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Biodiversity, Potential tourism, Aerosol-climate, Cyber Safety-Different campaigns,Railway initiative

1. "India – A Golfer’s Paradise" showcases potential of golf tourism in India

  • The Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, under the Dekho Apna Desh webinar series, organised its 28th webinar on 4th June 2020 titled as “India – A Golfer’s Paradise” that unfolded the thrill and beauty of golfing in key spots and far flung destinations of India providing 365 days of Golf vacation  experience to golfers across the nation and abroad.
  • Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and it is continuously spreading the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through virtual platforms.
  • he mindful pleasures of golfing as a meditative activity and how a composed game such as golf can eliminate the battles of stress the human mind goes through.
  • According to a survey, a golfer spends 40-45% more than a normal tourist and takes about 2-3 golfing holidays in a year.
  • Golf tourism in India particularly has a strong potential since the climatic condition is more favourable here as compared to most countries.
  • The golf courses covered in North Region included Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, Lidder Valley Golf Course, Pahalgam, Gulmarg Golf Course, and Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Chandigarh Golf Course, Panchkula Golf Course. The Agra Club Golf Course is also a potential course that needs attention for a revamp and upgrade.
  • The Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series, launched on 14th April 2020, till date has conducted 28 sessions showcasing the varied tourism products and experiences that India offers across the country.  
  • The idea behind these Webinars are to promote and showcase the rich heritage, culture, customs and traditions of our beautiful Country to enable people to understand the diversity that is India which will further help in enhancing and understanding bonding between the States thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.

2. Environment friendly way to shape ceramics through 3D printing with Methyl Cellulose

  • Ceramic parts are generally produced from powder formulations with additives using various shaping processes followed by post thermal treatments.
  • Most of the high-end applications require complex geometries with micro-features, which is a major limitation of ceramic shaping process.
  • Further, machining of ceramics to achieve close dimensional tolerances is also extremely difficult due to their hardness and brittle nature.
  • However, the 3D process is only a shaping procedure, and the property of the final part strongly depends on composition and microstructure, which are dictated by the thermal processing after printing. Hence, the optimization of processing parameters with respect to flow properties and tailoring of defect-free microstructures have been challenging.
  • The ARCI team used the thermal gelation property of methylcellulose (MC), a chemical compound derived from cellulose used as a thickener and emulsifier in various industrial products like paints and demonstrated the 3D printing of advanced ceramics with MgAl2O4 spinel.
  • In this process, they have employed a simple and eco-friendly heating technique, unlike UV based methods, which may have various environmental impacts.
  • “3-D printing using inexpensive printers is a huge business opportunity in point-of-use and distributed manufacturing in almost any sector which can be harnessed by MSMEs. Techniques that make the printing possible with different materials (plastics, ceramics, metals.) with desired properties are in huge demand,” 
  • Thermally induced gelation process demonstrated in the present study is advantageous as the methylcellulose is used only at a very low concentration of 0.25 wt%. Further, the process developed by ARCI is eco-friendly and offers flexibility in post-processing, as in the case of conventional ceramic processing.

3. Aerosol-climate implications in Western-Trans Himalayas

  • Researchers at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Govt. of India have found that aerosol radiative forcing larger than the global averages, implying some amount of radiative effects, in spite of the clean atmosphere over the trans-Himalayas.
  • Further, the temperature over the Ladakh region is increasing 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius per decades from the last 3 decades.
  • As the Total Environment shows that monthly-mean atmospheric radiative forcing of aerosols leads to heating rates of 0.04 to 0.13 C per day.
  • The atmospheric aerosols play a key role in the regional/global climate system through scattering and absorption of incoming solar radiation and by modifying the cloud microphysics.
  • Despite the large progress in quantifying the impact of different aerosols on radiative forcing, it still remains one of the major uncertainties in the climate change assessment.
  • Precise measurements of aerosol properties are required to reduce the uncertainties, especially over the oceans and high altitude remote location in the Himalayas where they are scarce.
  • The observations of the scientists show that the aerosol optical depth (AOD) exhibited a distinct seasonal variation with higher values (0.07) in May and lower (0.03) in winter months.
  • The lower values of Ångström exponent (AE) in spring indicated dominance of coarse-mode dust aerosols.
  • An aerosol classification based on FMF and SSA revealed a dominance of medium-sized mixed aerosols over the Hanle and Merak, especially in Spring (53%).
  • Pure and polluted dust exhibited fractions between 16% and 23%, with a low frequency of less than 13% of absorbing aerosols, denoting weak influence of anthropogenic aerosols and Black Carbon over the trans-Himalayan sites.
  • Further, the aerosol radiative forcing ARF values at top of the atmosphere were mostly low (-1.3 Wm-2) over Hanle and Merak.
  • “A deep scientific study of aerosol generation, transport, and its properties have important implications in our understanding and mitigation of climate change via atmospheric warming, which among many things, impacts the snow and glacier dynamics over the trans-Himalayan region,”.
  • Measurements of aerosol optical and microphysical properties started during the last decade at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at the high altitude background sites of Hanle and Merak in the trans-Himalayas under the frameworks of Aerosol Radiative Forcing over India (ARFI) and Astronomical Site Survey program of Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore. In addition to this, few in-situ measurements of carbonaceous aerosols and ionic species have also been performed at Himansh Observatory (Spiti Valley) in the western Himalayas.
  • The transport of light-absorbing carbonaceous aerosols and dust from the polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain and desert areas over the Himalayas constitutes a major climatic issue due to severe impacts on atmospheric warming and glacier retreat.
  • This heating over the Himalayas facilitates the “elevated-hat pump” that strengthens the temperature gradient between land and ocean and modifies the atmospheric circulation and the monsoon rainfall.
  • A better understanding of the aerosol optical and microphysical properties through the study can improving the modelling of aerosol effects in view of aerosol-climate implications via modifications in atmospheric warming and changes in the snow/glacier albedo over the trans-Himalayan region.

4. 'Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways' a national awareness campaign

  • The need for generating awareness and education for the masses at large towards reducing or eliminating mortality on the roads of both human beings and animals has underlined by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari.
  • As ecology and sustainability are most important for human life.
  • Launching the UNDP national awareness campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’ via video conference on the occasion of World Environment Day stating  that ethics, economy and ecology are the three most important pillars of our country.
  • The Minister informed that various Road safety measures have been highlighted to be focused upon on stretches of National Highways such as, rectification of Black Spots, traffic calming measures, Crash Barriers, Repairing, rehabilitation and reconstruction of dilapidated and narrow bridges, Road Safety Audit, Reduction of fatalities on vulnerable roads, Highway Patrolling, and Safety during Construction.
  • Shri Gadkari also informed that his Ministry is conscious about the need to protect animal life on the roads.
  • He said, the Ministry has requested all agencies to follow the provisions of the manual titled “Eco friendly measures to mitigate impacts of linear infrastructure on wildlife” issued by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for making road or any linear infrastructure and take care of wildlife accordingly.
  • He requested NGOs and social organisations to locate black spots for animals on the roads, and inform his Ministry, so that necessary corrective action may be taken.
  • The Minister said, the ministry and its organisations are spending good amounts on creating infrastructure conducive to animal use.
  • He cited the example of Nagpur-Jabalpur Highway, where a via-ducts etc have been constructed for Rs 1300 crore to create right-of-way for the tigers.
  • Similar exercises are being undertaken in forest area of MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand(Dehradun), etc., he said.
  • These include conducting studies for road engineering favourable to animal movement, constructing underpasses, elevated corridors, via-ducts, cut and cover, gaurdwall, fencing, watch tower, solar pumps, ponds for drinking water for animals, etc.

5. To provide clean environment and smooth travel experience to its passengers, Indian railways has taken various steps under Swachh Bharat, Swachh Railways initiative

  • Indian Railways is committed to provide world class facilities to its passengers through one of the best railways network in the world.
  • In order to provide clean environment and smooth travel experience to its passengers, Indian railways has taken various steps under Swachh Bharat, Swachh Railways initiative.

Some important steps are listed as below:

  • 49,487 Bio-toilets installed in 14,916 coaches during 2019-20. This takes the cumulative numbers of bio-toilets to more than 2,45,400 fitted in 68,800 coaches with a coverage of 100%.
  • No single use plastic material from 150th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd Oct 2019.
  • Considering the efforts of Railways, Ministry of Railways has been adjudged as the best effort by a Ministry for implementation of ‘Swachhta Action Plan’, and was awarded by President of India on 06th Sept 2019.
  • 200 Railway Stations certified for implementation of Environment Management System to ISO: 14001 in 2019-20.
  • Integrated mechanized cleaning is now provided at 953 stations.
  • Independent third party Survey of passenger perception on cleanliness standards was carried out at 720 Stations in 2019-20 against 407 stations.
  • More than 1100 pairs of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other important long distance Mail/Express trains are having facility of On Board House Keeping Service (OBHS) for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains.
  • OBHS service is supported by SMS based on demand “Coach-Mitra” service to cover over 1060 pairs of trains.
  • Mechanized laundries being set up for improving quality of washing of linen provided to AC coach passengers. 8 mechanized laundries installed in FY 2019-20 (total 68).
  • As an initiative to reduce, recycle and dispose plastic waste generated in stations in an ecofriendly manner, comprehensive policy guidelines have been brought out for installation of Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines (PBCMs) by Zonal Railways. At present, around 315 PBCMs have been installed at 229 stations including several district headquarters railway stations over Indian Railways.
  • Automatic Coach Washing Plants (ACWP) has been installed in 8 locations in 2019-20(cumulative 20).
  • Quick watering facility at 29 locations have been installed in 2019 -20 (cumulative 44) to reduce water filling time at stations.

