Environment Flashcards
(150 cards)
1
Q
Talle WS
A
Arunachal Pradesh. Clouded leapord found here
2
Q
Apatani Glory
A
new moth species found in Talle WS. it has one brood of offspring per year.
3
Q
WS in Arunachal Pradesh
A
Talle, Itanagar, Lao, Mehao, Dibang Eagle’s Nest Sanctuary, Kamlang, Kane
4
Q
National Parks in Arunachal
A
Namdapha, Mouling
5
Q
Biosphere reserve in Arunachal
A
Dihang-Dibang
6
Q
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
A
Established in 1975, it is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Its headquarters are located in Madrid.
• India is a member of UNWTO since 1975.
Mangaljodi Ecotourism Trust (MET) won UNWTO award
7
Q
SECURE Himalaya
A
The Union Government has launched SECURE Himalaya, a six-year project to ensure conservation of locally and globally significant biodiversity, land and forest resources in high Himalayan ecosystem
8
Q
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
A
It is an international certification run by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which provides a framework
to building owners and operators for identifying and implementing practical green building solutions.
Five key areas of focus: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development and water savings.
9
Q
Nagar Vana Udyan Yojana
A
A minimum of 25 hectares of forests will be created in the city.
10
Q
“Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India”
A
by Department of Space. This provides detailed information on the present land use, and the severity of land degradation in different states from 2005 to 2013 which will provide the basis for future land use in the country.
11
Q
Bor Tiger Reserve –
A
Maharashtra
12
Q
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
A
Tamil Nadu
13
Q
Gothenburg Protocol:
A
It aims to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication, and Ground-level Ozone and is a part of is part of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.
✓ Objective: To control and reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH4), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and Particulate Matter (PM) that are caused by human activities.
14
Q
Kyoto Protocol
A
It aims to reduce the emissions of the Green House Gases such as Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and carbon dioxide(CO2).
15
Q
International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) -
A
It is an international program, set up in 2003 under the sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) to optimize nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production.
16
Q
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)
A
is a term used to indicate the ratio between the amount of fertilizer N removed from the field by the crop and the amount of fertilizer N applied.
17
Q
FAME-India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India) scheme:
A
To support the hybrid/electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing eco-system to achieve self-sustenance by subsidizing electric vehicle purchases on an annual basis.
✓ Scheme is proposed to be implemented till 2020
✓ The scheme has four focus areas viz. technology development, demand creation, pilot projects and charging infrastructure.
18
Q
National Electric Mobility Mission:
A
✓ It aims to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
✓ It targets 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles year on year from 2020 onwards .
19
Q
Automotive Mission Plan 2026:
A
It aimed at bringing the Indian Automotive Industry among the top three of the world in engineering, manufacture, and exports of vehicles & components; growing in value to over 12% of India GDP and generating an additional 65 million jobs
20
Q
Green Urban Transport Scheme
A
✓ It focused to reduce the emission of harmful carbon gas from the transportation, especially from government
owned transport facilities.
✓ Under this scheme, government plans to launch the eco–friendly transportation facilities in urban areas across the nation which run without damaging climatic conditions
21
Q
Country’s first multi-modal electric vehicle project was recently launched in
A
Nagpur for public transport.
22
Q
Aichi Targets
A
The ‘Aichi Target’ adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at its Nagoya conference.
In the COP-10 meeting, the parties agreed that previous biodiversity protection targets are not achieved, So we need to do come up with new plans and targets
The short term plan provides a set of 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets.
23
Q
Vermin
A
Any animal which poses a threat to human and their livelihood especially farming, can be declared Vermin.
• They are schedule V animals under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972, empowers every State’s Chief Wildlife Warden for culling.
• States can send a list of wild animals to the Centre requesting it to declare them vermin for selective slaughter.
• Wild boars, nilgai and rhesus monkeys are protected under Schedule II and III, but can be hunted under specific conditions.
• Schedule V animals are: common crow, fruit bats, mice and rats.
24
Q
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
A
• It is an Autonomous Institution of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It offers training program, academic courses and advisory in wildlife research and management. It is also actively engaged in research across the breadth of
the country on biodiversity related issues.
25
TRAFFIC
It is an NGO and a leading wildlife trade monitoring
network aimed towards conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.
It covers both Plants and Animals.
TRAFFIC’s 2020 goal is to reduce the pressure of illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade on biodiversity and enhance the benefits to wildlife conservation and human well-being that derive from trade at sustainable levels.
26
CITES
* It is an international agreement between governments which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
* It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN.
* The convention is legally binding on the parties such that domestic legislation ensures the implementation of CITES at the national level
27
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
* It is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
* It was constituted in 2007 by amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
* It also assists and advises the Customs authorities in the inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as per the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.
28
Operation Save Kurma
It was conducted to combat the proliferating illegal trade in live turtles and its parts from the country to destinations abroad
29
Indian Turtles
Turtles are listed in Schedule 1 of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Amendment 2002.
