Current Affairs for 29 July 2026

Nairobi Meetings 2026: Draft Report Reveals Slow Progress Towards Global Biodiversity Targets

Why in News?

A draft of the first Global Review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) has revealed that the world is not on track to achieve most of the biodiversity targets set for 2030. The report will be discussed during the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-28) and the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-7) meetings being held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Highlights of the Draft Report

• The assessment finds that only one of the 23 KMGBF targets (Target 8) is showing progress.
• Even for Target 8, the pace of implementation is considered insufficient.
• Most biodiversity targets are significantly off track, indicating that current global efforts are inadequate.
• The report stresses the need for greater ambition, stronger implementation, and increased financial support before 2030.

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)?

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted in 2022 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Objectives

• Halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
• Protect ecosystems and endangered species.
• Promote the sustainable use of biodiversity.
• Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

Key Facts

• Adopted: 2022
• Total Targets: 23
• Deadline: 2030
• Implemented under: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Target 8: The Only Target Showing Progress

Target 8 focuses on:

• Minimising the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
• Strengthening ecosystem resilience.
• Promoting nature-based solutions.
• However, the report notes that even this target is not progressing fast enough to meet the 2030 deadline.

Concerns Over Biodiversity Finance

• The report highlights limited progress on Target 19, which aims to:
• Mobilise at least $200 billion annually for biodiversity conservation by 2030.
• Increase financial support for biodiversity protection.
• Strengthen investment in conservation initiatives.
• Current financial commitments remain well below the required level.

What is Being Discussed at the Nairobi Meetings?

SBSTTA-28

• Duration: July 27 - August 1, 2026
• The meeting focuses on scientific and technical issues, including:
• Marine and coastal biodiversity
• Protected and conserved areas
• Sustainable wildlife management
• Synthetic biology
• Scientific evidence for biodiversity policy
• Findings from the IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment

SBI-7

• Duration: August 4 -August 12, 2026
• The implementation meeting will discuss:
• Resource mobilisation
• Biodiversity finance
• Capacity building
• Biodiversity mainstreaming
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
• Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol and Nagoya Protocol

Basis of the Global Assessment

• The draft report is based on:
• 129 National Reports
• 3,693 National Biodiversity Targets
• 89 National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
• Inputs from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
• This is the first global assessment of progress under the KMGBF since its adoption in 2022.

Major Findings

• According to the report:
• Current global efforts are insufficient to achieve the 23 biodiversity targets by 2030.
• Nature is being depleted faster than it can recover.
• Biodiversity has not been adequately integrated into economic and financial planning.
• Financing and technical capacity need urgent strengthening.
• Existing successful conservation practices should be scaled up globally.

Why Are the Nairobi Meetings Important?

• The discussions in Nairobi will:
• Identify the reasons behind slow implementation.
• Recommend measures to accelerate action.
• Prepare the Global Review for consideration at COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Help countries strengthen their biodiversity commitments before 2030.

Significance

• Provides the first comprehensive assessment of global biodiversity progress.
• Highlights major implementation gaps.
• Encourages countries to increase ambition and funding.
• Supports evidence-based policymaking for biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthens international cooperation under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Challenges

• Slow implementation of biodiversity commitments.
• Inadequate financial resources.
• Weak integration of biodiversity into development planning.
• Climate change and habitat loss continue to threaten ecosystems.
• Limited technical and institutional capacity in many countries.

Way Forward

• Increase investment in biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthen national biodiversity strategies.
• Integrate biodiversity into economic and development policies.
• Promote nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration.
• Enhance international cooperation and technology sharing.
• Accelerate implementation before the 2030 deadline.

Conclusion

The draft Global Review presented at the Nairobi meetings sends a clear message: the world is falling behind on its biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. While progress has been made in a few areas, most targets remain off track. The Nairobi discussions are expected to shape key recommendations for COP17, making them a critical milestone in global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and achieve the 2030 biodiversity goals.

FAQs: Nairobi Meetings 2026 & Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

India Allows Direct Use of Ammonia in Agriculture: A Big Step to Reduce Urea Imports

Why in News?

The Union Agriculture Ministry has permitted the manufacture and agricultural use of Anhydrous Ammonia (82% Nitrogen) for three years under the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985. The move aims to reduce India's dependence on imported urea and improve nitrogen-use efficiency.