6. '#iCommit' initiative on World Environment Day launched by Power Minister

  • The initiative of ‘#iCommit’ campaign s a clarion call to all stakeholders and individuals to continue moving towards energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability to create a robust and resilient energy system in the future.
  • The ‘#iCommit’ initiative, driven by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of Power, Government of India is uniting a diverse set of players such as Governments, Corporates, Multilateral and Bilateral Organisations, Think Tanks and Individuals.
  • The initiative envisage a transformation of the entire energy value chain in the country and have been working towards ensuring 24X7 energy access and security for all our citizens.
  • The #iCommit initiative, especially in the backdrop of World Environment Day can bring together a diverse spectrum of government and private players to build a new energy future for India.
  • The ‘#iCommit’ initiative is centred around the idea of building an energy resilient future.
  • The pre-requisite for that goal is to create a flexible and agile power system.
  • A healthy power sector can help the nation in meeting the objective of energy access and security for all.
  • With the imminent changes in the power system, brought about by innovation such as decentralised solar and electric vehicles, collaboration between all stakeholders will be the way forward and is at the core of ‘#iCommit’ campaign.
  • The initiative will also celebrate and promote key undertakings of Government of India such as National Electric Mobility Mission 2020, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojana, the Saubhagya Scheme,Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojna (UDAY), Atal Distribution system Improvement Yojna (AJAY), Smart Meter National Programme, Pradhan mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahaabhiya (KUSUM), Solar Parks, Grid Connected Rooftop, UnnatJyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA), Atal Jyoti Yojna (AJAY) amongst others.

7. "Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings" Initiative

  • On occasion of World Environment Day Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under Ministry of Power, in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE program, launched the “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” initiative that will pioneer ways to make workplaces healthier and greener.
  • The Market Integration and Transformation Program for Energy Efficiency (MAITREE), under which this initiative has been launched, is a part of the US-India bilateral Partnership between the Ministry of Power and USAID and is aimed at accelerating the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency as a standard practice within buildings, and specifically focuses on cooling.
  • This initiative is addressing the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings and air conditioning systems so that they are both healthy and energy efficient.
  • We hope that this pilot will pave the way for other buildings to take appropriate steps to be healthy and energy efficient.
  • As always, our work is for the public and for the benefit of everyone, and our partnership with USAID will help scale it up.
  • USAID is proud of its partnership with EESL.
  • It is inspiring to see that EESL has taken the lead by being the first to implement the idea in its own office in New Delhi.
  • This pioneering effort, built in large part on our partnership, will address air quality and energy use concerns in buildings — directly improving comfort, health, productivity, and ultimately the quality of life of citizens in India and South Asia.

About EESL: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of Power, Government of India, is working towards mainstreaming energy efficiency and is implementing the world’s largest energy efficiency portfolio in the country. Driven by the mission of Enabling More – more transparency, more transformation, and more innovation, EESL aims to create market access for efficient and future-ready transformative solutions that create a win-win situation for every stakeholder.

About USAID: USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results.

