Current Context : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the formation of Cyclone Shakhti over the northeast Arabian Sea, emphasizing the growing trend of warming-induced cyclonic activity in the region. ABOUT CYCLONE SHAKHTI Formed On – 3 October 2025 Location – Around 340 km west of Dwarka, Gujarat Movement – Initially west-northwest, later west-southwest, predicted to recurve east-northeast Forecast – Expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by 4 October 2025 SIGNIFICANCE OF ARABIAN SEA WARMING The Arabian Sea is witnessing increased cyclonic activity due to rising sea surface temperatures. Warmer waters accelerate storm intensification, as seen in Cyclones Tauktae....Read More

Current Context : Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated Rajasthan’s first Namo Biodiversity Park (NAMO VAN)at Pratap Bandh, Alwar. ABOUT NAMO BIODIVERSITY PARK Developed As – A “green lung” for the Alwar region to improve air quality and urban greenery. Objective – To preserve native flora and fauna of the Aravalli ecosystem and serve as a model for sustainable urban development. Key Goals – Acts as a natural carbon sink and mitigates air pollution. Promotes environmental awareness among students and citizens. Encourages eco-friendly lifestyles through education and community involvement.Read More

Current Context: The Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu has received global recognition by IUCN at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. ABOUT Dugong Conservation Reserve Established: 21 September 2022 by Tamil Nadu Government. Location: Covers 34 sq. km in northern Palk Bay, including 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows. Species Protected: Dugong (Dugong dugon), classified as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List. Significance of Seagrass Meadows Provide food and habitat for dugongs and marine species. Maintain water quality and prevent shoreline erosion. Vital for biodiversity and marine ecosystem restoration.  Read More

Current Context: The Union Environment Ministry’s expert panel has recommended environmental clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. ABOUT Oju Hydel Project Location: Subansiri River, Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh (near China border). Developer: Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Capacity: 2,220 MW (run-of-the-river scheme with daily peaking). Infrastructure: 100-metre-high concrete gravity dam 12 km headrace tunnel Underground powerhouse complex Cost: Over ₹24,942 crore. Expected Output: 8,402 million units of electricity annually. Significance: Largest among the series of proposed dams on the Subansiri River (lifeline of Assam).Read More

Current Context: Two wetlands from Bihar — Gokul Jalashaya (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) — have been designated as Ramsar Sites. ABOUT Gokul Jalashaya Type: Oxbow lake on southern edge of River Ganga. Features: Seasonal flood pulses influence marshes and agriculture. Biodiversity: Home to 50+ bird species; supports local fishing and irrigation. Role: Acts as flood buffer for nearby villages. ABOUT Udaipur Jheel Location: West Champaran; bordered by Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Flora: 280+ plant species; includes endemic herb Alysicarpus roxburghianus. Fauna: Important wintering site for 35 migratory bird species; hosts vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina).Read More

Current Context : India has allowed export of Second Generation (2G) ethanol with mandatory licence and feedstock certification. ABOUT 2G Ethanol Also Known As: Cellulosic ethanol or advanced biofuel. Produced From: Plant fibre (cellulose) – e.g., rice & wheat straw, cane trash, corn cobs, stover. Other Generations of Ethanol 1G Ethanol: Made from food crops like rice, wheat, barley, corn. 3G Ethanol: Derived from aquatic biomass like algae. 4G Ethanol: From engineered plants and microorganisms.Read More

Current Context : An AI-enabled nature experience centre is coming up at Betla National Park, Jharkhand. ABOUT BETLA NATIONAL PARK Located in Latehar district, Jharkhand, on the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Only National Park of Jharkhand, notified in 1986. Core area of Palamau Tiger Reserve, among the first tiger reserves of India. River : North Koel River flows through, forming scenic waterfalls. Unique Features Includes Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. Inhabited by indigenous tribes like Oraon and Munda.Read More

Current Context : The Delhi Government has ordered a study on the use of Smog Eating photocatalytic coatings on city roads to tackle air pollution. ABOUT SMOG EATING PHOTOCATALYTIC COATINGS Objective : To reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and harmful hydrocarbons in public spaces. Mechanism Uses light energy to trigger chemical reactions. Coatings made with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) act as catalysts under UV light. Breaks down harmful pollutants into harmless matter.Read More

Current Context : Brazil has become the first country to invest in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a permanent global fund created to protect tropical forests. ABOUT TFFF Origin Proposed by Brazil at COP28 (UAE, 2023). Designed as a long-term multilateral fund for forest conservation. Goal Mobilise US $125 billion from public and private sources. Provide fixed payments per hectare of protected forest to tropical forest countries. Financial Structure Sponsors (20%): High-income countries + philanthropies. Market Investors (80%): Sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, endowments. Fund Management: To be managed by a Multilateral Development Bank such as the World Bank.....Read More

General Studies Paper 3 Context India will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) around the commencement of U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 30 in Brazil in November. About NDCs The NDCs are renewable-energy adoption goals set by a country as part of being a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Countries must regulate their fossil fuel consumption to keep the globe from heating 2°C, and as far as possible, 1.5°C above that in pre-industrial times. Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years. India last updated its NDCs in 2022: It committed to reduce the emissions intensity of....Read More