India's industrial growth recorded a 10-month low of 1.5% in June, primarily due to sharp contractions in mining (-8.7%) and electricity output (-2.6%). The early onset of the southwest monsoon, causing waterlogging in mining belts, further hampered economic activity. Despite robust growth in capital, intermediate, and infrastructure goods, overall industrial output growth remains sluggish. The article highlights a general reluctance in India to explicitly correlate economic disruptions with climate-related events in official narratives, unlike international institutions. It calls for a systemic shift to integrate climate risk frameworks into macroeconomic reporting.
- India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 10-month low growth rate of 1.5% in June.
- Mining activity contracted by -8.7% and electricity output by -2.6%, contributing to the sluggish IIP growth.
- Monsoon-induced waterlogging in mining belts of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal hampered economic activity.
A new study reveals that India has the largest number of slum dwellers—over 158 million—living in flood-prone areas, primarily concentrated in the Ganga river delta. Globally, 33% of informal settlements in the Global South (445 million people) are in flood-exposed regions. The study highlights that low-income households are often forced into floodplains due to cheaper land, despite the high risk. This disproportionate exposure is exacerbated by failing infrastructure and lack of drainage. The findings underscore the urgent need for human-centric risk management strategies, community collaboration, and skill improvement in sanitation and waste management to enhance resilience, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
- India has the highest number of slum dwellers (over 158 million) residing in flood-prone areas, mainly in the Ganga river delta.
- Globally, 33% of informal settlements in the Global South are exposed to floods.
- Low-income populations are often pushed into floodplains due to affordability and lack of other viable options.
The Union Environment Ministry has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, establishing a legal framework to address chemically contaminated sites. These sites, historically dumped with hazardous waste, lacked regulation. Under the new rules, district administrations will report "suspected contaminated sites," followed by a preliminary assessment by a State Board or reference organization within 90 days. A detailed survey will then confirm contamination, and a reference organization will specify remediation plans. Responsible parties will bear the clean-up costs, with criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) for contamination causing loss of life or damage.
- New Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, provide a legal structure for managing contaminated sites.
- District administrations will identify and report suspected sites, followed by assessment by State Boards or expert organizations.
- Responsible parties will be identified and held accountable for remediation costs.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has been mounted on a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for its scheduled launch from Sriharikota. This 2,392-kg earth observation satellite will be injected into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit, marking the first time a satellite observes Earth with a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band). With a five-year mission life, NISAR will use SweepSAR technology to scan the globe, providing all-weather, day-and-night data at 12-day intervals. Its applications include detecting ground deformation, ice sheet movement, vegetation dynamics, sea ice classification, and disaster response, with commissioning expected within 90 days post-launch.
- The NISAR satellite, a joint mission between NASA and ISRO, is set for launch on a GSLV.
- It is a 2,392-kg earth observation satellite designed for a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit.
- NISAR will be the first satellite to use a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO).
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India's first public-private partnership (PPP) airport, is undertaking a major expansion focused on green energy, smart technology, and integrated growth. The plan includes a dedicated IT park, a green hydrogen production facility, and airport-wide digital upgrades, aiming to make CIAL future-ready and sustainable. CIAL is collaborating with BPCL to build the world's first airport-based green hydrogen plant, slated for inauguration in August, with a capacity of 1 MW. This initiative, along with other projects like an import cargo terminal and MRO services expansion, aligns with 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goals, promoting domestic capabilities and attracting foreign business.
- Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is India's first public-private partnership (PPP) airport.
- CIAL is undergoing a major expansion focusing on green energy, smart technology, and integrated growth.
- It is collaborating with BPCL to establish the world's first airport-based green hydrogen plant, with a 1 MW capacity.
The article discusses India's preparation for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events, highlighting recent catastrophic events in Nepal and the increasing risk in the Himalayas due to rising temperatures and glacial melt. India's National Remote Sensing Centre identifies 28,000 glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), with two main types: supraglacial and moraine-dammed. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has shifted from post-disaster response to proactive risk reduction, initiating a national program to prioritize and mitigate risks from 195 at-risk glacial lakes. This includes hazard assessment, installing early warning systems, and community engagement.
- GLOF events, like recent ones in Nepal, pose increasing threats in the Himalayas due to glacial melt and rising temperatures.
- The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) contains 28,000 glacial lakes, primarily supraglacial and moraine-dammed types.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has adopted a proactive strategy for GLOF risk reduction, moving beyond post-disaster response.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is a joint mission designed to observe Earth's changing surface with high detail. Utilizing L-band and S-band radars, it will provide data every 12 days to monitor ecosystems, ice sheets, farmlands, and volcanoes. NISAR's mission is crucial for understanding natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and for tracking changes in land surface, groundwater, and forest cover. The data will significantly aid disaster management, climate change studies, and resource management globally, offering a "Smart Way to Succeed" in various administrative applications and environmental monitoring efforts.
- NISAR is a collaborative NASA-ISRO mission focused on detailed observation of Earth's surface changes.
- It employs L-band and S-band radars to provide high-resolution data every 12 days for monitoring various environmental features.
- The satellite's data is vital for understanding natural hazards, climate change impacts, and managing natural resources.
The article highlights M.S. Swaminathan's crucial role in transforming the perception and management of mangroves globally and in India. From 1989, he advocated for mangroves' role in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and coastal resource enhancement. His initiatives led to the establishment of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990 and the development of the GLObal Mangrove database (GLOMIS). He also pioneered a hydro-ecological "fishbone canal method" for mangrove restoration in India, which later evolved into a Joint Mangrove Management programme. These efforts, combined with the recognition of mangroves' role in mitigating natural disasters, have significantly increased India's mangrove cover.
- M.S. Swaminathan played a pivotal role in elevating the importance of mangroves for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and coastal ecosystem health.
- His efforts led to the establishment of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990 and the creation of the GLObal Mangrove database and Information System (GLOMIS).
- Swaminathan introduced the "fishbone canal method" for mangrove restoration, which was adopted and scaled up into a Joint Mangrove Management programme in India.
The article draws parallels between the plastic and tobacco industries, arguing that both have used profit-driven tactics to influence policies and shift blame onto consumers. The plastic industry, backed by fossil fuel giants, has promoted recycling as a solution while privately acknowledging its impracticality, similar to how tobacco companies funded misleading science. This "greenwashing" creates a false impression of environmental responsibility. As regulations tighten in the Global North, plastic producers are increasingly targeting low- and middle-income countries with weaker environmental regulations. India's waste management relies heavily on the informal sector, and schemes like NAMASTE aim to integrate waste pickers while Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate producer responsibility.
- The plastic industry employs tactics similar to the tobacco industry to influence green policies and deflect corporate accountability.
- "Greenwashing" and promoting impractical solutions like recycling are key strategies used by the plastic industry.
- Plastic producers are shifting focus to the Global South, where environmental regulations are weaker.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take adequate measures to protect the planet from climate change. Nations harmed by climate change effects could also be entitled to reparations. Advocates welcomed the opinion, which underscores nations' obligations to tackle climate change. ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa described the climate crisis as an "existential problem" imperiling all life. The case was initiated by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and supported by over 130 countries, strengthening the global legal framework for holding nations accountable for climate inaction.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued an advisory opinion on states' obligations regarding climate change.
- Failure to act against climate change could constitute a violation of international law, potentially entitling affected nations to reparations.
- The ruling emphasizes the "existential problem" posed by the climate crisis to global health and life.
Delhi's air pollution, a persistent issue in autumn and winter, stems from both local sources and emissions from neighboring states across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). The article highlights the need for coordinated regional action, especially with the current political alignment across Delhi-NCR states. Despite existing measures like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and pollution control devices in industries, implementation lags due to fragmented governance. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) provides a promising institutional framework, but its effectiveness depends on aligning state actions with regional targets. The author emphasizes treating the entire IGP as a single airshed for effective mitigation.
- Delhi's air pollution is a regional problem requiring coordinated action across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) states.
- Fragmented governance and inconsistent implementation hinder effective pollution control measures.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has the potential to drive regional mitigation strategies.
The ninth Swachh Survekshan, the world's largest cleanliness survey, provides a comprehensive reality check on urban sanitation and waste management. It involved over 4,500 cities and 140 million citizens' feedback, assessing 10 parameters from waste segregation to grievance redressal. The survey has fostered competition, leading to improvements in city sanitation. This year's theme, "reduce, reuse, and recycle (RRR)", aims to create jobs and promote self-help groups, building on the previous "waste to wealth" theme. The article highlights successful models like Indore's waste segregation, Surat's revenue from treated water, and Pune's cooperative-based waste management, demonstrating effective strategies for clean cities.
- The Swachh Survekshan serves as a critical tool for assessing and improving urban sanitation and waste management in India.
- The survey's comprehensive parameters and citizen feedback drive competition and progress among cities.
- The 2025 survey's theme, "reduce, reuse, and recycle (RRR)", emphasizes job creation and self-help groups.
The article argues for a paradigm shift from live animal testing to artificial biological models, citing ethical concerns and the unreliability of animal test results for human harm prediction. It highlights the suffering animals endure and proposes that advancements in tissue engineering allow for the cultivation of various artificial anatomical parts, making animal-free experimentation feasible. The author suggests amending 'The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960' to mandate the consideration of lab-grown models. The piece also calls for a change in societal values and increased awareness of animal suffering, advocating for the use of visual and ex-corpus models in education and research for safety testing.
- Animal testing is ethically problematic and often unreliable for predicting harm to humans.
- Advances in tissue engineering enable the creation of artificial anatomical parts for experimentation.
- The author proposes amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to prioritize lab-grown models.
The article highlights that human activities such as mining, groundwater extraction, impounding water behind dams, and injecting fluids into the ground can induce seismic activity, leading to human-induced earthquakes. These activities cause strain accumulation between tectonic plates. A 2021 study linked shallow earthquakes in the National Capital Region to excessive groundwater extraction. Large dams, like the Koyna hydroelectric dam, have also been associated with significant earthquakes. India's growing energy demand, met through hydropower and oil/gas extraction (including fracking), further increases this risk. Scientists emphasize the need for scientific management of groundwater, proper evaluation before dam construction, and strong seismic networks to monitor these activities.
- Human activities like groundwater extraction, dam construction, and energy extraction can induce earthquakes.
- These activities alter the stress regime in the Earth's crust, leading to seismic events.
- Examples include earthquakes linked to groundwater depletion in Delhi-NCR and the Koyna dam.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of India's first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Coimbatore district. Hornbills, known as 'farmers of the forest' for their role as seed dispersers, are threatened by deforestation and climate change. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests has sanctioned ₹1 crore for the Centre, which will focus on four hornbill species found in the Western Ghats. Activities will include habitat mapping, nest monitoring, scientific research, and restoration of degraded forest areas. The initiative emphasizes community participation and collaboration with national and international organizations.
- Tamil Nadu is setting up India's first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation.
- The Centre will be located at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Coimbatore.
- Hornbills are crucial keystone species for forest regeneration, facing threats from habitat loss and climate change.
China has emerged as a global leader in the green energy sector, installing more wind turbines and solar panels in 2024 than all other nations combined and dominating the renewable supply chain. This dominance stems from decades of strategic state planning and massive investments in innovation, with State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and banks playing a crucial role. Driven by climate goals, severe air pollution, and energy insecurity, China allocated $940 billion to renewables in 2024. Despite challenges like grid absorption and haphazard subsidies, Beijing responded with ultra-high voltage transmission lines and a focus on efficiency, now aiming for leadership in next-generation technologies like AI smart grids and green hydrogen.
- China leads globally in green energy installations and controls the renewable energy supply chain.
- Its success is attributed to long-term strategic state planning, massive investments, and the pivotal role of SOEs and state banks.
- Key drivers include addressing severe air pollution, achieving climate goals, and enhancing energy security.
Recent tremors in Delhi (magnitude 4.4) and a series of earthquakes across Asia highlight India's seismic vulnerability, especially as the Indian Plate drifts northward, making the Himalayas prone to a "Great Himalayan Earthquake." Delhi, in Seismic Zone IV, faces high risk due to rapid urbanization and non-compliant older structures. The article emphasizes the urgent need for India to rigorously enforce seismic codes, retrofit old buildings, and adopt resilient infrastructure. It draws lessons from Bangkok's high-strength concrete use and warns against unreinforced masonry seen in Myanmar. Experts estimate annual retrofitting investments of ₹50,000 crore are needed, urging a national dialogue and public education for preparedness to transform vulnerability into strength.
- Recent tremors in Delhi and widespread seismic activity across Asia underscore India's high seismic vulnerability, particularly in the Himalayan region.
- Delhi, located in Seismic Zone IV, faces significant risk due to rapid urbanization and a large number of older buildings not compliant with seismic codes.
- India's seismic risk is exacerbated by the northward drift of the Indian Plate, making the Himalayas overdue for a major earthquake.
Global shipping aims for decarbonisation by 2040-50, presenting a significant opportunity for India. The industry is transitioning from traditional fuels like Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and LNG to green alternatives such as green ammonia and e-methanol. Green hydrogen, produced via renewable energy, is foundational, with green ammonia being preferred for its stability in shipping. India is encouraged to become a marine green fuels production hub, leveraging its solar energy revolution and policy frameworks. Challenges include high upfront capital costs, price discrepancies, and reliance on imports for key technologies. The article suggests innovative financial instruments, PLI schemes, CCUS incentives, and demand-side support for green shipbuilding to achieve this goal.
- Global shipping is committed to decarbonisation by 2040-50, transitioning from traditional fuels to green alternatives like green ammonia and e-methanol.
- Green hydrogen, derived from renewable power, is the key enabler, with green ammonia being a more stable and practical fuel for shipping than hydrogen itself.
- India has a significant opportunity to establish itself as a global hub for marine green fuel production, building on its successful solar energy revolution.
The article discusses the Chhattisgarh forest department's attempt to designate itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. This move, later withdrawn, contradicted the FRA's spirit of empowering gram sabhas to manage customary forests. It criticizes traditional 'scientific forestry' focused on timber extraction, advocating for CFR management plans developed by gram sabhas that prioritize local needs and ecosystem health over bureaucratic working plans. The article highlights resistance from forest departments to gram sabhas' legitimacy and calls for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) to support gram sabhas and for forest departments to adopt a people-friendly, ecosystem-focused management approach.
- The Chhattisgarh forest department's attempt to control CFRR implementation violated the spirit of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which empowers gram sabhas.
- Traditional forest management, rooted in colonial 'scientific forestry,' is criticized for prioritizing timber extraction over local livelihoods and ecological needs.
- CFR management plans, developed by gram sabhas, are designed to prioritize local needs and ecosystem health, offering a more adaptive response to environmental challenges.
The Indian government announced greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for eight heavy industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). The article argues that the ambition of these targets should be assessed at an aggregate economy-wide level rather than individual entity or sector levels, drawing parallels with the successful Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme. While industry-specific CCTS targets cannot be directly compared with economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets, modelling suggests that the manufacturing sector's emissions intensity is projected to decline at a slower pace (2.53% annually) than the energy sector (3.44%) between 2025-2030. The current combined average annual EIVA reduction for the eight sectors under CCTS is estimated at 1.68% for 2023-27, suggesting the industrial targets might not be ambitious enough.
- India has set greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for eight heavy industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
- The article advocates for assessing the ambition of these targets at an aggregate economy-wide level, similar to the PAT scheme's success.
- Current projections indicate that India's manufacturing sector may decarbonise at a slower rate compared to the power sector.
The Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This decision undermines a 2015 mandate requiring all 180 coal plants (600 units) to install FGDs by 2017. Currently, only about 8% of units have installed FGDs. Official reasons include limited vendors, high costs, and COVID-19 disruptions. An expert committee cited low sulphur content in Indian coal and negligible difference in SO2 levels near plants with and without FGDs. Concerns are also raised about sulphates' beneficial side-effect in suppressing warming, implying that reducing them could worsen climate goals and public health commitments.
- India's Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- The original 2015 mandate required all coal plants to install FGDs by 2017, but only 8% have complied.
- Reasons for the exemption include low sulphur content in Indian coal, high installation costs, and the potential impact of sulphate reduction on climate warming.
The Union Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's thermal power plants (TPPs) from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to cut sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Only about 11% of TPPs in Category A (within 10 km radius of NCR or cities with population over a million) must install FGDs. Another 11% in Category B (within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities) may or may not install them, while the remaining 78% in Category C are exempt. Critics argue this decision, based on an expert committee's recommendations, will worsen air pollution and increase health risks.
- The Union Environment Ministry has relaxed pollution control norms for thermal power plants regarding FGD systems.
- A majority of TPPs (78% in Category C) are now exempt from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- FGD systems are crucial for cutting sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution and secondary particulate matter.
A central team of scientists led by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) visited Palakkad and Malappuram districts in Kerala to combat the Nipah virus. Another team from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is also expected to survey bats in the affected areas. Health Minister Veena George reported 499 persons under observation across the state, with 11 under treatment. While restrictions were lifted in 20 wards in Malappuram, Palakkad district still has six containment zones. The efforts aim to control the spread and assess the situation on the ground.
- A central team from NCDC and NIV is assessing the Nipah virus situation in Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
- The assessment includes surveying bats, which are known carriers of the Nipah virus.
- Health authorities are monitoring hundreds of individuals and have imposed restrictions in containment zones to curb the spread.
Catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) are hybrid insurance-cum-debt financial products that transfer hazard risk from at-risk states to global financial markets through securitization. This mechanism provides a larger pool of funds for post-disaster relief and reconstruction, offering quicker payouts and reduced counter-party risk. Governments sponsor these bonds, paying premiums, with the principal at risk for investors if a disaster occurs. While profitable for investors seeking diversification, India could benefit from sponsoring a South Asian cat bond to ring-fence public finances against increasing extreme weather events. However, defectively designed cat bonds might not pay out despite significant disasters, emphasizing the need for transparent government procedures.
- Catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) are financial instruments that convert insurance risk into tradable securities, transferring disaster risk to global financial markets.
- They offer a mechanism for quicker payouts and reduced counter-party risk for post-disaster relief and reconstruction.
- Governments act as sponsors, paying premiums, while investors risk their principal if a specified disaster occurs, making them attractive for diversification.