1.5 Crore Groundwater Recharge Structures Created Under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Initiative Since 2024

Ken-Betwa Link: Centre Defers Displacement Grievances to MP Govt; 7,000 Families at Risk Under FRA

The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, a flagship interlinking river project, faces protests over displacement of over 7,000 families. The Centre has shifted responsibility to the Madhya Pradesh government for implementing the Forest Rights Act and compensation, raising questions about federal accountability and tribal rights. This is crucial for UPSC Polity (Centre-State relations), Environment (river linking), and Social Justice (tribal rights).

WCCB Links Wildlife SOS to Elephant Smuggling from Nepal & Leopard Poaching in MP

Wildlife SOS, a prominent NGO known for rescue operations, is under investigation for alleged involvement in leopard poaching and elephant smuggling from Nepal. The case raises critical questions about NGO accountability, wildlife crime networks, and regulatory oversight in conservation.

Bihar, Jharkhand Sign Sone River Water MoU; Marks 4th Inter-State Water Agreement in 2026 under Cooperative Federalism

Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU for sharing Sone river water, resolving a long-pending dispute. This is the fourth inter-state water agreement in 2026, highlighting the government's push for cooperative federalism. The agreement will benefit lakhs of farmers in Bihar and Jharkhand districts.

IYRP 2026: Rangelands Covering 50% Earth; Need for Portable Governance for India's Pastoralists

2026 is International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). The article examines challenges pastoral communities face due to fixed-address welfare delivery, highlights Forest Rights Act recognition of grazing rights, and advocates for 'portable governance' to ensure continuity of education, health, and veterinary services despite seasonal mobility.

CEEW Report: Organic Waste Management Can Unlock $51 Billion Market by 2047 for India

India generates massive organic waste but lacks a unified management system. A new CEEW report highlights a $51 billion market opportunity by 2047 through resource recovery, but fragmented accountability across 16 ministries hinders progress. This is critical for understanding waste-to-wealth, circular economy, and climate action linkages.

CEEW Report: Organic Waste Management Can Unlock $51 Billion Market by 2047; 26 Lakh Jobs

India's organic waste is a huge untapped resource. A CEEW report estimates that better management could unlock a $51 billion market by 2047, create 26 lakh jobs, and cut methane emissions. The key challenge is fragmented accountability across 16 ministries and lack of integrated data.

72% of Punjab's Groundwater Blocks in 'Red Zone' as Extraction Rate Hits 152% - Pani Bachao Scheme Offers Cash for Conservation

Punjab's groundwater crisis deepens with an extraction rate of 152%, and 72% of its 153 blocks classified as 'over-exploited'. The rice-wheat cropping system, supported by subsidised electricity and assured procurement, drives this overuse. The 'Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao' scheme offers cash incentives for electricity conservation, but low enrolment limits impact. This is a critical issue for UPSC Environment, Agriculture, and Governance papers.

7th ESA Draft Notification: 9,993.7 sq km in 131 Kerala Villages Under Western Ghats Regulation

The 7th draft ESA notification for Kerala's Western Ghats has triggered protests from settlers and farmers who fear displacement and land-use restrictions. The notification covers 9,993.7 sq km across 131 villages, but the state government wants it reduced to 8,590.69 sq km excluding human habitations. This is a decade-old conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights, with implications for UPSC GS3 (Environment) and GS2 (Federalism, Governance).