AERB Denies Special Licensing Relaxations for 30-300 MWe SMRs Under SHANTI Act

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.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.

Doppler Weather Radars: 51st DWR Inaugurated at Sambalpur Under Mission Mausam

India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar was inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha, boosting weather forecasting under Mission Mausam. This expansion enhances early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall, a core exam topic for disaster management and science-tech.

India's E20 Fuel Mandate: 240 Million Legacy Vehicles Face Mileage Loss, Contamination Risks

India's nationwide E20 fuel mandate (20% ethanol blending) effective April 1, 2026, aims to reduce crude oil imports but raises serious concerns for 240 million legacy vehicles (pre-2023). Real-world mileage drops of over 10%, fuel system corrosion, phase separation, and contamination risks (chlorides up to 570 ppm, water up to 13,000 ppm) have sparked legal challenges and demands for consumer protection. This is a high-impact issue linking energy policy, automotive engineering, and consumer rights – a must-know for GS3 and GS2.

IN-SPACe Releases Planned Re-entry Guidelines: Safety Threshold 1 in 10,000, Mandates Third-Party Liability Insurance

IN-SPACe has released new guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects, establishing a safety threshold of 1 in 10,000 risk to humans and mandating third-party liability insurance for private operators. This is crucial for India's human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan and the growing private space sector.

Parliamentary Panel Urges Geostationary Satellite for 24x7 Himalayan Forest Fire Monitoring

A parliamentary standing committee has flagged critical gaps in forest fire monitoring in the Himalayas, where 17% of India's landmass accounts for 57% of fire incidents. It recommends launching an Indian geostationary satellite for round-the-clock monitoring, setting up NDRF regional response centres, and formulating a national pine-needle policy. This is crucial for prelims (data, institutions) and mains (environmental governance, disaster management).

CAG Report Finds E. coli in Drinking Water at 8 Railway Stations, Recommends Water Quality Protocol

CAG has found E. coli in drinking water at eight railway stations, exposing poor water quality and sanitation oversight. Since E. coli can cause infection even in tiny amounts and some strains are becoming drug-resistant, the report raises public-health and antimicrobial resistance concerns a UPSC candidate must link to governance and service delivery.

CAQM-ISRO to Re-Test Burnt Area Protocol as Satellite-Ground Data Diverge in Punjab-Haryana

CAQM's burnt area assessment protocol, used to monitor stubble burning, is under validation due to divergence between satellite and ground data. This impacts air quality enforcement in Delhi-NCR and has been questioned in the Supreme Court, making it critical for environment and governance exams.