Environment & Ecology Current Affairs - 2026-06-27

Background: Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems, protecting shorelines and supporting biodiversity. India's mangrove cover has degraded significantly due to human activities and climate change. Current Context: On June 25, 2026, MoEFCC launched the "National Mangrove Restoration Initiative" across nine coastal states and four UTs. It aims to restore degraded mangrove forests and expand cover using community involvement and scientific methods. Impact: This initiative enhances coastal resilience, protects marine biodiversity, and boosts carbon sequestration. It also creates sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing India's climate action and ecological conservation efforts.

Background: India generates substantial e-waste, posing environmental and health hazards if not managed properly. Existing regulations faced challenges in effective implementation and collection. Current Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under MoEFCC, released "E-Waste Management Guidelines 2.0" on June 26, 2026. These update stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets, mandate advanced recycling technologies, and establish a digital tracking system. Impact: The revised framework will streamline e-waste collection, improve recycling rates, and reduce illegal dumping. It promotes a circular economy, minimizes resource depletion, and mitigates pollution from hazardous materials, fostering a cleaner environment.