General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - October 2024

Oct 2024

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.

Jan 24, 2026

GEI targets expanded under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

The government has expanded the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme to cover additional carbon-intensive sectors. The Environment Ministry said 208 more entities are now obligated to meet emission intensity reduction targets, bringing the total covered entities to 490 across India’s most emission-heavy industries. The move strengthens the Indian carbon market and aligns with national climate action goals. Companies will have to regularly report emissions data and pursue efficiency improvements to lower GEI. The policy aims to lower greenhouse gas intensity and push industry toward cleaner production while supporting sustainable growth. This follows global climate commitments and supports India’s commitments under national plans.

208 more entities added to GEI targets under CCTS.
Total of 490 entities now covered.
Targets aim to reduce emission intensity in key sectors.
Enhances the scope of the Indian carbon market.
Emphasis on regular emission reporting and efficiency gains.

Alwar to host 400-wild-animal biodiversity park with 81 species

Alwar district in Rajasthan will host a new biological park featuring more than 400 wild animals from 81 species. The project includes a high-tech animal rescue centre and a veterinary hospital. The park, planned in the Kati Ghati region, will be the first such facility in the National Capital Region, offering lion, tiger and herbivore safaris in one place. A detailed project report is already prepared, awaiting approval from the Union Environment Ministry. If approved, the park will span from Kati Ghati to Jaisamand and will involve forest department teams trained in rescue and rehabilitation methods learned from Gir National Park.

Biological park planned in Alwar with 400 wild animals from 81 species.
Features include a high-tech rescue centre and a veterinary hospital.
First of its kind in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Lions, tigers and herbivores to be showcased together with safaris.
DPR submitted; awaiting Union Environment Ministry approval.

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