Why in the News?

• Recently, the Union Government introduced Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha to amend Disaster Management Act, 2005.

More on the News

• Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 was enacted to provide for effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith.
• The Bill aims to mainstream disaster management in development plans, aligning with recommendations of 15th Finance Commission.
• Amendment Bill will bring more clarity and convergence in roles of authorities and committees.

Comparisons of Bill and DM Act 2005:

Provisions	DM Act, 2005	DM (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Preparation of DM plans	National Executive Committee and State Executive Committee prepare national and state DM plans, respectively.	– National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will prepare DM plans.
Functions of NDMA and SDMA at their respective levels	Reviewing DM plans of government departments.Setting guidelines for preparation of DM plans for authorities below them.Recommending provision of funds for disaster mitigation.	– Bill adds new functions:- Taking periodic stock of disaster risks.- Providing technical assistance to authorities.- Recommending guidelines for minimum standards of relief.- Preparing national and state disaster databases.
State & Disaster Databases	– No Provisions	– Contains information on type & severity of disaster risks, allocation of funds and expenditure, and disaster preparedness and mitigation plans.
Appointments to NDMA	– Act provides that central government will provide NDMA with officers, consultants, and employees, as it considers necessary.	– Bill empowers NDMA to specify the number and category of officers and employees, with previous approval of the central government.
Urban DM Authorities	– No Provisions	– Bill empowers state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) for state capitals and cities with a municipal corporation, except for Delhi and Chandigarh.
Formation of State Disaster Response Force	– No Provisions	– Bill empowers state government to constitute a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).- State government will define functions of SDRF and prescribe terms of service for its members.
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and High-Level Committee (HLC)	– No Provisions	– Bill provides statutory status to NCMC and HLC.- NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing with major disasters with serious or national ramifications.- HLC will provide financial assistance to state governments during disasters.
Committee(HLC)		The NCMC will be led by the Cabinet Secretary, and the HLC by the Minister of department overseeing disaster management.

Disaster Management Act 2005:

• It was enacted in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami.
• Establishment of Authorities: Act establishes a three-tier structure for disaster management.
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.
  • State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Headed by the Chief Ministers, responsible for disaster management at the state level.
  • District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs): Led by the District Magistrate, responsible for implementing disaster management plans at the district level.
• Preparation of Disaster Management Plans: The Act mandates the preparation of disaster management plans at national, state, and district levels.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Establishes NDRF for specialized response to disasters, including search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief distribution.
• Funding Mechanisms: Provides for the creation of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to finance relief and response measures.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Act established NIDM for disaster-related research, training, awareness, and capacity building. 

Parametric Insurance

Nagaland became the first Indian state to adopt the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS) after signing a MoU with SBI General Insurance.

About Parametric Insurance

• It is a type of insurance that covers probability/likelihood of a loss-causing event happening (E.g. earthquake) instead of compensating for actual loss incurred from event.
• It is an agreement that offers a pre-specified payment upon occurrence of a covered event meeting or exceeding a pre-defined intensity threshold, as measured by an objective value/parameter (hence name ‘parametric insurance’).
• Covered events: Could be earthquakes, tropical cyclones, or floods where parameter or index is magnitude, wind speed or water depth respectively.

Difference between Traditional insurance and Parametric insurance

• Traditional insurance: It is best used to protect owned physical property.
• After an event, payments are based on actual loss sustained, subject to terms and conditions of policy.
• Parametric insurance: Payment is tied to loss-causing event occurring, and not the actual loss sustained, resulting in scope of coverage much broader.
• It can be used to increase the amount of coverage available to certain natural perils (i.e., named windstorm) that are of primary concern to the insured.

Advantages of parametric Insurance

• Speed of payout: Speedy payouts prevent policyholders from having to tap savings or credit to pay their losses
• Sense of certainty: The customer knows the precise amount to be received.
• Transparency: When trigger data is equally available to both the insurer and the policyholder, it reduces the perception of unfairness.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (RE) IN INDIA

Why in the News?

• According to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India’s renewable energy
• capacity grew by 165% in 10 years, rising from 76.38 Gigawatts (GW) in 2014 to 203.1
• GW in 2024.

What is Renewable energy (RE)?

• It is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.
• For Example: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydro Power, Ocean Energy, Bio Energy.

Current Status of RE in India

• The share of RE in the total installed generation capacity in the country stands at 43.12%.
• India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity.
• 4th in Wind Power (46.65 GW) capacity and 5th in solar photovoltaic power (85.47 GW).
• First time crossed 200 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
• It includes Solar power: 85.47 GW, Large hydro power: 46.93 GW, Wind power:46.66 GW, Biopower:10.95 GW, Small hydropower:5.00 GW, Waste to Energy: 0.60 GW.

RE targets in India

• India aims reaching a non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.
• Fulfilling at least half of its energy requirements via RE by 2030.

Significance of Renewable Energy	Details
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions	By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45%.
Improving energy security	By relying on locally available resources, countries can reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.
Providing access to energy	It can help to reduce poverty and improve quality of life by providing accessible lighting, cooking, and heating.
Creating jobs	The growth of the solar power industry has created a large number of jobs in the production of solar panels.

Key Initiatives taken to promote Renewable Energy in India

• FDI: Up to 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route for renewable energy generation.
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Aimed to install rooftop solar plants in one crore households with a total financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore and to be implemented until FY27.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC) projects: Initiated to facilitate renewable power evacuation and reshaping of the grid for future requirements.
• Solar Parks Scheme: To provide solar power developers with a plug and play model, by facilitating necessary infrastructure along with all statutory clearances.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission, 2023: The mission targets to achieve about 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual Green Hydrogen production capacity by 2030.

RIVER LINKING PROJECT

Why in the News?

• Maharashtra government has approved the Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project.

More about the News

• Under the project, water from Wainganga (Gosikhurd) river in Godavari basin will be redirected to the Nalganga (Purna Tapi) project in Buldhana district by constructing 426.52km of link canals.
• The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) presented the detailed project report in 2018.
• It will supplement the National River Linking Project (NRLP).
• Maharashtra governor also approved the Nar-Par-Girna Valley Intra-State Link Project.
  • Nar-Par-Girna Valley link project is an Intra-State link proposal of Maharashtra State
• It aims to divert the surplus waters from Maharashtra portion of west flowing river basins i.e. Ambika basin, Auranga basin and Nar-Par basins to east side i.e. Girna river of Tapi basin.

About Wainganga and Nalganga River

• Wainganga River
  • Source: Mahadeo Hills (Madhya Pradesh)
  • The river Wainganga after its confluence with river Wardha is called Pranhita.
  • The river Pranhita with its three principal branches viz. the Penganga, the Wardha and the Wainganga, is the largest tributary of the river Godavari.
  • Its riparian States includes Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana.
• Nalganga are the main left bank tributaries of river Purna.
• Purna, is one of the tributaries of Tapi, joins from the left.

Interlinking of Rivers

• National River Linking Project (NRLP) aimed to link different surplus rivers of country with the deficient rivers so that the excess water from surplus region could be diverted to deficient region.
• Background: The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti) in August 1980.
• Under the NPP, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports.
• In 2021, Union Cabinet approved the implementation of Ken Betwa river link -first interlinking of rivers project.

GROSS ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT INDEX

Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to launch a Gross Environment Product Index (GEPI).

About GEPI:

• GEPI is a novel method to evaluate ecological development caused by human interventions.
• Four pillars of GEPI: Air, soil, tree and water.
• Formula:
  • GEP index = (Air- GEP index + Water- GEP index + Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index)
• Significance:
  • Help assess the impact of anthropological pressure on our ecosystem and natural resources.
  • Also calculates what we put back into the environment.
  • Quantifies contributions of natural ecosystems to the economy and overall welfare

WORLD BANK RELEASED “THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON EDUCATION”

REPORT

It highlights that climate change intensifies extreme weather, disrupts schooling and causes learning losses and dropouts.

Impact of Climate Change on Education

• Education Remains Overlooked in Climate Policy Agenda: In 2020, education accounted for less than 1.3% of climate assistance and was mentioned in less than one in three Nationally Determined Contribution plans.
• School Closures: Over 2005-2024, schools were closed in at least 75% of extreme weather events, impacting 5 million people or more.
• Over 99 % of children across world are exposed to at least one major climate and environmental hazard, shock.
• Rising temperature negatively impact learning outcomes: Even an increase of 1°C in outdoor temperature on exam days can result in a substantial decline in test scores.
• E.g. Students in hottest 10% of Brazilian municipalities, lost about 1% of learning per year due to increasing heat exposure.
• Increasing food insecurity and economic fragility jeopardize school enrollment: Up to 170 million people will be at risk of hunger by 2080 due to climate change, affecting student learning.
• Disproportionate harm: Climate-related events prevent at least 4 million girls in low- and lower-middle-income countries from completing their education.

CLIMATE FINANCE ACTION FUND (CFAF)

Azerbaijan launches Climate Finance Action Fund in Package of Initiatives for UN Climate Change Conference COP29.

About CFAF

• Headquarter: Baku, Azerbaijan.
• Fund will support climate projects in developing countries, meeting next generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to keep 1.5⁰C within reach, and addressing the consequences of natural disasters.
• CFAF will be capitalised with contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies across oil, gas and coal.
• CFAF will become operational at the conclusion of the initial fundraising round ($1 billion), and when 10 contributing countries will commit as shareholders.

