CDM

#2 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

* * *

Suppose Annex B country Australia is given emission quota of 200 units, but it emits 210 units of green house gas. But Australia can finance a solar power project in some village of India (Non-Annex or developing Country) and get certificate that the solar plant led to reduction of 10 units of green house gas. In this way, Australia will remain in its quota/limit. Similarly, suppose Australian Government has passed a law that a steel production company with output of 200 tonnes of steel per a day, must not emit more than 10 units of green house gas in a year.

*

But this company wants to produce more steel, then its green house gas emission has increased to 11 units. (1 more unit above the quota)

*

So this company can also do some solar-projects in India, Brazil etc. and get a certificate that it has led to reduction of 1 unit of GHG emission. = problem solved.

#3 Joint Implementation (JI)

* * *

This is identical to CDM. In CDM, Australia can do good project in a non-Annex country (developing country) e.g. India. In Joint Implementation, Australia can do the good project in another Annex B country e.g. Japan to meet the quota.

Why USA did not ratify Kyoto Protocol?

* *

US President George W Bush refused to ratify Kyoto protocol saying that it would gravely damage the US economy. for example a US steel company would need another company or invest in some projects Indian or Chinese Steel company has no production = low, hence they can sell their company will loose customers. to either buy Carbon Credits from in a developing country), while an such obligation so their cost of products @lower MRP = US steel

* *

So US Government feels is that the treaty is fatally flawed, because it does not require developing countries (especially India and China) to commit to emissions reductions. After President Bush, President Obama too, didn’t ratify Kyoto protocol for the same reason. (plus we should also understand that the powerful US industrialist lobby may stop election funds to a candidate, if he is in favor of Kyoto protocol, so USA is unlikely to ratify Kyoto or any such future protocols that are legally binding!)

Canada Quits Kyoto protocol

*

In 2011, Canada, become the first country to quit the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, saying the 1997 accord was handicapped because top green house emitters like the United States and China not covered by it. (Because USA has refused to ratify the treaty and China being an Annex II country –has no compulsory responsibility to cut down emission.)

What is the Copenhagen Accord?

* * * * *

Recall that UNFCCC countries meet every year and it is called Conference of Parties (COP). 15th such meeting was held @Copenhagen, Denmark = COP15 In the meeting, the BASIC bloc—Brazil, South Africa, India and China—and the U.S., came up with a political agreement. This agreement is known as the Copenhagen Accord. It says all countries should pledge to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emission but all of the pledges made under the Copenhagen Accord are voluntary; There are no binding obligations placed on these pledges by the UNFCCC or any other international body. UNFCCC acknowledged the Copenhagen Accord and has assisted in collecting the GHG reduction pledges of various countries. Copenhagen Accord also lays the groundwork for financial commitments from

* *

developed countries (US,UK) to developing countries (India,Brazil etc) for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Important Players in climate change

* * *

The First commitment period of Kyoto will end in 2012. That’s why, the next meeting (COP18, Doha, Qatar in Nov’2012) becomes very critical. So nowadays UNECC nations are trying to form factions (small gangs) to discuss what should be their stand in that meeting?

* *

either extend commitments under Kyoto or create a successor of Kyoto Protocol: a post-2012 international climate treaty.

United States

* * * * * *

China is the world leader in total annual Green House Gas emissions U.S. is second. EU is third. United States is the only Annex I country that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. In line with the Copenhagen Accord, the U.S. has pledged a 17% reduction in GHG emissions, against a 2005 baseline, by 2020. (but this is not legally binding). As we saw earlier, US is not in favour of any legally binding commitments. Besides, Obama has to face election in November.

BASIC Countries

* * * * * * * *

Brazil, South Africa, India and China, this group includes the world’s major emerging economies and some of its largest emitters together, the group accounts for around 30% of global GHG emissions. BASIC countries, along with the US, were the authors of the Copenhagen Accord and will continue to be some of the most influential players in the negotiations. All of the BASIC countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. But they’re not under any binding obligation to meet a specified target. (because these countries are not part of Annex B countries of Kyoto Protocol). Under the Copenhagen Accord, China and India have pledged to reduce their carbon intensity—the amount of GHG emissions per unit GDP—by 40-45% and 20-25%, respectively, against 2005 levels by 2020. (again not legally binding). BASIC countries recently met in Brazil in September 2012, and declared their intentions (what they want in COP meeting @Doha, Qatar in Nov.2012):

* * *

rich countries should take on more of a burden to reduce emissions because of their historical contribution to global warming. new agreement should “respect the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities,” new Kyoto commitment period should start on January 1, 2013

European Union (EU)

* * * * * *

EU is a Party to both the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. EU is the 3rd largest GHG polluter, accounting for about 12% of global emissions EU states have ratified Kyoto.

Alliance of Small Island State (AOSIS) Not really a ‘player’, these are the future victims if green house gas emission is not reduced. AOSIS is an team of 43 small island and low-lying coastal countries (Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba etc.) More green house gas = rise in global temperature = ice melts= sea level rise =many of these areas to become uninhabitable.

[Diplomacy] Nuclear Security Summit at Seoul: Outcomes, India’s contribution

What is nuclear security? Nuclear security is a series of preemptive measures to

* *

Prevent nuclear crime (smuggling of nuke materials, nuke-terrorism) Prevent nuclear accidents (at Nuke power plants such as Chernobyl and Fukushima)

Why Nuclear Security Summit?

* * *

Nuclear terrorism cannot cooperation is necessary.

be

addressed

by

a

single

nation-

international

First Nuclear Security Summit, was held in Washington in 2010. Second Nuke security Summit was held in Seoul (South Korea) in 2012.

* * * *

53 countries including the P5 nations (nuclear weapons states) and states not party to the NPT, such as India, Pakistan, and Israel. UN, IAEA, and EU INTERPOL

Third Nuke Security summit will be held in Netherlands in 2014.

Seoul Communiqué

After the second nuke summit @Seoul in 2012, the participants agreed to do this- total 11 things. Here are the important ones Goodbye HEU and welcome LEU

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Highly enriched uranium (HEU) is used in nuke reactors and medical field but it can be used for making nuke bombs. Therefore, every nation should switch to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel.

More talking We’ll encourage the participation of industry, academia, the media, NGOs and other civil actors in the discussions on nuclear security. We’ll host the next Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands

More funding We’ll make voluntary contributions to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. This money will be spent to help the poor countries to upgrade their HEU plants into LEU plants and improve their security. Mohan said I’ll give 1 million dollars in it.

More Policing We’ll increase the physical protection of nuclear facilities We’ll increase the protection of nuclear materials and radioactive sources during transport We’ll prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials We’ll enhance the emergency response capabilities in the case of radiological accidents We’ll share information on persons involved in nuke smuggling via INTERPOL We’ll Build nuclear forensics capacity to identify the source of illicitly trafficked nuclear materials We’ll enhance cyber security at nuclear facilities and Increase the protection of sensitive nuclear security-related information

More cleaning

* * *

We’ll improve the management of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive wastes. Radioactive materials are widely used in industrial, medical, research, agricultural purpose — their security is just as important to prevent and recover lost, stolen or orphaned sources. Otherwise, even the decayed and discarded nuke material can be used to make “dirty bombs.”

India’s commitment to Nuke Security

* * * * * * * *

We’ve donated one million US dollars to the Nuclear Security Fund of International Atomic Energy Agency. We are a member of the IAEA Commission on Nuclear Safety Standards We are participant in the IAEA’s Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB), it disseminates information on confirmed reports about illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities and events involving nuclear material. We also cooperate with the Interpol’s Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Unit and the World Customs Organization. We enacted the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 We are taking steps to minimize of use of HEU and upgrading our nuke plants accordingly. We have recently developed an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) that uses LEU fuel. We aim to establish an independent Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority which will enhance oversight of nuclear security in India. (bill in parliament) We are party to

* *

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

[Diplomacy] Connect Central Asia Policy: Meaning, Features, Significance for India

What is Central Asia? It is made up of five nations Country Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Capital Astana Bishkek Dushanbe Ashgabat Tashkent

* *

Collectively they’re known as Central Asian Republics (CAR) also known as the underbelly of Eurasia

Central Asia (Political) Why is Central Asia important for India?

* * *

rich resource of hydrocarbons and minerals. lies on the old silk route – connecting China and South Asia to West Asia and Europe. So we can setup factories in CAR, we can directly launch our products in EU (decreasing the transportation cost).

India’s problem in Central Asia?

*

Central Asia has huge reserves of hydrocarbon and Minerals.

*

But we are unable to get them because of Transportation problems

* * * *

through Afghanistan : problem – region is unstable due to Talibans. through Iran: problem- it’ll annoy Americans. (recall the Chabahar port article)

The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) pipelines projects are not moving smoothly due to Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are three key locations from which we can access the Central Asia

* * * *

Chahabar and Bandar Abbas ports in Iran Hajigak/Bamiyan in Afghanistan Bandar Anzali on the Caspian Sea.

What has China done in Central Asia? China has already built roads, railways and pipelines across this resource-rich region.

* * * *

Oil pipelines from the Caspian Sea across Kazakhstan gas pipeline from Turkmenistan via Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, deep-sea port of Gwadar in Pakistan

China is exploiting the Siberian timber, Mongolian iron ore, Kazakh oil, Turkmen natural gas and Afghan copper through this transportation network.

What is Connect Central Asia Policy?

*

India has launched this “Connect Central Asia Policy” to

* * * * *

Tap the natural resources (oil,gas,iron-ore etc) of Central Asia. Counter the hegemony (domination) of China in this region.

This policy was formally declared at Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) by our Minister of State (External Affairs) in June 2012. Under this policy, we’ll do following things

Meet and Greet We’ll build strong political relations with these nations via the exchange of high level visits. Example

* * *

Their Presidents/ PMs coming to India and Mohan doing the reverse. Inviting their Presidents as chief guests on our 26 th Jan. parades.)

Mohan will continue to interact with Central Asian leaders, closely both in bilateral and multilateral fora. i.e SCO, Eurasian Economic Community (EEC), Custom Union, UN etc.

Fire and kill

* *

We’ll strengthen our strategic and security cooperation with this countries. Military training, joint research, consultations on Afghanistan. counter-terrorism coordination and close

Trade and Prosper

* * * *

Proposed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement Kazakhstan, have almost limitless reserves of iron ore and coal, as well as abundant cheap electricity. India can help set up several medium size steel rolling mills, producing its requirement of specific products. Right now, due to absence of a viable banking infrastructure in the Central Asian region, we are unable to do much trade and investment. So, Indian banks will be setting up branches here. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

* *

It is a joint venture between Iran, India, Russia and Azerbaijan It will connect India to Central Asia through Iran via rail, road and ship network.

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) Teach and Heal

* * * * * *

We’ll help set up a Central Asian University in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to impart world class education in areas like IT, management, philosophy and languages. We’ll set up a Central Asian e-network with its hub in India, to deliver, teleeducation and tele-medicine connectivity, linking all the five Central Asian States. We’ll be setting up civil hospitals/clinics in Central Asia.

Fly and Film We’ll improve air connectivity with those countries. (lolz perhaps via Air India!) Central Asian countries could emerge as attractive holiday destinations for tourists and even for the Indian film industry which likes to depict exotic foreign locales in its films. We will encourage regular exchanges of scholars, academics, civil society and youth delegations to gain deeper insights into each other’s cultures.

[Diplomacy] ADDU declaration in SAARC Summit

What is SAARC?

* * *

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) established 1985 HQ: Kathmandu

Members of SAARC

finally one map in google search doesn’t include Kashmir in Pakistan 8 Members 9 Observors

* * *

Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives

* * * * * * * * *

Australia China

European Union Iran Japan Mauritius Myanmar South Korea United States

* * * * *

Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka

It seems United States is an observer in pretty much every organization, but do you recall any organization(s), where USA is not a observer? Hint: www.Mrunal.org/diplomacy What is ADDU declaration?

* * * *

Addu is the second largest city of Mamldives (capital is Male), where 17th SAARC conference was held. (September 2011) Theme of this Addu summit : Building Bridges. The leaders of SAARC Nations, issued a 20-points declaration here, which is known as “Addu Declaration”. By the way, the 18 th Summit will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2013.

In short, Addu declaration means “We (the SAARC leaders) will do this, this and this- total 20 things” Out of the 20 points of ADDU declaration, Here are the important (and easy to remember) points. SAFTA

* * * *

South Asian Free Trade Area or SAFTA is an agreement reached at the 12th SAARC summit in Islamabad, Pakistan [2004]. SAFTA is to reduce customs duties of all traded goods to zero by the year 2016. ADDU says we’ll intensify efforts to fully and effectively implement SAFTA

Investment SAARC Finance Ministers will work for greater flow of financial capital and intraregional long-term investment.

Trade fair

*

To hold the Twelfth SAARC Trade Fair + SAARC Travel and Tourism Fair in Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives in 2012.

Railway

*

Try for Regional Railways Agreement

*
Boat

Should do a demonstration run of a container train (Bangladesh – India – Nepal).

* * * * *

work on the Indian Ocean Cargo and Passenger Ferry Service this will revolutionise movement of people and goods within the region.

Climate timely implementation of the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change. Energy Cooperation and the Study on the Regional Power Exchange Concept as also the work related to SAARC Market for Electricity. appropriate percentage of national income should go towards the respective countries’ renewable energy investments

Food security

* *

Work on SAARC Food Bank. This Food Bank will supplement national efforts to provide food security to the people of the region.

Terrorism

* *

root out terrorism, taking into account its linkages with illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms Make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat terrorism [good joke, given that Pakistan is also in SAARC]

Crime

* * * *

Ratify of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

Piracy Cooperate to combat maritime piracy in the region.

Women empowerment of women and gender equality in the region Work on the Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution

Education

* *

Mutual recognition of academic and professional degrees. [So, IIPM degree, which is not recognized by UGC, will it be recognized in Pakistan, perhaps!?] Establishment of long-term linkages among universities, research institutions and think-tanks in the region.

Media

* *

convene a Regional Conference on Media to consider deepening collaboration in the region. decide which day to celebrate as SAARC Media day.

[Diplomacy] National Security: Naresh Chandra Task Force recommendations

Why this Task Force?

*

It was setup by Mohan in 2011, and gave the report in 2012 (somewhere in August)

* *

to review the current the national security system

to suggest measures to strengthen the national security apparatus.

Naresh Chandra is a retired IAS and rest of the team has diplomats, defense experts, RAW, IB, army, navy officers etc. Naresh Chandra Recommendations of Naresh Chandra Task Force on National security [not exhaustive]

On the Enemies of India On China

* * * * *

China will become militarily more assertive and nationalistic as its economic and military power grows. China will continue to utilize Pakistan as part of its grand strategy for containing India in a “South Asian box”. United states will become more circumspect and accommodating in dealing with China. Therefore India should shift focus of national security strategy from Pakistan to China. Army be given management of Sino-Indian borders and India should become more assertive in dealing with China.

On Pakistan

* * *

Pakistani military hasnot given up the use of radical Islamic groups to promote terrorism in both India and Afghanistan biggest concern is Pakistan’s ambition to use Afghanistan for strategic depth. India should spare no effort, politically, diplomatically, economically and through military assistance to ensure that Pakistani efforts to convert Afghanistan into an extremist run, pliant and client state are frustrated.

On Naxalites

Secret Talks

* *

government give up its pre-condition of cessation of violence for opening talks with Naxalites. Instead, Government should try to secretly reach the pro-talks elements within the top Naxal leadership and tell them that the government will not be cowed down by their acts of violence and that dialogue is the best option to redress their grievances. Even if the peace efforts do not lead to solution, it’ll lead to confusion and division within the “pro-talk” and “anti-talk” elements in Naxal leadership. Even during the talks and negotiations, the Area domination will have to continue and forces must keep track of the Maoist elements who come overground for the talks. [because in 2004 a short-lived ceasefire-cum-talks between the Andhra Pradesh establishment and CPI (Maoist) was conveniently used by the naxalites to regroup and rearm themselves.]

* *

More army presence in Naxal areas

* *

Army should not involve in direct combat with naxals but army should establish more training institutes in Naxal areas. And then, from those traninig institutes, army should reach out to the tribals residing in surrounding villages by offering them facilities like schools, medical care and potable drinking water. This may help in eroding the support base of the Naxalites. Army training schools proposed in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra will help train the central paramilitary forces engaged in counterNaxal duties in jungle warfare.

*

Make More Institutions Advanced Projects Agency (APA)

* * *

to undertake high-risk futuristic military research. The head of APA will act as Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister. [scientific advisor to the Raksha Mantri (SA to RM).] APA will be assisted by

* * * * * * * *

UGC (University Grants Commission) CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) BARC ( Bhabha Atomic Research Centre TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

APA would fund research in institutions like IITs, universities and private laboratories. APA will not be involved with DRDO DRDO must assume responsibility for managing the DRDO’s laboratories and research centres and ensuring the on-time delivery of projects undertaken there.

Bureau of politico-military affairs

*

Defence ministry should set up a bureau of politico-military affairs

* *

this Bureau would be liaison with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) on issues and actions having foreign policy applications ministry of external affairs (MEA) should not work in isolation from other ministries, particularly with respect to securing access to strategic materials, hydrocarbons etc.

Defense university and Think Tank

* * *

establish a National defense University (NDU) create a separate think-tank on internal security. A sub-group on defense technology, comprising representatives of DRDO, military, private sector, academia, military and other stakeholders.

FDI in defense

* * *

Right now only 26% Need to increase it to 49% So that we can manufacture items in India, using the latest technologies already developed by foreign entities.

Get more Staff [Personnel] Overall

* * *

Amend the Prevention of Corruption Act to reassure honest officers that they’ll not be harassed for making defence equipment purchases. Induct more foreign language experts into the intelligence and security agencies. Allow more cross-postings between Service HQ (Army, Navy, Airforce) and Ministry of Defence

Diplomats

* *

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) doesn’t have enough diplomats to “anticipate, analyze and act on contemporary challenges” quality of new recruits (through UPSC) is often uneven

*

(for example UPSC topper Alok Ranjan Jha became IFS but allegedly got drunk and misbehaved with Air India staff in New York and thus he was recalled. Some other IFS officers showing their ‘mardaangi’ by beating up wives and maids and appearing in newspaper headlines every now and then.) several recruits refuse to join the MEA. It requires huge time and effort to train new IFS officers and making them proficient in English and other foreign languages. [IFS training takes around 3 years, while IAS/IPS training done in about 2 years]

* * * *

Therefore, Ministry of External Affairs should accept officials from civil services and armed forces on short duration (five years) deputations rather than solely relying on UPSC. Indian embassies and missions, which are required to play a key role in issues such as acquisition of raw materials, hydrocarbons, should be staffed with “consultants with the requisite technical and technological background.

