Environment and Ecology Current Affairs Archives | Page 2 of 3

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

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

To study Montreal Protocol from exam point of view, Click here

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India Withdraws Bid for COP 33 (2028)

India has withdrawn its bid to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP 33) scheduled for 2028.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

To study more about UNFCCC, Click here

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

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

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

To know more about National Green Tribunal from exam point of view, Click here

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Kali Tiger Reserve ESZ: Draft Notification Issued

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

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

To know more about Eco sensitive zones from exam point of view, Click here

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India Leads in Nagoya Protocol Compliance Certificates

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

Why in News?

India has emerged as a global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol, contributing over 56% of all certificates worldwide.

What are IRCCs?

IRCC (Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance):
- A digital certificate issued under the Nagoya Protocol
- Confirms that access to genetic resources is:
  - Legal
  - Approved by authorities
  - Based on agreed benefit-sharing terms

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (2010)

The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a legally binding international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that ensures fair sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

It aims to prevent biopiracy by requiring users to obtain Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and establish Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) with the provider country, ensuring benefits like royalties or research results are shared.
IRCCs are issued under this protocol

To know more about Convention on Biological Diversity, Click here

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CMS COP15 Concludes in Brazil; 40 New Species Granted Protection

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

Why in News?

The 15th Conference of Parties (CMS COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil, with a major decision to grant protection to 40 additional migratory species.

About CMS (Bonn Convention)

Full Name: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Also known as: Bonn Convention
Established under: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Key Features:

An intergovernmental treaty
Focuses on:
- Conservation of migratory species
- Protection of their habitats and migration routes
Covers:
- Terrestrial animals
- Aquatic species
- Birds (avian species)

It is the only global convention dedicated exclusively to migratory species

CMS Appendices (Important for Exams)

Appendix I

Includes species threatened with extinction
Requires:
- Strict protection measures
- Ban on hunting or exploitation

Appendix II

Includes species that:
- Need international cooperation
Encourages:
- Agreements between countries for conservation

For more current affairs Click here

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World Wetlands Day 2026 (Feb 2): Theme, Ramsar Convention & Montreux Record – Exam Notes

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

Why in News?

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, marking the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention (1971). The 2026 theme highlights traditional knowledge and cultural heritage linked to wetlands.

Key Highlights:

Date: February 2 (every year).
Purpose: To raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for ecology, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
2026 Theme:“Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:

Signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar
It is the only global treaty focused on a specific ecosystem (wetlands)
India became a member on February 1, 1982
Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands

Montreux Record:

A register under the Ramsar Convention
Includes wetlands facing ecological threats due to human interference or pollution

Indian Sites in Montreux Record:

Keoladeo National Park
Loktak Lake

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/world-wetlands-day-2026-promoting-chilika-red-rice-can-help-enhance-food-and-livelihood-security-around-indias-first-ramsar-site

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Project Tiger Completes 50 Years: Centre Forms Expert Groups for Policy Review

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

Why in News?

The Government of India has constituted four expert working groups to review five decades of tiger conservation policies under Project Tiger, marking its 50-year milestone.

Project Tiger:

Project Tiger was launched on 1 April 1973.
The launch took place at Jim Corbett National Park.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Objective: To ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.
Recognized as the world’s largest species conservation programme.

Exam TIP: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

Established in 2005 and given statutory status in 2006.
Formed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Functions:
- Supervises Project Tiger implementation
- Strengthens tiger conservation efforts
Chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/09/govt-forms-expert-groups-for-upgrade-of-50-year-old-project-tiger-scheme

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GEF Approves $372 Million for Biodiversity Projects

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

Why in News?

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved $372 million funding for 36 environmental projects in developing countries. The move supports global efforts to achieve biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022)

Global Environment Facility:

Established in 1991, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund dedicated to the environment. It serves as an independent financial mechanism for several major international conventions, helping developing countries and transition economies address urgent environmental challenges.

GEF Supports 5 Major International Conventions:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Minamata Convention on Mercury

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF):

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), also known as The Biodiversity Plan, is a landmark international agreement adopted on 19 December 2022 during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It is often described as the “Paris Agreement for Nature,” serving as the global roadmap to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030

It has four global goals:

Restore and protect ecosystems & species
Ensure sustainable use of biodiversity
Fair and equitable sharing of genetic resource benefits
Mobilize finance, technology, and capacity-building

Exam Tip

KMGBF = 4 Goals (2050) + 23 Targets (2030) + 30×30 Target

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/gef-clears-372-million-for-environment-projects-biodiversity-in-sharp-focus

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High Seas Treaty -Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), enters into force:

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

Why in News?

The High Seas Treaty, officially called the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, came into force on 17 January 2026. It is the first legally binding global agreement aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement:

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is a legally binding international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) designed to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in international waters

The agreement has four main pillars:

Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Ensures fair sharing of benefits (monetary and non-monetary) from marine resources in international waters.
Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs): Enables creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to help achieve the 30% ocean protection target by 2030.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Establishes global norms to assess environmental impacts of activities in the high seas.
Capacity Building & Technology Transfer: Supports developing countries in marine research and sustainable use of ocean resources.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2031611&reg=3&lang=2#:~:text=Press%20Release:Press%20Information%20Bureau,implementation%20of%20the%20BBNJ%20Agreement.

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