India declares itself bird flu-free

India has declared itself free from bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). The declaration was made here on December 29, 2011, and notified to the OIE (Office International des Epizooties, which later became the World Organisation for Animal Health). However, states have been advised to keep up the vigil, according to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. If there is no outbreak of the disease for three consecutive months, a country can declare itself free from bird flu.

Country's first online Braille library launched

The visually impaired students can now 'flip' through the pages of multilingual study books with the launch of the country's first online Braille library. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mukul Wasnik yesterday launched the library at an event organised by the National Institute for Visually Handicapped (NIVH) at the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped in suburban Bandra to commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. The library provides access to 12,000 books in 10 different languages in a user-friendly format. This will make education easier for persons with visual impairment, NIVH director Anuradha Mohit said. The online library is dedicated to students with visual impairment, pursuing higher education in numerous colleges and universities. By offering the accessible format, the library will cater to students in subjects ranging from Information Technology to Literature, Wasnik said, adding persons with visual impairment must benefit from this technological accessibility for information. The Srimad Bhagwat Maha Puraan and Holy Quran in Braille produced at Dugganji Braille Press at the city-based National Association for the Blind were also released by the minister on the occasion. The link to the online Braille library is: http://www.oblindia.org An exhibition of the technology and utility devices for the visually challenged at the venue, showcased gadgets like "picture-in-flash" device to print tactile diagram, a "talking" ATM, talking labeler, weighing scale, color recognizer, talking blood pressure meter and talking physiotherapy.

Various Programs, Initiatives and acts related to Environment and Ecology in 2011

The following are the various programs, initiatives, draft acts and policies of Environment & Forest Ministry:

India Launches Major New Study For Valuation Of Its Natural Capital And Ecosystem Services

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has initiated a major new programme to value the immense wealth of natural resources and biodiversity in India. Collaborating with The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study, the Ministry has begun the process of valuating its natural capital and ecosystem services in terms of economic value.

India participates in the 10th CoP of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

India made impressive presence in the 10th Conference of Parties of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Held at Bergen, Norway during November 20-25,2011: Nominated as Member of the Standing Committee of CMS.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.

Minister inaugurates the first Indian Forest Congress, 2011

Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan appealed for more scientific analysis of the issues relating to forest management in the country in the midst of ever increasing pressure on the forests and climate change threat. Inaugurating the first Indian Forest Congress,2011 in New Delhi today, she urged for developing reliable data at the state level on forest biomass, increment, Non-timber Forest Products, Eco-tourism, etc.

Draft Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011

The MoEF has notified the new Draft Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to replace the earlier Rules (1998) and the amendments thereof. The darft Rules are notified for information of the public and suggestions and comments are invited within 60 days.

Draft Animal Welfare Act 2011

The importance that India accords to the protection of animals and their rights is reflected in the fact that the Constitution of the nation recognizes the need for their protection. Article 51A (g) enshrines and casts upon every citizen of India, the duty to have compassion for all living creatures, as a Fundamental Duty. In keeping with this commitment, India was also one of the first countries to enact a law on the subject of animal cruelty being the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

India has one of the most comprehensive laws on the subject of Wildlife Protection but unfortunately domesticated animals do not enjoy specific protections under the same.

There is therefore a need for a comprehensive and holistic legislation to address this issue. Acknowledging this need, the Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests, gave a categorical assurance on the floor of the Lok Sabha on August 11th, 2010 that the Ministry would enact a law titled the Animal Welfare Act that would provide, among other things, for steeper penalties for animal cruelty.

This law intends to modify the approach of our authorities in dealing with animal protection by moving from a defensive position to a positive, welfare and wellbeing oriented approach through the Draft Animal Welfare Act, 2011. Some of the salient features of the draft enactment are:

• Augmenting animal welfare and wellbeing ;
• Strengthening animal welfare organizations, and conscientious citizens who wish to espouse the cause of animal welfare and wellbeing ;
• Enhancing penalties for animal abuse ;
• Altering and enlarging the definition of animal abuse, in keeping with the times, and in keeping with judicial pronouncements.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, shall stand repealed when this Act comes into force, but all actions already taken under the same, and Rules and Regulations already framed, shall be saved to the extent and in the manner indicated in the Draft Animal Welfare Act, 2011.

