India experienced extreme weather events between January and September this year which claimed 2,755 human lives and 69,000 animals across the country.&nbsp;

A latest report by India's environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment said that the "worse is happening now" with each month experiencing extreme weather days be it heatwaves, coldwaves, heavy rainfall, flooding, lightning, storms, cyclones, cloudburst and snowfall in different regions in the country through various seasons.&nbsp;

According to the report titled ' The State of Extreme Weather 2022', which analyzed extreme weather events in India in its first 273 days this year, more than 400,000 houses and 1.8 million hectares of cropland was damaged by weather disasters.&nbsp;

During a webinar ahead of the international climate conference COP 27 scheduled to begin on November 7 in Egypt, CSE Director General Sunita Narain said the extreme weather disasters were the "revenge of nature" and an impact of climate change.&nbsp;

Presenting the report, its authors Rajit Sengupta and Kiran Pandey said that on 241 out of the 273 days in 2022, India experienced extreme weather events.&nbsp;

While on 159 days the country saw lightning and storms, there was heavy rainfall, floods and landslides on 157 days, heatwaves on 66 days, coldwaves on 30 days, cloudburst on 11 days and snowfall on two days.

These events also claimed several lives.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/northeast-monsoon-rains-in-southern-india-15-ndrf-teams-on-standby-in-tamil-nadu-530242">Northeast monsoon rains in southern India: 15 NDRF teams on standby in Tamil Nadu</a>

Around 1214 human lives were claimed by heavy rain, floods and landslides between June and September with north-eastern state of Assam being hit the worst with 221 deaths followed by central India's Madhya Pradesh with 112 deaths.&nbsp;

Nearly 954 people were killed due to lightning and storm between July and September with Madhya Pradesh recording maximum deaths at 164 followed by Maharashtra at 94.&nbsp;

The report said that India recorded 66 days of heatwaves which claimed 45 lives with the early onset in March until July. The western state of Rajasthan was worst hit by heatwaves which lasted 42 days followed by Maharashtra with 24 days of heatwaves and 34 deaths. Rajasthan did not record any death due to heatwave, the report said.&nbsp;

The country also experienced cold waves or cold days for 30 days with 22 days in January and eight days in February in two states and Union Territories. While Madhya Pradesh had 21 days of cold waves, it lasted for 20 days in Uttar Pradesh. No lives were claimed.&nbsp;

The 11 days of cloudburst killed 33 people in four states with maximum deaths in Himachal Pradesh at 12.&nbsp;

Two places - Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh experienced snowfall which lasted two days in the entire 273 days and claimed a total of eight lives. While one person died in Jammu and Kashmir, seven deaths were recorded in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

"While January saw cooler daytime temperatures, February remained almost half a degree colder than normal, resulting in 30 cold wave days and 12 hailstorm days. January was also abnormally wet. It was the seventh wettest since 1901 while February was drier than normal," said Kiran Pandey, Programme Director, Environment Resource Unit, CSE.&nbsp;

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The report also revealed that the months of March and April were unusually hot and led to the early onset of heatwaves with March being the warmest ever and the third driest in 121 years.&nbsp;

The experts noted that the monsoon season oscillated between dry and wet spells. It began in June with catastrophic floods in northeast India, especially Assam and Meghalaya.&nbsp;

"There was a dry spell in July and August in the northeast. However, the western part of the country suffered floods in July and flood-like conditions were caused in August in states of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh," Pandey said.&nbsp;

Experts said that climate change is here and happening now and these extreme weather events are a result of the warming of planet. 
India will be addressing the 27th climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh on November 7 with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav leading an 18-member delegation.&nbsp;

According to the Indian government, the main agenda of the COP27 will be the failure of wealthy countries to keep the $100 billion pledge to aid the developing nations in dealing with the climate crisis to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees C.&nbsp;

The conference will be held from November 7 to 18 at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

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India experienced extreme weather events between January and September this year which claimed 2,755 human lives and 69,000 animals across the country. A latest report by India's environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment said that the "worse is happening now" with each month experiencing extreme weather days be it heatwaves, coldwaves, heavy rainfall, flooding, lightning, storms, cyclones, cloudburst and snowfall in different regions in the country through various seasons.

India experienced extreme weather events between January and September this year which claimed 2,755 human lives and 69,000 animals across the country. A latest report by India's environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment said that the "worse is happening now" with each month experiencing extreme weather days be it heatwaves, coldwaves, heavy rainfall, flooding, lightning, storms, cyclones, cloudburst and snowfall in different regions in the country through various seasons. According to the report titled ' The State of Extreme Weather 2022', which analyzed extreme weather events in India in its first 273 days this year, more than 400,000 houses and 1.8 million hectares of cropland was damaged by weather disasters. During a webinar ahead of the international climate conference COP 27 scheduled to begin on November 7 in Egypt, CSE Director General Sunita Narain said the extreme weather disasters were the "revenge of nature" and an impact of climate change. Presenting the report, its authors Rajit Sengupta and Kiran Pandey said that on 241 out of the 273 days in 2022, India experienced extreme weather events. While on 159 days the country saw lightning and storms, there was heavy rainfall, floods and landslides on 157 days, heatwaves on 66 days, coldwaves on 30 days, cloudburst on 11 days and snowfall on two days. These events also claimed several lives. ALSO READ | Northeast monsoon rains in southern India: 15 NDRF teams on standby in Tamil Nadu Around 1214 human lives were claimed by heavy rain, floods and landslides between June and September with north-eastern state of Assam being hit the worst with 221 deaths followed by central India's Madhya Pradesh with 112 deaths. Nearly 954 people were killed due to lightning and storm between July and September with Madhya Pradesh recording maximum deaths at 164 followed by Maharashtra at 94. The report said that India recorded 66 days of heatwaves which claimed 45 lives with the early onset in March until July. The western state of Rajasthan was worst hit by heatwaves which lasted 42 days followed by Maharashtra with 24 days of heatwaves and 34 deaths. Rajasthan did not record any death due to heatwave, the report said. The country also experienced cold waves or cold days for 30 days with 22 days in January and eight days in February in two states and Union Territories. While Madhya Pradesh had 21 days of cold waves, it lasted for 20 days in Uttar Pradesh. No lives were claimed. The 11 days of cloudburst killed 33 people in four states with maximum deaths in Himachal Pradesh at 12. Two places - Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh experienced snowfall which lasted two days in the entire 273 days and claimed a total of eight lives. While one person died in Jammu and Kashmir, seven deaths were recorded in Arunachal Pradesh. "While January saw cooler daytime temperatures, February remained almost half a degree colder than normal, resulting in 30 cold wave days and 12 hailstorm days. January was also abnormally wet. It was the seventh wettest since 1901 while February was drier than normal," said Kiran Pandey, Programme Director, Environment Resource Unit, CSE. WATCH | Gravitas: Should you retire early? × The report also revealed that the months of March and April were unusually hot and led to the early onset of heatwaves with March being the warmest ever and the third driest in 121 years. The experts noted that the monsoon season oscillated between dry and wet spells. It began in June with catastrophic floods in northeast India, especially Assam and Meghalaya. "There was a dry spell in July and August in the northeast. However, the western part of the country suffered floods in July and flood-like conditions were caused in August in states of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh," Pandey said. Experts said that climate change is here and happening now and these extreme weather events are a result of the warming of planet. India will be addressing the 27th climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh on November 7 with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav leading an 18-member delegation. According to the Indian government, the main agenda of the COP27 will be the failure of wealthy countries to keep the $100 billion pledge to aid the developing nations in dealing with the climate crisis to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees C. The conference will be held from November 7 to 18 at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India saw extreme weather disasters on 241 of 273 days of 2022, claiming 2577 lives

As the hearing on the controversial issue of the hijab ban in India's southern state of Karnataka reached its eighth day on Tuesday, a division bench of the Supreme Court was told that the hijab may be mentioned in the Islamic holy scripture, Quran, as ideal, but it was not essential, or else "Muslim women in countries like Iran would not be fighting against it".

During the hearing on a batch of petitions seeking the right to wear hijabs, a bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia said it has to refer to the one verse of the Quran which makes it a "farz" (duty or something mandatory) to wear a hijab.

In response to this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the state, cited the ongoing tensions in Iran and said that if it was so compelling in the Quran, why would women in Iran fight against it?

"Ok, Quran mentions it. Is it so compelling? In Islamic countries, women are fighting against Hijab," Mehta said.

When Justice Dhulia asked which country is that, Mehta replied, "Iran," adding that a mere mention in Quran means it's permissible or ideal but not essential.

Mehta asserted that the court must avoid analysing any religious scripture.

"But for me, this is not about religion. That's how a secular country works. You can express your views on&nbsp;crossroads, not by tying something...." he told the court.

Hijab is the practice or dress code in Islam in which women cover their heads using a cloth.

Petitioners in favour of the practice asserted that "hijab is a symbol of dignity just like a Hindu woman covers her head with her saree".

