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Global Methane Assessment: Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Methane Emissions

Why in News Recently, a report, titled Global Methane Assessment: Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Methane Emissions suggested that the world needs...

08 May 2021 Conservation
Pulayar Community and Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Why in News Two Tribal settlements (Kattupatti and Kuzhipatti) of Pulayar community within the limits of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu are...

07 May 2021 Conservation
Eco Sensitive Zone Around Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Thane...

07 May 2021 Conservation
Asiatic Lions

Why in News Recently, eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. It is the...

05 May 2021 Conservation
Financial Sector & Climate Change

Why in News Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) joined the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). The RBI expects to benefit...

04 May 2021 Conservation
Natural Gas: A Stepping Stone

This article is based on “India’s road to clean energy goes via natural gas” which was published in The Indian Express on...

03 May 2021 Conservation
Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972

Introduction Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was...

03 May 2021 Conservation
Xylophis deepaki

Why in News A tiny snake “Xylophis deepaki” has been named in honour of Indian herpetologist Deepak Veerappan for his contribution in...

03 May 2021 Conservation
The Global Forest Goals Report 2021: UN Report

Why in News According to the United Nations’ Global Forest Goals Report 2021, Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the challenges faced by...

30 Apr 2021 Conservation
Green Initiatives: Saudi Arabia

Why in News Recently, Saudi Arabia launched Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative to combat the threat of climate...

28 Apr 2021 Conservation
Groundwater Depletion and Cropping Intensity

Why in News In a recent study, it has been found that groundwater depletion in India could reduce winter cropped acreage significantly in years...

26 Apr 2021 Conservation
Leaders’ Summit on Climate

Why in News Recently, the Leaders' Summit on Climate was convened by the US President virtually. 40 world leaders, including the Prime Minister...

24 Apr 2021 Conservation
Tough Corals

Why in News A recent study has suggested that coral structures may withstand climate change owing to their impressive process of forming rock-hard...

23 Apr 2021 Conservation
Protest Against Blue Flag Beaches

Why in News Recently Odisha government’s plan to get Blue Flag Certification for five beaches was opposed by the fishermen. Odisha planned...

23 Apr 2021 Conservation
Snow Leopard

Why in News Just days before celebrating Earth Day, the internet was going viral over a photo of a snow leopard. Key Points About: Scientific...

23 Apr 2021 Conservation
Disk-footed Bat

Why in News India’s first bamboo-dwelling bat with sticky disks, has been found near Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya. Key...

19 Apr 2021 Conservation
Great Indian Bustards

Why in News Recently, a group of hunters shot down two Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) in a protected area of southern Punjab’s Cholistan in...

19 Apr 2021 Conservation
Exotic Animals

Why in News Recently, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to take a decision on framing rules to confer protection for exotic animals that are...

19 Apr 2021 Conservation
Cleaning Ganga

This article is based on “River of life” which was published in The Indian Express on 17/04/2021. It talks about the reason for...

17 Apr 2021 Conservation
Dolphin Population in Odisha

Why in News Recently, Odisha has released the final data on the dolphin census, indicating a spectacular growth in numbers. Key Points Census...