EU NATURE RESTORATION LAW

Recently, the EU Nature Restoration Law came into force.

About the Law

• EU’s first continent-wide legislation for nature restoration.
• Aim: Restore 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 and all by 2050.
• Requires Member States to prepare National Restoration Plans by 1 September 2026.
• Prioritizes conservation of Natura 2000 network areas.
  • Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas in EU.

AQUATIC DEOXYGENATION

Experts called for “Recognition of Aquatic Deoxygenation(AD) as a New Planetary Boundary”.

• AD is overall decline in the oxygen content of oceanic and coastal waters (happens when oxygen consumption is greater than oxygen replenishment).

Status of AD

• Ocean: About 2% of oxygen content in ocean has been lost since 1960s.
• More than 500 low-oxygen sites have been identified in coastal waters.
• Other water bodies: Lakes and reservoirs have experienced oxygen losses of 5.5 and 18.6 % respectively since 1980.

Reasons underscoring AD

• Global Warming caused by GHG: Rise in temperatures decreases solubility of oxygen in water.
• Also, warm surface layers in ocean prevent oxygen from mixing deeper into ocean (leading to low oxygen level in deep sea waters)
• Eutrophication: Nutrient over enrichment from anthropogenic sources (e.g. agriculture) leads to algal blooms and increased consumption of oxygen.

Impact on Ecosystems

• Occurrences of dead zones and ocean hypoxia effect
• Habitat compression (reducing quality and quantity of suitable habitat) for fisheries leads to reduced biomass, species loss.
• Affects regulation and modulation of Earth’s climate (due to production of GHGs by microbiotic processes in such regions)
• Changes in marine food web due to increased risk of predation, and other factors e.g. Ocean acidification

Planetary boundaries

• Planetary boundaries are a framework to describe limits to impacts of human activities on the Earth system.
  • Beyond these limits, environment may not be able to self-regulate anymore.
• There are nine recognized planetary boundaries such as climate change, ocean acidification, land use change, biodiversity loss etc.

INDIA’S THREE MORE WETLANDS ADDED TO RAMSAR SITES LIST

1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Nanjarayan Lake a large shallow wetland named after King Nanjarayan (who restored and repaired it).
• It depends on heavy rain water flow from Nallar drainage.
• Acts as feeding and nesting habitat for resident and migratory birds; water source for agricultural purpose.

2. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Brackish shallow lake located on Coromandel Coast in North of Pondicherry.
• Connected to Bay of Bengal by brackish Uppukalli creek and Yedayanthittu estuary.
• Lies in Central Asian Flyway of migratory species.
• Breeding ground for birds, fish; source for aquifer recharge; houses highly degraded mangrove patches containing Avicennia species

3. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

• Located inside Satpura Tiger Reserve and borders Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Constructed at confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers.
• River Tawa (left bank tributary of Narmada River) originates from Mahadeo Hills.
• Rivers Malanni, Sonbhadra and Nagdwari are major tributaries of reservoir.

About Wetland

• An area of land that is saturated with water.
• Wetland must meet at least 1 of 9 criteria like regularly supports 20,000 or more water birds, or conserving biological diversity etc.
• Now, total Ramsar Sites in India is 85. Tamil Nadu has maximum Ramsar Sites.

“THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S MANGROVES 2024” REPORT

Report was released on World Mangrove Day (observed annually on 26th July) by Global Mangrove Alliance.

Key Highlights of Report

• Southeast Asia has about one-third of all mangroves globally (Indonesia alone has 21% of world’s mangroves), followed by West and Central Africa.
• Half of world’s mangrove provinces are considered threatened (IUCN Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems).
• Mangroves in Lakshadweep archipelago and on coast of Tamilnadu are critically endangered.
• Drivers of Mangrove Loss:
  • Climate change (sea-level rise, increased storm intensity).
  • Expansion of industrial shrimp aquaculture (Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat).
  • Conversion to oil palm plantations, rice cultivation (43% loss between 2000- 2020).

METHANOTROPHS

Agharkar Research Institute has described India’s first cultures of indigenous methanotrophs named Methylocucumis oryzae.

Name ‘methane eating cucumbers’ has been given to this novel genus.

About Methanotrophs (Methane-utilizing bacteria)

• These bacteria oxidize methane and build up their biomass.
• Habitat: Wetlands, rice fields, ponds and other water bodies
• Biofiltering: These bacteria can oxidize methane produced in anaerobic environments.
  • When oxygen is present in soils, atmospheric methane is also oxidized.
  • These bacterias are natural methane mitigating agents.
• Significance: Tackling Global Warming by reducing methane concentration in soil & atmosphere.

NEELAKURINJI

It has been included on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) official Red List of threatened species under the Vulnerable category.

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)

• About: Shrub known for massive blooming every 12 years. Semelparous, i.e., single reproductive episode before death.
• Location: Shola grasslands of Western Ghats – the Nilgiri hills, Palani hills and the Eravikulam hills of Munnar, also Shevaroy hills in the Eastern Ghats.
• The name Nilgiris (blue mountains) was derived from the colors of these flowers.
• Major Threats: Tea and softwood plantations, urbanization, invasion of exotic species like eucalyptus, black wattle, etc.

ASIAN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CENTRE (ADPC)

India has taken over the Chair of ADPC from People Republic of China for the year 2024-25.

About ADPC:

• Autonomous International Organization for cooperation in and implementation of disaster risk reduction and building climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific region.
• India and eight neighbouring countries are the founding members of ADPC.
• It was established in 1986 as a regional disaster preparedness center (DMC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT (IFM) VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES UPDATES

After 2 decades, FAO updated its IFM voluntary guidelines for managing wildfire risks.

• The new guidelines are prepared by Global Fire Management Hub (GFMH) which was launched by FAO and UNEP in 2023.

Key Principles of IFM

• Economic: Maximize benefits and minimize wildfire losses by implementing an efficient IFM program.
• Environmental: Consider interactions between climate change, vegetation, and fire regimes in fire planning and management.
• Equity: Consider the impacts of fire from all stakeholder perspectives, including gender, as wildfires can affect them differently.
• Human health: Use early detection and warning systems to reduce health impacts and adapt fire danger ratings with reliable weather forecasts.

Key Strategic Action of IFM

• Integrated Fire Management: Take action before, during, and after a fire while avoiding the introduction of invasive species through fire suppression and equipment.
• Planned fire: It is a component of wildfire prevention and involves allowing some fires to burn within defined parameters in fire-dependent ecosystems.
• Fire Awareness Programmes: Develop programs that respect cultural and social norms, including the use of fire for agriculture, forestry, and traditional purposes.
• Knowledge transfer: Collaborate with scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and local experts to enhance policies, regulations, and practices.

SOP FOR GREEN TUG TRANSITION PROGRAM (GTTP) LAUNCHED

Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the SOP for GTTP to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives towards Green shipping.

• A tug is a particular class of boat which helps mega-ships enter or leave a port.

About GTTP:

• GTTP, announced in 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs.
• ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements including 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping, Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises, etc.

Key Initiatives

Global

1. Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy by IMO:
   • Sets a sectoral target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
2. Green Voyage 2050:
   • Supports developing countries to reduce emissions from ships, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

India

1. Sagarmala Programme:
   • Focuses on port-led development with emphasis on green port initiatives.
2. Maritime India Vision 2030:
   • Aims for the development of Green Ports and Green Shipping in India.

POLAR COUPLED ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION FOR SERVICES (PCAPS)

World Meteorological Organization has launched the PCAPS project to improve weather forecasting in the Arctic and Antarctic.

About PCAPS

• Objective: To increase and improve weather, water, ice, and climate information about the Arctic and Antarctic.
• It will help develop observation systems and Earth system models and advocate for improved forecasting services.
• PCAPS is part of WMO’s World Weather Research Programme (WWRP).

WMO’s WWRP

• Key Objectives:
  • Advance research of the earth system through the science-for-services value cycle approach
  • Improve the warning process to account for the evolving nature of extreme weather impacts.

ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS

Scientists warn that intensification and increased frequency of atmospheric rivers due to global warming is worsening extreme rainfall events and weather patterns.

Atmospheric rivers (AR)

• AR, also called as ‘flying rivers’, are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport most of the water vapour outside of tropics.
• An average AR is about 2,000 km long, 500 km wide and nearly 3 km deep.
• ARs are a part of larger system of extratropical cyclones that transport heat and moisture from tropics toward the poles.
• ARs are typically located within low-level jet, an area of strong winds in lower atmosphere.
• They are largest transport mechanisms of freshwater on Earth, responsible for 90% of moisture transfer from tropics to poles.
• While many ARs are weak systems, some larger and strong ARs can create extreme rainfall and floods, causing mudslides and catastrophic damage.
• Climate Change and Atmospheric Rivers
  • With temperature increase, intensity of rain events rises because of increase in atmosphere’s moisture retention capacity.
  • By 2100, ARs are predicted to become more intense globally and will be much broader and longer.
  • Intensified ARs can produce drought like conditions by removing rainfall from rainfall-dependent regions.

Impact of ARs on India

• Seven of India’s 10 most severe floods in monsoon seasons between 1985 and 2020 were associated with ARs.
• Increase in extent of fog and haze in Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) has been linked to rising pollution and water vapour (due to intrusion of ARs).
• Declining snow albedo in Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayan Mountain Range as increased rainfall speeds up snow melting. 