The apex court has been hearing a batch of 23 petitions challenging the hijab ban in educational institutions in Karnataka.

Some of them are writ petitions filed directly before the Supreme Court seeking the right to wear hijab for Muslim girl students while some others are special leave petitions challenging the March 15 verdict of the Karnataka High Court which upheld the hijab ban.

In its order, the Karnataka HC had also upheld a state order issued on February 5 which suggested that wearing hijabs can be restricted in government colleges where uniforms are prescribed and ruled that such curbs under norms for college uniforms are “constitutionally permissible”.

Mehta argued that till 2021, no girl student was wearing a hijab nor the question arose.

"The new notification (Karnataka government order) does not prohibit only hijab but saffron shawls as well," Mehta told the court.

The SG also argued that it was necessary to bring uniforms in colleges to avoid disparity in what students wear. He said that the issue of wearing hijab arose only after a movement was started on social media by the Popular Front of India in 2022 with its "start wearing hijab" campaign.

"This was a larger conspiracy and children acted as advised," Mehta argued.

Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for petitioners seeking lifting of the ban, said that hijab cannot be prohibited and it should be respected just the way a Hindu woman covering her head with a saree is.

"Just like Hindu woman covering her head in saree is considered a symbol of dignity, so should be hijab. Everyone has the right to enjoy religious freedom in the most personalized way," said Dave, while citing examples of kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva), who practice their culture with loud music, and worshippers of Lord Ayappa dressed in black in India's southern state of Kerala.

Countering this, Mehta said, "Tomorrow, I can say that in a particular religion, drinking in public is essential. Maybe if I drink alone in public. If I am from a religion which requires me to stand under the sun and drink in the morning, someone will have to decide this."

To this, Justice Dhulia said that such a case will be hit directly by Articles 19 and 25 of the Indian Constitution.

"What you are saying will be hit by public order, morality and health," the judge said.

When Mehta gave an example of "dancing nude in public" in the name of religion, the other judge, Justice Gupta, said it was an "extreme example" which was not appropriate.

"I am sorry for my inability to communicate. My submission is at some point, the court will have to decide whether it is an essential religious practice," Mehta told the bench.

He added that anything done can be included in faith but then there won't be any system in society.

"It is a matter of statutory implementation of a uniform," he said.

The Supreme Court of India will continue hearing the matter on Wednesday.

As the hearing on the controversial issue of the hijab ban in India's southern state of Karnataka reached its eighth day on Tuesday, a division bench of the Supreme Court was told that the hijab may be mentioned in the Islamic holy scripture, Quran, as ideal, but it was not essential, or else "Muslim women in countries like Iran would not be fighting against it".

As the hearing on the controversial issue of the hijab ban in India's southern state of Karnataka reached its eighth day on Tuesday, a division bench of the Supreme Court was told that the hijab may be mentioned in the Islamic holy scripture, Quran, as ideal, but it was not essential, or else "Muslim women in countries like Iran would not be fighting against it". During the hearing on a batch of petitions seeking the right to wear hijabs, a bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia said it has to refer to the one verse of the Quran which makes it a "farz" (duty or something mandatory) to wear a hijab. In response to this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the state, cited the ongoing tensions in Iran and said that if it was so compelling in the Quran, why would women in Iran fight against it? "Ok, Quran mentions it. Is it so compelling? In Islamic countries, women are fighting against Hijab," Mehta said. When Justice Dhulia asked which country is that, Mehta replied, "Iran," adding that a mere mention in Quran means it's permissible or ideal but not essential. Mehta asserted that the court must avoid analysing any religious scripture. "But for me, this is not about religion. That's how a secular country works. You can express your views on crossroads, not by tying something...." he told the court. Hijab is the practice or dress code in Islam in which women cover their heads using a cloth. Petitioners in favour of the practice asserted that "hijab is a symbol of dignity just like a Hindu woman covers her head with her saree". The apex court has been hearing a batch of 23 petitions challenging the hijab ban in educational institutions in Karnataka. Some of them are writ petitions filed directly before the Supreme Court seeking the right to wear hijab for Muslim girl students while some others are special leave petitions challenging the March 15 verdict of the Karnataka High Court which upheld the hijab ban. In its order, the Karnataka HC had also upheld a state order issued on February 5 which suggested that wearing hijabs can be restricted in government colleges where uniforms are prescribed and ruled that such curbs under norms for college uniforms are “constitutionally permissible”. Mehta argued that till 2021, no girl student was wearing a hijab nor the question arose. "The new notification (Karnataka government order) does not prohibit only hijab but saffron shawls as well," Mehta told the court. The SG also argued that it was necessary to bring uniforms in colleges to avoid disparity in what students wear. He said that the issue of wearing hijab arose only after a movement was started on social media by the Popular Front of India in 2022 with its "start wearing hijab" campaign. "This was a larger conspiracy and children acted as advised," Mehta argued. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for petitioners seeking lifting of the ban, said that hijab cannot be prohibited and it should be respected just the way a Hindu woman covering her head with a saree is. "Just like Hindu woman covering her head in saree is considered a symbol of dignity, so should be hijab. Everyone has the right to enjoy religious freedom in the most personalized way," said Dave, while citing examples of kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva), who practice their culture with loud music, and worshippers of Lord Ayappa dressed in black in India's southern state of Kerala. Countering this, Mehta said, "Tomorrow, I can say that in a particular religion, drinking in public is essential. Maybe if I drink alone in public. If I am from a religion which requires me to stand under the sun and drink in the morning, someone will have to decide this." To this, Justice Dhulia said that such a case will be hit directly by Articles 19 and 25 of the Indian Constitution. "What you are saying will be hit by public order, morality and health," the judge said. When Mehta gave an example of "dancing nude in public" in the name of religion, the other judge, Justice Gupta, said it was an "extreme example" which was not appropriate. "I am sorry for my inability to communicate. My submission is at some point, the court will have to decide whether it is an essential religious practice," Mehta told the bench. He added that anything done can be included in faith but then there won't be any system in society. "It is a matter of statutory implementation of a uniform," he said. The Supreme Court of India will continue hearing the matter on Wednesday.

Quran says hijab ideal, ‘not essential’: Karnataka govt to Supreme Court over ban order

Around 150 families from over 20 villages around India’s Kuno National Park are being shifted from their homes to welcome eight adult Cheetahs from Namibia on September 17.&nbsp;

India will be home to Cheetahs after over 70 years of the animal becoming extinct in the country.&nbsp;

Sources in India’s environment ministry said that the relocation of these villagers has begun to ensure the safety and convenience of the people and the animals, keeping in mind the issue of human-animal conflicts.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Welcome back Cheetah

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Authorities said that though there is no record of free-ranging cheetah attacking humans, Project Cheetah has considered and included the budget for compensation in such an event.&nbsp;

All Cheetahs will be radio-collared and their physical monitoring, as well as that of their kill, will be done twice a day to notice their well-being and abnormalities if any.&nbsp;

Apart from this, a few leopards have been shifted from the cheetah enclosure in the Park and electrified leopard-proof fencing has been done to avoid cheetah-leopard interaction.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cheetahs-flown-from-africa-for-reintroduction-in-india-will-undergo-30-days-of-quarantine-513465">Cheetahs to arrive in India on 17 Sep: MP Chief Minister</a>

While India is ready to welcome the big cats from Namibia, there is still some time before the other 12 cheetahs arrive from South Africa, pending the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).&nbsp;

India’s Environment Ministry said on Monday that the MoU with South Africa, to bring cheetahs to India’s Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh, has been finalised after a delegation from SA visited the site last week. However, the document is yet to be signed. India will have to wait for the arrival of the remaining batch of the big cats.&nbsp;

“The cheetahs from South Africa are already collared in quarantine facilities, after full health check-up and, mandatory vaccinations. They will be transferred to India as soon as the MoU is signed,” said a ministry official.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be welcoming the eight cheetahs, being brought in a chartered cargo flight, on September 17, which is also his birthday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-7-decades-india-all-set-to-become-home-for-cheetahs-506346">After 7 decades, India all set to become home for cheetahs</a>

The Cheetahs will be airlifted from Windhoek, Namibia on September 16 and arrive in India on September 17 at Jaipur airport, from where they will be transferred to Kuno via helicopter. The&nbsp;helipad has been set up at the Kuno park to receive the cats, the ministry said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will release the Cheetahs into the quarantine area dedicated at Kuno Park where the big cats will be kept for 30 days before being released into their enclosure.&nbsp;

As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the big cats will not be tranquillised in transit unless they show any signs of agitation or abnormal behaviour. &nbsp;

A six square kilometre predator-proof holding facility with nine compartments for cheetahs has been built at Kuno for the purpose of soft release. Initially, they will be kept in smaller quarantine enclosures.&nbsp;

The Kuno National Park, based on current prey estimates, can support 20 cheetahs. The number can go up to 40 with restoration, protection and management.&nbsp;

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Around 150 families from over 20 villages around India’s Kuno National Park are being shifted from their homes to welcome eight adult Cheetahs from Namibia on September 17.

