General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - August 2025

Aug 2025

Sep 16, 2026

Etna eruption causes flight suspensions at Catania airport in Sicily

Flights were suspended at Catania International Airport due to volcanic ash from Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano. The red aviation alert was issued as ash emissions prompted temporary disruptions. Arrivals and departures were expected to remain halted through Tuesday evening. Etna’s activity has repeatedly affected Sicilian air travel, with the volcano located about 40 km from the airport. While the disruption continues, Etna’s eruptions attract many onlookers, and authorities monitor the situation closely for updated flight schedules and potential airport-wide operations changes.

Catania Airport grounded by volcanic ash from Mount Etna
Red aviation alert; flights suspended through Tuesday evening
Etna stands 3,324 metres tall and is near the airport
Disruptions affect major travel and tourism in Sicily
Authorities monitor ash dispersion and schedule updates

World Circular Economy Forum 2026 opens in Gandhinagar under ‘Circular Economy: Transition for ...

India hosts the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar from 15 to 18 September, the first time in South Asia. The four-day event gathers policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers from around the world to advance practical circular economy solutions. More than 3,600 stakeholders from 62 countries attend, with 135 national and international exhibitors. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted India’s leadership through Mission LiFE and recycling practices, while Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav described circularity as rooted in Indian culture. The forum seeks cross-border collaboration and practical strategies for resource efficiency and waste reduction.

WCEF 2026 held in Gandhinagar, 15–18 September 2026
Over 3,600 participants from 62 countries; 135 exhibitors
Theme: Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity
India highlights Mission LiFE and reuse traditions
Emphasis on international cooperation and practical circular solutions

Sep 15, 2026

Global Flyways Summit 2026 in Nairobi highlights migratory bird concerns

The Global Flyways Summit 2026 was held in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by BirdLife International as part of its quadrennial Partnership Meeting. The gathering brought together conservation organisations, government agencies, and stakeholders to strengthen migratory-bird protection and habitat management. The latest report highlighted concerns over declining migratory bird populations, with many species facing habitat loss and climate pressures. Participants discussed policy coordination, habitat restoration, surveillance against illegal hunting, and cross-border research collaboration. The summit stressed integrated conservation strategies and greater funding for flyway networks, with India emphasising its shared responsibility to protect migratory birds along the South Asian flyway.

Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya (Global Flyways Summit 2026).
Focus on migratory-bird protection and habitat management.
Highlights declines in migratory bird populations.
Discussed policy coordination, restoration, and anti-poaching.
India emphasised shared responsibility along the South Asian flyway.

World’s longest steel slag road opens in Raigarh; Guinness record

India set a Guinness World Record for building the world’s longest steel slag road in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. The 1.85-kilometre stretch uses processed steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, as an alternative construction material. The project demonstrates the potential of industrial by-products to create sustainable infrastructure and reduce extraction of natural aggregates. Experts say the road showcases a model for circular economy in road construction and could cut maintenance costs over time. Local authorities emphasise that steel slag recycling lowers emissions from material transport and reduces landfill waste. The project signals a broader push to use sustainable materials in public works.

Guinness World Record for longest steel slag road (1.85 km).
Uses steel slag as construction material.
Promotes circular economy in road building.
Aims to reduce raw-material extraction and emissions.

Tata Steel launches India's first Coke Oven Gas Injection Project

Tata Steel Limited commissioned India’s first Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Project at the Meramandali Steel Plant in Odisha. The initiative, launched at Blast Furnace 1, marks a major step toward reducing fossil fuel consumption in steelmaking and lowering carbon emissions. Coke oven gas is injected into the blast furnace as a supplementary fuel, reducing reliance on coal and improving energy efficiency. The project aligns with Tata Steel’s Net Zero by 2045 roadmap and contributes to national decarbonisation efforts in heavy industry. Industry experts expect broader deployment of COG injection across facilities as part of cleaner production goals.

First COG Injection Project at Meramandali, Odisha.
COG used as supplementary fuel in blast furnace.
Reduces coal use and lowers carbon emissions.
Aligns with Net Zero by 2045 goal.
Potential for wider adoption in the steel sector.

Sep 11, 2026

Five orangutans rescued from Rankotha Forest, Odisha, moved to Nandankanan

The Odisha Forest Department rescued five young orangutans from Rankotha Protected Reserve Forest in Balasore district in September 2026. The rescued animals include three males and two females, who were moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park for care and rehabilitation. Orangutans are critically endangered great apes native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra; there is no wild orangutan population in India. Identifying them as non-native ensures appropriate welfare and quarantine protocols. Authorities coordinate with wildlife experts to assess veterinary needs and potential reintroduction options. The incident highlights vigilance against illegal wildlife trafficking and emphasizes rescue and rehabilitation for endangered species in India.

Five orangutans rescued from Rankotha Forest, Balasore, Odisha.
Rescued orangutans moved to Nandankanan Zoological Park for care.
Orangutans are non-native to India with no wild population here.
Welfare and quarantine protocols are being followed.
Incident underscores anti-trafficking and conservation efforts.

