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GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

  • Black Hole swallows Neutron Star

    In an entirely strange phenomenon, astronomers have spotted two neutron stars being swallowed by different black holes.

    What are Black Holes?

    • A black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing—no particles or even electromagnetic radiation such as light—can escape from it.
    • Neutron stars and black holes are among the most extreme objects in the universe. They are the fossil relics of massive dead stars.
    • When a star that is more than eight times as massive as the Sun runs out of fuel, it undergoes a spectacular explosion called a supernova.
    • What remains can be a neutron star or a black hole.

    There is no upper limit to how massive a black hole can be, but all black holes have two things in common: a point of no return at their surface called an “event horizon”, from which not even light can escape and a point at their centre called a “singularity”, at which the laws of physics as we understand them break down.

    What about Neutron stars?

    • Neutron stars are typically between 1.5 and two times as massive as the Sun but are so dense that all their mass is packed into an object the size of a city.
    • At this density, atoms can no longer sustain their structure and dissolve into a stream of free quarks and gluons: the building blocks of protons and neutrons.

    What is the news observation?

    • Gravitational waves are produced when celestial objects collide and the ensuing energy creates ripples in the fabric of space-time which carry all the way to detectors on Earth.
    • The reverberations from the two celestial objects were picked up using a global network of gravitational wave detectors.

    What makes this strange phenomenon?

    • This is the first time scientists have seen gravitational waves from a neutron star and a black hole.
    • Previous gravitational wave detections have spotted black holes colliding, and neutron stars merging but not one of each.

    Why study this?

    • Neutron star-black hole systems allow us to piece together the evolutionary history of stars.
    • Gravitational-wave astronomers are like stellar fossil-hunters, using the relics of exploded stars to understand how massive stars form, live and die.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.“Event Horizon” is related to (CSP 2018):

    (a) Telescope

    (b) Black hole

    (c) Solar glares

    (d) None of the above

  • [pib] Project BOLD

    The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched the unique Project Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD) in Rajasthan.

    Project BOLD

    • Project BOLD seeks to create bamboo-based green patches in arid and semi-arid land zones.
    • It is a unique scientific exercise serving the combined national objectives of reducing desertification and providing livelihood and multi-disciplinary rural industry support.
    • 5000 saplings of special bamboo species: Bambusa-Tulda and Bambusa-Polymorpha specially brought from Assam – have been planted over 25 bigha (16 acres approx) of vacant arid Gram Panchayat land.
    • KVIC has thus created a world record of planting the highest number of bamboo saplings on a single day at one location.

    Why Bamboo?

    • KVIC has judiciously chosen bamboo for developing green patches.
    • Bamboos grow very fast and in about three years’ time, they could be harvested.
    • Bamboos are also known for conserving water and reducing evaporation of water from the land surface, which is an important feature in arid and drought-prone regions.

    Significance of the move

    • The project will help in reducing the land degradation percentage of the country, while on the other hand, they will be havens of sustainable development and food security.
    • The bamboo plantation program will boost self-employment in the region.
    • It will benefit a large number of women and unemployed youths in the region by connecting them to skill development programs.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q. Consider the following statements:

    1. As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
    2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
    3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CSP 2019)

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Back2Basics: Bamboo in India

    • Bamboos are tall treelike grasses.
    • With an amendment in 2017 in the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Bamboo has ceased to be a tree anymore.
    • Earlier, the definition of tree in the law included palm, bamboo, brushwood and cane.
    • The move aims to promote cultivation of bamboo in non-forest areas to achieve the “twin objectives” of increasing the income of farmers and also increasing the green cover of the country.
    • Bamboo grown in the forest areas would continue to be governed by the provisions of the Indian Forest Act.

  • Rooftop rainwater harvesting for India’s water stress

    India’s rapid urban growth is expected to stress its already crumbling base of public service arrangements — especially its management of water and sanitation services, whose safe and reliable availability proved to be the first line of defence against this covid pandemic.

    Q.Discuss how Rooftop rainwater harvesting can ease India’s water woes? (150W)

    Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting

    • It is the technique through which rainwater is captured from the roof catchments and stored in reservoirs.
    • Harvested rainwater can be stored in sub-surface groundwater reservoirs by adopting artificial recharge techniques to meet the household needs through storage in tanks.
    • Capturing and storing rainwater for use is particularly important in dryland, hilly, urban and coastal areas.
    • It holds the potential to support the country’s preparedness against the incipient challenges of changing climate.