Around 150 families from over 20 villages around India’s Kuno National Park are being shifted from their homes to welcome eight adult Cheetahs from Namibia on September 17. India will be home to Cheetahs after over 70 years of the animal becoming extinct in the country. Sources in India’s environment ministry said that the relocation of these villagers has begun to ensure the safety and convenience of the people and the animals, keeping in mind the issue of human-animal conflicts. Watch | Welcome back Cheetah Authorities said that though there is no record of free-ranging cheetah attacking humans, Project Cheetah has considered and included the budget for compensation in such an event. All Cheetahs will be radio-collared and their physical monitoring, as well as that of their kill, will be done twice a day to notice their well-being and abnormalities if any. Apart from this, a few leopards have been shifted from the cheetah enclosure in the Park and electrified leopard-proof fencing has been done to avoid cheetah-leopard interaction. Also read | Cheetahs to arrive in India on 17 Sep: MP Chief Minister While India is ready to welcome the big cats from Namibia, there is still some time before the other 12 cheetahs arrive from South Africa, pending the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). India’s Environment Ministry said on Monday that the MoU with South Africa, to bring cheetahs to India’s Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh, has been finalised after a delegation from SA visited the site last week. However, the document is yet to be signed. India will have to wait for the arrival of the remaining batch of the big cats. “The cheetahs from South Africa are already collared in quarantine facilities, after full health check-up and, mandatory vaccinations. They will be transferred to India as soon as the MoU is signed,” said a ministry official. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be welcoming the eight cheetahs, being brought in a chartered cargo flight, on September 17, which is also his birthday. Also read | After 7 decades, India all set to become home for cheetahs The Cheetahs will be airlifted from Windhoek, Namibia on September 16 and arrive in India on September 17 at Jaipur airport, from where they will be transferred to Kuno via helicopter. The helipad has been set up at the Kuno park to receive the cats, the ministry said. Prime Minister Modi will release the Cheetahs into the quarantine area dedicated at Kuno Park where the big cats will be kept for 30 days before being released into their enclosure. As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the big cats will not be tranquillised in transit unless they show any signs of agitation or abnormal behaviour. A six square kilometre predator-proof holding facility with nine compartments for cheetahs has been built at Kuno for the purpose of soft release. Initially, they will be kept in smaller quarantine enclosures. The Kuno National Park, based on current prey estimates, can support 20 cheetahs. The number can go up to 40 with restoration, protection and management. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Around 150 families being shifted from their homes to welcome 8 Cheetahs from Namibia on 17 Sep

In the next two weeks, India will be home to Cheetahs, which went extinct nearly seven decades ago.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving at Kuno National Park in the state to welcome the big cats on September 17, which also happens to be the prime minister's birthday.

The large carnivores went extinct in the country in 1952.

India is getting Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.&nbsp;

As per officials, an MoU between India and Namibia has already been signed and the one with SA is expected to be signed soon.

Ahead of the Madhya Pradesh cabinet meeting at the secretariat in its capital city Bhopal, Chouhan told his ministers that Modi will be arriving at Kuno National Park on September 17 to launch the ambitious Cheetah introduction project.&nbsp;

WION confirms that all arrangements for the relocation of another set of Cheetahs from South Africa are already in place but the agreement between India and SA is in its final stages pending signatures from the authorities. &nbsp;

As per India's Environment Ministry, Cheetahs were earlier supposed to arrive in India in August.&nbsp;

YV Jhala, the man representing India as in-charge of the relocation and who is overseeing the developments in Namibia presently, had earlier told WION that Cheetahs will be airlifted from Namibia and South Africa and brought to either Jaipur or Gwalior airports, in Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh respectively, considering their proximity to their new home in Kuno National Park. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jhala, who is the Dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), had said the Cheetahs will be kept awake under mild tranquilization for the duration of the journey.&nbsp;

As per officials, Cheetahs will be brought in a chartered plane with veterinarians from South Africa and Namibia onboard and the animals will be transferred from Jaipur/Gwalior airports to Kuno via choppers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sustainable-batteries-made-from-lobster-shells-using-unique-chemical-derived-from-crabs-513424">Sustainable batteries made from lobster and crab shells might be the future</a>

Back up ambulances have also been arranged in case they need to be transported by road. The total travel time is expected to be around 12 hours. &nbsp;

According to NTCA officials, if the Cheetahs show any sign of agitation or abnormal behaviour, a sedative can be given to control them. &nbsp;

Tranquilizers or sedatives are injected into animals to control their anxiety, stress and agitation. It makes them drowsy and calm and sometimes even in a state of sleep depending on the dosage.

Cheetahs will undergo 30 days of quarantine at Kuno national park after undergoing the same in their host countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

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In the next two weeks, India will be home to Cheetahs, which went extinct nearly seven decades ago. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving at Kuno National Park in the state to welcome the big cats on September 17, which also happens to be the prime minister's birthday.

In the next two weeks, India will be home to Cheetahs, which went extinct nearly seven decades ago. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be arriving at Kuno National Park in the state to welcome the big cats on September 17, which also happens to be the prime minister's birthday. The large carnivores went extinct in the country in 1952. India is getting Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. As per officials, an MoU between India and Namibia has already been signed and the one with SA is expected to be signed soon. Ahead of the Madhya Pradesh cabinet meeting at the secretariat in its capital city Bhopal, Chouhan told his ministers that Modi will be arriving at Kuno National Park on September 17 to launch the ambitious Cheetah introduction project. WION confirms that all arrangements for the relocation of another set of Cheetahs from South Africa are already in place but the agreement between India and SA is in its final stages pending signatures from the authorities. As per India's Environment Ministry, Cheetahs were earlier supposed to arrive in India in August. YV Jhala, the man representing India as in-charge of the relocation and who is overseeing the developments in Namibia presently, had earlier told WION that Cheetahs will be airlifted from Namibia and South Africa and brought to either Jaipur or Gwalior airports, in Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh respectively, considering their proximity to their new home in Kuno National Park. Jhala, who is the Dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), had said the Cheetahs will be kept awake under mild tranquilization for the duration of the journey. As per officials, Cheetahs will be brought in a chartered plane with veterinarians from South Africa and Namibia onboard and the animals will be transferred from Jaipur/Gwalior airports to Kuno via choppers. Also Read: Sustainable batteries made from lobster and crab shells might be the future Back up ambulances have also been arranged in case they need to be transported by road. The total travel time is expected to be around 12 hours. According to NTCA officials, if the Cheetahs show any sign of agitation or abnormal behaviour, a sedative can be given to control them. Tranquilizers or sedatives are injected into animals to control their anxiety, stress and agitation. It makes them drowsy and calm and sometimes even in a state of sleep depending on the dosage. Cheetahs will undergo 30 days of quarantine at Kuno national park after undergoing the same in their host countries.

Cheetahs to arrive in India on 17 Sep: MP Chief Minister

Ahead of the 27th International Climate Conference, India has reiterated its commitment to adopt a climate-friendly and cleaner path to combat climate change.&nbsp;

Recently, India’s environment ministry submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently, in which it listed out several goals.&nbsp;

India has updated three out of eight NDCs. One of them is reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level.&nbsp;

India said that it will “put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.”&nbsp;

The third update is to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF).&nbsp;

“This update to India’s existing NDC is a step forward towards our long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070,” Indian government said while reaffirming its commitment to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement on climate change.&nbsp;

India made the updates to the NDCs which were last submitted to the UNFCCC in 2015, for the period up to 2030.&nbsp;

Other NDCs include adopting a climate-friendly and a cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by others at corresponding level of economic development; creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030; mobilizing domestic and new and additional funds from developed countries to implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource required and the resource gap.&nbsp;

India also aims to better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management. &nbsp;

“To build capacities, create domestic framework and international architecture for quick diffusion of cutting-edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative R&amp;D for such future technologies,” is another NDC of India. &nbsp;

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in COP26 in Glasgow announced that the country will become net zero by 2070.&nbsp;

Recently, former United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon had said that 2070 is too far and that India should aim to become net-zero by 2050.&nbsp;

Indian government says, “India’s NDC is ambitious, and it is a significant contribution towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Environmentally sustainable, low carbon initiatives are underpinning all key sectors of the Indian economy.”&nbsp;

UNFCCC COP27 is scheduled to be held in November this year in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.&nbsp;

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Ahead of the 27th International Climate Conference, India has reiterated its commitment to adopt a climate-friendly and cleaner path to combat climate change. Recently, India’s environment ministry submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently, in which it listed out several goals.

