Current Affairs - Environment

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.

Six new butterfly species have been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley, highlighting the region’s exceptional ecological diversity. This discovery establishes a biological link between Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo and India’s Brahmaputra basin, emphasizing the shared evolutionary and environmental characteristics of the two regions. The finding also underscores the importance of community-based conservation efforts, which play a crucial role in protecting this biodiversity hotspot from threats like hydropower projects and climate change. Such studies not only expand scientific knowledge of Himalayan fauna but also strengthen global conservation strategies for fragile mountain ecosystems.

#AFarmerCan is a global campaign launched by UPL to celebrate farmers as central figures in driving climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. Introduced ahead of COP30 in Brazil, the campaign shares 20 farmer stories worldwide, demonstrating how local practices can contribute to global climate goals. UPL’s initiative is built on a four-pillar framework — Pay, Protect, Procure, Promote — designed to empower and reward climate-smart farming. By highlighting the critical role of farmers in environmental stewardship, the campaign aims to shift public perception and promote a more sustainable and equitable global food system.

The European Union has established 2040 as the target year to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. This goal includes an allowance for up to 5% of reductions through foreign carbon credits, effectively making domestic cuts 85%. The agreement introduces a carbon credit pilot phase (2031–2035), aiming to balance environmental responsibility with economic realities. Although the plan demonstrates strong climate ambition, some critics express concern that the flexibility provided by carbon credits may weaken the EU’s overall emission integrity. Nonetheless, the 2040 goal marks a critical step toward carbon neutrality.

The next All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) will be conducted in 2026, marking it as the world’s largest wildlife survey. India, home to over 75% of the global wild tiger population, will use a mix of ground tracking, satellite technology, and AI-based camera traps to ensure scientific accuracy and ecosystem-wide assessment. Building on the 2022 survey that recorded 3,682 tigers, the 2026 census aims to evaluate not just tiger numbers but also habitat health, prey density, and human-wildlife interactions. With participation from over 60,000 forest personnel, this massive operation reinforces India’s leadership in global wildlife conservation.