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ENVIRONMENT leasing, hiring and purchase of land for afforestation
SOLAR CITY INITIATIVE
It was launched by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL),
in collaboration with United States Agency for
International Development (USAID)-PACE-D and Indo-
German Collaboration (GIZ) to promote the use of
renewable energy in the Capital.
The 'utility anchored rooftop programme' aims to
maximize utilisation of solar rooftop potential in
south and west Delhi.
Under this programme, rooftop solar installations will
be provided at a single point for the entire apartment
complex.
COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION FUND
RULES
The Union government notified the draft Compensatory
Afforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018 to facilitate
utilisation of over Rs 50,000 crore among states to
expand India's forest cover.
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The draft rules specify the activities that would be allowed
or restricted in a forest area.
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Key facts:
1. Activities allowed:
The draft rules specified a list of activities that can
be undertaken or are not allowed from the fund.
It allows activities like establishment,
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upgradation and maintenance of modern
nurseries, purchase and maintenance of
communication devices, construction, up-
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gradation and maintenance of inspection paths.
These activities "shall be taken up in consultation
with the Gram Sabha or Van SanrakshanSamiti (VSS)
or Village Forest Committee as the case may be"
and shall be in consonance with the provisions of
FRA 2006.
2. Activities not allowed:
The fund will not be used for activities like
payment of salary, travelling allowances,
medical expenses to regular employees of the
state forest department, undertaking foreign
visits, payment for legal services, purchase of
cars, construction of residential and official
buildings for officers above forest range
officers.
The list of activities not permissible also includes
purposes, purchase of furniture and appliances,
establishment, expansion and up-gradation of zoo
and wildlife safari among others.
3. Utilization of funds:
According to the proposed rules, 80% of the "net
presentvalue (NPV)" can be used for forest
and wildlife management activities like assisted
natural regeneration, artificial regeneration (by
plantations), protection of plantations and
forests, pest and disease control in forest,
forest fire prevention and others.
20% of the NPV in a financial year, shall be utilised
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for strengthening the forest and wildlife
related infrastructure, capacity building of the
personnel of state forest departments and
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other associated agencies and organisations
involved in utilisation of these monies.
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WORLD WETLANDS DAY
It is celebrated annually on 2 February and the theme
of World Wetlands Day for 2018 is 'Wetlands for a
Sustainable Urban Future'.
2018 World Wetlands Day lays emphasis on the
importance of wetlands for cities.
Its main objective is to raise awareness and highlight
the important roles of healthy Wetlands in reducing
the impacts of extreme events like floods, tsunami
etc.
It also signifies the role of Wetlands for replenishing
drinking water, filter waste and improve water quality,
improve urban air quality, promote human well-being,
and enable employment for people.
Benefits:
Wetlands play a vital role for cities and entire humanity.
Some of the benefits are given below:
1. They serve as a source of drinking water.
2. They reduce flooding and improve water quality.
3. The vegetation of wetlands filters domestic and
industrial waste.
 Note: 64% of wetlands around the world have
disappeared with severe consequences for those
who are living in close proximity with them,
mostly Farmers.
ASH TRACK
It is a Web based monitoring System and Fly Ash
mobile application launched by Ministry of Power.
Its main aim is to implement better management of
fly ash produced by thermal power plants by
providing a platform between ash producers
(thermal power plants) and potential ash users i.e.
Reuse of Fly Ash:
Fly ash acts as a substitute material for Portland cement
and sand in concrete production. It can also be used for
road construction.
It is also used in agriculture such as soil amendment,
fertilizer, cattle feeders and soil stabilization in stock feed
yards etc.
It can also substitute material for clay for cement clinkers
production.

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cement plants, road contractors etc.

Benefits:

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Steps taken by the Union Government to enhance
It shows coal based power plants situated within radius
of 100 km and 300 km from a particular location. Fly Ash Utilization:

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It will allow user to select power station from where he
wants to take fly ash and also display ash availability,
distance from user's location etc.
It will help power plants to see location of prospective
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fly ash users surrounding it like - cement plants, NHAI,
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contractors of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY) projects, brick producers, etc.
It will provide plant wise, utility wise and state wise fly MICRO-PLASTICS
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ash utilization status in the country and also details of They are smaller than 5 millimeters in size and enter
ash generation and utilization in real time.
the environment as primary industrial products,
It will allow effective monitoring and reviewing for through products such as scrubbers and cosmetics.
increasing fly ash utilization.
It also enters through urban waste water and
It will also assist in protecting environment by reducing
broken-down articles discarded by consumers.
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the fugitive emissions, saving of precious top soil and

conservation of land for sustainable development. Synthetic micro-fibers also enter into water bodies (sea,
river etc.) through washing of clothes.
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Note: Fly ash is a product generated by coal