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC)

Need COSC to keep an eye on China and Pak

* * *

He will have a fixed tenure of two years and will be rotated among the three services (Army, Navy, Airforce). He’ll be in charge of making net assessment about the strengths and weaknesses of India’s adversaries—China and Pakistan—in a holistic manner Currently, the three services make their individual assessments [about China and Pak], which remains buried in files that never see the light of the day.

Special Forces

* *

a separate command structure under the chairman chiefs of staff committee. These special force will be dealing with foreign backed proxy wars and combat search and rescue operation or handling hostage crisis. [something like US NAVY SEALS that killed Bin Laden.]

[Diplomacy] Syrian Unrest explained, Assad’s Friends and Foes, Kofi Anna’s Peace plan

* * * * * * * * * * *

What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims? Syria President Assad Family Syrian Unrest Who supports Assad and why? Who is against Assad and why? Reaction of the world Kofi Annan peace plan for Syria Houla massacre UN General Assembly India’s problem

At the heart of most Political unrests in Middle east, lies the Shia – Sunni conflict. So first question What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

*

Both Shia and Sunni agree on the fundamentals of Islam and share the same Holy Book (The Quran), but Differences originate from the question of who would succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community after his death. Shia They wanted Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali to be appointed as Caliph (politico-social leader) of Muslim community.

Sunni They chose Abu Bakr, a close Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, as the Caliph (politico-social leader) of Muslim community. Syria

Syria and its Neighbours

* * * * * *

Damascus =Syria’s capital Aleppo =Syria’s largest city.

President Assad Family Bashar al-Assad’s father ruled Syria for nearly 30 years and died in 2000. From 2000 to this date, Bashar Al Assad is the President of Syria. al-Assad family is Alawite, a small branch of Shia Muslims. But nearly 75% of Syria’s population is Sunni Muslims.

* *

Bashar has filled key positions in his government with either his family members or the Alawite Minority Muslims. Combined with rampant corruption, inflation, unemployment, Syria was sitting on a volcano about to erupt.

Syrian Unrest

* * * * * *

In January 2011, revolution in Tunisia marked the start of the so-called Arab Spring. In March 2011, violence broke out in Daraa, Syria, after a group of children and teenagers were arrested for writing political graffiti. Dozens of people were killed when security forces cracked down on protesters. Demonstrators soon called for al-Assad to leave office, following in the footsteps of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia’s Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Al-Assad promised to make changes, and he lifted the country’s state-ofemergency law, which for 48 years gave the regime the power to detain anyone without charge and hold them indefinitely. But just four days after the emergency law was lifted in April 2011, the Syrian regime sent thousands of troops into Daraa for a wide-scale crackdown Since then, the violence has only increased, spreading throughout the country and becoming a full-fledged civil war between the regime and an armed resistance. More than 10,000 citizen had been killed by Assad’s Military crackdown.

Who supports Assad and why? Who Iran Hezbollah Russia China Why they support Assad? Because ruled by Shia Because it is a Shia Militant group cum Political party based in Lebanon. Has a naval port and large diaspora. [we already discussed that in detail, earlier Click ME]

* *

Has massive investments in Syria, in energy sector [oil,gas etc.].

Assad has given major defense contracts to China. [missile Development

etc]

*

Chinese Government doesn’t want Chinese protestors to replay the same events at home, demanding freedom of speech and democracy.

*

It doesn’t want America to dominate over this region.

Who is against Assad and why? Who? Junta of Syria Saudi Arabia Bahrain Why against Assad? Common sense. because ruled by Sunnis. Same as above.

*
USA

Syria has been actively supporting Hamas and Hezbollah while sharing a border with Israel. If America could somehow install a friendly regime (new President), then it’d help it gain absolute hegemony (domination) over the Middle East and further isolate Iran.

*

Reaction of the world

* * * * * * * * *

United States and many of its Western allies have imposed economic sanctions against Syria, condemning al-Assad and demanding that he leave power. But they have not persuaded the U.N. Security Council [UNSC] to do the same. China and Russia — two of Syria’s commercial partners — have vetoed several proposed resolutions on Syria in the UNSC. OIC has suspended Syria’s membership. Saudi and Bahrain are providing weapons to the Syrian rebels.

Kofi Annan peace plan for Syria Also known as six-point peace plan for Syria February 2012, Kofi Annan was appointed as the joint U.N.-Arab League special envoy to Syria to settle down the Syrian crisis. March 2012, he submitted 6-point peace plan to UN According to this plan, Assad would ceasefire and withdraw the troops and crackdown. Then Government and rebels would do talks, negotiation, allow more Sunnis in parliament. Foreign Reporters would be allowed to do news-coverage etc.etc.etc. but it didn’t materialize because

Houla massacre

* * *

it is a region in Syria, where 100+ civilians were killed in May 2012. Syrian government alleged that Al-Qaeda terrorist groups were responsible for the killings while Houla residents and opposition groups allege Syrian military’s hand behind the incident.

Why Kofi Annan’s Mission failed?

*

After this Houla massacre, the Rebels started attacking Government establishments again, and thus providing convenient excuse to President Assad

to continue mass-murdering innocent civilians, again.

* * * *

Kofi got frustrated and resigned from the envoy job after working for around 6 months. [From February to August 2012] and he gave following reasons why he couldn’t solve Syrian crisis 1. Syrian government’s intransigence [stubbornness] 2. the growing militancy of Syrian rebels [as long as they use violence, Assad gets convinient excuse to use military] 3. Divided Security Council [UNSC] that failed to forcefully back his effort. Since Kofi took on the job, Russia and China have twice used their veto power to block strong Western- and Arab-backed action against President Bashar Assad’s regime. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he accepted Kofi’s resignation with deep regret, adding that the he’ll search for successor to Kofi, who will stay on until Aug. 31. 2012

*

UN General Assembly

* * * * * * *

Has 193 members. In August 2012, it passed the resolution that denounced Syria’s crackdown on its people and demanded that the country lockdown its chemical and biological weapons. India abstained from this voting.

India’s problem India needs Saudi Arab for energy security and for keeping pressure on Pakistan over Kashmir and terror issues. At the same time, India can’t ignore the strategic significance of Iran for its regional policy towards Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. [recall the Chahbahar port article.] Overall, India has signaled its broad support for the Arab League and its positions on Syria. But India is reluctant to back any externally induced regime change in Syria

[Diplomacy] Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): suspension of Syria, Rohingyas, Jammu n Kashmir

* *

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Why is it in News?

* * * * * * * * *

Two main outcomes of OIC summit On Rohingyas On Syrian Unrest The pot calling the kettle black Why India is not a member of OIC? India and OIC: Problem area Jammu and Kashmir = Free country

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization consisting of 57 member states. Established in 1969, to safeguard the interests and ensure the progress and wellbeing of Muslims.

Why is it in News?

* * * *

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, called up an emergency summit of OIC in midAugust 2012, in the city of Mecca. This is only the fourth time in the history of OIC, that an emergency summit has been called. Why? Official reason: to address the urgent agenda of the deepening divisions within and between Muslim majority states. Unofficial reason: put pressure on Syrian Government to stop massacring the people.

Two main outcomes of OIC summit On Rohingyas

* * * *

OIC condemned the violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. OIC also released 14-point resolution to pressurise the Myanmarese government to stop the widespread discrimination and administrative hostility being faced by Rohingya Muslims.. King Abdulla ordered assistance of $50 million to the Rohingyas. Although Myanmar Government maintains that the violence in the Rakhine state has anything to do with race or religion, has avoided a political confrontation with the OIC and other leading Islamic nations.

On Syrian Unrest

* * * *

More than 10,000 protestors have been massacred so far, by President Bashar AlAssad’s troops. OIC has suspended Syria’s membership on 15 th August 2012. This was done to send message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that OIC members will not accept the regime killing its people. Although Iran (an OIC member) rejected the proposal saying : “suspension of Syria’s membership does not really resolve the issue and is not in line with the OIC charter” but majority of OIC members voted in favor of Syria’s removal.

The pot calling the kettle black

*

While OIC calls for protecting the rights of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the OIC itself is having trouble securing the rights of Muslim minorities and even majorities within its own member states. For example: Ruled by Sunnis Minority population’s problem

OIC member Saudi Arabia

* *

Shias complain about the lack of access to government jobs and full religious freedoms. Shia majority has unhappy with them because of the misrule and underdevelopment.

Bahrain

Sunnis

Why India is not a member of OIC?

* * * *

India has second largest population of Muslims in the world [Indonesia is first], yet we are not a member of OIC, Why? In 1969, the first ever Islamic Summit Conference held Rabat [Capital of Morocco] At that time, Pakistan was the largest Muslim country in the world. And, Pakistani President Gen Yahya Khan had threatened to boycott the summit, if India was allowed membership.

* * * *

For OIC it would have been a diplomatic disaster and death knell to the organization, if the world’s then largest Muslim country walked out. So, King Hassan of Jordan, in his capacity as the chairman of Islamic Conference has decided to withdraw the invitation extended to Indians and bar the Indian delegation from entering Morocco. Thus, India couldn’t get admitted to OIC. Sidenote: India is an Observer state in OIC, while China and USA are not even observer states.

India and OIC: Problem area

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Over the years, under Pakistani influence, OIC communiqué (a letter issued to press after the summit) used to equate Kashmir issue with Palestine, and refered to Jammu and Kashmir as an “occupied territory”. and Kashmiri separatists were also invited to attend the summits. But now it appears that Pakistan’s influence at the OIC is fading. In this latest OIC summit (Aug-2012), for the first time since 1995, Pakistan could not muster an invitation for All Party Hurriyat Conference. But problem is far from over.

Jammu and Kashmir = Free country In the Final Communique at OIC Summit 2012, the it was mentioned that “The Summit affirms its solidarity and full support for Sudan, Somalia,

Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir, Iraq, Yemen, Ivory Coast, the Union of Comoros and the Republic of Turkish-Cyprus in addressing the challenges facing these countries.” Indian Government officially opposed this statement and said This is erroneous and factually incorrect mention about an integral part of India by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

[Diplomacy] Joseph Koni, Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda Child Soldiers Guest Article by Varoon Bakshi.

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Lord’s Resistance Army Timeline Joseph Koni and his atrocities Kony 2012 – Viral Campaign on Youtube

Lord’s Resistance Army The Lord’s Resistance Army is a rebel group led by leader Joseph Kony.

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The group originated in Northern Uganda as a movement to fight for the rights of the Acholi people. The group has been fighting the Ugandan army for years and has been driven out of Uganda and is now scattered across Congo, Central African Republic and Southern Sudan, where it conducts brutal attacks Spread of LRA activity = Uganda, Congo, South Sudan, CAR.

Timeline

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1980 Holy Spirit Movement - The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) came to life as the Holy Spirit Movement in the early 1980s by a woman called Alice Lakwena who claimed that the Holy Spirit had ordered her to overthrow the Ugandan govt because of the atrocities it commits against the Acholi people. The Acholi’s live in Northern Uganda. A large number of Acholi people flocked to Alice Lakwena, they had a lot of grudge against the Ugandan govt, the Holy Spirit Movement gathered momentum however a battle fought between the movement and the Ugandan army resulted in its defeat and exile of Alice Lakwena from Uganda to Kenya. Thus in this time of turmoil for the movement, a man named Joseph Kony, claiming to be the cousin of Alice Lakwena took over as leader of the movement and renamed it as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). 1987 LRA Insurgeny- The Lord’s Resistance Army started armed insurgency activity in 1987 2002 Operation Iron Fist- In 2002, the Ugandan government launched Operation Iron Fist (with cooperation with the Sudanese government, relations between both the countries had improved) against the LRA. This led the LRA to move into remote regions of northern Uganda 2005 ICC issues warrants against Kony and his 4 commanders- In 2005 the International Criminal Court issued warrants against 5LRA commanders, including Kony 2006 Indictment of Kony by ICC- In 2006 Joseph Kony was indicted by the International Criminal Court for various war crimes, like abductions, killings, rape etc. In 2006 a second truce is agreed by both the sides (LRA and Ugandan govt) mediated by the Southern Sudan.

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2008 Juba Peace Talks and resumption of insurgency- Kony refuses to sign a permanent truce under the Juba Peace talk because the ICC warrants have not be withdrawn against him. Thus LRA resumes its violent activities. The LRA starts abducting children from not only Uganda but also South Sudan, Congo and the Central African Republic . Thus the militaries/militias of Uganda, South Sudan and Congo launch Operation Lightening Thunder against the LRA. 2011 Involvement of US forces- United States dispatched 100 military advisors to Central Africa

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Joseph Koni and his atrocities

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The LRA under Kony’s command has been accused of abducting children and turning them into vicious child soldiers. Most of these children are abducted from various villages, those who do not cooperate with LRA has either killed or mutilated. The able bodied children are taken away and used as soldiers, weapons carriers, cooks, porters and even sex slaves. Numerous attempts have been launched to reach a peace agreement with the LRA, but Kony has thwarted such attempts, however the Ugandan Army claims that it has weakened the LRA significantly. However the LRA has spread its tentacles to Congo where the MONUSCO is under-staffed and has had problems to contain it. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Joseph Kony and his men but he has not been arrested till now. Moreover 100 US Special Forces operatives are aiding and advising the armies of 4 African nations which are pursuing the LRA.

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Kony 2012 – Viral Campaign on Youtube

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In March 2012, a 30 minute documentary called Kony 2012, based on Joseph Kony was released. The documentary was directed by film maker Jason Russell. Jason Russell made the documentary for the campaign group “Invisible Children Inc”. The documentary went “viral” in March 2012 and became popular amongst millions of people around the world. It was viewed on video sharing sites like You Tube, Vimeo. The documentary was the result of the effort of the charity and campaign group, Invisible Children. Invisible Children has been putting in enormous effort to get Kony arrested.

[Yearbook] Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) A guest article by Mr.Manikandan

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What is it? What are the activities undertaken? Resources- where from? Timeline Why is it news?

Universal Service Obligation Fund What is it?

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There is a ‘Universal’ associated so obviously this must be one amongst the inclusive development strategies of the government. Here the idea is to provide universal access to telecom services , i.e., focus on providing telecom services to rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices. A fund exclusively for meeting the above objectives, created under department of telecommunications, Ministry of communication and information technology. It is a non-lapsable fund i.e., unspent amount under target financial year does not lapse, accrues for next years’ spending. All credits to the fund require parliamentary approval and it has a statutory support under Indian Telegraph (amendment) act 2003.

What are the activities undertaken?

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Installation of village public telephones in every revenue village of 1991 census and additional revenue village of 2001 census. Provision of rural community telephones at next stage. Provision of household telephones in rural areas. Creation of Infrastructure for mobile services in remote, rural areas. Provision of broadband in villages in a phased manner. Induction of new technologies like national optic fibre network in rural areas. For all the above activities a service provider gets grants from the USOF like a subsidy. The service provider is usually chosen through a bidding process on least quoted subsidy support basis (minimum subsidy maximum service).

Resources- where from?

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Through a Universal service levy- at 5% of adjusted gross revenue of all telecom service providers.

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Exception- pure value added service providers like internet, voice mail, e-mail no need to contribute. Also some quantum of funds to come thru central govt. grants. Specialty in this scheme is that it also does some allocation under gender budgeting, for providing services to women, like broadband access to women SHGs.

Timeline 1910 1999 ITA(2003)amendment ITA(2004)amendment ITA(2006)amendment Why is it news? Theodre vail of AT&T (American multinational telecommunication corp) in a annual report makes passing reference to universal service Cabinet defines Universal service objectives in Telecom services Statutory support for USOF Rules for administration of the fund notified Mobile and broadband service providence included into its ambit

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First BSNL was selected as service provider in many areas unilaterally for provision of services and given grants. Govt. says private providers are not willing to establish infra in core affected areas so choice BSNL is inevitable, also private players will try to exploit this scheme for business ends, misusing govt subsidy. BSNL says it has already created infra in rural areas and now if you allow other private players it is a waste of Govt. money , so ask other players to use established facilities in rented basis. Second delay in implementation and provision of services by BSNL is under critic . Third now a proposal to provide services in LWE(left wing) affected areas is on the table of finance ministry, a proposal to this effect already rejected during tenure Shri Pranab Mukherjee citing too much demand for funds and want of allowing private players as service providers to make it more competitive. The provision of connectivity in naxal, maoist affected areas a project designed by current FM P .Chidambaram for improving security is likely to get its allocation this time. Ultimately our wish let there be inclusion, improved connectivity and security.

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[Science] Bionic Eye Guest article by Sarath Chandra, For GS (Mains) Paper II

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BIONIC EYE Examples of Bionic Eye Implants

BIONIC EYE The implants are said to be capable of completely restoring sight to blind patients, but only if their blindness was caused by a faulty retina, as in macular degeneration (suffered by millions of elderly people), diabetic retinopathy or any other degenerative eye disease.

latest developments in Bionic Eye Implants Argus II roughly four-hour procedure Costing around $115,000 Bio-Retina operation only takes about 30 minutes can be done under local anesthesia. cost of about $60,000

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involves the installation of an antenna behind the affected eye that works in with a pair of camera-equipped glasses, which send signals to the antenna. The antenna is wired into the retina which creates display for the brain to interpret.

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does not incorporate an external camera but instead utilizes a visionrestoration sensor that is actually placed inside the eye, on top of the retina.

[Science] Nirbhay, NAG, NAMICA, Helina, LAHAT, Tropex-2012, RISAT, SPOT-6, Project, Glass and Glivec Some more Important Science and Tech topics for General Studies.

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Nirbhay NAG NAMICA Helina LAHAT Tropex-2012 Shoor Veer National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) RISAT 1 ISRO’s 100 th mission Project Glass Glivec

Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay is India’s equivalent of Tomahawk, a long-range, sub-sonic cruise missile, developed by the U.S. developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will travel at a sub-sonic speed (less than the speed of sound).

NAG

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‘fire and forget’ anti-tank missile. can destroy enemy tanks four km away

NAMICA Nag Missile Carrier It is a vehicle to carry and launch NAG missles.

NAMICA Helina

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the helicopter-fired version of Nag. Helina =Helicopter + Nag

LAHAT Laser Homing Attack or Laser Homing Anti-Tank missile anti-tank missile, will be used in the upgraded Arjun battle tanks.

Tropex-2012 theatre-level readiness and operational exercise conducted by the Indian Navy To test new platforms, weapons sensors, communication systems and tactics in order to optimise the network combat power of the fleet. Do you recall JIMEX? If not go to www.mrunal.org/diplomacy

Shoor Veer Combat exercise in the Thar Desert in 2012 To test Army’s operational readiness to undertake swift multiple thrusts across the border. Army and IAF tested new battle fighting concepts with real time pictures of the battle zone provided to a centralized command using fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles and attack helicopters

National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

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world’s largest solar telescope set up by the Department of Science and Technology, in Ladakh. aims to study the sun’s microscopic structure

RISAT 1 RISAT 1 is India’s first radar imaging satellite It can scan the earth surface during both day and night under all weather condition. It will help in paddy monitoring and management of natural disaster like flood and cyclone.

