The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is currently examining Canada's application to become an observer at the 28th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials in New Delhi. Sanjiv Ranjan, IORA's Secretary-General, stated that member states could benefit from Canada's expertise in various maritime domains, including safety, security, and connectivity, given its status as a significant maritime power. Ranjan also welcomed the potential US-Iran peace deal, which could end hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, and highlighted disaster response and climate change mitigation as key priorities for IORA in the Indian Ocean region.
- Canada's application for observer status in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is under review.
- IORA member states could benefit from Canada's expertise in maritime safety, security, and connectivity.
- Sanjiv Ranjan, IORA's Secretary-General, welcomed the potential US-Iran peace deal and its implications for the Strait of Hormuz.
Kerala's successful containment of a recent Nipah virus case highlights its robust health systems and the ecological factors making it vulnerable to such outbreaks. The state's history of Nipah outbreaks (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) has enabled it to develop strong preparedness. Human activity encroaching on fruit bat habitats and consumption of contaminated fruits are central to virus transmission. The article emphasizes a "One Health" perspective, integrating environmental, animal, and human health. Kerala's adeptness in maintaining high suspicion, clinical efficiency, and deploying protocols serves as a model for managing health emergencies.
- Kerala's effective containment of a recent Nipah case demonstrates the strength of its health system and preparedness.
- The state's vulnerability to Nipah outbreaks is linked to ecological factors and human encroachment on fruit bat habitats.
- A "One Health" approach, considering environmental, animal, and human health interplays, is crucial for managing zoonotic infections.
A new international study published in Nature Sustainability challenges the traditional view of biodiversity conservation as a choice between nature protection and human needs. Analyzing data from 322 community-managed tropical forests across 15 countries, including India, the study found a significant link between people's livelihoods and forest biodiversity. Forests with more poor households and greater dependence on fuelwood showed less diverse tree species. Conversely, forests where communities had access to alternative livelihoods, like farming, exhibited more diverse trees. The research emphasizes that improving economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities is crucial for conservation, rather than solely restricting human access.
- The study challenges the traditional view that conservation and human needs are mutually exclusive, showing a direct link between poverty alleviation and forest biodiversity.
- Forests with higher poverty levels and greater reliance on fuelwood exhibit lower tree species diversity.
- Access to alternative livelihoods, such as farming, correlates with increased tree species diversity in forests.
India is experiencing a 35% nationwide monsoon deficit, with rain clouds yet to reach Mumbai, stalling northward progress in central India, Maharashtra, and the Konkan coast. While northwest India received 5% more rain, other regions are in deficit. The Union Agriculture Minister has directed states to prepare crop-wise contingency plans and identified 150-200 districts for priority monitoring, encouraging a shift to cotton and pulses. This deficit is particularly significant as forecasters globally warn of a 'Super El Niño' year, which typically suppresses the Indian monsoon later in the season.
- India is facing a significant nationwide monsoon deficit of 35%, with central India experiencing a 61% deficit.
- The government has initiated contingency plans, including monitoring 150-200 districts and promoting cotton and pulses cultivation.
- The current rainfall shortfall is concerning due to global forecasts of a 'Super El Niño' year, which historically weakens the Indian monsoon.
A peer-reviewed study published in npj Clean Air reveals that heatwaves significantly elevate surface ozone levels in northern India, reaching 85-110 micrograms per cubic metre, well above the WHO guideline of 70 micrograms. This surge in ozone, a pollutant harmful to the heart and lungs, is linked to a substantial increase in mortality risk. The study estimates approximately 26,500 deaths from ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to ozone exposure during the 2024 heatwaves, with an additional 830 deaths directly attributable to the heatwave's impact. Surface ozone forms from sunlight-driven reactions among other pollutants, and its levels remain high throughout the hot season, contributing to a broader health burden.
- Heatwaves in northern India significantly increase surface ozone levels, exceeding WHO guidelines.
- Elevated surface ozone is linked to a higher risk of deaths from ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- The study estimates around 26,500 deaths from these conditions due to ozone exposure during 2024 heatwaves, with 830 directly linked to the heatwave surge.
A new study published in Science has unveiled the first global map of the Earth's vast underground network of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This network, crucial for plant life for millions of years, spans an estimated 110 quadrillion km and weighs around 300 million tonnes of carbon. Forming symbiotic relationships with 70% of plant species, AM fungi sequester approximately 4 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually, about 11% of human-related carbon emissions. The study also identified biodiversity hotspots, such as grasslands in South Sudan, the Tibetan plateau, and India's Banni grasslands, which house 40% of the world's AM fungal networks. However, these vital ecosystems are at extreme risk due to conversion to croplands, which significantly reduces fungal density.
- The first global map of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi reveals a vast underground network crucial for plant life.
