The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has provisionally approved the Etalin hydropower project, which has a capacity of 3,097 MW, despite prior biodiversity and wildlife concerns associated with the project.

Key Points:

• Project Overview:

  • The Etalin hydropower project is set to be constructed in the Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, involving the diversion of 1,175 hectares of forest land and the felling of around 2.78 lakh trees.
  • It is one of India's largest proposed hydropower projects in terms of generation capacity.

• Background of Approval:

  • The FAC previously rejected the project in December 2022 due to concerns about biodiversity and wildlife and mandated additional assessments.
  • Current approval comes amidst ongoing protests from local communities, particularly the Idu Mishmi community, who have raised objections concerning the project’s environmental impact.

• Biodiversity Concerns:

  • The Dri and Talo rivers (local name for the Dibang) are in a biodiversity-rich region, home to numerous wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, and various birds.
  • Previous assessments, including a wildlife conservation plan submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India in 2019, received criticism for scientific inaccuracies, further complicating the approval process.

• FAC Discussions and Decisions:

  • The FAC has discussed the proposed project six times from 2015 to 2022, assessing ecological, social, and economic aspects.
  • Risk-related conditions and assessments were previously mandated, including the necessity for a multi-season biodiversity study which has not been conducted.

• Current Justifications for Approval:

  • The FAC has stated that existing studies addressed the concerns raised and found them satisfactory, leading to their recommendation for provisional approval.

• Timeline of Approval Process:

  • The appraisal process for the project has spanned several years, commencing in 2014, highlighting ongoing contention and debate regarding its environmental ramifications.

• Community Resistance:

  • The planned project development is mostly within community forest areas, underscoring tensions between development initiatives and local community rights and conservation efforts.

• Economic Implications:

  • The approval of this project is part of a wider government initiative to fast-track hydropower projects in the North-East, potentially enhancing electricity generation capacity, but raises significant environmental and ecological concerns.

In summary, while the Etalin hydropower project has received in-principle approval from the FAC, it remains controversial given its potential impacts on a biodiversity-rich area and significant community opposition. The issues surrounding the project reflect broader tensions in energy development versus environmental conservation within India.

In recent incidents within the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, there have been three fatal tiger attacks on humans. The latest attack occurred on June 9, 2023, when a 70-year-old temple chowkidar, Radheshyam Mali, was killed by an unidentified tiger. This followed previous attacks: the first on April 16, 2023, when a tigress Kankati killed a 7-year-old boy named Kartik Suman, and the second on May 11, 2023, involving Kankati and her male sibling who killed Range Officer Devendra Singh.

A technical committee was formed in response to these incidents, consisting of local, state, and central representatives, to evaluate the dangers posed by sub-adult tigers and to propose precautionary measures. The committee concluded that three sub-adult cubs of tigress Arrowhead, which had developed a habituation to human presence, should be relocated from Ranthambhore. The committee's observations noted the sub-adult tigers' approach towards humans without fear, their vulnerabilities to other territorial sub-adults, and the associated risks posed to forest staff and visitors.

Key dates and actions following the formation of the committee are as follows:

• April 16: First fatality caused by tigress Kankati.
• May 11: Second attack leading to the death of Range Officer Devendra Singh by Kankati and her male sibling.
• May 13: Formation of the technical committee.
• May 17: The committee submits its report, recommending the relocation of Arrowhead's three cubs.
• May 21: Rajasthan government forwards the report to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• May 30: NTCA clears the recommendation at the 13th Technical Committee meeting.
• June 9: The third fatal attack occurs.

Despite the recommendations to shift the tigers quickly, there has been a delay in the action from officials in Jaipur and Delhi. Concerns were raised regarding "too much bureaucracy" hindering necessary field actions. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has cleared the proposal for relocation, pending final approval from the Ministry of Environment.

