Environment Flashcards

Question

Kinshasa Resolution of 1975

Answer 1

The Kinshasa Resolution of 1975 (under IUCN) provides international recognition to cultural model of conservation. It acknowledges the importance of traditional ways of life and land ownership, and called on governments to maintain and encourage customary ways of living.

Answer 2

As per the State Forest and Wildlife department’s latest 2018 census (summer), there has been 5.2% increase in population of Sarus Crane in Uttar Pradesh which has 73% of Indian population of Sarus . The sarus crane (Antigone Antigone) is a large non-migratory crane found in parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has marked it as ‘vulnerable’ in its list of threatened species. • It generally inhabits natural wetlands with low water depth, marshy and fallow areas and agricultural fields. • It is a social creature, found mostly in pairs or small groups of three or four. • It is the tallest (average 5 feet) flying bird in the world and also India’s only resident breeding crane, as per the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) • Sarus is omnivorous, feeding on fish and insects, as well as roots and plants.

Answer 3

India has proposed to remove rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) from Appendix II of CITES. The entire genus of Dalbergia was put in the appendix based on the “lookalike” criterion. Shisham is a deciduous tree found in tropical to subtropical climates and is economically important for its value in forestry, agroforestry, and horticulture. India has also proposed to transfer small clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus), smooth coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) from Appendix II to Appendix I, and inclusion of Gekko gecko and Wedge fish (Rhinidae) in Appendix II of CITES. Gekko gecko is traded highly for Chinese traditional medicine.

Answer 4

It is an inter-governmental agreement which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. • It has three appendices. o Appendix I has species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. o Appendix II has species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival. o Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling trade. • CITES is legally binding on the Parties. 3 March, the day of signature of the CITES has been proclaimed as UN World Wildlife Day

Answer 5

Recently, government of Gujarat relocated the Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) from Sardar Sarovar dam to facilitate a seaplane service at the Statue of Unity. It is a reptilian species also called marsh crocodile or broad-snouted crocodile and is one of the three-crocodile species (Saltwater Crocodile and Gharial) found in India. • It is extinct in Myanmar and Bhutan, and possibly extinct in Bangladesh. • Its habitat includes wetlands (inland), marine neritic (shallow part of ocean), artificial/aquatic & marine. • It is a hole-nesting species, with egg-laying taking place during the annual dry season. • Vadodara is the only city in India where crocodiles live in their natural habitat amidst human population It has been listed under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, categorized as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. o Project Crocodile was started in 1975 with the aid of the United Nations Development Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization. This includes the captive breeding programme and also involvement of local community in conservation efforts.

Answer 6

Recently, Humpback dolphins were spotted near the Mumbai coast. • Range: Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin is known to occur within the Indian Ocean from South Africa to India. • Habitat: Species are among the most adaptive ones due to their habitat preference for shallow waters places them in some of the world’s most intensively utilised, fished, shipped, modified and polluted waters. • IUCN status: Endangered. • WPA Protection: Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Answer 7

“Double counting” means counted once by the country of origin when reporting its emissions inventory, and again by the receiving country (or other entity) when justifying emissions above their pledged climate effort, usually via “offsetting” provisions. Allowing trades to be double counted means that, in actuality, none of the reported emissions reductions are achieved.

Answer 8

The primary purpose of OMGE is to deliver on cost-effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rather than creating carbon markets for their own sake.

Answer 9

It seeks to address all threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, including threats from climate change. • It aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. • It’s a near universal convention with a participation of 196 member countries. Protocols adopted under the Convention. • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: It seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. • Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing: It aims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies.

Answer 10

The U.N.-backed project Seabed 2030 is pooling data from the countries and companies to create a map of the entire ocean floor. • It aims to bring together all available bathymetric data (measures of depth and shape of the seafloor) to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor by 2030 and make it available to all. • It is a collaborative project between the Nippon Foundation and General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO).

Answer 11

Recently, study showed that rising salinity in Sunderbans region of India is causing a decrease in population of the Ganges River Dolphins. It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. • It is among the four freshwater dolphins found in the world – the other three are found in the Yangtze River (China), the ‘bhulan’ of the Indus (Pakistan) and the ‘boto’ of the Amazon River (Latin America). • It is fluviatile (riverine) in habitat, it may also be found in brackish water. It never enters the sea. • A long thin snout, rounded belly and large flippers are its characteristics. • It is a mammal and cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. • Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the 'Susu'. * It is the national aquatic animal and had been granted non-human personhood status by government in 2017. * It is also protected under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). * Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) in Bihar is India's only sanctuary for the Gangetic dolphin. * It has been categorised as endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species by the IUCN. * It is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I

Answer 12

A recent study suggests that, Great Indian Bustard population has been falling continuously, from around 1,260 in 1969 to less than 200 in 2018. • It’s among the heaviest bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs giving it an ostrich like appearance. • Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation. It avoids irrigated areas. • It is endemic to Indian Sub-continent, found in central India, western India and eastern Pakistan. Currently, it is found in only six states in the country — Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka. • Protection: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List • It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES and covered under CMS or Bonn Convention. GIB is an indicator species for grassland habitats and its gradual disappearance from such environments shows their deterioration. Great Indian Bustard, popularly known as 'Godawan', is Rajasthan's state bird. The state government has started "Project Godawan" for its conservation at Desert National Park (DNP) in Jaisalmer. It’s one of the Species for The Recovery Programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Answer 13

Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and the Bengal Florican; Houbara also belong to Bustard family but it's a migratory species

Answer 14

* It is the only convention under UNEP which provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats ( and their migration routes). India is a member of the convention. * Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.

