖. Uniqueness of POPs: • POPs are lipophilic, which means that they accumulate in the fatty tissue of living animals and human beings. • In fatty tissue, the concentrations can become magnified by up to 70 000 times higher than the background levels. • As you move up the food chain, concentrations of POPs tend to increase so that animals at the top of the food chain such as fish, predatory birds, mammals, and humans tend to have the greatest concentrations of these chemicals. The 12 initial POPs under the Stockholm Convention: Initially, twelve POPs have been recognized as causing adverse effects on humans and the ecosystem and these can be placed in 3 categories: 1. Pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene; 2. Industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and 3. By-products: hexachlorobenzene; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), and PCBs. Since then, additional substances such as carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and certain brominated flame-retardents, as well as organometallic compounds such as tributyltin (TBT) have been added to the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants. Sources of POPs: • Improper use and/or disposal of agrochemicals and industrial chemicals. • Elevated temperatures and combustion processes. • Unwanted by-products of industrial processes or combustion. 33 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

WHAT IS GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)? The Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority has directed Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and to implement air pollution control measures under ―very poor‖ and ―severe‖ category air quality of the Graded Response Action Plan from October 15. What is GRAP? Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016. The plan was prepared by EPCA. It works only as an emergency measure. • As such, the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions. • When the air quality shifts from poor to very poor, the measures listed have to be followed since the plan is incremental in nature.

Overview of the plan: • The plan requires action and coordination among 13 different agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan (NCR areas). • At the head of the table is the EPCA, mandated by the Supreme Court. • Before the imposition of any measures, EPCA holds a meeting with representatives from all NCR states, and a call is taken on which actions has to be made applicable in which town.

TREE TRANSPLANTATION POLICY Delhi Cabinet has given its nod for ‗Tree Transplantation Policy‘. With this, Delhi has become the first State in India to pass this policy. Highlights of the policy: • Agencies concerned will have to transplant 80 per cent of the trees affected by their projects to a new location. • More importantly, 10 saplings will be planted in addition to the whole tree being dug up with the root intact and scientifically transplanted at another location instead of being felled. • A dedicated panel of government agencies with track record and experience of tree transplantation is being formed under the policy. • Payments for transplantation will be made after one year to ensure this, and if less than 80 per cent of the transplanted trees survive, payment will be deducted. • The government will also form local committees, which will include citizens, for checking, monitoring and certification of the tree transplantation exercise. • A dedicated Tree Transplantation Cell will also be formed by the Delhi government and local committees, which will include government officials, citizens to monitor the transplanted trees and to certify that the task has been done with due diligence.

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BLUE FLAG BEACHES Two beaches in Karnataka are among the eight in India that have bagged the coveted eco-label ‗Blue Flag‘ from the international agency, Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark. The two are: 1. Kasarkod beach near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada. 2. Padubidri beach near Udupi. Other beaches 1. Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat). 2. Ghoghla (Diu). 3. Kappad (Kerala). 4. Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh). 5. Golden (-Odisha). 6. Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). Background: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has embarked upon a programme for ‗Blue Flag‘ certification for 13 beaches in the country. About Blue flag programme: The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non- governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). • It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. What is a Blue Flag beach? It is an ‗eco-tourism model‘ and marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area. Criteria: There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory. Relevant facts for Prelims: • Spain tops the list with more than 560 such beaches; Greece and France follow. • Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha‘s Konark coast is the first to complete the tag certification process. • India is now in the league of 50 ―BLUE FLAG‖ countries. • Japan, South Korea and the UAE are the only other Asian nations that have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years. Is Blue Flag certification available only for beaches? No. It can be given to a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator. • Basically, the Blue Flag is a trademark.

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FLY ASH NTPC Ltd. under Ministry of Power, has started to collaborate with cement manufacturers across the country to supply fly ash as part of its endeavour to achieve 100% utilisation of the by-product produced during power generation. What is Fly Ash? Popularly known as Flue ash or pulverised fuel ash, it is a coal combustion product. Composition: Composed of the particulates that are driven out of coal-fired boilers together with the flue gases. • Depending upon the source and composition of the coal being burned, the components of fly ash vary considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO), the main mineral compounds in coal-bearing rock strata. • Minor constituents include: arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, hexavalent chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, thallium, and vanadium, along with very small concentrations of dioxins and PAH compounds. It also has unburnt carbon. Health and environmental hazards: Toxic heavy metals present: All the heavy metals found in fly ash nickel, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, lead, etc—are toxic in nature. They are minute, poisonous particles accumulate in the respiratory tract, and cause gradual poisoning. Radiation: For an equal amount of electricity generated, fly ash contains a hundred times more radiation than nuclear waste secured via dry cask or water storage. Water pollution: The breaching of ash dykes and consequent ash spills occur frequently in India, polluting a large number of water bodies. Effects on environment: The destruction of mangroves, reduction in crop yields, and the pollution of groundwater in the Rann of Kutch from the ash sludge of adjoining Coal power plants has been well documented. However, fly ash can be used in the following ways: 1. Concrete production, as a substitute material for Portland cement, sand. 2. Fly-ash pellets which can replace normal aggregate in concrete mixture. 3. Embankments and other structural fills. 4. Cement clinker production – (as a substitute material for clay). 5. Stabilization of soft soils. 6. Road subbase construction. 7. As aggregate substitute material (e.g. for brick production). 8. Agricultural uses: soil amendment, fertilizer, cattle feeders, soil stabilization in stock feed yards, and agricultural stakes. 9. Loose application on rivers to melt ice. 10. Loose application on roads and parking lots for ice control.

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KALESHWARAM ECO-CLEARANCE VIOLATES LAW NGT The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has held that environmental clearance (EC) to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) was granted ex post facto, after completion of substantial work, by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) ―in violation of law‖. What needs to be done now? Fix accountability needs and take remedial measures. • For that purpose, it has directed the MoEF&CC to constitute a seven-member expert committee preferably out of expert appraisal committee (EAC) members with relevant sectorial expertise to go into the matter in light of the observations in the present case. Terms of reference: • The expert committee could assess the extent of damage caused in going ahead with the project without EC — the period from 2008 to 2017 — and identify the necessary restoration measures. • It could look into relief and rehabilitation measures adopted and required to be further adopted, examine effective implementation of the environmental management plan submitted by the project proponent. Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project: Originally called Pranahita-Chevella project in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, it was redesigned, extended and renamed as Kaleshwaram project in in 2014. It is aimed to make Telangana drought proof by harnessing the flood waters of the Godavari. The project is an under-construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhoopalpally, Telangana. • The project starts at the confluence point of Pranahita River and Godavari River. Why is it significant? Waters of the Godavari will be tapped by reverse pumping and storage, thereby facilitating agriculture on over 38 lakh acres, helping rejuvenate thousands of tanks, providing water for industries, and supplying drinking water to Hyderabad and Secunderabad by creating a series of storage tanks and a network of pipelines. The project will also support Mission Kakatiya and Mission Bhagiratha schemes designed to provide drinking water to many villages and improve the capacities of tanks. When completed, it will be the world‘s largest irrigation and drinking water system.

PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD International Snow Leopard Day was observed on 23 October. • The day came into being with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration by 12 countries on the conservation of snow leopards. HimalSanrakshak: On this day this year, the Indian government has launched community volunteer programme ―HimalSanrakshak‖ to protect snow leopards. Snow Leopard conservation in India:

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• India has been conserving snow leopard and its habitat through the Project Snow Leopard (PSL). • India is also party to the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme since 2013. • For conservation, India has identified three large landscapes, namely, Hemis-Spiti across and Himachal Pradesh; Nanda Devi – Gangotri in Uttarakhand; and Khangchendzonga – Tawang across and . • Project Snow Leopard (PSL) was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow leopards and their habitat. • Snow Leopard is in the list of 21 critically endangered species for the recovery programme of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change. . YELLOW DUST Korean Central Television (KCTV) recently warned that a cloud of yellow dust would blow in from China. • North Korean authorities have warned that this dust could bring Covid-19 with it. What is Yellow Dust? It is actually sand from deserts in China and Mongolia that high speed surface winds carry into both North and South Korea during specific periods every year. The sand particles tend to mix with other toxic substances such as industrial pollutants, as a result of which the ‗yellow dust‘ is known to cause a number of respiratory ailments. Can Covid-19 be transmitted through dust clouds? US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has said the virus can remain airborne for hours. However, it has also maintained that it is highly unlikely for the Covid-19 infection to spread in this way, particularly outdoors.

GOVT. GREEN-LIGHTS ‗GREEN‘ FIRECRACKERS THIS YEAR The Delhi government scheduled to launch an anti-firecracker campaign on November 3. • Now, only ‗green‘ firecrackers can be manufactured, sold and used in the national capital. Background: A ban on fireworks was imposed in 2018 and in 2019 only ‗green‘ crackers were allowed, but the permission had come too late for manufacturers to ensure their availability on time. What are Green Crackers? They are known as ‗green‘ firecrackers because they have a chemical formulation that produces water molecules, which substantially reduces emission levels and absorbs dust. • They are the crackers with reduced emission and decibel level. Benefits of Green Crackers: • They promise a reduction in particulate matters and harmful gases, like nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide, by 30- 35 per cent. • They will be 25-30 per cent cheaper to manufacture and manufacturers would not have to make any changes in their facilities.

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What gives colour to the firecrackers? Red: Strontium salts (Nitrates, carbonates and sulphates of strontium). Orange: Calcium salts (Carbonates, chlorides and sulphates of calcium). Yellow: Sodium salts (Nitrates and oxalates of sodium). Green: Barium salts (Nitrates, carbonates, chlorides and chlorates of barium). Blue: Copper salts (Carbonates and oxides of copper). Purple: A combination of copper and strontium compounds. White: The burning of metals like magnesium, aluminium and titanium).

INDIA LAUNCHES FLASH FLOOD GUIDANCE SERVICES FOR SOUTH ASIA India has launched first of its kind Flash Flood Guidance services for India and other South Asian countries -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. • Under this, IMD will issue impact-based forecasting at the watershed and also city level, of floods which are very sudden and of short duration. About the Flash Flood Guidance: It is a robust system designed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to provide the necessary products in real-time to support the development of warnings for flash floods about 6-12 hours in advance at the watershed level with a resolution of 4kmx4km for the Flash Flood prone South Asian countries -- India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Why IMD? Recognizing that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the Fifteenth WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage. This was developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology jointly with some others. • Further, WMO has entrusted India with the responsibility of Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development, and its implementation. What are Flash floods? They are highly localized events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood.

SPIKE IN AMMONIA LEVELS IN YAMUNA Ammonia levels in the river, flowing into Delhi from Haryana, had reached nearly 3 parts per million (ppm) on Thursday, almost six times above the acceptable limit of 0.5ppm. What is the acceptable limit? The acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, is 0.5 ppm. What is ammonia and what are its effects? Ammonia is a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and other products. • It consists of hydrogen and nitrogen. In its aqueous form, it is called ammonium hydroxide.

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• This inorganic compound has a pungent smell. • Occurrence: Ammonia occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of organic waste matter. • It is lighter than air Ammonia levels in the river, flowing into Delhi from Haryana, had reached nearly 3 parts per million (ppm) on Thursday, almost six times above the acceptable limit of 0.5ppm. What is the acceptable limit? The acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, is 0.5 ppm. What is ammonia and what are its effects? Ammonia is a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and other products. • It consists of hydrogen and nitrogen. In its aqueous form, it is called ammonium hydroxide. • This inorganic compound has a pungent smell. • Occurrence: Ammonia occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of organic waste matter. • It is lighter than air Contamination: It may find its way to ground and surface water sources through industrial effluents or through contamination by sewage. • If the concentration of ammonia in water is above 1 ppm it is toxic to fishes. • In humans, long term ingestion of water having ammonia levels of 1 ppm or above may cause damage to internal organs. How does it enter the Yamuna? The most likely source is believed to be effluents from dye units, distilleries and other factories in Panipat and Sonepat districts in Haryana, and also sewage from some unsewered colonies in this stretch of the river. What needs to be done? 1. Stringent implementation of guidelines against dumping harmful waste into the river. 2. Making sure untreated sewage does not enter the water. 3. Maintain a sustainable minimum flow, called the ecological flow. This is the minimum amount of water that should flow throughout the river at all times to sustain underwater and estuarine ecosystems and human livelihoods, and for self-regulation. Challenges ahead: 1. Delhi dependent on Haryana for up to 70 per cent of its water needs. 2. Haryana, with a large number of people involved in agriculture, has water paucity issues of its own. 3. Both states have argued over maintaining 10 cumecs (cubic meter per second) flow in the Yamuna at all times. 4. Both states have approached the courts several times over the past decade to get what they call an equitable share of water.

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5. The lack of a minimum ecological flow also means accumulation of other pollutants. After water is extracted from the river for treatment in North East Delhi, what flows is mostly untreated sewage and refuse from homes, run off from storm water drains and effluents from unregulated industry.

PROJECT LION: PROPOSAL IDENTIFIES 6 RELOCATION SITES Six new sites apart from the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary were identified under Project Lion that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2020. The six new sites include: 1. , . 2. Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan. 3. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. 4. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. 5. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan. 6. Jessore-Balaram Ambaji WLS and adjoining landscape, Gujarat. Lion relocation has been talked about since 1995, when the Kuno Wildife Sanctuary was identified as an alternate site. What is the need for relocation? • The population in Gir has low genetic diversity, making it vulnerable to threats of extension from epidemics. • Lions are found in Gujarat across an area of 30,000 sq km called the Asiatic Lion Landscape (ALL). • Besides, the 2013 Supreme Court order directed Gujarat to relocate lions to the Kuno- Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary. About Asiatic Lions: Listed as ‗Endangered‘ under the IUCN Red List. • Its population is restricted to the state of Gujarat in India ().

SMOG IN DELHI Smog in Delhi due to high levels of pollution. • This year, Delhi's air pollution in October was higher in comparison to last year. What is Smog? Smog is a harmful mixture of fog, dust and air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, etc. which combine with sunlight to form a dense layer of ground-level ozone. • Ozone present high in the atmosphere is good, but when nearer to the ground, it can cause irritating health effects. (Note: The term 'smog' was first coined by Dr Henry Antoine des Voeux in his paper, Fog and Smoke, in July 1905, after a blanket of smoke and fog was noticed over London in the early 1900s.) How is Smog formed? It consists of ozone, along with harmful substances like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and PM10s, which can find their way deep into our lungs.

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Smog can be caused by: 1. Large amounts of coal-burning in an area 2. Slash-and-burning of crops (a major source in Delhi) 3. Smog-forming pollutants generate from automobile exhausts, power plants, fireworks, even paint, hairspray, charcoal starter fluid, and plastic popcorn packaging. Role of local weather phenomenon: The formation of smog is also closely linked with temperature, sunshine, and calm winds. On a warmer day, smog can form more quickly than otherwise. Types: Sulfurous smog and photochemical smog are two distinct types of smog recognised so far. Sulfurous smog, also known as London smog, develops due to high concentration of sulfur oxides in the air. Photochemical smog is produced when sunlight reacts with oxides of nitrogen and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) in the atmosphere. Health impacts: 1. Inhaling smog over a long span of time can inflame your passage, much like cigarette smoking. 2. Smog causes inflamed lungs, and inflamed lungs, in turn, secrete interleukin-6 which can cause blood clots in people, cardiac and respiratory disorders, leading to heart attacks or strokes. 3. Smog can dry out the protective membranes of your nose and throat. 4. It can jeopardize your body's ability to resist infection, hence, increasing your susceptibility to illness. 5. It can greatly decrease the UV radiation, leading to low production of important elements like Vitamin D.

COASTAL REGULATION ZONE (CRZ) NORMS The Supreme Court has extended the mandate of one-member committee of retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Balakrishnan Iyer constituted to determine the compensation paid to flat owners of Maradu municipality of Kochi district, whose houses were demolished for being in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms in the state. What's the issue? (Just try to know background of the issue): On September 23, last year the top court had observed that illegal construction in coastal areas of Kerala is a "colossal loss" to the environment and expressed shock over a spate of unauthorised structures coming up at Kochi's Maradu. • Coming down heavily on the Kerala government for not complying with its orders to demolish four apartment complexes built in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the top court had asked the chief secretary to conduct a survey to gauge the extent of devastation caused to nature. • On May 8, 2019 the apex court had directed that such buildings be removed within a month's times, which were constructed in a notified CRZ, which was part of the tidally-influenced water body in Kerala.

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What are CRZ norms? Under the section 3 of Environment Protection Act, 1986 of India, Coastal Regulation Zone notification was issued in February 1991 for the first time. • In 2018-19, fresh Rules were issued, which aimed to remove certain restrictions on building, streamlined the clearance process, and aimed to encourage tourism in coastal areas. Objectives: • They restrict certain kinds of activities — like large constructions, setting up of new industries, storage or disposal of hazardous material, mining, reclamation and bunding — within a certain distance from the coastline. What are the restrictions? • The restrictions depend on criteria such as the population of the area, the ecological sensitivity, the distance from the shore, and whether the area had been designated as a natural park or wildlife zone. • The latest Rules have a no-development zone of 20 m for all islands close to the mainland coast, and for all backwater islands in the mainland. For the so-called CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have been stipulated. 1. In the densely populated rural areas (CRZ-IIIA) with a population density of 2,161 per sq km as per the 2011 Census, the no-development zone is 50 m from the high-tide level, as against the 200 m stipulated earlier. 2. CRZ-IIIB category (rural areas with population density below 2,161 per sq km) areas continue to have a no-development zone extending up to 200 m from the high-tide line. Implementation: While the CRZ Rules are made by the Union environment ministry, implementation is to be ensured by state governments through their Coastal Zone Management Authorities.

PANNA TIGER RESERVE GETS UNESCO‘S ‗BIOSPHERE RESERVE‘ STATUS Madhya Pradesh‘s has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. • The UNESCO‘s recognition cited PTR as a critical tiger habitat. Background: Every year UNESCO appoints new biosphere reserves and removes others to promote the conservation of biodiversity, resolve the man-animal conflict at that site and allow sustainable use of natural resources. UNESCO‘s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB): The idea of the biosphere reserve was initiated by UNESCO in 1974 under the MAB with the objective of obtaining international cooperation for the conservation of the biospheres. • Launched in 1971, UNESCO‘s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. • MAB combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic

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development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Under this, Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life. • The first of India‘s reserves to make it to UNESCO‘s list was Tamil Nadu‘s Niligiri Biosphere Reserve in 2000. About Panna Tiger Reserve: • The Panna tiger reserve is situated in the Vindhya mountain range in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. • (a tributary of the Yamuna River) flows through the reserve. • The region is also famous for Panna diamond mining. • Ken-Betwa river interlinking project will be located within the tiger reserve.

DEEMED FORESTS Karnataka government is planning to declassify 6.64 lakh hectares of the 9.94 lakh hectares of deemed forests in the state (nearly 67%) and hand it over to Revenue authorities. Background: The issue of deemed forests is a contentious one in Karnataka, with legislators across party lines often alleging that large amounts of agriculture and non-forest land are ―unscientifically‖ classified as such. What are deemed forests? An expert committee constituted by the Karnataka government after the Supreme Court order (in T N Godavarman Thirumalpad (1996) Case) identified ‗deemed forests‘ as ―land having the characteristic of forests irrespective of the ownership‘‖. This includes: 1. Thickly wooded areas of the Revenue Department not handed over to the Forest Department. 2. Thickly wooded areas recommended to be handed over to the Forest Department. 3. Thickly wooded land distributed to grantees but not cultivated. 4. Thickly wooded plantations of the Forest Department. But,What are Forests? The Supreme Court in the case of T N Godavarman Thirumalpad (1996) accepted a wide definition of forests under the Act. It said, the word ‗forest‘ must be understood according to its dictionary meaning. • It covers all statutorily recognised forests, whether designated as reserved, protected or otherwise for the purpose of Section 2 (1) of the Forest Conservation Act. • It also includes any areas recorded as forest in the government record irrespective of the ownership. • After this announcement, what now for Karnataka? Preservation of forest areas in India under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 has been continuously monitored by the Supreme Court since the Godavarman case judgment in 1996. • Karnataka state government must now obtain clearances from the Supreme Court for affecting changes to land classified as deemed forests since the verdict.

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GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT MEETING AND EXPO 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (RE-Invest 2020) was inaugurated recently. • The summit is organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. • The theme for 2020 is ‗Innovations for Sustainable Energy Transition‘. How is India performing on this front? • India‘s renewable power capacity is the 4th largest in the world and is growing at the fastest speed among all major countries. • The renewable energy capacity in India is currently 136 Giga Watts, which is about 36% of our total capacity. • India‘s annual renewable energy capacity addition has been exceeding that of coal based thermal power since 2017. • In the last 6 years, India has increased installed renewable energy capacity by two and half times. • Overall, India has shown to the world that investing in renewable energy early on even when it was not affordable has helped in achieving the scale, which is bringing costs down. Sound environmental policies can also be sound economics.

WHAT IS THE BEAUTIFUL 'BLUE TIDE' SPOTTED ALONG MUMBAI COASTLINE? The tide producing a fluorescent blue hue, popularly known as bioluminescence, recently made an appearance at Mumbai's Juhu Beach and Devgad Beach in Sindhudurg, along Maharashtra's coastline. Background: Bioluminescence has been an annual occurrence along the west coast since 2016, especially during the months of November and December. Why is it caused? The spectacle occurs when phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), commonly known as dinoflagellates, produce light through chemical reactions in proteins. Waves disturb these unicellular microorganisms and make them release blue light. • Main factors for its occurrence could be eutrophication – the reduction of oxygen in the water – which makes the phytoplanktons very dominant. Why it is dangerous? The spectacle may be beautiful, but it may also be a signal of danger. Many of the species in this group are toxic. If dinoflagellates reproduce rapidly, they may cause so-called ‗red ‘. • During this period all the animals (molluscs, fish, etc.) that feed on dinoflagellates also become toxic due to the accumulation of high amounts of toxins from dinoflagellates. • It is dangerous to eat such sea animals because the toxins that are contained in them may have various unpleasant effects: some merely irritate the bowel and cause food poisoning, whereas others, being neurotoxins, may even have an effect on memory. • Some species, such as the sea sparkle (Noctiluca scintillans) are not as toxic, but may have other unpleasant effects.

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PILIBHIT TIGER RESERVE GETS THE FIRST TX2 AWARD (PTR) in Uttar Pradesh has bagged the first international award, TX2, among the 13 tiger ranging countries for having doubled the number of tigers in less than the stipulated time. • In 2014, All India Tiger Estimation had estimated 25 tigers in Pilibhit and 2018 estimation showed an increase by projecting 65 tigers. Conservation Excellence Award for 2020: Transboundary Manas Conservation Area straddling the India-Bhutan border has received the TX2 Conservation Excellence Award for 2020. • Transboundary Manas Conservation Area or TraMCA comprising the 500 sq. km. in Assam and the 1,057-sq. km. Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. What is TX2? It is the global award which was set up in 2010 in St. Petersburg, Russia by international organizations working for tiger conservation like WWF, UNDP, IUCN, Global Tiger Fund (GTF), CATS and The Lion's Share. Conservation efforts in India: 1. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status), a mobile monitoring system for forest guards. 2. At the Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolved to do more for the tiger and embarked on efforts to double its number in the wild, with a popular slogan ‗T X 2‘. 3. The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) program of the World Bank, using its presence and convening ability, brought global partners together to strengthen the tiger agenda. 4. Over the years, the initiative has institutionalised itself as a separate entity in the form of the Global Tiger Initiative Council (GTIC), with its two arms –the Global Tiger Forum and the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program. 5. The Project Tiger, launched way back in 1973, has grown to more than 50 reserves amounting to almost 2.2% of the country‘s geographical area.

YAMUNA RIVER POLLUTION A ‗Monthly Progress Report‘ was recently submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on cleaning Yamuna. Key findings: 1. The level of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) is above the desirable limit at all points tested in Yamuna in Delhi. 2. For bathing in a river, the desirable level of faecal coliform is 500 MPN/100 ml or lesser, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. 3. Besides, levels of different pollutants are above permissible limits in ground water samples from different points near the four landfills in Delhi.

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4. Ground water samples from different points near landfills showed that the hardness of water was higher than the desirable limit of 300 mg/l. 5. The levels of chlorine and calcium were also above the desirable limit in all four samples. 6. The level of sulfate was higher than the desirable limit of 200 mg/l in some locations. Insta Facts: 1. The river Yamuna is a major tributary of river Ganges. 2. Originates from the Yamunotri glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. 3. It meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh after flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. 4. Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa and Ken.

PANEL FORMED TO OVERSEE INDIA‘S PARIS CLIMATE GOALS The Union Environment Ministry has constituted a high-level inter-ministerial apex committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA) under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoEFCC. to ensure that India is ―on track‖ towards meeting its obligations under the Paris Agreement. • The committee will also act as a national authority for the regulation of carbon markets in India. Objective: AIPA has been constituted with the purpose of ―ensuring a coordinated response on climate change matters that protects the country‘s interests and ensures that India is on track towards meeting its climate change obligations under the Paris Agreement including its submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)‖. What are NDCs? NDCs are the accounts of the voluntary efforts to be made by countries that are a part of the Paris Agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic climate change. • The NDCs are to be implemented in the post-2020 period. • India had submitted its NDCs in 2015. The three quantitative goals in the Indian NDCs are: 1. A 33-35 per cent reduction in the gross domestic product emissions intensity by 2030 from 2005 levels. 2. A 40 per cent share of non-fossil fuel based electricity by 2030. 3. Creating a carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide through afforestation programmes.

KEN-BETWA INTERLINKING PROJECT DAM An expert panel of India‘s environment ministry has deferred environment clearance for the Lower Orr Dam, which is part of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project, and sought fresh data to decide whether a new public hearing is expected for the project or not. About Ken- Betwa project: Conceived as a two-part project, this is the country‘s first river interlinking project.

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It is perceived as a model plan for similar interstate river transfer missions. • The project aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river in MP to Betwa in UP to irrigate the drought-prone region spread across the districts of two states mainly , Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and districts of MP. Key facts: 1. Ken and Betwa rivers originate in MP and are the tributaries of Yamuna. 2. Ken meets with Yamuna in Banda district of UP and with Betwa in Hamirpur district of UP. 3. Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila dams are over Betwa river. 4. Ken River passes through Panna tiger reserve. Benefits of interlinking: • Enhances water and food security. • Proper utilisation of water. • Boost to agriculture. • Disaster mitigation. • Boost to transportation.

NGT SEEKS ACTION PLAN ON ELEPHANT CORRIDORS Directed the Odisha government to an action plan within three months on 14 identified elephant corridors for providing stress-free migration to jumbos from one habitation to another in the State. What's the issue? • NGT had directed authorities to expedite demarcation of the corridors and the process for formal notification within a specific time frame in 2017. • The government had sought time to inform the NGT about action plan to strengthen corridors. It, however, failed to give a concrete action on physical progress on corridors. So, a NGO had moved the NGT seeking concrete action on strengthening of corridors. Demands by the petitioner: 1. Necessary legal action against encroachers and those violating the Provisions of the Forest Conservation Act 1980 and the Indian Forest Act 1927 in the proposed corridors. 2. The government should remove the unauthorised buildings from the reserve forest land in district, which sees acute human-elephant conflict, and make the forestland free from encroachment. What are Elephant Corridors? Elephant corridors are narrow strips of land that connect two large habitats of elephants. Elephant corridors are crucial to reduce animal fatalities due to accidents and other reasons. So fragmentation of forests makes it all the more important to preserve migratory corridors. Why protect elephant corridors? 1. The movement of elephants is essential to ensure that their populations are genetically viable. It also helps to regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers, depend.

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2. Nearly 40% of elephant reserves are vulnerable, as they are not within protected parks and sanctuaries. Also, the migration corridors have no specific legal protection. 3. Forests that have turned into farms and unchecked tourism are blocking animals‘ paths. Animals are thus forced to seek alternative routes resulting in increased elephant-human conflict. 4. Weak regulation of ecotourism is severely impacting important habitats. It particularly affects animals that have large home ranges, like elephants. Efforts at all- India level: • ‗Gaj Yatra‘, a nationwide campaign to protect elephants, was launched on the occasion of World Elephant Day in 2017. • The campaign is planned to cover 12 elephant range states. • The campaign aims to create awareness about elephant corridors to encourage free movement in their habitat. Forest Ministry guide to managing human-elephant conflict (Best Practices): 1. Retaining elephants in their natural habitats by creating water sources and management of forest fires. 2. Elephant Proof trenches in Tamil Nadu. 3. Hanging fences and rubble walls in Karnataka. 4. Use of chili smoke in north Bengal and playing the sound of bees or carnivores in Assam. 5. Use of technology: Individual identification, monitoring of elephants in south Bengal and sending SMS alerts to warn of elephant presence. Efforts by Private Organizations in this regard: • Asian Elephant Alliance, an umbrella initiative by five NGOs, had, last year, come together to secure 96 out of the 101 existing corridors used by elephants across 12 States in India. • NGOs Elephant Family, International Fund for Animal Welfare, IUCN Netherlands and World Land Trust have teamed up with Wildlife Trust of India‘s (WTI) in the alliance.

DECLARE EXOTIC PETS, AVOID PROSECUTION: HOW ONE-TIME SCHEME WORKS The Supreme Court has upheld an Allahabad High Court order granting immunity from investigation and prosecution if one declared illegal acquisition or possession of exotic wildlife species between June and December. What is the government‘s voluntary disclosure scheme? The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has come out with an advisory on a one-time voluntary disclosure scheme that allows owners of exotic live species that have been acquired illegally, or without documents, to declare their stock to the government between June and December 2020. What can be the impact? With this scheme, the government aims to address the challenge of zoonotic diseases, develop an inventory of exotic live species for better compliance under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and regulate their import.

