Study Reveals 1 Billion More Face Extreme Heat Stress; Night Warming at 0.32°C/Decade

Western Himalaya Warming 7.18°C by 2100, Snow Loss Triple Under High Emissions: Study

A new study reveals that the Western Himalaya is warming faster than the central and eastern parts, with winter temperatures projected to rise by over 7°C by 2100 under high emissions. This will lead to severe snow loss, threatening water security for 1.5 billion people dependent on glacier-fed rivers like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.

Climate Change Study: 0.01°C/yr Temp Rise, 3.97mm/yr Rain Decline in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

A study reveals that climate change is disrupting the phenology of forests in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with a 0.01°C annual temperature rise and 3.97 mm annual rainfall decline from 1950 to 2018, leading to altered growing seasons and threatening endemic species. This data is critical for understanding climate impacts on biodiversity hotspots, a recurring theme in UPSC environment and geography questions.

Candida auris Shows 90% Azole Resistance; Study Reveals Gene Duplication & Eagle Effect Challenging Antifungals

Fungal infections are rising due to global warming, with Candida auris emerging as a multidrug-resistant threat (30-40% mortality). New research from JNCASB and collaborators reveals that C. auris uses gene duplication (Erg11) and mutations (Fks1) to resist antifungals, and also exhibits the 'Eagle effect' where high drug doses paradoxically trigger compensatory chitin production, making the pathogen survive. This signals the end of the chemical arms race approach and calls for combination therapies and revised susceptibility testing limits.

131 GW Canal-Top Solar Potential: MNRE Pilot Scheme, PM Surya Sarovar Yojana Boost Land-Free Renewable Energy

India's vast canal network offers a land-free path to solar power via Canal-Top Photovoltaics (CTPV). With land acquisition for solar projects becoming expensive, CTPV saves land, reduces water evaporation, and improves panel efficiency. A 2024 assessment estimates 131 GW potential, but high costs and structural challenges limit deployment. The PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (floating solar) signals growing policy interest in land-neutral solar.

India's Next Energy Transition: Electrifying Industrial Heat for MSMEs, Manufacturing Competitiveness

India's next energy transition phase targets electrifying industrial heat, especially for MSMEs, to boost manufacturing competitiveness, energy security, and decarbonisation. The article draws a parallel with the solar PV revolution and calls for a coordinated ecosystem of policies, financing, and cluster-level planning to scale the transition.

National Green Hydrogen Mission: 400-500 Buses/Trucks by 2030, Trials on 20 Highways

India's National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 400-500 hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty buses and trucks by 2030. To achieve this, 70 vehicles have been sanctioned for trials across 20 highways, with the goal of achieving operating cost parity with diesel in 2-3 years.

EVs Account for 10.6% of India's Vehicle Registrations in 2026, Three-Wheelers Lead at 60.5% - FADA Data

India's vehicle registration data for 2026 shows a historic fuel crossover: petrol/diesel share dropped to 83.5% while EVs reached 10.6%. However, the shift is lopsided—two-wheelers and three-wheelers drive EV adoption, while cars prefer CNG/LPG. This data is crucial for understanding India's energy transition and can be tested in Prelims for exact percentages and FADA's role.

SC-NBWL Recommends Pygmy Hog for Critically Endangered List Under IDWH Scheme

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended adding the pygmy hog, the world's smallest and rarest wild pig, to the list of critically endangered species under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. This move signals a renewed focus on grassland conservation and species recovery, with potential expansion to West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.