    Water stress in India

    • An appalling confusion grips our policy makers and planners.
    • While the supply-demand gap is expected to widen by 50 per cent by 2030, many are still left without access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services.
    • At least five Indian cities are already reported to have joined the list of world’s 20 largest water-stressed cities.

    If we look at the present portfolio of water resources management for other cities, it will not be wrong to claim that many more will soon become qualified for joining this infamous list.

    Exploring the complex problems

    • Water availability in India remains at the mercy of erratic patterns of precipitation.
    • Concretization of urban landscapes, symbolic of modern town planning imaginaries as to what an exercise in urban development has led to floods worsening.
    • Illegal encroachment along stormwater drains and urban rivers also aggravates the situation, not least by opening up spaces of active political contestation and negotiations.

    A paradigm shift needed

    • In India, management of water was bundled as part of the prerogative claims of post-independent public institutions with public participation programs designed later on to serve only a placatory function.
    • This has led to the systematic exclusion of the public’s opinions in informing the design and implementation protocols of large public schemes.
    • It took the form of multi-purpose dams, irrigation canals, public water distribution systems, etc.
    • Despite this, India has now become a ‘water-stressed country.

    A newer approach

    • Rising national empathy for river rejuvenation, watershed conservation and active public participation has, on the other hand, already started scripting a new paradigm for India’s water management.
    • It prompts decision-makers to look for solutions in the collective efforts of the citizens in managing their issues locally.

    Right from the vedic times

    • Our Vedic ancestors, in their appreciation of the timeless bounty of water, always offered timely obeisance to water’s eternal gifts to mankind.
    • Their reverence to water can be found in the hymns and prayers offered to Varuna and Indra — Vedic Gods associated with water to riveting architectural gems and literary delights, each underscoring the centrality of water in our cultural revelries.
    • It is time our policies are re-designed to reflect these values.

    Empowering people

    • Rooftop rainwater structures are perfectly poised to engender a transformative wave of public engagement in water management.
    • Thus it can act as a corollary for making water management an exercise in nurturing democratic routines.
    • To ensure that the public enthusiastically purchases this concept, a country-wide behaviour change campaign can be launched along the lines of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
    • This can emphasize people’s ‘ability and ‘motivation’ to romantically welcome these structures in their private premises.
    • This should rather be a ‘do-it-yourself’ model of engagement.

  • Fighting hunger needs fighting climate change

    The article suggests pathways to achieve SDG-2 by the adoption of climate-friendly agriculture practices.

    Food and SDG

    • Food is a common thread linking all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and critical to achieving overall goals within the timeframe.
    • NITI Aayog recently released the SDG India Index 2020-21, highlighting the national and states’ progress on SDGs.
    • The report states that 34.7% children aged under five in India are stunted.
    • 40.5% of children between 6-59 months are anaemic.
    • 50.3% of pregnant women between 15-49 years are anaemic.
    • India shares a quarter of the global hunger burden.
    • Four out of 10 children in India are not meeting their full human potential because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
    • NFHS-5 shows many states have not fared well on nutrition indicators.
    • In addition to the malnutrition challenges, India’s food system faces negative consequences of the Green Revolution technologies.

    Pathways to follow in meeting the targets under SDG-2 (Zero Hunger)

    • Crop diversification especially in those areas where the existing practices are ecologically unsustainable should be promoted.
    • While Indian agriculture is a significant contributor to GHG emissions.
    • As per third Biennial Update Report submitted by Government of India to UNFCCC, agriculture sector contributes 14% of the total emissions.
    • Some of the climate-smart interventions like conservation agriculture, organic farming and agro-ecological approaches can effectively address the environmental concerns while ensuring food security and nutrition.
    • Crop-residue burning has become a huge problem in parts of the country.
    • This is mainly propelled by monoculture and a package of subsidies.
    • Conservation agriculture offers solutions to such problems with good agronomy and soil management such as zero-tillage or no-till farming, crop rotation, in-situ crop harvest residue management/mulching, etc, and industrial uses like baling and bio-fuel production.
    • Use of botanical pesticides, green-manuring, biological pest control, etc. are nature-friendly and such practices lead to eco-conservation.
    • The organic movement, fortunately, is catching up in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and a few other states.
    • Modifying consumer behaviour forms an essential ingredient to transform Indian food systems and correlate positively with crop and diet diversity.
    • POSHAN Abhiyaan, India’s national nutrition mission, can play an effective role in addressing the issues of persistent malnutrition.
    • According to FAO estimates, 40% of the food produced in India is either lost or wasted in every stage of supply chain.
    • Winning the fight against food loss and waste can save India $61 billion in 2050 through increased industry profitability and reduced food insecurity, as well as reduced GHG emissions, water usage, and environmental degradation.
    • Shifting towards a circular economy can enable India progress towards the SDGs including halving food waste by 2030 and improving resource efficiency.

