Indian Conservationist Vivek Menon Elected as First Asian Chair of IUCN Species Survival Commission
Indian wildlife conservationist Vivek Menon was elected Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), becoming the first Asian to hold the position in the commission's 75-year history. The SSC is a global network of over 11,000 volunteer experts dedicated to protecting biodiversity and ensuring species survival.
Menon, co-founder of five key conservation organisations including the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), is renowned for his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly elephants. His work has contributed to the establishment of wildlife reserves and the formulation of conservation policies worldwide.
Oct 17, 2025
Yadav Urges G20 Nations to Act as a Bridge between Ambition and Implementation of Climate Action ...
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, represented India at the G20 environment ministers' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, and urged the group of big and emerging economies to "act as a bridge" between ambition and implementation, ensuring that every nation's contribution is respected and every nation's capacity is enhanced to meet the environmental challenges and climate action goals.
The meeting ahead of the upcoming UN climate summit (COP30) is seen as an effort to push for an ambitious outcome at Belem, Brazil next month. Many countries, including India, are expected to submit their updated NDCs ahead of COP30. India will also submit national adaptation plan to the UN climate body.
Oct 16, 2025
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, shooting volcanic ash 10 km (6.2 miles) into the sky, forcing authorities to raise the alert system to its highest level.
The volcano is located in East Nusa Tenggara province.
Indonesia, which has more than 120 active volcanoes, sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area of high seismic activity that is atop multiple tectonic plates.
Oct 15, 2025
DRDO Signs MoU to Develop 300 MW Solar Projects Across its Establishments
Defence Research & Development Organisation signed an MoU to collaborate on the development of 300 MW capacity of solar-based renewable energy projects across DRDO establishments in India.
The DRDO stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), which operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Oct 12, 2025
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Opens in Abu Dhabi
The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, the world's largest gathering of conservation leaders, policymakers, and scientists, opened in Abu Dhabi under the theme 'Powering Transformative Conservation'. With just five years remaining to meet critical global biodiversity targets, more than 1,400 member organisations from over 160 countries are convening at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 9 to 15 to chart new strategies for protecting nature and supporting communities.
The opening ceremony, focused on "Revitalising Global Governance for Nature and People," featured keynote addresses that underscored the urgency of integrated global action to combat biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation.