THIS CLEAN ENERGY RISE NEEDS CLIMATE FINANCE EXPANSION
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
India has made remarkable progress in renewable energy, becoming the third-largest solar energy contributor globally in 2024.
India’s Clean Energy Progress
- In 2024, India added 24.5 GW of solar capacity, ranking third globally after China and the U.S.
- Recognised by the UN’s 2025 Climate Report as a leader in solar and wind expansion among developing nations.
- The renewable sector contributed to 5% of India’s GDP growth and employed over 1 million people in 2023.
- Off-grid solar created 80,000+ jobs by 2021. India also leads globally through the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The Climate Finance Challenge
- India needs $1.5 – $2.5 trillion by 2030 to meet its 1.5°C-aligned pathway and national climate targets.
- Finance is needed for:
- Expanding renewables
- Modernising electricity grids
- Battery storage
- Green hydrogen
- Sustainable transport and agriculture
Current Financing Levels
- Cumulative GSS+ (Green, Social, Sustainability-linked) debt issuance reached $55.9 billion by 2024.
- Green bonds form 83% of this total; investments may cross $100 billion by 2030.
- Yet, access for MSMEs and small innovators remains limited — requiring concessional finance and risk-sharing tools.
Expanding Climate Finance
Diversified Financing Models
- Use public finance and budgetary tools to attract private capital.
- Promote blended finance combining concessional funds with private investment.
- Adopt credit guarantees and subordinated debt to lower investment risk.
Mobilising Institutional Capital
- Encourage pension funds, insurance firms, and sovereign wealth funds to invest in green projects.
- Reform regulations to support ESG-aligned portfolios and long-term green infrastructure pipelines.
Leveraging Carbon Markets
- Implement the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme with transparency and equity to raise funds.
- Use revenue for adaptation, loss & damage, and community resilience.
Innovation in Climate Finance
- Adopt blockchain for tracking fund flows.
- Use AI-based risk assessment for green investments.
- Develop India-specific blended finance models.
Conclusion
India’s clean energy journey is strong but financially under-supported. To achieve its net-zero and developmental goals, India must lead not only in renewable capacity but also in climate finance innovation, ensuring that both public and private capital flow efficiently into the green economy.
INDIAN FIRMS LEAD INVESTMENT MOMENTUM
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Latest data on project announcements show a sharp rise in private sector investment in India, led overwhelmingly by domestic firms, while foreign investors’ interest has declined.
Key Highlights
- Rise in Private Sector Announcements: In the first half of FY26, new private sector project announcements touched ₹9.9 lakh crore, the highest in nearly 15 months.
- Actual Investments and Completions: The value of completed projects by Indian firms also reached a 15-month high, indicating that these announcements are translating into real investments.
- Confidence Beyond Tax Incentives: Many of these projects were announced before GST rate cuts, showing that optimism is driven by long-term fundamentals, not just short-term tax relief.
- Positive Fiscal Implications: If these investments materialize, the government could enjoy fiscal space to focus on defence and developmental spending.
Weak Foreign Investment Sentiment
Falling Announcements by Foreign Firms
- Foreign firms’ project announcements dropped to ₹0.6 lakh crore in H1 FY26 — a five-year low and third consecutive annual decline.
- Despite global capital flows increasing (11% in 2024), India is missing out, suggesting domestic challenges or perception gaps.
Possible Reasons
- Global uncertainties post-COVID-19.
- Recent tariff frictions with the U.S. affecting sentiment.
- Structural bottlenecks in India like regulatory hurdles, infrastructure delays, and policy unpredictability.
Government’s Role and Challenges
- Public sector project announcements fell 71% (₹1.5 lakh crore), aligning with the Centre’s plan to slow capital expenditure growth.
- With both government and foreign firms pulling back, Indian companies now bear the responsibility of sustaining investment momentum.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Ease of Doing Business reforms to attract both domestic and foreign capital.
- Provide policy stability, faster clearances, and improved logistics.
- Build investor confidence through transparent regulations and trade diplomacy.
