Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

Why in News? A new research report has warned that the Himalayan region is approaching a dangerous threshold due to accelerating glacier melt, growing instability of glacial lakes, thawing permafrost and inadequate monitoring. The findings highlight increasing risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, flash floods and water insecurity across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Key Findings: Himalayan […]

Why in News? Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan have signed an agreement for the implementation of the 422 MW Kishau Multipurpose Project. The project will be constructed on the Tons River, along the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border. Key Facts: Project: Kishau Multipurpose Project River: Tons River, a tributary of the Yamuna Location: Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border Installed Capacity: 422 MW Estimated […]

Why in News? Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav visited the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat at Naliya in Kachchh, Gujarat, to review conservation and habitat-management efforts for the critically threatened species. He also inaugurated a Soft Release Centre for the Great Indian Bustard. Key Conservation Measures: Grassland Restoration: Around 11 sq. km. of grassland infested with the invasive species Prosopis juliflora has been restored. […]

Why in News? Recent building collapses and structural failures in different parts of India have raised concerns about the effectiveness of building safety regulations, construction quality and enforcement. The issue is important because rapid urbanisation, high-rise construction and expansion of cities are increasing the need for strong systems to ensure that buildings are structurally safe and properly maintained. Why is Building […]

Why in News? The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has stated that the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 does not explicitly provide for Gram Sabha consent for forest clearance. The issue has emerged as a major bottleneck in several government infrastructure projects, particularly hydropower projects. Core Issue: FRA, 2006 recognises the forest rights of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers. The […]

Why in News ? UNEP estimates that around 2.7 billion people globally lack waste collection, of whom nearly 2 billion live in rural areas. India generates around 1.7 lakh tonnes of solid waste daily, while rural waste remains poorly measured and managed. Majuli (Assam) and Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) demonstrate two innovative models for managing waste in geographically difficult rural areas. The issue highlights […]

Why in News? A severe flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on 26 August 2026. Preliminary reports indicate that an ice–rock avalanche in the upstream Himalayan region triggered a temporary river blockage, followed by a sudden release of water and debris. What Happened? The event can be understood as a chain: Ice–rock avalanche (a sudden, rapid movement of ice […]

Why in news? Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav called for a global shift from reactive drought response to proactive resilience at the UNCCD CoP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Core Vision and Philosophy: Redefining Drought: Drought is no longer an occasional event but a defining development challenge impacting water security, food systems, biodiversity, and economic stability. […]

Why in News? On 17 August, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to conduct a fresh nationwide survey of elephant corridors while hearing a case related to human–elephant conflict. The Court observed that elephant corridors cannot be blocked merely because elephants cause crop damage, as elephant herds naturally travel long distances. What are Elephant Corridors? Elephant corridors are natural routes used by […]

Why in News? The Assam Government has proposed replacing the existing default 10-km Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve with a site-specific ESZ of 1–3 km. The proposal has triggered a debate over balancing wildlife conservation, local livelihoods and development needs around protected areas. What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone? Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas around protected areas where certain human activities are regulated to minimise ecological […]