Ahead of the 27th International Climate Conference, India has reiterated its commitment to adopt a climate-friendly and cleaner path to combat climate change. Recently, India’s environment ministry submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently, in which it listed out several goals. India has updated three out of eight NDCs. One of them is reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level. India said that it will “put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.” The third update is to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF). “This update to India’s existing NDC is a step forward towards our long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070,” Indian government said while reaffirming its commitment to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement on climate change. India made the updates to the NDCs which were last submitted to the UNFCCC in 2015, for the period up to 2030. Other NDCs include adopting a climate-friendly and a cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by others at corresponding level of economic development; creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030; mobilizing domestic and new and additional funds from developed countries to implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource required and the resource gap. India also aims to better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management. “To build capacities, create domestic framework and international architecture for quick diffusion of cutting-edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative R&D for such future technologies,” is another NDC of India. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in COP26 in Glasgow announced that the country will become net zero by 2070. Recently, former United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon had said that 2070 is too far and that India should aim to become net-zero by 2050. Indian government says, “India’s NDC is ambitious, and it is a significant contribution towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Environmentally sustainable, low carbon initiatives are underpinning all key sectors of the Indian economy.” UNFCCC COP27 is scheduled to be held in November this year in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India submits updated NDCs to United Nations

India is all set to welcome cheetahs, the large carnivores which went extinct in the country in 1952, with a team of experts in Namibia making preparations for their translocation most likely within this month. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WION confirms that all arrangements for relocation of another set of cheetahs from South Africa are already in place but the agreement between India and SA is in its final stages pending signatures from the authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's environment ministry says that preparations have been made at India’s Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh to welcome Cheetahs in August. However, top reliable sources in the ministry said that cheetahs will not arrive in India before its 75th&nbsp;Independence Day on 15th August, as expected earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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WION spoke to Y V Jhala, the man representing India as an in-charge of the relocation and who is overseeing the developments in Namibia presently.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mode of Travel&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jhala, who is the Dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), said cheetahs will be airlifted from Namibia and South Africa and brought to either Jaipur or Gwalior airports, in Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh respectively, considering their close proximity to their new home in Kuno National Park. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another official confirmed the same and said that cheetahs will be brought in chartered plane with veterinarians from South Africa and Namibia onboard and the animals will be transferred from Jaipur/Gwalior airports to Kuno via choppers.

Back up ambulances have also been arranged in case they need to be transported through road. The total travel time is expected to be around 12 hours.

Will Cheetahs be tranquilised, quarantined?&nbsp;

According to Jhala, the Cheetahs will be kept awake under mild tranquilization for the duration of the journey.&nbsp;

However, S P Yadav, member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority and additional director general, Project Tiger, said Cheetahs won’t be tranquilized even mildly as it may affect the animal’s health. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, he said that if the Cheetahs show any sign of agitation or abnormal behaviour, a sedative can be given to control them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Tranquilizers or sedatives are injected into animals to control their anxiety, stress and agitation. It makes them drowsy and calm and sometimes even in a state of sleep depending on the dosage &nbsp;

According to both Jhala and Yadav, the cheetahs will undergo 30 days of quarantine at Kuno national park after undergoing the same in their host countries.&nbsp;

“Cheetahs will be quarantined in Kuno for 30 days to check for any abnormalities or disease. Two experts each from SA and Namibia will come and stay here during this period,” Yadav told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why Kuno National Park, MP?&nbsp;

Wildlife experts identified Kuno-Palpur National Park in India’s Madhya Pradesh for its suitable landscape for cheetahs. &nbsp;

Established in 1981,&nbsp;Kuno National Park is spread over an area of 748.76 square km and is a part of the Kuno National Park division which covers an area of 1235.39 square km. Kuno river, one of the major tributaries of Chambal river, flows through the entire length bisecting the National Park division.&nbsp;

Kuno park is home to&nbsp;tigers, jackal, chinkara and leopards. It has the potential to carry populations of all four of India's big cats the tiger, the leopard, the Asiatic lion and also cheetah, all four of which have coexisted within the same habitats historically.&nbsp;

According to NTCA,&nbsp;leopards in Kuno are being released in different enclosures to avoid their conflict with cheetahs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India is confident that it will provide the best environment to cheetahs, Yadav said, adding that experts from South Africa and Namibia visited the Kuno national park and were very impressed with the location.

India MoUs with Namibia and SA&nbsp;

The Memorandum of Understanding between India and Namibia on translocation of cheetahs has already been signed but the one between India and South Africa is pending signatures.&nbsp;

Officials said that the MoU has been finalized from India’s side and has to just be signed by the President of South Africa. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Albi Modise, Spokesperson, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa, said that translocation of Cheetahs from South Africa to India is a “historic moment” and that discussions are going on between the two countries which will culminate into signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Discussions between South Africa and Indian officials have been ongoing for past few months. The discussions are part of the request and efforts to translocate a few cheetahs from SA to India. The discussions are largely at the point where the two countries have agreed on the parameters within which the MoU which is a memorandum of understanding to be signed by ministers with environment portfolio in South Africa and India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“At this point one cannot say much except to say that indeed those discussions are happening, and those discussions will ultimately culminate in the signing of the MoU between South Africa and India facilitating the translocation of the cheetah from SA to India,” Modise said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is a historic moment for us and we want to ensure that as and when it happens, it happens within the parameters of clearly defined laws and also respect the requirements and specifications when it comes to translocation of that particular nature,” he told WION. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s environment ministry says that the endeavour to bring Cheetahs to India will enhance the country’s capacity to sequester carbon through ecosystem restoration activities in cheetah conservation areas and thereby contribute towards the global climate change mitigation goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The project aims to establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and provide space for its expansion within its historical range thereby contributing to its global conservation efforts,” the Indian ministry said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It said that the goal is also to use cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species to garner resources for restoring open forest and savanna systems that will benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services from these ecosystems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It also aims to manage any conflict by cheetah or other wildlife with local communities within cheetah conservation areas expediently through compensation, awareness, and management actions to win community support, the ministry said. &nbsp;

India is all set to welcome cheetahs, the large carnivores which went extinct in the country in 1952, with a team of experts in Namibia making preparations for their translocation most likely within this month.

India is all set to welcome cheetahs, the large carnivores which went extinct in the country in 1952, with a team of experts in Namibia making preparations for their translocation most likely within this month. WION confirms that all arrangements for relocation of another set of cheetahs from South Africa are already in place but the agreement between India and SA is in its final stages pending signatures from the authorities. India's environment ministry says that preparations have been made at India’s Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh to welcome Cheetahs in August. However, top reliable sources in the ministry said that cheetahs will not arrive in India before its 75th Independence Day on 15th August, as expected earlier. Also read | Salman Rushdie stabbed: NY governor says he's alive, being treated at hospital WION spoke to Y V Jhala, the man representing India as an in-charge of the relocation and who is overseeing the developments in Namibia presently. Mode of Travel Jhala, who is the Dean of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), said cheetahs will be airlifted from Namibia and South Africa and brought to either Jaipur or Gwalior airports, in Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh respectively, considering their close proximity to their new home in Kuno National Park. Another official confirmed the same and said that cheetahs will be brought in chartered plane with veterinarians from South Africa and Namibia onboard and the animals will be transferred from Jaipur/Gwalior airports to Kuno via choppers. Back up ambulances have also been arranged in case they need to be transported through road. The total travel time is expected to be around 12 hours. Will Cheetahs be tranquilised, quarantined? According to Jhala, the Cheetahs will be kept awake under mild tranquilization for the duration of the journey. However, S P Yadav, member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority and additional director general, Project Tiger, said Cheetahs won’t be tranquilized even mildly as it may affect the animal’s health. However, he said that if the Cheetahs show any sign of agitation or abnormal behaviour, a sedative can be given to control them. Also read | Amid heatwave, UK declares drought across eight areas of England Tranquilizers or sedatives are injected into animals to control their anxiety, stress and agitation. It makes them drowsy and calm and sometimes even in a state of sleep depending on the dosage According to both Jhala and Yadav, the cheetahs will undergo 30 days of quarantine at Kuno national park after undergoing the same in their host countries. “Cheetahs will be quarantined in Kuno for 30 days to check for any abnormalities or disease. Two experts each from SA and Namibia will come and stay here during this period,” Yadav told WION. Why Kuno National Park, MP? Wildlife experts identified Kuno-Palpur National Park in India’s Madhya Pradesh for its suitable landscape for cheetahs. Established in 1981, Kuno National Park is spread over an area of 748.76 square km and is a part of the Kuno National Park division which covers an area of 1235.39 square km. Kuno river, one of the major tributaries of Chambal river, flows through the entire length bisecting the National Park division. Kuno park is home to tigers, jackal, chinkara and leopards. It has the potential to carry populations of all four of India's big cats the tiger, the leopard, the Asiatic lion and also cheetah, all four of which have coexisted within the same habitats historically. According to NTCA, leopards in Kuno are being released in different enclosures to avoid their conflict with cheetahs. India is confident that it will provide the best environment to cheetahs, Yadav said, adding that experts from South Africa and Namibia visited the Kuno national park and were very impressed with the location. India MoUs with Namibia and SA The Memorandum of Understanding between India and Namibia on translocation of cheetahs has already been signed but the one between India and South Africa is pending signatures. Officials said that the MoU has been finalized from India’s side and has to just be signed by the President of South Africa. Speaking to WION, Albi Modise, Spokesperson, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa, said that translocation of Cheetahs from South Africa to India is a “historic moment” and that discussions are going on between the two countries which will culminate into signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between them. “Discussions between South Africa and Indian officials have been ongoing for past few months. The discussions are part of the request and efforts to translocate a few cheetahs from SA to India. The discussions are largely at the point where the two countries have agreed on the parameters within which the MoU which is a memorandum of understanding to be signed by ministers with environment portfolio in South Africa and India. Also read | Iran may accept compromise on nuclear deal, hints state news agency “At this point one cannot say much except to say that indeed those discussions are happening, and those discussions will ultimately culminate in the signing of the MoU between South Africa and India facilitating the translocation of the cheetah from SA to India,” Modise said. “It is a historic moment for us and we want to ensure that as and when it happens, it happens within the parameters of clearly defined laws and also respect the requirements and specifications when it comes to translocation of that particular nature,” he told WION. India’s environment ministry says that the endeavour to bring Cheetahs to India will enhance the country’s capacity to sequester carbon through ecosystem restoration activities in cheetah conservation areas and thereby contribute towards the global climate change mitigation goals. “The project aims to establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and provide space for its expansion within its historical range thereby contributing to its global conservation efforts,” the Indian ministry said. It said that the goal is also to use cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species to garner resources for restoring open forest and savanna systems that will benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services from these ecosystems. It also aims to manage any conflict by cheetah or other wildlife with local communities within cheetah conservation areas expediently through compensation, awareness, and management actions to win community support, the ministry said.

