Odisha Mandates Suspension of Hydropower Generation to Prioritise Drinking Water and Irrigation Needs

Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar Link: TN CM Demands Full Execution to Save 5 Drought-Prone Districts

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay has appealed to PM Modi for full execution of the Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river linking project, as the current NWDA plan to link Godavari-Pennar-Palar-Vellar would only benefit northern districts. The project, if implemented as per earlier plan, could provide permanent irrigation and drinking water to five southern districts facing drought, utilizing 1,100 TMC of Godavari water.

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.

X-Band Doppler Weather Radar to be Commissioned in Wayanad by Dec 2026 After 298 Deaths in 2024 Landslides

Wayanad district in Kerala, hit by deadly landslides in 2024 and 2026, will get an X-band Doppler weather radar by December 2026 to improve extreme weather forecasting. The radar, to be installed at Pulpally, will cover 100 km radius and help disaster management authorities.

Punjab Restores 16,000 km Canals, Raises Groundwater 3-5 m via 510 Recharge Schemes

Punjab has reversed decades of groundwater depletion by restoring 16,000 km of watercourses and releasing 39,049 cusecs of canal water. Groundwater levels have risen 3-5 meters in several blocks, and crop yields increased by 1-2 quintals per acre. This is a key model for water management in agriculture-heavy states.

Telangana Expert Panel Recommends Restructuring Minor Irrigation to Address 95% Borewell Dependence

An expert panel submitted a report to Telangana CM on restructuring the Minor Irrigation (MI) sector. It found that the merger of MI with major irrigation departments in 2020 led to neglect, with 90-95% of farmers not receiving water from MI sources and relying on borewells. The panel recommends fixing FTL boundaries, removing encroachments, empowering WUAs/PR bodies to collect water cess, and saving ₹3,000 crore annually in energy costs.

Karnataka Targets 66 GW Power Capacity by 2030; Clean Energy, Pumped Storage, Solar Park Expansion

Karnataka has unveiled a 10-year roadmap to scale its installed power capacity from 39 GW to 66 GW by 2030, with a strong focus on clean energy. The plan includes pumped storage, battery storage, solar park expansion, and significant private investment. This is crucial for students as it links to India's renewable energy targets, energy security, and state-specific schemes like PM-KUSUM.

Karnataka Approves 4,500 Electric Buses for Bengaluru Under PM E-DRIVE Scheme, ₹2,000 Cr Loan

Karnataka's decision to procure 4,500 electric buses under PM E-DRIVE scheme and take a ₹2,000 crore loan for bus depots is a major state-level infrastructure push. The initiative highlights the central government's electric mobility drive and state-level implementation. Key for exams: PM E-DRIVE scheme, BMTC, free Shakti smart cards for women, and fare revision committee.

Delhi Winter Action Plan: BS-VI Entry Curbs, 50% WFH, Construction Ban Nov 1-Jan 31

Delhi has formalized a permanent winter action plan with vehicle curbs (BS-VI entry restriction), 50% work-from-home mandate, construction bans, and doubled parking charges from November 1. This institutionalized approach under CAQM marks a shift from reactive to proactive pollution management, a key theme for environment and governance exams.