Jal Hi Amrit Initiative - 2024 Current Affairs
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This document details the Jal Hi Amrit (JHA) initiative, a new program focused on water security, efficient sewage management, and sustainable water reuse practices. The program builds on the success of its predecessor (AMRUT 1.0) to create more water-secure cities. The benefits of water recycling, such as decreased strain on freshwater resources and improved ecosystem health, are highlighted, as well as associated challenges.
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5. ENVIRONMENT 5.1. JAL HI AMRIT Why in the News? Recently, ‘Jal hi Amrit’ initiative has been launched under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0) reforms during the 100 days agenda of the Government. About Jal hi Amrit (JHA) Background: Building on the succes...
5. ENVIRONMENT 5.1. JAL HI AMRIT Why in the News? Recently, ‘Jal hi Amrit’ initiative has been launched under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0) reforms during the 100 days agenda of the Government. About Jal hi Amrit (JHA) Background: Building on the success of AMRUT 1.0, this second phase aims to create “Water-Secure Cities”. JHA initiative aims: o To incentivize States /UTs for efficient management of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), also termed Used Water Treatment Plants (UWTPs). o To produce a continuous supply of high-quality treated water that meets environmental standards and supports sustainable water recycling practices o To promote a circular economy of water by enabling reuse for various purposes like construction, industry, and irrigation. Purpose: To foster inter-city competition, build treatment facility capacities, and incentivize high-quality treated water discharge through systematic improvements. Strategy of rating-based incentives: UWTPs will be awarded Clean Water Credits through a Star Rating system. Incentives will be provided to urban local bodies (ULBs)/Parastatal agencies based on a comprehensive evaluation process. Rationale of JHA: Recycling and reusing treated used water are the cornerstones of ensuring sustainable management of water resources and reducing the stress on freshwater resources. About AMRUT AMRUT 1.0 AMRUT 2.0 Launch Year 2015 2021 Duration Mission period from 2015-2020 Mission period from 2021-2026 (5 years) Coverage 500 cities and towns All statutory towns in the country Focus Areas Water supply, sewerage and septage Universal coverage of water supply through functional management, storm water drainage, taps to all households in all the statutory towns in the green spaces and parks, non-motorized country, coverage of sewerage/ septage management in urban transport 500 cities. About Water Recycling & Reuse Definition: Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling) reclaims water from a variety of sources then treats and reuses it for beneficial purposes. Sources of water for potential reuse: Municipal wastewater, industry process and cooling water, stormwater, agriculture runoff and return flows, etc. Benefits of Water Recycling & Reuse Environmental benefits o Water recycling decreases diversion of freshwater from sensitive ecosystems thereby prevents deterioration of water quality and ecosystem health. o Saves energy otherwise required to extract or transport freshwater to the area. E.g., Reusing treated wastewater in irrigation reduces GHG emissions. 63 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS o Recharges groundwater, avoiding freshwater resource degradation and salinization. E.g., Treated water in Bengaluru is used to recharge shallow aquifers through natural percolation by filling lakes. o Recycled water may be used to create or enhance Wetlands and Riparian (Stream) habitats. Socio-economic benefits o Increases water availability for potentially water stressed or arid areas. o Provides an easily accessible water source to economic sectors such as industry (e.g., In Karnataka, industrial estates within 30 km. of STPs are mandated to prioritise treated water) and agriculture (e.g., Haryana’s Kurukshetra repurposes treated water for agriculture use). o Improves the quality of agriculture through use of valuable nutrients extracted from the wastewater. > E.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous rich waste water. Challenges of Water Recycling & Reuse Treating water to a precise specification: Industrial wastewater requires thorough treatment to remove oils, salts, solids and minerals before reuse. Plant requires significant investment: Water recycling systems are inherently expensive because they are high- tech and expensive to design and produce. o Membrane fouling and maintenance challenges: Filtration membranes suffer efficiency loss due to fouling, requiring regular cleaning or costly replacement to maintain optimal performance. Water recycling is energy-intensive: The lower the quality of the water, and the more intensive the treatment, the more energy is needed to power the recycling process. Absence of guidelines: Sector-specific requirements for treated water reuse vary widely, as each sector has distinct standards for processed water quality—ranging from basic biological treatment to advanced purification methods like reverse osmosis. Stigma: Socio-cultural barriers often prevent the acceptance of recycled water on accusations of being ‘toilet-to- tap’. India and Water Recycling & Reuse Need o Urban: 31% of the households lack access to piped water & 67% are not connected to a piped sewage discharge system. o Irrigation: Largest user of India's water reserve, with usage of 78 per cent of total reserve. o India: Has 18% of the world's population but only 4% of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed countries. 