India Rises to Ninth Position Globally in Forest Area, Retains Third Spot in Annual Forest Gain
India climbed to the ninth position globally in total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Bali.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the achievement, noting that India also retained its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain, reaffirming the country's steady progress in sustainable forest management.
Oct 18, 2025
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.