    Conclusion

    India’s success is essential to achieve the planetary goal of Zero Hunger. There is a need for transformation towards sustainable, nutritious and resilient food systems to achieve the goal of zero hunger.

    Source:-

    https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/fighting-hunger-needs-fighting-climate-change/2279369/

  • Species in news: Euphlyctis Kerala

    A new species of skittering frog has been identified from the surroundings of the Thattekkad bird sanctuary.

    Euphlyctis Kerala

    • The new species is named Euphlyctis Kerala in honor of the remarkable biodiversity of the State, which is also known for many endemic species of frogs.
    • The new species is known to be found in the freshwater bodies of the foothills of the Western Ghats, south of the Palakkad Gap.
    • Although multiple skittering frogs have been described from India for almost two centuries (since 1799), the taxonomic mess within this group created a lot of confusion due to “morphological character crypticity”.
    • Members of the genus Euphlyctis (skittering frogs) have their distribution range from Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
    • As of now, Kerala is known to have 180 species of frogs and there could be many more new species awaiting formal descriptions.

  • What is Ambergris?

    In the past few weeks, there have been two cases where the Mumbai Police has arrested five persons trying to sell Ambergris or whale vomit.

    What is Ambergris?

    • Ambergris, French for grey amber, is generally referred to as whale vomit.
    • It is a solid waxy substance that floats around the surface of the water body and at times settles on the coast.
    • A sperm whale eats several thousand squid beaks a day.
    • Occasionally, a beak makes it way to the whale’s stomach and into its looping convoluted intestines where it becomes ambergris through a complex process, and may ultimately be excreted by the whale.

    Is it Ambergris valuable?

    • This excretion is so valuable it is referred to as floating gold.
    • As per the latest estimates given by Mumbai Police, 1 kg of ambergris is worth Rs 1 crore in the international market.
    • The reason for its high cost is its use in the perfume market, especially to create fragrances like musk.
    • It is believed to be in high demand in countries like Dubai that have a large perfume market. Ancient Egyptians used it as incense.
    • It is also believed to be used in some traditional medicines.

    Why are the laws on Ambergris?

    • Due to its high value, Ambergris has been a target for smugglers especially in coastal areas.
    • There have been several cases where the coastline of Gujarat has been used for such smuggling.
    • Since the sperm whale is a protected species, hunting of the whale is not allowed.
    • However, smugglers are known to have illegally targeted the fish in order to obtain the valuable Ambergris from its stomach.
    • However, Ambergris is produced only by an estimated one per cent of sperm whales.

  • Species in news: Pygmy Hogs

    Few captive-bred pygmy hogs, the world’s rarest and smallest wild pigs, were released in the Manas National Park of western Assam under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP).

    Pygmy Hogs

    • The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft).
    • Today, the only known population lives in Assam, India and possibly southern Bhutan.
    • As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
    • It is designated as a Schedule I species in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and offences against them invite heavy penalties.

    About Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP)

    • The PHCP is a collaboration among Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust of UK, Assam Forest Department, Wild Pig Specialist Group of IUCN and Union Environment Ministry.
    • It is currently being implemented by NGOs Aaranyak and EcoSystems India.
    • Six hogs — two males and four females — were captured from the Bansbari range of the Manas National Park in 1996 for starting the breeding programme.
    • The reintroduction programme began in 2008 with the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary (35 hogs), Orang National Park (59) and Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary (22).

    Now answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.Consider the following :

    1. Star tortoise
    2. Monitor lizard
    3. Pygmy hog
    4. Spider monkey

    Which of the above found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Species in news: Rare Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans)

    A major temple in Assam has signed a MoU with NGOs, the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden and the Kamrup district administration for the long-term conservation of the rare freshwater black softshell turtle or the Nilssonia nigricans.

    Two years back, one species from our newscard: Species in news: Hump-backed Mahseer made it into the CSP 2019.  The ‘Puntius Sanctus’ fish in the newscard creates such a vibe yet again.

    A stand-alone species being mentioned in the news for the first time (and that too from Southern India) find their way into the prelims. Make special note here.

     

    Q.Consider the following pairs

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched? (CSP 2019)

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Nilssonia nigricans

    • Until sightings along the Brahmaputra’s drainage in Assam, the black softshell turtle was thought to be “extinct in the wild”.
    • It was confined only to ponds of temples in northeastern India and Bangladesh.
    • The International Union for Conservation of Nature had in 2021 listed the turtle as “critically endangered”.
    • But it does not enjoy legal protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, although it has traditionally been hunted for its meat and cartilage, traded in regional and international markets.

  • Green Hydrogen

    India is all set to host a two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives involving the BRICS nations.

    What is Green Hydrogen?

    • Hydrogen, when produced by electrolysis using renewable energy is known as Green Hydrogen which has no carbon footprint.
    • This gives hydrogen the edge over other fuels to unlock various avenues of green usage.
    • However, challenges lie in terms of technology, efficiency, financial viability, and scaling up which the summit will aim to address.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements:

    1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by products.
    2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
    3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Applications of green hydrogen

    • Green hydrogen has innumerable applications.
    • Green Chemicals like ammonia and methanol can directly be utilized in existing applications like fertilizers, mobility, power, chemicals, shipping among others.
    • Green Hydrogen blending up to 10 percent may be adopted in CGD networks to gain widespread acceptance.
    • Further scaling up with greening of hard to abate sectors like steel and cement through hydrogen is to be explored.
    • Many countries have brought out their strategies and defined targets and roadmaps based on their resources and strengths.

    Back2Basics: BRICS Countries

    • BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
    • To be clear, BRICS was not invented by any of its members.
    • In 2001, Goldman Sachs’ Jim O’Neill authored a paper called “Building Better Global Economic BRICs”, pointing out that future GDP growth in the world would come from China, India, Russia and Brazil.
    • Significantly, the paper didn’t recommend a separate grouping for them, but made the case that the G-7 grouping, made up of the world’s most industrialized, and essentially Western countries, should include them.
    • O’Neill also suggested that the G-7 group needed revamping after the introduction of a common currency for Europe, the euro, in 1999.
    • In 2003, Goldman Sachs wrote another paper, “Dreaming with BRICs: Path to 2050”, predicting that the global map would significantly change due to these four emerging economies.
    • In 2006, leaders of the BRIC countries met on the margins of a G-8 (now called G-7) summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, and BRIC was formalized that year.

  • What the G7 message on net-zero emissions means for India

    The article highlights G-7 countries’ emphasis on adoption of net-zero emission target and its implications for India.

    Shifting responsibility to developing countries

    • The Cornwall G7 summit sought to re-establish a common purpose among the richest democracies of the world.
    • The G7 agreed “collectively” to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and called on “all countries, in particular, major emitting economies” to join as part of global efforts.
    • And, ODA (official development assistance) has been made contingent on net-zero emissions by 2050 and deep cuts in emissions in the 2020s.
    • G7 made an equal effort to shift the responsibility to the large developing countries.
    • However, “common and differentiated responsibilities” is the agreed guiding principle for tackling climate change.
    • Differentiation underscores the responsibility of the industrialised countries to lead.

    India’s climate actions

    • India has been a leading stakeholder in climate action and is among the few in the G20 in line to meet their commitments under the Paris Accord.
    • It has also taken on a most ambitious target of 450 GW of renewable power by 2030.
    • India has shown the world the way forward on solar power with producers now offering ultra-competitive tariffs.

    India’s concerns

    • Coal was particularly in the eye of the G7 which stressed “that international investments in unabated coal must stop now” .
    •  India, that continues to rely on coal, could face a crunch in assistance in thermal power.
    • BASIC, comprising India, China, Brazil and South Africa, has so far led the efforts of large developing countries in climate negotiations.
    • But with possible differences of opinion on net zero, BASIC’s clout in future global negotiations is questionable.

    Way forward

    • Finance and technology are the key areas where the industrialised West can and must lead.
    • The collective developed countries’ commitment of $ 100 billion per year was made in Copenhagen in 2009 and is nowhere near being reached.
    • A smallish sum of $2 billion was committed by G7 to accelerating the transition from coal.
    • For India, with its huge developmental needs and global high-table aspirations that require carbon and policy spaces, the imperative is strong diplomatic partnerships with large developing economies that have an inherent interest in GREEN-Growth with Renewable Energy, Entrepreneurship and Nature.

    Conclusion

    India, which has huge developmental needs and global high-table aspirations that require carbon and policy spaces, must protect its interests.