64 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS > Average per capita water availability for 2031 has been assessed to be 1367 cubic metres. Potential: India has the potential to treat and reuse 80% of the wastewater generated. Measures taken o Policy Measures: > National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water in 2022. > Power Tariff Policy 2016: Mandates all Thermal Power Plants to use the treated sewage water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) situated within 50 kms radius for non-potable purposes, > The National Water Policy-2012 mandates recycle and reuse of water & The National Guidelines on Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). o Schemes: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, Arth Ganga initiatives being implemented as part of Namami Gange programme. Way Forward to tackle challenges to Water Recycling & Reuse Setting up water reuse benchmarks for industries: By using fit-for-purpose standards to promote wastewater reuse and resource recovery while maintaining product quality standards. Incentivising the ecosystem: Government policies should offer incentives for industrial, academic, and research institutions conducting R&D in water treatment technologies and efficiency practices. o Subsidize dual plumbing systems and offer property tax rebates to encourage residential areas to use treated water for non-potable applications. o Implement tiered volumetric pricing structure: E.g., higher rates for non-recycled water, incentivizing municipalities and housing societies to adopt recycled water alternatives. Facilitate PPPs: By combining government financial support with private sector technical expertise to develop and maintain wastewater treatment infrastructure. Implement tradable water-use credits system: Based on treated wastewater usage, following World Bank Group's framework for wastewater reuse certificates. 5.2. HYPERLOCAL WEATHER FORECASTING Why in the News? Recently, the CoS-it-FloWS, a new system that collects hyper-local data for flood forecast launched in the flood-prone Periyar and Chalakudi river basins was launched in Kerala. About CoS-it-FloWS CoS-it-FloWS (Community-Sourced Impact-based Flood Forecast and Early Warning System) is a project run by Equinoct, a Kochi-based community-sourced modelling solution provider. Recognized by UNICEF’s Climate Tech Cohort, it uses 100 rain gauges installed across Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur. Data on rainfall, river, tidal and groundwater levels that are collected primarily by students, women, and youth at the household level is then analysed and visualised through Insight Gather, a web portal to host the impact-based forecasts in the pilot basins. The idea is to plug gaps in government data and to scale up the project with greater community participation by collecting hyper-local data for fighting natural disasters. About hyperlocal weather forecasting Definition: Hyperlocal weather forecasting is a specialized form of meteorology that pinpoints weather conditions to extremely localized areas. Current forecasting level: Currently the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) issues weather forecasting for district level. o The forecast and warnings issued from National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) are in the subdivisional scale for the country as a whole whereas the same from State WFC (SWFC) are in the district scale for the state concerned. 65 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS Need for Hyperlocal forecasting: In tropical countries like India, weather variability is inherently higher. Hence hyperlocalised weather forecasting is needed for better utility. Key Challenges in hyperlocal weather forecasting Outdated prediction models: Currently, most of the prediction software used in forecasting are based on the Global Forecasting System (GFS) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Models, both of which are not the most modern. Lack of weather monitoring ground stations: Currently, IMD operates around 800 automatic weather stations (AWS), 1,500 automatic rain gauges (ARG) and 37 doppler weather radars (DWR). o This is against the total requirements of more than 3,00,000 ground stations (AWS/ARG) and around 70 DWRs. Underutilized data from ground stations: Although state governments and private companies manage over 20,000 ground stations, much of this data is inaccessible to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to issues with data-sharing and reliability. Difficulty in predicting small-scale events: Large systems like monsoons or cyclones are easier to forecast, but sudden, localized events like cloudbursts remain challenging due to their erratic and dynamic nature. o Increasing climate volatility leads to frequent and rapid system changes, complicating predictions even further. Key initiatives taken to facilitate hyperlocal weather forecasting Gram Panchayat (GP)-Level Weather Forecasting: A joint program of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Ministry, Ministry of Earth Sciences and IMD for providing hourly forecasts at GP level. Mission Mausam: It was unveiled recently to Enhance India’s Weather and Climate Forecasting by 2026 by installing a wider network of radars, wind profilers, and radiometers for better observations. Weather information network and data system (WINDS): To install a system of AWS and ARG across India to generate long-term, hyper-local weather data. 66 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS IFLOWS-Mumbai: Integrated Flood Warning System for Mumbai (IFLOWS-Mumbai) developed by Ministry of Earth Sciences in coordination with Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai for providing early warning for flooding specially during high rainfall events and cyclones. Mumbai Flood App: It is a rainfall forecasting and flood monitoring system predicting rain hourly and daily for Mumbai. o It is developed by IIT Bombay, with funding from HDFC ERGO, in collaboration with the MCGM Centre for Municipal Capacity Building and Research (MCMCR). Conclusion India needs a comprehensive approach to enhance hyperlocal weather forecasting. This includes upgrading to advanced models, expanding the monitoring network, fostering data-sharing, and developing robust real-time data systems. By addressing these areas, India can improve accuracy, especially for localized events, and better prepare for extreme weather. 5.3. NEWS IN SHORTS 5.3.1. STATE OF GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES REPORT The report has been coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO is a specialized agency of United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology. Key Findings Hydrological extremes: Year 2023 was the hottest year on record. Levels of soil moisture were predominantly below or much below normal across large territories globally. 2023 was driest year for global rivers in 33 years. Lake Coari in the Amazon faced below-normal water levels, leading to extreme water temperature. Glaciers: Glaciers suffered the largest mass loss ever registered in the last five decades. 5.3.2. NATIONAL WATER AWARDS (NWA) Recently, President of India presented fifth NWA in New Delhi. About National Water Awards Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aim: To create awareness among people about importance of water and motivate them to adopt the best water usage practices. Presented in nine categories: Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body (ULB), Best School/College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution (other than school/college), and Best Civil Society. Odisha is best state and Surat, Gujarat is Best ULB. 5.3.3. CCPA NOTIFIES GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTING GREENWASHING Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines for ‘Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims,2024’. These guidelines are in the furtherance to the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement, 2022 and prohibits Greenwashing. Key provisions of the guidelines Defines greenwashing clearly: Greenwashing means any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims. 67 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS Applicability: All environmental claims, a manufacturer, service provider, product seller, advertiser, or to an advertising agency or endorser whose service is availed for the advertisement of such products. Substantiation of Environmental claim: o Use consumer friendly language and explain meaning or implication of technical terms like Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). o All environmental claims shall be supported by accessible verifiable evidence on independent studies and third-party certification. Adequate Disclosures: o Ensure all environmental claims in ads or communications are fully disclosed, either directly or through technology like QR codes or web links (for easy accessibility). o Claims must specify whether it refers to the good as a whole or part of it or manufacturing process, packaging, etc. o Avoid selectively presenting data to favorably highlight environmental claims. Aspirational or futuristic environmental claims: Such claims may be made only when clear and actionable plans have been developed for achievement of objectives. 5.3.4. ENVISTATS INDIA 2024 Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th issue of the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” EnviStats (Environment Statistics) have been compiled in accordance with the SEEA (System of Environmental- Economic Accounting) Framework. EnviStats provide information about environment, its most important changes over time and across locations and main factors that influence them. Publication includes Four areas- Energy Accounts, Ocean Accounts, Soil Nutrient Index and Biodiversity. Key Highlights of EnviStats India 2024 India emerged as world leader in energy transition. Around 72% increase in number and around 16% increase in area for Total Protected Area during 2000 to 2023. Coverage of Mangroves has increased around 8% during 2013 to 2021. Significance of EnviStats Sustainable management of natural resources, key to long-term development. Balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Provide alternate means of measuring prosperity and progress and go beyond GDP. Data-driven policymaking. About System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) It is an agreed international framework for the compilation of the Environment Economic accounts. It describes the interaction between the economy and the environment, as well as the stocks and changes in stocks of environmental assets. There are two sides of SEEA- SEEA-Central Framework (SEEA-CF) and SEEA-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) (refer infographic). 