India to chair 9th International Renewable Energy Agency Council
MeetIndia is going to chair the ninth International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA) council meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 9th IRENA council is scheduled to
start from 10 June 2015 and will be a two day event. In this
meeting 21 member nations of IRENA council are going to take part.
They will guide the agencys future programmes and activities. About
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) IRENA is an
intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable
use of renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy
cooperation and information exchange within its member nations.
Founded: in2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi. Two governing structure:IRENA Assembly
which takes decisions at macro level and gives policy guidance.
IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for
implementing various decisions of assembly. Members: In total it
has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder
members of IRENA.
Union Government Suspends Greenpeace Indias registration for 6
monthsUnion government has suspended the registration of Greenpeace
India, a non-profit environmental organization for six months with
immediate effect. Decision in this regard was taken by Union
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after Greenpeace India had
prejudicially acted against the public interests and economic
interests of the country. As per MHA, Greenpeace India has used its
funds received from foreign sources for unauthorised purposes and
has violated the rules mentioned Foreign Contribution (Regulation)
Act (FCRA), 2010. If Greenpeace India fails to make a satisfactory
presentation to the Union government in this regard, its licence
may be cancelled permanently. Background Governments action against
the Greenpeace came in the wake of the Intelligence Bureaus (IBs)
report on foreign funding of NGOs. In the IB report, it had charged
the Greenpeace and other lobby groups for preventing economic
growth of country by campaigning against mining, power projects and
genetically modified food. Security agencies also have alleged that
nearly 200 foreign donors were indulged in money laundering under
the garb of donating money to some of these organisations.Newly
discovered spider named after telangana stateNewly discovered
spiders of Thomisidae family have been named as Telangana crab
spider (Thomisus telanganensis) i.e. after Indian state of
Telangana. These spiders were discovered by G.B. Pravalikha and
Chelmala Srinivasulu, wildlife and taxonomy researchers from the
Zoology Department of Osmania University at an expedition at Nagnur
in Karimnagar district of Telangana. Key facts Telangana crab
spiders Morphologically they resemble crabs and are hence also
called crab spiders. Have tendency to walk sideways like crabs.
They lie on flowering plants and wait for prey so they are also
known as flower spiders. Do not weave webs like traditional
spiders. They attack immobilise their prey with venom and prey all
of a sudden. Size is between 3 mm and 23 mm. Colour varies from
dull to bright and colourful. Generally are bio-controlling agents
and help to keep the insect population under control. Thus are
important to the ecosystem.National Green Tribunal bans disel
vechicles older than 10 years in DelhiThe National Green Tribunal
(NGT) on 7 April 2015 held that all diesel vehicles heavy or light
which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted to ply in
Delhi and NCR. The judgment was given by bench headed by NGT
Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar on a petition filed by Vardhaman
Kaushik who had contended that the level of particulates in Delhi
is raising manifold. NGT bench held that Diesel is prime source of
air pollution in Delhi. The current situation is so alarming that
people have been advised to leave Delhi due to adverse effects on
health. Numbers of countries like Brazil, China, and Denmark etc
are in the process or have prohibited diesel vehicles. They have
achieved it by imposing stringent taxes on the vehicles. Certain
stringent measures need to be taken to ensure that residents of
Delhi do not travel closer to ill-health with each breath they
take. In this regard, tribunal bench directed the Transport
department of Delhi government and other concerned authorities to
prepare a comprehensive data of registration of all such vehicles
which are 10 or more years old. Earlier in November 2014, NGT had
banned all the petrol vehicles over 15-year old in Delhi and
NCR.Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches National air Quality
Index to Give pollution InformationPrime Minister Narendra Modi
launched National Air Quality Index (AQI) to give pollution
information on real time basis. Initially the new index will cover
10 cities. They are Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow,
Agra, Faridabad, Varanasi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Later it will
be extended to more than 60 cities with a population exceeding one
million. Facts about National Air Quality Index (AQI) AQI will be
used to inform people about daily air quality in turn it will
provide advisories on health consequences. It will also tell how
clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects.
The AQI has been developed for six pollutants- nitrogen oxides,
sulphur dioxide, ozone, Particle Pollution (PM)2.5, PM10 and carbon
monoxide. The new AQI is hosted on the website of the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
RINL Launches first of its kind green project to generate 120 MW
powerRashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) the corporate entity of
Vizag Steel Plant (VSP) on 31 March 2015 launched novel green
project that can generate 120 MW power. It is first of its kind
green project launched in Indian Steel Industry that can generate
pollution free captive power using 100 per cent Blast Furnace Gas
and Coke Oven Gas. The plant consists of state-of-the-art Boiler
Turbo Generator (BTG) Power Plant technologyin order to efficiently
utilise the surplus Blast Furnace Gas (BFG). This Power Plant is
designed for firing 100 per cent BFG and Coke Oven Gas for the new
captive power plant of 120 MW-capacity. The plant is built at a
cost of Rs 676 crore. It will help VSP to move step towards
achieving self-sufficiency in power generation and to reduce
dependency on the State Grid in the process of steel making.
Presently, RINL is having three turbo generators each 60 MW (180
MW) capacity and two turbo generators of 67.5 each (135MW)
capacity. Thus, having total captive power generation capacity of
315 MW.Rare spinders sighted in Western GhatsResearchers have
discovered rare huntsman and jumping spider in the Western Ghats
belong to the Sparassidae and Salticidae families. They were
discovered by the research team of arachnologists led by Dr. P.A.
Sebastian, Director of the Division of Arachnology in Sacred Heart
College, Kochi in Kerala. Huntsman spider- It was sighted at
Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. These spiders are
known for their speed and unique hunting mode. Sometimes they hide
in the ambush and surprise the prey. Some of these spiders make a
substrate-borne sound when they detect a chemical left by a nearby
female of their species. Jumping spider- It was sighted at the
Malayattoor and Bhoothathankettu reserve forest. These spiders jump
from one place to another like a grasshopper. The jumping spider
was given the name Stenaelurillus albus due to the presence of a
unique whitish area on the copulatory organ of the male spider. The
discovery is considered unique as only 17 species of jumping spider
having mating plugs have been reported of the approximate 5,800
jumping spiders recorded.
Earth Hour 2015 observed acroos the worldNinth edition of Earth
Hour was observed on 28 March 2015 across the World. Earth Hour
2015 encouraged people to explore and adopt a cleaner and more
sustainable lifestyle by embracing renewable energy solutions. In
this edition of Earth Hour, millions of people around the world
took part in the event for the global climate change awareness
campaign. Over 170 countries participated in the event and more
than 1,200 landmarks along with 40 UNESCO world heritage sites
observed the Earth Hour. Pariss iconic Eiffel Tower, Berlins
Brandenburg Gate and Hong Kongs famed skyline also participated in
the Earth Hour by switching off their lights. The Eiffel Tower
turned off lights for only five minutes due to security reasons.
About Earth Hour It is an annual global event organized by the
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The initiative began in 2007 in
Sydney, Australia and later became global event. Earth Hours goal
is to raise awareness for sustainable energy use and create a more
environmentally sustainable lifestyle. This day encourages
citizens, communities, businesses and organisations to switch the
lights off from 8:30 pm local time for an hour to highlight the
plight of the planet.Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros population
rises in kaziranga 2015 CensusAs per the latest census, the Great
Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population in Assams Kaziranga
National Park (KNP) world heritage site has increased to over 2401.
The census was conducted by Assams forest department in association
with several wildlife NGOs as a regular exercise in the park for
four days from 24 to 28 March 2015. Entire Park was divided into 81
blocks for the purpose of census and the whole exercise involved
about 200 people. Key highlights of census The census has counted
2,401 rhinos in the park in indicating that their population has
increased by 71 rhinos the past two years. About 1,651 adult rhinos
were counted in the census followed by 294 sub adult rhinos. 251
juvenile rhinos in the park were estimated followed by 205
calves.
Previous census It should be noted that Rhino census is
conducted every three years. The last census was carried out in
2012. It had confirmed 2,290 rhinos in the park. However, a special
census of the rhinos was conducted in 2013 by Assam Government. The
special census had confirmed 2,329 rhinos in the park. It was
conducted after the poaching incidents had increased in the park
and large numbers of rhinos were poached.Rajasthan passes bill to
ban camel slaughterRajasthan Government on 27 March 2015 passed the
Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of
Temporary Migration or Export) Bill, 2015. It was passed in state
legislative assembly by a voice vote. The bill bans the slaughter,
trading and unauthorised transportation of camels in the state.It
also prescribes rigorous punishment for its violation including
five years of rigorous imprisonment along with monetary fine.
Causing injury to camel is also punishable as per the bill.