Answer 15

It was launched in 2008 as a global alliance of governments, international organizations, civil society, the conservation and scientific communities and the private sector and includes organization like the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), etc. It aims to work together to save wild tigers from extinction. In 2013, the scope was broadened to include Snow Leopards. The initiative is led by the 13 tiger range countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam).

Answer 16

It is the only inter- governmental international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger.

Answer 17

In 2010, the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation was adopted under the GTI and the Global Tiger Recovery Programme or TX2 was endorsed. Its goal was to double the number of wild tigers across their geographical areas. The WWF is implementing the programme in 13 tiger range countries

Answer 18

It is a new tool for tiger conservation management. It is a set of criteria which allows tiger sites to check if their management will lead to successful tiger conservation. It is an important part of Tx2 programme

Answer 19

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” with an aim to protect and conserve the world’s last ranging free population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem. It will be funded from the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH) with the contributing ratio being 60:40 of Central and State share. Recently 23 Lions died in short period of 20 days, due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and tick-bore Babesiosis, again raising a concern for their conservation.

Answer 20

Asiatic Lion, Panthera Leo Persica is listed in Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protect Act, 1972 and in Appendix-I of CITES, while IUCN lists it in endangered category. • The lion is one of five pantherine cats inhabiting India, along with the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. • Their population is limited to only five protected areas in Gujarat – Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and Girnar Sanctuary.

Answer 21

Asiatic lions tend to be smaller than their African cousins. Compared to the African lion, the male Asiatic lion has a relatively short, sparse mane. As a result, the male Asiatic lion's ears tend to remain visible at all times. In addition to being less well-developed, the mane is generally darker than that of African lions. The most distinguishing characteristic of the Asiatic lion is a longitudinal fold of skin that runs along the belly. This trait is found in all Asiatic lions. While it is absent in African Lions. Asiatic prides tend to be smaller than their African counterparts.

Answer 22

Madras HC Amounts received from various courts, in the form of costs ordered to parties, would be used for planting and nurturing trees as well as cleaning water bodies

Answer 23

launched by the MoEFCC, it's a social movement to protect environment and promote healthy living.

Answer 24

published by World Bank, identifies “hotspots” as the states /districts where these changes will have a notable effect on living standards. o States in central, north and northwestern parts of India will be the most vulnerable to climate change, with Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh likely to be the top two climate hotspots

Answer 25

Recently, National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank (NWGRB) was established at Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES). o LaCONES is a dedicated laboratory of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. It is the only institute in the country working towards conservation of endangered wildlife using modern biotechnologies to save endangered wildlife species of India.

Answer 26

Recently, Indian Ocean Research Vehicle (IORV) Sagar Nidhi as part of India- US expedition seeking to find answers to vagaries of Bay of Bengal fed South-West Monsoon was set out in Indian Ocean. The project is funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the US Office on Naval Research.

Answer 27

Situated at Cochin, it is fully indigenously built radar to scan stratosphere over the Indian Ocean for movement of air and monsoon winds.

Answer 28

• Launched by MoEFCCC in 2017, it is an initiative for skill development in the environment and forest sector to enable India's youth to get gainful employment and/or self-employment. • All courses are National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant. • GDSP utilises vast network of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs).

Answer 29

• It is a central sector scheme, being implemented by MoEF&CC since 1982-83. • It is a decentralized network of centres of which o some centres dealing with ''State of the Environment and Related Issues'' are hosted by State Government /UT Administrations, called ENVIS Hubs. o some are hosted by environment-related governmental and non-governmental organisations/ institutes of professional excellence, with varied thematic mandates pertaining to environment, called the ENVIS Resource Partners (RPs). • ENVIS will conduct India’s first ever National Environment Survey (NES) in 55 districts across 24 states and three Union Territories. O It will collect comprehensive data on various environmental parameters such as air, water, soil quality; emission inventory; solid, hazardous and e-waste; forest & wildlife; flora & fauna; wetlands, lakes, rivers and other water bodies. o It will also assess carbon sequestration potential of all the districts across the country. o It will rank all the districts on their environmental performance and document their best green practices.

Answer 30

• Government of India in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched a Global Environment Facility (GEF) assisted project, Green–Ag: Transforming Indian agriculture for global environment benefits and the conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes. * It was launched in high-conservation-value landscapes of five states, namely Madhya Pradesh (Chambal landscape), Mizoram (Dampa landscape), Odisha (Similipal landscape), Rajasthan (Desert National Park landscape) and Uttarakhand (Corbett-Rajaji landscape). * Executive Agencies: Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

Answer 31

UN FAO Created and led adoption of the first ever binding international accord to combat illegal fishing, the Port State Measures Agreement.

Answer 32

▪ These are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage. ▪ GIAHS from India: Saffron Heritage of Kashmir; Koraput Traditional Agriculture; Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System

Answer 33

* Recently, United Nation Environment Program has awarded Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with Asia Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018. * Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory body, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country and was constituted in 2007 by amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. o It coordinated “Operation Thunder Bird” (INTERPOL’s multi-national and multispecies enforcement operation) in India. o It has launched Operation wildnet to counter the menace of the illegal trade through internet.

Answer 34

* The International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR)-2018 took place recently at Bangaram Coral Island of Lakshadweep. Theme of the conference was “Reef for Life”. * It takes place every 10 year after the foundation of STAPCOR in 1998 • Other prominent developments o Year 2018 has been declared as 3rd decadal International year of Reefs. o An International Atoll Research Centre for scientific research on corals will be established in Lakshadweep. o World’s largest artificial coral reef installed in Maldives.

