CURRENT AFFAIRS

Forest conservation in India is not only environmental but also deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions

India recently hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 26th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) in Kochi, Kerala. These meetings were organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored within the Earth. The term “Geo + Thermal” literally means “Earth + Heat.” This energy flows from the Earth’s core to its surface, primarily generated by the decay of radioactive elements (Uranium, Thorium, Potassium) and residual heat from the Earth’s formation. It can be used for electricity generation, heating, agriculture, and industrial applications.

India presented its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024–30 (NBSAP 2024–30) at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) held in Cali, Colombia – 2024.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Its primary objectives are the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits. COP16, the 16th Conference of the Parties, was held in Colombia.

Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to sign an agreement with Starlink, under which satellite-based internet services will be provided to government institutions and rural areas of the state.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) achieved a major success by raiding a clandestine factory in Valsad district, Gujarat, under Operation White Cauldron.

Renewable Energy (RE) refers to energy derived from natural resources that replenish themselves faster than they are consumed. Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, etc. These sources are environment-friendly, sustainable, and carbon-neutral compared to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Government of India announced an ambitious “Nuclear Energy Mission” with the goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

The Great Nicobar Island is India’s southernmost and largest island, forming an integral part of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It holds immense strategic and ecological importance for India’s maritime boundaries. Recently, the proposed Great Nicobar Island Development Project (GNI Project) has triggered widespread debate concerning environmental sustainability, national security, and tribal rights.