SICOM and MSSRF join hands for Vedaranyam, sign MoU

On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the “Salt Satyagraha”, the Ministry of Environment and Forests initiated the conservation and development of Vedaranyam Coastal Zone project based on Gandhian Principles. The above project is being undertaken by Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) under the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management project. This project would be implemented by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan.

The above project includes, restoration and conservation of the coastal resources, promote scientific management of land and water resources and promote community based joint management and implementation of the coastal zone management programme.

Under the project the Vedaranyam swamp which has a vast mangrove, salt marsh and migratory bird population will be restored, income generating activities for the local communities would be taken up. The project was officially announced on 26th December, 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Society.

Report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) and MEE of Tiger Reserves

28th July, 2011, New Delhi, India: The detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010) along with the outcome of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves were released today.

(i) Detailed report on the All India Tiger Estimation (2010)

A detailed report on the 2010 assessment relating to status of tigers, co-predators and their prey is a sequel to the outcome released in March this year. This study reports a countrywide increase of 20% in tiger numbers in 2010 with an estimated number of 1706 (1520-1909).

The 2006 estimation was 1411 (1165 – 1657) tigers. This country level assessment is done once in every four years, and is a collaborative initiative between the NTCA, WII, tiger States and outside expertise. There is a decline of 12.6% in tiger occupancy from connecting habitats.

This has happened in peripheral and dispersal areas having low densities outside tiger reserves and tiger source populations. The increase in tiger numbers is due to the fact that tiger populations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown an increase in tiger density. The inclusion of Sunderbans, some portions of North East and parts of Maharashtra have also contributed to the increase. The methodology consisted of a double sampling approach – Phase I by Forest departments generate indices of abundance, Phase II – Remotely sensed information on landscape characteristics in a GIS, Phase III – research biologists sample areas with remote cameras and modern technology to determine tiger abundance. There has been an unprecedented effort of about 477,000 man days by forest staff, and 37,000 man days by professional biologists. A total effort of 81,409 trap nights yielded photo-captures of 635 unique tiger from a total camera trapped area of 11,192 km2 over 29 sites.

Tiger occupied forests in India were classified into 6 landscape complexes: (a) Shivalik Hills and the Gangetic Plain, (b) Central India (c) Eastern Ghats, (d) Western Ghats, (e) North-Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Plains, and (f) Sunderbans.

The report is not about tiger numbers alone and gives invaluable information on connectivity, corridors and habitats.

(ii) Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserve

The MEE report contains the second round of independent assessment based on refined criteria done in 2010-11 for 39 tiger reserves. This assessment is based on the globally used framework, as adapted to Indian conditions. Five independent teams conducted the evaluation using 30 indicators. The framework consists of 6 elements: context, planning, inputs, process, outputs and outcomes.

The 39 tiger reserves were grouped in same landscape clusters as done in tiger estimation. An additional category comprising of tigers in ‘red corridor’ has been included, besides a separate category for reserves where tigers have gone locally extinct. Out of 39 tiger reserves, 15 were rated as ‘very good’, 12 as ‘good’, 8 as ‘satisfactory’ and 4 as ‘poor’.

28 tiger reserves were compared with the MEE ratings of 2005-06. It is inferred that the ‘very good’ category increased by 4%, ‘good’ category increased by 3% and ‘satisfactory’ decreased by 7%.

Extensive Study carried using satellite-based inventory and monitoring methods on ‘Snow and glaciers of the Himalayas’.   Clickhere to View Full Report>>

Minister reviews plan for strengthening the Indian Forest Service- 30^th June 2011

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) came into being in 1966, to manage, conserve and develop the forest and wildlife resources of the country. However, a lack of long-term planning on annual recruitment, skill building and training in the past has been a cause for concern.