• Types of Indian turtles - Olive Ridley Turtles, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Eastern Mud
Turtle
• Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Olive Ridley Turtle are Vulnerable by IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature).
30
Cyclone Naming
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) started the tropical
cyclone naming system in 2000.
• Eight north Indian Ocean countries — Bangladesh,
India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri
Lanka and Thailand, gave eight names each which
was combined into a list of 64 names.
• The next cyclone will be named by India and it will
be called ‘Sagar’.
31
Project Blue Flag
The environment ministry has launched a pilot project ‘Blue Flag’ for beach clean-up and development.
Under the project, each coastal state or union territory has been asked to nominate a beach which will be funded through the ongoing Integrated Coastal Management Programme.
The govt is also striving for the 'Blue Flag' certification for such identified beaches. The 'Blue Flag' is a
certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach or sustainable boating
tourism operator meets its stringent standards.
32
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
The FEE is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through
environmental education. It was established in 1981.
• It is headquartered at Copenhagen, Denmark. It is active through five programmes; Eco-Schools, Blue Flag,
Young Reporters for Environment (YRE), Green Key and Learning about Forests (LEAF).
• It is an international umbrella organisation with one national member organisation per country representing
FEE on the national level and in charge of implementing FEE programs nationally. India is represented by
Centre for Environment Education, Gujarat.
• It has established the Global Forest Fund to offset CO2 emissions from travel. The fund invests 90% of its
income directly into tree planting and other CO2 compensation efforts that are combined with
environmental education activities.
33
Star Rating Protocol
The government recently launched the Star Rating Protocol for garbage free cities at a Workshop for Swacch Bharat Mission (Urban).
It is different from the Swachh Survekshan ranking survey as it will allow multiple cities to be awarded the
same star rating.
• The major focus in the ratings will be on waste storage and litter bin.
• An online database was also launched in order to capture the progress of states and cities on their SBM
components, thereby enhancing the robustness and transparency of Mission monitoring.
34
National Agro-Forestry & Bamboo Mission (NABM)
It envisages promoting holistic growth of bamboo sector by adopting area-based, regionally differentiated strategy and to increase the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing.
It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture as a sub scheme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
35
Permaculture
It is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.
It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people —providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.
The term was coined by Bill Mollison in 1978.
Recently the 13th International Permaculture Convergence (IPC) was held in Hyderabad.
First IPC was hosted in Australia in 1984.
36
Bonn Climate Change Conference
Recently, the 23rd meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-23) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in Bonn, Germany.
After six years, a decision was taken to deal with climate actions in agriculture.
The first ever Gender Action Plan to the UNFCCC was adopted at COP23 (role of gender in climate actions had earlier been included in the Lima work programme)
37
Talanoa Dialogue:
Talanoa dialogue is a facilitative dialogue in 2018, to take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to progress towards the long-term goal referred to Paris Agreement and to inform the preparation of nationally determine contributions (NDCs) was launched at the CoP 23.
38
Lima Work Programme on Gender (COP-2014):
It aims to advance implementation of gender-responsive climate policies and mandates across all areas of the negotiations.
39
Powering Past Coal alliance:
It is initiated by the UK and Canada at Cop-23. 15 countries have joined an alliance to phase out coal-based power by 2030.
40
Below 50 initiative:
It was launched by World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) at Cop-23. The goal is to create the demand and market for those sustainable fuels that produce atleast 50% less CO2 emissions than conventional fossil fuels.
41
Petcoke
Petroleum coke or pet coke is a solid carbon rich (90% carbon and 3% to 6% sulfur) material derived from oil refining.
It is categorized as a “bottom of the barrel” fuel.
It is a dirtier alternative to coal and emits 11% more greenhouse gases than coal.
India is the world’s biggest consumer of petroleum coke
It is an approved fuel in many states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Karnataka.
42
Furnace oil
It is a dark viscous residual fuel obtained by blending mainly heavier components from crude distillation unit, short residue and clarified oil from catalytic cracker unit.
It is one of the cheapest fuels available and used to generate power in industries to run boilers, turbines etc.
43
Smog
It is a result of a photochemical reaction of sunlight with
pollutants that have been released into the atmosphere.
It is a result of various factors: geography of the place,
sunlight, calmness of winds, firing of brick kilns, pollution
emitted by vehicles and industrial activity.
44
Haze
When pollution is high, nitrogen oxides and dust particles interact with sunlight to form ground-level ozone, leading to the building up of haze.
45
fossil of an Ichthyosaur - an extinct marine reptile
Found in Gujarat. It looks like a mashup of a dolphin and lizard hence also known as ‘fish- lizards’ in Greek.
Many ichthyosaur fossils have been found in North America and Europe, but this is the first time an ichthyosaur fossil has been discovered in India.
The fossil belongs to Jurassic era and was found inside rocks belonging to Mesozoic Era.
46
Turtle Sanctuary
The government has decided to establish Turtle Sanctuary at Allahabad under Namami Gange programme.Previously, Turtle sanctuary was set up in Varanasi in 1989 under the Ganga Action Plan-I.
