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June 5th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – June 5th

Table of Contents

Funding India’s Climate Future: Bridging the Climate Finance Gap

Why in News?

A recent discussion highlighted the urgent need for India to mobilize large-scale climate finance to achieve its climate goals, strengthen resilience against climate change, and support sustainable economic growth. The debate focuses on how India can finance its transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

What is Climate Finance?

Climate finance refers to financial resources mobilized from public, private, domestic, and international sources to support:

  • Mitigation – reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Adaptation – enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
  • Loss and Damage – addressing climate-induced destruction and economic losses.

India requires substantial investments to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Net-Zero target by 2070.

Why Does India Need Massive Climate Funding?

  1. Meeting National Climate Targets

India aims to:

  • Achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070.
  • Increase renewable energy capacity.
  • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP.
  • Build climate-resilient infrastructure.
  1. Rising Climate Risks

India faces:

  • Frequent heat waves
  • Floods and cyclones
  • Water scarcity
  • Agricultural losses

Climate adaptation requires huge investments in irrigation, disaster management, and resilient infrastructure.

  1. Energy Transition

Transitioning from coal-based energy to:

  • Solar power
  • Wind energy
  • Green hydrogen
  • Energy storage systems

requires trillions of dollars in investments.

India's Climate Finance Requirement

According to various estimates:

  • India needs around USD 2.5 trillion by 2030 to achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Green finance flows currently cover only about one-third of this requirement.
  • Key sectors requiring finance include:
    • Power
    • Transport
    • Steel
    • Cement
    • Urban infrastructure

Major Challenges in Funding India's Climate Future

  1. Huge Financing Gap

Current climate investments remain far below actual requirements.

  1. Limited Private Sector Participation

Many climate projects have:

  • Long gestation periods
  • High initial costs
  • Uncertain returns

which discourage private investors.

  1. Adaptation Finance Deficit

Most funding flows toward mitigation projects such as renewable energy, while adaptation sectors receive comparatively less attention.

  1. Lack of Climate-Risk Assessment

Financial institutions still face challenges in measuring and pricing climate-related risks.

  1. Dependence on International Support

Developing countries, including India, argue that developed nations have not fully met their climate finance commitments.

Measures Taken by India

Climate Finance Taxonomy

India is developing a Climate Finance Taxonomy to classify environmentally sustainable investments and guide investors.

Green Bonds

Government agencies and financial institutions are increasingly using green bonds to raise funds for sustainable projects. India is also preparing to launch its first blue bond for marine and water-related projects.

Budgetary Support

The Union Budget has increased allocations for:

  • Rooftop solar programs
  • Clean energy projects
  • Carbon capture initiatives
  • Green infrastructure development.

Renewable Energy Push

Large investments are being directed toward:

  • Solar parks
  • Wind energy
  • Green hydrogen mission
  • Battery storage systems.

Way Forward

Mobilize Private Capital

  • Promote blended finance models.
  • Provide risk guarantees.
  • Encourage ESG investments.

Strengthen Green Bond Market

  • Expand sovereign green bonds.
  • Promote municipal green bonds.

Focus on Adaptation Finance

  • Climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Water conservation.
  • Disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Improve Climate Governance

  • Better climate-risk disclosure standards.
  • Strengthen monitoring and transparency mechanisms.

International Cooperation

  • Secure concessional finance.
  • Facilitate technology transfer.
  • Advocate climate justice and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).

Build Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Shift from project-based funding to systemic financing that supports resilient energy grids, storage, transport, and urban systems.

Great Nicobar Island Project: Development vs Ecology in India's Strategic Frontier

Why in News?

The Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project has remained in the news following the approval of key clearances, debates over environmental impacts, tribal rights concerns, and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. The project is often discussed as a test case for balancing national security, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Location of Great Nicobar Island

  • It is the southernmost island of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • India’s southernmost point, Indira Point, is located here.
  • The island lies close to the strategically important Strait of Malacca, through which a significant share of global trade passes.

What is the Great Nicobar Project?

The project, conceived by NITI Aayog and implemented by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation, aims to transform Great Nicobar into a major maritime, logistics, and strategic hub.

Major Components

  1. International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay.
  2. Greenfield International Airport (dual civilian and military use).
  3. Integrated Township.
  4. 450 MVA Gas-Solar Power Plant.

Cost and Scale            

  • Estimated investment: ₹72,000–92,000 crore.
  • Project area: about 166 sq km.
  • Planned implementation over several phases spanning decades.

Environmental Concerns

  1. Biodiversity Hotspot

    Great Nicobar possesses:

    • Dense tropical rainforests.
    • Coral reef ecosystems.
    • Mangrove forests.
    • Numerous endemic species.