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What kind of exotic wildlife is covered? • The advisory has defined exotic live species as animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the CITES. • It does not include species from the Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. • A plain reading of the advisory excludes exotic birds from the amnesty scheme. CITES: • CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in wild animals, birds and plants does not endanger them. • India is a member. • Appendices I, II and III of CITES list 5,950 species as protected against over- exploitation through international trade. • Many of these animals, such as iguanas, lemurs, civets, albino monkeys, coral snakes, tortoises, are popular as exotic pets in India. • How big a problem is illegal trade of exotic animals in India? • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which enforces anti-smuggling laws, says India has emerged as a big demand centre for exotic birds and animals with an increase in smuggling of endangered species from different parts of the world. • Most of this exotic wildlife is imported through Illegal channels and then sold in the domestic market as pets.

INDIA MULLS E20 FUEL TO CUT VEHICULAR EMISSIONS Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published a draft notification and invited comments from the public for adoption of E20 fuel as an automobile fuel. • E20 fuel is a blend of 20% of ethanol and gasoline. Present status: The current permissible level of blending is 10% of ethanol though India reached only 5.6% of blending in 2019. Benefits of E20 fuel in particular and ethanol blending in general: 1. To reduce vehicular emissions. 2. To reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. 3. To reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security. Challenges ahead: Compatibility of vehicles with the percentage of ethanol in the blend would have to be defined by the vehicle manufacturer. What is ethanol? Ethanol is a biofuel and a common by-product of biomass left by agricultural feedstock such as corn, sugarcane, hemp, potato, etc. What has the Government done and is doing in this regard? 1. National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has allowed Surplus rice available with the FCI to be converted to ethanol for utilization in making alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and for blending in petrol.

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2. The Government of India launched the EBP programme in 2003 for undertaking the blending of ethanol in petrol to address the environmental concerns due to fossil fuel burning, provide remuneration to farmers, subsidize crude imports and achieve forex savings. 3. The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 envisages that during an agriculture crop year when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers‘ Welfare, the policy will allow conversion of these surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval NBCC.

POKHRAN‘S ‗FIREFLY BIRD DIVERTERS‘ SHINE TO SAVE THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India has come up with a unique initiative — a ―firefly bird diverter‖ for overhead power lines in areas where Great Indian Bustard (GIB) populations are found in the wild. Need for: • Power lines, especially high-voltage transmission lines with multiple overhead wires, are the most important current threat for GIBs in the Thar region, and are causing unsustainably high mortality in about 15% of their population. • The , in a recent hearing, had also directed that power lines in GIB landscapes should be placed underground. What are firefly bird diverters? The diverters are called fireflies because they look like fireflies from a distance, shining on power lines in the night. This model has been endorsed by experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission‘s (SSC) Bustard Specialist Group. • The firefly detectors have been installed in the Pokhran tehsil in Rajasthan. Great Indian Bustards (GIB): IUCN status: critically endangered. Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 and in the CMS Convention and in Appendix I of CITES. Identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Project Great Indian Bustard — state of Rajasthan — identifying and fencing off bustard breeding grounds in existing protected areas as well as provide secure breeding enclosures in areas outside protected areas. Protected areas: Sanctuary — Rajasthan, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary – Andhra Pradesh and Karera Wildlife Sanctuary– Madhya Pradesh. Habitats in India: Only two districts in Rajasthan — Jaisalmer and Barmer — have a breeding GIB population in the wild. The bird can also be found in very small numbers in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

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TSO KAR WETLAND COMPLEX India now has forty-two Ramsar sites with the addition of Ladakh‘s Tso Kar wetland. About Tso Kar: • Tso Kar Basin is a high-altitude wetland complex, consisting of two principal waterbodies, Startsapuk Tso, a freshwater lake and Tso Kar itself, a hyper saline lake, situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh, India. • It is called Tso Kar, meaning white lake, because of the white salt efflorescence found on the margins due to the evaporation of highly saline water. • It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) as per BirdLife International and a key staging site in the Central Asian Flyway. Important bird species found in the area: Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Great Crested Grebe (Podicepscristatus), Bar-headed Geese (Anserindicus), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadornaferruginea), Brown-headed Gull (Larusbrunnicephalus), Lesser Sand-Plover (Charadriusmongolus) and many other species. About Ramsar convention: • It is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. • It is named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the Caspian Sea, where the treaty was signed on 2 February 1971. • Known officially as ‗the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat‘ (or, more recently, just ‗the Convention on Wetlands‘), it came into force in 1975. Montreux Record: Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List. The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990). • Sites may be added to and removed from the Record only with the approval of the Contracting Parties in which they lie. Currently, two wetlands of India are in Montreux record: (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (). Chilka lake (Odisha)was placed in the record but was later removed from it.

INTERNATIONAL BLUE FLAG HOISTED AT 8 BEACHES ACROSS THE COUNTRY The beaches where the International Blue Flags were hoisted are: Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). • India had secured the International Blue Flag Certification for these 8 beaches on 6th October 2020, when an International Jury comprising of member organizations

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UNEP, UNWTO, UNESCO, IUCN, ILS, FEE etc. announced the award at Copenhagen, Denmark. About Blue flag programme: The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non- governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). • It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. What is a Blue Flag beach? It is an ‗eco-tourism model‘ and marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area. Criteria: There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory. Relevant facts for Prelims: • Spain tops the list with more than 560 such beaches; Greece and France follow. • India is now in the league of 50 ―BLUE FLAG‖ countries. Is Blue Flag certification available only for beaches? No. It can be given to a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator. • Basically, the Blue Flag is a trademark.

IN TREE RINGS, WARNING OF BRAHMAPUTRA FLOODS Existing projections of flooding of the Brahmaputra are based on observations of past rainfall patterns, but they rely on discharge- gauge records that date back only to the 1950s. • So, now the scientists have come up with an innovative idea in which they have tried to analyse floods by relating them to tree rings. What does the new study suggest? The new study is based on examinations of tree rings, which provided a picture of rainfall patterns going back seven centuries. • The rings showed that the post 1950s period was actually one of the driest since the 1300s- there have been much wetter periods in the past. • The tree-rings suggest that the recent decades (particularly from the 1950s to 1980s) were unusually dry. Therefore, in general, past conditions were wetter. • It also suggests that the future will likely be wetter due to our emissions of carbon- dioxide. How tree rings helped? • As trees grow they incorporate information about the environmental conditions they are living in in their annual growth rings. • Tree rings grow wider in years when soil moisture is high. Trees in the region grow more and put on wide rings in wet monsoon years.

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• Conversely, in dry monsoon years (or droughts) they grow less and put on narrow rings. Since some of these trees can live for a long time, by taking a small, pencil-thin tree-core from these trees and measuring their rings under a microscope scientists could learn more about climate conditions for the past several centuries. Significance: The findings are obviously relevant to Assam and Northeast India too. With this, flood risks could be compounded by planned projects in the region.

FLUE GAS DESULPHURIZATION The Ministry of Power has proposed pushing back deadlines for adoption of new emission norms by coal fired power plants, saying ―an unworkable time schedule‖ would burden utilities and lead to an increase in power tariffs. Details: • The Centre had initially set a 2017 deadline for thermal power plants to comply with emissions standards for installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units that cut emissions of toxic sulphu dioxide. • That was later changed to varying deadlines for different regions ending in 2022. Under the latest proposal, no new dates have been set. • The target should be to maintain uniform ambient air quality across the country and not uniform emission norms for thermal power plants. • What is flue gas desulphurisation? • Removal of Sulfur Dioxide is called as Flue-gas Desulphurization (FGD). • It seeks to remove gaseous pollutants viz. SO2 from exhaust flue gases generated in furnaces,boilers, and other industrial processes due to thermal processing, treatment, and combustion. Common methods used: 1. Wet scrubbing using a slurry of alkaline sorbent, usually limestone or lime, or seawater to scrub gases; 2. Spray-dry scrubbing using similar sorbent slurries; 3. Wet sulfuric acid process recovering sulfur in the form of commercial quality sulfuric acid; 4. SNOX Flue gas desulfurization removes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates from flue gases;

ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS The two-day Asian Waterbird Census-2020 commenced in Andhra Pradesh. About AWC: • Asian Waterbird Census is an annual event in which thousands of volunteers across Asia and • Australasia count waterbirds in the wetlands of their country. • This event happens every January.

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• This event is coordinated by wetlands International and forms part of global waterbird monitoring programme called the International Waterbird Census (IWC). • It was started in the year 1987. • Its main focus is to monitor the status of waterbirds and the wetlands. • In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay Natural history Society (BNHS) and Wetlands International. What are waterbirds? According to Wetlands International (WI), waterbirds are defined as species of birds that are ecologically dependent on wetlands. These birds are considered to be an important health indicator of wetlands of a region.

WHY BIRD FLU VIRUS HAS SO MANY STRAINS AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR HUMANS? At least 131 different subtypes of influenza A virus have been detected in nature, all but two of which can infect birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States. The influenza A virus has two proteins on its surface – hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) – both of which have 18 and 11 different subtypes respectively, leading to different combinations such as H3N2 and H7N9. There are some strains which only infect birds, while others can infect birds as well as mammals such as pigs, dogs, horses and also humans. Wild aquatic birds are the natural hosts for most of these subtypes, but the infection generally does not cause sickness in these birds. Poultry birds such as chickens are more adversely affected. How many of these strains can infect humans? Mostly, humans have only experienced infections by three different H types (H1, H2 and H3), and two different N types (N1 and N2). Presently, two subtypes, H1N1 and H3N2, circulate among human beings, causing the seasonal flu epidemics. Since these strains are well adapted to humans, they are referred to as human flu rather than bird flu. Whenever a new flu A virus establishes itself in humans, it can cause a pandemic, and four such pandemics have occurred since 1918, including the Spanish flu (H1N1), the 1957-58 Asian flu (H2N2), the 1968 Hong Kong flu (H3N2) and the 2009 swine flu (caused by a newer version of the H1N1). Other flu A virus strains typically affect wild birds and poultry, but occasionally infect humans as well, such as the H5N1 strain which has killed hundreds of people in various countries since 1997. But it is not known to transmit from human to human, and is primarily is a bird flu virus. According to the CDC, the most frequently identified subtypes of bird flu which have caused human infections are those with H5, H7 and H9 proteins, but none of them has so far established a stable lineage among humans. Currently in India, the H5N8 strain has been detected in most of the states, and it is not known to have infected humans so far. The H5N1, which can infect humans, was detected among wild birds at the Pong Lake in Himachal, but the outbreak now appears to be contained according to the wildlife authorities.

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Why does the flu A virus have so many strains? Influenza A virus mutates constantly. This is because firstly, it is an RNA virus with a segmented genome, i.e. it has eight separate strands, which makes its copying prone to errors or mutations. This ‗antigenic drift‗ results in slight but continuous mutations in the surface proteins, which is the reason why flu vaccines have to be updated regularly.

ATMOSPHERE & CLIMATE RESEARCH-MODELLING OBSERVING SYSTEMS & SERVICES (ACROSS)‖ SCHEME. The scheme ―Weather & Climate Services‖ of IMD is a continuing Scheme primarily encompassing ongoing programs in an integrated manner aimed at providing efficient weather and climate services across the country in various sectors. This scheme is a part of the umbrella scheme ―Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)‖ of MoES. IMD provides services to weather-sensitive sectors viz. agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc. Over the years, specialized services have also been built for state- of-the-art Monitoring, Detection and Early Warning of extreme weather phenomena including tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms, dust storms, heavy rains and snowfall events, cold and heat waves, etc. The meteorological services have significant societal impact. Public/private/government sectors demand for accurate prediction of weather and climate at various temporal and spatial scales is increasing due to possible impacts of global climate variability and change. The weather services are dependent on the sustained investments in Research and Development (R&D) and capacity building so that advances in weather and climate sciences get inducted in to service through a focused performance evaluation in a semi-operational environment. Further improvement of current services requires effective conversion of R&D results into fully operational products, services and effective means to develop linkages with decision-makers and users. Especially, effective use of public weather services to communicate through tools, products and services that are useful for decision-making is the need of the hour. Major components of the scheme ―Weather and Climate Services‖ are: Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (Agrometeorological Advisory Services) Augmentation of Aviation , Meteorological Services Climate Services Training in Operational Meteorology ,Capacity Building ,Objectives, Develop an Advanced Weather Prediction System for block level forecasts, skilful for next 3-5 days and develop advisories for sectors like Agriculture, Disaster Management, Water resources, Power, Tourism and Pilgrimage, Smart cities, Renewable Energy sector and Transport. Setting up of District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) in all the districts of the country for extension of Agromet Advisory Services (AAS). To expand the outreach of weather based Agromet advisories to the 94 million farmers through multiple means of communication, collection of feedback and impact assessment of AAS. Develop a state-of-the-Art support system for Aviation safety with the automated Aviation Weather Observing System and advanced forecasting tools for all the civil airports in the country.

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Establishing new Aerodrome MET Offices at Greenfield Airports and setting up of automated Heliport Weather Observing & Transmitting System at Heliports, Landing ground and other strategic locations to support the Helicopter and low level flight operation of Indian Air Force, Indian Army and also at important tourist and pilgrimage locations. Establish a state-of-the-art Climate Data Centre with integrated advanced climate data services portal for rendering national and regional climate services. The climate data centre will provide a comprehensive set of improved and specialized climate services for the country through upgradation of the existing operational activities of climate monitoring, climate prediction, climate data management and climate application. Provide appropriate climate services to South Asia as WMO recognized Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for the region. To upgrade the training infrastructure and facilities to enhance the capacity of the training establishment to bear increased loads of long term ab-initio training courses for new entrants, career progression courses and short term courses in specialized topics, training to the personnel from countries. Contributions among WMO, Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES)/ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)/ Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) in South Asia etc. Conduct of workshops, Seminars, Trainings, Symposiums, Users meet, Advertising & Publicity, Outreach activities etc.

SC SEEKS STATUS REPORT ON RIVER WATER QUALITY The Supreme Court has sought a status report from the National Green Tribunal-appointed River Yamuna Monitoring Committee about its recommendations to improve the quality of water and the extent to which the States have implemented their suggestions. • The Committee was led by former Delhi Chief Secretary Shailaja Chandra. Background: The Supreme Court had, on January 13, taken suo motu cognisance of the contamination of rivers by sewage effluents through lapses committed by municipalities, saying ―open surface water resources including rivers are the lifeline of human civilisation‖. Why is Yamuna so polluted? 1. The sewage treatment plants of Delhi are major contributors of the Pollutants being discharged in the river. 2. Pollutants discharge from different types of industry is also a major issue. 3. Agriculture activities along the banks of the river in Delhi contributes to river pollution. 4. Agricultural waste and pesticide discharge from the Haryana field also contributes to the pollution. 5. The low volume of water flow in the river causes the pollutants to accumulate and raise the pollution level. About Yamuna River: • The river Yamuna is a major tributary of river Ganges.

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• Originates from the Yamunotri glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower • Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. • It meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh after flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. • Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa and Ken.

COMMISSION FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (CAQM) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas has begun the process of setting up a Decision Support System (DSS) having a web, GIS and multi-model based operational and planning decision support tool. • This tool will help immensely in capturing the static and dynamic features of the emissions from various sources. About the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): The Commission for Air Quality Management was formed by an ordinance in October 2020, the ―Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020‖. Composition: Chairperson: To be chaired by a government official of the rank of Secretary or Chief Secretary. It will be a permanent body and will have over 20 members. • The Commission will be a statutory authority. • The Commission will supersede bodies such as the central and state pollution control boards of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan. • It will have the powers to issue directions to these state governments on issues pertaining to air pollution. Jurisdiction: Exclusive jurisdiction over the NCR, including areas in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution, and will be working along with CPCB and ISRO, apart from the respective state governments. Will this new body also have penal powers? Yes, the Commission will have some teeth. If its directions are contravened, through say, the setting up of an industrial unit in a restricted area, the Commission will have the power to impose a fine of up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment of up to 5 years.

BIRDS OF THE SUNDARBAN BIOSPHERE RESERVE- A PUBLICATION BY ZSI The report was recently published by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). • The report not only documents the avifauna of the Sunderbans, but also serves as a comprehensive photographic field guide, with detailed distribution and locality data for all the species from the region. Key Findings:

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1. The Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds. This means that one in every three birds in the country is found in the unique ecosystem. 2. Some birds, like the masked finfoot and the Buffy fish owl, are recorded only from the Sunderbans. 3. The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper. About Indian Sundarbans: • Covers 4,200 sq. km and includes the Sunderban Tiger Reserve of 2,585 sq. km — home to about 96 royal Bengal tigers (as per the last census in 2020). • It is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance). • It is also home to a large number of ―rare and globally threatened species, such as the critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).‖ • Two of the world‘s four horseshoe crab species, and eight of India‘s 12 species of kingfisher are also found here. Recent studies claim that the Indian Sundarban is home to 2,626 faunal species and 90% of the country‘s mangrove varieties.

CONSERVATIONIST JOINS PANEL ON ELEPHANT CORRIDOR CASE The Supreme Court has appointed conservationist Nandita Hazarika as Member of a Technical Committee constituted by it on October 14 last year to hear complaints by land owners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector, which included sealing of their buildings and allegations about the ―arbitrary variance in acreage of the elephant corridor.‖ What's the issue? • On October 14, the court upheld the Tamil Nadu government‘s authority to notify an ‗elephant corridor‘ and protect the migratory path of the animals through the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. • The court had said it was the State‘s duty to protect a ―keystone species‖ such as elephants, immensely important to the environment. • Location of the corridor: • The corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau, which connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats and sustains elephant populations and their genetic diversity. • It has the Nilgiri Hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar River Valley on its north-eastern side. The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water. What are Elephant Corridors? Elephant corridors are narrow strips of land that connect two large habitats of elephants. Elephant corridors are crucial to reduce animal fatalities due to accidents and other reasons. So fragmentation of forests makes it all the more important to preserve migratory corridors.

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Why protect elephant corridors? 1. The movement of elephants is essential to ensure that their populations are genetically viable. It also helps to regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers, depend. 2. Nearly 40% of elephant reserves are vulnerable, as they are not within protected parks and sanctuaries. Also, the migration corridors have no specific legal protection. 3. Forests that have turned into farms and unchecked tourism are blocking animals‘ paths. Animals are thus forced to seek alternative routes resulting in increased elephant-human conflict 4. Weak regulation of ecotourism is severely impacting important habitats. It particularly affects animals that have large home ranges, like elephants. Efforts at all- India level: • ‗Gaj Yatra‘, a nationwide campaign to protect elephants, was launched on the occasion of World Elephant Day in 2017. • The campaign is planned to cover 12 elephant range states. • The campaign aims to create awareness about elephant corridors to encourage free movement in their habitat. Forest Ministry guide to managing human elephant conflict (Best Practices): 1. Retaining elephants in their natural habitats by creating water sources and management of forest fires. 2. Elephant Proof trenches in Tamil Nadu. 3. Hanging fences and rubble walls in Karnataka. 4. Use of chili smoke in north Bengal and playing the sound of bees or carnivores in Assam. 5. Use of technology: Individual identification, monitoring of elephants in south Bengal and sending SMS alerts to warn of elephant presence. Efforts by Private Organizations in this regard: • Asian Elephant Alliance, an umbrella initiative by five NGOs, had come together to secure 96 out of the 101 existing corridors used by elephants across 12 States in India. • NGOs Elephant Family, International Fund for Animal Welfare, IUCN Netherlands and World Land Trust have teamed up with Wildlife Trust of India‘s (WTI) in the alliance.

WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 20th edition of the event was inaugurated recently. Theme: Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all. About the World Sustainable Development Summit: • It is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). • It is the sole Summit on global issues taking place in the developing world. • It provides a platform for global leaders and practitioners to discuss and deliberate over climatic issues of universal importance. • It strives to provide long-term for the benefit of the global community by assembling the world‘s most enlightened leaders and thinkers on a single platform.

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It is continuing the legacy of Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) which was initiated in 2001 with the aim of making ‗sustainable development‘ a globally shared goal. The Energy and Resources Institute – TERI: • It is a leading think tank dedicated to conducting research for sustainable development of India and the Global South. • TERI was established in 1974 as an information centre on energy issues. However, over the following decades, it made a mark as a research institute, whose policy and technology solutions transformed people‘s lives and the environment.

THE FARAKKA ‗LOCK‘ AND HILSA, WHY THERE IS BOTH HOPE AND APPREHENSION In February 2019, the government had unveiled a project to redesign the navigation lock at the Farakka Barrage at a cost of Rs 360 crore to create a ―fish pass‖ for the hilsa. • Fish passes to be built at Farakka also known as fish ladders or fish ways aim to assist fish in crossing obstacles presented by dams and barrages. Hilsa fish migration: • In scientific parlance, the hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an anadromous fish. That is, it lives most of its life in the ocean, but during the rainy season, when it is time to spawn, the hilsa moves towards the estuary, where the rivers of India and Bangladesh meet the . • A large part of the shoal travels upstream in the Padma and the Ganga some are known to move towards the Godavari, and there are records of hilsa migration to the Cauvery. What affected the fish movement? • Historical records also show that until the 1970s, the hilsa would swim the Ganga upstream to Allahabad and even to . • But the Farakka Barrage, which became operational on the Ganga in 1975, disrupted the westward movement of the hilsa. • The barrage had a navigation lock that stopped the fish from swimming upstream beyond Farakka. What are fish ladders? • They usually consist of small steps that allow the fish to climb over the obstacles and enable them to reach the open waters on the other side. • For the intervention to work, the water running over these ladders must be controlled. It must be adequate to catch the attention of the fish, but not too strong to deter them from swimming against it

WHAT IS CARBON WATCH— INDIA‘S 1ST APP TO ASSESS ONE‘S CARBON FOOTPRINT? Chandigarh became the first state or Union Territory in India to launch Carbon Watch. What is Carbon Watch? It is a mobile application to assess the carbon footprint of an individual. What is Carbon Footprint?

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Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases-especially carbon dioxide-released into the atmosphere by a particular human activity. How does the app Carbon Watch work? 1. As a person downloads the application, they will need to fill details in four parts- Water, Energy, Waste Generation and Transport (Vehicular movement). In each category, they will be required to inform about their respective consumptions and waste generations. 2. With the mentioned information, the mobile application will automatically calculate the carbon footprint of the individual. 3. The application will also provide information such as the national and world average of the emission, and the individual‘s level of emission generation. Solutions: The mobile application will suggest methods to reduce the carbon footprints. The application will suggest ways as per the information furnished by the individuals. Motive behind designing this application? Making the people Climate-Smart Citizens while making them capable of accessing their carbon footprint, along with providing them with steps to reduce it, is the motive behind the application.

ECOSENSITIVE ZONES (ESZ) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allay the apprehension of the people in Wayanad over the recent draft notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) that envisages a buffer zone around the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS).  What's the issue?  The present draft issued by the MOEFCC notifies 118.59 sq km around the WWS as ESZ.  But, Kerala wants ESZ measuring 88.2 sq km around the WWS. The government is of the view that densely populated areas should benexcluded while notifying ESZs. What are the concerns?  Such a move would badly affect themlives of thousands of farmers on them fringes of the sanctuary spread over six villages under Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery taluks.  All development in eco-sensitive zones, including construction of roads and houses, would be affected and farmers would not be able to cut trees they had planted on their land without the permission of forest officials. Rationale behind declaring it as an ESZ: The lives of farmers on the forest fringes have become miserable owing to the increasing incidents of wild animal attacks. About the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: 1. The sanctuary is a component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5,520 sq km) and is a vital component of the Elephant Reserve No. 7 of . 2. It is the only sanctuary of Kerala where sighting of four-horned antelope has been reported.

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3. Presence of Egyptian vulture, Himalayan griffon, and Cinereous vultures are also reported in the sanctuary and the two species of vultures, red-headed and white-backed vultures, once common in Kerala, are now restricted to the Wayanad plateau. 4. The Nagarhole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanad forest complex is also one of the most important tiger habitats in the country. Recent estimation of tigers, using camera traps, has indicated the presence of 79tigers in the sanctuary. 5. The forests of the wildlife division form the major catchments for the tributaries of the Kabani river system. What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. 2. The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of ―shock absorbers‖ to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. 3. They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. 4. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word ―Eco-Sensitive Zones‖. 5. An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002. 6. Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY Date: 2nd Feb Every Year. The day also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. Theme: 'Wetland Water'. Protection: Wetlands are currently protected under different designations, including the Ramsar Convention on wetlands, the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme and others, and some of these overlap. What are wetlands? We can find wetlands wherever water bodies meet the land. Wetlands include mangroves and marshes, peatlands, rivers, lakes and other water bodies, deltas, floodplains and swamps in forested areas, paddy-fields and coral reefs. Why wetlands are crucial for a healthy planet? The health of people on our planet depends on healthy wetlands.  40% of the world's species live or breed in wetlands.  Wetlands are "nurseries of life" - 40% of animals breed in wetlands.  Wetlands are "kidneys of the earth" - they clean the environment of pollutants.  Wetlands "matter for climate change" - they store 30% of land based carbon.  Wetlands "minimize disaster risks" - they absorb storm surge.

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Wetlands in India: India has rich wetlands famous for its biodiversity. As of December 2020, there are 42 Ramsar sites in India. These are of global significance and are included in the Ramsar list of wetlands. Ramsar Convention: The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement promoting the conservation of wetlands. The Convention was adopted at Ramsar in Iran in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Almost 90% of the UN member states are part of the Convention.

300 FELLED TREES WILL COST ₹2.2 BILLION IN PRODUCTS, INCLUDING OXYGEN The Supreme Court recently took judicial notice of its expert committee report, which said the felling of 300 heritage trees to construct five Railway over-bridges in West Bengal will cost India a staggering ₹2, 23, 50, 00,000 (₹2.2 billion). How was this figure arrived at? The 10-digit figure was arrived at by the committee after:  Calculating the products these trees would produce over 100 years of their natural lifetime.  This included oxygen, micro-nutrients, compost and bio-fertiliser, besides the trees being valuable members of the natural environment. Based on this, an individual tree parts with, free of cost, ―products‖ worth ₹74,500 a year. Suggestions made by the Court: 1. Frame a new protocol by which road and highway projects ought to be cleared only after checking the feasibility of other modes of transport like waterways and Railways. 2. In case a road project is inevitable, the value of each tree should be ―built into the cost of the project.

CLEAN ENERGY CAN SUPPORT INDIA‘S ECONOMIC RECOVERY POST-COVID-19 NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have released Towards a Clean Energy Economy: Post-Covid19 Opportunities for India‘s Energy and Mobility Sectors report. What is the report all about? The report advocates for stimulus and recovery efforts that work towards building a clean, resilient, and least-cost energy future for India. These efforts include electric vehicle, energy storage, and renewable energy programs. Challenges posed by COVID- 19: Covid-19 has presented significant demand- and supply-side challenges for India‘s transport and power sectors, from liquidity constraints and supply shortages to shifts in consumer demand and preferences. The report lays out four principles as a framework for policymakers and other key decision- makers considering programmes to support India‘s clean energy future: 1) Invest in least-cost-energy solutions. 2) Support resilient and secure energy systems.

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3) Prioritize efficiency and competitiveness. 4) Promote social and environmental equity. What needs to be done now? India needs to identify strategic opportunities for economic recovery in the short, medium, and long terms that can translate challenges posed by the pandemic into clean energy transition opportunities. • Opportunities in the transport sector include making public transport safe, enhancing and expanding non-motorized transport infrastructure, reducing vehicle kilometres travelled through work-fromhome where possible, supporting national strategies to adopt electric vehicles in the freight and passenger segments, and making India an automotive export hub. • In the power sector, opportunities include improving the electricity distribution business and its operations, enabling renewables and distributed energy resources, and promoting energy resilience and local manufacturing of renewable energy and energy storage technologies. Potential: The report states that India‘s transport sector can save 1.7 gigatonnes of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. It can also avoid about 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent in fuel demand by 2030.

NAMAMI GANGE The World Bank and the Government of India have signed a loan agreement to enhance support for the Namami Gange programme that seeks to rejuvenate the Ganga river. • World Bank provides $400 million to enhance support for rejuvenating the Ganga. About Namami Gange Programme: It is an umbrella programme which integrates previous and current on-going initiatives by enhancing efficiency, extracting synergies and supplementing them with more comprehensive & better coordinated interventions. Implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterparts— State Programme Management Groups. National Ganga Council (NGC): Created in October 2016 under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, dissolving the National Ganga River Basin Authority. Headed by the Prime Minister. It replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA). • NGC would have on board the chief ministers of five Ganga basin state Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh (UP), , and West Bengal—besides several Union ministers and it was supposed to meet once every year. Main Pillars of the Namami Gange Programme are: 1. Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure 2. River-Surface Cleaning

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3. Afforestation 4. Industrial Effluent Monitoring 5. River-Front Development 6. Bio-Diversity 7. Public Awareness 8. Ganga Gram Why we need ―Namami Gange‖ programme? 1. River Ganga has significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. 2. Rising in the Himalayas and flowing to the Bay of Bengal, the river traverses a course of more than 2,500 km through the plains of north and eastern India. 3. The Ganga basin – which also extends into parts of Nepal, China and Bangladesh – accounts for 26 per cent of India‘s landmass. 4. The Ganga also serves as one of India‘s holiest rivers whose cultural and spiritual significance transcends the boundaries of the basin. If we are able to clean it, it will be a huge help for the 40 per cent population of the country. What are the pollution threats to Ganga? 1. Rapidly increasing population, rising standards of living and exponential growth of industrialization and urbanization have exposed water resources to various forms of degradation. 2. The deterioration in the water quality of Ganga impacts the people immediately. 3. Ganga has become unfit even for bathing during lean seasons. 4. The impacts of infrastructural projects in the upper reaches of the river Ganga raise issues. Challenges ahead: 1. Sewage treatment. 2. Restoring the flow. 3. Sludge control. 4. Cost overruns. 5. Governance glitches

FINANCIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMMITMENTS UNDER UNFCCC AND PARIS AGREEMENT The fourth edition of the virtual Ministerial on Climate Action was recently held. • The meeting was co-chaired by European Union, China and Canada. Outcomes of the meet: Developed country parties were called upon to do their part as envisaged under UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, for extending financial and technological support to developing countries. What was announced under the Paris Agreement? At the Paris Conference in 2015 where the Agreement was negotiated, the developed countries reaffirmed the commitment to mobilize $100 billion a year in climate finance by 2020, and agreed to continue mobilizing finance at the level of $100 billion a year until 2025.

