General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - April 2024

Apr 2024

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.

Mar 29, 2026

Amrabad Tiger Reserve relocation plan balances conservation with tribal welfare

Telangana government announces rehabilitation and relocation of tribal families residing inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve. The plan seeks to balance wildlife conservation with socio-economic development for indigenous communities. Officials emphasise reducing human-wildlife conflicts while improving living standards and livelihoods. Amrabad Tiger Reserve lies in the Nallamala hills of Telangana and forms a key part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve landscape. The relocation is part of a broader ecosystem management strategy that incorporates tribal welfare alongside biodiversity protection, aiming to maintain ecological integrity of the reserve while supporting sustainable community life.

Telangana begins rehabilitation of tribal families in Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
Plan links biodiversity conservation with tribal welfare and livelihoods.
Amrabad is in the Nallamala hills within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam corridor.
Efforts focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Relocation is part of integrated protected-area management.

Mar 27, 2026

Loni overtakes Delhi as world's most polluted city in IQAir report

A global air quality study by IQAir ranks Loni, near Ghaziabad, as the world's most polluted city in the latest annual report. Loni recorded an annual PM2.5 concentration of 112.5 µg/m³, around 22 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. The finding underscores a growing pollution crisis in India’s National Capital Region and highlights ongoing health risks for residents. Experts call for urgent policy action, stronger emissions controls, and expanded monitoring. PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

IQAir World Air Quality Report lists Loni as the most polluted city globally.
Loni PM2.5 annual average: 112.5 µg/m³; ~22x WHO guideline.
Delhi-NCR faces ongoing severe air pollution challenges.
Health risks include respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Call for stronger policy action and better monitoring.

Mar 25, 2026

World Air Quality Report 2025 ranks Pakistan top; India sixth

The World Air Quality Report 2025 by IQAir ranks Pakistan as the most polluted country globally, followed by Bangladesh and Tajikistan, while India sits sixth. The study covers 198 countries and highlights ongoing health risks linked to air pollution. Top polluted nations include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In contrast, the United States and the United Kingdom rank around 120th and 110th, indicating comparatively better air quality. The report underscores the continuing need for policy action, urban planning and clean energy to reduce emissions and protect public health.

Source: IQAir World Air Quality Report 2025
Rankings: Pakistan 1st, India 6th among 198 countries
Top five polluted: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Chad, DRC
Public health implication: higher pollution exposure
Policy takeaway: strengthen emissions reduction and urban planning
Note: global comparison context

Mar 23, 2026

World Water Day 2026: Theme Water and Gender

World Water Day 2026 was observed on 22 March with the theme 'Water and Gender'. The United Nations and partners highlight the link between water access, sanitation and decision-making, noting that women and girls often bear the heavier burden of water scarcity and pollution. The day calls for inclusive water governance, improved rural drinking water access and resilient water infrastructure to support health and livelihoods. It emphasizes empowering women in water management and ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable freshwater resources.

Observed on 22 March 2026.
Theme: Water and Gender.
Urges inclusive water governance and equal access.
Highlights disproportionate impact on women and girls.
Promotes empowerment of women in water management.

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