General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - August 2021

Aug 2021

Dec 15, 2025

Meghalaya inaugurates Soil Lake to boost conservation and sustainable development

Meghalaya inaugurated Soil Lake at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills under the Nengsang River Valley Project. The project aims to restore a degraded waterbody, support eco-tourism, and strengthen ecological resilience amid climate stresses. Soil Lake will be a focal point for conservation and community livelihoods, linking water management with biodiversity protection. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma flagged the initiative as part of broader state efforts to preserve soil and water resources, while promoting sustainable development and regional tourism opportunities in the ecologically sensitive Garo Hills area.

Soil Lake inaugurated in Williamnagar, Meghalaya
Part of Nengsang River Valley Project
Aims: water conservation, eco-tourism, resilience

Andhra Pradesh earns National Energy Conservation Award for fourth year

Andhra Pradesh received the National Energy Conservation Award 2025, securing First Prize in Group II category for the fourth consecutive year. The award acknowledges state‑level efforts in energy conservation across buildings, industry, municipal services, agriculture, DISCOMs, and transport. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand credited institutional coordination, policy reforms, and implementation zeal for the sustained performance. The recognition places the state among national leaders in energy efficiency, aligning with broader federal goals to reduce energy intensity and promote sustainable development across sectors.

AP wins NECA 2025 First Prize Group II
Fourth consecutive year; multiple sectors covered
Leadership: K. Vijayanand cites reforms and coordination

DMRC East Vinod Nagar Metro wins national energy conservation award

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) East Vinod Nagar Metro Station won the ‘Best Performing Unit Award’ at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award, recognizing sustained energy efficiency efforts and reduced energy consumption. The award highlights DMRC’s initiatives in energy management across operations, passenger facilities, and technology adoption. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the Ministry of Power, evaluated metro systems nationwide before selecting the winner. The recognition adds to India’s broader push for energy efficiency in public infrastructure.

East Vinod Nagar Metro wins NECA 2025 award
Award presented by President Murmu
DMRC cited for energy efficiency improvements

Kopra Reservoir in Chhattisgarh declared first Ramsar site

Chhattisgarh’s Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur district was designated the state’s first Ramsar site, recognizing its international importance as a wetland. The designation follows coordinated efforts by the State Wetland Authority, forest officials, researchers, and local communities. Kopra Reservoir is a rain‑fed system supported by small streams, providing drinking water and irrigation for nearby villages. The Ramsar status highlights biodiversity significance and sustainable water management, and is expected to boost conservation efforts, eco‑tourism, and regional resilience to climate change while supporting local livelihoods.

Kopra Reservoir named first Ramsar site in Chhattisgarh
Rain‑fed wetland; supports water supply and irrigation
Biodiversity and conservation significance highlighted

Dec 13, 2025

Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport earns Level 5 carbon accreditation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited, has earned Level 5 accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. This is the highest tier, indicating net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 with a plan to reach net-zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050. The airport follows the Measure, Manage, Reduce and Communicate framework and operates under a robust ESG policy with a carbon management committee. CSMIA joins a global group of about 30 airports with advanced decarbonisation maturity, including several in the Asia-Pacific region and in India.

CSMIA achieves Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Net-zero for Scope 1 and 2; 2050 target for Scope 3 emissions.
Follows Measure-Manage-Reduce-Communicate framework.
ESG policy with a dedicated carbon management committee.
Among roughly 30 global airports with advanced decarbonisation.

India-EU Ideathon on marine plastics concludes in Bhubaneswar

An India-EU Ideathon on Combating Marine Plastic Pollution concluded in Bhubaneswar in December 2025. The event, organized under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, ended with a final ceremony at the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster, KIIT-DU. Teams presented solutions across three tracks: tracking marine plastics, scalable removal technologies, and community awareness. The top three winners were Ocean Resilience India, Nautilus Nexus, and TrashTrek App. Each received INR 5,00,000 in prize money, with incubation support from the Mphasis F1 Foundation. Indian and European juries evaluated pitches on impact and feasibility.

Event held under India-EU TTC Working Group 2 in Bhubaneswar, December 2025.
Three tracks: tracking plastics, removal technologies, community awareness.
Winners: Ocean Resilience India; Nautilus Nexus; TrashTrek App.
Prize: INR 5,00,000 each with incubation support.
Juries included Indian and European experts.

Dec 12, 2025

Supriya Sahu wins UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 Award

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, has been honoured with the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award 2025 in the Inspiration and Action category. The award recognises leaders who drive transformative environmental benefits in climate action, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable cooling. Sahu’s work in Tamil Nadu, including climate adaptation and policy innovations, was cited as a model for regional leadership in environmental policy. The UNEP recognition highlights India’s contributions to global climate goals and sustainable development at a time of increasing focus on green growth.

Supriya Sahu receives UNEP Champions of the Earth Award 2025.
Awarded in the Inspiration and Action category for climate leadership.
Recognises work in Tamil Nadu on sustainable cooling and ecosystem restoration.
Shows India’s growing role in global environmental leadership.

World Bank approves funds to improve air quality in UP and Haryana

The World Bank’s Board approved financing for two large-scale clean-air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Uttar Pradesh program aims to reduce emissions across transport, agriculture, and industry, while expanding access to clean cooking for homes and promoting e-mobility imports such as electric buses and three-wheelers. Haryana will support a multi-sector approach to monitor and reduce pollutants, including cleaner transport and industrial emissions. The initiatives are expected to boost job creation and position both states as more attractive business destinations while improving public health and quality of life in the Indo-Gangetic region.

World Bank approves financing for UP Clean Air Program (UPCAMP).
UP aims to cut transport, agriculture, and industry emissions; cleaner cooking.
Plans include electric buses and electric three-wheelers in major cities.
Haryana launches a parallel clean-air program with multi-sector interventions.
Projects target economic growth alongside health benefits.

Dec 11, 2025

Lahore tops global pollution rankings with AQI 353

Lahore, Pakistan, topped global air pollution charts with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 353, according to IQAir. Other major Pakistani cities such as Karachi and Islamabad were also affected by unhealthy air, with smog and fog reducing visibility on highways. The IQAir report highlights ongoing air-quality challenges in South Asia, driven by traffic, industry, and seasonal weather patterns. Health authorities emphasise the need for measures to limit emissions and improve monitoring, while residents are advised to take precautions during high-pollution days to reduce respiratory and cardiovascular risks.

Lahore records AQI 353, leading global pollution list (IQAir).
Regional cities Karachi, Islamabad also experience unhealthy air.
Smog and fog contribute to poor visibility and health risks.
Policies target emissions reduction and better air monitoring.
Public advisories urge protective measures during high pollution days.

Dec 10, 2025

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh to represent India at UNEA-7 in Nairobi

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh was named to represent India at UNEA-7, the United Nations Environment Assembly, in Nairobi (8–12 December 2025). UNEA is the UN’s top environment body with 193 member states. Singh’s delegation will discuss global environmental challenges and India’s policy approaches under Mission LiFE and Ganga rejuvenation initiatives. The assembly focuses on climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development. India’s participation underscores its commitment to international environmental governance and cooperative solutions for a greener future.

Kirti Vardhan Singh to attend UNEA-7 in Nairobi (8–12 Dec 2025).
UNEA is the UN’s highest-level environmental decision body with 193 members.
India’s participation aligns with Mission LiFE and Ganga rejuvenation.
Focus on climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

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