CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV.

ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA

'Slimy seaweed' a magic potion for climate-vulnerable
Sunderbans 12
ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY 4
Deep sea species make 95% of world's fish 13
Strategic green review of NCR Regional Plan stressed 4

Four new ozone-depleting gases discovered 13

Environment protection a top priority of Adilabad Raj Gonds
4
National Tiger Conservation Authority asks UP to radio-collar
its tigers 13
HC clarification on Green Tribunal 4

NGO Ward foundation declares 2014 as the 'year of the

Oil leak destroys mangroves on Mumbai coast 5
sparrow' 13
A range of wetlands needed for bird conservation: study 5
Green forum slams rhino horn trimming proposal 14
Invasion by soft coral threatens reef ecosystem 5
Forest fires on the rise 14
Global summit on illegal wildlife trade 6
Mahyco moves High Court questioning ban on Bt cotton
Sand mining: State law can’t prevail over central law, says seeds 14
NGT 6
NGT restrains DMRC and DJB from dumping waste on
Endangered Greater Adjutant Stork finds secure home to wetlands 15
breed 8
Humane Society International lauds health ministry’s move
Sahara desert suffers 'catastrophic collapse' of wildlife: Study on animal-tested cosmetic 15
8
Great Himalayan National Park nominated for World
Wild tension in Karnataka 8 Heritage status 15

Population of major animal species up in the country: Evolution and venomous snakes: Diet distinguishes look-
Jayanthi Natarajan 9 alikes on two continents 16

Govt notifies Navegaon-Nagzira as 5th tiger reserve 9 Pilibhit Wildlife Sanctuary gets tiger reserve forest status 16

Mobile museum on aquatic species 9 India to be desertification neutral by 2030: Prakash

Javadekar 16
Eco-sensitive zones to be set up at 5 places 10
BIODIVERSITY 18
Less bird food may hit bird migration to Man Sagar Lake 10
Amur falcons, satellite-tagged in Nagaland, tracked over
Pallikaranai to turn wildlife park 10
Arabian Sea 18

Environment Ministry allows agri, plantation activities along

Jellyfish proliferating along Kerala coast 18
Western Ghats 11
Human intervention hindering tiger movement in country 19
Loss of large predators damaging ecosystems 11
The butterfly effect 19
SC asks environment ministry, railways to evolve steps to
protect elephants 11 Four new catfish species discovered in Kerala 19

Environmentalists prepare list of endangered species 12 Tiger population reaches saturation point 20
1

Vizag zoo to get country’s first wild dog breeding centre 12 New mangrove species found in Sunderbans 20
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Rare animals sighted in Pakke Tiger Reserve 20 National Green Tribunal bans burning of plastic, rubber
across the country 28
'Hangul' population on the rise in Dachigam National Park 20
Pollution takes a toll on aquatic life in 150 river stretches 28
Flamingo population increases in Rajasthan: Report 21
Future US exports of e-waste may end up in India, UN warns
Decline in Sarus crane population leaves bird watches 28
worried on Big Bird Day 21
Supreme Court issues notice on PIL against pollution of
Bird survey in Kollam records a ‘first’ 21 Ganga 29

Department plans vaccination against Kyasanur Forest Forget gizmos, pollution from China heads to US 29
Disease 21
DU team claims to have developed a solution for chromium
Save the sparrow 22 pollution 29

Mass hatching of Olive Ridley eggs soon 22 25% of sharks and rays at high risk of extinction 30

Water scarcity may increase man-animal conflict 22 Black carbon in air a worry, say scientists 30

15 Indian bird species among globally endangered 23 India’s air quality among five worst 30

It’s Earth Day today 23 Impose 30% cess on diesel cars, panel tells Supreme Court 30

Humble jackfruit offers hope amid climate worries 23 National Green Tribunal wants rules to stop pollution from
straw burning 31
Turn jelly fish into delicacy, suggest marine scientists 24
Heat islands pose serious threat to Delhiites' health 31
14 new ‘dancing frog’ species found in Western Ghats 24
High autism rates linked to environmental pollution: Study31
Hundreds of fish dying in Himachal wetlands 24
Spent CFLs an eco-hazard: Concern over high mercury
Asiatic lion's abode set for Unesco leap 24 content, absence of recycling 31

Railways agrees to limit train speed near Gir forest to Air pollution biggest health risk, says WHO 32
prevent accidents with Asiatic lions 25
Rising carbon dioxide level affecting food quality 32
367 new species discovered in Mekong river in two years:
World Wildlife Fund 25 NGT calls for scientific disposal of sanitary pads 32

Prawn hatchery threat for turtles in Ganjam 25 Earth Day 2014 with 'Green Cities' theme celebrated around
the world 33
In eel on endangered list, Japan sees a vanishing dish 26
India to have roadmap for cutting carbon emissions 33
POLLUTION 27
Delhi has the worst air pollution in the world: WHO 33
IIT experts list pollutants affecting Golden Temple 27
SC orders closure of 50% of iron and manganese mines in
Oil and effluents spell slow death for Mumbai creeks 27 Odisha 34

Aerosol levels over India rise alarmingly 27 CSE urges government to go for 'million buses and billion
solar panels' to reduce pollution 34
2

NHRC takes note of Ganga pollution 28

Now, house roof tiles to fight air pollution 34
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
CLIMATE CHANGE 36

Fix historical responsibility for green house emissions, Brazil

tells IPCC 36

Current emission cuts too low to keep global temperature in

check: UNEP 36

‘India is not a nay-sayer on climate change’ 36

‘Loss and damage’: Key agenda of Warsaw climate talks 37

Don't force developing nations to review their voluntary

emission cuts, says India 37

‘Efficient buildings can help cut emissions’ 38

A weak Warsaw mechanism on Loss and Damage almost final

38

Apple orchards dying as hills get warmer 38

Greenhouse gas 7,000 times worse than CO {-2} 39

India's sulphur dioxide emissions on the rise: Nasa 39

No El Nino, yet 2013 fourth warmest year: US climate agency

39

Global warming may threaten World Heritage sites 39

Sea levels across the world to rise faster than imagined 40

‘Global warming may spread drought to third of Earth’ 40

The quiet IPCC warning 40

Heavy rains in Kerala caused by global warming: Scientist 41

Glaciers in Tibetan Plateau shrinking rapidly: Report 41

Glacier feeding Indus tributary melting fast, JNU study says41

OBJECTIVE ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SUBJECTIVE 48
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY
STRATEGIC GREEN REVIEW OF NCR REGIONAL PLAN
STRESSED
THE HINDU NOV 02, 2013
 Need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment
(SEA) of the revised draft NCR Regional Plan-2021
was stressed upon by urban planners and
environmental analysts
 All broad scale plans and representation for
Ministry of Environment and Forests on the
National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)
were also recommended to have an SEA.
 While individual projects require environmental
clearance under the Environment Protection Act,
there is currently no practice of review of Master
Plans and the NCR Regional Plan
 The revised draft Regional Plan- 2021 also
highlighted the problem of unplanned growth.
 However it has significantly diluted key
environmental safeguards for the environmentally
sensitive areas such as the Aravallis and the Yamuna
and other riverbeds instead of plugging the gaps in
the implementation.
Explanation
Significance of NCR Regional Plan
The NCR Regional Plan acts as a model for Master Plans of
all other regions across the country. It is also an important
instrument for balancing development and conservation
and maintaining the carrying capacity of the NCR and hence
has immense significance. The plan would also be useful in
protecting the environmentally sensitive areas.Such areas
are strategic environmental assets upon which rests the
drinking water security of the region.
References
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/strategi
c-green-review-of-ncr-regional-plan-
stressed/article5307776.ece
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION A TOP PRIORITY OF
ADILABAD RAJ GONDS
THE HINDU NOV 04, 2013
 The Raj Gonds in Adilabad are serious about
protecting their unique culture.
 Raj Gond leaders have a strong resolve for the
revival of their ancient culture.
 They maintain that no culture can be saved without
saving the environment.
 Environment protection tops their action plan they
have come up with, for sustenance of their inherent
aesthetics.
 Raj Gonds have been living in consonance with eco
system which helped them in drawing sustenance
from forests around their habitations.
 Rapid deforestation and extinction of forest species
in the recent years have made the tribal culture
obsolete apart from Gonds and Kolam youth
migrate in search of livelihoods to towns.
Explanation
Occupation and culture of Raj Gonds
The survival of the Raj Gonds depends on agriculture inside
forests. Their sustenance requires crop protection which is
largely influenced by the culture of Gonds and Kolams. The
tribal dances are also largely an imitation of the movements
of wild animals. Among the 18 dances associated with the
famous Ghussadi cult, one relates to protection from tigers.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-
pradesh/environment-protection-a-top-priority-of-
adilabad-raj-gonds/article5311594.ece
HC CLARIFICATION ON GREEN TRIBUNAL
THE HINDU NOV 08, 2013
 The Kerala High Court ruled that only cases under
the seven enactments mentioned in the National
Green Tribunal Act would be posted for referring to
the Green Tribunal.
 The seven enactments given under the National
Green Tribunal Act include the Biological Diversity
Act, Public Liability Insurance Act, Forest
Conservation Act, Environmental Protection Act
and Acts relating to prevention of water and air
pollution.
Explanation
National Green Tribunal
 The National Green Tribunal was established under
the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It was
established for effective and expeditious disposal
of cases relating to environmental protection and
conservation of forests and other natural
resources.
 NGT is also responsible for enforcement of any legal
right relating to environment and in settling
environmental disputes. Provision of relief and
4
compensation for damages to persons and
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property and for matters are also taken care of by
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
NGT.
 While NGT has its headquarter at New Delhi, the
other Place of Sittings are Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata
and Chennai.
Reference
 http://www.greentribunal.gov.in/
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hc-
clarification-on-green-tribunal/article5327299.ece
OIL LEAK DESTROYS MANGROVES ON MUMBAI
COAST
THE HINDU NOV 08, 2013
 Mangroves along the coast of Mahul behind the
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, have been
destroyed due to an oil leak from a pipeline carrying
furnace oil from the sea to a refinery in the area
 A black sheet of oil has settled even on the
mudflats thereby affecting the seedlings of
mangroves.
 There are several oil refineries in the area including
those of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited,
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and
Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
Explanation
Effect on local community
 Mahul village has around 15,000 people, mostly
fisherfolk.
 The slick has impacted the local fishing community.
 Their boats and nets have got damaged due to the
oil.
 The thick layer which settles on the nets is difficult
to clean.
 The fish caught are either dead or contaminated.
 Above all there are health problems like
development of rashes all over the body. The
victims also feel weak and suffer from ailments.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/oil-leak-destroys-mangroves-on-mumbai-
coast/article5326829.ece
A RANGE OF WETLANDS NEEDED FOR BIRD
CONSERVATION: STUDY
THE HINDU NOV 13, 2013
 Ornithologists have emphasized upon preventing
human depredation and maintaining a range of
agricultural wetlands ranging from small village
ponds to large lakes for bird conservation.
 They noted that the assumption that conserving a
few large wetlands would suffice to protect the
majority of wetland-associated bird species is a
farce and called for protection of even smaller
patches of wetlands including agricultural ones.
 The typically small and isolated agricultural
wetlands served to meet human needs like
recharge of groundwater, water supplies for
agricultural and household use, grazing for
livestock as well as providing vegetation and
aquatic fauna that could be harvested.
 Human misuse of these wetlands including draining
or filling them and converting them for other
activities often prove adverse to bird species. As
local communities usually had a strong interest in
maintaining the wetlands, supporting local
institutions and enforcing existing legal provisions
could help protect these water bodies.
Explanation
Wetland conservation
India is a signatory to Ramsar Convention on conservation
of wetlands which recognizes the fundamental ecological
functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural,
scientific, and recreational values.
Ramsar Sites in India
Ashtamudi Wetland, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Bhoj Wetland,
Chandra Taal, Chilika Lake, Deepor Beel, East Calcutta
Wetlands, Harike Wetland, Hokersar Wetland, Kanjli
Wetland, Keoladeo National Park, Kolleru Lake, Loktak Lake,
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird
Sanctuary, Pong Dam Lake, Renuka Wetland, Ropar,
Rudrasagar Lake, Sambhar Lake, Sasthamkotta Lake,
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Tsomoriri, Upper Ganga River
(Brijghat to Narora Stretch), Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Wular
Lake
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/a-range-of-wetlands-needed-for-bird-
conservation-study/article5347626.ece
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsar_list_of_wetlands_of
_international_importance
INVASION BY SOFT CORAL THREATENS REEF
ECOSYSTEM
THE HINDU NOV 24, 2013
 Snowflake coral (Carijoa riisei) is a shallow and fast-
growing soft coral.
 It poses a major threat to the coral reef colonies in
the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.
 The snowflakes, considered to be an invasive
5
species threatening the native species is assumed
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Explanation
Snow Flake coral as an invasive species
The invasion by this soft coral on the coral reef colonies was
first reported in Kundol Island in Nicobar in May 2009. Later
in June 2009, it was noticed in Wandoor jetty in the
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman.In
2013,the ZSI found the species in Peel Island of the Ritchie’s
Archipelago in the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. Thus
observations indicated that four major coral reef zones in
the country had been affected by the soft coral.
Productivity of the corals
The soft coralexhibited high profligacy while produced
hundreds of eggs and appeared to reproduce continuously
throughout the year, irrespective of the seasons.
Invasive species
Species alien to a region when introduced in an area may
sometimes dominate other species and may cause
extinction of native species by mass occupation of the
space. Many reasons like human interference, translocation
through ships and water ballasts etc. pose threat to
naturally evolved biodiversity.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/invasion-by-soft-coral-threatens-reef-
ecosystem/article5385047.ece
GLOBAL SUMMIT ON ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
THE HINDU NOV 28, 2013
 London will host the highest level global summit to
date on combating the illegal wildlife trade.
 The summit aims to tackle the $19 billion-a-year
illegal trade in endangered animals, such as
elephants and rhinos.
 Further it aims at delivering an unprecedented
political commitment along with an action plan and
the mobilization of resources.
Explanation
Illegal trade of endangered species and their products
Elephant ivory and rhino horn are worth more than illegal
diamonds or gold. Rebel groups in African countries, such as
al-Shabaab in Somalia and the Lords Resistance Army in the
Democratic Republic of Congo make use of such markets.
Besides, shark fin soup is popular in Asia and has been a
reason for killing of sharks. The level of wildlife crime has
soared in recent years, driven by demand form the rapidly
expanding middle classes in Asia who value tiger, elephant
and rhino products as status symbols.
Importance of the summit
Almost 50 nations are invited, particularly of Africa, China
and Vietnam. Further it has been identified that there are
strong links between wildlife poaching, international
criminal syndicates and terrorism and threats to national
security. Effectiveness of new technology, such as drones
being used to fight poaching will be discussed in the
summit.
Reference
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/global-summit-on-illegal-
wildlife-trade/article5398220.ece
SAND MINING: STATE LAW CAN’T PREVAIL OVER
CENTRAL LAW, SAYS NGT
THE HINDU NOV 28, 2013
 The National Green Tribunal maintained that the
state law can’t prevail over central rules on sand
mining.
 NGT dismissed Madhya Pradesh government’s plea
that its district level environmental committees be
treated as competent authority for grant of
clearance for sand mining.
 A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice
Swatanter Kumar said that according to central law,
environmental clearance (EC) can be granted only
by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority
(SEIAA).
 The bench further held that the State cannot enact
a law which would be in conflict with law laid down
by the Centre.
Explanation
Madhya Pradesh Issue
 According to central law, sand mining on land
measuring five hectares or more requires EC from
MoEF, while clearance for areas less than that is
given by SEIAA.
 Madhya Pradesh had set up district level
environmental committees, by amending its Minor
Mineral Rules, to grant EC for sand mining on land
which is smaller than five hectares, saying that
waiting for EC from MoEF or SEIAA is causing
“serious stagnation” in granting mining licence and
is thus affecting the economy of the state as well as
hampering the developmental projects there.
NGT stand
 However, NGT said that the administrative difficulty
can be resolved by MoEF in consultation with the
State by creating larger number of SEIAAs at state
level to ensure that applications for environmental
clearance for mining of minerals are dealt with
expeditiously.
 It also expressed that inconvenience is normally
never a ground for changing the interpretation of
6
law or reading words into a statute.
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Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/sand-mining-state-law-cant-prevail-over-
central-law-says-ngt/article5401487.ece