68 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS Environment Accounts in India National Statistical Office under MoSPI is mandated with the “Development of Environment Statistics and methodology of National Resource Accounts for India”. o MoSPI released the ‘Strategy for Environmental Economic Accounts in India: 2022-26’. India also participated in ‘Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem services (NCAVES)’. o NCAVES was launched by United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), UNEP and Secretariat of CBD in 2017. First EnviStats were released in 2018 on recommendations of Sir Partha Dasgupta Committee. 5.3.5. ‘2024 FOREST DECLARATION ASSESSMENT: FORESTS UNDER FIRE’ REPORT RELEASED Report focuses on tracking the overarching forest goals: eliminating deforestation and forest degradation, and restoring 30% of degraded forest area by 2030. These goals have been established by international commitments such as New York Declaration on Forests (2014), Glassgow Leaders’ Declaration (2021), and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022). Global Forest Goals and Progress Eliminate deforestation by 2030: Around 6.37 million hectares deforested in 2023 much greater than the targeted 4.38 million hectares. o 3.8 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023 making deforestation fourth-highest emitter after China, US and India. Eliminate tree cover loss in forested Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs): Over 1.4 million hectares of forests were lost within forested KBAs in 2023. Controlling Forest Fire: Nearly one-third of area lost to fires since 2001 was burned from 2019-23. Restore 30% of degraded and deforested landscapes by 2030: Only around 18% of the Bonn Challenge’s 2020 target of 150 million hectares was restored from 2000-19. Drivers of Deforestation Commodity Production: Agricultural commodities responsible for 57% of global deforestation over past two decades. Shifting agriculture in primary forests: Responsible for loss of 15.9 million hectares of primary forests from 2015- 23. Mining: From 2000-19, mining volumes from tropical moist forest ecosystems doubled. 69 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 5.3.6. EUROPEAN UNION DEFORESTATION REGULATION (EUDR) The European Commission has proposed to extend the implementation of the EUDR, by one year. About EUDR It aims to ensure that a set of key goods placed on the EU market will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and elsewhere in the world. Applies to a wide range of products including palm oil, soy, beef, cocoa, and timber. This requires companies to verify the origin of the products and ensure that they are produced in a sustainable manner. It will act as a barrier for countries who export to the EU. 5.3.7. BIODIVERSITY CREDITS A coalition of civil society organizations has raised concerns over promotion of biodiversity credits. Biodiversity Credits Definition: An economic instrument that allows private companies to finance activities, such as forest conservation or restoration. Purpose: To have a net-positive impact on nature and biodiversity. o Unlike biodiversity offset, biodiversity credits are not limited to compensating for companies’ negative and unavoidable impacts on nature. Functioning: o Stakeholders that have a goal to conserve or restore land generate a supply of credits, or “certificates. o Private companies then purchase these credits to meet their biodiversity- or nature-based commitments. 5.3.8. GREENING OF ANTARCTICA Plant cover across Antarctic Peninsula is increasing due to climate crisis. About Greening of Antarctica: It is growth of vegetation e.g. moss on a continent dominated by ice and bare rock due to extreme heat waves. o Warming in the region is happening much faster than global average, accelerating between 2016 and 2021. Vegetation has expanded over tenfold between 1986 and 2021. Impact o Invasive species: Greening may introduce invasive species, and harm local wildlife. Worsen Climate effect: It will reduce the continent’s ability to reflect sunlight (albedo), worsening climate effects. 5.3.9. COORDINATION COMMITTEE FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN IGP REGION Union Government has set up the Coordination Committee for Air Quality Management in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region. The ten-member panel will work on comprehensive mitigation measures to check air pollution across Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. o On account of typical geography and meteorology, these states have high baseline levels of air pollution which requires regional airshed management to abate air pollution. Coordination Panel has been tasked with integrating state action plans to develop IGP Regional Airshed Management Plan and monitor its implementation. 70 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 5.3.10. PM-SURYA GHAR: MUFT BIJLI YOJANA Centre notifies guidelines for ‘Innovative Projects’ component under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has notified operational guidelines to encourage advancements in rooftop solar technologies, business models, and integration techniques. Earlier guidelines had been issued for other sub- components such as Model solar village etc. About ‘Innovative Projects’ Component Objective: To support startups, institutions, and industries in piloting new concepts, with a focus on emerging solutions like blockchain-based peer-to-peer solar trading, etc. Eligibility/Target Group: Any entity or individual and International Cooperation (Taking up joint research and design.) Tenure: Project will have a maximum duration of 18 months. Funds: ₹500 crore to encourage advancements in rooftop solar technologies, o Funding for Projects: Financial assistance of up to 60% of project cost or ₹30 crore, whichever is lower. Scheme Implementation Agency: National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) 5.3.11. WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK 2024 International Energy Agency released its flagship World Energy Outlook 2024. Key Observations Geopolitical tensions and fragmentation are major risks for energy security. o Around 20% of today’s global oil and LNG supplies flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint in the Middle East. Clean energy is entering the energy system at an unprecedented rate, with more than 560 gigawatts (GW) of new renewables capacity added in 2023. More than half of the world's electricity will be generated by low-emission sources before 2030. 