Background The bill was enacted after several cases of intentional
killings of camel and its progeny had come to light in state. Large
numbers of camels for the purpose of slaughter were transported to
other states. The menace illegal camel slaughter and trade had
increased in recent times due to the recurrent famine and scarcity
conditions in the state. It had resulted in the decline of the
camel population. In July 2014, state government had declared camel
as the state animal of Rajasthan in order to curb its illegal
trade.Union Government reconstitutes SEAC II in MaharashtraUnion
Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has
reconstituted the second State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in
Maharashtra. The reconstituted SEAC-II will assess projects falling
in category 8 of the schedule of (Environment Impact Assessment)
EIA notification 2006 in the Mumbai metropolitan region and Konkan
division in Maharashtra. SEAC-II will have seven members and will
be headed by retired IAS officer Johny Joseph as Chairman. The term
of the chairman and members of the committee will be till October
2016. The state government will provide all logistic support and
financial to the SEAC-II. Background In Maharashtra, there are two
SEAC-I and SEAC-II committees. Both the committees appraise
projects for environment clearance in the state. The SEAC-I looks
at projects from across the state, while the SEAC-II assess
projects from the Mumbai metropolitan region and Konkan division.
Both committees recommend either approval or rejection the projects
to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority
(SEIAA).Mithivirdi nuclear plant gets CRZ nod from Union
GovernmentUnion Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate
Change (MoEFCC) has given coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) nod to the
6,000-MW Mithivirdi Nuclear Power Plant of Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in Bhavnagar district of
Gujarat. The clearance was granted by MoEFCC for constructing an
intake and outfall facility in the plant. This intake channel will
be 100 metre wide and 10 metre deep and a discharge facility
comprising of Condenser Cooling Water Discharge tunnels will be 8
metre diameter and 6 kms in length for each two units and a total
of 18 kms each for units. MoEFCC also has proposed to construct a
small barge handling marine facility having a draft of 3-4 metres.
It will help for receiving and handling over dimensional
consignments (ODCs) during the construction stage of the plant and
will be in the form of a shore-based wharf type or an open-piled
jetty system. MoEFCC also asked NPCIL to examine possibilities of
deploying ultrasonic devices with the help of National Institute of
Ocean Technology (NIOT) to divert the aquatic life from entering
into the sea water intake in connection. The ministry also has
asked filters to be provided at intake to prevent entry of marine
life along with the sea water. It should be noted that this
environmental clearance for the plant is seen as a big boost for
NPCIL that has been facing severe opposition from local farmers and
social activists.
Rajendra singh wins prestigious 2015 Stockholm Water
PrizeRenowned water conservationist and environment activist
Rajendra Singh has been conferred with 2015 Stockholm Water Prize.
He was awarded this prize for his innovative water restoration
efforts and consistent attempts to improve the water security in
villages in India. About Rajendra Singh He is popularly known as
Water Man of India. He started his career in 1980 as a National
Service Volunteer and later joined NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS).
Rajendra Singh along with volunteered young people and TBS members
had started movement purifying traditional rainwater tanks
(johads). He also had played important role in rejuvenating Arvari
River after johads and check dams were constructed on it. It has
helped Arvari River to become perennial river and was awarded
International River Prize. Since then he has pioneered in building
around 8,600 johads and other structures to collect water in state
of Rajasthan. This initiative has brought water back to around
1,000 villages across the state. He was also member of National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) from 2009-12. Awards- He was
awarded with Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in
2001. About Stockholm Water Prize Established- 1991. The prize is
founded and financed by Stockholm Water Foundation and administered
by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) It recognizes
persons for their outstanding achievements in conservation and
protection of the worlds water resources and presented annually.
The award carries US 150,000 dollars and a specially designed
sculpture. Rajendra Singh is fourth Indian to win the prestigious
global award. Others are1993- Madhav Chitale 2005- Sunita Narain.
2009- Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.NGT announces Rs 5000 fine for
littering on railway propertyNational Green Tribunal (NGT) has
announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on individuals spotted littering or
throwing waste on the railway platforms and tracks. It was
announced by a NGT bench, headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter
Kumar. In this regard NGT has passed a slew of directions to the
Railways and other authorities for maintaining cleanliness on
railway tracks. The Tribunal directed the Railways and the Delhi
Municipal Corporations to place dustbins after identifying exact
locations for collection of garbage. NGT also directed the Railways
instead of directly releasing the garbage into sewer system they
should collect, transport and treat the waste at the treatment
plants. The tribunal also directed the concerned authorities to
install mobile toilets near slum clusters in order to control
pollution caused by plastic products and human defecation around
railway tracks. NGT gave the directions on a petition filed by
lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania. The petitioners were
seeking a blanket ban on use and sale of plastic products on
railway platforms across the country besides a ban on open
defecation by people around tracks.
Union Environment Ministry revokes suspension of Goa minesUnion
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has revoked 3 year-old
suspension of environmental clearances (ECs) of mines in Goa.It was
announced by Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. This decision
will pave the way for resumption of iron ore extraction in the
state especially in 72 out of the total 89 approved mining leases.
MoEF decision to lift the ban on mining was taken as per the
directives of the Supreme Court (SC). With revocation of mining
suspension, state government now will decide the ore extraction
limits for individual miners so that mining output does not exceed
the cap of 20 million tonnes (mt) set by SC. Background In 2012,
then Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan had suspended ECs for
93 mining leases in Goa. The ECs were suspended by her following
the recommendations of report submitted by commission headed by
former Supreme Court justice MB Shah. The commission in its report
had highlighted rampant illegal extraction of the raw material in
the state. The suspension had completely halted the iron ore mining
in the state. In April 2014, SC had lifted this ban and had ruled
that iron ore extraction in state will require clearances form MoEF
and approval from the state government. The court also had set a
cap of 20mt a year for all output in Goa.Union Government merges
green India Mission merged with MGNREGA to reclaim forest
coverUnion Government has merged Green India Mission (GIM) with the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
Scheme. By merging GIM with MGNREGA Scheme government seeks to
increase 10 million hectares of forest cover. Key facts National
Mission for a Green India aims for afforestation at 10 million
hectares of land over the next decade in order to increase and
improve the countrys forest cover. It also aims at improving
ecosystems services, forest based livelihood income of about three
million households and to enhance annual CO2 sequestration. At
present under MGNREGA Scheme green works such as water harvesting,
afforestation and farm forestry are undertaken which are
implemented by Union Ministry of Rural Development. Government will
also use modern technology like remote sensing to monitor the
progress of this initiative regularly. Union Government also has
set out convergence guidelines in this regard after consulting both
Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and Rural Development
Ministries. Convergence guidelines includes All lands including
community lands, village common lands, revenue wastelands,
wetlands, shifting cultivation areas, and private agricultural
lands will be eligible for afforestation. Under MGNREGA for
afforestation, forest works such as pre-plantation, planting,
watering and pit digging will be undertaken. Fencing, plant support
and protection activities, mulching, weeding and manuring the
plants will be also undertaken. Technical advice related to the
plant species suitable for area and to raise nurseries will be
provided by State Forest Development Agencies (SFDA). SFDA will
also deliver information related to plant material to each gram
panchayat before July each year meeting the cost from MGNREGA
funds.Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles begins I OdishaThe mass
nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles, an endangered species has
begun at mouth of river Rushikulya in Ganjam district of
Odisha.Over 10,000 female turtles have laid eggs on the first day,
in the 3-km-long sandy beach from Gokharakuda to Podampeta. Along
with nesting sites at river Rushikulya mouth and Gahiramatha, the
mouth of Devi River in Odisha is also famous for mass nesting. The
mass nesting season of Olive Ridley sea turtles is a unique
phenomenon and each female turtle lays around 100-150 eggs. These
eggs hatch after 45 to 50 days of the nesting. However, the mother
turtles do not wait till hatching and baby turtles are left alone
for their survival. For the mass nesting, around 175 persons,
including forest personnel, wildlife activists and nearby local
villagers are engaged in protection of the Olive Ridley turtles and
the eggs round the clock. About Olive Ridley Turtles Scientific
name: Lepidochelys olivacea. They are also known as the Pacific
ridley sea turtle. Olive Ridley Turtles are generally found in warm
and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
They are listed as vulnerable species inIUCN Red Data Bookbecause
of their few remaining nesting sites in the world.EU formally
adopts climate change targets for December 2015 UNFCCC Paris
ConferenceThe European Union (EU) has formally adopted climate
change targets for December 2015 UNFCCC Paris Conference. Adopted
climate change target includes a 40 per cent cut in emissions by
2030. These targets were agreed by leaders of the 28 EU
member-states at a summit in October 2014 but now have been
officially forwarded to the United Nations. EU announcement comes
prior to the deadline of March 31, 2015 as it is binding on
countries to announce their commitment to cutting greenhouse gas
emissions. EU countries when taken together form the worlds biggest
economy and accounts for nine per cent of global emissions of
greenhouse gases. EU has agreed to cut the greenhouse gas emissions
by at least 40 per cent compared to 1990 levels. United States also
has formally announced its intention to reduce emissions by 26-28
per cent in 2025 compared with their level in 2005. It should be
noted that US accounts for 12 per cent of global greenhouse gases
emissions. While, China has set a target date of 2030 for its
global greenhouse gases emissions to reach peak.