What is Anhydrous Ammonia?

• Anhydrous ammonia is a water-free gaseous fertilizer containing at least 82% nitrogen by weight.
• It has the highest nitrogen concentration among commercially available fertilizers.
• Since it is a gas under normal conditions, it must be stored under pressure and injected below the soil surface to prevent nitrogen loss.
• Widely used in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Key Government Decision

• Agriculture Ministry issued a Gazette Notification on 23 July.
• Manufacturing of Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer permitted for three years.
• Approval granted under Clause 20A of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.
• If implemented successfully, India will become the fourth country after the US, Canada and Australia to use ammonia directly in farming.

Why is India Promoting Direct Ammonia Use?

1. Reduce Urea Import Dependence

• India produces around 300 lakh tonnes of urea annually.
• Imports nearly 100 lakh tonnes every year.
• Much of domestic production depends on imported LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

2. Higher Nitrogen Content

Higher nitrogen concentration means lower transportation volume for the same nutrient supply.

3. Better Utilisation of Surplus Ammonia

• Urea plants generate 2,000–6,000 tonnes of surplus ammonia annually.
• Due to production constraints, this surplus is currently sold to complex fertilizer manufacturers.

Challenges in Implementation

Infrastructure Requirement

• Requires specialised:
  • Pressurised storage tanks
  • Tanker transport
  • Soil injection machines
• Cannot be broadcast like conventional urea.

Safety Concerns

• Risk of ammonia gas leakage.
• Requires trained operators and strict safety protocols.

Application Standardisation

• Uneven injection may cause:
  • Non-uniform crop growth
  • Variable nitrogen availability

ICAR Field Trials

Trials were conducted during Rabi 2025–26 on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR).

Findings

• Higher crop biomass.
• Improved greenness in several plots.
• Some plots showed uneven growth because of inconsistent ammonia injection.
• Scientists recommended further testing in:
  • Transplanted rice
  • Maize
  • Standardisation of timing and injection techniques.

Green Ammonia: The Future

Green ammonia is produced using:

• Renewable electricity
• Water electrolysis to produce green hydrogen
• Nitrogen from air
• No fossil fuel-based hydrogen

It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional ammonia production.

Green Urea Initiative

The Department of Fertilizers is promoting Green Urea production.

Pilot Project

• 150 TPD Green Urea Plant
• Location: Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh
• Developed by NETRA, the R&D arm of NTPC.
• Integrates:
  • Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCUS)
  • Water electrolysis
  • Green hydrogen production

Investment Requirement

• A 1,200 TPD Green Ammonia Plant requires an investment of approximately: ₹13,000–15,000 crore

Demand for Urea Rising

• Good monsoon rainfall increased fertilizer demand.
• By 17 July, over 60% of July's urea demand had already been sold.
• Demand remained much higher than:
  • DAP
  • Complex fertilizers
  • MOP

Environmental Significance

Advantages

• Higher nitrogen-use efficiency.
• Lower fertilizer transportation requirement.
• Potential reduction in urea imports.
• Supports India's green hydrogen and green ammonia mission.
• May reduce overall carbon emissions when produced from renewable energy.

Challenges

• High infrastructure costs.
• Safety risks.
• Requires specialised farm machinery.
• Farmer training essential.

UPSC Prelims Facts

• Nitrogen content in Urea: 46%
• Nitrogen content in Anhydrous Ammonia: 82%
• Legal Framework: Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985
• Approval Duration: 3 years
• Pilot Green Urea Plant: Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh
• Implementing Agency: NTPC-NETRA
• Green Urea uses captured CO₂ from industries such as thermal power, steel and cement.

Conclusion

India's approval for the direct agricultural use of anhydrous ammonia marks an important step towards reducing dependence on imported urea and improving nitrogen-use efficiency. However, its success will depend on creating safe storage and transport infrastructure, standardising application methods, and expanding field trials before large-scale adoption.

FAQs

Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) 2026: Government Re-Issues Draft Notification for 56,825 sq km

Why in News?

The Union Government has re-issued the seventh draft notification proposing 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).

Important Point

• The fresh notification was issued after the sixth draft notification expired, as consensus among the six Western Ghats states is yet to be achieved.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has also extended the tenure of the Expert Committee headed by Sanjay Kumar till July 2027.
• The draft aims to balance ecological conservation with the developmental aspirations and livelihood concerns of the region.

What is an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA)?

An Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) is a fragile ecosystem notified by the Central Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to act as a buffer around ecologically important regions. These areas are regulated to minimise environmental degradation while allowing sustainable development.

Objectives

• Protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Prevent unplanned urbanisation.
• Regulate environmentally harmful activities.
• Conserve forests, wildlife and water resources.
• Promote sustainable and climate-resilient development.

State-wise Proposed Eco-Sensitive Area

Total Proposed ESA: 56,825.7 sq. km

Key Provisions of the Draft Notification

1. Complete Ban on Mining

• No new mining activities.
• Ban on quarrying and sand mining.
• Existing mines to be phased out within five years from the final notification or upon lease expiry, whichever is earlier.

2. Restrictions on Thermal Power Plants

• No new thermal power plants.
• Expansion of existing thermal power plants prohibited.

3. Ban on Highly Polluting Industries

• No new Red Category Industries.
• Expansion of existing red-category industries prohibited.

4. Restrictions on Large Construction Projects

The following projects will not be permitted:

• Buildings having a built-up area of 20,000 sq. metres or more.
• Township projects exceeding 50 hectares.

Status of Different States

• Gujarat: Largely agreed with the proposed ESA boundaries.
• Goa: Broadly accepted the proposed ESA demarcation.
• Maharashtra: Submitted a revised proposal which is under examination.
• Karnataka: Continues to oppose the notification. Expressed concerns regarding farmers, villages and developmental restrictions.
• Kerala: Discussions continue over boundary demarcation and livelihood concerns.
• Tamil Nadu: Certain technical discrepancies regarding mapping are under resolution.

Expert Committee

Chairperson: Sanjay Kumar (Former Director General of Forest, MoEFCC)

Mandate

• Examine suggestions from six state governments.
• Balance ecological conservation with developmental needs.
• Protect the rights and livelihood of local communities.
• Recommend practical implementation measures.

Tenure Extended Till: July 2027

Evolution of the Western Ghats ESA Proposal

1. Madhav Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel – 2011)

Chairperson: Madhav Gadgil

Recommendations

• Entire Western Ghats should be declared ecologically sensitive.
• Divide the region into ESZ-1, ESZ-2 and ESZ-3.
• Strict restrictions on mining and large industries.
• Greater role for local communities in environmental governance.

2. Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group – 2013)

Chairperson: K. Kasturirangan

Recommendations

• Around 37% of the Western Ghats should be notified as ESA.
• Exclude human settlements and agricultural lands.
• Strike a balance between conservation and economic development.

The first draft notification was issued in March 2014 based on these recommendations.

About the Western Ghats

• One of the world's eight Biodiversity Hotspots.
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Extends for nearly 1,600 km along India's western coast.
• Passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Source of major peninsular rivers including:
  • Godavari
  • Krishna
  • Kaveri
  • Tungabhadra
  • Periyar

Importance of Declaring ESA

• Conserves globally significant biodiversity.
• Protects wildlife habitats and endemic species.
• Reduces landslides and flood risks.
• Safeguards river catchments and water security.
• Supports climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Encourages sustainable development.

Challenges

• Opposition from state governments.
• Livelihood concerns of farmers and local communities.
• Balancing conservation with infrastructure development.
• Boundary demarcation disputes.
• Political and administrative coordination.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 48A – Protection and improvement of the environment.
• Article 51A (g) – Fundamental duty of citizens to protect the environment.
• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to wild animals, birds, plants, and their habitats through the establishment of protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval of the Central Government, helping prevent deforestation.
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers the Central Government to protect and improve the environment by regulating activities that may cause environmental pollution, including the notification of Eco-Sensitive Areas.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Provides for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

UPSC Prelims Facts

• First ESA Draft Notification: March 2014
• Current Notification: Seventh Draft
• Total Proposed ESA: 56,825.7 sq km
• Expert Committee Chairman: Sanjay Kumar
• Committee Tenure: Till July 2027
• Based on: Kasturirangan Committee Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)