Key Points:

• Recent Fatal Attacks: Three fatal tiger attacks in Ranthambhore within a short span, leading to human casualties.
• Technical Committee: Formed after the first two fatalities to address the risks posed by habituated sub-adult tigers.
• Recommendations: The committee advised relocating three sub-adult cubs to mitigate risks to humans; observations indicated they were too accustomed to people.
• Proposed Timeline of Events: Documented actions from April to June 2023 reflect the urgency and following administrative delays in addressing the tiger attacks.
• Regulatory Framework: The Wildlife Protection Act necessitates approvals from the central government for tiger relocations, creating layers of approval that may slow down timely action.
• Official Response: Mixed reactions about the delay in action; urgent calls for prompt measures to prevent further human casualties have been made.

This situation underscores the challenges faced in wildlife conservation, particularly the complexity of human-wildlife interactions within protected areas, and the bureaucratic processes involved in ensuring public safety.

On June 9, 2025, a fire broke out aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel M.V. Wan Hai 503, which was located off the Beypore coast, resulting in an immediate response from various governmental and maritime agencies. This incident occurred against the backdrop of another maritime disaster involving the Liberia-flagged MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Alappuzha coast on May 25, 2025. The ships were transporting hazardous and inflammable cargo, raising significant concerns regarding marine pollution.

Key Details:

• Incident Timeline:

  • M.V. Wan Hai 503 Fire: Began on June 9, 2025.
  • MSC Elsa 3 Sinking: Occurred on May 25, 2025.

• Concern of Marine Pollution:

  • The ships were carrying dangerous materials, leading to potential pollution risks to marine environments and coastal areas.

• Emergency Meeting:

  • Held in Kochi on June 10, 2025, to discuss the situation.
  • Participants included officials from:
    • Directorate General of Shipping
    • Mercantile Marine Department
    • Kerala State Disaster Management Authority
    • Indian Navy
    • Indian Coast Guard
    • Kerala Maritime Board
    • Tamil Nadu Government representatives

• Primary Objectives of Officials:

  • Extinguish the fire aboard the Wan Hai 503.
  • Locate missing crew members from the vessel.
  • Contain the fire spread which was exacerbated by floating containers that fell off the ship.

• Containment and Salvage Efforts:

  • Initial efforts to control the fire had been complicated due to its rapid spread.
  • The Coast Guard's attempts to manage the fire and pollution were hampered by these conditions.
  • Following firefighting measures, subsequent efforts will focus on preventing pollution and salvaging the cargo from the distressed ship.

• Assistance and Support:

  • Kerala governmental agencies have pledged assistance to deal with the aftermath and mitigation efforts related to both incidents.

Implications:

This situation underscores the hazards associated with maritime transportation of hazardous goods and the readiness of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, alongside state disaster management authorities, in managing such emergencies to protect marine environments and ensure safety for maritime operated vessels.

Important Points:

• The fire on M.V. Wan Hai 503 is a critical incident raising concerns over hazardous cargo management.
• Significant governmental coordination demonstrated in response efforts, involving multiple agencies.
• Potential environmental impact due to the nature of the cargo on both vessels.
• A structured approach to disaster management and subsequent salvaging and pollution mitigation efforts is being enacted.
• Emphasis on the safety of maritime operations and the well-being of the crew involved in the incident.

This information serves as an important reference for understanding maritime safety protocols and disaster response in the context of marine hazards.

The Union Ministry of Power is currently awaiting the decision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding the mandatory installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units in coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). The Power Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced this at a press conference on June 10, 2025, amid discussions evolving from a high-powered committee's recommendations, held in April 2025 under Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood.

Key Highlights:

• Current Status of FGDs:

  • About 92% of India's approximately 600 TPPs have not installed FGDs.
  • The CPCB is expected to provide guidance, which will inform any future implementation of FGD mandates.
  • The installation cost of FGDs is approximately ₹1 crore per megawatt (MW).

• Government Extensions:

  • The Indian government has extended deadlines for TPPs to install FGDs since 2017, with the latest extension permitting compliance by between 2027-2030.

• Health and Environmental Concerns:

  • FGDs are designed to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions, which can contribute to respiratory diseases and exacerbate air quality issues.
  • Conversely, sulphur dioxide can lead to the formation of sulphate aerosols that may mitigate some effects of global warming, although they contribute to atmospheric pollution.

• Committee Recommendations:

  • The recommendation suggests that only TPPs within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region and cities with populations over 1 million, designated as Category A plants, must install FGDs.
  • Out of 66 such plants, only 14 have installed FGDs, with a compliance deadline of 2027.

