Environment and Ecology Current Affairs Archives | Page 2 of 3

2 Key Biodiversity Repositories Notified under Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Why in News?

In a significant step to strengthen biodiversity conservation and research, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified two institutions as designated repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These repositories will ensure safe storage and proper documentation of biological resources in India

government notified two key institutions as repositories under the biological diversity act, 2002

What are Designated Repositories?

Declared under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Serve as official centers for storing biological materials
Include:
- Voucher specimens (reference samples)
- Microbial cultures
- Marine organisms
Support:
- Scientific research
- Commercial use of biological resources
- Identification of new species

The two notified institutes are:

Referral Centre Bhavasagara at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi: Specializing in deep-sea biodiversity, maintaining marine voucher specimens.
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune: Specifically for its MACS Collection of Microorganisms and National Fungal Culture Collection

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Shekha Jheel Becomes India’s 99th Ramsar Site

Why in News?

India has added another important wetland to its conservation network. The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as the 99th Ramsar Wetland Site, highlighting its ecological importance and role in bird conservation

Location: Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh Status: Declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site (2026)Biodiversity:

249 bird species recorded
62 species directly dependent on the wetland ecosystem

Migratory Importance:

Lies on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)
Hosts species like:
- Bar-headed goose
- Painted stork

What is Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?

One of the 9 major global migratory bird flyways Connects:

Breeding grounds: Arctic region (Siberia)
Wintering grounds: Indian subcontinent & nearby regions

Covers 30 countries from Arctic Ocean to Indian Ocean Operates under:

Convention on Migratory Species

Ramsar Wetland Site – Meaning & Significance

A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized as internationally important
Declared under the:
- Ramsar Convention
Criteria for designation:
- Ecological significance
- Biodiversity richness
- Hydrological importance

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India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

India has announced plan to expand its nuclear power capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, aiming for over a ten-fold increase. This move is crucial for achieving energy security and climate goals

Strategic Pillars to Achieve the Target

1. National Nuclear Energy Mission

Introduced in Union Budget 2025–26
Allocation: ₹20,000 crore
Focus: Development of indigenous nuclear technologies

2. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Target: At least 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033
Key innovation in nuclear sector

What are SMRs?

Capacity: Up to 300 MW per module
About 1/3rd size of traditional reactors

Features of SMRs

Compact Size
- Suitable for smaller or remote locations
Modular Construction
- Factory-built components → faster installation
- Construction time: 3–5 years (vs 10+ years for large plants)
Passive Safety Systems
- Uses natural forces (gravity, convection)
- No need for active cooling systems during emergencies

3. Private Sector Participation

Proposed reforms in:
- Atomic Energy Act
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act
Objective:
- Encourage private investment
- Promote global partnerships

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KABIL Gets Argentina Clearance for Lithium exploration

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

India has taken a major step toward securing critical minerals as Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) received environmental clearance from the Argentine government. This approval allows deep exploration of lithium-rich brine blocks in Argentina.

Why Lithium is Important?

Lithium is a key component in batteries
Essential for:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Renewable energy storage systems
- Electronics and aerospace

Lithium is often called “White Gold” due to its strategic importance

About KABIL:

Established under the Ministry of Mines
A joint venture of three CPSEs:
- National Aluminium Company Limited – 40%
- Hindustan Copper Limited – 30%
- Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited – 30%

Objectives of KABIL:

Identify and acquire overseas mineral assets
Explore and develop critical & strategic minerals

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COP31 Vision 2026: Türkiye’s “Future COP” Explained

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Why in News?

Türkiye has proposed a new “COP of the Future” vision for COP31 (2026) under the UNFCCC framework. This vision introduces an innovative partnership model with Australia and focuses on action-oriented climate governance

What is COP31 and Türkiye’s New Vision?

COP31 refers to the 31st session of the Conference of Parties under the UN climate framework.
Türkiye will: Host the summit in Antalya and lead the Action Agenda
Australia will: Play a key role in negotiations

Understanding UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the foundation of global climate governance.