After 7 decades, India all set to become home for cheetahs

India is proud to have 52 tiger reserves across 18 states and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population, Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday.

India is hosting the pre-summit meeting of 14 tiger range countries (TRCs) in New Delhi as a prelude to the Tiger Range Countries Summit scheduled to be held at Vladivostok, Russia on September 5 this year.&nbsp;

The meeting aims to finalise the declaration on tiger conservation to be adopted at the Summit. &nbsp;

"Today, I take pride in sharing with this august gathering the fact that India has 52 Tiger Reserves, covering approximately 75,000 Sq Km area across 18 states. As a Tiger Range Country, the tiger population of India accounts for approximately 70 per cent population of the wild tiger at global level," India's environment minister said in his ministerial address.

The meeting was attended by 12 tiger range countries except for China and Indonesia. As per officials, delegates from these two countries could not attend the meeting due to travel restrictions.

Yadav welcomed the senior officials of TRCs and said that India is happy to host the pre-summit meeting in New Delhi.

He said India is committed to bringing all potential tiger habitats within the country under the tiger reserve network.&nbsp;

"Over the years, India has increased its funding for Project Tiger. We are also working towards a more inclusive conservation effort by involving local communities who live in close proximity to tiger reserves.&nbsp;

"Our efforts to involve local communities proactively in conservation efforts stem from our PM’s call for janbhagidari or public participation," he said.

Apart from India, the meeting was attended by delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Viet Nam and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

India's minister said that for effective management of tiger populations, it is imperative to have reliable estimates of tiger numbers.

"India has been at the forefront of implementing a science based, peer reviewed tiger monitoring methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force. So far, 4 cycles of country wide estimation have taken place and the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation is currently underway," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India is proud to have 52 tiger reserves across 18 states and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population, Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday.

India is proud to have 52 tiger reserves across 18 states and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population, Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday. India is hosting the pre-summit meeting of 14 tiger range countries (TRCs) in New Delhi as a prelude to the Tiger Range Countries Summit scheduled to be held at Vladivostok, Russia on September 5 this year. The meeting aims to finalise the declaration on tiger conservation to be adopted at the Summit. "Today, I take pride in sharing with this august gathering the fact that India has 52 Tiger Reserves, covering approximately 75,000 Sq Km area across 18 states. As a Tiger Range Country, the tiger population of India accounts for approximately 70 per cent population of the wild tiger at global level," India's environment minister said in his ministerial address. The meeting was attended by 12 tiger range countries except for China and Indonesia. As per officials, delegates from these two countries could not attend the meeting due to travel restrictions. Yadav welcomed the senior officials of TRCs and said that India is happy to host the pre-summit meeting in New Delhi. He said India is committed to bringing all potential tiger habitats within the country under the tiger reserve network. "Over the years, India has increased its funding for Project Tiger. We are also working towards a more inclusive conservation effort by involving local communities who live in close proximity to tiger reserves. "Our efforts to involve local communities proactively in conservation efforts stem from our PM’s call for janbhagidari or public participation," he said. Apart from India, the meeting was attended by delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Viet Nam and Kazakhstan. India's minister said that for effective management of tiger populations, it is imperative to have reliable estimates of tiger numbers. "India has been at the forefront of implementing a science based, peer reviewed tiger monitoring methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force. So far, 4 cycles of country wide estimation have taken place and the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation is currently underway," he said. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pre-summit meeting of tiger range countries held in New Delhi

India has signed a historic MoU with Namibia to promote Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Biodiversity Utilisation. The MoU seeks to promote conservation and restoration of Cheetahs in their former range from which the species went extinct.

Before 15th August, India is expecting 8-9 Cheetahs to be brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Experts share their view on introduction of African Cheetahs in India.

Q: Will this experiment succeed in India?&nbsp;

Ravi Chellam, Conservation Scientist and Wildlife Biologist&nbsp;

“Indian Supreme Court had in January 2020 made it clear that the introduction of African Cheetahs in India will be experimental.

As per official documents, India is expected to have maximum 21 Cheetahs in the next 15 years. We will have to decide whether spending hundreds of crores and waiting for 15 years for 21 cheetahs is an indication of success or not.

“In 2018, India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had approached the Supreme Court of the country seeking permission to explore the introduction of Cheetah outside Kuno national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh. But now all the focus is on bringing them to Kuno. A lot of things are incorrect and confusing.”

Dr Dipankar Ghose, Director- Wildlife and Habitats, WWF India

“The reintroduction of a species in an area from where it has gone extinct is often extremely challenging, such actions demonstrate a strong commitment to conserve nature, and that this program has been initiated and supported by the Government – has lent it both weight and impetus.&nbsp;

“Success of reintroduction will depend on a variety of factors. In the immediate future, if the translocated individuals adapt to the enclosures they are released in, and go on to breed and find a population, these initial efforts will have succeeded. In the longer term, successful translocation will require that the species be reintroduced in its historical habitats in the wild.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, success may also be determined by whether the species will be able to survive and persist in the wild and be socially supported. Success will also be contingent on sustaining its besieged open habitats – grasslands, shrublands and commons so they support black buck, chinkara and other species that the Cheetah will depend on.”

YV Jhala, Dean, Wildlife Institute of India (WII)&nbsp;

“It is a major conservation initiative globally. There is no reason why it should fail when India has done so well at conserving its tigers, lions, and leopards, which are far more difficult than conserving Cheetahs.”

Q: Is bringing Cheetahs to India a good or a bad idea? And why?

Ravi Chellam

“Objectives are not clear. It seems a lot of negative impact will be there on conservative priorities of India. It’s not even mentioned in the national wildlife action plan then how are crores of funds allocated to this when other issues don’t have the same. It will shift focus from much more pressing issues.”

Dipankar Ghose

“Bringing the Cheetah to India sends a strong message about the commitment to shelter and sustain biodiversity for an imperiled species in an era of environmental devastation. The relocation shouldn’t be viewed in isolation, as an end in itself. These efforts to bring back a charismatic large predator need to be viewed against backdrop of catastrophic declines of species globally. It would have been better to get the Asian subspecies, which is currently found only in Iran.&nbsp;

“Nevertheless, bringing the Cheetah back will make India the only country with five species of big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah (often considered as a big cat, though it cannot roar).&nbsp;

“Cheetah translocation efforts must thus be aligned with initiatives to revive, protect and sustainably manage grasslands and other open ecosystems across the Cheetah’s habitat in India – and strengthen conservation of diverse species of plants and animals, including the Great Indian Bustard that face great risks as their habitats are depleted and degraded.&nbsp;

“If we succeed on this front, the Cheetah translocation efforts may leave a lasting legacy for wildlife conservation in India. Only time will tell whether the Cheetah will go on to recolonize its historical habitats in India – and there will be great learning through this whole process.”

