Current Affairs Environment

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Current Affairs

Environment 2013


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Current Affairs Environment

Current Affairs Environment Page 1

NGT bans digging of earth across the countryOctober 2nd, 2013

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned digging of earth acrossIndiafor making bricks and roads

without priorenvironmentclearance. It directed the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories

to ensure that its interim order is implemented. The tribunal issued notice toUttar Pradeshseeking its

response on a plea to direct the state government to stop extraction of earth for making bricks and

roads, allegedly going on in violation of aSupreme Courtdecision and directions of the EnvironmentMinistry to all states. Around a month back, the National Green Tribunal banned sand mining from river

beds, without environment clearance, across the country.

About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Established: October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.

Aim: Effective and speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of

forests and other natural resources including enforcement of anylegalright relating to environment and

giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected

therewith or incidental thereto.

The NGT is:

Specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involvingmulti-disciplinary issues.

Not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guidedby principles of natural justice.

Mandated to make and endeavor for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months offiling of the same.

Rock Wrens a species makes comeback from extinction through Conservation ProjectSeptember 29th, 2013

New Zealands Department of Conservation (DOC) project yielded positive result as Rock Wrens, one

of the oldest as well as the most distinctsongbird species retuned from extinction. The relocation

project of DOC involved relocation of 41 tiny alpine Rock Wrens from around Fiordland in the far

southwest of New Zealands South Island to Secretary Island from 2008 to 2011. Now, the number of

Rock Wrens has increased to 66.

It is the only true alpine bird in New Zealand and one of the most ancient bird species in the world

which evolved from a species present more than 80 million years ago. The Rock Wren and the Rifleman

are the only two wren species surviving today.

Govt to set up worlds largest solar power plant in RajasthanSeptember 22nd, 2013

The government has begun the process of building 4,000 MW ultra mega green solar power project

near Sambhar lake inRajasthan. The project which has been named as Sambhar Ultra Mega

Green Solar Power Project is being set under the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) in

the 23,000 acre area of Sambhar Salts Limited (SSL), subsidiary of Hindustan Salts Limited (HSL)

located in Rajasthan. It will be the worlds largest solar based power project
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First Phase Sambhar Ultra Mega Green Solar Power Project:

In the first phase the project will generate 1,000 MW which will be commissioned in 3 years i.e. by the

end of2016.

Partners in the development of the first phase are BHEL, Solar Energy Corporation ofIndia, Power

Grid Corporation, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Ltd. The

development of the later phases will be based on the experience gained during implementation of thefirst phase of project.

Indian scientists undertake earthquake prediction research, measure the Deccan TrapSeptember 6th, 2013

Researchers from theHyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute are conducting

deep-earth study in the Koyna-Warna region ofMaharashtrawith the aim to enhance understanding

of seismic activities and improve earthquake prediction.

What is special about this study?

The study is first of its kind inIndiawhich involves drilling deep holes of up to 8 km into the earth todirectly visualize and measure rock changes during earthquakes. NGRI recently concluded airborne

gravity gradeometery studies to get a closer look at Earths interior, again a first of its kind in the

country. Recently, when scientists drilled 1.5 km into the earth during a test of drilling technology they

accurately measured the Deccan Trap in the study region.

What are Deccan Traps?

The Deccan Traps are large volcanic deposits located on the Deccan Plateau of west-central India and

one of the largest volcanic features on Earth formed due to eruptions about 65 million years ago at the

end of the Cretaceous period.

How would this study help?

As per scientists, the project would take 5 to 10 years during which they expect to have a better

understanding of below-the-surface phenomena during and after an earthquake. The Koyna-Warna

region is known for frequent seismic activity, linked to changes in water levels in water reservoirs

present in the region. Researchers will try to determine how the changes in water-reservoirs exactly

triggers earthquake. In addition to that, drilling will also allow them to plant underground earthquake

detection devices which will lead to creation of highly efficient warning systems.

Montreal Protocol helps reduce the size of hole in OzoneSeptember 6th, 2013

According to experts at University of Canterbury, the hole in the earths stratospheric ozone layer over

Antarctica is recovering slowly and should close completely in the latter half of this century. However,

its effect on global climate change is still uncertain.

As per researchers, the Montreal Protocol, which effectively banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), had

aided in reducing the size of the hole in the ozone layer. The protocol, which came into existence in

1989, is aninternationaltreaty to phase out substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.

The scientists are of the view that if the protocol is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover

by 2050.
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MoE slaps Rs 200 crore penalty on Adani groupSeptember 5th, 2013

A committee, established by the Ministry ofEnvironmentand Forests, under the chairmanship

ofSunita Narain, director general of Centre for Science and Environment, has slapped a penalty of Rs

200 crore on the Adani GroupsMundra Port and Special Economic Zone for inflicting harm

to mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the project site. In addition to the fine, a part of

the project could face suspension after a more detailed probe into the alleged violation of

environmental clearance norms. The money from the fine will go into an environment restoration fund

for the area.

Why did the environment ministry impose fine on Adani Group?