Renowed ornithologist K.S. Lavakumar Khachar Passes awayRenowned
ornithologist and environmentalist K.S. Lavkumar Khachar passed
away in Rajkot, Gujarat. He was 84. As environmentalist he had a
long association with the environmental conservation intuitions
like Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and World Wide Fund for
Nature (WWF) India. About K.S. Lavkumar Khachar Khachar was
educated at Rajkumar College in Rajkot and belonged to the
erstwhile princely family of Jasdan from Gujarat. He was among the
pioneers of nature conservation in India and had worked to spread
awareness about ornithology, nature and wildlife conservation in
the country. He had organized and led several environmental
education activities in Gujarat especially conservation work in the
Gulf of Kutch islands and Gir forest, famous for Asiatic Lions. In
1984, he had served as director of the Nature Discovery Centre of
the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). Book- In 1981, he had
authored and produced book Sixty Indian Birdsalong with RS
Dharmakumarsinhji. Awards- For his pioneering work in ornithology
and on the Nanda Devi National Park, he has been conferred with
prestigious Salim Ali-Loke Wan Tho Lifetime Award for Excellence in
Ornithology. In 2004, he was also awarded the Venu Menon Lifetime
Achievement Award.Zoological Society of London and Gujarat Forest
Department inks MoU for Asiatic lion ConservationZoological Society
of London (ZSL) and Gujarat Forest Department on 26 February 2015
have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for conservationof
Asiatic lion and its habitat. As part of MoU, ZSL with its
expertise in managing zoo will provide Technical assistance to
forest department to manage rescue and treatments centres.
Technical support in veterinary support and expertise in managing
the landscape and the habitat of the area and also training the
staff in handling rescue operations. It will also help to manage
Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh. State Forest Department will use smart
software jointly developed by the ZSL and the Gujarat forest
department for tracking the movement of their staff and even the
lions. Earlier in 2014, ZSL had launched charitys new Lions400, a
fundraising campaign and had raised over 135,000 towards helping to
save the Asian lions.
NGT issues the whip on vintage carsNational Green Tribunal (NGT)
has issued whip on vintage cars and directed that no such car will
be permitted on the roads of Delhi. This order was issued by bench
of NGT headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on the lines
of its earlier order that had banned all vehicles older than 15
years. In its order NGT bench also mentioned that, no fitness
certificates to the vintage cars will be issued by any authority
without specific permission of the tribunal. NGTs order was issued
on a plea hearing, filed by Madan Mohan, director of 21 Gun Salute
International Vintage Car Rally, who had moved the tribunal seeking
permission for the rally. Background In November 2014, NGT in its
judgment had held that vehicles which are more than 15 years old
are banned to run on the city roads. NGT also had directed the
concerned authorities take appropriate steps in accordance with law
including seizure of these vehicles it they are found running on
road. About National Green Tribunal NGT is a special fast-track
court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues. It was constituted by Parliament under
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT) under Indias constitutional
provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the
right to a healthy environment.
3rd Tortoise Festival Organised Assam3rd Tortoise Festival was
organised on the banks of Hajong Lake in Dima Hasao district of
Assam by Dima Hasao Environment and Forest Department. This
festival aims to create awareness among the villagers surrounding
villages of Hajong Lake about the safety of the endangered tortoise
species available in the area. Key facts Hajong Lake is popularly
known as the tortoise lake, is a natural habitat of the few unique
tortoise i.e. hill terrapins. It is situated 80 kilometres north of
Haflong in the remote Dima Hasao district. Hajong Lakeis the only
natural tortoise habitat in Assam, where some endangered species of
tide-water tortoise of north-east India are still living. It is
facing a hostile condition due to ever-growing human intervention
in their habitats and at present, there are around 400 to 500
tortoises dwelling in this Lake.
Environment loss in Sundarbans worth Rs 1290 crore: World Bank
ReportAs per World Banks recently released report Building
Resilience for Sustainable Development of the Sundarbans,
environmental damage in the climate change-hit islands of
Sundarbans is costing India Rs. 1,290 crore each year. This report
was jointly prepared by World Bank in collaboration with the West
Bengal government. Key facts of report Losses- Annually the cost of
environmental damage associated with ecosystem degradation and
biodiversity loss is about Rs. 670 crore. While, the cost of health
effects due to poor environment is estimated at Rs. 620 crore.
Factors- The losses are due to combination of factors associated
with unsustainable and inefficient economic activities in
Sundarbans. These factors include mangrove destruction, impact of
cyclones, reduced agricultural yields and unsustainable fisheries
as well as destruction of ecosystem services. Cyclones- Damage
costs from cyclones are the highest and accounts for damages worth
Rs. 290 crore. It also includes damages to houses, agriculture,
human injuries and fatalities. Health issues- Due to environmental
degradation, villagers in Sundarbans are suffering from poor health
outcomes. This degradation is generally in the form of adverse
natural events, such as cyclones and storms and increases in soil
salinity. These risk factors contribute considerably to mortality
and morbidity, particularly among women and children. Other losses-
Climate change along with the sea level rise also has resulted in
shrimp losses, carbon sequestration losses associated with
degradation of mangrove forest, soil salinity in terms of impact on
rice yields, loss of biodiversity and agricultural land losses.
About Sundarbans Sundarbans is an archipelago of 54 islands and is
home to about 44 lakh people.It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In
recent times it is hit hard by an increase in floods, storms,
salinity and erosion caused by rising sea-levels and global
warming.Union Government launches Soil Health Card Scheme in
RajasthanPrime Minister Narendra Modi has launched nationwide Soil
Health Card (SHC) scheme in Suratgarh town of Sriganganagar
district, Rajasthan.During the launch PM gave slogan- Swasth
Dharaa. Khet Haraa (Healthy Earth, Green Farm). Key facts ofSoil
Health Card (SHC) scheme SHC is centrally-sponsored nationwide
scheme which aims to help farmers to improve the productivity of
farms by providing them basic information for use of nutrients or
fertilizers. The card carries crop-wise recommendation of
fertilisers that are required for farm lands. It also helps farmers
identify health of soil and judiciously use soil nutrients. Under
this scheme Centre plans to target over 14 crore farmers in the
next three years. In financial year 2014-15, around 3 crore farmers
will be covered to check the excess use of fertilisers. Soil Health
Card (SHC) scheme was announced by NDA government led by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in its first budget presented in July 2014.
In the budget, government had allotted Rs. 100 crore for issuing
cards under the scheme. Government also had allotted
Muthoot Group partners with WWF for elephant projectKerala-based
business conglomerate Muthoot Group has launched the Friends for
Life project in partnership with World Wide Fund (WWF) for
Nature-India. This project aims at effective management of
human-elephant conflict (HEC) to protect the habitats of Asian
elephants in six states as 4 priority landscapes and 1 priority
site earmarked by WWF-India. Priority landscapes include North Bank
landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga and Karbi-Anglong in
Assam, Terai Arc landscape in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar,
Western Ghats landscape in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and also some
parts of northern West Bengal. This project was launched in Kochi
as part of the Muthoots Haathi Mera Saathi Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This project will address the
problems and provide solutions in terms of reducing elephant and
human lives lost in theearmarkedpriority landscapes. It will also
secure crop and property damage in villages and build a future
where humans and elephants can live in harmony with each other in
selectedlandscapes.India sign $8 million loan agreement with world
Bank for SLACC projectIndia signed a loan grant agreement worth US
$8 million with World Bank for Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaption
to Climate change (SLACC) Project. The agreement was signed by
Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Finance Tarun Bajaj and World
Banks India Country Director Onno Ruhl. About Sustainable
Livelihoods and Adaption to Climate change (SLACC) Project SLACC
Project aims at improving the adaptive capacity of the rural poor
particularly women farmers engaged in farm-based livelihoodsto cope
with climate change and scale up the demonstrated best practices.
SLACC project will be implemented in collaboration with government
programs such as Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) and
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS). While, National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) isthe
implementing agency of SLACC. It will focus to provide assistance
in Climatic hazards that affect the availability of natural
resources, which adversely affect the livelihoods of the poor by
impacting production, affecting incomes and preventing building up
of assets.