It includes setting up of a Turtle Rearing Centre, River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of the rivers
Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati) and awareness campaign about the importance of river Ganga and
imperativeness of its conservation.
47
Gases emitted by Thermal Power Plants
Sulphur oxides, Nitrogen oxides, mercury, carbon dioxide, water vapours and fly ash.
48
Global Wildlife Program (GWP)
“Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for sustainable development” program also
known as GWP was launched in response to increasing crime against animals in natural habitat.
It works towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development
49
National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2017-2031
The NWAP was first conceived in 1982 which came into effect from 1983 through 1996.
The National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031 has been drafted by a 12 member committee headed by J. C.
Kalra with special emphasis on people participation.
The plan has adopted the Landscape approach rather than the earlier strategies more concentrated on national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The Landscape approach is based on the importance of conservation of uncultivated flora and undomesticated fauna that had ecological value irrespective of their place of occurrence.
It also emphasizes upon preservation of genetic diversity and sustainable utilization of species and
ecosystem.
50
Secure Himalaya
The project aims to
o Sustain critical ecosystem services (such as fresh water, erosion reduction, mineral resources, land for
food crops, medicinal plants, etc.)
o conserve vulnerable snow leopards and other endangered species by securing community livelihoods,
enhancing enforcement, strengthening community institutions,
o Improving knowledge, advocacy and information systems for promoting landscape-based conservation
approaches.
51
Specific landscapes (Alpine pastures, sub-alpine forest and critical watersheds) under SECURE Himalayas are:
o Changthang (Jammu and Kashmir)
o Lahaul – Pangi and Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh)
o Gangotri – Govind and Darma – Byans Valley in Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand)
o Kanchenzonga – Upper Teesta Valley (Sikkim).
52
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
It is the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes
It comes under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme.
It provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
Appendix I of the Convention: It includes Migratory species threatened with extinction
Appendix II of the Convention: It includes Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation.
Species of vulture which received the highest protection under the convention (Appendix I) are the red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture and slender-billed vulture.
Whale shark, which inhabits the Indian Ocean, also got global protection which are on the verge of extinction due to over-fishing, vessel strikes etc
Caspian seal has also been identified for conservation. It is the only marine mammal found in the world’s largest inland sea, where its migration is prompted by ice formation and foraging.
It was also decided that India will host 13th CMS COP.
53
Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary:
It is India's only vulture sanctuary in Karnataka
54
Red-headed vulture
is on the critically endangered list of IUCN but not listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
55
There are nine species of vultures in India out of which, 3 have been on critically endangered list of IUCN and also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. These are:
White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Slender billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
Indian Vulture/long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)
56
Central Ground Water Authority
A statutory body under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Mandate under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control development and management of groundwater resources in the country.
57
World Meteorological Organization
It is a specialized agency of the United Nation.
It studies the behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is WMO annual flagship report, which tracks concentrations of gasses in the atmosphere in the post-industrial era (since 1750).
58
Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) programme of WMO
It provides reliable scientific data and information on the chemical composition of the atmosphere, its natural and
anthropogenic change, and helps to improve the understanding of interactions between the atmosphere, the oceans and the biosphere.
GAW focal areas are aerosols, greenhouse gases, selected reactive gases, ozone, UV radiation and precipitation chemistry (or atmospheric deposition).
59
PAT (perform, achieve & trade) scheme
It was launched by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Ministry of Power) under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
It is a market based mechanism in which sectors are assigned efficiency targets. Industries which over-achieve target get incentives in the form of energy saving certificates (ESCert).
These certificates are tradable at two energy exchanges viz. Indian Energy Exchange and Power Exchange India, where it can be bought by other industries which are unable to achieve their targets.
PAT cycle I (2012-13 to 2014-15), was applicable on eight energy intensive sectors.
PAT cycle II (2016 2018-19): includes 8 sectors of PAT I and 3 new sectors viz, railways, discoms and petroleum refineries.
PAT cycle III (2017-20): Under it, 116 new units have been included and given a reduction target of 1.06 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
60
Eight Energy Intensive Sectors:
Thermal Power plants, Iron & Steel, Cement,
Fertilizer, Aluminum, Textile, Pulp & Paper
and Chlor-alkali.
61
Sundarban Biosphere Reserve
It is the largest and only mangrove reserve in the world inhabited by tigers
It is a part of the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) and second Biosphere Reserve from India , other than Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the global network of Biosphere Reserves.
Sunderban is the largest contiguous mangrove area in the world and one of the World Heritage Sites of India
designated by the World Heritage Convention.
This reserve includes
The Royal Bengal Tiger Reserve.
Sundarban National Park.
Sajnekhali wildlife sanctuary.
Lothian Island wildlife sanctuary.
Holiday Island wildlife sanctuary.
62
What is Natural Capital
Natural capital can be defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things.
63
Critical natural capital
Critical natural capital (CNC) is defined as that part of the natural environment, which performs important and irreplaceable functions.
64
Planetary Boundaries
They are designed to define a “safe operating space for humanity.
