General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - May 2021

May 2021

Oct 01, 2026

IWC-70 meeting underway in Hobart to discuss whale conservation

Delegates from 89 member governments gathered in Hobart, Tasmania for the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), spanning late September into early October 2026. The conference focuses on whale conservation, population assessments, and measures to address cetacean threats such as ship strikes and habitat loss. The gathering also marks the 80th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, under which the IWC operates. Participants review scientific data, conservation programmes, and proposals for enhanced international cooperation on whale protection. The discussions reflect ongoing debates about whaling allowances and maritime governance in shared oceans.

Event: IWC-70 in Hobart, 27 Sept – 2 Oct 2026
Delegates from 89 member governments
Focus: whale conservation, population data, threats to cetaceans
80th anniversary of the ICRW as a context
Debates on whaling allowances and maritime governance

Sep 29, 2026

Forest Management Capacity Enhancement Project launched with JICA support

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project in New Delhi, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, brought together state forest department officials, researchers, training institutes, and JICA India staff. The project aims to strengthen forest management capabilities, improve monitoring and governance, and support community-based conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. This collaboration highlights ongoing India–Japan efforts to advance environmental protection, forest governance, and climate resilience through technical exchange and capacity building.

Launch location: New Delhi
Funding/support: JICA
Organiser: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Goal: Strengthen forest management capabilities
Outcome: Enhanced monitoring and community-based conservation

Sep 28, 2026

India establishes port-based e-methanol plant in Gujarat

India’s first port-based e-methanol plant has been established at the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gandhidham, Gujarat. The project is a joint venture between Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited. With a production capacity of 150 tonnes per day, the plant will produce e-methanol as a cleaner shipping fuel, using renewable power, water and biogenic carbon dioxide. The facility supports India’s transition toward cleaner maritime energy and reduces dependence on conventional fuels. The project aligns with national energy security and climate action goals and may encourage further investment in green fuels at port and coastal zones.

Port-based e-methanol plant established at Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla.
Joint venture with Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited; capacity 150 t/day.
Produces cleaner shipping fuel using renewables, water and biogenic CO2.

India flags off its first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati

India’s first LNG-powered train was flagged off from Sabarmati railway station in Gujarat on 27 September 2026. The train operates with a dual-fuel system using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel, as part of Indian Railways’ greener energy push to reduce conventional fossil fuel use and emissions. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the flag-off ceremony. The new service is expected to run on selected routes, offering a model for other rail projects to adopt LNG as a transition fuel. The move supports energy security and better air quality.

Flag-off occurred on 27 September 2026 at Sabarmati, Gujarat.
Train uses LNG along with diesel as a dual-fuel system.
Part of a broader Indian Railways push for cleaner energy and reduced emissions.

Sep 23, 2026

WWF Global Conservation Conference held in Jaipur

The WWF Global Conservation Conference was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in September 2026. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the event, which drew representatives from more than 100 countries. Delegates discussed biodiversity protection, forest conservation, climate mitigation, and sustainable development. The conference highlighted collaborative projects, funding commitments, and policy alignment to accelerate action at regional and global levels. Participants emphasized science-based targets, youth engagement, and private sector partnerships to strengthen conservation and resilience against environmental threats. The event positioned India as a growing hub for global environmental leadership and cooperative action.

Conference held in Jaipur, Rajasthan (September 2026).
Inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
Participants from over 100 countries attended.
Focus on biodiversity, forests, climate, and sustainability.
Emphasis on collaboration, funding, and private partnerships.

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.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

October GK, September GK, August GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services and Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26