IMD Considers Revising Heatwave Criteria as Warm Nights Rise 2-8 Days/Decade, Projected 10-13 Days/Decade

15,800 Excess Heat Deaths Projected in India Amid Super El Niño: CIL Report

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab warns of 15,800 excess heat-related deaths in India between September 2026 and February 2027, driven by a Super El Niño. Southern India is especially vulnerable. This is a 'postcard from the future' – a preview of climate impacts 20 years ahead.

World Bank Report: Extreme Heat Costs South Asia 31 Million Jobs, 7% GDP by 2050

World Bank report warns extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually and threatens 7% GDP loss by 2050. It urges governments to treat heat as a core development challenge, not a seasonal emergency. Essential for UPSC: climate-economy linkages, urban resilience, and vulnerable worker protection.

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.

Ken-Betwa River Link: Adivasis Resist Daudhan Dam Displacement, Offered ₹12.5 Lakh Compensation

The Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh is displacing tribal communities in Bundelkhand. Affected villagers are protesting despite compensation of ₹12.5 lakh per eligible adult and ₹5 lakh per acre, because they fear losing their cultural identity, language, and community. This highlights the conflict between development and indigenous rights.

Lancet Study: Over 80% of India's Elderly Face 2,000+ Hours of Intolerable Heat at 3°C Warming

A Lancet Planetary Health study reveals that at 3°C global warming, over 80% of India's elderly and more than half the population could face at least 180 hours of intolerable heat annually. The research underscores that older adults are vulnerable at lower temperature-humidity levels than previously assumed, demanding age-sensitive heat action plans and urgent emission cuts.

Climate Change: 145 Million Indian Children (0-9) Face Heat Stress Risk, VUB Study Warns

A new study reveals that human-induced climate change has pushed 145 million Indian children (aged 0-9) into at least one additional month of dangerous heat stress annually, making them vulnerable to dehydration, heatstroke, and developmental issues. The findings highlight the disproportionate impact on children, especially from low-income families, and call for urgent emission cuts aligned with the Paris Agreement.

India-Belgium Boost Defence Ties; SC Limits BCI Powers; WMO Warns Super El Niño; NASA Roman Telescope

Today's UPSC Key packs four high-yield stories: India-Belgium sign defence & semiconductor pacts, SC restricts Bar Council disciplinary powers to enrolled advocates only, WMO warns of a 'very strong' El Niño lasting till Feb 2027, and NASA’s Roman Telescope launched to study dark matter. Each has direct Prelims/Mains potential.