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What is the Paris Agreement? It is a historic international accord that brings almost 200 countries together in setting a common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions in an effort to fight climate change. 1. The pact seeks to keep global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels, and to try and limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 2. To this end, each country has pledged to implement targeted action plans that will limit their greenhouse gas emissions. 3. The Agreement asks rich and developed countries to provide financial and technological support to the developing world in its quest to fight and adapt to climate change. About UNFCCC: The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, which marked the beginning of the international community‘s first concerted effort to confront the problem of climate change. Known also as the Rio Convention, the UNFCCC established a framework for action to stabilise concentrations of greenhouse gases in the earth‘s atmosphere. • The UNFCCC entered into force in 1994.

INDIA‘S TIGER CENSUS SETS A NEW GUINNESS RECORD The fourth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2018, results of which were declared on Global Tiger Day last year has entered the Guinness World Record for being the world‘s largest camera trap wildlife survey. • Camera traps were placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites and surveyed an effective area of 121,337 square kilometres.

Tigers in India: The country now has an estimated 2967 tigers as per the latest census. With this number, India is home to nearly 75% of the global tiger population. It has already fulfilled its resolve of doubling tiger numbers, made at St. Petersburg in 2010, much before the target year of 2022. 4th cycle of all India Tiger Estimation- highlights: 1. Highest number of tigers have found in Madhya Pradesh (526), after that Karnataka has 524 and Uttarakhand is accommodating 442 tigers. 2. In five years, the number of protected areas increased from 692 to over 860, community reserves from 43 to over 100. 3. While the 2014 census pegged the total number of striped big cats in the country at 2,226, the 2010 census put the figure at 1,706 and the 2006 version at 1,411, indicating that tiger numbers have been on the up. 4. While in Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tigers, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the ―maximum improvement‖ since 2014. 5. and saw a decline in their tiger numbers while tiger numbers in Odisha remained constant. All other states witnessed a positive trend.

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All India Tiger estimation: The All India Tiger Estimation done quadrennially is steered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority with technical backstopping from the Wildlife Institute of India and implemented by State Forest Departments and partners. Conservation efforts- National and Global: 1. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status), a mobile monitoring system for forest guards. 2. At the Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolved to do more for the tiger and embarked on efforts to double its number in the wild, with a popular slogan ‗T X 2‘. 3. The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) program of the World Bank, using its presence and convening ability, brought global partners together to strengthen the tiger agenda. 4. Over the years, the initiative has institutionalised itself as a separate entity in the form of the Global Tiger Initiative Council (GTIC), with its two arms –the Global Tiger Forum and the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program. 5. The Project Tiger, launched way back in 1973, has grown to more than 50 reserves amounting to almost 2.2% of the country‘s geographical area.

ASSAM‘S DEHING PATKAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO GET NATIONAL PARK STATUS Assam government has decided to upgrade the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into a national park. About Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary: Also known as the Rainforest is a part of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. • Located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, the 111.19 sq km Dehing Patkai was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2004. • It is home to 47 mammal, 47 reptile, and 310 butterfly species. • It forms the largest stretch of lowland rainforest in the country. Dehing is the name of the river that flows through this forest and Patkai is the hill at the foot of which the sanctuary lies. What is a National Park? According to the Indian Ministry of Environment & Forests, a national park is "[a]n area, whether within a sanctuary or not, [that] can be notified by the state government to be constituted as a National Park, by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological association or importance, needed to for the purpose of protecting & propagating or developing wildlife therein or its environment. National parks in India are IUCN category II protected areas. • India's first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.

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DOLPHIN NUMBER DIPS IN CHAMBAL RIVER Madhya Pradesh forest department has released the latest Dolphin census report. Key findings: There are just 68 dolphins left in 435-kilometre-long Chambal river sanctuary which passes through three states (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan). Dolphins‘ number in Chambal river has been reduced by 13 per cent in four years. The decreasing trend is continuing from 2016 when there were 78 dolphins. Reasons for the decline: 1. Illegal sand mining. 2. Overuse of river water. 3. Changing River course. 4. Inland waterways / Movement of large cargo vessels. 5. Various anthropogenic / religious activities. 6. Accidental killing – by catch/ fisheries related entanglements. Key facts- Gangetic dolphin: 1. Platanista gangetica has been declared endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 2. It has rudimentary eyes. From preying to surfing, dolphins do it through ultrasonic sound. 3. It is India's national aquatic animal and is popularly known as ‗Susu‘ 4. They are distributed across seven states in India: Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

BHAGIRATHI ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE The union environment ministry has approved the zonal master plan for the Bhagirathi eco- sensitive zone notification that stretches from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi covering an area of 4179.59 sqkm. • This move will help expedite the chaardhaam road project. What is there in the zonal master plan? The ZMP is based on watershed approach and includes governance in the area of forest and wildlife, watershed management, irrigation, energy, tourism, public health and sanitation, road infrastructure, etc. Background: The Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone notification was first issued by the environment ministry on December 18, 2012. After years of protests by local environmentalists, the notification sought to protect the entire fragile Himalayan region by restricting hydropower projects of over 2 MW, riverbed mining and change of land use. The notification was however amended on April 16, 2018 following Uttarakhand government‘s objections that the notification was ‗anti-development.‘

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• The amendments approved land use change to meet the local needs including civic amenities and other infrastructure development in larger public interest and national security with the prior approval of State Government with due study of Environmental Impacts. What are the Concerns now? This approval could make the entire Bhagirathi region extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. Pointing at the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy, experts put forth the following arguments: 1. The Himalayas are extremely fragile mountains. The rocks still haven‘t consolidated completely. Hill cutting will definitely destabilise hills. 2. If there is forest loss, debris would flow into the river affecting the river and making the entire region extremely vulnerable to landslides. 3. Beyond 1800 to 2000 metres altitude its mostly moraines (unconsolidated glacial debris). If there is a cloudburst these will add to landslides. 4. The Himalayas are also in seismic zone V- a major earthquake can happen anytime. Where is Bhagirathi Eco- Sensitive Zone? Located in the upper Himalayas, the notified area of the Bhagirathi eco- sensitive zone is an interwoven, interdependent fragile Ganga- Himalayan Basin. Geographically the area falls under the Garhwal lesser Himalayas and Higher Himalayas.

RAISE INITIATIVE ―Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency‖ (RAISE) national programme has been launched. • It is a joint initiative of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the U.S. Agency for International Development‘s (USAID) MAITREE Program. Need for and significance of the programme: Poor air quality has been a concern in India for quite some time and has become more important in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. • As people return to their offices and public spaces, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for occupant comfort, well-being, productivity and the overall public health. RAISE initiative can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener. Market Integration and Transformation Program for Energy Efficiency (MAITREE) program: It is a part of the US-India bilateral Partnership between the Ministry of Power and USAID and is aimed at accelerating the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency as a standard practice within buildings, and specifically focuses on cooling.

GLOBAL FOREST RESOURCES ASSESSMENT (FRA) Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2020 was recently released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. About FRA:

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• FAO has brought out this comprehensive assessment every five years since 1990. • This report assesses the state of forests, their conditions and management for all member countries. According to FRA 2020, top 10 countries that have recorded the maximum average annual net gains in forest area during 2010-2020 are: 1. China 2. Australia 3. India 4. Chile 5. Vietnam 6. Turkey 7. United States 8. France 9. Italy 10. Romania The Asian continent reported the highest net gain in forest area in 2010-2020. It recorded 1.17 million hectares (ha) per year net increase in forests in the last decade. South Asia sub-region reported net forest losses during 1990-2020. India-related findings: During the decade under assessment, India reported 0.38 per cent annual gain in forest, or 266,000 ha of forest increase every year at an average. • The FRA 2020 has credited the government‘s Joint Forest Management programme for the significant increase in community-managed forest areas in the Asian continent. • The forest area managed by local, tribal and indigenous communities in India increased from zero in 1990 to about 25 million ha in 2015. • However, the naturally regenerating forest rate is disappointing, according to the assessment. During • 2010-20, the rate of increase in naturally regenerating forest was just 0.38 per cent. • India reported the maximum employment in the forestry sector in the world. Globally, 12.5 million people were employed in the forestry sector. Out of this, India accounted for 6.23 million, or nearly 50 per cent.

HIGH LEVELS OF AMMONIA IN YAMUNA WATER High levels of ammonia (3 ppm) were recently detected in the Yamuna river. • Because of this, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had to reduce water production capacity by 25 per cent. What is the acceptable limit? The acceptable maximum limit of ammonia in drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, is 0.5 ppm. What is ammonia and what are its effects?

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Ammonia is a colourless gas and is used as an industrial chemical in the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and other products. • It consists of hydrogen and nitrogen. In its aqueous form, it is called ammonium hydroxide. • This inorganic compound has a pungent smell. • Occurrence: Ammonia occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of organic waste matter. • It is lighter than air. Contamination: It may find its way to ground and surface water sources through industrial effluents or through contamination by sewage. • If the concentration of ammonia in water is above 1 ppm it is toxic to fishes. • In humans, long term ingestion of water having ammonia levels of 1 ppm or above may cause damage to internal organs. How does it enter the Yamuna? The most likely source is believed to be effluents from dye units, distilleries and other factories in Panipat and Sonepat districts in Haryana, and also sewage from some unsewered colonies in this stretch of the river. What needs to be done? Stringent implementation of guidelines against dumping harmful waste into the river. Making sure untreated sewage does not enter the water. Maintain a sustainable minimum flow, called the ecological flow. This is the minimum amount of water that should flow throughout the river at all times to sustain underwater and estuarine ecosystems and human livelihoods, and for self-regulation. Challenges ahead: 1. Delhi dependent on Haryana for up to 70 per cent of its water needs. 2. Haryana, with a large number of people involved in agriculture, has water paucity issues of its own. 3. Both states have argued over maintaining 10 cumecs (cubic meter per second) flow in the Yamuna at all times. 4. Both states have approached the courts several times over the past decade to get what they call an equitable share of water. 5. The lack of a minimum ecological flow also means accumulation of other pollutants. After water is extracted from the river for treatment in North East Delhi, what flows is mostly untreated sewage and refuse from homes, run off from storm water drains and effluents from unregulated industry. These challenges need to be addressed at the earliest.

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GREEN – AG PROJECT Observed on 29 July. It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. On this occasion, the Union Environment Ministry has released an updated report on India‘s Tiger Survey from 2018. Highlights: 1. Country‘s tiger population: 2,967 — unchanged from the government‘s estimate last year 2. India has nearly 70% of the world‘s tigers. 3. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 526, closely followed by Karnataka (524) and Uttarakhand (442). 4. Chhattisgarh and Mizoram saw a decline in tiger population and all other States saw a ―positive‖ Increase 5. While Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tigers, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu registered the ―maximum improvement‖ since 2014. Guinness Record: The fourth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2018 recently entered the Guinness World Record for being the world‘s largest camera trap wildlife survey. • Camera traps were placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites and surveyed an effective area of 121,337 square kilometres. All India Tiger estimation: The All India Tiger Estimation done quadrennially is steered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority with technical backstopping from the Wildlife Institute of India and implemented by State Forest Departments and partners. Conservation efforts- National and Global: 1. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has launched the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status), a mobile monitoring system for forest guards. 2. At the Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, leaders of 13 tiger range countries resolved to do more for the tiger and embarked on efforts to double its number in the wild, with a popular slogan ‗T X 2‘. 3. The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) program of the World Bank, using its presence and convening ability, brought global partners together to strengthen the tiger agenda. 4. Over the years, the initiative has institutionalised itself as a separate entity in the form of the Global Tiger Initiative Council (GTIC), with its two arms – the Global Tiger Forum and the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program. 5. The Project Tiger, launched way back in 1973, has grown to more than 50 reserves amounting to almost 2.2% of the country‘s geographical area.

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WHAT IS AERIAL SEEDING? The Haryana Forest Department has started aerial seeding across the state on a pilot basis. • This technique will allow plantation in sections of the Aravallis that are either difficult to access or inaccessible altogether. • The pilot project will help determine the effectiveness of the technology and the dispersal mechanism. What is aerial seeding? It is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls – seeds covered with a mixture of clay, compost, char and other components – are sprayed on the ground using aerial devices, including planes, helicopters or drones. How does this technique work? 1. Seeds balls or seed pellets are dispersed in a targeted area by the low-flying drones. 2. They fall to the ground with the help of the coating of clay, compost, char and other material, that provides the required for seeds to drop on a predetermined location rather than disperse in the wind. 3. These pellets will then sprout when there is enough rain, with the nutrients present within them helping in the initial growth. What are the advantages of this technique? • Areas that are inaccessible, have steep slopes, are fragmented or disconnected with no forest routes, making conventional plantation difficult, can be targeted with aerial seeding. • The process of the seed‘s germination and growth is such that it requires no attention after it is dispersed – the reason why seed pellets are known as the ―fire and forget‖ way of plantation. • They eliminate the need for ploughing and digging holes in the soil and the seeds do not need to be planted, since they are already surrounded by soil, nutrients, and microorganisms. • The clay shell of these pellets along with the other items in the mixture also protects them from birds, ants and rats.

LAX ON SAFETY: ON NEVVELI AND VIZAG DISASTERS Second Fatal Boiler Blast In Two Months At Plant In Tamil Nadu. • The blast took place at a power plant of the central government-owned NLC India Limited (formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited) in Cuddalore, about 180 km from state capital Chennai. This once again underscores the value of safety protocols, particularly the Indian Boilers Act. About the Indian Boilers Act, 1923: Enacted with the objective to provide mainly for the safety of life and Property of persons from the danger of explosions of steam boilers and for achieving uniformity in registration and inspection during operation and maintenance of boilers in India. Definitions:

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Boiler: Under Section2(b) of the Act, Boiler is any closed vessel exceeding 22.75 liters in capacity which is used expressly for generating steam under pressure and includes any mounting or other fitting attached to such vessel, which is wholly or partly under pressure when is shut off. Accident means an explosion of a boiler or steam- pipe or any damage to a boiler or steam- pipe which is calculated to weaken the strength thereof so as to render it liable to explode. Conclusion: Such accidents are mostly preventable, and occur rarely in the industrialised world, because of impeccable attention to safety. India‘s aspirations to industrialise should be founded on safety.

SNAKEBITES IN INDIA Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) at the University of Toronto, Canada, had recently conducted a study on snakebites with Indian and U.K. partners. • The report has been made public now. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises snakebite as a top-priority neglected tropical disease (NTD). Key findings: 1. Total deaths caused by snakebites in the 20-year period from 2000 to 2019: 1.2 million. 2. Annual Average: 58,000. 3. 70% of these deaths occurred in limited, low altitude, rural areas of eight States — Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), Rajasthan and Gujarat. 4. Half of all the snakebite deaths occurred during the monsoon period from June to September. 5. Most of the envenomation (the process by which venom is injected by the bite or sting of a venomous animal) was by Russell‘s vipers followed by kraits and cobras. 6. Snakebite deaths occurred mostly in rural areas (97%), were more common in males (59%) than females (41%), and peaked at ages 15-29 years (25%). 7. The numbers for annual snakebite deaths were highest in the States of Uttar Pradesh (8,700), Andhra Pradesh (5,200) and Bihar (4,500), it further added. What needs to be done? Since deaths are restricted mainly to lower altitude, intensely agricultural areas, during a single season of each year, this should make the annual epidemics easier to manage. 1. Primary victims of snakebites are rural farmers and their families. Experts suggest that targeting certain areas and educating people with simple methods such as ‗snake-safe‘ harvest practices — using rubber boots and gloves, mosquito nets and rechargeable torches (or mobile phone flashlights) — could reduce the risk of snakebites. 2. Improved knowledge of the distribution of venomous snake species as well as the human consequences of bites. India has sufficient capacity to manufacture large volumes of anti-venom. Better understanding of the distribution of India‘s many venomous snake species could help in the design and development of more appropriate anti-venoms

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OIL SPILL IN RUSSIA‘S ARCTIC REGION Russia has declared a state of emergency after a power plant fuel leak in its Arctic region caused 20,000 tonnes of diesel oil to escape into a local river, turning its surface crimson red. Where the incident took place? The oil has been discharged into Ambarnaya river. The river is part of a network that flows into the environmentally sensitive Arctic Ocean. Emergency measures are announced within Russia‘s Krasnoyarsk Region, located in the vast and sparsely populated Siberian peninsula. The power plant is located near the Region‘s Norilsk city, around 3000 km northeast of Moscow. How did the leak happen? The thermoelectric power plant at Norilsk is built on permafrost, which has weakened over the years owing to climate change. This caused the pillars that supported the plant‘s fuel tank to sink. Leading to a loss of containment on May 29. Reports said that around 20,000 tonnes of diesel oil was released into the Ambarnaya river, which has since drifted 12 km on its surface. What has Russia done so far? A probe has been ordered into the incident. Boom obstacles were placed in the river, but they were unable to contain the oil because of shallow waters. So far, three criminal proceedings have been launched, and the head of the power plant has been detained. The state of emergency declared would bring in extra and federal resources for the clean- up efforts. What is the extent of the damage? Environmentalists have said the river would be difficult to clean, given its shallow waters and remote location, as well as the magnitude of the spill. This is the second-largest known oil leak in modern Russia‘s history in terms of volume. Damages to the Arctic waterways could be at least 6 billion rubles (over $76 million). This excludes atmospheric. Damage due to greenhouse gases and soil pollution. The installed buoys will only help collect a small part of the pollution and nearly all the diesel fuel will remain in the environment. What does the oil spill mean 1. for permafrost? 2. Ground that remains frozen 3. for two or more consecutive 4. years 5. Is considered permafrost. 6. Permafrost is composed of 7. rock, soil, sediments and 8. varying amounts of ice that 9. bind elements together,

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10. According to the university. 11. Some permafrost is frozen for 12. tens, hundreds or even 13. Thousands of years. 14. Norilsk is constructed on 15. permafrost and there is a 16. threat to its existence because 17. of melting ice due to climate 18. Change. 19. The diesel leak can have a 20. serious impact on the local 21. Ecology. The Ambarnaya river 22. flows to the Pyasino lake and 23. river Pyasina, which connects 24. it to the Kara sea, a part of the 25. Arctic Ocean.

SUNDARBANS DEVASTATED BY CYCLONE AMPHAN The powerful cyclone that struck India and Bangladesh last month passed through the vast mangrove forests of the Sundarban delta. What‘s the matter? The storm's impact was devastating for the millions who live in the Sundarbans. About 28% of the Sunderbans has been damaged. Despite the massive plantation drives, it may take years to restore the mangroves. Experts say the mangroves not only reduce wind speed but break the waves during a storm surge caused by a cyclone. How Sundarbans was affected? Cyclone Amphan hit on May 20 with heavy rains, a massive storm surge and sustained winds of 170 kilometers (105 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 190 kph (118 mph). It passed directly through the Sundarbans, devastating it. The lives of the estimated 4.5 million people in the region are tied to the fragile ecosystem. Farming, fishing, collecting honey and tourism are the few employment opportunities available. But climate change has been making their lives harder. Cyclone Amphan also damaged almost the entire length of the 100-kilometer (62-mile) nylon fence that had been erected to prevent tigers from straying into human habitations. But it is the breaking of embankments, resulting in salt water pouring onto the land, which will have the most durable impact on livelihoods. Saline water kills freshwater fish in ponds in a day, most sources of drinking water disappear, and land can't be used for cultivation for up to five years. Impact of COVID 19 pandemic: The coronvirus is complicating relief work as well. During the cyclone, villagers huddled in crowded storm shelters, which authorities feared could spread the virus. Since the storm, the

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number of cases in the state has increased to over 5,500 with more than 300 deaths from 3,103 cases and 181 deaths on the day of the cyclone. About Sundarbans: 1. The Sundarbans comprises hundreds of islands and a network of rivers, tributaries and creeks in the delta of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal in India and Bangladesh. 2. Located on the southwestern part of the delta, the Indian Sundarban constitutes over 60% of the country‘s total mangrove forest area. 3. It is the 27th Ramsar Site in India, and with an area of 4,23,000 hectares is now the largest protected wetland in the country. 4. The Indian Sundarban, also a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to the Royal . 5. It is also home to a large number of ―rare and globally threatened species, such as the critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).‖ 6. Two of the world‘s four horseshoe crab species, and eight of India‘s 12 species of kingfisher are also found here. Recent studies claim that the Indian Sundarban is home to 2,626 faunal species and 90% of the country‘s mangrove varieties.

NATURE INDEX 2020 Nature Index ratings for the year 2020 have been released. What is the Nature Index? The Nature Index is a database of author affiliations and institutional relationships. The index tracks contributions to research articles published in 82 high-quality natural science journals, chosen by an independent group of researchers. • The database is compiled by Nature Research, a division of the international scientific publishing company Springer Nature that publishes academic journals. • The Index provides a close to real-time proxy of high-quality research output and collaboration at the institutional, national and regional level. • The Index is updated monthly and also releases annual tables of country. • It serves as an indicator of high-quality research in the Natural and Physical Sciences. Nature Index metrics: The Index provides several metrics to track research output and collaboration. These include article count, fractional count, and multilateral and bilateral collaboration scores. Performance of Indian institutions: • Three of the autonomous institutions of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India have found their place among top 30 Indian Institutions. • These are the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata at 7th position, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore at 14th position and S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata at 30th position.

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• Globally the top-rated Indian institutions in this list are Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a group of 39 institutions at the 160th position and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore at the 184th position. Global Institutions: The top five positions have gone to the United States of America, China, Germany, United Kingdom and Japan.

NEW GUIDELINES FOR IMPORT OF EXOTIC SPECIES Union Government has issued advisory to streamline the process for import and possession of exotic live species in India. The move comes as the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has raised global concern about illegal wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases. What are exotic live species? Exotic live species are animal or plant species moved from their original range to a new one most often by people. Some of the most sought after exotic species in India are Ball python, Scarlet Macaw, sea turtles, sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), marmoset and grey African parrots. What it includes? What it does not? According to the advisory, the phrase ―exotic live species‖ includes ―animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora‖ and ―does not include species from the Schedules of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972‖. Need for regulation: While import of live exotic animals is covered under Customs Act in India, wildlife experts have long been asking for stringent laws and guidelines to document and regulate numbers of exotic species being kept as pets by individuals and breeders in India. • Many citizens have kept CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species) enlisted exotic animal species in their possession. • While import of live exotic animals is covered under Customs Act in India, wildlife experts have long been asking for stringent laws and guidelines to document and regulate numbers of exotic species being kept as pets by individuals and breeders in India. • Many citizens have kept CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species) enlisted exotic animal species in their possession. • However, there is no unified information system available of such stock of species at the State or Central level. • Besides, often these species are illegally trafficked into the country to avoid lengthy documentation and scrutiny. As per the recently released guidelines: 1. Environment Ministry will collect stock information from the holders of such species through voluntary disclosure in next six months. 2. The registration will be done for the stock of animals, new progeny, as well as for import and exchange.

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3. The declarer would not be required to produce any documentation in relation to the exotic live species if the same has been declared within six months of the date of issue of the advisory. 4. For any declaration made after six months, the declarer shall be required to comply with the documentation requirement under the extant laws and regulations. 5. Further, a person trying to import a live exotic animal will have to submit an application for grant of a licence to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the provisions of the advisory. 6. The importer will also have to attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC) of the chief wildlife warden of the state concerned along with the application. Implications and significance of this move: This will help in better management of the species and guide the holders about proper veterinary care, housing and other aspects of well-being of the species. The database of exotic animals will also help in control and management of zoonotic diseases on which guidance would be available from time to time to ensure safety of animals and humans. What is missing? Experts said the advisory did not provide answers to all problems. • Matters such as spread of invasive species as well as zoonotic diseases had not been taken care of in the advisory. • Limiting the scope of the latest advisory to only those species covered under CITES drastically limit the scope of the advisory itself. • There is also a growing domestic trade in exotic species of wildlife that is unfortunately not listed under the various appendices of CITES (such as sugar gliders, corn snakes). • There is no mention of the welfare standards of such captive facilities that could lead to ‗legal‘ backyard breeding of wildlife with poor to no welfare concern of the wild animals involved.

CENSUS OF ASIATIC LION Census of Asiatic lion was recently conducted by the Gujarat government and the details have been released. About the lion census: The census is conducted once every five years. This year it was delayed due to . The first Lion Census was conducted by the Nawab of Junagadh in 1936; since 1965, the Forest Department has been regularly conducting the Lion Census every five years. The 6th, 8th and 11th Censuses were each delayed by a year, for various reasons. Key figures this year: 28% rise in population of Lions: Total estimated Lions in Gir region is 674. It was 523 in 2015. 36% Expanse in distribution: Today, Asiatic lions are present in Protected Areas and agro-pastoral landscapes of Saurashtra covering nine districts, over an expanse of about 30,000 sq. km. It was 22,000 sq. km in 2015. Factors responsible for steady rise in population: Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising.

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This is powered by: 1. Community participation 2. emphasis on technology 3. Wildlife healthcare 4. Proper habitat management 5. Steps to minimise human-lion conflict How was the census carried out this year? How is it different from previous census? Reduced participation: Every year, the state Forest Department invites NGOs, experts and wildlife enthusiasts to join the Census for transparency and augmenting manpower. But this time, it was not advisable to send so many people inside the forest as the Bronx Zoo in New York had reported a case of transmission of novel coronavirus from a human to a tigress. So, this year, the count was estimated not from a Census, but from a population ―observation‖ exercise called Poonam Avlokan. How it was carried out? • Poonam Avlokan (developed in 2014) is a monthly in-house exercise carried out every full moon. • Field staff and officers spend 24 hours assessing the number of lions and their locations in their respective jurisdictions. • Unlike previous census, which had nearly 2000 participants, this census had around 1400 staff and a few experts. • These staff kept moving in their respective territories and made their estimates based on input provided by lion trackers and on chance sightings. What is Block counting method? India uses this method to estimate the numbers. In this method, census enumerators remain stationed at water points in given block and estimate abundance of lions in that block, based on direct sighting of lions who need to drink water at least once in 24 hours during the summer. There are inherent issues with this method. So, newer methods should be adopted- such as camera trapping and identifying lions based on permanent marks on their body, and statistical estimates based on the animals‘ predatory patterns and numbers of their prey base. Concerns over the estimates: Few experts are doubtful about the estimated numbers. They say it could be an overestimation. It is because: 1. 12 lions were killed in a flash flood in Amreli just a month after the 2015 census. 2. More than two dozen lions in an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) and babesiosis in 2018. 3. A babesiosis outbreak was reported this summer too, and around two dozen lions are reported killed. Why we need to relocate the lions to other regions? Presently, Asiatic lions are confined only to Gujarat. A single epidemic could wipe the entire population and the species might become extinct. Hence, introduction of species to new areas and states might be a good idea. 81 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

Additional information: Asiatic Lion Conservation Project: Announced in Feb this year by the centre and Gujarat state government. Key aspects of the conservation project include undertaking ―habitat improvement‖ measures, making more sources of water available, creating a wildlife crime cell, and a task force for the Greater Gir region. Relocation of lions: The Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was identified to be the most suitable for reintroducing the species, according to a Supreme Court-appointed technical expert committee, but there has been no progress on the proposal. Supreme Court order: The SC in April 2013 had ordered the translocation of some lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh. About Asiatic Lions: Listed as ‗Endangered‘ under the IUCN Red List. Its population is restricted to the state of Gujarat in India. Wildlife under constitution: In 1976, the 42nd amendment incorporated protection of wildlife and forests in the Directive Principles. It also included forests and protection of wild animals in the Concurrent List – Seventh Schedule (Article 246) of the Constitution.

DECARBONIZING TRANSPORT PROJECT NITI Aayog and the International Transport Forum (ITF) of OECD jointly launched the ‗Decarbonizing Transport in Emerging Economies‘ (DTEE) project in India on 24June. About the project: The ambitious five-year project will help India develop a pathway towards a low-carbon transport system through the development of modelling tools and policy scenarios. • The project will design a tailor-made transport emissions assessment framework for India. • The India project is carried out in the wider context of the International Transport Forum‘s Decarbonizing Transport initiative. Decarbonising Transport in Emerging Economies (DTEE): It supports transport decarbonisation across different world regions. Current participants: India, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Morocco. Implementation: The DTEE is collaboration between the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the Wuppertal Institute, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. How this will help India? The transport sector of India is the third most greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector, where the major contribution comes from the road transport sector. Out of the total carbon dioxide emissions in India, 13% come from the transport sector. These emissions have more than tripled since 1990. In India, CO2 emitted per inhabitant was just about a twentieth of that of an average OECD country, yet, India‘s transport CO2 emissions are likely to increase by almost 6% annually to 2030.

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This project will provide the government with a detailed understanding of current and future transport activity and the related CO2 emissions as a basis for their decision-making. International Transport Forum (ITF): It was created in 2006 by ministers from 43 countries. It is an intergovernmental organisation within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with 60 member countries. It acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the Annual Summit of transport ministers. ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes. The ITF is administratively integrated with the OECD, yet politically autonomous. It is headquartered in Paris, France.

