General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - May 2020

May 2020

Jul 12, 2026

Monsoon rainfall deficit narrows to 24% in July 2026

Monsoon rainfall deficit in July 2026 narrowed to 24 percent, compared with 33 percent in June, according to the government and weather agencies monitoring the southwest monsoon. Officials attributed the improvement to persistent rainfall in several states and better moisture conditions, though El Niño continues to influence rainfall patterns in parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences stress the need for continued preparedness, including water management, crop planning, and drought-relief readiness, particularly in cropping zones that remain drier than average. Farmers are encouraged to adopt moisture-conserving practices and efficient irrigation to mitigate potential crop stress.

Monsoon deficit narrowed to 24% in July 2026
June deficit stood at 33%; improvement noted
El Niño continues to influence certain regions
MoES and IMD urge continued preparedness
Farmers urged to use moisture-saving practices

Jul 10, 2026

EIU Liveability 2026: Copenhagen tops global rankings; Bengaluru featured among Indian cities

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2026 ranked Copenhagen, Denmark, as the world's most liveable city for the second consecutive year, scoring 98 out of 100. The index covered 173 cities and assessed stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Copenhagen excelled in infrastructure and health systems, with Vienna and Zurich close behind. The report noted regional trends and pressures affecting rankings. Indian cities are included in the index; Bengaluru is cited in analyses of city performance. The index serves as a benchmark for urban policy and quality of life worldwide and informs government planning and investment decisions.

Copenhagen ranked 1st in the 2026 Liveability Index with 98/100.
Index covers 173 cities evaluating stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure.
Vienna and Zurich follow in the top tier.
Indian city Bengaluru is mentioned in the index analyses.
Index informs urban policy and investment decisions.

Jul 09, 2026

Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign launched in New Delhi

The Mission 70 Lakh Tree Plantation Campaign was launched in New Delhi on 7 July 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta jointly inaugurated the initiative as part of Delhi’s green action plan. The campaign aims to increase the national capital’s green cover through mass tree planting and afforestation drives. Officials highlighted coordination with local authorities, schools and communities to maximise participation. The project aligns with environmental protection goals and climate resilience strategies, while raising public awareness about the benefits of urban forestry, biodiversity and air quality improvements in Delhi.

Launch date: 7 July 2026
Venue: New Delhi
Inaugurated by: Amit Shah and Rekha Gupta
Objective: increase Delhi’s green cover
Strategy: mass tree planting and afforestation
Impact: supports urban environmental goals and public awareness

Jul 08, 2026

Mizoram University Museum designated as India's biodiversity repository

The Natural History Museum of Mizoram University has been designated as India's 21st biodiversity repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The designation will support biodiversity conservation, documentation, and scientific research by enabling systematic cataloguing of species and ecosystems from the northeastern region. Officials expect the repository to serve as a hub for academic collaboration, field data collection, and policy-oriented studies on conservation priorities, climate resilience, and sustainable use of biological resources. The move highlights India's ongoing efforts to strengthen biodiversity governance and compliance with the Nagoya Protocol-inspired framework, while expanding access to biodiversity information for scholars and practitioners across the country.

Designation of Mizoram University's Natural History Museum as India's 21st biodiversity repository.
Under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Will aid conservation, documentation, and research on northeastern biodiversity.
Promotes collaboration, data collection, and policy studies in conservation.
Expands access to biodiversity information for scholars nationwide.

Jul 07, 2026

IMD orange alert triggers Mumbai school holidays; rains disrupt travel

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Mumbai, signaling heavy to very heavy rainfall. In response, authorities announced school holidays on 6 July 2026 to protect students amid dangerous weather. Rail and road networks faced disruptions due to waterlogging, flooding, and landslides in several districts. Municipal and state agencies coordinated rescue operations and advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Meteorologists forecast continued rainfall over the next 48 hours, with potential further escalation in some areas. Officials urged vigilance, monitoring, and adherence to weather advisories as monsoon activity remains intense.

IMD issues orange alert for Mumbai (6 July 2026)
Schools closed on 6 July 2026 for safety
Transport disruptions from floods and landslides
Relief operations by authorities and advisories issued
Monsoon rainfall expected to continue in coming days

Gujarat builds first two air-filled rubber dams using Korean tech

Gujarat is constructing its first two air-filled rubber dams using South Korean technology on the Heran River (Chhota Udepur district) and the Ambika River (Tapi district). The SCADA-controlled inflatable dams aim to boost water storage, irrigation, and flood management. Officials say the project will enhance drought resilience and support farmers during the monsoon. If successful, the inflatable-dam approach could inform future irrigation and flood-control schemes in the state. Construction is part of a broader push to modernise water infrastructure and adopt innovative, cost-effective solutions for climate adaptation.

First two air-filled rubber dams in Gujarat
Located on Heran and Ambika rivers
South Korean technology with SCADA control
Aims to improve storage, irrigation, flood management
Possible model for future water infrastructure

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