General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - July 2020

Jul 2020

Sep 11, 2026

Five orangutans rescued from Rankotha Forest, Odisha, moved to Nandankanan

The Odisha Forest Department rescued five young orangutans from Rankotha Protected Reserve Forest in Balasore district in September 2026. The rescued animals include three males and two females, who were moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park for care and rehabilitation. Orangutans are critically endangered great apes native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra; there is no wild orangutan population in India. Identifying them as non-native ensures appropriate welfare and quarantine protocols. Authorities coordinate with wildlife experts to assess veterinary needs and potential reintroduction options. The incident highlights vigilance against illegal wildlife trafficking and emphasizes rescue and rehabilitation for endangered species in India.

Five orangutans rescued from Rankotha Forest, Balasore, Odisha.
Rescued orangutans moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park for care.
Orangutans are non-native to India with no wild population here.
Welfare and quarantine protocols are being followed.
Incident underscores anti-trafficking and conservation efforts.

Sep 10, 2026

Crisis in Indian agriculture: Crisil flags deficient monsoon risks to rabi

Crises to India’s crop outlook were flagged by Crisil on 9 September 2026, warning that deficient monsoon rains in late monsoon season and weak rainfall in September risk impacting the upcoming rabi crop cycle. Analysts cited reduced reservoir levels, groundwater stress, and potential price volatility for staples. While credit markets assess agricultural risk, farm incomes and rural demand could be affected. The government and lenders were urged to implement contingency plans, improve irrigation efficiency, and support farmers through targeted credit and input subsidies to mitigate impact on food supply and rural livelihoods.

Crisil warns of deficient monsoon and September rainfall impacting rabi crops.
Risks include lower reservoir levels and groundwater stress.
Possible effects on prices, farm incomes, and rural demand.
Calls for contingency plans, irrigation improvements, targeted farmer support.
Implications for food security and agricultural credit policies.

Anak Krakatau erupts; ash plume disrupts travel

Mount Anak Krakatau, among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently in September 2026. The eruption sent ash plumes reaching up to 50,000 feet, prompting travel disruptions across Indonesia and prompting aviation advisories. The volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra and remains under close observation by Indonesian authorities. Scientists warned of possible secondary eruptions and urged caution for air travel in affected corridors. The incident underscores ongoing volcanic activity in the region and the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and effective communication with international aviation communities.

Violent eruption of Anak Krakatau in Sept 2026.
Ash plumes reportedly reach 50,000 feet; travel disruptions reported.
Located in the Sunda Strait; under close monitoring.
Possible secondary eruptions warned by scientists.
Highlights need for disaster preparedness and warning systems.

India–Japan forestry talks held in Bengaluru

The 7th Meeting of the India–Japan Joint Working Group on Cooperation in the Forestry Sector took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in September 2026. Officials from both countries discussed Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy. The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh Kumar Pandey; the Japanese delegation was headed by Shimizu Kotaro. Participants underscored sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and joint research initiatives for climate resilience. The talks reinforced bilateral cooperation in forest-related areas and laid groundwork for follow‑up projects, including knowledge‑exchange programs and joint field demonstrations.

7th India–Japan forestry JWG meeting held in Bengaluru, Sept 2026.
Topics: Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy.
Indian lead: Ramesh Kumar Pandey; Japanese lead: Shimizu Kotaro.
Emphasis on biodiversity, climate resilience, and joint research.
Agreed to follow up with exchanges and demonstrations.

Belgium to build world’s first artificial energy island

Belgium announced plans to develop the world’s first artificial energy island, Princess Elisabeth Island, in the North Sea. The offshore installation will function as an electricity hub, collecting power from nearby offshore wind farms and transmitting it to the Belgian mainland. Developed by Elia, Belgium’s transmission system operator, the island will also support cross‑border connections with the United Kingdom and Denmark. The project aims to enhance energy security and grid integration for renewable generation while supporting future expansion and regional energy cooperation with neighbouring countries.