Scientists have identified nine earth system processes to have boundaries, namely Climate Change, Biosphere Integrity, Land System Change, Freshwater Use, Biogeochemical Flow, Ocean Acidification, Novel Entities, Atmospheric Aerosol Loading and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion. these nine processes and systems regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth System
Out of these, four boundaries (Climate Change, Biosphere Integrity, Land System Change and Biogeochemical Flow) have now been crossed as result of human activity, which indicates that there is a risk of irreversible and abrupt environmental change.
65
Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) partnership
It aims to promote sustainable development by ensuring that natural resources are mainstreamed into development planning and national economic accounts.
World Bank Group leads a partnership to advance natural capital accounting internationally.
66
Parali 1 island
(part of Bangaram atoll), one of biodiversity- rich uninhabited islands part of Lakshadweep has disappeared due to coastal erosion
67
The first desert in the world to achieve large-scale desertification control
Kubuqi Desert in Ordos, Inner Mongolia
68
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996, it is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification
The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands.
69
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
GEAC established under MoEFCC is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
70
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
It was established during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to address the world’s most challenging environmental issues.
Its funds are available to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to meet the objectives of the international environmental conventions and agreements.
Since 1994, the World Bank has served as the Trustee of the GEF Trust Fund and provided administrative services.
71
Ecosystem Services Improvement Project
India signed Global Environment Facility (GEF) Grant agreement with the World Bank for “Ecosystems Service Improvement Project”.
Its aim is to protect, restore and enhance India’s forest cover and help in maintaining ecological balance.
Objective: Strengthening the institutional capacity of the Departments of Forestry and Community Organisations, to enhance forest ecosystem services and improve the livelihoods of forest dependent communities in Central Indian Highlands.
The Project will be implemented in the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh for 5 years by MOEFCC through the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education under the National Mission for Green India.
72
Monitoring Of Illegal Killing Of Elephants (MIKE)
| Programme
It was established in 2003, through a Conference of the Parties (COP) resolution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
It is an international collaboration that tracks trends in information related to the illegal killing of elephants across Africa and Asia, to monitor effectiveness of field conservation efforts.
73
Project Elephant:
It was launched in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Objectives :
To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
To address issues of man-animal conflict
Welfare of captive elephants
Elephant reserves are established across states to achieve above objectives.
74
protect and restore a sinking island.
Tamil Nadu govt in collaboration with IIT Madras have been restoring Vaan Island in Gulf of Mannar by deploying artificial reefs near vulnerable islands.
It is the first attempt in India to protect and restore a sinking island.
Funding: The project has been funded by NAFCC of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
75
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
It is the first marine biosphere reserve in Asia.
It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region.
Fauna: endangered Dugong (Sea Cow), three species of endangered sea turtles, sea horses, several species of dolphins and whales etc.
It is a part of UNESCO MAB (Man And Biosphere) programme.
76
Prominent Corals in India
Lakshadweep: Known as India’s Coral Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Mannar
Gulf of Kutch
Netrani Island in Karnataka, Malwan in Maharashtra
77
Earth Overshoot Day
It is the date when humanity annual demand on nature exceeds what Earth can regenerate over the entire year.
It is calculated by WWF and Global Footprint Network.
If we moved Earth Overshoot Day back 4.5 days every year, we would return to living within the means of one Earth before 2050.
78
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
It is the apex department to control and administer manufacture, storage, transport and handling of explosives, petroleum, compressed gases and other hazardous substances in India.
It functions under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. HQ at Nagpur
It administers the responsibilities delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and Petroleum Act 1934.
Procurement of raw materials for fireworks does not come under the purview of the Explosives Act. The PESO has been testing samples of crackers only for adherence to the sound limit of 125 decibels at a distance of four metres.
79
Black Carbon
It is produced both naturally and by human activities as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass.
BC particles strongly absorb sunlight and give soot its black color.
It is emitted directly into the atmosphere in the form of
fine particles (PM2.5).
It’s known to be one-fourth as potent as carbon dioxide in whetting global warming.
This is the first time that any group in the world has shown that black carbon from aircraft can go to the stratosphere and affect the ozone layer.
Last year the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a System of Aerosol Monitoring and Research (SAMAR) to study the concentration of black carbon in the atmosphere due to air pollution and its impact on climate.
80
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer [1985]:
It acts as a framework for the international efforts to protect the ozone layer.
It paves the way for a legally binding treaty through protocol called Montreal protocol.
81
Montreal Protocol
It aims at reducing the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS).
It has been ratified by 197 parties making it universally ratified protocol in United Nations history.
82
Kigali agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol [2016]:
Aim: To phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a family of potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s. It will be binding on countries from 2019.
83
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
is a UN body set up to regulate the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of oceans in international waters. India actively contributes to the work of International Seabed Authority. Last year, India was re-elected as a member of Council of ISA.
84
Pollymetalic nodules
Polymetallic nodules, also called manganese nodules, are rock concretions formed of concentric layers of iron
and manganese hydroxides around a core.
Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium.