Answer 35

* Recently the fourth meeting of SAWEN (first in India) was held in Kolkata. * SAWEN is an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South Asian countries namely- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. * It aims at working as a strong regional intergovernmental body for combating wildlife crime by attempting common goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region. * It was officially launched in January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan. It operates its activities from the Secretariat based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The network is based on “ASEAN-WEN”

Answer 36

Eons are the largest intervals of geologic time and are hundreds of millions of years in duration. For e.g. Phanerozoic Eon is the most recent eon and began more than 500 million years ago. • Eons are divided into smaller time intervals known as eras • Eras are subdivided into periods. o Each period corresponds to significant events such as the break-up of continents, shifts in climate, and the emergence of particular types of animals and plant life. Periods are further subdivided into epochs which are further divided into ages.

Answer 37

In a recently unveiled Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) blueprint, Centre has drawn up a five year, Rs. 8000 Crore plan on lines of ISRO in designing and launching satellite. • Its focus will be on technologies for deep-sea mining, under water vehicles, under water robotics and ocean climate change advisory services, among others. • Key deliverables to achieve these goals: o Offshore tidal energy desalination plant that will work with tidal energy. o Developing a submersible vehicle to explore depths of at least 6000 Meters with three people on board. • It will promote exploration by India in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It will also help India in exploration of site allotted to it in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the UN ISBA for exploitation of Poly-Metallic Nodules.

Answer 38

IMD recently launched the Ensemble Prediction Systems (EPS) to provide probabilistic weather forecasts upto next 10 days. • It has been developed jointly by the IMD, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. • Under this, the area of spatial resolution, which is 23 km presently, will reduce to 12 km, enabling the meteorological department to give district-level warning. • With this new model, India joins the US with a model that predicts with a 12 km resolution. Only the 'European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast' has a better 9km resolution.

Answer 39

released by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) 1. Eastern Himalaya glaciers have tended to shrink faster than glaciers in the central or western Himalaya. 2. Karakoram Anomaly: In contrast to the Himalayan glaciers, on average, glacier areas in the Karakoram have not changed significantly 3. Area loss also leads to glacier fragmentation; the number of glaciers in the Himalaya is reported to have increased over the past five decades. 4. Glacier volumes are projected to decline by up to 90% in response to decreased snowfall, increased snowline elevations, and longer melt seasons 5. Even if warming can be limited to the ambitious target of +1.5 °C (Paris Climate Deal), this will lead to a 2.1°C rise in the HKH region due to elevation-dependent warming.

Answer 40

• It is one of the expressions of global warming wherein there is an enhancement of warming rates with elevation. • One of the possible reasons could be that reductions in mountain snow cover exposes the dark coloured earth beneath. This reduces the surface albedo and increases the absorbed solar radiation that can lead to elevation-dependent amplification of warming via the snow albedo feedback (SAF)

Answer 41

It is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre based in Kathmandu, Nepal • It is serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. • It aims to assist mountain people to understand the influence climate change have on the stability of fragile mountain ecosystems, adapt to them, and make the most of new opportunities, while addressing upstream-downstream issues.

Answer 42

made landfall in Odisha it is considered rarest of the rare cyclone because: 1. it made recurvature after landfall 2. recurvature away from the coastal areas 3. retained its destructive potential after landfall.

Answer 43

• It is an international organisation on disaster warning, formed in the aftermath of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami by the efforts of African and Asian countries. • It operates from the early warning centres located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand. • It is registered with United Nations and is also supported by UNESCAP and Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). • Member Countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Comoros, India, Lao PDR, Maldives, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.

Answer 44

India along with 23 countries participated in this major Indian ocean-wide tsunami mock drill, namely IOWAVE18. • It is being organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). ``` The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), based out of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, participated in it. o INCOIS is an autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. o ITEWS acts as a Regional Tsunami Advisory Service Provider along with Australia and Indonesia for the Indian Ocean region. ```

Answer 45

"Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)" • It pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and addresses different aspects of weather and climate services, which includes warnings for cyclone, storm surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc • Each of these aspects is incorporated as nine sub-schemes under the umbrella scheme "ACROSS" o Atmospheric, Climate Science and Services. o Numerical Modeling of Weather & Climate. o Physics and Dynamics of Tropical Clouds. o Agro Meteorology. o Aviation Services. o Center for Atmospheric Technology. o High Impact Severe Weather Warning System. o Metropolitan Air Quality and Weather Service. o Monsoon Mission of India. • It is implemented in an integrated manner through the four institutes - India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (NCOIS).

Answer 46

• NAFR comes under Indian Institute of Tropical Management (IITM), Pune. Under this a state-of-the-art research aircraft equipped with instruments will be used for atmospheric research. • It will take simultaneous measurements of aerosols, trace gases, cloud microphysics and large-scale meteorological parameters at high temporal resolution and at different altitudes in different seasons over the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 47

• Floods caused due to outburst of glacial lakes is known as GLOF. • The moraine wall act as a natural dam, trapping the melt water from the glacier and leading to the formation of a glacial lake. Disaster managers and scientists in Sikkim are siphoning out excess water from South Lhonak lake to prevent it from Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods.

Answer 48

The Union ministry of home affairs with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have prepared for the first time a national disaster risk index for India • It mapped hazards and vulnerabilities including economic vulnerabilities across 640 districts and all states including UTs. • The index factors in exposure of population, agriculture and livestock and environmental risk. • It will be used to prepare a composite disaster scorecard (DSC). • The index is in line with India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework.

Answer 49

Recently, government launched an integrated environmental management system named PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single window Hub) It is a web based, role-based workflow application which has been developed for online submission and monitoring of the proposals submitted by the proponents for seeking Environment, Forest, Wildlife and CRZ Clearances from Central, State and district level authorities.