First of its kind artificial energy island in the North Sea.
Island will collect wind power and transmit to Belgium; cross‑border links planned.
Developed by Elia, Belgium’s grid operator.
Seeks to improve energy security and renewable integration.
Part of broader European offshore wind strategy.

Sep 08, 2026

Lucknow tops Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026 in million-plus cities

Lucknow has topped the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026 in the Category 1 cities (population above 10 lakh), scoring 198 out of 200 points for air-pollution control measures under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in collaboration with the Union Environment Ministry, conducted the assessment. The ranking recognizes cities taking concrete steps to improve air quality, including emissions management, vehicular pollution controls, and green spaces. Other Uttar Pradesh cities featured in the top 15, reflecting focused state-wide efforts. The results are expected to influence urban planning, public health strategies, and environmental funding.

Lucknow tops national clean-air rankings in million-plus cities.
Score: 198/200 under NCAP framework.
CPCB and Environment Ministry conducted the assessment.
Highlights emissions control, transport measures, and urban greenery.
UP cities feature prominently in top 15.

SBI and Bisleri join Bottles for Change to boost plastic waste management

State Bank of India (SBI) and Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. joined under the Bottles for Change initiative to promote plastic waste management across SBI branch network and offices. The partnership, formalized through a Letter of Association, will include awareness and training programmes for SBI employees and housekeeping staff on proper segregation and recycling of plastic waste. Under the arrangement, used plastics collected from SBI premises will be sent to recycling facilities, complementing SBI sustainability goals and Bisleri program for waste collection. The collaboration aims to advance a circular economy, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, and set a replicable model for other public-sector banks.

Partnership under Bottles for Change to boost plastic waste management.
Training for SBI staff on segregation and recycling.
Collection of used plastics from SBI offices for recycling.
Aims to promote circular economy and reduce environmental impact.
Could serve as a model for other public-sector banks.

Sep 07, 2026

Chandigarh Hosts 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and UT Councils

The 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils was hosted in Chandigarh, September 2026, and organized by the National Biodiversity Authority. The two-day event brought representatives from state boards and UT councils to discuss biodiversity governance, local implementation, and institutional mechanisms for conservation. Delegates reviewed ongoing conservation projects and shared best practices for protecting India’s biological resources, emphasizing sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing. The meeting highlighted the need for stronger data collection at the district level, clearer roles for local authorities, and improved coordination among central and state agencies to speed up enforcement and monitoring. Participants also discussed funding and policy alignment to strengthen biodiversity governance nationwide.

Focus on biodiversity governance and local implementation
Strengthening institutional mechanisms for conservation
Enhanced coordination between central and state agencies
Data collection and district-level monitoring emphasized
Funding and policy alignment discussed

Chhattisgarh Tops Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0

Chhattisgarh topped the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0 rankings in September 2026. The state completed 77,719 of 79,775 registered water conservation structures and had five districts among the top 10 nationwide. The programme promotes public participation in water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge as part of the Catch the Rain campaign by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. These results reflect strong community engagement and effective implementation of water-resource management strategies, with potential benefits for agriculture, drinking water supply, and drought resilience across districts.

Chhattisgarh ranked first in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0
77,719 of 79,775 structures completed
Five districts among top 10 nationwide
Public participation emphasized in water conservation
Part of Catch the Rain campaign

Sep 04, 2026

International Tiger Landscapes Workshop Held in New Delhi

A two-day International Workshop on Tiger Landscapes took place in New Delhi in September 2026, inaugurated by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. The event focused on landscape-based conservation, linking tiger protection with bioeconomy and ecotourism as pillars for sustainable livelihoods. Participants discussed habitat protection, wildlife corridors, and community-centred eco-development strategies. The workshop highlighted India’s broader conservation efforts under Project Tiger and explored integrated funding models, nature-based solutions, and private-public partnerships to balance biodiversity goals with local incomes.

Dates: 2–3 September 2026 (New Delhi).
Inauguration: Bhupender Yadav, Environment Minister.
Theme: Tiger landscapes, bioeconomy, ecotourism as livelihoods.
Focus: habitat protection and sustainable livelihoods.
Outlook: supports biodiversity and community development.

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