5.3.12. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY HUB (IEEH) Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a letter of intent enabling India to join the IEEH. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been designated as the implementing agency for the Hub on behalf of India. About International Energy Efficiency Hub Genesis: Established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency (IPEEC) in which India was a member. Mandate: It is a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency worldwide. 5.3.13. GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON CHEMICALS (GFC) FUND GFC Fund has launched its first project call for targeting safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. About GFC Fund Setup during fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in 2023 in Bonn, Germany. 71 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS Executive Board takes operational decisions and oversees its functioning. It is composed of o 2 National representatives of each United Nations region; and Representatives of all donors and contributors. It complements existing financial mechanisms, like Global Environment Facility etc. and funds that support biodiversity and climate action. Objectives: o Support low- and middle- income countries, including small island developing states, in addressing chemicals, including products and waste in line with international standards. o Target medium-scale projects that strengthen national and regional abilities managing chemicals and waste. Financial Support: Selected projects will receive 300,000 to 800,000 USD for up to three years to minimize harm from chemicals and waste and protect environment and human health. o Funding is provided through voluntary contributions. About GFC (Bonn Declaration adopted at ICCM5) Multi-sectoral agreement that outlines set of 28 targets to address chemicals and waste management including prevention of illegal trade, elimination of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035 etc. 5.3.14. ECOMARK RULES, 2024 Recently, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified Ecomark Rules, 2024. Ecomark labeling system will promote eco-friendly products in categories like food, cosmetics, soaps, and electronics, etc. It aligns with the principle of LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment), focusing on sustainability and resource efficiency. Rules notifies Granting Criteria: To a product that has a licence or a certificate of conformity with Indian Standards granted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and/or a mandate of the Quality Control Orders and that fulfills the criteria as prescribed in the rules. o According to rules, the Ecomark may be granted to products that meet specified environmental criteria with respect to resource consumption and environmental impacts. Application Process- Manufacturers must apply for Ecomark through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Duration- mark will be valid for three years. Oversight and Implementation- By Steering Committee, headed by the Environment Secretary. Significance It enables consumers to make informed purchase decisions as well as encourage manufacturers to transition to production of environment-friendly products. It will lead to circular economy and prevent misleading information on environmental aspects of products. It will promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and conservation. 72 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS Other Environmental Certification in India Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme o It offers voluntary third-party certification designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country. o It includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification. o It provides market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest management and agroforestry practices in their operations. 5.3.15. IUCN REPORT ON AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a flagship report titled “Agriculture and Conservation” which comprehensively explores the complex relationship between agriculture and conservation. Impact of Agriculture on Biodiversity Negative Impacts o Agriculture directly threatens 34% of species assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. o Direct threats from agriculture include conversion of natural habitats to croplands, pasturelands, plantations and irrigation. o Indirect impacts through introduction of invasive alien species, nutrient loading, soil erosion, agrochemicals, and climate change. Positive Impact: About 17% of species on IUCN Red List have agriculture documented as a habitat. Impact of Biodiversity on Agriculture Positive Impact: Ecosystems support agriculture through two main categories: o Provisioning services i.e. production of biomass and genetic materials, and o Regulating and maintenance services i.e. climate regulation, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, water flow regulation, pollination etc. Negative Impact: Ecosystem disservices such as crop predation, pests and pathogens. 