Current Affairs May 2017 - Environment

News 1 - Dumping e-waste near Ramganga river to cost penalty of Rs 1 lakh

The National Green Tribunal announced that anyone found dumping electronic waste (e-waste) on the banks of river Ramganga in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh would have to pay Rs 1 lakh as environment compensation.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also constituted a committee of representatives of departments concerned to immediately remove the waste lying on the river bank and sought a detailed report within two weeks. The committee would comprise member secretary of UPPCB, district magistrate of Moradabad, representative from UP government and Deputy Superintendent of Police.

News 2 - Scientists discovered last species of dinosaur to survive on earth

Last fossil of species of dinosaur to survive on Earth, Chenani Saurus Barbaricus, was discovered by scientists in a phosphate mine in northern Morocco. Most of the fossils have been discovered from marine rocks.

It is discovered that an asteroid strike wiped out all dinosaurs of this species, 66 million years ago. Chenani Saurus Barbaricus is smaller African contemporary of North American T-Rex. The credit of research goes to research carried out by Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath.

News 3 - Environment ministry banned sale of cattle for slaughter

Environment ministry introduced stringent new rules that ban sale and purchase of cattle from any animal/livestock market for purposes of slaughter or religious sacrifice. The Centre has brought in the rule only to regulate animal markets and ensure the safety of cattle.

The combined effect of both the rules will surely reduce sale of animals for slaughter, including buffaloes. Under this rule, the seller and purchaser will have to submit an undertaking that the animal is not for slaughter.

The animals defined under the rule are bulls, bullocks, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and calves and includes camels.