India’s Updated Climate Targets
- Context: India has pledged that by 2035, 60% of its installed electric capacity will comprise non-fossil sources.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action targets submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- They are part of commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce global warming.
India’s New 2035 Climate Targets
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- 60% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
- 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP (from 2005 levels).
- Increase carbon sink to 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
Current 2030 Targets
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- 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources.
- 44% reduction in emissions intensity.
- Carbon sink target: To increase its carbon sink to 2.5 billion tonnes – 3 billion tonnes.
India’s Climate Progress
- Around 52% installed capacity already from non-fossil sources (target achieved early).
- However around 25% of actual electricity generation is non-fossil.
- Carbon sink: 1.97 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent created (2005–2019).
- Forest & tree cover: 24.6% (2021), up from 21% in 2005 (still below 33% goal).
- Emissions intensity reduced by 36% (2005–2020).
Conference of Parties (CoP)
- Conference of Parties is a body of nations that convenes annually to discuss climate issues and transition their economies away from fossil fuel.
- 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.
Current Facts
- Theruvukkalam
- Theruvukkalam is an integrated mobile application that provides information regarding Tamil Nadu government competitive examinations including those conducted by the TNPSC, TRB, TNUSRB, and MRB—all in one place.
- It provides real-time updates on exam notifications, syllabi, and preparation guidelines.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)- Context: By referring to Article 51A (g), courts have highlighted that the freedom to run a business also carries a duty to protect and restore the environment.
About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- CSR is a framework where companies operate in a way that benefits society and the environment, while remaining accountable to stakeholders.
It broadly covers four areas:
- Environmental responsibility
- Ethical practices
- Philanthropic activities
- Economic/financial responsibility
CSR in India
- Under Companies Act 2013 Section 135, certain companies are legally required to spend on CSR.
- Eligible companies must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits (from the past three years) toward CSR initiatives annually.
- The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring compliance.
- CSR helps balance profit-making with social responsibility, encouraging businesses to contribute positively to society.
Article 51A(g) -Environmental Duty
- Article 51A(g) is a Fundamental Duty under Part IVA of the Constitution.
- Introduced through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, it requires citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife.
- Courts have connected this duty with Article 21, thereby expanding the right to life to include a clean and healthy environment.
AI in Disaster Management- Context: The Government of India emphasized the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing disasters, following the passage of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- AI and Machine Learning are being applied across all stages of disaster management including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery to improve forecasting, decision-making, and coordination.
Weather Forecasting & Early Warnings
- The India Meteorological Department uses AI/ML for 7-day weather predictions.
- Cyclone tracking and intensity forecasting are carried out under Mission Mausam.
Flood Forecasting & Hydrological Modelling
- The Central Water Commission applies AI for short-term flood predictions.
- Real-time flood alerts are provided via digital platforms, using rainfall-based predictive models.
Risk Mapping & Decision Support
- The National Disaster Management Authority has developed Web-DCRA and DSS tools.
- Dynamic risk maps support cyclone preparedness and evacuation strategies.
Remote Sensing & Hazard Mapping
- The National Remote Sensing Centre created Flood Hazard Atlases.
- AI combined with satellite imagery is used to identify high-risk areas.
Avalanche Forecasting & Geo-Intelligence
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation uses AI for:
- Predicting avalanches
- Detecting hazards via remote sensing
- Developing autonomous forecasting systems