First discovered in 19th century in the Kara Sea, in the Arctic Ocean off Siberia, they were found to occur in most oceans of the world. However, nodules of economic interest are more localized. Three areas have been selected by industrial explorers: the centre of the north central Pacific Ocean, the Peru Basin in the south-east Pacific Ocean and the centre of the north Indian Ocean. They can occur at any depth, but the highest concentrations have been found between 4,000 and 6,000m.
85
Thermal Pollution
Any practice that affects the equilibrium of an aquatic environment may alter the temperature of that environment and subsequently cause thermal pollution.
It may come in the form of warm or cold water being dumped into a lake, river, or ocean.
86
Eco-Bridges
First of its kind, Telangana State will have eco-friendly bridges over a canal cutting across the tiger corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Tiger corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra with the forests in Telangana’s Kumram Bheem Asifabad district. The ‘eco-bridges’ will be constructed at key spots along the 72 km-long with the laying of fertile soil to grow grass and plants over the structure, so that fragmentation of the reserve forest is camouflaged.
National Board of Wildlife will be the nodal agency for recommending the size and location of eco-bridge.
87
Oilzapper
It is essentially a cocktail of five different bacterial strains that are immobilized and mixed with a carrier material (powdered or ncob).
It feeds on hydrocarbon compounds present in crude oil and oily sludge and converts them into harmless CO2 and water.
88
Oilivorous-S
It is a tad different from Oilzapper is an additional bacterial strain that makes the former more effective against sludge and crude oil with high-sulphur content.
89
Bioaugmentation
Bioaugmentation is the practice of adding cultured microorganisms into the subsurface for the purpose of biodegrading specific soil and groundwater contaminants.
90
Electro-remediation
When the electroremediation is used to remove heavy metals from soils, metals may precipitate as hydroxides near the cathode where the pH is raised, which limits the remediation efficiency.
91
Electrokinetics
Electrokinetics remediation, also termed electrokinetics, is a technique of using direct electric current to remove organic, inorganic and heavy metal particles from the soil by electric potential. The use of this technique provides an approach with minimum disturbance to the surface while treating subsurface contaminants.
92
Greater One –horned Rhinos (Indian Rhino)
These animals are mega-herbivores.
The Indian rhino was moved from its status of endangered (since 1986) to vulnerable in 2008 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
They are mainly spread across parts of India and Nepal, with India being home to 2,200 rhinos, or over 85 per cent of the population.
Rhinos in India today are found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam.
According to World Wildlife fund data of 2012, Assam has 91 percent of total Rhino population of India which is mainly concentrated in Kaziranga National Park, and a few in Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary.
93
‘white tiger’ with pale skin colour has been spotted for
| the first time in
Nilgiris
Tiger was whitish with golden brown patches and not seems to be albino.
Genetic mutation among tigers that changes an amino acid responsible for the normal colour being formed, resulting in natural polymorphism.
94
world's first white tiger sanctuary
Bandhavgarh, MP
95
Water sharing dispute for Narmada waters is with which states?
Water sharing dispute between Gujarat, Madhya
| Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra
96
name some protected areas of gujarat
Shoolpaneshewar wild life sanctuary, Wild Ass Sanctuary in little Rann of Kachchh, Black Buck National Park at Velavadar, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Kachchh, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and Alia Bet at the mouth of River.
97
Bird Life International
```
UK based, environment conservation, Non-Profit Organisation.
It has nine Global Programmes:
Climate Change
Forest of Hope
Sites and Habitat (Key Biodiversity area and Important Bird and Biodiversity area)
Invasive alien Species
Migratory bird
Marine biodiversity
Prevent Extinction
Local engagement
Capacity Building
```
98
Key Biodiversity Area (KBA):
are sites that contribute to the global persistence of biodiversity, including vital habitat for threatened plant and animal species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
99
Important Bird and Biodiversity area (IBA):
are those KBAs which are identified for birds using internationally agreed criteria applied locally by BirdLife Partners and experts.
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Newly identified IBAs of Kerala:
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o Achencoil Forest Division;
o Anamudi Shola National Park;
o Camel’s Hump Mountain,
o Wayanad; Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary;
o Malayattoor Reserve Forest;
o Mankulam Forest Division;
o Mathikettan Shola National Park;
o Muthikulam-Siruvani;
o Pampadum Shola National Park
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Kerala IBAs are home to three critically endangered
| species (IUCN status)
o White-rumped Vulture
o Indian Vulture
o Red-headed Vulture
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What is Aerosols?
Suspension of particles in the atmosphere via both human-made and natural sources. E.g. Volcanic and
desert dust, sulphate from coal.
Impact cloud formations because water condenses on aerosol particles.
Offset warming from greenhouse gases because it sends some of the sun's radiant energy back to space and exerting a cooling influence on Earth's climate.
A good monsoon, which is produced by the difference in temperature between land and sea, is thus weakened by aerosol accumulation.
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Mangrove for Future
A regional initiative, being coordinated by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
It aims at promoting coastal ecosystem conservation in six tsunami-hit countries including India.
