Current Affairs March 2020 - Environment

1 - Union Government declared National Chambal Sanctuary as eco-sensitive zone

Centre declared National Chambal Sanctuary in MP as eco-sensitive zone. National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is one of the biggest river sanctuaries in India with around 1700 gharial (fish eating crocodile). The Sanctuary is the home of Gangetic dolphins and 75% population of critically endangered species, gharial. It also harbours 180 species of migratory birds and freshwater Gangetic Dolphins.

National Chambal Sanctuary is a 5,400 km² tri-state protected area in northern India, sheltering a wide array of avian, aquatic, and other wildlife with its pristine air and water.

2 - Animal Protection Index 2020

According to the Animal Protection Index 2020 created by international animal welfare charity, World Animal Protection, India has attained a C ranking in the index, along with countries like New Zealand, Mexico, France, and Spain. India is one of the better-performing countries in the index.

The index ranks countries from A (being the highest score) to G (being the weakest score) according to their policy and legislation. Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom were indexed in Grade B.

3 - Defence Ministry signed contract with Israeli firm IWI

The Defence Ministry signed a capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries, IWI for procurement of 16,479 light machine guns, LMGs at a cost of 880 crore rupees. IWI would be providing Negev 7.62*51 mm LMGs to the Indian armed forces under the contract.

The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat proven weapon which greatly enhances the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon. It is currently used by several countries around the globe.

4 - DAC approved procurement of 83 indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft

Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement of 83 indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft for Indian Air Force. The Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, is going to be the backbone of Indian Air Force in future. The Defence Acquisition Council also accorded approval for acquisition of indigenous Defence equipment for about 1,300 crore rupees.

While orders of 40 Tejas aircraft had been placed with HAL in initial configurations, DAC paved the way for the procurement of another 83 of the more advanced version of the aircraft from HAL. This procurement will be a major boost to Make in India as the aircraft is indigenously designed.

5 - Indian Oil Corporation Limited became first company to begin supply of BS-VI fuel

India’s biggest oil firm, Indian Oil Corporation Limited started supplying BS-VI fuel across India. With this, Indian Oil Corporation Limited became first company to begin supply of BS-VI fuel across its 28,000 petrol pumps.

Since BS (Bharat Satge)-VI grade fuel is the world’s cleanest fuel containing just 10 parts per million of sulphur, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) announced to supply BS-VI grade fuel throughout their outlets. The Government of India has set 1^st April 2020 as the deadline to start the supply of BS-VI emission compliant fuels.

6 - United Kingdom confirmed as first co-chair of India led CDRI

United Kingdom was confirmed as the first co-chair of the Governing Council of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is an India-led global climate initiative which was established by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 held in New York City, USA.

The UK will host COP26 in Glasgow in November 2020. U.K. will have responsibility for technical advice and expertise to help set up and build the Secretariat and advance the objectives of the Coalition.