General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - December 2024

Dec 2024

May 08, 2026

CRRI-BPCL project earns India and Asia Book of Records

A joint CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) project earned recognition from India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. The team developed roadblocks using technical textile geocells manufactured from end-of-life plastic waste, turning a difficult waste stream into durable construction material. The geocells reinforce road subgrades and improve load-bearing capacity. The ceremony at the CSIR-CRRI campus in New Delhi included senior scientists and industry experts, who highlighted the solution’s potential to address two major challenges: plastic waste management and resilient road infrastructure. The project aligns with national sustainability goals and circular economy ambitions.

Project uses geocells from end-of-life plastics.
Recognized by India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.
Geocells improve subgrade strength and durability.
Aims to tackle plastic waste and resilient roads.
Ceremony held at CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi.

May 07, 2026

Netherlands partners with Indian spice industry on sustainability

The Netherlands has partnered with India's spice sector to advance sustainability across the spice supply chain. India remains a major global producer and exporter of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric and chilli, while Rotterdam serves as a key European trade hub for these products. The collaboration focuses on soil health, water use, traceability, residue control and fair sourcing, alongside compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards. The partnership aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices, certification processes and value chains that connect Indian growers with European markets, supporting long-term growth for both sides while promoting responsible trade practices.

Partnership focuses on sustainable spice supply chains.
India is a major global producer and exporter of spices.
Rotterdam Port acts as a European trade hub for spices.
Key focus areas: soil health, water use, traceability, residue control.
Emphasis on fair sourcing and compliance with safety standards.

May 06, 2026

Rare Giant Tree Discovered in the Andes

Scientists have identified a rare giant tree species in the Andes, the vast mountain system that runs along the western edge of South America through seven nations: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The discovery adds to the Andes’ biodiversity, which spans cloud forests, páramo grasslands and montane forests that host many endemic plants and animals. Botanists used leaf shape, bark texture, flower structure, fruits and seeds, and genetic analysis to classify the tree. The find highlights the Andes as a global biodiversity hotspot and reinforces the need to protect high‑elevation habitats from threats such as climate change and deforestation. In India, on 5 May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 (38 including the Chief Justice).

Location: Andes spans seven countries
New giant tree species identified
Methods: morphology and DNA analysis
Andes biodiversity hotspot with high-elevation habitats
India policy note: Supreme Court judge strength increased on 5 May 2026

May 05, 2026

Hazaribag becomes India’s first pearl farming cluster under PMMSY

Hazaribag in Jharkhand was notified as India’s first pearl farming cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The cluster received ₹22 crore in investment under a joint central-state initiative. The Pearl Cluster designation was announced on 30 August 2024, with pilot work beginning in 2019-20. The Purty Agrotech Training Centre in Ranchi, established in 2024, has trained over 132 farmers, and NFDB data show 1.02 lakh pearls produced in Hazaribag. Across Jharkhand, more than 800 pearl growers have been trained as of February 2026, supporting livelihoods and aquaculture development.

Hazaribag named India’s first pearl farming cluster under PMMSY
Investment ₹22 crore; cluster notified 30 August 2024
Pilot phase began in 2019-20; training and production facilities established
Purty Agrotech Training Centre trained 132+ farmers
NFDB records 1.02 lakh pearls from Hazaribag; 800+ trained in Jharkhand

May 02, 2026

Parveen Shaikh Wins 2026 Whitley Award for Riverine Conservation

Indian scientist Parveen Shaikh has been honoured with the 2026 Whitley Award for her work in protecting riverine habitats and the Indian Skimmer. The award ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society was attended by dignitaries and presented by Princess Anne. Shaikh’s project focuses on community‑led conservation and aims to expand activities to Prayagraj in the Ganga Basin. The Whitley Award recognises innovative grassroots conservation and supports field actions, education, and habitat restoration. Her work highlights the value of local communities in safeguarding endangered species and promoting sustainable use of river ecosystems in India.

Parveen Shaikh receives 2026 Whitley Award
Award ceremony held at Royal Geographical Society; presented by Princess Anne
Recognition for protecting the Indian Skimmer and river habitats
Project to expand to Prayagraj, Ganga Basin
Emphasizes community‑led conservation and sustainability
Whitley Award funds field actions and habitat restoration

Parveen Shaikh Wins 2026 Whitley Award for Conservation Work

Indian scientist Parveen Shaikh received the 2026 Whitley Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature for her conservation work protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer. The award supports expanding her community‑led conservation model to Prayagraj in the Ganga Basin. The ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society, with Princess Anne presenting the award. The recognition highlights grassroots biodiversity efforts and reinforces India's role in global conservation initiatives, particularly for species dependent on river ecosystems. Shaikh’s work emphasizes locally driven, sustainable strategies to safeguard riverine habitats.

Parveen Shaikh awarded 2026 Whitley Award for conservation.
Award supports expansion to Prayagraj in the Ganga Basin.
Recognition issued by the Whitley Fund for Nature at Royal Geographical Society.
Princess Anne presented the Whitley Award.
Focus on protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer.

Heatwave Intensifies in 2026 as El Niño Approaches

A Times of India report from 1 May 2026 notes that heat in India has become harsher, with early heatwaves and below‑normal rainfall, raising concerns about the southwest monsoon. Temperatures crossed 40°C in several regions, with peaks approaching 46.9°C in places like Akola, Maharashtra. The global El Niño trend is strengthening and is expected to develop around mid‑2026, likely intensifying heat and affecting rainfall distribution. If El Niño materializes, monsoon patterns could become weaker or more erratic, posing risks to agriculture and public health. The article highlights the need for climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure.

India experiencing earlier and more intense heatwaves in 2026.
Monsoon risk linked to developing El Niño by mid‑2026.
Isolated rains offered brief relief but were not sustained.
Extreme heat has implications for health, agriculture, and energy demand.
Calls for climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure.

Indian Skimmer: Endangered River Bird with Distinctive Feeding

The Indian Skimmer is an endangered river bird with a bright orange bill and a unique feeding method that skims the surface of rivers to catch fish. India hosts over 90 percent of the global population, estimated at around 3,000 birds. Nests are built on sandbars and mid‑river islands. The species is highly sensitive to changes in river flow and habitat disturbance, making it vulnerable to degradation caused by development and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting river habitats, managing water flows, and monitoring populations to guide policy and local action across its historic range in Southeast Asia.

Indian Skimmer is endangered; approximately 3,000 birds globally
India houses about 90% of the global population
Distinctive orange bill and skimming feeding behavior
Nests on river sandbars and mid‑river islands
Vulnerable to river flow changes and habitat disturbance
Conservation relies on habitat protection and water‑flow management

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