Four new fish species discovered in KeralaFour new fish species
named Puntius nelsoni, Puntius nigronotus, Systomus chryseus and
Systomus rufus have been discovered in Kerala. They were discovered
by Mathews Plamoottil, a zoology professor at Baby John Memorial
Government College in Kollam. Facts about discovered species
Puntius nelson- Body and fins of this fish is yellowish in colour.
Its head is deeper, the snout shorter and the mouth wider. It was
discovered at Kallumkal in Thiruvalla, at the place where Pamba and
Manimala rivers merge. Puntius nigronotus- It has dorsal fin, black
in colour and has more rays. Its lateral line scales are greater
than its closest relatives. It was discovered at Mananthavady in
the hilly Wayanad district. Systomus chryseus- It is golden in
colour and its pectoral fin is greatly elongated. It was discovered
from Keezhvaipur near Thiruvalla. Systomus rufus- Its fins are red
in colour. It was discovered from Venpala, near Thiruvalla
district. All the four new species have received a Zoo bank
register number from the International Commission of Zoological
Nomenclature (the worldwide scientific authority for naming new
animals). The new species of the genus Systomus was discovered
after one-and-a-half century. Detailed articles describing these
new species have been published in international publications like
Journal of Research in Biology and International Journal of Fauna
and Biological Studies.Symposium: Towards Zero poaching in Asia
Concludes in NepalA symposium, Towards Zero Poaching in
Asiaconcluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th February 2015. Symposium:
Towards Zero Poaching in Asia This five-day anti-poaching symposium
started on 2 February 2015, was hosted by the Ministry of Forests
and Soil Conservation of Nepal. It wasco-hosted by World Wide Fund
for Nature (WWF), Global Tiger Forum (GTF), National Trust for
Nature Conservation (NTNC) and South Asia Wildlife Enforcement
Network (SAWEN) This event had brought together global
anti-poaching experts and delegates from countries like
Bangaladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. In this event, experts
shared best anti-poaching practices, tools and technologies with
the aim of launching a coordinated Asia-wide push to stop poaching.
Among the Tiger Range Countries that participated in this Zero
Poaching in Asia symposium, Nepal is the only country to achieve
zero poaching. Nepals achievement of Zero-poaching Nepal had
celebrated two zero poaching years i.e. in 2011 and 2014. In both
years no single critically endangered rhino was killed and for past
three years not a single tiger was killed. Nepal was able to
achieve remarkable success in wildlife conservation mainly due to
its three C policies, commitment, collaboration and coordination of
conservation effortsundertaken by local communities and the
security forces. Nepals wildlife Nepal, which shares the Terai Arc
landscape with India, has rich bio-diversity and rare flora and
fauna. It is home to endangered animals like tigers, rhinos,
elephants and gangetic dolphins. It has 10 national parks, three
wildlife reserves and six conservation areas that cover more than
13,000 square miles in total. As per the previous animal census
there are 534 endangered rhinos and 198 tigers in Nepal. Department
of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) is Nepals nodal
agency to monitor its rich biodiversity.
Two beneficial algal species discovered off the west coast of
IndiaRecently, two beneficial algal species Ulva paschima Bast and
Cladophora goensis Bast were discovered off the west coast of
India. They were discovered by Dr. Felix Bast and two research
students working with him.These findings were published in the
journals PLOS One and Indian Journal of Marine Sciences. Key
Characteristics of discovered algal species Carbon capture
properties- These species have excellent carbon capture properties
i.e. ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So it
can be used as bio-fuels and help reduce global warming. Endemic-
Both of them are endemic species to the western coast of India. So,
their cultivation is not going to cause any environmental harm and
reduces the risk of bio invasion in this region. Bloom forming-
Both species being bloom forming they have spontaneous growth. So
there is no need for any expensive cultivation systems such as
photobioreactors or extensive use of fertilizers/pesticides. They
can grow sporadically at shorelines and can sequester CO. Medicinal
values- Both species have similar characteristic like other algal
species which have Kahalalide-F, used in in clinical trials against
prostate and breast cancers. So they can be used in Pharmaceutical
products. It should be noted that, this discovery was the first
molecular study on Indian algae, and first algal species discoveed
in past 40 years.
World Wetlands Day is being observed on 2 FebruaryEvery year
World wetland day (WWD) is observed on 2 February. The theme for
the world wetland day 2015 is Wetlands for our future. Significance
of Day This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on
Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the
Iranian city of Ramsar. Each year on this day government agencies,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and groups of citizens at
all levels of the community raise public awareness of wetland
values and their benefits. They also spread awareness about Ramsar
Convention in particular. Background For first time, WWD was
celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year.
The theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and
Agriculture. Some facts Currently there are 2,186 wetlands of
international importance sites under the Ramsar Convention known as
Ramsar Sites covering around 208,449,277 hectares km. The maximum
Ramsar sites are located in UK i.e. 168. The largest area covered
by the Ramsar sites is in Canada. The number of parties to the
Ramsar Convention is 168. Ramsar Sites in India are 26 (as of
September 2012).Jackal research and translocation Project launched
in Uttar PradeshWildlife SOS in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh
(UP) Forest Department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is
launching Jackal Research & Translocation Project in UP. Under
this project, study and translocation of 30-35 wild jackals from
Akbars Tomb in Sikandra, Agra to safe natural habitat will be
undertaken. Jackal Translocation Project It seeks to protect
Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) population in Akbars tomb as well
as jackals. Recent surveys have shown that jackal population has
increased inside the Akbars tomb premises. It had resulted in
decrease in population of Blackbucks as jackals were preying on the
young fawn of the black bucks. This project will help to reduce
unnatural proximity between these two species by translocating
jackal to other safe natural habitat and save almost 100
blackbucks.Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary to come up
near BengaluruIndias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary will come
up near Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was announced by an international
animal rights and conservation group People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (PETA). In this regard, PETA and the
Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka have joined hands. Key
facts about solar fenced elephant sanctuary Its main objective is
to allow elephants in this park to move around freely within the
secure areato curb man- animal conflicts in this area. It will
cover 49.5 hectare area within the Biological Park which is an
extension of the Bannerghatta National Park. Designed by the PETA
consultant and elephant expert Carol Buckley and basically includes
solar electric fence and a state-of-the-art emergency corral made
of steel pipes. Local caregivers will be also trained on the
principles of protected contact. It will allow safe interaction
between human beings and elephants by keeping them separated by a
barrier. It will also replaceage-old routine of physical punishment
techniques to manage the elephants, bypositive reinforcement
techniques.Keralas Periyar tiger reserve wins NTCA biennial
awardPeriyar Tiger Reserve located inKerala has won the National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award for encouraging
local public participation in managing the reserve. Public
participation in managing thePeriyar Tiger Reserve India
Eco-Development project (IEDP): Peoples participation started in
the reserve in December 1996 by establishing India Eco-Development
project (IEDP). It was a community-based eco-tourism initiative,
which promoted tourism activities which helped visitors. It also
promoted pepper growing in this region and marketing it. Periyar
Foundation: Later in 2006, reserve set up the Periyar Foundation
which was a model for other reserves in biodiversity conservation
and community participation in managing natural resources. It
involved 75 communities living around the reserve, including tribal
people. There are around 19 different eco-tourism programmes apart
from village eco-development programmes for public participation in
managing the reserve.
Indias Tigers Population increases by 30% since 2011As per tiger
census report 2014, the population of tigers in India has increased
from 1,706 in 2011 to 2,226 in 2014.This tiger census report was
released by Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar. Key facts
of tiger census report 2014 It shows an increase of 30 per cent in
countrys tiger population compared to 2011 tiger census report. The
latest tiger census figures show that Karnataka has the highest
number of tigers in the age group of 1.5 years and more. It has 408
tigers in that age group. While census figures show that 340 tigers
are in Uttarakhand, 308 in Madhya Pradesh, 229 in Tamil Nadu, 190
in Maharashtra, 167 in Assam, 136 in Kerala and 117 in Uttar
Pradesh. As per new census, India is estimated to be home to around
70% of the worlds tigers. For census, total of 3,78,118 sq km of
forest area in 18 tiger states was surveyed with a total of 1,540
unique tiger photo captures. Tiger census In India, tiger census is
carried out after a gap of every three years by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA). 2008 tiger census: Tiger population
estimated was 1,411. 2011 tiger census: Tiger population estimated
was 1,706.