YV Jhala

“Bringing Cheetahs here is a good idea. Restoring lost ecosystem elements is one way of conserving biodiversity. Top predators regulate all levels in a food chain and are considered as umbrella species. Once wolves were reintroduced into the Yellowstone Ecosystem in the USA their effects were seen even on vegetation and water flows in streams! Bringing back the cheetah to India which was part of its historical range will bring back the balance and restore an evolutionary force under which many functional traits of deer and antelopes have evolved.&nbsp;

“It is also the moral obligation of mankind to restore what has been destroyed by our actions. Cheetah is also our cultural heritage and finds mention in the Vedas and Puranas. Neolithic cave paintings of the cheetah are found near Bhopal and in Gandhisager dated 10-20 thousand years ago. So it is a very good idea!”

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India has signed a historic MoU with Namibia to promote Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Biodiversity Utilisation. The MoU seeks to promote conservation and restoration of Cheetahs in their former range from which the species went extinct.

India has signed a historic MoU with Namibia to promote Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Biodiversity Utilisation. The MoU seeks to promote conservation and restoration of Cheetahs in their former range from which the species went extinct. Before 15th August, India is expecting 8-9 Cheetahs to be brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Experts share their view on introduction of African Cheetahs in India. Q: Will this experiment succeed in India? Ravi Chellam, Conservation Scientist and Wildlife Biologist “Indian Supreme Court had in January 2020 made it clear that the introduction of African Cheetahs in India will be experimental. As per official documents, India is expected to have maximum 21 Cheetahs in the next 15 years. We will have to decide whether spending hundreds of crores and waiting for 15 years for 21 cheetahs is an indication of success or not. “In 2018, India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had approached the Supreme Court of the country seeking permission to explore the introduction of Cheetah outside Kuno national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh. But now all the focus is on bringing them to Kuno. A lot of things are incorrect and confusing.” Dr Dipankar Ghose, Director- Wildlife and Habitats, WWF India “The reintroduction of a species in an area from where it has gone extinct is often extremely challenging, such actions demonstrate a strong commitment to conserve nature, and that this program has been initiated and supported by the Government – has lent it both weight and impetus. “Success of reintroduction will depend on a variety of factors. In the immediate future, if the translocated individuals adapt to the enclosures they are released in, and go on to breed and find a population, these initial efforts will have succeeded. In the longer term, successful translocation will require that the species be reintroduced in its historical habitats in the wild. “Ultimately, success may also be determined by whether the species will be able to survive and persist in the wild and be socially supported. Success will also be contingent on sustaining its besieged open habitats – grasslands, shrublands and commons so they support black buck, chinkara and other species that the Cheetah will depend on.” YV Jhala, Dean, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) “It is a major conservation initiative globally. There is no reason why it should fail when India has done so well at conserving its tigers, lions, and leopards, which are far more difficult than conserving Cheetahs.” Q: Is bringing Cheetahs to India a good or a bad idea? And why? Ravi Chellam “Objectives are not clear. It seems a lot of negative impact will be there on conservative priorities of India. It’s not even mentioned in the national wildlife action plan then how are crores of funds allocated to this when other issues don’t have the same. It will shift focus from much more pressing issues.” Dipankar Ghose “Bringing the Cheetah to India sends a strong message about the commitment to shelter and sustain biodiversity for an imperiled species in an era of environmental devastation. The relocation shouldn’t be viewed in isolation, as an end in itself. These efforts to bring back a charismatic large predator need to be viewed against backdrop of catastrophic declines of species globally. It would have been better to get the Asian subspecies, which is currently found only in Iran. “Nevertheless, bringing the Cheetah back will make India the only country with five species of big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah (often considered as a big cat, though it cannot roar). “Cheetah translocation efforts must thus be aligned with initiatives to revive, protect and sustainably manage grasslands and other open ecosystems across the Cheetah’s habitat in India – and strengthen conservation of diverse species of plants and animals, including the Great Indian Bustard that face great risks as their habitats are depleted and degraded. “If we succeed on this front, the Cheetah translocation efforts may leave a lasting legacy for wildlife conservation in India. Only time will tell whether the Cheetah will go on to recolonize its historical habitats in India – and there will be great learning through this whole process.” YV Jhala “Bringing Cheetahs here is a good idea. Restoring lost ecosystem elements is one way of conserving biodiversity. Top predators regulate all levels in a food chain and are considered as umbrella species. Once wolves were reintroduced into the Yellowstone Ecosystem in the USA their effects were seen even on vegetation and water flows in streams! Bringing back the cheetah to India which was part of its historical range will bring back the balance and restore an evolutionary force under which many functional traits of deer and antelopes have evolved. “It is also the moral obligation of mankind to restore what has been destroyed by our actions. Cheetah is also our cultural heritage and finds mention in the Vedas and Puranas. Neolithic cave paintings of the cheetah are found near Bhopal and in Gandhisager dated 10-20 thousand years ago. So it is a very good idea!” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Introduction of Cheetahs in India: What do experts say?

As the world has pledged to transition towards cleaner energy to combat climate change, a latest report said the governments of Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China and South Africa (BRIICS) need to act now to decarbonize and start adjusting their fiscal policies to account for declining fossil fuel use or they could face a USD 278 billion revenue gap by 2030.

The report titled 'Boom and Bust: The Fiscal Implications of Fossil Fuel Phase-Out in Six Large Emerging Economies' released by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on Thursday, warned that if these countries did not decarbonize and diversify their revenues, they will risk a revenue gap that could reverse progress on poverty eradication and economic development.

 
“As the global clean energy transition gathers pace, six emerging economies need to start adjusting their fiscal policies now to account for declining fossil fuel use—or risk a USD 278 billion gap in revenues by 2030, equivalent to the combined total government revenues of Indonesia and South Africa in 2019, said the report.

The report spotlights heavy dependence on fossil fuel revenues in the BRIICS nations and argues that this economic reliance puts these countries at risk of experiencing a substantial revenue gap over the next few decades, as the world transitions from fossil fuel-based energy systems to cleaner energies to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

The study finds that by 2050, overall fossil fuel revenues in BRIICS countries could be as much as USD 570 billion lower than a business-as-usual scenario where governments fail to phase down fossil fuels enough to avoid the worst climate impacts.

The widest gaps are expected to occur in India (USD 178 billion), China (USD 140 billion), and Russia (USD 134 billion), the report said.

According to the IISD, public revenues from fossil fuel production and consumption currently account for a staggering 34 % of general government revenue in Russia, 18 % in India, and 16 % in Indonesia.

The share stands at 8% in Brazil, 6% in South Africa, and 5% in China.

“This includes only direct, first-order, government financial revenues—fossil fuel dependence would be much larger if considering private incomes and flow-on effects in these economies. But these revenues are not only unreliable and erratic—according to the authors, they are also undermined by the negative economic impacts of fossil fuel use, such as health costs due to air pollution and damage from climate change,” the report said.

“To prevent devastating climate change, the world has to phase out the production and consumption of fossil fuels, which will inevitably erode related revenues. Emerging economies have an enormous opportunity to build more resilient and economically sustainable energy systems as they decarbonize—but they must plan ahead to avoid shortfalls in public revenues that could reverse progress on poverty eradication and economic development,” said Tara Laan, Senior Associate at IISD and lead author of the report. 
&nbsp;

As the world has pledged to transition towards cleaner energy to combat climate change, a latest report said the governments of Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China and South Africa (BRIICS) need to act now to decarbonize and start adjusting their fiscal policies to account for declining fossil fuel use or they could face a USD 278 billion revenue gap by 2030.

As the world has pledged to transition towards cleaner energy to combat climate change, a latest report said the governments of Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China and South Africa (BRIICS) need to act now to decarbonize and start adjusting their fiscal policies to account for declining fossil fuel use or they could face a USD 278 billion revenue gap by 2030. The report titled 'Boom and Bust: The Fiscal Implications of Fossil Fuel Phase-Out in Six Large Emerging Economies' released by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on Thursday, warned that if these countries did not decarbonize and diversify their revenues, they will risk a revenue gap that could reverse progress on poverty eradication and economic development. “As the global clean energy transition gathers pace, six emerging economies need to start adjusting their fiscal policies now to account for declining fossil fuel use—or risk a USD 278 billion gap in revenues by 2030, equivalent to the combined total government revenues of Indonesia and South Africa in 2019, said the report. The report spotlights heavy dependence on fossil fuel revenues in the BRIICS nations and argues that this economic reliance puts these countries at risk of experiencing a substantial revenue gap over the next few decades, as the world transitions from fossil fuel-based energy systems to cleaner energies to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The study finds that by 2050, overall fossil fuel revenues in BRIICS countries could be as much as USD 570 billion lower than a business-as-usual scenario where governments fail to phase down fossil fuels enough to avoid the worst climate impacts. The widest gaps are expected to occur in India (USD 178 billion), China (USD 140 billion), and Russia (USD 134 billion), the report said. According to the IISD, public revenues from fossil fuel production and consumption currently account for a staggering 34 % of general government revenue in Russia, 18 % in India, and 16 % in Indonesia. The share stands at 8% in Brazil, 6% in South Africa, and 5% in China. “This includes only direct, first-order, government financial revenues—fossil fuel dependence would be much larger if considering private incomes and flow-on effects in these economies. But these revenues are not only unreliable and erratic—according to the authors, they are also undermined by the negative economic impacts of fossil fuel use, such as health costs due to air pollution and damage from climate change,” the report said. “To prevent devastating climate change, the world has to phase out the production and consumption of fossil fuels, which will inevitably erode related revenues. Emerging economies have an enormous opportunity to build more resilient and economically sustainable energy systems as they decarbonize—but they must plan ahead to avoid shortfalls in public revenues that could reverse progress on poverty eradication and economic development,” said Tara Laan, Senior Associate at IISD and lead author of the report.