    Threat to Leatherback Turtles

    Galathea Bay is among India’s most important nesting sites for the endangered:

    Leatherback Sea Turtle        

    Port construction and dredging may affect nesting habitats.

    Deforestation               

    The project requires diversion of large forest areas, raising concerns about:

    • Habitat fragmentation.
    • Biodiversity loss.
    • Ecological imbalance.

    Disaster Vulnerability

    The island lies in a seismically active region affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

    Experts warn that large-scale construction could increase ecological vulnerability.

Tribal Rights Concerns

The island is home to indigenous communities including:

  • Shompen
  • Nicobarese

Concerns include:

  • Diversion of tribal reserve lands.
  • Displacement risks.
  • Questions regarding consent under the Forest Rights framework.

Recent reports have also raised questions regarding Gram Sabha resolutions and stakeholder consultation processes.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Decision

The project received support from the:

National Green Tribunal

The Tribunal noted the project’s strategic importance while stating that environmental safeguards had been prescribed. However, debates continue regarding the adequacy of these safeguards.

The Power of Mangroves: Nature’s First Line of Defence for India’s Coasts

Why in News?

A recent article highlighted the growing importance of mangrove restoration in India for climate resilience, coastal security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Successful restoration efforts in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Mumbai have demonstrated the immense ecological and economic value of mangrove ecosystems.

 Menstrual leave means paid leave given to women during their menstrual period when they face pain, discomfort, or health issues.

Some proposals suggest giving up to four paid menstrual leave days in a month to support women’s health and well-being.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant forests found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions, estuaries, deltas, and tidal zones. They thrive in waterlogged and saline conditions and form a unique ecosystem between land and sea.

Major Mangrove Areas in India

  • Sundarbans (West Bengal)
  • Bhitarkanika (Odisha)
  • Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat)
  • Godavari-Krishna Delta (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Why are Mangroves Important?

  1. Natural Shield Against Disasters

Mangroves act as biological barriers against:

  • Cyclones
  • Storm surges
  • Tsunamis
  • Coastal erosion

During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and several cyclones, areas protected by mangroves suffered significantly less damage than unprotected coastal regions.

UPSC Keyword:

Bio-shield Ecosystem

2. Climate Change Mitigation

Mangroves are among the most efficient carbon sinks on Earth.

They store:                    

  • Carbon in biomass
  • Carbon in deep coastal soils

This stored carbon is called Blue Carbon. Mangroves absorb and retain much more carbon per hectare than many terrestrial forests.

UPSC Keyword:

Blue Carbon Ecosystem

3. Biodiversity Hotspots

Mangroves provide habitat and breeding grounds for:

  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Molluscs
  • Birds
  • Reptiles

They support rich marine biodiversity and help maintain food chains in coastal ecosystems.

4. Livelihood Support

Millions of coastal residents depend on mangroves for:

  • Fishing
  • Crab farming
  • Honey collection
  • Eco-tourism

Healthy mangrove ecosystems directly contribute to coastal economies and food security.

5. Coastal Security

Mangroves reduce:

  • Shoreline erosion
  • Saltwater intrusion
  • Flood impacts

They strengthen the resilience of coastal infrastructure and settlements against extreme weather events.

Natural Shield Against Disasters

Status of Mangroves in India

    • India’s mangrove cover is about 4,992 sq km.
    • West Bengal accounts for over 40% of India’s mangrove area.

Threats to Mangroves

Human-Induced Threats

  • Urbanization
  • Port construction
  • Industrial expansion
  • Aquaculture
  • Pollution

Climate-Related Threats

  • Sea-level rise
  • Cyclones
  • Salinity changes
  • Extreme weather events

These pressures can lead to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss.

Government Initiatives

MISHTI Scheme

MISHTI

Launched in 2023, the scheme aims to:

  • Restore mangrove ecosystems.
  • Promote coastal livelihoods.
  • Improve climate resilience.

The programme targets restoration of approximately 540 sq km of mangroves over five years.

Other Measures

  • Green India Mission
  • National Coastal Mission
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) safeguards
  • Community-led restoration projects in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Way Forward

  1. Expand community-based mangrove conservation.
  2. Integrate mangroves into climate adaptation strategies.
  3. Promote blue-carbon financing mechanisms.
  4. Strengthen coastal zone management.
  5. Improve monitoring through satellite and GIS technologies.
  6. Encourage corporate participation through CSR initiatives.

India-UK Launch Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory

Why in News?

India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) in New Delhi. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and build resilient supply chains for clean energy and advanced technologies.

What is the Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO)?

The GSCO is a data-driven platform that will monitor, analyze, and map global critical mineral supply chains using:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Satellite-based monitoring
  • Supply chain intelligence tools

Its objective is to identify vulnerabilities, disruptions, bottlenecks, and opportunities in global mineral supply networks.

What are Critical Minerals?

Critical minerals are minerals that are:

  • Essential for economic development and national security.
  • Difficult to substitute.
  • Vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Important Critical Minerals

  • Lithium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Graphite
  • Copper
  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

These minerals are crucial for:

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
  • Solar panels
  • Wind turbines
  • Batteries
  • Semiconductors

Defence technologies

Why is this Observatory Important?

  1. Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

Global supply chains are concentrated in a few countries, creating risks from:

  • Geopolitical tensions
  • Export restrictions
  • Trade disruptions

The Observatory will help identify risks early and support diversification strategies.

2. Supporting India’s Clean Energy Transition

India’s renewable energy expansion and EV ambitions require secure access to critical minerals.

The Observatory will provide intelligence for:      

  • Mineral sourcing
  • Processing capabilities
  • Recycling opportunities
  • Strategic stockpiling

3. Evidence-Based Policymaking

The platform will assist governments in:

  • Forecasting supply shortages
  • Assessing strategic vulnerabilities
  • Designing mineral security policies

This aligns with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

Key Features of GSCO

According to the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing, the Observatory will:

  • Map global supply networks.
  • Track mineral flows from extraction to end use.
  • Monitor ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) risks.
  • Assess carbon footprints.
  • Conduct stress-testing of supply chains.
  • Use AI and machine learning for predictive analysis.

India–UK Collaboration

The initiative is being developed through cooperation among:

  • Government of India
  • Government of the United Kingdom
  • IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s TEXMiN Foundation
  • University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing

It represents a major step under the broader India–UK technology and strategic partnership.

Significance for India

Economic Significance

  • Reduces dependence on a few supplier countries.
  • Supports manufacturing under Make in India.
  • Strengthens battery and semiconductor industries.

Strategic Significance

  • Enhances resource security.
  • Improves resilience against geopolitical shocks.
  • Supports defence and high-tech sectors.

Environmental Significance

  • Promotes sustainable sourcing.
  • Encourages mineral recycling and circular economy practices.

Challenges in Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains

  • High concentration of mineral processing in a few countries.
  • Geopolitical competition among major powers.
  • Environmental concerns in mining.
  • Limited exploration and refining capacity in developing countries.
  • Supply chain disruptions due to conflicts and trade restrictions.

Andhra Pradesh's Natural Farming Initiative Wins Food Planet Prize 2026

Why in News?

The 2026 Food Planet Prize, regarded as the world’s largest environmental award focused on food systems, has been awarded to Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) for its large-scale transformation of agriculture through natural farming practices.

What is the Food Planet Prize?

    • The Food Planet Prize was established by the Curt Bergfors Foundation in Sweden to recognize initiatives that can transform global food systems while reducing environmental impacts. The 2026 winner received USD 1.5 million, while each finalist received USD 150,000.

Objective

    • Promote sustainable food systems.
    • Reduce environmental damage from agriculture.

Why Did APCNF Win?

    • APCNF was recognized for leading one of the world’s largest transitions towards agroecology and natural farming. Over the last decade:

      • Around 1.8 million farmers have joined the programme.
      • The initiative operates across 8,000+ villages in Andhra Pradesh.
      • It promotes farming without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
      • It combines scientific knowledge with traditional agricultural practices.

What is Community Managed Natural Farming (CMNF)?

It is a farming approach that:

  • Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Enhances soil health and biodiversity.
  • Uses locally available natural inputs.
  • Encourages crop diversification and cover cropping.
  • Improves climate resilience.

Key Features

  • Soil regeneration.
  • Natural pest management.
  • Water conservation.
  • Community-led extension services.
  • Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as change agents.

Significance for India

  1. Supports Sustainable Agriculture

The award highlights India’s growing role in promoting:

  • Agroecology
  • Sustainable farming
  • Climate-smart agriculture

at a global level.

  1. Climate Change Mitigation

Natural farming:                                          

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improves carbon sequestration in soils.
  • Decreases dependence on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers.
  1. Improves Farmers’ Resilience

The programme has helped farmers:

  • Reduce input costs.
  • Improve resilience to droughts and climate shocks.
  • Minimize risks from volatile fertilizer prices.
  1. Women’s Empowerment

The model is driven by a large network of women’s self-help groups, making it a strong example of inclusive rural development.

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