Current Affair Category: Environment & Ecology

 Why in news ? On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the Forest Department of Rajasthan regarding sacred groves. What is the Supreme Court directive? Mapping of Sacred Groves: Sacred groves are to be mapped in detail using both ground surveys and satellite technology. The mapping will consider their purpose, cultural, […]

Why in News ? The loss of 110 glaciers in the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh over the last 32 years (1988-2020) underscores the growing issue of glacier retreat in the region, which has significant implications for the hydrology and climate of the area. The reasons for this rapid glacier retreat can be understood through […]

Why in News? In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism as part of India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable ocean development and strengthen maritime security. Key Features of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism: Centralized Framework: A unified mechanism to coordinate policies, projects, and research related to […]

Wide Range of Estimates: Subsidies for fossil fuels are estimated between $1 trillion and $7 trillion, depending on the definitions and methodologies used. Explicit Subsidies: These include direct government payments to make fossil fuels cheaper. Global explicit subsidies amounted to $1.5 trillion in 2022, comparable to the GDP of Russia or Australia. 80% of explicit […]

Why in News ?The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025 is “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” This theme underscores the urgency of bold action to protect these natural habitats for the welfare of all people, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from all that wetlands provide. Significance of World Wetlands Day: World […]

Uttar Pradesh Launches the “Conservation of Wetlands for the Future of All” Program Environmental Importance: Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining ecosystems by conserving groundwater, aiding irrigation, providing drinking water, and controlling floods and droughts. They also store carbon and help in the conservation of aquatic life, plant species, and migratory birds. Resources and […]

National Manufacturing Mission Launched: Goal: Strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence in critical sectors. Focus Areas: Solar PV cells, EV batteries, wind turbines, high-voltage transmission equipment, and grid-scale batteries. Coverage: Small, medium, and large industries; support for investment, execution plans, and monitoring framework. Support for Clean Energy & Electric Mobility: Policy Support: Aims to […]

Why in News ? The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting for the Global Plastics Treaty concluded in Busan, South Korea, without achieving consensus on a legally binding framework to eliminate plastic pollution Plastic Waste and Global Plastics Treaty What is the Global Plastics Treaty? The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolved in March 2022 to […]

 Why in news ? The Arctic Boreal Zone, encompassing treeless tundra, boreal forests, and wetlands spread over 26 million square kilometres, has undergone a significant transformation. New research has revealed that 40 per cent of this region has become a carbon source, releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than it absorbs, marking a shift […]

What is the status of the Smart Cities Mission? Why did the implementation of smart cities bypass local government and depend on Special Purpose Vehicles? What has happened to the mission in Shimla? Almost a decade has passed since the Indian government announced the concept of “smart cities” as the new lighthouses of urbanisation. The […]