Environment & Ecology
Government Policy
Welcome to the Government Policy section of our Environment & Ecology study hub, a critical domain for your UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation. In the context
22 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
Decarbonising India: Policy Frameworks and Sectoral Challenges for a Just Transition (UPSC GS-III)
India's decarbonisation strategy, anchored in its updated NDCs and Net Zero by 2070 pledge, navigates the complex interplay of energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. It requires a multi-sectoral approach, addressing financing gaps, technological access, and the imperative for a just transition across energy, industry, and transport sectors.
India’s renewable transition caught between stranded power and institutional inertia
Source: The Hindu(Page13) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
Panel led by MoEF Secretary ‘suppressed’ FSI view on Aravalli, amicus informs SC
Source: Indian express(Page1) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment)
NGT Upholds Environmental Clearance For Great Nicobar Mega Project
Context Recently, a Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the way for the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, noting that ‘considering the strategic importance’ of it and ‘other relevant considerations’. About the Great Nicobar Project It is a large-scale infrastructure initiative conceived by NITI Aayog, formally called as the Great Nicobar Island Development Project. It is implemented through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDC)
A Dismantling of the Base of Environmental Regulation
Published on: 4th December, 2025
National One Health Mission Assembly and Calls For Unified Response to Future Health Threats
In News The National One Health Mission Assembly 2025 showcased India’s integrated approach to health security under the theme “One Earth, One Health, One Future.” One Health The ‘One Health’ approach integrates the health of people, animals and the environment It is crucial for addressing complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.
SC Recalls Order Restricting Government from Granting Retrospective Environmental Clearances
Context The Supreme Court recalled its May 16 judgment that had banned ex post facto environmental clearances (EC) — meaning you cannot start a project first and take EC later. About The May judgment had held that granting retrospective clearances in any form to regularise illegal constructions was clearly illegal. The court had struck down a 2017 notification and 2021 office memorandum (OM) of the Union government, which in effect recognised the grant of ex post facto ECs.
New Draft CAFE Rules
Context India has proposed to significantly revamp its key vehicle emissions rules, called the Corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) norms. India’s Current CAFE Norms The Bureau of Energy Efficiency introduced the CAFE norms in 2017 to regulate fuel consumption and carbon emissions from passenger vehicles. These norms apply to vehicles running on petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs) weighing less than 3,500 kg.
Great Nicobar: Between Maritime Ambition and Ecological Prudence
The Great Nicobar Island Development Project (GNIDP) embodies India’s “Viksit Bharat” aspirations while raising sharp concerns about ecological resilience and indigenous rights. It has become a flashpoint debate on how the country balances strategic, economic, and environmental imperatives.
Environment Audit Rules, 2025
Context The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced a major reform through the Environment Audit Rules, 2025. About Environment Audit means a systematic audit, verification, examination, inspection, or analysis of any project, activity or process having a bearing on the environment. This scheme aims to bridge the manpower and infrastructure deficits faced by regulatory authorities.
Supreme Court Verdict on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
Context The Supreme Court held that projects with a built-up area above 20,000 square meters, whether industrial, educational, or otherwise, cannot be exempted from the environment impact assessment (EIA) 2006 regime. About The SC reaffirmed that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) would remain the competent authorities for conducting project-level environmental assessments. EIA can be defined as the study to predict the effec
Shifts in India’s Pesticide Market
Context India’s pesticide market is undergoing a structural transformation, driven by shifting pest dynamics, labour shortages, and changing cropping practices. Background Pesticides, or crop protection chemicals, include substances used to kill or deter pests that harm crops. These include:Insecticides: For insect pests (e.g., white-backed plant hopper in paddy).
Revised Green India Mission Plan
Context Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the revised Green India Mission (GIM) document for 2021-2030 period. Mission Governance Structure The National Governing Council of the Mission will be chaired by the Union Environment Minister. The National Executive Council will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Environment.
First State/UTs Engagement Workshop Under the National One Health Mission
Context The first State and Union Territory Engagement Workshop under National One Health Mission (NOHM) was conducted, charting a collaborative path forward for strengthening Indias integrated One Health approach. What is the One Health Approach? One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
SC Direction to Take Back Forest Land Illegally Allotted to Private Entities
Context The Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to investigate and reclaim forest lands that were illegally allotted for non-forest purposes, citing severe legal and ecological violations. Legal Environmental Issues Highlighted Violation of the 1996 Supreme Court Order: The SC had directed in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs.
SC Bans Retrospective Environment Permits
Context The Supreme Court invalidated retrospective environmental clearances, emphasizing that development cannot compromise environmental protection. Retrospective environmental clearances These are approvals granted to industrial or infrastructure projects after the commencement of operations or construction, bypassing the legal requirement of prior environmental assessment. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandates pri
New Rules for Access and Benefit Sharing of Biodiversity
Context The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified the Biological Diversity (Access to Biological Resources and Knowledge Associated thereto and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulation, 2025. What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)? ABS refers to the framework through which benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge are shared fairly and equitably with the communities that have conserved these resources.
Forest Rights Act (FRA)
Researchers and campaigners fear that the government has not properly reviewed rejected claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) ahead of a crucial Supreme Court hearing.
National Gene Bank
The central government has announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank (NGB) as a part of the Union Budget 2025-26 under the theme Investing in Innovations.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002 & Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023
As a party to the CBD, India enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which serves as a comprehensive legal framework to protect biological resources and regulate their use. Objectives of the Act...