General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - April 2023

Apr 2023

May 09, 2026

IMD yellow weather alert for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana (May 11–14)

The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow weather alert for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana from May 11 to May 14, warning of thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds up to 40–50 kmph, with rain at isolated places. The forecast indicates a spike in maximum temperatures over the coming days, followed by a gradual easing of activity later in the week. Authorities advised caution for outdoor activities and to monitor local weather updates. The alert aligns with pre-monsoon weather patterns in northern India and could affect travel and outdoor events.

Alert window: May 11–14, 2026
Regions: Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana
Predicted weather: Thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds
Wind speed: 40–50 kmph (gusts)
Temperature trend: Rising over next days
Advice: Monitor updates; exercise caution outdoors

May 08, 2026

CRRI-BPCL project earns India and Asia Book of Records

A joint CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) project earned recognition from India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. The team developed roadblocks using technical textile geocells manufactured from end-of-life plastic waste, turning a difficult waste stream into durable construction material. The geocells reinforce road subgrades and improve load-bearing capacity. The ceremony at the CSIR-CRRI campus in New Delhi included senior scientists and industry experts, who highlighted the solution’s potential to address two major challenges: plastic waste management and resilient road infrastructure. The project aligns with national sustainability goals and circular economy ambitions.

Project uses geocells from end-of-life plastics.
Recognized by India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.
Geocells improve subgrade strength and durability.
Aims to tackle plastic waste and resilient roads.
Ceremony held at CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi.

May 07, 2026

Netherlands partners with Indian spice industry on sustainability

The Netherlands has partnered with India's spice sector to advance sustainability across the spice supply chain. India remains a major global producer and exporter of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric and chilli, while Rotterdam serves as a key European trade hub for these products. The collaboration focuses on soil health, water use, traceability, residue control and fair sourcing, alongside compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards. The partnership aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices, certification processes and value chains that connect Indian growers with European markets, supporting long-term growth for both sides while promoting responsible trade practices.

Partnership focuses on sustainable spice supply chains.
India is a major global producer and exporter of spices.
Rotterdam Port acts as a European trade hub for spices.
Key focus areas: soil health, water use, traceability, residue control.
Emphasis on fair sourcing and compliance with safety standards.

May 06, 2026

Rare Giant Tree Discovered in the Andes

Scientists have identified a rare giant tree species in the Andes, the vast mountain system that runs along the western edge of South America through seven nations: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The discovery adds to the Andes’ biodiversity, which spans cloud forests, páramo grasslands and montane forests that host many endemic plants and animals. Botanists used leaf shape, bark texture, flower structure, fruits and seeds, and genetic analysis to classify the tree. The find highlights the Andes as a global biodiversity hotspot and reinforces the need to protect high‑elevation habitats from threats such as climate change and deforestation. In India, on 5 May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 (38 including the Chief Justice).

Location: Andes spans seven countries
New giant tree species identified
Methods: morphology and DNA analysis
Andes biodiversity hotspot with high-elevation habitats
India policy note: Supreme Court judge strength increased on 5 May 2026

May 05, 2026

Hazaribag becomes India’s first pearl farming cluster under PMMSY

Hazaribag in Jharkhand was notified as India’s first pearl farming cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The cluster received ₹22 crore in investment under a joint central-state initiative. The Pearl Cluster designation was announced on 30 August 2024, with pilot work beginning in 2019-20. The Purty Agrotech Training Centre in Ranchi, established in 2024, has trained over 132 farmers, and NFDB data show 1.02 lakh pearls produced in Hazaribag. Across Jharkhand, more than 800 pearl growers have been trained as of February 2026, supporting livelihoods and aquaculture development.

Hazaribag named India’s first pearl farming cluster under PMMSY
Investment ₹22 crore; cluster notified 30 August 2024
Pilot phase began in 2019-20; training and production facilities established
Purty Agrotech Training Centre trained 132+ farmers
NFDB records 1.02 lakh pearls from Hazaribag; 800+ trained in Jharkhand

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