ISRO’s 100th mission

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Using PSLV-C21 rocket, ISRO launched two foreign satellites SPOT 6: French satellite Proiteres: Japanese micro satellite From Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh

Project Glass

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a research and development program by Google. resembles a pair of normal eyeglasses where the lens is replaced by a heads-up display. Project Glass is a wearable computer that provides information not through a screen, but rather through your “eyes.” It gives you data about your surroundings without the need to whip out your smartphone and know what to search.

For example, if you go into a bookstore, Google Glass will be able to provide you with an indoor map of the place, and lead you to your desired book.

Glivec

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blood cancer drug Novartis is fighting a patent case in India for this drug. Treatment of Glivec costs Rs.1,20,000 per month per patient. But Novartis maintains they give it free of cost to the needy patients.

Science] VitaVallis, Trap Crops, GRAIL, Nexus-7 and E-cigarettes (2 markers for GS Mains)

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GRAIL

GRAIL Trap Crop VitaVallis E-cigarettes Nexus-7

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Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) is an American lunar science mission in Why? to study the gravity field and geological structure of the Moon and determine its interior structure.

Trap Crop

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A trap crop is a plant that attracts agricultural pests, usually insects, away from nearby main crops. For example, a few Mustard plants are grown near near strawberries to attract bugs and thus protecting the main crop (strawberries). Similarly, Marigold can be used asa a trap crop in potato farming. It results into more profits for the farmers, due to reduced insecticide use and pest attack.

VitaVallis

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It is a nano-dressing for applying on wounds. Created by Russian scientists It helps clean up wounds of all known types of toxic bacteria. It does not get stuck to the wound and heals burns, cuts and any septic and infected wounds two to three times faster than traditional methods do. The dressing stops bleeding, ends inflammation, eliminates swellings and stimulates skin regeneration. It also helps kill pain and remove foul wound odour. it contains no antibiotics and is therefore effective against drug-resistant bacteria

E-cigarettes Electronic cigarettes are devices that deliver nicotine through a vapour, rather than smoke. There is no combustion involved but the nicotine in the device is still derived from tobacco. It used by smokers trying to quit the lethal habit of smoking can actually cause lung damage

Nexus-7

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Tablet PC from google. Made in partnership with hardware maker Asus. Contains Jelly Bean’ version of Google's operating system (OS)

[Revision] The Hindu science & Tech (May-Aug 2012) for GS (Mains) 2 Markers Introduction This article is for General Studies 2 or 5 markers in UPSC Mains Examination (and some for MCQs in CSAT, SSC, IBPS etc exams)

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Earlier I had provided the revision notes for The Hindu Science & Tech (upto April 2012). Click on following links if you haven’t seen them already: [Revision] Science-Tech Highlight from The Hindu 2011 A to F (Part I) [Revision] Science-Tech Highlight from The Hindu 2011 G to N (Part II) [Revision] Science-Tech Highlight from The Hindu 2011 OtoZ (Part III, The End)

Now moving on, here is the new list, made from The Hindu Science & Tech articles from 1st May to 31 st August 2012. (List is not exhastive, I might have missed some topics.)

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Dhiraj 101 Balwan Pyaj Coniophis Spin OLED Nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) NASA’s Cassini spacecraft CQD solar Cells Chang’e

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Shenzhou-9 CO-4 grass Dark circles around eyes Dragon capsule Zero farming Pearlspot farming green rust Kasalath Telstar OraQuick Truvada Type Ia supernova How mosquitoes fly in rain Can curd and yoghurt be called as probiotics? lactose intolerance Isocyanic acid Jimmy Wales Kinesio tape Naper Bajra grass Chromosphere NuSTAR Probiotics Red tide Refrigerated onions Curiosity Science Express Solar storms tropical enteropathy. Nirmal Rajya Mt Tongariro Food Irradiation

Dhiraj 101 groundnut variety that does not need much water. (UPSC has nasty habit of asking some rice/wheat variety every now and then.)

Balwan Pyaj

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Onion variety has a longer shelf life as compared to other commercial varieties.

Coniophis A transitional snake an intermediate form between lizards and the highly evolved snakes seen today combining a snake-like body with a lizard-like head

Spin OLED Spin organic light-emitting diode (OLED) U.S. physicists have invented it. It is brighter, cheaper and more eco-friendly LED light than those currently widely used in electronic devices.

Nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC)

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anti-oxidant compound in the tree pulp flexible, durable, and also stronger than steel. help improve health and anti-aging products by neutralizing more of the harmful free-radicals found in the body

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft

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For studying Saturn and its moons.

CQD solar Cells colloidal quantum dot (CQD) Solar cells. They’re Very cheap compared to regular solar cells.

Chang’e Name of lunar probe launch of China. first in 2007 Chang’e 2 in 2010 both named for the Chinese goddess of the moon.

Shenzhou-9 spacecraft became China’s longest-ever space mission and was notable for including the nation’s first woman astronaut.

CO-4 grass

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variety of grass used to feed the milking animals in South India.

Dark circles around eyes Why do we develop dark circles around our eyes when we have had insufficient sleep? Skin under the eye lids is very thin and delicate. This makes it prone to show both dehydration and water-logging in an exaggerated fashion. ‘Sleeping less’ also

usually implies overwork and poor eating. This results in a generalised dehydration causing the thin under eye skin to go into a fine wrinkling pattern which gives the appearance of dark circles under the eye.

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On the other hand, it is common to have puffy eyes after a long bout of sleep. This can be explained by the fact that when we lie flat the excess fluid that normally pools in the lower limbs gets distributed all over the body.

Dragon capsule

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unmanned space capsule developed by a private U.S. space company, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), It’ll dock with the International Space Station. In future private companies will try take on the task of transporting humans and cargo to orbits around Earth.

Zero farming

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Zero farming method requires no ploughing, fertilizers or weeding. It dispels the myth that hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and pest-control techniques alone can guarantee good yield. Concept revolves around the theory that ‘nature knows best’ and hence it is better to leave everything in her care.

Pearlspot farming

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fish farming in captivity requires minimum investment and harvesting is easy. Even small scale farmers and women can grow the fishes in the backyard.

green rust

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A rare kind of mineral could be used to scrape toxic metals and radioactive species from the environment,

Kasalath

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A rice variety origin in eastern States of India, Growing rice in soil poor in phosphorus possible with this variety.

Telstar was the first communications satellite, launched in 1962 2012 marks the half centuary of its launch.

OraQuick Oral kit for HIV Test It detects antibodies developed within 1-3 months after getting infected. It cannot pick up acute or recent infection. in a stigmatised disease like HIV, getting people to test is the hardest part. This is due to lack of privacy and loss of confidentiality and fear of visibility in public settings. So people desire private testing options.

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The over-the-counter OraQuick test is a historic milestone because it is a step towards destigmatisation of HIV and normalising an HIV diagnosis.

Truvada

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oral pill to reduce HIV transmission

Type Ia supernova important stellar phenomena, used to measure the expansion of the universe.

How mosquitoes fly in rain mosquito’s strong exoskeleton and low mass render it impervious to falling raindrops.

Can curd and yoghurt be called as probiotics?

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No. Curd and yoghurt cannot be called as true probiotics. According to the 2001 definition of probiotics by FAO/WHO, it is important that for any strain/product to be classified as a probiotic it must be or must contain live microorganisms (generally numbering one billion) which are resistant to gastric acid, bile and pancreatic juices and reach the target site (small intestine/large intestine) in numbers sufficient enough to elicit a beneficial effect. It should be scientifically validated through well controlled clinical trials. Curd is defined as a product obtained by souring boiled or pasteurized milk naturally, by harmless lactic acid bacteria or other bacterial cultures. It may contain a wide variety of bacteria, which are not defined qualitatively/quantitatively. The number and type of bacteria also vary from home to home. Yoghurt, on the other hand, is obtained by lactic acid fermentation of milk by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophillus, which are not true probiotics as per the definition. The role of buttermilk in treating diarrhoea has not been scientifically proven. But it is given during diarrhoea to rehydrate, and hence it imparts some benefit.

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lactose intolerance

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In this disease patients cannot digest lactose since they lack the enzymes that are needed to break down lactose, the milk sugar. In fermented products like curd and buttermilk, most of the lactose is converted to lactic acid/acetic acid by the enzymes that are found in fermenting bacteria. Hence these products are easier to digest and used by those patients.

Isocyanic acid

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Forest fires and emission of air pollutants, which include fumes from vehicles running on diesel and slow burning of coal and charcoal, release toxic isocyanic acid in the troposphere.

Jimmy Wales

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Wikipedia founder

Kinesio tape a strong elasticated tape, was developed more than 30 years ago by a Japanese chiropractor.

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Popular among atheltes. Kinesio tape can stretch and contract, inhibiting damaging movements but allowing the right kind. Runners can continue to train even when they have a problem.

Naper Bajra grass also called as NB CO-4 hybrid or Emperor grass. This grass can be grown in most soil types, can supply raw material to run one 10 MW biomass electric power mill, continuously, all through the year without break

Chromosphere

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area of the sun’s low atmosphere constantly changing magnetic fields

NuSTAR NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array to see the highest energy X-rays in our universe, in future help in the hunt for black holes.

Probiotics

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microorganisms that exhibit beneficial health effects for hosts when a sufficient amount of them are ingested.” probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhoea by half-a-day Probiotics are generally beneficial in treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal disease.

Red tide

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a tiny aquatic organism in harmful algal blooms.When the algae are present in high concentrations, the water appears to be discolored or murky, varying in color from purple to almost pink. They deplete the dissolved oxygen from water and release toxin substances thus killing the marine and coastal species of fish, birds, marine mammals, and other organisms.