As per the report submitted by Sunita Narain panel, it was found the Adani Group infringed

environmental norms in the countrys largest private port in Mundra and special trade zone that it

operates in the Kutch district inGujarat. The penalty has been slapped fordamaging mangroves,

creeks and the local environment at the project site. During its investigation the panel found

widespread destruction ofmangroves-75 hectares of mangroves have been lost in Bocha Island, which

was declared as a conservation zone under the environmental clearance conditions.

The panel stated in its report that the company has not taken precautions to guard against blocking of

creeks because of construction activities; satellite imagery shows signs of deterioration and loss of

creeks close to the proposed North Port.

Sikkim is Indias greenest stateAugust 23rd, 2013

As per an official data,SikkimisIndias Greenest State with aforest cover 47.3% of its tota

geographical area and is more than double the national average of 21 %.

The state government has fixed a target of bringing an additional 1,000 hectares of land under forest

cover during the 12th Five Year Plan period (201217).

A Comparison of Sikkim in Green terms:

The state has 500 sq km area under very dense forests which is 7.05%. It has 2,161 sq km area under moderately dense which is30.45% 698 sq km of its area is under open forests which is 9.84%

The above figures are significantly higher than the national average of 2.54 % very dense forests

9.76% moderately dense and 8.73 %open forests.

Who owns the credit of keeping Sikkim green?

Sikkim has achieved the distinction of being the greenest state in the country mainly due to

various protection and conservation measures like Sikkim Green Mission, Ten Minutes to

Earth and Smriti Vans.
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Extinction of large animals Megafauna damaged nutrient distribution systemAugust 20th, 2013

As per a latest studies, large animals acted as carriers of key nutrients to plants and

animals over thousands of years. According to the findings, large animals which scientists

call Megafaunaworked as key nutrient distributing arteries which spread vital nutrient substances like

phosphorous which are essential for the growth of plants.

The studies show that the extinction of the megafauna 12,000 years back wiped out one of the main

means of transporting nutrients far from the rivers creating a nutrient deficiency which continues to

affect plant and animal life in parts of the region today.

What is Megafauna?

As per researchers, South America was crowded with large animals which are named as megafauna a

term for animals with a body mass of more than 44kg (the size of a large dog).

How did Megafauna play role in distributing nutrients?

Due to the large size of the megafauna, they eat and move more than small animals, they have aparticularly important role in transporting nutrients into areas where the soil is infertile otherwise. For

example:

In South America, most nutrients originate in the Andes mountain range and are washed into the

forests through the river system. On dry land these nutrients are in short supply unless they are

transported through animal dung and bodies. While small animals distribute nutrients over small

distances large animals have a much greater range. These megafauna which ate in high quantity and

absorbing more phosphorous acted as a key reserve of phosphorous which they transported dry areas

through their excretory products or through their bodies after death, thus, playing a significant role in

nutrient distribution.

Environment Ministrys panel finds illegal sand mining in Gautam Buddh NagarAugust 18th, 2013

Theenvironmentministry team found facts of the widespread illegal sand mining in Gautam Buddh

Nagar district ofUttar Pradesh. The team was set up by the ministry in the backdrop of the suspension

of the districts sub divisional magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal who took on the illegal mining in the

area.

Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013 introduced in Rajya SabhaAugust 14th, 2013

TheEnvironmentand Forests Ministry introduced in theRajya Sabhamajor amendments to the

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that seek heavier penalties to check wildlife-related crimes and aim tomake Indian laws consistent with the Convention onInternationalTrade in Endangered

Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES).

Salient features of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013:

The amended legislation aims to ban the use of animal traps except under certain conditions. It also looks forward to engage gram sabhas and gram panchayats in management of protected

areas, and to grant hunting rights to hunter-gatherer Scheduled Tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar

Islands.
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Hunting in national parks and sanctuaries or the alteration of their boundaries should be punishedwith 5 to 7 years in jail and fine of Rs 5 to 25 lakh as compared to the previous 3 to 7 years in jail

and Rs 10,000 fine.

The punishment would be 7 years in prison and Rs 30 lakh fine for repeat offenders compared to theprevious 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and Rs 25,000 fine now.

The amendments are strict against crimes related to sale, purchase and transfer of animals, theirparts or products listed in various schedules.

Environmental activists oppose Mithi Virdi Nuclear PlantAugust 14th, 2013

Environmental activists inGujaratare against the proposed Rs. 6,000 crore Mithi Virdi nuclear

power plant in Saurashtra regions Bhavnagardistrict to be set up by NPCIL (Nuclear Power

Corporation ofIndiaLimited).

They have written to the Ministry ofEnvironmentand Forests (MoEF) that alleging the Coasta

Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance by the State government was given without any site visits and

documentation of ground realities.

Why Environmental activists opposing the Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant?

As per the activists, clearance for the project has been given by overlooking safety aspects, site

clearance report, and without undertaking any site visits. They argue that the basics like population

increase in the immediate vicinity of the proposed plant have not been taken into account. According to

the activists CRZ clearance is an act of endorsing the illegal and unconstitutional act of NPCIL and

Engineers India Limited (EIL). Activists earlier alleged that the EIL were not authorized to conduct an

environment impact assessment for a nuclear power plant.

