Current Affairs - Environment

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in 2025, has set a comprehensive roadmap to bolster India’s clean energy future. One of its core objectives is to complete 1,200 mineral exploration projects and auction 100 mineral blocks by the year 2030. This mission plays a vital role in achieving self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, including solar power, wind energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. By securing access to minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements through both domestic and international channels, the mission supports India’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy economy.

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.