• Categorization of Plants:

  • Category A: Plants near major urban centers with a 2027 deadline.
  • Category B: Plants within designated 'Critically Polluted Cities' or 'Non Attainment Cities' that may be exempted on a case-by-case basis, with a 2028 deadline.
  • Category C: The largest group, with 462 plants and a deadline of 2029, of which only 32 have implemented FGDs.

• Future Considerations:

  • The committee's deliberations indicate that not all TPPs need FGDs to meet National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards.
  • Ongoing compliance with December 2015 stack emission standards is necessary, with relaxation on SO2 emissions potentially possible without compromising public health.

• Economic Impact:

  • Implementing FGDs across the recommended plants could arguably incur expenses totaling ₹97,000 crore, necessitating a careful balance between environmental health and economic viability.

In conclusion, as the situation develops, the government underlines the importance of protecting both public health and ensuring economically friendly policies across the nation’s power sector while keeping the CPCB's final verdict in view. The need for stringent air quality measures remains crucial, and the government's approach demonstrates a nuanced understanding of both environmental science and economic considerations.

Important Points:

• Union Ministry of Power awaits CPCB's decision on FGD units.
• 92% of India's coal-fired TPPs lack FGD; deadlines have been extended multiple times.
• Health and environmental impact of sulphur emissions are crucial concerns.
• Recommendations classify TPPs into three categories based on their environmental impact and location.
• Current compliance with NAAQ standards is essential without requiring FGDs universally.
• Economic implications of implementing FGDs across TPPs amount to significant costs.

Summary of India’s Participation at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France, from June 27 to July 1, 2023, India, represented by Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the urgent need for global action on ocean health and showcased significant developments in India's maritime strategy.

Key Highlights:

• Global Ocean Pact Advocacy: Dr. Singh highlighted the necessity for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty and called for rapid ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

• Deep Ocean Mission: The Minister presented India’s progress on the Deep Ocean Mission, specifically the “Samudrayaan” project, aimed to deploy India’s first manned submersible by 2026, capable of exploring ocean depths up to 6,000 meters. This initiative enhances India's scientific capabilities significantly.

• Plastic Pollution Initiatives: India's efforts in marine plastic clean-up, including the nationwide ban on single-use plastics and the successful ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned over 1,000 km of coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste since 2022, were underscored.

• Marine Protected Areas: As part of enhancing biodiversity, India has expanded its Marine Protected Areas which now cover 6.6% of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

• Economic Investments: Emphasizing India's Blue Economy, the Minister mentioned the operationalization of over 600 port-led infrastructure projects worth $80 billion and $2.5 billion investments targeted to modernize the fisheries sector, resulting in a 10% increase in fish production and the establishment of over 1,000 fish farmer producer organizations.

• Environmental Restoration: Over 10,000 hectares of mangroves have been restored as part of climate resilience efforts, and nature-based solutions have been implemented within shoreline management plans.

• Integration with Climate Goals: India's ocean-based climate actions have been integrated into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

• Promotion of Ocean Management: The launch of the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal enhances India’s commitment to transparent, science-based ocean management.

• Co-leadership in Global Initiatives: India’s collaborative efforts were showcased through its co-leadership in ‘Blue Talks’ with France and Costa Rica, alongside active participation in sessions on Marine Spatial Planning.

• Call for International Cooperation: Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the international community to invest in innovation and finalize the Nice Ocean Action Plan, emphasizing shared responsibility in preserving ocean health.

• Commitment to Sustainable Development: India reaffirmed its dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14: Life Below Water), aiming at reversing ocean degradation through science, innovation, and partnerships.

Conclusion:
India’s participation at UNOC3 signals a strategic shift in its role, establishing itself as a proactive player in shaping global marine policy while addressing pressing issues like marine biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable fisheries management.

Important Points:

• Dr. Jitendra Singh calls for global ocean pact and international cooperation.
• Advanced projects under Deep Ocean Mission target 6,000 meters depth exploration.
• Successful plastic pollution campaigns have removed over 50,000 tonnes of waste.
• Marine Protected Areas cover 6.6% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
• India’s significant investments in the Blue Economy: $80 billion in port projects and $2.5 billion in fisheries modernization.
• Restoration of mangroves and coastal management strategies aiming at climate resilience.
• SAHAV portal launched for improved ocean data management.
• A comprehensive push for collaborative global governance in marine sustainability.

The Supreme Court of India issued a significant ruling on May 22, 2025, regarding approximately 86,000 hectares of Zudpi jungle lands, primarily located in Maharashtra's eastern Vidarbha region. This decision sought to clarify the legal status of these lands, recognizing them as "forest" lands, and imposing stringent conditions for their use and conversion.

Summary of Key Points:

• Legal Classification of Zudpi Lands:

  • Zudpi, a term derived from Marathi, refers to bushy or inferior unoccupied land in eastern Vidarbha, specifically covering six districts: Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Wardha, and Gondia.
  • These lands have historically been used for non-forest purposes, including grazing, infrastructure, and community projects, and were classified as Gairan under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966.

• Challenging Legal Status:

  • The ambiguity surrounding the status of Zudpi lands persisted due to inconsistent government actions and bureaucratic inaction since they were initially categorized as ‘scrub forests’ in a 1987 order, which exempted them from the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
  • The 1987 order was contested in court, leading to various interpretations of forest laws, including a decisive judgment in the ‘TN Godavarman Thirumulpad’ case (1996) which recognized Zudpi lands as forest lands under the FCA.

• Supreme Court’s Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court determined that Zudpi lands are to be deemed forest lands, especially cautioning against conversion without prior central approval.
  • The ruling stipulates that exceptions are made for lands granted for non-forest usage before December 12, 1996, where the state must seek central approval without imposing compensatory afforestation conditions.
  • The court ordered that no lands should be diverted for non-government use and that post-1996 allotments would require thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with established directives.

• Implementation Measures:

  • Special Task Forces within each district are to address encroachments on Zudpi lands after a defined date (October 25, 1980), with commercial allotments post-October 25, 1989, classified as encroachments.
  • The Supreme Court instructed the Revenue Department to transfer remaining Zudpi lands to the Forest Department within one year, facilitating afforestation efforts.

• Government and Environmental Concerns:

  • The Maharashtra government contended that Zudpi lands should not be treated as forest lands, citing administrative lapses in record maintenance.
  • Environmentalists opposed the de-notification of lands, warning of potential ecological harm to wildlife corridors and urge compliance with conservation efforts.

• Expected Outcomes:

  • The ruling is seen as a boost for the planned infrastructure and development works in Vidarbha, provided the state secures approvals for land use from the central government.
  • There is a requirement for the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to monitor the compliance and implementation of the Supreme Court's directives.

• Constitutional and Legal Context:

  • The ruling interconnects with various legal frameworks including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, allowing for a reevaluation of land use and management while balancing ecological preservation and developmental needs.

This verdict illustrates the judiciary's role in adjudicating on environmental matters while addressing local governance issues and upholding forest law compliance. The Supreme Court aims to achieve a balanced approach, delineating a path for responsible development while safeguarding environmental integrity.

The study titled "How Extreme Heat is Impacting India: Assessing District-level Heat Risk," published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) on May 20, reveals that approximately 76% of India's population is currently facing high to very high risk from extreme heat. The research indicates that regions such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are among the most vulnerable, with particular attention paid to urbanization, population density, and increased humidity as significant contributing factors to heat risk.

Key Findings:

• Heat Risk Index (HRI): The study created a heat risk index based on 35 indicators to evaluate heat exposure across 734 districts in India.

• Difference Between Heat Risk and Heat Stress: Heat risk pertains to the likelihood of suffering heat-induced ailments due to extreme temperatures. It uniquely factors in heat intensity, community exposure levels, and vulnerabilities in affected areas.

• Trends from 2012 to 2022:

  • Increase in Very Warm Nights: The study identified that over 70% of districts experienced five or more very hot nights during the summer months, complicating the body's ability to cool down effectively, potentially leading to increased cases of heat-related health issues.
  • Rising Relative Humidity in North India: Average relative humidity levels rose significantly from 30–40% to 40-50%, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exacerbating the effects of extreme heat.
  • Urbanization and Population Density: High population density and rapid urban development in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram lead to urban heat islands, elevating local temperatures.

