UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

India's green cover decreased from 36.95% in 2001 to 31.35% in 2025. Non-green land increased from 63.05% to 68.65% during the same period.

On October 26, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab.

Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on 24 October 2026, killing one person and injuring 527 others, as powerful winds and torrential rainfall caused widespread damage and disrupted transportation and electricity supplies.

On 20 October 2026, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Delhi’s 10-point Winter Action Plan for 2026–27.

India has begun a national Red List Assessment of 1,211 bird species under the framework of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As of 19 October 2026, preliminary assessments of 107 bird species had been completed. 

On 15 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that India’s number of Ramsar sites had increased to 103.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol marks its 10th anniversary on 15 October 2026. Adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2016, the amendment aims to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Vyom and Neera, into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Nauradehi) in Sagar district on October 7, 2026.

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has stated that the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is intended not merely for power generation but primarily for water storage, regulation and management in the Siang basin.

The use of animals as instruments of diplomacy has again attracted attention in 2026, highlighting a practice that stretches from ancient royal courts to modern international relations.