Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

The Odisha government has revised the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) norms to include new projects, improve fund utilization, and extend coverage areas. Key Highlights: Expansion of Affected Areas: The definition of “directly-affected” areas has been expanded to include regions within a 15 km radius of mines (previously 10 km). “Indirectly-affected” areas now encompass regions within […]

Why in News? The Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site off Australia’s western coast, has experienced an “unprecedented” mass bleaching event due to prolonged marine heatwaves. This alarming event has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Key Points: Mass Bleaching Event: The Ningaloo Reef is undergoing its worst mass […]

What’s Happening? Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate due to global warming. According to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica have lost over 9,000 billion tonnes of ice since 1975, equivalent to the size of Germany. Between 2000 and 2016, the global mass loss of glaciers was 133 billion […]

Why in News? A recent study has brought attention to the thawing of permafrost in the Kashmir Himalayas, an issue previously overlooked despite its significant environmental and infrastructural implications. Published on March 24, 2025, in Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, the research underscores how climate change-driven permafrost degradation threatens roads, households, lakes, and hydropower […]

Why in News ? Published in  editorial -Indian Express-24 March  ,2025 Why this article is important for UPSC Prelims and Mains: 1. General Studies Paper II (Governance, Policies, and International Relations): Policies and initiatives for green growth, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. The global context, including India’s positioning in international dialogues like the Raisina Dialogue. […]

Why in News: The Central Government of India, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched the National Mission on Coastal Resilience, a ₹5,000 crore initiative aimed at protecting India’s 7,500 km coastline from the escalating impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, cyclones, and coastal erosion. This mission reflects India’s commitment […]

Why in News ? The Standing Stones of Mudumal in Telangana are now on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights their cultural and historical significance. Key Points:  What are the Standing Stones of Mudumal? These are menhirs—large upright stones—dating back approximately 3,000 years. Located in Narayanpet, Telangana, along the banks […]

Why in News ? Recently, an Indian long-billed vulture, along with its chick, was sighted at Ramadevarabetta, Karnataka, which is India’s only vulture sanctuary. About Indian Long-Billed Vulture (Gyps indicus): The Indian long-billed vulture, also known as the Indian vulture, is a critically endangered species of vulture native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a […]

Why in News ? Tamil Nadu’s mangrove cover has nearly doubled over the past three years, increasing from 4,500 hectares (ha) in 2021 to 9,039 ha in 2024, as per a report by the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management, Anna University. Key Findings: 1. Largest Mangrove Areas by Districts: Tiruvarur: Total area: 2,142 […]

Why in news ? The World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir said Delhi remains the most polluted capital city globally, while India ranked as the world’s fifth most polluted country in 2024, down from third in 2023 Key Points: New Delhi: It is ranked as the world’s most polluted […]