Section 4
Jeju Province has committed to eliminating plastic pollution by 2040, with a core focus on completely abandoning singleuse plastics and promoting Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) circularity.
A new species of Losgna named Losgna Occidentalis rediscovered in Chandigarh after nearly six decades.
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MoSJE launches app to empower waste pickers under the NAMASTE Scheme.
In a landmark move toward environmental justice and worker dignity, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE Scheme in New Delhi. This digital initiative aims to formally recognize and uplift 2.5 lakh waste pickers— unsung heroes of India’s circular economy—by providing them with occupational ID cards, health insurance, safety gear, skill training, and access to financial support. By empowering these workers and strengthening their collectives to manage 750 dry waste collection centers, the scheme ensures safer conditions and long-term livelihood security. Accompanying the launch were two key knowledge products that spotlight the social and economic realities of India’s sanitation workforce and offer guidance to integrate waste picker collectives into formal service delivery.
WII: Kanha Reserve is India’s leading tiger habitat in terms of the ungulate population.
Recent report from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India. Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh leads India's tiger habitats in ungulate (hoofed herbivore) population. It boasts 102,485 ungulates, attributed to its high carrying capacity and diverse habitats, supporting a prey density of 69.86 animals per sq. km and a total biomass exceeding 12.6 million kilograms.
Battery-operated EVs can slash emissions by 38%
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A new study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) finds that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) consistently outperform internal
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combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in terms of life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study showed that BEVs in India emit up to 38% less CO2e per kilometre (kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilometre) compared to ICEVs in the passenger cars segment, with the potential for even greater savings if India’s power grid becomes cleaner.
Ocean conservation faces a 15.8 billion dollar funding deficit.
Current annual investment in ocean protection is only 1.2 billion dollars, which is less than 10% of what is actually needed, leaving a funding gap of 14.6 billion dollars. The 30x30 target, one of 23 goals established under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by 196 countries in 2022, is meant to halt and reverse nature loss. It aims to protect 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas through Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) by 2030.
Ek Ped Maa K e Naam 2.0 campaign
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign, along with a special module web portal and website to monitor eco-club activities. The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees this year. Highlighting the alarming environmental situation in Delhi, the initiative emphazises effective solutions to combat pollution and government preparations for future generations, envisioning net zero by 2070.
Blue NDC Challenge
Brazil and France have launched a new initiative to bring oceans to the heart of climate action at the third instalment of the United Ocean Conference (UNOC3) being held in Nice, France. Six
other countries—Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, and the Republic of Seychelles—have joined the initiative. The initiative aims to incorporate ocean-focused climate measures into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.
Tamil Nadu notifies Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi.
Inauguration done on the occasion of the World Environment Day event organised by the Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests in Chennai on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The move aims to preserve a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for thousands of migratory wetland birds. The sanctuary spans 524.7 hectares and encompasses both revenue and forest lands, part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, and is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes.
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India's first underwater museum
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India to develop a first-of-itskind underwater museum and artificial coral reef around the INS Guldar near Nivati Rocks at Vengurla in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The initiative aims to boost marine conservation and tourism. The museum will offer scuba diving and future submarine tours. The Union Tourism Ministry has approved 46.91 crore rupees for the project. The warship, weighing 1,120 tons, was decommissioned in January 2024.
NDMA 3Ms Action plan for landslide management.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) — will incorporate the 3Ms mapping, monitoring, and mitigation — into its action plan to better manage landsliderelated disasters and promote resilient recovery, rapid response, and risk assessment. This comes against the backdrop of changing rainfall patterns causing floods and landslides. According to recent studies change is expected to cause a 43 percent rise in the intensity of extreme rainfall due to two-fold increase in heatwave will trigger more frequent, incessant, and erratic rainfall events in India by 2030.
