1. SDG India Index 2023-24
About the SDG India Index
The SDG India Index serves as a tool to measure and track the progress of all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The 4th edition of this report assesses progress using 113 indicators aligned with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s National Indicator Framework. The index assigns scores ranging from 0 to 100, where a score of 100 indicates the achievement of the 2030 targets. States and UTs are then categorized based on their scores into four groups: Achiever (100), Front Runners (65-99), Performers (50-64), and Aspirants (0-49).
Key Points
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India’s composite score has shown improvement, rising from 66 in 2020-21 to 71 in 2023-24.
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All States and UTs have demonstrated progress by improving their overall scores.
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The top-performing States in the index are Uttarakhand and Kerala.
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Chandigarh is the leading Union Territory in terms of SDG performance.
Timeline
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2020-21: India’s composite score was recorded at 66.
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2023-24: India’s composite score increased to 71.
Recent Developments
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the SDGs-National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report, 2024. This annual report monitors the progress of Sustainable Development Goals at the national level. Key findings from the report indicate positive progress in several SDG indicators, including those related to No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
Impact
The SDG India Index plays a crucial role in tracking the country’s advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It facilitates the identification of areas that require attention and promotes evidence-based policymaking to foster sustainable development.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the overall progress, India faces challenges such as disparities in performance among different States and UTs and the need to accelerate progress towards certain goals. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced collaboration between the central and state governments, targeted interventions, and improved mechanisms for data monitoring and reporting.
2. Chipko Movement
About the Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement was a nonviolent resistance movement against the indiscriminate cutting down of forests. It originated in Reni village, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The movement is known for its method of protecting trees, where activists, primarily women, hugged trees to prevent their felling.
Key Points
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The Chipko Movement was characterized by its nonviolent methods of protest.
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The movement’s origins can be traced back to the 18th century and the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan.
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Amrita Devi led the Bishnoi community’s resistance against deforestation.
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The movement was predominantly led by village women, with prominent leaders such as Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and Gaura Devi.
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The Chipko Movement is recognized for its strong emphasis on eco-feminism, highlighting the connection between ecological concerns and women’s perspectives.
Timeline
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18th Century: The Bishnoi community, led by Amrita Devi, resisted deforestation efforts.
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1973: The Chipko Movement began in Reni village in Uttarakhand.
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2023: The 50th anniversary of the Chipko Movement was observed.
Recent Developments
The 50th anniversary of the Chipko Movement in 2023 has brought renewed attention to its historical significance and its ongoing relevance in contemporary environmental activism.
Impact
The Chipko Movement played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of forest conservation and ecological balance. It also empowered local communities, particularly women, to take an active role in environmental protection and decision-making.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the successes of the Chipko Movement, India continues to face challenges related to deforestation and the need for sustainable forest management. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening community participation in forest governance and implementing stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
More important CA – https://everythingias.in/upsc-environment-current-affairs/
3. Other Environmental Movements
India has witnessed several other significant environmental movements, each addressing specific ecological concerns:
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Silent Valley Movement (1973) : This movement was launched to protest against the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Kundapuzha River in Palakkad, Kerala.
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Appiko Movement (1983): Inspired by the Chipko Movement, the Appiko Movement, led by Panduranga Hegde, focused on protecting the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
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Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985): Led by Medha Patkar, this movement opposed the construction of a large dam on the Narmada River.
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Other notable environmental movements include the Chilika Bachao Andolan, the movement against Bauxite Mining in Kashipur, and the Gandhamardan Environment Protection movement.
4. System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA)
About SEEA
The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) is an internationally agreed-upon framework for compiling environmental-economic accounts. It provides a comprehensive view of the interactions between the economy and the environment.
Key Points
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The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th issue of the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts,” compiled using the SEEA framework.
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The SEEA framework encompasses four main areas: Energy Accounts, Ocean Accounts, Soil Nutrient Index, and Biodiversity.
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The SEEA framework consists of two main components: the SEEA-Central Framework (SEEA-CF) and the SEEA-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA).
Timeline
- 2024: The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th issue of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts”.
Recent Developments
Recent data indicates that India has emerged as a world leader in energy transition. Additionally, there has been an increase in the total protected area and mangrove cover in the country.
Impact
The SEEA framework provides a standardized approach to measuring the relationship between economic activities and the environment. It supports informed decision-making for sustainable development.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in implementing the SEEA framework include data collection and the valuation of environmental assets. The way forward involves improving data management practices and further integrating environmental and economic accounting.
5. Alternative Fuels/Energy and Energy Efficiency
5.1 Renewable Energy in India
About Renewable Energy
India is actively expanding its renewable energy sector to enhance energy security and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Key Points
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Renewable energy sources, including hydropower, constitute a significant portion of India’s total installed generation capacity (45.0% as of November 2023).