OZONE POLLUTION SPIKED IN SEVERAL CITIES DURING LOCKDOWN According to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), while particulate matter and nitrous oxide levels fell during the lockdown, ozone — also a harmful pollutant — increased in several cities. Factors responsible for tropospheric ozone pollution: Ozone is primarily a sunny weather problem in India that otherwise remains highly variable during the year. The surge is because of few characteristics of summer pollution. These include: high winds, intermittent rains and thunderstorms, and high temperature and heat waves. What is Ozone? Ozone (O3) is a colourless, reactive oxidant gas that is a major constituent of atmospheric smog. How Tropospheric or ground level ozone is formed? Ozone is not directly emitted by any source but is formed by photochemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gases in the air under the influence of sunlight and heat. This happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Concerns: Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on people and the environment, and it is the main ingredient in ―smog.‖ Elevated ground-level ozone exposures affect agricultural crops and trees, especially slow growing crops and long-lived trees.

WHAT IS ANTHROPAUSE? Also called as the ―Great Pause‖, it is a term coined by the researchers in the UK. It refers to the coronavirus-induced lockdown period and its impact on other species. How curbs imposed during this period led to unusual animal behaviour? There were pumas sighted in Chile‘s Santiago, jackals in the parks of Tel Aviv in Israel, dolphins in the waters of Italy and even a monkey fight on the streets of Thailand. Why study this period?

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As a result of the lockdown, nature appears to have changed, especially in urban environments, since not only are there now more animals, but also some ―unexpected visitors.‖ On the other hand, there are some animals for whom the lockdown may have made things more challenging. • For instance, for various urban-dwelling animals, such as rats, gulls and monkeys who depend on food provided or discarded by humans, the lockdown would have made life more difficult. The researchers believe studying this period will provide valuable insights into the relationship between human-wildlife interactions in the 21st century. It might also be useful in preserving global biodiversity, maintaining the integrity of ecosystems andpredicting global zoonoses and environmental changes.

SIXTH MASS EXTINCTION The on-going sixth mass extinction may be one of the most serious environmental threats to the persistence of civilisation, according to new research. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). What is the mass extinction of species? Mass extinction refers to a substantial increase in the degree of extinction or when the Earth loses more than three-quarters of its species in a geologically short period of time. So far, during the entire history of the Earth, there have been five mass extinctions. Reasons and impacts: The five mass extinctions that took place in the last 450 million years have led to the destruction of 70-95 per cent of the species of plants, animals and microorganisms that existed earlier. These extinctions were caused by ―catastrophic alterations‖ to the environment, such as massive volcanic eruptions, depletion of oceanic oxygen or collision with an asteroid. After each of these extinctions, it took millions of years to regain species comparable to those that existed before the event. What is the sixth mass extinction? The sixth, which is ongoing, is referred to as the extinction. Researchers have described it as the ―most serious environmental problem‖ since the loss of species will be permanent. Why it is attributable to humans? One of the reasons that humanity is an ―unprecedented threat‖ to many living organisms is because of their growing numbers. The loss of species has been occurring since human ancestors developed agriculture over 11,000 years ago. Since then, the human population has increased from about 1 million to 7.7 billion. Changes occurred and occurring: More than 400 vertebrate species went extinct in the last century, extinctions that would have taken over 10,000 years in the normal course of evolution.

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In a sample of 177 species of large mammals, most lost more than 80 per cent of their geographic range in the last 100 years, and 32 per cent of over 27,000 vertebrate species have declining populations. Many of the species currently endangered or on the brink of extinction are being decimated by legal and illegal wildlife trade. Several species of mammals that were relatively safe one or two decades ago are now endangered, including cheetahs, lions and giraffes. There are as few as 20,000 lions left in the wild, less than 7,000 cheetahs, 500 to 1,000 giant pandas, and about 250 Sumatran rhinoceros. Vulnerable regions: Tropical regions have seen the highest number of declining species. In South and Southeast Asia, large-bodied species of mammals have lost more than four-fifths of their historical ranges. While fewer species are disappearing in temperate zones, the percentage is just as high or higher. As many as half of the number of animals that once shared our planet are no longer here, a loss described as ―a massive erosion of the greatest biological diversity in the history of Earth‖. What happens when species go extinct? Impact can be tangible such as in the form of a loss in crop pollination and water purification. If a species has a specific function in an ecosystem, the loss can lead to consequences for other species by impacting the food chain. Effects of extinction will worsen in the coming decades as the resulting genetic and cultural variability will change entire ecosystems. • When the number of individuals in a population or species drops too low, its contributions toecosystem functions and services become unimportant, its genetic variability and resilience is reduced, and its contribution to human welfare may be lost.

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GEOGRAPHY

SOUTHWEST MONSOON REPORT 2020 Context National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has come out with the End of the Season—Southwest Monsoon 2020‗.

Key Highlights of the Report  The seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the country as a whole was 109% of its Long Period Average (LPA) in 2020.  It was the third highest after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110 % of LPA in 2019.  Seasonal rainfalls over Northwest India, Central India, South Peninsula and Northeast (NE) India were 84%, 115%, 130% and 106% of their respective LPA.  Southwest monsoon current reached south Andaman Sea and Nicobar Islands on 17th May 2020 (5 days ahead of its normal date).  During the season, one Severe Cyclonic Storm ―NISARGA‖ formed during 1st to 4th June.  This year also witnessed absence of monsoon depression during the season.  The southwest monsoon 2020 outperformed many recent seasons and ended the decade with one of the best performance.

Long Period Average  IMD brands the monsoon as normal or deficient based on how it fares against its benchmark Long Period Average (LPA).  LPA is the average rainfall received by the country as a whole during the south-west monsoon, for a 50-year period.  The current LPA is 89 cm, based on the average rainfall over years 1951 and 2000. This acts as a benchmark against which the rainfall in any monsoon season is measured.

IMD maintains five rainfall distribution categories on an all-India scale. These are: 1. Normal or Near Normal: When per cent departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between 96-104% of LPA 2. Below normal: When departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA 3. Above normal: When actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA 4. Deficient: When departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA 5. Excess: When departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA.

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REPORT ON THE CLIMATE OF INDIA Context  Recently, IMD issued a Report on the climate of India during 2020.

Key findings of the Report  2020, was the eighth warmest year on record since nation-wide records commenced in 1901.  The annual mean land surface air temperature averaged over the country was +0.29 degree C above normal (based on data between 1981-2010).  The highest warming was observed over India in 2016 when the mean land surface temperature was +0.71 degree C above normal.  The mean temperature during winter was above normal +0.14 degree C.  India‗s warming was however significantly lower than the global average.  The global mean surface temperature anomaly during 2020 is +1.2 degree C.  The annual rainfall over the country as a whole was 109 per cent of its Long Period Average (LPA) calculated for the period of 1961-2010.  12 out of 15 warmest years were during the recent fifteen years (2006-2020).  The past decade (2011-2020) was also the warmest decade on record.  Averaged annual mean temperature during 1901-2020 showed an increasing trend of 0.62 degrees C in 100 years.  In 2020, the mean monthly temperatures were warmer than the normal during all the months except March and June.  2020 was one of the warmest years despite La Niña with cool waters in the east Pacific.  La Niñas typically has a cooling effect on global temperatures, but this is now offset by global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions.  As a result, La Niña years now are warmer than years with El Niño events of the past.  The fact that there was a rise of over 1 degrees C in global mean surface temperature over pre- industrial levels in a La Nina year is a sign of global warming.  India experienced some extreme climate events like extremely heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, thunderstorm, lightning, cold waves which killed hundreds of people.

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were the most adversely affected states during the year wherein more than 350 people died from each state due to thunderstorm, lightning and cold wave.  In 2020 5 cyclones formed over the North Indian Ocean. These were super cyclonic storm Amphan, very severe cyclonic storms Nivar and Gati (both over the Arabian Sea), severe cyclonic storm Nisarga and cyclonic storm Burevi.  Amphan is the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the North Indian Ocean with economic losses to the tune of approximately US $14 billion.

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M-SAND Context  The High Court of Karnataka has struck down the new rule enacted to collect Rs 70 per tonne from persons who transport processed building stone materials such as aggregates or jelly, size stones, boulders, M-sand, and other varieties from other States with a valid permit.

MSand  M Sand is artificial sand made from crushing of rock or granite for construction purposes in cement or concrete.  It is used as a substitute for river sand.  M sand differs from natural river sand in its physical and mineralogical properties.

Manufacturing M-Sand is manufactured in a three-stage process: 1. Crushing: Quarry and Rocks stones are crushed at jaw crushers, cone crushers, and vertical shaft impact crushers, respectively leading into the formation of angular and cubical fine aggregate particles. 2. Screening: Screening ensures this material is properly graded that‗s similar to river sand. 3. Washing: Washing removes all the micro-fine particles. Also, fine aggregates for concrete and plaster sand are also formed.

Advantages of M Sand  It is highly cohesive and compressive in strength.  It does not have the presence of impurities such as clay, dust and silt coatings. This helps in producing better quality concrete.  M-sand produced under strict industrial control and manufactured to meet BIS standards has proven to produce stronger concrete compared to river sand.  A nearly 30 % increase in masonry strength is obtained with the use of manufactured sand.  It requires a lower water-cement ratio if the mortar is mixed with manufactured sand, which also results in better characteristics in the hardened state.  It does not contain organic and soluble compound that affects the setting time and properties of cement, thus the required strength of concrete can be maintained.  Manufacturing sand also eliminates the environmental impact that occurred due to the lifting of natural sand from the river bed.

Disadvantages of M-sand  Improper crushing of manufacturing sand may lead to angular and flaky particles that are not suitable for concrete production, both technically and economically.  Also, an adequate set up of crusher may not be available in some parts of the county like West Bengal, as it costs higher than river sand.

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 For high-grade pumpable concrete in high-rise buildings, the requirement of cement is higher than the river sand, which may not be cost-effective.

WESTERN DISTRUBANCE Context  Two back-to-back western disturbances are likely to bring snow to the western Himalayas and rain or hail to the north-western plains – Weather Department.

What is western disturbance?  Western disturbance (WD) is an extra-tropical storm which originates in the Mediterranean region.  The disturbance travels from the ―western‖ to the eastern direction.  Disturbance means an area of ―disturbed‖ or reduced air pressure. Equilibrium exists in nature due to which the air in a region tries to normalize its pressure.  In the term ―extra-tropical storm‖, storm refers to low pressure. ―Extra-tropical" means outside the tropics. As the WD originates outside the tropical region, the word ―extra- tropical has been associated with them.  A WD is associated with rainfall, snowfall and fog in northern India.  Upon its arrival in Pakistan and northern India, clouds along with rain and snow also arrive.  The moisture which WDs carry with them comes from the Mediterranean Sea and/or from the Atlantic Ocean.

Impact of Western Disturbance on the Indian Sub-continent  Western Disturbance plays important role in bringing moderate to heavy rain in low-lying areas and heavy snow to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent especially in winter.  This disturbance is usually associated with cloudy sky, higher night temperatures and unusual rain.  This precipitation has great importance in agriculture, particularly for the Rabi crops.  Wheat among them is one of the most important crops, which helps to meet India‗s food security.  Excessive precipitation due to this disturbance can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches.  Over the Indo-Gangetic plains, it occasionally bring cold wave conditions and dense fog.  These conditions remain stable until disturbed by another western disturbance.  When western disturbances move across northwest India before the onset of monsoon, a temporary advancement of monsoon current appears over the region.

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Tropical Cyclone Temperate Cyclone tropical cyclones, move from east to west. These cyclones move from west to east A tropical cyclone has an effect on a Temperate cyclone affect a much larger comparatively smaller area than a Temperate area cyclone. The velocity of wind in a tropical cyclone is The velocity of air is comparatively much higher and it is more damaging. lower Tropical Cyclone forms only on with Temperate cyclones can be formed on temperature more than 26-27degree C and both land and sea dissipate on reaching the land. A tropical cyclone doesn‘t last for more than Temperate cyclone can last for a 7 days duration of 15 to 20 days

POLAR VORTEX Context: Weather experts are predicting an extremely cold January and February for the northeastern United States, much of northern Europe and parts of Asia. The reason being given is the polar vortex. In this decade, the polar vortex has also been blamed on extremely cold weather in the United States in 2014 and the infamous ‘Beast from the East’, the blast of cold weather that blew from Siberia towards western Europe and the UK in February and March of 2018.

What exactly is a polar vortex? It is described as a whirling cone of low pressure over the poles that is strongest in the winter months due to the increased temperature contrast between the polar regions and the mid- latitudes, such as the US and Europe. The polar vortex spins in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere 10-48 km above the ground and above the troposphere, where most familiar weather patterns develop. Usually, when the vortex is strongest, cold air is less-likely to plunge deep into North America or Europe. In other words, it forms a wall that protects the mid-latitudes from cold Arctic air. But occasionally, the polar vortex is disrupted and weakens, due to wave energy propagating upward from the lower atmosphere. When this happens, the stratosphere warms sharply in an event known as sudden stratospheric warming, in just a few days, miles above the Earth‘s surface. The warming weakens the polar vortex, shifting its location somewhat south of the pole or, in some instances, ‘splitting’ the vortex up into ‘sister vortices’.

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DOMESTIC VANADIUM DEPOSITS A recent exploration by Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found reserves of Vanadium in Arunachal Pradesh. . GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. Key Points . About Vanadium: o Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V. o It is a scarce element, hard, silvery grey, ductile and malleable transition metal with good structural strength. o Transition metals are all the elements in groups 3–12 of the periodic table. These are superior conductors of heat as well as electricity. . Ores: o Patronite, vanadinite, roscoelite and carnotite. . Uses: o Vanadium is used primarily as an alloying element in the Iron & Steel Industry and to some extent as a stabiliser in titanium and aluminium alloys used in the aerospace Industry. o Modern applications of vanadium include its use as vanadium secondary batteries for power plants and rechargeable Vanadium Redox Battery (VRB) for commercial applications. o Vanadium alloys are used in nuclear reactors because of vanadium's low neutron- absorbing properties. . Reserves of Vanadium in Arunachal Pradesh: o Concentrations of vanadium have been found in the palaeo-proterozoic (era) carbonaceous phyllite rocks in the Depo and Tamang areas of Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh. o Phyllite is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the recrystallization of fine- grained, parent sedimentary rocks, such as mudstones or shales. o Sedimentary rocks containing significant enrichment in organic matter over average sediments are called carbonaceous sedimentary rocks. o There are other potential sites in various districts in Arunachal Pradesh. o This is the first report of a primary deposit of vanadium in India. . Current Scenario: o India is a significant consumer of vanadium, but is not a primary producer of the strategic metal. o According to data provided by the GSI, India consumed 4% of total global production of Vanadium in 2017. o It is recovered as a by-product from the slag of processed vanadiferous magnetite (iron) ores. o Slag is the glass-like by-product left over after a desired metal has been separated (i.e., smelted) from its raw ore. . Global Reserves: o The largest deposits of Vanadium are in China, followed by Russia and South Africa respectively.

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LITHIUM EXPLORATION IN INDA Recent surveys by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) have shown the presence of lithium resources in Mandya district, Karnataka. . AMD is the oldest unit of the Department of Atomic Energy. Key Points . About Lithium: o Properties:  It is a chemical element with the symbol Li.  It is a soft, silvery-white metal.  Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element.  It is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil.  It is an alkali metal and a rare metal.  The alkali metals consist of the chemical elements lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium. Together with hydrogen they constitute group 1, which lies in the s-block of the periodic table.  Rare Metals (RM) include Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta), Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Cesium (Cs) etc. and Rare Earths (RE) include Lanthanum (La) to Lutetium (Lu) besides Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y).  These metals are strategic in nature with wide application in the nuclear and other high tech industries such as electronics, telecommunication, information technology, space, defense etc. o Uses:  Lithium metal is used to make useful alloys.  For example, with lead to make ‗white metal‘ bearings for motor engines, with aluminium to make aircraft parts, and with magnesium to make armour plates.  In Thermonuclear reactions.  To make electrochemical cells. Lithium is an important component in Electric Vehicles, Laptops etc. . Lithium Resources in Karnataka: o The survey shows presence of 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources in the igneous rocks of the Marlagalla-Allapatna region of Karnataka‘s Mandya district. . Benefits of Domestic Exploration: o Reducing Import Bill:  India currently imports all its lithium needs. Over 165 crore lithium batteries are estimated to have been imported into India between 2016-17 and 2019-20, at an estimated import bill of upwards of USD 3.3 billion. o Reducing Overdependence on China:  China is a major source of lithium-ion energy storage products being imported into the country. . Issues Associated with Domestic Exploration: o The new find is categorised as ―inferred‖.

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 The ‗inferred‘ mineral resource is the part of a resource for which quantity, grade and mineral content are estimated only with a low level of confidence based on information gathered from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes that may be of limited or uncertain quality, and also of lower reliability. o The lithium find is comparatively small, considering the size of the proven reserves in Bolivia, Argentina, Australia, and China respectively. o India is seen as a late mover in attempts to enter the lithium value chain, coming at a time when Electric Vehicles are predicted to be a sector ripe for disruption.  2021 is likely to be a turning point for battery technology with several potential improvements to the li-ion technology, and alternatives to this tried-and-tested formulation in advanced stages of commercialisation. . Extraction Method: o Lithium can be extracted in different ways, depending on the type of the deposit  Solar evaporation of large brine pools.  A brine pool is a volume of brine collected in a seafloor depression.  For example: Brines of Sambhar and Pachpadra in Rajasthan.  Hard-rock extraction of the ore (a metal-bearing mineral).  For example: rock mining at Mandya. . Other Potential Sites: o The major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. o Pegmatite (igneous rocks) belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. o Brines of Sambhar and Pachpadra in Rajasthan, and Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat. . Other Government Initiative: o India, through a newly state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, had signed an agreement with an Argentinian firm to jointly prospect lithium in Argentina that has the third largest reserves of the metal in the world.  The company has a specific mandate to acquire strategic mineral assets such as lithium and cobalt abroad.

ZOMBIE FIRE According to a new study, the fire regimes in the Arctic are changing rapidly, with ‗zombie fires‘ becoming more frequent in addition to fires occurring in the once-frozen tundra. Key Points . Features: o Zombie Fire: It is a fire from a previous growing season that can smoulder under the ground which is made up of carbon-rich peat. When the weather warms, the fire can reignite. These are also known as holdover fires. o The fires in the Arctic spreading to areas which were formerly fire-resistant is a more worrying feature. . The tundra is drying up and vegetation there like moss, grass, dwarf shrubs, etc are starting to catch fire.

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. The tundra is a cold region of treeless level or rolling ground found mostly north of the Arctic Circle or above the timberline on mountains. o In 2019 and 2020, burning occurred well above the Arctic Circle, a region not normally known to support large wildfires. Wildfires on permafrost in Siberia south of the Arctic are not uncommon.

. Reasons: The reason for this anomaly is that temperatures in winter and spring were warmer than usual during 2019-20. o Temperature in Siberia in 2020 had gone through the roof, with the region recording a severe heatwave. o Nearly all of this year‘s fires inside the Arctic Circle occurred on continuous permafrost, with over half of these burning on ancient carbon-rich peat soils. . Impact: o The fires and record temperatures had the potential of turning the carbon sink into a carbon source and increasing global warming.  The Arctic region has a cold body of water and permafrost, it naturally acts as a

carbon sink. On average it absorbs 58 megatons of CO2 a year in its cold water.  Soils in areas of permafrost contain twice as much carbon as there is currently in the atmosphere.  As the climate and permafrost soils have warmed, microbes have started to break down this organic carbon, which has been frozen and fixed in the permafrost. That

has led to a rise in land emissions of CO2 and methane.  Also there will be less absorption of carbon by water with rising temperature. o It will be a feedback loop: As peatlands release more carbon, global warming increases, which thaws more peat and causes more wildfires. o Arctic fires will affect the global climate over the long term depending on what they burnt. That‘s because peatlands, unlike boreal forest, do not regrow quickly after a fire, so the carbon released is permanently lost to the atmosphere. Arctic Region . The Arctic region, or the Arctic, is a geographic region spreading around the North Pole. . The Arctic Circle (66° 33'N) delimits the Arctic in terms of solar radiation. . Based on temperature, the monthly average temperature in the Arctic is below + 10°C throughout the year, even in summer. . The Arctic contains vast stores of carbon and other planet-warming greenhouse gases in its soils, in peat as well as frozen soil that can be freed up through combustion. . Peatlands are wetlands that contain ancient, decomposed and partially decomposed organic matter. o Nearly half the world‘s peatland-stored carbon lies between 60 and 70 degrees north, along the Arctic Circle. . Arctic Permafrost: It is ground that remains completely frozen at 0 degrees Celsius or below for at least two years and is defined solely based on temperature and duration. o It is composed of rock, sediments, sand, dead plant and animal matter, soil, and varying degrees of ice and is believed to have formed during glacial periods dating several millennia. 94 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

o It is mainly found near the polar zones and regions with high mountains covering parts of Greenland, Alaska, Russia, Northern Canada, Siberia and Scandinavia. o Permafrost is the most threatened by climate change, Arctic regions are warming twice as fast compared to the rest of the planet, its current rate of temperature change being the highest in 2,000 years.

TYPHOON MOLAVE. Recently, Vietnam has been hit by one of its biggest storms in two decades - Typhoon Molave. . Vietnam is prone to natural disasters in the rainy season between June and November, with central coastal provinces commonly impacted, but the storms have notably worsened in recent years.

Key Points . Typhoon is a regionally specific name for a strong "tropical cyclone". o Tropical cyclones are known as ‗typhoons‘ in the northwest pacific ocean, hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean, Willy-willies in north-western Australia and Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region. . A tropical cyclone is a generic term used by meteorologists to describe a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation. o Tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. o These are measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. . Naming of Typhoons: The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tokyo - Typhoon Centre assigns a tropical cyclone a name from the five lists. The name ‗Molave‘ is contributed by the Philippines.

MAITRI SETU PM will inaugurate ‗Maitri Setu‘ between India and Bangladesh tomorrow.  The bridge ‗Maitri Setu‘ has been built over the Feni River which flows between the Indian boundary in State and Bangladesh.  The 1.9 Km long bridge joins Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.  The construction was taken up by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

Significance of the bridge  With this inauguration, Tripura is set to become the ‗Gateway of North East‘ with access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh, which is just 80 kms from Sabroom.  The name ‗Maitri Setu‘ symbolizes growing bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.

About Feni River  Feni is a river in southeastern Bangladesh and Tripura.

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 It is a trans-boundary river with an ongoing dispute about water rights.  It originates in the South Tripura district and flows through Sabroom town and then enters Bangladesh.  The question of sharing the waters of the river between India and Pakistan was first discussed in 1958.

Other associated projects Sabroom Check Post  PM will lay the foundation stone for setting up an Integrated Check Post at Sabroom.  It will help ease the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries provide new market opportunities for products of North-East states and assist the seamless movement of passengers to and from India and Bangladesh.  The project is being taken up by the Land Ports Authority of India.

MIYAWAKI METHOD  Miyawaki method is a method of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.  It includes planting trees as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight from reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weed.  Thus the saplings become maintenance-free (self-sustainable) after the first three years.  It helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years. The technique  The native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers — shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy.  The quality of soil is analysed and biomass which would help enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it.  A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density — three to five sapling per square meter.  The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch.

SOUTH ASIAN FLASH FLOOD GUIDANCE SYSTEM (FFGS Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched the South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), which is aimed at helping disaster management teams and governments make timely evacuation plans ahead of the actual event of flooding. . A dedicated FFGS centre will be established in New Delhi, where weather modelling and analysis of rainfall data observations from member countries will be done. Key Points . Flash Floods: o These are sudden surges in water levels during or following an intense spell of rain. o These are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood.

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o The flood situation worsens in the presence of choked drainage lines or encroachments obstructing the natural flow of water. . Concerns: o Forecasting flash floods is very difficult as an event can occur within three to six hours and the water run-off quantity is very high. o Frequency of extreme rainfall events has increased due to climate change and south Asia is highly prone to flash floods. o Data suggest that across the world, about 5,000 people die annually due to flash floods. o Despite such high mortality, there was no robust forecasting or warning system for flash floods. . South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System: o It has been developed by US-based Hydrologic Research Centre after the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and few South Asian countries put forth their views and the urgent need for such a warning system. . Warning Mechanism: o Based on the rainfall and potential flooding scenario, flash flood warnings will be issued to respective nations. o Flash flood threat warning will be issued six hours in advance, whereas flood risk warning will be issued 24 hours in advance. Warnings about watershed level will be issued 12 hours in advance. . India‘s Role: o India is leading the delegation of nations, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, in sharing hydrological and meteorological data towards preparing flash flood forecasts. o India‘s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) partnered in developing the system.

DAM REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (DRIP) Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and Phase III. . It envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 736 existing dams located across the country and complements the Dam Safety Bill, 2019. Key Points . Objectives: o To improve the safety and performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner. o To strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating states as well as at the central level. o To explore the alternative incidental means at few of selected dams to generate the incidental revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams. . Project Cost and Funding: Rs. 10,211 crore.

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o Financial assistance of Rs. 7,000 from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). o Rs. 3,211 crore is to be borne by the concerned implementing agencies in the states. . Implementation Period: Over a period of 10 years from April 2021 to March 2031, in two phases of six years duration with two years overlapping. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project . It was started in 2012 and was scheduled to be completed in 2018. o In September 2018, the Government approved its revised cost estimates along with a two- year time extension from 2018 to 2020, for the completion. . Apart from its general objectives, it also aims at ensuring the safety of downstream population and property that are affected in the case of a dam failure or operational failure. . It was initially taken up for the repair and rehabilitation of dam projects across the seven states of India, namely Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.

INDUS-TSANGPO SUTURE ZONE (ITSZ) Recently, a group of scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun have found that the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) of Himalayais tectonically active. . The suture zone of Himalaya was conventionally thought to be locked. . WIHG is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. . Tectonics is the scientific study of the deformation of the rocks that make up the Earth‘s crust and the forces that produce such deformation. o It deals with the folding and faulting associated with mountain building, the large- scale, gradual upward and downward movements of the crust and sudden horizontal displacements along faults. Key Points . Geological Features that Support the Finding: o Sedimentary beds are tilted and thrust broken. o Rivers are associated with uplifted terraces. o Bedrock shows brittle deformation at much shallower depths. . These deformed geological features were dated using the technique of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and data of seismicity and denudation rate was also reviewed. o Optically-Stimulated Luminescence: It is a late quaternary (geological time period that encompasses the most recent 2.6 million years) dating technique used to date the last time quartz sediment was exposed to light. As sediment is transported by wind, water or ice, it is exposed to sunlight and zeroed of any previous luminescence signal. o Seismicity: It is the worldwide or local distribution of earthquakes in space, time, and magnitude. More specifically, it refers to the measure of the frequency of earthquakes in a region.

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o Denudation: It is a long term process in which the wearing and tearing of the surface of the Earth take place. It includes all those processes that lower relief and acts both chemically (chemical weathering) and physically (mechanical weathering). . The region of the ITSZ has been neo-tectonically active since the last 78000-58000 years. o The ITSZ is a suture zone in the Ladakh region and marks the limit of the Indian plate where it collides with the Eurasian plate and is subducted below the latter. o The ITSZ can be traced for more than 200 km and a wide variety of rock association along the ITSZ indicates that the collision at the plate boundary was of very complex nature. . The ITSZ was conventionally believed to be a locked zone till now. . This will have major implications in terms of earthquake study, prediction, understanding the seismic structure of the mountain chains well as its evolution. Suture Zones . A suture zone is a linear belt of intense deformation, where distinct terranes, or tectonic units with different plate tectonic, metamorphic, and paleogeographic histories join together. . These zones also provide the only record of deep oceanic crust and of ancient seafloor processes for roughly the first 90% of Earth‘s history. . Their study provides a means to understand the end-product of plate tectonic processes in time and space. In plate tectonics, sutures are seen as the remains of subduction zones together with the terranes possibly representing fragments of different tectonic plates. . The suture zone is often represented on the surface by a mountain range comprising intensely deformed rocks. . The Iapetus Suture from Great Britain, which is now concealed beneath younger rocks, and Indo-Tsangpo Suture well exposed in the Himalayas are some of the best examples of suture zones.

MOUNT EVEREST Context  Nepal and China recently, jointly announced that the revised height of the world‗s highest peak Mount Everest was 8,848.86 metres, about 86 centimetres more than the previous measurement done by India in 1954.  Until now, Mt Everest's erstwhile official height of 8,848m has been widely accepted since 1956, when the figure was measured by the Survey of India.

About Everest  Located in the MahalangurHimal sub-range of the Himalayas. The China–Nepal border runs across its summit point. o MahālangūrHimāl is a section of the Himalayas in northeast Nepal and south-central Tibet of China extending east from the pass Nangpa La between Rolwaling Himal and Cho Oyu, to the Arun River. o It includes Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — four of Earth's six highest peaks.

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 In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society, as recommended by Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India, who chose the name of his predecessor Sir George Everest.  Everest, like the rest of the Himalayas, rose from the floor of the ancient Tethys Sea.  The range was created when the Eurasian continental plate collided with Indian sub- continental plate about 60 million years ago.  Mount Everest grows about ahalf-inch taller each year as the Himalaya Mountains are pushed up by the creeping collision between the Indian and Asian land masses. The resulting Earth strains make the entire region vulnerable to large earthquakes.

Survey of India  Survey of India is the National Survey and Mapping Organization of the country under the Department of Science & Technology.  It is the oldest scientific department of the Govt. of India. It was set up in 1767 and is headquartered at Dehradun.