China unveils first Giant Panda channelAugust 8th, 2013

ChinaNetwork Television has launched an internet channel ipanda.comdedicated to the conservation

of Giant Panda. The website will show live 24-hour high-definition (HD) Internet broadcasts of the daily

activities of the 80 endangered Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of the Giant Panda

Breeding in the southwest Sichuan Provincewhich is Chinas premier panda breeding facility

Documentaries and a 30-minute panda-themed programme will also be broadcast everyday on the

siteipanda.com.

What is the status of Giant Pandas?

Giant Pandasare one of the worlds most endangered species. About1,600 pandas live in the wild

mostly in the mountains ofSichuan, while more than 300 live in captivity.

Research links Climate Change to Human ConflictAugust 6th, 2013

As per a latest study from University of California, Berkeley which analysed 60 studies on

climate change, by 2050, human conflict could rise by 50% due to the rising

temperatures. The study covered all major types of violence and revealed large and clear changes in

human behavior in response to climate.
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The research examined human behavior in relation to climate over the past 12,000 years in order to

find a link between hot weather and aggression. It was found that intergroup conflict soared by 14%

and interpersonal violence rose 4% for each temperature rise.

As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the past century, the

Earths average temperature has risen by 1.4F. Although this appears minute, small average

temperature changes translate to large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate, which researchers

have now revealed also creates hostile environments.

Pacific Marshall Islands under threat of climate catastropheAugust 3rd, 2013

The Marshall Islands has sought support to ward-off a future Pacific climate catastrophe that, it

says, will expunge it from the map without critical action on global warming.

The government of the Marshall Island has called for decisive action on climate change and has insisted

US Secretary of State John Kerry to attend the 16-member Pacific Islands Forum to be hosted

byAustraliain September 2013 where a major climate declaration is likely to be made.

Marshall Island seeks to present Majuro Declaration to the United Nations General Assembly to help

renew global efforts on emissions reduction as the Pacific region battles rising seas and growing

numbers of so-called climate refugees.

The tiny Pacific atoll of 55,000 people, which is located at an average of just two metres above sea

level, was already feeling the heat of global warming with an unprecedented seven-month drought in

the north and a devastating king tide earlier this year triggering disaster declarations.

The Marshalls government was already ferrying food and drinking water to 13 outer island communities

due to drought-linked shortages that were threatening the export of copra, the dried-out flesh of

coconuts from which oil is extracted, which underpinned itseconomy.

The island is also facing immigration as climate refugees from neighbouring Kiribati and Tuvalu are

taking refuge in the island. The government fears a two-metre sea level rise predicted by theWorld

Bankbefore the end of the century.

Where are the Marshall Islands?

The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island country located in the

northern Pacific Ocean. Geographically, the country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia

with the population of 68,480 people spread out over 34 low-lying coral atolls, comprising 1,156

individual islands and islets. The islands share maritime boundaries with the Federated States of

Micronesia to the west, Wake Island to the north, Kiribati to the south-east, and Nauru to the south

The most populous atoll is Majuro, which also acts as the capital.

E-surveillance to monitor various tiger habitatsJuly 31st, 2013

Indiaplans to start electronic surveillance of some of the tiger habitats using high definition cameras as

the tiger deaths each year are increasing mainly due to poaching and poisoning.

With the E-surveillance the pilot study in the Kalagarh range of the Corbett National Park was

quite satisfactory so the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to expand E-
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surveillance toAssams Kaziranga Natonal Park,Madhya Pradeshs Ratapani Wildlife

Sanctuary and the Ramnagar division surrounding Corbett.

How will tiger E-surveillance help?

The surveillance involves putting into use high resolution thermal and infrared cameras mounted on

towers to capture image of objects weighing more than 20 kg in a range of 3-5 km and generate alerts

if the boundary is crossed. It will also keep an eye on unauthorized people entering into the tiger

habitat areas and tigers straying into human habitat. It is a fool-proof anti-poaching system that

gathers information, does processing, filtering and then sends alerts.

Ford becomes the first automaker to join India Greenhouse Gas Reporting (GHG)

ProgramJuly 30th, 2013

Detroit giant Ford has became the first automaker to join a voluntary greenhouse gas reporting

program (a carbon reporting programme) newly established inIndia. The company already participates

in similar programs in the United States,China,Canada,Mexico,BrazilandArgentina.

Voluntary reporting provides overall transparency regarding the companys CO2 emissions and thecompany hold importance to reduce CO2 emissions at its global facilities, including two in Chennai, by

30% per vehicle by 2025. Fords role in this programme will be to assist in the establishment of credible

and verifiable greenhouse gas inventories.

What is India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program):

It is the joint effort between the World Resources Institute(WRI), The Energy and Resources Institute

(TERI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). A voluntary initiative to standardize

measurement and management of GHG emissions in India.

