NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

India 3rd in Renewable Energy

Context: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy said India ranks third globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, according to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026.
India has moved ahead of Brazil in the ranking. The International Renewable Energy Agency released the statistics as of December 2025.

Renewable Energy Breakdown

Out of 283.46 GW

Major Milestones

Achieved 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025
Achieved 5 years ahead of 2030 target under Paris Agreement (NDC goals)

India as a Leading Renewable Energy Player

India has emerged as a major global leader in the renewable energy sector, supported by several targeted initiatives across different segments.
Key programs National Solar Mission, PM-KUSUM scheme, National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Bioenergy Programme, and various small hydropower development schemes.
These efforts collectively aim to expand clean energy capacity, promote sustainable development, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Skills Outcomes Fund

Context: Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship initiated the campaign to build a Skills Outcomes Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at unlocking aspirational livelihoods for youth from low-income backgrounds.

The fund envisages to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF) in India’s skilling ecosystem, linking investments directly to verified employment outcomes.
The Skills Outcomes Fund aims to unlock aspirational and sustainable livelihoods for youths from low-income backgrounds across India.
This initiative is expected to become the largest outcomes-based financing (OBF) initiative for skilling globally and marks a significant step in strengthening the adoption of OBF within India’s skilling ecosystem.
The initiative builds on India’s growing global leadership in outcomes-based financing, a theme highlighted at the Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit 2026 in Cape Town.

Implementation Structure

Key Features

Significance

- Strengthens India’s demographic dividend
- Promotes outcome-based governance in skilling

National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC)

Context: The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India is celebrating its 25th Foundation Day on April 10, 2026.

About the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation

The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) was established in 2001 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, with its headquarters located in New Delhi.

It is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from the Central Government, State agencies, NABARD, IDBI Bank, TRIFED, and tribal communities.
It generates self-employment opportunities by providing loans at concessional interest rates to facilitate the socio-economic and educational advancement of tribal communities.
It enhances employability and entrepreneurship skills by offering financial assistance for higher education as well as skill development training programs for the youth.
Current Facts
- The Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC) is India’s first artificial intelligence-based system designed for early warning and decision-making in urban flood situations, set up in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Tamil Nadu ranks first in India in the production of footwear and leather goods. The state accounts for a 47% share of India’s total leather exports and contributes 38% to the production of footwear and leather goods.