Answer 50

The Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under the leadership of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and NITI Aayog has recently released the first Nationwide ‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’.

Answer 51

• Recently Ministry of Power has launched Energy Conversation Building Code for residential buildings named Eco Nivas Samhita, 2018 in order to promote energy efficiency in design and construction of homes and generate awareness towards conservation. • This new code is applicable to all residential buildings built on a plot area of ≥500 m2. However, states and municipal bodies may reduce the plot area. • Energy Conversation Building Code is formulated and implemented by Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Answer 52

Recently, Republic of Seychelles launched the world’s first sovereign blue bond (SBB). The Bond and the programs of marine activities have been developed by the support of World Bank and Global Environment Facility. * It is part of the project under the World Bank’s South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Program (SWIOFish). * They are debt instruments issued by the governments, development banks etc. to raise capital from impact investors to finance marine and ocean-based projects that have positive environmental, economic and climate benefits.

Answer 53

• Green bonds are debt instruments like normal bonds, but the proceeds are used for renewable energy projects, or for services that are ecologically sustainable. • The bond is voluntary and may be issued by a financial institution, the government or even a company to raise funds for a defined period. • The first Green bond was issued by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2007.

Answer 54

• In 2015, YES Bank issued the first green bond in India for financing the renewable and clean energy projects particularly, for wind and solar. • Gradually, the market has expanded to several public sector undertakings, state-owned commercial banks, state-owned financial institutions, corporates, and the banking sector. • SEBI published its official green bonds requirements for Indian issuers making India the second country (after China) to provide national level guidelines.

Answer 55

It proposes nearly 37% of Western Ghats as ‘no go’ zone, as recommended by Kasturirangan Committee. (The Madhav Gadgil panel had recommended 64% of western ghats as ESA). These are ecologically important areas notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development. The government can prohibit industrial operations such as mining, sand quarrying and building thermal power plants in sensitive areas. * The Act does not mention the word ‘Eco Sensitive Zone’. However, section 3(2)(v) gives authority to the central government to restrict areas * To categorise an area as ecologically sensitive, the government looks at topography, climate and rainfall, land use and land cover, roads and settlements, human population, biodiversity corridors and data of plants and animal species. * As per orders of the Supreme Court, no project can be allowed within 10 km of the boundary of national parks and sanctuaries without the approval of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL), unless a site-specific ESZ is notified around that park or sanctuary. * Purpose: They would also act as transition zone (shock absorber) from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. • Nature of Activities in ESZ: While some of the activities could be allowed in all the ESAs, others will need to be regulated/ prohibited: o Prohibited- commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydroelectric projects etc. o Restricted with safeguards (Regulated) - Felling of trees, Establishment of hotels and resorts, Drastic change of agriculture system, widening of roads, introduction of exotic species etc. o Permissible- Rain Water Harvesting, Organic farming, Ongoing Agricultural Practices etc.

Answer 56

Recently, a grassroot-level workforce – Ganga Praharis, was launched by the Ministry of Water Resources. * To conserve the biodiversity of River Ganga and reduce the direct dependency of local communities on the river, Wildlife Institute of India (an autonomous institution of the MoEFCC) and National Mission for Clean Ganga under the “Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation” have roped in the local community of five Ganga states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttarakhand) known as Ganga Praharis. * They are a cadre of self-motivated and trained volunteers from local communities working for biodiversity conservation and cleanliness of Ganga with an objective of Nirmal and Aviral Ganga. Ganga Praharis of all the five Ganga basin states will be connected through Bhuvan Ganga App, mygov App and Swachhta app thus creating a broadband network among them.

Answer 57

It’s a concept to transform the villages on the bank of river Ganga into ideal villages with emphasis on Open Defecation Free, Solid and Liquid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Ground Water Recharge, modern crematorium tree plantation, organic and medicinal plants. • Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is the nodal agency for its implementation.

Answer 58

It's a Yamuna River Front Development Project, aims to restore, revive and rejuvenate the river’s floodplains and make them accessible to the people of Delhi. • Reviving Ecosystem by creating a wetland, to store the flood waters and to improve the groundwater recharge which will eventually result in the flourishing of biodiversity in the floodplains. • NMCG is monitoring the development of project.

Answer 59

* The campaign has been initiated as part of the Forest Interventions in Ganga component of Namami Gange programme. * It aims to bring greater awareness among people and other stakeholders regarding the importance of afforestation for the task of Ganga Rejuvenation. * Schools, colleges and departments have been requested to “Adopt a Plant” to make this campaign into a people’s movement. * State Forest Departments of respective states have been made the nodal agencies for the smooth and effective execution of the campaign. * In Uttar Pradesh, the programme is dovetailed with the Ganga Haritima Abhiyan (to enhance the green cover in the catchment areas of the river Ganga and to control the land erosion).

Answer 60

uses MSW as a fuel, burning it with high volumes of air to form carbon dioxide and heat to make steam, which is then used to generate electricity.

Answer 61

process that converts organic or fossil fuel based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This is achieved by reacting the material at high temperatures (>700’C), without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. The syngas produced by gasification can be turned into higher value commercial products

Answer 62

involves application of heat with no added oxygen in order to generate oils and/or syngas (as well as solid waste outputs) and requires more homogenous waste streams.

Answer 63

a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas. It involves fermenting bacteria, organic acid oxidizing bacteria, and methanogenic archaea.

Answer 64

Ladakh will become the world’s largest singlelocation solar photo-voltaic plant with a installed capacity of 5,000 MW Capacity by 2023. • Other high capacity project In India: Bhadla Solar Park (2255 MW capacity in Rajasthan); Kurnool (2000 MW capacity in Andhra Pradesh).