16 Apr 2021 Conservation

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		'article_id' => (int) 8327,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Global Methane Assessment: Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Methane Emissions',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a report, titled <strong>Global Methane Assessment: Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Methane Emissions</strong> suggested that the world needs to dramatically cut methane emissions to avoid the worst of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was released by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/air-pollution-and-pregnancy-losses-lancet-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Climate and Clean Air Coalition</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Methane</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Methane is gas that is found in small quantities in Earth's atmosphere. <strong>Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon,</strong> consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms <strong>(CH<sub>4</sub>). Methane is a powerful <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse gas</a>.</strong> It is<strong> flammable, and is used as a fuel worldwide.</strong></li>
<li>Methane is <strong>produced by the breakdown or decay of organic material</strong> and can be <strong>introduced into the atmosphere by either natural processes &ndash;</strong> such as the decay of plant material in wetlands, the seepage of gas from underground deposits or the digestion of food by cattle &ndash; <strong>or human activities &ndash;</strong> such as oil and gas production, rice farming or waste management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Methane:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Methane is <strong>84 times more potent than carbon</strong> and <strong>doesn&rsquo;t last as long in the atmosphere before it breaks down.</strong> This makes it a critical target for reducing global warming more quickly while simultaneously working to reduce other greenhouse gases.</li>
<li>It is <strong>responsible for creating ground-level<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/ozone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ozone</a></strong>, a dangerous air pollutant.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Current Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Human-caused <strong>methane emissions are increasing faster currently</strong> than at any other time since record keeping began in the 1980s.</li>
<li><strong>Carbon dioxide levels have dropped</strong> during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>. However, <strong>methane in the atmosphere reached record levels last year.</strong></li>
<li>This is a cause of concern as it was <strong>responsible for about 30%of warming since pre-industrial times.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reducing Methane Emissions from Major Sources:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fossil Fuel:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Oil and gas extraction,</strong> processing and distribution accounted for 23% of methane emissions in the fossil fuel sector.<strong> Coal mining</strong> accounted for 12% of emissions.</li>
<li>Fossil fuel industry had the <strong>greatest potential for low-cost methane cuts,</strong> up to 80% of measures in the oil and gas industry could be implemented at negative or low cost.</li>
<li>About 60% of methane cuts in this sector could make money as <strong>reducing leaks would make more gas available for sale.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Waste:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Landfills and wastewater</strong> made up about 20% of emissions in the waste sector.</li>
<li>The waste sector could cut its methane emissions by <strong>improving the disposal of sewage around the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the agricultural sector,<strong> livestock emissions</strong> from manure and enteric fermentation constituted for roughly 32% and rice cultivation 8% of emissions.</li>
<li>Three behavioural changes &mdash; <strong>reducing food waste and loss, improving livestock management and adopting healthy diets</strong> (vegetarian or with a lower meat and dairy content) &mdash; could reduce methane emissions by 65&ndash;80 million tonnes per year over the next few decades.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Region-wise Emission Reduction Potential:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Europe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Greatest potential to curb methane emissions from <strong>farming, fossil fuel operations and waste management.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The European Commission had adopted the <strong>European Union Methane Strategy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Greatest potential to reduce methane emissions in the <strong>waste sector. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mitigation potential was best in <strong>coal production and livestock.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its potential to reduce methane emission was in <strong>livestock, followed by oil and gas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need and Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Human-caused <strong>methane emissions must be cut by 45%</strong> to avoid the worst effects of climate change.</li>
<li>Such a cut would <strong>prevent a rise in global warming by up to 0.3 degrees Celsius by 2045.</strong> It would also <strong>prevent 260,000 premature deaths, 775,000 asthma-related hospital visits</strong> annually, as well as <strong>25 million tonnes of crop losses.</strong></li>
<li>However, <strong>cutting methane emissions can rapidly reduce the rate of warming in the near-term</strong> as the gas broke down quickly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Related Indian Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Seaweed-Based Animal Feed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Central Salt &amp; Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) in collaboration with the country&rsquo;s three leading institutes developed a seaweed-based animal feed additive formulation that <strong>aims to reduce methane emissions from cattle and also boost immunity of cattle and poultry.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Greenhouse Gas Program:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The India GHG Program led by WRI India (non-profit organization), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-griha-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)</strong> </a>is an industry-led voluntary framework to <strong>measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions.</strong></li>
<li>The programme <strong>builds comprehensive measurement and management strategies to reduce emissions</strong> and drive more profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses and organisations in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</strong></a> was launched in 2008 which aims at creating awareness among the representatives of the public, different agencies of the government, scientists, industry and the communities on the threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bharat Stage-VI Norms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India shifted from<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI)</strong> </a>emission norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Climate and Clean Air Coalition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Launched</strong> in 2019, It is a <strong>voluntary partnership</strong> of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations <strong>committed to protecting the climate and improving air quality through actions</strong> to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India is a member</strong> of the coalition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority <strong>established on 5<sup>th</sup> june 1972.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development</strong> within the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Reports:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emission-gap-report-by-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Emission Gap Report</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-environment-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Environment Outlook</strong></a>, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Campaigns:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Beat Pollution, UN75, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-environment-day-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Environment Day</strong></a>, Wild for Life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nairobi, Kenya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/reduce-human-caused-methane-emissions-by-45-to-avoid-worst-of-climate-change-un-76837#:~:text=Human%2Dcaused%20methane%20emissions%20must,by%202045%2C%20the%20report%20added." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Pulayar Community and Anamalai Tiger Reserve',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Two <strong>Tribal settlements (Kattupatti and Kuzhipatti) of Pulayar community</strong> within the limits of <strong>Anamalai Tiger Reserve</strong> in <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> are gearing up for their <strong>annual festival of local deity Vairapattan.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Pulayar Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Pulayar, also Pulaya, or Holeya or Cheramar, are one of the main social groups <strong>found in Kerala, Karnataka and in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam.</strong></li>
<li>They are a <strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-castes-1&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1620394200917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SKDxRj-izZsD0Zh-2ZMAX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Caste</a>&nbsp;</strong>in<strong> Kerala and Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
<li>Pulayas are <strong>noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances</strong> which include,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kōlam-thullal,</strong> a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals, and</li>
<li><strong>Mudi-āttam</strong> or <strong>hair-dance</strong> which has its origins in a<strong> fertility ritual.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-ayyankali" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Ayyankali</strong></a> was called as <strong>Pulaya King.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ayyankali in 1893</strong> rode an ox-cart challenging the &lsquo;ban&rsquo; on untouchables from accessing public roads by caste-Hindus.</li>
<li>Ayyankali became a stated protestor for Pulayar rights. Because of the protests led through Ayyankali, in 1907 a decree was issued to confess students from the untouchable network to government schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anamalai Tiger Reserve:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>one of the four Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu.</strong> It <strong>forms part of the Southern Western Ghats.</strong></li>
<li>It forms<strong> part of the Anamalai Parambikulam Elephant Reserve</strong> declared in 2003.</li>
<li>It is<strong> surrounded by</strong> Parambikulam Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park on the South Western side (all belong to Kerala).</li>
<li>The reserve is<strong> also surrounded by</strong> Nenmara, Vazhachal, Malayattur and Marayur reserved forests of Kerala.</li>
<li>The<strong> ranges</strong> found in this reserve include Amaravathi, Udumalpet, Pollachi, Ulandy, Valparai and Manamboli.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anthropological Diversity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The area has significant anthropological diversity with more than 4600 Adivasi people from six tribes of indigenous people living in 34 settlements.</li>
<li>The tribes are the <strong>Kadars, Malasars, Malaimalasar, Pulaiyars, Muduvars and the Eravallan (Eravalar). </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flora:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It includes wet evergreen forest and semi-evergreen forest, montane shola-grassland, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, thorn forests and marshes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fauna:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The important mammals include: Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Gaur, Nilgiri tahr, Tiger, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Protected Areas in Tamil Nadu:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mudumalai-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mudumalai Tiger Reserve</strong></a></li>
<li>Kalakkad - Mundanthurai TR</li>
<li>Sathyamangalam TR</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nilgiri-elephant-corridor-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildfires-in-the-mukurthi-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mukurthi National Park</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-1st-june-2019#:~:text=in%20Mandapam%20cluster.-,Gulf%20of%20Mannar,miles%20(160%20km)%20long." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park</strong></a></li>
<li>Guindy National Park</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/coronavirus-for-tribes-in-tamil-nadus-anamalai-its-still-an-urban-blight/article34499883.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: TH</a></strong></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8322,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Eco Sensitive Zone Around Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> has notified an<strong> Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ)</strong> around the <strong>Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS, Maharashtra).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> ESZ</strong> is meant to act as a<strong> buffer for protected areas</strong> and<strong> reduces developmental pressures</strong> around a <strong>wildlife sanctuary or national park.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>second marine sanctuary of Maharashtra after Malvan sanctuary,</strong> and lies <strong>along the western bank of the Thane Creek.</strong></li>
<li>It is recognized as an <strong>&ldquo;Important Bird Area&rdquo;</strong> by the <a href="/printpdf/delhi-butterfly-corridors" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bombay Natural History Society.</strong></a></li>
<li>TCFS is home to 39 categories of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coringa-mangroves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>mangrove</strong></a> species, 167 species of birds like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/annual-flamingo-festival-at-pulicat-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>flamingos</strong></a>, 45 fish species, 59 species of butterflies, 67 insect species and mammals like jackals among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Thane Creek</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is <strong>an inlet in the shoreline of the Arabian Sea</strong> that isolates the city of Mumbai from the Indian mainland.</li>
<li>The creek is <strong>divided into two parts:</strong> the Ghodbunder-Thane stretch and the Thane -Trombay (Uran) stretch.</li>
<li>The creek has been<strong> formed due to seismic faults</strong> lying below it which runs from Uran to Thane.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620384417_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620384417_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Other Protected Areas of Maharashtra</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sanjay Gandhi National Park</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tadoba-andhari-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve</strong></a></li>
<li>Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Bor Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/umed-paoni-karhandla-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Umed Paoni Kardhandla WS</strong></a></li>
<li>Sahyadri Tiger Reserve</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/melghat-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Melghat Tiger Reserve</strong></a></li>
<li>Navegaon National Park</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Eco Sensitive Zone:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/eco-sensitive-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)</strong> </a>or <strong>Ecologically Fragile Areas</strong> are <strong>areas within 10 kms around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In case of places with sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, <strong>even areas beyond 10 km width can be included</strong> in the eco-sensitive zone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Associated Ministry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ESZs are notified by the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC),</strong> under <strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>regulate certain activities</strong> around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulation of Activities in ESZs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Prohibited Activities:</strong> Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood, Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.</li>
<li><strong>Regulated Activities:</strong> Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g. adoption of heavy technology, pesticides etc, widening of roads.</li>
<li><strong>Permitted Activities:</strong> Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, adoption of green technology for all activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To minimise the impact of urbanisation and other developmental activities, areas adjacent to protected areas have been declared as Eco-Sensitive Zones as it <strong>acts as a shock absorber.</strong></li>
<li>They also<strong> act as a transition zone</strong> from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.</li>
<li>ESZs <strong>help in in-situ conservation,</strong> which deals with conservation of an endangered species in its natural habitat, for example the conservation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greater-one-horned-rhino" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>One-horned Rhino</strong></a> of Kaziranga National Park, Assam.</li>
<li>ESZs minimise forest depletion and man-animal conflict.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong> The rise in global temperature has generated land, water and ecological stress on the ESZs.</li>
<li><strong>Local Communities:</strong> Slash and burn techniques used in agriculture, pressure of increasing population and the rising demand for firewood and forest produce, etc. exerts pressure on the protected areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/centre-notifies-48-32-sq-km-around-tcfs-as-eco-sensitive-zone-7305107/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8303,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Asiatic Lions',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, eight <strong>Asiatic lions</strong> at Hyderabad&rsquo;s <strong>Nehru Zoological Park</strong> have tested positive for the deadly<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> coronavirus</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the<strong> first known</strong> case of the human infecting the felines and making them sick in India.</li>
<li>Earlier in 2020, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/animals-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tiger being infected with Covid-19</strong></a> was reported in New York (Bronx Zoo).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Asiatic Lion (also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion) is a member of the <em><strong>Panthera Leo Leo</strong> </em>subspecies that is restricted to India.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its previous habitats consisted of <strong>West Asia and the Middle East before it became extinct in these regions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Asiatic lions are<strong> slightly smaller than African lions.</strong></li>
<li>The most striking morphological character, which is always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, is a <strong>longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Asiatic lions <strong>were once distributed to the state of West Bengal in east and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, in central India.</strong></li>
<li>At present <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gir-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></a> is the only abode of the Asiatic lion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2020, the Gujarat Forest Department announced an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-the-population-of-asiatic-lions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>increase in the population of Asiatic lions</strong></a> in the Gir forest region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its <strong>vulnerability to unpredictable events</strong> such as a plague or a natural disaster, <strong>poaching</strong> and <strong>locals near the Gir National Park killing the lions</strong> in retaliation for attacks on livestock.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN Red List</a>:</strong> Endangered</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>:</strong> Appendix I</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972</a>:</strong> Schedule I</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asiatic-lion-conservation-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Asiatic Lion Conservation Project&rdquo;</strong></a> has been launched by the<strong> Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</strong></li>
<li>It has been<strong> approved for three financial years from 2018 to 2021.</strong></li>
<li>It envisages <strong>scientific management with the involvement of communities</strong> in coordination with multi-sectoral agencies for <strong>disease control and veterinary care</strong> for overall conservation of Asiatic lions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nehru Zoological Park</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is <strong>one of the largest zoos of India</strong> and one of the top sightseeing places to visit in Hyderabad, Telangana. <strong>Run by the Forest department, Government of Telangana</strong>, the zoo has been named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the country.</li>
<li>It was <strong>opened to the public in the year of 1963.</strong></li>
<li>It is situated near the historically important <strong>Mir Alam Tank, which is 200 year old and is the first multi-arch masonry dam in the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/eight-asiatic-lions-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-hyderabad-zoo/article34480453.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8295,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Financial Sector & Climate Change',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong> </a>joined the <strong>Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RBI expects to benefit from the membership of NGFS by learning from and contributing to global efforts on <strong>climate finance</strong>, which has assumed significance in the context of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Network for Greening the Financial System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>global network of central banks and supervisory authorities</strong> advocating a more sustainable financial system.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to analyse the consequences of climate change for the financial system</strong> and to redirect global financial flows in order to enable low-carbon economic growth.</li>
<li>It was created at the <strong>Paris One Planet Summit in December 2017</strong> and its secretariat is hosted by the Banque de France.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Climate Finance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/climate-finance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Climate Finance</strong></a> refers to <strong>local, national or transnational financing</strong>&mdash;drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing.</li>
<li>It<strong> seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions</strong> that will address climate change.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Risks to Financial Stability due to Climate Change:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Climate change poses risks to financial stability in the form of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Physical risks:</strong> Caused by <strong>extreme and slow onset weather events.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Transition risks:</strong> Caused by <strong>changes in policy</strong>, legal and regulatory frameworks, consumer preferences and technological development while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.</li>
<li><strong>Example:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under many climate projections, <strong>climate change leads to a further rise in sea levels and increase in storm surge.</strong></li>
<li>These effects, in turn, <strong>lead to increased inundation of coastal land parcels</strong>, which could either damage existing structures on those parcels, or<strong> require investment and adaptation for their continued productive use.</strong></li>
<li>As this inundation occurs, <strong>the expected value of coastal real estate may decrease</strong>&mdash;which may, in turn, <strong>pose risks to real estate loans, mortgage-backed securities, the profitability of firms using the inundated property, and the finances of state and local governments</strong> facing declining property tax revenues and rising remediation costs.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620120884_image%201.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620120884_image 1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-gender-gap-report-2021-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum&rsquo;s (WEF)</strong></a> <strong>Global Risks Report 2021</strong> noted <strong>climate action failure and infectious diseases as the highest risks</strong> (risks with greatest impact and likelihood).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A World Bank report estimates that <strong>losses to India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a> by 2050 due to climate change could be USD 1,178 billion.</strong></li>
<li>The RBI has noted the importance of <strong>climate-related financial disclosures and private green finance </strong>as<strong> necessary to generate the enormous amounts of investments</strong> required to combat climate change and bring about a transformation towards sustainable and low carbon development.</li>
<li>A study by non-profit Shakti Foundation found that an assessment of <strong>BSE (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-stock-exchange" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bombay Stock Exchange</a>)</strong> 100 companies showcases that most of the <strong>Indian companies are lagging in the climate change disclosure </strong>space<strong> due to lack of relevant expertise; limited access to relevant tools and methodologies; and limited subject knowledge.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TFCD):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>TFCD was <strong>created in 2015</strong> by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/domestic-systemically-important-banks#:~:text=Financial%20Stability%20Board%20(FSB)%20is,assessing%20and%20identifying%20G%2DSIBs." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Stability Board (FSB)</strong></a> to develop consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for use by companies, banks, and investors in providing information to stakeholders.</li>
<li>To make the private sector contribute to climate positive action and become resilient to climate risks are the <strong>recommendations of the TFCD.</strong></li>
<li>Its recommendations are now <strong>widely recognised as the gold standard for global business sustainability reporting frameworks</strong>, providing standardised and comprehensive guidelines for corporate climate disclosures.</li>
<li>About <strong>32 Indian organisations have signed up for TFCD, including the Mahindra Group, Wipro etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently, <strong>New Zealand became the first country to announce a law</strong> that will require financial firms to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The only way forward is to <strong>fully integrate climate-aligned structural change with economic recovery needing a fundamental shift in the entire finance system with a massive increase in private finance to get from &ldquo;billions to trillions&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Indian government needs to introduce guidelines and regulations to standardise and mandate climate-related disclosures in all financial statements</strong> and push private companies and financial institutions to manage their exposure to climate risks in their portfolios and operations.</li>
<li>This would help not only in increasing resilience of Indian companies to face physical and transition risks of climate change but also in <strong>facilitating greater climate finance flows while minimising &lsquo;greenwashing&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/addressing-climate-risks-for-climate-finance-takes-centrestage-76748%23:~:text%3DThe%2520Reserve%2520Bank%2520of%2520India,voluntary%2520group%2520of%2520central%2520banks.%26text%3DEarlier%2520this%2520month%252C%2520New%2520Zealand,climate%252Drelated%2520risks%2520and%2520opportunities.&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1620124727305000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3agMxv2qXaOBu2lrHXY92R" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8291,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Natural Gas: A Stepping Stone',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indias-road-to-clean-energy-goes-via-natural-gas-7299417/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;India&rsquo;s road to clean energy goes via natural gas&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 02/05/2021. It talks about the option of natural gas, as a suitable energy transition option.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, many think tanks, climate negotiators, corporates and environmental NGOs in India are currently contemplating on the concept of &ldquo;net zero carbon emissions&rdquo; and the appropriate target year for achieving it.</p>
<p>In the effort to secure a global consensus around this target, India must first &ldquo;green&rdquo; its fossil fuel energy basket. This can be done by increasing the share of natural gas.</p>
<p>However, the natural gas economy requires policy reforms cutting across all segments of the natural gas value chain from production (domestic and international) to transportation (pipeline and LNG) to markets (current and emergent) to commercial (pricing, taxation) and regulatory issues.</p>
<h3>Natural gas: A Suitable Transition Option</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Versatility &amp; Abundance:</strong> Natural gas has multiple uses and it is the &ldquo;greenest&rdquo; of all fossil fuels. Also, it is abundantly available in and within the Indian subcontinent.</li>
<li><strong>Easy Transition Energy Option:</strong> Natural gas is a feasible prospect because it will not generate the headwinds due to shutting down of coal mines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, it will not require industries to invest heavily in retrofitting their systems.</li>
<li>Moreover, it will allow the government to meet its objective of providing secure and affordable energy to everyone without degrading the environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Excess Usage of Fossil Fuels:</strong> The average global share of fossil fuels in the energy basket is 84% which is even more for India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/opec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Energy Agency (IEA)</strong></a>, India is the world's third largest consumer of oil.</li>
<li>Dependence on coal and oil needs to be reduced and natural gas has to be replaced as much as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges Associated With the Natural Gas Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pricing Distortions:</strong> The pricing of natural gas is based on multiple price formulae. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is differential pricing for gas produced from domestic fields by the public sector companies and private companies.</li>
<li>Similarly, differential pricing for production from deep waters offshore under high temperature etc.</li>
<li>This creates problems in coming up with competitive pricing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regressive Taxation System:</strong> It is a cascading structure so that the tax rates increase as the gas flows from one zone to another. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This means that customers located at a distance from the source of gas pay a higher price than those closer to the source.</li>
<li>The result is the dampening of demand.</li>
<li>Moreover, gas is not under GST.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict-of-interest Situation:</strong> The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) is currently engaged in the production, transportation and marketing of gas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This allows GAIL to leverage its ownership of the bulk of the gas pipelines to deny its competitors access to the market.</li>
