Archive

1. International Day of Forests is observed on March 21 to celebrate all forest types, highlight benefits like oxygen, food, medicine, and livelihoods, and mobilize protection actions worldwide annually for awareness.

2. United Nations designated March 21 as International Day of Forests in 2012, and each year a theme is selected by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests to guide outreach and engagement.

1. Namami Gange began in June 2014 as an integrated mission for pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

2. The programme originally had ₹20,000 crore outlay up to March 2021, later extended to March 2026 with ₹22,500 crore.

1. Carbon Market Buildout: India is developing a regulated carbon pricing ecosystem, combining a rate-based emissions trading system with voluntary crediting to support decarbonisation and climate-aligned growth.

2. Rate-Based ETS Concept: In a rate-based ETS, entities face benchmark emissions-intensity limits rather than absolute caps, allowing flexibility for growth while still rewarding improved efficiency and competitiveness.

“We must adopt the mantra of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle’ to secure the nation’s water future”

~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

1. Total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 billion cubic meters in 2024, while annual extraction declined by 3 billion cubic meters compared with 2017.

2. Dynamic groundwater assessment 2024 estimates total annual recharge at 446.90 BCM, extractable resources at 406.19 BCM, and annual extraction at 245.64 BCM for planning.

Key Takeaways

India targets 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen production annually by 2030.

A port-based Green Hydrogen pilot has been commissioned at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, and Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla has commissioned a megawatt-scale, indigenous Green Hydrogen Facility

Snapshot

World’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore successfully completed with 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa (2022-23) coming to India.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi personally released the first eight cheetahs on 17 September 2022

Overview of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is generated through controlled atomic reactions, primarily nuclear fission, which releases heat used to produce electricity. This process generates large-scale power without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a dependable and low-carbon energy source that complements intermittent renewables such as solar and wind, while ensuring base-load electricity supply.

India is transitioning its maritime sector towards sustainability to balance economic growth with environmental protection. With a long coastline rich in mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons, and biodiversity, ports are increasingly required to operate in alignment with global health, safety, and environmental standards. Renewable energy adoption, pollution control, waste management, and ecosystem protection have become central to port development.

INTRODUCTION

On November 3, the International Day for Biosphere Reserves is observed to promote harmony between nature and communities. These reserves act as “living laboratories” for sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and local welfare. India celebrates this day with pride, having a strong network of 18 biosphere reserves covering 91,425 sq. km — 13 of which are recognized by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Introduction

Launched in January 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is India’s 7-year strategic blueprint (2024–25 to 2030–31) to secure supply chains of essential minerals critical for clean energy, electronics, transport, and defense. With ₹16,300 crore in government expenditure and ₹18,000 crore expected from PSUs, it aims to ensure mineral self-reliance and technological independence.