Answer 65

• Launched by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), to encourage the construction of solar parks that can generate electricity above between 500 MW and 1000 MW. • SECI is a CPSU under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Answer 66

It is a Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) initiative and Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is implementing agency. • Aim: To employ artisans in 50 identified clusters. • It entails a subsidy of Rs 550 crore in the initial two years for 50 clusters and every cluster will employ 400 to 2000 artisans. • Solar charkha units have been classified as village industries.

Answer 67

* Launched by MoP&NG, it aimed at setting up of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make it available in the market for use in automotive fuels. * Objective: To boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, as well as to provide an additional revenue source to farmers.

Answer 68

It is an alcohol produced from fermentation of carbohydrate and cellulosic material of crops and other plants and grasses. It is generally used as an additive to increase octane number of fuel.

Answer 69

It is a methyl or methyl ester of fatty acids produced by trans esterification of oils and fats obtained from plants and animals. It can be directly used as fuel.

Answer 70

Biogas (primarily a mixture of methane and other gases like CO2 and N2) is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic materials. It can be produced either from biodegradable waste materials or by the use of energy crops fed into anaerobic digesters to supplement gas yields

Answer 71

It is a type of biofuel which are produced from biomass resources and used in place of, or blended with air turbine fuel. o Recently, India’s first ever bio-jet fuel flight taken off by using the fuel developed by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP).

Answer 72

• It was founded in 1974 to help countries collectively respond to oil supply disruptions. • It is an autonomous body within the OECD framework. • Only the OECD member states can become members of the IEA. • India is not a member but has joined IEA as an association country. • It publishes the World Energy Outlook (WEO). To become a member of the IEA, a country must have petroleum product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports.

Answer 73

• Recently the India joined IEA Bioenergy TCP as its 25th member. • It is an international platform with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programmes in bioenergy research, development and deployment. • The primary goal of joining IEA Bioenergy TCP by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) is to facilitate the market introduction of advanced biofuels with an aim to bring down emissions and reduce crude imports. • The R&D work in IEA Bioenergy TCP is carried out within well-defined 3-years programmes called "Tasks".

Answer 74

The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) had been split into two divisions — the existing Eastern Assam Wildlife and the new Biswanath Wildlife park with Brahmputra flowing in between. About the Kaziranga National Park • Kaziranga protected area is located on the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. • The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer other than the one-horned rhino. • Kaziranga is recognized as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International.

Answer 75

It is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. • It performs facilitative and advisory functions for the Union government on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

Answer 76

In 2012, the Government of India, in partnership with UNDP India, initiated the India Biodiversity Awards. Aim: To recognize and honour outstanding models of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and governance at the grassroots level.

Answer 77

First spotted in 1995 in Arunachal Pradesh, India, it was described as a new species in 2006 critically endangered Populations may be discovered in other areas of Arunachal Pradesh or neighbouring Bhutan.

Answer 78

Recently, Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserve (WNBR) under the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). * It is one of the highest ecosystems in the world and located at trijunction of India (Sikkim), bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west. * The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), which comprises the core area of the KBR, was inscribed as India’s first ‘Mixed World Heritage Site’ in 2016. * Over 118 species of the large number of medicinal plants found in Dzongu Valley in north Sikkim are of ethno-medical utility. * Fauna: Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear and herbivores species of Musk deer, Great Tibetan Sheep, Blue Sheep, Boral and Barking Deer

Answer 79

• Launched in 1971, it is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. • It combines the natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems.

Answer 80

It covers internationally designated protected areas, each known as biosphere reserves, that are meant to demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. • India has 18 biospheres reserves, of which 11 have been included in the WNBR. • The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first reserve from the country to be included in the WNBR. ``` Others MAB -WNVR site in India • Nigiri – Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka • Gulf of Mannar- Tamil Nadu • Sundarban- West Bangal • Nanda Devi-Uttrakhand • Nokrek- Meghalaya • Pachmarchi-Madhya Pradesh • Simlipal- Orisa • Achanakmar-Amarkantak- Madhya Pradesh • Great- Nicobar- Andaman and Nicobar Island • Agasthyamala- Kerala and Tamilnadu ```

Answer 81

• It’s a nationwide campaign to protect elephants, launched on the occasion of World Elephant Day led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), both NGOs, from Tura in Garo Hills, Meghalaya. • It was organized in the Garo Hills in recognition of the people’s initiative of community forests for human-elephant harmony and conservation of animals such as hoolock gibbon.

Answer 82

Recently, Nagaland government declared the Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary as an Elephant Reserve (30th in total), with the approval of central government. • Singhphan Elephant Reserve - It has huge tracts of forest, strategically located in contiguity with the Abhaypur Reserve Forest of Assam. • Other Protected areas in Nagaland: Intanki National Park, Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Answer 83

It was established in 2003, through a Conference of the Parties (COP) resolution to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). o It is an international collaboration that tracks trends in information related to the illegal killing of elephants across Africa and Asia, to monitor effectiveness of field conservation efforts.

Answer 84

It is a statutory body and has overarching supervisory/coordination role as provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It implements major tiger conservation initiatives like project tiger, Tiger conservation plan etc. o Minister of MoEFCC is the chairman of the authority.

Answer 85

A global alliance of governments, international organizations, civil society, the conservation and scientific communities and the private sector and includes organization like the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), etc. o Aim: To work together to save wild tigers from extinction. In 2013, the scope was broadened to include Snow Leopards. o The initiative is led by the 13 tiger range countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam).

