General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - January 2023

Jan 2023

Nov 05, 2026

Bay of Bengal nations launch ocean research network for fisheries management

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) to improve fisheries research and management. The network links ocean observations, climate data and fisheries information to understand changing fish populations across the region. It was announced during an international meeting hosted by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), alongside a symposium on fisheries and remote sensing. The collaboration aims to integrate oceanography with fisheries science, enabling better advisory capacity for sustainable extraction and ecosystem health, while fostering regional scientific cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations.

BOB-NOR launched by four Bay of Bengal neighbours.
Aims: integrate oceanography, climate and fisheries data.
Platform for sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Jointly announced at ICAR-CMFRI event during a fisheries symposium.
Enhances regional scientific cooperation on marine resources.

Nov 01, 2026

Mayon Volcano Erupts in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano, located in Albay province of the Philippines, erupted moderately on 30 October 2026. The eruption lasted about six minutes and produced an ash plume rising approximately 3,000 metres above the summit crater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level from 2 to 3, indicating a higher risk of hazardous volcanic activity. Authorities ordered evacuations within a six‑kilometre permanent danger zone and advised residents to monitor PHIVOLCS advisories. Experts expect possible further emissions and continued monitoring of ground deformations, gas emissions and seismic activity.

Date of eruption: 30 October 2026.
Location: Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines.
Duration: ~6 minutes; ash plume ~3,000 m.
Alert level raised from 2 to 3 by PHIVOLCS.
Evacuation within 6 km danger zone.
Ongoing monitoring for further activity.

Oct 29, 2026

Cyclone Arnab: Landfall, Evacuations, and Disruptions

Cyclone Arnab crossed the eastern coast of India on 28 October 2026, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of southern Odisha. Authorities activated cyclone shelters and launched extensive evacuations, with trains and road traffic disrupted in several districts. The India Meteorological Department warned of continued rainfall and potential secondary impacts as Arnab weakens. Crop losses were anticipated in several districts, while power infrastructure and communications faced outages. State administrations coordinated relief operations and urged residents to remain in shelters until weather conditions improve.

Arnab crossed the coast on 28 Oct 2026
Impact: heavy rain, strong winds in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Evacuations and cyclone shelters deployed
Disruptions to trains, roads, and power networks
Agricultural losses anticipated; relief operations underway

Cyclone Arnab Damages Crops in Andhra Pradesh

In October 2026, Cyclone Arnab damaged crops across Andhra Pradesh, affecting more than 80,000 hectares of agricultural land and disrupting homes, roads, and electricity infrastructure. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu requested the Central Government to dispatch an inter-ministerial team to assess damage and losses. Officials warned of continued rainfall and possible harvest impacts. Rescue and relief operations were mobilised, with cyclone shelters opened in affected districts. Authorities stressed the need for rapid damage assessment, compensation schemes for farmers, and rebuilding of damaged irrigation channels as part of a broader recovery plan.

Cyclone Arnab affected 80,000+ hectares in Andhra Pradesh
Infrastructure and crops disrupted; inter-ministerial assessment sought
Central government assistance requested
Evacuations and cyclone shelters employed
Recovery focuses on crop compensation and irrigation repair

Chhattisgarh Proposes Orange Oakleaf as State Butterfly

Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board has proposed declaring the Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) as the state's official butterfly following an online public poll conducted in October 2026. If approved, Chhattisgarh would join Madhya Pradesh, which already uses the species as its state butterfly. Karnataka uses the Southern Birdwing, and Kerala features the Malabar Banded Peacock as its state butterfly. The proposal, sent to the state government in October 2026, aims to raise biodiversity awareness, support butterfly monitoring, and promote conservation actions in schools, parks, and rural communities. The move would also help engage citizens in biodiversity education and local habitat protection.

Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) proposed as state butterfly of Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh already uses Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly
Karnataka and Kerala have different state butterflies (Southern Birdwing; Malabar Banded Peacock)
Online public poll influenced the proposal in October 2026
Goals include biodiversity awareness and conservation actions

Oct 26, 2026

Tamil Nadu launches Thuli rainwater-harvesting campaign

The Tamil Nadu government launched the 'Thuli' rainwater-harvesting campaign in October 2026 to restore and strengthen groundwater recharge. The program focuses on repairing non-functional rainwater-harvesting structures, promoting water conservation, and ensuring compliance in public and private buildings. It covers both urban and rural areas, with special attention during the northeast monsoon season. Officials say the campaign will help address water scarcity and drought risk while supporting climate resilience and sustainable urban planning. The initiative involves community participation, monitoring mechanisms, and partnerships with local agencies to sustain long-term benefits.

Launch period: October 2026
Objective: restore rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
Focus: repair of non-functional structures
Coverage: urban and rural areas
Seasonal emphasis: northeast monsoon
Impact: water security and climate resilience

Oct 22, 2026

7th Agrivoltaics World Conference inaugurates in New Delhi

The 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference began on 21 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the theme 'Powering the Global South.' The three-day event brings together policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to advance the integration of solar energy generation with agricultural production. Delegates discuss policy frameworks, pilot projects, grid integration and farmer adoption to improve food and energy security. Agrivoltaics enables land to be used for both crops and solar generation, expanding clean-energy capacity while supporting rural livelihoods. The conference highlights inter-ministerial collaboration and research partnerships to scale agrivoltaic solutions across diverse climates.

Began on 21 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Theme: Powering the Global South.
Focus on combining solar energy with agriculture.
Emphasis on policy, pilot projects and farmer adoption.

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