General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - July 2023

Jul 2023

Jan 01, 2026

Indo-Canada Smart Sea Project to Demo Electric Water Transport

The Central Government signed an agreement with a private marine company based in Goa under the Indo-Canada Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme for The Smart Sea Project by VACE. The initiative targets the development and demonstration of a 20-passenger electric boat to support cleaner inland and coastal water transport and promote sustainable tourism. Key aims include reduced emissions, lower noise, and improved operational efficiency. The project also seeks to establish a technology platform that could help expand clean water transport networks, contributing to India’s environmental and mobility goals while creating new industrial and research collaboration opportunities.

Agreement under Indo-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme.
Project titled The Smart Sea Project by VACE.
Demonstration of a 20-passenger electric boat.
Goals: reduce fossil-fuel use, lower emissions, quieter operations.
Aims to foster a tech platform for clean inland and coastal transport.

Dec 31, 2025

Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Government of India declared the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The move aims to protect biodiversity while promoting sustainable ecotourism. The ESZ designation aims to minimize human impact around the sanctuary, a Ramsar-listed site, and to support migratory and resident birds in the Gangetic plains. The designation balances conservation with community livelihoods that rely on nature-based activities and supports water balance and habitat protection. The government will monitor compliance and provide guidance for sustainable development around the sanctuary.

Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary designated as ESZ in UP.
Intended to protect biodiversity and promote ecotourism.
ESZ status covers surrounding areas to minimize disturbance.
Sanctuary is Ramsar-listed with migratory birds.
Monitoring and guidance for sustainable development planned.

Dec 30, 2025

Government Approves Project to Protect Breeding Habitats of Sandbar-Nesting Birds in Ganga Basin

The government approved a project to protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds, including the Indian Skimmer, in the Ganga basin. The initiative was cleared during the 68th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in New Delhi. The project focuses on long-term monitoring, community participation and evidence-based conservation, complementing work on dolphins, fish and turtles under Namami Gange Mission-2. It aims to safeguard biodiversity, support habitat restoration and ensure sustainable management of riverine ecosystems in the basin.

Ganga basin habitat protection project approved
Targets sandbar-nesting birds like Indian Skimmer
Cleared at 68th NMCG meeting in New Delhi
Emphasizes long-term monitoring and community involvement
Aligns with Namami Gange Mission-2
Aims to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems

Dec 29, 2025

Snow-Capped Mount Etna Erupts

Mount Etna, the volcano near Catania, Italy, erupted with a prominent plume and lava activity. A snow blanket covered the summit as eruptions produced lava fountains reaching up to 400 metres and a dense ash column. A new vent opened on the Voragine Crater’s eastern flank, an indicator of ongoing geological activity. Authorities warned of ash dispersion and possible air travel disruptions. The eruption underscores Etna’s status as one of Europe’s most active volcanoes and its potential to affect nearby communities and air traffic across the region.

Etna erupts with lava fountains up to 400 m.
Snow-covered summit accompanied by ash plume.
New vent opens on eastern flank of Voragine Crater.
Possible local disruption and air travel impacts.

Gujarat Becomes Tiger State After 33 Years

Gujarat has been reinstated as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The inclusion in the All India Tiger Estimation 2026 follows evidence of tiger presence in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary and other habitats. Officials say this decision strengthens the country’s conservation narrative under Project Tiger and supports ongoing habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and monitoring. The update highlights progress in tiger conservation and the importance of accurate population estimates for policy planning and ecosystem management.

Gujarat declared a tiger-bearing state after 33 years.
NTCA included Gujarat in AITE 2026 due to tiger presence.
Ratanmahal Sanctuary cited among habitats with tigers.
Supports broader Tiger Project goals and conservation policy.

Dec 27, 2025

A 20 MW Solar Power Plant Commissioned in Bokaro

A 20 MW solar power plant installed at BCCL's coal washery plant complex in Dugda, Bokaro district, Jharkhand, was inaugurated. Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated this ambitious project online from Coal Bhavan in Dhanbad.
This solar power plant, installed by Coal India at a cost of approximately ₹138 crore, has been installed at the Dugda Coal Washery complex. This project is considered a significant initiative towards promoting clean and renewable energy in the country. The power generated from the plant will be used for coal production-related purposes as well as to power the state's power grid.

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