Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Why in the News? A recent report from Lebanon accused Israel of committing “ecocide” during its 2023-24 military actions in southern Lebanon, citing the reshaping of its physical and ecological landscape. Definition & Origin: Definition: “Ecocide” refers to the most severe forms of environmental harm caused by human activities on a major scale or affecting […]

Why in News? The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, in the case of Udasa & Others vs. Union of India (2026), quashed a government order that rejected the forest claims of the Tharu tribe in Lakhimpur Kheri. The Court ruled that administrative bodies cannot use outdated judicial orders to bypass modern social justice […]

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as ‘aviation biofuel’, shares similar chemical and physical characteristics with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). It can be sourced from municipal solid waste, oils and fats (such as oilseeds and algae oils), agricultural residues (including Sugarcane bagasse, husk, and corn), and wood wastes. It can also be produced artificially using a method that collects carbon out of the air. Benefits of SAF: Green […]

Why in the News? The report, primarily based on the Ember Annual Global Electricity Review, is trending because it marks a “decoupling” of economic growth from fossil fuel use. Historically, as India’s economy grew, coal power rose; 2025-26 proves that renewable energy is now scaling fast enough to meet and even exceed new demand. ### […]

To protect the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Bangladesh government has officially approved a ban on new industrial projects within a 10-kilometer radius of the Sundarbans’ Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). Ecologically Critical Area (ECA): Subject: Environment & Ecology (UPSC GS Paper III) An Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) is an environmentally sensitive zone where the ecosystem […]

1. Definition & Context: MSP: A public, collaborative process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas. Objective: To balance ecological, economic, and social objectives through a planned framework rather than ad-hoc development. Nodal Agency: National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 2. […]

State of India’s Bats (2024-25) This report represents a landmark study conducted over two years by 36 experts from 27 institutions. It highlights a critical “data dark spot” and significant neglect regarding the conservation of bats in India. Key Statistics: Total Species: India is home to approximately 135 bat species. Endemic Species: 16 species are […]

Why in news ? India is advancing its climate goals by introducing the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, effective April 1, 2027. This transition introduces a market-based approach to emissions regulation, involving carbon credit trading and a more active role for the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).  Understanding CAFE-III Norms Unlike […]

This report highlights the persistent and worsening pollution of waterbodies and air in the district, identifying it as a district-wide challenge that transcends individual political constituencies. The Water Crisis: Lifelines Under Threat: The district relies on three primary water sources that have undergone severe degradation: The Cauvery River: Flows for 84 km through the district. […]

The Renewables 2025 Global Status Report (GSR 2025) is the 20th edition of the world’s most comprehensive annual overview of the renewable energy sector. Published by REN21 (a global multi-stakeholder network), it serves as the benchmark for measuring global progress in the transition to a renewables-based economy. Key Findings & Statistics Top Performers: Brazil, China, […]