Key Facts:

Adopted: 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit
Enforced: 1994
Members: 198 Parties (197 countries + EU)
Secretariat: Bonn, Germany

Objective:

Stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations
Prevent dangerous human interference with climate systems

What is Conference of Parties (COP)

Supreme decision-making body of UNFCCC
Annual meeting of all member countries
First held in 1995 (Berlin)

Functions:

Review climate action progress
Negotiate new agreements
Set global climate targets

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India Becomes 3rd Largest in Renewable Energy Capacity

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Why in News?

India has achieved a major milestone in the global energy sector by becoming the third-largest country in renewable energy capacity, surpassing Brazil.

Global Renewable Energy Rankings (2025)

1st – China
2nd – United States
3rd – India
4th – Brazil

India’s Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Breakdown (283.46 GW)

Solar Energy: 150.26 GW
Wind Energy: 56.09 GW (4th largest globally)
Large Hydro Power: 51.41 GW
Nuclear Energy: 8.78 GW

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India to Ban New HFC Projects After 2027-Explained for UPSC and state PSC exams

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India has taken a major step to tackle climate change by restricting the production of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The government has announced that no new environmental clearances will be granted for HFC projects after 2027. This aligns with India’s international climate commitments under the Kigali Amendment

The Environment Ministry has decided:

No new environmental clearances for HFC production from January 1, 2028
No expansion of existing HFC manufacturing units after December 31, 2027

What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They are entirely man-made synthetic gases developed as a non-ozone-depleting alternative to Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): HFCs have zero ODP because they do not contain chlorine, which is the primary catalyst for ozone layer destruction.
Global Warming Potential (GWP): Despite being ozone-friendly, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. Their GWP can be hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide per unit mass.

India & Kigali Amendment

India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021
It is part of the Montreal Protocol
Aim:
- Gradual reduction of HFC production and consumption

India falls under Group 2 (Developing Countries) and India’s target is

Year	Reduction Target
2032	10% reduction
2037	20% reduction
2042	30% reduction
2047	85% reduction

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India Withdraws Bid for COP 33 (2028)

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India has withdrawn its bid to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP 33) scheduled for 2028.

COP is the annual global climate summit held under the United Nations climate framework, where countries discuss actions to tackle climate change

What is UNFCCC?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the main international agreement guiding global efforts to combat climate change.

Key Facts:

Adopted: 1992
Event: Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro)
Objective: Stabilize greenhouse gas emissions to prevent dangerous climate change
Nature: Framework treaty (not legally binding emission targets)

Important Agreements under UNFCCC:

Kyoto Protocol
- Legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries
Paris Agreement
- Aim: Limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C

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Telangana’s Bharat Future City Project: NGT Refuses to Grant Stay:

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Why in News:

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to halt Telangana’sBharat Future City project, proposed over nearly 30,000 acres

The petitioner alleged: Mandatory approvals were not obtained before starting activities and bypassed procedures under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework

What is the Bharat Future City Project?

A large-scale urban development project proposed by the Telangana government
Spread across ~30,000 acres in 56 revenue villages covering 7 mandals
Located between Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways
Envisioned as a modern urban hub with infrastructure and economic activities

About NGT

Established under the NGT Act, 2010
A specialized environmental court for speedy justice

Key Features

Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court
Tenure: 5 years (no reappointment)
Nature of Proceedings:
- Follows principles of natural justice
- Not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure
Time Limit:
- Aims to dispose cases within 6 months
Jurisdiction:
- Covers major environmental laws (Schedule I)
- Excludes:
  - Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  - Forest Rights Act, 2006
Appeal Mechanism:
- Decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court within 90 days

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Kali Tiger Reserve ESZ: Draft Notification Issued

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The Union Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas created around protected regions like: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves

Purpose:

Act as a shock absorber between protected areas and human activities
Reduce environmental pressure
Promote sustainable development

Legal & Statutory Basis

Declared under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Though the term “ESZ” is not directly mentioned in the Act, it is notified through rules under it.

Extent of ESZ

Generally extends up to 10 km from the boundary of protected areas
However, it is flexible depending on: Ecological sensitivity, Population density and local conditions.

Activities in ESZ

Prohibited Activities:

Commercial mining
Setting up sawmills
Large hydroelectric projects

Regulated Activities:

Tourism
Road expansion
Construction activities

Permitted Activities:

Eco-friendly practices
Organic farming
Sustainable livelihood activities

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