India and other BRIICS nations could face huge revenue gap if they don't decarbonize now: Report

Indians will have to pay a lesser premium on their vehicle's insurance if they drive better and safer.

In a big announcement, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has come up with an innovative technology-enabled concept in the motor insurance in the country.

In its endeavour to increase insurance penetration and protect the interest of policyholders in India, the IRDAI has introduced technology-enabled concepts of "Pay As You Drive" and "Pay How You Drive" in the Motor Own Damage (OD) cover.

Under these telematics-based concepts, which will be add-ons to the basic motor insurance policy, the premium will be calculated on driving behaviour and kilometres covered.

Making the announcement, the IRDAI said that it aims to move with time and meet the challenging demands of the millennials in India.

"In its perpetual endeavour to protect the interest of the policyholders and increase the insurance penetration in India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has been seeking to facilitate the industry to move with the times.

"And as a step towards facilitating technology-enabled covers, IRDAI has permitted general insurance companies to introduce the tech-enabled concepts for the Motor Own Damage (OD) cover," it said.

Noting that the concept of Motor Insurance is constantly evolving, the IRDAI said that the "advent of technology has created a relentless pace for the insurance fraternity to rise up to interesting yet challenging demands of the millennials."

It said that the general insurance sector needs to keep pace with and adapt to the changing needs of the policyholders.

The new add-ons to the basic motor insurance are - Pay as You Drive; Pay How You Drive and Floater policy for vehicles belonging to the same individual owner for two-wheelers and private cars.

"Introduction of these options will aid in giving the much-needed fillip to Motor OD Insurance in the country and increase its penetration," the Indian authority said.

Indians will have to pay a lesser premium on their vehicle's insurance if they drive better and safer. In a big announcement, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has come up with an innovative technology-enabled concept in the motor insurance in the country.

Indians will have to pay a lesser premium on their vehicle's insurance if they drive better and safer. In a big announcement, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has come up with an innovative technology-enabled concept in the motor insurance in the country. In its endeavour to increase insurance penetration and protect the interest of policyholders in India, the IRDAI has introduced technology-enabled concepts of "Pay As You Drive" and "Pay How You Drive" in the Motor Own Damage (OD) cover. Under these telematics-based concepts, which will be add-ons to the basic motor insurance policy, the premium will be calculated on driving behaviour and kilometres covered. Making the announcement, the IRDAI said that it aims to move with time and meet the challenging demands of the millennials in India. "In its perpetual endeavour to protect the interest of the policyholders and increase the insurance penetration in India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has been seeking to facilitate the industry to move with the times. "And as a step towards facilitating technology-enabled covers, IRDAI has permitted general insurance companies to introduce the tech-enabled concepts for the Motor Own Damage (OD) cover," it said. Noting that the concept of Motor Insurance is constantly evolving, the IRDAI said that the "advent of technology has created a relentless pace for the insurance fraternity to rise up to interesting yet challenging demands of the millennials." It said that the general insurance sector needs to keep pace with and adapt to the changing needs of the policyholders. The new add-ons to the basic motor insurance are - Pay as You Drive; Pay How You Drive and Floater policy for vehicles belonging to the same individual owner for two-wheelers and private cars. "Introduction of these options will aid in giving the much-needed fillip to Motor OD Insurance in the country and increase its penetration," the Indian authority said.

Better you drive, lesser you pay: India's new motor insurance

India experienced not just more heat this summer, but more air pollution too. A new analysis reveals that India's national capital New Delhi saw a rise in air pollution during summers in 2022 compared to 2021 with the city's particulate matter levels significantly breaching the permissible limits, a new analysis said on Wednesday. According to the new analysis by NCAP Tracker, an initiative by environment organizations Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences, &nbsp;PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in New Delhi this year were five times higher than the levels permitted by India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) across the four summer months of March, April, May and June.

The NCAP Tracker, designed to track India's progress in achieving the 2024 clean air targets set under the country's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), took a look at air pollution in 10 Indian cities - New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Agra, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jodhpur, Lucknow and Patna. The analysis showed that all these cities except Chennai recorded higher than permissible PM 2.5 levels in March 2022 and all cities breached permissible limits for PM 10 levels.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/once-prosperous-sri-lankans-will-now-cook-with-firewood-economic-mismanagement-is-the-reason-494957">&nbsp;Once prosperous, Sri Lankans will now cook with firewood, as economic mismanagement hits hard</a>

In April, levels improved only in Kolkata and it joined Chennai in the cities which did not breach safety limits for PM 2.5, it said, adding that Chennai was also the only city with PM 10 levels within safe limits during April, it said. As per the analysis, similar trends continued in May when only Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw PM 2.5 levels within safe limits and no city met the safety standard for PM 10 levels. The report said that with some parts of the country receiving rains in June 2022, five Indian cities – Agra, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai saw their PM 2.5 levels improve and within the CPCB safety limits.

As per India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), annual average permissible limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 40 ug/m3 and 60 ug/m3 respectively. The World Health Organization's safe limits are lower at 5 ug/m3 and 15 ug/m3 respectively. The analysis also found that among the 10 cities, another pollutant, &nbsp;Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), breached annual safety limits of 40 ug/m3 in the cities of Patna and Delhi during March and April this year and in Chandigarh from April to June. As per CPCB, the annual average permissible limit for NO2 is 40 ug/m3 and as per WHO it is 10 ug/m3.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/udaipur-terror-attack-how-my-hometown-turned-into-a-curfew-zone-494414">Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone &nbsp;</a>

"This year, the country was reeling under multiple heatwaves from as early as March with record-breaking temperatures all across. March was the warmest in 121 years and the country recorded an average maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius, an all-time-high and 1.86 degrees Celsius above normal levels. Similar trends continued in the following months," it said. The Indian pollution watchdog CPCB and WHO have also given 24-hour safe limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10. While CPCB's 24-hour safe limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 60 ug/m3 and 100 ug/m3 respectively, the WHO's 24-hour safe limits are lower at 15 ug/m3 and 45 ug/m3 for the two pollutants, respectively.

The analysis said that the average PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels for each day show that several Indian cities have continuous streaks of highly polluted days. "In April 2022, New Delhi did not have a single day when PM 2.5 met the CPCB’s 24-hour safe limit of 60 ug/m3. Similarly, a coastal city like Mumbai had only nine days when PM 2.5 concentration didn’t breach the safe limits. "Such prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can have an impact on human health," it said.

India launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) on 10th January 2019 to address air pollution in 102 cities, to which 20 more cities were added later in the year. These 122 cities are called non-attainment cities. 
&nbsp;

India experienced not just more heat this summer, but more air pollution too. A new analysis reveals that India's national capital New Delhi saw a rise in air pollution during summers in 2022 compared to 2021 with the city's particulate matter levels significantly breaching the permissible limits, a new analysis said on Wednesday.