INDIAN OCEAN STRUCTURES NAMED ASHOK, CHANDRAGUPT AND KALPATARU

Names of Ashok Seamount, Chandragupt Ridge and Kalpataru Ridge in the Indian Ocean have been approved by IHO and UNESCO’s IOC.

These structures are located along Southwest Indian Ridge.

They were discovered by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.

Naming of Undersea Feature

Outside Territorial Sea:

• Individuals and agencies can propose names for unnamed features, following IHO’s 2013 guidelines ‘‘Standardization of Undersea Feature Name”.
• Before naming of a feature, its character, extent, and position must be identified.
• Proposals are reviewed by IHO Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN).
• Within Territorial Sea: National authorities naming features in their territorial sea should adhere to the same 2013 IHO guidelines.

About IHO and IOC

• International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
  • Established in 1921.
  • An intergovernmental body (India a member).
  • Enjoys observer status at the UN.
  • Recognized as competent international authority regarding hydrography and nautical charting.
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
  • Established in 1961.
  • Promotes international cooperation in marine sciences.
  • GEBCO: General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) is an IHO & IOC UNESCO joint project to collect bathymetric data and map the oceans
  • GEBCO -SCUFN maintains and makes available a digital gazetteer of the names, generic  feature types, etc. 

DEEPEST ROCK SAMPLE FROM EARTH’S MANTLE OBTAINED

Scientists on the US vessel JOIDES Resolution have drilled around 1.2 Kms meters below the Atlantis Massif, surpassing the previous drilling depth of 201 meters.

• Mantle consisting of silicate rock makes up over 80% of Earth’s volume is the mid layer of the earth.
• Mantle rocks are usually inaccessible, except in areas of seafloor spreading, where Earth’s tectonic plates slowly move apart. For example, the Atlantis Massif.
• Atlantis Massif is an underwater mountain near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Key highlights

• Programme: Drilling was done under International Ocean Discovery Program (India is a funding partner).
• Location: The drilling was done on the southern side of the Atlantis Massif, near the Lost City Hydrothermal Field. 
• Sample recovered: The new rock sample contains over 70% rock.

Significance:

• Samples helps us understand
  • upper mantle’s composition
  • chemical reactions between these rock and seawater over a range of temperatures
• These processes might have played a role in the origin of life on Earth billions of years ago.
• Also, previous drilling was not deep enough to look for organisms such as heat-loving bacteria that might dwell farther down.

JAL SANCHAY JAN BHAGIDARI

Why in the News?

• Recently, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative was launched from Surat, Gujarat.

About Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative

• This initiative seeks to conserve water with a strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership,
• It aims to construct around 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures through community participation, ensuring long-term water sustainability across state.
• It is based on the success of the Jal Sanchay initiative of Gujarat Government that dealt with the mobilization of citizens, local bodies, industries and other stakeholders.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Some Examples of Community Participation in Water Conservation

• Local Jal Samitis under Jal-Jeevan Mission: Involves the participation of atleast 50% local village women.
• Neeru-Chettu (Andhra Pradesh): Rejuvenating and revitalising natural resources.
• Jal Jeevan Hariyali (Bihar): Identification, restoration, and renovation of all public water storage structures.
• Jal Hi Jeevan Hai (Haryana): Encouraging crop diversification and encouraging cultivation of lesser water intensive crops like Maize, Arhar, etc.
• Mission Kakatiya (Telangana): Reclamation of water tanks by restoring minor irrigation sources.

Traditional water storage systems in India

• Jal Mandir (Gujarat);
• Khatri, Kuhl (Himachal Pradesh);
• Zabo (Nagaland);
• Eri, Ooranis (Tamil Nadu);
• Dongs (Assam);
• Katas, Bandhas (Odisha and Madhya Pradesh);
• Paar, Johad (Rajasthan);
• Pat (Madhya Pradesh)

Other Government Initiatives fostering Community Participation in Water Conservation

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Decentralized, demand-driven, community-managed programme to maintain village water infrastructure.
• Various Components of Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana:
  • Har Khet ko Pani (New water sources through micro-irrigation);
  • Watershed Development (water harvesting structures like dams, ponds, etc.);
  • Per Drop More Crop (precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers for better agriculture efficiency)
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Sustainable management of Ground water through community participation. 

MISSION MAUSAM

Mission Mausam:

• Mission Mausam is envisaged to be a multi-faceted initiative to tremendously boost India’s weather and climate related science, research, and services

Key Features:

• Establish a wide network of radars and satellites, wind profilers, radiometers, High-Performance Computers (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) based models for multi-faceted weather observation and prediction.
• Setting up a ‘cloud-simulation chamber’ at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to be used for testing weather interventions like cloud seeding.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
  • Three Institutes under MoES- Indian Meterological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) would primarily implement the mission. 