Refrigerated onions

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How does refrigerating onions prevent them from causing tears in our eyes when chopped? When you cut the onion, enzymes start mixing and produce a volatile sulphur compound that starts wafting towards your eyes. The gas that is emitted reacts with the water of your eyes and forms sulphuric acid. The sulphuric acid thus produced causes burning sensation in your eyes and this in turn leads to the tear glands secreting more tears. Thus you end up with watery eyes every time you cut onions at home. When you chill an onion, either in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water, the enzymes in the onion slow down at a molecular level.

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This means that when you cut into a cold onion, the slow-moving enzymes and sulphur molecules have less momentum when they combine to make the irritating sulphurous molecules. They also move much more slowly as they escape the onion walls and often will not reach your eyes or nose. This simple tactic can greatly reduce or eliminate an onion’s ability to make you cry.

Curiosity

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NASA’s program on Mars exploration Launched in 2011 test the soil samples to see if there are signs of life in the history of Mars. determine Mars’ geological conditions and changes, and if there are any microorganisms present on the planet. Curiosity will test the Mars soil only with its own equipment after it lands on the planet in August 2012 but future missions will bring samples back to Earth for more study, Curiosity will help pave the way for future manned Mars missions Curiosity also will take video images for the first time and send them back to Earth The rover also will be the first to use nuclear power will enable Curiosity to operate for at least a full Mars year (687 Earth days, or 1.9 Earth years). will travel almost 352 million miles (567 million km) to reach Mars

Science Express a train for promoting scientific temper began its fifth journey, this time to raise awareness about the country’s unique biodiversity The ‘Science Express — Biodiversity Special (SEBS)

Solar storms Solar storms occur when the sun hurls large clouds of electrically charged particles into space and these strike the earth. The solar cycle takes around 11 years to complete. can overload electricity networks causing breakdowns, cause satellites to fail, and endanger astronauts and people in aircraft A solar storm in mid-March 1989 did in fact disrupt power supplies to millions of Canadians for several hours and cut contact with around 1,600 satellites. Since then many electricity networks have improved their equipment, but preparations need to be made, not only for events similar to those in the past, but also for the extreme events that might arise only once in a thousand years. the cycle will rise in strength to a peak in 2013.

tropical enteropathy. This is a condition which affects the intestines (hence entero-) by killing or

disabling the villi and microvilli covering the surface of the small intestine, and helping the absorption of the digested food into the blood and lymphatic systems.

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It also leads to inflammation and mal-absorption. The benefits of whatever the child eats are not being transferred and utilised in the system for growth and development. And the cause of tropical enteropathy is infection by the bacteria found in faeces. Children (and adults) living in conditions of poor sanitation are affected in great measure by such faecal bacterial infection leading to enteropathy.

Nirmal Rajya

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Sikkim Is India’s the first Nirmal Rajya — 100 per cent open defecation-free state. over 626 million Indians do not have access to toilets, Government has initiated the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) or Total Sanitation Campaign, which would attempt to banish open defecation within a decade.

Mt Tongariro

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Volcanic Mountain in New Zealand, recently eruptions were felt.

Food Irradiation useful process employed in preservation of food, control of sprouting of items such as potato and onion and control of food-borne diseases. Irradiation destroys or inactivates extending shelf life of certain foods. organisms that cause spoilage thereby

One of the reasons for the unpopularity of food irradiation is the mistaken notion that irradiated food is radioactive. These radiations do not have sufficient energy to make food radioactive. No radioactivity is produced or released during the process.

[Science] Blue Moon : Meaning and Occurrence

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What is Blue Moon? Why Blue Moon? Why in news?

What is Blue Moon? Blue moon is the second full moon in appearing in the same month. By the way “Blue Moon” is just a term used to describe the second moon, otherwise, the date of a full moon, all by itself, doesn't affect the moon's color. So, second moon in the same month, will be pearly-gray, as usual and not of blue color.

Why Blue Moon?

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The Moon is not actually blue.

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However, greenish- and bluish-tinted Moons are sometimes observed just before sunrise or just after sunset when large quantities of dust or smoke particles are concentrated high in the atmosphere, filtering out the longer wavelengths of colours such as red and yellow. Smoke from forest fires and volcano eruption can cause blue moons.

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Why in news? Because In the month of August 2012, The first full moon was seen on 2 nd August and second full moon was seen on 30 th August 2012. Next Blue Moon will be sighted in 2015. On average, a blue moon occurs once every 33 months.

[Science] Mobile Tower Radiation and Steps taken by Government

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What is Mobile tower radiation Why is it in news? Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on EMF Radiation. Timeline ICNIRP guidelines What is SAR? How and why does Mobile Radiation affect humans? Animals and Mobile Radiation? Steps taken by Environment Ministry

What is Mobile tower radiation Mobile phone towers hold antennas and other communications equipment. They flood the area for miles around with powerful high frequency radio waves to support the use of cell phones. This radiation allegedly causes health problem. I’m using the word “allegedly” because our Government said in parliament that mobile tower radiation doesn’t cause health problems.

Why is it in news? Because an MP asked in parliament “whether radiation emitted from base stations are hazardous?”, the Government replied,

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“From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short or long term health effects have been shown to occur from the RF signals produced by Mobile tower base stations.” But (just to be safe) we’ll bring down the exposure limit of radio frequency fields (mobile tower base station emissions) to one-tenth of the existing level from September 1, 2012.

Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on EMF Radiation. EMF=electromagnetic field. Government had setup this Committee in 2011 to study the hazards of Mobile radiation. The Committee’s findings

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most of the laboratory studies were unable to find a direct link between exposure to radio frequency radiation from mobile towers and health; scientific studies as yet have not been able to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between radio frequency radiation and health. The effect of emission from cell phone towers is not known yet with certainty. However, as a precautionary measure, the IMC recommended reduction of mobile tower base station emissions to one-tenth of the present limit. It suggested stricter SAR limits (1.6 watt per kg) for mobile handsets. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 should be amended so that only mobile handsets satisfying radiation standards (SAR) should be permitted for import / manufacture or sold in the country.

Timeline 2008 DoT has decided to adopt the International Commission on Non-Iodizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)* guidelines in the telcom sector. Government sets up Interministerial Committee on Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) radiation and its effects on health. Committee submits report. DoT made rules to mandate to all mobile phone manufacturers to comply with the specific and absorption rate (SAR)*.

2010 2011 2012

ICNIRP guidelines In short, they suggest that based on scientific research, if mobile radiation is below xyz level then there is no harm to humans or animals. So all the Governments across the world should make laws and rules to keep mobile radiation below xyz level. What is SAR?

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specific and absorption rate it is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the human body while using a mobile phone) so that radiation does not affect human health. Presently, India’s SAR limit is 2 watt per kg The Inter-ministerial Committee wants SAR to be 1.6 watts per kg. and that all the mobile manufacturers gives specific information about SAR on their product packages. This new SAR limit would not affect the mobile manufacturer because almost all of them already adhere to the US standard. However, it’d increase the production cost for cheap mobile phone manufacturers (Chinese type) because they’ll have to use better quality material to comply to the new SAR limits.

By the way, if mobile radiation doesn’t affect health then why is all the hue and cry by

activists and PILs in Highcourts etc.? So, How and why does Mobile Radiation affect humans?

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Human body is itself is electromagnetic (very low around 10 hertz frequency). Each of our cell has it’s own electromagnetic field when we exposed to the cellular tower frequency which is very high our body’s EMF (electromagnetic field) disturbed and thus caused very serious types of damages to our cells, brains etc human body consists of 70% liquid. It is similar to that of cooking in the microwave oven where the water in the food content is heated first. “Microwave absorption” effect is much more significant by the body parts which contain more fluid (water, blood, etc.), like the brain which consists of about 90% water.

Animals and Mobile Radiation?

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You have ever seen a bee, sparrow, pigeon, or any bird flying and staying near the cell tower?…. I think No. The reason is surface area of a bird which is larger than human body, so they absorb more radiation. Since fluid content is small due to less weight, it gets heated up very fast and also the magnetic field disturbs their navigational skills.

Steps taken by Environment Ministry The Ministry of Environment Telecommunications (DoT) : and Forest (MoEF) asked the Department of

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Not to allow new mobile towers to be constructed within a one-kilometer radius of the existing towers. New towers should not be permitted within a radius of one kilometer of the existing towers. Any new towers do not obstruct the flight path of birds, or increase the combined radiation of all towers in the area. Put in GIS mapping to help monitor the population of birds and bees or the welfare of animals in protected wildlife areas. Do not install any towers near zoos or any wildlife protected zones without consulting Forest Dept.

[Science] Bio disadvantages

Fertilizers

&

Green

Manure:

Meaning,

use,

advantages,

For GS (Mains) Paper II.

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Biofertilizers

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Green Manure

Examples of BioFertilizers: Pros and Cons

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Biofertilizers

Examples of Green Manure Pros and Cons of Green Manure? Advantages Disadvantage

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a substance which contains living microorganisms when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, it promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients (nitrogen, Phosphorous etc.) to the host plant.

Examples of BioFertilizers:

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Rhizobium, Azotobacter, blue green algae (BGA) Azospirillum

Pros and Cons Advantages Disadvantages

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It increases crop yield by 20-30%,

replaces chemical nitrogen and phosphorus by 25%, and stimulates plant growth.

