Current Affairs - Environment

The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in 2002 to conserve India’s rich biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. The Act provides a legal framework for protecting biological diversity and associated knowledge. It led to the establishment of institutions like the National Biodiversity Authority, which plays a key role in regulating access to biological resources and advising the government. The Act also mandates proper documentation and preservation of newly discovered species through designated repositories.

In the 2025 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir, India was ranked as the 6th most polluted country globally. The rankings were determined based on PM2.5 data collected from thousands of monitoring stations across numerous countries. Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Tajikistan ranked higher in pollution levels. The report also highlighted that only a small percentage of countries met the World Health Organisation’s recommended air quality standards. India’s position reflects ongoing environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas, where pollution continues to impact public health and quality of life significantly.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is the nodal agency responsible for overseeing and implementing India’s first compliance-based Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. The programme aims to regulate and monitor industrial emissions by assigning emission targets to nearly 490 industrial units across seven sectors for the 2025–26 period. Units emitting below prescribed limits can earn carbon credits, while those exceeding limits must purchase credits or face penalties. The initiative is designed to promote energy efficiency, encourage adoption of cleaner technologies, enhance transparency through verification processes, and strengthen India’s commitment to climate action and sustainable industrial growth.

Project Cheetah is the initiative under which India reintroduced cheetahs to restore the species after it was declared extinct in 1952. The programme involved the intercontinental translocation of 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa during 2022–23, marking the world’s first such effort for a large carnivore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch at Kuno National Park in September 2022. The recent birth of three cubs to the South African cheetah Gamini has raised India’s cheetah population to 38, reflecting steady progress in wildlife conservation and the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable population.

The Sangtam Naga tribal body in Nagaland has imposed a ban on the hunting and trade of pangolins, marking a significant step toward wildlife conservation in Northeast India. Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally, targeted for their scales and meat. Despite legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, illegal trade continues in several regions. The community-led decision strengthens local monitoring and supports broader conservation initiatives aimed at countering wildlife trafficking. Such grassroots efforts complement national laws and highlight the vital role of indigenous communities in protecting endangered species.