General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - September 2023

Sep 2023

Apr 09, 2026

Gurgaon tops India’s most polluted cities in March 2026

A CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) report shows Gurgaon was the most polluted Indian city in March 2026, with an average PM2.5 level of 116 micrograms per cubic metre. Haryana has four top-ten polluted cities, including Bahadurgarh, Faridabad, and Manesar. Other top pollutants span Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The report highlights ongoing air quality challenges in northern India and calls for sustained action to reduce emissions, improve monitoring, and protect public health. Seasonal factors influence pollution, requiring comprehensive policy measures and robust enforcement.

CREA report ranks Gurgaon as India’s most polluted city in March 2026.
Average PM2.5 level recorded at 116 µg/m³.
Haryana has four top-ten polluted cities.
Other top cities span multiple states including MP, UP, RJ, and GJ.
Call for stronger emission controls and monitoring.

Apr 07, 2026

Stage-I forest clearance granted for Shree Jagannath International Airport

Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri received Stage-I forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 1 April 2026. The clearance allows diversion of about 27.886 hectares of forest land for non-forest purposes, marking an early but conditional approval for the project. The government says the airport will enhance connectivity to one of Odisha's most important pilgrimage sites, boost tourism, and support regional infrastructure. Final Stage-II clearance and several conditions are required before any construction begins. The project underscores balancing development with conservation norms and compliance with forest laws.

Stage-I clearance granted on 1 April 2026.
Forest land diversion: 27.886 hectares for non-forest use.
Final Stage-II clearance and conditions required before construction.
Aims to boost connectivity to Puri and Odisha's tourism infrastructure.
Emphasizes adherence to forest laws and environmental safeguards.

Apr 04, 2026

India ranked 3rd globally in renewable energy capacity in 2025

In 2025, India emerged as the third-largest renewable energy market worldwide, marking a milestone in the country’s clean energy journey. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that India added about 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, led by solar and wind power. Total installed capacity reached approximately 250.5 GW, up from 175.9 GW in 2023. The strong growth demonstrates India’s push to expand renewables and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, supporting national climate goals and energy security.

India 3rd in global renewable capacity in 2025
Added ~45 GW in 2025
Total installed capacity ~250.5 GW
Growth driven by solar and wind
Policy support underpins expansion
Aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence

Apr 03, 2026

Snowy owl gains global protection under CMS agreement

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) recently received international protection under the UN’s CMS Convention on Migratory Species. The designation underscores concerns about Arctic habitats and climate change-driven population declines. The species, known for its white plumage and wide Arctic range, faces threats from habitat disruption and prey fluctuations. Conservation groups welcome the move as a step toward coordinated protection across migratory routes. Scientists will monitor populations and coordinate cross-border initiatives to safeguard wintering grounds and breeding sites, ensuring long-term survival in changing ecological conditions.

Snowy owl protected under CMS agreement.
Arctic habitat and climate change impacts cited as threats.
Conservation requires cross-border coordination.
Monitoring and protection of breeding and wintering sites emphasized.

Apr 02, 2026

Varkala Included in UN 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste Initiative

Varkala, a coastal town in Kerala, has been selected for the inaugural 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative. The programme, led by the UN Secretary‑General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UN‑Habitat and UNEP, recognises cities adopting innovative waste‑reduction strategies and circular economy models. The initiative aims to showcase leadership in urban waste management and encourage knowledge sharing to accelerate zero‑waste practices globally. It emphasises resource efficiency, sustainable urban systems, and collaboration among cities. The recognition highlights India’s growing emphasis on sustainable development and municipal stewardship amid rapid urbanisation.

Varkala named in the UN’s 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative.
Initiative led by UN SG’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste; supported by UNEP and UN‑Habitat.
Aims to promote waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular economy models.
Seeks global knowledge sharing among participating cities.
Highlights India’s focus on sustainable urban development.

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