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ENDANGERED GREATER ADJUTANT STORK FINDS
SECURE HOME TO BREED
TOI DEC 01, 2013
 Greater Adjutant Stork is the world's most
endangered of the stork species
 Dadara and Pacharia villages of Assam's Kamrup
district are providing homes to the stork for
breeding
 Dadara and Pacharia villages are home to nearly 50
per cent of the bird's global population
 Aaranyak a wildlife conservation organisation
launched a campaign four years ago to save the
birds which were approaching the red zone in the
conservation scale.
Explanation
Distribution of the species
 Greater Adjutant Stork was widely distributed
throughout northern and eastern India and many
countries of south and south-east Asia
 However the species is currently distributed only in
Assam and Bihar in India and a few other locations
in Cambodia.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Endangered-Greater-Adjutant-Stork-finds-
secure-home-to-breed/articleshow/26732067.cms
SAHARA DESERT SUFFERS 'CATASTROPHIC
COLLAPSE' OF WILDLIFE: STUDY
TOI DEC 04, 2013
 A new study has warned that the Saharan desert
has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its wildlife
populations after assessing 14 desert species
 The study has found that half of those 14 species
are regionally extinct or confined to one percent or
less of their historical range.
 Sahara desert
 Sahara is the world's largest tropical desert
 The Sahara serves as an example of a wider
historical neglect of deserts and the human
communities who depend on them
 The Sahara, stretching is the world's third largest
desert in terms of size.
 Antarctica is the largest desert and is a polar, ice-
capped region similar to the next largest Arctic
region.
Explanation
Species distinction
 The Bubal hartebeest – extinct
 Scimitar horned oryx - extinct in the wild
 African wild dog and African lion - vanished
from the Sahara
 Dama gazelle and addax are gone from 99
percent of their range
 Leopard has been restricted to 3 percent of its
range
 Saharan cheetah is absent from 90 percent of
its range.
 Nubian ibex which inhabits most of its historical
range has been classified as vulnerable due to
numerous threats including widespread
hunting.
Recent commitments by various countries to protect the
Sahara
 Niger has established Termit and Tin Toumma
National Nature Reserve, a home to wild addax,
dama gazelle and Saharan cheetah.
 Chad government is planning to reintroduce in
the wild in the Ouadi Rime-Ouadi Achim Game
Reserve, the Scimitar horned oryx.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Sahara-desert-suffers-catastrophic-collapse-of-
wildlife-Study/articleshow/26852882.cms
WILD TENSION IN KARNATAKA
TOI DEC 06, 2013
 Man Animal conflict (especially with elephant) is
increasing in Karnataka with annual casualities
rising above 30 in number.
 Areas affected due to man-animal conflict
 Chikmagalur, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Hassan, Uttar
Kannada, Kodagu, Mangalore, Mysore, Shimoga,
Bangalore, Belgaum, Bellary and Chamarajnagar.
 Crop loss cases are also widely reported with the
maximum in Bellary, Bangalore, Hasasan, Kodagu
and Mysore districts.
 The wild boars, black bucks and deer, along with
elephants are eating into the farmers' crops.
 The leopards are spotted in the forest areas of
Tiptur, Tumkur, Kunigal and Chikkanayakanahalli
taluks.
 Bear attacks are a common feature in Madhugiri,
Chikkanayakanahalli, Koratageare, Pavagada and
Tumkur.
 Due to their presence in large numbers, the
Karnataka State wildlife Board has given its
preliminary approval to set up a bear sanctuary in
the district.
8
 In Koppal, it is the black bucks. Though the
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
and shift all the animals there, the risk of death
during capture and rehabilitation shelved the
project.
 Even the compensation packages are not subsiding
the unrest among victims due to its cumbersome
procedure
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Wild-tension-in-
Karnataka/articleshow/26970600.cms
POPULATION OF MAJOR ANIMAL SPECIES UP IN THE
COUNTRY: JAYANTHI NATARAJAN
TOI DEC 12, 2013
 The population of major animal species like lions,
tigers, elephant and rhinos has increased in the
country
 The estimated population of lions has increased
from 359 in 2005 to 411 in 2010
 The population of tiger has increased from 1411 in
2006 to 1706 in 2010
 The population of elephants has gone up from
27657-27682 to 29391-30711 in 2012
 The population of rhinos has increased from 1817 in
1998-99 to 2414 in 2009.
Explanation
Conservation Strategy
 A total of 670 protected areas (PA), viz national
parks, sanctuaries, conservation and community
reserves have been created under the provision of
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972
 PAs cover about 20.6 per cent of total forest area
and about 4.9 per cent of total area of the country
 Under Project Tiger 44 tiger reserves are set up and
under Project Elephant 28 elephant reserves are set
up for conservation of the species.
 Also financial assistance is provided for
construction of barriers like boundary walls and
solar- powered electric fences around sensitive
areas.
Vision Rhino
 WHO-India launched Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020
programme to protect and increase the population
of the one-horned rhinoceros
 The programme aims at attaining a population of
3,000 wild one-horned rhinos in seven of Assam’s
protected areas by 2020.
 IVR 2020 is a partnership among the Government of
Assam, the International Rhino Foundation, WWF,
the Bodoland Territorial Council, and the U.S. Fish &
World Wildlife foundation.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Population-of-major-animal-species-up-in-the-
country-Jayanthi-Natarajan/articleshow/27248258.cms
GOVT NOTIFIES NAVEGAON-NAGZIRA AS 5TH TIGER
RESERVE
TOI DEC 13, 2013
 Notification of Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
(NNTR) was issued.
 This is the fifth tiger reserve in Maharashtra after
Melghat, Tadoba, Pench and Sahyadri.
 The reserve comprises of Navegaon National Park,
Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and
Koka Wildlife Sanctuary
 The areas will be notified as core or critical tiger
habitat and will be kept inviolate for purposes of
tiger conservation
 .The government has excluded Nagzira
administrative and tourism complex in Nagzira
Wildlife Sanctuary as well as some areas of
protected forest (PF) in Koka Wildlife Sanctuary
from the core.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Govt-
notifies-Navegaon-Nagzira-as-5th-tiger-
reserve/articleshow/27258720.cms
MOBILE MUSEUM ON AQUATIC SPECIES
TOI DEC 24, 2013
 A mobile museum of aquatic animals has been set up in
Chandrabhaga beach of Konark.
 The museum, an initiative of Purna Chandra Behera of
Balugaon, houses 250 carcasses of sharks, stingrays,
octopus, sea horse, sea hare, snails, fishes and snakes
found in the Chilika
 The museum has been put up in a makeshift tent on the
beach in which bodies of aquatic animals have been
kept in bottles filled with chemicals.
 Visitors have to pay Rs 10 as entry fee.
 This is one of its kind museum in the state and is
expected to become a big tourist attraction
 However permission from forest department for
displaying the rare and scheduled species is required.
Reference
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 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Mobile-museum-on-aquatic-
species/articleshow/27812215.cms
ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES TO BE SET UP AT 5 PLACES
TOI DEC 28, 2013
• The UP State cabinet has approved eco-sensitive
zones within 100 metres of Kaimur wildlife sanctuary,
Mirzapur; Okhla bird sanctuary, Gautam budh nagar; and,
Lakh Bahosi wildlife sanctuary, Kannauj
• As a protective measure, commercial mining will be
banned within one kilometer of the three protected areas.
• The activities in the eco-sensitive zones will be
broadly divided into banned, regulated and permitted.
• As per the guidelines issued by MoEF for
notification of eco-sensitive zones around national parks
and wildlife sanctuaries, an eco-sensitive zone should be set
up within 10 kms from protected areas.
Explanation
Alterations made by States
 However, states can change the norms according to
the wildlife in the area, number of residents around
it, rural and urban location.
 UP has adopted the altered norms and has 24
wildlife sanctuaries and one national park.
 • The State also has set up district-level
committees under DMs and commissioners to
identify such zones around protected areas.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Eco-sensitive-zones-to-be-set-up-at-5-
places/articleshow/28024883.cms
LESS BIRD FOOD MAY HIT BIRD MIGRATION TO MAN
SAGAR LAKE
TOI JAN 02, 2014
 Jal Mahal is Jaipur’s premier bird watching spot
 A batch of migratory birds including Northern
Shovelors, Northern Pintail, Coot, Wigol and Common
Pochard has arrived at the Man Sagar Lake
 The number of birds visiting the lake is expected to
increase by the end of the month
 However sustenance of the birds is uncertain as there is
a shortage of feed- the aquatic vegetation for migratory
birds and fishes for residents birds
 Migratory birds usually survive on microorganisms and
plantations which seem to be deficient in the lake.
 Though the water quality has improved in the last few
years, time has come to focus on germination of aquatic
vegetation
 Explosion of Tilpoys, a kind of fish that has 2-3 inches-
long thorns on neck making it difficult for the birds to
gulp has adversely affected other population
 The damage of the lake began with dispersal of
sewerage waters thereby increasing the silt load which
reduced water intake and increased toxicity.
 Such a silt deposition resulted in drying up of lake area
during summer thereby disturbing the aquatic ecology
 Besides these problems, partial working of sewage
treatment plant has aggravated the situation.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Less-bird-food-may-hit-bird-migration-to-Man-
Sagar-Lake/articleshow/28251990.cms
PALLIKARANAI TO TURN WILDLIFE PARK
TOI JAN 04, 2014
 Government has committed to transform the neglected
Pallikaranai marsh into a haven for many species birds,
native plants and animals - a wildlife park within the city
 The spill over from waste dumped into the Perungudi
garbage yard and encroachments have reduced it to
mere 593 hectares in 2012.
 However the government, with NGO Care Earth, has
chalked out a 15 crore plan to revive 1,000 acres along
the marsh's southern boundary and convert it into an
eco-tourism destination.
 Further the government has directed the corporation to
permanently close the city's two principal dump yards,
in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur for which corporation
will undertake processes to scientifically cap and close
both dump yards.
 The corporation hence has identified three new sites to
dump garbage generated by the city
Explanation
Features of Wild Life Park to be completed in 2016
 The wildlife park, when completed in 2016, will
include a walkway, an amphitheatre, a recreational
space and a viewing deck point.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
10
ra-fauna/Pallikaranai-to-turn-wildlife-
park/articleshow/28361411.cms
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY ALLOWS
AGRI,PLANTATION ACTIVITIES ALONG WESTERN
GHATS
INDIAN EXPRESS JAN 09, 2014
 The Environment Ministry owing to the protests in
Kerala against the recommendations of
Kasturirangan panel report, issued a fresh order on
easing norms on activities related to plantations
and agriculture in Ecologically Sensitive Areas
(ESA).
 It was made clear that Kasturirangan panel did not
restrict any land use in the ESA
 Impact on the continued occupation of land in
possession of the local people was negated and it
was assured that their day to day activities or
normal livelihood will not be affected.
 The new order cleared by the Ministry elucidated
that the boundary of the ESA and the regulatory
regime would be finalized after the draft
notification for the same is placed in the public
domain and comments on it from all stakeholders
including state governments are received.
Explanation
Recommendations made by the Kasturirangan panel
 Promotion of Ecotourism
 Economic empowerment of the local population
 Incentives for promotion of green growth in the
Western Ghats
 Ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining
 Ban on thermal power plants
 Ban on building and construction projects with build up
areas 20,000 sq m or more
 Prohibition on township and area development projects
with an area of 50ha
 Ban on red category of industries in ESA.
 The panel defined 37% of the Western Ghats landscape
as ecologically sensitive area (ESA).
Reference
 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/regional-
india/environment-ministry-allows-agri-plantation-
activities-along-western-ghats/s
LOSS OF LARGE PREDATORS DAMAGING
ECOSYSTEMS
TOI JAN 11, 2014
 Scientists have warned after analysis of 31 carnivore
species, that the decline of large predators such as
lions, wolves and bears is threatening the Earth's
delicate ecosystems
 They add that it would change the face of
landscapes from the tropics to the Arctic as well
Explanation
Details of Study
 Threats such as habitat loss, persecution by humans
and loss of prey combine to create global hotspots
of carnivore decline
 Southeast Asia, southern and East Africa and the
Amazon are among areas in which multiple large
carnivore species are declining
 Though with some exceptions, large carnivores
have already been exterminated from much of the
developed world, including Western Europe and
the eastern US.
 Many of the large carnivores are endangered locally
or globally
 African lions, leopards, Eurasian lynx, cougars, grey
wolves, sea otters and dingoes were among the
species studied for their widespread ecological
effects or "trophic cascades"
 The research found that fewer predators lead to an
increase in browsing animals such as deer and elk.
 • More browsing disrupts vegetation , shifts
birds and small mammals and changes other parts
of the ecosystem in a widespread cascade of
impacts
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Loss-of-
large-predators-damaging-
ecosystems/articleshow/28660325.cms
SC ASKS ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY, RAILWAYS TO
EVOLVE STEPS TO PROTECT ELEPHANTS
TOI JAN 23, 2014
 The Supreme Court has asked MoEF and railways to
examine various measures as adopted by Karnataka
government and to evolve steps to prevent death of
elephants on rail tracks.
 Earlier SC had advised the Railways to take steps to
reduce speed of trains during transit through forests
inhabited by elephants
 SC had directed Railways to divert fast-moving and
night trains on Siliguri- Falakata section and to
discontinue the movement of goods trains at night
between Siliguri and Alipurduar in West Bengal
 Though a modification was spought by railways on he
direction, it was not approved
Explanation
11
Background
 A PIL was filed by Shakti Prasad Nayak seeking
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directions for appropriate steps to prevent killings
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
of elephants by trains and electrocution.
 The PIL also demanded framing guidelines to
prevent such incidents in future
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/SC-asks-environment-ministry-railways-to-
evolve-steps-to-protect-
elephants/articleshow/29262276.cms
ENVIRONMENTALISTS PREPARE LIST OF
ENDANGERED SPECIES
TOI JAN 28, 2014
 The latest International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List of Birds (2013) shows that
fifteen bird species in India continue to be Critically
Endangered (CR).
 Three other bird species now face greater danger
as they have been up-listed to Near Threatened
(NT) and Vulnerable (VU) categories from their
earlier categorisation of Least Concern (LC)
category.
 In India, organizations such as BNHS-India play a
crucial role in researching and collating such
information, as the Bird Life International (UK)
country partner.
Explanation
Critically endangered category
 Migratory wetland species: Baer's Pochard,
Siberian Crane and Spoon-billed Sandpiper
 Non-migratory wetland species: White-bellied
Heron;
 Grassland species: Bengal Florican, Great Indian
Bustard, Jerdon's Courser and Sociable
Lapwing;
 Forest species: Forest Owlet
 Scavengers: Indian Vulture, Red-headed
Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Slender-
billed Vulture.
Extinct species:
 Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Environmentalists-prepare-list-of-endangered-
species/articleshow/29457793.cms
VIZAG ZOO TO GET COUNTRY’S FIRST WILD DOG
BREEDING CENTRE
THE HINDU FEB 19, 2014
 The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) will
become the first zoo in the country to have a
conservation breeding centre for the endangered
wild dog or ‘dhole.’
 In-breeding of wild dogs in the zoo has met with
success as its population witnessed a massive
increase within the PA, though similar process was
a failure in Chennai and Mysore zoos.
 Dhole is Classified as endangered by the IUCN
 Wild dogs or ‘dholes’ are dwindling in numbers due
to habitat loss, depletion of prey base, and
destruction of forest corridors
 Further fights with other predators and diseases
from domestic and feral dogs reduced their
numbers.
 The conservation centre in IGZP is expected to help
in recovering the population of the endangered
animals.
 A genetic profiling of the existing animals in the zoo
will be done for identification of strong genes.
 The idea is to re-introduce the species in the wild
later
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/viz
ag-zoo-to-get-countrys-first-wild-dog-breeding-
centre/article5704136.ece
'SLIMY SEAWEED' A MAGIC POTION FOR CLIMATE-
VULNERABLE SUNDERBANS
TOI FEB 22, 2014
 Enteromorpha Intestinalis is a variety of green
seaweed that grows in the wild of Sunderbans
naturally
 It is found to be perfect to combat malnutrition in
the mangrove delta
 It can also form an alternative source of income for
the locals
 The green seaweed Enteromorpha Intestinalis is
rich in protein, carbohydrate and omega fatty acids
 The protein content of Enteromorpha Intestinalis at
12.9-15% is equivalent to egg and it also contains 52%
carbohydrate and 0.2% fats along with omega3 and
omega6 fatty acids.
 It could result in saving lives from tiger attacks in
the jungle core as the poor at present, brave life-
threatening risks to venture into the prohibited
zones to collect firewood and honey for survival
 For the climate refugees of Sunderbans,
Enteromorpha Intestinalis is a huge step towards
climate resilience
12
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 However the seaweed is perceived as dirty and
repulsive owing to its slimy texture, slippery feel
and fishy smell
 The algae has other uses like use as fodder for
cattle, food for fish and as medicine
 Further farmers who have lost land to erosion,
inundation and ring embankment have the
opportunity to grow green seaweed in the
inundated areas.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Slimy-seaweed-a-magic-potion-for-climate-
vulnerable-Sunderbans/articleshow/30861597.cms
DEEP SEA SPECIES MAKE 95% OF WORLD'S FISH
TOI MAR 04, 2014
 Marine researchers have found that fish which live
in the mesopelagic zones constitute 95 per cent of
the world's fish biomass
Explanation
Species description
 Mesopelagic fish live between 100 and 1000 metres
below the surface
 Mesopelagic fish live in vast population due to their
capacity to avoid fish nets and prowling eyes of the
birds
 They have large eyes to see in the dim light, and
also enhanced pressure-sensitivity
 They are able to detect nets from at least five
metres and avoid them
 Most mesopelagic species tend to feed near the
surface at night, and move to deeper layers in the
daytime to avoid birds.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Deep-sea-species-make-95-of-worlds-
fish/articleshow/31417899.cms
FOUR NEW OZONE-DEPLETING GASES DISCOVERED
TOI MAR 10, 2014
 Scientists have identified four new human-made
gases in the atmosphere which can cause
destruction of the ozone layer
 The ozone layer protectsearth from high intensity
ultraviolet rays which can cause skin cancer and
cataract.
 Three of the gases are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and one is a Hydro- Chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
 The three CFCs are being destroyed very slowly in
the atmosphere which means even an immediate
stop in the usage won’t give desired results as they
will remain in atmosphere for many decades to
come
Explanation
New Gases – Details
 The four new gases identified are CFC-112, CFC112a,
CFC-113a, HCFC-133a.
 CFC-113a is used in manufacturing of pyrethroids, a
type of insecticide.
 CFC-113a and HCFC-133a are used in refrigerants.
 CFC-112 and 112a are supposed to be used in the
production of solvents and to clean electrical
components.
 The research has revealed that about 74,000 tonnes
of these gases have been released into the
atmosphere.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Four-
new-ozone-depleting-gases-
discovered/articleshow/31779510.cms
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ASKS
UP TO RADIO-COLLAR ITS TIGERS
TOI MAR 14, 2014
 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has
directed Uttar Pradesh government to identify
"potential" man-eaters and to radio-collar such
tigers
 This move is made on the background of increasing
man amimal conflict in UP in recent times.
 The radio collar will help to track their movement
 NTCA directed the state forest department to study
the animals' behaviour and map their movement.
 The authority also advocated translocation of
aberrant tigers to reserves.
 Use of cameras has been promoted to identify man
eaters, particularly in Binjore where a tiger created
havoc by killing 9 people since end of December.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/National-Tiger-Conservation-
Authority/articleshow/32010067.cms?
NGO WARD FOUNDATION DECLARES 2014 AS THE
'YEAR OF THE SPARROW'
TOI MAR 20, 2014
 The common sparrow has attained fourth rank in
13
the list of rare birds.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 NGO WARD (Wild life Conservation and Agro-Rural
Development) Foundation hence declared the
current year as the 'year of the sparrow'.
 On World Sparrow Day, the NGO pledged to take
efforts to conserve and protect sparrows along
with increasing awareness about it.
Explanation
Measures adopted by NGO for conservation of sparrow
 The NGO made efforts to teach people the way of
building nests and bird houses and using leaflets
information was disseminated on places where
such bird houses would be available at a reasonable
price.
 They also conducted a drawing competition for kids
wherein children were to draw sparrows.
 The NGO has come up with the concept of 'One
house, one bird nest'.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/NGO-Ward-foundation-declares-2014-as-the-year-
of-the-sparrow/articleshow/32372201.cms
GREEN FORUM SLAMS RHINO HORN TRIMMING
PROPOSAL
TOI MAR 27, 2014
 Rhinoceros is the state animal of Assam
 Recently, poaching of rhinos has increased owing to an
increasing market demand for its horn
 Such a demand prompted the Assam state government
to propose dehorning of rhinos to curb poaching
 The state government wanted to conduct the proposal
on an experimental basis, especially for rhinos which
were trans-located to new habitats or strayed out of
protected areas
 The government sought the opinion of the people,
different organizations and institutions on the matter
and formed a committee to ascertain the feasibility of
the proposal.
 However the suggestion was met with severe criticism
and protest from various quarters.
 About 30 NGOs under the banner of Assam
Environment NGO Forum (AENF) declared that they are
categorically against the proposal to trim rhino horns.
 Current socio-political scenario of the state, wastage on
money on trimming a rapidly re-growing rhino horn, and
arguments like there are chances that trimmed rhinos
will be deprived of their means of defence there by
compromising with their confidence and fertility have
adversely affected the state plan
 The government was asked to strengthen its anti-
poaching strategies, revive intelligence gathering
networks and win the support of locals by forming an
eco-development fund
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Green-forum-slams-rhino-horn-trimming-
proposal/articleshow/32767273.cms
FOREST FIRES ON THE RISE
THE HINDU APR 01, 2014
 The ‘Tamil Nadu Forest Department’ had identified
the first six months of the year as ‘Forest Fire
Sensitive’ months.
 The maximum number of forest fires was registered
in the month of February and March.
 It is identified that most of the forest fires are set
by man for various purposes. Preliminary
investigations have revealed that those taking their
cattle for grazing inside the forest areas were
setting the grass on fire so that fresh shoots sprout
forth for cattle grazing.
 The forest fires would surely affect the reptiles.
 The Geographical Information System cell in the
forest headquarters use to receive satellite images
indicating forest fires in the State daily and
information is then passed on to the District Forest
Officers concerned for further action.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-
nadu/forest-fires-on-the-rise/article5859897.ece
MAHYCO MOVES HIGH COURT QUESTIONING BAN
ON BT COTTON SEEDS
THE HINDU APR 06, 2013
 Bt cotton has failed to yield in 7 districts of
Karnataka
 Karnataka Government then ordered a ban on Bt
cotton hybrid seeds and further blacklisted the
Agri-biotechnology and seeds company
Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd. (Mahyco).
 The company has now moved the High Court of
Karnataka questioning the government order.
Explanation
Government stand
14
 Bt cotton hybrid MRC-7351 and Nikki Plus
supplied by Mahyco has failed to give expected
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yields during kharif 2013.
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 Mahyco had not conducted any awareness
campaign or training programme for effective
management of pests and diseases. Therefore,
the company had violated the condition issued
by the Government of India.
 The ban was imposed after getting reports
following a series of complaints from farmers in
Haveri, Belgaum, Davangere, Chitradurga,
Dharwad, Bellary and Gadag districts.
Company stand
 MRC-7351 and Nikki Plus are not notified kind or
variety of seeds
 Hence section 14(1) (e) of the Seed Act 1966,
under which the government initiated action,
did not apply in the present case.
 There was no seizure and collection of samples,
and no analysis was carried out before banning
the seeds and hence it may be duplicate seeds
or seeds marketed by other companies
 Crop failure in several districts was because of
continuous rains and new pests such as mirid
bugs and midges.
 The decision on the ban was taken without
giving it an opportunity for hearing
 It had impacted its business even though
farmers were willing to buy its Bt cotton
varieties
 Rs. 10 crore was given as token support to
farmers who were affected.
Reference
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mahyco-
moves-high-court-questioning-ban-on-bt-cotton-
seeds/article5876929.ece
NGT RESTRAINS DMRC AND DJB FROM DUMPING
WASTE ON WETLANDS
THE HINDU APR 30, 2013
 The National Green Tribunal restrained the Delhi
Government, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and
the Delhi Jal Board from releasing or storing any
sewage or sludge in and around water bodies at
Dhirpur, a village rich in wetlands.
 Besides passing the order, NGT headed by Justice
Swatanter Kumar, issued notice to the Delhi Police
for turning a blind eye to the complaints in the
matter.
 Wetlands in Dhirpur are shrinking at a fast pace due
to the dumping of sludge by the tankers of the DJB,
deposition of extra soil, open defecation by the
workers employed at the nearby DMRC site,
dumping sewage and solid waste.
 The wetlands at Dhirpur harbour various species of
birds and wildlife.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ngt-restrains-
dmrc-and-djb-from-dumping-waste-on-
wetlands/article5962115.ece
HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL LAUDS HEALTH
MINISTRY’S MOVE ON ANIMAL-TESTED COSMETIC
TOI MAY 06, 2014
 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had
introduced a draft notification to ban the import of
cosmetics tested on animals abroad.
 India has received the appreciation of Humane
Society International as it will become South Asia's
first cruelty-free cosmetics zone, if the draft
notification is implemented.
 The draft ‘import ban rule’ is an important
milestone in HSI/India's 'Be Cruelty Free' campaign
 India is about to frame a legislative rule prohibiting
animal testing for cosmetics throughout the
country as it completed its public consultation
period in March
 The legislation will ban import of cosmetics tested
with cruelty in other countries.
 Be Cruelty-Free India is part of the largest campaign
in the world to end cosmetics animal testing
 Globally there are Be Cruelty-Free campaigns in
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea,
New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan and the U.S.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Humane-Society-International-lauds-health-
ministrys-move-on-animal-tested-
cosmetic/articleshow/34746089.cms
GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK NOMINATED
FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
TOI MAY 11, 2014
 The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) of Himachal
Pradesh has been nominated for the natural World
Heritage site status.
 The GHNP is located along the western Himalayas in
Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
 The GHNP is naturally protected by snow covered, steep
ridges on its northern, eastern and southern
boundaries.
 It was declared as National Park under the Wildlife
(Protection Act) 1972 by the Himachal Pradesh
government in 1999.
15
 The GHNP was nominated by International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which is the advisory
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body to the UNESCO Committee on Nature.
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Explanation
IUCN
 IUCN meets annually to take decisions on nominations
and required conservation action for World Heritage
sites.
 This year, the IUCN will present the recommendations
and evaluations to the World Heritage Committee
during its 38th meeting in Doha, Qatar.
 The IUCN monitoring reports reveal that poaching,
illegal logging continue to rise with Africa and Asia
being the most affected regions
 As per the report, development of dams and other large
infrastructure pose grave threats to World Heritage
sites across the planet
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Great-Himalayan-National-Park-nominated-for-
World-Heritage-status/articleshow/34966546.cms
EVOLUTION AND VENOMOUS SNAKES: DIET
DISTINGUISHES LOOK-ALIKES ON TWO CONTINENTS
TOI JUN 13, 2014
 Over millions of years, snakes such as rattlesnakes in
North America and death adders in Australia
independently evolved similar body types
 The independent evolution of similar body forms in
response to analogous ecological conditions is a striking
example of a phenomenon called convergence.
 Scientists have thought that morphological similarity
implies ecological similarities too.
 However research has revealed that they differ in at
least one major attribute: diet – i.e., there is no overlap
in diet between many of the snakes that are
morphologically very similar.
 The study assessed feeding habits on eight prey
categories: invertebrates such as insects, earthworms,
mollusks and crustaceans; fish; amphibians; lizards and
snakes; lizard and snake eggs; birds; bird eggs; and
mammals.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Evolution-and-venomous-snakes-Diet-
distinguishes-look-alikes-on-two-
continents/articleshow/36487289.cms
PILIBHIT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY GETS TIGER RESERVE
FOREST STATUS
TOI JUN 14, 2014
 Uttar Pradesh government has notified the Pilibhit
Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve with effect
from June 9, 2014.
 It is the third tiger reserve in UP after Dudhwa and
Amangarh Tiger Reserve in Bijnor
 The Pilibhit Wildlife Sanctuary includes consolidated
forest ranges of Mala, Mahof, Barahi, Deoria and
Haripur
 The upgrade in the status is expected to strengthen
the ongoing tiger conservation efforts in the state.
 There will be a core area of 6,279.8 hectares
surrounded by a buffer zone - the Khutar range in
Shahjahanpur with 12,745.2 hectares.
 The move can attract more financial support from
the central government to strengthen the numbers
of anti-poaching watchers and to set up anti-
poaching camps in the state
Explanation
Eco-tourism possibilities:
 The terai belt, where the Pilibhit tiger reserve is
located, is the last of the Sal forest reserves in the
world and regarded as very fragile, ecologically.
 Apart from the Bengal tiger, the Pilibhit forest area
is also home to the Indian leopard, the swamp deer
and the Bengal florican, among other rare species.
 The Chuka Interpretation Zones on the banks of
Sharda in Pilibhit.
 The Sharda Sagar dam forms the Sharda Sagar
reservoir.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Pilibhit-Wildlife-Sanctuarytiger-reserve-
forest/articleshow/36518197.cms
INDIA TO BE DESERTIFICATION NEUTRAL BY 2030:
PRAKASH JAVADEKAR
BUSINESS STANDARD JUN 17, 2014
 June 17 is observed as the World Day to Combat
Desertification.
 Desertification is a type of land degradation in
which a relatively dry land region becomes
increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water
as well as vegetation and wildlife.
 In India, 69% of the land is dryland, and 32% of the
land is undergoing desertification
 An Integrated plan is envisaged to be launched in
coordination with ministries of agriculture, land
resource and water to address the issue
 India will become desertification neutral by 2030
16
according to Environment Minister Prakash
Javadekar
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 The minister emphasised that land degradation is
directly linked to poverty, and its reversal will
provide livelihood options for thousands of people.