Conclusion
Domestic firms are currently the key drivers of India’s investment growth, reflecting confidence in long-term fundamentals. Sustaining this momentum requires policy support, infrastructure improvements, and a stable investment environment to attract both local and foreign investors.
NATIONS MUST PREPARE TO DEAL WITH STABLECOINS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, stressed that countries must prepare to engage with stablecoins and new forms of money.
What are Stablecoins?
- A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value.
- Pegged to assets like major currencies (USD, Euro) or commodities (gold).
- Aim: reduce volatility usually seen in digital currencies like Bitcoin.
Finance Minister’s Key Points
- Global Monetary Shifts: Innovations like stablecoins are changing global money flows and financial systems. adapt to these changes or risk being left out of the new monetary order.
- No Isolation Possible: Countries cannot shield themselves from systemic changes in global finance. Engagement with digital assets is unavoidable, whether welcomed or not.
- India’s Economic Resilience: India is strong enough to withstand external shocks. Global conflicts and rivalries are testing old alliances while forming new one, India must adapt with caution and resilience.
- Need for Vigilance: Strategic independence requires constant performance and proactive decision-making. Complacency could weaken India’s financial and strategic standing.
India’s Position on Cryptocurrencies
- Finance Ministry: cautious, allows taxation but has not legalized private cryptocurrencies.
- RBI: advocates for an outright ban on private virtual assets.
- CBDC Pilot: RBI is testing India’s official digital currency with full legal backing, unlike private coins.
Significance for India
- Stablecoins could influence capital flows, monetary sovereignty, and financial stability.
- Ignoring them may isolate India from global financial systems.
- However, risks of misuse (money laundering, terror financing, volatility) must be addressed with strong regulations.
Summary:
India recognizes the inevitability of stablecoins and digital money but wants to balance innovation with caution. The FM’s message highlights the need for preparedness, vigilance, and adaptability in shaping India’s future monetary policy.
KANHA TIGER RESERVE TIGER DEATHS
TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
A male tiger and two cubs were recently found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR), Madhya Pradesh. Officials have confirmed the deaths were due to territorial fights among tigers, with no human involvement detected.
Incident Details
- Location: Mukhi Range, Core Zone, KTR, Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Victims: Adult male tiger (10 years), known as the Balaghat Male Tiger. Two female cubs (aged 2–3 months).
- Cause of Death:
- Adult tiger died in a territorial fight.
- Cubs likely killed by a dominant male tiger during a territorial takeover.
Investigation & Actions:
- Conducted following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines.
- No snares, traps, or human interference found.
- Samples (viscera, water, food remains) sent for forensic examination.
- Post-mortem completed; carcasses cremated to prevent disease and scavenger disturbance.
KANHA TIGER RESERVE (KTR)
- Location: Mandla and Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh.
- History: Declared National Park in 1955; Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger.
- Area: Core ~940 sq km; Buffer ~1,000 sq km.
- Fauna: Tigers, leopards, barasingha, gaur, wild dogs, sloth bears.
- Ecological Importance: Maintains genetic diversity, ecological balance, and serves as a model tiger habitat.
Causes of Tiger Mortality in India
Natural Causes:
- Territorial fights among males in saturated habitats.
- Old age, disease, or aggression within species.
- Infanticide by dominant males.
Human-Linked Causes:
- Poaching for wildlife trade.
- Habitat loss from mining, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Retaliatory killings due to livestock predation.
- Road accidents along forest corridors.
Conservation Measures & Way Forward
- Project Tiger (1973): Protects tigers and habitats.
- NTCA Guidelines: Monitor and investigate tiger deaths.
- Technology Use: Camera traps, drones, GIS mapping for surveillance.
- Compensation Schemes: Mitigate retaliation by villagers.
- Eco-development: Alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
- Future Actions:
- Strengthen territory monitoring and conflict management.
- Manage core zone density scientifically.
- Involve communities in conservation.
- Regular health checks and rapid response for emergencies.
- Awareness campaigns on coexistence and compensation.
Conclusion
The deaths highlight the importance of monitoring tiger territories and managing habitat pressures. Sustained conservation efforts and community engagement are crucial to ensure the survival and well-being of tigers in KTR.
LIGHTNING STRIKES TOOK OVER 2,500 LIVES IN 2023: NCRB DATA
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU
According to the NCRB’s 2023 report “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India”, lightning caused the single largest natural killer in India in 2023.
Key Findings
- Total Deaths (2023): 6,444 deaths due to natural forces; lightning caused the highest share.
- Most Affected States:
- Madhya Pradesh – 397 deaths
- Bihar – 345
- Odisha – 294
- Uttar Pradesh – 287
- Jharkhand – 194
- Rising Trend: 400% increase in lightning strikes between 2019-20 and 2024-25.
- Policy Gap: Lightning is not listed as a centrally notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Understanding Lightning
- Definition: A massive electric discharge between cloud and ground.
- Mechanism: When electric potential exceeds 3 million volts per meter, air breaks down as an insulator → electric current flows → flash of light (lightning) and sound wave (thunder).
Reasons for Increasing Lightning Events
- Geographical Factors: High humidity and coastal climate in eastern India increase thunderstorms.
- Monsoon Dynamics: Rising moist air and strong convection during monsoon season fuel lightning.
- Urbanisation & Heat Islands: Cities emit more heat and aerosols, creating conditions for thunderstorms.
- Climate Change: Each 1°C temperature rise increases lightning frequency by 8–10%.
- Agricultural Practices: Stubble burning and deforestation release particulates that enhance storm activity.
Government Measures
- CROPC’s Lightning Early Warning System: Provides advance alerts.
- SACHET App: Warns public about lightning risks.
- Damini App (IITM Pune): Monitors real-time lightning activity.
- NDMA Guidelines: Promote awareness and safety measures.
Way Forward
- Include Lightning in the national disaster list for dedicated funding.
- Enhance early warning systems and ensure last-mile communication.
- Community Training for quick response during alerts.
- Public Awareness drives on safe shelters, especially during monsoons.
- Enforce NDMA protocols at local levels to minimize casualties.
NATIONAL PULSES MISSION
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’, a six-year plan (2025–31) to make India self-reliant in pulse production and reduce import dependence.
About the National Pulses Mission
- Duration: 2025–26 to 2030–31 (6 years)
- Total Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
- Objective: To achieve self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in major pulses such as Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor.
- Support Agencies:
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
- State Governments and Agricultural Departments
Key Features
- Seed Development & Distribution: Promotion of high-yielding, pest- and climate-resistant varieties. Distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and 88 lakh seed kits free to farmers.
- Area Expansion: Aim to add 35 lakh hectares under pulse cultivation, particularly in rice fallow lands.
- Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Establishment of 1,000 pulse processing units with government subsidies. Development of storage and value-addition facilities.
- Assured Procurement: 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the PM-AASHA scheme to ensure price stability.
- Comprehensive Strategy: Focus on research, extension, market linkages, and price assurance to make pulses farming profitable.
Rationale Behind the Mission
- Rising Import Dependenc: In 2024–25, India imported 7.3 million tonnes of pulses worth $5.5 billion. Domestic output remains stagnant due to climate shocks and low area coverage.
- Growing Demand: Urbanization and changing diets have pushed consumption beyond domestic supply.
- Goal of Self-Reliance: Reduce import bills, improve farmer income, and strengthen food security.
Challenges
- Price volatility in international markets.
- Climatic risks like droughts and erratic monsoons.
- Post-harvest losses due to weak storage systems.
- Low preference for pulses over MSP-backed crops like rice and wheat.
Way Forward
- Build a strong seed–market–storage chain.
- Encourage intercropping of pulses in rice/wheat zones.
- Expand irrigation and mechanization support for pulse farmers.
- Include pulses in PDS and Mid-Day Meals to boost demand.
- Promote FPOs and digital platforms for better price discovery.
Conclusion
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet imports meet a significant share of demand. The National Pulses Mission is a strategic step toward Atmanirbharta
50 YEARS OF INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) SCHEME
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), India’s flagship early childhood care programme launched on 2 October 1975, has completed 50 years in 2025.