Significance of Mission Mausam

• Make India Weather Ready and Climate Smart: Expand understanding on the physical processes and science of weather forecasting at spatial and temporal scales.
• Timely Updates and Services: Offer regular updates on the changing parameters like wind speeds, pressure, etc. ensuring capacity building and community resilience.
• Benefit different sectors: Like agriculture, disaster management, tourism, health, etc. along with data-driven decision making in urban planning, road and rail transport, etc.
• Empowers Stakeholders: It will help to better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
• New Approach to Forecasting: Offering umbrella model, with improved accuracy of forecasts including providing hyper local forecasts.
• Last Mile Prediction: Up to the Panchayat level with a lead time of 10 to 15 days and improves the Nowcast frequency from 3 to 1 hour.
  • Nowcast provides very short-term prediction, usually for next few hours and is useful for tracking fast-changing weather events such as thunderstorms, etc. 

Other Initiatives taken for improving Weather Forecasts in India

• Monsoon Mission (2012): Umbrella framework to predict weather on multiple timescales, improve long-range monsoon forecast for better economic planning.
• Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS): By Ministry of Agriculture to generate long-term, hyper-local weather data helping farmers.
• PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme: By MoES. It encompasses five on-going sub-schemes:
  • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
  • Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
  • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
  • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE) and
  • Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).

• Earth Observation Satellites: INSAT-3D (2013), INSAT-3DR (2016) and INSAT-3DS (2024).
• Initiatives by IMD: Offers Current Weather, Nowcast, City Forecast, Rainfall Information, All India Multi-hazard Winter Warning Bulletin, etc.
• Mobile Applications: MAUSAM (weather forecasting) Meghdoot (Agromet advisory dissemination), Damini (lightning alert), etc.
• MoES operationalised Pratyush and Mihir for weather forecasting in 2018.

HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT 

Recently, Wolf attacks were reported from few villages in Uttar Pradesh bringing the issue of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) to light.

About Wolf (Canis lupus):

• Fast Runners: Run at a very high speed up to 45 km/hour.
• Natural Predators: Prey mainly on rodents, hares, and livestock.
• Extremely Social: Live in a pack of 6-8 individuals and require a home range of about 180-200 sq. km.
• Social System: Monogamous and exhibit male dominance hierarchy.
• Communication: Using different vocalisations and scent marking.

There are two species of Wolf found in India: Gray Wolf and Himalayan Wolf.

Grey or Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)

• Habitat: Thorn forests, scrub-lands, arid and semi-arid grassland habitats, found in the agro-pastoral regions of semi-arid India.
  • Majority of them survives outside of protected areas in close proximity with people.
• Conservation Status
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN: Least Concern

Himalayan or Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco)

• Habitat: Wastelands of the upper-trans Himalayan range including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
• Conservation Status
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN: Vulnerable

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT EXCHANGE PLATFORM (AQMX) 

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched an AQMX in the backdrop of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September).

• Led by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this year’s theme focuses on ‘Invest in Clean Air Now’.

About Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx)

• It is a one-stop-shop that provides the latest air quality management guidance and tools proposed to meet WHO Air Quality Guidelines interim targets.
• It is a component of CCAC Clean Air Flagship and contributes to implementation of UNEA-6 Resolution to increase regional cooperation and action on improving air quality globally.

Need of AQMx

• Menace of air pollution: Causes more than 8 million premature deaths annually, particularly affecting poor and vulnerable.
• Capacity gaps: AQMx helps to address air quality management capacity gaps with curated guidance on air quality monitoring, health impact assessments etc.
• Knowledge sharing: Allow regional and sub-regional communities to exchange knowledge about air quality management best practices.

About CCAC

• Founded in 2012, and convened within UNEP, CCAC is a voluntary partnership of more than 160 governments, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs. India joined CCAC in 2019.
• It works to reduce powerful but short-lived climate pollutants– methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone – that drive both climate change and air pollution.

TEAL CARBON

India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP).

• The study depicted the potential of teal carbon as a tool to mitigate climate change, if the anthropogenic pollution in the wetlands can be controlled.
• The study also reveals elevated methane emissions can be reduced by use of a specialized type of biochar, which is a form of charcoal.

About Teal Carbon

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, encompassing carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and particulate organic matter.
• Teal carbon, being a color-based terminology, reflects the classification of organic carbon based on its functions and location rather than its physical properties.
• In contrast, black and brown carbon is produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter and contributes to global warming.
• Significance: It contributes to an increase in the groundwater level, flood mitigation and heat island reduction, supporting a sustainable urban adaptation.