Reference
 http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-
affairs/india-to-be-desertification-neutral-by-2030-
prakash-javadekar-114061700581_1.html

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY
Y & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
BIODIVERSITY
AMUR FALCONS, SATELLITE-TAGGED
TAGGED IN recorded and tracked and was found to be extraordinary
NAGALAND, TRACKED OVER
ER ARABIAN SEA that they crossed Indian peninsula in two weeks to their
final destination of South Africa.
THE HINDU NOV 15, 2013

 Amur falcons Naga and Pangti, which ich were satellite-

satellite IUCN Red List
Amur Falcon is categorized under Least Concern Category
tagged in Nagaland, were tracked flying over the
Arabian Sea after passing over Bangladesh, the Bay Reference
of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and  http://m.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy
tech/energy-and-
Maharashtra towards their final destination in environment/amur-falcons-satellitetagged
satellitetagged-in-nagaland-
tracked-over-arabian-sea/article5353044.ece
sea/article5353044.ece
South Africa.
 The third falcon, Wokha, was tracked ed flying over  https://www.change.org/en-IN/petitions/please
IN/petitions/please-stop-
amur-falcon-massacre-in-nagaland
nagaland-india
the Bay of Bengal. This is the first time that such a
project is being undertaken in the country. JELLYFISH PROLIFERATING
ING ALONG KERALA COAST
 The five-day
day mission of tagging took place in
THE HINDU NOV 16, 2013
collaboration with scientists from the Wildlife
Institute of India Dehradun, the Programme Office
Officer  A large number of dead jellyfish were washed
- Birds of Prey (Raptors), the Ministry of ashore on the Thumba beach in
Environment and Forests, the Convention on Thiruvananthapuram
Migratory Species, the United Nations Environment  Jellyfish population is increasing along the Kerala
Programme, the Environment AgencyAgency-Abu Dhabi, coast like in other parts of the world.
and the Nagaland Forest Department.  Mass mortality of jellyfish and fouling of beaches
are becoming more frequent while it is observed
that these blooms are increasing in intensity,
Explanation frequency and duration.
 The proliferation of the species indicates the impact
About Amur Falcon
Amur Falcon is a raptor of the falcon of human interference on the marine environment.
family. It breeds in South eastern Siberia  Jellyfish populations
ations are exploding into
and Northern China. It migrates across superabundance due ue to overfishing, pollution, and
India in large flocks to Southern Africa in winter over other factors.
Arabian Sea.  The increase in jellyfish population along the
Poaching in Nagaland southwest coast in recent years has been found to
Amur Falcons are massacred in Nagaland in large numbers.
num match the increase in the occurrence of algal
Annually migrating falcons congregate along the banks of blooms in the coastal waters, a consequence of the
Doyang reservoir in Wokha district of Nagaland. They are nutrient run off from land..
hunted for meat as a cheap source of protein. However
activists and government has taken protective stand to
Explanation
bring the massacre to an end. d. Nagaland Wildlife and
Biodiversity trust in partnership with Nagaland Government Jellyfish
initiated Friends for Amur Falcon campaign for protection of Jellyfishes are free-swimming
swimming marine animals
animals.They have a
amur falcons. gelatinous umbrella-shaped
shaped body and trailing tentacles.
Awareness campaigns were conducted with wide They can deliver a painful sting that could prove fatal at
participation of activists, social scientists, students,
stude church, times. They consume huge quantities of plankton
plankton. Thus
media and government which found expression widely jellyfish may deprive small fish species of food and mess up
among masses. Amur falcons were emphasised upon to be the entire food chain.Global warming and the decline in the
treated as revered guests, as they are remarkable creatures population of predatory fish species and turtles due to
travelling about 22000kms an year for migration. overfishing could lead to the proliferation of jellyfish in
Indian waters.
Use of satellites
Some of the Amur falcons were satellite tagged with 5g Impact of jellyfish bloom
transmitters in Nagaland as a part of collaboration between  It threatens other species and creates havoc for
18

Wildlife Institute, Ministry of environment and Forests, fishing operations.

