General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - March 2024

Mar 2024

Feb 03, 2026

Last 48 hours must-know: key India-focused developments (2–3 February 2026)

Must-know developments in India over the last 48 hours include global discussions on World Wetlands Day activities and themes, ongoing preparations for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 (19–20 February, with a parallel Research Symposium on 18 February), and updates on DRAP’s efforts to remediate legacy dumpsites ahead of the October 2026 target. In addition, reports indicate progress under the Gyan Bharatam manuscript preservation program, with digitisation milestones and budget allocations being reviewed in Parliament. These items reflect India’s focus on environmental stewardship, AI governance, urban waste management, and cultural heritage conservation.

World Wetlands Day 2026 theme and events highlighted.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 preparations underway.
DRAP progress toward ‘Lakshya Zero Dumpsites’ target.
Gyan Bharatam digitisation milestones and funding updates.
Cultural heritage conservation and governance themes.

New orchid species discovered in Kanthalloor, Kerala, highlighting biodiversity

Scientists announced the discovery of a new orchid species in Kerala’s Kanthalloor region during January 2026 fieldwork. The finding adds to the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, a recognised hotspot, and underscores the continued potential for undiscovered flora in India’s forested landscapes. Orchids are highly sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, and this discovery stimulates interest in conservation and habitat preservation. The Kanthalloor site sits within the ecological mosaic of the Western Ghats, an area of high endemism and ongoing scientific exploration. Further taxonomic study and habitat assessments are planned to understand the species’ distribution and ecological role.

New orchid species found in Kanthalloor, Kerala.
Highlights Western Ghats biodiversity.
Orchids serve as ecosystem health indicators.
Further studies planned on distribution and habitat.

Gujarat leads India in renewable energy capacity with 42.583 GW by December 2025

Gujarat emerged as India’s leading state in renewable energy capacity by December 2025, accounting for 16.50 percent of the national total with an installed capacity of 42.583 gigawatts. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat topped wind and overall installed capacity, while ranking second in solar. The state’s renewable growth supports India’s climate commitments and energy security goals. The data underscores the accelerated clean-energy transition in western India and highlights Gujarat’s role in meeting national targets for decarbonisation, grid stability, and affordable electricity for industries and households.

Gujarat installed 42.583 GW by Dec 2025.
16.50% of national renewable capacity.
Leads in wind; second in solar capacity.
Supports India’s climate commitments.

Government targets zero dumpsites under DRAP by October 2026

India’s urban cleanliness drive, under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, includes the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) with a Lakshya of eliminating legacy dumpsites by October 2026. MoHUA launched DRAP at the National Urban Conclave, prioritising 214 high-impact sites across 202 urban local bodies. The programme has already remediated many dumpsites and reclaimed land for parks and infrastructure. DRAP allocates funding on a per-tonne remediation basis and supports capacity-building through the National Institute of Urban Affairs. The initiative aligns with broader waste management and public health objectives, aiming to modernise Indian cities and reduce environmental risks.

DRAP launched Nov 2025; target: Lakshya Zero Dumpsites by Oct 2026.
Focus on 214 high-impact sites; 202 ULBs involved.
Financial support per tonne of legacy waste remediation.
Aims to reclaim urban land for public use.

CIAL to operate hydrogen-powered buses as part of green mobility push

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) will become India’s first airport to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport, signaling a notable step in green mobility. The project is aligned with Kerala’s broader push toward clean energy and low-emission transport. A memorandum of agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation was exchanged in Kochi, with officials from the National Green Hydrogen Mission participating. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions, showcase hydrogen as a viable transport fuel, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable public mobility at major transport hubs.

Hydrogen-powered buses planned for airport use.
MOA with Kerala Hydrogen Valley Foundation.
Part of National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
Aims to cut emissions at airport operations.

India to host first Global Big Cat Summit with 95 participating nations

India will host the first Global Big Cat Summit later in 2026, gathering heads of government and ministers from 95 countries to discuss conservation strategies for big cats. The summit, linked to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), aims to boost tiger landscapes and eco-tourism, with a focus on habitat protection, governance, and international collaboration. The event, anticipated to attract global attention, could shape policy and funding for tiger reserves and related biodiversity initiatives. Officials expect robust participation from governments, wildlife agencies, researchers, and conservation NGOs.

Global Big Cat Summit planned for 2026 in India.
Participants from 95 countries; linked to IBCA.
Focus on habitat protection, governance, and tourism.
Potential funding and policy implications for tiger reserves.

