Rusty-spotted Cat (Near Threatened) Sighted in Aravallis; Other Small Wild Cats like Fishing Cat (Endangered) Protected Under WPA Schedule I

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 Impact Lab Report Projects 15,800 Additional Heat Deaths in India Due to Super El Nino

The Climate Impact Lab projects 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India between Sept 2026 and Feb 2027 due to the ongoing 'Super El Niño'. Globally, 451,000 excess deaths are expected in the first six months. The report warns that this El Niño is a 'postcard from the future', bringing temperatures typical of 20 years from now without adaptation.

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.

Black Carbon Crisis: 1/3 Himalayan Glacier Loss Linked to 32-42% Brick Kiln Soot Emissions

A new Systemiq report titled 'A Resilient Himalaya' links about one-third of Himalayan glacier mass loss to South Asian black carbon, with brick kilns contributing 32–42% of the deposition. Since black carbon is a short-lived pollutant, reducing kiln emissions can simultaneously improve local air quality and slow glacier melt — a rare fast-win climate action for India.

Hurricane Polo Turns Category 5; Strong El Niño May Cause 451,000 Additional Global Heat Deaths

Hurricane Polo has intensified into a Category 5 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast, with maximum sustained winds of 270 kmph. This is unfolding against an unusually strong El Niño that the WMO expects to persist through February 2027. El Niño is being watched closely because it can disrupt rainfall worldwide—the Climate Impact Lab projects 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally, including about 15,800 in India.

Western Ghats ESA: Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports, 5 Draft Notifications, State Opposition

The Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification has been in limbo since 2010, with two major committee reports (Gadgil and Kasturirangan) offering contrasting approaches. With five draft notifications issued between 2014 and 2026 and states like Karnataka opposing the move, this issue is a classic UPSC case study on balancing conservation with livelihoods, federalism, and scientific decision-making.

NOAA Projects 69% Chance of Historic El Niño Since 1950; IMD Reports Below-Normal Monsoon

A potentially historic El Niño is developing in the Pacific, with NOAA projecting a 69% chance it will exceed the strongest events since 1950. For India, the impact may lag by 40-45 days, likely after the southwest monsoon's official withdrawal, though the current monsoon is already 12% below normal.

Parliamentary Panel Flags Forest Fire Gaps, Recommends Geostationary Satellite and NDRF Centres for Himalayas

A parliamentary committee has flagged serious gaps in forest fire monitoring and management, especially in the Himalayan region which accounts for 57% of India's forest fire incidents from just 17% of its landmass. It has recommended a geostationary satellite, dedicated NDRF regional response centres, and a National Pine-Needle Utilisation Policy. For exams, the article is rich in static concepts, data, and disaster-management facts.