combustion and is composed of the fine particles They are persistent in nature and slow to degrade
that are created by the boiler with flue gases. in the environment.
Therefore, it enters the food chains of various animals
It is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or
such as birds, mammals and fishes.
other particle filtration equipment before the flue gases
This causes major global lethal effects on wildlife
reach the chimneys.
though marine environment pollution.
The components of Fly ash include silicon dioxide,
aluminum oxide and calcium oxide. Harmful effects:
They cause bioaccumulation and bio-magnification
Environmental effects:
(It enters human body through these processes).
It causes air pollution, contaminates water and soil
But, recent study shows that human body is well-adapted
systems.
to dealing with non-digestible particles and around 90%
It pollutes the groundwater as heavy metals from stored
of micro-plastic that is consumed is excreted.
fly ash leach into groundwater. It makes the health of
the surrounding population in danger. Only 10% (size under 150 microns (0.15 millimeters))
could enter the gut's lymphatic system and may pass
from the bloodstream to the kidneys or liver. The study
on bottled water reveals micro-plastics within this range.
But, the health impact may not be clear at present and
may have harmful consequences in future.
Research done indicates that accumulation of these
chemicals can aggravate immune responses in the body.
Note: Bio-magnification is the process through
which substances become more concentrated in
the consumer's body as one moves up the food
chain (trophic levels).
When chemicals (pesticides) enter into water bodies such
as rivers or lakes, they are taken in by aquatic organisms
like fish along with their food. Fishes in turn are consumed
by large birds, animals or humans.
On moving up in the food chain, these harmful substances
concentrate in tissues and internal organs.
Examples are: 1. Polychlorinated Biphenyls used as
insulators in transformers and fire retardants. 2. Poly-
nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons which are present in
petroleum products. 3. Heavy metals like Mercury,
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copper, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc, tin 4.
Cyanides used in fishing and gold leaching.
Bioaccumulation means the increase in concentration
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of chemicals inside certain tissues (fatty tissues) of living
organisms due to absorption from food and the
environment. It occurs within a trophic level and in two
ways, simultaneously:
(a) By eating contaminated food and (b) by
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absorption directly from water
For example: phytoplankton and other microscopic
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organisms take up methyl-mercury and then retain it
in their tissues. Here, mercury bio-accumulates is tissues
of organisms.
LOKTAK LAKE
It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India
and is located in Manipur.
It is famous for phumdis that floats over it and a first of
its kind loktak floating elementary school is also located
on it.
Keibul Lamjao National Park (Manipur) is the only
floating national park in the world that is located in Loktak
Lake. It is also the last natural habitat of the
endangered Sangai.
The major threats to this unique and important lake
are increasing urbanisation and land-use change
over the year that made the lake a dump-yard for the
city's municipal waste such as plastic refuse and
chemical runoff from farming.
Note: A floating laboratory has been
introduced on a custom motorboat to save the
Loktak Lake. It will monitor levels of pollution in
the lake.
Phumdis are heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil,
and organic matter at various stages of
decomposition.
Sangai is the state animal of Manipur and is a
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medium-sized deer, with uniquely distinctive
antlers.
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WORLD SPARROW DAY
It is celebrated annually on March 20 and is a joint
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international initiative by the Nature Forever
Society of India and Eco-Sys Action Foundation
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(France) along with other national and international
organizations of the world.
The main aim behind celebrating this day is to spread
awareness and educate people regarding the threat
posed by polluted urban environments and the lack
of sympathy of humans towards house sparrows.
It also motivates the recognition of common
biodiversity, a change from the attention
surrounding rare and exotic species.
House Sparrow has been listed as Least Concern on
the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Red List.
WORLD WATER DAY 2018
It is celebrated annually on March 22.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of World Water
Day.
Theme for 2018: 'Nature for Water' and exploring
nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water current
challenges.
Campaign: The campaign which is being run by UN is
being called 'The answer is in nature' and the motto is
to raise awareness on how we nations together can save
water by following nature based solutions.
In the year 1992, March 22 was first officially added in
the schedule 21 of United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development as World Water Day in
the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The celebrations to mark world water day started from
the year 1993. The aim of the day is to increase
awareness among people about the importance, need
and conservation of water.
The World Water Development Report is also released
by the UN every year around World Water Day.
The goals of World Water Day are in line with the UN's
Sustainable Development Goal 6, a program which
targets bringing safe drinking water and clean sanitation
to everyone around the world.
The United Nations including all the member nations
celebrate March 22 by implementing the UN
recommendations as well as promoting the global water
conservation through the real activities like promotion
of clean water conservation, governments' plan of action
for water conservation and publishing critical reports
that highlights the statistics and data on water.
The UN-Water is responsible for the selection of World
Water Day theme every year, distribution of global
messages as well as leading the UN agencies for
celebrating the World Day for Water.
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EARTH DAY 2018
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It is celebrated annually on April 22nd across the world
