General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - March 2017

Mar 2017

Sep 22, 2026

Black Robin Named New Zealand’s 2026 Bird of the Year

New Zealand’s critically endangered Black Robin (Karure) has been named the country’s 2026 Bird of the Year after receiving more than 25,000 votes in a public competition. The species, found only on the remote Chatham Islands, beat other finalists including the kākāpō and the New Zealand falcon. The award highlights conservation efforts and community involvement in protecting native wildlife. Advocates say the recognition helps raise awareness, funding, and public support for ongoing biodiversity programmes. The Black Robin’s revival from near extinction is cited as an inspiring environmental success story for habitat preservation and species recovery.

Bird of the Year 2026 awarded to the Black Robin (Karure).
Votes exceeded 25,000; Chatham Islands endorsement.
Conservation progress highlighted amid biodiversity efforts.
Raises awareness and funding for wildlife protection.

Sep 21, 2026

India to host 9th India International Water Week in New Delhi, 22–26 September 2026

The Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) from 22–26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event emphasizes Climate Resilient Water Management, with a four-day conference and exhibition from 22–25 September and a study tour on 26 September. The programme will host ten major forums, including ministerial plenaries and water leaders’ sessions, and will feature an international exhibition spotlighting new technologies. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will host the second International WASH Conference (22–24 September). This illustrates India’s ongoing climate and water security initiatives on the global stage.

IIWW-2026 to be held 22–26 September 2026 in New Delhi.
Theme: Climate Resilient Water Management.
Conference and exhibition run 22–25 Sept; field study on 26 Sept.
Ten major forums planned; includes ministerial and practitioner sessions.
IIWW coincides with International WASH Conference (22–24 Sept).

Vice President to inaugurate India International Water Week on 22 September 2026

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the ninth India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) in New Delhi on 22 September 2026. The five-day event, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, will run through 26 September and focus on Climate Resilient Water Management. An international exhibition on water technologies and the Second International WASH Conference (22–24 September) are also planned as part of IIWW-2026. The programme aims to advance inclusive water governance, resource optimization, and financing for water infrastructure. Partner countries include the Netherlands and Germany, with involvement from multiple central ministries and states.

IIWW-2026 inaugurated on 22 September 2026 by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Theme: Climate Resilient Water Management.
Exhibition runs 22–25 September; WASH Conference 22–24 September.
Organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti; collaboration with other ministries.
Participating partner countries include Netherlands and Germany.

Sep 19, 2026

NGT international conference on environment and climate dynamics runs 19–20 September 2026

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is organizing an International Conference on Environment and Climate Dynamics on 19–20 September 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The two-day event brings together judges, environmental experts, policymakers, and international participants to discuss governance, climate dynamics, and sustainable strategies. Officials emphasize practical outcomes, including stronger protections, cross-border cooperation, and policy recommendations for India and partner countries. The conference aims to translate talks into concrete actions and to shape climate governance frameworks at national and international levels through collaborative efforts with public and private stakeholders.

Dates: 19–20 September 2026
Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Organiser: National Green Tribunal
attendees: judges, experts, policymakers, international participants
Focus: environment governance, climate dynamics, sustainability
Goal: actionable policy recommendations and cross-border collaboration

Sep 18, 2026

Punjab, Haryana farmers receive India's first soil-carbon payments

Punjab and Haryana became the first Indian states to disburse soil-carbon payments to farmers. More than 2,500 smallholders were covered, with over ₹2.9 crore released for adopting regenerative practices. The initial payments were made at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. These transfers are part of the Aadi farmer carbon programme, launched by Grow Indigo in 2019 with technical guidance from ICAR. The scheme creates carbon credits based on verified improvements in farming methods and rewards farmers with an additional income stream. Officials say the approach links field-level practices with climate benefits, encouraging soil health and long-term productivity across northern India.

Punjab and Haryana first to receive soil-carbon payments in India.
Over 2,500 smallholder farmers covered; ₹2.9 crore disbursed.
Payments issued at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
Part of the Aadi farmer carbon programme by Grow Indigo with ICAR guidance.
Scheme ties verified farming improvements to carbon credits and income.

World Ozone Day 2026 observed with Kigali Amendment milestone

World Ozone Day 2026 was observed on 16 September with the theme Global action for a cooler planet. The day marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in cooling. Officials stressed international cooperation, sustainable cooling and energy efficiency as key goals. The observance highlighted safer technologies and practices to protect the ozone layer while supporting climate goals. Countries reviewed progress on ozone protection and discussed steps to accelerate transitions to environmentally safer alternatives.

Observed on 16 September 2026; theme Global action for a cooler planet.
Commemorates the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Marks 10th anniversary of Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol.
Kigali Amendment aims to phase down HFCs in cooling.
Emphasizes cooperation, sustainable cooling and safer technology.

Bharat Vann green initiative launched in Delhi

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 'Bharat Vann' green initiative at Lodhi Colony Park in central New Delhi. The project focuses on urban ecological restoration and increasing Delhi’s green cover. It aims to create a dense urban forest using indigenous plant species suited to Delhi’s environment. The initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Officials say the effort will improve air quality, provide shade and create habitats for urban wildlife. The project forms part of broader government work to expand green spaces in Indian cities and promote sustainable living through community involvement. The event was described as a model for other states.

Inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Lodhi Colony Park.
Focus on urban ecological restoration and green cover in Delhi.
Aims to create a dense urban forest with indigenous species.
Collaboration with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
Intended to improve air quality and urban biodiversity.

Sep 16, 2026

Etna eruption causes flight suspensions at Catania airport in Sicily

Flights were suspended at Catania International Airport due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano. The red aviation alert was issued as ash emissions prompted temporary disruptions. Arrivals and departures were expected to remain halted through Tuesday evening. Etna’s activity has repeatedly affected Sicilian air travel, with the volcano located about 40 km from the airport. While the disruption continues, Etna’s eruptions attract many onlookers, and authorities monitor the situation closely for updated flight schedules and potential airport-wide operations changes.

Catania Airport grounded by volcanic ash from Mount Etna
Red aviation alert; flights suspended through Tuesday evening
Etna stands 3,324 metres tall and is near the airport
Disruptions affect major travel and tourism in Sicily
Authorities monitor ash dispersion and schedule updates

World Circular Economy Forum 2026 opens in Gandhinagar under ‘Circular Economy: Transition for ...

India hosts the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar from 15 to 18 September, the first time in South Asia. The four-day event gathers policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers from around the world to advance practical circular economy solutions. More than 3,600 stakeholders from 62 countries attend, with 135 national and international exhibitors. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted India’s leadership through Mission LiFE and recycling practices, while Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav described circularity as rooted in Indian culture. The forum seeks cross-border collaboration and practical strategies for resource efficiency and waste reduction.

WCEF 2026 held in Gandhinagar, 15–18 September 2026
Over 3,600 participants from 62 countries; 135 exhibitors
Theme: Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity
India highlights Mission LiFE and reuse traditions
Emphasis on international cooperation and practical circular solutions

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