Types of Carbon

Carbon Storage

• PURPLE: Carbon captured through the air or industrial emissions
• BLUE: Carbon stored in ocean plants and sediments
• TEAL: Carbon stored in freshwater and wetland environments
• GREEN: Carbon stored in terrestrial Plants

Carbon Release

• Black: Carbon released through the burning of fossil fuels
• Grey: Carbon released through industrial emissions
• Brown: Carbon released by incomplete combustion of organic matter
• Red: Carbon released through biological particles on snow and ice that reduce albedo

SCHEME FOR HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECTS (HEP)

Union Cabinet approved the modification of the scheme of budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects.

• Union Cabinet modified the scheme for faster development of Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) and improvement of infrastructure in remote and hilly project locations.
• A scheme of Budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure for HEP was launched by the Ministry of Power in 2019, along with other measures to promote the hydropower sector in India.
  • It provided budgetary support for constructing roads and bridges connecting major dams, powerhouses and other project infrastructure with the nearest state/national highway. 

Modified Scheme:

• Funding: Total outlay of Rs.12,461 crore for cumulative generation capacity of about 31,350 MW.
• Implementation Period: FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32.
• Expansion: Scheme expanded to include costs for constructing transmission lines, ropeways, railway sidings, and communication infrastructure, in addition to roads and bridges.
• Eligibility: HEPs >25 MW capacity including private sector projects and all Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs).

Other Measures for the Development of HEP

• Declaring Large Hydro Power projects (> 25 MW projects) as Renewable Energy sources.
• Hydro Power Purchase Obligations (HPOs) require entities to purchase electricity from HEPs.
• Tariff rationalization measures for bringing down hydropower tariff
• Budgetary support for flood moderation / Storage HEPs

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPENSATION GUIDELINES FOR BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT

Guidelines, issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, aim to promote proper battery waste management practices and enhance environmental sustainability across the country.

What is Environmental Compensation (EC)?

• 2022 Rules empower the CPCB to impose and collect EC from producers and entities involved in refurbishment and recycling of waste battery, in case of noncompliance of the rules.
• It can also be levied to entities carrying out activities without registration, providing false information / wilful concealment of material facts by the registered entities, etc., based on the polluter pays principle.
• It shall also be levied on Producer operating with respect to non-fulfilment of their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets, responsibilities and obligations set out in these rules.
  • EPR means the responsibility of any Producer of Batteries for Environmentally sound management of Waste Batteries.
• Payment of EC, however, shall not absolve the Producer of the EPR obligation set out under the rules. For instance, unfulfilled EPR obligation for a particular year will be carried forward to the next year.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines issued

• EC to be levied is divided in to two regimes:
  • EC Regime 1 – EC will be levied to the Producers for non-fulfilment of metal-wise (For Lead Acid Batteries and For Lithium-ion and Other Batteries) EPR Targets.
  • EC regime 2 – EC will be levied to any entity for non-compliances of BWM Rules, 2022 based on application fees

INDIA-GERMANY PLATFORM FOR INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGIES WORLDWIDE

India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energies Worldwide launched at 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST).

• RE-INVEST is organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

About India-Germany Platform

• Aims to develop concrete & sustainable solutions for the accelerated expansion of renewable energy in India and Globally.
• It will serve as an international forum for stakeholders from across the globe to develop solutions to support India in attaining the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
• It is an initiative under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), signed in 2022 between India & Germany.

THE INTERNATIONAL RHINO FOUNDATION (IRF) RELEASED THE STATE OF THE RHINO 2024 REPORT

IRF, initially called the International Black Rhino Foundation in 1991, is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species.

Key findings of the report

• With all five species combined, there are just under 28,000 rhinos left in world.
• Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023.
• The number of white rhinos increased but greater one-horned rhino (Indian Rhino) number remained the same.
• White rhino populations in South Africa are on rise despite poaching.

About Rhino

• Five species of rhino: 2 African (White Rhino, Black Rhino) and 3 Asian (Indian rhino, Sumatran Rhino, and Javan Rhino).
• Rhino conservation initiatives: National Rhino Conservation Strategy 2019 to conserve Indian rhino; New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019; Indian Rhino Vision 2020 etc.