and is considered as the largest secular world event.
Theme of Earth Day 2018: End Plastic Pollution.
Note: This day was first celebrated on April 22,
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1970. US Senator Gaylord Nelson is the person
credited for organising the event for the first
time.
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OXYTOCIN
The Union government has banned imports of the
hormone Oxytocin in order to stop its misuse in the
livestock industry.
It is believed to stimulate the mammary gland and induce
milk production in farm animals.
The drug's abuse in animals shortens their lives and makes
them barren sooner.
Note: Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the
pituitary gland in human and is also called as
Love Hormone.
It plays a functional role in reproduction, child birth and
lactation, apart from social interaction in humans.
It also has physical and psychological effects, including
influencing social behavior and emotion.
Ramsar tag to be given to Sunderbans
The West Bengal government has approved the State
Forest Department for recognition of Sunderban Reserve
Forest under the Ramsar Convention.
It will be the largest protected wetland in the country.
Benefits under Ramsar Convention:
It will be a matter of pride for the Sunderbans.
It will also bring a lot of international scientific attention
and intervention to the area.
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It will also help promote the Sunderbans as an eco-
tourism hotspot.
Note: According to a 2017 Forest Survey of India report,
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Indian Sunderbans has the 43% of the mangrove cover
in the country.
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It is also home to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers
The creeks and river systems of the Sunderbans are also
part of the reserve forest.
S Note: Ramsar convention is the
intergovernmental treaty that provides the
framework for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources.
The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar
in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Since then, almost
90% of UN member states, from all the world's
geographic regions, have acceded to become
"Contracting Parties".
New technology in Namami Gange
Programme
National Mission for Clean Ganga has collaborated with
Survey of India with the objective to facilitate the Ganga
rejuvenation task by using Geographic Information System
(GIS) technology.
The project will strengthen planning and implementation
at national/state/local levels.
The project includes use of Digital Elevation Model
(DEM) technology which ensures accurate data
collection, an important aspect for river basin
management planning.
Its main benefit is that it provides identification of entire
topography of an area and makes it easier for policy
makers to analyse the available data thereby supporting
the decision-making process.
This technology also helps to identify critical hotspots.
Note: Namami Gange programme was
launched with the aim to achieve the target of
cleaning river Ganga in an efficient manner with
the involvement of all stakeholders in five major
Ganga basin States which are: Uttarakhand,
Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal.
It also emphasizes on improved coordination mechanisms
between various Ministries/Agencies of Central and State
governments.
It would be implemented by the National Mission for
Clean Ganga (NMCG), and State Program Management
Groups (State counterpart organizations)
Major components of the programme:
a. River Surface Cleaning
b. Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure
c. River Front Development
d. Bio-Diversity, Afforestation
e. Public Awareness.
A three-tier mechanism has been proposed for
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effective project monitoring and is mentioned below:
a. High level task force chaired by Cabinet Secretary
assisted by NMCG at national level
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b. State level committee chaired by Chief Secretary
assisted by SPMG at state level
c. District level committee chaired by the District
Magistrate
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NATIONAL WIND-SOLAR HYBRID POLICY
It has been formulated and issued by the Ministry of
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New and Renewable Energy.
The objective of the policy is to provide a framework
for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV
hybrid system for efficient utilization of transmission
infrastructure and land.
Another objective is to reduce the variability in renewable
power generation and achieving better grid stability.
Key Facts:
 It provides for integration of both the energy sources
i.e. wind and solar at AC as well as DC level on
technology front.
 It also provides for flexibility in share of wind and
solar components in hybrid project, subject to the
condition that, rated power capacity of one resource
be at least 25% of the rated power capacity of
other resource for it to be recognised hybrid
project.
 It also promotes new hybrid projects and
hybridisation of existing wind/solar projects. The
existing wind/solar projects can be hybridised with
higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned
one, subject to availability of margin in the existing
transmission capacity.
 It also provides for procurement of power from a
hybrid project on tariff based transparent bidding
process for which Government entities may invite
bids.
 It also permits use of battery storage in the hybrid
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project for optimising the output and further
reduces the variability.
 It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate
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necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar
hybrid systems.
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SWACHHATA SURVEKSHAN 2018
It was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban
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Affairs under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
An independent agency has conducted the on-field survey
for Swachh Survekshan.
The data for ranking of the cities was collected from 3
sources:
 Service Level Progress: To verify whether systems
and processes are in place in Urban Local Bodies
to implement Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) in
the most efficient way. Under Service Level
Progress, one more component named as
Innovation and Best Practices has been
introduced in addition to existing five components.
Direct Observation: To verify and assess general

