Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister has accused India of "weaponising water" by allegedly releasing water from dams into the Chenab River without prior warning. Pakistan claims these irregular releases violate the World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty (1960) and threaten its agricultural cycle and food security. The treaty gives India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, Beas) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). While India has previously stated it alerts Pakistan about potential flooding, the latest allegations add to the long-standing water-sharing tensions between the two neighboring nations.
- Pakistan alleges that India's irregular water release from the Chenab River violates the Indus Water Treaty.
- The Indus Water Treaty (1960) was brokered by the World Bank to manage transboundary river waters.
- Under the treaty, India controls the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Tensions have flared again along the Thailand-Cambodia border, specifically around the 11th-century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear. Despite a 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling awarding the temple to Cambodia, the surrounding 4.6 sq km of land remains contested. Recent clashes involving airstrikes and artillery have displaced thousands. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October was recently breached, leading to renewed hostilities. The dispute is rooted in colonial-era treaties and nationalist sentiments in both countries. De-escalation efforts now focus on troop withdrawals and direct military communication to prevent further conflict.
- The core of the dispute is the sovereignty over un-demarcated land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia.
- Recent escalations involve heavy weaponry and have caused significant civilian displacement on both sides.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to address challenges posed by large-scale migration. Migration often leads to individuals being registered in multiple locations or losing their vote in their place of origin. The ECI's initiative, starting with Bihar, aims to clean up voter lists and ensure 'one person, one vote.' This comes as international migration has doubled in three decades, reaching 300 million by mid-2024. The article also discusses the political implications of changing demographics in cities like Mumbai and the impact of nativist politics on national policies.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to eliminate duplicate entries in electoral rolls caused by migration.
- International migration has grown significantly, with the number of people living outside their country of birth doubling since 1990.
- Internal migration in India is reshaping urban politics, leading to the rise of nativist movements in states like Maharashtra.
The Preah Vihear temple, an 11th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, remains a flashpoint for border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Located atop a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, the temple's sovereignty was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962, a ruling reaffirmed in 2013. However, disputes over the surrounding 4.6 sq km of land persist, leading to periodic military skirmishes, most recently in July 2025. Built by Khmer kings, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, following a unique north-south axis unlike typical rectangular Khmer temples.
- Preah Vihear is a 9th-12th century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, built by Khmer kings like Yasovarman I and Suryavarman II.
- The ICJ ruled in 1962 and 2013 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, based on French colonial-era maps.
- The site is strategically located on the Dangrek mountain range, forming a natural frontier between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Indian Ocean is emerging as a critical frontier for the 'Blue Economy,' focusing on sustainable ocean-based development. India's 'Blue Ocean Strategy' emphasizes stewardship of the commons, resilience against climate change, and inclusive growth. Key initiatives include the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the proposed Indian Ocean Blue Fund. With COP30 in Belém and the upcoming UNOC3 in 2026, there is a global push for ocean governance. India aims to lead through green shipping corridors, blue bonds, and marine technology transfer while addressing threats like illegal fishing and ecosystem degradation.
- The Blue Economy focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
- India's SAGAR vision, articulated in 2015, provides a framework for regional maritime cooperation.
- The BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) is a key international treaty for ocean governance.
Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated Sudan's economy and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. GDP has shrunk by 29%, and over 10 million people have fled their homes, making it the world's largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis. Famine conditions have been confirmed in parts of North Darfur, with food insecurity affecting nearly half the population. Market data shows sorghum prices have surged tenfold, making basic nutrition inaccessible for millions. The international community faces a significant challenge in providing aid amidst ongoing hostilities and regional instability.
- The war began due to a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (SAF) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (RSF).
- Over 50,000 reported deaths have occurred, though actual numbers are likely significantly higher due to underreporting.
- Sudan is experiencing its steepest economic contraction, with a 29% drop in GDP for the 2023-24 period.
This article highlights the ecological importance of grasslands, often misclassified as 'wastelands' since the colonial era. Unlike forests, where biomass is above ground, grasslands store significant carbon in their deep, fibrous root systems and soil. Restoring degraded grasslands, such as the Banni Grassland in Gujarat, significantly increases Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Grasslands support millions of pastoralists and diverse biodiversity. The study emphasizes that grassland restoration is a cost-effective strategy for India to meet its climate goals and improve soil health, moisture retention, and erosion control.
- Grasslands store more carbon below ground in roots and soil compared to forests.
- The Banni Grassland stores 27 metric tonnes of carbon up to 30 cm depth.
- Restored grassland sites showed a 50% increase in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) compared to untreated sites.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 125 infrastructure projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and seven other states. The projects, valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore, include 28 roads and 93 bridges. A major highlight is the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel, designed to provide all-weather connectivity in challenging terrains. These initiatives aim to improve military mobility, rapid deployment capabilities, and socio-economic development in border regions. The government has significantly increased the BRO's budget, reflecting a commitment to national security and the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
- The 125 projects span Ladakh, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other border states.
- The Shyok Tunnel is a 920-metre long project providing all-weather access to strategic areas.
- BRO's expenditure reached ₹16,690 crore in FY 2024-25.
Observed on December 5, World Soil Day 2025 focuses on the theme "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities." With over 56% of the global population living in urban areas, the article emphasizes that urban soil is a vital but overlooked resource. Healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, manages floodwaters, and reduces the "heat island" effect. However, urban soils face threats from "sealing" by concrete, industrial waste, and compaction. The article calls for a "blueprint for action," including urban soil restoration, promoting green infrastructure, and encouraging community gardening to enhance urban food security and mental well-being.
- Urban soils are critical for combating climate change by sequestering carbon and acting as natural air conditioners in 'heat islands.'
- The 'sealing' of soil with concrete prevents groundwater recharge and increases the risk of urban flooding during intense rainfall.
- The FAO reports that nearly one-third of the world's soils are already degraded, a problem intensified in densely populated urban centers.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered airlines to brace for the impact of volcanic ash from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, which erupted for the first time in 12,000 years. The ash plume, reaching up to 14 km, has drifted across the Red Sea towards Yemen, Oman, and India's western border. Volcanic ash is a major safety hazard for aircraft as it can melt in jet engines, creating a glassy deposit that chokes cooling holes and leads to engine failure. Airlines have been advised to steer clear of affected altitudes and inspect runways for contamination to ensure safety.
- The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, after a 12,000-year dormancy.
- Volcanic ash contains silicate components that melt at high engine temperatures (1,600°C) and re-solidify, causing engine stalls.
- The ash plume reached Indian airspace over Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi-NCR before moving towards China.
This article critiques popular urban metrics like the UN-Habitat City Prosperity Index and the Global Liveability Index. It argues that these indices often focus on stability, healthcare, and culture while ignoring a city's resilience to extreme weather events. For instance, cities like Chennai or Bangkok might score well on connectivity but lack adequate drainage for 21st-century cloudbursts. The author suggests that these indices create a 'modernity' bias, where visible infrastructure like airports is prioritized over essential but 'thankless' tasks like desilting canals or enforcing building codes in flood-prone zones, leading to skewed investment priorities.
- Current liveability indices fail to account for how well a city can withstand climate shocks like floods or heatwaves.
- There is a 'modernity' bias that favors visible infrastructure over resilient urban planning and maintenance.
- Indices often use city-wide averages, masking the vulnerability of low-income residents in flood-prone areas.
Cyclone Ditwah, after causing significant fatalities in Sri Lanka, brought intense rainfall to Chennai and Andhra Pradesh. Despite the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) spending ₹5,200 crore on storm water drains since 2015, the city faced widespread waterlogging and flooding. The article criticizes the lack of transparency regarding the Thiruppugazh Committee report and the absence of a consolidated implementation plan. It highlights that while integrated projects handle intense bursts, they struggle with prolonged heavy rain. The need for shared flood maps, proper zoning, and basin-wide coordination is emphasized to prevent recurring urban disasters in flat coastal cities.
- Cyclone Ditwah caused at least 474 deaths in Sri Lanka before moving towards the Indian coast as a deep depression.
- Chennai's storm water drain network, though expanded, remains vulnerable to prolonged high-intensity rainfall due to incomplete links.
- The Thiruppugazh Committee was appointed after the 2021 floods to provide basin-wise recommendations for flood mitigation.
Data from the 2025 paddy harvesting season shows a 90% reduction in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana compared to 2021, reaching a five-year low. Despite this, Delhi's air quality remains in the 'very poor' to 'severe' category. This disparity indicates that local sources, such as traffic emissions (NO2 and CO) and year-round industrial activity, are the primary drivers of the city's pollution. The Supreme Court has noted that farmers should not be made scapegoats. The report identifies several 'pollution hotspots' in Delhi where PM2.5 levels consistently exceed standards, regardless of farm fire contributions.
- Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has significantly declined, contributing less than 5% to Delhi's pollution on most days in 2025.
- Delhi's pollution is increasingly driven by local factors like vehicular exhaust and stagnant winter weather conditions.
- Specific areas like Jahangirpuri, Bawana, and Wazirpur have been identified as persistent pollution hotspots with extreme PM2.5 levels.
Following the death of a farmer in a tiger attack at Hale Heggu-dilu village, the Karnataka Forest Minister has ordered the immediate suspension of safari and trekking activities in human-wildlife conflict zones of Nagarahole and Bandipur. This incident marks the third such death in the region recently. The victim was dragged into a trench by a tiger while working in his field. Authorities have deployed forest personnel to capture the tiger responsible. The incident highlights the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the fringes of the Nagarahole-Bandipur forest complex, leading to public fear and demands for better protection.
- A fatal tiger attack in Bandipur has led to the suspension of tourism activities in high-conflict zones to ensure public safety.
- Forest authorities are tasked with capturing the specific tiger involved in repeated attacks to prevent further casualties.
- The incident underscores the challenges of managing human-wildlife interfaces near protected forest areas in Karnataka.
Cloud seeding involves spraying salt mixtures (like silver iodide or calcium chloride) into clouds via aircraft to induce precipitation. Recently, IIT Kanpur conducted trials over Delhi to combat smog, but results were disappointing due to unsuitable cloud conditions. Historically, India's experience with cloud seeding dates back to 1952. A major study, the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) (2017-2019), found that seeding could increase rainfall by 18-46% in specific drought-prone regions like Solapur. However, the post-monsoon clouds over Delhi often lack the necessary moisture and quality for successful seeding.
- Cloud seeding requires specific cloud types with sufficient moisture and 'supercooled' water droplets to be effective.
- The CAIPEEX experiment (2017-2019) provided scientific evidence that seeding can enhance rainfall in drought-prone areas like Solapur, Maharashtra.
- Recent attempts in Delhi failed because the atmospheric conditions and cloud quality were not conducive to inducing rain.
Experts and wildlife officials are advocating for the Ramsar site designation for the Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex in Assam's Nagaon district. Located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, these interconnected wetlands are vital connectivity corridors for wildlife migrating between Kaziranga and Orang National Park. Recent censuses recorded over 20,000 birds from 75+ species at the site, including globally threatened species like the ferruginous pochard. A Ramsar tag would recognize the site as a wetland of international importance, providing better protection and conservation frameworks under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.
- The Rowmari-Donduwa complex is situated within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It serves as a crucial corridor for animals moving between Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Orang National Park.
- The site hosts more bird species than some existing Ramsar sites in Northeast India.
The Karnataka government plans to set up a permanent State Water Commission to address water security and inter-state water disputes. Announced by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, the commission will consist of 10 to 15 technical experts from fields like irrigation, finance, and environmental science. Its primary role will be to assess water demand and availability, recommend measures for water security, and study irrigation systems and crop patterns. A key immediate focus will be managing the allocation of Cauvery water to Bengaluru for the next 50 years. A Bill for this is expected in the legislature shortly.
- The commission is modeled after the Central Water Commission to provide expert technical inputs.
- It will focus on long-term water planning, including a 50-year plan for Cauvery water allocation to Bengaluru.
- The body will include representatives from Irrigation and Finance departments alongside environmental experts.
Lucknow has been officially declared a UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy' during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan. This recognition honors the city's centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, its living food traditions, and its inclusive cultural heritage. The government highlighted that this milestone positions Lucknow among the world's top gastronomic destinations. It serves as a symbol of cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged global visitors to experience the city's unique culinary heritage, emphasizing its role in India's soft power.
- Lucknow joins the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) specifically for its gastronomic heritage.
- The recognition focuses on the historical significance of Awadhi cuisine and its inclusive cultural roots.
- This status is expected to boost sustainable tourism and strengthen India's cultural diplomacy.
The Union government has awarded 48 seaplane routes across India, with a significant focus on Kerala, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the Kerala government to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for starting services at key locations. These include the Idukki, Malampuzha, Banasura Sagar, and Mattupetty/Chenkulam dams, as well as Bekal. The project aims to enhance tourism and provide last-mile connectivity to remote water-bound regions. The final operationalization of these routes will follow a formal government order and the completion of necessary infrastructure at the identified water aerodromes.
- The project is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread.
- Kerala has been identified for multiple routes involving major dams like Idukki and Banasura Sagar to leverage its water bodies.
- The initiative requires the state to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the identified water aerodromes.
Tropical cyclones are powerful weather systems that form over warm tropical waters (above 26.5°C). They require specific conditions: low-pressure areas, sufficient Coriolis force (usually 5 degrees away from the equator), and low vertical wind shear. The 'eye' of the cyclone is a calm center surrounded by the 'eyewall,' where the most intense winds occur. Measurement involves satellite imagery, ocean buoys, and 'hurricane hunters' aircraft. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies these storms based on wind speed, ranging from depressions to super cyclonic storms, using numerical weather models for forecasting.
- Cyclones derive energy from the evaporation of warm ocean water, intensifying as they move over sea.
- High vertical wind shear can disrupt a cyclone's structure, preventing it from strengthening into a storm.
- The Coriolis force, caused by Earth's rotation, is essential for creating the characteristic spiral of a cyclone.
Cyclone Montha recently made landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, causing significant rainfall and damage to crops and infrastructure. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms in the Bay of Bengal to rising Sea Surface Temperatures (SST), which have consistently exceeded the 28°C to 30°C threshold. While disaster management and evacuation protocols have improved, reducing human casualties, the economic impact on agriculture and livestock remains a major challenge. The role of climate phenomena like the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and La Niña in creating favorable conditions for cyclonic formations is also highlighted as a contributing factor.
- Sea Surface Temperatures in the Bay of Bengal have risen by 0.5°C to 1°C over the last 50 years, creating ideal conditions for tropical cyclones.
- Improved preparedness by Union and State governments has significantly reduced the death toll compared to historical super cyclones like those in 1977 and 1999.
- Deforestation and the degradation of coastal ecosystems like mangroves have reduced natural buffers, amplifying the damage caused by storm surges.
The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 report has categorized the Western Ghats, Manas National Park, and Sundarbans as sites of 'significant concern.' The report identifies four primary threats to these regions: climate change, unsustainable tourism, invasive alien species, and infrastructure development like roads and dams. While natural World Heritage sites cover less than 1% of the Earth's surface, they harbor 20% of mapped species richness. The report calls for urgent management interventions and highlights the role of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in addressing these conservation challenges.
- The Western Ghats are threatened by habitat fragmentation due to hydropower projects and road construction.
- Climate change is forcing species in the Western Ghats to redistribute to higher altitudes.
- Invasive species like eucalyptus and acacia are colonizing natural forests in the Nilgiris.
A depression in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into Cyclone Montha, the season's first cyclonic storm. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada by Tuesday night. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, met to review preparedness across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Odisha. Heavy rainfall alerts (Orange and Red) have been issued. The NDRF and armed forces are on alert to ensure zero loss of life and minimize damage to infrastructure and essential services.
- Cyclone Montha is the first cyclonic storm of the season, originating in the Bay of Bengal.
- The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) is the top body for disaster management coordination at the national level.
- NDRF teams and relief teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been mobilized for rescue operations.
The proposed mega-port at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar is facing scrutiny over its economic viability and environmental impact. Proponents argue it will make India a regional maritime hub, but critics point out significant structural limitations, including the lack of a natural hinterland and industrial base. Unlike established hubs like Colombo or Singapore, Great Nicobar lacks the necessary network connectivity and feeder links. The project's success depends on attracting major shipping lines, which currently prefer established routes. The article suggests that strategic military interests should be pursued transparently rather than being masked by questionable commercial justifications for a high-cost infrastructure project.
- Galathea Bay lacks a 'hinterland' (urban centers or industrial zones), meaning all cargo must be shipped in and out, significantly increasing operating costs.
- The project faces stiff competition from established transshipment hubs like Colombo, Singapore, and the new Vizhinjam port in Kerala.
- Successful transshipment hubs require deep-seated carrier relationships and integrated logistics, which are currently missing in the Great Nicobar plan.