Answer 86

In 2010, the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation was adopted under the GTI and TX2 was endorsed. Its goal was to double the number of wild tigers across their geographical areas. The WWF is implementing the programme in 13 tiger range countries.

Answer 87

only intergovernmental international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger

Answer 88

It is a new tool for tiger conservation management. It is a set of criteria which allows tiger sites to check if their management will lead to successful tiger conservation. It is an important part of Tx2 programme.

Answer 89

Recently, the government approved continuation of the scheme beyond the 12thPlan period from 2017-18 to 2019-20. • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where GoI provides financial and technical assistance to the State/UT Governments for activities aimed at wildlife conservation. • Component: Scheme consists of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger (CSS-PT), Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-DWH) and Project Elephant (CSS-PE). • Implementation of the schemes would be done through the respective States in designated Tiger Reserves, Protected Areas and Elephant Reserves.

Answer 90

Recently, Conference of the Parties (COP 14) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held, adopting Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration.

Answer 91

It is a framework for a comprehensive and global collaborative effort to reduce the ecological, human health, and economic impacts of marine debris worldwide.

Answer 92

It is a nonprofit organization which includes companies from across the globe. From India, Reliance Industries is a part of the alliance. • It has committed over $1.0 billion with the goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment.

Answer 93

It aims at gradual phasing out of single-use plastic water bottles and cutlery in the 500-metre radius of the Taj Mahal in the next five years and to make the monument litter-free.

Answer 94

Recently, the Ocean Cleanup project was started in the Pacific Ocean. • Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organisation which is developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastics. • It is directed at cleaning The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) which is a zone between Hawaii and California. About 1.8 Trillion pieces of plastic float the surface of the GPGP.

Answer 95

• South Africa’s Mpumalanga province emits the highest amounts of nitrogen dioxide and the largest number of hotspots are found in China. • Hotspot in India: Delhi-NCR, Sonbhadra in UP & Singrauli in MP (both taken as one entity) and Talcher-Angul in Odisha. In India nitrogen emissions grew at 69% from 2001 to 2011 and has replaced methane as the second largest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) from Indian agriculture • Health impact: Blue Baby Syndrome, reduced functioning of the thyroid gland, Vitamin A shortages etc. • Excessive nitrogen in the form of fertilizer brings down the carbon content of the soil, result in diminishing returns in terms of crop yield. • Excessive eutrophication which turns water body into Dead Zone, substance like nitric acid is a component of acid rain. • Nitrous oxide (N2O) is 300 times more potent as a greenhouse gas as opposed to CO2. It is also a dominant ozone-depleting substance and also leads to formation of smog.

Answer 96

It aims to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Groundlevel Ozone and is a part of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. o Objective: To control and reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH4), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and Particulate Matter (PM) that are caused by human activities.

Answer 97

It is an international program, set up in 2003 under sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) to optimize nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production.

Answer 98

The government has set up National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) to maintain a comprehensive water resources data. • It would be a repository of nation-wide water resources data and would work as a Subordinate Office under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation which is to be headed by a Joint Secretary level officer. • It will provide latest and reliable water data (other than classified data) through webbased India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS) on a GIS platform in Public Domain.

Answer 99

• It is a central sector scheme. Under this, the Hydrometeorological data will be stored and analyzed in real time basis and can be seamlessly accessed by any user at State, District and Village level. • Its components include o In Situ Hydromet Monitoring System and Hydromet Data Acquisition System. o Setting up of National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC). o Water Resources Operation and Management System o Water Resources Institutions and Capacity Building

Answer 100

• It is a joint venture of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Water Resources and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space. • India-WRIS provides 'Single Window solution' for all water resources data & information in a national GIS framework.

Answer 101

NITI Aayog released Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) to assess and improve the performance of states/UTs in efficient management of water resources.

Answer 102

A recent report titled Status of trace and toxic metals in Indian rivers 2018 by Central Water Commission.

Answer 103

It was constituted under Section 3(3) of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. • It was empowered by the Supreme Court for protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing and controlling the environmental pollution in the National Capital Region. • It was also mandated to enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the NCR region, which comprises the graded measures for each source framed according to the AQI categories.

Answer 104

• It is developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) as a part of Technology Development Project being funded by Department of Science and Technology. • The device works on two principles mainly Wind generation for dilution of air pollutants and Active Pollutants removal. • It has filters for Particulate Matter removal and activated carbon (charcoal) and UV lamps for poisonous gases removal such as VOCs and Carbon Monoxide. • It has the capacity to purify air in an area of 500 meter square.

Answer 105

• It is measured by Central Pollution Control Board for Monitoring Polluted Industrial Areas (PIAs). • It is a rational number between 0 and 100. • CEPI score of 70 or above is considered as critically polluted cluster tag. • Categorization of industrial sectors based on CEPI score: o Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 60 and above - Red category o Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 41 to 59 – Orange category o Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 21 to 40– Green category o Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score incl. & upto 20- White category (newly introduced)

Answer 106

• It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value) nomenclature and colour. • There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. AQ sub-index and health breakpoints are evolved for eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. • SAMEER app has been developed to display AQI at a city and receive complaints. • Related Information - Pollutants covered under National Ambient Air Quality Standards are: Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, lead, Ozone, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide.

Answer 107

• Recently, most advanced System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) was inaugurated. • It monitors UV-Index, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Mercury, Black Carbon, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. • It is implemented in four cities of India – Delhi, Pune, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. • It is developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and operationalized by India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Answer 108

Recently, the clean air-India initiative was launched in Delhi by Prime Minister of Netherlands. • It is a collaborative project between Get in the Ring (a platform for start-ups by the government of the Netherlands), Start-up India and INDUS Forum (an online matchmaking platform of Indian and Dutch businesses). • Aim: To curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian startups and Dutch companies and build a network of entrepreneurs working on business solutions for cleaner air.