cleanliness in the cities by making random field visits
in different parts of the city and public conveniences
(Community/Public Toilets).
 Citizens Feedback: To collect feedback directly
from citizens and monitor the performance of
Swachhata App (citizen's grievance Mobile App).
Swachh Survekshan 2018 Ranking
1. Top 3 cleanest cities are:
 Indore
 Bhopal
 Chandigarh
2. Mangaluru is India's best city in solid waste
management in the category population between
three lakh and 10 lakh.
International Day for Biological Diversity
2018
It takes place every year on May 22 with the main
objective to increase awareness on different kinds
of biodiversity issues like habitat destruction,
marine pollution and climate change.
The theme for 2018 is "Celebrating 25 Years of Action
for Biodiversity."
It was first time observed in 1993 by UN General
Assembly.
In 2000, May 22 was chosen as the International Day for
Biological Diversity to honour the Adoption of the
Convention on Biological Diversity.
Note: Leaders of the member countries agreed
on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable
development at the 1992 Earth Summit (Rio
de Janeiro).
It is defined as the meeting the needs of present
generation while ensuring that future generations
live a healthy and viable life. One of the key
agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on
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Biological Diversity.
The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international
legal instrument for "the conservation of biological
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diversity, the sustainable use of its components and
the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising
out of the utilization of genetic resources".
This convention has been ratified by 196 nations.
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GREEN INITIATIVES PROGRAM ON WORLD
ENVIRONMENT DAY
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It is a program conducted by Indian Navy since 2014 on
World Environment Day.
This program has allowed Indian Navy to achieve its
ambitious objective of synergizing 'Blue Water capability
with a Green footprint'.
'Energy Efficiency' concept of sustainable green
technologies/norms which are based on GRIHA, LEEDS,
Green Fuels, MARPOL compliance and alternative energy
resources are being adopted in all future plans. The main
objective is to achieve zero carbon foot print.
Note: Annually, around 500 billion plastic bags
are used across the world, contributing to 10 %
of all the waste being generated.
Continuous and focused efforts are being put in place to
ensure that the naval establishments remain devoid of
non-biodegradable material.
GRIHA: It means Green Rating for Integrated Habitat
Assessment and is a rating tool that assits people to
assess the performance of their building against certain
nationally acceptable benchmarks.
It evaluates the environmental performance of a building
holistically over its entire life cycle, thereby providing a
definitive standard for what constitutes a 'green building'.
LEEDS: It stands for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design
It is a rating system devised by the United States Green
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Building Council
The primary objective is to evaluate the environmental
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performance of a building and encourage market
transformation towards sustainable design of a building.
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CHANDRABHAGA BEACH
It is located on the Konark coast of Odisha.
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It will be the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification
on the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5).
Blue Flag certification is given to those beaches which
are environment friendly, clean and are equipped with
facilities of international standards for tourists.
The body under the control of Environment Ministry
that looks after the management of coastal areas in
accordance with the Blue Flag standards is Society for
Integrated Coastal Management.
It is developing twelve more beaches in the country.
Note: Blue Flag standards were established by
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
in 1985.
It is based in the Copenhagen and was first started in
Paris.
Nearly all the European beaches were developed as per
the Blue Flag standard in next two years.
In India, a pilot project was started by the Environment
Ministry to develop Indian beaches as per the Blue Flag
certification in 2017.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 annually
and is organised in collaboration with the United Nations
Environmental Programme.
The theme for 2018 Environment Day is "Beat plastic
pollution" and India is the global host nation for this
year's event.
As per the report of the Central Pollution Control Board,
India generates about 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste
daily. 40% of the plastic waste collected remains
uncollected.
Note: About 70% of the plastic packaging
products become "waste" in very time.
Single use or disposable plastic-used in bottles, cups,
wrapping paper and bags shouldn't be used because they
account for over half the plastic produced.
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2018
It is celebrated every year on June 8 and was designated
by the UN General Assembly.
World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the
Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
It is a way to celebrate our world's shared ocean and
people's personal connection to the oceans.
It also increases the awareness about the important
role played by the ocean in the lives of humans
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and the measures to be taken by the people in
order to protect and conserve the oceans.
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The different activities of the World Oceans Day are
coordinated by UN Division for Ocean Affairs and
the Law of the Sea.
2018 theme for World Oceans Day is: preventing
plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a
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healthy ocean.
FIRST INDIAN STATE TO IMPLEMENT BIO-
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FUEL POLICY
Rajasthan is the first State in the country to implement
the national policy on biofuels.
Its main aim is to enhance production of oilseeds
and establishes a Centre for Excellence in Udaipur
to promote research in the fields of alternative
fuels and energy resources.
Salient Features:
1. Fuel categorization: It categorizes bio-fuels as:
a. Basic Bio-fuels or First Generation (1G) bio-
ethanol & biodiesel
b. Advanced Bio-fuels or Second Generation (2G)
ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-
in fuels
c. Third Generation (3G) bio-fuels or bio-CNG
etc.
The main objective is to enable extension of
appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each
category.
2. Increase in the scope of raw materials: It
expands the scope of raw material for ethanol
production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar
containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet
Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn,
Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken
rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption
for ethanol production.
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3. Farmers Protection: The Policy allows use of
surplus food grains for production of ethanol for
blending with petrol with the approval of National
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Biofuel Coordination Committee so that the farmers
get appropriate price for their produce during the
surplus production phase.
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4. Viability gap funding: It provides viability gap
funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs.
5000 crore in 6 years in addition to additional tax
