1. Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' mega campaign launched by Union Minister Hardeep S Puri
Tags: Environment National National News
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the campaign 'Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The campaign promotes the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste management.
This campaign will strengthen the resolve of the citizens under SBM-U 2.0 and also promote the purpose of Mission Life.
RRR centres or one-stop collection centres were set up across the country on May 20.
The centres will accept unused or used plastic items, clothing, shoes, books and toys.
Citizens can donate used clothes, shoes, books, toys and plastic at RRR centres.
The collected items will be recycled for reuse or turned into new products.
The campaign will culminate with the resolution of LiFE on 5 June.
Mission LiFE:
The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
It aims to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.
It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
It was launched on 1 October 2021 to achieve the vision of 'Garbage Free Cities'.
It aims to achieve safe sanitation in urban areas.
SBM-U 2.0 focuses on making all cities 'garbage free' and ensuring proper grey and black water management.
The mission emphasises source segregation of solid waste, 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of municipal solid waste, and remediation of heritage dumpsites.
2. Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2023
Tags: Environment International News
The Petersberg Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Berlin from May 2-3, 2023.
An overview of the news
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) was hosted by Germany and the United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Ministers from 40 countries attended the conference to discuss the way forward towards COP28.
The main topics of discussion at the event were renewable targets, climate finance and global stocktake.
Key points of the summit
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the world needs to cut its greenhouse gas emissions at a rapid pace.
The conference agreed to focus on phasing out fossil fuel emissions while phasing out viable, affordable zero-carbon alternatives.
It calls for tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 and then doubling it by 2040.
2023 is the year of Global Stocktech. The Global Stocktake is essentially a periodic review of global climate action aimed at assessing whether current efforts will enable us to reach the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement.
Conference of Parties(COP)
Every year, the United Nations organizes a climate summit where the main agenda of the parties is to limit global temperature rise.
These summits are called Conference of the Parties (COPs).
Participants come from 197 countries that have signed the 1992 United Nations Climate Accord.
Its purpose is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous interference from human activity on the climate system.
The agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 °C, preferably 1.5 °C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
It was signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since 1994, COPs have been organised every year. Year 2023 marks the 28th summit, called the COP28 summit.
The COP28 conference will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
3. India to join international climate action in civil aviation from 2027
Tags: Environment National News
India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027.
An Overview of the News
This announcement was made in the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Parliament of the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the chairmanship of Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
ICAO has adopted several key ambitious targets, including a two percent annual fuel efficiency improvement by 2050, carbon neutral development, and net zero by 2050, all covered under CORSIA and LTAG.
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that joining these measures from 2027 would help airlines from developing countries like India to achieve greater growth and avoid adverse financial consequences due to CORSIA.
The financial impact caused by offsetting will be borne by individual airlines based on their international operations, and CORSIA only applies to flights originating from one country to another.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
It is a specialised agency of the United Nations and its primary function is to coordinate the principles and techniques of international air navigation.
The organisation is also responsible for promoting the planning and development of international air transport.
ICAO's mission is to ensure the safe and orderly development of the international aviation industry.
The organisation works with its member states to develop and implement policies and regulations related to air navigation and air transport.
ICAO also provides technical assistance and training to help its member states meet international aviation standards and regulations.
Established - 7 December 1944
Headquarters -Montreal, Canada
Carbon Offsetting and Mitigation Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA):
It is a global plan developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce CO2 emissions from international flights.
It aims to achieve carbon-neutral growth for international flights by offsetting any increase in emissions through the purchase of carbon credits from eligible projects.
The plan has a phased implementation and includes all international flights, except to least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
4. India-UK NET Zero Innovation virtual centre
Tags: Environment International News
India and the United Kingdom have agreed to create an India-UK Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre.
An overview of the news
The center will provide a platform for stakeholders from both countries to work together in areas such as manufacturing processes, transportation systems and decarbonization of green hydrogen as a renewable source.
This was announced by Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at a meeting of the India-UK Science and Innovation Council meeting in the presence of United Kingdom Minister George Freeman.