Mangrove for the Future (MFF) programme in India provides focus on promoting conservation and management of coastal and marine biodiversity, while mangrove ecosystems are at centre-stage, on three important aspects:
1. Coastal restoration;
2. coastal livelihoods; and
3. Integrated coastal zone management
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Antarctica policy
The law is expected to have a clear policy on its activities such as infrastructure, research, tourism, etc. in the region.
The draft law will also be in concurrence to the Antarctica Treaty to which India has acceded.
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Antarctica Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58.
It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 53.
The treaty is framed to ensure ‘in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.
The Treaty prohibits military activity, except in support of science; prohibits nuclear explosions and the disposal of nuclear waste; promotes scientific research and the exchange of data; and holds all territorial claims in abeyance.
India is not party to the Convention for the conservation of Antarctic Seals but it is party to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
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NIUSAT
The Indian nano satellite, NIUSAT, belongs to Tamil Nadu's Nooral Islam University. It will provide multi-spectral imagery for agricultural crop monitoring and disaster management support applications.
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Cartosat satellites
The Cartosat series are earth-observation satellites in a sun-synchronous orbit. The imagery sent by satellite are useful for cartographic applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and manmade features and other Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications.
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Tidal Locking
Tidal locking is the name given to the situation when an object's orbital period matches its rotational period. A great example of this is our own Moon. The moon takes 28 days to go around the Earth and 28 days to rotate once around it's axis. This results in the same face of the Moon always facing the Earth.
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Nag Missile
The Nag missile is a third generation “fire and forget” anti-tank missile and can be launched from land and air-based platforms. It is equipped with highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker and has integrated avionics technology in its arsenal.
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Energy Conservation Building Code 2017
ECBC sets minimum energy standards for commercial
buildings having a connected load of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above. They are voluntary in nature and have been accepted by 22 states with their own modifications to the codes.
It was developed by BEE with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under US-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-DTA) Program.
ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies.
The code aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings.
In order for a building to be considered ECBC-compliant, it would need to demonstrate minimum energy savings of 25%.
Additional improvements in energy efficiency performance would achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status leading to further energy savings of 35% and 50%, respectively.
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Green Growth
It is fostering economic growth and development while ensuring the natural assets continue to provide the resource and environment services on which our well-being relies.
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Vermin
Any animal which poses a threat to human and their livelihood especially farming, can be declared Vermin under Schedule V of Wildlife Protection act 1972.
States can send a list of wild animals to the Centre requesting it to declare them vermin for selective slaughter.
Wildlife Protection Act 1972, empower every State’s Chief Wildlife Warden for culling.
Wild boars, nilgai and rhesus monkeys are protected under Schedule II and III, but can be hunted under specific conditions.
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“urban transformation index"
NITI Aayog is also in the process of formulating an “urban transformation index” for cities across the country.
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City Liveability Index
launched by Ministry of Urban Affairs
A set of indicators to assess the liveability standards in cities.
It will measure the quality of life in 116 major cities including capital cities and those with population over one million.
Cities will be assessed on a comprehensive set of 79 parameters
Marks scored will decide the quantum of incentive.
Divided into 4 main spheres, weightage, components:
Social, Institutional, Economical, and Physical
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Bishnoi Community
Followers of Bishnoism Started in 1485 AD by Saint Guru Jambheshwar
Live in western Rajasthan and environment conservation is their cultural part.
Amrita Devi bishnoi : Early Chipko Movement of 1730 AD. ( Died of protecting Khejri tree)
Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award by Environment Ministry
They do not fell trees. They only collect dead wood.
Oppose to their religious tradition of cremating the dead to save firewood.
Do not believe in unnecessary rituals, idol-worship, and caste system.
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“Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas” of Goa
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary,
Navelim Wetlands
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park,
Carambolim Wetlands,
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI)
o Measured by Central Pollution Control Board
o Four Indices for CEPI
1. Scale of Industrial activity Observed Value of Pollution in air
2. Scale of exceedance of Environment quality.
3. Health related statistics.
4. Compliance status of Industry
o It is a rational number between 0 and 100
CEPI based on three methodology
A : Source: 1. Presence of toxin, 2. Scale of Industrial Activity
B: Pathway: Level of Exposure
C: Receptor: Impact on Human Health
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United Nations Ocean Conference
Recently, first United Nations Ocean Conference was held in New York. It adopted a consensus of a 14-point Call for Action where the participating Heads of State affirmed their strong commitment to conserve and sustainably use our oceans.
Some of the recommendations to improve the oceanic ecosystem as decided by the Global Ocean
Commission are:
o Ending harmful subsidies in seas.
o Checking illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
o Establishing binding international safety standards and liability.
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Global Ocean Commission
It is an international initiative that was launched in 2013. It raises awareness and promotes action to address the degradation of the ocean and help restore it to full health and productivity. Its focus is on the high seas, the vast ocean areas that lie beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of individual states.
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Bamako Convention
The Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes aims to protect human health and environment from dangers posed by hazardous wastes by reducing their generation to a minimum in terms of quantity and/or hazardous potential.