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1G biofuels.
5. Enhanced biodiesel production: Supply chain
mechanisms will be setup for biodiesel production
from non-edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil, short
gestation crops.
6. Potential Advantages: Reducing Import
dependency, Cleaner environment, Health benefits,
Employment Generation and Additional Income to
Farmers are the main benefits.
Note: In May 2018, the Union Cabinet has
approved National Policy on Biofuels - 2018 in
order to promote biofuels in the country.
KHANGCHENDZONGA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a National Park and
a Biosphere Reserve located in Sikkim, India and is named
after the mountain Kangchenjunga (8,586 metres).
It is the third-highest peak in the world and is one of the
highest ecosystems in the world.
The core zone i.e. Khangchendzonga National Park was
designated as a World Heritage Site in 2016 under the
'mixed' category.
Its flora includes temperate broadleaf, oaks, fir birch,
maple and willow.
It also has bird species like Tibetan snow, musk deer,
snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan Tahr etc.
It is also on the UNESCO's list of World Network of
Biosphere Reserve (11th internationally designated entry)
Note: Man & Biosphere Programme (MAB)
is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that
was launched by UNESCO in 1971.
Under the programme, protection is granted to the
flora, fauna, human communities who inhabit these
regions, and their ways of life.
Its main objective is to establish a scientific basis for
the improvement of relationships between people
and their environments and proposes
interdisciplinary research, demonstration and
training in natural resources management.
It has more than 600 sites in 122 countries all over the
world, including 20 transboundary sites.
The first of Biosphere reserve of India in UNESCO's list
was Niligiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu (2000).
In total, India has 18 biosphere reserves, among which
11 have been internationally designated WNBR.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE BIO-
FUELS USE
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The major interventions taken by the Union Government
are as follows:
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1. Administrative price mechanism for ethanol
2. Simplifying the procurement procedures of OMCs
3. Amending the provisions of Industries (Development
& Regulation) Act, 1951
4. Enabling lingo-cellulosic route for ethanol
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procurement
5. National Policy on Biofuels 2018: The objective is
to reach 20% ethanol-blending and 5% biodiesel-
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blending by the year 2030. It also expands the scope
of feedstock for ethanol production and has
provided for incentives for production of advanced
bio-fuels.
6. Increase in the price of C-heavy molasses-based
ethanol to give a boost to Ethanol Blending
Programme. Price of B-heavy molasses-based
ethanol and sugarcane juice-based ethanol has been
fixed for the first time at Rs. 47.40.
7. Reduction in the GST rate on ethanol for blending
in fuel (18% to 5%).
8. Increase in ethanol supply for petrol by the Ministry
of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
FIRST BIO-FUEL-POWERED PLANE OF INDIA
SpiceJet has become the Indian aircraft carrier to
flew the Bombardier Q400 (VT-SUI) on biofuel from
Dehradun to Delhi.
Benefits:
Biofuel flights will make the environment clean and
more efficient.
These flights will reduce the cost of airline operations
by lowering the dependency on aviation turbine
fuel.
Note: India is now the third nation after United
States and Australia to have flown a biofuel-
powered aircraft.
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Biofuels are made from biomass and renewable
resources like agricultural residues, non-edible oils and
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bio-degradable fractions of industrial and municipal
wastes.
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NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
STANDARDS (NAAQS)
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These standards were setup by Central Pollution
Control Board for the quality of air in the year 2009.
Pollutants covered under NAAQS are: (a) Sulphur
Dioxide (SO 2), (b) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2), (c)
Particulate Matter (PM 10, PM 2.5), (d) Ozone (O3), (e)
Lead (Pb), (f) Carbon Monoxide (CO), (g) Ammonia
(NH3), (h) Benzene (C6H6), (i) Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP), (j)
Arsenic(As),and (k) Nickel (Ni).
SWACHHATA HI SEVA
It is a movement launched across the country on
September 15, 2018 and will remain in operation for
the next two weeks till Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2, 2018 is
the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi's birth).
The main aim is to ensure a high standard of
cleanliness across the country (Mahatma Gandhi's
dream for India).
It is being coordinated by the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation.
It will mobilise people from all walks of life and
reinforce the "Jan Aandolan" for sanitation to make
their environments free from open defecation.
It will also cover poor and marginalized people and
provide them with sustainable sanitation services.
WORLD OZONE DAY
The International Day for Preservation of Ozone
Layer is celebrated annually on September 16 to
preserve the Ozone Layer.
2018 Theme is: 'Keep Cool and Carry On: The
Montreal Protocol'.
It was first announced by the UN General Assembly
on 16 September (1994), which was the date of the
signing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987).
Note: The ozone layer absorbs about 97-99%
of ultraviolet rays and maintains the ozone-
oxygen cycle. Dobson unit is used to measure
the ozone in the atmosphere at a standard
temperature and pressure.
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer was designed to reduce the production
and consumption of ozone depleting substances
such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon
tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform are to be
phased out by 2000 (2005 for methyl chloroform); to
protect fragile ozone Layer of the earth.
The Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September
1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.
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It enables the Parties to the Protocol to respond quickly
to new scientific information and agree to
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accelerate the reductions required on chemicals
already covered by Protocol.
Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable
Transportation (SATAT) Initiative
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 It is a developmental effort that would benefit
vehicle-users, farmers and entrepreneurs.
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 Under this initiative, Compressed Bio-Gas plants
are proposed to be set up mainly through
independent entrepreneurs and will be transported
through cascades of cylinders to the fuel stations
for marketing as a green transport fuel alternative.
 The entrepreneurs would be able to separately
market the other by-products from these plants,
including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc., to
enhance returns on investment.
 It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas
plants across India in a phased manner, with 250
plants by the year 2020, 1,000 plants by 2022 and
5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to
produce 15 million tonnes of CBG per annum, which
is about 40% of current CNG consumption of 44
million tonnes per annum in the country.
 At an investment of approx. Rs. 1.7 lakh crore, this
initiative is expected to generate direct employment
for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes
of bio-manure for crops.
Benefits:
Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon

emissions and pollution.
 Additional revenue source for farmers.
 Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and
employment.
Support to national commitments in achieving

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climate change goals.
 Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil.
 Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations.
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Note: The government has launched Sustainable
Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation
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(SATAT) Initiative to set up Compressed Bio-Gas
(CBG) production plants and make available CBG
in the market for use in automotive fuels.
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Difference between Bio-gas and CBG
Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of
anaerobic decomposition from waste/bio-mass sources
like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud,
municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste,
etc. It is compressed to form CBG after purification
(Pure methane content is > 95%).
Compressed Bio- Gas is exactly similar to the
commercially available natural gas in its composition and
energy potential and produced from various bio-mass/
waste sources, including agricultural residue, municipal
solid waste, sugarcane press mud, distillery spent wash,
cattle dung and sewage treatment plant waste. It can be
used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel due to
high calorific value. It has the potential to replace CNG
in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in future.
Lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon, during
which the bright and white full Moon becomes dark,
like dark copper, or even dried blood.
It occurs when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon are
so aligned that the full Moon passes through the
shadow of Earth in space (Earth's Umbra).
It becomes dim and dark as the moon passes into Earth's
shadow and finally turns copper, blood-red color. It
becomes deep red when it's at the greatest point in the
eclipse.
This type of coloring of moon happens due to Earth's
atmosphere, which scatters light from the sun and
casts it onto the face of the moon.
There is no need to wear protective eyewear while
viewing a lunar eclipse.
1st first Greenfield skill institute of India
The first National Skill Training Institute of India
will be opened at Baranga in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
and its foundation stone was laid by Union Petroleum
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Functions:
 To impart training to trainers in order to create a
skill-based ecosystem that will meet industry
demands.
 To the training needs of the youth with industry-
relevant skills.
ECO-SENSITIVE AREA (ESA)
An ecologically sensitive area is one that is protected by
the government given the sheer number of species, plants
and animals endemic to the region. According to the
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Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the government can
prohibit industrial operations such as mining, sand
quarrying and building thermal power plants in sensitive
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areas.
 The definition offered by the MoEF: "An
ecological sensitive area is a bio-climatic unit (as
demarcated by entire landscapes) in the Western
Ghats wherein human impacts have locally caused
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irreversible changes in the structure of biological
communities (as evident in number/ composition
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of species and their relative abundances) and their
natural habitats."
 To categorise an area as ecologically sensitive,
the government looks at topography, climate and
rainfall, land use and land cover, roads and
settlements, human population, biodiversity
corridors and data of plants and animal species.
Note: The centre will soon issue a fresh draft
notification declaring Western Ghats as an eco-
sensitive area (ESA) with all but one of the six
affected states on board.
 Karnataka is set to reject the notification as "it will
adversely affect the state's economy." Karnataka is
not in favour of declaring the Western Ghats as an
ESA.
 A draft notification regarding ecologically sensitive
areas, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEF), has been delayed for
over a year due to on-going negotiations between
the Centre and the states. The initial draft, in March
2014, which was to be finalised in 545 days or by
September 2015, has been repeatedly pushed.
 The notice earmarked 60,000 square kilometres,
or 37 per cent of the Ghats, as ecologically sensitive.
However, it was protested by the states, especially
Kerala, as ESAs restrict developmental activity. The
Centre has since decided to accept
recommendations from each state government.
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UN CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH AWARD 2018
 It was founded in 2005 and is the UN's highest
environmental recognition.
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 It is given to those exceptional personalities from
the public and private sectors and from civil society,
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whose deeds have caused transformative positive
impact on the environment.
 It also recognises the efforts for promoting new
S areas of levels of cooperation on environmental
action.
Note: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been
awarded with the UN's highest environmental
honour- Champions of the Earth Award, bestowed
upon five other individuals and organisations for
the pioneering work in championing the
International Solar Alliance and promoting new
areas of levels of cooperation on environmental
action, including unprecedented pledge to
eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.
Cochin International Airport has also been honoured
this year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for
its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.
WORLD HABITAT DAY
It is celebrated on the first Monday of October
annually and was designated by the United Nations
in 1985.
Its main objectives are to provide the true picture: (a)
on the state of our towns and cities and (b) the basic
right of all to adequate shelter.
It also motivates the people that to take up the power
and the responsibility to shape the future of cities and
towns.
2018 theme is: Municipal Solid Waste Management.
The aim of 2018 World Habitat Day is to take action to
address the municipal solid waste management.
SWACHH SURVEKSHAN GRAMEEN AWARDS
2018
The rankings were based on the National Swachh
Survekshan Grameen 2018 of the Union Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Key Facts:
 Haryana was ranked as best State.
 Satara District of Maharashtra was ranked as best
district.
 Uttar Pradesh was rewarded for maximum
citizens' participation.
 Premature mortality has risen by as much as 60%.
 Lack of consistent actions to tackle smog (India has
nine of the 10 most polluted cities in the world)
Phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)
In 2016, India signed a compact of 107 countries to
substantially phase out a harmful greenhouse gas, called
as hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) by 2045.
This pact will also prevent a potential 0.5 C rise in global
temperature by 2050.
Four major nations namely: India, China, the United States
and Europe have committed themselves to lower down
HFC use by 85% by 2045.

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Zonal Ranking - Top States: Note: HFCs are a family of gases used in
refrigerants at home and in car air-conditioners.

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 Northern: Haryana. They are the major cause of global warming and
 Southern: Andhra Pradesh. air pollution.

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 Eastern: Chhattisgarh. India will have 25% of the world's air conditioning units
 Western: Gujarat. by 2022.
North-East: Sikkim.

 Union Territories: Dadar& Nagar Haveli.
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OZONE HOLE
NASA has conducted a study which confirmed the
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Zonal Ranking - Top Districts: recovery of the ozone layer due to the absence of
Northern: Rewari (Haryana). chlorine from Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) in the

atmosphere.
Southern: Peddapalli (Telangana).
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
 Eastern: Surajpur (Chhattisgarh).
 Western: Satara (Maharashtra).
 North-East: Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh).
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The study was done by mapping the chemical
composition of the atmosphere stated that chlorine levels
declined by 0.8% annually between 2005 and 2016 due
to the effect of worldwide ban on the use of CFC.
Scientists say that ozone layer will fully recover by 2080.

Smog in Northern India

Note: The ozone layer is the part of Earth's
Air pollution is creating issues in Northern India cities atmosphere which contains relatively high
including National Capital Region as changes in concentrations of ozone & protects the earth
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temperature and slowing winds trap soot, dust and fine
particulate matter.
Main causes of air pollution in northern states
1. Burning of agricultural residue in Punjab and Haryana
that releases large amount of smoke containing
pollutants including highly damaging fine particulates
(PM2.5)
2. Burning of urban waste, diesel soot, vehicular
exhaust, road and construction dust, and power
generation.
Effects of air pollution
92% of the population in the countries of the region