Difference between African Rhino and Asian Rhino

Features	African Rhino	Asian Rhino
Size	White Rhino is second-largest land mammals after elephants.	Indian Rhino is largest of all Asian rhino species.
Appearance and Behaviour	– Less armoured look- More aggressive<br>- 2 horns- Poor swimmers and they can drown in deep water (so they wallow in mud)- Fights with their horns- Feed low to the ground	– More armoured look- Less aggressive- 2 horns (Sumatran rhino) and 1 horn (Indian Rhino and Javan rhinos)- Good swimmers- Fights with its bottom teeth- Graze on tall grasses, shrubs, leaves.
Habitat	Grasslands, savannas and shrublands; deserts	Tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannahs, Tropical moist forests
Conservation status (IUCN)	– White Rhino: Near threatened- Black Rhino: Critically Endangered	– Indian Rhino: Vulnerable; Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)- Sumatran Rhino: Critically Endangered- Javan Rhino: Critically Endangered

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE HABITATS

Recently, Union Cabinet approved continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

• While strengthening existing fundamental & core components of scheme, the scheme envisages boosting technological interventions in different thematic areas in tiger and wildlife-bearing forests

About IDWH

• Objective: It is a centrally sponsored umbrella scheme launched by Ministry of Environment for development of wildlife habitat in India.
• Components of IDWH
  • Support to protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves).
  • Protection of wildlife outside protected areas.
  • Recovery programs for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
    • So far, 22 species have been identified under the Species recovery program.

• Sub-schemes Under IDWH
  • Project Tiger (1973): It benefits a total of 55 Tiger Reserves spread across 18 tiger range states, distributed in 5 landscapes of the country.
    • It also supports the ambitious Project Cheetah in the country.
  • Development of Wildlife Habitats: Project Dolphin and Project Lion are implemented under this sub-scheme.
  • Project Elephant (1992): To protect elephants, their habitat, & corridors to address issues of human-animal conflict and welfare of captive elephants.
    • It is being implemented in 22 elephant range states/UTs.

Note: Project Tiger and Project Elephant schemes have been merged w.e.f. FY 2023-24 and now known as Project Tiger & Elephant.

COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE (CDRI) MARKS ITS FIFTH

ANNIVERSARY

On this occasion, CDRI announced a $2.5 million fund under the Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP) to enhance the climate resilience of cities in 30 low and middle-income countries including India.

About CDRI:

• Genesis: At the UN Climate Action Summit (2019) by India.
• Members: 40 countries and 7 organisations
• CDRI is a global partnership of nations, UN agencies, Multilateral Development Banks, and the private sector.
• Objective: To promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks ensuring sustainable development.
• Report: Global Infrastructure resilience Report

Significance of CDRI

• Funding: Provide a global mechanism for financing and coordination of the effective implementation of the aims of the CDRI.
• Technical Support and Capacitybuilding: This includes disaster response and recovery support; innovation etc.

Initiatives Taken by CDRI

• Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS): To promote resilient, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• DRI Connect platform: Knowledge exchange, learning and collaborative platform
• International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI): Annual conference bringing together experts, decision-makers etc. to discuss challenges and identify good practices.
• Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF): Established with support of UNDP and UNDRR, to support global action on disaster resilience of infrastructure systems

TARDIGRADES

Recently, a study of the first tardigrade fossil has enabled Scientist to classify them and retrace their evolutionary history.

About Tardigrades (Water Bears or Moss Piglets)

• They are tiny eight-legged aquatic animals found in almost all habitats on Earth.
• They comprise of two main classes: Heterotardigrada and Eutardigrada.
• They can survive extreme environmental conditions like punishing heat, freezing cold, ultraviolet radiation and even outer space.
  • They are able to survive harsh conditions, as they are capable of almost stopping their metabolism (known as cryptobiosis), reviving only when conditions are better.

WATER SPINACH

Water spinach now reached the door of the farmers with the technology developed by the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR). 

About Water spinach

• Native to tropics and subtropics, this semi-aquatic perennial plant is believed to have been the first domesticated in Southeast Asia.
• Benefits
  • Rich in folic acid (vitamin B9); Contains medium levels of beta carotene, calcium, vitamin E and C.
  • Helps prevent neural tube defects in unborn children.
  • Being rich in iron, it’s beneficial for people with anemia.
  • Has great potential as a purifier of aquatic habitats.

EXERCISE AIKYA

National Disaster Management Authority and Southern Command of the Indian Army are set to host the Exercise AIKYA in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

• The exercise’s primary objective is to improve disaster preparedness and foster strong collaboration among key stakeholders.
• The exercise will incorporate simulations, technology discussions, and expert insights into various disaster management roles.
• Since 1900, India has suffered an economic loss of $150 billion with largest loss from floods and storms (SBI Ecowrap 2023).

ATACAMA SALT FLAT

A study by Researchers at the University of Chile found that Chile’s Atacama salt flat is sinking due to lithium brine extraction.

About Atacama Salt Flat

• Also known as Salar de Atacama, it is the biggest salt deposit in Chile.
• It has a rough white surface below which there is a large salt lake.
  • Lake under the salt flat has one of the largest lithium reserves in the world.

• It lies in Chile’s Atacama Desert, probably the driest place on the planet.
• The northern part of the basin is the San Pedro River delta.