Convention on migratory species, UNEP, Nagaland Forest  Fishing trawlers face difficulty during the post-
post
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Department and NGOs. The falcons’ transoceanic

ceanic flight was monsoon season as their nets get clogged with
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
jellyfish. There is also a frequent occurrence of
jellyfish blooms and a mass deposit of dead jellyfish
on beaches.
 Huge masses of jellyfish have forced the shutdown
of nuclear plants in several countries by choking the
water intake filters.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/jellyfish-
proliferating-along-kerala-coast/article5357801.ece
HUMAN INTERVENTION HINDERING TIGER
MOVEMENT IN COUNTRY
THE HINDU NOV 18, 2013
 A report of a study conducted in six protected
forest areas of Central India was published in Open-
access journal ‘Plos One’. The study express that
human intervention prevents the tiger from
wandering far in search of connectivity with distant
populations, where tigers can wander even 650 km
between protected areas for connectivity.
 The study ‘Connectivity of Tiger Populations in the
Human-Influenced Forest Mosaic of Central India’
was conducted by National Centre for Biological
Sciences in protected areas of Melghat Tiger
Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve, Nagzira Wildlife
Sanctuary, and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in
Maharashtra; Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya
Pradesh; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger
Reserve in Andhra Pradesh.
Explanation
Key observations of study
 Many tigers currently live in small protected areas
in India
 Their survival depends on increasing the
connectivity between these areas through tiger
corridors
 The tiger connectivity is affected by landscape
elements such as human settlements, road density,
and host-population tiger density
 However tiger connectivity is not affected by
distance between populations.
 Hence urban expansion between protected areas is
to be minimised to maximise tiger connectivity
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/human-intervention-hindering-tiger-
movement-in-country/article5361856.ece
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
THE HINDU NOV 19, 2013
 In Tamil Nadu, the Forest Department is currently
constructing a butterfly park in Srirangam, in a bid
to make it a tourist attraction.
 Butterfly neither stings nor transmits disease and is
a key part of our ecology. Collectively, they are an
important part of our food web and are good
pollinators.
 It flies mainly during the day. Butterfly belongs to
the order Lepidoptera. Scientists estimate that
there are between 12-15,000 species of butterflies in
the world.
 The colourful wings on butterflies are made of very
thin layers of a hardened protein called chitin.
Thousands of minute scales on the chitin layers
serve a variety of purposes, including fitting out the
butterfly with colorful wings. The scales are also
used to soak up the solar heat required to keep the
cold-blooded butterfly flying.
 Butterflies migrate very long distances. In southern
India, mass migrations are usually observed during
the monsoons.
 Butterflies defend themselves against predators in
interesting ways. They are able to isolate toxic
chemicals in plants and use them as their own
weapons to avoid getting eaten up by larger
animals.
 Usually, the brighter the colours on a butterfly, the
more unpalatable it is.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/the-
butterfly-effect/article5367281.ece
FOUR NEW CATFISH SPECIES DISCOVERED IN
KERALA
THE HINDU NOV 25, 2013
 Four new species of freshwater catfish have been
reported from Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts
 Horabagrus melanosoma - Discovered from Venpala
near Thiruvalla, deep black in colour with short fins
and spine and grows up to 23.5 cm.
 Mystus heoki - long catfish, was named after
Singaporean taxonomist Heok Hee Ng. Discovered
from Elankadu in Idukki district
 Mystus indicus - collected from Kuttoor in
Pathanamthitta district, it is characterised by
yellowish green colour on the upper lateral side and
clear white on the lower lateral and grows up to 10
cm.
19
 Mystus menoni - Features a bluish black mid lateral
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line and a long dorsal fin, grows up to 12 cm. It is
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
named after A.G.K. Menon, eminent freshwater fish
taxonomist. Discovered from Elankadu in Idukki
district
 The species were discovered from the Manimala
River.
 The researchers have published their findings in the
latest issue of two prominent scientific journals,
Biosystematica and the International Journal of
Pure and Applied Zoology.
 The International Commission of Zoological
Nomenclature (ICZN) has also approved the names
given by the researchers to the new species.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/four-
new-catfish-species-discovered-in-
kerala/article5389056.ece
TIGER POPULATION REACHES SATURATION POINT
THE HINDU NOV 30, 2013
 Two persons were killed by tigers in Bandipur
where man animal conflicts are increasing.
 The tiger population has reached a saturation point
in these forests. A high population density results in
high conflict with humans.
 Majority of the tiger deaths reported are due to
anthropogenic reasons and have been attributed to
snaring, poisoning or poaching.
 A high tiger density often produces a floating
population of animals or “transients” that are
pushed out of their territory. They often inhabit
forest fringes.
 Transients could be old or injured animals or even
young animals looking for new territories.
Explanation
Tiger density and Karnataka
Karnataka records the highest number of tigers in the
country. According to the 2010 census, 300 tigers inhabit the
State. The tiger population is especially high in the Bandipur-
Nagarahole range where the man animal conflicts are very
common.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tiger-
population-reaches-saturation-point/article5409037.ece
NEW MANGROVE SPECIES FOUND IN SUNDERBANS
TOI DEC 06, 2013
 A new mangrove species named Acanthus Albus has
been discovered at the Sunderbans after 54 years
 Sunderbans has 64 species of mangroves, which are
divided into three categories - true mangrove, back
mangrove and associate mangrove.
 Acanthus Albus falls in the true mangrove category
 It has a cylindrical stem that is woody, glabrous and
longitudinally grooved and is light green in colour
 The leaves are narrow at the base and have 4-5 pairs of
sharp teeth at the margin
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/New-mangrove-species-found-in-
Sunderbans/articleshow/26928068.cms
RARE ANIMALS SIGHTED IN PAKKE TIGER RESERVE
TOI DEC 25, 2013
 Four rare melanistic (black) golden cats (Captopuma
Temminckii) and rare Chinese pangolins were sighted at
Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng district of
Arunachal Pradesh
 They were discovered after a camera trapping exercise
which was conducted by officials and personnel of the
tiger reserve as part of the Phase-IV monitoring of tiger
and prey population under Project Tiger
 The Phase IV monitoring is conducted in collaboration
with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India
 There was also a photographic capture of six tigers
apart from a leopard, a clouded leopard, a wild dog, an
Asiatic black bear among other animals
 "The reserve is considered as one of the global
biodiversity hotspots
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Rare-animals-sighted-in-Pakke-Tiger-
Reserve/articleshow/27872484.cms
'HANGUL' POPULATION ON THE RISE IN DACHIGAM
NATIONAL PARK
TOI JAN 03, 2014
 Kashmir Stag or 'Hangul' is a highly endangered species
 It is found only in the valley's Dachigam National Park
 The population of Hangul has increased substantially as
per wildlife officials
 The no. of Hanguls reduced from about 5000 in
twentieth century to less than 150 in 1970.
 Jammu and Kashmir government in collaboration with
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
20
and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) prepared 'Project
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Hangul' for the protection and conservation of these
animals
 The wildlife officials get a chance to conduct a census of
over 200 different species of animals in the Dachigam
National Park during winter months as snowfall forces
these to climb down toward the plains in search of food
and water.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Hangul-population-on-the-rise-in-Dachigam-
National-Park/articleshow/28334970.cms
FLAMINGO POPULATION INCREASES IN RAJASTHAN:
REPORT
TOI JAN 20, 2014
 Flamingos-greater and lesser are found near Sambhar
Lake in Rajasthan
 The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) has counted 1,300
greater flamingos and 1,800 lesser flamingos in the
wetlands of Gudha Jhapong and Devyani area in
Sambhar Lake area.
 These birds are registered as endangered species and
need protection in their sustainable habitat.
 Winter migratory species like northern shoveler, pied
avocet, Common Redshank and black-winged stilt were
sighted during the survey
 The survey will help maintaining the status of this
wetland habitat of the migratory birds.
 Flamingoes feed on blue-green and red algae along with
small insects and small fish
 Due to shrinking water bodies, the sustenance for birds
for long is uncertain.
 Deforestation and drying up of water resources are
posing a threat to the flamingo population
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Flamingo-population-increases-in-Rajasthan-
Report/articleshow/29073727.cms
DECLINE IN SARUS CRANE POPULATION LEAVES
BIRD WATCHES WORRIED ON BIG BIRD DAY
TOI FEB 22, 2014
 Big Bird Day is celebrated across the country
 However there is a rapid decline in population of
Sarus crane
 The rise in number of tourists, intruders, stray
animals and farming in non-migratory crane's safe
and vast habitat are the major causes for decline in
Sarus population
 Such activities affect their breeding and population
due to the destruction of nests and eggs in the
reservoir.
 The rainy season is the breeding season of Saras
crane
 The decline is also because of encroachment on
water banks, uncontrolled fishing, increase in use of
pesticides and fertilizers.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Decline-in-Sarus-crane-population-leaves-bird-
watches-worried-on-Big-Bird-
Day/articleshow/30490592.cms
BIRD SURVEY IN KOLLAM RECORDS A ‘FIRST’
THE HINDU MAR 14, 2014
 An annual bird survey was conducted at
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam, Kerala
 During the survey, a brood of the highly elusive
nocturnal forest bird, the Great Eared Nightjar was
spotted first time.
 It was recorded from the Siruvani foothills in Tamil
Nadu in May 1995.
 While the sanctuary was divided into six sub-
divisions -Kattilappara, Kallar-Rockwood, Umayar,
Rosemala, Dharbhakulam, and Pandimotta for the
survey, 194 bird species were recorded.
 The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in
biodiversity and is a protected area in the Western
Ghats
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-
kerala/bird-survey-in-kollam-records-a-
first/article5783501.ece
DEPARTMENT PLANS VACCINATION AGAINST
KYASANUR FOREST DISEASE
TOI MAR 17, 2014
 A suspected case of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
was reported at Beluvai in Moodbidri near
DakshinKannada district in Karnataka
 Following this, Dakshina Kannada district Health
and Family Welfare department has sent a proposal
to the government seeking approval to administer
vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
 The KFD vaccine administration programme was
stopped in 2010.
21
 The last case of KFD, a tick-borne viral disease with
hemorrhagic manifestations, was reported in the
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district in 2006.
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 KFD vaccine would be administered to individuals of
the age group of 7 to 65 would help prevent the
spread of disease
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Department-plans-vaccination-against-Kyasanur-
Forest-Disease/articleshow/32218393.cms
SAVE THE SPARROW
TOI MAR 20, 2014
 The common house sparrow population has been
on the decline over much of its natural range, both
in the urban and rural habitats.
 The decline of the house sparrow is an indicator of
the continuous degradation of the environment.
Explanation
Conservation
 World Sparrow Day is celebrated on March 20.
 The rationale for celebrating World Sparrow
Day is to commemorate the event for a day as
well as to promote conservation of sparrows
and the urban biodiversity.
 The event aims to effect coordination between
individuals, national and international groups,
government agencies and the scientific
community for the conservation of the
common bird species and urban biodiversity.
 Citizen Sparrow is an ongoing citizen science
project in India in which members of the public
are encouraged to contribute information on
presence and absence of the house sparrow
from different locations and for different time
periods.
 In 2012, the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit,
declared the house sparrow the state bird of
Delhi.
 The Indian Postal Department released a stamp
of the house sparrow along with the rock
pigeon on March 20, 2010.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/save-our-
sparrows/article4496787.ece
MASS HATCHING OF OLIVE RIDLEY EGGS SOON
THE HINDU APR 03, 2014
 Mass hatching of Olive Ridley turtle eggs occurs at
Rushikulya rookery in Odisha
 Olive Ridley turtle is an endangered species of
marine turtle.
 Rushikulya rookery is a major nesting site of these
Olive Ridley turtle
 Preparations have been completed for the mass
hatching to reduce turtle deaths. Local villagers,
conservation organizations along with the forest
officials are working to protect the turtle eggs
buried in the sand for incubation.
 Further, the urban body of Ganjam town,
authorities of Jayashree Chemicals and the villagers
living near the rookery have been requested to
switch off lights at night from April 2 till the end of
the mass hatching.
Explanation
Mass hatching of eggs
 The eggs hatch at night and are sensitive to light.
 As per their instinct, hatchlings move towards the
sea after coming out of the sand. However, if they
sense bright light on land they tend to head
towards the source rather than moving towards the
sea.
 In the area where mass nesting had occurred this
year, nets are being fixed to prevent hatchlings
straying towards the land. They would be rescued
and released in the sea if caught in the nets. This
year, mass nesting on this part of the coast was
lower compared to previous years.
Operation Oliver
 The Coast Guard in Odisha has launched ‘Operation
Oliver’ as part of its annual mission to ensure the
safe mid-sea visit of breeding Olive Ridley sea
turtles in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary area of the
State.
 The operation is being conducted in collaboration
with the forest department in order to keep watch
and vigil on illegal fishing along the turtle
concentration zone.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
 Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is located in Orissa
 It is the only marine wildlife sanctuary of Orissa.
 This sanctuary have world’s largest known rookery
of Olive Ridley sea turtle.
 Olive Ridley is classified as Vulnerable according to
the International Union for Conservation of Nature
And Natural Resources (IUCN), and is listed in
Appendix I of CITES.
 These turtles are exercise synchronized nesting in
large numbers, termed arribadas.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-
states/mass-hatching-of-olive-ridley-eggs-
soon/article5864257.ece
22
WATER SCARCITY MAY INCREASE MAN-ANIMAL
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CONFLICT
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
THE HINDU APR 08, 2014
 Forest Department has warned of an increased man-
animal conflict owing to heat wave conditions, dry
weather and water shortage
 The Tamilnadu Forest department has created water
troughs in dry patches in the sanctuaries and national
parks to overcome such issues by restricting the animals
to their habitat.
 However there are also arguments in favour of non-
interference of natural population dynamics of animals
as it is argued that unlike domesticated animals, the
wildlife populations must undergo natural stressors
such as droughts and diseases and should get impacted
by cycles of lower survival rates and densities.
 There are also arguments favouring highest protection
to water augmentation areas such as Shola forests,
grass lands, riverine forests and swamps- a move which
could help in retaining water in the forest areas even
during peak dry seasons.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-
nadu/water-scarcity-may-increase-mananimal-
conflict/article5884482.ece
15 INDIAN BIRD SPECIES AMONG GLOBALLY
ENDANGERED
THE HINDU APR 19, 2014
 Fifteen Indian bird species are classified as
evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered.
 In the study made by the Zoological Society of London
(ZSL) and Yale University, avians like Bengal Florican,
Lesser Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Sociable Lapwing
and Jerdon's Courser were indicated to be under threat
due to the destruction of their habitat of grasslands and
scrub forests.
 Besides, the importance of wetlands were emphasised
as survival of Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Siberian Crane
and White-bellied Heron greatly depend on the
existence of their wetland habitat.
 Further, Forest Owlet's survival is mentioned impossible
without its habitat of deciduous forests in central India.
 Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), which works
on the conservation of 12 of these threatened birds,
maintained that these species were threatened by
human factors such as uncontrolled urbanization,
unsustainable industrialization and rampant use of
chemicals in agriculture.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/15-Indian-bird-species-among-globally-
endangered/articleshow/33943277.cms
IT’S EARTH DAY TODAY
THE HINDU APR 22, 2014
 ‘Earth Day-2014’ falls on April 22, seeking to create
awareness on the need to save the earth from
ecological degradation.
 This year ‘Earth Day’ will focus on migration, climate
change and on the need to create sustainable
communities
 Scholars opine that ‘Earth Day’ is observed to mark the
anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental
movement in 1970.
 The National Science Centre conducted a ‘Nature Camp’
with a workshop on plant preservation techniques and
an introduction to herbarium
 A demonstration lecture on “Water: How to preserve
water in metro cities so as to convert them to
sustainable Green Cities” was also held.
 Emphasis is laid upon Gangetic dolphin, which is on the
brink of extinction.
 Gangetic dolphin is found not only in the Ganges but
also in rivers like the Ghagra and the Surju
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/its-earth-day-
today/article5936260.ece
HUMBLE JACKFRUIT OFFERS HOPE AMID CLIMATE
WORRIES
THE HINDU APR 24, 2014
 Researchers say jackfruit which is a large fruit
grown across south and south-east Asia could be a
replacement for wheat, corn and other staple crops
under threat from climate change.
 The World Bank and United Nations warned
recently that rising temperatures and unpredictable
rainfall had already reduced yields of wheat and
corn, and could lead to food wars within the
decade.
 Similarly, International Panel on Climate Change has
also warned that heatwaves, drought, and
unpredictable rainfall patterns had already reduced
the yields of wheat and maize.
 Jackfruit is the largest known tree-borne fruit.
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 While it is easy to grow, it survives pests and
diseases and high temperatures and is drought-
resistant.
 The fruit is rich in potassium, calcium, and iron
making it more nutritious than current starchy
staples.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/humble-jackfruit-offers-hope-amid-climate-
worries/article5941083.ece
TURN JELLY FISH INTO DELICACY, SUGGEST MARINE
SCIENTISTS
THE HINDU APR 26, 2014
 Jelly fish is a tentacled marine animal which is said to
cause skin irritation.
 Jelly fish moves to freshwater bodies during summer
months, when there would be an incursion of salinity in
freshwater systems.
 Lack of processing measures of jelly fish is creating
problems to the fishermen, especially of Kerala coast
who often discard their catch which gets spoiled after
contact with Jelly fish.
 However most of the jelly fish species are edible and
marine scientists have pointed out that the species was
a delicacy in Southeast Asian countries with many
fishermen in the east coast exporting them.
 The umbrella-sized body part of the Jelly fish are
processed using salt and alum after removing the
tentacles
 There are some toxic species among the jelly fish and
the challenge is to spot the non-toxic ones.
 It is in the tentacles of the fish that the toxic element is
present.
 Rhizostoma, which is popularly known as the Indian
Jelly fish, is an edible species, which is dried and
exported.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/turn-jelly-
fish-into-delicacy-suggest-marine-
scientists/article5950510.ece
14 NEW ‘DANCING FROG’ SPECIES FOUND IN
WESTERN GHATS
THE HINDU MAY09, 2014
 Scientists have discovered 14 new species of so-
called dancing frogs in the Western Ghats
 The ‘name dancing frog’ is attributed to the unusual
kicks they use to attract mates.
 The kicking or ‘foot-flagging’ is a breeding behavior
shown only by the males.
 They stretch, extend and whip their legs out to the
side to draw the attention of females who might
have difficulty hearing mating croaks over the
sound of water flowing through perennial hill
streams.
 These frogs are so sensitive to their habitat when
compared with other frogs that even small changes
prove detrimental for them.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/14-
new-dancing-frog-species-found-in-western-
ghats/article5991349.ece
HUNDREDS OF FISH DYING IN HIMACHAL
WETLANDS
TOI MAY 15, 2014
 Hundreds of fish have died in Rewalsar wetlands in
three days, due to water contamination.
 The toxicity is posing a serious threat to other aquatic
fauna also according to wildlife experts
 Over-feeding of the fish by the people due to religious
sentiments was also responsible for the deaths
 Pollution, siltation, encroachment and overgrowth of
weeds, reduction in depth of the wetlands, spread of
weed, rapid urbanisation and development activities
near the wetlands, non-scientific septic tanks, seepage
of pollutants and overcrowding of aquatic creatures are
some reasons cited for the pollution of wetlands
 Officials have maintained that selective harvesting of
the fish was the only solution though it is not carried
out due to religious sentiments
Explanation
Rewalsar wetlands
 The Rewalsar wetlands are located about 24km from
Mandi
 They were included in the list of wetlands of national
importance by the ministry of environment and forests
in 2005
 They have religious and ecological importance
 • A monastery, a gurdwara and a temple are located
on the banks of the wetlands
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Hundreds-of-fish-dying-in-Himachal-
wetlands/articleshow/35165490.cms
24
ASIATIC LION'S ABODE SET FOR UNESCO LEAP
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TOI MAY 29, 2014
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 The Gujarat forest department is all set to submit the
proposals for inclusion of the Great and Little Rann of
Kutch (GRK and LRK) and Gir and Girnar in Unesco's
World Heritage Sites list.
 Gir and Girnar could be the first to be on both cultural
and nature site lists
 The site houses the Asiatic Lion and also has several
places like Girnar, Uparkot, Junagadh Caves and Ashok-
era edicts with large number of ancient monuments
including the Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, and
Buddhist Caves, sun temple and vulture breeding
grounds.
 The proposals would have to be first cleared by the
state's wildlife warden as they are protected areas
under India's forest laws
 Then they are forwarded to the Union ministry of forest
and environment which will further send them to
UNESCO
 The Rann, considered the world's largest seasonal salty
lagoon, is to be clubbed with the Little Rann of Kutch
under the "natural heritage" criteria.
 The Historic city of Ahmedabad, Dholavira in Kutch,
Patan's Rani ki Vav stepwell and the wild ass sanctuary
in the Little Rann of Kutch are on the list of tentative
heritage sites.
 The Stepped well of Vav is all set to be declared as the
World Heritage site in June.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Asiatic-lions-abode-set-for-Unesco-
leap/articleshow/35691795.cms
RAILWAYS AGREES TO LIMIT TRAIN SPEED NEAR GIR
FOREST TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH ASIATIC
LIONS
TOI JUN 04, 2014
 Western Railway has agreed to reduce speed of trains
passing through tracks near Gir forest in Gujarat's
Amreli, to reschedule goods trains in morning and
evening hours and to impart training to more train
drivers so as to prevent accidents with lions
 The forest department will bear the expenditure of
barbed wire fencing in 30 km area on railway track in
Amreli frequented by lions, while the railway will
construct an under passage (running under the rail
track) for enabling movement of lions and other wild
animals
 The Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary in Western
Gujarat is the only habitat for Asiatic lions
 The lion population has increased over years which has
been a reason for redistribution of the species
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Railways-agrees-to-limit-train-speed-near-Gir-
forest-to-prevent-accidents-with-Asiatic-
lions/articleshow/36046805.cms
367 NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED IN MEKONG RIVER IN
TWO YEARS: WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
TOI JUN 05, 2014
 367 new species have been discovered in the Greater
Mekong region in the past two years according to
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
 The discovery includes that of giant flying squirrel,
skydiving gecko and eyeless cave-dwelling spider
 The Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia that
spans Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and
China's southwestern Yunnan province is one of the
world's five biodiversity hotspots, according to the
WWF
 A new species of parachute gecko was discovered in the
montane evergreen forest in western Thailand's Kaeng
Krachan National Park.
 Another new species, the Cambodian tailorbird lives in
dense shrub on the outskirts of Phnom Penh
 In Vietnam, a new species discovered is a tiny, almost
transparent, fish - Phallostethus cuulong, with its sex
organs just behind its mouth.
 Further Helen's Flying Frog (rhacophorus helenae), was
found in a patch of forest surrounded by agricultural
land in Vietnam
 Lowland tropical forests which form their habitat are
among the most threatened in the world due to human
pressures, such as logging and degradation
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/367-new-species-discovered-in-Mekong-river-in-
two-years-World-Wildlife-Fund/articleshow/36109783.cms
PRAWN HATCHERY THREAT FOR TURTLES IN
GANJAM
TOI JUN 10, 2014
 A prawn hatchery is alleged to be constructed near
Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district
 Wildlife campaigners are opposing the construction as it
may pose a threat to annual nesting of Olive Ridley
turtles at the rookery.
 Any construction near the river mouth would have a
bearing on arrival of turtles at the rookery
25
 Turtles lay eggs on Purunabandh to Kantiagada stretch
near the river mouth in February-March every year.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 Purunabandh to Kantiagada stretch is the second
biggest rookery in the country after Gahirmatha in
Kendrapada district
 A few thousand turtles laid eggs at Rushikulya rookery
this year, while they skipped Gahirmatha, the reason for
which is to be found.

Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/Prawn-hatchery-threat-for-turtles-in-
Ganjam/articleshow/36333912.cms

IN EEL ON ENDANGERED LIST, JAPAN SEES A

VANISHING DISH
TOI JUN 13, 2014

 Eel is an integral part of Japan’s diet

 To their concern the species has been listed as
endangered.
 The over-exploitation of eel in Japan has caused the
annual catch from Japanese waters to fall drastically in
the last few years.
 The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) said that adding the eel to the list of endangered
species could mean a ban on the international trade of
the animal
 Eel traders in Japan due to the significant decline in the
local numbers of the marine animal in recent years
depend largely on its import from countries such as
South Korea or China,and hence are worried over the
developments.
 Japan buys 70 per cent of the eels captured in the world
to meet its domestic demand

Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flo
ra-fauna/In-eel-on-endangered-list-Japan-sees-a-
vanishing-dish/articleshow/36503260.cms

26
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
POLLUTION
IIT EXPERTS LIST POLLUTANTS AFFECTING GOLDEN
TEMPLE
TOI NOV 13, 2013
 According to IIT Delhi experts, the Main building of the
Golden Temple in Amritsar is adversely affected due to
pollution
 The pollution is caused by industries, vehicles,
generators, 'tandoors' (clay ovens) of restaurants
around the shrine and burning of crop stubble by
farmers.
 IIT, Delhi was assigned to carry out a study on the effect
of environmental pollution on marble metal used in the
structure of the holy Sikh shrine after the court took suo
motu cognizance of a letter indicating the pollution
affecting the gold plates
 Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) tied up with IIT,
Delhi for the study and set up an air ambient plant at
the Golden Temple to measure air pollution and a
rainwater sampling plant to check water pollution in
and around the complex.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/IIT-experts-list-pollutants-affecting-Golden-
Temple/articleshow/25667325.cms
OIL AND EFFLUENTS SPELL SLOW DEATH FOR
MUMBAI CREEKS
TOI NOV 15, 2013
 A large stretch of mangroves around Mahul creek was
destroyed by an oil spill
 At Mahul, a layer of oil floating on the creek water can
be observed due to the leaking crude from Mumbai Port
Trust (MbPT) pipelines.
 Even the other creeks in the city are treated as drains
for the dumping of sewage and garbage.
 The mangroves running along the creeks as a result are
destroyed by the waste stuck at their roots.
Explanation
Creeks and Pollution
 In Dahisar Creek, sewage from neighbouring housing
societies and small-scale industries as well as garbage
gets tangled in mangroves, thereby destroying both
vegetation and marine life
 In Malad Creek which is known for its large mudflat
island, coastal wetlands and mangroves, the water was
heavily polluted and vulnerable to bacterial pollution.
 Although mangroves and about 20,000 bird species are
still found in Versova Creek, heavy pollutants and
dumping on the periphery of the creek have led to
heavy concentration of chemicals and effluents which
restricts fishing.
 • In Mahul, small leaks over the years from MbPT
pipelines supplying oil to BPCL and HPCL have resulted
in a film of oil over the water
Reference
 timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollutio
n/Oil-and-effluents-spell-slow-death-for-Mumbai-
creeks/articleshow/25789991.cms
AEROSOL LEVELS OVER INDIA RISE ALARMINGLY
THE HINDU NOV 21, 2013
 Aerosol pollution has been increasing in large scale in
atmosphere over India
 At increased levels in atmosphere they can cut the
amount of sunlight that reaches the ground; they
scatter and absorb light
 They also affect the extent to which heat from the
planet escapes into space and thus have an influence on
the climate.
Explanation
Sources
 Aerosols include naturally occurring particles like
sea-salt and dust.
 Anthropological contribution of aerosols include
soot from vehicle emissions and the burning of
firewood and sulphate particles that spew out from
thermal power stations and cement plants.
Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and analysis
 Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is an index of aerosol levels
with ground-based instruments at ten stations situated
in various parts of the country as well as one in the
Maldives.
 AOD had shown an increasing trend in most of the
stations particularly in Thiruvananthapuram and
Visakhapatnam, where the rate of increase in aerosol
levels had jumped since 2000.
 Finer and anthropogenic aerosol was identified using
examination of the AOD levels at four different
wavelengths of light
 If the anthropogenic aerosol emissions were to
continue unabated, the aerosol-induced warming of the
atmosphere might triple which could affect the
monsoon and the regional climate
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
27
environment/aerosol-levels-over-india-rise-
alarmingly/article5372294.ece
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
NHRC TAKES NOTE OF GANGA POLLUTION
TOI NOV 28, 2013
 The National Human Rights Commission team headed
by Justice Balakrishnan has come across a news report
on pollution in Ganga which states about unabated
polluting of the river Ganga in Varanasi and that such
damage/pollution of the environment amounts to
violation of human rights
 The Commission believes that right to safe and clean
environment is one of the most important human rights
 Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter NHRC asked
the government to submit a report on the status of
pollution in Ganga and the measures adopted in abating
it.
 Similar to this case NHRC earlier issued notice to the
Kerala Government after taking suo moto cognizance of
allegations of illegal sand mining in coastal areas.
Explanation
Dossier on "Environment and Human Rights
 NHRC has come up with a dossier on "Environment and
Human Rights".
 The dossier emphasised upon maintenance and
enhancement of life, livelihoods, culture and society as
fundamental human right.
 Hence, destruction of environment and thereby of the
natural resources is a violation of human rights
 The dossier talks about ensuring ecological security as
the goal of sustainable development, regarding working
environment and occupational hazards, regarding
constitutional and legal provisions viz., Constitution
(Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, Part IV - Directive
Principles of the State Policy - and List III - The
Concurrent List - of the Seventh Schedule of the
Constitution.
 • It also mentions about certain remarkable judicial
pronouncements in recent years, more specially relating
to Article 21 of the Constitution dealing with 'the right
to life'.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/NHRC-takes-note-of-Ganga-
pollution/articleshow/26489722.cms
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL BANS BURNING OF
PLASTIC, RUBBER ACROSS THE COUNTRY
TOI DEC 13, 2013
 The National Green Tribunal has banned "unregulated
open burning" of plastic, rubber or such other articles
across the country.
 A registration under Plastic Waste (Management and
Handling) Rules, 2011 is required hereon to exercise
segregation and recycling of plastic waste.
 All the municipal authorities were directed to "set up,
operationalise and coordinate the waste management
systems within their limits
 They were also asked to work out and set up systems
for use of plastic waste in road construction and/or in
co-incineration plans for generation of energy
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/National-Green-Tribunal-bans-burning-of-plastic-
rubber-across-the-country/articleshow/27306999.cms
POLLUTION TAKES A TOLL ON AQUATIC LIFE IN 150
RIVER STRETCHES
TOI DEC 13, 2013
 Discharge of untreated water into various rivers has left
150 river stretches across the country completely
polluted to such an extent that aquatic life is no more
supported.
 These stretches are located in almost all parts of the
country except Jammu & Kashmir and couple of Union
Territories and north-eastern states, including
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
 The stretches are identified by the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) based on the BOD (bio-chemical
oxygen demand) levels in water
 The maximum number of such polluted river stretches
(28) is located in Maharashtra, followed by Gujarat (19),
Uttar Pradesh (12), Karnataka (11) and Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh (nine each).
 MoEF is supplementing the efforts of the state
governments in abatement of pollution under the
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme
 Various schemes are implemented by states to minimize
the pollution includes interception and diversion of raw
sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants,
creation of low cost sanitation facilities, setting up of
electric crematorium and development of river front.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Pollution-takes-a-toll-on-aquatic-life-in-150-river-
stretches/articleshow/27269781.cms
FUTURE US EXPORTS OF E-WASTE MAY END UP IN
INDIA, UN WARNS
28
TOI DEC 15, 2013
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 India generates 2751 metric kilo tonne of e-waste
containing toxic substances such as lead, mercury,
cadmium, arsenic and flame retardants.
 The only glass-to-glass furnaces in the world (in China
and Malaysia) are scheduled to close by 2013.
 This has prompted UN to warn India about the possible
accumulation of e-waste exported by US
 The UN's first ever e-waste world map shows that
almost 48.9 million metric tons of used EEE goods was
produced last year with Mobile phones constituting the
biggest component in units while TVs and computer
monitors follow the suit
 There is a trend of developing countries becoming
fertile dumping grounds of e-waste for developed
nations.
 According to the United Nations University's (UNU)
StEP Initiative (Solving the E-Waste Problem Initiative),
in 2012 China and the US topped the world's totals in
market volume of EEE and e-waste.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Future-US-exports-of-e-waste-may-end-up-in-India-
UN-warns/articleshow/27415819.cms
SUPREME COURT ISSUES NOTICE ON PIL AGAINST
POLLUTION OF GANGA
TOI JAN 10, 2014
 A PIL sought a Supreme Court direction to halt
discharge of sewerage and waste of leather and other
industries into the Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar
 The PIL petitioner Askok Narain Sharma demanded the
setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe
violation of various statutes by government officials and
other people and a special designated court to try them
 The unrestricted discharge of untreated sewerage,
cities and industrial waste into river Ganga is contented
to be a violation of provisions of Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
 The petitioner argued that the pathetic state of affairs
of river Ganga invaded his fundamental right to practice
religion as well as right to healthy environment
guaranteed under Article 21 and 25 of the constitution
respectively
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Supreme-Court-issues-notice-on-PIL-against-
pollution-of-Ganga/articleshow/28649252.cms
FORGET GIZMOS, POLLUTION FROM CHINA HEADS
TO US
TOI JAN 21, 2014
 Recent studies have found that the Chinese air pollution
blowing across the Pacific Ocean is often caused by the
manufacturing of electronic and consumer goods for
export to the US and Europe
 The westerlies can push airborne chemicals across the
ocean in days, particularly during the spring, causing
dangerous spikes in contaminants.
 Increased smog that exceeds ozone limits due to
nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, and sulphate
pollution along the US West Coast is tied to Chinese
exports
 Accumulation of dust, ozone and black carbon is linked
to several health problems, from increased asthma to
cancer, emphysema, and heart and lung disease
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Forget-gizmos-pollution-from-China-heads-to-
US/articleshow/29169075.cms
DU TEAM CLAIMS TO HAVE DEVELOPED A
SOLUTION FOR CHROMIUM POLLUTION
TOI JAN 21, 2014
 The Green Chemistry Network Centre (GCNC) of Delhi
University has developed a solution for chromium
pollution from tanneries.
 The DU team presented a polymer that can absorb
chromium, a heavy metal.
Explanation
Chromium Pollution
 Chromium compounds are applied in tanneries like in
Kanpur and Agra, to protect hides from decay, against
moisture and ageing
 The effluent treatment plants (ETP) don't treat or
detect heavy metals like chromium
 Chromium (VI) that is being released from the tanneries
is associated with certain kinds of cancer, skin problems
like rashes and ulcers, mental retardation and
respiratory problems like asthmatic bronchitis.
 It has been reported that over a million people in South
Asia are affected by chromium pollution from tanneries.
Research outcome
 The polymer is said to act like a chromium scavenger
and is claimed to absorb chromium from water and soil
 Researchers claimed that the chromium that is
recovered through the polymer can be resold or reused
 • The DU team will work with The Energy and
Resources Institute (Teri) which had developed a
29
technology that could convert chromium VI to
chromium III in extracting chromium completely
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/DU-team-claims-to-have-developed-a-solution-for-
chromium-pollution/articleshow/29161075.cms
25% OF SHARKS AND RAYS AT HIGH RISK OF
EXTINCTION
TOI JAN 22, 2014
 According to International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN), a quarter of the world's sharks and rays
are at risk of extinction.
 IUCN's "Red List" of threatened species places ray
species at higher risk than sharks after assessing
cartilaginous fish including shark, ray and chimaera
species
 A chimaera is type of jawed fish closely related to sharks
and rays.
 Only 23 percent of shark, ray and chimaera species are
categorized as being safe, or of "least concern”.
 Researchers said that at greatest peril are the largest
species of rays and sharks, especially those living in
shallow water that is accessible to fisheries, where they
can become entangled in fishing gear a phenomenon
known as by-catch.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/25-of-sharks-and-rays-at-high-risk-of-
extinction/articleshow/29199063.cms
BLACK CARBON IN AIR A WORRY, SAY SCIENTISTS
TOI JAN 26, 2014
 According to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM), black carbon or soot has been gradually
increasing over Pune city since 2005, mainly due to
vehicular activity and the atmospheric boundary layer
effect.
 They added that winter black carbon concentration is
about 85% of its annual average, which poses serious
risk to human health, including an increase in
respiratory and pulmonary diseases.
 Black carbon or soot is a potential cancer-causing
substance and a human carcinogenic.
 It is emitted due to incomplete combustion of fossil
fuel, burning of biomass and bio-fuels and forest fires.
 Black carbon also affects rainfall through changing the
large-scale monsoon circulation as excessive soot in a
region will prevent cloud droplets to grow further
 Black carbon's warming potential is lower than CO2's
warming potential
 One usually finds the soot concentration more on the
surface in winter as soot particles get trapped near the
surface due to the boundary layer effect of the
atmosphere
 Boundary layer effect - The boundary layer comes closer
to the ground in winter which restricts room for the
soot particles to disperse upward
 Continuous monitoring of surface black carbon is
carried out using an Aethalometer.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Black-carbon-in-air-a-worry-say-
scientists/articleshow/29377658.cms
INDIA’S AIR QUALITY AMONG FIVE WORST
TOI JAN 30, 2014
 Recent research by Yale University reveals that
India's air quality ranks among the lowest five
countries in the world only above Pakistan, China,
Nepal and Bangladesh
 The report assessed countries on their air quality,
status of biodiversity, water and sanitation.
 Overall, India's rank was 155th, far below other
BRICS countries, China (118), Brazil (77), Russia (73),
and South Africa (72).
Explanation
Air Quality
 India ranks 174, barely above Pakistan, China, Nepal and
Bangladesh.
 The worst air quality according to the report is of
Bangladesh.
 However there are arguments that EPI changed their
monitoring parameter from sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels
to PM2.5 which favours the developed world.
Status of biodiversity
 India has fared relatively better on forests, fisheries and
water resources as it ranks 127 in terms of human health
from environmental damage
 Switzerland has topped the rankings, while
Luxembourg, Australia, Singapore and Czech Republic
made it to top five in the index.
 The bottom five performers are Somalia, Mali, Haiti,
Lesotho and Afghanistan.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Indias-air-quality-among-five-
worst/articleshow/29572834.cms
30
IMPOSE 30% CESS ON DIESEL CARS, PANEL TELLS
SUPREME COURT
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
TOI FEB 11, 2014
 According to a recent report submitted in Supreme
court, there is a direct link between death of 3,000
children annually in Delhi to the increased pollution level
 The pollution is attributed mainly to increasing diesel
cars on the roads.
 Diesel subsidies have resulted in worsening the ambient
air quality in Delhi to the level of harmful respirable
suspended particulate matter (RSPM).
 Currently there is a price differential of about 35%
between CNG and diesel
 There is a demand from various quarters to produce
clean diesel (10 ppm sulphur) to enable nation-wide
introduction of Euro V and Euro VI norms and scale up
public transport
 Imposition of higher taxes on cars along with drastic
reduction of taxes on buses and public transport
vehicles, increase in parking charges, proper
demarcation of legal parking areas and imposition of
higher penalty for illegal parking to cut congestion are
recommended to reduce pollution
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Impose-30-cess-on-diesel-cars-panel-tells-Supreme-
Court/articleshow/30180391.cms
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL WANTS RULES TO
STOP POLLUTION FROM STRAW BURNING
TOI FEB 14, 2014
 The National Green Tribunal has directed the agriculture
ministry to take measures to prevent pollution caused
by straw burning
 The ministry has been told to hold a meeting with
Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi to prepare "composite"
guidelines, and to specify the manner and time frame
required to implement them
 The order was passed after all the parties, including the
Centre, state governments and CPCB suggested the
formation of general guidelines.
 A plea was filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad
who has alleged that burning of agricultural residue in
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is responsible for air
pollution locally and smog in the NCR.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/National-Green-Tribunal-wants-rules-to-stop-
pollution-from-straw-burning/articleshow/30362424.cms
HEAT ISLANDS POSE SERIOUS THREAT TO DELHIITES'
HEALTH
TOI FEB 23, 2014
 In Delhi, recent studies have linked localized air
pollution to the presence of 'heat islands' which are
pockets which are significantly warmer than their
surroundings.
 A study of these localized 'hot spots' revealed that
vehicular congestion along with highly built-up areas are
creating despicable levels of pollution
 System of air quality forecasting and research (SAFAR),
has reported that Urban Heat Islands (UHI) are prone to
higher incidence of fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5
 If the ground-level temperature is high then fine
particulate matter (PM 2.5) which is linked to
respiratory problems can remain suspended and does
not escape.
 Increased emissions of volatile organic compounds
from vehicle exhaust play a role in increasing ground-
level ozone.
 Emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are also higher in
these places.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Heat-islands-pose-serious-threat-to-Delhiites-
health/articleshow/30872985.cms
HIGH AUTISM RATES LINKED TO ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION: STUDY
TOI MAR 14, 2014
 A link between environmental pollutants and autism
and intellectual disability was established in recent
studies
 Autism and intellectual disability rates are correlated
with incidence of genital malformations in new-born
males which is an indicator of possible congenital
exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides
 Although autism and intellectual disability have genetic
components, environmental causes are thought to play
a role.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/High-autism-rates-linked-to-environmental-
pollution-Study/articleshow/32027300.cms
SPENT CFLS AN ECO-HAZARD: CONCERN OVER
HIGH MERCURY CONTENT, ABSENCE OF RECYCLING
TOI MAR 14, 2014
31
 Spent compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are cause for
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environmental pollution and are responsible for toxic
CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
hazard for kabadiwalas who handle such discarded
bulbs.
 The mercury-laden CFLs glass invariably ends up in the
municipal solid waste where they are not recycled safely
 There is no set standard in India on the amount of
mercury that should be used in a bulb as different CFL
companies use varying quantities of mercury, often the
European standard of 5mg
 The guidelines issued in 2008 by CPCB for
"environmentally sound mercury management in
fluorescent lamp sector" did not yield any result so far
 A standard has recently been prepared, a member from
Bureau of Indian Standards which makes it mandatory
for all CFL companies to have not more than 5mg of
mercury in their lamps.
 Among the world countries, Taiwan, for instance, has
collection centers run by retailers and has the highest
disposal and recycling rate of 87%.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Spent-CFLs-an-eco-hazard-Concern-over-high-
mercury-content-absence-of-
recycling/articleshow/31968617.cms
AIR POLLUTION BIGGEST HEALTH RISK, SAYS WHO
TOI MAR 26, 2014
 Air pollution has emerged as the world's single largest
environmental health risk
 The WHO has suggested a link between air pollution
and heart disease, respiratory problems and cancer.
 WHO recently categorized outdoor air pollution as a
Group 1 carcinogenic, a cancer causing agent in the
same category as tobacco smoke, UV radiation and
plutonium
 Outdoor air pollution is caused by car exhausts, power
stations, emissions from agriculture and industry as well
as heating in people's homes
 Regionally, low- and middle-income countries in the
WHO, South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions had
the largest air pollution-related burden in 2012
 It is poor women and children who pay a heavy price
from indoor air pollution since they spend more time at
home breathing in smoke and soot from leaky coal and
wood cook stoves.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Air-pollution-biggest-health-risk-says-
WHO/articleshow/32694916.cms
RISING CARBON DIOXIDE LEVEL AFFECTING FOOD
QUALITY
THE HINDU APR 07, 2014
 Rising carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere lowers
protein in key dietary crops thereby affecting the
nutritious value of foods
 A field test has demonstrated that elevated levels of
carbon dioxide inhibit plants' assimilation of nitrate into
proteins
 The nutritional quality of food crops hence is
understood to be at risk as climate change intensifies
since the assimilation, or processing, of nitrogen plays a
key role in the plant's growth and productivity.
 In food crops, it is especially important because plants
use nitrogen to produce the proteins that are vital for
human nutrition.
 Wheat, in particular, provides nearly one-fourth of all
protein in the global human diet.
 The overall amount of protein available for human
consumption may drop by about 3 per cent as
atmospheric carbon dioxide reaches the levels
anticipated to occur during the next few decades.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Rising-carbon-dioxide-level-affecting-food-
quality/articleshow/33390015.cms
NGT CALLS FOR SCIENTIFIC DISPOSAL OF SANITARY
PADS
THE HINDU APR 21, 2014
 The National Green Tribunal has ordered notice to
manufacturers of leading sanitary napkin companies to
evolve a scientific and eco-friendly disposal mechanism.
 The manufactures of napkins and diapers are bound by
the ‘Extended Producers Responsibility’ norm under the
Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
 They should ensure methods for collection and disposal
of used napkins and diapers in an efficient and eco-
friendly manner.
Explanation
Ecological issues of Sanitary napkins
 Disposable sanitary napkins and diapers contain
plastics, especially acrylic-based super absorbent
polymer (SAP) like sodium polyacrylate and layers of
poly ethylene and poly propylene.
 Apart from materials, dyes, and wood pulp, chlorine
32
bleach is a key ingredient used to whiten the pulp for
aesthetic reasons.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
hazard, releasing toxic chemicals as a by-product of the
bleaching process.
 Disposal by flushing through the sewerage system into
sea and water bodies or through incinerators cause
accumulation of various pollutants, including dioxins in
landfills apart from clogged drainages.
 • Health risks to sanitation and sewerage workers in
the absence of a proper disposal system are major
concerns.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-
health/ngt-calls-for-scientific-disposal-of-sanitary-
pads/article5931650.ece
EARTH DAY 2014 WITH 'GREEN CITIES' THEME
CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD
TOI APR 22, 2014
 44th Earth day was celebrated with the theme 'Green
Cities' with demand for transformation in the public
transportation systems to make them more accessible,
convenient, and clean fuel-run
 Need for switching over to electric, hybrid, and other
eco-friendly vehicles was also emphasised upon
 Earth Day was first initiated by US senator Gaylord
Nelson in 1970 after an oil spill incident in Santa Barbara,
California.
 Currently it is globally coordinated by the Earth Day
Network, and is celebrated in more than 192 countries
each year.
 With its headquarters in Kolkata, India Programme
organises workshops to provide environmental
education and training for sustainable livelihood
development among the youth.
 The network, in partnership with Rotary International,
has launched 'Green Magic' which aims to plant 10
million trees across India.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Earth-Day-2014-with-Green-Cities-theme-
celebrated-around-the-world/articleshow/34075915.cms
INDIA TO HAVE ROADMAP FOR CUTTING CARBON
EMISSIONS
TOI MAY 01, 2014
 A draft national policy for cutting carbon emissions
from deforestation has been developed by India
 The national policy for Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) along
with the strategies will lead to REDD+ readiness in the
country
 It will enable India to gain from international REDD+
mechanism for its pro conservation policies and efforts
in future as well as create financial incentives to local
communities
Explanation
Features of Draft Policy
 The key objectives of the draft policy include
creation of REDD+ architecture at National and Sub-
National levels to support REDD+ actions
 It also aims at development of an appropriate
REDD+ strategy and implementation frameworks at
a nested level to represent the diversity of forests
in the country
 It envisages management of the forests for
ecosystem services, safeguarding the rights and
interests of local communities and to encourage
and incentivise local communities for their role in
conservation by transferring the financial benefits
accrued on account of REDD+ to them based on
their performance
 India unveiled the national policy months after the
governments adopted the Warsaw Framework for
REDD+
 The Warsaw conference had observed that global
deforestation accounts for some 20 per cent of the
world's CO2 emissions.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation (REDD+)
 The programme use carbon sequestration potential
of the forests to manage climate change within
accepted limits of tolerance
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/India-to-have-roadmap-for-cutting-carbon-
emissions/articleshow/34482084.cms
DELHI HAS THE WORST AIR POLLUTION IN THE
WORLD: WHO
TOI MAY 07, 2014
 A WHO study has identified Delhi as the most polluted
city in the world in terms of air quality
 The national capital has the highest concentration of
PM2.5 (particulate matters less than 2.5 microns) form
of air pollution, which is considered most serious
 According to World Health Organization, this form of
concentration consists of tiny particles that put people
at additional risk of respiratory diseases and other
health problems.
 The situation is so bad in Delhi that its air has PM2.5
33
concentrations of 153 micrograms and PM10
concentrations of 286 micrograms compared to
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
Beijing’s PM2.5 concentration of 56 micrograms and
PM10 concentration of 121 micro grammes.
 Air quality is represented by annual mean concentration
of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5, particles
smaller than 10 or 2.5 microns).
 Reliance on fossil fuels such as coal fired power plants,
dependence on private transport motor vehicles,
inefficient use of energy in buildings, and the use of
biomass for cooking and heating are major causes of
this pollution.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Delhi-has-the-worst-air-pollution-in-the-world-