DIGITAL OCEAN Context  Recently, The Minister of Earth Sciences, Science & Technology and Health & Family Welfare inaugurated―Digital Ocean‖.

About  Digital Ocean is a web-based application developed by INCOIS of M/o Earth sciences.  It is a first of its kind digital platform for Ocean Data Management.

Function  It will facilitate an online interactive web-based environment for data integration, 3D and 4D data visualization, data analysis to assess the evolution of oceanographic features obtained from multiple sources like on site monitoring devices, remote sensing and model data.  It is a one stop-solution for all data related needs of a wide range of users, including research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry, and the public.

Significance  Digital Ocean is expected to bring a sea-change in how the oceanographic data is served for a better understanding of oceans surrounding us.  Ocean is a storehouse of infinite knowledge and Digital Ocean‗ helps to share this knowledge about the ocean with a wide range of users including research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry and policy makers.  It will play a central role in sustainable management of our oceans and expanding our Blue Economy‗ initiatives.  Digital Ocean will also provide free access to information to the general public and the common man. 100 | @ Sivarajavel IAS Academy www.sivarajavelias.com

Conclusion  Digital Ocean is a big step towards Prime Minister‗s vision of Digital India i.e to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

RAISING TEMPERATURE IN NORTH INDIA BEFORE WINTER ENDS What is the issue?  The plains over North India reported a sharp shift in temperatures (rising) in mid-February.  This has triggered apprehensions that the cold season is ending soon and the summers are going to start early. Here is a look at the geographical factors.

How has the weather over North India been in 2021?  The region experienced continuous cold conditions all through January and the beginning of February 2021.  Cold conditions dominated both the plains and hilly regions in North and Northwest India this season.  The average monthly minimum temperature recorded over the country in January remained the warmest in 62 years.  However, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Jammu and Kashmir experienced prolonged severe cold conditions.  The national capital and neighbouring areas also reported sporadic rainfall in the first week of January.  However unlike the winter of 2020, not many cold day conditions were recorded during this season.  In January, there were fewer and feeble western disturbances across lower latitudes.  The effects of western disturbances were mostly limited to hilly regions in January.

Why is the sudden rise in temperatures?  In the absence of cold wave and cold day conditions over the plains of north India, temperatures began to soar.  Delhi, Dehradun and many locations in both the plains and the hills recorded significantly above normal day temperatures for this time of the year.  On February 11, New Delhi recorded 30.4 degrees Celsius, which was 7.7 degrees above normal.  The cold waves are prevented from reaching the northern parts of India by - i. the dominance of the prevailing easterly waves ii. presence of multiple weather systems over Central India  It is because of these that temperatures have seen a sharp rise.  The temperature departures notably ranged between 5 to 7 degrees from normal. How will these weather systems affect the cold conditions?  There is the presence of multiple weather systems in Central India.  Their confluence with moist easterly winds is expected over Central India for few days.  With this, thunderstorm is forecast over this region for some days.

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 Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh along with parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, South Interior Karnataka, Jharkhand and Odisha will experience light intensity rainfall accompanied by lightning.  Some parts of Maharashtra could see hailstorm for two to three days.  As a result, no significant cold conditions would prevail over the country, except Jammu and Kashmir during this period.

Is the winter season over then?  India Meteorological Department (IMD) identifies January and February as winter months over India.  The temperatures would remain on the higher side till February 20, 2021. But, the winter season is not over yet.  A fresh western disturbance is expected to cross extreme north India on February 20.  This system will bring rainfall or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir.  Once it passes, there is likely to be a marginal drop of around 2 to 3 degrees over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh areas starting February 22 onwards.  It would not be a very cold spell, but would be a respite from the present warm conditions. What is the forecast for the coming months?  With the winter season nearing its end for this year, the seasonal transition is expected to commence soon.  With that, a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2 to 4 degree Celsius over North and Northwest India is expected after February 25.  The day temperatures, too, shall soar in the coming days and remain between 22 to 30 degrees, except over Jammu and Kashmir, Shimla and places of higher altitudes.

ORIGIN OF CARBON Why in news? A study on ‗white dwarfs‘ has provided new insights on the origins of the carbon in the Milky Way galaxy.

What are white dwarfs?  White dwarfs are the dense remnants of a star after its death, whose nuclear energy supplies have been used up.  They consist of degenerate matter with a very high density due to gravitational effects.

What is the importance of carbon?  Carbon is essential for life.  It is the simple building block of all the complex organic molecules that organisms need.  It is known that all the carbon in the Milky Way came from dying stars that ejected the element into their surroundings.  However, there is a debate on what kind of stars made the major contribution.

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How does carbon come from stars?  Most stars, except the most massive ones, turn into white dwarfs.  When the massive ones die, they go with a spectacular bang known as the supernova.  Both low mass and massive stars eject their ashes into the surroundings before they end their lives.  These ashes contain different chemical elements, including carbon.

How carbon is released?  In both the type of stars, carbon is synthesised in its deep and hot interiors through the triple- alpha reaction.  [Triple-alpha reaction = Fusion of three helium nuclei]  In low-mass stars, the newly synthesised carbon is transported to the surface from the interiors via gigantic bubbles of gas.  From the surface, the carbon is injected into the cosmos through stellar winds.  Massive stars enrich the interstellar medium with carbon before the supernova explosion, when they also experience powerful stellar winds.

What did the study find?  In 2018, the researchers analysed a few white dwarfs belonging to open star clusters of the Milky Way.  They measured the masses of the white dwarfs, derived their masses at birth, and from there calculated the ―initial-final mass relation‖.  [Initial-final mass relation is a key astrophysical measure that integrates information of the entire life cycles of stars.]  They found that the more massive the star at birth, the more massive the white dwarf left at its death.  So far, stars born roughly 1.5 billion of years ago in our galaxy were thought to have produced white dwarfs about 60-65% the mass of Sun.  Instead, they were found to have died leaving behind more massive compact remnants, about 70-75% solar masses.

What explains this?  The stripping of carbon-rich outer mantle of these stars occurred slowly.  This is slow enough to allow the central cores of these stars, the future white dwarfs, to grow considerably in mass.  By analysing the initial-final mass relation, the size range for the stars that contributed carbon to the Milky Way was concluded.  Stars more massive than 2 solar masses contributed to the galactic enrichment of carbon.  Stars less massive than 1.65 solar masses did not spread its carbon-rich ashes upon death.  Having fixed the minimum initial mass for the production of carbon in low-mass stars is great, since it helps putting the pieces together.

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URBAN HAATS: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles of the Government of India. The objective of the scheme ―Infrastructure and Technology Support‖ is to setup a permanent marketing infrastructure in big towns/ metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing facilities to the handicraft‘s artisans/handloom weavers. The scheme is implemented through State Handicrafts/Handlooms Development Corporations/Tourism Development Corporations/ Urban Local Bodies with sufficient financial resources and organizational capacity to implement the project. The financial ceiling for Urban Haat is Rs. 300 lakh for each unit. 80% of the admissible amount is borne by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and 20% contributed by the implementing agency.

CYCLONE PABUK . The India meteorological department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for the Andaman and Nicobar islands as cyclonic storm Pabuk is approaching the archipelago. . It originated over the Gulf of Thailand. . An ―orange‖ weather warning means people should ―be prepared‖ and there is an increased likelihood of bad or extreme weather, which may disrupt road and air travel and threaten life and property. . The only typhoon ever known to have hit Thailand was Gay (in November 1989). . It has been named by Laos. Stage of warning Colour code Cyclone Alert Yellow Cyclone Warning Orange Post landfall outlook Red

DECREASING RAINFALL TREND IN WETTEST PLACE OF EARTH Context: A recent study that looked at the rainfall pattern in the past 119 years found a decreasing trend at Cherrapunji and nearby areas.  Cherrapunji was previously the wettest place on earth but now Mawsynram is the wettest place in the world. Mawsynram receives over 10,000 millimetres of rain in a year. Key Highlights  Decrease in trend of rainfall: The study highlighted that the rainfall pattern in the past 119 years (period of 1901–2019) found a decreasing trend at Cherrapunji and nearby areas. o The study noted that the annual mean rainfall for the period 1973–2019 showed decreasing trends of about 0.42 mm per decade.  Factors responsible for this trend: The phenomenon is driven by changes in the Indian Ocean temperature and conversion of forestlands and vegetation cover to croplands in the last two decades. o Satellite data analysis shows a reduction in the vegetation area in northeast India in the past two decades, implying that human influence also plays an important role in the changing rainfall patterns.

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o The traditional way of cultivation known as Jhum cultivation or shifting cultivation and developmental activities in the region has contributed to deforestation.

What are the major causes of concerns?  North East India is mostly hilly and is an extension of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the region is highly sensitive to changes in regional and global climate.  Northeast India has the highest vegetation cover in India and includes 18 biodiversity hotspots of the world, and thus is important in terms of its greenery and climate-change sensitivity.

NEW MONSOON MODELS Recently, meteorologists across the India Meteorological Department‘s (IMD) offices and those from affiliated climate research institutes have held discussions on the accuracy of the existing models and emerging weather models.  They also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of these models in capturing the unpredictability of the monsoon and the extent to which they were effective, over varying time-scales, in forecasting heavy rain or an extended dry patch.  The IMD may introduce new monsoon models in 2021 to better forecast changes in rainfall.

Previous Years‘ Analysis  2020 monsoon, along with the 2019 monsoon, was unique as it was only the third time in a century that India saw back-to-back years of above normal rainfall.  Both years‘ monsoon and especially the 2019 monsoon, was a 25-year high.  The IMD failed to forecast the magnitude of the excess and only indicated that monsoon would be ―above normal‖.

Existing Models  Dynamical Model:  The Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System relies on the supercomputers, mathematically simulating the physics of the ocean and the atmosphere.  This model is better at forecasting the state of the weather a week or two in advance and is not yet considered reliable by meteorologists in forecasting the monsoon.  Their chief limitation is that they do not account for changes in weather, once the monsoon has commenced, that might influence its future performance.  Statistical Model:  It equates relationships of physical parameters, such as for instance sea surface temperatures, snowfall, the temperature of landmass etc with the actual observed rainfall in the past.  The trend in meteorology is towards dynamical models and though India uses several of them, the official forecasts of the IMD rely on the outputs of statistical models.

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Three New Models o Three different models that could be tested in 2021: o 12 global circulation models (dynamical) whose outputs would be combined into a single one. o A dynamical model that gauges rainfall based on the sea surface temperature in the tropics. o A statistical model based on climate variables observed during the pre-monsoon. o All of them are ‗ensembles‘ meaning smaller models are combined to arrive at an average value.

TRISTAN DA CUNHA: LARGEST MARINE PROTECTION ZONE OF ATLANTIC OCEAN In News- The isolated UK Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha which is home to the world‘s most remote human settlement recently declared as largest fully protected marine reserves in the Atlantic Ocean.

About:  As per the National Geographic Society‘s Campaign for Nature Initiative, more than 30 percent of the world‘s oceans have to be protected to allow ecosystems to provide benefits like ample fish stocks.  The sanctuary will be the biggest ―no-take zone‖ in the Atlantic Ocean and the fourth biggest anywhere in the world, protecting fish that live in the waters and tens of millions of seabirds that feed on them. About Tristan da Cunha:  Tristan da Cunha is a small chain of islands over 6,000 miles from London in the South Atlantic and the water around the islands are considered to be the richest in the world.  The islands are also home to several species of land birds that live nowhere else, including the Wilkins bunting, the U.K.‘s rarest bird, and the Inaccessible rail, the world‘s smallest flightless bird.  The island group is home to the World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands, which is one of the most important seabird islands in the world.  The island will become the largest no-take zone in the Atlantic Ocean after joining the Blue Belt programme of the UK.

About Blue Belt Programme:  The programme was launched in 2017 to protect the overseas territories of the country. This includes British Antarctic Territories and British Indian Ocean Territories as well.  Objective- To achieve sustainable management of their marine environment.  However, in accordance with the Antarctic treaty, the claims over the region have been suspended.  Antarctic Treaty- It was signed in 1960 by around 54 nations in order to regulate the activities in the Antarctic region.  The treaty sets Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity in the continent.

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What are the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?  They involve the protective management of natural areas according to predefined management objectives.  MPAs can be conserved for a number of reasons including economic resources, biodiversity conservation, and species protection.  They are created by delineating zones with permitted and non-permitted uses within that zone.  Significance- From maintaining sources of food to helping protect shorelines, and from protecting biodiversity to providing income and jobs, Marine Protected Areas can achieve so much.

CHALLENGER DEEP Recently, Astronaut and Oceanographer Kathy Sullivan, who was the first American woman to walk in space in 1984, became the first woman and the fifth person in history to descend to the deepest known spot in the world‘s oceans, called the Challenger Deep in the .

Key Points of the recent exploration:  Through this expedition, the team hopes to observe volcanic vents, identify new species and conduct the extensive mapping of the US Exclusive Economic Zone at the request of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Kathy descended to the Challenger Deep in a vehicle which is operable underwater.

What is Challenger Deep?  The average depth of the ocean is about 12,100 feet and the deepest part of the ocean is called the Challenger Deep which is located below the surface of the western Pacific Ocean in the southern end of the Mariana Trench.  The Mariana Trench is part of a global network of deep troughs that cut across the ocean floor and form when two tectonic plates collide. At the collision point, one of the plates dives beneath the other into the Earth‘s mantle, creating an ocean trench.  Challenger Deep is approximately 36,200 feet deep and it is named after the HMS Challenger, whose crew first sounded the depths of the trench in 1875.

Earlier exploration associated with Challenger deep:  The first dive at Challenger Deep was made in 1960 by Lieutenant and Swiss scientist Jacques Piccard on a submersible called ‗‘.  In 2012, film director James reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench, at a depth of about 10,908 metres on a dive in his submersible called the ‗Deepsea Challenger‘ and became the first to complete a solo submarine dive to this spot.

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Why are scientists interested in deep ocean areas?  Most of the existing knowledge of the oceans comes from shallower waters, while deeper waters remain relatively unexplored, even as humans are relying more on these areas for food, energy and other resources.  More information about the deep ocean could potentially lead to the discovery of sources for medicinal drugs, energy sources, food and other products and it could also help in the prediction of tsunamis and earthquakes,  It is also helping the humankind to understand how the Earth‘s environment is affecting us and getting affected by our activities.

What does it take to reach the deep ocean? Scientists can be carried to the deep sea by vehicles called Human Occupied Vehicles (HOVs), or, alternatively, unmanned vehicles, called Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) can also be used. The ROVs are linked to the ships via cables and scientists can steer them remotely.

Challenges associated with deep-sea exploration- It is difficult for most private citizens to dive deeper more than 100 feet below the surface of the ocean and most recreational divers can‘t explore more than about 120 feet down due to the amount of air needed for keeping lungs pressurized at depth is very less and which is intoxication by nitrogen that starts to set in around that depth.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Merger of two black holes

Here because: Gravitational waves from a collision between two black holes were detected in 2019 at the gravitational wave observatory LIGO (United States) and the detector Virgo (Italy). a. It was calculated to have come from roughly 17 billion light years away, and from a time when the universe was about half its age. What's unique about this meger? One of the two parent black holes was of an unusual ―intermediate mass‖, which challenges traditional scientific knowledge. It is the first ―intermediate mass‖ black hole ever observed. What are Gravitational Waves? They are invisible ripples that form when a star explodes in a supernova; when two big stars orbit each other; and when two black holes merge. b. Travelling at the , gravitational waves squeeze and stretch anything in their path. c. Proposed by Albert Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity over a century ago. d. It was only in 2015, however, that the first gravitational wave was actually detected — by LIGO. What is a black hole? A black hole is an object in space that is so dense and has such strong gravity that no matter or light can escape its pull. Because no light can escape, it is black and invisible. e. There‘s a boundary at the edge of a black hole called the event horizon, which is the point of no return — any light or matter that crosses that boundary is sucked into the black hole. It would need to travel faster than the speed of light to escape, which is impossible. f. Anything that crosses the event horizon is destined to fall to the very centre of the black hole and be squished into a single point with infinite density, called the singularity. What is LIGO? It is a massive observatory for detecting cosmic gravitational waves and for carrying out experiments. g. The objective is to use gravitational-wave observations in astronomical studies. h. The project operates three gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. Two are at Hanford, Washington, north-western US, and one is at Livingston in Louisiana, south-eastern US. i. The proposed LIGO India project aims to move one advanced LIGO detector from Hanford to India.

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Asteroid 465824

Here Because: NASA says asteroid 465824 2010 FR, which is twice as big as the Pyramid of Giza, may cross the Earth‘s orbit on September 6. j. It is classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO) and a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). What are NEOs? NASA defines NEOs as comets and asteroids nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth‘s neighbourhood. k. These objects are composed mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles. What is an asteroid? Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, much smaller than planets. They are also called minor planets. As per NASA, 994,383 is the count for known asteroids, the remnants from the formation of the solar system over 4.6 billion years ago. Why most asteroids are found in only one region? Most such objects can be found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which is estimated to contain somewhere between 1.1-1.9 million asteroids. The explanation for the concentration of asteroids in this belt comes from the formation of Jupiter, whose gravity brought an end to the formation of any planetary bodies in this region, as a result of which the smaller bodies kept colliding with each other, fragmenting into asteroids. Other types of asteroids: 1. Trojans, which are asteroids that share an orbit with a larger planet. 2. Near-Earth Asteroids (NEA), which have orbits that pass close by the Earth. Those that cross the Earth‘s orbit are called Earth-crossers. Why do scientists track asteroids? l. To look for information about the formation and history of planets and the sun, since asteroids were formed at the same time as other objects in the solar system. m. To look for asteroids that might be potentially hazardous. What are PHAs? In the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter Over 1,400 asteroids are classified as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). According to NASA, ―Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) are currently defined based on parameters that measure the asteroid‘s potential to make threatening close approaches to the Earth‖. n. Specifically, all asteroids with a minimum orbit intersection distance (MOID) of 0.05 au or less are considered PHAs. How can asteroids be deflected? The most drastic measure undertaken so far is the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA), which includes NASA‘s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission and the European Space Agency‘s (ESA) Hera. o. The mission‘s target is Didymos, a binary near-Earth asteroid, one of whose bodies is of the size that could pose a significant threat to Earth.

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p. In 2018, NASA announced that it had started the construction of DART, which is scheduled to launch in 2021 with an aim to slam into the smaller asteroid of the Didymos system at around 6 km per second in 2022. q. Hera, which is scheduled to launch in 2024, will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027 to measure the impact crater produced by the DART collision and study the change in the asteroid‘s orbital trajectory.

What is Solar Cycle 25?

Here Because: Scientists from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have announced their predictions about the new solar cycle, called Solar Cycle 25, which they believe has begun. Key findings:  The solar minimum for Solar Cycle 25 occurred in December 2019.  Scientists predict a solar maximum (middle of the solar cycle) will be reached by July 2025.  This solar cycle will be as strong as the last solar cycle, which was a ―below-average cycle‖ but not without risks. But first, What is a solar cycle? The Sun is a huge ball of electrically-charged hot gas. This charged gas moves, generating a powerful magnetic field. This magnetic field goes through a cycle, called the solar cycle. Every 11 years or so, the Sun's magnetic field completely flips. This means that the Sun's north and south poles switch places. Then it takes about another 11 years for the Sun‘s north and south poles to flip back again. So far, astronomers have documented 24 such cycles, the last one ended in 2019. How do scientists track solar activity? Scientists track a solar cycle by using sunspots. The beginning of a solar cycle is typically characterised by only a few sunspots and is therefore referred to as a solar minimum. What is solar minimum and maximum? One way to track the solar cycle is by counting the number of sunspots.  The beginning of a solar cycle is a solar minimum, or when the Sun has the least sunspots. Over time, solar activity—and the number of sunspots—increases.  The middle of the solar cycle is the solar maximum, or when the Sun has the most sunspots. As the cycle ends, it fades back to the solar minimum and then a new cycle begins. Impacts of Solar Cycle on Earth:  Solar eruptions can cause lights in the sky, called aurora, or impact radio communications. Extreme eruptions can even affect electricity grids on Earth.  Solar activity can affect satellite electronics and limit their lifetime.  Radiation can be dangerous for astronauts who do work on the outside of the International Space Station.

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PRODUCTION OF LITHIUM IN STARS Here because: A forty-year-old puzzle regarding the production of lithium in stars has been solved by Indian researchers. What was the puzzle all about? Stars, as per known mechanisms of evolution, actually destroy lithium as they evolve into red giants. Planets were known to have more lithium than their stars — as is the case with the Earth-Sun pair. However, leading to a contradiction, some stars were found that were lithium-rich.  This posed a puzzle — if stars do not produce lithium, how do some stars develop to become lithium rich? So far, the planet engulfment theory was quite popular. For example, Earth-like planets may increase the star‘s lithium content when they plunge into their star‘s atmosphere when the latter become Red Giants. Latest findings: When stars grow beyond their Red Giant stage into what is known as the Red Clump stage, they produce lithium in what is known as a Helium Flash and this is what enriches them with lithium. The study also challenges the present understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars. What is the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN)? The Big Bang Nucleosynthesis theory predicts that roughly 25% the mass of the Universe consists of Helium. It also predicts about 0.01% deuterium, and even smaller quantities of lithium.  It is the production of nuclei other than those of the lightest isotope of hydrogen during the early phases of the Universe. Primordial nucleosynthesis is believed by most cosmologists to have taken place in the interval from roughly 10 seconds to 20 minutes after the Big Bang. Origin of Lithium: It was first produced in the Big Bang, around 13.7 billion years ago when the universe came into being, along with other elements. While the abundance of other elements grew millions of times, the present abundance of lithium in the universe is only four times the original [Big Bang] value. It is actually destroyed in the stars.  The Sun, for instance, has about a factor of 100 lower amount of lithium than the Earth.

NEOWISE- A COMET Here because: The recently discovered comet called C/2020 F3, also known as NEOWISE after the NASA telescope that discovered it, will make its closest approach to the Earth on July 22. r. On the day, the comet, which takes 6,800 years to complete one lap around its orbit, will be at a distance of 64 million miles or 103 million kilometers while crossing Earth‘s outside orbit.

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What is Coma? On July 3, the comet was closest to the sun at 43 million km. On this day, the comet cruised inside Mercury‘s orbit and, due to its proximity to the sun, its outer layer was released creating an atmosphere – referred to as coma – of gas and dust from its icy surface. s. This atmosphere sometimes leads to formation of a bright tail of debris that can extend for thousands or millions of kilometres. What Are The Differences Between An Asteroid, Comet, Meteoroid, Meteor and Meteorite? i. Asteroid: A relatively small, inactive, rocky body orbiting the Sun. ii. Comet: A relatively small, at times active, object whose ices can vaporize in sunlight forming an atmosphere (coma) of dust and gas and, sometimes, a tail of dust and/or gas. iii. Meteoroid: A small particle from a comet or asteroid orbiting the Sun. iv. Meteor: The light phenomena which results when a meteoroid enters the Earth‘s atmosphere and vaporizes; a shooting star. v. Meteorite: A meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth‘s atmosphere and lands upon the Earth‘s surface. NASA‘s NEOWISE: Launched in December 2009 as the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, the space telescope was originally designed to survey the sky in infrared, detecting asteroids, stars and some of the faintest galaxies in space. It did so successfully until completing its primary mission in February 2011. t. In December 2013, it was re-purposed for the NEOWISE project as an instrument to study near-Earth objects, or NEOs, as well as more distant asteroids and comets.

SOLAR ORBITER Here because: The European Space Agency has released the closest pictures ever taken of the Sun captured by the Solar Orbiter that was launched in February this year. u. The spacecraft completed its first close pass of the Sun in mid-June, when it flew within 48 million miles of the Sun with 10 instruments turned on to snap the closest pictures of the giant star to date. Observations made from these images: i. There are mini-flares on the sun that the scientists are calling ―camp fires‖. ii. Size: These camp fires are millionths of the size of the Sun‘s massive flares that are routinely observed by Earth telescopes. iii. These small flares could have something to do with the heating process that makes the corona, the Sun‘s outer atmosphere, far hotter than its surface. What are Solar Flares? It is a large explosion of magnetic energy in the Sun‘s atmosphere which causes an intense burst of increased brightness. Flares occur in active regions around sunspots. During solar flares, the Sun releases bursts of energetic particles that enhance the solar wind that constantly emanates from the star into the surrounding space.

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When these particles interact with Earth‘s magnetosphere, they can cause magnetic storms that can disrupt telecommunication networks and power grids on the ground. What is Corona? The solar corona is the outermost layer of the Sun‘s atmosphere that extends millions of kilometres into outer space. Its temperature is more than a million degrees Celsius, which is orders of magnitude hotter than the surface of the Sun, a ‗cool‘ 5500 °C. v. After many decades of studies, the physical mechanisms that heat the corona are still not fully understood, but identifying them is considered the ‗holy grail‘ of solar physics. About Solar Orbiter Mission: Solar Orbiter is a space mission of international collaboration between ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in February 2020. It was selected as the first medium-class mission of ESA‘s Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 Programme. w. This is the first mission that will provide images of the sun‘s north and south poles using a suite of six instruments on board that will capture the spacecraft‘s view. x. It is a seven-year mission and will come within 26 million miles of the sun. y. It will be able to brave the heat of the sun because it has a custom titanium heat shield coated in calcium phosphate so that it can endure temperatures up to 970 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar Orbiter will set about answering four top-level science questions: i. What drives the solar wind and where does the coronal magnetic field originate from? ii. How do solar transients drive heliospheric variability? iii. How do solar eruptions produce energetic particle radiation that fills the heliosphere? iv. How does the solar dynamo work and drive connections between the Sun and the heliosphere?

PERSEVERANCE- NASA‘S MISSION TO MARS Here because: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched its Mars 2020 Perseverance rover aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V. z. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This is the third launch to Mars this month, following the UAE‘s Hope and China‘s Tianwen-1 spacecraft. Key facts: 1. The rover's Mars arrival is set for Feb. 18, 2021. 2. The mission is planned to last for at least one Mars year, which works out to about 687 days on Earth (it takes longer for Mars to go around the sun). 3. Landing site: Jezero crater. 4. Perseverance is loaded with seven instruments chosen to help it achieve its mission objectives.

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Why is this mission significant? 1. Perseverance will carry a unique instrument, MOXIE or Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment: which for the first time wil manufacture molecular oxygen on Mars using carbon dioxide from the carbon-dioxide-rich atmosphere (ISRU means In Situ Resource Utilization: or the use of local resources to meet human needs or requirements of the spacecraft). 2. It will carry Ingenuity, the first ever helicopter to fly on Mars. This is the first time NASA will fly a helicopter on another planet or satellite. 3. It is the planned first step to bring back rock samples from Mars for analysis in sophisticated laboratories on Earth: with the goal of looking for biosignatures: or signatures of present or past life. These are some of the key mission objectives: 1. Look for signs of ancient microbial life. 2. Collect Martian rock and dust samples for later return to Earth. 3. Deliver an experimental helicopter. 4. Study the climate and geology of Mars. 5. Demonstrate technology for future Mars missions. What is the reason for the near-term interest in Mars? aa. Mars is located in the very near backyard (about 200 million km away). bb. It is a planet that humans can aspire to visit or to stay for a longer duration. cc. Mars had flowing water and an atmosphere in the distant past: and perhaps conditions to support life. dd. In the near term, the increase in interest related to Mars is because of Elon Musk‘s plans for commercial travel. Background: ee. NASA has been sending rovers on Mars since 1997 when the Mars Pathfinder Mission was initiated. ff. As the mission turned out to be successful, NASA decided to continue going to Mars to find evidence. gg. Second time, the space organization sent twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity to Mars in 2003. hh. The third attempt was by sending Curiosity in 2012.

NASA‘S SONIFICATION PROJECT Here because: The sonification project is led by the Chandra X-ray Center in collaboration with NASA‘s Universe of Learning Program (UoL). The objective of the project is to transform data from astronomical images into audio.  This project allows audiences — including visually-impaired communities — to experience space through data. How did NASA translate astronomical images into sound?  NASA‘s distant telescopes in space collect inherently digital data, in the form of ones and zeroes, before converting them into images.

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 The images are essentially visual representations of light and radiation of different wavelengths in space, that can‘t be seen by the human eye.  The Chandra project has created a celestial concert of sorts by translating the same data into sound. Pitch and volume are used to denote the brightness and position of a celestial object or phenomenon. Ready projects: So far, the astronomers behind Project Chandra have released three examples made using data collected from some of the most distinct features in the sky — the Galactic Centre, Cassiopeia A, and Pillars of Creation Nebula. Significance of the project:  With this data sonification project, users can now experience different phenomena captured in astronomical images as an aural experience.  The birth of a star, a cloud of dust or even a black hole can now be ‗heard‘ as a high or low pitched sound.

DETECTION OF FLUORINE IN HOT EXTREME HELIUM STARS Here because: A study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology has detected the presence of singly ionised fluorine for the first time in the atmospheres of hot Extreme Helium Stars. This discovery makes a strong case that the main formation of these objects involves a merger of a carbon oxygen (CO) and a Helium (He) white dwarf. Significance of the latest findings: The origin and evolution of these Hydrogen deficient objects have been shrouded in mystery. Their severe chemical peculiarities challenge the theory of well-accepted stellar evolution as the observed chemical composition of these stars do not match with that predicted for low mass evolved stars. What is an Extreme Helium Star? An extreme helium star or EHe is a low-mass supergiant that is almost devoid of hydrogen, the most common chemical element of the universe. There are 21 of them detected so far in our galaxy. What is a White Dwarf? 1. A white dwarf is what stars like the Sun become after they have exhausted their nuclear fuel. 2. Near the end of its nuclear burning stage, this type of star expels most of its outer material, creating a planetary nebula. Only the hot core of the star remains 3. This core becomes a very hot white dwarf, with a temperature exceeding 100,000 Kelvin. 4. Unless it is accreting matter from a nearby star (see Cataclysmic Variables), the white dwarf cools down over the next billion years or so. 5. A typical white dwarf is half as massive as the Sun, yet only slightly bigger than Earth.

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WHAT IS BEIDOU? Here Because: China has recently completed its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System constellation. What is the BeiDou navigation system? It is Chinese Satellite Navigation System. The system uses a network of satellites and can provide positional accuracies of under ten metres (GPS provides positioning accuracies of under 2.2 metres).  China initiated BeiDou in 1994 with aims to integrate its application in different sectors, including fishery, agriculture, special care, mass-market applications, forestry and public security.  BeiDou offers services including accurate positioning, navigation and timing as well as short message communication. How many satellites are there in the system? It consists of 27 satellites in medium Earth orbit, five in geostationary orbit and three more in inclined geosynchronous orbits. What does this mean for China? As ties between US and China deteriorated, it had become more important for China to have its own navigation system that the US does not have control over. By completing BeiDou, China now has its own navigation system, which will compete with systems developed by other countries. It is of foremost importance in allowing China‘s military to employ Beidou-guided conventional strike weapons. Which other countries are working on building their navigation systems? 1. The GPS is owned by the US government and operated by the US Air Force. 2. Russia has its navigation system called GLONASS. 3. The European Union (EU) has Galileo. 4. India‘s navigation system is called Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

WHAT IS THE SPACEX CREW DRAGON? Here Because: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with astronauts and Doug Hurley onboard splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. What is it? In May 2020, the Crew Dragon became the first space vehicle to launch humans from American soil in nine years. Built by Elon Musk's SpaceX, it's part of Nasa's plan to hand over space station flights to private companies.  In particular, SpaceX was given funding through NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which started in 2010 to foster public-private partnerships for space exploration. Background: Crew Dragon evolved from an earlier design, called Dragon 1, which launched 20 times on missions to deliver cargo to the ISS between May 2012 and March 2020. Importance of the mission:

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 It was the first time that astronauts used a spaceship built and launched by a private company, and the event is being widely seen as the beginning of a new era in space exploration.  The rocket, named Falcon 9, which carried the spaceship into the orbit, was also built by SpaceX. ii. The mission was called Demo-2, in keeping with the fact that it was only a ‗test flight‘, which if successful, would lead to more missions in the coming months.

WHAT IS THE SPACEX CREW DRAGON? Here because: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley onboard splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. What is it? In May 2020, the Crew Dragon became the first space vehicle to launch humans from American soil in nine years. Built by Elon Musk's SpaceX, it's part of Nasa's plan to hand over space station flights to private companies.  In particular, SpaceX was given funding through NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which started in 2010 to foster public-private partnerships for space exploration. Background: Crew Dragon evolved from an earlier design, called Dragon 1, which launched 20 times on missions to deliver cargo to the ISS between May 2012 and March 2020. Importance of the mission  It was the first time that astronauts used a spaceship built and launched by a private company, and the event is being widely seen as the beginning of a new era in space exploration.  The rocket, named Falcon 9, which carried the spaceship into the orbit, was also built by SpaceX. jj. The mission was called Demo-2, in keeping with the fact that it was only a ‗test flight‘, which if successful, would lead to more missions in the coming months.

SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY Here Because: On 4th Feb, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) Council held its maiden meeting and approved the establishment of the world‘s largest radio telescope. About SKAO:  SKAO is a new intergovernmental organisation dedicated to radio astronomy and is headquartered in the UK.  At the moment, organisations from ten countries are a part of the SKAO.  These include Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. What are radio telescopes?  Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes can detect invisible gas and, therefore, they can reveal areas of space that may be obscured by cosmic dust.

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 The first radio signals were detected by physicist Karl Jansky in the 1930s The Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico, which was the second-largest single-dish radio telescope in the world, collapsed in December 2020. The telescope was built in 1963. About SKA Telescope:  The telescope is proposed to be the largest radio telescope in the world.  It will be located in Africa and Australia whose operation, maintenance and construction will be overseen by SKAO.  The completion is expected to take nearly a decade at a cost of over £1.8 billion

HOPE: UAE‘S FIRST MISSION TO MARS Here Because: HOPE Mission- the first Arab interplanetary mission is expected to reach Mars‘ orbit on Tuesday in what is considered the most critical part of the journey to unravel the secrets of weather on the Red Planet. About the Hope mission: The Hope mission is a Mars orbiter spacecraft, which will study the thin atmosphere of Mars. The mission is officially named the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) and the orbiter has been named Hope or ‗Al Amal‘.  It is the first interplanetary mission for the Arab World. The Hope orbiter: The Hope probe has a mission life of one Martian year, which is almost two Earth years. The three main objectives of the Hope probe are: 1. To understand the climate dynamics and global weather map of Mars by studying the lower atmosphere of Mars. 2. To explain how the weather of Mars affects the escape of hydrogen and oxygen, by correlating conditions in the lower and upper atmosphere. 3. To understand the presence and variability of hydrogen and oxygen in the upper atmosphere, and why Mars is losing these gases to space. Significance of the mission: 1. It is a known fact that the Red Planet was once habitable, from signatures of flowing water and organic material that point to a past that could have supported living things. 2. An understanding of Mars‘ past could help scientists understand the future of Earth.

CHINA'S TIANWEN-1 PROBE Here Because: China's Tianwen-1 probe has successfully entered orbit around Mars after a 6- 1/2-month journey from Earth. What‘s next?  in about three months, the Tianwen-1 will attempt to send a landing capsule carrying a 240-kilogram rover in a rapid seven-minute descent onto a massive plain in the northern hemisphere of Mars known as Utopia Planitia. About Tianwen-1:  China‘s first Mars probe is called Tianwen-1 (formerly Huoxing 1).

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 the spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover.  Launched last year on a Long March 5 rocket from Xichang, China.  landing site: Somewhere in Utopia Planitia, a vast plain in Mars‘ northern latitudes and the same place NASA‘s Viking 2 mission landed in the 1970s.  If the mission is successful, China will become the third country to achieve a Mars landing after the USSR and the United States. There are five core science objectives: 1. Create a geological map of Mars. 2. Explore the characteristics of the Martian soil and potentially locate water-ice deposits. 3. Analyze the surface material composition. 4. Investigate the Martian atmosphere and climate at the surface. 5. Understand the electromagnetic and gravitational fields of the planet.

ISRO ANNOUNCES ‗BHUVAN‘ Here Because: The Department of Space (DoS), under which ISRO comes, has signed an MoU with geospatial technology company CE Info Systems Pvt Ltd.  the collaboration will enable them to jointly identify and build a holistic geospatial portal utilising earth observation datasets, 'NavIC', Web Services and APIs (application programming interface) available in MapmyIndia.  the geospatial portals will be called 'Bhuvan', 'VEDAS' and 'MOSDAC'. Key facts: Bhuvan is the national geo-portal developed and hosted by ISRO comprising geospatial data, services, and tools for analysis. VEDAS (Visualisation of Earth observation Data and Archival System) is an online geoprocessing platform that uses optical, microwave, thermal, and hyperspectral EO data covering applications particularly meant for academia, research and problem solving. MOSDAC (Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre) is a data repository for all the meteorological missions of ISRO and deals with weather-related information, oceanography, and tropical water cycles. What is NAVIC? Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. NavIC will provide two types of services: i. Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is provided to all the users. ii. Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service provided only to the authorised users. Its applications include: 1. Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation. 2. Disaster Management. 3. Vehicle tracking and fleet management.

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4. Integration with mobile phones. 5. Precise Timing. 6. Mapping and Geodetic data capture. 7. Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers. 8. Visual and voice navigation for drivers. How many satellites do NAVIC consist of? It is powered by eight IRNSS satellites, of which one provides messaging services. Three of these will be geostationary over the Indian Ocean, i.e., they will appear to be stationary in the sky over the region, and four will be geosynchronous – appearing at the same point in the sky at the same time every day.  this configuration ensures each satellite is being tracked by at least one of fourteen ground stations at any given point of time, with a high chance of most of them being visible from any point in India. Why it is necessary to have indigenous global navigation system? Having a global navigation system bolsters the ability of a nation to serve as a net security provider, especially through the guarantee of such assurance policies. It can also play a significant role in relief efforts post disasters such as the tsunami in the Indian Ocean region in 2004 and the Pakistan-India earthquake in 2005.

TWO FLIGHT SURGEONS FOR GAGANYAAN TO TRAIN IN RUSSIA Here Because: Russia will train two flight surgeons from India in space medicine for the Gaganyaan mission. Flight surgeons are:  Doctors from the Indian Air Force who have specialised in aerospace medicine.  Responsible for astronauts' health before, during and after a flight. Indian Human Space Flight Programme: ISRO aims to launch its maiden Human Space Mission, Gaganyaan before the 75th anniversary of India‘s independence in 2022. Objectives of the Mission: 1. Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country 2. A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry 3. Improvement of industrial growth 4. Inspiring youth 5. Development of technology for social benefits 6. Improving international collaboration Relevance of a Manned Space Mission for India: Boost to industries: The Indian industry will find large opportunities through participation in the highly demanding Space missions. Gaganyaan Mission is expected will source nearly 60% of its equipment from the Indian private sector. Employment: According to the ISRO chief, the Gaganyaan mission would create 15,000 new employment opportunities, 13,000 of them in private industry and the space organisation would need an additional manpower of 900.

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Technological development: Human Space flights are frontier field in the science and technology. The challenges the Human Space Flights provide to India, and the benefits accruing from taking up those missions will be very high and will lead to further thrust for technological developments in India. Spurs research and development: It will boost good research and technology development. With a large number of researchers with proper equipment involved, HSF will thrust significant research in areas such as materials processing, astro-biology, resources mining, planetary chemistry, planetary orbital calculus and many other areas. Motivation: Human space flight will provide that inspiration to the youth and also the national public mainstream. It would inspire young generation into notable achievements and enable them to play their legitimate role in challenging future activities. Prestige: India will be the fourth country to launch human space mission. The Gaganyaan will not only bring about prestige to the nation but also establish India‘s role as a key player in the space industry.

ASTROSAT Here Because: AstroSat‘s Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope spots rare ultraviolet-bright stars in a massive intriguing cosmic dinosaur in the Milky Way. Significance of the discovery: Such UV-bright stars are speculated to be the reason for the ultraviolet radiation coming from old stellar systems such as elliptical galaxies which are devoid of young blue stars. Hence, it is all the more important to observe more such stars to understand their properties. About AstroSat:  AstroSat is India‘s first multi-wavelength space telescope, which has five telescopes seeing through different wavelengths simultaneously — visible, near UV, far UV, soft X-ray and hard X-ray.  Onboard the AstroSat is a 38-cm wide UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), which is capable of imaging in far and near-ultraviolet bands over a wide field of view.  AstroSat was launched on 28 September 2015 by ISRO into a near-Earth equatorial orbit.  It is a multi-institute collaborative project, involving IUCAA, ISRO, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bengaluru), and Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad), among others.

GEOSYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER ORBIT (GTO) Here Because: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) India‘s 42nd communications satellite, CMS-01, carried on board the PSLV-C50, from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Range.  This was PSLV's 52nd mission. About CMS-01:

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 It is a communications satellite envisaged for providing services in extended C Band of the frequency spectrum and its coverage will include the Indian mainland and the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.  The satellite is expected to have a life of over seven years. Different orbits:  A Geosynchonous Orbit (GEO) takes a satellite around the Earth at a rate of once per day, keeping it roughly in the same area over the ground.  A Geostationary Orbit (GSO) is a geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of zero, meaning, it lies on the equator. All geostationary satellites are geosynchronous. Not all geosynchronous satellites are geostationary. What, then, is a transfer orbit?  Rockets sending payloads to geosynchronous and geostationary orbits drop off their payload in transfer orbits, halfway points en route to the satellite‘s final position.  From transfer orbit, a satellite conducts engine burns to circularize its orbit and change its inclination.

VIKRAM SARABHAI: Here because: ISRO pays tribute to Dr Vikram Sarabhai by announcing that Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter has captured the Moon images of ―Sarabhai‖ Crater. About Vikram Sarabhai and his contributions: Vikram Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919. Sarabhai was instrumental in forming India‘s future in astronomy and setting up the country‘s space research facilities. Key contributions: 1. Based on his persuasion, the Indian government agreed to set up the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. He was the first chairman of the committee. 2. The INCOSPAR was restructured and renamed as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. 3. Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad in the year 1947. The laboratory started its operation from RETREAT, Sarabhai‘s residence in Ahmedabad. Its first topic of research was cosmic rays. 4. He also set up India‘s first rocket launch site in Thumba, a small village near the Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala. 5. Vikram Sarabhai was also responsible for bringing cable television to India. His constant contact with NASA paved a way for the establishment of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975. 6. Sarabhai was the mastermind behind building India‘s first satellite, Aryabhata. 7. He was one of the founding members of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).

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8. Vikram Sarabhai received the Padma Bhushan in 1966 for his contribution to India‘s progress. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972, posthumously. India‘s AstroSat telescope discovers one of the earliest galaxies to have formed. India‘s multi-wavelength orbiting telescope, AstroSat, has detected light from a galaxy, called AUDFs01, in the extreme-ultraviolet (UV) light.  The galaxy is 9.3 billion light years away from Earth. Key points:  The discovery was an international collaboration by astronomers from India, Switzerland, France, USA, Japan and the Netherlands.  This is the first time that star-forming galaxies have been observed in this extreme UV environment. Methodology used for this discovery: The team observed the galaxy within the patch of sky called the Hubble eXtreme Deep field (XDF), which itself sits at the centre of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF).  The HUDF is a small area in the constellation of Fornax, created using Hubble Space Telescope data from 2003 and 2004. It contains thousands of galaxies, and became the deepest image of the universe ever taken at the time.  XDF contains about 5,500 galaxies.  AstroSat looked at a part of XDF for 28 hours in October of 2016, a feat only space telescopes could perform because the atmosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation. About AstroSat: It is India‘s first multi-wavelength space telescope, which has five telescopes seeing through different wavelengths simultaneously — visible, near UV, far UV, soft X-ray and hard X-ray.  Onboard the AstroSat is a 38-cm wide UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), which is capable of imaging in far and near-ultraviolet bands over a wide field of view.  AstroSat was launched on 28 September 2015 by ISRO into a near-Earth equatorial orbit.  It is a multi-institute collaborative project, involving IUCAA, ISRO, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bengaluru), and Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad), among others.

EOS-01, INDIA‘S LATEST EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE Here because: EOS-01 launch. This will be ISRO‘s first mission since the launch of RISAT- 2BR1, on December 11 last year. What is EOS-01? It is an earth observation satellite. EOS-01 is nothing but another Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) that will work together with RISAT-2B and RISAT-2BR1 launched last year.  Henceforth all the earth observation satellites would be called EOS-series. What are earth-observation satellites used for? Land and forest mapping and monitoring, mapping of resources like water or minerals or fishes, weather and climate observations, soil assessment, geospatial contour mapping are all done through earth-observation satellites.

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Advantages of radar imaging over optical instruments: Radar imaging is unaffected by weather, cloud or fog, or the lack of sunlight. It can produce high-quality images in all conditions and at all times.

THIRTY METER TELESCOPE (TMT) Here because: Indian astronomers collaborated with Nobel laureate on Thirty Meter Telescope Project.  2020 Physics Nobel Laureate Prof. Andrea Ghez had worked closely with Indian astronomers on the design of back-end instruments. About TMT:  It is an astronomical observatory with an extremely large telescope (ELT).  It is an international project being funded by scientific organisations of Canada, China, India, Japan and USA.  Planned location: Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii in the US state of Hawaii.  Purpose: The TMT is designed for near-ultraviolet to mid-infrared observations, featuring adaptive optics to assist in correcting image blur. Significance: • TMT will enable scientists to study fainter objects far away from us in the Universe, which gives information about early stages of evolution of the Universe. • It will give us finer details of not-so-far-away objects like undiscovered planets and other objects in the Solar System and planets around other stars.

WHAT IS THE ARIEL SPACE MISSION ADOPTED BY THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY? Here because: The European Space Agency (ESA) has formally adopted Ariel. What is Ariel? Ariel (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) will be launched in 2029.  It will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years.  The explorer that will study the nature, formation and evolution of exoplanets. Significance: Ariel is the first mission of its kind dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of exoplanets. It will also help to answer one of the key questions of ESA‘s Cosmic Vision Plan, which is, ―What are the conditions for planet formation and the emergence of life?‖. How exoplanets are found? As per NASA, only a handful of exoplanets have been found using telescopes and the rest have been detected using indirect methods which are given as follows. Tracking the dimming of a star that happens when a planet passes in front of it. NASA‘s Kepler Space telescope uses this method to spot thousands of planets.  Gravitational lensing and the ―wobbling method‖, which is based on the idea that an orbiting planet will cause its parent star to orbit slightly off-centre. Why study exoplanets?

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The search for exoplanets is driven by the possibility that life may exist beyond Earth and even if there is no evidence for this, scientists believe that their hunt for an answer will reveal details about where humans came from and where we‘re headed. Key Points:  As of now the existence of more than 4,000 exoplanets is considered confirmed, while there are thousands of other candidate exoplanets that need further observations to say for certain if they are exoplanets.  Proxima Centauri b is the closest exoplanet to Earth and is four light-years away and inhabits the ―habitable zone‖ of its star, which means that it could possibly have liquid water on its surface.

ISRO‘S SHUKRAYAAN Here because: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has short-listed 20 space- based experiment proposals for its proposed Venus orbiter mission 'Shukrayaan'. About Shukrayaan: It is a mission to study Venus for more than four years. Scientific objectives: Investigation of the surface processes and shallow subsurface stratigraphy; and solar wind interaction with Venusian Ionosphere, and studying the structure, composition and dynamics of the atmosphere. The satellite is planned to be launched onboard GSLV Mk II rocket. The proposed orbit is expected to be around 500 x 60,000 km around Venus. This orbit is likely to be reduced gradually, over several months to a lower apoapsis (farthest point). Why study Venus?  Venus is often described as the ―twin sister‖ of the Earth because of the similarities in size, mass, density, bulk composition and gravity.  It is believed that both planets share a common origin, forming at the same time out of a condensing nebulosity around 4.5 billion years ago.  Venus is around 30 per cent closer to the Sun as compared to Earth resulting in much higher solar flux.

CHANG‘E-5 PROBE: Here Because: It is an unmanned spacecraft launched by China recently. About the Chang'e-5 probe: The probe is named after the mythical Chinese moon goddess.  The rocket is comprised of four parts: an orbiter, a returner, an ascender and a lander.  The objective of the mission is to bring back lunar rocks, the first attempt by any nation to retrieve samples from the moon in four decades.  If successful, China will be only the third country to have retrieved samples from the moon, following the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s.  This will help scientists learn about the moon‘s origins, formation and volcanic activity on its surface.

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Identified location for the collection of samples: The Chinese probe will collect 2 kg of surface material from a previously unexplored area known as Oceanus Procellarum — or ―Ocean of Storms‖ — which consist of a vast lava plain. The Chang'e-5 mission is expected to realize four "firsts" in China's space history: 1. The first time for a probe to take off from the surface of the Moon. 2. The first time to automatically sample the lunar surface. 3. The first time to conduct unmanned rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit. 4. The first time to return to Earth with lunar soil samples in escape velocity.

JAPAN'S HAYABUSA2 SPACECRAFT CARRYING ASTEROID SOIL SAMPLES NEARS EARTH. Here because: Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft left the asteroid Ryugu a year ago and is expected to reach Earth and drop a capsule containing the precious samples in southern Australia on December 6.  The soil samples and data from the asteroid could provide clues to the origins of the solar system. Hayabusa2 project: It is an asteroid sample-return mission operated by the Japanese space agency, JAXA. It was launched on 3 December 2014 and rendezvoused with Ryugu on 27 June 2018.  It carried multiple science payloads for remote sensing, sampling, and four small rovers that will investigate the asteroid surface to inform the environmental and geological context of the samples collected. The scientific objectives of Hayabusa2 mission are twofold: iii. To characterize the asteroid from remote sensing observations (with multispectral cameras, near-infrared spectrometer, thermal infrared imager, laser altimeter) on a macroscopic scale iv. To analyse the samples returned from the asteroid on a microscopic scale. What is the significance of the mission? Ryugu is a C-type asteroid – a relic from the early days of the Solar System. Scientists think that C-type asteroids contain both organic matter, and trapped water, and might have been responsible for bringing both to Earth, thereby providing the planet with the materials necessary for life to originate.

WORLD‘S LARGEST SOLAR TREE Here because: CSIR-CMERI has developed the World‘s Largest Solar Tree, which is installed at CSIR-CMERI Residential Colony, Durgapur. Key points  The installed capacity of the Solar Tree is above 11.5 kWp.  It has the annual capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power.  The Tree has been designed in a manner to ensure maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight and also creation of the least amount of shadow area beneath. Significance and potential of solar trees These Solar Trees can be aligned with Agriculture for substituting price-volatile fossil fuels.

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 Each Solar Tree has the potential to save 10-12 tons of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere as Greenhouse Gases when compared with fossil fuel fired energy generation.  Besides, the surplus generated power can be fed into an Energy Grid.  This Agricultural Model can provide a consistent economic return and help the farmers counter the effects of the uncertain variations in Agriculture related activities, thus, making farming an Economic and Energy Sustainable practice.  The solar tree also has the capability to incorporate IOT based features, i.e. round-the- clock CCTV surveillance in agricultural fields, real-time humidity, wind speed, rainfall prediction and soil analytics sensors.  The CSIR-CMERI developed solar powered e-Suvidha Kiosks may also be connected to the Solar Trees for real-time access to the vast majority of agricultural database as well as to the eNAM i.e. National Agricultural MarketPlace for instant and real-time access to an unified online market.

GPAY CAN SHARE UPI DATA UNDER LAW Here Because: Google India Digital Services Limited has told the Delhi High Court that its GPay app, being a TPAPs (Third Party Application Providers), is allowed under the law to share customer‘s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transaction data with third parties. But, what's the issue? A petition was filed against Google India‘s payments app, Google Pay, at the Delhi High Court as it flouted the rules of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interoperability.  According to the petition, Google Pay does not allow new users to use their existing Virtual Payment Address (VPAs) or UPI ID on its platform, which the consumer might have created through other UPI platforms or apps.  And this is against the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) Guidelines.  As per NPCI guidelines on interoperability, UPI payment platforms need to give a choice to users to transact using their existing IDs. Also, the petitioner had claimed that GPay was acting as a payments system provider in violation of the Payments and Settlements Act as it has no valid authorisation from the central bank of the country to carry out such functions. What does interoperability mean? Interoperability enables payment systems to be used in conjunction with other payment systems. It allows prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) issuers, system providers and system participants from different systems to undertake, clear and settle transactions across systems without participating in multiple systems. What has the RBI said? Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has told the Delhi High Court that Google Pay is a third party app provider (TPAP) and does not operate any payment systems.  Therefore, its operations are not in violation of the Payment and Settlement System Act of 2007. The Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007:

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It provides for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India and designates the Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank) as the authority for that purpose and all related matters. The Reserve Bank is authorized under the Act to constitute a Committee of its Central Board known as the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), to exercise its powers and perform its functions and discharge its duties under this statute.

ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE (EIR) PROGRAMME Here Because: A brochure featuring Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme was recently launched. What is Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) Programme? It is under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing innovations (NIDHI) of Department of Science and Technology.  It supports aspiring or budding entrepreneur of considerable potential for pursuing a promising technology business idea over a period up to 18 months with a subsistence grant up to Rs 30000 per month with a maximum cap for total support of Rs 3.6 lakh to each EIR over a maximum of 18 months. What is NIDHI program? Department of Science & Technology has launched a NIDHI program (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) under which programmes for setting up of incubators, seed fund, accelerators and ‗Proof of concept‘ grant for innovators and entrepreneurs have been launched.  Under NIDHI, PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring innovators & Startups) programme has been initiated in which established Technology Business Incubators (TBI) are supported with PRAYAS grant to support innovators and entrepreneurs with grants for ‗Proof of Concept‘ and developing prototypes.

INDIA JOINS US, RUSSIA, CHINA HYPERSONIC MISSILE CLUB Here Because: India has become the fourth country after the United States, Russia and China to develop and successfully test hypersonic technology. Why? India recently tested the Hypersonic Test Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). Developed by? Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Significance and implications of this test flight: This indigenous technology will pave the way towards development of missiles travelling at six times the speed of sound (Mach 6). What is Hypersonic Test Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)? The HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft for hypersonic speed flight.

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How it works? The HSTDV cruise vehicle is mounted on a solid rocket motor, which will take it to a required altitude, and once it attains certain mach numbers for speed, the cruise vehicle will be ejected out of the launch vehicle. Subsequently, the scramjet engine will be ignited automatically. Where can it be used?  It has utility for long-range cruise missiles of the future. What are cruise missiles? How are they different from ballistic missiles? A cruise missile either locates its target or has a preset target. It navigates using a guidance system — such as inertial or beyond visual range satellite GPS guidance — and comprises a payload and aircraft propulsion system.  Cruise missiles can be launched from land, sea or air for land attacks and anti-shipping purposes, and can travel at subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic speeds.  Since they stay relatively close to the surface of the earth, they cannot be detected easily by anti-missile systems, and are designed to carry large payloads with high precision. Ballistic missiles, meanwhile, are launched directly into the upper layers of the earth‘s atmosphere.  They travel outside the atmosphere, where the warhead detaches from the missile and falls towards a predetermined target.  They are rocket-propelled self-guided weapons systems which can carry conventional or nuclear munitions. They can be launched from aircraft, ships and submarines, and land. What are ICBMs? Intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs are guided missiles which can deliver nuclear and other payloads. ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 km, with maximum ranges varying from 7,000 to 16,000 km.  Only a handful of countries, including Russia, United States, China, France, India and North Korea, have ICBM capabilities.

NIMHANS DEVELOPS NEW INDIAN BRAIN TEMPLATES, BRAIN ATLAS Here because: The neuroscientists from NIMHANS studied over 500 brain scans of Indian patients to develop five sets of Indian brain templates and a brain atlas for five age groups covering late childhood to late adulthood (six to 60 years). Why this is significant? Currently, we are using Montreal Neurological Index (MNI) template. It is based on Caucasian brains and was made by averaging 152 healthy brain scans from just a small slice of the city‘s population in North America. But Caucasian brains are different from Asian brains.  But, India will now have a scale that will measure an Indian brain. Benefits of Indian Brain Templates and atlas:  They will provide more precise reference maps for areas of interest in individual patients with neurological disorders like strokes, brain tumours, and dementia.  They will also help pool information more usefully in group studies of the human brain and psychological functions, aiding our understanding of psychiatric illnesses like

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, substance dependence, schizophrenia, and mood disorders.  These new population- and age-specific Indian brain templates will allow more reliable tracking of brain development and ageing, similar to how paediatricians monitor a child‘s height or weight, for example, using a growth chart.

POSTAGE STAMP RELEASED ON A-SAT Here because: A Customized My Stamp on India‘s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT) launch was released by the Department of Posts on the occasion of Engineers Day. Background: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted an Anti- Satellite (A-SAT) missile test ‗Mission Shakti‘ from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha on 27th March 2019.  A DRDO developed A-SAT Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‗Hit to Kill‘ mode.  The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Significance: India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability, and Entire effort is indigenous.  Till now, only the US, Russia and China had the capability to hit a live target in space. Does the test create space debris? The test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Whatever debris that is generated will decay and fall back onto the earth within weeks. What is the international law on weapons in outer space? The principal international Treaty on space is the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits only weapons of mass destruction in outer space, not ordinary weapons.  India is a signatory to this treaty, and ratified it in 1982.

CSIR MOOTS ‗MEGA LABS‘ TO BOOST COVID-19 TESTING: Here because: To speed up testing as well as improve the accuracy of testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) positive cases, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is working on developing ―mega labs‖.  In these labs, large machines, called Next Generation Sequencing machines (NGS), which are also used for sequencing human genomes, will be repurposed to sequence 1,500-3,000 viral genomes at a go for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus.  Significance and benefits of these mega labs:  These genome sequencing machines can substantially detect the possible presence of the virus even in several instances where the traditional RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests miss out on them.

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 RT-PCR test identifies the SARS-CoV-2 virus by exploring only specific sections of the virus whereas the genome method can read a bigger chunk of virus genome and thereby provide more certainty that the virus in question is indeed the particular coronavirus of interest.  It can also trace the evolutionary history of the virus and track mutations more reliably.  The NGS does not need primers and probes, and only needs custom reagents. What is Genome Sequencing? It is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine that make up an organism's DNA.

WHAT IS THE ‗FELUDA‘ TEST FOR COVID-19 APPROVED BY INDIA? Here because: Feluda is the acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay.  It is an accurate and low-cost paper-based test strip to detect Covid-19 in less than 30 minutes.  It was approved recently for commercial launch by the Drugs Controller General of India.  Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Tata Group. How it works? It uses indigenously developed CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Significance:  According to CSIR, the test matches accuracy levels of RT-PCR tests.  It has a quicker turnaround time and requires less expensive equipment.  ‗Feluda‘ is also the world‘s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus. What is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology? It is a gene editing technology and finds its use in correcting genetic defects and treating and preventing the spread of diseases.  The technology can detect specific sequences of DNA within a gene and uses an enzyme functioning as molecular scissors to snip it.  It also allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.  The technology can also be configured for detection of multiple other pathogens in the future.

