CONTEXT OF THE NEWS
India has approved its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for 2031–2035, to be submitted under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
BACKGROUND
- NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution):
A country’s climate action plan under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change. - Key Features:
- Self-determined targets
- Time-bound and progressive
- Updated every 5–10 years
- Includes mitigation + adaptation goals
India’s NDC Evolution
| Stage | Key Targets |
|---|---|
| 2015 (First NDC) | 33–35% emissions intensity reduction, ~40% non-fossil capacity |
| 2022 (Updated NDC) | 45% reduction, 50% non-fossil capacity |
| 2025 (NDC 3.0) | New targets for 2031–2035 |
- Based on 2005 baseline year
- Aligned with COP26 (Glasgow) commitments
NEWS BREAKDOWN
India’s NDC 3.0 reflects a balance between development and climate responsibility, guided by CBDR-RC principle.
Key Definitions
- Emissions Intensity: Emissions per unit of GDP
- Carbon Sink: Natural system that absorbs more CO₂ than it emits
- CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities):
Developed countries should take greater responsibility due to historical emissions
1. INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
- Mandatory update under Paris Agreement by 2025
- 128 countries (78% emissions) already submitted updates
- India among last G20 nations to update
- Based on Global Stocktake (2021):
- World is not on track to limit warming to 1.5°C
2. KEY TARGETS OF NDC 3.0
A. NON-FOSSIL ENERGY EXPANSION
- Target: 60% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035
- Includes:
- Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Nuclear
- Current Status:
- 52.57% achieved (Feb 2026)
- Already crossed 2030 target (50%)
B. REDUCTION IN EMISSIONS INTENSITY
- Target: 47% reduction by 2035 (from 2005 levels)
- Current Progress:
- 36% reduction achieved by 2020
- India is on track to exceed earlier targets
C. CARBON SINK ENHANCEMENT
- Target: 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent
- Through:
- Forest and tree cover expansion
- Current Status:
- 2.29 billion tonnes achieved (2025)
3. SIGNIFICANCE OF NDC 3.0
- Global Climate Leadership
- India leads Global South
- Reinforces climate multilateralism
- Strategic Alignment
- Supports Net Zero by 2070
- Linked to Viksit Bharat @2047
INDIA’S APPROACH (2031–35)
Core Principles
- CBDR-RC and Equity
- Energy Security + Development Balance
Whole-of-Society Approach
- Integration across:
- Government
- Industry
- Citizens
Key Initiatives
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Schemes
- PM-KUSUM
Technological Measures
- CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage)
- Expansion of Nuclear Energy
Global Initiatives
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
Adaptation Measures
- MISHTI (Mangrove Restoration)
- Cyclone Early Warning Systems
- NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change)
Mass Participation
- LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
- Campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam’
CHALLENGES
1. CAPACITY vs GENERATION GAP
- 52% capacity ≠ actual generation
- Only ~25% electricity generated
- Due to:
- Intermittency of solar/wind
- Lack of storage
2. STORAGE & GRID ISSUES
- Lack of:
- Battery storage systems
- High dependence on:
- Imported lithium
- Weak transmission infrastructure
3. COAL DEPENDENCE
- Coal accounts for:
- ~75% electricity generation
- Challenges:
- Energy security
- Job losses in coal sector
- Hard-to-abate sectors
4. FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS
- Needs:
- USD 40–50 billion annually
- Issues:
- Limited climate finance
- Carbon border taxes
5. LAND & AFFORESTATION
- Land scarcity for:
- Solar projects
- Forest expansion
WAY FORWARD MEASURES
1. ROUND-THE-CLOCK (RTC) RENEWABLES
- Combine:
- Solar + Wind + Storage
- Use:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)
2. REPURPOSING COAL INFRASTRUCTURE
- Convert:
- Old coal mines → Solar parks / Storage sites
3. JUST TRANSITION FUND
- For coal-dependent regions:
- Reskilling workers
- Economic diversification
4. BLENDED FINANCE
- Mix:
- Public + Private + Multilateral funds
- Reduce investment risk
5. CARBON MARKET (CCTS)
- Incentivize industries:
- Steel, Cement, Fertilizers
- Promote:
- CCUS adoption
6. AGRI-VOLTAICS
- Solar panels over farmland:
- Dual income for farmers
- Efficient land use
7. AGROFORESTRY
- Trees on farms:
- Achieve carbon sink targets
- Reduce land pressure
PRELIMS FOCUS
- Paris Agreement: 2015, legally binding global climate treaty
- Global Stocktake: Assessment every 5 years
- India’s Net Zero Target: 2070
- CBDR-RC Principle: Core of climate negotiations
- NAPCC Missions: 8 National Missions (Solar, Water, Agriculture etc.)
- MISHTI Initiative: Mangrove restoration program
- CCTS: India’s domestic carbon market framework
CONCLUSION / WAY FORWARD
India must combine innovation, finance, and inclusive transition to achieve climate goals without compromising development and energy security.
PRELIMS CHECK
Question 1
With reference to India’s NDC 3.0, consider the following statements:
- It targets 60% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035.
- It uses 2015 as the baseline year.
- It aims to reduce emissions intensity by 47%.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Question 2
Consider the following:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems
- Pumped Hydro Storage
- Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage
Which of the above are relevant for achieving India’s NDC targets?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Question 3
With reference to CBDR-RC principle, consider the following statements:
- It assigns equal responsibility to all countries.
- It recognizes historical emissions of developed countries.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWERS
- (a)
- Statement 2 incorrect: Baseline year is 2005
- Targets include 60% non-fossil capacity and 47% reduction
- (d)
- All are key technologies for energy transition and decarbonisation
- (b)
- CBDR-RC emphasizes historical responsibility and equity
“The future depends on what we do today.” – Act with purpose, prepare with clarity.