Program Partners for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)

1. CII Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)2. TERI The Energy and Resources Institute3. WRI World Resources Institute

Founding Members for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)

1. Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.2. Hindustan Construction Co. Limited (HCC Limited)3. ACC Cement4. Ford Motor Company (Ford India)5. Jet Airways (India) Limited6. Mahindra Sanyo Steel7. Tata Teleservices Limited8. Bayer Group of Companies India9. Akzo Nobel10.Shree Cements11.United Technologies12.Tata Chemicals13.National Thermal Power Company (NTPC) Limited14.InfosysTechnologies15.Ambuja Cement
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16.ITC Limited17.Cummins India18.Yes Bank19.National Peroxide Limited20.Forbes Marshall21.JK Tyres22.BangaloreInternationalAirport Limited (BIAL)23.Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)

Key Objectives of India Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programme :

To help companies in the country monitor their progress towards voluntary reduction goalsconsistently and credibly.

Aimed at promoting profitable, sustainable, and competitivebusiness. Under this programme, companies will be provided with tools and technical assistance to build

inventories, identify reduction opportunities, establish annual and long-term reduction goals, and

track their progress based on the most widely used emissions accounting and reporting standard in

the world, the GHG (Green House Gases) Protocol.

The India GHG Program will also facilitate engagement of the business sector with policy makers,supporting progress and advancement towards national goals on carbon intensity and GHG emissionsmitigation.

The program will build a pool of trained and certified GHG practitioners and GHG measurement andmanagement professionals.

What is : The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)?

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a global collaboration led by WBCSD and WRI. It is the

most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand,

quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

GHG Protocol provides the foundation for sustainable climate strategies and more efficient, resilientand profitable organizations.

GHG Protocol standards are the most widely used accounting tools to measure, manage and reporton greenhouse gas emissions.

It serves as the foundation for nearly every GHG standard and program in the world from theInternational Standards Organization to The Climate Registry as well as hundreds of GHG

inventories prepared by individual companies.

Offers developing countries an internationally accepted management tool to help their businesses tocompete in the global marketplace and their governments to make informed decisions about climate

change.

Who Uses The GHG Protocol?

Since the publication of the first edition ofThe Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting

and Reporting Standard (Corporate Standard) in 2001, more than 1,000 businesses and

organizations worldwide have developed their GHG inventories using the GHG Protocol.

o Some of the worlds largest companies are using the GHG Protocols Corporate Standard.o The 2007 Corporate Climate Communications Report of the Fortune 500 companies by

corporateregister.com reported 63 percent of companies use the GHG Protocol.
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o GHG Protocol is considered the second most important climate program after KyotoProtocol in the successful measurement and management of climate change.

Campaign Clean India adopts Taj MahalJuly 28th, 2013

The World Heritage Site, Taj Mahal has been adopted by ONGC as part of its corporate social

responsibilities through theCampaign CleanIndiabeing run underMinistry of Tourism.

Taj Mahal a world heritage site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the Crown Jewe

among the tourist destinations in India and naturally is a priority destination under the Campaign Clean

India programme.

Background of Campaign Clean India:

At the initiative ofMinistry of Tourism, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the

initiative for permitting ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean India. The six

monuments/tourist destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves inMaharashtra, Elephanta

Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort inDelhi, Golkonda FortHyderabadand Mahabalipuram

inTamil Nadu

ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it is the

endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum number of

monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of cleanliness and respect

for such monuments.

What is Campaign Clean India?

The Campaign Clean India is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at undertaking

both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations and their surroundings

to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will ensure that these levels are

sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. The campaign

will be part of Governments strategy of the 12th five year plan for improving the quality of services and

environs in and around tourist destinations across India.

Two US Jets drops bombs on Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkJuly 25th, 2013

The two AV-8B Harrier jets launched from aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard dropped

four unarmed bomb in theWorld Heritage listed Marine Park off the coast of Queensland state

when the training exercise went wrong. The four bombs were dropped in more than 50 meters of water

away from coral to diminish possible damage to the reef.

Originally, the jets were to drop the ordnances on the Townshend Island bombing range but they cut off

the mission as controllers stated that the area was not clear of hazards. The pilots did the emergency

jettison as they were low on fuel and could not land with their bomb loaded.

About The Great Barrier Reef:

The Great Barrier Reef(GBR) is the worlds largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900

individual reef sand 900 islands spanned over 2,600 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400

square kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland,Australia.
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Importance of GBR:

It has the worlds biggest single structure made by billions of tiny living organisms knownas coral polyps. It is a rich ecosystem bearing a great diversity of life.

A major part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit theimpact of human use, such as fishing and tourism.

The reef ecosystem faces threat from other environmental pressures which include runoff, climatechange accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of the crown of thornsstarfish.

It is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns regions.Tourism is an important economic activity for the region generating over $3 billion annually and is a

significant part of local groups cultures and spirituality.

It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.India and ADB Sign an Agreement for Gujarat Solar Power Transmission SystemJuly 24th, 2013

With the rapid growing electricity demand, and increasing reliance on imported sources of

fossil fuel the Government ofIndiaand the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed anagreement for a $100 million ADB loan (A LIBOR based loan from ADBs Ordinary Capita

Resources which has a term of 25 years including 5 years of grace period) to develop a transmission

system that will distribute 500 megawatts of solar power from the Charanka Solar Park

inGujarat.

ADB is committed to generating 3,000 MW of solar power by 2013 under its Asia Solar

Energy Initiative.

Key Objectives of the Project:

Using an inventive Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project will create job opportunities,improve social services and contribute to poverty reduction locally.

