News 1 : India raises clean-energy ambition with 60% non-fossil fuel power goal by 2035
Updating its climate goals, India has pledged that by 2035, 60% of its installed electric capacity will comprise non-fossil sources. It also aims to reduce by 47% the intensity of emissions per unit of GDP from 2005 level and to increase its carbon sink to 3.5 billion tonnes — 4 billion tonnes.
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
- Updated Climate Pledge: India has announced its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, setting new climate targets for 2035. The targets were approved by the Union Cabinet and communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Key 2035 Targets:
- Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: 60% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, nuclear).
- Emissions Intensity Reduction: 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels.
- Carbon Sink Expansion: Increase carbon sink to 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
- Comparison with 2030 NDC (2022):
| Target | 2030 NDC (2022) | 2035 NDC (2026) |
| Non-Fossil Capacity | 50% | 60% |
| Emissions Intensity Reduction | 44% (from 2005) | 47% (from 2005) |
| Carbon Sink | 2.5–3 billion tonnes | 3.5–4 billion tonnes |
- Current Status: India has already achieved about 52% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources, exceeding its 2030 target well before the deadline. However, only about 25% of actual power generated is from non-fossil sources due to lower capacity utilization factors of renewables compared to thermal plants.
- Emissions Intensity Progress: As of 2019, India had achieved an emissions intensity reduction of 36% from 2005-2020.
- Carbon Sink Progress: A carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent was created from 2005 to 2019. Forest and tree cover accounts for about 24.6% of India’s geographical area (as of 2021), up from 21% in 2005, but still below the national policy goal of 33%.
- International Context: India and Argentina were the only two G-20 countries that had not announced a 2035 NDC as of December 31, 2025. A total of 128 parties, representing about 78% of global greenhouse gas emissions, had submitted new NDCs by that date.
- Government’s Confidence: Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated at a Cabinet briefing that India would “easily achieve these goals” given the “speed with which we are expanding our non-fossil sources.”
Prelims 360
Total Electricity Requirement (India)
- Total electricity demand (2024–25 approx.):
- Peak demand:
👉 ~ 240–250 GW
India is the 3rd largest electricity consumer globally after China and United States.
Installed Power Capacity (Energy Source-wise)
Total Installed Capacity (2025 approx.): ~ 430–440 GW
🔥 Fossil Fuel-Based Sources (~55–57%)
- Coal → ~ 210–220 GW
- Gas → ~ 25 GW
- Diesel → ~ 0.5 GW
👉 Total Fossil Fuel Capacity: ~ 235–245 GW (~55–57%)
🌱 Non-Fossil Fuel Sources (~43–45%)
- Renewables (Solar, Wind, Biomass, Small Hydro)
- Solar → ~ 80–90 GW
- Wind → ~ 45–50 GW
- Others → ~ 15 GW
- Large Hydro Power → ~ 45–50 GW
- Nuclear Power → ~ 7–8 GW
👉 Total Non-Fossil Capacity: ~ 190–200 GW (~43–45%)
⚖️ Electricity Generation Share (Important for Prelims)
⚠️ Key Concept: Installed capacity ≠ Actual generation
🔥 Fossil Fuels (Generation Share)
👉 ~ 70–75% of electricity generation
- Coal dominates due to base-load reliability
🌱 Non-Fossil Fuels (Generation Share)
👉 ~ 25–30%
- Solar & wind are intermittent
- Hydro depends on monsoon
1. Emission Intensity Reduction (47%)
👉 “Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 level”
🔍 Meaning:
- Emission intensity = Emissions per unit of GDP
- It does NOT mean total emissions will fall
👉 It means:
- India will produce 47% less CO₂ per unit of economic output compared to 2005
Emission Intensity of GDP =
Amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of economic output (GDP)
🧮 Formula
Emission Intensity=Total GHG EmissionsGDP\text{Emission Intensity} = \frac{\text{Total GHG Emissions}}{\text{GDP}}Emission Intensity=GDPTotal GHG Emissions
Units:
- Emissions → million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e)
- GDP → usually in ₹ or USD (constant prices)
👉 So final unit looks like:
tonnes CO₂ per ₹ lakh GDP (or per USD)
News 2 :Govt. revamps UDAN scheme with changes in subsidy
In a significant policy shift, the Centre has extended the subsidy period for airlines on select Tier-2 and Tier-3 routes from three to five years, after a large share of those routes fell into disuse. The shift comes under the modified UDAN scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
- Scheme Revamp: The Union Cabinet has approved a modified version of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The revamp represents a significant policy shift in how regional air connectivity is subsidized.
- Extended Subsidy Period: The subsidy period for airlines operating on select Tier-2 and Tier-3 routes has been extended from three to five years. This change comes in response to low route viability, with a large share of routes falling into disuse after the initial subsidy period.
- Funding Mechanism Shift: The subsidy will now be funded through direct funding from the exchequer, moving away from the earlier model where subsidies were financed through a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) levy embedded in airfares on non-UDAN routes.
- Financial Allocation: Of the total ₹28,840 crore outlay, ₹10,043 crore is set aside for subsidies to support airlines flying on regional routes over the next 10 years.
- Performance Concerns: The revamp follows a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that found only 7% to 10% of UDAN routes remained viable beyond the three-year subsidy period. As of February 2026, of the 663 routes launched since 2017, 327 routes (nearly 50%) had been discontinued. Additionally, 15 of the 95 airports revived under the scheme have fallen into disuse.
- Objective: The modified scheme aims to improve the sustainability of regional air connectivity by providing longer support to airlines while shifting the funding burden from passengers on non-UDAN routes to direct budgetary support.
Prelims 360
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
- Launched: October 2016
- Implementing agency: Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
- Funding model: Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for airlines
- Objective: Affordable regional air connectivity
- Tagline meaning: “Let the common citizen fly”
UDAN was introduced to improve regional air connectivity by reviving small airports and making short-haul flights viable. It targets tier-2 and tier-3 cities
Fare Cap (Important Fact)
- Approx ₹2,500 per hour of flight (for ~500 km)
- Makes flying affordable for middle-class passengers
UDAN Phases (Prelims Trap Area)
- UDAN 1.0 – Initial routes
- UDAN 2.0 – Expanded airports, helipads
- UDAN 3.0 – Tourism routes, seaplanes
- UDAN 4.0 – Focus on remote areas
- UDAN 5.0 – Smaller aircraft, shorter runways
Core Concept
👉 Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Financial support to airlines to operate on less profitable routes
- Ensures airlines don’t incur losses on regional routes
🔹 Funding Mechanism (VERY IMPORTANT)
Earlier:
- Funded through RCS Levy
- Collected from passengers on non-UDAN routes
Now:
- Funded through direct budgetary support (exchequer)
News 3 : Vande Mataram advisory not a threat to conform’
Ministry’s advisory on National Song only prescribes protocol and those who do not sing it will not face any action, says SC; even then, there is burden on those who refuse to sing, argues petitioner
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
- Advisory Under Challenge: The Supreme Court heard a petition challenging the January 28, 2026, advisory issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding the playing of the National Song, Vande Mataram, in full at public and ceremonial occasions.
- Court’s Observations: A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed that the advisory is not a “threat to conform” and does not violate constitutional freedoms. The court stated that the guidelines merely prescribe a protocol and do not mandate penal action against those who do not sing.
- Petitioner’s Argument: The petitioner, Muhammed Sayeed Noori, represented by senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, argued that the circular made singing of the National Song “mandatory,” compelling citizens to participate in a social demonstration of loyalty against individual conscience. He further contended that even without legal sanction, there is a “huge burden” on those who refuse to sing or stand.
- Government’s Position: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized that respect for the National Song is organic and that even an advisory was ideally unnecessary. He invoked Article 51A of the Constitution, which makes it a fundamental duty to respect the National Flag and National Anthem.
- Distinction Between Anthem and Song: The petitioner highlighted the historical distinction: on January 24, 1950, President Rajendra Prasad declared Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and Vande Mataram as the National Song. When Article 51A was inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, it referred only to the National Anthem.
- Court’s Refusal: The court refused to entertain the petition, terming it “premature,” while inviting the petitioner to approach the court again if any actual discrimination or adverse action occurs based on the advisory.
Prelims 360
Ministry’s Advisory on National Song
📌 What is the issue?
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory regarding the proper use and respect for the National Song – Vande Mataram.
📜 Background
- “Vande Mataram” was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- It appeared in his novel Anandamath (1882).
- It played a key role during the Indian freedom struggle.
🇮🇳 Constitutional / Legal Status
- India has:
- National Anthem → Jana Gana Mana
- National Song → Vande Mataram
- Important:
- The Constitution does NOT explicitly mention “National Song”.
- However, its status was recognized by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1950.
📢 Key Points of the Advisory
- Respectful Usage
- “Vande Mataram” should be treated with dignity and respect, similar in spirit to the National Anthem.
- No Legal Compulsion
- Singing or standing for the National Song is NOT mandatory (unlike certain rules for the Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971).
- Avoid Misuse
- Should not be used in:
- Commercial exploitation
- Improper or disrespectful contexts
- Should not be used in:
- First Two Stanzas
- Only the first two stanzas are generally considered for official occasions.
⚖️ Difference: National Anthem vs National Song
| Feature | National Anthem | National Song |
| Legal Status | Constitutional recognition | No explicit constitutional status |
| Law | Covered under 1971 Act | No specific law |
| Compulsion | Certain protocols apply | Voluntary |
| Occasion | Formal state events | Cultural / ceremonial |
News 4: Transgender Bill receives RS approval amid uproar
DMK, Trinamool demanded the Bill be sent to a select committee of the House for scrutiny; Union Minister says it will ensure protection to persons who face discrimination due to biological issues
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
- Parliamentary Approval: The Rajya Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared the legislation. The Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.
- Opposition’s Demand: Opposition parties, including the DMK and Trinamool Congress (TMC) , demanded that the Bill be sent to a select committee of the House for further scrutiny, arguing that it contained provisions that would negatively impact the dignity of transgender persons.
- Government’s Position: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar defended the Bill, stating it is an effort to “take along all segments of society together.” He emphasized that the Bill ensures protection for those facing discrimination due to biological issues and that transgender persons will continue to receive legal recognition and protection.
- Key Government Claims:
- Transgender welfare boards have been set up in over 30 States.
- The Bill will bring “administrative clarity” and protect transgender rights.
- The Bill represents “not merely a legal reform but a pathway to justice” for those facing social exclusion and discrimination.
- Opposition’s Key Concerns:
- DMK’s Tiruchi Siva argued the amendments take away the right of self-identification, forcing transgender persons to appear before a medical board for gender identification.
- TMC’s Saket Gokhale highlighted that only 32,000 transgender persons (out of an estimated 5 lakh population per 2011 Census) have obtained certificates under the existing Act, indicating fear and barriers to recognition.
- He further noted that 31% of transgender people in India have attempted suicide, with 50% below the age of 20, attributing this to daily discrimination.
- CPI(M)’s John Brittas questioned why the government ignored the recommendation of a Supreme Court-appointed committee that had advised against proceeding with the legislation.
- External Response: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community protested in Mumbai, demanding the repeal of the Amendment Bill.
Prelims 360
Welfare Measures for Transgender Persons (India)
1. Legal & Institutional Framework
🔹 Key Law
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Provisions:- Prohibits discrimination (education, employment, healthcare, housing)
- Right to self-perceived gender identity
- Mandates welfare schemes by governments
- Establishment of National Council for Transgender Persons
🔹 Rules
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
- Simplifies process for obtaining transgender certificate
- Online application system
2. Central Government Schemes
🔹 SMILE Scheme (2022)
- SMILE Scheme
Components:
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Transgender Persons
- Central Sector for Beggars
Features:
- Shelter homes (Garima Greh)
- Skill training & livelihood support
- Healthcare support (including gender-affirming procedures)
- Counselling and legal aid
🔹 Garima Greh (Shelter Homes)
- Safe housing for transgender persons
- Food, clothing, healthcare, skill training
🔹 National Portal for Transgender Persons
- Online issuance of ID cards and certificates
- Reduces harassment and bureaucratic delays
🔹 Health Initiatives
- Inclusion under Ayushman Bharat (in some states)
- Free/assisted gender-affirming surgeries in select govt hospitals
- HIV intervention programs via National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