Answer 109

• It was launched by Invest India and Dutch government for Indian and Dutch start-ups which offers access to key information, relevant networks, pilot opportunities, and navigators for the respective start up ecosystems. • ‘Clean Air’ India Ring is a critical component of the Indo-Dutch #StartUpLink. • As a partner for #StartUpLink, Dutch company shell has established a Shell E4 Start hub, the first energy focused start up hub in India.

Answer 110

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was recently launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is a pollution control initiative to cut the concentration of particles (PM10 & PM2.5) by 20-30% by 2024. It will have 2017 as the base year for comparison and 2019 as the first year. • It is to be implemented in 102 non-attainment cities. These cities are chosen on the basis of Ambient Air Quality India (2011-2015) and WHO report 2014-2018. • It is not legally binding. ``` • Its objectives include o Stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. o Augment and strengthen air quality monitoring network across the country. o Augment public awareness and capacity building measures. ``` • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall execute the nation-wide programme for the prevention, control, and abetment of air pollution within the framework of the NCAP.

Answer 111

It is the statutory organization constitutedunder the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. • Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. • It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is responsible for the enforcement of Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 1989.

Answer 112

The MARPOL convention was adopted under International Maritime Organisation (IMO). • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. • It has six technical Annexes: o Annex I – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil. o Annex II – Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk. o Annex III – Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form. o Annex IV – Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships. o Annex V – Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships. o Annex VI – Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships. • India is a signatory to MARPOL convention • IMO was tasked with limiting and reducing emissions from shipping under the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. • Despite its major role in polluting the planet, shipping was not accounted for in the Paris agreement on climate change.

Answer 113

Central Government had banned the import of pet coke for use as fuel. It is allowed only for cement, lime kiln, calcium carbide and gasification industries, when used as the feedstock or in the manufacturing process on actual user condition. • Petroleum coke or pet coke, is a solid carbon rich (90% carbon and 3% to 6% sulfur) material derived from oil refining. • It is categorized as a “bottom of the barrel” fuel. • It is a dirtier alternative to coal and emits 11% more greenhouse gases than coal and nearly 17 times more sulphur than coal. • Petcoke is a source of fine dust which can get lodged in the lungs. It may contain vanadium which is a toxic metal. • Sulphur-heavy petcoke and other polluting fuels such as furnace oil are widely used by cement factories, dyeing units, paper mills, brick kilns and ceramics businesses. • India is the world’s largest consumer of petcoke and imports over half its annual pet coke consumption mainly from the United States.

Answer 114

A recent study has found that black carbon travelling from Mediterranean countries during the western disturbances and wind trajectories may be one of the contributing factors leading to pollution and receding snowline in the Himalayas. • It is a short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) with a significant direct and indirect impacts on the climate, glacial regions, agriculture and human health. ✓ SLCP are defined as gases and particles that contribute to warming and that have a lifetime of a few days to approximately 10 years. ✓ Other than black carbon (BC) it includes tropospheric ozone (O3) and its precursors CO, VOC and NOx, methane (CH4), and some hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Answer 115

voluntary partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses etc. committed to reduce short-lived climate pollutants with over 120 state and non-state partners. It was initiated in 2012 by governments of Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden and the United States, along with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Answer 116

• WHO organised the first global conference on air pollution and health in Geneva, Switzerland. • Theme: ‘Improving Air Quality, Combating Climate Change: Saving Lives.’ • Target: To reduce the number of deaths from air pollution by two thirds by 2030 as mandated by World Health Assembly (decision making body of WHO). • Plan: ‘Geneva Action Agenda to Combat Air Pollution’ has been proposed.

Answer 117

It originates primarily during the combustion of organic biomass and coexists with Black Carbon. It has similar climate effect as Black Carbon due their light absorbing property.

Answer 118

It is the carbon stored and sequestered in coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows or intertidal saltmarshes.

Answer 119

Recently Suva Expert Dialogue on loss and damage was held at COP-23 UNFCCC, Bonn. • In simple terms, loss and damage is a concept where rich countries, who have historical responsibility for climate change, are asked to be liable to developing countries, who are already facing climate change. • Initiative under UNFCCC: o Establishment of the Subsidiary Body of Implementation (SBI) Work Program on loss and damage in Cancun (COP 16), 2010 o Establishment of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) under the Cancun Adaptation Framework at COP 19, 2013 o It is also anchored in the Article 8 of the 2015 Paris agreement which emphasizes the “importance of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change”.

Answer 120

• It is organized as part of the Talanoa Dialogue. • It is a Heads of Government level conference held entirely online as the first Virtual Summit (#VirtualClimateSummit) of global political leaders, eliminating emissions and promoting inclusive dialogue. • It was organised by the Climate Action Network (CAN) and the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).

Answer 121

• Recently, the Sixth GEF Assembly summit took place in Da Nang, Vietnam in June 2018. • It is a financial mechanism established under the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. • It is managed by World Bank. • Presently, it involves an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues. • The Council is the GEF's main governing body, comprises 32 Members appointed by and from among GEF member countries (14 from developed countries, 16 from developing countries and 2 from economies in transition). • The GEF Assembly is composed of all 183-member countries which meets every four years to review general policies, GEF’s operation and the membership of the Facility. • Environmental Conventions under GEF financial mechanism o Convention on Bio diversity (CBD) o Convention to combat desertification (UNCCD) o Framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) o Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants o Minamata Convention o Montreal Protocol (provides support)

Answer 122

• The program is funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP). • It was launched alongside the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. • It provides direct financial and technical support to communities and Civil Society Organizations for various projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well- being and livelihoods. • In India the program is hosted through the National Host Institution (NHI) i.e. - Centre for Environment Education (CEE) o It is a national level institution supported by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India as a “centre of excellence”.