WHO/articleshow/34791079.cms
SC ORDERS CLOSURE OF 50% OF IRON AND
MANGANESE MINES IN ODISHA
TOI MAY 17, 2014
 The Supreme Court ordered closure of 26 iron ore and
manganese mines in Odisha to protect the
environment.
 This will be a huge blow to the steel industry as these
mines account for nearly 25% of the national production
of the two minerals vital for the sector
 26/56 mine leases were given second renewal without
the state adhering to the provisions of Section 8(3) of
Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act
 Earlier Justice M B Shah Commission gave a damning
report about mining operations in Odisha
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-orders-
closure-of-50-of-iron-and-manganese-mines-in-
Odisha/articleshow/35221159.cms
CSE URGES GOVERNMENT TO GO FOR 'MILLION
BUSES AND BILLION SOLAR PANELS' TO REDUCE
POLLUTION
TOI JUN 04, 2014
 The new government seek to pursue its twin goals of
'environmental protection and development objective'
simultaneously
 The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) hence
brought out a set of 'green' agenda suggesting ways
and means to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
 A “million buses on roads and billion solar panels on
rooftops" concept was envisaged to reduce
commuters' dependence on private vehicles, to reduce
air pollution and to help people get clean energy by
tapping renewable source.
 CSE urged the government to reinvent the ways green
clearances are currently managed so that it can be
monitored properly.
Explanation
Suggestions by CSE to reduce air pollution
 Introduction of Bharat Stage IV fuel, adopting Euro VI
standards, implementing a favourable taxation policy
for promoting clean fuels like CNG, introducing a tax on
diesel vehicles, restrict use of personal vehicles by
introducing higher taxes and implementing higher
parking charges
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/CSE-urges-government-to-go-for-million-buses-
and-billion-solar-panels-to-reduce-
pollution/articleshow/36065781.cms
NOW, HOUSE ROOF TILES TO FIGHT AIR POLLUTION
TOI JUN 05, 2014
 A new titanium dioxide roof tile coating that removes
up to 97 per cent of smog-causing nitrogen oxides has
been developed
 It is calculated that 21 tonnes of nitrogen oxides would
be eliminated daily if tiles on one million roofs were
coated with their titanium dioxide mixture
 Nitrogen oxides are formed when certain fuels are
burned at high temperatures.
 Nitrogen oxides then react with volatile organic
compounds in the presence of sunlight to create smog.
Explanation
How the tiles remove smog?
 Two identical off-the-shelf clay tiles were coated
with different amounts of titanium dioxide
 The tiles were then placed inside a miniature
atmospheric chamber that was built out of wood,
Teflon and PVC piping.
 The chamber was connected to a source of
nitrogen oxides and a device that reads
concentrations of nitrogen oxides.
 Ultraviolet light was used to simulate sunlight,
which activates the titanium dioxide and allows it to
break down the nitrogen oxides.
 • The titanium dioxide coated tiles found to
have removed between 88 per cent and 97 per cent
of the nitrogen oxides.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/po
llution/Now-house-roof-tiles-to-fight-air-
34
pollution/articleshow/36112373.cms
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35
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CLIMATE CHANGE
FIX HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR GREEN HOUSE
EMISSIONS, BRAZIL TELLS IPCC
THE HINDU NOV 02, 2013
 Brazil has proposed a formal study on the ‘historical
responsibility of countries’ for the accumulated
greenhouse gas emissions. The developing
countries want the future emission reduction
targets to be set on the said basis.
 Brazil wants United Nations’ Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to perform the
study so as to develop a “methodology to quantify
national historical contributions to climate
change.Such reference methodology on historical
responsibilities should guide domestic consultation
process for defining mitigation contributions during
the post-2020 period
 The proposal has found the backing of other BASIC
countries – India, China and South Africa
Explanation
What are stocks?
The accumulated emissions in the atmosphere known as
‘stocks’ are not acknowledged by developed countries,
especially USA
US stand on climate change negotiations
USA prefers to make negotiations based on current and
future emission flows only. Such a process will place more
responsibility over developing/emerging nations than the
developed ones. Meanwhile, the U.S. is the highest emitter
of accumulated emissions so far and China, India and other
emerging economies fall far behind the developed world.
Principle of historical emissions
It is based on the scientific fact that carbon dioxide
emissions – by far the largest greenhouse gas – once
emitted, stay in the atmosphere for more than a 100 years
and continue to heat up the planet
Why IPCC has been recommended for measurements?
IPCC, a scientific body with more than 2000 scientists, holds
great political and strategic value in the negotiations to get
a formally recognized formulation for historical emissions
from the U.N.
References
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/fix-historical-responsibility-for-green-house-
emissions-brazil-tells-ipcc/article5308334.ece
CURRENT EMISSION CUTS TOO LOW TO KEEP
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE IN CHECK: UNEP
THE HINDU NOV 05, 2013
 Greenhouse gas emission cuts between now and 2020
to keep the global temperature rise from going above
two degree Celsius is going to be a tough task according
to Emission Gaps Report 2013, authored by the United
Nations Environment Programme.
 Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 are estimated
at 59 GtCO2e (Giga tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent) per year
 If pledges and commitments are met by all countries
the GHG emissions would reduce by 3–7 GtCO2e per
year, but with an emission gap of 8-12 GtCO2e, the
report noted.
 India had volunteered a target of reducing the
emissions intensity of its economy by 20-25% from 2005
levels by 2020.
 Only a few countries including India were acting upon
their commitments while USA, Canada, Japan and
Mexico should bring more changes to their economies
or buy offsets to meet their pledges.
 The rich countries had pledged to reduce their
emissions by only 13-19 per cent by the 1990 levels as
compared to the 25-40% cuts recommended by IPCC.
 China has maintained that pre-2020 mitigation gap is
because of the inadequacy of mitigation commitments
of Annex I Parties who overuse the carbon space before
2020
 It noted that the per-capita cumulative emissions of the
developed world were 940.20 tonnes per capita while
that of the developing world were only 223.3 tonne per
capita for the period between 1850 and 2005.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/current-emission-cuts-too-low-to-keep-
global-temperature-in-check-unep/article5317529.ece
‘INDIA IS NOT A NAY-SAYER ON CLIMATE CHANGE’
THE HINDU NOV 07, 2013
 India favours considering historical emissions for
calculating equity under the UNFCCC which was a part
of 2009 Bali Action Plan.
 While the developed world which leads the chunk of
historical emissions, they are not cutting the emissions
per se
 India played an important role in Durban and Doha,
particularly in Durban to ensure that the EU countries,
except a few, did extend the second commitment
36
period of the Kyoto Protocol which amounts to about
15% of the total emissions.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 India along with long with G77+China and Like-Minded
Developing Countries (LMDC) agreed to the mandate of
linkage of the new agreement with the 1992 UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban
 India hopes LMDC to unite on issues such as CBDR,
capitalisation of the GCF, no unilateral trade measures
or trade measures disguised as climate change action,
such as aviation emissions issue.
 The most important milestone of Warsaw COP was
climate finance and capitalisation of the Green Climate
Fund (GCF), which has not happened yet
 There have been discussions on international
cooperation in the area of black carbon, agricultural
methane, energy efficiency in buildings, climate and
clean air coalitions and other short lived climate forcing
gases.
Explanation
India and HFCs
 India stress at discussing HFCs in the UNFCCC forum
than Montreal Protocol because HFCs are not ozone
depleting substances (ODS) and the Montreal Protocol
– one of the most successful protocol in international
history – deals with only with ODS
 Once it is taken up at the Montreal Protocol, it can no
longer be discussed at UNFCCC as the issue of CBDR and
equity are confined to UNFCCC
 Alternatives to HFCs which are emerging now are being
questioned for safety issues because of inflammability
concerns.
 HFCs are used in armaments, submarines, tanks and
aircrafts, cold storages, metered-dose inhalers of
asthma, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
patients, the non-medical aerosols like fire extinguishers
etc.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/india-is-not-a-naysayer-on-climate-
change/article5323166.ece
‘LOSS AND DAMAGE’: KEY AGENDA OF WARSAW
CLIMATE TALKS
THE HINDU NOV 10, 2013
 On account of the U.N. climate negotiations being
about to open formally, delegates from more than
190 countries began informal parleys in order to set
up common positions and strategies.
 Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are the two key
blocs of countries entered into negotiations
 They have been demanding an arrangement under
the U.N. climate convention from the developed
countries to support and compensate for inevitable
losses caused by the existing level of greenhouse
gas emissions in the atmosphere. – termed “loss
and damage”
 The developing countries want to have a clarity on
annual funding of about 100bn $ from 2020
 In the wake of non-disbursal of money by
developed countries, a mechanism for addressing
loss and damage is demanded by developing
countries
 Developed countries want that the funding for loss
and damage too should be provided through the
market route whereas the poor countries require a
clear public funded system where the funds are
adequate and predictable
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/loss-
and-damage-key-agenda-of-warsaw-climate-
talks/article5335349.ece
DON'T FORCE DEVELOPING NATIONS TO REVIEW
THEIR VOLUNTARY EMISSION CUTS, SAYS INDIA
THE HINDU NOV 12, 2013
 India, China and other countries in the Like-Minded
Developing Countries (LMDC) group demanded that the
new climate agreement must not force developing
countries to review their volunteered emission
reduction targets.
 They were vociferous against removing the current
differentiation between developing and developed
countries when it came to taking responsibility for
climate action.
 There is a consensus on the new agreement to be
signed by 2015 that it would permit each country to
volunteer their emission reduction targets.
 The European Union (EU) laid thrust on reviewing
targets of all countries to see if they collectively could
keep global temperature rise below 2 degree Celsius
and in the case of any gap, EU suggests that it should be
distributed between all countries, rich or poor, based on
the Equity Reference Framework.
 The U.S. wants similar consultations but only ‘peer
pressure’ and not compulsion to convince countries to
do more in case the global target is not met.
 LMDC opposed both these proposals as they favour the
developed world and goes against the principle of
equity and common but differentiated responsibilities
based on historical responsibility
37
Reference
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/dont-force-developing-nations-to-review-
their-voluntary-emission-cuts-says-
india/article5344148.ece
‘EFFICIENT BUILDINGS CAN HELP CUT EMISSIONS’
THE HINDU NOV 16, 2013
 According to R.K. Pachauri, director-general, TERI,
population growth has influenced the growth in
construction all over India as in the case of Bangalore
 Urban growth in Bangalore, the country’s third most
populous city, has been “haphazard” and put pressure
on both energy and water resources
 Buildings, being major consumers of energy and water,
also provide ample opportunities to cut on greenhouse
gas emission by adapting to optimum and energy
efficient practices
 The concept of sustainable buildings should be
disseminated in order to create more public awareness.
 Architects should bring in a new design ethos to
encourage sustainable buildings, and the cost of
material should be brought down to make sustainable
architecture accessible to everyone.
 GRIHA is a national rating system that evaluates
environmental performance of buildings in its life cycle.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/efficient
-buildings-can-help-cut-emissions/article5355359.ece
A WEAK WARSAW MECHANISM ON LOSS AND
DAMAGE ALMOST FINAL
THE HINDU NOV 22, 2013
 The U.N. climate negotiations met with partial success
as creation of a mechanism to address loss and damage
from climate change.
 The Warsaw Mechanism on Loss and Damage was
agreed upon and would be housed under the
Conference of Parties.
 However the source and pattern of funding was not
decided
 Placing the mechanism under the Conference of Parties
is a compromise for both the U.S. and the G77+ China
group.
 Conference of Parties refers to the highest and most
empowered body of the UN convention
 With representation of each country, the COP is
empowered to make the most fundamental and critical
decisions that lesser bodies are not.
 U.S. wanted that the mechanism should not become an
independent body and be placed under the existing
Adaptation body as it would undermine the idea of
compensation, reparation and guilt of the developed
countries
 The G77+ China group wanted just the opposite.
Explanation
Warsaw talks – Conclusion
 All the delegates to COP19 agreed to cut carbon
and GHG emissions from burning coal, oil and gas
with immediate effect with a target of 2015.
 Decisions were taken on advancing the Durban
Platform, the Green Climate Fund and Long-Term
Finance, the Warsaw Framework for REDD Plus, the
Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and
Damage and other decisions
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/a-weak-warsaw-mechanism-on-loss-and-
damage-almost-final/article5380422.ece
APPLE ORCHARDS DYING AS HILLS GET WARMER
TOI DEC 11, 2013
 Apple trees are not receiving required chill hours during
winters as frequency of snowfall decreased over the
years
 This has led to spread of many fatal diseases which have
gripped orchards in Kullu district
 The "royal delicious" variety of apple in Kullu requires at
least 1,600 chill hours in winter months to bloom
 The required chilling hours not only result in bumper
crop but also control many diseases in plants.
 Uncertainty of snowfall is the main enemy of apple
orchards.
 Now we are growing imported French and American
varieties like super chief, scarlet spur, scarlet spur 2 and
red chief, which are more resistant to diseases
 Canker, which develops in plants due to environmental
factors, has emerged as one of the most fatal diseases
in apple orchards, spreads fast from tree to tree and
eventually kills the whole orchard.
 Apart from care, extreme cold condition is best panacea
for control of canker and many other diseases.
 Due to gradual rise in temperature, more than 600
hectares of land in lower Kullu, which earlier was
covered by apple orchards, is now under pomegranate
plants.
Reference
38
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Apple-orchards-dying-as-hills-get-
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GREENHOUSE GAS 7,000 TIMES WORSE THAN CO2
THE HINDU DEC 12, 2013
 A new greenhouse gas has been discovered which
is 7,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide
at warming the Earth
 The newly discovered gas, perfluorotributylamine
(PFTBA), has been in use by the electrical industry
since the mid-20th century.
 PFTBA has the highest radiative efficiency of any
molecule detected in the atmosphere to date
 However owing to its low concentrations in the
atmosphere, 0.18 parts per trillion compared to 400
parts per million for carbon dioxide, it will not
displace the burning of fossil fuels as the main
drivers of climate change.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-
school/greenhouse-gas-7000-times-worse-than-co-
2/article5448908.ece
INDIA'S SULPHUR DIOXIDE EMISSIONS ON THE RISE:
NASA
TOI DEC 29, 2013
 The sulphur dioxide emission from power plants in India
increased by over 60 per cent between 2005 and 2012
 The new analysis of sulphur dioxide emissions using the
Aura satellite where the Ozone Monitoring Instrument
(OMI) measures ozone and other key air quality
components - including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
dioxide
 In 2010, India surpassed the US as the world's second
highest emitter of SO2 after China
 While some atmospheric SO2 is produced by volcanoes
and other natural processes, a substantial amount is
produced by human activities such as the combustion of
fuels with sulphur- containing impurities like in coal-fired
power sector and the smelting of metals such as copper
and nickel.
 The gas can result in acid rain, respiratory problems and
sulphate aerosols, a type of suspended particle that can
affect the properties of clouds
 CPCB maintained that national mean concentration of
sulphur dioxide had declined from 2001 to 2010 based
upon data from ground-based monitoring stations
 While most of the stations are located in urban areas
where regulations have reduced pollution, only some of
the stations collect measurements near the source of
power plant emissions
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Indias-sulphur-dioxide-emissions-on-the-
rise-Nasa/articleshow/28094720.cms
NO EL NINO, YET 2013 FOURTH WARMEST YEAR: US
CLIMATE AGENCY
TOI JAN 22, 2014
 The year 2013, was tied with 2003 as the fourth warmest
year since records began in 1880, according to the US
government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
 NASA said that 2013 was tied for the seventh warmest
year with 2006 and 2009 as the difference between 4th
place and 7th place is just two-hundredths of a degree.
 NASA had the "temperature anomaly" - how much the
global temperature deviated from the average - pegged
at 0.60°C and NOAA had 0.58°C.
 In the past 50 years, the world annual temperature has
increased by nearly 1.4 degrees (0.8 degrees Celsius),
according to NOAA data.
 No region of the globe was record cold during 2013.
 Last year, the world had 41 billion-dollar weather
disasters, the second highest number behind only 2010,
according to insurance firm Aon Benfield, which tracks
global disasters
 Though the weather event called El Nino, a warming of
the central Pacific, is responsible for boosting already
warm years into the world's hottest years, 2013 did not
experienced any El Nino.
 The fact that an year with no El Nino was so hot
indicates the drastic shift in climate
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/No-El-Nino-yet-2013-fourth-warmest-year-
US-climate-agency/articleshow/29199945.cms
GLOBAL WARMING MAY THREATEN WORLD
HERITAGE SITES
TOI MAR 05, 2014
 The current global warming trends if maintained over
the next two millennia, could submerge landmarks such
as the Statue of Liberty and Sydney Opera House
 The study calculated the temperature increases at
which the 720 sites currently on the list of UNESCO
World Heritage sites would be impacted by subsequent
sea-level rises.
 This was substantiated by the fact that ocean heat
uptake and melting of continental ice go on for a long
39
even after the warming of the atmosphere has stopped
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 Researchers also analysed the conditions in which
temperatures increased above pre-industrial levels by 3
degrees Celsius in the next 2000 years.
 They found that seven per cent of the current global
population would be living on land that would be below
sea level and that the distribution of the affected
population was uneven - more than 60 per cent of the
affected population would be in China, India,
Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia.
 The researchers also calculated the percentage of
global land that would be below sea-level under the
same scenario.
 They found that seven countries - including the
Maldives, and Bahamas - would lose 50% of their land
and a further 35 countries would lose ten per cent of
their land.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Global-warming-may-threaten-World-
Heritage-sites/articleshow/31474389.cms
SEA LEVELS ACROSS THE WORLD TO RISE FASTER
THAN IMAGINED
TOI MAR 17, 2014
 Due to commencement of melting of Greenland ice
sheet, the sea levels across the world are all set to rise
much faster
 Regional warming has triggered a sudden and sustained
mass loss in Northeast Greenland ice sheet.
 The international team of scientists discovered that the
last remaining stable portion of the Greenland ice sheet
is stable no more.
 The new result focuses on ice loss due to a major
retreat of an outlet glacier connected to a long river of
ice - known as an ice stream - that drains ice from the
interior of the ice sheet similar to the way in which the
Amazon River drains the very large Amazon water
basin.
 For comparison, one of the fastest moving glaciers, the
Jakobshavn ice stream in southwest Greenland, has
retreated 35 kilometers over the last 150 years
 Zachariae is the largest ice stream in a drainage basin
that covers 16% of the Greenland ice sheet — an area
twice as large as the one drained by Jakobshavn.
 "Northeast Greenland is very cold. It used to be
considered the last stable part of the Greenland ice
sheet
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Sea-levels-across-the-world-to-rise-faster-
than-imagined/articleshow/32197520.cms
‘GLOBAL WARMING MAY SPREAD DROUGHT TO
THIRD OF EARTH’
THE HINDU APR 01, 2014
 A recent study estimates that more land viz., farmland
and cities will be subject to drought by 2100 through
higher evaporation rates from the added energy and
humidity in the atmosphere
 The study is one of the first to use the latest climate
simulations to model the effects of both changing
rainfall and evaporation rates on future drought.
 An increase in evaporative drying means that even
regions expected to get more rain, including important
wheat, corn and rice belts in the western US and south-
eastern China, will be at risk of drought.
 In its latest climate report, the International Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) warns that soil moisture is
expected to decline globally and that already dry
regions will be at greater risk of agricultural drought
 According to the study the dry zones in Central America,
the Amazon and southern Africa will grow larger
whereas in Europe, the summer aridity of Greece,
Turkey, Italy and Spain is expected to extend farther
north into continental Europe.
 For agriculture, the moisture balance in the soil is what
really matters.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-
environment/global-warming-may-spread-drought-to-
third-of-earth/article5859036.ece
THE QUIET IPCC WARNING
THE HINDU APR 12, 2014
 The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) in its latest report warns that all
countries and all social classes of people will be affected
by the climatic changes which are likely to be “severe,
pervasive and irreversible.”
 An increased risk of extinction change in vegetation
patterns like low-latitude species appearing in higher
latitudes and lower latitudes becoming more arid, fall in
yields except yield increase in colder climate, increased
water resources and ocean acidification caused by the
absorption of rising levels of atmospheric carbon
dioxide are likely to compound the problems.
40
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CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENV. ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY : B M PANDA
 The poor in all countries are likely to suffer more than
the rich, but all humanity may well be unable to adapt
to temperature rises of above 2 degrees.
Reference
 http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-quiet-
ipcc-warning/article5901935.ece
HEAVY RAINS IN KERALA CAUSED BY GLOBAL
WARMING: SCIENTIST
TOI MAY 08, 2014
 Global warming could be responsible for
unprecedented heavy rains that are being witnessed
this summer in Kerala
 Although the pre-monsoon showers are minimal
generally, Kerala where the monsoon hit first, this year
has experienced heavy rains three weeks ahead of the
arrival of South Asia's south-westerly monsoon
 The summer shower due to a deep depression over sea
has caused casualties and crop destruction
 The intense summer heat is the reason for good
monsoon showers but the current intense summer
rains, which is hitting the southern states, are likely to
influence temperature pattern causing a below normal
monsoon
 India is expected to see below normal monsoon this
year with Met department forecasting 95 per cent
rainfall because of the El Nino effect, which is generally
associated with the warming of ocean water.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Heavy-rains-in-Kerala-caused-by-global-
warming-Scientist/articleshow/34839534.cms
GLACIERS IN TIBETAN PLATEAU SHRINKING
RAPIDLY: REPORT
TOI MAY 21, 2014
 Global warming has resulted in shrinking of Glaciers in
the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by 15 per cent in the past
three decades
 The situation could worsen in future due to global
warming in the plateau
 Tibet is the home of several Himalayan rivers including
the Brahmaputra and since is the highest place in the
world's mid-latitude regions it is more likely to get
affected by global warming
 More and bigger cracks have appeared in ice at regions
of an altitude above 6,300 metres in Mount
Qomolangma (Mt Everest), as a sign of rapidly melting
glaciers, an indicator of climate change
 Retreating glaciers have impacted melt water rivers and
led to more glacier-lake outbursts
 It can increase water flow of major rivers in the short
term, but in the long run, a continuation of the retreat
will eventually deplete the glacial ice and substantially
reduce or eliminate runoff
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Glaciers-in-Tibetan-Plateau-shrinking-
rapidly-Report/articleshow/35435205.cms
GLACIER FEEDING INDUS TRIBUTARY MELTING FAST,
JNU STUDY SAYS
TOI JUN 01, 2014
 A significantly accelerated ice melting on Chhota Shigri
glacier in Lahaul and Spiti over a decade was identified
by a research team from JNU.
 The JNU team used meteorological data of 40 years to
extrapolate the pace of ice-melt on the Himalayan
glacier which, according to scientists, is enough time to
understand the trend of glacial melt.
 Chhota Shigri glacier may give clues to glacial melt in
other Himalayan glaciers
 However scientists are of the opinion that topography
and micro-climatic factors for each glacier is different.
 The team has focused on mass balance (MB) --
difference of ice accumulated and lost to melting since
1969.
 Over the whole modeling period the specific annual MB
has been negative 60% of the time.
 The glacier lost about 13 metres (water equivalent) in
the 43 years.
 Glacial melt is of concern because of its impact on water
resources.
 Though the entire mass of glaciers in Chhota Shigri has
not eroded yet, the melting has accelerated
 Chhota Shigri feeds Chandra river, one of the tributaries
of the Indus river system.
Reference
 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/gl
obal-warming/Glacier-feeding-Indus-tributary-melting-
fast-JNU-study-says/articleshow/35867127.cms
41
Page
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
OBJECTIVE 3. Aaranyak - a wildlife conservation organisation
launched a campaign to save the birds which
1. India is a signatory to Ramsar Convention on
were approaching the red zone in the
conservation of wetlands. Which among the following
conservation scale.
statements are correct in this regard?
1. Ashtamudi is a wetland and a Ramsar site Select the correct answer using the codes given
located in Tamilnadu below:
2. Both Bhoj Wetland and Chandra Taal are
located in Odisha a) 1 and 2only
3. Kolleru Lake is located in Andhra Pradesh, but b) 2 and 3 only
is not a designated Ramsar site c) 1and 3 only
4. Chilika lake in Odisha is smaller in area d) 1, 2 and 3
compared to Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given
4. India is home to rich biodiversity, especially fauna viz.,
below:
large predators. Consider the following statements in
a) 4 only this regard:
1. The population of major animal species like
b) 2 and 3 only
lions, tigers, elephant and rhinos has increased
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
in the country
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Under Project Tiger 44 tiger reserves are set up
Answer: (a) 4 only and under Project Elephant 28 elephant
reserves are set up for conservation of the
2. Snowflake coral (Carijoa riisei) is a shallow and fast- species.
growing soft coral. Consider the following statements 3. India in coordination with World Bank launched
in this regard: Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 programme to
1. It is an invasive species found in Great Barrier
protect and increase the population of the one-
Reef of Australia
horned rhinoceros
2. It also pose threat to the coral reef colonies in
the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch and the Select the correct answer using the codes given
Andaman and Nicobar Islands below:
3. The species is assumed to have been
transferred through ballast water a) 1 and 2 only
4. The soft coral exhibited low rate of b) 2 and 3 only
reproduction though produce eggs c) 1 and 3 only
continuously throughout the year d) 1, 2 and 3