World future Energy Summit begins in Abu DhabiThe World Future
Energy Summit 2015 has begun in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(UAE). It is eight editionof the summit and will befour day
event.It will provide platform to delegates including world
leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors,
experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists from all over the
world including India. Delegates will discuss the future of
renewable energy and how to overcome the challenges in tapping
potential of it. Key highlights of World Future Energy Summit It
will provide a platform for commercial solutions to clean and green
energy. It will include exhibition of first-of-its-kind, fully
integrated hybrid product that captures both solar and wind energy
to provide more consistent power generation. Summit will also
display a mobile solar power plant on a trailer with a 4.8 kWp
capacity and battery storage of up to 20 kWh and a new turbine that
converts energy from sea waves. It will also display parabolic
sun-dish concentrators combined with a specialized steam generator
suitable for enhanced oil recovery, power generation, water
desalination operations and power generations are on display.2014
hottest year on record: US ScientistsAccording to US scientists,
year 2014 was the hottest year on record, with global average
temperature increasing about 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880. It was
revealed by two separate analyses carried out by NASA and National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Key outcomes 10
warmest years since records began in the 19th century have all been
since 1997. In 2014, record temperatures were spread around the
globe. It included most of Europe stretching into northern Africa,
the western United States, far eastern Russia into western Alaska,
parts of interior South America, parts of eastern and western
coastal Australia and elsewhere. Recent trends of warming have been
dominated by human emissions of greenhouse gases. Earlier, it was
thought of chaotic weather patterns. But later it was considered
that year-to-year fluctuations in average global temperature are
caused by phenomena such as El Nino or La Nina. El Nino or La Nina
phenomena generally warm or cool the tropical Pacific oceanic
region and are thought to have played a role in the flattening of
the long-term warming trend over the past 15 years. However, 2014s
record warmth occurred during an El Nino-neutral year.5th general
assembly of IRENA begins in Abu DhabiThe 5th General Assembly of
the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)has began in Abu
Dhabi. Government leaders from more than 150 countries including
India and representatives from more than 110 international
organizations are taking part in this two day meet. 5th meet of
IRENA seeks to address global issues like enhancing the share of
renewable energy in the overall energy mix and to tackle global
challenges like climate change, energy access and energy security.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) It is an
intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable
use of renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy
cooperation and information exchange within its member nations. It
was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July
2010. Headquarters: Abu Dhabi. Members: In total it has 138
Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent members of IRENA.3 day
Flamingo Festival begins near Pulicat Lake in Nellore district of
Andhra Pradesh3 day Flamingo Festival has begun at the famous
brackish water of Lake Pulicat in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary located
at Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It will be hosted in
Doravari Satram mandal, in Nellore district. This festival provides
a unique opportunity for people, particularly ornithologists,
environmentalists, bird watchers, forest and tourism officials To
study the bio-diversity of Pulicat and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary To
initiate measure to conserve the bio-zones for future generations
in this area. It also promotes eco-tourism in the district. In this
three day festival, several cultural and entertainment programmes
will take place. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary The Nelapattu Bird
Sanctuary, considered one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds
of pelicans and other birds. It is located about 20 km north of the
Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. This
sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares. Every year from
October to March, different species of migratory birds, roosting
migrants and some rare and endangered species from various parts of
the world visit the habitat. This sanctuary plays important role in
nesting of various birds especially migratory birds. Birds found in
this sanctuary are: Flamingos, Pelicans, Siberian Storks, Open
Billed Storks, Night Herons, Egrets, Little Cormorant, Golden
Backed Wood Pecker, Spotted and Ring Doves, King Fishers, Painted
Storks, White Necked Storks, Spoon Bills and other species of
birds. The villagers in area nearby to this sanctuary treat the
migratory birds with affection and provide protection to
them.Second National Biodiversity Conference 2015 Will be held in
KeralaThe National Biodiversity Conference (NBC)-2015 will be held
in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from 23rd to 27th February. It will
be second edition of this biodiversity conference and its focal
theme for 2015 is Biodiversity: Access and Benefit Sharing. NBC is
being organized as the most important biodiversity mega event of
India, under the auspices of MoEF and National Biodiversity
Authority and all other organisations involved in conservation and
promotion of biodiversity in the country. 2 edition of NBC will
consists of conference, workshops and exhibitions that will help to
create awareness for accounting natural capital as a national
asset. All conservation leaders and natural resource managers are
going to participate in this conference to promote sustainable
development. Background: It is a biennial event and first NBC was
organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) in
Thiruvananthapuram. The theme of NBC 2012 was Biodiversity for food
security.For first time 19 swamp deer translocated from Kaziranga
to Manas National ParkFor the first time in India, a herd of 19
swamp deer were translocated from Kaziranga National Park to Manas
National Park in Assam. It was part of Eastern Swamp Deer
Conservation Project to source their population to Manas National
Park. This translocation initiative was initiated by a team of
experts from the Assam Forest Department (AFD), Wildlife Trust of
India (WTI) and Assam College of Veterinary Science. As a part of
translocation, they were transported more than 400 kms away from
present habitat and were released in a specially prepared enclosure
or boma in Manas. This boma (enclosure) is secured by a two-line
power fence installed over a barrier to deter leopards. In this
enclosure, they are provided with transplanted short grass
originally from their habitat to ensure well- being of the herd. As
part of translocation they will kept in boma for the first few
months and later will be released in the park in batches. While
some of them will be kept in the boma for breeding purposes. Swamp
deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) are popularly known as
Barasingha. Its entire population is currently found only in
Kaziranga National Park. Eastern Swamp Deer Conservation Project-
It is an ecological research programme of AFD and WTI along with
ONGC started in 2010. The aim of the project is to understand the
ecology of the eastern swamp deer and develop management strategies
for conservation of their last surviving population in India. The
project generally focuses on researching diet, genetic constitution
and behaviour of swap deers which will provide useful insight for
scientific management of the sub-species in Kaziranga, along with
creating a second home in Manas National Park. Translocation: It is
awildlife conservation biology which includes capture, transport
and release or introduce species from their original habitat to
another habitat far away. It seeks to reduce the risk of
theirextinctionby increasing, augmenting their critical
population.
NGT forms panel to dispose sand on Yamuna riverbedNational Green
Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a committee to weigh and dispose
around 70,000 cubic metre of sand and clay lying on the riverbed of
Yamuna at Wazirabad and Jagatpur bund areas in New Delhi. This
decision was taken by a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice
Swantanter Kumar after Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had informed NGT
regarding disposing of sand and clay lying on the river bed to
contractors which was banned earlier. Guidelines set by NGT bench
The committee will deposit entire earning from this sand and clay
with DJB. Mining in the name of dredging will be carried out by any
of the respondents till the next date of hearing on January 27,
2015. The royalty would be computed on actual content of clay and
sand in the dredging material. Background Earlier, NGT had
completely banned sand mining in the name of dredging on Yamuna
River at the two sites. This decision was taken after a petition
seeking a complete ban on illegal sand mining in New Delhi without
obtaining environmental clearance. About National Green Tribunal
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT) is a federal legislation
enacted by the ParliamentofIndia, under Indias constitutional
provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the
right to a healthyenvironment. The tribunal itself is a special
fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases
pertaining to environmental issues.
Bangladesh oil spill disaster threatens wildlife Sundabans
forestBangladeshs oil spill disaster is considered as ecological
catastrophe which may threaten rare dolphins, other wildlife
species and worlds largest mangrove forests in the Sundrbans. Oil
spill disaster:The tanker carrying an estimated 350,000 litres of
furnace oil partly sank in the Sundarbans Shela River after it
collided with another vessel. These oil slicks have spread over a
60 kilometre-long area and have entered into another river as well
as a network of canals in the vast Sundarbans delta which comprises
a network of rivers and canals straddling Bangladesh and India.
Environmental Impact This disaster may be considered as an
ecological catastrophe and can destroy the delicate ecology of the
Sundarbans a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Sundrban has worlds
largest mangrove forest which is home to wide range of fauna,
including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened
species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python. It
is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. The oil spills has
already blackened the shoreline and started degrading the water
quality, threatening trees, plankton, vast populations of small
fishes. Rare Irrawaddy dolphin may be the first victim of this oil
spill as the thick layer of oil on the surface of the river may cut
down the dissolved oxygen, leading to suffocation of these dolphins
due to lack of oxygen. It may even threaten Sunderban tigers as
there feed on herbivores animals like deer and other are going to
suffer from oil spill as their vegetation may be covered by a thick
layer of oil and rinse into the soil once the water recedes during
the tides.
Typhoon Hagupit approaches PhilippinesTyphoon Hagupit has
approached Philippines and has made landfall in the town of Dolores
in the eastern Philippines with terrifying winds and intense rain
pounding in the eastern part. The powerful storm from the typhoon
which has its origin from the Pacific Ocean crashed into the remote
fishing communities of Samar Island with wind gusts of 210 km/hr.
Almost 7 lakh people were evacuated before the typhoon. United
Nations has mentioned it as one of the worlds biggest peacetime
evacuations. Typhoo Hagupit is expected to make five landfalls as
it crosses the Philippines before leaving the country by 10th
December 2014.