A five-member committee constituted by the Ministry in 2010, headed by Shri J.C.Kala, Former DG Forests, undertook an exercise to draw up a comprehensive recruitment plan for the next 20 years. The report of the Committee is available on the Ministry’s website.

Highlights Of 4th National Report Submitted To Unccd Secretariat – 20^th June 2011

·         About 69 percent of India is dry land – arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
o   These areas are heavily populated
o   Degradation has severe implications for livelihood and food security for millions of people living in these areas
·     An estimated 32 percent of India’s total land area is affected by land degradation (of which desertification is a major component)
·     81.45 million hectares, or 24.8 percent of the country’s geographic area is undergoing desertification
·  Water and soil erosion are major causes of land degradation; water erosion is most prominent in agricultural regions
·   The key anthropogenic factors resulting in degradation are unsustainable agricultural practices; diversion of land to development programmes; industrial effluents; mining and deforestation
·     Unsustainable resource management practices drive desertification, and accentuate the poverty of people affected by desertification
·    Land rehabilitation has been a major priority since Independence, and several policies and government agencies address desertification and degradation.

Milestones of Defence in India in 2011 with Full details

The Following are the Complete List of all the successful tests of 2011 collected from various newspapers for students appearing for civil service examinations and other competitive examinations.

• Initial Operational Clearance Ceremony to LCA (Tejas) at Bangalore on January 10, 2011.  Defence Minister Shri AK Antony formally handed over the release to service certificate of Tejas Aircraft to the chief of Air Staff, Air chief Marshal PV Naik. Read More>>

• Successful launch of Dhanush and Prithvi Missiles by the Strategic Forces Command from Interim Test Range, Chandipur, Orissa and a warship off Orissa Coast on March 11, 2011. Read More>>

• Kaveri engine being developed by the DRDO for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft successfully completed the first phase Flying Test Bed trials mounted on a modified IL-76 aircraft in Russia during April.

• Indian Naval crew began training in Russia in April aboard the new Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov, being rechristened INS Vikramaditya, to be inducted into the Indian Naval fleet. Read More>>

• The Nuclear-capable, Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile was successfully test-fired for its full range of 350 km on 9th June, 2011 by the personnel of Strategic Force Command as part of a regular user training exercise.
  The nine-metre tall missile was picked up randomly from the production lot and test-fired by the SFC personnel, while the logistics were provided by DRDO scientists.

  The missile, fired from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the Orissa Coast at 9 a.m, achieved a high-degree accuracy, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sources. After a flight duration of about 8 minutes, the indigenously-built missile impacted the target in the Bay of Bengal with a single-digit accuracy of less than 10-metres of CEP (Circular Error Probability).

  A battery of state-of-art radars, electro-optical telemetry stations and a ship located near the target point tracked the entire event.

  The single-stage, liquid fuelled Prithvi-II is capable of carrying payloads ranging from 500-1,000 kg and was already inducted by the Armed Forces. It is equipped with a high-accuracy inertial navigation system with sophisticated on-board control and guidance. Prithvi-II's mobile launcher has user-driven features and the road mobile system could be launched from anywhere in the country.

• Defence Minister Shri AK Antony inaugurated the DRDO’s state-of-the-art composite propellant processing facility – ACEM (Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials) at Nasik in Maharashtra on Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011. Read More>>

• Successful launch of new Surface to Surface Tactical Missile ‘PRAHAAR’ by DRDO on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Read More>>

• Successful flight test of the 700- km range SHOURYA Missile from Launch Complex III of Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off OrissaCoast on Saturday, Sep 24, 2011. Read More>>

• India's nuclear capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile was successfully test-fired, with a range of 350 kms, as part of user trial by the Armed Forces from Chandipur off Orissa coast, about 15 km from here.
  The indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile was flight tested at around 8.50 a.m. from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range launch complex-III.
  The test firing of the short-range ballistic missile, which has already been inducted into the Armed Forces, was a ‘user trial’, defence sources said.
  The sleek missile is “handled by the specially raised strategic force command”, they said, adding the missile has a length of 9 metres and is one metre in diameter. It is propelled by two engines than run on liquid fuel.
  Prithvi, the first ballistic missile developed under the country’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), has the capability of carrying 500 kg of warhead. The missile uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.