Select the correct answer using the codes given Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
below:
5. Which among the following is not a feature of
a) 1, 2 and 3 only recommendations of Kasturirangan panel report on
Western Ghats:
b) 2 and 3 only
1. Promotion of Ecotourism
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. Economic empowerment of the local
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
population
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only 3. Incentives for promotion of green growth in
the Western Ghats
3. Consider the following statements regarding Adjutant 4. Ban on thermal power plants
stork and its presence in India: 5. Ban on building and construction projects with
1. Greater Adjutant Stork is the world's most build-up areas 20,000 sq m or more
endangered of the stork species 6. Prohibition on township and area development
2. In India, West Bengal is providing home to the projects with an area of 50ha
stork for breeding
Select correct statements from above
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
a. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 1. The National Green Tribunal maintained that
b. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only the state law can’t prevail over central rules on
c. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only sand mining.
d. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 2. NGT dismissed Madhya Pradesh government’s
plea that its district level environmental
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 committees be treated as competent authority
for grant of clearance for sand mining.
6. Which among the following species are endangered:
1. Baer's Pochard, Siberian Crane and Spoon- 3. According to central law, environmental
billed Sandpiper clearance (EC) can be granted only by Ministry
2. White-bellied Heron, Bengal Florican and Forest of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and State
Owlet Environment Impact Assessment Authority
3. Great Indian Bustard, Jerdon's Courser and (SEIAA).
Sociable Lapwing 4. NGT also expressed that inconvenience is
4. Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck normally never a ground for changing the
interpretation of law or reading words into a
Select the correct answer using the codes given statute
below:
Select the correct answer using the codes given
a) 1, 2 and 3 only below:
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only a) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