HYDROGEN-ENRICHED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (HCNG) Here because: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allowed use of H-CNG (18% mix of hydrogen) in CNG engines.  A notification for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, for inclusion of H-CNG as an automotive fuel has already been published. Background: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also developed specifications (IS 17314:2019) of Hydrogen enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) for automotive purposes, as a fuel. What is HCNG? The blending of hydrogen with CNG provides a blended gas termed as HCNG.

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 It can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane (C3H8) / LPG and its combustion produces fewer undesirable gases. Advantages of HCNG:  HCNG reduces emissions of CO up to 70%.  Enables up to 5 % savings in fuel.  First step towards future Hydrogen economy.  Engines can be calibrated to release lower amounts of NO.  Engines need minimum modification to run on HCNG.  Ideal fuel for high load applications and heavy-duty vehicles.  Better performance due to higher Octane rating of H2. Disadvantages of using HCNG:  Determining the most optimized H2/ NG (Natural Gas) ratio.  It requires new infrastructures for preparing HCNG.  Many steps need to be taken for commercializing it at a large scale.  Current cost of H2 is more than the cost of Natural Gas. So, HCNG‘s cost is more than CNG.

2020 NOBEL: THREE SCIENTISTS SHARE PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE Here Because: Americans Harvey J Alter and Charles M Rice, and British scientist Michael Houghton have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. Their Contributions:  The trio‘s work helped explain a major source of blood-borne hepatitis that couldn‘t be explained by the hepatitis A and B viruses.  Thanks to their discovery, highly sensitive blood tests for the virus are now available and these have essentially eliminated post-transfusion hepatitis in many parts of the world, greatly improving global health.  Their discovery also allowed the rapid development of antiviral drugs directed at hepatitis C. Basics: What is Hepatitis C? It is a liver disease. Caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV): the virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver cancer. How is it caused? Spread? The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus: the most common modes of infection are through exposure to small quantities of blood. Treatment: Antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection, thereby reducing the risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer, but access to diagnosis and treatment is low.

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There is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C; however, research in this area is ongoing. Types of Hepatitis Viruses: There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.  Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. About Nobel Prize in Medicine: Awarded by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. First awarded in 1901.  The award comes with a gold medal and prize money of 10 million Swedish kronor (over USD 1,118,000), courtesy of a bequest left 124 years ago by the prize‘s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel.

NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY Here Because: 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for CRISPR/Cas9 'Genetic Scissors'.  Emmanuelle Charpentier and American Jennifer Doudna share the prize for developing the CRISPR/Cas9 tool to edit the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with precision.  It is possibly the only time in the history of Nobel Prize that two women have been declared the sole winners. What is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)? How it works? It locates the specific area in the genetic sequence which has been diagnosed to be the cause of the problem, cuts it out, and replaces it with a new and correct sequence that no longer causes the problem. Details (For better understanding- need not mug up): v. An RNA molecule is programmed to locate the particular problematic sequence on the DNA strand, and a special protein called Cas9 (genetic scissor) is used to break and remove the problematic sequence. vi. A DNA strand, when broken, has a natural tendency to repair itself. But the auto-repair mechanism can lead to the re-growth of a problematic sequence. Scientists intervene during this auto-repair process by supplying the desired sequence of genetic codes, which replaces the original sequence. vii. It is like cutting a portion of a long zipper somewhere in between, and replacing that portion with a fresh segment. What is the significance of this technology? 1. It's simple: Its simplicity has often been compared to the ‗Cut-Copy-Paste‘ mechanism in any word processor (or probably, the equally common ‗Find-Replace‘ mechanism). 2. Potential applications: Its uses can potentially transform human beings, and all other life forms. It can potentially eliminate genetic, and other, diseases, multiply agricultural production, correct deformities, and even open up the more contentious possibilities of producing ‗designer babies‘, and bringing cosmetic perfection.

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3. Efficient: Because the entire process is programmable, it has a remarkable efficiency, and has already brought almost miraculous results. Genetic sequences of disease-causing organisms can be altered to make them ineffective. 4. For Agriculture: Genes of plants can be edited to make them withstand pests, or improve their tolerance to drought or temperature. Ethical Concerns involved: 2018 Designer Babies: In November 2018, a Chinese researcher claimed that he had altered the genes of a human embryo that eventually resulted in the birth of twin baby girls. This was the first documented case of a ‗designer babies‘ being produced using the new gene-editing tools like CRISPR, and this raised ethical concerns.  In the case of the Chinese twins, the genes were edited to ensure that they do not get infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This special trait would then be inherited by their subsequent generations as well. What was the concern then? The concerns were over the ethics of producing babies with particular genetic traits.  The problem in this case, potential infection to HIV virus, already had other alternative solutions and treatments. What made matters worse was that the gene-editing was probably done without any regulatory permission or oversight.  Besides, CRISPR technology wasn‘t 100 per cent accurate, and it is possible that some other genes could also get altered by mistake.

GYAN CIRCLE VENTURES Here Because: Union Education Minister virtually inaugurates Gyan Circle Ventures. What are Gyan Circle Ventures? They are Technology Business Incubators (TBI). Funded by the Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY). Led by the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City (Chittoor), Andhra Pradesh. Key features:  Gyan Circle Ventures would function as a Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) incubation center.  They will serve as a hub for innovation and startups by providing support, in various phases, via investments, infrastructure and mentoring.

ELECTRONIC VACCINE INTELLIGENCE NETWORK (EVIN) Here because: The eVIN network is being repurposed for the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. About eVIN: The eVIN is an innovative technological solution aimed at strengthening immunization supply chain systems across the country. This is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It aims to provide real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across all cold chain points in the country.

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Benefits of eVIN:  It has helped create a big data architecture that generates actionable analytics encouraging data-driven decision-making and consumption-based planning.  It helps in maintaining optimum stocks of vaccines leading to cost savings. Vaccine availability at all times has increased to 99% in most health centres in India.  While instances of stock-outs have reduced by 80%, the time taken to replenish stocks has also decreased by more than half, on an average.

FIRST ROOM-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTOR Here because: Scientists have reported the discovery of the first room-temperature superconductor, after more than a century of waiting. How? The superconductor was formed by squeezing carbon, hydrogen and sulfur between the tips of two diamonds and hitting the material with laser light to induce chemical reactions at a pressure about 2.6 million times that of Earth‘s atmosphere, and temperatures below about 15° C, the electrical resistance vanished.  However, the new material‘s superconducting superpowers appear only at extremely high pressures, limiting its practical usefulness. Why this discovery is significant? All superconductors previously discovered had to be cooled, many of them to very low temperatures, making them impractical for most uses. But, the recently discovered superconductor can operates at room temperature- the material is superconducting below temperatures of about 15° Celsius. What are Superconductors? Superconductors transmit electricity without resistance, allowing current to flow without any energy loss. When superconductivity was discovered in 1911, it was found only at temperatures close to absolute zero (−273.15° C). Potential applications: If a room-temperature superconductor could be used at , it could save vast amounts of energy lost to resistance in the electrical grid. And it could improve current technologies, from MRI machines to quantum computers to magnetically levitated trains. Dias envisions that humanity could become a ―superconducting society.‖

WHAT IS HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGING? Here Because: Scientists have developed a method using holographic imaging to detect both viruses and antibodies. How it is done? 1. The method uses laser beams to record holograms of their test beads. 2. The surfaces of the beads are activated with biochemical binding sites that attract either antibodies or virus particles, depending on the intended test.

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3. Binding antibodies or viruses causes the beads to grow by a few billionth parts of a metre. 4. Scientists then can detect this growth through changes in the beads‘ holograms. Benefits of this method:  The test could be done in under 30 minutes.  It is highly accurate.  It can be performed by minimally trained personnel. What is holography? It is a process that creates three-dimensional images called holograms.  This is done using laser beams, the properties of interference and diffraction, light intensity recording, and illumination of the recording. The Hungarian-British physicist Dennis Gabor was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 "for his invention and development of the holographic method". Uniqueness of holographic images: The images created so change according to the relative position of the individual viewer as if the objects displayed are actually present. Potential applications: 1. Military mapping. 2. Information storage. 3. Medical. 4. Fraud and security: Eg- small silver rectangle of a dove on your credit card. 5. Art.

WHAT IS BIOFORTIFICATION? Here Because: PM to dedicate to the Nation 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of 8 crops. Significance These varieties, along with other food ingredients, will transform the normal Indian thali into nutri-thali.  These crops will have up to 3.0-fold increase in nutritional value. Basics: What is biofortification? It is the process of increasing nutritional value of food crops by increasing the density of vitamins and minerals in a crop through either conventional plant breeding; agronomic practices or biotechnology.  Examples of these vitamins and minerals that can be increased through biofortification include provitamin A Carotenoids, zinc and iron. How are crops fortified? 1. Conventional crop breeding techniques are used to identify varieties with particularly high concentration of desired nutrients. 2. These are cross-bred with varieties with other desirable traits from the target areas (such a virus resistance, drought tolerance, high yielding, taste) to develop biofortified varieties

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that have high levels of micronutrients (for example, vitamin A, iron or zinc), in addition to other traits desired by farmers and consumers. What is Agronomic biofortification? It entails application of minerals such as zinc or iron as foliar or soil applications, drawing on plant management, soil factors, and plant characteristics to get enhanced content of key micronutrients into the edible portion of the plant. How does Biofortification differ from food fortification?  Biofortification has the increased nutritional micronutrient content embedded in the crop being grown.  Food fortification increases the nutritional value of foods by adding trace amounts of micronutrients to foods during processing.

WHAT ARE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (MABS)? Here because: Serum Institute of India (SII) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) have announced an agreement with pharmaceutical major Merck to develop SARS-CoV- 2 neutralising monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). What are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)? They are man-made proteins that act like human antibodies in the immune system. These antibodies are co-invented by IAVI and Scripps Research as ‗innovative interventions‘ to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE PLASMA THERAPY DEBATE Here because: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been considering dropping the plasma therapy from the national guidelines as it found that convalescent plasma was ineffective in arresting Covid-19.  In China and Netherlands too, the plasma therapy yielded very little or no results. What is plasma therapy? Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. Convalescent plasma, extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection, is a source of antibodies against the infection. The therapy involves using their plasma to help others recover.  For Covid-19, this has been one of the treatment options. The donor would have to be a documented case of Covid-19 and healthy for 28 days since the last symptoms. Way forward: Covid care is individualised care. Use of the right drugs in the right patient does work. Experts say use of convalescent therapy has saved some lives but concerns have been raised by the PLACID trial. Therefore, the potential harms of the non-immune components of convalescent plasma should be rigorously investigated, only donor plasma with detectable titers of neutralizing antibodies should be given to trial participants, to ensure that the potential for benefit exists for all intervention arm patients.

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INDIGEN PROGRAM Here because: Results from the extensive computation analysis of the 1029 sequenced genomes from India were published recently.  This analysis was carried out under IndiGen Program. Key findings:  The analysis led to the identification of 55,898,122 single nucleotide variants in the India genome dataset.  Comparisons with the global genome datasets revealed that 18,016,257 (32.23%) variants were unique and found only in the samples sequenced from India. This emphasizes the need for an India centric population genomic initiative. Why this genome data is significant? What can it be used for?  It helps to classify variants involved in mendelian disorders and improve precision medicine outcomes.  The resource can also enable the identification of markers for carrier screening, variations causing genetic diseases, prevention of adverse events and provide better diagnosis and optimal therapy through mining data of clinically actionable pharmacogenetic variants.  The data will allow researchers to build Indian-specific reference genome dataset and efficiently impute haplotype information. This resource can provide useful insights for clinicians and researchers in comprehending genetics not only at the population level but at the individual level. About the Genomics for Public Health in India (IndiGen) programme: CSIR initiated the Program in April 2019. It aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of thousands of individuals representing diverse ethnic groups from India.  The objective is to enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data. What is Gene Sequencing?  A genome is the DNA or sequence of genes in a cell.  Most of the DNA is in the nucleus and intricately coiled into a structure called the chromosome.  Every human cell contains a pair of chromosomes, each of which has three billion base pairs or one of four molecules that pair in precise ways  The order of base pairs and varying lengths of these sequences constitute the ―genes‖.  Sequencing a genome means deciphering the exact order of base pairs in an individual.

WHAT IS A BULK DRUG PARK, AND WHY DOES HIMACHAL PRADESH WANT ONE? Here because: Himachal Pradesh is vying for the allotment of a bulk drug park under a central government scheme. The Central Government is planning to setup three such parks across the country. What are bulk drugs or APIs? A bulk drug is also called an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

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It is the key ingredient of a drug or medicine, which lends it the desired therapeutic effect or produces the intended pharmacological activity.  Take for example- Paracetamol- It is a bulk drug, which acts against pain. It is mixed with binding agents or solvents to prepare the finished pharmaceutical product, ie a paracetamol tablet, capsule or syrup, which is consumed by the patient. How are APIs prepared? They are prepared from multiple reactions involving chemicals and solvents.  The primary chemical or the basic raw material which undergoes reactions to form an API is called the key starting material, or KSM.  Chemical compounds formed during the intermediate stages during these reactions are called drug intermediates or DIs. Why is India promoting bulk drug parks? India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world (third largest by volume). But this industry largely depends on other countries, particularly China, for importing APIs, DIs and KSMs. So, any disruptions in those countries would definitely affect the pharmaceutical industries here in India.  For instance, this year, drug manufacturers in India suffered repeated setbacks due to disruption in imports due to Covid 19.  The border conflict between India and China exacerbated the situation. So, what India is doing? Call for greater self-reliance: In June, the department of pharmaceuticals announced a scheme for the promotion of three bulk drug parks in the country.  A bulk drug park will have a designated contiguous area of land with common infrastructure facilities for the exclusive manufacture of APIs, DIs or KSMs, and also a common waste management system.  These parks are expected to bring down manufacturing costs of bulk drugs in the country and increase competitiveness in the domestic bulk drug industry. Key features of the scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug parks:  The scheme will support three selected parks in the country by providing a one-time grant- in-aid for the creation of common infrastructure facilities.  The grant-in-aid will be 70 per cent of the cost of the common facilities but in the case of Himachal Pradesh and other hill states, it will be 90 per cent.  The Centre will provide a maximum of Rs 1,000 crore per park.  A state can only propose one site, which is not less than a thousand acres in area, or not less than 700 acres in the case of hill states.

INDIA SET TO LAUNCH DEEP SEA MISSION Here because: India will soon launch an ambitious ‗Deep Ocean Mission‘.  Required approvals are being obtained for the mission. About the Mission:

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The mission proposes to explore the deep ocean similar to the space exploration started by ISRO about 35 years ago. The focus of the mission will be on deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, underwater vehicles and underwater robotics related technologies.  Two key projects planned in the ‗Deep Ocean Mission‘ report include a desalination plant powered by tidal energy and a submersible vehicle that can explore depths of at least 6,000 metres. Significance:  The mission will give a boost to efforts to explore India‘s vast Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf.  The plan will enable India to develop capabilities to exploit resources in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). Potential: India has been allotted 75,000 square kilometres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by UN International Sea Bed Authority for exploration of poly-metallic nodules.  CIOB reserves contain deposits of metals like iron, manganese, nickel and cobalt.  It is envisaged that 10% of recovery of that large reserve can meet the energy requirement of India for the next 100 years. What are PMN? Polymetallic nodules (also known as manganese nodules) are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea. Composition: Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance.

WHAT ARE DESALINATION PLANTS? Here because: Uddhav Thackeray clears Mumbai‘s first desalination plant.  The proposed plant, which will process 200 million litres of water daily (MLD), is being set up to overcome the water shortage faced by Mumbai in the months of May and June. Swiss Challenge method? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to take the ‗Swiss Challenge Method‘ for the project.  Under this, a project can be awarded to a private player on an unsolicited proposal.  The private firm which has first submitted a proposal can be approached directly for negotiations and if they do not agree, then other bidders are called. What are desalination plants? A desalination plant turns salt water into water that is fit to drink.  The most commonly used technology used for the process is reverse osmosis where an external pressure is applied to push solvents from an area of high-solute concentration to an area of low-solute concentration through a membrane.  The microscopic pores in the membranes allow water molecules through but leave salt and most other impurities behind, releasing clean water from the other side.

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 These plants are mostly set up in areas that have access to sea water. How widely is this technology used in India? This technology has been limited to affluent countries in the Middle East and has recently started making inroads in parts of the United States and Australia.  In India, Tamil Nadu has been the pioneer in using this technology, setting up two desalination plants near Chennai in 2010 and then 2013.  Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are also exploring the ideas. Challenges:  High cost of setting up and running a desalination plant.  The disposal of the byproduct — highly concentrated brine — of the desalination process.

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS OF INDIA (STPI) Here because: The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is investing up to ₹400 crore in setting up office and connectivity infrastructure across several cities, offering small technology firms a ‗plug-and-play‘ facility. About Software Technology Parks of India (STPI): It is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).  Established in 1991.  Objective of encouraging, promoting and boosting the export of software from India.  The STPI‘s Governing Council‘s Chairperson is the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology. Other key objectives:  To provide statutory and other promotional services to the exporters by implementing Software Technology Parks (STP)/ Electronics and Hardware Technology Parks (EHTP) Schemes, SEZ scheme and other such schemes which may be formulated and entrusted by the Government from time to time.  To promote micro, small and medium entrepreneurs by creating conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the field of IT/ITES.  To establish and manage infrastructure resources such as Datacom facilities, Project Management and Consultancy and IT support facilities.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MRNA VACCINES Here because: The novel m-RNA vaccine candidate of the Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals was approved for funding as early as July by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).  Being a biological product that requires genetic manipulation, it needs to be cleared by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), a DBT body, before it can approach the Drug Controller General of India for human trials.  It is now being said that this vaccine may be ready in March. First of all, how do vaccines work?

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Vaccines work by training the body to recognise and respond to the proteins produced by disease-causing organisms, such as a virus or bacteria. Traditional vaccines are made up of small or inactivated doses of the whole disease-causing organism, or the proteins that it produces, which are introduced into the body to provoke the immune system into mounting a response. What are mRNA vaccines? mRNA vaccines trick the body into producing some of the viral proteins itself.  They work by using mRNA, or messenger RNA, which is the molecule that essentially puts DNA instructions into action.  Inside a cell, mRNA is used as a template to build a protein. How it works? i. To produce an mRNA vaccine, scientists produce a synthetic version of the mRNA that a virus uses to build its infectious proteins. ii. This mRNA is delivered into the human body, whose cells read it as instructions to build that viral protein, and therefore create some of the virus‘s molecules themselves. iii. These proteins are solitary, so they do not assemble to form a virus. iv. The immune system then detects these viral proteins and starts to produce a defensive response to them. Significance of mRNA vaccines: There are two parts to our immune system: innate (the defences we‘re born with) and acquired (which we develop as we come into contact with pathogens).  Classical vaccine molecules usually only work with the acquired immune system and the innate immune system is activated by another ingredient, called an adjuvant.  Interestingly, mRNA in vaccines could also trigger the innate immune system, providing an extra layer of defence without the need to add adjuvants.

CORD BLOOD BANKING Here because: Community Cord Blood Banking, a stem cell banking initiative introduced by LifeCell in 2017, has helped save the life of a seven-year-old girl from Nashik in Maharashtra who was suffering from aplastic anaemia. What is Cord Blood? Cord blood (short for umbilical cord blood) is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta post-delivery.  It contains special cells called hematopoietic stem cells that can be used to treat some types of diseases. What is Cord blood banking? Cord blood banking is the process of collecting the cord blood and extracting and cryogenically freezing its stem cells and other cells of the immune system for potential future medical use.  Globally, cord blood banking is recommended as a source of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for haematological cancers and disorders where its use is recommended.

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 For all other conditions, the use of cord blood as a source of stem cells is not yet established. What Can It Be Used For? The umbilical cord fluid is loaded with stem cells.  They can treat cancer, blood diseases like anemia, and some immune system disorders, which disrupt your body‘s ability to defend itself.  The fluid is easy to collect and has 10 times more stem cells than those collected from bone marrow.  Stem cells from cord blood rarely carry any infectious diseases and are half as likely to be rejected as adult stem cells. Concerns associated with stem cell banking:  Over the past decade, stem cell banking has been aggressively marketed even as its use is still in experimental stages. But these companies charge enormous fees from parents to preserve cells.  The concern here is that it is merely by emotional marketing that companies convince parents to bank the cells for several years promising future therapeutic use.

QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION (QKD) Here Because: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated communication between its two labs using Quantum Key Distribution technology.  The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and The Research Centre Imarat (RCI) were the two labs that participated in this demonstration. What you need to know about this technology? Typical encryption relies on traditional mathematics and while for now it is more or less adequate and safe from hacking, the development of quantum computing threatens that.  Quantum computing refers to a new era of faster and more powerful computers, and the theory goes that they would be able to break current levels of encryption.  QKD works by using photons — the particles which transmit light — to transfer data.  QKD allows two distant users, who do not share a long secret key initially, to produce a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key.  Using the one-time pad encryption this key is proven to be secure to encrypt and decrypt a message, which can then be transmitted over a standard communication channel. Significance of this technology:  The encryption is ―unbreakable‖ and that‘s mainly because of the way data is carried via the photon. A photon cannot be perfectly copied and any attempt to measure it will disturb it. This means that a person trying to intercept the data will leave a trace.  The implications could be huge for cybersecurity, making businesses safer, but also making it more difficult for governments to hack into communication.

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NATIONAL MATHEMATICS DAY Here because: Celebrated every year on December 22.  It is observed to honor the birth anniversary of the famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan who greatly contributed towards mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Highlights of Srinivasa Ramanujan‘s life:  In 1911, Ramanujan published the first of his papers in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society.  Ramanujan traveled to England in 1914, where Hardy tutored him and collaborated with him in some research.  He worked out the Riemann series, the elliptic integrals, hypergeometric series, the functional equations of the zeta function, and his own theory of divergent series.  The number 1729 is known as the Hardy-Ramanujan number after a famous visit by Hardy to see Ramanujan at a hospital.  Hardy observed Ramanujan‘s work primarily involved fields less known even amongst other pure mathematicians.  Ramanujan‘s home state of Tamil Nadu celebrates 22 December as ‗State IT Day‘, memorialising both the man and his achievements, as a native of Tamil Nadu.  The Dev Patel-starrer ‗The Man Who Knew Infinity‘ (2015) was a biopic on the mathematician.

‗TIHAN-IIT HYDERABAD‘ Here because: Inaugurated recently.  It is India‘s first Test bed for Autonomous Navigation Systems (Terrestrial and Aerial).  Special Features of this Facility include Test Tracks, Emulation of Real-World Scenarios, State of the Art Simulation Technologies, Road Infrastructure, V2X Communication, Drone Runways and Landing Area and many more. Background: The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has sanctioned Rs. 135 crores to IIT Hyderabad under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to set up a Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation and Data Acquisition Systems (UAVs, RoVs, etc.). What are Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)? They are a new class of engineered systems that integrate computation and physical processes in a dynamic environment. CPS encompasses technology areas of Cybernetics, Mechatronics, Design and Embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) among others. About National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS):  To harness the potential of this new wave of technology and make India a leading player in CPS, the Union Cabinet approved NM-ICPS in 2018.  It had a total outlay of INR 3,660 crores for a period of five years. The mission implementation would develop and bring:

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viii. Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and associated technologies within reach in the country, ix. adoption of CPS technologies to address India specific National / Regional issues, x. produce Next Generation skilled manpower in CPS, xi. catalyze Translational Research, xii. accelerate entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem development in CPS, xiii. give impetus to advanced research in CPS, Technology development and higher education in Science, Technology and Engineering disciplines, and xiv. place India at par with other advanced countries and derive several direct and indirect benefits. Implementation:  The Mission aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs (TIH), six numbers of Application Innovation Hubs (AIH) and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP).  These Hubs & TTRPs will connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic, R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.

LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING SURVEY (LIDAR) TECHNIQUE Here because: National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited will be adopting Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technique using Laser enabled equipment mounted on a Helicopter for conducting ground survey for the preparation of Detailed Project Report for the proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR corridor. Background:  The proposed Delhi-Varanasi HSR alignment covers mixed terrains including densely populated urban and rural areas, Highways, Roads, Ghats, Rivers, Green fields etc, which makes this activity more challenging.  National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has been entrusted with the work for preparing Detailed Project Report for the Delhi-Varanasi HSR Corridor by the Ministry of Railways.  The tentative length of the corridor is about 800 km, the alignment and stations will be decided in consultation with the government. What is LiDAR?  It is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.  These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. How it works?  LiDAR follows a simple principle — throw laser light at an object on the earth surface and calculate the time it takes to return to the LiDAR source. Given the speed at which the light travels (approximately 186,000 miles per second), the process of measuring the exact distance through LiDAR appears to be incredibly fast.

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 A lidar instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver.  Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring lidar data over broad areas.

WHAT IS A BITCOIN? An electronic cash system, which would ―allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution‖. How does a Bitcoin work? A person, or a group of people, who went by the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto are said to have conceptualised an accounting system in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. 1. Bitcoin from a user‘s perspective is ―nothing more than a mobile app or computer program that provides a personal Bitcoin wallet and allows a user to send and receive Bitcoins with them‖. 2. Bitcoins are generally identified with a Bitcoin address, which comprises 26-35 alphanumeric characters starting with either ―1‖ or ―3‖. 3. This address, which remains anonymous, represents the destination of a Bitcoin, or a fraction. How are transactions maintained? Nakamoto mooted an idea for a publicly available, open ledger that would contain all the transactions ever made, albeit in an anonymous and an encrypted form. This ledger is called blockchain.  considering the public and open nature of the ledger, proponents of this currency system believe it could help weed out corruption and inefficiencies in the system. What has led to the rise in Bitcoin prices? The prices have been driven by various factors, including increased acceptance during the pandemic. 1. Globally, large players like payments firm PayPal, and Indian lenders like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Yes Bank, have given legitimacy to cryptocurrency through some of their decisions. 2. In India, accounts of several exchanges were frozen by financial institutions back in 2018 following a fiat from the Reserve Bank of India that barred banks from using their systems for cryptocurrency-related transactions. However, the Supreme Court ruled against this order in March this year. 3. The biggest factor (in the recent rise of Bitcoin prices) has been the fact that some pension funds and insurance funds took permission to park a small part of their portfolio in Bitcoins. How is it being regulated worldwide? While many regulators around the world have been warning against trading in Bitcoin, some have backed it. In 2017, Japan accepted Bitcoin as legal currency and even officially recognised exchanges dealing in the cryptocurrency.

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INTENTIONAL GENOMIC ALTERATION (IGA) AND GALSAFE PIGS Here Because: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first-of-its-kind intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in a line of domestic pigs referred to as GalSafe pigs.  These pigs may be used for food and human therapeutics.  This will be the first time that the regulator has approved an animal biotechnology product for both food and biomedical purposes. What is intentional genomic alteration? Intentional genomic alteration in animal‘s means making specific changes to the genome of the organism using modern molecular technologies that are popularly referred to as ―genome editing‖ or ―genetic engineering‖. Such changes in the DNA sequence of an animal may be carried out for research purposes, to produce healthier meat for human consumption and to study disease resistance in animals among other reasons.

FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY Here Because: While the facial recognition tracking (FRT) system has seen rapid deployment by multiple government departments in recent times, there are no specific laws or guidelines to regulate the use of this potentially invasive technology. Background:  There are currently 16 different FRT systems in active utilisation by various Central and State governments across India for surveillance, security or authentication of identity.  Another 17 are in the process of being installed by different government departments. What are the Concerns? 1. Absence of specific laws or guidelines poses a huge threat to the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of speech and expression because it does not satisfy the threshold the Supreme Court had set in its landmark privacy judgment in the ‗Justice K.S. Puttaswamy Vs Union of India‘ case. 2. Many institutions have not conducted ―privacy impact assessment‖ prior to deployment of the facial recognition system (FRS). 3. Function creep: A function creep happens when someone uses information for a purpose that is not the original specified purpose (Police got permission to use the FRS by an order of the Delhi High Court for tracking missing children. Now they are using it for wider security and surveillance and investigation purpose, which is a function creep). 4. This might lead to an over-policing problem or problems where certain minorities are targeted without any legal backing or any oversight as to what is happening. Another problem that may arise is of mass surveillance, wherein the police are using the FRT system during protest. 5. Mass surveillance: If someone goes to a protest against the government, and the police are able to identify the person, then there might be repercussions. 6. The basis of the Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) is a Cabinet note of 2009. But the Cabinet note is not a legal substance, it‘s a procedural note at best. So it does not form a valid legal system based on which the AFRS can be built.

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What is facial recognition? Facial recognition is a biometric technology that uses distinctive features on the face to identify and distinguish an individual.  AFRS works by maintaining a large database with photos and videos of peoples‘ faces. Then, a new image of an unidentified person — often taken from CCTV footage — is compared to the existing database to find a match and identify the person.  The artificial intelligence technology used for pattern-finding and matching is called ―neural networks‖. Benefits of facial recognition: 1. Improves outcomes in the area of Criminal identification and verification. 2. Easy identification amongst crowds. 3. Boosts the police department‘s crime investigation capabilities. 4. Helps civilian verification when needed. No one will be able to get away with a fake ID. Need of the hour: The Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy judgment ruled that privacy is a fundamental right even in public spaces. And if these rights needs to be infringed, then the government has to show that such action is sanctioned by law, proportionate to the need for such interference, necessary and in pursuit of a legitimate aim.

ETHANOL PRODUCTION: Here Because: The Union Cabinet has approved a modified scheme for interest subvention for ethanol production, expanding the scheme to include grain-based distilleries and not just molasses-based ones. Implications:  The decision would encourage ethanol production from grains like barley, maize, corn and rice.  The scheme would boost production and distillation capacity to 1,000 crore litres and help in meeting the goal of 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2030.  About Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:  Launched in 2003 on pilot basis.  The aim is to promote the use of alternative and environmental friendly fuels. Ethanol:  Ethanol can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.  In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process.  Ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends.  As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution.  Since ethanol is produced from plants that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as renewable fuel.