• LCA Tejas (Navy) made successful Ground Run at Bangalore on Tuesday, Sep 27, 2011. Read More>>

• Surface to Surface Strategic Missile AGNI (A-II)

   India successfully flight-tested Intermediate range, nuclear weapons-capable Agni-II surface-to-surface missile for its full range of over 2,000 km from Balasore, Orissa on 30th September which is a hat-trick of achievements in the past one week. The missile was fired from a rail mobile launcher by the Army’s Strategic Force Command personnel at 9.30 a.m. as part of a training exercise after it was picked up from the production lot. After a 10-minute flight, the 21-metre tall Agni-II reached the pre-defined target in the Bay of Bengal with precision and accuracy. Two naval ships located near the target point, electro-optical and telemetry systems tracked the missile’s flight path and its final moments.
  

  
  

  Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister V.K. Saraswat described it a dream launch and one of the finest copy-book launches of Agni-II. All the performance parameters of the mission such as velocity, terminal phase, trajectory and destruction of the warhead went as per copybook profile.
  India successfully flight-tested Intermediate range, nuclear weapons-capable Agni-II surface-to-surface missile for its full range of over 2,000 km from Balasore, Orissa on 30th September which is a hat-trick of achievements in the past one week. The missile was fired from a rail mobile launcher by the Army’s Strategic Force Command personnel at 9.30 a.m. as part of a training exercise after it was picked up from the production lot. After a 10-minute flight, the 21-metre tall Agni-II reached the pre-defined target in the Bay of Bengal with precision and accuracy. 

• The DRDO conducted the 5th successful flight of UAV ‘Rustom I’ near Hosur, Karnataka on Friday, Nov 11, 2011. Read More>>

• The Missile reached the target with very high level of accuracy. Radars and electro-optical systems along the Coast of Odisha have tracked and monitored all the parameters of the Missile. Two Indian Naval ships located near the target witnessed the final event.

  AGNI 4 is a new era in the modern Long Range Navigation System in India. This test has paved the way ahead for the success of AGNI-5 Mission, which will be launched shortly.

  The Missile, having capability to carry Strategic Warheads for the Forces, has provided a fantastic deterrence to the country and it will be produced in numbers and delivered to the Armed Forces as early as possible.

  
  

  What's New in AGNI 4?

  
  

  • This missile is one of its kinds, proving many new technologies for the first time, and represents a quantum leap in terms of missile technology. 
  • The Missile is lighter in weight and has two stages of Solid Propulsion and a Payload with Re-entry heat shield. 
  • The Composite Rocket Motor which has been used for the first time has given excellent performance. 
  • The Missile System is equipped with modern and compact Avionics with Redundancy to provide high level of reliability. 
  • The indigenous Ring Laser Gyros based high accuracy INS (RINS) and Micro Navigation System (MINGS) complementing each other in redundant mode have been successfully flown in guidance mode for the first time. 
  • The high performance onboard computer with distributed Avionics architecture, high speed reliable communication bus and a full Digital Control System have controlled and guided the Missile to the target.
  India successfully test fired the most advanced long range missile system Agni-4 on 15th November, 2011. The missile was launched from a Road Mobile System at 9.00 AM from Wheelers’ Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile followed its trajectory, in a text book fashion, attained a height of about 900 kms and reached the pre-designated target in the international waters of Bay of Bengal. All mission objectives were fully met. All the systems functioned perfectly till the end encountering the re-entry temperatures of more than 3000⁰C.

• Sixth successful test launch of Agni-AI Ballistic Missile from WheelerIsland on Dec 1, 2011 by Armed Forces. Read More>>

APPSC SCHEDULE OF RECRUITMENT

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APPSC GROUP-4 EXAM PREPARATION PLAN

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APPSC JUNIOR LECTURERS EXAM PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SOLVED PAPER (EXAM HELD ON: 03-12-2011)

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