Current Affairs - Environment

Cyclone Montha, forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, has put Andhra Pradesh on high alert due to forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. In response, the state government has intensified its preparedness measures to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety. Cyclone Montha’s movement underscores the importance of disaster management systems and early warning mechanisms in mitigating the impact of severe weather events along India’s eastern coastline.

India’s first DNA-based elephant census conducted under the All-India Synchronous Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2025 recorded an 18% decline in the wild elephant population. The latest estimate shows 22,446 elephants, a decrease from 27,312 in 2017. This scientific census, carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with Project Elephant and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), provides more accurate data for wildlife management. The findings highlight growing concerns over habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures across India’s elephant ranges.

The Delhi government has designated approximately 41 square kilometres of the Southern Ridge area in New Delhi as a reserved forest. This significant environmental step aims to combat rising pollution levels and preserve the city’s ecological balance. By protecting the Ridge — one of the last remaining natural green zones in the capital — the initiative focuses on improving air quality, maintaining soil fertility, and enhancing biodiversity. The government also plans to plant indigenous tree species in these areas, reinforcing New Delhi’s commitment to sustainable urban development and long-term environmental conservation.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to promote a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources while ensuring environmental sustainability. The partnership focuses on balancing energy transition goals with conservation priorities, minimizing ecological impacts, and supporting sustainable development practices. By uniting conservation expertise and renewable energy advocacy, IUCN and IRENA intend to foster greener, more responsible energy systems for a sustainable global future.

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held in Hangzhou, China. Covering an area of 7,770 sq. km in the Western Himalayas, this reserve was originally designated a national biosphere reserve in 2009. Its recognition by UNESCO now makes it India’s 13th site in the global network. The inclusion highlights the ecological significance of the fragile cold desert ecosystem, which supports unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development initiatives, marking a step forward in international conservation efforts.