Module 11 • Environment & Ecology2026-08-1116 min read
Climate Action, Biodiversity & Ecological Stewardship: Panchamrit, Green Hydrogen, Project Cheetah & Ramsar (2025–26)
Target Exam: UPSC & State PSCs National Current Affairs•Official Sources: India National State Gazettes, Budget & Official ReleasesUnion Budget, PIB, Economic Survey & National Official Releases
1. Panchamrit Climate Architecture & COP Commitments
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Five National Pledges (Panchamrit Framework):
1.
Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity: Attain 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 (India crossed 200+ GW installed non-fossil power).
2.
Renewable Energy Share: Meet 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 (achieved early ahead of schedule).
3.
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes between 2021 and 2030.
4.
Emission Intensity: Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to the 2005 baseline level.
5.
Net-Zero Target: Achieve Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2070.
2. National Green Hydrogen Mission & SIGHT Scheme
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Cabinet Outlay & Production Targets: Approved with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore to establish India as a global manufacturing and export hub for Green Hydrogen.
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Target: Produce at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen per annum by 2030.
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Associated addition of 125 GW of dedicated renewable energy capacity.
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Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT):
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Sub-Component 1: Direct production incentives for Green Hydrogen output.
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Sub-Component 2: Manufacturing subsidies for indigenous electrolysers (PEM, Alkaline, Solid Oxide).
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Establishment of specialized Green Hydrogen Shipping Bunkering Hubs at Deendayal (Kandla), Paradip, and Tuticorin ports.
3. Wildlife Conservation: Project Cheetah & Tiger Population
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Project Cheetah Second-Phase Expansion:
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Following successful acclimatization in Kuno National Park (Sheopur, MP) with multiple litters of healthy cubs born, the second wild release site was operationalized at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Mandsaur & Neemuch districts, MP).
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Supported by ongoing bilateral introductions from Namibia and South Africa to build a genetically diverse metapopulation.
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Project Tiger (50 Years of Landmark Conservation):
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All-India Tiger Estimation confirmed a minimum population of 3,682 wild tigers in India, representing approximately 75% of the entire global wild tiger population.
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Top tiger states: Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers), followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
4. Coastal Ecosystems & Wetland Preservation (MISHTI & Ramsar)
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MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes):
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Implemented to revive and expand mangrove forests across 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories covering approximately 540 sq km.
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Converges MGNREGS wage employment with the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
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Ramsar Convention: Expanding Global Wetland Network:
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India expanded its designated Ramsar Sites of International Importance to over 85 wetlands, consolidating its rank as having the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia.
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Tamil Nadu leads the country with the single largest number of designated Ramsar sites (16 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).
Key Examination Takeaways:
- Panchamrit targets 500 GW non-fossil energy, 45% carbon intensity cut by 2030, and Net Zero by 2070.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (₹19,744 Cr) targets 5 MMT annual production backed by SIGHT electrolyser subsidies.
- Project Cheetah expands to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (MP) alongside established metapopulation at Kuno National Park.
- India hosts 3,682 tigers (~75% of world wild tigers) and over 85 Ramsar sites, with Tamil Nadu leading at 16.