Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Why in the news? In early March 2026, a series of air strikes targeted major oil storage facilities and refineries in and around Tehran (including the Shahran and Aghdasieh depots). Beyond Military Damage: The strikes have been termed “environmental warfare” due to the massive release of toxic substances. The Smog Blanket: Burning crude oil and […]

Why in News ? The Air India group recently  announced a phased increase in fuel surcharges across its domestic and international network, citing a sharp rise in jet fuel prices driven by the conflict in West Asia. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF): ATF is a specialized petroleum-based fuel used to power aircraft gas turbine engines (jet […]

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)  Why in News ? The government may expand the definition of “Electric Vehicles” to include HEVs and PHEVs.  Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Also known as a Strong Hybrid, this is likely what the article is referring to when discussing “expanding the definition.” How it works: It uses both a petrol engine […]

Microbe-based Farming: Microbe-based farming (or bio-farming) focuses on using living microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and plant growth, reducing the heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. How it Works (The Mechanism): Bio-fertilization: These microbes fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus and potassium, making these essential nutrients available to the plant in a form it […]

Why in news ? the Kerala government to officially declare Bacillus subtilis as the “State Microbe.” Kerala has become the first state in the country to grant a microorganism the status of a state symbol. This move moves away from the traditional definition of development (roads, bridges, investments) and emphasizes ecology and microbiology. The declaration […]

Recent research published in early 2026 (notably in the journal Animals and Frontiers in Marine Science) has highlighted a “four-pronged” threat to Loggerhead turtles. The most significant finding is that while some populations seem to be thriving (more nests), they are actually working harder for less return due to a changing climate. Latest Scientific Findings […]

What is the Great Nicobar Project? The Great Nicobar Project is a mega infrastructure development plan proposed by the Government of India to transform Great Nicobar Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) into a major: Economic hub Strategic and defence hub Global maritime trade hub It is considered one of India’s most ambitious island development projects. Why is Great Nicobar […]

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 […]