India experienced not just more heat this summer, but more air pollution too. A new analysis reveals that India's national capital New Delhi saw a rise in air pollution during summers in 2022 compared to 2021 with the city's particulate matter levels significantly breaching the permissible limits, a new analysis said on Wednesday. According to the new analysis by NCAP Tracker, an initiative by environment organizations Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences, PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in New Delhi this year were five times higher than the levels permitted by India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) across the four summer months of March, April, May and June. The NCAP Tracker, designed to track India's progress in achieving the 2024 clean air targets set under the country's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), took a look at air pollution in 10 Indian cities - New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Agra, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jodhpur, Lucknow and Patna. The analysis showed that all these cities except Chennai recorded higher than permissible PM 2.5 levels in March 2022 and all cities breached permissible limits for PM 10 levels. Also Read: Once prosperous, Sri Lankans will now cook with firewood, as economic mismanagement hits hard In April, levels improved only in Kolkata and it joined Chennai in the cities which did not breach safety limits for PM 2.5, it said, adding that Chennai was also the only city with PM 10 levels within safe limits during April, it said. As per the analysis, similar trends continued in May when only Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw PM 2.5 levels within safe limits and no city met the safety standard for PM 10 levels. The report said that with some parts of the country receiving rains in June 2022, five Indian cities – Agra, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai saw their PM 2.5 levels improve and within the CPCB safety limits. As per India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), annual average permissible limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 40 ug/m3 and 60 ug/m3 respectively. The World Health Organization's safe limits are lower at 5 ug/m3 and 15 ug/m3 respectively. The analysis also found that among the 10 cities, another pollutant, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), breached annual safety limits of 40 ug/m3 in the cities of Patna and Delhi during March and April this year and in Chandigarh from April to June. As per CPCB, the annual average permissible limit for NO2 is 40 ug/m3 and as per WHO it is 10 ug/m3. Also Read: Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone "This year, the country was reeling under multiple heatwaves from as early as March with record-breaking temperatures all across. March was the warmest in 121 years and the country recorded an average maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius, an all-time-high and 1.86 degrees Celsius above normal levels. Similar trends continued in the following months," it said. The Indian pollution watchdog CPCB and WHO have also given 24-hour safe limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10. While CPCB's 24-hour safe limits for PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 60 ug/m3 and 100 ug/m3 respectively, the WHO's 24-hour safe limits are lower at 15 ug/m3 and 45 ug/m3 for the two pollutants, respectively. The analysis said that the average PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels for each day show that several Indian cities have continuous streaks of highly polluted days. "In April 2022, New Delhi did not have a single day when PM 2.5 met the CPCB’s 24-hour safe limit of 60 ug/m3. Similarly, a coastal city like Mumbai had only nine days when PM 2.5 concentration didn’t breach the safe limits. "Such prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can have an impact on human health," it said. India launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) on 10th January 2019 to address air pollution in 102 cities, to which 20 more cities were added later in the year. These 122 cities are called non-attainment cities.

New Delhi's air pollutants five times higher than permissible limit: Analysis

The next time you visit the markets in India, you may not find plastic cups, straws, cutlery, earbuds and thermocol as the country-wide ban on single-use plastics, which have been a threat to the planet and ecosystem for decades, comes into effect from July 1.

The Indian environment ministry issued a notification to ban single-use plastics below 100 microns in August 2021 to be implemented from July 1, 2022.&nbsp;

Plastics are huge contributors to climate change. 130 million metric tonnes of plastic were discarded globally in 2019.&nbsp;

In its fight against the climate crisis, India has decided to put a blanket ban on not just manufacturing, but sale, purchase, import, distribution, stocking and any kind of usage of single-use plastics (SUPs), including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene.&nbsp;

Plastics take forever to break down and emit toxic greenhouse gases.&nbsp;

With India's bold step, all products made of single-use plastic including plastic straws, plastic cutlery, plates, cups and glasses, earbuds, thermocol items, wrapping films around sweet boxes, invitation/greeting cards and cigarette boxes, will be off the shelves from Friday.&nbsp;

Also, plastic carry bags under 100 microns of thickness will be banned from July 1, 2022, while those up to 120 microns will be banned by the end of the year.&nbsp;

While several restaurants and people have consciously broken up with single-use plastic, markets still have a huge stock of such products to do away with.&nbsp;

The organized sector though seems prepared to deal with the ban and switch to alternatives.&nbsp;

However, it is the unorganized sector and small shop owners who seem hassled and unprepared, especially regarding the cost of alternatives to single-use plastics.&nbsp;

Some small restaurant owners expressed concern that the cost of alternatives was costing almost double that plastic.&nbsp;

"The move to ban plastic is good but we need cheaper alternatives. We were using plastic containers to deliver food items but now with the ban coming into effect, the only alternative we know is paper containers. But they are very expensive. One plastic box 250 ml capacity costs us Rs 6 while the same in paper costs us Rs 11-12," said a restaurateur who did not wish to be identified.&nbsp;

Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that enough time has been given already to get to rid of single-use plastic. 
The ban was first announced by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2021.&nbsp;

Though environment experts termed it as a critical step by India towards controlling the plastic menace, they also felt that the ban on plastic carry bags is not novel.&nbsp;

As many as 25 Indian states and Union territories have already banned them, as per the latest report of the country's pollution watchdog Central Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;

"While states say it is difficult to regulate this item based on plastic thickness, it is clear that the enforcement is inadequate," said Indian think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).&nbsp;

Another pollution expert said that it was a welcome move by India which would reduce plastic waste generation in the country.

"We welcome the ban on single use plastic items by India and hope that this would be enforced on ground by the regulatory/monitoring bodies and supported by citizens. The ban will help reduce plastic waste generation in the country," said Ashish Jain, Director, Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA).

But what happens if you don't abide by the ban in India?

It may attract stringent provisions under the Environment Protection Act, which entail a jail term of up to 5 years and fine up to Rs one lakh.

However, India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that the power to take punitive action rests with urban local bodies and the state pollution control boards.

Penalties may vary from state to state.

For example, in India's national capital, the municipal corporations could levy a fine ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000.

Yadav said that the Indian government does not want to create a panic among citizens and wants to encourage the practice of choosing alternatives to plastics, some of which are already available.

"We want people's participation and cooperation in this movement to eliminate the plastic menace. We don't want this to be done out of fear," Yadav said.&nbsp;

Apart from India, several other nations have pledged to eliminate single-use plastic.&nbsp;

Canada recently announced that it will ban the manufacture and import of SUPs by the end of this year.&nbsp;

Bangladesh became the first country in 2008 to ban thin plastic waste while New Zealand banned plastic bags in 2019, and China announced plastic ban in 2020. Several states in the United States have banned it too.&nbsp;

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The next time you visit the markets in India, you may not find plastic cups, straws, cutlery, earbuds and thermocol as the country-wide ban on single-use plastics, which have been a threat to the planet and ecosystem for decades, comes into effect from July 1.

The next time you visit the markets in India, you may not find plastic cups, straws, cutlery, earbuds and thermocol as the country-wide ban on single-use plastics, which have been a threat to the planet and ecosystem for decades, comes into effect from July 1. The Indian environment ministry issued a notification to ban single-use plastics below 100 microns in August 2021 to be implemented from July 1, 2022. Plastics are huge contributors to climate change. 130 million metric tonnes of plastic were discarded globally in 2019. In its fight against the climate crisis, India has decided to put a blanket ban on not just manufacturing, but sale, purchase, import, distribution, stocking and any kind of usage of single-use plastics (SUPs), including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. Plastics take forever to break down and emit toxic greenhouse gases. With India's bold step, all products made of single-use plastic including plastic straws, plastic cutlery, plates, cups and glasses, earbuds, thermocol items, wrapping films around sweet boxes, invitation/greeting cards and cigarette boxes, will be off the shelves from Friday. Also, plastic carry bags under 100 microns of thickness will be banned from July 1, 2022, while those up to 120 microns will be banned by the end of the year. While several restaurants and people have consciously broken up with single-use plastic, markets still have a huge stock of such products to do away with. The organized sector though seems prepared to deal with the ban and switch to alternatives. However, it is the unorganized sector and small shop owners who seem hassled and unprepared, especially regarding the cost of alternatives to single-use plastics. Some small restaurant owners expressed concern that the cost of alternatives was costing almost double that plastic. "The move to ban plastic is good but we need cheaper alternatives. We were using plastic containers to deliver food items but now with the ban coming into effect, the only alternative we know is paper containers. But they are very expensive. One plastic box 250 ml capacity costs us Rs 6 while the same in paper costs us Rs 11-12," said a restaurateur who did not wish to be identified. Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that enough time has been given already to get to rid of single-use plastic. The ban was first announced by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2021. Though environment experts termed it as a critical step by India towards controlling the plastic menace, they also felt that the ban on plastic carry bags is not novel. As many as 25 Indian states and Union territories have already banned them, as per the latest report of the country's pollution watchdog Central Pollution Control Board. "While states say it is difficult to regulate this item based on plastic thickness, it is clear that the enforcement is inadequate," said Indian think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Another pollution expert said that it was a welcome move by India which would reduce plastic waste generation in the country. "We welcome the ban on single use plastic items by India and hope that this would be enforced on ground by the regulatory/monitoring bodies and supported by citizens. The ban will help reduce plastic waste generation in the country," said Ashish Jain, Director, Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA). But what happens if you don't abide by the ban in India? It may attract stringent provisions under the Environment Protection Act, which entail a jail term of up to 5 years and fine up to Rs one lakh. However, India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that the power to take punitive action rests with urban local bodies and the state pollution control boards. Penalties may vary from state to state. For example, in India's national capital, the municipal corporations could levy a fine ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000. Yadav said that the Indian government does not want to create a panic among citizens and wants to encourage the practice of choosing alternatives to plastics, some of which are already available. "We want people's participation and cooperation in this movement to eliminate the plastic menace. We don't want this to be done out of fear," Yadav said. Apart from India, several other nations have pledged to eliminate single-use plastic. Canada recently announced that it will ban the manufacture and import of SUPs by the end of this year. Bangladesh became the first country in 2008 to ban thin plastic waste while New Zealand banned plastic bags in 2019, and China announced plastic ban in 2020. Several states in the United States have banned it too. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India bans single-use plastic from July 1; violators can be penalised

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