73 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 5.3.16. LIVING PLANET REPORT World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released the latest edition of its biennial ‘Living Planet’ report. Key finding: Biodiversity loss: Wildlife population declined by 73% over the past 50 years (1970–2020). o Freshwater populations have suffered heaviest declines followed by terrestrial and marine populations. Reasons for decline: Habitat loss, degradation, climate change, invasive species. Findings on India o Adopting India's consumption patterns worldwide would need less than one Earth by 2050. o Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) is a good example of the positive socio- economic impacts of nature-positive food production. o Praised India’s millet mission. 5.3.17. KAIMUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (KWS) National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) has given approval to develop Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) as Bihar’s second tiger reserve after Valmiki Tiger Reserve. NTCA is a statutory body established under Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. About KWS Location: Located on a Kaimur Hills plateau between the Son River (south) and Karmanasa River (west). o It is spread over Central highlands (include Satpura-Maikal hills and Vindhya-Bagelkhand hills) and Chota Nagpur Plateau. o It is linked to Bandhavgarh-Sanjay-Guru Ghasidas-Palamau tiger landscape. Fauna: leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, etc. Forest Type: Northern Tropical Mixed Dry Deciduous Forests 5.3.18. INDIAN WILD ASS 10th Wild Ass Population Survey conducted by Gujarat Forest Department has found a 26.14% (6,082 in 2020 to 7,672 in 2024) increase in the population of Indian Wild Ass. Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) About: One of the five subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass, referred to as ‘Ghudkhur’. Habitat: Arid zone of northwestern Indian subcontinent; presently only restricted to the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat. Behavioral Characteristics: Solitary, Shy, present in low densities across its distribution range. o Horns found only in adult males, for browsing preferred nutrient rich forage. Conservation Status: IUCN Red List of Threatened: Near Threatened Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I CITES: Appendix I 74 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 5.3.19. NILE BASIN Recently, agreement on the equitable use of water resources from the Nile River basin has come into force despite the notable opposition of Egypt. About Nile Basin The Nile is the world’s longest river and has a drainage area of nearly 10% of the landmass of the African continent. Runs through 11 countries from south to north. 2 main tributaries: White Nile (Originate from Burundi and Rwanda) and Blue Nile (originating in Ethiopia). Other tributaries: Sobat River, Atbara River, Bahr el Ghazal, etc. 5.3.20. VOLCANIC ERUPTION & IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES A recent study by Indian Institute of Geomagnetism establishes the role of volcanism in shaping space weather. Key findings of the study Ionospheric Disturbance: Volcanic eruptions produce strong atmospheric gravity waves triggering formation of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs). o EPBs, normally observed in the equatorial ionosphere, are depletions in ionospheric plasma density formed during post-sunset hours. Impacts Satellite Communication and Navigation Systems: Generated EPBs can impact satellite communication and satellite-based technologies. Volcanism and its Impacts A volcano is an opening in Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases erupt. Recent incidents include Mount Ruang (Indonesia, 2024), Whakaari/White Island (New Zealand, 2024), etc. Positive Impacts of Volcanic activities o Short periods of cooling Earth’s atmosphere: Particles from volcanoes can cause temporary cooling by shading incoming solar radiation o Source of geothermal energy: can provide free electricity for locals o Improvement in soil fertility by ejected volcanic ash o Provides Mining opportunities as magma brings valuable minerals to the surface. o Others: Tourism potential; ash acts as soil fertilizer, etc. Negative Consequences of Volcanic activity o Impact on Climate: With the release of dust, ash, and other gases into the atmosphere. o Lead to disasters such as Tsunami (E.g. Tonga eruptions (2022) o Others: Leads to damage of lives, property, habitat, and landscapes 75 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS 5.3.21. LIPULEKH PASS First batch of pilgrims viewed Mount Kailash (abode of Lord Shiva) from Old Lipulekh pass. Previously, pilgrims had to travel to Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to view the peak. About Lipulekh Pass Location: International Mountain pass, above Kalapani valley, forming tri-junction between India, Nepal, and TAR (China). o Situated in Vyas valley, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand inhabited by Bhutiya people. Significance: Ancient trade and pilgrimage route. o Closed in 1962 by India fearing Chinese incursions and was reopened in 2020. 76 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS