envirnment & science

• Bad weather brings chaos to Europe.
• US water has large amounts of likely carcinogen: Study . A US environmental group has found that drinking water in 35 American cities contains hexavalent chromium, a probable carcinogen.
• South Korea has stepped up efforts to get powerful polluting industries to accept an emissions trading scheme by saying carbon trading is just another industry and one that's good for the economy.
• Global waterways fuelling growth of greenhouse gas nitrous oxide.
• Sharp divisions have emerged over the forestry agreement at Cancunindigenous people's networks around the world and forest rights campaigners in India. Ironically, projects on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus (REDD-plus) face opposition in Mexico itself. which faces opposition from various
• Climate change affecting Assam tea growers. Rising temperatures are reducing yields and altering the distinctive flavour of a popular beverage.
• The ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) is planning to get down to cleaning the Ganges river in order to revive the freshwater dolphin (India’s national aquatic animal) population.
• The Gujarat forest department's initiative of involving local population by appointing 'vanprani mitra' (wildlife friends) in the last abode of Asiatic lions -- Gir Sanctuary -- has paid off as they have become an important factor in conservation of this endangered species.
• The launch of India's latest communication satellite GSAT-5P though GSLV-FO6, failed. GSAT-5P, GSLV-F06 were not insured.
• The Department of Space plans to launch “not less than 30 satellites” in the next decade.
• First amphibian seaplane ‘Cessna 208A'   service launched in Mumbai.
• Vehicles to monitor nuclear, biological and chemical contamination developed by the DRDO were handed over to Army.