Current Affairs - Environment

NTPC’s Talcher Kaniha Super Thermal Power Station achieved a significant environmental milestone by attaining 100% ash utilization in the financial year 2024–25, a notable rise from 68% in the previous year. The plant successfully managed 67 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fly ash, which was repurposed for infrastructure development, including major projects by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and road construction in Odisha. This aligns with eco-regulations set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, minimizing environmental hazards related to ash disposal and reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to sustainable and responsible energy production practices.

Brazil has put forward a significant proposal to establish a Global Climate Council under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This initiative comes in anticipation of COP30, which is scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Belem, a city in northern Brazil. The proposed council aims to accelerate international cooperation and coordinated action on climate change. By taking this proactive step, Brazil is positioning itself as a leader in global environmental governance and pushing for a more structured and accountable approach to tackling climate issues on the world stage.

Aerosols are tiny particles or droplets suspended in the atmosphere, often resulting from industrial pollution, especially from coal combustion. Unlike greenhouse gases that trap heat and contribute to long-term warming, aerosols reflect incoming solar radiation, which leads to a temporary cooling of the Earth's surface. However, they also disrupt the water cycle and can suppress or enhance rainfall. The reduction of aerosols, while beneficial for human health, could lead to a sudden spike in temperatures due to the removal of their cooling effect. This paradox is critical in forming balanced environmental and climate policies, particularly for countries like India.

The information highlights that South Korea is experiencing its most severe wildfires, affecting over 33,000 hectares and resulting in at least 26 fatalities. The fires originated in Uiseong and spread quickly due to dry conditions and strong winds, making them difficult to control. Experts also point to climate change as a key factor behind the increasing frequency and intensity of such deadly wildfires.

The new species of killifish, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, was discovered in Kenya’s Gongoni Forest, which is 7.09 million years old. This species is notable as the first known forest-dwelling killifish that is endemic to the region. Killifish are resilient and adaptable, capable of surviving in extreme environments. Their discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of Kenya, a country already known for its diverse wildlife and habitats, including major lakes like Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria.