General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jun 03, 2026

UN Warns of El Niño Impacts on India Heatwaves

UN agencies warn that a moderate to strong El Niño could intensify heatwaves in India in 2026. Forecasts indicate higher temperatures across large parts of the country, with potential drought risks in some states and pressure on energy demand. Indian authorities are advised to strengthen heat action plans, water management, and public health preparedness. The warning comes amid rising temperatures and severe heat events, underscoring the need for urgent adaptation measures and early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations.

UN warns of potential El Niño‑related heatwaves in India
Possible higher temperatures and drought risk in 2026
Implications for energy demand and public health
Calls for stronger heat action plans and water management
Emphasizes need for preparedness and early warning systems

Jun 02, 2026

Tamil Nadu farmer Valluvan wins FAO Soil Hero Award

Valluvan, a farmer from Pollachi district in Tamil Nadu, received the FAO Soil Farmer Hero Award in May 2026. The recognition honours his sustainable farming work. Valluvan transformed his 11-hectare farm into a multi-crop, tree-based enterprise and adopted practices that improved soil health and farm productivity. He used cover crops, mulching and efficient irrigation to conserve moisture. His efforts were supported under the Save Soil–Cauvery Calling initiative of the Isha Foundation, highlighting the link between soil health and farming livelihoods. The award spotlights sustainable agriculture and aims to inspire other farmers to adopt soil-friendly methods.

Valluvan from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, received the FAO Soil Farmer Hero Award in May 2026.
He transformed an 11-hectare farm into a multi-crop, tree-based enterprise.
Adopted soil-friendly practices improving soil health and productivity.
Support under Save Soil–Cauvery Calling by the Isha Foundation.
Award highlights sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.

May 29, 2026

Rusty-spotted Cat recorded in National Chambal Sanctuary, UP

The Rusty-spotted Cat, Prionailurus rubiginosus, was documented for the first time in Uttar Pradesh’s National Chambal Sanctuary in May 2026. This record marks the first confirmed presence of the species in southern Uttar Pradesh and adds a new locality to its known range in the state. Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India photographed, measured and logged GPS locations of the individual during field surveys in the sanctuary. The National Chambal Sanctuary spans parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan along the Chambal River and is known for gharials, crocodiles and diverse bird life.

Species recorded: Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus).
First confirmed sighting in southern Uttar Pradesh; May 2026.
Collected data: photographs, measurements, GPS location.
Sanctuary location: National Chambal Sanctuary along Chambal River.

May 27, 2026

Gujarat intensifies Jal-Parab wildlife support in Little Rann of Kutch

Gujarat's Forest Department has expanded the Jal-Parab campaign in the Little Rann of Kutch to counter extreme heat and water scarcity. As temperatures rise above 42–43°C, the initiative provides water through artificial troughs and tanker deliveries, along with rescue support and bird hydration arrangements to protect desert wildlife. Officials noted efforts to ensure continuous water availability for wildlife in this fragile ecosystem. The campaign aligns with broader summer climate adaptation measures and highlights the state’s focus on biodiversity conservation amid heat stress.

Campaign: Jal-Parab in Little Rann of Kutch
Heat concern: 42–43°C temperatures
Interventions: water troughs, tanker deliveries
Additional support: wildlife rescue and hydration
Objective: protect desert biodiversity amid heat

May 16, 2026

Ganges soft-shell turtle satellite-tagged release on Endangered Species Day

India released its first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle on Endangered Species Day, 15 May 2026, at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. Nilssonia gangetica, an endangered freshwater species, was tagged to monitor movement and habitat use. The transmitter was fitted under veterinary supervision before release on the Brahmaputra river system. Kaziranga covers about 1,302 square kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Satellite tagging provides data on habitat connectivity, riverine corridors and threats, aiding conservation and management decisions for this vulnerable species in the Indian subcontinent.

Species: Nilssonia gangetica (Ganges soft-shell turtle), Endangered on IUCN list.
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Assam; Endangered Species Day release.
Method: Satellite tagging to track movement and habitat use.
Significance: Enhances understanding of riverine habitat connectivity.
Context: Part of ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts in India.

Jharkhand to set up country's first Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre at Palamu Tiger Reserve

Jharkhand will set up the country’s first dedicated Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre at the Palamu Tiger Reserve. Forest officials said about 20 acres between Palamu Fort and Kamaldah Lake have been identified for the centre, which will function as an integrated research and decision-support system. The facility aims to study elephant behaviour, conflict triggers, movement patterns and human responses through scientific analysis and AI-based monitoring. Initial work will use four domesticated elephants kept at the reserve, following restrictions on commercial uses of elephants. Jharkhand’s Wildlife Institute data show 217 elephants in the state, with around 130 in Palamu, the largest concentration. Authorities report 17 elephant corridors and more than 30 deaths in conflicts since January, with 474 lives lost between 2019 and 2024.

Centre to be located at Palamu Tiger Reserve (about 20 acres planned).
Focus on elephant behaviour, conflict triggers, and movement using AI.
Initial work with four domesticated elephants at Palamu.
Jharkhand hosts the state’s largest elephant population (≈130 of 217).
Over 30 deaths due to conflicts since January; 474 deaths 2019–2024.

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