India is fast marching towards becoming an economic powerhouse driven by its extraordinary technology and innovation.
India is committed to achieve its climate change and environment goals within the stipulated time period.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are the central pillars, where India has already taken the lead through various initiatives like Solar Alliance and Clean Energy Mission.
Dr Jitendra Singh is leading a high-level official Indian delegation from the Ministry of Science and Technology on a six-day visit to the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom
The inclusion of Northern Ireland in Great Britain is called the United Kingdom.
That is, the United Kingdom is a kingdom consisting ofEngland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Queen of England is the head of both the United Kingdom/Britain.
The capital of the United Kingdom/Great Britain is London.
5. U.S. President signs executive order on environmental justice
Tags: Environment International News
U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on 21st April.
An overview of the news
The executive order directs every single federal agency to work toward environmental justice for all and improve the lives of communities hit hardest by toxic pollution and climate change.
The order would establish a new Office of Environmental Justice within the White House that aims to coordinate the government's efforts.
Federal agencies will work to notify communities when a toxic substance is released from a federal facility.
Disasters such as the February derailment of a freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, have drawn attention to environmental damage from hazardous chemical spills.
What is environmental justice?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful participation of all people, regardless of race, color or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
6. Environment Ministers agree to make efforts to reduce vehicle emissions
Tags: Environment
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The meeting of G7 (Group of seven) energy and environment ministers ended on 16th April at Sapporo city in Japan.
An overview of the news
The major focus in the meeting is on reducing the carbon footprint of automobiles.
The G-7 summit will be hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima in May 2023.
Joint Statement of the Meeting
The ministers agreed to make efforts to reduce vehicle emissions.
Agreement to halve carbon dioxide levels recorded in 2000 by 2035.
A major focus was placed on how to reduce the carbon footprint of automobiles.
Each country will check its progress every year to meet the target.
The agreement called on countries to help reduce emissions across a wide range of vehicles.
A new target was also set to prevent ocean pollution by plastic waste by 2040.
About G7
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialized countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The G7 holds annual meetings to discuss various global issues, but these meetings are usually held in different locations each year.
The 48th G7 summit was hosted by Germany in 2022.
7. NHAI signs MoU with Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Tags: Environment National News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the MoU is to improve the entry process for vehicles entering the forest area by facilitating a seamless and efficient system.
The initiative proposes a FASTag based payment system at forest entry points to avoid long queues and delays.
The benefit of collection of Ecosystem Management Coordination Fee through FASTag will be extended to various entry points of the Tiger Reserve.
The partnership between the Highways Management Company of India Limited and the Forest Department is an important step towards promoting sustainable tourism and conserving natural resources.
This partnership will help curb vehicular emissions at forest entry points, thereby contributing to environmental protection.
About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
It is an independent organisation established in 1995 by the Government of India.
NHAI manages and maintains a vast network of more than 50,000 km of National Highways across India, which represents about 40% of the total length of National Highways in the country.
NHAI is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the quality of National Highways in India and ensuring their smooth operation for the benefit of road users.
As a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI plays a vital role in formulating policies related to highways and implementing them effectively.
Establishment - 1988
Headquarters - New Delhi
Sector - Indian National Highway System
Objective - Development and maintenance of National Highways
Parent Agency - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India
About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3,728 km (1,439 sq mi).
It was established in 1983.
The tiger reserve is spread over five districts, which are Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda and Mehboob Nagar.
The tiger reserve is located inside the Nallamala forest area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse flora and fauna.
8. According to the latest tiger census data in 2022, the number of tigers in India has increased to 3,167
Tags: Environment
According to the latest tiger census data released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number of tigers in India is set to reach 3,167 in 2022.
An Overviews of the News:
- This figure shows a significant increase from the previous census figures of 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014 and 2,967 in 2018.
- The Prime Minister launched the 'International Big Cat Alliance' to mark the completion of 50 years of 'Project Tiger'. The aim of the alliance is to protect and conserve seven major big cats across the world including tigers and lions.