<li>Most countries have tackled this conflict-of-interest situation by separating the upstream (production/import) and downstream (marketing) interests from transportation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Centre-States Issue:</strong> Completion of a national pipeline grid gets affected due to clashes between Centre and state over issues like land acquisition, pipeline routing; and royalty payments. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Centre-state differences have also delayed the construction of import facilities and the creation of gas markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Deregulation of Pricing:</strong> A key aspect of ensuring market reforms to boost gas economy, would be deregulation of pricing for domestically produced gas.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will allow freedom to price and market domestic gas and in turn boost domestic production, making it more viable for players to invest.</li>
<li>Moreover, market-determined and affordable pricing would also boost industrial growth and economic competitiveness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boosting Infrastructure:</strong> These markets have greatly benefited from factors such as open access to infrastructure, system operator, unbundled marketing and transport functions and market-friendly transport access and tariff besides strong pipeline infrastructure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the institutional mechanism should be created to enable better coordination between the central and state governments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Freeing Gas Markets:</strong> Through ensuring price benchmarks, it will drive competition across the value chain and stimulate investments in exploration and production along with downstream infrastructure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, factors such as inclusion under GST and an overarching regulatory framework will also play an important role in boosting the overall gas markets</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India stands a better chance of reaching the destination of a predominantly clean system if it moves forward incrementally. That is, if it makes natural gas the &ldquo;next stop&rdquo; in its energy journey.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfcf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the effort to secure a global consensus around this target, India must first &ldquo;green&rdquo; its fossil fuel energy basket. This can be done by increasing the share of natural gas. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8290,
		'category_id' => (int) 28,
		'title' => 'Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972',
		'description' => '<h3>Introduction </h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act</strong></a>, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List.</li>
<li><strong>Article 51 A (g)</strong> of the Constitution states that it shall be the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fundamental-duties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fundamental duty</strong> </a>of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife.</li>
<li><strong>Article 48 A</strong> in the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-180" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Directive Principles of State policy</strong></a>, mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:</strong> The Act was enacted for the protection of plants and animal species. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.</li>
<li>Prior to this legislation, India had only five designated national parks. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At present, there are 101 National Parks in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Authorities Appointed under the Act:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Central Government appoints the Director of Wildlife Preservation</strong> and assistant directors and other officers subordinate to the Director.</li>
<li>The <strong>State Governments appoint a Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW)</strong> who heads the Wildlife Wing of the department and exercises complete administrative control over Protected Areas (PAs) within a state. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state governments are also entitled to appoint<strong> Wildlife Wardens in each district.</strong> </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Salient Features of the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prohibition of hunting:</strong> It prohibits the hunting of any wild animal specified in Schedules I, II, III and IV of the act. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exception:</strong> A wild animal listed under these schedules can be hunted/ killed only after getting permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the state if: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It becomes dangerous to human life or to property (including standing crops on any land). </li>
<li>It is disabled or suffering from a disease that is beyond recovery. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prohibition of Cutting/Uprooting Specified Plants:</strong> It prohibits the uprooting, damage, collection, possession or selling of any specified plant from any forest land or any protected area.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exception:</strong> The CWLW, however, may grant permission for uprooting or collecting a specific plant for the purpose of education, scientific research, preservation in a herbarium or if a person/institution is approved to do so by the central government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declaration and Protection of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks:</strong> The Central Government can constitute any area as a Sanctuary, provided the area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government can also declare an area (including an area within a sanctuary) as a National Park. </li>
<li>A Collector is appointed by the central government to administer the area declared as a Sanctuary. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of Various Bodies:</strong> The WPA act provides for the constitution of bodies to be established under this act such as the <strong>National and State Board for Wildlife, Central Zoo Authority </strong>and<strong> National Tiger Conservation Authority.</strong> </li>
<li><strong>Government Property:</strong> Hunted wild animals (other than vermin), animal articles or meat of a wild animal and ivory imported into India and an article made from such ivory shall be considered as the property of the Government. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Bodies Constituted under the Act</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):</strong> As per the act, the central government of India shall constitute the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wildlife-panel-holds-virtual-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It serves as an<strong> apex body for the review of all wildlife-related matters</strong> and for the approval of projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.</li>
<li>The NBWL is <strong>chaired by the Prime Minister</strong> and is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is the <strong>Vice-Chairperson</strong> of the board. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The board is &lsquo;advisory&rsquo; in nature and can only advise the Government on policy making for conservation of wildlife.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Standing Committee of NBWL:</strong> The NBWL constitutes a Standing Committee for the purpose of approving all the projects falling within protected wildlife areas or within 10 km of them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The committee is chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Board for Wildlife (SBWL):</strong> The state governments are responsible for the constitution of the state board of wildlife. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Chief Minister of the state/UT is the chairperson of the board. </li>
<li>The board advises the state government in: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The selection and management of areas to be declared as protected areas. </li>
<li>The formulation of the policy for protection and conservation of the wild life</li>
<li>Any matter relating to the amendment of any Schedule. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Central Zoo Authority:</strong> The act provides for the constitution of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reconstitution-of-central-zoo-authority" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Zoo Authority</strong></a> consisting of a total 10 members including the Chairperson and a Member-Secretary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Environment Minister is the chairperson.</li>
<li>The authority provides recognition to zoos and is also tasked with regulating the zoos across the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It lays down guidelines and prescribes rules under which animals may be transferred among zoos nationally and internationally.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):</strong> Following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-tiger-conservation-authority" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)</strong></a> was constituted in 2005 for strengthening tiger conservation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Union Environment Minister is the Chairperson of NTCA and the State Environment Minister is the Vice-Chairperson. </li>
<li>The Central Government on the recommendations of NTCA declares an area as a Tiger Reserve. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than 50 wildlife sanctuaries in India have been designated as Tiger Reserves and are protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):</strong> The act provided for the constitution of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/not-all-animals-migrate-by-choice-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)</strong></a> to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bureau has its headquarters in New Delhi.</li>
<li>It is mandated to: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to the State to apprehend the criminals.</li>
<li>Establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank.</li>
<li>Assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes.</li>
<li>Advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Schedules under the Act</h3>
<p>The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has divided the protection status of various plants and animals under the following six schedules: </p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Schedule I:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It covers endangered species that need rigorous protection. The species are granted protection from poaching, killing, trading etc. </li>
<li>A person is liable to the harshest penalties for violation of the law under this Schedule.</li>
<li>Species under this Schedule are prohibited to be hunted throughout India, except under threat to human life or in case of a disease that is beyond recovery. </li>
<li>Some of the animals granted protection under the Schedule I include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Black Buck</li>
<li>Bengal Tiger</li>
<li>Clouded Leopard</li>
<li>Snow Leopard</li>
<li>Swamp Deer</li>
<li>Himalayan Bear</li>
<li>Asiatic Cheetah </li>
<li>Kashmiri Stag</li>
<li>Fishing Cat</li>
<li>Lion-tailed Macaque</li>
<li>Musk Deer</li>
<li>Rhinoceros </li>
<li>Brow Antlered Deer</li>
<li>Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)</li>
<li>Capped Langur</li>
<li>Golden Langur</li>
<li>Hoolock Gibbon </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Schedule II:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Animals under this list are also accorded high protection with the prohibition on their trade.</li>
<li>They cannot be hunted except under threat to human life or if they are suffering from a disease/ disorder that goes beyond recovery. </li>
<li>Some of the animals listed under Schedule II include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Assamese Macaque, Pig Tailed Macaque, Stump Tailed Macaque</li>
<li>Bengal Hanuman langur</li>
<li>Himalayan Black Bear</li>
<li>Himalayan Newt/ Salamander </li>
<li>Jackal </li>
<li>Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel</li>
<li>Sperm Whale</li>
<li>Indian Cobra, King Cobra </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Schedule III &amp; IV:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Species that are not endangered are included under Schedule III and IV. </li>
<li>This includes protected species with hunting prohibited but the penalty for any violation is less compared to the first two schedules.</li>
<li>Animals protected under Schedule III include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chital (spotted deer)</li>
<li>Bharal (blue sheep)</li>
<li>Hyena </li>
<li>Nilgai </li>
<li>Sambhar (deer)</li>
<li>Sponges </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Animals protected under Schedule IV include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Flamingo </li>
<li>Hares </li>
<li>Falcons </li>
<li>Kingfishers</li>
<li>Magpie</li>
<li>Horseshoes Crabs</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Schedule V:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This schedule contains animals that are considered as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rhesus-macaque-declared-vermin#:~:text=The%20Union%20Environment%20Ministry%20has,in%20Shimla%20for%20one%20year." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vermin</strong></a> (small wild animals that carry disease and destroy plants and food). These animals can be hunted. </li>
<li>It includes only four species of wild animals: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Common Crows</li>
<li>Fruit Bats</li>
<li>Rats </li>
<li>Mice</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Schedule VI:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides for <strong>regulation in cultivation of a specified plant</strong> and restricts its possession, sale and transportation. </li>
<li>Both cultivation and trade of specified plants can only be carried out with prior permission of competent authority.</li>
<li>Plants protected under Schedule VI include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Beddomes&rsquo; cycad (Native to India) </li>
<li>Blue Vanda (Blue Orchid) </li>
<li>Red Vanda (Red Orchid) </li>
<li>Kuth (Saussurea lappa) </li>
<li>Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.) </li>
<li>Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8285,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Xylophis deepaki',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>A tiny snake &ldquo;Xylophis deepaki&rdquo;</strong> has been <strong>named in honour of Indian herpetologist Deepak Veerappan</strong> for his contribution in erecting a new subfamily <strong>Xylophiinae</strong> to accommodate wood snakes.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>common name suggested</strong> for the species is<strong> 'Deepak&rsquo;s wood snake'.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620031141_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1620031141_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Xylophis deepaki:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>a tiny snake of just 20 cm length</strong> with<strong> iridescent scales.</strong></li>
<li>It was first found on a<strong> coconut plantation</strong> in <strong>Kanyakumari.</strong></li>
<li>It is now reported to be an <strong>endemic species</strong> of <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> and also been sighted in some parts of the<strong> southern <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Ghats.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is found in the <strong>drier regions</strong> and in <strong>lower altitudes</strong> around <strong>Agasthyamalai hills.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Xylophis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is<strong> a small genus of snakes in the family Pareidae.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>has five species,</strong> all of which are <strong>endemic to the Western Ghats</strong> in southern India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Five Species:</strong> Xylophis Captaini, Xylophis deepaki, Xylophis Mosaicus, Xylophis Perroteri and Xylophis Stenorhynchus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These five species constitute the <strong>monotypic subfamily Xylophiinae.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are the <strong>only pareidae</strong> snakes found in India and the only snakes in the family found outside Southeast Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Wood Snakes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are <strong>harmless (non-venomous), sub-fossorial</strong> and often found while digging soil in farms and under the logs in the<strong> Western Ghat forests.</strong></li>