7. Consider the following statements regarding the ex Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

situ conservation of fauna in Visakhapatnam in India:
1. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) will
become the first zoo in the country to have a
conservation breeding centre for the
endangered wild dog or ‘dhole.’
2. In-breeding of wild dogs in the zoo has met
with success as its population witnessed a
massive increase within the PA like in Chennai
and Mysore zoos.
3. Dhole is Classified as endangered by the IUCN
4. Habitat loss, depletion of prey base and
destruction of forest corridors are the major
causes of dwindling of Dhole population
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
8. Consider the following statements regarding NGT’s
ruling on sand mining in India:
9. Recently SC gave a ruling on Railway’s responsibility on
preventing accidents with Elephants. Consider the
following statements in this regard:
1. The Supreme Court has asked MoEF and
railways to examine various measures as
adopted by Madhya Pradesh government and
to evolve steps to prevent death of elephants
on rail tracks.
2. SC had advised the Railways to take steps to
reduce speed of trains during transit through
forests inhabited by elephants.
3. SC had directed Railways to divert fast-moving
and night trains on Siliguri- Falakata section and
to discontinue the movement of goods trains
at night between Siliguri and Alipurduar in
West Bengal
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
10. Consider the following statements regarding the 2. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Forest
conservation of sparrow in India: 3. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Forest
1. The common sparrow has attained fourth rank 4. Amangarh Tiger Reserve Forest
in the list of rare birds.
2. NGO WARD (Wild life Conservation and Agro- Select the correct answer using the codes given
Rural Development) Foundation hence below:
declared the current year as the 'year of the
sparrow'. a) 1 only
3. World Sparrow Day is celebrated on March 20. b) 2 only
4. Sparrow is the state bird of Kerala c) 3only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below: Answer: (a) 1 only

a) 1 and 2 only 13. Consider the following statements regarding the ex

situ conservation of fauna in Visakhapatnam in India:
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
1. Kashmir Stag or 'Hangul' is a vulnerable species
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. It is found in the valley's Dachigam National
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Park and Nilgiris
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only 3. Jammu and Kashmir government in
collaboration with International Union for
11. India is cautious in its approach to GM crops. Consider Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World
the following statements regarding the legal battle Wildlife Fund (WWF) prepared 'Project Hangul'
between Karnataka Govt. and Mahyco, a Nt cotton for the protection and conservation of these
seed company:
animals
1. Bt cotton hybrid MRC-7351 and Nikki Plus
4. The population of Hangul has decreased
supplied by Mahyco has failed to give expected
drastically at present without any signs of
yields during kharif 2013
recovery
2. Karnataka Government then ordered a ban on
Bt cotton hybrid seeds and further blacklisted Select the incorrect answer using the codes given
the Agri-biotechnology and seeds company below:
Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd.
(Mahyco) a) 1 and 2 only
3. The ban was imposed after getting reports b) 1, 2 and 3 only
following a series of complaints from farmers in c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Haveri, Belgaum, Davangere, Chitradurga, d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Dharwad, Bellary and Gadag districts.
4. Mahyco’s stand is that crop failure was because Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
of continuous rains and new pests such as mirid
14. Consider the following statements regarding the
bugs and midges. conservation of Olive Ridley Turtle in India:
1. Olive Ridley turtle is an endangered species of
Select the correct answer using the codes given
marine turtle.
below:
2. The State Police of Odisha has launched
a) 1 and 2 only ‘Operation Oliver’ as part of its annual mission
b) 1, 2 and 3 only to ensure the safe mid-sea visit of breeding
c) 1, 2 and 4 only Olive Ridley sea turtles in Gahirmatha marine
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 sanctuary area of the State.
3. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is located in
Answer: (d)1, 2, 3 and 4 Orissa and have world’s largest known rookery
of Olive Ridley sea turtle
12. Which among the following is not a tiger reserve in UP? 4. These turtles are exercise synchronized nesting
1. Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve
in large numbers, termed arribadas
Forest
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Select the correct answer using the codes given Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
below:
17. Consider the following statements regarding the NGT
a) 1 and 2 only ruling on open burning of Plastic and rubber in the
b) 1, 2 and 3 only country:
1. The National Green Tribunal has banned
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
"unregulated open burning" of plastic, rubber
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
or such other articles across the country.
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only 2. A registration under Plastic Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 is
15. Consider the following statements regarding proposals required hereon to exercise segregation and
for inclusion of the Great and Little Rann of Kutch (GRK recycling of plastic waste.
and LRK) and Gir and Girnar in Unesco's World Heritage
3. The municipal authorities were asked to work
Sites list:
1. Gir and Girnar could be the first to be on both out and set up systems for use of plastic waste
cultural and nature site lists in road construction and/or in co-incineration
2. The site houses the Asiatic Lion, Ashok-era plans for generation of energy
edicts, and vulture breeding grounds
Select the correct answer using the codes given
3. The proposals would have to be first cleared by
below:
the state's wildlife warden
4. The Mughal Tomb at Vav was declared as the a) 1 and 2 only
World Heritage site in June. b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given
d) 1, 2, and 3
below:
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only 18. Consider the following statements regarding the
c) 1, 2 and 4 only recent research conducted by Yale University on air
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 quality, status of biodiversity, water and sanitation:
1. India's air quality ranks among the lowest five
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only countries in the world only above Pakistan,
China, Nepal and Bangladesh
16. Consider the following statements rising level of 2. Overall, India's rank was 155th, far below other
aerosol in atmosphere over India:
BRICS countries, China (118), Brazil (77), Russia
1. At increased levels in atmosphere aerosols can
(73), and South Africa (72).
cut the amount of sunlight that reaches the
3. The worst air quality according to the report is
ground; they scatter and absorb light
of Pakistan
2. They have an influence on the climate.
4. India ranks 127 in terms of human health from
3. Aerosols include naturally occurring particles
environmental damage
like sea-salt and dust and pollen.
4. Anthropological contribution of aerosols Select the correct answer using the codes given
include soot from vehicle emissions and the below:
burning of firewood and sulphate particles that
spew out from thermal power stations and a) 1 and 2 only
cement plants. b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
below:
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only 19. Sanitary pads are major causes of pollution in India.
c) 1, 2 and 4 only Consider the following statements in this regard:
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 1. Disposable sanitary napkins and diapers
contain plastics, especially acrylic-based super
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
absorbent polymer (SAP) like sodium 1. India stress at discussing HFCs in the UNFCCC
polyacrylate and layers of poly ethylene and forum than Montreal Protocol because HFCs
poly propylene. are not ozone depleting substances (ODS)
2. Montreal Protocol deals with with ODS as well
2. Apart from materials, dyes, and wood pulp,
as HFCs
chlorine bleach which is both an environmental 3. The issue of CBDR and equity are not confined
and health hazard is a key ingredient used to to Montreal Protocol
whiten the pulp for aesthetic reasons. 4. India hopes LMDC to unite on issues such as
3. Disposal by flushing through the sewerage CBDR, capitalisation of the GCF, no unilateral
system into sea and water bodies or through trade measures or trade measures disguised as
incinerators cause accumulation of various climate change action, such as aviation
pollutants, including dioxins in landfills apart emissions issue.
from clogged drainages.
Select the correct answer using the codes given
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
below:
a) 1 and 2 only
a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
22. Consider the following statements regarding the
20. Brazil has proposed a formal study on the ‘historical sources of HFCs:
responsibility of countries’ for the accumulated 1. HFCs are used in armaments and submarines
greenhouse gas emissions.Consider the following
2. It is also used in tanks and aircrafts
statements in this regard
3. Cold storages and metered-dose inhalers of
1. Brazil wants United Nations’
asthma also have HFCs involved
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
4. Medicines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
(IPCC) to perform the study so as to develop a
Disease patients, the non-medical aerosols like
“methodology to quantify national historical
fire extinguishers etc. also involve HFCs
contributions to climate change.
2. The proposal has found the backing of other Select the correct answer using the codes given
BASIC countries – India, China and South Africa below:
3. The accumulated emissions in the atmosphere
known as ‘stocks’ are not acknowledged by a) 1 and 2 only
developed countries, especially USA b) 1, 2 and 3 only
4. U.S. is the highest emitter of accumulated c) 1, 2 and 4 only
emissions so far and China, India and other d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
emerging economies fall far behind the
developed world Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Select the correct answer using the codes given 23. Consider the following statements regarding the Green
House Gases:
below:
1. Perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) has the highest
a) 1 and 2 only radiative efficiency of any molecule detected in
b) 1, 2 and 3 only the atmosphere to date
c) 1, 2 and 4 only 2. SO2 is produced by volcanoes, combustion of
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 fuels with sulphur- containing impurities, and
the smelting of metals such as copper and
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 nickel.
3. The four new Green House gases identified
21. Consider the following statements regarding Climate
recently are CFC-112, CFC112a, CFC-113a, HCFC-
change discussions in Warsaw and India:
133a.
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
4. Greenhouse gases like CFC-113a and HCFC-133a
are used in refrigerants.

Select the correct answer using the codes given

below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SUBJECTIVE 25. What is the concept of Loss and damage? Explain it
in the backdrop of Warsaw conference on Climate
1. What are the main functions of National Green
change.
Tribunal? Discuss
26. How does global warming affect Himachal Pradesh?
2. What are the recent rulings of NGT which have an
27. What are the climatic changes that are warned by
impact on protecting India’s environment?
scientists on account of increasing Green House Gas
3. Critically analyse the oil leaks and their potential
emissions?
impact over the ecology of India
28. What is IPCC? Describe briefly the ramifications of
4. Which are the Ramsar sites in India? What are the
IPCC reports on climate change
measures adopted by Govt. of India in preserving
29. Does rising CO2 has an effect on culinary habits?
the wetlands?
Explain
5. Desccribe briefly about invasive species and
30. What is the role of IUCN in listing the endangered
elucidate the impact on Indian ecology with the
species? Which are the endangered species in India?
example of snowflake coral
List a few.
6. What is the rationale behind the idea of trimming
the horn of rhinos? What is the current status of
Rhino conservation in India?
7. What do you know about Tiger Conservation in
India?
8. Explain the effect of Bt cotton in Indian agriculture
9. What is a World Heritage Status? Which are the
world heritage sites in India? Briefly describe about
the potential sites in India
10. How Jelly fish proliferation can be controlled in
India? Explain how to transform the menace to
opportunity
11. Describe briefly about the increasing man animal
conflict in the country. How can it be minimised?
12. What is operation Oliver? How will it helpn the
conservation of fauna in the country?
13. What is Earth day? What is the aim of observing an
earth day?
14. Descibe various types of pollution in India
15. What are the major air pollutants in the country?
How can the pollution be reduced?
16. Describe briefly about the Ganga action Plan and
functions of National Ganga River Basin Authority.
17. What is Black carbon? How is it a menace to the
residents of urban areas?
18. What is desertification? What are the measures to
be adopted to make India desertification neutral?
19. What are the potential threats of e waste?
20. Describe briefly about chromium pollution in India
21. What are heat islands? How are they detrimental to
healthy life in urban areas?
22. Describe various measures which could be adopted
to reduce poverty in India
23. What do you meanbyhistorical responsibility of
emissions? Why developing countries are in the
forefront for applying the concept of equity in
emission reductions?
24. Is India a nay sayer on climate change? Explain