get to breathe air of unacceptable quality.
surface from damaging ultraviolet radiation.
It is mainly in the stratosphere (10 to 50 kilometres
above the Earth's surface).
Release of chlorine from CFCs is the main cause of ozone
layer depletion.
GANGA GRAM PROJECT
It is an integrated approach under the Namami Gange
Programme for holistic development of villages located
on the banks of River Ganga with active participation of
the villagers.
Objectives:
 Solid and liquid waste management
 Renovation of ponds and water resources
 Water conservation projects, organic farming
 Horticulture
 Promotion of medicinal plants
Note: Namami Gange programme was launched
with the objective to achieve the target of
cleaning river Ganga effectively by involving all
stakeholders, especially five major Ganga basin
States - Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Bihar and West Bengal.
Its main objectives are: River Surface Cleaning, Sewerage
Treatment Infrastructure, River Front Development, Bio-
Diversity, Afforestation and Public Awareness.
It is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean
Ganga, and its state counterpart organizations i.e., State
Program Management Groups.
Note: Ganga Gram Swachchhata Sammelan was
recently organized at Chyavan Rishi Ashram in
Chousa Village of Buxar district in Bihar.
POINT CALIMERE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
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It is located in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu (in
Vedaranyam Range) and comprises sandy coastal, saline
swamps and thorn scrub forests around the backwater.
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It is a protected area and a Ramsar site and harbors the
single-largest stretch of the unique dry-evergreen forest
in the country.
It also contains open grasslands and tidal mudflats which
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are tourist attraction.
It has more than 100 species of birds such as Greater
Flamingo, Painted Stork, Little Sting, Sea Gull and Brown-
IE
headed gull. Blackbuck (Antilope Cervicapra) is its flagship
species.
Other important animals are the spotted deer, black-
napped hare, wild boar, Indian jackal, feral horses, palm
civet, short-nosed fruit bat, jungle cat and monitor lizard.
Note: It has been closed for a week in view of water-
logging caused by a heavy rainfall resulting in poor and
unsafe water quality at the sanctuary for avifauna to feed
and breed.
WORLD TOILET DAY
This day was designated by the United Nations General
Assembly on November 19 in 2013. It is jointly
coordinated by UN-Water, governments and partners
and was established by the World Toilet Organization in
2001.
Its main objective is to enhance awareness and inspire
action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
2018 Theme: When Nature Calls
Note: This day is directly related to Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) 6 that aims to ensure
that everyone has a safe toilet and there is no
open defecation by 2030.
Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing
Systems & Services (ACROSS)
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It is the umbrella scheme of 9 sub multi disciplinary
atmospheric science programs and is implemented by
Ministry of Earth Sciences in an integrated manner.
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Its main objective is to address different types of weather
and climate services such as cyclone warnings, storm
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surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc.
Another objective is to provide reliable weather & climate
forecast for the benefit of society.
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It improves weather & climate forecast through sustained
observations & intensive R & D.
Note: Cabinet Committee has approved
continuation of ACROSS scheme during 2017-
20.
ASIA ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
AWARD
The Asia Environment Enforcement Awards publicly
recognize and celebrate excellence in enforcement by
government officials and institutions/teams combating
transboundary environmental crime in Asia.
The awards are given to outstanding individuals and/or
government organizations/teams that demonstrate
excellence and leadership in enforcement of national laws
to combat trans-boundary environmental crime in one
of the following eligibility criteria areas: collaboration;
impact; innovation; integrity and gender leadership.
Note: United Nation Environment has conferred
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with Asia
Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018
(Innovation category) in combating trans-
boundary environmental crimes.
Initiatives taken by WCCB:
a. An online Wildlife Crime Database Management
System was developed to get real time data which
 assisted in analyzing trends in environmental crimes.
b. It also made effective measures to prevent & detect
wildlife crimes across India.
c. A scheme has been developed to enroll willing
persons as WCCB Volunteers with the main aim to
involve public to combat wildlife crime.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-
disciplinary organization established by Indian
Government under Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change.
Its main objective is to combat organized wildlife crime
in the country.
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)
It is a proposed geo-engineering technique to be
developed by the scientists to lower down the increase
in global temperatures, which are the main reason behind
climate change.
Under this technique, sulphide gases like sulphuric acid,
hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are
sprayed in large volumes into the upper layer of the
atmosphere to act as a reflective barrier against sunlight
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by artillery, aircraft and balloons.
Its main benefits will be (a) counter most of the climatic
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changes, (b) economically feasible and efficient, (c) act
as a natural process, (d) technologically feasible.
Note: Stratospheric sulphur aerosols are sulphur-
rich particles which consist of a mixture of
sulphuric acid and water.
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They are present in the stratosphere layer (or Junge
layer) of the atmosphere.
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They are created by natural processes like photochemical
decomposition of sulphur-containing gases i.e. carbonyl
sulphide.
They are also found in the troposphere due to pollution
caused by SO2, released from burning coal, thermal
power plants etc.
The main source of these particles in the stratosphere
is Volcanoes because the force of volcanic eruption
pushes sulphur-containing gases into the stratosphere.
Himalayan Research Fellowships scheme
It is a programme that will be launched by Union
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) aimed at conservation and
protection of Himalayas.
It will also create a young pool of trained
environmental managers, ecologists and socio-
economists. This pool will assist information generation
on physical, biological, managerial and human aspects of
Himalayan environment and development.
National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)
will provide the financial support and the fellowships will
be awarded for a maximum period of three years.
The scheme will be implemented through various
universities and Institutions working in the Indian
Himalayan Region.
Institutions from north-eastern states will be given
preference under this scheme.
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The research will take place in any of the identified
broad thematic areas which are given below:
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a. Water resource management that includes
rejuvenation of springs and catchments
b. Hydropower development
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c. Assessment and prediction of water-induced hazards
d. Livelihood options including ecotourism
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e. Biodiversity management including recovery of
threatened species
f. Skill development
Major causes of Kerala Floods
1. Mismanagement of dams in Kerala as all dams in
Kerala reached their full reservoir level by July-end,
and couldn't contain the water flow from August
2018 torrential rainfall. Thus, the 34 gates of all the
major dams were opened which lead to floods in
major parts of Kerala.
2. Torrential rainfall in August 2018, which was only
sixth highest since 1875 in Kerala.
3. Changes in topography due to human activities
(construction and deforestation) and climate change
caused excess rainfall, which caused the floods.
4. Illegal stone-quarrying activity was the major
reason for large number of landslides in the state.
Note: There are 39 major dams in Kerala and
Periyar is the longest river having highest
discharge potential. The major dams across this
river are Idukki, Lower Periyar,
Bhoothathankettu & Madupetty.
Role of dams in water management: (a) Flood
protection to reduce the flow of water and its impact
downstream. (b) To maintain a flood cushion (buffer)
during very severe rainfall.