India to get more than 100 Cheetahs from South Africa

India to get more than 100 Cheetahs from South Africa

• South Africa said that it had reached a deal to transfer more than 100 cheetahs to India as part of an ambitious project to reintroduce the spotted cats in the south Asian country. 
• The environment ministry said an initial batch of 12 cheetahs would be flown to India next month, after eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia last September.
• The plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for the next eight to 10 years” to help establish a “viable and secure cheetah population,” the ministry said.
• India was once home to the Asiatic cheetah but the animal was declared extinct here by 1952, primarily because of habitat loss and deaths at the hands of hunters seeking their distinctive spotted hides.

Visakhapatnam Railway Station awarded ‘Green Railway Station Certificate’

• East Coast Railways’ Visakhapatnam railway station has received the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with the highest Platinum rating. 
• The certificate has been awarded by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts. It secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories.
• The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways, with the support of the IGBC, has developed the Green Railway Station rating system. 
• It addresses national priorities such as water conservation, handling of waste, energy efficiency, reduced use of fossil fuel, lesser dependence on usage of virgin materials and health and well-being of occupants.

India sends notice for modification in Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to Pakistan

• The Indus Water Treaty was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan in 1960. World Bank negotiated the treaty. 
• According to the treaty, the waters of Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej are controlled by India, and the waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab are controlled by Pakistan. 
• All these rivers form the Indus Water system. India has 20% access to the water system and Pakistan has 80% access. 
• According to India, Pakistan has been “INTRANSIGENCE” over the treaty. Meaning refusing to agree upon the treaty. For this reason, India has sent a notice to Pakistan to modify the treaty.
• India cites the issues of the Rattle hydroelectric project and Kishanganga dispute as the reason for sending the notice.