General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - February 2025

Feb 2025

Aug 18, 2026

BRICS Environment Meetings 2026 hosted by India

India hosted the BRICS Environment Working Group meeting and the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi in August 2026. The sessions focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental cooperation among BRICS nations, with participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa outlining joint strategies for emissions reduction and green investment. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions, emphasizing the need for practical cooperation on pollution control, waste management, and climate finance. Delegates reviewed ongoing initiatives in biodiversity protection and water management while agreeing to enhanced information sharing and capacity-building in member countries. The meetings reinforced BRICS’ role in shaping regional environmental policy.

BRICS Environment Working Group and Ministers’ Meeting were held in New Delhi, August 2026.
Focus on climate change, sustainability and environmental cooperation.
Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions.
Agreed on enhanced information sharing and capacity-building.

Aug 17, 2026

20 Blackbucks Rewilded in Banni Grasslands

The Gujarat Forest Department, with technical support from Vantara, released 20 blackbucks into the Banni Grasslands of Kutch. The rewilding programme coincided with India’s 80th Independence Day, and aims to restore native wildlife and strengthen the ecological character of the grassland ecosystem. The Banni Grasslands are among India’s important and distinctive landscapes, hosting diverse flora and fauna. Officials say the move will bolster biodiversity, contribute to ecosystem health, and support potential eco-tourism. Ongoing monitoring and habitat management plans are being put in place to ensure the long-term viability of the reintroduction.

Rewilding location: Banni Grasslands, Kutch, Gujarat
Species reintroduced: blackbucks (20 individuals)
Event date: tied to India’s 80th Independence Day
Purpose: restore native wildlife and ecosystem health
Significance: Banni as a key grassland landscape

India’s First Virtual Zoo opens in Indore

India’s first virtual zoo was inaugurated at Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 16 August 2026. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav unveiled the facility, a ₹4.5 crore project developed under a public-private partnership. The site features a 14D cinema, a virtual jungle safari and immersive wildlife experiences designed to educate visitors about biodiversity. The project aims to combine technology with conservation education and eco-tourism, complementing the existing museum. Officials expect it to attract students, families and researchers while showcasing innovative ways to engage the public on wildlife protection and habitats.

Inauguration date: 16 August 2026 at Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, Indore
Project cost: ₹4.5 crore; public-private partnership
Key features: 14D cinema, virtual jungle safari, immersive wildlife experiences
Purpose: educate on biodiversity and conservation, boost eco-tourism
Target audience: students, families, researchers

Aug 16, 2026

Parichha Weir Recognised as World Heritage Irrigation Structure

The Parichha Weir, located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has been recognised as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The approximately 140‑year‑old structure is built on the Betwa River and forms an important part of the Betwa Canal system. The recognition highlights its historical, engineering and irrigation significance and represents India’s rich legacy of water management infrastructure. The WHIS designation may promote heritage tourism, conservation efforts and technical study by researchers and policymakers looking to balance irrigation needs with river ecosystem health. Local stakeholders anticipate broader awareness of India’s irrigation heritage.

Parichha Weir in Jhansi, UP, recognised as WHIS by ICID.
Approximately 140 years old, on the Betwa River.
Integral to the Betwa Canal irrigation system.
Acknowledges historical engineering and irrigation significance.
May boost heritage tourism and conservation efforts.

Aug 15, 2026

IIT Guwahati develops two-stage microalgae CO₂ capture process

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a two-stage microalgae-based process to enhance carbon dioxide capture and bioenergy production. In the first stage, microalgae cultivate under controlled light, temperature, and nutrient conditions to maximise CO₂ fixation. In the second stage, harvested biomass is converted into bioenergy and value-added products, supporting sustainable carbon management. The study, led by Professor Kaustubha Mohanty of the Department of Chemical Engineering, reports improved fixation efficiency and potential for integration with industrial emissions. Experts say the approach could complement existing carbon capture methods while generating renewable energy, potentially accelerating India's progress toward lower emissions and more sustainable energy systems.

Two-stage microalgae process improves CO₂ fixation efficiency.
Stage 1 focuses on controlled cultivation for maximum uptake.
Stage 2 converts biomass to bioenergy and value-added products.
Led by Prof. Kaustubha Mohanty, IIT Guwahati.

Aug 11, 2026

Plastic Waste Management project around Nalsarovar Sanctuary funded by JICA

The Gujarat Forest Department launched a ₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in August 2026. The initiative is approved under the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It aims to reduce plastic pollution by encouraging waste collection from surrounding villages and to protect Nalsarovar's sensitive wetland ecosystem. The project also seeks to support local livelihoods through recycling activities and community participation. Officials emphasise sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation as central to the effort, with potential benefits for eco-tourism and regional environmental resilience.

₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around Nalsarovar
Supported by JICA under Gujarat Eco-Restoration scheme
Aims to reduce plastic pollution and protect wetlands
Encourages village-level waste collection and recycling
Emphasises community participation and eco-tourism potential

VOC Port becomes India’s first major port with Scope-2 emission-free status

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became India's first major port to achieve Scope-2 emission-free status. The port increased its use of renewable energy, including solar and wind, and adopted energy-efficient practices across terminal operations and power supply contracts. Scope-2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gases from purchased electricity. The port's shift reduces its carbon footprint and aligns with national climate goals and green maritime initiatives. Authorities say ongoing investment in clean energy will help other ports reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region, supporting sustainable growth in India's coastal economy.

VOC Port achieves Scope-2 emission-free status
Increased use of solar and wind energy
Scope-2: indirect emissions from electricity purchases
First major Indian port to reach this status
Supports green maritime initiatives and coastal economy

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