It will also support power distribution companies in Gujarat and other Indian power utilities to meetpart of their energy needs through solar energy.

It will not only benefit Gujarat, but will also help develop the PPP solar park model underthe Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

An associated Technical Assistance (TA) funded by theDepartmentforInternationalDevelopment of the United Kingdom and administered by ADB will

provide professional training in energy-related skills and livelihood opportunities to local

people. At least half of the participants will be women.

Note: The Indian Government is aiming to generate 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022 . It

has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, which is expected to

generate 1,000 MW by 2013 by expanding grid-connected solar power generation.

Great Barrier Reef in poor health, admits AustraliaJuly 12th, 2013

As per the report released by theEnvironmentMinistry ofAustralia, the conditions at the Great Barrier

Reef were poor as it facesUNESCOthreats to downgrade its heritage status over concerns about

pollution and development.
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What has been the major cause of decline in Great Barrier Reefs health?

The report shows that the reefshealthhas declined since 2009 due to cyclones and floods, despite

progress on reducing agricultural runoff.

Despite decrease in nitrogen (by 7%); pesticides (by 15%); sediment (by 6%); and pollutants key to

outbreaks of devastating crown-of-thorns starfish that prey on corals (by 13%), the reef is in trouble.

As per the report, intense flooding in 2010-2011 followed by powerful cyclone Yasi had badly damaged

the worlds largest coral reef, degrading water quality and depleting overall cover by 15% and full

recovery of the reef will take decades.

A study published in 2012 had revealed that coral cover had more than halved due to storms, predatory

starfish outbreaks and bleaching linked to climate change over the past 27 years. Intense tropical

cyclones were responsible for much of the damage, accounting for 48%, with the coral-feeding starfish

linked to 42%.

It is noticeable that UNESCO has warned to downgrade the reefs world heritage status to declare it at -

risk in 2014 if there is no significant action on rampant coastal and resources development seen as adanger to its survival.

Experts highlight potential of cassava as biofuel cropJuly 12th, 2013

Experts participating in theInternationalConference on Tropical Roots and Tubers organized by

the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) and the Indian Society for Root Crops

(ISRC) have highlighted the evolving potential of cassava as feedstock for the production of bioethano

as fuel.

What is Cassava?

Cassava is a crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy, tuberous root

a major source of carbohydrates. It is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the

tropics, after rice and maize. Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic

diet for over half a billion people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on

marginal soils.Nigeriais the worlds largest producer of cassava.

How Cassava can be used as a bio-fuel?

Cassava has a high energy content, low maintenance and ability to grow under a wide range of climatic

conditions, cassava. All these qualities render it a potential for production of bio-ethanol. The

technology for cassava alcohol, patented by the CTCRI in the 1980s, requires refinement for

commercial scale production.

Bioethanol based on the lignocellulosic residue of cassava and sweet potato could be combined with

starch-based options to make biofuel production cost effective. The high productivity of cassava crop

inIndiawould make production of bioethanol cost- competitive. The step to bring comparatively less

fertile land in the semi-arid areas ofMaharashtra,Andhra Pradeshand high rainfall regions in the north-

eastern region under cassava cultivation would ensure supply of raw material for ethanol production.
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Himachal Pradesh becomes countrys first smoke-free StateJuly 6th, 2013

Himachal Pradeshhas been declared the first smoke-free State in the country in compliance with

Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has

achieved 85.45% compliance with the relevant parameters. The State government intends to eliminate

tobacco products and has hiked taxes on bidis and cigarettes from 11 and 18% to 22 and 36%,

respectively in the 2013-14 Budget.

What is the scope COTPA 2003?

The Act is applicable to all products containing tobacco in any form i.e. cigarettes, cigars, cheroots,bidis, gutka, pan masala (containing tobacco) khaini, mawa, mishri, snuff etc. as detailed in the

Schedule to the Act.

The Act extends to the whole ofIndiaincluding the state ofJammu and Kashmir.What does Section 4 of COTPA provide for?

Section 4: Prohibition Of Smoking In Public Places

The Government of India passed new rules on May 30, 2008 for effective realization of the objectives of

smoke free environments as stipulated under the Indian law.

No person shall smoke in any public place Public Place means any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not, and

includes auditorium, hospital buildings, railway waiting room, amusement centres, restaurants, public

offices, court buildings, work places, shopping malls, cinema halls, educational institutions, libraries,

public conveyances and the like which are visited by general public but does not include any openspace.

Mandates display of board containing the warn ing No Smoking Area- Smoking Here is an Offence Hotels & Restaurants should ensure physical segregation of smoking and non-smoking area. Hotels

having thirty rooms or a restaurant having seating capacity of thirty persons or more and in the

airports, a separate provision for smoking area or space may be made.

Ghaziabad, Allahabad most polluted in Uttar Pradesh: SurveyJuly 6th, 2013

In a recent survey conducted byDelhi-based Centre for Science andEnvironment(CSE) it was

found that Ghaziabad and Allahabad are the two most air polluted cities inUttar Pradesh. As per thesurvey:

Pollutants of the size of 10 micron was found in Ghaziabad, Allahabad, Kanpur and Bareilly, whichwas four times the acceptable size of particulates in urban areas.