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Their effects are is slower compared to chemical fertilizer. Difficulty to store: they’re sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. much lower nutrient density — requires large amounts to get enough for most crops requires a different type of machine to apply than chemical fertilizers sometimes hard to locate/purchase in faraway rural areas

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It can also provide protection against drought and some soil-borne diseases. Bio-fertilizers are cost-effective relative to chemical fertilizers. They have lower manufacturing costs, especially regarding nitrogen and phosphorus use.

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environmentally friendly also helps to some extent cleanse the plant from precipitated chemical fertilizers.

Green Manure

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green manure is a type of cover crop grown primarily to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Typically, a green manure crop is grown for a specific period of time, and then ploughed under and incorporated into the soil while it is green or shortly after flowering. Government of India provides subsidy Subsidy on the purchased of seeds & cost on production of seeds for green manure plants.

Examples of Green Manure plants Leguminous plants Example Why are they used? Cowpeas, soybeans for their nitrogen fixing abilities Non-leguminous plants sudangrass, millet, sorghum, and buckwheat. for weed suppression and addition of biomass to the soil.

Pros and Cons of Green Manure? Advantages

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soil improvement and soil protection. provides forage for pollinating insects. Root systems of many green manure crops to efficiently penetrate compact soils thus increasing the aeration of the soil. The deep rooting properties of many green manure crops make them efficient at suppressing weeds They fix nitrogen in soil, thus Less chemical fertilizers are required. provide habitat for predatory beneficial insects, they kill and eat the pests / harmful insects thus less pesticides are required.

Disadvantage

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Leguminous plants require good amount of irrigation. The “time” factor: you cannot plant the primary marketable crop during green manuring phase.

[Science] Genetically Modified Crops, Bt-Brinjal, Cartagena & Nagoya Protocol: Meaning, Issues A guest article by Manikandan Soundararajan

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What are DNA and Gene? What do we need here? What is the necessity for GM technology? Current issue: Recommendations of the committee: What is this GEAC: Procedure to accord approval: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

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Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

What are DNA and Gene? Always a human gives birth to humans, and a baby is said to inherit his/her parents’ characters. This is made possible only because of the so called genes. Genes are the books where all your personal, family characters are coded passed on to you from your parents. DNA is a polymer of nucleic acid specifically deoxyribonucleic acid which is in turn is comprised of sugar component and nitrogenous base.there are 4 type of nitrogenous base that is adenine , guanine, cytosine and thiamine. It is the sequence of theses nitogenous bases that determine our genetic charecter. [courtsey- Ritesh's comment] DNA aids in protein synthesis. Their expression gives you characters.

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What do we need here? Scientists have now mapped, analyzed these genes of various plants and animals. i.e., understood the ABC of gene make up Here now they are capable of manually rearranging these genes, inserting a part, deleting one changing the way one behaves, like stunted coconut trees giving coconuts at your arms stretch. Such organisms are called TRANSGENICS, transformed genetic make-up.

What is the necessity for GM technology? Already a population of 7 billion and growing energetically. 3% increase in agri production needed to ensure food security to this population, while current growth rate is only 2%. Stress on land resource already huge- use of insecticides, pesticides. 27% of world’s undernourished people proudly are Indians- Urgent need to feed those hungry mouths. Else National shame will be the result- as our PM remarked on the HUNGAMA report.

To address above problems GM aids the development of specific traits in crops like:

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Herbicide resistance Pest resistance Viral resistance slow-ripening Fungal and bacterial resistance Quality improvement (protein and oil) Value addition (Vitamins, micro-and macro-elements)

Ok then let us move quick into this akshayapaatra Hold on, every coin has one more side:

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Biosafety first concern Direct health effects (toxicity)

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The stability of the inserted gene Nutritional effect associated with genetic modification Any unintended effects which could result from the gene Insertion. Autonomy of farmers affected because the seeds of these tech crops are monopolized and are marketed by big private firms. If he is unable/does not provide us the requisite seeds, we have a problem. Genetic erosion of our local varieties.

Bt Brijnal Current issue:

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In India it all started with Bt cotton and Bt Brinjal, regarding control, regulation, marketing production, safety of such crops. Here the Bt refers to Bacillus thuringenesis soil bacterium from which the genes are introduced in to the native cotton and brinjal varieties. The gene gave an expression in cotton which produced a protein in the cotton crop that was toxic to the boll worms and stem borers (pests) i.e., pest resistant variety. Now the issue with us already with many political parties, farmers complaining introduction such GM cotton, Brinjal(stopped after initial intro) as the cause for increasing farmer suicides in Karnataka, Vidharbha region. High input cost of seeds, genetic erosion of local varieties, farmer’s dependence on private seed cos are said to be the reasons.

In this scenario our parliamentary committee on Agriculture has submitted a report on CULTIVATION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD CROPS – PROSPECTS AND EFFECTS Recommendations of the committee:

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No GM food trials, till a stronger regulatory system is established. Current regulation by GEAC (Genetic Engineering appraisal committee) flawed, GEAC under dept. of Biotech which has one of its aims to spread modern biotech. One cannot regulate his own product is the reports’ view.

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Farmers of cotton already under strain, new Bt cotton seeds are expensive, input costs high, yet farmers are left with zero choice. Strict labeling giving choice for consumers to know what they buy is must. Especially imported foods are now a concern.

What is this GEAC:

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Established under MoEF, GEAC is the apex body to accord approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. GEAC is also responsible for granting approvals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials. The GEAC also has the powers to prohibit, revoke, supervise and take punitive action in case of non-compliance, furnishing of wrong information or in case of any damage to the environment.

Procedure to accord approval: laboratory and greenhouse experiment, open field trials for generation of biosafety data, commercialization and market approval Large scale production. International conventions related to this: The committee report passes references to all these conventions. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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CBD is a legally binding agreement adopted during Rio Earth Summit in 1992. India signed the CBD and ratified it. USA is not a party to this Convention. While reaffirming sovereign rights of nations over their natural resources, this Convention establishes three goals: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. India is hosting CoP-11 to the CBD to be held in Hyderabad in October 2012, which is the year of 20th anniversary of Rio Earth Summit is an added information.

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Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

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The CPB, the first international regulatory framework for safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs(living modified organisms) signed on 2000. India has acceded to this Biosafety Protocol. Difference between LMO and GMO is that GMO is a broader term including LMOs within it, all organisms live, dead whose genes are modified are GMOs but LMO as the name suggests are living organisms which are genetically modified. The objective of the Protocol is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health, and specifically focusing on trans-boundary movements. As a Party to the Protocol, the first and foremost requirement is the setting up of a

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National Biosafety Regulatory Framework India has introduced the national biosafety rules even before the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

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Even though the text of the Protocol has been adopted, several critical issues such as risk assessment, liability and redress, documentation and identification of LMOS for Food Feed and Processing etc., are still under discussion.

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

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The CoP-10 to the CBD held in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010 adopted the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing .India is a megadiverse country rich in biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. Hence, implementation of the ABS provisions of CBD is of special interest to us. The objective of Nagoya Protocol is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources. The Protocol establishes a clear framework on how researchers and companies can obtain access to genetic resources and to associated traditional knowledge, and how benefits arising from the use of such material or knowledge will be shared with locals. The ABS Protocol is expected to address the concerns of biodiversity rich countries such as India relating to misappropriation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

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EnB] Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Guest article by Mr.Manikandan, For Environment and Biodiversity topic in CSAT GS paper. (Preliminary exam)

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What is GIAHS? What is FAO? What are the objectives of GIAHS? Why is it done? How is a GIAHS site chosen? GIAHS Sites in India: Koraput, Odisha State Kashmir Valley, Pampore region Kuttanad What will GIAHS do in Indian Sites? Other Potential sites: Ladakh: Raikas: Korangadu: Catamaran Fishing, Tamilnadu: Soppina bettas systems, Western Ghats:

What is GIAHS?

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Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Purpose of GIAHS is to create public awareness, safeguard world agricultural heritage site s. It was started in 2002 by FAO (Food and agricultural organization).

What is FAO? FAO an intergovernmental organization, headquartered at Rome with 191 member nations. Aims at helping world population get ensured food security, eliminate hunger, poverty.

What are the objectives of GIAHS?

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To understand and appreciate the nature friendly agricultural practices of local and tribal populations around the world. To document indigenous knowledge. To conserve and promote these knowledge at global scale to promote food security, sustainable development. Providing incentives for local population by measures like eco-labeling, ecotourism.

Why is it done?

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Globalization, increasing population pressure, environment degradation putting food production under stress. Loss of Biodiversity, loss of livelihood and economic returns for marginalized and poor- major impacts. To overcome all these, combat climate change, move towards MDGs, eradicate poverty this initiative undertaken.

How is a GIAHS site chosen?

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The provision of local food security High levels of agricultural biodiversity and associated biological diversity, Store of indigenous knowledge and Ingenuity of management systems.

-A site with all the above characteristics, if under stress or threat of degradation is chosen. Various sites across the world from china, srilanka, argentina, peru etc. have been recognized under GIAHs. Now our focus: two sites recognized in India and 6 more recognized as potential sites: GIAHS Sites in India: Koraput, Odisha State

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This region has rich biodiversity, growing several varieties of paddy, millets, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables. Region primarily a tribal district inhabited by khonds, bonda tribes practicing poddhu (shifting) cultivation. Shifting cultivation – loss of forest cover = hurting the biodiversity. Soil erosion, Soil degradation, habitat loss.

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Illiteracy, large family, small farm holding size. The socio-economic indicators are very poor here nearly 84% living in abject poverty.

Kashmir Valley, Pampore region Saffron Heritage Site of Kashmir in India

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Grains such as maize, rice, rajmah/lentils, fruit and vegetable crops and pulses . A set of unique low-tillage traditional agricultural practices are carried During the fallow period, growth of fruit, fodder and mulberry trees along the farm boundaries (Agro-forestry) is practiced, thereby maintaining traditional agrobiodiversity.