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WHAT IS EINSTEINIUM? Here Because: With a new study published in the journal Nature last week, for the first time, researchers have been able to characterise some of the properties of Einsteinium. What is Einsteinium? Named after Einstein, it was discovered in 1952 in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb (the detonation of a thermonuclear device called ―Ivy Mike‖ in the Pacific Ocean).  Ivy Mike was detonated on November 1, 1952 as part of a test at a remote island location called Elugelab on the Eniwetok Atoll in the South Pacific. Properties:  It is difficult to create and is highly radioactive.  The most common isotope of the element, einsteinium 253 has a half-life of 20 days.  Einsteinium-254 is one of the more stable isotopes of the element that has a half-life of 276 days.  The element is also not visible to the naked eye and after it was discovered, it took over nine years to manufacture enough of it so that it could be seen with the naked eye.  Because of its high radioactivity and short half-life of all einsteinium isotopes, even if the element was present on Earth during its formation, it has most certainly decayed.

RT-PCR TESTS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS DONE? Here Because: Centre asks states to scale up RT-PCR tests, boost checks. How RT-PCR is used for detecting Covid-19? The causative agent for Covid19 is the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is an RNA virus, that means it infiltrates a healthy cell to multiply and survive.  Thus, the RT-PCR test is for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In this, the RNA is converted to DNA through a process called ‗reverse transcription‘ for detecting viruses. How it is carried out? (Note: Read it just for the sake of understanding). 1. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA is generally detectable in respiratory specimens during the acute phase of infection. 2. For that upper and lower respiratory specimens (such as nasal, nasopharyngeal) are collected. 3. This sample is treated with several chemical solutions that remove substances, such as proteins and fats, and extracts only the RNA present in the sample. 4. Real-time RT-PCR setup usually goes through 35 cycles, which means that by the end of the process, around 35 billion new copies of the sections of viral DNA are created from each strand of the virus present in the sample. 5. As new copies of the viral DNA sections are built, the marker labels attach to the DNA strands and then release a fluorescent dye, which is measured by the machine‘s computer and presented in real-time on the screen. The computer tracks the amount of fluorescence in the sample after each cycle. When the amount goes over a certain level of fluorescence, this confirms that the virus is present.

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17 MAJOR OTT PLAYERS ADOPT SELF-REGULATORY TOOLKIT Here Because: Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has announced the adoption of a comprehensive implementation toolkit, which is in line with ‗Universal Self-Regulation Code‘ for online curate content providers (OCCP) that was put in motion on September 4, 2020.  The toolkit not only aims to set out guiding principles and code of ethics, it also addresses the feedback received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the issues of conflict of interest and prohibited content. Self-regulatory code:  Last year, as many as 15 major OTT platforms in India signed a self-regulation code.  The code prohibited five types of content, including content which deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or flag and any visuals or story lines that promotes child pornography.  The objective is to govern their curated streaming content. They aim to do this by adhering to disclosures such as, specifying maturity ratings and content descriptors. What is OTT?  An ―over-the-top‖ media service is any online content provider that offers streaming media as a standalone product.  The term is commonly applied to video-on-demand platforms, but also refers to audio streaming, messaging services, or internet-based voice calling solutions.  OTT services circumvent traditional media distribution channels such as telecommunications networks or cable television providers.  As long as you have access to an internet connection — either locally or through a mobile network — you can access the complete service at your leisure. Why they are gaining popularity? xv. High-value content at low cost. xvi. Original content like Netflix and Amazon prime. xvii. Compatibility with multiple devices.

WHAT IS NET NEUTRALITY? Here Because: Industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the government to bring over-the-top (OTT) service providers like WhatsApp, Google Duo etc under licensing regime and defer net neutrality rules on telecom operators till the time 'same service same rules' are applied on the apps. What's the issue? Telecom operators have been demanding that the government should impose 'same service, same rules' to provide a level playing field in the sector.  But, recently Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had recommended that no regulations should be imposed on the calling and messaging apps till the time clarity emerges in the international jurisdictions.

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What has the COAI said? Till the time any decision is taken regarding licensing of OTT communication providers, the un-equitability between TSPs (telecom service providers) and OTTs should not be increased further in any manner.  Therefore, till such time, no new licensing conditions, including that of traffic management practices for net neutrality etc., should be imposed on TSPs. What is Net Neutrality? It means that governments and internet service providers treat all data on the internet equally and does not differentially charge consumers for higher-quality delivery or giving preferential treatment to certain websites.  Network neutrality requires all Internet service providers (ISPs) to provide the same level of data access and speed to all traffic, and that traffic to one service or website cannot be blocked or degraded. How net neutrality is treated/regulated in India? The net neutrality principles, approved by the telecom department in 2018, prohibit service providers from discriminating against internet content and services by blocking, throttling or according preferential higher speeds.

SERUM INSTITUTE`S COVISHIELD VS BHARAT BIOTECH`S COVAXIN Here Because: In a significant development, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has formally approved Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech vaccines for restricted emergency use against COVID-19 in India. Background: Neither Covishield nor Covaxin has completed the crucial Phase-3 trial, under which a vaccine candidate is administered to volunteers at multiple locations across the country.  The approval was based on a recommendation by a Subject Expert Committee which deliberated for two days on granting approvals to the vaccines. About Covishield:  Covishield has been developed by Oxford University in collaboration with Astrazeneca.  Pune-based Serum Institute of India is their manufacturing and trial partner.  It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus.  This virus causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. About Covaxin:  Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech and it is India‘s first indigenous vaccine against Covid-19.  Bharat Biotech has developed this vaccine in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology.  It is an which is developed by inactivating (killing) the live microorganisims that cause the disease.

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 This destroys the ability of the pathogen to replicate, but keeps it intact so that the immune system can still recognise it and produce an immune response. Is it safe? WHO has welcomed the authorisation but there are many who fear the vaccine and the safety of it all. Surveys have found that many Indians are in no rush to get vaccinated. Experts also believe that more information about the vaccine trials should be published. What is the process of getting an emergency use authorisation in India? Experts and activists say India‘s drug regulations do not have provisions for a EUA, and the process for receiving one is not clearly defined or consistent.  Despite this, CDSCO has been granting emergency or restricted emergency approvals to Covid-19 drugs during this pandemic for remdesivir and favipiravir. Is there a risk in using a product that has only been granted an emergency use authorisation? According to the US FDA, the public has to be informed that a product has only been granted an EUA and not full approval.  In the case of a Covid-19 vaccine, for example, people have to be informed about the known and potential benefits and risks, and the ―extent to which such benefits or risks are unknown‖, and that they have a right to refuse the vaccine.

NATIONAL INNOVATION FOUNDATION (NIF) – INDIA Here Because: Science & Technology minister dedicates an Innovation Portal developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India to the nation. Highlights: Innovation Portal is developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)  The National Innovation Portal (NIP) is currently home to about 1.15 lakh innovations scouted from common people of the country, covering Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Health.  In terms of domain areas, presently the innovations cover Energy, mechanical, automobile, electrical, electronics, household, nutraceuticals etc. About National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India: It is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.  Set up in February 2000 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat to provide institutional support for scouting, spawning, sustaining and scaling up the grassroots innovations across the country.  It is India‘s national initiative to strengthen the grassroots technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge.  Its mission is to help India become a creative and knowledge-based society by expanding policy and institutional space for grassroots technological innovators.

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INDIA PROPOSES TO EXPAND RESEARCH, TOURISM IN THE ARCTIC: Here Because: India has unveiled a new draft ‗Arctic‘ policy. India‘s Arctic Policy Roadmap for Sustainable Engagement draft rides on five pillars: 1. Science and research activities. 2. Economic and human development cooperation. 3. Transportation and connectivity. 4. Governance and international cooperation. 5. National capacity building. Highlights of the Policy: 1. The policy commits to expanding scientific research, ―sustainable tourism‖ and mineral oil and gas exploration in the Arctic region. 2. The draft spells out goals in India‘s Arctic Mission such as to better understand the scientific and climate-related linkages between the Arctic and the Indian monsoons. 3. It also seeks to harmonise polar research with the third pole (the Himalayas) and to advance the study and understanding of the Arctic within India. 4. The policy calls for exploration opportunities for responsible exploration of natural resources and minerals from the Arctic and identifying opportunities for investment in Arctic infrastructure in areas such as ―offshore exploration/mining, ports, railways and airports. Arctic region:  The Arctic region comprises the Arctic Ocean and parts of countries such as Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, USA (Alaska), Finland, Sweden and Iceland.  These countries together form the core of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum. The region is home to almost four million inhabitants, of which, about one-tenth are indigenous people. India's engagement in the Arctic:  India already has a research station in the Arctic, Himadri, for the research work.  India received the ‗Observer‘ country status in the Arctic Council in 2013 and is one among the 13 countries across the world, including China, to have that position. The status was renewed in 2018.  Significance of arctic study for India:  Though none of India‘s territory directly falls in the Arctic region, it is a crucial area as the Arctic influences atmospheric, oceanographic and biogeochemical cycles of the earth‘s ecosystem.  Due to climate change, the region faces the loss of sea ice, ice caps, and warming of the ocean which in turn impacts the global climate.  The frigid Arctic, which keeps losing ice due to global warming, is one of the batteries feeding the variations in Indian monsoons

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MANUFACTURED SAND Here Because: The Rajasthan government has brought a policy on manufactured sand (M- sand), giving industry status to the units producing it for construction work and reducing the dependence on bajri (riverbed sand). Highlights of the new Policy:  The policy will enable the investors to set up M-sand units by utilising the incentives offered by the State government.  It will also help in environmental protection and generate faith among the public in the efficacy of Msand for construction works.  The policy would help create employment opportunities through new units and resolve the issue of huge quantities of waste generated in the mining areas. Background: The Supreme Court had banned illegal mining on riverbeds in 2017. What is M-Sand?  M-sand is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.  Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.  The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a construction material.  The size of manufactured sand (M-Sand) is less than 4.75mm. Its significance:  It can be dust free, the sizes of m-sand can be controlled easily so that it meets the required grading for the given construction.  It is well graded in the required proportion.  It does not contain organic and soluble compounds that affect the setting time and properties of cement, thus the required strength of concrete can be maintained.  It does not have the presence of impurities such as clay, dust and silt coatings.

WHAT IS 5G AND HOW PREPARED IS INDIA TO ADAPT TO THIS TECH? Here Because: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought inputs from Telcos and other industry experts on the sale and use of radio frequency spectrum over the next 10 years, including the 5G bands. What is 5G?  5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace, or at least augment 4G LTE connection.  5G offers exponentially faster download and upload speeds.  5G will deliver multi-Gbps peak rates, ultra-low latency, massive capacity, and a more uniform user experience. Where does India stand in the 5G technology race? All the three private telecom players, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vi have been urging the DoT to lay out a clear road map of spectrum allocation and 5G frequency bands, so that they would be able to plan the roll out of their services accordingly.

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 One big hurdle, however, is the lack of flow of cash and adequate capital with at least two of the three players, namely Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.  On the other hand, Reliance Jio plans to launch an indigenously built 5G network for the country as early as the second half of this year. What is the global progress on 5G? More than governments, global telecom companies have started building 5G networks and rolling it out to their customers on a trial basis. In countries like the US, companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have taken the lead when it comes to rolling out commercial 5G for their users. Conclusion: India‘s National Digital Communications Policy 2018 highlights the importance of 5G when it states that the convergence of a cluster of revolutionary technologies including 5G, the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics, along with a growing start-up community, promise to accelerate and deepen its digital engagement, opening up a new horizon of opportunities.

LIDAR- LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING Here because: Archaeologists are using LiDAR data to continue their researches amid global pandemic. In this method, they make high-resolution maps using laser light. What is LiDAR? It is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. How it works? A lidar instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring lidar data over broad areas. LiDAR follows a simple principle — throw laser light at an object on the earth surface and calculate the time it takes to return to the LiDAR source. Given the speed at which the light travels (approximately 186,000 miles per second), the process of measuring the exact distance through LiDAR appears to be incredibly fast. Challenges with LiDAR:  Can‘t perform well in fog, rain, snow and dusty weather.  Struggles to detect a glass wall or door, which is why smartphone manufacturers and self- driving cars makers use LiDAR along with secondary cameras and sensors.

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FIFTH STATE OF MATTER Here because: NASA scientists on Earth have collaborated with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to corral the first ever Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)- the fifth state of matter- outside of Earth‘s gravity. The matter has been created in one of the coldest places in the universe- the Cold Atom Laboratory– a device on board the International Space Station (ISS). Basics- What is a matter, an atom and molecule? Matter is the "stuff" that makes up the universe — everything that takes up space and has mass is matter. All matter is made up of atoms, which are in turn made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms come together to form molecules, which are the building blocks for all types of matter. Both atoms and molecules are held together by a form of potential energy called chemical energy. Five states of matter: There are four natural states of matter: Solids, liquids, gases and plasma. The fifth state is the man-made Bose-Einstein condensates. About Bose-Einstein condensate: A Bose-Einstein condensate is so named because its existence was posited almost a century ago by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose. This exotic material only exists when atoms of certain elements are cooled to temperatures near absolute zero. At that point, clusters of atoms begin functioning as a single quantum object with both wave and particle properties. When it was first created? BEC was created by scientists in 1995. Using a combination of lasers and magnets, scientists cooled a sample of rubidium to within a few degrees of absolute zero. At this extremely low temperature, molecular motion comes very close to stopping. Since there is almost no kinetic energy being transferred from one atom to another, the atoms begin to clump together. There are no longer thousands of separate atoms, just one "super atom." Why study BEC? A BEC is used to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic level. Light appears to slow down as it passes through a BEC, allowing scientists to study the particle/wave paradox. A BEC also has many of the properties of a superfluid, or a fluid that flows without friction. BECs are also used to simulate conditions that might exist in black holes. Why is it easy to create BEC in space? BECs have been produced in a variety of experiments on Earth since 1995, but these are hindered by gravity, which collapses the clouds in a split second. To make a BEC, scientists must first corral and then supercool atoms.

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 In the near-zero gravity in space, they can mix the ingredients in a much smaller catchment ―trap.‖ On Earth‘s surface, the atoms begin to repel each other and fly apart almost instantaneously.  On Earth, laboratories can only maintain Bose-Einstein condensates for a matter of milliseconds. However, research aboard the ISS has created a Bose-Einstein condensate that persisted for more than a second.

INDIAN NATIONAL SPACE PROMOTION AND AUTHORIZATION CENTRE Here because:  Created to provide private players to use Indian space infrastructure.  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will remain the basic body that decides what missions are to be undertaken but this new body will help fill the gaps.  With this, Private companies will be provided level playing field in satellites, launches and space-based services.  Future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel will be open for the private sector. Significance and expected outcomes: India is among a handful of countries with advanced capabilities in the space sector.  With these reforms, the sector will receive new energy and dynamism, to help the country leapfrog to the next stages of space activities.  This will not only result in an accelerated growth of this sector but will enable Indian Industry to be an important player in global space economy.  With this, there is an opportunity for large-scale employment in the technology sector and India becoming a Global technology powerhouse.  Allow ISRO to focus more on research and development activities, new technologies, exploration missions and human spaceflight programme.

STATISTICS DAY Here because: Celebrated on 29th June every year.Observed in recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics, statistical system and economic planning. Theme: This year‘s Theme is "SDG- 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) & SDG- 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls)". Contribution of PC Mahalanonobis to Statistics (1893 –1972): 1. He is referred to as the chief architect of Indian statistical system as well as father of statistical science in India. 2. He established the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931 in Kolkata. 3. The institute founded the journal Sankhya, along the lines of Karl Pearson‘s Biometrika.

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4. In 1959 it was made an autonomous body of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. 5. He also helped in the establishment of Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), the National Sample Survey (NSS) and the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI). He introduced three key concepts to the theory and practice of sample surveys which are: Pilot surveys, Optimum survey design and Inter Penetrating Network of sub-samples technique (IPNS). He also served as the Chairman of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Statistical Sampling. 6. In 1936 he introduced a statistical measure named the Mahalanobis distance. It is widely used in cluster analysis and classification techniques. The Mahalanobis model, was employed in the Second Five Year Plan, which worked towards the rapid industrialisation of India.

WHAT IS THE ELISA-BASED ANTIBODY TEST? Here because: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has advised the States to conduct sero-surveys to measure the coronavirus exposure in the population using IgG ELISA Test. Significance: As per the direction of the council, the coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure in the general population as well as in high-risk populations would be measured and the outcome will help ―decide the future course of action against the pandemic‖. What is an ELISA-based test? The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) based test is used for the detection of antibodies that are produced by the body to fight against antigens or foreign substances. How is it carried out? ELISA-based tests are blood-based tests, which have high sensitivity and specificity. 1. The test involves drawing the blood of the person. 2. The sample is then placed inside the small wells of an ELISA plate. 3. These plates are coated with the antigen or the inactivated form of the virus. 4. If the blood contains antibodies, it binds to the antigen and a substrate solution is added to the well. 5. The reaction usually produces a colour change, thus detecting antibodies. What is IgG? Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an antibody. The body produces Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies to fight against a pathogen. 1. The IgM antibodies are produced in four-seven days after pathogens enter the body. 2. The IgG antibodies are produced between 10-14 days of the pathogen's appearance. If the IgG antibody is detected, it can be concluded that the person was exposed to SARS-CoV-2. How is it different from rapid antibody kits and RT-PCR tests?

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ELISA is also a form of a rapid test. However, other rapid antibody test kits are point-of-care and use a fingerprick method to draw blood. They take much lesser time and do not need a laboratory process to detect antibodies. Both, ELISA-based tests and point-of-care tests are not used for confirming Covid-19 infection and are only used for surveillance purpose. Those who test positive using these tests are usually tested with RT-PCR tests.  RT-PCR tests are considered as the gold standard for confirming the presence of SARS- CoV-2.  RT-PCR is a time consuming, lab-based test and involves the collection of throat and nasal swabs and is not a blood-based test

SATAT INITIATIVE Here because: Indian Oil, NTPC and SDMC have signed an MoU to develop a waste-to-energy facility at Delhi's Okhla landfill site using gasification technology.  This plant will process 17,500 tons per annum of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) produced from combustible components of municipal waste to generate syngas which shall in turn be used to generate electricity. The venture would succeed as there is an existing model of providing offtake guarantee, under the SATAT scheme for compressed biogas production plants. About SATAT initiative: The initiative is aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs. Compressed Bio-Gas plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs. How it works? xviii. CBG produced at these plants will be transported through cascades of cylinders to the fuel station networks of OMCs for marketing as a green transport fuel alternative. xix. The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc., to enhance returns on investment. xx. This initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops. There are multiple benefits from converting municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale: 1. Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution. 2. Additional revenue source for farmers. 3. Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment. 4. Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals. 5. Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil. 6. Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations. What is Bio- Gas?

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Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio- mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%. What is CBG? Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as a alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Way ahead: The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is estimated at about 62 million tonnes per annum. Going forward, Compressed Bio-Gas networks can be integrated with city gas distribution (CGD) networks to boost supplies to domestic and retail users in existing and upcoming markets. Besides retailing from OMC fuel stations, Compressed Bio-Gas can at a later date be injected into CGD pipelines too for efficient distribution and optimised access of a cleaner and more affordable fuel.

INDIA‘S FIRST PLASMA BANK Here because: Established at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi. Aim: To ease access to plasma that is being used as a trial to treat Covid-19 patients. How it functions? The plasma bank functions like a blood bank, and has been created specifically for those who are suffering from Covid-19, and have been advised the therapy by doctors.  The bank will coordinate with patients who have recovered from Covid-19, and are eligible to donate plasma. Who can donate plasma? Those who had the disease, but have recovered at least 14 days before the donation can be considered.  People between the ages of 18 and 60, and weighing not less than 50 kg are eligible.  Women who have given birth are not eligible, as the antibodies they produce during pregnancy (after being exposed to the blood of the foetus) can interfere with lung function. How is plasma donation different from blood donation?  In plasma donation, as opposed to blood donation, only plasma is extracted and the other components of blood are returned to the body.  Blood contains several components, including red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and plasma.  500 ml of plasma can be donated every two weeks, while blood can be donated once in three months. How plasma therapy works? 1. Blood is drawn from a person who has recovered from COVID-19 sickness.

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2. The serum is separated and screened for virus-neutralizing antibodies. 3. Convalescent serum, that is the blood serum obtained from one who has recovered from an infectious disease and especially rich in antibodies for that pathogen, is then administered to a COVID-19 patient. 4. The sick acquires passive immunisation. How long the antibodies will remain in the recipient? After the antibody serum is given, it will stay on the recipient for at least three to four days. During this period, the sick person will recover. Various studies have confirmed this.

WHAT IS RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY? Here because: Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase and polymorphy, crystallinity and molecular interactions. It is based upon the interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material. Raman Scatter: It is a light scattering technique, whereby a molecule scatters incident light from a high intensity laser light source.  Most of the scattered light is at the same wavelength (or color) as the laser source and does not provide useful information – this is called Rayleigh Scatter.  However a small amount of light (typically 0.0000001%) is scattered at different wavelengths (or colors), which depend on the chemical structure of the analyte – this is called Raman Scatter. Why in News? Researchers have turned to Raman Spectroscopy to detect RNA viruses present in saliva samples.  It has been reported that novel coronavirus is found in sufficient numbers in human saliva. How was it carried out? For the study, the researchers spiked saliva samples with non-infectious RNA viruses and analysed it with Raman Spectroscopy. They analysed the raw Raman Spectroscopy data and compared the signals with both viral positive and negative samples.  Statistical analysis of all the 1,400 spectra obtained for each sample, showed a set of 65 Raman spectral features was adequate to identify the viral positive signal. Significance: This conceptual framework to detect RNA viruses in saliva could form the basis for field application of Raman Spectroscopy in managing viral outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic.  However, in case of COVID 19 pandemic, it can be used only for screening. Because, the RNA virus detected could be a common cold virus as well or any other RNA virus such as HIV. It doesn't look for COVID19 viral-specific signature. But, the main benefit here is that this whole process of data acquisition and analysis can be performed within a minute.

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Since no additional reagent is needed there is no recurring cost.  A portable (benchtop or handheld) Raman spectrophotometer installed at the port of entry such as airports or any point of care (in the field) can quickly screen passengers within minutes.

NATIONAL BIOPHARMA MISSION (NBM) Here because: BIRAC has announced that ZyCoV-D, the plasmid DNA vaccine designed and developed by Zydus and partially funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has initiated Phase I/Phase II clinical trials in healthy subjects, making it the first indigenously developed vaccine for COVID-19 to be administered in humans in India.  DBT has partnered with Zydus to address rapid development of an indigenous vaccine for COVID-19 under the National Biopharma Mission. About National Biopharma Mission (NBM): It is an industry-academia collaborative mission for accelerating biopharmaceutical development in the country. It was launched in 2017 at a total cost of Rs 1500 crore and is 50% co-funded by World Bank loan. It is being implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).  Under this Mission, the Government has launched Innovate in India (i3) programme to create an enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the biopharma sector. It has a focus on following four verticals: 1. Development of product leads for Vaccines , Biosimilars and Medical Devices that are relevant to the public health need by focussing on managed partnerships. 2. Upgradation of shared infrastructure facilities and establishing them as centres of product discovery/discovery validations and manufacturing. 3. Developing human capital by providing specific training. 4. Developing technology transfer offices to help enhance industry academia inter-linkages

KAKRAPAR ATOMIC PLANT ACHIEVES CRITICALITY Here because: Third unit at Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant in Gujarat achieves criticality.  The first Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) of 220 MWe was commissioned on May 6, 1993, while the second unit of similar capacity was commissioned on September 1, 1995. These two units were based on Canadian technology.  The third reactor at Kakrapar is the front runner in a series of 16 indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs which are under various stages of development.  Four units of the 700MWe reactor are currently being built at Kakrapar (KAPP-3 and 4) and Rawatbhata (RAPS-7 and 8).  Currently, nuclear power capacity constitutes less than 2% of the total installed capacity of 3,68,690 MW (end-January 2020).

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What is criticality or when a rector is said to be critical? A reactor is said to be critical when the nuclear fuel inside a reactor sustains a fission chain reaction, where each fission event releases a sufficient number of neutrons to sustain a series of reactions. Criticality is first step towards power production.  In simple terms, the power plant reached the normal operating condition of a reactor. It indicates that the plant is now set to generate power. Why is this achievement significant? This is a landmark event in India‘s domestic civilian nuclear programme given that KAPP-3 is the country‘s first 700 MWe (megawatt electric) unit, and the biggest indigenously developed variant of the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor: A PHWR is a nuclear power reactor, commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel, that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and moderator.  The heavy water coolant is kept under pressure, allowing it to be heated to higher temperatures without boiling, much as in a typical pressurized water reactor.  While heavy water is significantly more expensive than ordinary light water, it yields greatly enhanced neutron economy, allowing the reactor to operate without fuel enrichment facilities (mitigating the additional capital cost of the heavy water) and generally enhancing the ability of the reactor to efficiently make use of alternate fuel cycles.

WHAT IS COMPULSORY LICENSING? Here because: A compulsory licence is a licence or authorisation issued by the government to an applicant for making, using and selling a patented product or employing a patented process without the consent of the patentee. Chapter XVI of the Indian Patents Act 1970 and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights discuss compulsory licensing.  The application for compulsory license can be made any time after 3 years from date of sealing of a patent. The following conditions should be fulfilled by the applicant: 1. Reasonable requirements of the public with respect to the patented invention have not been satisfied; 2. Patented invention is not available to the public at a reasonably affordable price. 3. Patented invention is not used in India. Additionally, according to Section 92 of the Act, compulsory licenses can also be issued suo motu by the Controller of Patents pursuant to a notification issued by the Central Government if there is either a ―national emergency‖ or ―extreme urgency‖ or in cases of ―public non-commercial use‖. When was the first license issued? India‘s first ever compulsory license was granted by the Patent Office on March 9, 2012, to Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma for the production of generic version of Bayer‘s Nexavar, an anti-cancer agent used in the treatment of liver and kidney cancer.

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Global Perspective on Compulsory Licensing: This phenomenon of compulsory licensing is a hugely debated issue. Many developing countries are giving importance to the compulsory licensing because of the unavailability and unaffordability of the medicines, and they are continuously granting more and more compulsory licenses. The developed countries of Europe, USA are opposing this view as it would make innovation difficult for the pharmaceutical companies. Why compulsory licensing is in News? Issue compulsory licences for manufacture of an affordable generic version of Remdesivir, CPI(M) tells govt.  It said the government should invoke Clause 92 of the Patent Act that allows it to issue compulsory licences so that Indian manufacturers can produce a more affordable generic version. Need for: Gilead Sciences‘ anti-viral drug Remdesivir has shown efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients.  Media reports indicate that the U.S., which is hoarding all drugs found to be useful in combating the pandemic, has bought the entire stock of Remdesivir from Gilead for the next three months.  It will therefore not be available for the rest of the world. Besides, while the cost of manufacturing Remdesivir for a full course — as worked out by experts — is less than $10 or ₹750 in the U.S. And about ₹100 in India. Gilead, by virtue of its patent monopoly, is holding the world to ransom by asking a price that is hundreds of times its cost. Present scenario: Given the uncertainty over access to treatments for COVID-19, several countries have been laying the legislative groundwork to issue compulsory licenses for products that patent holders refuse to make accessible.

INTERNATIONAL THERMONUCLEAR EXPERIMENTAL REACTOR (ITER) Here because: The truly massive International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has entered its years-long assembly phase.  After 35 years of brainstorming, planning, and preproduction, ITER says assembly will take five years, starting now. What is ITER? It is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, which will be the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment. It is an experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor that is being built in southern France.  The goal of ITER is to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful use. Significance of ITER: i. ITER will be the first fusion device to produce net energy. ii. ITER will be the first fusion device to maintain fusion for long periods of time.

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iii. ITER will be the first fusion device to test the integrated technologies, materials, and physics regimes necessary for the commercial production of fusion-based electricity. The project is funded and run by seven member entities: The European Union, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States. What will ITER do? 1. Produce 500 MW of fusion power 2. Demonstrate the integrated operation of technologies for a fusion power plant 3. Achieve a deuterium-tritium plasma in which the reaction is sustained through internal heating 4. Test tritium breeding 5. Demonstrate the safety characteristics of a fusion device. What is Fusion? Fusion is the energy source of the Sun and stars. In the tremendous heat and gravity at the core of these stellar bodies, hydrogen nuclei collide, fuse into heavier helium atoms and release tremendous amounts of energy in the process. How is it achieved in the laboratory? Most efficient fusion reaction in the laboratory setting is the reaction between two hydrogen isotopes, deuterium (D) and tritium (T). The DT fusion reaction produces the highest energy gain at the "lowest" temperatures. Three conditions must be fulfilled to achieve fusion in a laboratory: 1. Very high temperature (on the order of 150,000,000° Celsius). 2. Sufficient plasma particle density (to increase the likelihood that collisions do occur). 3. Sufficient confinement time (to hold the plasma, which has a propensity to expand, within a defined volume). What is a Tokamak? The tokamak is an experimental machine designed to harness the energy of fusion.  Inside a tokamak, the energy produced through the fusion of atoms is of the vessel.  Just like a conventional power plant, a fusion power plant will use this heat to produce steam and then electricity by way of turbines and generators. First developed by Soviet research in the late 1960s, the tokamak has been adopted around the world as the most promising configuration of magnetic fusion device. ITER will be the world's largest tokamak—twice the size of the largest machine currently in operation, with ten times the plasma chamber volume.

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