Air pollution levels were thrice as high as the prescribed limits in Lucknow, Firozabad, Agra, Mathura,Khurja, Saharanpur, Moradabad and Gajraula.

Unnao has come out as the cleanest air quality despite a heavy presence of tanneries in the town. Nitrogen-di-oxide pollutant is found to be increasing dangerously in Meerut, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad

and Kanpur. It is the highest in Meerut and lowest in Rae Bareilly.

Khurja and Ghaziabad have dangerous levels of sulphur-di-oxide mixed in the air.
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The presence of multi-pollutants was found in cities like Mathura, Khurja and Ghaziabad. The leading cause of pollution was found to be the manifold increase in the number of vehicles. The growing use of diesel was a major contributor to the growing air pollution levels. The emissions

were leading to serious ailments anddiseaseslike cancer.

Man-made factors to blame Uttarakhand Floods: EnvironmentalistsJuly 6th, 2013

The devastating floods ofUttarakhandwhich ravaged the region by killing thousands and leaving

hundreds of other stranded has more man-made factors and less natural cause behind it. As per

Environmentalists the uncontrolled development and poor disaster planning has aggravated flood

damage.

How is it a man-made disaster?

As per experts indiscriminate development in hill towns and along rivers has blocked the natural flow of

water and exacerbated flood damage. They place the blame on successive governments who have

prioritized large scaleinfrastructureconstruction and neglected disaster prevention. The unbridled

growth of tourism accompanied with proliferation of roads, hotels, shops and multistory housing inecologically fragile areas and above all mushrooming hydroelectricity dams that disrupt water balances

are the underlying causes of this catastrophe. It was not unprecedented that Uttarakhand region

witnessed such heavy rainfalls as the records show that Uttarakhand has recorded single-day rainfall in

excess of 400mm several times, including 450mm in 1995 and 900mm in 1965. Cloudbursts, floods and

rapid swelling of fast-flowing rivers arent uncommon. But this time the floodwaters, loaded with tens of

thousands of tonnes of silt, boulders and debris from dam construction, found no outlet. The routes

they took in the past, including ravines and streams, were blocked with sand and rocks. The waters

deluged towns and villages, submerging some buildings under several feet of mud, asphyxiating life.

It is highly probable that the floods were exacerbated by Glacier Lake Outbursts Floods

(GLOFs) which inundated the Kedarnath temple. GLOFs, or the explosive bursting of glacier lakes, are

thought to be a result of human-induced climate change, which is causing rapid melting of glaciers inthe Himalayas, themselves warming at twice the global rate.

Lack of an early warning system, effective evacuation plans and a responsive disaster management

system added to the calamity. Modestly priced radar-based technology to forecast cloudbursts would

have saved lives. But it wasnt installed.

There was failure on the level of local governance too. Sloppy, unregulated construction of roads and

bridges was permitted on crumbling, landslide-prone ridges and steep slopes, overlooking the regions

delicate geology and high earthquake vulnerability. Large scale deforestation and construction of

hundreds of buildings in the flood plains of rivers have taken place. Riverbeds were recklessly mined for

sand. As construction debris accumulated, land contours and flows of streams and rivers changed.

Indiscriminate construction of hydroelectric dams was the biggest mistake. These involve drilling huge

tunnels in the hills by blasting rocks, placing enormous turbines in the tunnels, destroying soil-binding

vegetation to build water channels and other infrastructure, laying transmission lines and carelessly

dumping excavated muck. Many dams have been built on the same river so close to one another that

they leave no scope for its regeneration.

Curb sale of adulterated milk: Supreme Court to State govtsJuly 5th, 2013
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Expressing concern over the sale of adulterated milk in the country, theSupreme Courthas directed the

governments ofHaryana,Rajasthan,Uttar Pradesh,UttarakhandandDelhito file their response stating

what action they are taking to curb the menace of milk adulteration, after the Centre submitted that it

is for the state governments to take action on the issue.

The direction from the court came during a hearing on a PIL filed by a group of citizens led by Swami

Achyutanand Tirth of Uttarakhand, who have alleged that synthetic and adulterated milk and milk

products are prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic soda and white paint, which, accordingto studies, are very hazardous to human life and can causediseaseslike cancer.

The court would later on expand the ambit of the PIL to include all the states in the country on the

issue.

According to a survey conducted by Food Safety and Standards Authority ofIndia(FSSAI):

Over 68% of milk in the country does not conform to the standards set by the FSSAI. Over 68% of the non-conforming milk was found in urban areas, 66% of which was loose milk. Most common ways of adulteration was found to be the addition of water, and the main reason for

deviation from the standards was addition of glucose and skimmed milk powder. It had also foundthat some samples contained detergent.

Over 83% of the non-conforming milk in rural areas was found to be loose milk.India imposes ban on testing of cosmetics on animalsJuly 2nd, 2013

In a remarkable decision intended to prevent cruelty to animals,Indiahas decided to ban the testing of

cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. This has made India the first country in South Asia to impose

such a ban.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Cosmetics SectionalCommittee, chaired by the Drugs Controller General of India and is in line with the European

Unions stand. The step follows appeals from various quarters, including that from the National Advisory

Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and campaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi and the People for

the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to prevent cruelty to animals.

