Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 300 new electric buses in Delhi, comprising 195 nine-metre DEVi buses and 105 regular 12-metre buses. He also laid the foundation stone for a high-security prison in Narela, estimated to cost over ₹100 crore. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that these zero-emission buses would significantly improve Delhi's air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a quieter, more comfortable travel experience for citizens. Three new bus depots were inaugurated at Narela, Rithala, and Kohat Enclave to support the expanded fleet.
- Delhi's public transport system was augmented with 300 new electric buses to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new buses and laid the foundation stone for a new prison.
- The new fleet includes both nine-metre DEVi buses and 12-metre regular buses.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two green initiatives in Delhi: the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to plant 70 lakh saplings with residents, and a plan to plant over 1 crore saplings across 6,300 hectares of the Ridge. The Ridge will be developed into a forest area over four years, replacing invasive trees with native species like peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The initiative also includes developing 70 ponds and preserving archaeological structures. CM Rekha Gupta noted that 5,000 hectares of the Ridge have already been notified as reserved forests, aiming to revive its biodiversity and environment.
- Delhi's Ridge will undergo a major rejuvenation project involving planting over 1 crore saplings and receiving legal protection.
- The initiative aims to transform the Ridge into a forest area by replacing invasive trees with native species and developing water bodies.
- The project is a collaborative effort between the Union and Delhi governments to enhance the city's green cover and biodiversity.
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) projects that El Niño conditions will significantly strain India's power system. Weaker wind and hydropower output, combined with rising demand for air conditioning, could create a generation gap of nearly 18 TWh over the next year. This shortfall, though less than 1% of total annual output, is likely to be filled by a surge in coal-fired power, leading to an estimated 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. CREA urges faster adoption of batteries and grid upgrades to meet future demand surges with clean energy, criticizing the curtailment of solar and wind power in 2025-26.
- El Niño conditions are projected to strain India's power system, leading to weaker wind and hydropower output.
- A generation gap of nearly 18 TWh is anticipated over the next year due to reduced renewable output and increased demand for air conditioning.
- This shortfall is likely to be met by a surge in coal-fired power, potentially releasing 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
A potential 'super' El Niño and weak monsoon rainfall, with a 40% deficit in June and "below normal" forecast for July, threaten India's economy. A poor monsoon could reduce agricultural output, depress rural incomes, fuel food inflation, and slow GDP growth. CRISIL projects maize acreage decline and potential shifts to pulses, while the RBI warns of an adverse impact on growth-inflation outlook. Past El Niño years (1972, 1982, 2009, 2015) saw significant agricultural output contractions and double-digit inflation. Experts urge India to 'drought-proof' its economy through investments in irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and risk-reduction measures.
- A weak monsoon, exacerbated by El Niño conditions, threatens India's economy through reduced agricultural output, lower rural incomes, and increased food inflation.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts "below normal" rainfall for July, following a 40% deficit in June.
- Past El Niño years, such as 1972, 1982, 2009, and 2015, led to significant agricultural contractions and high inflation.
A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that climate change is causing a massive decline in bovine milk production, particularly in India's trans-Gangetic plains. High temperatures (over 38°C) combined with high humidity (over 70%) during summer and monsoon months significantly reduce milk yield in buffaloes and cross-bred cattle, as animals divert energy to regulate body temperature. Indigenous cattle breeds like Sahiwal and Hariana show more heat tolerance. The study highlights that heat stress also impacts fodder availability, increases pest/disease attacks, and could lead to a loss of 15 million tonnes of milk by 2050s, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient livestock management.
- Climate change, specifically high temperatures and humidity, is causing a significant decline in bovine milk production in India's trans-Gangetic plains.
- Lactating animals, especially buffaloes and cross-bred cattle, divert energy from milk production to regulate body temperature under heat stress.
- Indigenous cattle breeds demonstrate greater heat tolerance due to adaptive traits like loose skin and efficient sweating.
Official claims of sustainable marine fish stocks in India are misleading, as the real crisis lies in the severe degradation of inshore fishing grounds. While the government reports high sustainability based on landing data, experts and fishers observe a consistent decline in catches and disappearance of species. This degradation is attributed to factors like dam construction, mangrove destruction, pollution, and critically, the uncontrolled expansion of mechanized trawling. The oversized trawler fleet, operating with weak regulations, continuously ploughs the seabed, destroying marine life and creating conflicts with small-scale fishers, pushing them to offshore zones.
- Official claims of sustainable marine fish stocks in India are questioned due to the degradation of inshore fishing grounds.
