Environment & Ecology Current Affairs - 2026-06-23

Background: Mangroves are crucial coastal ecosystems, protecting against erosion, supporting biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks. India's coastline is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Current Context: On June 23, 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the "National Mangrove Restoration Initiative" (NMRI). This program aims to restore and expand mangrove cover across 10 coastal states and UTs, focusing on degraded areas and community participation. Impact: NMRI will enhance coastal resilience, safeguard communities from extreme weather, improve marine biodiversity, and contribute to India's carbon sequestration goals. It also fosters sustainable livelihoods.

Background: India generates substantial electronic waste, posing environmental and health hazards due to improper disposal. Existing regulations faced challenges in effective implementation and collection. Current Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced the "E-Waste Management Policy Framework 2.0" on June 22, 2026. This updated policy mandates stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets, introduces digital tracking for e-waste, and incentivizes formal recycling sectors. Impact: The new framework aims to streamline e-waste collection and recycling, reduce environmental pollution from hazardous materials, promote a circular economy for electronics, and create green jobs. It is crucial for sustainable resource management.