Answer 123

GEF approved a grant of USD 15 million for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) project, started by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2009, involving all eight countries along its coastline - Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. o BOBLME project aims to promote sustainable fishing, reduce marine pollution and improve the lives of approximately 400 million people who live along its coasts.

Answer 124

• Adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996, it is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification. • The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands. • UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework has been launched to improve the condition of affected ecosystems, combat desertification/land degradation and to improve the living conditions of affected populations. • 2010 to 2020 has been declared as United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification.

Answer 125

As per the UNCCD definition, LDN is a state whereby the amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security, remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales. ``` • The overarching principle for LDN includes: o Avoid: By addressing drivers of degradation and through proactive measures to prevent adverse change in land quality and confer resilience, via appropriate regulation, planning and management practices. Reduce: By application of sustainable management practices. o Reverse: Restoring or rehabilitating degraded land through actively assisting the recovery of ecosystem functions ```

Answer 126

It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) & the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. • India is a member.

Answer 127

A situation in which a planet has passed a tipping point (approximately 2 degree Celsius) beyond which its own natural processes trigger uncontrollable warming.

Answer 128

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCCC) has developed a National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along Central Asian Flyway (CAF) for the period 2018-23. Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine flyways in the world, encompasses overlapping migration routes over 30 countries for different water birds linking their northern most breeding grounds in Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding (wintering) grounds in West and South Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory. • At least 370 species of migratory birds from three flyways (CAF, The East Asian – Australasian flyway, and Asian East African flyway) are reported to visit the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 129

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species- the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda- to a Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species. • It is one of the components of centrally sponsored scheme - Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) which provides assistance to the State/UT governments for activities aimed at wildlife conservation.

Answer 130

• It is a statutory Board constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. • It is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its vice chairman is Minister of Environment. • It has power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries. • No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL. • It advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.

Answer 131

It's the world’s only Intellectual Property Rights Legislation on plant varieties that recognised and protected the rights of both breeders as well as farmers maintaining traditional landraces The protection period is for 15 years, and 18 years in the case of trees and vines.

Answer 132

``` Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released National REDD+ Strategy ```

Answer 133

• A system that has the capacity to store or release carbon. • The Marrakesh Accords (regulatory framework for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol) recognize five main carbon pools or reservoirs in forests: Above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, dead wood, litter and soil organic matter.

Answer 134

Government of India in collaboration with Norwegian Government has established this centre to develop professional expertise in biodiversity policies and laws and develop capacity building

Answer 135

Objective: To increase the institutional, individual and systemic capacities of stakeholders to effectively implement the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Rules 2004 to achieve biodiversity conservation through implementing Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements in India.

Answer 136

by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI)

Answer 137

Nomadic tribes (Maldhari) are leaving their villages in Banni region due to water scarcity. • The Banni grassland of Gujarat (near Rann of Kutch) is the largest natural grassland in the Indian subcontinent known for its scarce rainfall and semi-drought conditions. • The land of Banni is formed out of ocean clay, so it includes an element of salt from very beginning. This land is formed out of alluvial and clayey sand. • Migratory pastoralism has been followed here from centuries • There are 22 ethnic communities living in the area called Maldhari pastoralists (’mal’ means animal stock and ‘dhari’ means keeper). • It is also known for strange dancing light phenomena known locally as Chir Batti. • A huge freshwater lake locally known as Chhari-Dhand is a prominent feature of the Banni grassland. It is a legally protected wetland conservation reserve.

Answer 138

o They are Critically Endangered and live in both salt- and freshwater in South and Southeast Asia. o Three exclusively freshwater populations are found in Irrawaddy/Ayeyarwady River (Myanmar), Mekong River (Lao PDR, Cambodia); and Mahakam River (Indonesia). o In addition, very small numbers survive in the partially freshwater Songkhla Lake (Thailand) and the brackish Chilika Lake (India).

Answer 139

• It recommends linking local livelihoods with bustard conservation. • For effective conservation, the guidelines direct state governments to identify the core breeding areas for bustards and keep them inviolate from human disturbances. • The guidelines suggest restriction on infrastructure development and land use diversion for roads, high tension electric poles, intensive agriculture, wind power generators and construction.

Answer 140

• It is the only convention under UNEP which provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats (and their migration routes). India is a member of the convention. • Appendix I of the Convention: It includes Migratory species threatened with extinction. • Appendix II of the Convention: It includes Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation

Answer 141

• The Blue Flag beach standards were established by Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1985 in France. • The Blue Flag is an environmental award for beaches, sustainable boating tourism operators, and marinas. • Only local authorities or private beach operators can apply for a Blue Flag for beaches. • The criteria for Blue Flag beaches cover four main area: o water quality, o environmental management, o environmental education and o safety

Answer 142

13 Indian beaches have been shortlisted for the Blue flag certification The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had started a pilot project under a Unified Coastal Areas Management Programme to develop the Indian beaches according to the Blue Flag standards in December 2017. • Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha's Konark coast was the first to complete the tag certification process and will be the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification. • Apart from it, 12 other beaches across are also being developed by the Society for Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) as blue flag beaches which include Maharashtra's Chiwla and Bhogave beaches and one beach each from Puducherry, Goa, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Answer 143

It’s an integrated coastal management scheme introduced by the MoEFCC to reduce existing pollutants on beaches and achieve such high international standards