<li>They feed on <strong>earthworms</strong> and possibly other<strong> invertebrates.</strong></li>
<li>Their close relatives are found in <strong>Northeast India</strong> and <strong>Southeast Asia</strong> and are known to be <strong>arboreal</strong> (living in trees).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Information :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> IUCN Red List</a> of Threatened Species, 12% of assessed snake species</strong> are listed as <strong>threatened</strong> and their populations are in <strong>decline.</strong></li>
<li>Each year, <strong>2.7 million</strong> people around the world suffer a serious <strong>snakebite envenomation.</strong> The <strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong> classified<strong> snakebite</strong> as a <strong>neglected tropical disease</strong> to reduce snakebite in developing countries.</li>
<li><strong>Save The Snakes</strong> is a <strong>dedicated initiative</strong> exclusively for <strong>snake conservation </strong>and<strong> human-snake conflict mitigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Agasthya Hills</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Agasthya hill is a 1,868-metre tall peak within <strong>Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary,</strong> in the <strong>Western Ghats of Kerala.</strong> The peak lies on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This peak is a part of the <strong>Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.</strong></li>
<li>The peak is named after Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. It is a pilgrimage centre for devotees.</li>
<li>The <strong>Thamirabarani River</strong> is a <strong>perennial river</strong> which originates from the eastern side of the range and flows into the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.</li>
<li>Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is listed on <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biosphere-reserves-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves</a> (2016).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/herpetologist-deepak-veerappan-has-a-snake-named-after-him/article34459064.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8273,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'The Global Forest Goals Report 2021: UN Report',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the U<strong>nited Nations&rsquo; Global Forest Goals Report 2021, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a></strong> pandemic has <strong>aggravated the challenges faced by countries in managing their forests.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Report has been prepared by the <strong>Department of Economic and Social Affairs</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations.</strong></a> It provides an initial overview of progress of Goals and targets contained within the<strong> United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Covid-19 leading to Systemic Vulnerabilities and Inequalities:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than just a health crisis, <strong>Covid-19 is driving losses of lives and livelihoods</strong>, extreme poverty, inequality, and food insecurity, and it has put the &lsquo;Future We Want&rsquo; further out of reach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 on Global Output:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is estimated that world gross product <strong>fell by an estimated 4.3% in 2020.</strong> It is the <strong>sharpest contraction</strong> of global output <strong>since the Great Depression.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 is Threatening the Lifeline that Forests Provide:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An <strong>estimated 1.6 billion people, or 25% of the global population, rely on forests</strong> for their subsistence <strong>needs, livelihoods, employment, and income.</strong></li>
<li>Of the extreme poor in rural areas, 40% live in forest and savannah areas, and approximately 20% of the global population, especially women, children, landless farmers, and other vulnerable segments of society look to forests to meet their food and income needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 on Forest Dependent Population:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On the <strong>economic front</strong>, forest-dependent populations have <strong>faced job loss, reduced income</strong>, <strong>diminished access to markets and information</strong>, and for many women and youth, <strong>a contraction in seasonal employment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Socially</strong>, many of these populations are already <strong>marginalized and vulnerable groups</strong>, such as indigenous peoples, least able to access critical socio-economic safety nets.</li>
<li>Many forest dependent populations, especially those in remote or hard to reach places, have faced <strong>difficulties accessing healthcare</strong> or find that government assistance programmes and basic services are disrupted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Pressure on Forest:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pandemic driven health and socio-economic outcomes have increased pressure on forests.</li>
<li>To ease their growing vulnerability, many indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as returning migrants and urban workers,<strong> have retreated deeper into the woods to seek food, fuel, shelter, and protection from the risks of Covid-</strong>19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Biodiversity Crisis:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Among its many findings, the <strong>&lsquo;Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services&rsquo;</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-species-extinction#:~:text=The%20Intergovernmental%20Science%2DPolicy%20Platform,risk%20of%20extinction%20within%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)</strong></a> highlighted that <strong>one million species were at risk of extinction</strong> and that 100 million hectares of tropical forest were lost from 1980 to 2000.</li>
<li>At the same time, <strong>climate change is jeopardizing the resilience of forest ecosystems</strong> and their ability to support ecosystem services worldwide.</li>
<li>Though forests offer nature-based solutions to overcome these concurrent global challenges, they have also never been more at risk.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The resilient recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic along with responses to the climate and biodiversity crises <strong>must be rooted in the world&rsquo;s forests.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Forests and forest-dependent people are both a casualty and an important part of the solution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sustainably resourced and managed forests</strong> can bolster employment, disaster risk reduction, food security and social safety nets, for starters.</li>
<li>Forest <strong>can also protect biodiversity and advance both climate mitigation and adaptation.</strong></li>
<li>With regard to global health, safeguarding and restoring forests are among the environmental actions that <strong>can reduce the risk of future zoonotic disease outbreaks.</strong></li>
<li>The report called for a future course of action that included <strong>greater sustainability and a greener and more inclusive economy</strong> to tackle the threats of Covid-19, climate change and the biodiversity crisis faced by forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Status of World Forest</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Total Forest Area:</strong> According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/deforestation-rate-declined" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020)</strong></a> report, the <strong>world&rsquo;s total forest area is 4.06 billion hectares (bha)</strong>, which is 31% of the total land area. This area is equivalent to 0.52 hectares per person.</li>
<li><strong>Top Countries in Forest Cover</strong>&mdash;the Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China constituted more than 54% of the world&rsquo;s forests.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Forest in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India State of Forest Report, 2019,</strong></a> the <strong>Total Forest and Tree cover is 24.56%</strong> of the geographical area of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Forest Cover (Area-wise):</strong> Madhya Pradesh&gt; Arunachal Pradesh&gt; Chhattisgarh&gt; Odisha&gt; Maharashtra.</li>
<li><strong>National Forest Policy of India, 1988</strong> envisages a goal of achieving 33% of the geographical area of the country under forest and tree cover.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017&ndash;2030</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 was created with a mission to promote sustainable forest management and enhance the contribution of forests and trees to the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3#:~:text=To%20bring%20sustainable%20development%20in,over%20the%20next%2015%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</strong></a></li>
<li>The agreement on the first-ever UN Strategic Plan for Forests was <strong>forged at a special session of the UN Forum on Forests held in January 2017</strong> and provides an ambitious vision for global forests in 2030.</li>
<li><strong>Goals and Targets:</strong> It features <strong>a set of six Global Forest Goals and 26 associated targets</strong> to be reached by 2030, which are <strong>voluntary and universal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It includes a target to increase forest area by <strong>3% worldwide by 2030</strong>, signifying an increase of 120 million hectares, an area over twice the size of France.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It builds on the vision of the 2030 Agenda and recognizes that real change requires decisive, collective action, within and beyond the UN System.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619783660_Image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619783660_Image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/covid-19-has-aggravated-challenges-to-manage-forests-un-report-76718%23:~:text%3DPublished%253A%2520Wednesday%252028%2520April%25202021%26text%3DThe%2520novel%2520coronavirus%2520disease%2520(COVID,of%2520people%2520during%2520the%2520pandemic.&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1619785106757000&amp;usg=AOvVaw02J4jZUdvZPAXsQuTFlLTl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/covid-19-has-aggravated-challenges-to-manage-forests-un-report-76718#:~:text=Published%3A%20Wednesday%2028%20April%202021&amp;text=The%20novel%20coronavirus%20disease%20(COVID,of%20people%20during%20the%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source: DTE</a></strong></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8255,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Green Initiatives: Saudi Arabia',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Saudi Arabia launched <strong>Saudi Green Initiative</strong> and <strong>the Middle East Green Initiative</strong> to combat the threat of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> climate change.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619607322_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619607322_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background and G20 Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One of the main pillars of the Saudi <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20</strong></a> presidency was to<strong> safeguard the planet.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2020, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-launched-on-g20-emm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20 introduced initiatives</strong> </a>like establishing a <strong>Global Coral Reef Research and Development Accelerator Platform and the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia reiterated that it is committed to lead regional efforts to address climate change and has been making steady progress in this direction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia established the<strong> Environmental Special Forces in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Saudi Green Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>raise the vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and land degradation, and preserve marine life.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>10 billion trees</strong> will be planted in the Kingdom.</li>
<li>To <strong>reduce carbon emissions by more than 4% of global contributions,</strong> through a <strong>renewable energy programme</strong> that will generate 50% of Saudi&rsquo;s energy from renewables by 2030.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia is working towards <strong>raising the percentage of its protected areas to more than 30% of its total land area,</strong> exceeding the global target of 17%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Middle East Green Initiative :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To preserve marine and coastal environments, increase the proportion of natural reserves and protected land, <strong>improve the regulation of oil production, accelerate the transition to clean energy and boost the amount of energy generated by renewables.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia will work with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong> </a>countries and regional partners to plant an additional 40 billion trees in the West Asian region. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It represents 5% of the global target of planting one trillion trees and reducing 2.5% of global carbon levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia will<strong> convene an annual summit called the Middle East Green Initiative</strong> which will host leaders from the government, scientists and environmentalists to discuss the details of implementation.</li>
<li>In partnership with participating countries,<strong> innovative methods will be researched</strong> to irrigate from treated water, cloud seeding and other purpose-driven solutions such as planting native trees which requires support for three years to grow and will then be able to survive on their own with natural irrigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia has been sharing its expertise and know-how with its neighbouring countries to <strong>reduce carbon emissions resulting from hydrocarbon production in the region by 60% and globally by 10%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia currently operates the <strong>largest carbon capture and utilisation plant in the world,</strong> it also operates one of the<strong> region&rsquo;s most advanced CO<sub>2</sub>-enhanced oil recovery plants</strong> that captures and stores 8,00,000 tonnes of CO<sub>2</sub> annually.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appreciating Indian Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Saudi Arabia also appreciated India&rsquo;s remarkable commitments to tackle climate change as India is on track to achieve its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>targets.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s <strong>renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world.</strong> India has an ambitious target of achieving <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/foundation-day-of-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Indian Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-environment-forest-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UJALA scheme</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-solar-technology-summit-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Saudi Arabia hopes that the launch of the two Initiatives marks the<strong> beginning of a green era </strong>and that these<strong> initiatives provide momentum to other countries to unify their efforts to save our planet.</strong></li>
<li>Economic prosperity cannot be achieved at the cost of the environment. It is critical for us, as an industry, to shift from &lsquo;pollute-first, clean-up later&rsquo; attitude and<strong> commit to preserving our diminishing natural resources.</strong></li>
