Hindon River

forumias.com/blog/hindon-river

Source– This post on Hindon River has been created based on the article “River Hindon pollution: NGT allows UPPCB 2 weeks to
file additional report” published in “The Print” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to provide an updated report within two
weeks on the pollution of the Hindon river, detailing the actions taken against the responsible municipal bodies.

About Hindon River

Source: Researchgate
1. About Hindon River: The Hindon River is a tributary of the Yamuna River, primarily fed by rainwater. It originates from the lower
Shivalik ranges in the Saharanpur District of Uttar Pradesh.

2. Course: The river flows through the industrial belt of Western Uttar Pradesh, covering a distance of 400 kilometres before it joins the
Yamuna River in Noida.

3.Tributaries: Its main tributaries include the Kali (West) River and Krishni River.

4. Pollution Issues: The Hindon River suffers from significant pollution due to urban, agricultural, and industrial waste being discharged
into its waters without adequate treatment. This has made it one of the most polluted stretches in the Ganga basin.

5. Critical Status: In 2015, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed the pollution levels of the Hindon River and declared it
a ‘dead river’. It was found to be ‘unfit’ for bathing in several sections due to extreme pollution levels.

Read more: National Green Tribunal

Foot Rot Disease
forumias.com/blog/foot-rot-disease

Source– This post on Foot Rot Disease has been created based on the article “A new biocontrol agent to manage ‘foot rot’
disease in Basmati crop: Why this matters” published in “The Indian Express” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

Ludhiana’s Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum, to combat foot rot disease
in Basmati rice varieties. Foot rot is a prevalent issue that reduces yields and threatens the state’s export prospects.

About Foot Rot Disease

Source: Agriculturistmusa

Aspects Description

What is it? Foot Rot is a fungal disease affecting Basmati rice, most vulnerable at the seedling stage and potentially after
transplantation if infected seedlings are used.
Causal Agent The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides. It is both soil and seed-borne. It spreads through
the plant’s roots and colonizes the stem base.

Symptoms Infected seedlings initially turn pale yellow, then elongate, dry up, and often die.

Current a) Biological: Seedlings are treated with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing and transplantation to prevent
Treatment fungal growth.
Methods Note: It is a biocontrol agent that provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides, helping in
disease management while reducing environmental impact.
b) Chemical: Seeds are treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (a combination of carbendazim and
mancozeb) before sowing. However, these chemical treatments can negatively affect the soil and pose toxicity
risks to consumers.

Regulatory Action The fungicide carbendazim has been banned in Punjab due to concerns over high residue levels left in crops.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths
forumias.com/blog/health-ministry-issues-norms-for-confirming-heat-related-deaths

Source– This post on Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths has been created based on the article
“Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

The Union Health Ministry has released standardized guidelines for verifying heatstroke and heat-related deaths across the nation.

About the Union Health Ministry’s Guidelines on Heatstroke and Heat-Related Deaths

Source: wilix.com

1. Released by: The guidelines were developed by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health along with the
National Centre for Disease Control.

2. Purpose: They aim to standardize the process for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths in hospitals and enhance evidence-
based medical decision-making.
3. Criteria for Death Labelling: The guidelines provide specific criteria to help hospitals identify and categorize a death as heat-related
or due to heatstroke.

4. Autopsy Decisions: Autopsies should be considered based on the death’s circumstances, the deceased’s age, and the availability of
resources.

The guidelines recommend collecting blood and urine for toxicological examinations whenever possible, allowing for later analysis as
resources are available.

5. Autopsy and Collaboration: While an autopsy is not deemed mandatory for all cases of heat-related illnesses, the guidelines
suggest that hospitals with forensic medicine departments should collaborate to perform autopsies. Additionally, they should send
samples to pathology departments for histopathological evaluation when needed.

6. Climate Change Impact: The document acknowledges that climate change increases the risk of exposure to extreme heat events,
raising the importance of these guidelines.

Read more: Heat strokes in India: Reasons and Impacts

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund
forumias.com/blog/u-n-counter-terrorism-trust-fund

Source– This post on U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund has been created based on the article “India contributes $5,00,000 to
U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

India recently donated $500,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, reinforcing its steadfast dedication to the global battle against
terrorism.

About United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF)

Aspects Description

What is it? 1. It was established in 2009 and subsequently incorporated into the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in
2017.
2. This framework allows the UNCTF to effectively address the evolving challenges of global terrorism by
fostering international cooperation and strengthening the capacities of vulnerable regions.

Focus The programs funded are primarily focused on enhancing the capacity of member states in eastern and Southern
Africa to tackle the significant challenges of financing terrorism and curtailing the movement and travel of
terrorists.

Contributors The fund accepts donations from a broad array of contributors, including governments, intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations, private institutions, and individual donors.

Contribution Contributions can be unrestricted or specifically earmarked for one of UNOCT’s global programs or targeted
Types initiatives.

Use of India’s recent financial contribution is specifically aimed at bolstering UNOCT’s initiatives, such as the Countering
Contributions Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and the Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
About UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
1. About UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT): It was established on June 15, 2017, by the United Nations General Assembly.

2. Purpose: The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) serves as a pivotal entity in the global counter-terrorism efforts.

3. Functions and responsibilities of UNOCT:

a) Leadership Role: UNOCT provides guidance on the counter-terrorism mandates that the General Assembly has entrusted to the
Secretary-General, coordinating efforts across the United Nations system.

b) Coordination and Coherence: The office enhances coordination among the entities of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination
Compact to ensure the effective implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
forumias.com/blog/sonai-rupai-wildlife-sanctuary

Source-This post on Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is based on the article “Polling stations constructed in wildlife sanctuary:
NGT seeks Assam govt’s reply” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Chief Secretary of Assam to identify officials who permitted the construction of
polling stations, schools, and other structures within a wildlife sanctuary and a reserve forest, violating the Forest (Conservation) Act of
1980.

About Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

Sources: nparks.com

Aspect Details

Location 1. It is a protected area located in the Indian state of Assam.

2. It is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. It is known as the “Jewel of Assam”.

Neighbouring It is bordered by the Pachnoi River to the west, Jia Gabharu to the east, the Doimara Reserve Forest in
protected areas Arunachal Pradesh to the north, and the revenue village and Charduar Reserve Forest of Sonitpur to the
south.

Status It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1998.

River flowing There are four perennial rivers that flow through the sanctuary: Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, and Belsiri. During
through the rainy season, several wetlands known as “bheels” can also been seen.
Flora 1. The forests type in the sanctuary comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous
forests.
2. Hollang, Mekai, Dhuno, Udiyam, Nahar, Samkothal, Bheer, Hollock, Nahor are found in the sanctuary.

Fauna 1. The sanctuary is primarily known for its Elephant and Indian bison populations. It hosts a variety of other
animals including deer, the one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, tigers, and some rare species of cats.
2. The avian life in the sanctuary features endangered species such as the White Winged Wood Duck, along
with commonly seen birds like woodpeckers, hill mynas, Indian rollers, nightjars, horned owls, and more.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment