CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
A new IUCN report released at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi warns of a rising threat to India’s dugong (sea cow) populations. In South Asia, dugongs occur mainly in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Distribution in India (Very Important) Conservation Status Ecology & Characteristics Threats (Implied) Source: IE
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 was released at the UN COP30 Climate Summit. India’s Ranking and Score Why India’s Ranking Fell The report cites the following reasons: Key Demands by CCPI Global Highlights from the Report Low-ranked Countries
In a major milestone for Project Cheetah, an India-born female cheetah named Mukhi has given birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh — marking the first successful reproduction by a cheetah born on Indian soil. Mukhi’s Background Significance Monitoring & Health About Project Cheetah Source: DD News
A new report, “A Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs”, presented at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, highlights increasing risks to dugongs (sea cows) in India. Populations are concentrated in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • Regional Status • Conservation Status • About Dugongs • Ecological Importance Source: IE
Scientists have observed the elusive ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) in the wild for the first time along the coast of Baja California, Mexico. A modified crossbow was used to collect a tiny skin sample to confirm the whale’s identity. • About Ginkgo-Toothed Beaked Whales • Deep-Diving and Shy Nature • Conservation Concerns Source: IE
On 18 November 2025, a 2:1 Supreme Court Bench (CJI Chandrachud, Justice Chandran majority; Justice Bhuyan dissent) recalled its own May 2025 Vanashakti judgment. The recalled verdict had struck down: Key Issue Whether India’s environmental clearance regime mandates: Legal Framework Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 EIA Notifications Persistent Violations Vanashakti Judgment (May 2025) Bench: Justice Abhay Oka & Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Review of Judgment Constitutional Basis Reason for Special Bench November Read More …
At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC, an Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT) was formally launched on 15 November. The forum aims to address the increasingly contentious overlap between trade policies and climate ambitions. Purpose of the IFCCT Consultation Process into 2026 Role of Major Economies Developing Countries’ Concerns
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the LeadIT Industry Leaders’ Roundtable on 17 November 2025 at CoP30, Belém, Brazil. LeadIT as a Model Global Partnership Progress Under the Industry Transition Platform (ITP) International Industrial Cooperation Strengthened India’s Commitment to Sustainable Industrial Transition Source: PIB
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved the Maharashtra government’s proposal for a leopard birth control programme. This makes Maharashtra the first state in India to initiate such an intervention. Rising Human–Leopard Conflict Pilot Project in Junnar How the Programme Works First-of-its-Kind Initiative About the Leopard Source: HT
The Supreme Court issued comprehensive guidelines for tiger reserves, focusing on eco-sensitive zones (ESZ), buffer areas, and protection of core habitats. Key Directives for Tiger Reserves Administrative & Funding Measures Tiger Safari & Tourism Guidelines Noise Pollution Control Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Purpose & Regulations Background Source: HT & PIB
A global review of tiny marine organisms — foraminifera — has identified 57 new living species. Three of these newly described species were discovered in New Zealand waters. The findings are published in the journal Micropaleontology. How the Study Was Conducted Significance of Foraminifera Global Distribution Findings About Foraminifera Why the Study Matters Source: Click HERE
India, along with 13 countries and a regional alliance of African nations, announced plans to establish national platforms for “climate and nature finance” during a ministerial event at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, on 15 November 2025. Source: TH & GCF
The Land Gap 2025 report, released at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem Brazil, raises serious concerns about countries’ overdependence on land-based carbon removal to meet net-zero commitments. Led by the University of Melbourne along with a global consortium of experts, the report urges nations to prioritise halting deforestation and phasing out fossil fuels instead of relying on impractical carbon-offset schemes. Key Highlights of the Report • Read More …
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri CR Paatil, announced the winners of the 6th National Water Awards (NWAs), recognising exemplary efforts in water management and conservation across India. The awards were conferred by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. 🔹 Key Highlights 🔹 Award Benefits 🔹 About National Water Awards 🔹 Ministry of Jal Shakti Source: Read More …
On 11 November 2025, India delivered statements on behalf of the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) and the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group at the Opening Plenary of the UNFCCC CoP30 in Belém, Brazil. 🔹 Key Points from India’s Statement 🔹 Significance Source: PIB