India helps Maldives to tackle drinking water crisisIndia helped
Maldives to tackle drinking water crisis after the only water
desalination plant in Maldives capital Male, had caught fire and
had to be shut down. Due to this emergency over 100,000 residents
of Male were left without drinking water Earlier, Maldivian
President Abdulla Yameen had declared a crisis situation and had
appealed to India, Sri Lanka and China and the United States for
help. Indias help: In the response to Maldives urgent call, India
has sent over 200 tonnes of drinking water through 5 IAF heavy-lift
aircraft and also pressed into service naval warships to supply
potable water to Male. Indian Navys patrol vessel INS Sukanya
already has reached Male and will be stationed there to produce
water round the clock to meet the water crisis. It is carrying 35
tonnes of fresh water and has two reverse osmosis (RO) plants
onboard which have a capacity of producing 20 tonnes of fresh water
per day
Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh to be declared as
Tiger ReserveTheNational Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has
given in-principle approval for creation of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor
Pingla tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh. The NTCA in this regard has
sought a final proposal from the Chhattisgarh state administration.
Guru Ghasidas national park lies between two important tiger
reserves- Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau (Jharkhand) and
is also contiguous with the Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserve (Madhya
Pradesh). Background In June 2011, the proposal to declare Guru
Ghasidas National Park as a tiger reserve was proposed by the then
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests
Jairam Ramesh to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh. The
proposal was made after the area was surveyed by the Wildlife
Institute of India in 2010. The survey had clearly mentioned that,
though the prey population in the habitat is low at present, it has
considerable diversity. Therefore, with good management and
protection under Project Tiger, the area has a potential for
supporting a viable tiger population along with the Sanjay-Dubri
tiger reserve. At present, Chhattisgarh has three tiger reserves-
Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi and Achanakmar. According to an NTCA,
these reserves have 26 tigers as per Tiger census of 2010.2015 to
be celebrated as year of Water Conservation in India
The year 2015-16 will be observed as water conservation year in
India. Recently, it was announced by the Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti while
inaugurating an international seminar on water risk and water
stewardship held at New Delhi. To mark this conservation year, a
public movement will be launched. The cooperation of state
governments, NGOs, civil society, youth and retired personnel will
be taken to meet efforts aimed at conserving water. As per
minister, public movement has become a necessity for conservation
of water and river in the country as it is an important element of
development.
Environment Ministry approves Waiver of Mandatory green
Clearances for strategic border roadsMinistry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) has given in-principle approval to Union Home
Ministry and Ministry for Road Transport and Highways for waiver of
mandatory forest and environment clearances for construction of
strategic roads and bridges along border. This in-principle
approval by MoEF was granted in order to expedite strategic border
projects under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of
forest land for creation of border security related infrastructure
within five kilometres aerial distance from the International
Border. Earlier, Union Home Ministry had requested MoEF to exempt
environment clearance for infrastructure projects falling within
100 km from Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and
International Border (IB). In response to this request, MoEF has
allowed diversion of land for setting up of surveillance equipment
within 5 km from the International Border and 100 km from LAC.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also had requested MoEF to
give environment and forest clearances at their respective state
level in order to expedite these infrastructure projects along the
States having borders. The states mentioned were: Bihar, West
Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. MoEF gave approval to
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Forest (Conservation)
Act for creation of security related installations for all states
having international border except to the state of Jammu &
Kashmir as this Act do not extend to it. Implications of this
decision on strategic border projects Paramilitary organisations
like Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are
the first line of defence along the IB. This approval will help
them to meet their most of installations requirements such as
border roads, fencing, Border Outposts, floodlights, surveillance
and power infrastructure are required to be created along or near
the IB. Due to the inhospitable terrain along the LAC,
installations of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police deployed along the
LAC as first line defence, are required to be created at far away
distance from the LAC. Now they can construct strategic
installations within 100kms of LAC. These strategic projects will
help to tackle repeated incursions along LoC, LAC and IB.
Newton- Bhabha fund announced by UK and IndiaIndia and United
Kingdom (UK) have announced a Newton-Bhabha Fund programme to scale
up their bilateral research & innovation relationship to a
greater level. This new initiative was announced during a meeting
between Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan
and the UK Minister for Universities, Science and Cities Greg
Clark, who co-chaired the 4th UK-India Science and Innovation
Council (SIC) held at new Delhi. The Newton-Bhabha Fund is a
programme which aims to build up strong interdisciplinary dimension
that will further strategise the science, research and innovation
cooperation between the UK and India. For this programme UK will
provide 50 million pounds over 5 years period and India will
provide similar matched efforts. Key Features: Newton-Bhabha
programme Joint PhD student mobility programme: It aims to pave the
way for the next generation of researchers in the UK and India to
interact with each other and build long-term R&D linkages and
collaborations. This mobility programme will be administered by
British Council India and the Department of Science and Technology.
It will start from March 2015 to sponsor UK and Indian PhD students
to spend a period of their study (3 to 6 months) in Premier Indian
and UK higher education institutions. New research projects in
Mental Health and Substance Abuse: These new projects will be joint
initiative of Medical Research Council (MRC) of UK and Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR). ICMR will fund the Indian
component for this project while UK will provide up to 2 million
pounds. Setting up Centres for research in Renewable Energy: These
centres will be jointly co-funded by RCUK Energy programme and
Department of Science and Technology (DST) of India. UK and the
Department of Science & Technology of India will provide
support to business-led research and development aimed at tackling
societal challenges. Centre Partnerships in Cancer Biology,
Translational Regenerative Medicines in Neuroscience and
Antimicrobial Resistance: It will be funded jointly up to 7 million
pounds by Medical Research Council (MRC) of UK and Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), India.Worlds tallest hybrid wind turbine
installed in KutchWind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Energy has
installed the worlds first and tallest hybrid wind generator
turbine in Kutch, Gujarat. This installation was part Gujarats
focused approach on enhancing Renewable Energy Portfolio in order
to meet the dual objective of Sustainable Development and ensuring
Indias Energy Security. In 2008, the Suzlon Energy had signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Government to
set up 2000 MW of wind energy capacity in the state. Key features
of Suzlons tallest hybrid wind generator turbine The turbine will
generate 12-15 percent more energy. Hybrid wind turbine will be
120-metre in height. It is taller than conventional wind turbine
towers by 40 metres. With this new turbine, the installed wind
energy capacity at the Kutch region of Gujarat has gone up to 1100
MW. It makes it the Asias biggest wind energy park at one location.
This tower is ideal for low wind areas and the potential is huge.
In the next three years, this region will have 2000 MW of wind
energy capacity. About Suzlon Energy Suzlon Energy is a leading
wind power products and services company with a global footprint.
It was established in 1995. Suzlon is credited with developing one
of the worlds largest wind farms in the western Indian state of
Gujarat and Rajasthan. The company has presence across six
continents: North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and
Africa. The Suzlon Group has built its presence in over 31
countries and has achieved a milestone by crossing over 25000 MW of
wind power installations globally.Canine Distemper Virus pushing
tigers towards extinctionAccording to a new study from the Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS), canine distemper virus (CDV) has the
potential to be a significant driver in pushing the tigers towards
extinction. This deadly virus is adding a new threat to tiger
populations along with to the existing pressures of habitat loss,
poaching and depletion of prey species. Researchers have evaluated
these impacts on the Amur tiger population in Russias Sikhote-Alin
Biosphere Zapovednik (SABZ), where tiger numbers declined from 38
individuals to 9 in the years 2007 to 2012. How the study took
place? The scientists used computer modeling to simulate the
effects of CDV infection on isolated tiger populations of various
sizes and through a series of transmission scenarios. These
included tiger-to-tiger transmission and transmission through
predation on CDV-infected domestic dogs or infected wild carnivores
(such as foxes, raccoon dogs and badgers). High and low-risk
scenarios for the model were created based on variation in the
prevalence of CDV and the tigers contact with sources of exposure.
A key finding of this study Modeling shows that smaller populations
of tigers were found to be more vulnerable to extinction by CDV.
Populations consisting of 25 individuals were 1.65 times more
likely to decline in the next 50 years when CDV was present. The
results are profoundly disturbing for global wild tigers as in most
sites wild tigers are limited to populations of less than 25 adult
breeding individuals. About canine distemper virus (CDV) Canine
distemper is a viral disease that affects animals. The disease is
highly contagious (via inhalation) and fatal 50% of the time, thus
making it the leading cause of infectious disease death. The virus
infects the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, the brain,
and spinal cord of animals. Common symptoms can include: 1) High
fever, 2) Watery discharge from the eyes and nose, 3) Vomiting and
diarrhea, 4) Hardening of the footpads and nose, 5) Seizures of any
part of the body 6) Paralysis. It is most commonly associated with
domestic animals such as dogs and ferrets, but it can infect wild
animals.Keralas Ashtamudi clam fishery to first in india to receive
MSC CertificationClam fishery in the Ashtamudi estuary in Kolam
district of Kerala is the first in India to receive Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This certification will
help to boost sustainable fisheries while protecting the ecosystem
in this Wetland area. It has become the third in Asia to receive
this recognition. It is a joint effort of the Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, the Kerala State
Fisheries Department and the World Wildlife Fund, along with the
local fishing community. What is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
certification programme? The MSC programme is the worlds most
rigorous, science-based standard criteria for sustainable seafood.