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Rotterdam Convention
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade regulates trade in hazardous wastes but contains no commitment to reduce their use and release
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Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is the European Community directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment which aims at setting collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of electrical and electronic goods.
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Combustible ice
Combustible ice is a frozen mixture of water and concentrated natural gas.
Technically known as methane hydrate, it can be lit on fire in its frozen state and is believed to comprise one of the world’s most abundant fossil fuels.
Methane hydrate has been found beneath seafloors and buried inside Arctic permafrost and beneath Antarctic ice.
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cobra lily
The cobra lily, a rare species of lilies was recently rediscovered in the western Nilgiris after 84 years
The cobra lily is a predatory plant native to Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Also called the California pitcher plant
The Toda tribals of the Nilgiris, who know the plant well, have an embroidery motif known as the ‘podwarshk’, which resembles it.
Cobra lilies are at a great risk of extinction from the commercial trade in exotic plants.
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Ludwigia peruviana or Primrose Willow
It is a native of Central and South America.
Its flower is pale yellowish in colour and the plant grows to a height of about 12 feet.
It is an aquatic plant, which is now challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas around the world.
The weed flourishes in sandy and mineral rich soil of wetlands.
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Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Amur Falcon were spotted at Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary near Nagpur..
It is situated in Maharashtra and is 60 km from Nagpur.
Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is declared as the satellite core of Bor Tiger Reserve by national tiger conservation authority
It is the first sanctuary in Maharashtra to be declared as 'satellite core', which means a sub-protected area supporting another protected area.
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Amur Falcon
Amur Falcons are the migratory bird that stay every year at Doyang lake (Nagaland) during their flight from Mongolia to South Africa
Pangti village in Nagaland is considered as the world’s Amur Falcon capital
Centre will soon develop the Doyang Lake area as an eco-tourism spot for bird-watchers across the world.
Until recently, Amur falcons were hunted by Naga tribesmen for meat.
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Indian star tortoises
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) has successfully rehabilitated Indian star tortoises, making it the only
rehabilitation centre for star tortoises in the country.
This species naturally inhabits scrub forests, grasslands, and some coastal scrublands of arid and semi-arid regions.
It is found in northwestern India (Gujarat, Rajasthan) and adjoining southeastern Pakistan; eastern and southern areas from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and eastern Karnataka to Odisha and throughout Sri Lanka
Threats to this species survival include illegal collection and habitat loss.
Included in Appendix II of the CITES
IUCN status: vulnerable
Placed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
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BLACK NECKED CRANE
Migratory bird most commonly found in China.
It is legally protected in Bhutan and India and is considered sacred to certain Buddhist traditions.
IUCN status – Vulnerable
Listed in India’s Wildlife Act as a Schedule 1 species
It is locally known as Dhung Dhung Karma.
Also it is the only high altitude crane amongst the 15 species found in the world.
These birds build their nests in vast open environments, making them vulnerable to a host of predators.
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Indian Wild Dogs (dholes)
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), running a conservation breeding centre for dholes plans to reintroduce a pack of 16 into the forests.
Dholes occur in several regions of India such as the Western Ghats, central Indian forests, Eastern Ghats,
northeastern states and Terai region in north India.
In the Himalayan region, they are found in Sikkim and Ladakh
Protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Listed as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
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Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
It is one of the largest zoological parks of Andhra Pradesh situated in Visakhapatnam.
Surrounded by Eastern Ghats on three sides, the park has the flowing Bay of Bengal on its fourth side.
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Great Indian bustard
The Rajasthan government will set up a captive breeding centre for the great Indian bustard.
This will be the first such facility in the country aimed at saving the bird, which is the State bird of Rajasthan.
Found in central India, western India and eastern Pakistan
Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation. It avoids irrigated areas.
Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CMS or Bonn Convention.
It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The biggest threat to this species is hunting. This is followed by occasional poaching outside Protected Areas, collisions with high tension electric wires, fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages.
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Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) or Bonn convention
It is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme
CMS provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.
CMS brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory range.
Only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes. India is a member of the convention.
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Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where GoI provides financial and technical assistance to the State/UT Governments for activities aimed at wildlife conservation. The scheme has following three components:
Support to Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves)
Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Area
Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
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Pampa declaration
It delineates a comprehensive plan to be implemented with the active involvement and support of the government and the public.
declaration for bestowing living entity status to river Pampa
the constitution of a River Management Board for the governance of the river
documentation of livelihood along the river basin
Publication of periodic status report of floodplains and wetlands and formation of tributaries, micro-watersheds, and ponds linked to the river every five years.
136
Mandal Dam
The Mandal dam was envisaged in Kutku and Mandal villages of Latehar as a part of North Koel river irrigation project in the 1970s.
The 367 metre-high dam is to irrigate a large part of neighbouring districts of Bihar.
Concerns have been raised for dam's potential impact on the Palamu Tiger Reserve's (PTR) ecosystem
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Palamu tiger reserve
The Palamu Tiger Reserve is located in the western side of Latehar district on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand.
