Current Affairs - Environment

Cyclone Ditwah is the cyclonic storm forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal and moving toward the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. It intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm on November 27, 2025, and prompted the IMD to issue an orange alert for Puducherry from November 28 to December 1. The system’s projected path places several districts of Andhra Pradesh under the risk of heavy rainfall and strong winds. With increasing post-monsoon cyclonic activity in the North Indian Ocean, Ditwah has become the third storm of the season and underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness.

The Supreme Court has instructed the state of Jharkhand to officially designate the Saranda Forest as a wildlife sanctuary, recognizing its exceptional ecological and cultural importance. Saranda, located in the West Singhbhum district, is Asia’s largest natural Sal forest and a habitat for numerous endangered species such as the sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, and wild elephants. It also sustains several Adivasi communities whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are intertwined with the forest. The sanctuary status will provide legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, helping control mining pressures, prevent habitat loss, and promote sustainable conservation practices involving local communities.

Botswana is contributing 8 cheetahs to support India’s Project Cheetah, a major conservation initiative aimed at reintroducing the species decades after their extinction in India in 1952. This donation strengthens not only India’s efforts to restore ecological balance in grassland ecosystems but also highlights the deepening environmental and diplomatic ties between India and Botswana. The cheetahs being transferred are significant for ensuring stronger genetic diversity and come from one of the world’s most stable wild cheetah populations. The move forms part of a broader conservation partnership, underscored by President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit and the scheduled symbolic handover ceremony in Gaborone.

Ethiopia has been chosen to host the 2027 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP32) in its capital city, Addis Ababa. The announcement was made during Brazil’s COP30 by COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago. This selection marks a significant moment for Africa, highlighting the continent’s growing role in global climate action and sustainable development discussions. Hosting COP32 will allow Ethiopia to spotlight regional environmental challenges, renewable energy initiatives, and resilience strategies. The decision also reflects the UN’s aim to ensure regional balance and representation in major international climate forums.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up solar power installations along the elevated Delhi section of the Delhi–Dehradun Highway (NH-709B). This project is a step toward integrating renewable energy with transport infrastructure. By harnessing solar energy to power highway systems, the initiative contributes to lowering carbon emissions, promoting green mobility, and advancing India’s commitment toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. It also serves as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development across the nation.