Feb 02, 2026

Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand Added to India's Ramsar List Ahead of World Wetlands Day

India expanded its Ramsar wetlands list on 2 February 2026, ahead of World Wetlands Day. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on X that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat, have been designated Ramsar sites. The two additions reinforce India’s commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity. Patna Bird Sanctuary protects habitat for migratory and resident birds in an arid landscape, while Chhari-Dhand features a lake ecosystem and desert wildlife. The designation is expected to support better protection, ecotourism, and community involvement in wetland management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated local communities on the designation.

Two new Ramsar sites designated: Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat).
Designation announced on 2 February 2026, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.
Announcement made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav via X.
Patna Bird Sanctuary hosts migratory and resident birds; Chhari-Dhand hosts lake ecosystems and desert wildlife.

Jan 29, 2026

Pollution norms streamlined to ease industrial growth and compliance

The government streamlined air and water pollution control norms to promote industrialisation while maintaining safeguards. Changes include exempting common effluent treatment plants from new environmental clearances and simplifying license renewals for certain categories. The processing time for consent to operate Red Category industries has been reduced from 120 to 90 days. The reforms aim to accelerate project approvals, incentivise investment, and ensure environmental protections through clearer, faster processes.

System for air and water pollution norms streamlined
CETPs exempted from new environmental clearance
Consent to operate for Red Category industries reduced to 90 days
Aims to shorten approval timelines for industries
Maintains safety and environmental safeguards

Jan 28, 2026

China launches world’s largest compressed-air energy storage plant

China began operating the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage plant in Jiangsu Province, a major step in the country’s green energy expansion. The facility has 2,400 megawatt-hours of storage capacity and can generate about 600 megawatts of power, meeting the annual electricity needs of roughly 600,000 households. The plant uses underground caverns to store compressed air at night and release it to drive turbines during the day. BloombergNEF identifies such long-duration energy storage as cost-effective for grid stability. The project demonstrates China’s push toward scalable, low-carbon storage solutions to support its energy transition.

Facility capacity: 2,400 MWh; output: 600 MW.
Location: Jiangsu Province, China.
Storage method: underground compressed air.
Viewed as a cost-effective long-duration storage solution.

New flowering plant species found in Nagaland’s protected forest

Researchers from Nagaland University described a previously unknown flowering plant, Hoya nagaensis, from Kavunhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district, about 110 kilometres from Kohima. The plant belongs to the wax plant family (Hoya) and features star-shaped flowers with a milky latex. Authorities note the discovery highlights biodiversity in Nagaland and the need for conservation of high-altitude habitats. While medicinal uses are not yet studied, such species may hold pharmacological potential with proper scientific evaluation and safeguards to prevent habitat loss.

Species named:Hoya nagaensis, in Kavunhou Forest.
Located about 110 km from Kohima, Nagaland.
Part of wax plant family; star-shaped flowers; milky latex.
Emphasises biodiversity and conservation needs.

Delhi sees wettest January in four years; February forecast unsettled

Delhi recorded its wettest January in four years, totaling 25.3 mm of rainfall, with a 4.2 mm spell on the latest day. Forecasters expect February to begin with unsettled conditions. Local authorities urged residents to monitor weather updates and plan travel accordingly. While rain brought relief from heat and dust, it also posed challenges for traffic and public transport. The weather pattern highlights shifting climate variability and potential implications for urban planning, water management, and agriculture in the region.

Delhi experiences its wettest January in four years.
Total rainfall around 25.3 mm; recent day 4.2 mm.
February outlook uncertain; weather monitoring advised.
Implications for urban planning and water management.

Jan 25, 2026

Lucknow becomes UP’s first zero fresh waste city

On 22 January 2026, Lucknow announced achievement of 100 percent scientific processing of municipal waste under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. The city’s Shivari Solid Waste Management Plant now has a daily capacity of 700 tonnes, and three facilities together process over 2,100 tonnes daily, eliminating open dumping. The transformation includes advanced waste processing and better segregation at source. Municipal authorities stated this milestone advances urban cleanliness, reduces pollution, and supports sustainable development goals. The achievement is expected to set a benchmark for other cities in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

Lucknow achieves 100% scientific waste processing.
Shivari plant capacity 700 MT/day; three facilities total 2100 MT/day.
Open dumping eliminated; urban cleanliness improves.
Model for other cities in UP and India.

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