8. Information booklet "Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19" to raise awareness has been launched

cyber info

  • Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank digitally launched the information booklet titled “Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19” to raise awareness of students and teachers on staying safe online.
  • The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and UNESCO New Delhi Office developed this booklet.
  • The booklet will be instrumental in keeping children, young people safe online through basic do’s, and don’ts that will help parents and educators teach their children how to use the internet safely.
  • Since there has been a huge increase in online and distance learning in times of COVID-19 situation, there are many children and teachers learning by engaging with each other using online platforms.
  • The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and NCERT are committed to ensure safe and secure online environment for children and teachers and empowering them to stay safe online.
  • We urge all victims of cyberbullying to Report and seek Support.
  • I am happy to know that NCERT and UNESCO have jointly developed this Booklet which will facilitate in raising awareness of our students and teachers as well as ensure timely action in cases of cyberbullying.
  • The Ministry of Human Resource Development and State Education Departments have made concerted efforts to ensure continuity of learning through various digital platforms.
  • This exposure of adolescents to different digital platforms increased their vulnerability to cyber bullying.
  • In India, an estimated 71 million children aged between 5-11 years access the Internet on devices of their family members, constituting about 14 percent of the country’s active Internet user base of over 500 million.
  • Two-thirds of internet users in India are in the age group of 12-29 year (Data shared by the Internet & Mobile Association of India).
  • Data and statistics have highlighted that post lockdown, the internet has amplified the risk of cyberbullying, including online discrimination for children and young people.
  • With the aim of addressing these concerns, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and UNESCO New Delhi Office developed this information booklet.
  • UNESCO is committed to ensure access to safe, inclusive and health promoting learning environments for all children.
  • It is imperative that websites, digital platforms, social media platforms are free of Cyberbullying, if children have to access quality education.
  • This information booklet titled ‘Safe online learning in times of Covid19’ highlights the negative consequences of cyber bullying and ways to eliminate and prevent the same.
  • UNESCO and NCERT are pleased to develop this booklet and hope that it acts as a valuable tool in creating a safer online environment.
  • Our investments in the education system will be ineffective unless we address issues of online safety and prevention of cyberbullying.
  • Unsafe learning environments can undermine the quality of education for our learners, as it adversely impacts academic achievement and future education and employment prospects of students.
  • An atmosphere of anxiety, fear and insecurity is incompatible with learning, and NCERT is committed to protect the health and well-being of young people and from online bullying.

9. 'Nagar Van' Urban Forest scheme across the country in next five years

  • On the occasion of World Environment Day, the government announced implementation of the Nagar van scheme to develop 200 Urban Forests across the country in next five years with a renewed focus on people’s participation and collaboration between Forest Department, Municipal bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local citizens.
  • World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on 5th June every year.
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change celebrates WED focusing on the theme declared by United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP) and organizes several events.  This year’s theme is ‘Biodiversity’.
  • In view of the prevalent situation due to COVID-19 pandemic the ministry held virtual celebrations of World Environment Day on this year’s theme with focus on Nagar Van (Urban Forests).
  • These forests will work as lungs of the cities and will primarily be on the forest land in the City or any other vacant land offered by local urban local bodies.
  • Stressing on  this year’s theme i.e. “Time for Nature” with special focus on biodiversity, Shri Javadekar said “thumb rule is that if we protect nature, nature protects us”.
  • The forest is rich in biodiversity with 23 plant species, 29 bird species, 15 butterfly species, 10 reptiles and 3 mammal species.
  • This Urban Forest project is now helping maintain ecological balance, serving both environmental and social needs.
  • The Warje Urban Forest is now a role model for the rest of the country.
  • “India has 8 percent of world’s biodiversity, despite having many constraint like only 2.5 % of the world’s landmass, has to carry 16% of human as well as cattle population and having only 4% of fresh water sources; the mega biodiversity that we have is the result of Indian ethos which is to be in sync with the nature.”
  • Highlighting the Indian culture, “India is probably the only country where trees are worshipped, where animals, birds and reptiles are worshipped and this is the respect Indian society places for environment. We had a very important tradition of village forest since ages, now this new scheme of urban forest will fill up the gap because urban areas have Gardens but very rarely forests; With this activity of creating urban forest we will also create additional carbon sink”.
  • Tree plantation and soil moisture conservation works as a core strategy for biodiversity conservation in the country that to address the problems of soil degradation, siltation and reduced water flow in the river basins and everyone has to work collectively.
  • The UNCCD executive director, Mr. Thaw said that “Is it not time, that we realise that we need nature more than nature needs us, if at all. Is it not time, that we have the humility to rethink and redefine our relationship with nature. Perhaps, it is time for humanity to have a new social contract for nature.”
  • India is endowed with rich biodiversity having several species of animals and plants and hosts 4 of the 35 global bio-diversity hotspots containing several endemic species.
  • However, increasing population, deforestation, urbanisation and industrialisation have put our natural resources under tremendous pressure causing loss of biodiversity.
  • Biodiversity is vital for survival of all life form on this planet and is a key to providing various ecological services.
  • Biodiversity conservation has traditionally been considered confined to remote forest areas but with increasing urbanisation a need has arisen to safeguard and save biodiversity in urban areas also. Urban forest is the best way to bridge this gap.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has therefore, appropriately adopted Nagar van as the theme of WED celebrations 2020 to promote and conserve biodiversity in urban landscapes.
  • Union Environment Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar

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