Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Why in News? India aims to become a developed economy by 2047 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Decarbonising the cement and construction sector is essential for achieving both goals. Why is Cement a Climate Challenge? Construction contributes around 35–40% of global GHG emissions, mainly through steel and cement. Cement alone contributes around 7–11% of […]

Why in News? A three-year-old tigress (T138) was released in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, beginning a phased programme to establish a viable and self-sustaining tiger population. Buxa Tiger Reserve: Key Facts Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983; 15th tiger reserve of India. Located in Alipurduar district, West Bengal. Area: 760.87 sq. km. Ecological connectivity […]

Why in News? Two male Great Indian Bustards (GIB) were recently released into the wild at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, under India’s captive-breeding and conservation programme. Great Indian Bustard: Key Facts Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps Local name: Godawan Habitat: Dry grasslands and semi-arid landscapes, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat. Population has declined sharply from around 1,260 […]

Why in News? The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 has triggered a debate between the Centre and States over mining regulation, taxation and States’ fiscal autonomy. What has the Amendment changed? Expanded the Centre’s regulatory powers to include mineral-bearing lands, besides mines and mineral development. Restricted States from imposing fresh taxes […]

Why in News? A recent study by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) has warned that river interlinking could create “ecological highways” for invasive alien species, allowing them to move between naturally isolated river basins. What are “Ecological Highways”? Ecological highways are artificial connections between previously isolated ecosystems that allow species, including invasive species and pathogens, […]

Why in News? The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. Host: Türkiye COP31 President: Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment Vice-President: Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Negotiation process: Australia will oversee negotiations, while Türkiye will host the summit. Unique Arrangement: Türkiye: Physical host and COP Presidency Australia: Responsible for overseeing the […]

Why in News? On 22 September 2026, the Karnataka Legislature unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the K. Kasturirangan Committee recommendations in their present form. The issue relates to the seventh draft notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 27 July 2026, proposing parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). Western Ghats: A Global […]

Why in News? The YSR Kadapa District Police, in coordination with the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force, arrested nine alleged red sanders smugglers in three separate operations and seized 87 red sanders logs weighing around 1.81 tonnes, along with five vehicles. The operations were conducted on 22–23 September 2026 in the Mannur, Veeraballi and Khajipet police station areas. Key Developments: Mannur Operation: Police intercepted a […]

Why in News? A study by ISRO scientists, published in NPJ Natural Hazards, examined the 5 August 2025 flash flood that devastated Dharali, Uttarakhand. The study identified the collapse of an exposed ice patch in the Srikanta Glacier as the main trigger. It highlights the emerging link between Himalayan deglaciation, warming temperatures and cryo-hydrological hazards. Key Findings: The event occurred in the upper Bhagirathi […]

Why in News? Karnataka is deliberating on the Kasturirangan Committee Report concerning the conservation of the Western Ghats. The Centre has asked Karnataka to communicate its decision on the report by September 27, 2026. The State government has expressed concerns over the report’s potential impact on farmers, livelihoods and agricultural land. Key Recommendations and Coverage: The report identifies around 20,668 sq. […]