MSC certification is basically ecolabel used to monitor the health
of the worlds oceans by recognizing and rewarding sustainable
fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying
seafood, and working with partners to transform the seafood market
to a sustainable basis. This certification implies the
implementation of measures that will ensure that the resource is
not overfished at the cost of the eco-system. When buyers choose to
purchase MSC certified fish, fisheries are rewarded for sustainable
practices. Thus MSC programme helps to harness market forces to
incentivise positive environmental change. Globally, over 11 per
cent of the annual global harvest of wild fisheries is engaged in
the MSC programme. Globally more than 19,500 seafood products are
certified and eco-lebeled by MSC. Implications It also opens up the
scope for other fisheries in India to work towards MSC
certification that will enhance conservation and sustainability of
the resource while providing greater economic returns. This may be
set an example by showcasing the world that development and
environment protection go hand in hand and participatory approach
at the local level in managing biodiversity is an important aspect
of it. About Ashtamudi estuary Ashtamudi estuary is a Ramsar
Wetland of international importance and second largest in Kerala.
Clam fishery in this estuary dates back to 1981 and supports
livelihood of around 3,000 fishermen involved in collection,
cleaning, processing and trading of clams. In 1993, clam commercial
fishery had declined due overfishing in order to meet its demand in
South Asian countries. In order to stop overfishing strict
guidelines were introduced which included closed season fishing,
mesh restrictions for nets, minimum export size and banning
mechanical clam fishing.Government reconstitutes Prime Ministers
Council on Climate ChangeOn 5th November 2014, Union government
reconstituted the Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change. The
new Council on Climate Change will be headed by Prime Minister. It
will formulate and coordinate the National Action Plan for
Assessment, Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change. The
council will have 18 members, which includes 13 government
representatives and 5 non-government members. Among 13 government
representatives, 8 will be ministers. The council will focus on the
following tasks: The new council will coordinate the action plan
and advise the government on proactive measures that can be taken
to deal with the challenge of climate change. It will facilitate
inter-ministerial coordination and guide policy in relevant areas.
The council will evolve a coordinated response to issues relating
to climate change at the national level. It will provide oversight
for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment,
adaptation and mitigation of climate change and periodically
monitor key policy decisions. The composition of the re-constituted
Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change: Prime Minister(Head of
Council) Minister for External Affairs Union Finance Minister Union
Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change: It will
assist the Prime Ministers Office in facilitating the work of the
council. Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation. Union Minister for Agriculture. Union Minister
for Urban Development. Union Minister for Science and Technology.
Union MoS of Power, Coal and NRE . Principal Secretary to PM
(Member-convener of this panel) Cabinet Secretary. Foreign
Secretary. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change. Retained members from previous council R. K. Pachauri,
Chairperson ofIPCC and TERI. Nitin Desai. Chandrasekar Dasgupta
Newly added members Ajay Mathur, Chairperson, BEE M. Mouskar,
retired IAS officer. Previous Council The first and previous was
formed in 2007. It was chaired by then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh. It included government representatives and non-government
members. But this council had not met for over three years. Sunita
Narain, Raj Chengappa, R.Ramachandran,Prodopto Ghosh and RatanTata
were the members of this council who are dropped from this years
council. The countrys National Action Plan on Climate Change was
framed by this Council.
SC gives free hand to NGT to whip Ganga Polluting IndustriesThe
SC has asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to actively involve
itself in the cleaning up of the Ganges river Inactivity of other
bodies The SC asked the NGT to step in and take up the task of
closing down industries polluting Ganga and take action against
industries failing to install adequate anti-pollution measures to
treat industrial effluents by March 2015. This responsibility had
been entrusted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and
state pollution control boards (SPCBs). However, these agencies
have failed to even implement SC orders which have been passed over
the last 30 years to reduce pollutants in the Ganga. Efficient
functioning of the NGT The SC opined that the NGTs work, with its
expertise in the field of environment, was impressive. The NGT
would be in a better position to follow through on judgments and
monitor their implementation in certain scenarios like the closure
of polluting industries. Also, it can oversee the actions taken by
different authorities and environmental agencies. The SC has
decided to give a free rein to NGT to take control of the
cleaning-up of the Ganga. It will deal with the highly polluting
industries which are discharging untreated effluents into Ganga and
take appropriate measures, as it deems fit. The SC will retain
control of certain matter such as those relating to discharge of
untreated sewage from municipalities and towns in the Ganga basin
states. The Court also asked the NGT to file status reports after
intervals of six months on action being taken by it against
polluting industries.Government to soon put up climate Change
Adaptation PlanThe Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate
Changeannounced that that Government will soon put upa Climate
ChangeAdaptation Plan. The Minister made this announcement after
inaugurating a national workshop on Scaling up Good Practices for
Climate Change Adaptation in New Delhi. Key points: The Minister
said that Indians, especially the farming community, are very good
at adaptation. Best practices from around the country should be
shared. Every city, district and state will have to create its
ownclimate change The government has already set aside Rs. 100 cr
in the budget for the development of this Plan. The Minister said
that the whole world was focusing on mitigation, but stress also
has to be placed on adaptation, along with mitigation. The Minister
stressed the importance of employment of adaptation techniques like
watershed based farmer centric agro meteorology, waterbudgeting,
sustainable culture and energy efficiency. He also highlighted the
need for setting aside adequate finance and technology to meet the
challenges of climate change.
Key Facts About Cyclone Nilofar A deep depression that has
formed over the Arabian Sea is expected to turn into a tropical
cyclone Nilofar. Nilofar has the potential to strengthen to the
equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane before its Arabian Peninsula
landfall. In India, the North Gujarat coast is expected to bear the
brunt of Nilofar. It is expected to land in Gujarat on October 31
with a wind speed of over 120 kmph District authorities in the
coastal areas of Gujarat have been warned to be prepared for heavy
rains and storm. The authorities are also monitoring the situation
and the control rooms are operational. The authorities of the
Kandla Port Trust, State Maritime Board and the Forest Department,
besides local leaders in villages have been put on high alert.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the
coastal districts of Gujarat will isolated very heavy rainfall from
October 30 which will intensify further into a severe cyclone storm
within 24 hours Alerts will be issued to concerned local
authorities on status of the storm every three hours Other than
India, Nilofaris also expected to hit eastern Yemen or Omanwith
damaging winds, flooding rain and dangerously rough seas.It is also
expected to bring potentially heavy rainfall to parts of Pakistan,
especially Karachi. It is to be noted that tropical cyclones are
unusual in this part of the world. Generally, only one or two
tropical cyclones form every year in Arabian Sea. About Naming of
cyclones In the West, hurricanes and tropical cyclones have been
given their own names since 1953. This was done in accordance with
a convention by Miamis National Hurricane Centre and is maintained
and updated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO is
an agenct of the UN and based out of Geneva. However, South Asia
and the Middle East did not adhere to this practice of naming
storms till much later. In an effort to name the cyclones without
offending any of the countries in the region, all the countries
came together in 2004 to evolve a mechanism to name the tropical
cyclones. According to the agreed upon system, India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Sri Lanka and Thailand meet
every year and each country submits its list of names. Each country
gets a turn to name the storm in alphabetical order. Till now, the
countries have decided on 64 names. Hudhud was a suggestion of
Oman, while Nilofar was Pakistans suggestion.
Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to be Chair of Future
Earths Engagement Committee
Jairam Ramesh, former Environment Minister, has been asked to
chair the Future Earth Engagement Committee. Future Earth
Engagement Committee The Committee is a global research platform
panel on sustainable development. The strategic advisory group was
instituted by an alliance of organisations including the UNEP (UN
Environment Programme), UNESCO and the World Meteorological
Organisation (WMO). However, the Committee is the flagship
initiative of the Science and Technology Alliance for Global
Sustainability. The committee will provide knowledge and support to
hasten the introduction of sustainable technologies. The committee
will consist of leaders from stakeholder groups, including
business, policy and civil society and will be representative of
various societal partners, who can help bring about change. The
Committee will comprise of 18 members and will be fully constituted
by the end of 2014. Earlier roles in international fora Jairam
Ramesh was also a member of the UN Secretary Generals High-Level
Global Sustainability Panel between 2011 and 2012. He also played a
key role in the UN Climate Change Conferences at Copenhagen in 2009
and Cancun in 2010.
Government to create a SPV for Ken-Betwa River Linking
Project
The Centre is planning to create a SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)
to implement the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. Interlinking the
rivers of India has been one of the major initiative of the NDA
government at the Centre. Ken-Betwa River Linking Project The
Ken-Betwa link is one of the 16 river linking proposals under the
Peninsular Component of the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for
water resources development. It envisages diversion of surplus
water from the Ken basin to the water-deficit Betwa basin. The
project will have a dam on Ken river along with a 221 km link
canal. The project was conceived in two phases, with the first
phase benefitting both states, and the second phase confined to
Madhya Pradesh. There are plans to implement both phases at the
same time. The project is expected to facilitate annual irrigation
for 6.35 lakh hectares and supply drinking water to 13.42 lakh
people. Also, a 78MW hydropower plant is expected to become
operational after the two rivers are linked. Approvals The project
will involve the two neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh, both of which have in principle given their consent
for creation of the SPV. Also the Ministry of Environment and
Forests has given its approval for conducting the EIA
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Study for the project.
North east monsoon gets active over South IndiaThe northeast
monsoon is active over south India, according to the IMD (Indian
Meteorological Department) which has forecast rain or
thundershowers in the region. The northeast monsoon is expected to
be vigorous over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and southern interior of
Karnataka, and active over Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most places in
Rayalaseema, Karnataka and Lakshadweep, and many places in coastal
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are already
experiencing rainfall.
About Northeast Monsoon The period between October to December
in peninsular India is referred to as the northeast monsoon season.
The northeast monsoon used to be called post-monsoon season or
retreating southwest monsoon season. The northeast monsoon is a
major period of rainfall activity over the southern peninsula,
especially coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and the
Tamilnadu-Pondicherry region. For Tamilnadu, this is the main rainy
season accounting for about 48% of the annual rainfall.
Generally, northeast monsoon rains occur in spells of about 3 to
4 days duration. Spells exceeding 4 days occur less often and there
are long spells of dry weather with little or no rain. Rainfall is
concentrated in the afternoon, evening or early part of the night,
except when a depression is formed nearby.
Government to revive Prime Ministers Council on Climate
ChangeThe Central government is planning to reconstitute and revive
the PMs Council on Cilmate Change. This Council oversaw the
implementation of the eight missions under the NAPCC (National
Action Plan on Climate Change). This advisory body had not met in
the last three years.
An Executive Committee had been set up in January 2013,
comprising of officials from relevant Ministries, to assist the
Council and monitor implementation of the eight missions. However,
despite this, lack of funding and co-ordination lead to slow
implementation of proposals under the eight missions. Most missions
have been underperforming in relation to their targets.
With renewed emphasis on climate change in the international,
the government has deemed it imperative to formulate a coherent
domestic climate change policy. The reconstituted Council is
expected to review the implementation of the eight missions and
undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the countrys climate
change policy. Moreover, the composition of the Council is expected
to be tweaked to accommodate more members from the industrial
sector.
Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change The Council was
established in 2007. It was responsible for framing the NAPCC in
2008. The High Level Advisory group was given the role of
co-coordinating action plans for assessment, adaptation and
mitigation of climate change. It also advised the government on
multiple climate change related issues and facilitated
inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination in the arena of
climate change.
E-rickshaws recognized as special category three-wheeled
vehicles
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highway has issued a
notification amending the Motor Vehicles Act, allowing e-rickshaws
to ply in New Delhi. Earlier, a Delhi HC judgment had banned
e-rickshaws due to safety concerns. But, the Centre has recognized
e-rickshaws as a special category and has come out with guidelines
for their usage. This decision has been taking by the government
after taking into consideration the loss of livelihood caused to
many e-rickshaw drivers because of the ban.What are
e-rickshaws?
E-rickshaws or electric rickshaws are three wheeled vehicles
that are operated with an electric motor. The notification defines
e-rickshaws as a special purpose battery operated vehicle having
three wheels and intended to provide last mile connectivity for
transport of passengers.
Restrictions
An e-rickshaws cam carry a maximum of four passengers, excluding
the driver, and luggage that weighs no more than 40 kg. The maximum
allowed speed limit for e-rickshaws is 25 km/hr and the net power
of its motor cannot be more than 2,000 W. Further, a license
issued/renewed for an e-rickshaw will be valid only for three years
from the date of issue.
Key Outcomes of Narendra Modis US visitA joint editorial
released by India and US highlighted the following developments in
the bilateral relationship of the two countries:-
Indo- US Investment Initiative
Establishment of an Indo- US Investment Initiative led by the
Ministry of Finance on the Indian side and the Department of
Treasury on the American side, with special focus on capital market
development and financing of infrastructure. This Initiative will
focus on increasing investment by institutional investors and
corporate entities
Infrastructure Collaboration Platform
Establishment of an Infrastructure Collaboration Platform
convened by the Ministry of Finance on the Indian side and the
Department of Commerce on the American side to facilitate the
participation of American companies in Indian infrastructure
projects
Trade Policy Forum
The two countries committed to work through the Trade Policy
Forum to promote a business environment that was conducive for
companies to invest and manufacture in both in India and US. Also,
an annual high-level Intellectual Property Working Group as a part
of the Trade Policy Forum will be formed to look into issues
related to innovation.
Others
The two leaders also committed to hold public-private
discussions in the early part of 2015 under the already existing
Commercial Dialogue on new areas of cooperation, including
innovation in advanced manufacturing
After reiterating their commitment to working together towards
the creation of a new global agreement on climate change, they
agreed to hold an urgent meeting of their bilateral task force on
HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) prior to the next meeting of the Montreal
Protocol
The two leaders launched a new US India Climate Fellowship
Program to build each others long term capacity to address climate
change related issues
A MoU between the Export-Import Bank and the Indian Renewable
Energy Development Agency was signed. This MoU would make up to $1
bn in financing available to India to help its transition to a low
carbon and climate resilient energy economy, at the same time
boosting American renewable energy exports to India
The countries also agreed to a 10 year extension of the 2005
Framework for the US India Defense Relationship The two leaders
decided to intensify cooperation in maritime security, mainly by
enhancing technology partnerships for Indias Navy and also
upgrading the existing military exercise Malabar.
USA pledged to help India counter the threat of IEDs (improvised
explosive devices) through I&T (information and technology)
The two leaders appreciated the establishment and planned first
meeting of the NASA-ISRO Mars Joint Working Group under the
U.S.-India Civil Space Joint Working Group and hoped for further
co-operation in the area of space technology
The two countries agreed to launch a new phase of the India-U.S.
Vaccine Action Program and emphasis on developing affordable
vaccines for dengue, malaria, and TB
The two countries pledged to work together towards the export of
nuclear technology from US to India to make India more
self-reliant. In furtherance of this, the countries decided to
continue working towards Indias phased entry into the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime
(MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. The
American President expressed his support for Indias early
application and eventual membership in all four regimes.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa wins the Midori Prize 2014Indian
scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the
University of Massachusetts in Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014)
in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in
the Himalayas. Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust
for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bangalore,
will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct
16-17, 2014 Conference of Parties (COP-12) to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) in South Korea. India, the at present
the chair of the COP-11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at
the COP-12 in South Korea. The theme of this years COP-12 meeting
is Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. Other Awardees For
Year 2014 Alfred Oteng-Yeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National
Biodiversity Committee Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuas,
Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal Researcher, National
Research Council (CONICET) Argentina. Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the
AEON Environmental Foundation, the Midori Prize is regarded a major
element at the service of the objectives of the United Nations
Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020. The Prize honors 3 individuals
who have made exceptional contribution to conservation and
sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have inspired
several biodiversity-related works, as well as fostering
consciousness about biodiversity. Each winner gets a certificate, a
memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize
serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United
Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.Union Government to fund
Swachh Vidyalaya campaignUnion Human Resource Development Ministry
to fund the Swachh Vidyalaya (Clean Schools) campaign, via the
Swachh Bharat Kosh. Centre will setup Swachh Bharat Kosh to fund
the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign. HRD Ministry will anchor
the Swachh Vidyalaya (Clean Schools) drive. The campaign purposes
to make sure the facility of toilets in all government schools by
August 15, 2015. Swachh Vidyalaya campaign is part of mission to
make India a clean country by 2019, the 150th birth anniversary
year of Mahatma Gandhi. Swachh Bharat Campaign, announced by PM
Narendra Modi on the eve of 68th Independence Day on August 15,
2014, is scheduled to be launched on October 2, 2014. As part of
the drive, public sector units under 25 Ministries have vowed Rs.
400 crore for the drive and private and public sector companies