CURRENT AFFAIRS

India has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, reflecting a measured and continuity-based approach to climate action.

India has amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 in 2026, easing compliance norms for companies.

A recent study has documented 39 medicinal plants used by the Sonowal Kachari community to treat a wide range of ailments, highlighting the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in healthcare and biodiversity conservation.

India’s climate strategy and targets, guided by equity and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), are under focus as the country remains on track in several climate commitments while balancing growth and sustainability.

The National Biodiversity Authority has launched a short-term internship programme (up to 3 months) for undergraduate and postgraduate students, aimed at promoting research and awareness in biodiversity conservation.

Kaveh Madani has been named the 2026 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize, recognising his outstanding contributions to water management and sustainability.

The Union Budget has announced an allocation of ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), signalling a major policy push to cut emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.

Air pollution is a serious environmental and public health challenge in India. In many cities, the levels of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ are found to be above prescribed standards.

The United States has announced its withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and more than 60 international treaties and organisations, citing misalignment with American national interests.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that global atmospheric carbon dioxide has reached a new high, reflecting extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, and destabilizing ecosystems.