Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

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 […]

The Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve (GHGCR) has been a focal point of environmental tension in Karnataka for decades. The “news” surrounding it stems from a long-standing battle between industrial development (specifically a proposed “Film City”) and ecological preservation. Key Issues Surrounding Hesaraghatta (GHGCR): The struggle for Hesaraghatta highlights several systemic issues in how we […]

Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF): The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) initiative was launched on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, aiming to raise and invest USD 125 billion to conserve tropical forests. India has joined the Brazil-led TFFF as an observer, reaffirming its commitment to multilateral climate action under the […]

Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) refers to the ability to monitor, detect, and analyze underwater activities in oceans, coastal waters, and inland waterways. It involves the use of advanced sonar, sensors, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence to track submarines, underwater drones, mines, and other naval threats. Why is UDA Important? National Security– […]