About the ICDS Scheme
- Launch: 2 October 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
- Coverage: Children aged 0–6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (through extensions)
- Objective: To ensure holistic development of young children and improve nutrition, health, and education outcomes.
Main Objectives
- Improve nutritional and health status of children (0–6 years)
- Provide a foundation for physical, mental, and social development
- Reduce infant and child mortality, malnutrition, and school dropouts
- Offer non-formal pre-school education
- Create awareness on maternal health and nutrition
Umbrella ICDS Scheme (2016–17 onwards)
- The scheme was restructured and renamed as Umbrella ICDS to integrate child nutrition, adolescent girls’ support, and child protection.
- Promotes convergence through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) as one-stop service hubs for nutrition, health, and early learning.
Funding Pattern
- General States: 60:40 (Centre: State)
- Supplementary Nutrition: 50:50
- Northeast & Himalayan States: 90:10
- UTs (without legislature): 100% Central support
Key Components
Anganwadi Services
- Six core services:
- Supplementary Nutrition
- Pre-school Non-formal Education
- Health Check-ups
- Immunization
- Referral Services
- Health & Nutrition Education
- Nutrition support via Take-Home Rations (THR) and Hot Cooked Meals
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Conditional cash transfer of ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating women
- Ensures income support and better nutrition, delivered through DBT.
National Creche Scheme
- Day-care facilities for working mothers’ children (6 months–6 years)
- Provides nutrition, health care, and early learning support.
Child Protection Services (CPS)
- Ensures care, rehabilitation, and safety of children in distress.
- Operates helplines, child care institutions, and adoption services.
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)
- Started in 2018 to reduce stunting, anaemia, and low birth weight.
- Uses Poshan Tracker for real-time monitoring.
- Promotes community participation through Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada.
Significance
- Has improved maternal and child health outcomes.
- Strengthens nutrition security and early education.
- Serves as a convergence platform for multiple welfare programmes.
Conclusion
The ICDS Scheme, now 50 years old, continues to be the cornerstone of India’s child development and nutrition strategy. With evolving components like POSHAN Abhiyaan and digital monitoring, it aims to build a healthier, better-nourished generation and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on hunger and health.
FLYING RIVERS / ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS
TOPIC: (GS2) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Recent droughts and wildfires in South America have underlined the importance of “Flying Rivers” — moisture-laden air currents crucial for rainfall. Scientists warn that Amazon deforestation is disturbing these systems, worsening water scarcity across the region.
What are Atmospheric Rivers (ARs)?
- Long, narrow corridors in the atmosphere that transport large volumes of water vapour — often called “rivers in the sky.”
- Size: 2,000–5,000 km long, 400–500 km wide, and around 3 km deep.
- Function: Carry nearly 90% of water vapour across mid-latitudes, almost twice the Amazon River’s flow.
- Formation: Warm oceans cause evaporation → winds move moisture → vapour condenses into heavy rain or snow when it hits land or mountains.
Global Role and Impacts
Positive Aspects
- Supply 30–50% of annual rainfall in some regions.
- Help end droughts (e.g., U.S. West Coast).
Negative Aspects
- Responsible for 80% of flood damages** in the U.S. West Coast.
- Cause floods and landslides in Europe, Africa, South America, and Australia.
South America’s “Flying Rivers”
- Amazon forests release moisture forming flying rivers that bring rains to Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador.
- Deforestation disrupts this cycle → leads to droughts and ecosystem decline.
East Asia
- About 80% of heavy rainfall in China, Japan, Korea during early monsoon is due to ARs.
Climate Change Link
- Warming oceans intensify ARs, making them longer, wider, and more powerful.
- Raises risk of extreme rainfall and flood disasters.
Atmospheric Rivers in India
- Combine with cyclones and Himalayas, causing flash floods.
- Examples: Leh (2010), Kupwara (2011).
- Study (1951–2020): 574 AR events during monsoon; 80% of major floods linked to ARs.
- Warming Indian Ocean increases moisture, leading to intense short rains and landslides.
Conclusion
Atmospheric Rivers are vital for rainfall but can trigger severe floods. As climate change intensifies them, India and the world need better forecasting and climate-resilient planning to manage risks.