Problems

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Loss of productivity due to the lack of agricultural management practices Climate change vulnerabilities, water scarcity and weather vagaries Efforts from the younger generation to appreciate and conserve heritage systems absent.

Kuttanad:

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Kuttanad is a delta region of about 900 sq. km situated in the west coast of Kerala State, India. Unique feature: Below sea level rice cultivation site, only such system in India. Farmers of Kuttanad have developed and mastered the spectacular technique of below sea level cultivation over 150 year ago. They made this system unique as it contributes remarkably well to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services including several livelihood services for local communities.

What will GIAHS do in Indian Sites?

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Contribute to awareness-raising promote use of modern technologies to conserve the heritage systems. Documenting the traditional knowledge. Provide capacity building training for farmers to increase productivity and marketing practices. Modernization, commercialization strategies establishing standards, eco labeling. Establishing sustainable practices amongst the tribals utilizing their knowledge, modern technologies.

Other Potential sites: Ladakh:

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Ladakh is located on the high Tibetan plateau between India and the Himalayan Mountains to the south, China and the Karakoram Mountains to the north, and Indian Kashmir to the west. Four types of land are cultivated: Zhing (cultivated land), Zhing Zhang (well

fertilized land), Rizhing (stony land), Thang Zhing (pasture land). Apricots, apples and walnuts are cultivated in deep valleys.

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Organic composting is said to be an indigenous technique here Western cultural intrusion, urban consumerism are said to be threatening factors. Promoting its uniqueness especially amidst harsh terrains is essential.

Raikas: The Raikas are a pastoral caste Camel herding is their heritage. They live in groups of 4-20 families on the outskirts of villages and combine crop production during the summer rains with pastoralism during the autumn-spring dry season. The Raikas face several threats: Camel herding is no longer profitable, Droughts, Decrease in common pasture lands, disease and fodder scarcity, privatization of land Government support, help to withstand climate change, drought conditions need to be provided to preserve this heritage group.

Korangadu:

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The Korangadu silvo-pastoral system exists in the semiarid tract of the Erode, Coimbatore, Karur, Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu. Innovative fencing mechanism of land by live “mullukiluvai” (Commiphora berryi), a thorny drought resistant shrub. No fertilizer or nutrients, use of natural animal droppings, use of Phaseolus trilobus, a crop which provides a very nutritious feed. The leaves and pods of Albizia amara serve as a natural hair conditioner. Now monocropping, horticulture, tube wells haunt the natural heritage of this area. Deficient monsoon, water scarcity have also changed the cultivation patterns. The Korangadu pastureland shows people how to live with nature, while conserving it , utilizing it and this needs to be preserved, propagated.

Catamaran Fishing, Tamilnadu:

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Catamaran- Two words in Tamil: Kattu-to tie, Maram- Tree; The Bay of Bengal waters source of unique resources, marine biodiversity. People of coastal tamilnadu have shown a sustainable way of exploiting the marine resources which is very important as India is the world’s fourth largest fishing nation. Modern fishing problems: pollution, stress over exploitation. Also problems of mechanization in this area and 2004 Tsunami effects still threatening the livelihoods of these people. It thus represents a set of Agricultural Biodiversity of Global Significance (ABGS), associated knowledge systems and cultural practices which are endangered and needs international recognition.

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Soppina bettas systems, Western Ghats:

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Western Ghats of Karnataka- 16 varieties of rice grown Compost made from foliage and leaf litter (Soppina Bettas) used as fertilizer-local innovation.

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Soppina Bettas provide manure, botanical pesticides, fuel wood, fodder, medicine and timber to the communities. The existence of this unique self-sustaining system is threatened due to over exploitation, conversion of land and lack of awareness.

[Environment] Landslides in Himalayas: Reasons, Solutions

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Three main geological divisions of India. Classification of Himalayas Hazards in the Himalayan Eco-System Regions and disasters Landslides: Reasons Landslides: Damage Suggestions to fix problem

Three main geological divisions of India. Himalayas, also known as the Extra-Peninsula Indo-Gangetic Plains Peninsula

Classification of Himalayas Method #1

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Himalayas are classified, from west to east, into four regions: Punjab Himalaya – area between Indus and Sutlej rivers. Kumaon Himalaya – area between Sutlej and Kali rivers Nepal Himalaya- area between Kali and Tista rivers. Assam Himalaya- area between Tista and Brahamputra rivers.

Method#2

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three regions: the Western, Central and Eastern Himalaya Nepal Himalaya constitutes the Central Himalaya and the mountainous area to its west and east are known as Western and Eastern Himalaya respectively

Hazards in the Himalayan Eco-System

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All major types of disasters, prominently earthquakes, landslides,

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avalanches, flash floods forest fires soil erosion

Regions and disasters Altitude Over 3500m 500 to 3500 m Landslides: Reasons Type of disaster snow avalanches and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) flash floods; landslides and mudflows

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indiscriminate chopping down of trees. slash and burn cultivation technique called ‘JHUM,’ Road construction and mining. Every increasing population, grazing, urbanization etc. has destroyed the dense natural evergreen forest cover.

Such activities have disrupted the ecological balance, thereby resulting in loosening of the soil. During the heavy rain, this leads to soil erosion and frequent landslides Landslides: Damage

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Every year, landslides in the region kill dozens of people and cause widespread damage to several villages such that they have now become almost unfit for habitation. They create blockades in the road network and river system, which in turn, cause floods. The terraced farm fields have been destroyed that cannot be easily renovated or made productive again. The road network remains closed for long periods causing indescribable hardship to the villagers who get their basic supplies and provisions from the neighbouring areas. Water source is also disrupted due to landslides as they are breached from several places and are choked by the debris. The sediment load of rivers has also increased considerably, causing problems like irregular courses and frequent breaching of the banks, which create uncertainty regarding the river course and unexpected floods. The water channels are affected from the up hillside due to which the villagers are devoid of water for irrigation purposes. This adversely affects agriculture production in the region.

Suggestions to fix problem

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Excess water should be stored in the catchments areas, which will reduce the fury of flash floods, recharge the ground water and improve the environment. Runoff collection ponds in the catchments, though they might get silted up in a few years, will be more useful than the measures in the lower reaches.

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To prevent rapid siltation of tanks, the contributing catchments (even if they are not cultivated but used for grazing or forestry purposes) need to be well managed so that soil erosion is prevented. All common lands should be put under fuel/fodder trees. Planting of barren areas, especially on slopes, with grass cover is an important component of integrated watershed management programme. Grazing should be completely restricted. After the area is completely protected from grazing, better grasses can be planted. The grasses of industrial importance should also be planted so that there is some economic return to the farmers as well. The surface vegetative cover will not only protect the land from the beating action of rain drops and bind the soil particles but would also decrease the velocity of flowing water and cause less of soil erosion .

[Biodiversity] National Aqatic Animal This is shared by Varoon Bakshi.

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The River Dolphin is found in the River Ganges. In 2009, The Ganga River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India by the National Ganga River Basin Authority which is chaired by the Prime Minister. The Ganga River Dolphin is basically found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems. Around 1500-2000 River Dolphins are found in the aforementioned two river systems. The scientific name of the Ganga River Dolphin is Platanista Gangetica.

Problems faced by River Dolphins The habitats of the Ganga River Dolphins are shrinking as smaller rivers are drying up and bigger rivers do not have uninterrupted flow of water in various parts. Thus the Ganga River Dolphins are perhaps one of the few creatures which face extinction due to the destruction of their habitat instead of being hunted or poached. Although, these river dolphins are hunted for their oil and sometimes they get stuck in the nets of the fishermen and die. By declaring the Ganga River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal of India there will be some focus on the plight of these animals.

[EnB] National Seabuckthorn Initiative

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What is Seabuckthorn?

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What are the uses of Seabuckthron? What is National Seabuckthorn Initiative? What will they do? CSAT 2012 Actual Question Mock Questions for GS Mains (Paper I) Previous Articles under EnB

What is Seabuckthorn? Seabuckthorn (Leh berry) is a shrub It grows in the dry temperate and cold desert of the Himalayas. Found extensively in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttatrakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

What are the uses of Seabuckthron?

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Has multi-purpose medicinal and nutritional properties, besides being useful for soil conservation and nitrogen fixation. Since this is the only plant that can grow in high altitude regions it can be easily used for water and soil conservation. Can aid in climate change mitigation and provide livelihoods support thereby reducing pressures on the ecosystem.

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* Ideal plant for desertification control.
Every part of the plant viz. Fruit, leaf, twig, root and thorn has been traditionally used as medicine, nutritional supplement, fuel and fence, and therefore, seabuckthorn is popularly known as

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‘Wonder Plant’, ‘Ladakh Gold’, ‘Golden Bush’ or ‘Gold Mine’.

What is National Seabuckthorn Initiative?

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India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change It has a key Mission called “Green India Mission” Under this Green India Mission, there is a Sub-Mission on Cold Desert Ecosystems This Sub-Mission will include the National Seabuckthorn Initiative. In 2010, Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) and the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have jointly launched a major new national initiative for seabuckthorn cultivation in the high altitude, cold desert ecosystems of the country.

What will they do?

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Under this initiative, Eco Task Force Battalions and Women’s Self-help groups will be mobilised for plantation of seabuckthorn in remote areas. Research and Development (R&D) for cultivation and commercial processing in collaboration with China, Russia, Pakistan, Germany etc nations where this plant is found.