- This network spans 110 quadrillion km and sequesters about 300 million tonnes of carbon.
- AM fungi form symbiotic relationships with 70% of plant species, sequestering 4 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually.
Kusunpur, a remote village in Odisha's Kendrapara district, is set to receive an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled wild animal detection and alert system under the CSIR's 'Smart Village' initiative. This system will provide alerts when crocodiles stray close to homes, addressing Kendrapara's high human-crocodile conflict rate, which has resulted in over 20 fatalities in four years. The initiative also includes comprehensive infrastructure upgrades like renovated water gates, drainage systems, and community buildings, alongside promoting green livelihoods through technologies such as dry flower processing, freeze-dried crispy fruits, and biodegradable tableware, aiming for overall development and job creation.
- Kusunpur village in Odisha will implement an AI-enabled wild animal detection and alert system for crocodiles.
- The initiative is part of the CSIR's 'Smart Village' plan, addressing high human-crocodile conflict in Kendrapara district.
- The village will undergo comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including water gates, drainage, and community facilities.
The chocolate-chip sea star (Protoreaster nodosus) possesses a remarkable structure on its arm tips. A skeletal part contains cone-shaped structures that act like optic fibres, transmitting 70% of incident light and concentrating it nearly threefold at the base. This array captures light from a 120° field of view and brightens it eight times inside the arm. Scientists suggest this natural design could inspire lightweight sensors and displays.
- Chocolate-chip sea stars have natural optic fibre-like structures on their arm tips.
- These structures transmit and concentrate incident light.
- The array captures light from a wide field of view and significantly brightens it.
Ants, known for their social structures, exhibit sophisticated mechanisms to cope with disease outbreaks. Some species use "social immunity" by spreading antimicrobial secretions among colony members. More dramatically, studies show ants engaging in self-isolation and collective architectural changes to prevent pathogen spread. In experiments with black garden ants, infected individuals spent more time outside the nest, and the colony modified its architecture by spacing entrances further apart and digging more tunnels, leading to greater segregation. These behaviors effectively restrict interactions between groups, protecting high-value ants like the queen and nurses from infection, mirroring human social distancing strategies.
- Ants utilize "social immunity" through antimicrobial secretions to protect their colonies from infections.
- Infected ants exhibit self-isolating behavior by spending more time outside the nest.
- Ant colonies adapt their architecture, such as wider-spaced entrances and more tunnels, to enhance segregation.
Research by the California Institute of Technology reveals that drought conditions increase antibiotic resistance (ABR) in soil bacteria. When soil dries, the concentration of natural antibiotics rises, favoring the survival of resistant bacteria. This phenomenon is projected to worsen global ABR by 2050, particularly in drought-prone regions like parts of India. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, highlights that environmental stress, independent of direct antibiotic pollution, actively shapes the evolution of resistance. India faces heightened risks due to frequent droughts, dense populations, and heavy antibiotic use in livestock. Experts recommend vaccines and integrated monitoring systems to combat this growing threat.
- Droughts increase antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria by concentrating natural antibiotics.
- This environmental stress independently drives the evolution and enrichment of resistant bacteria.
- The study projects a significant increase in ABR by 2050, especially in drought-prone regions like India.
The African grey foam-nest tree frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) in South Africa builds unique foamy nests in trees to protect its eggs from predators and desiccation. Unlike most frogs that lay eggs in water, these frogs create large, moist, bubbly nests by churning secretions with their hind legs. Research shows that multiple males often cooperate with a single female to build larger, more effective nests, ensuring higher offspring survival rates. This communal nesting strategy, where paternity is often split, highlights a unique evolutionary adaptation for survival in challenging environments.
- African grey foam-nest tree frogs build foamy, 'cloudy' nests in trees to protect their eggs.
- These nests are created by churning secretions, providing moisture and protection from predators.
- Communal nesting, involving multiple males and one female, results in larger and more effective nests.
The Union government has removed central excise duty on petrol blended with higher quantities of ethanol (22%, 25%, 27%, and 30%) to popularize biofuels. This exemption aims to prevent a dual levy, as petrol already bears excise duty and ethanol bears GST. While this is a preliminary step for introducing higher blends, the government clarified it does not indicate an immediate rollout, which will follow extensive testing and consultation. Industry associations have welcomed the move, seeing it as a strong signal of policy stability and commitment to attracting investments in the ethanol blending value chain.
- The Union government exempted higher ethanol-blend petrol (E22, E25, E27, E30) from central excise duty.
- This measure aims to popularize biofuels and prevent a dual levy on the blended product.
- The exemption is a preliminary step towards eventually introducing higher blends, pending further testing and consultation.
A report by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) indicates that India's reservoirs possess the potential to host approximately 102 gigawatts (GW) of floating solar capacity. This technology offers a viable solution to the significant land acquisition challenges faced by ground-mounted solar projects. The assessment identifies feasible areas based on specific geospatial filters, with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana accounting for the bulk of this potential. India's flagship Omkareshwar floating solar park in Madhya Pradesh is a key project in this domain.
- Indian reservoirs have a potential for 102 GW of floating solar capacity, as per a NISE report.
- Floating solar is a strategic solution to overcome land acquisition issues for solar projects.
- The potential is concentrated in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
India called for urgent action on the shrinking climate finance pool and the widening adaptation finance gap at the UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany. India emphasized that the Paris Agreement's provision obliging developed countries to provide funds to developing nations must be given dedicated agenda space. India aligned with positions of the G77 and China, LMDC, and BASIC bloc. The Bonn meeting, a mid-year session preparing for COP31 in Antalya, Turkiye, focuses on shifting to an implementation phase, with key items including the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Just Transition Work Programme. India also pressed for dialogue on unilateral trade measures like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- India advocated for addressing the shrinking climate finance and widening adaptation finance gap at the Bonn climate talks.
- It stressed the importance of the Paris Agreement's provision for developed countries to fund developing nations.
- India aligned with the Group of 77 and China, Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), and BASIC bloc.
Indian farmers are set to cultivate imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids in the 2026-27 rabi season to combat Orobanche, a parasitic weed that significantly reduces mustard yields. These hybrids, developed through mutation breeding, allow farmers to use IMI herbicides to kill weeds without harming the mustard plants. While welcomed for their immediate benefits and reduced labor demand, experts caution against over-reliance on a single herbicide mode of action. To ensure long-term viability and prevent herbicide resistance in weeds, a diverse farming strategy incorporating crop rotation, different types of herbicides, and continued manual weeding is recommended, moving beyond a quick-fix chemical solution.
- New IMI-resistant mustard hybrids are being introduced in the 2026-27 rabi season to combat the parasitic weed Orobanche, which significantly impacts yields.
- These hybrids, developed via mutation breeding, allow for the use of IMI herbicides to selectively kill weeds without harming the mustard crop.
- While offering immediate benefits by reducing labor demand and protecting oilseeds, experts warn against the long-term risks of over-reliance on a single herbicide.
The Ministry of Defence states that the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, involving an investment of ₹13,000 crore, is a strategic initiative to enhance maritime security, boost regional connectivity, and strengthen India's presence in the Indo-Pacific. The project includes a dual-use airport (for civilian and Navy operations), an International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP), a modern township, and a power plant. Located near the Six Degree Channel, a major sea trade route, the project aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign transshipment ports and improve monitoring of Sea Lanes of Communication. Officials assert that extensive environmental assessments have been conducted, and over 81% of the island will remain under forests and conservation zones.
- The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is viewed by the Ministry of Defence as a strategic investment to enhance India's maritime security and presence in the Indo-Pacific.
- The project, with an investment of ₹13,000 crore, includes a dual-use airport, an International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP), a township, and a power plant.
- Its location near the Six Degree Channel is crucial for monitoring vital Sea Lanes of Communication and reducing reliance on foreign transshipment ports.
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, estimated at ₹91,000 crore, faces scrutiny for its strategic rationale and environmental impact. Initially justified as a national security strategy, the Public Investment Board (PIB) found the transshipment port at Galathea Bay 'lacked strategic objectives' in August 2024. The project, including a port, international airport, power plant, and township, threatens vast tracts of tropical rainforest, rare ecological reefs, and nesting beaches of endangered species like the leatherback turtle. Indigenous inhabitants also object, citing lack of full disclosure and concerns over ancestral land. Critics demand transparency, including the release of the High-Powered Committee report and an open account of true costs versus irreversible environmental loss.
- The Great Nicobar Island Development Project, costing ₹91,000 crore, is criticized for its questionable strategic justification and severe environmental impact.
- The Public Investment Board (PIB) in August 2024 found the transshipment port component to lack strategic objectives, contradicting the government's national security claims.
- The project threatens critical ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, rare ecological reefs, and nesting sites of endangered species like the leatherback turtle and Nicobar megapode.
The southwest monsoon arrived late in Kerala, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a pessimistic forecast, predicting a deficient seasonal rainfall at 90% of the long-period average with a 60% probability of an outright deficient year. This outlook is particularly concerning given the near-certainty of El Niño conditions, historically linked to deficient monsoons. The article stresses that the distribution of rainfall and potential long dry spells are as crucial as the total volume. Compounded by existing input crises from West Asia conflicts affecting energy and fertilizer supplies, a weak monsoon will severely impact the farm economy. The government is urged to activate relevant ministries, promote short-duration crops, and manage water resources effectively.
- The southwest monsoon arrived late, and IMD predicts a deficient seasonal rainfall at 90% of LPA, with a high probability of an outright deficient year.
- The forecast is the most pessimistic in a decade, with El Niño conditions near-certain, historically correlating with deficient monsoons.
- Beyond total rainfall, the distribution and occurrence of long dry spells are critical for agricultural impact.
Climate scientists have retired the extreme RCP8.5 scenario, which projected over 4°C warming by 2100, deeming it implausible due to rapid renewable energy adoption and climate policies. This eliminates the 'doomsday scenario' and its most severe consequences. However, scientists caution that the planet is still on track for drastic climate change under current policies, with the new highest emission scenario projecting around 3.5°C warming by 2100. The world is currently on a 'medium pathway' towards roughly 2.8°C warming by 2100, and keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C without significant overshoot appears impossible. Even moderate warming of 2°C poses severe risks like droughts and extreme rainfall.
- Climate scientists have retired the extreme RCP8.5 scenario, which predicted over 4°C warming by 2100, due to increased renewable energy adoption and climate policies.
- While the 'doomsday scenario' is now considered implausible, the planet is still heading towards drastic climate change under current policies.
- The new highest emission scenario projects approximately 3.5°C warming by 2100, and the world is on a 'medium pathway' towards 2.8°C warming.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently invoked 'national interest' regarding the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, suggesting a conspiracy behind its shutdown. The plant, closed for eight years after police firing on protesters in 2018 and environmental violations, had a capacity of 4 lakh tonnes of refined copper annually, meeting 40% of India's demand and contributing to exports. Its closure turned India into a net importer of copper, costing $3.5 billion in foreign exchange. Vedanta, the company, proposed a 'green copper' project with cleaner technology, but its application was rejected by the TNPCB. The Madras High Court has directed the State government to form an expert committee to study the new proposal, amidst ongoing legal and environmental debates.
- PM Modi highlighted the closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi as a matter of national interest, implying a conspiracy.
- The plant's closure transformed India from a copper exporter to a net importer, impacting the economy.
- Vedanta proposed a 'green copper' project with advanced, cleaner technology, but its application was rejected by the TNPCB.
A rapid bird survey conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, has identified 30 species of raptors and six species of storks. The survey, carried out by a 10-member team in late February and early March, was released on World Environment Day (June 5). It recorded 217 individual raptors and 266 individual storks. Kaziranga's diverse wetlands and Himalayan foothills provide critical habitats for these birds. The park is also highlighted as a significant stronghold for the enigmatic Pallas's fish eagle, with 10 active nests recorded in a 2020 survey.
- Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam recently completed a rapid bird survey.
- The survey recorded 30 species of raptors and six species of storks.
- Kaziranga's diverse habitats are crucial for these bird species, including the Pallas's fish eagle.
India faces a significant SDG financing gap, particularly in energy transition, infrastructure, and health, which are intrinsically linked to climate challenges. The article argues that investments in climate solutions, such as clean energy, yield multiple returns—carbon reduction, improved health, and enhanced productivity—which are often overlooked by current investment frameworks. This incomplete valuation leads to under-mobilization of capital. A new framework is proposed to measure and value both financial and social returns, ensuring capital is directed towards solutions that maximize overall impact. Technical assistance is highlighted as crucial for developing commercially viable project pipelines.
- India's SDG financing gap is closely tied to climate challenges, especially in energy transition.
- Climate investments offer multiple co-benefits, including health and economic productivity, beyond emissions reduction.
- Current investment frameworks often fail to capture the full spectrum of these diverse returns.
India's 11,000-km coastline faces escalating climate threats, impacting 250 million people. Despite the proven efficacy of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) through natural buffers like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, "grey" infrastructure like seawalls dominates adaptation spending. EbA offers cost-effective protection, strengthens ecosystems, and supports livelihoods, as demonstrated by mangrove restoration in the Sundarbans. The article highlights that fragmented mandates and a preference for visible infrastructure hinder EbA's recognition and scaling within policy frameworks, urging a shift towards integrating EbA as a core climate and development strategy to leverage India's natural capital for resilience.
- India's extensive coastline is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, affecting a large population.
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) using natural systems like mangroves offers superior, cost-effective protection.
- Current adaptation spending disproportionately favors "grey" infrastructure over EbA.
India is grappling with a severe environmental crisis, marked by extreme weather, widespread pollution, and land degradation, yet lacks a unified understanding of its environmental state. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is underfunded and fragmented, hindering effective policymaking. The article proposes an Annual Environmental Survey of India (EnvSI), modeled after the Economic Survey, to provide independent, expert-led assessments. Such a survey would aggregate data, conduct audits, and issue actionable insights, crucial for preventing further degradation, achieving climate targets, and balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social justice.
- India is experiencing a significant environmental crisis, including extreme weather events and pollution.
- The country lacks a comprehensive and unified understanding of its environmental status.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is underfunded and fragmented.