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Among renewable energy sources, solar energy has the largest share (20.6%), followed by wind (10.5%), hydro (10.3%), biomass power/cogen. (2.3%), small hydro power (1.1%), and waste to energy (0.1%).
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India’s renewable energy capacity has grown substantially, increasing by 165% between 2014 and 2024.
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The leading states in renewable energy capacity are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
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India holds a prominent position globally in renewable energy, ranking 4th in total installed capacity and 3rd in solar power generation in 2023.
Timeline
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2014-2024: India’s renewable energy capacity increased by 165%.
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2023: India became the 3rd largest solar power generator globally.
Recent Developments
India is actively pursuing policies and initiatives to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources and has set ambitious targets for future capacity additions.
Impact
The growth of the renewable energy sector has positive impacts on energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic development in India.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in the renewable energy sector include grid integration and financing. Addressing these challenges requires policy support, technology development, and grid modernization.
5.2 Just Energy Transition
About Just Energy Transition
The Just Energy Transition refers to the shift towards a green economy in a way that is fair and inclusive, ensuring decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.
Key Points
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India has launched several initiatives to promote just energy transition, including the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules, PM KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar- Muft Bijli Yojana, Solar Parks Scheme, and Green Energy Corridor (GEC) projects.
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India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and meeting at least half of its energy requirements through renewable energy sources by 2030.
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Key elements of just transition include equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Timeline
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2015 (COP21, Paris): The Paris Agreement acknowledged the importance of a just transition of the workforce.
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2021 (COP26, Glasgow): The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was launched.
Recent Developments
India has emphasized the need for global climate justice and equitable action in the energy transition process.
Impact
The just transition process has significant implications for workers, communities, and economies, requiring careful planning and implementation to ensure a fair and equitable shift to sustainable energy systems.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in achieving a just energy transition include protecting the rights and livelihoods of workers and ensuring inclusivity in the decision-making process. The way forward involves stakeholder engagement, social dialogue, and comprehensive policy frameworks.
5.3 Offshore Wind Energy
About Offshore Wind Energy
Offshore wind energy involves harnessing wind power in marine environments to generate electricity.
Key Points
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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry responsible for offshore wind energy development in India.
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The government has approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to support the installation of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects.
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India has set a target of 30 GW of offshore wind installations by 2030 under the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015).
Timeline
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2005: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme.
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2015: The National Offshore Wind Energy Policy was established.
Recent Developments
The Indian government is actively promoting the development of offshore wind energy through various schemes and policy initiatives.
Impact
Offshore wind energy has the potential to make a substantial contribution to India’s renewable energy capacity and enhance energy security.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in the offshore wind energy sector include high capital costs and the need for specialized infrastructure. The way forward involves technological advancements, cost reduction strategies, and infrastructure development.
5.4 National Green Hydrogen Mission
About National Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen. Key Points
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The mission has a budgetary outlay of Rs. 200 Crore until FY 2025-26 for the development of standards and regulatory frameworks.
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The mission’s objective is to identify gaps in testing facilities for green hydrogen components, technologies, and processes.
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India aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT per annum by 2030.
Timeline
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2023: The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched.
FY 2025-26: The period for the initial budgetary outlay.
Recent Developments
India is undertaking various initiatives to promote the production and use of green hydrogen across different sectors.
Impact
The mission has the potential to drive down emissions, increase the share of renewable energy, and stimulate economic growth.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in the green hydrogen sector include technology costs and infrastructure development. The way forward involves research and development, cost reduction strategies, and policy support.
5.5 Geothermal Energy
About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from the heat within the Earth.
Key Points
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India has identified a geothermal power potential of 10,600 MW.
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Geothermal energy has some disadvantages, including the potential for land subsidence, high transportation costs, and the release of toxic chemicals.
Recent Developments
India is exploring its geothermal energy resources through various programs and initiatives.
Impact
Geothermal energy can provide a clean and sustainable source of energy for power generation and direct heat applications.
Challenges and Way Forward
Challenges in the geothermal energy sector include high upfront costs and environmental concerns. The way forward involves technological innovation and sustainable resource management.
5.6. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Coal has launched an Underground Coal Gasification pilot project in Jharkhand.
About Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a process where coal is converted into a gas (syngas) while still in the coal seam.
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The resulting gas is a mixture of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), and carbon monoxide (CO).
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The process involves injecting steam and air/oxygen into the coal seam and igniting it at high temperatures.
Products of UCG:
Electricity; Chemical Feedstock; Production of Hydrogen etc.
