Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Bio-based Chemicals & Enzymes: These are the foundational “building blocks” of the new bio-industrial era. What they are? Bio-based Chemicals: Industrial molecules (e.g., organic acids like lactic acid, bio-solvents, surfactants) derived from renewable biomass (sugarcane, corn, agri-residues) rather than crude oil. Enzymes: Biological catalysts (proteins) that trigger specific chemical reactions. In industry, they replace harsh […]

Why in the News? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On February 12, 2026, the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced what they are calling the “single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.” The core of this news is the formal repeal of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding. The Endangerment Finding was […]

NITI Aayog Releases “Viksit Bharat & Net Zero” Study Reports NITI Aayog has unveiled a landmark series of eleven study reports detailing India’s dual path toward becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat @ 2047) and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. The final set of four reports was released on February 10, 2026, at the […]

The  environmental groups and several nations (Denmark, France, Germany, and the Solomon Islands) are lobbying the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to mandate cleaner fuels for ships. They argue that as ice melts and shipping routes open up, the “soot” from vessels is creating a dangerous warming loop that is being ignored due to political tensions. […]

IPBES: Overview and Key Insights 1. What is IPBES? The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an international body dedicated to strengthening the link between science and policy regarding biodiversity. Established: 2012 in Panama City by 94 governments (now includes 150). Headquarters: Bonn, Germany. Status: While it performs similar functions to […]

Why in the News?  The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently took a stern stance against the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and local authorities regarding environmental violations: Illegal Constructions: The NGT “slammed” authorities for allowing permanent structures and bridges in the Prayadhaj floodplain and sensitive Ganga zones without proper clearances. Accountability: The Tribunal emphasized […]

Why in the News? Mass Fatality: This is the deadliest mining accident in Meghalaya since 2012. It follows a pattern of high-fatality incidents, such as the 2018 Ksan mine tragedy where 15 miners were trapped for months. Total Ban Violation: Despite a 2014 ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) (upheld by the Supreme Court), […]

India’s Waste Problems & WtE (GS Paper 3: Environment & Science) Context: The government has recently notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 (notified Jan 2026, effective April 2026), moving India toward a Circular Economy model. Key Features of SWM Rules 2026: Four-Way Segregation: Mandatory sorting into Wet (organic), Dry (recyclable), Sanitary (diapers/masks), and […]

India’s Industrial Shift: Electrons over Molecules (GS 3: Economy/Environment) Why in News? Recent editorials (February 2026) highlight that India is at a crossroads. While global industrial growth was historically fueled by “molecules” (fossil fuels), the future belongs to “electrons” (renewable electricity). India is currently positioning itself to become an “Electrostate”—a nation that skips the long […]

Decarbonizing India’s Steel Sector:  The Paradox of Growth Economic Importance: Steel is the backbone of Indian manufacturing and infrastructure. Climate Impact: * India is the 2nd largest steel producer globally (120 MT/year). The sector contributes 7–9% of global CO₂ emissions. The Goal: India must decarbonize this sector to meet its global commitment of Net-Zero by […]