<li>The intent and aspiration to align economic efforts with the environment should not be restricted to the government.<strong> Collaboration between the industry, government and regulatory bodies will help in evaluating decisions on economic viability and environmental benefits.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/marking-the-beginning-of-a-green-era/article34424848.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:TH</a></strong></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8240,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Groundwater Depletion and Cropping Intensity',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In a recent study, it has been found that<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/depleting-groundwater" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> groundwater depletion</strong></a> in India could reduce <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-two" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>winter cropped acreage</strong> </a>significantly in years ahead.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The researchers studied India&rsquo;s three main<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/different-irrigation-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> irrigation types</strong></a> on winter cropped areas: dug wells, tube wells and canals.</li>
<li>The researchers also analysed the groundwater data from the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/groundwater-extraction-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Ground Water Board.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard </strong>are<strong> grown in winter.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Present Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>achieved impressive food-production gains since the 1960s,</strong> due to an increased reliance on irrigation wells, which allowed Indian farmers to expand production into the mostly dry winter and summer seasons.</li>
<li>India is the world&rsquo;s <strong>second-largest producer of wheat and rice</strong> and is home to more than 600 million farmers.</li>
<li>India produces <strong>10% of the world&rsquo;s crops</strong> and is now the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest consumer of groundwater,</strong> and <strong>aquifers are rapidly becoming depleted</strong> across much of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/16-12-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>green revolution era</strong></a>, policy-supported environment led to a large increase in rice cultivation in northwestern India mainly in Punjab and Haryana which are ecologically less suitable for rice cultivation due to predominantly light soils.</li>
<li>This policy-supported intensive agriculture <strong>led to unsustainable groundwater use for irrigation</strong> and in turn groundwater scarcity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Related to Groundwater:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Groundwater is a critical resource for food security, accounting for <strong>60% of irrigation supplies in India,</strong> but unsustainable consumption of groundwater for irrigation and home use is leading to its depletion.</li>
<li>Groundwater depletion in India could result in a <strong>reduction in food crops by up to 20% across the country</strong> and up to 68% in regions projected to have low future groundwater availability in 2025.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is found that 13% of the villages in which farmers plant a winter crop are located in critically water-depleted regions.</li>
<li>The results suggest that these losses will largely occur in northwest and central India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related to Switching to Canal Irrigation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian<strong> government has suggested that switching from groundwater-depletion wells to irrigation canals</strong> is one way to overcome projected shortfalls.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The irrigation canals divert surface water from lakes and rivers.</li>
<li>However, switching to canal irrigation has <strong>limited adaptation potential at the national scale.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study suggests that switch to canal irrigation<strong> will not fully compensate for the expected loss of groundwater</strong> in Indian agriculture.</li>
<li>Further, in comparison to tube well irrigation, <strong>canal irrigation was associated with less winter cropped area</strong> and cropped area that was more sensitive to rainfall variability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related to Impact on Crop Production:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Reduction in Cropping Intensity:</strong> Even if all regions that are currently using depleted groundwater for irrigation will switch to using canal irrigation, cropping intensity <strong>may decline by 7% nationally</strong> and by 24% in the most severely affected locations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is found that irrigation canals would favour farms close to canals, leading to unequal access.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reductions in Wheat Production:</strong> The reductions in crop area will occur largely in the states that grow wheat, potentially leading to substantial reductions in wheat production in the future.</li>
<li><strong>Food Security:</strong> The low wheat production could have ramifications for food security given that India is the second largest producer of wheat globally and wheat provides approximately 20% of household calories in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cropping Intensity</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to<strong> raising of a number of crops from the same field during one agricultural year;</strong> it can be expressed through a formula.</li>
<li><strong>Cropping Intensity = Gross Cropped Area/Net Sown Area x 100.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gross Cropped Area:</strong> This represents the total area sown once and/or more than once in a particular year, i.e. the area is counted as many times as there are sowings in a year. This total area is also known as total cropped area or total area sown.</li>
<li><strong>Net Sown Area:</strong> This represents the total area sown with crops and orchards. Area sown more than once in the same year is counted only once.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Around 51% of India's geographical area is already under cultivation as compared to 11% of the world average.</li>
<li>The present cropping intensity of 136% has registered an increase of only 25% since independence. Further, rainfed drylands constitute 65% of the total net sown area.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Ground Water Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a subordinate office of the<strong> Ministry of Jal Shakti</strong>&nbsp;and is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1970</strong> by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on merged with the <strong>Groundwater Wing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-navy-signs-mou-with-geological-survey-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Geological Survey of India</a></strong> during 1972.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Irrigation Infrastructure in Easter India:</strong> There are enough groundwater resources supported with higher monsoon rainfall in eastern Indian states like Bihar. But due to lack of enough irrigation infrastructure, farmers are not able to make use of natural resources there.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a need for better policies in eastern India to expand irrigation and thus increase agricultural productivity.</li>
<li>This will also release some pressure from northwestern Indian states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water-saving Technologies:</strong> Adoption of water-saving technologies like a sprinkler, drip irrigation.</li>
<li><strong>Less water-Intensive Crops:</strong> Switching to less water-intensive crops in some areas may help use the limited groundwater resources more effectively.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/groundwater-depletion-may-reduce-winter-cropping-intensity-by-20-in-india/article34402181.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8230,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Leaders’ Summit on Climate',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Leaders' Summit on Climate</strong> was convened by the US President virtually.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>40 world leaders, including the<strong> Prime Minister of India,</strong> were invited to the event<strong> to underscore the urgency of stronger climate action.</strong></li>
<li>This summit is seen as a key milestone on the road to the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Climate Change</a> Conference, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conference of the Parties</a> 26 (COP 26)</strong> in November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a<strong> joint climate and clean energy initiative of</strong> India with the US.</li>
<li>It will demonstrate <strong>how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development,</strong> taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mobilise investments, demonstrate <strong>clean technologies and enable green collaborations</strong> in India that could also create templates of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sustainable development</strong> </a>for other developing countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Main Tracks of the Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.</li>
<li>The Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>US&rsquo; Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pledged:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>cut the US&rsquo;s <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GreenHouse Gas (GHG)</a> in half by the year 2030</strong> and called upon other nations to <strong>&ldquo;set higher climate ambitions&rdquo;</strong> that will create jobs at home, advance innovative technologies and help countries vulnerable to the impact of climate change.</li>
<li>To double its<strong> public <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/climate-finance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate financing</a> to developing countries</strong> and triple public financing for climate adaptation in developing countries by 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NDC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It submitted a new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ndc-synthesis-report-unfccc#:~:text=The%20UNFCCC%2C%20in%20its%20Nationally,the%20end%20of%20the%20century." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)</strong></a> target that aims to reduce its <strong>GHG</strong> emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The US has rejoined the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applauded:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India for<strong> stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US</strong> to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Carbon Neutrality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its carbon emissions will peak before 2030 and the country will achieve<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eu-green-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> carbon neutrality</a> by 2060.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Promoted its <strong>green <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belt and Road Initiative</a></strong> and announced efforts to <strong>&ldquo;strictly control coal-fired power generation projects&rdquo;</strong> and phase down coal consumption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Common but Differentiated Responsibilities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It also emphasised on <strong>the principle of <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-86#:~:text=Common%20But%20Differentiated%20Responsibilities%20(CBDR,countries%20in%20addressing%20climate%20change." target="_blank" rel="noopener">common but differentiated responsibilities</a></strong>, which argues for long-time polluters such as developed countries to do more to fight the climate crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Stand :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India was already doing its part and that the country&rsquo;s per capita <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-india-s-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>carbon emissions</strong></a> are 60% lower than the global average.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commitment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ambitious <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>renewable energy</strong></a> target of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/foundation-day-of-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>450 GW by 2030.</strong></a></li>
<li>Despite its development challenges, India has taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inadequate-compensatory-afforestation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>afforestation</strong> </a>and biodiversity. India is among few countries whose NDCs are<strong> 2&deg;C</strong> compatible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emphasis:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Emphasised its <strong>encouragement of global initiatives</strong> such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-solar-technology-summit-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Some Indian Initiatives to Fight Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-environment-forest-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UJALA scheme</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is an<strong> urgent need</strong> for every country, city, business and financial institution <strong>to adopt concrete plans for transitioning to net-zero.</strong></li>
<li>Even more urgent is for governments<strong> to match this long-term ambition with concrete actions now,</strong> as trillions of dollars are mobilised to overcome the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic</a>. Revitalising economies is our chance to re-engineer our future.</strong></li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-7-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G7 Summit</strong></a> in June 2021 offers the opportunity for the world&rsquo;s wealthiest countries to step up and provide the necessary financial commitments that will <strong>ensure the success of COP26.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/narendra-modi-joe-biden-india-us-clean-energy-initiative-7284833/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8223,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Tough Corals',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A recent study has suggested that<strong> coral structures may withstand climate change</strong> owing to their impressive process of <strong>forming rock-hard skeletons.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It studied <em><strong>Stylophora pistillata,</strong></em> a common stony coral in the Indo-Pacific revealing that<strong> coral structures consist of a biomineral</strong> containing a highly organized organic mix of proteins that resembles human bones.</li>
<li>It highlighted that <strong>several proteins are organized spatially &ndash;</strong> a process that&rsquo;s critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton.</li>
<li>The study highlighted that corals have survived global climate change over millions of years by the process called <strong>Biomineralization.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Biomineralization</strong> is the study of processes that lead to the formation of hierarchically structured organic&ndash;inorganic materials generated by living organisms, such as shells, bone and teeth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coral:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Corals are made up of genetically<strong> identical organisms called polyps.</strong> These polyps have <strong>microscopic algae called zooxanthellae</strong> living within their tissues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The corals and algae have a <strong>mutualistic relationship.</strong></li>
<li>The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis. In return, the<strong> zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis,</strong> like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for the synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.</li>
<li>In addition to providing corals with essential nutrients, zooxanthellae are responsible for the<strong> unique and beautiful colors of corals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They are also called the <strong>&ldquo;rainforests of the seas&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>two types of corals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hard, shallow-water corals&mdash;the kind that builds reefs.</li>
<li>Soft corals and deepwater corals that live in dark cold waters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Coral:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> Corals are home to over 1 million diverse aquatic species, including thousands of fish species.</li>
<li><strong>Income:</strong> Coral reefs and related ecosystems have a global estimated value of &lsquo;$2.7 trillion per year, or 2.2% of all global ecosystem service values&rsquo;, this includes tourism and food.</li>
