General Studies Paper-3 Context India is positioning itself as a global leader in climate action with ambitious targets for renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decentralized power systems. However, it is threatened by a persistent and widening climate finance gap. India’s Clean Energy Transition India is rapidly shifting from coal-dominated power generation to a diversified mix of solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and nuclear with a target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Growth in Renewable Energy India’s non-fossil fuel installed capacity reached 213.70 GW by late 2024. India added 24.5 GW of solar energy capacity, ranking third....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, has emerged as a flagship initiative to promote organic farming in India. What is Organic farming? Organic farming is a sustainable agriculture system that excludes synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It relies on natural resources like crop residues, farmyard manure, and compost to maintain soil health and manage pests and diseases. Organic farming in India India ranks at 4th place in terms of certified area globally as per the report published by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements....Read More

General Studies Paper 3 Context India will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) around the commencement of U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 30 in Brazil in November. About NDCs The NDCs are renewable-energy adoption goals set by a country as part of being a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Countries must regulate their fossil fuel consumption to keep the globe from heating 2°C, and as far as possible, 1.5°C above that in pre-industrial times. Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years. India last updated its NDCs in 2022: It committed to reduce the emissions intensity of....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 In News A recent global study has found that artificial light at night is significantly altering bird behaviour, causing many species to stay active for up to an hour longer after sunset. What Is Light Pollution? Light pollution refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial outdoor lighting, which disrupts natural darkness. It disrupts ecosystems, obscures the night sky, and affects human health and energy efficiency. Causes Urbanisation: Expansion of cities leads to more streetlights, billboards, and building illumination. Over use: Use of artificial lighting beyond what is necessary, especially in commercial zones and residential areas.....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context Recent disasters across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir suggest that the real accelerant is man-made disruption, while global warming certainly exacerbates environmental stress. Fragility of the Himalayan Ecosystem The Himalayan ecosystem is inherently fragile due to its young geological age, steep slopes, and dynamic weather systems. It features: High seismic activity due to tectonic movements; Rapid erosion and landslides triggered by deforestation and slope destabilization; ISRO reports that glacial lakes in the Himalayas have expanded significantly over the past three decades, with some growing by over 170%—a direct consequence of warming and land-use changes,....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 In News India’s urban transformation is accelerating, with cities poised to generate new jobs and host billions of people. The Need for Climate-Resilient Urban Futures India is undergoing an unprecedented urban transformation. By 2030, cities are expected to generate over 70% of new jobs, and by 2050, nearly a billion people will reside in urban areas. This demographic shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge: while cities can be engines of innovation and growth, they are also increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced risks such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and water stress. Steps toward building climate-resilient cities It....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context According to the Air Quality Life Index, India is the second most polluted country in the world. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) is developed by Professor Michael Greenstone and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). It translates air pollution levels into their impact on life expectancy, offering hyper-local data to help users see how much longer people could live if pollution met various standards. It supports EPIC’s Clean Air Program, which aims to inform policy and public action with high-quality pollution data. Key Findings of....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context India has registered 56.75 lakh electric vehicles by February 2025, reflecting the rapid adoption of clean mobility. About Electric two-wheeler (e-2W) sales hit 11.49 lakh units, up 21% from the previous year’s 9.48 lakh. The Government of India has set a vision to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030, aligning with the global EV30@30 initiative. India has set its sights on an ambitious green horizon, aiming to slash projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. India also aims to cut the economy’s carbon intensity to below 45% by 2030 and ultimately transform into a....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) in 2025, five years earlier than the 2030 target set under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018). The government highlights significant benefits including reduced oil imports, enhanced farmer incomes, and lower carbon dioxide emissions. However, concerns remain over consumer dissatisfaction regarding mileage drop, agricultural sustainability issues etc. About EBP Launched: Pilot in 2003; expanded under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018). Target: Achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2030, achieved in 2025. Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Objectives: Reduce India’s heavy reliance (~85%) on crude oil....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context NITI Aayog launched the Report on ‘Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India. This report offers a timely and comprehensive review of current challenges, alongside actionable recommendations to fast-track the EV transition in India. Major Highlights The key objectives of India’s EV Push:  Reduced dependence on imported fuel; Increased share of renewable energy by leveraging the storage capacity of EV batteries; Reduced Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions; Improved air quality; Improved Plant Load Factor (PLF) of electricity generating plants; Becoming a leader in a rapidly growing global market. Goal: India seeks to attain a 30% share of....Read More