What is the ban?

Any cosmetic product which performs animal testing will face action as per provisions of the Drugs and

Cosmetics Act and the Animal Cruelty Act. Infringement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by any

person or corporate manager or owner is liable for punishment for a term which may extend from 3-10

years and shall also be liable to fine which could be Rs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both.

The law also makes it mandatory to use modern non-animal alternative tests, replacing invasive tests

on animals. It implies that any manufacturer interested in testing new cosmetic ingredients or finished

products must first get the approval from Indias regulatorCentral Drug Standards Contro

Organization. A manufacturer will be given approval to test only after complying with the BIS non-

animal standards.
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Animal Testing Status:

Companies around the world are switching to effective, modern non-animal tests and more than 1,200

companies have already given up animal-testing methods. But many still are carrying out with the

same old procedures of subjecting animals to painful tests.

Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS): NASA launches satellite to study Suns

atmosphereJuly 2nd, 2013

The U.S. space agency NASA launched a satellite to uncover the secrets of the Suns lower atmosphere

NASAsInterface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) was launched aboard an Orbital Sciences

Pegasus XL rocket off the California coast.

About IRIS mission:

Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a $182 million mission which will continue for

two years.

It aims to observe the movement of solar material. It will try to know how it gathers energy and heats

up as it makes its way through a mysterious region in the suns lower atmosphere. IRIS will help in

knowing not only the causes the ejection of solar material, including solar wind, but also solar eruptions

that can disrupt human technology.

What is this mysterious region?

This is a region b/w the suns photosphere and corona where most of the suns ultraviolet e mission is

generated, which impact the near-Earth spaceenvironmentand Earths climate.

V K Duggal appointed as nodal officer for relief & rescue operations in UttarakhandJune 24th, 2013

The government appointed former top Union home secretary V K Duggal as the nodal officer for relief

and rescue operations in flood hitUttarakhand, saying lack of proper coordination was hindering its

mitigation efforts.

The relief and rescue operations are going on in the flood-ravaged areas ofUttarakhand with the

combined efforts of the Army units along withAirforceand ITBP. There was an impression that lack o

coordination among different agencies involved in the relief and rescue operations was hampering the

governments mitigation efforts.

Cabinet approves IWMP as a flagship programme

June 23rd, 2013

In order to make Centrally-sponsored programmes condensed, the Cabinet has approved Integrated

Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) as a flagship programme of the government.

Why IWMP?

Around 60% of cultivated area acrossIndiais rain-fed. Besides, these areas are also blighted by

poverty, water scarcity, low productivity, malnutrition and prone to severe land degradation. The

watershed development programme has been adopted as a tool to address problems of the rain-fed or

degraded areas in the country.
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Key Points of IWMP:

Launched in 2009-10 by the integration of various area development programmes of the Department of

Land Resources, including the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), the Desert Development

Programme (DDP) and the Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP).

The 12th Plan allocates the programme an additional Rs. 29,296 crore. Cost sharing ratio of Central Government : State Government = 90 : 10 9% of the project cost is earmarked for development of livelihoods for asset-less people 10% of the project cost is for productivity enhancement and development of micro-enterprises for

small & marginal farmers.

An average size of project under the IWMP is about 5,000 ha which is cluster of micro-watersheds. A portion of institution &capacity building (5% of the total project cost) has been provided to set up

institutional mechanism at State, District, Project and Village levels and to build capacities of

stakeholders.

It also entails involvement of primary stakeholders in the form of grassroots communityorganisations.

Expected Benefits of IWMP:

The benefits include increase in availability of surface water & groundwater, changes in cropping

pattern from one to two crops annually, increase in fodder availability and increase in milk yield,

increase inagriculture

What are Flagship Programmes?

Flagship programmes derive their origin from the term flagship which is the main or most important

ship of a countrys navy and is symbolic of the main thrust of the nations developmental policy.Major

Flagship programmes of the Government of India are:

Bharat Nirman: The objective of the Bharat Nirman Programme is to give top priority toruralinfrastructureby setting time-bound goals under various schemes to develop rural housing,

rural roads, irrigation, rural drinking water and rural electrification. The Programme imposes a

responsibility on sub-national governments to create these facilities in a transparent and accountable

manner.

National RuralHealthMission: The main aim of NRHM is to provide accessible, affordable,accountable, effective, and reliable primary health care, especially to poor and vulnerable sections of

the population. The programme sets standards for rural health care and provides financial resources

from the Union Government to meet these standards.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme: The Act was notified on7 September 2005 and is aimed at providing livelihood security through employment for the rural

poor.

Sarva Siksha Abhigyan: This programme was started with the objective of providingelementaryeducationfor all children in the age group of 614 years by 2010.

Mid-day meal Scheme: The MDM Scheme launched in 1995 aims to give a boost to universalizationof primary education by increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance and

simultaneously impacting upon nutritional status of students in primary classes. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)

Renewable energy transmission corridors to be set up in Tamil NaduJune 15th, 2013
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Two major high-capacity transmission corridors, exclusively meant for renewable energy, are being set

up inTamil Nadu. The projects which is being executed by the Tamil Nadu Transmission

Corporation (Tantransco) is estimated to a cost Rs. 4,400 crore and are capable of evacuating at

least 2,000 megawatt (MW) each.