The forest is surrounded by the Netarhat forest in the South, Auranga river in the North, Latehar Forest Division on the East and Garhwa Forest Division and Sarguja District Forest of Chhatisgarh on the West.
The project area is constituted mainly of Sal forests, mixed deciduous forests and bamboo groves.
The reserve zone is the watershed area for 3 important rivers Koel, Burha and Auranga.
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National board for wildlife
National Board for Wild Life is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Theoretically, the board is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
The National Board for Wildlife is chaired by India’s Prime Minister and its vice chairman is Minister of Environment.
It has power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.
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Ganga Flood Control Commission (1972)
It is a sub-ordinate office of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
It acts as the secretariat and executive wing of Ganga Flood Control Board, headed by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with the Chief Ministers of Ganga river basin States and Member, NITI Aayog.
It is headquartered in Patna.
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Pollutants covered under National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, lead, Ozone, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, Ammonia, Arsenic, Benzene, Benzopyrene, Nickel.
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ASH TRACK
These platforms will enable better management of the ash produced by thermal power plants by providing an interface between fly ash producers (Thermal Power Plants) and potential ash users such as – road contractors, cement plants etc.
The App gives plant-wise, utility-wise and State-wise ash utilization status in the country.
The thermal plants are required to regularly update fly ash generation, utilisation and stock on the web portal and the app.
Maharashtra became the first state in the country to adopt the Fly Ash Utilization Policy
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World Sustainable Development Summit 2018
held in New Delhi.
It is a flagship forum of TERI which has been conceptualised as a single platform to accelerate actions towards sustainable development and climate change.
It seeks to bring together global leader and thinkers on a common platform on various issues of sustainable development such as transition to clean energy, effective waste management mechanisms, combating air pollution etc.
It has been built on the success of the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) which was the leading forum for discussing sustainable development issues.
The theme for 2018 event is 'Partnerships for a Resilient Planet'.
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ENERGY TRANSITIONS COMMISSION INDIA (ETC INDIA)
It was launched by TERI on the sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2018.
It is a unique, high-level, multi-stakeholder platform with experts from diverse fields to suggest pathways for energy and electricity sector transitions in India
This is inspired by the work of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate and its flagship project the New Climate Economy.
It is the first country-specific Commission and thus can act as a model for other emerging economies as they seek to move to renewable energy sources.
It will also help in a change towards low-carbon energy systems that enable robust economic development and limit the rise in global temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
144
Mission Innovation (MI)
It is a global initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to dramatically accelerate global clean energy innovation.
It seeks to double investments in clean energy innovation over five years
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is nodal agency of this mission in India
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Biofuture Platform
It is a 20-country effort to promote an advanced low carbon bioeconomy that is sustainable, innovative and scalable.
It has been proposed by Brazil and Brazil is serving as the interim secretariat of this platform.
146
Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW)
Recently, FTW was inaugrated on Neknampur Lake in Hyderabad.
FTWs are buoyant structures or rafts of wetland vegetation that are deployed in water bodies such as ponds and lakes with permanent pool of water.
These plants are perennial non-invasive emergent plants which mimic the functions of natural wetlands.
However, in contrast to the traditional wetlands the roots of the plants do not take root in soil however they stay suspended in water column in order to allow plants to adjust to the water fluctuations without any harm.
The Neknampur plant, based on the soil-less hydroponic technique, has been recognised by the India Book of Records as the largest FTW in the country.
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INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2017
o India is ranked 10th in the world, with 24.4% of land area under forest (21.53%) and tree cover.
o There is an increase of 1% (8,021 sq km) in the total forest and tree cover of the country
o The maximum increase in forest cover has been observed in Very Dense Forest (VDF) followed by increase in forest cover in open forest (OF).
o 15 states/UTs have above 33% of geographical area under forest cover.
7 States/UTs have more than 75% forest cover: Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur.
o The three leading States with maximum Forest cover (in terms of area): Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
States with highest Forest cover in terms of percentage geographical area: Lakshadweep (90.33%), Mizoram (86.27%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.73%)
In most of the years, maximum number of forest fires occurs in OF followed by Moderately Dense Forests (MDF). However, in 2012 and 2016 (severe fire years), the proportion of forest fires in MDF and VDF were higher compared to OF.
7 out of the 12 mangrove states have shown an increase in mangrove cover and none of them show any negative change.
148
Rustom-2 drone.
Rustom-2 is medium-altitude long-endurance drone (MALE) designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the DRDO, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics.
It can fly up to an altitude of 22,000 feet and has endurance of over 20 hours
It can carry variety of payloads like Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Situational Awareness Payloads (SAP) for performing missions even during the night.
It will be used by all three services of Indian armed forces, primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Rustom 2 can fly missions on manual as well as autonomous modes.
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Golden Triangle:
It is the region between the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand; a famous region for its opium production.
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Golden Crescent:
It is the second major area of illicit opium production in Asia spanning across three nations; Afghanistan, Iran,
and Pakistan.
It is located at the crossroads of Central, South and Western Asia.
