MoEFCC Grants In-Principle Forest Clearance for 1,742.6 Hectares in Hasdeo-Arand for Kente Extension Coal Block in Chhattisgarh

FAC Grants Stage-I Approval for Kente Extension Coal Block (1742.6 Hectares) with 4.48 Lakh Tree Felling in Hasdeo Arand, Chhattisgarh

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle clearance for a major coal mine project in the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand forests of Chhattisgarh, overriding its 'no-go' zone classification. This decision, involving diversion of 1,742.6 hectares and felling of 4.48 lakh trees, highlights the persistent tension between energy security and forest conservation, a critical theme for Environment & GS-III mains.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Mandates Electric Two-Wheeler Registrations from April 2028, Opposed by Industry Citing 65% Market Disruption and China Supply Chain Risks

The Delhi government's draft EV Policy 2.0 proposes banning new ICE two-wheeler registrations from April 2028, aiming for complete electrification. However, industry bodies like SIAM oppose this mandate citing livelihood threats for 65% of buyers, supply chain dependence on China for 90% of battery components, and insufficient local ecosystem readiness.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Draft Targets ICE Two/Three-Wheeler Ban by 2027; BEE CAFE-3 Norms Drafted

This news is critical for aspirants as it highlights a major shift in India's EV transition strategy from subsidy dependence to regulatory mandates. Delhi's draft EV Policy 2.0 proposes banning new ICE two/three-wheelers from 2027, setting a precedent for other states. Concurrently, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's CAFE-3 draft norms aim to push passenger car electrification, with debates on hybrid credits.

Centre's ₹81,000 Cr Great Nicobar Project Covers 166.1 sq km, Fells 7.11 Lakh Trees; Claims No Tribal Relocation for Strategic Indo-Pacific Role

The Union Government has issued a factsheet defending the ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project against criticism from the Leader of Opposition. It underlines the project's strategic, economic, and defence purpose for the Indo-Pacific, while asserting that the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen tribes will not be displaced.

Indian Railways Electrifies 70,002 km (99.6%) of Broad Gauge Network, 269 km Left in 5 States by May 2026

Indian Railways is on the cusp of achieving 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge network, a critical infrastructure and environmental milestone. As of May 31, 2026, 70,002 km (99.6%) of the 70,271 km network is electrified, with only 269 km remaining across five states. This is a strategic development for energy security, operational efficiency, and India's net-zero commitments.

CEA Panel Shortlists 3 Thermal Sites for Nuclear Conversion to Meet 100 GWe by 2047 Under SHANTI Act 2025

India is repurposing its ageing coal infrastructure for nuclear power to achieve its ambitious 100 GWe capacity target by 2047. A government panel has identified three old thermal plant sites for conversion, facing challenges like exclusion zone norms, highlighting a strategic shift in energy policy enabled by the SHANTI Act 2025.

Delhi Heat Crisis: Urban Heat Island Effect Costs India $100 Billion Annually, Requires High-Albedo Materials & Ventilation Corridors

Delhi's escalating heat crisis, driven by the Urban Heat Island Effect, is causing significant economic losses and ecological damage. This is a critical case study for GS-3 (Environment & Disaster Management) and GS-1 (Urbanization), highlighting the need for integrated urban planning, material science, and social protection policies.

MoEFCC Considers Second Asiatic Lion Population, Supreme Court Translocation Order to Kuno Pending

The Union Environment Minister has stated that establishing a second, free-ranging population of the endangered Asiatic Lion is under active consideration. This comes despite the long-pending Supreme Court order (2013) for translocation from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, highlighting the complex ecological and political challenges in big cat conservation.