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Mahendra Gurjar set a world record in F42 javelin throw with 61.17 m. Mahendra Gurjar set a world record in F42 javelin throw with 61.17 m. India to host the Asian Weightlifting Championship in 2026 after 44 years. India to host the Asian Weightlifting Championship in 2026 after 44 years. Tejaswini Shankar became the first to top two decathlon finishes at the Tejaswini Shankar became the first to top two decathlon finishes at the Asian Athletics Championship. Asian Athletics Championship. Pranati Nayak became the first Indian to win 3 medals at the Asian Artistic Pranati Nayak became the first Indian to win 3 medals at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship. Gymnastics Championship. India won the first-ever medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey Women's Asian Cup. India won the first-ever medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey Women's Asian Cup. MS Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. MS Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. D Gukesh Defeated Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess, Securing a Historic D Gukesh Defeated Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess, Securing a Historic Win. Win. South Africa defeated Australia at Lord’s to win the World Test South Africa defeated Australia at Lord’s to win the World Test Championship for the first time, with Aiden Markram earning Player of the Championship for the first time, with Aiden Markram earning Player of the Match honors. Match honors. Srihari Nataraj Sets Best Indian Time, Wins Gold in 200m Freestyle at Srihari Nataraj Sets Best Indian Time, Wins Gold in 200m Freestyle at Singapore Nationals Swimming Championships. Singapore Nationals Swimming Championships. Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff Clinch French Open 2025 Titles in Historic Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff Clinch French Open 2025 Titles in Historic Roland Garros Triumphs. Roland Garros Triumphs. India Shines at the European Para Archery Cup in Rome with 8 Medals — 3 India Shines at the European Para Archery Cup in Rome with 8 Medals — 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze. Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze. India Bags 8 Medals at the Thailand Open Boxing Tournament. India Bags 8 Medals at the Thailand Open Boxing Tournament. India Clinches 17 Medals at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in India Clinches 17 Medals at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in Changwon. Changwon. Anahat Singh Named PSA Women's Young Player of the Year. Anahat Singh Named PSA Women's Young Player of the Year. Avinash Sable Breaks 36-Year Drought with Gold in Men’s Steeplechase at Avinash Sable Breaks 36-Year Drought with Gold in Men’s Steeplechase at the Asian Championships. the Asian Championships.
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India Storms to 27 Medals at Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea
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India delivered an outstanding display at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships held from May 27–31 in Gumi, clinching an impressive 27 medals across track and field events. The medal tally featured multiple golds, silvers, and bronzes, propelling India to second place in the overall standings behind China . Standout performances included Avinash Sable’s steeplechase triumph and Animesh Kujur’s national record in the 200m sprint . Young high jumper Pooja Singh soared to gold, while distance ace Gulveer Singh claimed both 5,000m and 10,000m titles . The final day saw India wrap up with six additional medals, reinforcing its growing strength on the continental stage .
Iran has increased its uranium stockpile enriched to 60% by nearly 50%, reaching 408.6 kg, according to the IAEA. The watchdog urged Tehran to comply with nuclear guidelines amid ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over a potential new nuclear agreement.
Pooja Clinches Quad Medals at Two Major Championships
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Pooja delivered a stellar week across two events, securing four international medals. At the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, she claimed bronze in the 800 m (2:01.89) and silver in the 1,500 m (4:10.83) . She then dominated at the Taiwan Open in Taipei, winning gold in both the 800 m (meet record 2:02.79) and 1,500 m (4:11.63) . Her remarkable four‑medal haul in just one week highlights her rising status on the international circuit.
Suruchi Singh Continues Golden Run at ISSF World Cup in Munich
Suruchi Inder Singh grabbed gold in the women’s 10m air pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, This victory marks her third consecutive individual World Cup gold of the season— following successes in Buenos Aires and Lima—and a flawless podium streak in five events this year .
India Tops Medal Table with 16 Medals at Taiwan Open Athletics Championship 2025
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India topped the medal standings at the Taiwan Open Athletics Championship held in Taipei on June 7–8, securing a total of 16 medals: an impressive 12 golds, along with 3 silvers and 1 bronze . Standout performances included Jyothi Yarraji in the women’s 100 m hurdles and Rohit Yadav’s men’s javelin victory (74.42 m), while Pooja swept the women’s 800 m and 1500 m, setting new championship records in both events . India outpaced traditional rivals like Australia and South Korea, cementing its growing influence on the international athletics stage . The team’s diverse success across sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relays underscored the nation’s depth and momentum ahead of the Paris Olympics.
