General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - May 2024

May 2024

Nov 10, 2026

COP31 Climate Change Conference begins in Antalya, Türkiye

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31 began on 9 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, and is scheduled to continue until 20 November 2026. The conference is held at the Antalya EXPO Center under the UNFCCC. Türkiye holds the COP31 presidency, while Australia chairs the negotiations. The summit focuses on greenhouse gas emission reductions, climate finance, adaptation and international climate cooperation. The World Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 11–12 November 2026. Delegates will discuss finance for developing countries, technology transfer, and resilience-building in vulnerable regions. Observers note strategic alliances and pledges for stronger climate action.

COP31 began on 9 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Runs until 20 November 2026; Türkiye presides.
Australia chairs negotiations.
Focus areas include emissions cuts and climate finance.
World Leaders' Summit slated for 11–12 November.

Nov 07, 2026

IMD forecast: heavy rainfall likely across multiple Indian regions in coming days

IMD forecast released on 9 November 2026 indicates isolated to scattered rainfall across the northwestern Himalayan region, with Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad likely on 10–11 November and 14–15 November; Himachal Pradesh 10–15 November; Uttarakhand 9 November and 12–13 November. A Western Disturbance may bring gusty winds and thunderstorms in these areas. In the east, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to see fairly widespread rainfall from 9–15 November, with heavier spells 10–14 November. The northeast could experience showers 9–12 November, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, with a potential heavy spell on 11 November. In the south, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may receive rain on 9–10 and 15 November, while Kerala and Lakshadweep may see rain on 9 November.

Northwest: Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh rainfall on 10–11 and 14–15 Nov.
Himachal Pradesh: 10–15 Nov; Uttarakhand: 9 Nov and 12–13 Nov.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 9–15 Nov; heavier 10–14 Nov.
Northeast: showers 9–12 Nov; heavy on 11 Nov.
South: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal on 9–10 and 15 Nov; Kerala & Lakshadweep on 9 Nov.
Public advisories urged for safety and travel planning.

Island fisheries at the centre of India’s Blue Economy push

India’s government is anchoring its blue economy strategy on island territories. Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are being positioned to lead growth in tuna, seaweed and ornamental fisheries. The government’s plans include modernising infrastructure, value addition, and enhanced export linkages under PMMSY, with Lakshadweep allocated ₹175 crore and Andaman & Nicobar Islands ₹218 crore. India’s coastline spans about 11,099 km and the EEZ covers nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, supporting an estimated 58.6 lakh metric tonnes of annual marine fisheries potential and tens of millions of livelihoods. The initiative aims to diversify the fishery sector, boost income, and strengthen sustainable practices in these strategic regions.

PMMSY funds: Lakshadweep ₹175 crore; Andaman & Nicobar ₹218 crore.
Islands to anchor tuna, seaweed, ornamental fisheries growth.
Coastline 11,099 km; EEZ ~24 lakh sq km; potential 58.6 lakh MT.
aims to diversify fisheries and enhance exports.
Strategic focus on island communities and sustainability.

Nov 05, 2026

Bay of Bengal nations launch ocean research network for fisheries management

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) to improve fisheries research and management. The network links ocean observations, climate data and fisheries information to understand changing fish populations across the region. It was announced during an international meeting hosted by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), alongside a symposium on fisheries and remote sensing. The collaboration aims to integrate oceanography with fisheries science, enabling better advisory capacity for sustainable extraction and ecosystem health, while fostering regional scientific cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations.

BOB-NOR launched by four Bay of Bengal neighbours.
Aims: integrate oceanography, climate and fisheries data.
Platform for sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Jointly announced at ICAR-CMFRI event during a fisheries symposium.
Enhances regional scientific cooperation on marine resources.

Nov 01, 2026

Mayon Volcano Erupts in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano, located in Albay province of the Philippines, erupted moderately on 30 October 2026. The eruption lasted about six minutes and produced an ash plume rising approximately 3,000 metres above the summit crater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level from 2 to 3, indicating a higher risk of hazardous volcanic activity. Authorities ordered evacuations within a six‑kilometre permanent danger zone and advised residents to monitor PHIVOLCS advisories. Experts expect possible further emissions and continued monitoring of ground deformations, gas emissions and seismic activity.

Date of eruption: 30 October 2026.
Location: Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines.
Duration: ~6 minutes; ash plume ~3,000 m.
Alert level raised from 2 to 3 by PHIVOLCS.
Evacuation within 6 km danger zone.
Ongoing monitoring for further activity.

Oct 29, 2026

Cyclone Arnab: Landfall, Evacuations, and Disruptions

Cyclone Arnab crossed the eastern coast of India on 28 October 2026, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of southern Odisha. Authorities activated cyclone shelters and launched extensive evacuations, with trains and road traffic disrupted in several districts. The India Meteorological Department warned of continued rainfall and potential secondary impacts as Arnab weakens. Crop losses were anticipated in several districts, while power infrastructure and communications faced outages. State administrations coordinated relief operations and urged residents to remain in shelters until weather conditions improve.

Arnab crossed the coast on 28 Oct 2026
Impact: heavy rain, strong winds in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Evacuations and cyclone shelters deployed
Disruptions to trains, roads, and power networks
Agricultural losses anticipated; relief operations underway

Cyclone Arnab Damages Crops in Andhra Pradesh

In October 2026, Cyclone Arnab damaged crops across Andhra Pradesh, affecting more than 80,000 hectares of agricultural land and disrupting homes, roads, and electricity infrastructure. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu requested the Central Government to dispatch an inter-ministerial team to assess damage and losses. Officials warned of continued rainfall and possible harvest impacts. Rescue and relief operations were mobilised, with cyclone shelters opened in affected districts. Authorities stressed the need for rapid damage assessment, compensation schemes for farmers, and rebuilding of damaged irrigation channels as part of a broader recovery plan.

Cyclone Arnab affected 80,000+ hectares in Andhra Pradesh
Infrastructure and crops disrupted; inter-ministerial assessment sought
Central government assistance requested
Evacuations and cyclone shelters employed
Recovery focuses on crop compensation and irrigation repair

Chhattisgarh Proposes Orange Oakleaf as State Butterfly

Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board has proposed declaring the Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) as the state's official butterfly following an online public poll conducted in October 2026. If approved, Chhattisgarh would join Madhya Pradesh, which already uses the species as its state butterfly. Karnataka uses the Southern Birdwing, and Kerala features the Malabar Banded Peacock as its state butterfly. The proposal, sent to the state government in October 2026, aims to raise biodiversity awareness, support butterfly monitoring, and promote conservation actions in schools, parks, and rural communities. The move would also help engage citizens in biodiversity education and local habitat protection.

Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) proposed as state butterfly of Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh already uses Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly
Karnataka and Kerala have different state butterflies (Southern Birdwing; Malabar Banded Peacock)
Online public poll influenced the proposal in October 2026
Goals include biodiversity awareness and conservation actions

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