India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM)
- Context: India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) is celebrating its 15th Foundation Day . To commemorate the event IIIDEM organised a two-day Conference on Capacity Building and Strategic Roadmap on 16-17 June, 2026 in New Delhi.
About India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM)
- The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) is the training and research wing of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- It was set up in 2011 to train election officials and other people involved in elections so that elections in India are free, fair, and smooth.
- IIIDEM also works as an international centre that shares knowledge and builds skills to improve democracy and ensure honest election processes.
- It is one of the few institutes in the world that not only trains Indian election officials but also helps Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from other countries.
- The institute has a team of experienced experts who manage its training, teaching, and research work.
- It conducts many training programmes and courses for both Indian and foreign participants. These programmes can be residential (stay at the institute) or non-residential.
- Earlier, IIIDEM functioned from the Election Commission of India’s office. Now, it operates from its own full campus located in Dwarka, Delhi.
Air Pollution Reaches Remote Himalayas
- Context: A recent study has shown that even pristine Himalayan regions are being affected by air pollution.
- The study focused on Munsyari, a high-altitude tourist destination in the Himalayas.
- Researchers warned of potential long-term health risks from continued exposure to pollutants.
About the Study
- Conducted by researchers from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
- ARIES is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
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- Measurements were carried out during 2022–2023.
- The study monitored Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs).
About NMHCs
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- Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs) are reactive gases released from: Fuel combustion, Vehicular emissions, Industrial and other human activities.
- They play an important role in the formation of: Ozone (O₃), Secondary aerosols.
- These secondary pollutants affect air quality, climate, and human health.
Role of Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- Aromatic hydrocarbons such as: Benzene, Xylene
- Were found to significantly contribute to the formation of: Tropospheric ozone, Secondary organic aerosols (SOA).
- These pollutants adversely affect: Climate, Air quality, Human health.
Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI)
- Context: Union Minister launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI).
- The portal was launched during the National Workshop on “Strengthening the National Green Hydrogen Mission: Through State Policies, Hubs & Infrastructure.”
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- Developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- It will facilitate:
- Transparent certification.
- Regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
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- Launch and Outlay
- Launched in 2023.
- Total outlay: ₹19,744 crore.
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- Mission Targets
- Establish 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production capacity.
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- Support with 125 GW of dedicated renewable energy capacity.
- Mobilise investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore.
- Create over 6 lakh jobs.
- Reduce annual carbon emissions by 50 million tonnes.
SIGHT Programme
- Incentives awarded for 8,62,000 MTPA of green hydrogen production capacity.
- About SIGHT
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- SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) is a major component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing and green hydrogen production through financial incentives.
- Significance
- Strengthens India’s clean energy transition.
- Promotes industrial decarbonisation.
- Enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imports.
- Supports India’s net-zero and climate commitments.
Expected Outcomes of the National Green Hydrogen Mission by 2030
- Achieve a minimum annual green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT).
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- Add around 125 GW of renewable energy capacity to support green hydrogen production.
- Attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore.
- Generate more than six lakh employment opportunities.
- Cut fossil fuel import expenditure by over ₹1 lakh crore.
- Prevent nearly 50 MMT of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Hydrogen Demand in India
- India currently consumes about 6 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, with the fertiliser sector and oil refineries accounting for the largest share of demand.
- Hydrogen demand is projected to increase significantly to 28 million tonnes by 2050, and the country aims to meet around 80% of this requirement through green hydrogen.