Contributing Factors to Heat Vulnerability:

• Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities: High percentages of elderly populations and residents suffering from non-communicable diseases amplify the community's susceptibility to heat-related risks.
• Lack of Effective Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Many cities’ plans for climate adaptation and response to heat are inadequately implemented, leading to higher risks of heat-related fatalities.

Historical Context:

• The year 2024 was recorded as one of the warmest in history globally, with India experiencing temperatures 1.2 degrees Celsius above the early 20th century average. This included the longest heatwave since 2010, with over 44,000 recorded heatstroke cases.

Conclusion:

As a consequence of increasing global temperatures and inadequate early warning systems, India must focus on enhancing community awareness and response strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by extreme heat. The current infrastructure and plans for heat management require a thorough review and reform in order to better protect vulnerable populations.

Important Points:

• 76% of India’s population is at high to very high risk from extreme heat.
• Regions with the highest risk include Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Heat risk is assessed using a heat risk index based on 35 indicators.
• Significant rise in warm nights and humidity observed from 2012 to 2022.
• Rapid urbanization and population density exacerbate heat risks.
• Socio-economic vulnerabilities increase susceptibility to health impacts.
• Inadequate implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) contributes to higher heat-related mortality.
• 2024 marked a significant increase in temperatures, leading to a record number of heatstroke cases.

The article discusses the urgent need to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and highlights a controversial climate mitigation technology known as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI). The ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions coupled with challenges such as war, poverty, disease, and inflation has hindered consistent climate action.

Overview of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI):

• Definition and Purpose: SAI is proposed to cool the Earth by injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere, similar to the cooling effect seen after significant volcanic eruptions.
• Mechanism: This technique aims to reflect sunlight away from the Earth to combat rising temperatures.
• Research Findings: A recent study published in "Earth’s Future" explored an innovative approach to SAI that could potentially lower costs and expedite its implementation.

Technical Details:

• Injection Altitude: The effectiveness of SAI is influenced by the altitude of aerosol injection. Traditional SAI proposals recommend injecting aerosols at altitudes of 20 km or higher, where existing aircraft cannot operate.
• Alternative Low-Altitude Approach: The study examined injecting aerosols at a lower altitude (13 km), feasible for existing aircraft, particularly over polar and extratropical regions where the stratosphere is closer to the troposphere.
• Estimated Impact: Injecting 12 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide annually at this altitude can cool the planet by approximately 0.6º C, while 21 million tonnes would be required to achieve a cooling of 1º C.

Modifying Existing Aircraft:

• To implement this method, modifications to aircraft such as the Boeing 777F would be necessary, including installing insulated tanks for aerosol transport and maintaining temperature during flights.

Potential Benefits and Challenges:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Low-altitude SAI may be quicker and more economical than building specialized high-altitude aircraft, which could take nearly a decade and cost billions.
• Risks and Side Effects: There are significant risks associated with SAI, including social and geopolitical implications, direct environmental impacts like delayed ozone recovery, and potential acid rain. Critics warn that it could mask the effects of climate change, leading to complacency regarding emission reductions.

International Perspectives:

• In 2021, the US National Academies advocated for funding solar geoengineering research but faced backlash the following year from an international coalition calling for a moratorium, citing concerns over governance and fairness in implementation.

Conclusion:

• The article underscores the complexity surrounding the adoption of technologies like SAI. While it holds potential for immediate climate cooling, it also poses various ecological, social, and governance challenges that warrant careful consideration before any practical application.

Key Points:

• Global dependence on fossil fuels needs to decrease due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is proposed to cool the planet by injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere.
• Recent studies suggest injecting sulphur dioxide at lower altitudes can effectively cool the Earth's temperature.
• Modifications to existing aircraft are required for practical SAI implementation, potentially making it more accessible.
• SAI presents both opportunities for immediate climate action and significant risks, including environmental and governance challenges.
• Global consensus on SAI's implementation remains contentious, with calls for further research and oversight.