World Bicycle Day 2025
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On June 3, 2025, the UN‑backed World Bicycle Day celebrated the theme “Cycling for a Sustainable Future,” highlighting bicycles as eco‑friendly, affordable, and healthy transport options . Cities and individuals worldwide were urged to pedal more for cleaner air, healthier bodies, and greener communities.
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PVC: Biography and Story <mark>ee</mark>
Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav is one of India's most celebrated military heroes, renowned for his extraordinary bravery during the Kargil War in 1999. He is the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest wartime gallantry decoration, which he received at the age of 19.
Early Life and Joining the Army:
Yogendra Singh Yadav was born on May 10, 1980, in Aurangabad Ahir, Bulandshahr District, Uttar Pradesh. He came from a military family; his father, Karan Singh Yadav, served in the Kumaon Regiment and participated in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars. Inspired by his family's legacy, Yogendra Singh Yadav joined the Indian Army at the remarkably young age of 16 years and five months. He was enlisted with the 18 Grenadiers, an infantry regiment known for its brave soldiers.
| Born | 10 May 1980 (age 45) |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Bulandshahr district, Uttar |
| Allegiance | India |
| Service / branch | Indian Army |
| Years of service | 27 December 1996–31 |
| Rank | Honorary Captain, Subedar |
| Service number | 2690572K |
| Unit | 18th Grenadiers |
| Battles / wars | Kargil War, Battle of Tiger Hill, |
| Awards | Param Vir Chakra, Yash Bharati |
The Kargil War and the Battle of Tiger Hill:
In 1999, the Kargil War erupted, and Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav's unit, the 18 Grenadiers, was deployed to the Drass sector. One of the most crucial and challenging objectives was to capture Tiger Hill, a strategically vital peak occupied by Pakistani intruders. The peak, situated at an altitude of 16,500 feet, had a steep, snow-covered, and rocky cliff face, making it an extremely formidable stronghold. On the night of July 3/4, 1999, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was part of the Ghatak (commando) Platoon tasked with capturing three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill. He volunteered to lead the assault, climbing the sheer cliff face to fix ropes for his team. Halfway up the climb, an enemy bunker unleashed intense machine gun and rocket fire, killing the platoon commander and two other
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soldiers, and stalling the advance. Despite being hit by three bullets in his groin and shoulder, Grenadier Yadav, undeterred by his grievous injuries and the hail of enemy bullets, continued climbing. He scaled the remaining 60 feet to reach the top. Though severely injured, he crawled towards the first bunker, lobbed a grenade, and killed four Pakistani soldiers, effectively silencing the enemy fire. This courageous act allowed the rest of his platoon to continue their ascent.
In the war, and his character also inspired the 2004 Hindi film Lakshya.
He then charged towards the second bunker along with two of his comrades, engaging in hand-to-hand combat and eliminating four more enemy soldiers. Throughout this fierce engagement, he sustained multiple injuries, including 15 bullet wounds, two hand-grenade wounds, and a severely injured arm. Despite his critical condition, he refused to be evacuated and continued his charge, inspiring his platoon with his indomitable gallantry. His actions were pivotal in the subsequent capture of Tiger Hill.
Param Vir Chakra and Later Career:
Initially, the Param Vir Chakra was announced for Yogendra Singh Yadav posthumously, as it was believed he had succumbed to his injuries. However, it was later discovered that he was recuperating in a military hospital, and it was a namesake who had been martyred in the mission. He thus became one of the rare living recipients of the Param Vir Chakra. His PVC citation on the official Indian Army website commends his "most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry, grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances." After the Kargil War, Yogendra Singh Yadav continued to serve in the Indian Army. He was conferred the honorary rank of Captain by the President of India on Independence Day 2021 and retired from service on December 31, 2021, as an Honorary Captain. His story has been a source of immense inspiration, and his heroic deeds during the Kargil War are often recounted in military training programs to instil values of courage and patriotism. The book "The Hero of Tiger Hill" depicts his role
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