- The Prime Minister also released a booklet titled 'Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision', which outlines the vision for tiger conservation over the next 25 years.
Project Tiger
- Project Tiger was started in 1973 by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Under this programme, central assistance is provided to the states with tiger population for conservation of tigers.
- The initial reserves covered under Project Tiger were Jim Corbett, Manas, Ranthambore, Simlipal, Bandipur, Palamu, Sundarbans, Melghata and Kanha National Parks.
- At the time of the launch of Project Tiger in the year 1973, there were only 9 tiger reserves in the country, at present the total number of tiger reserves in the country has increased to 54.
The top 10 states with the highest population of tigers in India are:
- Madhya Pradesh - This state has the highest population of tigers in India with a total of 526 tigers.
- Karnataka - With a total of 524 tigers, Karnataka has the second largest population of tigers in India.
- Uttarakhand - This state has a total of 442 tigers and is known for its dense forests.
- Maharashtra - Maharashtra is home to 312 tigers, making it the fourth state with the highest tiger population in India.
- Tamil Nadu - This state has a total of 264 tigers and is known for the Mudumalai and Anamalai tiger reserves.
- Assam - With a total of 190 tigers, Assam is an important state for tiger conservation efforts in India.
- Kerala - Kerala also has a total of 190 tigers and is known for the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
- Uttar Pradesh - This state has 173 tigers and is home to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
- West Bengal - With a total of 88 tigers, West Bengal has a relatively low population of tigers compared to other states.
- Rajasthan - This state has the lowest tiger population among the top 10 states with a total of 69 tigers.
9. World's first Asian King Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center to be inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh
Tags: Environment
Uttar Pradesh has set up a state-of-the-art Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center (JCBC) for the critically endangered Asian king vulture, the first of its kind in the world.
An Overview of the News
- It is located in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh and is spread over 1.5 hectares.
- The JCBC is designed to maintain a sustainable population of Asian king vultures by breeding them in captivity and releasing them into the wild.
- The Asian king vulture is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
- The use of diclofenac in veterinary medicine in India has led to a population decline in recent years, and the JCBC aims to have at least 40 vultures in captivity over 15 years to ensure the sustainable conservation of the species.
- The Forest Department has partnered with the Bombay Natural History Society for technical guidance.
About Wildlife Protection Act
- Introduction: The Wildlife Protection Act is a law enacted in India in 1972 with the primary objective of protecting the wildlife and their habitats in the country.
- Prohibition: The Act prohibits hunting, poaching, capturing or killing any wild animal listed under Schedules I to IV of the Act, without prior permission from the authorities.
- Protected Areas: The Act designates specific areas as protected areas for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. These include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
- Penalties: The Act provides for strict penalties including fine and imprisonment for violations. Repeat offenders may face more severe punishment.
- Amendments: The Act has undergone several amendments over the years, the latest being in 2003 and the amendments aim to strengthen the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
10. Eravikulam National Park got a fernarium for the first time
Tags: Environment State News
Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala has a new attraction – a fernarium and it is the first fern collection set up in a hill station.
An Overview of the News
The Fernarium is located within the park close to the Orchidarium and is accessible to the public from 20 April.
The objective of the Fernarium is to educate visitors about the biodiversity of the park and to showcase the flora in a unique way.
Ferns grow naturally in a soilless environment by absorbing water and nutrients from trees, making the park an ideal location for a fernarium.
About Eravikulam National Park:
Location: Eravikulam National Park is located in the Western Ghats of India, within the state of Kerala.
History: The park was initially established as a game sanctuary in 1975, with the primary objective of protecting the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a type of mountain goat that is endemic to the Western Ghats.
National Park Status: In 1978, the sanctuary was declared a National Park and now it is spread over an area of 97 square kilometres.
Biodiversity: The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, which houses a number of wildlife species including Nilgiri Tahr, Macaque, Leopard and many bird species.
Recognition: The park has received international recognition for its conservation efforts, and was awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification in 2019 for its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
