Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

WHY IN NEWS? Official Submission: India officially submitted its First National Report (NR1) to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on February 27, 2026. Compliance: This fulfills India’s obligation under Article 29 of the Nagoya Protocol, which requires member nations to monitor and report on their progress. Strategic Alignment: The report documents […]

Why in the News? Record Arctic Winter: The Arctic is currently experiencing one of its worst winters on record in terms of ice stability and thickness. Accelerated Melting: New data from 2023–2025 (ESSD & IMBIE) reveals that the rate of ice loss in Greenland is 5 times higher and in Antarctica 25% higher than in […]

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 […]