<li><strong>Coastal Protection:</strong> Coral reefs reduce shoreline erosion by absorbing energy from the waves. They can protect coastal housing, agricultural land, and beaches.</li>
<li><strong>Medicine:</strong> Reefs are home to species that have the potential for treatments for some of the world&rsquo;s most prevalent and dangerous illnesses and diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threat to Corals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Overfishing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Overfishing of certain species on or adjacent to coral reefs can affect the reef&rsquo;s ecological balance and biodiversity. For example, overfishing of herbivorous fish can lead to high levels of algal growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Destructive Fishing Methods:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fishing with dynamite, cyanide, bottom trawling and Muro Ami (banging on the reef with sticks) can damage entire reefs and is unsustainable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recreational Activities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unregulated recreational activities and tourism cause damage to the very environment upon which the industries depend. Physical damage to the coral reefs can occur through contact from careless swimmers, divers, and poorly placed boat anchors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coastal Development:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Coastal areas have some of the fastest rates of growth in tropical countries. Airports and buildings are often built on land reclaimed from the sea. Sensitive habitats are destroyed or disturbed by the dredging of deep-water channels or marinas, and through the dumping of waste materials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs. These toxins are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources upstream. Some pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an overgrowth of algae, which 'smothers' reefs by cutting off their sunlight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Coral Bleaching:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coral-bleaching" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coral bleaching</strong></a> is the loss of the algae and a rapid whitening of the coral. This is a stress response by the coral host that can be caused by various factors such as the rise in sea surface temperature. If the temperature decreases, the stressed coral can recover; if it persists, the affected colony can die.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ocean Acidification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decrease in the pH of the Earth&rsquo;s oceans, caused by their uptake of anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> from the atmosphere is known as Ocean Acidification. The decrease in pH has negative consequences for oceanic calcifying organisms such as coral reefs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives to Protect Corals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A number of global initiatives are being taken to address the issues, like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3rd-international-year-of-reef" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Coral Reef Initiative</strong></a></li>
<li>Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)</li>
<li>Global Coral Reef Alliance (GCRA)</li>
<li>The Global Coral Reef R&amp;D Accelerator Platform</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Similarly, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change(MoEF&amp;CC), India has included the studies on coral reefs under the<strong> Coastal Zone Studies (CZS).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In india, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoological Survey of India</strong></a> (ZSI), with help from Gujarat&rsquo;s forest department, is attempting a process to restore coral reefs using <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coral-restoration-through-biorock" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;biorock&rdquo; or mineral accretion technology.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>National Coastal Mission Programme</strong> to protect and sustain coral reefs in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8221,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Protest Against Blue Flag Beaches',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently Odisha government&rsquo;s plan to get Blue Flag Certification for five beaches was opposed by the fishermen.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Odisha planned to develop five more beaches in three districts to meet <strong>international standards</strong> after receiving the certification for Puri&rsquo;s Golden Beach in 2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fishermen&rsquo;s Demands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The proposed land for the certification is used by the fishermen to anchor their boats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They want a permanent sea mouth to anchor the fishing boats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Protection of livelihood should be ensured and protected.</li>
<li>Reopening of a new fishing jetty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Blue Flag Certification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eight-indian-beaches-recommended-for-blue-flag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Blue Flag</strong></a> beaches are considered the <strong>cleanest beaches of the world.</strong></li>
<li>The Blue Flag is one of the world&rsquo;s most recognised <strong>voluntary eco-labels</strong> awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.</li>
<li><strong>Criteria for Certification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.</li>
<li>There are around <strong>33 criteria</strong> that are to be met to qualify for a <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eight-indian-beaches-recommended-for-blue-flag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blue Flag</a> certification,</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, having first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organisations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>FEE</strong> (the Foundation for Environmental Education) was <strong>established in France in 1985.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On the lines</strong> of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own <strong>eco-label <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eight-indian-beaches-recommended-for-blue-flag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BEAMS</a> (Beach Environment &amp; Aesthetics Management Services).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>BEAMS</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Beach Environment &amp; Aesthetics Management Services</strong> that comes under<strong> ICZM (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/integrated-coastal-zone-management-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Integrated Coastal Zone Management</a>)</strong> project.</li>
<li>This was launched by the <strong>Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)</strong> and the <strong>Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</strong></li>
<li>The objectives of<strong> BEAMS program</strong> is to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Abate pollution</strong> in coastal waters,</li>
<li><strong>Promote sustainable</strong> development of beach facilities,</li>
<li><strong>Protect &amp; conserve coastal</strong> ecosystems &amp; natural resources,</li>
<li><strong>Strive and maintain</strong> high standards of cleanliness,</li>
<li><strong>Hygiene &amp; safety for</strong> beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment &amp; regulations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>There are eight beaches in India which have received Blue Flag Certification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Shivrajpur in Gujarat,</li>
<li>Ghoghla in Daman &amp; Diu,</li>
<li>Kasarkod in Karnataka and,</li>
<li>Padubidri beach in Karnataka,</li>
<li>Kappad in Kerala,</li>
<li>Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh,</li>
<li>Golden beach of Odisha,</li>
<li>Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619174433_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1619174433_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="325" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/why-fishermen-in-odisha-s-ganjam-are-protesting-plan-for-blue-flag-beaches-76338" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source DTE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8219,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Snow Leopard',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Just days before celebrating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-day-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Earth Day</strong></a>, the internet was going viral over a photo of a snow leopard.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Panthera uncia</li>
<li><strong>Top Predator:</strong> Snow leopards act as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live, due to their position as the top predator in the food web.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mountainous regions of <strong>central and southern Asia.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In India, their geographical range encompasses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Western Himalayas: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Eastern Himalayas: Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Snow Leopard capital of the world:</strong> Hemis, <strong>Ladakh.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Hemis National Park</strong> is the biggest national park in India and also has a good presence of Snow Leopard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN-World Conservation Union&rsquo;s Red List</strong></a> of the Threatened Species.</li>
<li>In addition, it is also listed in <strong>Appendix I</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Making trading of animal body parts (i.e., fur, bones and meat) illegal in signatory countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is listed in <strong>Schedule I of the Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972</a>.</strong></li>
<li>It is also listed in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-com-13" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)</strong></a>, affording the highest conservation status to the species, both globally and in India.</li>
<li>It is also protected by several national laws in its range countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Efforts by India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a <strong>flagship species</strong> for the high altitude Himalayas.</li>
<li>India is also party to the <strong>Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme since 2013.</strong></li>
<li>HimalSanrakshak: It is a community volunteer programme, to protect snow leopards, launched in October 2020.</li>
<li>In 2019, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-snow-leopard-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First National Protocol</strong> </a>was also launched on Snow Leopard Population Assessment which has been very useful for monitoring populations.</li>
<li><strong>SECURE Himalaya: <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)</a></strong> funded the project on conservation of high altitude biodiversity and reducing the dependency of local communities on the natural ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Project Snow Leopard (PSL):</strong> It was launched in 2009 to promote an inclusive and participatory approach to conserve snow leopards and their habitat.</li>
<li>Snow Leopard is on the list of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-21st-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>21 critically endangered species for the recovery programme</strong></a> of the Ministry of Environment Forest &amp; Climate Change.</li>
<li>Snow Leopard conservation breeding programme is undertaken at <strong>Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, West Bengal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The GSLEP is a high-level inter-governmental alliance of all the 12 snow leopard range countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The snow leopard countries namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It majorly focuses on the need for awareness and understanding of the value of Snow Leopard for the ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Living Himalaya Network Initiative</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Living Himalayas Initiative (LHI) is established as one of WWF&rsquo;s global initiatives to bring about transformational conservation impact across the three Eastern Himalayan countries of Bhutan, India (North-East) and Nepal.</li>
<li>Objectives of LHI include adapting to climate change, connecting to habitat and saving iconic species.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/photographer-ismail-shariff-interview-how-to-spot-snow-leopard/article34375768.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8182,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Disk-footed Bat',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s first bamboo-dwelling bat with sticky disks,</strong> has been found <strong>near Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831100_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831100_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="395" height="248" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bat species <em><strong>Eudiscopus denticulus,</strong> </em>aptly called <strong>disk-footed bat,</strong> is very distinctive in appearance with prominent disk-like pads in the thumb and bright orange colouration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been found roosting in internodal spaces of bamboo stems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This species is known to thrive in a few localities in<strong> Southern China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.</strong></li>
<li>In Meghalaya, it was recorded in the<strong> Lailad area near the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary,</strong> about 1,000 km west of its nearest known habitat in Myanmar.</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List Status</strong></a>: Least Concern</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Number of Bat Species in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The disk-footed bat has raised <strong>Meghalaya&rsquo;s bat count to 66,</strong> the <strong>most for any State</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It has also helped add a genus and species to the bat fauna of India. <strong>India</strong> has a <strong>total of 130 bat species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Situated in the Ri-Bhoi district near Lailad village and spread over an area of 29 sq. kms, Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous attractions of Meghalaya.</li>
<li>The Sanctuary falls in the <strong>Eastern Himalayan Global biodiversity hotspot.</strong></li>
<li>The sanctuary supports different species of fauna such as Royal Bengal Tiger, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clouded-leopards-and-their-habitats#:~:text=Clouded%20leopard%3A,research%20and%20strengthen%20conservation%20efforts." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clouded Leopard</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-bison-gaur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Bison</a>,</strong> and Himalayan Black Bear etc.</li>
<li>Among the birds, the rare species which can be spotted here are Manipur Bush Quail, Rufous Necked Hornbill and Brown Hornbill.</li>
<li><strong>Other Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Siju Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biosphere-reserves-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nokrek National Park</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831411_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831411_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/meghalaya-records-indias-first-bat-with-sticky-disks/article34349748.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8179,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Great Indian Bustards',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a group of hunters shot down two<strong> Great Indian Bustards (GIBs)</strong> in a protected area of southern Punjab&rsquo;s Cholistan in Pakistan.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618819776_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618819776_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="450" height="360" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Great Indian Bustard (GIB),</strong> the <strong>State bird of Rajasthan,</strong> is considered India&rsquo;s most critically endangered bird.</li>