Sep 10, 2026

Crisis in Indian agriculture: Crisil flags deficient monsoon risks to rabi

Crises to India’s crop outlook were flagged by Crisil on 9 September 2026, warning that deficient monsoon rains in late monsoon season and weak rainfall in September risk impacting the upcoming rabi crop cycle. Analysts cited reduced reservoir levels, groundwater stress, and potential price volatility for staples. While credit markets assess agricultural risk, farm incomes and rural demand could be affected. The government and lenders were urged to implement contingency plans, improve irrigation efficiency, and support farmers through targeted credit and input subsidies to mitigate impact on food supply and rural livelihoods.

Crisil warns of deficient monsoon and September rainfall impacting rabi crops.
Risks include lower reservoir levels and groundwater stress.
Possible effects on prices, farm incomes, and rural demand.
Calls for contingency plans, irrigation improvements, targeted farmer support.
Implications for food security and agricultural credit policies.

Anak Krakatau erupts; ash plume disrupts travel

Mount Anak Krakatau, among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently in September 2026. The eruption sent ash plumes reaching up to 50,000 feet, prompting travel disruptions across Indonesia and prompting aviation advisories. The volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra and remains under close observation by Indonesian authorities. Scientists warned of possible secondary eruptions and urged caution for air travel in affected corridors. The incident underscores ongoing volcanic activity in the region and the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and effective communication with international aviation communities.

Violent eruption of Anak Krakatau in Sept 2026.
Ash plumes reportedly reach 50,000 feet; travel disruptions reported.
Located in the Sunda Strait; under close monitoring.
Possible secondary eruptions warned by scientists.
Highlights need for disaster preparedness and warning systems.

India–Japan forestry talks held in Bengaluru

The 7th Meeting of the India–Japan Joint Working Group on Cooperation in the Forestry Sector took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in September 2026. Officials from both countries discussed Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy. The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh Kumar Pandey; the Japanese delegation was headed by Shimizu Kotaro. Participants underscored sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and joint research initiatives for climate resilience. The talks reinforced bilateral cooperation in forest-related areas and laid groundwork for follow‑up projects, including knowledge‑exchange programs and joint field demonstrations.

7th India–Japan forestry JWG meeting held in Bengaluru, Sept 2026.
Topics: Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy.
Indian lead: Ramesh Kumar Pandey; Japanese lead: Shimizu Kotaro.
Emphasis on biodiversity, climate resilience, and joint research.
Agreed to follow up with exchanges and demonstrations.

Belgium to build world’s first artificial energy island

Belgium announced plans to develop the world’s first artificial energy island, Princess Elisabeth Island, in the North Sea. The offshore installation will function as an electricity hub, collecting power from nearby offshore wind farms and transmitting it to the Belgian mainland. Developed by Elia, Belgium’s transmission system operator, the island will also support cross‑border connections with the United Kingdom and Denmark. The project aims to enhance energy security and grid integration for renewable generation while supporting future expansion and regional energy cooperation with neighbouring countries.

First of its kind artificial energy island in the North Sea.
Island will collect wind power and transmit to Belgium; cross‑border links planned.
Developed by Elia, Belgium’s grid operator.
Seeks to improve energy security and renewable integration.
Part of broader European offshore wind strategy.

Sep 08, 2026

Lucknow tops Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026 in million-plus cities

Lucknow has topped the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026 in the Category 1 cities (population above 10 lakh), scoring 198 out of 200 points for air-pollution control measures under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in collaboration with the Union Environment Ministry, conducted the assessment. The ranking recognizes cities taking concrete steps to improve air quality, including emissions management, vehicular pollution controls, and green spaces. Other Uttar Pradesh cities featured in the top 15, reflecting focused state-wide efforts. The results are expected to influence urban planning, public health strategies, and environmental funding.

Lucknow tops national clean-air rankings in million-plus cities.
Score: 198/200 under NCAP framework.
CPCB and Environment Ministry conducted the assessment.
Highlights emissions control, transport measures, and urban greenery.
UP cities feature prominently in top 15.

SBI and Bisleri join Bottles for Change to boost plastic waste management

State Bank of India (SBI) and Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. joined under the Bottles for Change initiative to promote plastic waste management across SBI branch network and offices. The partnership, formalized through a Letter of Association, will include awareness and training programmes for SBI employees and housekeeping staff on proper segregation and recycling of plastic waste. Under the arrangement, used plastics collected from SBI premises will be sent to recycling facilities, complementing SBI sustainability goals and Bisleri program for waste collection. The collaboration aims to advance a circular economy, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, and set a replicable model for other public-sector banks.

Partnership under Bottles for Change to boost plastic waste management.
Training for SBI staff on segregation and recycling.
Collection of used plastics from SBI offices for recycling.
Aims to promote circular economy and reduce environmental impact.
Could serve as a model for other public-sector banks.

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