Where are these projects being executed?

One corridor covering about 700-km is from Kayathar of Tuticorin district to Sholinganallur and theother with a length of about 400-km, b/w Thappagundu of Theni district to Salem. The first corridor is

likely to be commissioned by March next while the other line, with a length of about 400 km, is

expected to be ready by 2014 end.

Why these projects?

These projects are aimed at addressing concerns of investors in the wind energy sector regarding

inadequate evacuation facilities in the State and to cater to its future needs. Two more factors have

compelled the authorities to take up these transmission projects. Firstly, the centres of electricity

consumption are located at a considerable distance from the centres of wind energy. Secondly, to

some extent, the transmission line meant for evacuating power from the proposed Kudankulam NuclearPower Station is being used to transmit from windmills. Once the Kudankulam Station is commissioned

shortly, that line can no longer be relied upon.

Who is funding the projects?

The transmission projects are being funded by the Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance

Corporation, both agencies of the Central government.

Number of Royal Bengal Tiger in Sudarbans exceeds 2011 census estimatesJune 13th, 2013

As per a new study conducted in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund For Nature (WWF) and WildlifeInstitute ofIndia, the number of Royal Bengal tigers in the four ranges of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve

(STR) and the adjoining South 24 Parganas districts is 103 which is more than the estimates of the

2011 census.

As per Study:

Of the 3,500 sq km of the Indian side of Sundarbans, about 40-45 per cent is water. This leavesabout 2,000 sq km for the tigers. There was presence of a tiger in every 20 sq km of the delta.

The density of tiger population varied for a tiger from 14 sq km to 18 sq km in a mainland forest. Sundarbans is still a healthy habitat despite shortage of the prey base for the animal.

Factbox : Sunderbans

Largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It is aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site spanning across parts ofBangladeshand the Indian state ofWest

Bengal.

Bangladesh controls 2/3rd of the Sundarbans India manages 1/3rd which is in West Bengal Sundarbans National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in the

Sundarbans delta in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Sundarbans South, East and West are three protected forests in Bangladesh.
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It is densely covered by mangrove forests, and is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger.World Oceans Day observed on June 8, 2013June 8th, 2013

World Ocean Day was observed across the globe on 8 June 2013.

The theme for this year is: Together, we have the Power to Protect the Oceans .

Although World Ocean Day was introduced in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, it was in 2008 when United

Nations General Assembly decided to designate June 8 as the World Oceans Day from 2009 onwards

with its resolution number 63/111, Paragraph 171.

Importance: The day focuses on raising global awareness of the current challenges faced by

theinternationalcommunity in connection with the oceans.

World Environment Day Observed globally with the theme: Think. Eat. Save- Reduce

Your FoodprintJune 7th, 2013

WorldEnvironmentDay was observed inIndiaand across the globe on June 5. The day was dedicated

by the UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972 for the cause of spreading awareness about

environment protection. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) disseminates

environmental awareness through the celebration of World Environment Day to get citizens support for

environment protection across the globe.

This years World Environment Day theme: Think. Eat. Save- Reduce Your Foodprint

The campaign bespeaks minimizing waste of food at all stages of the food chain, from farm to

fork. This is to increase awareness about the environmental consequences of our food choices and find

solutions to reduce our environmental foodprint, as food production has heavy impact on

environmental resources.

ONGC adopts six monuments under Campaign Clean IndiaJune 7th, 2013

The Archeological Survey ofIndia(ASI) has agreed to the initiative ofMinistry of Tourismfor permitting

ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean India. The six monuments/tourist

destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves inMaharashtra, Elephanta Caves in

Maharashtra, Red Fort inDelhi, Golkonda FortHyderabadand Mahabalipuram inTamil Nadu.

ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it is the

endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum number of

monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of cleanliness and respect

for such monuments.

What is Campaign Clean India?

The Campaign Clean India is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at undertaking

both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations and their surroundings

to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will ensure that these levels are

sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. The campaign
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will be part of Governments strategy of the 12th five year plan for improving the quality of services and

environs in and around tourist destinations across India.

Uttarakhand CM opposes declaring Gomukh-Gangotri as eco-sensitive zoneJune 7th, 2013

UttarakhandChief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has urged the Centre to review the recent notification

declaring the 100 km stretch from Gomukh to Uttarkashi as an eco-sensitive zone. The declaration is

being opposed by the locals in that area who are saying that if the notification is implemented it would

adversely affect theinfrastructuredevelopment in the border district.

As per the Chief Minister, the locals are hopeful that the power projects under construction or planned

there would help in developing the backwardeconomyof the region. Besides, he is also of the view that

if the notification is implemented then it will impede Border road projects which is also needed to be

constructed at the earliest keeping in mind the infrastructure development being carried out

byChinaclose to the Indian border.

Union Government approves National Oil Spill Contingency PlanJune 4th, 2013

In order to mitigate the impact of oil spills on the marineenvironmentthe Union Government has

approved the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).

The central objective behind this plan is to reduce the im

Documents

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