<li>It is considered the<strong> flagship grassland species,</strong> representing the health of the grassland ecology.</li>
<li>Its population is confined mostly to <strong>Rajasthan and Gujarat.</strong> Small populations occur in <strong>Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li>The bird is under constant threats due to <strong>collision/electrocution</strong> with power transmission lines, <strong>hunting</strong> (still prevalent in Pakistan),<strong> habitat loss</strong> and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List</a>: Critically Endangered</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1618821422911000&amp;usg=AOvVaw29mWVj48d_9NWHR7PsJFSd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)</a>: Appendix1</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-com-13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)</a>: Appendix I </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972</a>: Schedule 1</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Concerns:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The grassland habitat in the Cholistan desert, where the GIBs were killed, is very similar to the habitat in <strong>Rajasthan&rsquo;s Desert National Park (DNP),</strong> where the GIB&rsquo;s last remnant wild population is found. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>DNP is situated near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer, forming a part of the mighty <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thar-desert" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Thar desert.</strong></a></li>
<li>It was declared as a National Park in 1981 to protect the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As Rajasthan shares the international border with Pakistan's Sindh and Punjab provinces, the birds will become an easy prey for the gun-toting poachers there.</li>
<li>The hunting of the rare bird will not only drastically reduce India&rsquo;s GIB population, but will also affect the desert ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government&rsquo;s Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is kept under the <strong>species recovery programme</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clouded-leopards-and-their-habitats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats</strong></a> of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).</li>
<li>The MoEFCC has also launched a program called <strong>&lsquo;Habitat Improvement and Conservation Breeding of Great Indian Bustard-An Integrated Approach&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The objective of the programme is to build up a captive population of Great Indian Bustards and to release the chicks in the wild for increasing the population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Rajasthan government has launched<strong> &lsquo;Project Great Indian Bustard&rsquo;</strong> with an aim of constructing breeding enclosures for the species and developing infrastructure to reduce human pressure on its habitats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bustard-poaching-in-pakistan-desert-shocks-wildlife-activists/article34338082.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8178,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Exotic Animals',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to take a decision on<strong> framing rules to confer protection for exotic animals</strong> that are currently <strong>not under the purview of the&nbsp;</strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court&rsquo;s order came in response to a petition filed by animal rights group, <strong>People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)</strong> India about the status of a male <strong>hippopotamus</strong> rescued from the Asiad Circus in Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>Earlier in June 2020, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> issued an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/advisory-on-importing-live-exotic-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>advisory to streamline and formalise the process of importing live exotic animals.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Exotic Animals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The term exotic does not have a set definition but it usually <strong>refers to a wild animal or one that is more unusual and rare than normal domesticated pets</strong> like cats or dogs.</li>
<li>These are those<strong> species which are not usually native to an area</strong> and are introduced to an area by humans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions Related to Illegal Trade of Animals:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Illegally traded exotic animals are confiscated under <strong>Section 111</strong> of the <strong>Customs Act, 1962</strong> which is read with the provision of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)</strong> </a>and the Foreign Trade Policy (Import-Export Policy) of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CITES is<strong> an international agreement between governments.</strong> Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. <strong>India</strong> is a party to it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also,<strong> Sections 48 and 49</strong> of the<strong> Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong> prohibit trade or commerce in wild animals, animal articles or trophies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hippopotamus</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618818117_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618818117_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hippopotamus, <strong>also called hippo or water horse,</strong> is an<strong> amphibious</strong> African ungulate mammal.</li>
<li>It is considered to be the <strong>second largest land animal</strong> (after the elephant).</li>
<li>Hippos are <strong>well adapted to aquatic life.</strong> The ears, eyes, and nostrils are located high on the head so that the rest of the body may remain submerged.</li>
<li>Hippopotamuses were extinct in northern Africa by 1800 and south of Natal and the Transvaal by 1900. They are still<strong> fairly common in East Africa, but populations continue to decrease continent wide.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><em>Hippopotamus amphibius.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/man-animal-conflict-mac" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human-wildlife conflict</strong></a> and habitat encroachment.</li>
<li>Often <strong>killed for their meat</strong> under the guise of protection, and they are also hunted for<strong> hippo fat and their ivory canine teeth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Vulnerable</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix Ill</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/delhi-high-court-orders-centre-to-frame-protection-rules-for-exotic-animals-not-included-in-wpa-76534" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8176,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Cleaning Ganga',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/namami-gange-project-kumbh-mela-gathering-religious-congregation-7277020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;River of life&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 17/04/2021. It talks about the reason for pollution in the river Ganga and steps taken to deal with it.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India witnessed the world&rsquo;s largest religious congregation as millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela. Since time immemorial, the Kumbh Mela has been a melting pot for varied beliefs, practices, philosophies, and ideologies.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, over time, the increase in population, coupled with unregulated industrialization and unsustainable agricultural practices, have led to a significant increase in pollutants in the Ganga river and its tributaries.</p>
<p>However, after the launch of the flagship program called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-mission-for-clean-ganga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Namami Gange</strong></a>, the pollution in River Ganga has significantly reduced. It has adopted a holistic approach to public policy, technology intervention, and community participation.</p>
<h3>Reasons for Polluted River Ganga</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Urbanization:</strong> Rapid urbanization in India during the recent decades has given rise to a number of environmental problems such as water supply, wastewater generation and its collection, treatment, and disposal. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many towns and cities which came upon the banks of river Ganga have not given proper thought to the problem of wastewater, sewerage, etc. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Industries:</strong> Unrestricted flow of sewage and industrial effluents into the Ganga has adversely affected its purity. All these industrial wastes are toxic to life forms that consume this water.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The other significant contributors to wastewater are paper mills, steel plants, textile, and sugar industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agricultural Runoff and Improper Agricultural Practices:</strong> Traces of fertilizers and pesticides are washed into the nearest water-bodies at the onset of the monsoons or whenever there are heavy rains.</li>
<li><strong>Withdrawal of Water:</strong> According to a report of the Ministry of Water Resources on the study of minimum flows in the Ganga, impact on river water quality resulting from discharges of treated or untreated wastewater into the river will depend on the dilution offered by the quantum of flows in the river. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, River Ganga gets starved of water when they enter the plain area. For instance, the Upper Ganga Canal and the Lower Ganga Canal have left the Ganga downstream almost dry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Religious and Social Practices:</strong> Religious faith and social practices also add to the pollution of the river Ganga. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dead bodies are cremated on the river banks. Partially burnt bodies are also flung into the river.</li>
<li>Mass bathing in a river during religious festivals is another environmentally harmful practice.</li>
<li>All this is done as a matter of religious faith and in keeping with ancient rituals. These practices pollute the river water and adversely affect the water quality. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken to Reduce Pollution in River Ganga</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Public Policy:</strong> In 2016, the government issued a notification to authorize the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to exercise powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NMCG also issued directives regulating mining activities on river banks, prohibiting encroachment, and regulating activities like the immersion of idols.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Intervention:</strong> NMCG adopted cutting-edge technologies like satellite imagery, remote sensing, and geospatial solutions which facilitated real-time monitoring of pollutants in Ganga and its tributaries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Scientific forecast models were deployed for designing new sewage treatment infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Community Participation:</strong> To encourage community participation in cleaning the river, an awareness campaign is regularly carried out in cities, towns, and villages alongside Ganga through a newly-established community force called &ldquo;Ganga Praharis&rdquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Through them, the government seeks to transform &ldquo;jal chetna&rdquo; into &ldquo;jan chetna&rdquo; and turn it into a &ldquo;jal aandolan&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Constitution of India mandates the central and state governments to provide both a clean and decent environment and clean drinking water for the people (Article 48A, Art. 51 (A) (g), Article 21). Also, the Supreme Court has declared that the right to a decent and clean environment is a fundamental right.</p>
<p>In this context, the Namami Gange project is a step in the right direction to clean the river Ganga and should be emulated to deal with pollution in other rivers of India.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; height: 92px; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcff; border-style: dotted;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Namami Gange project is a step in the right direction to clean river Ganga and should be emulated to deal with pollution in other rivers of India. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
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	(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8160,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Dolphin Population in Odisha',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Odisha has released the final data on the dolphin census, indicating a spectacular growth in numbers.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Census Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> population of dolphins in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/odisha-s-lake-conservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chilika</a>,</strong> India&rsquo;s largest brackish water lake, and along the Odisha coast has <strong>doubled this year</strong> (2021) compared with last year.</li>
<li><strong>Three species were recorded</strong> during the census, with 544<strong> Irrawaddy, bottle-nose and humpback dolphins</strong> sighted this year, compared with 233 last year.</li>
<li>The<strong> rise in the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Chilika</strong> can be attributed to the <strong>eviction of illegal fish enclosures.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Irrawaddy Dolphins:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> Irrawaddy dolphins are<strong> found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia,</strong> and in<strong> three rivers:</strong> the Ayeyarwady (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit a 118-mile stretch of the river between Cambodia and Lao PDR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Endangered</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cms-cop-13-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CMS</strong></a> <strong>(Convention on Migratory Species):</strong> Appendix I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong></a>: Schedule I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Indo- Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins generally occur in shallow coastal waters of the<strong> Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and Australia.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>IUCN Red List:</strong> Near Threatened</li>
<li><strong>CITES:</strong> Appendix II</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong> The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin occurs within the Indian Ocean from South Africa to India.</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>IUCN Red List:</strong> Endangered</li>
<li><strong>CITES:</strong> Appendix I</li>
<li><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:</strong> Schedule I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chilika Lake</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chilika is <strong>Asia's largest and world's second largest lagoon.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> lies on the east coast of India in the state of Odisha,</strong> separated from the mighty Bay of Bengal by a small strip of sand.</li>
<li>It spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometers.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>largest wintering ground for migratory birds</strong> on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.</li>
<li>In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the<strong> first Indian wetland of international importance</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-backs-dhanauri-for-ramsar-site-tag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ramsar Convention.</strong></a></li>
<li>Major attraction at Chilika is <strong>Irrawaddy dolphins</strong> which are often spotted off Satapada Island.</li>
<li>The <strong>large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds)</strong> covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared <strong>a bird sanctuary</strong> in 1987.</li>
<li><strong>Kalijai Temple -</strong> Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/dolphin-boom-in-odishas-chilika-lake/article34292274.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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