Three more Ramsar wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

New Ramsar Sites:

1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
2. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
3. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

Total Ramsar Sites in India: 85

Total Area Covered: 13,58,068 hectares

Recent Addition Trend:

• 26 sites from 1982 to 2013
• 59 sites from 2014 to 2024

States with Most Ramsar Sites:

• Tamil Nadu: 18
• Uttar Pradesh: 10

India’s Ramsar Wetlands:

• Cover about 10% of the total wetland area in India
• Spanning 18 states

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

• The term was coined when the International Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable use of Wetlands was signed at a city of Iran called Ramsar in 1971.
• It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands.
• The negotiations for the convention started in the 1960s by the different countries and NGOs for the protection of wetland habitats of migratory water birds. Finally, it came into force in 1975.

Ramsar Sites

• Any Wetland site which has been listed under the Ramsar Convention that aims to conserve it and promotesustainable use of its natural resources is called a Ramsar Site.
• At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
• The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List embodies the government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to ensure that its ecological character is maintained.

India''s Participation: India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982. India has 82 Ramsar Sites, highlighting its commitment to preserving biodiversity and managing water resources.

Significance of Ramsar Sites in India: These wetlands play a critical role in providing water security, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. They control floods and act as habitats for a vast array of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day: PM Modi remembers victims, says day to pay tribute to their courage

Indian Independence Act 1947

Lord Mountbatten was appointed Viceroy of India. He proposed the Mountbatten Plan (Dickie Bird Plan) on June 3 1947. Despite Gandhi''s strong opposition, all parties consented to the partition, leading to the passing of the Indian Independence Act of 1947 in the British Parliament. It effectively ended British rule over India. The country was partitioned into India and Pakistan (east and west). The act also repealed the use of the title ‘Emperor of India’ by the British Crown.

• It declared India as an independent and sovereign state
• It provided for partition of India and creation of two new dominions- India and Pakistan
• It abolished the position of secretary of state for India
• It abolished the office of viceroy and provided for each dominion, a governor-general, who was to be appointed by the British King on the advice of the dominion cabinet
• It empowered the constituent assemblies of the two dominions to frame and adopt any constitution for their respective nations and to repeal any act of the British parliament, including the independence act itself
• The constituent assemblies were empowered to legislate for their respective dominions till the new constitutions were drafted and enforced
• It granted the princely states the freedom to join either of the dominions or to remain independent
• Governance of each dominion was to be conducted based on the provisions of the GoI act, 1935
• British monarch could no longer ask for bills or veto them. However, this was reserved for Governor-General.
• Governor-General of the dominions were made to act on the aid and advise of the council

Consequences of the Partition of India

• Mass Migration:About 15 million people relocated to what they believed to be a safer territory. Muslims headed towards Pakistan, while Hindus and Sikhs headed towards India.
• Mass Killings and atrocities on both sides:Approximately 1-2 million people were killed, many were killed by members of other communities and sometimes their own families, as well as by the contagious diseases that swept through refugee camps. 
• Violence against women:Women were kidnapped, raped, publicly humiliated, and many were forced to die by suicide in an attempt to protect their chastity.
• Impact in terms of economic resources: India was deprived of jute and cotton and Pakistan of fuel. 
• Problem of Refugees:Both states subsequently faced huge problems accommodating and rehabilitating post-Partition refugees, whose numbers swelled when Pakistan illegally tried to occupy Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48. 
• Hostility and Suspicion:The legacy of violence caused by partition has created an atmosphere of hostility and suspicion between the two countries that impacts the relationship even to this day.

Centre plans to start e-waste audit, impose penalty as environment compensation

E-Waste (Electronic Waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices. This includes a wide range of products such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, and other gadgets that are no longer in use or are obsolete.

Concerns Associated with E-Waste:

1. Environmental Impact:
   • Toxic Components:E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When improperly disposed of, these substances can leach into the soil and water, causing significant environmental damage.
   • Pollution:Burning e-waste or landfilling can release toxic fumes and pollutants into the air, impacting air quality and contributing to health problems.
2. Health Risks:
   • Exposure to Toxins:Workers in informal recycling sectors and communities near e-waste disposal sites may face health risks due to exposure to harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
   • Long-term Health Effects:Chronic exposure to these toxic substances can lead to serious health conditions, including respiratory problems, neurological damage, and cancer.
3. Resource Wastage:
   • Loss of Valuable Materials:E-waste often contains valuable materials like gold, silver, and rare earth metals. Improper disposal means these materials are wasted rather than recovered and reused.
4. Informal Recycling:
   • Unregulated Practices:In many regions, e-waste is processed by informal recyclers who may use unsafe and environmentally damaging methods.

Disposal of E-Waste:

1. Reuse:
   • Refurbishment:Electronic devices can be repaired or refurbished for reuse. This extends their lifespan and reduces the need for new products.
   • Donation:Working devices can be donated to charities, educational institutions, or other organizations.
2. Recycle:
   • Material Recovery:Recycling involves extracting valuable materials from e-waste through processes like shredding, separating, and refining. This helps in recovering metals and reducing the environmental impact.
   • Certified Facilities:E-waste should be sent to certified e-waste recycling facilities that follow proper environmental and safety standards.
3. Proper Disposal:
   • Take-back Programs:Many manufacturers and retailers offer take-back programs for electronic devices, ensuring they are recycled responsibly.
   • E-Waste Collection Events:Community events and designated drop-off centers help facilitate the proper disposal of e-waste.

Regulations and Rules:

1. National and International Regulations:
   • The Basel Convention:An international treaty that regulates the movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste, across borders, ensuring environmentally sound management.
   • EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE):Establishes rules for the collection, treatment, and recycling of e-waste in the European Union.
2. Indian Regulations:
   • E-Waste Management Rules (2016):In India, these rules provide a framework for the handling, disposal, and recycling of e-waste. Key provisions include:
     • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):Obligates producers to manage the lifecycle of their products, including collection and recycling.
     • Collection and Recycling:Establishes norms for setting up collection centers and authorized dismantlers/recyclers.
     • Penalties:Provides for penalties for non-compliance with e-waste management practices.

3. Local Regulations:
   • State and Municipal Regulations:Various states and municipalities may have additional regulations and initiatives to manage e-waste more effectively

DRDO successfully carries out maiden test flight of Long-Range Glide Bomb GAURAV from Sukhoi-30 MK-I

Long-Range Glide Bomb GAURAV

• LRGB Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class long-range glide bombdeveloped by the DRDO.
• It is air-launchedfrom a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
• The bomb is designed and developedindigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
• Adani Defenceand Bharat Forge participated as Development cum Production Partners in the Gaurav project.

Key capabilities

1. Long-Range Target Engagement:GAURAV is capable of striking targets at extended distances, providing a significant tactical advantage.
   2. High Precision:The bomb is equipped with a hybrid navigation system that integrates Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.
   3. Indigenous Development: GAURAV is designed and developed entirely in India showcasing the country’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technology.
   4. Large Payload: Weighing 1,000 kg, it can deliver a substantial payload to its target, enhancing its effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios.
   5. Air-Launched Platform: The bomb is launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet, allowing it to be deployed from a significant altitude and distance from the target, enhancing its reach and survivability.