- The decline in inshore ecosystems is caused by factors such as dam construction, mangrove destruction, pollution, and uncontrolled mechanized trawling.
- Mechanized trawling, an introduced method, has expanded significantly with weak regulations, damaging seabed ecology.
India's Asiatic lion conservation is a success story, with numbers increasing significantly, but the species remains vulnerable due to its confinement to a single population in Gujarat's Gir forest. Scientific consensus, supported by the Wildlife Institute of India and a 2013 Supreme Court judgment, mandates establishing a second, geographically separate population to mitigate risks from epidemics, natural disasters, or prey decline. Despite the Kuno National Park being prepared for translocation, Gujarat has resisted the move, creating a policy impasse. This delay risks turning a global conservation triumph into an ecological vulnerability.
- The Asiatic lion population, despite its growth, remains vulnerable due to being confined to a single habitat in Gujarat's Gir forest.
- Scientific bodies and the Supreme Court have advocated for establishing a second, geographically separate population for resilience.
- Gujarat has resisted the translocation of lions to Kuno National Park, creating a policy impasse.
The Assam Forest Department released a special booklet highlighting the rich butterfly diversity in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The BTR, spanning 3,653 sq. km., boasts 346 of Assam's 620 recorded butterfly species, including rare, endemic, and threatened taxa. It serves as a unique ecological corridor where species from the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Malayan region, and Indo-Gangetic plains converge. The booklet also notes the cultural significance of butterflies, inspiring traditional folklore and the Bodo community's "Bagurumba" butterfly dance, which is believed to be inspired by the colorful mud-puddling congregations.
- Assam's Forest Department released a booklet on the butterfly diversity in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
- The BTR is a significant biodiversity hotspot, home to 346 of Assam's 620 recorded butterfly species, including rare and endemic ones.
- It acts as a unique ecological corridor where different biogeographic zones meet.
India faces severe water stress, with many cities experiencing shortages and a significant monsoon rainfall deficit. A UN report warns of global water bankruptcy, as river basins are polluted, aquifers are depleted, and a large portion of the global population lives in water-insecure countries. India's water resources are unevenly distributed, and existing infrastructure suffers from poor upkeep, inadequate wastewater treatment, and high losses. The article proposes four key actions: climate-proofing water systems, enabling water reuse for non-potable purposes, scaling up micro-irrigation systems, and closing water data gaps at the river basin level to improve decision-making and resource allocation.
- India is experiencing severe water stress, with cities facing shortages and major river basins under stress due to declining water availability and pollution.
- Global reports indicate a looming water bankruptcy, with widespread water insecurity and depletion of aquifers.
- Existing water infrastructure in India suffers from poor maintenance, inadequate treatment, and significant losses.
India has made significant progress in its energy transition, achieving near-universal household electrification and expanding renewable energy. However, to meet 2047 energy self-reliance and 2070 net-zero goals, an integrated approach is crucial. An INSA policy brief proposes a four-pillar framework: adequacy (reliable, diversified supplies), access (equitable services), affordability (economically viable transition), and appropriate sustainability (aligned with developmental priorities). This framework emphasizes greater coordination across diverse energy resources and technologies, viewing the entire energy system as an integrated whole to build a resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
- India needs a unified policy architecture to achieve its energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070 goals.
- An INSA policy brief proposes a four-pillar framework: adequacy, access, affordability, and appropriate sustainability.
- The framework advocates for reliable and diversified energy supplies, equitable energy services, economically viable transition, and sustainability aligned with India's context.
The World Bank Group (WBG) has indicated it will drop its funding target for climate-centric projects, following strong disapproval from the U.S. administration, its largest shareholder. The WBG will retire its 45% climate co-benefits target and 35% target in the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), shifting focus from inputs to outcomes. The U.S. argues the WBG should prioritize its core mission of poverty reduction and economic growth, claiming climate finance targets breed inefficiency. This decision could impact climate-focused projects in developing countries, including India, which has several ongoing initiatives with the WBG.
- The World Bank Group is abandoning its climate finance funding targets due to U.S. disapproval.
- The WBG will retire its 45% climate co-benefits target and 35% CCAP target, focusing instead on development impact.
- The U.S., as the largest shareholder, believes the WBG should prioritize poverty reduction and economic growth over climate targets.
At the Bonn climate talks (June 8-18), the concept of 'tipping points' in the Earth's climate system became a contentious topic. India urged caution and clarity in its definition and use, warning against misinformation and oversimplification. The European Union, however, raised concerns about "coordinated misinformation." Tipping points are thresholds beyond which climate changes become irreversible or accelerate. Scientists struggle to project them due to system complexities and data uncertainties. The article highlights that while some see tipping points as a catalyst for urgent action, others argue their uncertainties undermine policymaking, emphasizing the need for clear communication of scientific uncertainty to build trust and inform climate action.
- The concept of 'climate tipping points' was a major point of debate at the Bonn climate talks.
- India advocated for caution and clarity in defining and using the term, citing risks of misinformation and oversimplification.
- Tipping points represent thresholds in the climate system where changes become rapid, irreversible, or self-amplifying.
India's biodiversity database expanded significantly in 2025 with the addition of 709 new animal species and 353 new plant taxa. The animal discoveries include 483 species new to science and 226 new records for India, while the plant additions comprise 14 infraspecific taxa. This was announced by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, based on reports from the Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India. Kerala recorded the highest number of new animal species (98), while Arunachal Pradesh led in new flora findings (49). Notable discoveries include new bat, lizard, and snake species, reinforcing India's status as one of the world's premier mega-diverse nations.
- India added 709 new animal species and 353 new plant taxa to its biodiversity database in 2025.
- The discoveries include species new to science and new distributional records for India.
- Kerala recorded the highest number of new animal species (98), while Arunachal Pradesh led in new flora findings (49).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts "below normal" rainfall for July, with a current monsoon deficit of 40%. June rainfall was the fifth lowest since 1901, primarily attributed to the El Niño phenomenon. This poses significant challenges for agriculture, water resources, and hydropower generation. While the first week of July may see some good rainfall, the broader outlook remains bleak. Despite good monsoons in the last two years leading to some reservoir surpluses, higher evaporation due to low rains and high temperatures could quickly deplete these reserves, exacerbating water scarcity.
- IMD forecasts "below normal" rainfall for July, with a 40% current monsoon deficit, impacting agriculture and water resources.
- El Niño's development in June negatively impacted rainfall, making it the fifth lowest June since 1901.
- The overall outlook for July is bleak despite potential good rainfall in the first week, raising concerns about rapid water reservoir depletion.
A captive-bred, radio-tagged white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), released earlier this year at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, was electrocuted after coming into contact with a power line. This incident occurred at Ebbanad village. The bird was initially released in Maharashtra in December 2025, then treated for illness in Karnataka, and finally released in MTR, which hosts a significant population of white-rumped vultures in South India. Its death marks the end of the first attempted reintroduction of a captively-bred bird of this species and could impact future conservation policies.
- A radio-tagged white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) was electrocuted in Tamil Nadu.
- The vulture was part of a reintroduction program, initially released in Maharashtra and later in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).
- MTR in Nilgiris district is home to a sizeable population of white-rumped vultures in South India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, lauded India's increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, designating June as a "landmark month." He highlighted the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). Modi also noted the induction of indigenously designed and built warships like INS Dunagiri, INS Shanshak, and INS Agrya into the Indian Navy. Beyond defence, he thanked citizens for their positive response to his call for austerity amid the West Asia crisis, citing examples like carpooling and recycling old gold. He also praised community initiatives for environmental conservation and youth sports, such as Nagaland's 'Baby League' football.
- PM Modi emphasized India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, marking June as a significant month for the sector.
- Key achievements include the maiden flight of the first made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft and the successful test of the indigenous LRLACM.
- The induction of indigenously designed and built warships into the Indian Navy further demonstrates India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision in defence.
India is rapidly expanding its solar energy capacity, but traditional solar panels only generate electricity during the day. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed molecular photo-switches (MOST) to store solar thermal energy in molecular form for later use. These molecules, like 2-pyrimidone, isomerize into a different shape (Dewar pyrimidone) upon absorbing sunlight, storing energy that can be released as heat when needed. This technology offers a practical tool for storing heat for applications like water heating and cooking, potentially making India greener by overcoming the intermittency of solar power.
- India is significantly increasing its solar energy capacity through rooftop and land-based installations.
- A new research focuses on molecular photo-switches (MOST) to store solar thermal energy, addressing the intermittency of solar power.
- Molecules like 2-pyrimidone absorb solar light and convert into an isomer (Dewar pyrimidone), storing thermal energy.
A study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa highlights that protecting endangered Asiatic elephants indirectly safeguards India's forests as powerful carbon stores. The research found that while the elephant population marginally increased, carbon stored within elephant reserves rose by 38% between 1992 and 2025, primarily due to enhanced protection of forest areas. Elephants, as ecosystem engineers, disperse seeds, enrich soils, and maintain healthy forests capable of storing carbon. The study warns that mere declarations of reserves are insufficient; habitat quality and wildlife corridors must be improved for long-term carbon stabilization, noting a worrying decline in elephant numbers despite reserve stabilization.
- Protecting Asiatic elephants indirectly helps safeguard India's forests, which act as significant carbon stores.
- A study found a 38% increase in carbon stored within elephant reserves between 1992 and 2025, mainly due to enhanced forest protection.
- Elephants are vital ecosystem engineers, contributing to seed dispersal, soil enrichment, and maintaining healthy forests.
Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5, struck Venezuela, causing significant destruction and casualties, underscoring the critical importance of disaster preparedness. The article notes India's own vulnerability, criticizing the shelving of revised seismic standards that had indicated higher risks along the Himalayan front. It argues that while earthquake prediction remains uncertain, building safe and resilient structures is the only effective strategy to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Nearly 79% of Indians live under moderate to severe seismic threat, with most earthquake deaths occurring in un-coded one-to-three-storey houses.
- Venezuela experienced a devastating 'doublet' earthquake, revealing the severe consequences of inadequate preparedness.
- The article criticizes India's decision to shelve revised seismic standards that had indicated higher risks in the Himalayan region.
- Despite advancements in prediction, the focus must remain on building resilient infrastructure to protect inhabitants.
A powerful "doublet earthquake" struck Venezuela, with initial magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, causing 188 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tremors were felt in neighboring Colombia and Brazil, with the State of La Guaira declared a "disaster zone" due to extensive building collapses. International aid efforts are underway, with countries like China, India, Brazil, and European nations offering help. However, relief operations are complicated by damage to critical infrastructure, including the international airport near Caracas. Intense rescue efforts are ongoing to save lives from the rubble of flattened buildings.
- A powerful "doublet earthquake" struck Venezuela, resulting in significant casualties and widespread damage.
- The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, caused tremors across the South American region, including Colombia and Brazil.
- La Guaira State was declared a disaster zone due to extensive building collapses and casualties.
The article advocates for greater civic responsibility and community involvement in waste management. It highlights the pervasive issue of littering and improper waste disposal in public spaces, contrasting it with the cleanliness maintained within homes. The author argues that treating public spaces with the same care as private ones is crucial for a cleaner environment. It calls for individuals to take ownership of their surroundings, segregate waste, and participate in community-led initiatives. The piece emphasizes that effective waste management is not just a government responsibility but a collective effort requiring a shift in mindset and active participation from every citizen.
- Civic responsibility and community involvement are crucial for effective waste management.
- Littering and improper waste disposal in public spaces are pervasive issues.
- Individuals should treat public spaces with the same care as their homes.
The article emphasizes the urgent need for southern states to resolve the impasse over the protection of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite recommendations from committees like Gadgil and Kasturirangan, states have failed to agree on the extent of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) and the regulatory framework. This delay threatens the biodiversity and ecological services of the Ghats, which are vital for the region's water security and climate regulation. The article calls for a collaborative approach, balancing conservation with sustainable development, and urges states to prioritize long-term ecological health over short-term economic interests to safeguard this critical ecosystem.
- Southern states must resolve the impasse over protecting the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lack of agreement on ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) and regulatory frameworks persists despite committee recommendations.
- Delay in protection threatens the biodiversity and ecological services of the Ghats.
Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave, driven by a combination of climate change, atmospheric blocking patterns, and the "urban heat island" effect. The article explains that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, while a persistent high-pressure system is trapping hot air. Cities, with their concrete and lack of green spaces, exacerbate the problem. Europe is struggling to cope due to insufficient adaptation measures, an aging population, and infrastructure not built for extreme heat. The heatwave poses severe health risks, impacts agriculture, and strains energy grids, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies and public awareness.
- Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave driven by climate change and atmospheric blocking patterns.
- The "urban heat island" effect exacerbates heat in cities due to concrete and lack of green spaces.
- Europe struggles to cope due to insufficient adaptation measures, an aging population, and unsuitable infrastructure.
India is facing a significant test of resilience due to a dry monsoon, with rainfall deficits affecting agriculture and water resources across several states. The article highlights that 77% of the country's districts received below-normal rainfall, impacting kharif crops and raising concerns about food security and rural livelihoods. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The government's focus on 'environmental accounting' and water conservation efforts are crucial, but long-term strategies for climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness are urgently needed to protect vulnerable populations and ensure economic stability.
- India is experiencing a dry monsoon season, with significant rainfall deficits across most districts.
- The dry spell severely impacts agriculture, particularly kharif crops, threatening food security and rural livelihoods.
- Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, making India more vulnerable to droughts and floods.