Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India Latest News

India's government recently initiated a green hydrogen certification scheme to promote transparency and credibility in production.

About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India 

• It was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. 
• The scheme emphasizes accuracy in emissions data, strict monitoring, and international compatibility, aiming to boost investor confidence and support the growth of a credible green hydrogen market in India.

Features of Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India

• Hydrogen can be officially recognized as “green” only if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months, under the GHCI. 
• The scheme outlines a comprehensive certification processfor producers to verify that the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and that the greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen. 
  • This threshold is measured across the production stages within a defined system boundary. 
  • The certification framework includes clear definitions, objectives, roles of stakeholders, eligible production pathways (electrolysis and biomass conversion), and emissions quantification methods. 
  • Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies,recognized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency,for independent verification.
• The GHCI operates with four types of certificates—Concept Certificate, Facility-Level Certificate, Provisional Certificate, and Final Certificate. 
  • Concept and Facility-Level certificates focus on design and operational readiness, while Provisional and Final certificates evaluate actual emissions based on production data. 
  • Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.
• Data monitoring plays a crucial role. Producers are required to maintain detailed production and emissions records for at least five years. 
  • A standardized MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) framework guides this process, enhancing transparency and enabling traceability. 
  • The scheme also aligns with international standards like ISO 19870:2023 for lifecycle GHG assessments, helping ensure global comparability and investor confidence.
• The certification also enables producers to access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional compliance requirements. 
  • Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen and include detailed information on emission intensity and production attributes. 
  • A nominal fee is applicable only for the final certificate.
• To ensure compliance, the MNRE or its designated agency may withdraw certificates if verified emissions exceed the allowed thresholdor if producers fail to complete the certification process on time.
  • Repeat non-compliance can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for future certification cycles.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India FAQs

Q1. Which ministry launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI) in India?

Ans. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Q2. What role does the Final Certificate play in the GHCI framework?

Ans. Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.

Q3. What type of agencies must producers appoint for independent emissions verification under GHCI?

Ans. Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies

Source: ET

Chandola Lake Latest News

The Gujarat High Court upheld a demolition drive undertaken by state authorities in Ahmedabad's Chandola lake area recently.

About Chandola Lake

• It is an artificial lake located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• It was established by the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad named Tajn Khan Nari Ali.
• The lake covers a land area of around 1200 hectares and is a major source of water for nearby industrial and residential areas.
• It is in circular form.
• The Kharicut Canal Scheme which is one of the oldest irrigation schemes of Gujarat was constructed with the main purpose of providing irrigation to 1,200 acres of rice land near Chandola lake in Ahmedabad.
• The lake is separated into the parts called the Chota Chandola and the Bada Chandola lake. 
• It is also home for cormorants, painted storks and spoonbill birds.
• There is a tomb of Shah Aalam next to the lake. 
  • He was one of the most revered of Muslim religious teachers of Ahmedabad. 
  • The tomb was built in the period between 1475 and 1483.
  • The tomb is decorated with precious gold and stones.

Chandola Lake FAQs

Q1. Where is Chandola Lake located?

Ans. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Q2. Who is credited with establishing Chandola Lake?

Ans. It was established by the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad named Tajn Khan Nari Ali.

Q3. Which irrigation scheme is associated with Chandola Lake?

Ans. Kharicut Canal Scheme

Source: LL

Vizhinjam Port Latest News

The Prime Minister will formally open the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, marking a major step in putting the southern state on the global maritime map.

About Vizhinjam Port

• Location: It is located at Vizhinjam, a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
• It is India's first dedicated transshipment port and also the country's first semi-automated port.
• Built at a cost of around Rs 8,900 crore under public-private partnership (PPP) mode, the transshipment port is operated by the Adani Group, with the Kerala government holding the majority stake.
• Features:
  • The breakwater at Vizhinjam is the deepest in India and stretches nearly three kilometres. It has a natural draft of around 20 metres. 
  • It also features India's first home-built, AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System,developed with IIT Madras.
  • It is equipped with fully automated yard cranes and remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes for faster and safer operations. 
  • Unlike most Indian ports, Vizhinjam experiences minimal sand movement along the coast (littoral drift), which reduces maintenance costs.
• Importance:
  • Vizhinjam’s strategic location—just 10 nautical miles from a key international shipping route—and naturally deep waters make it ideal for accommodating large container vessels. 
  • Until now, 75% of India’s transshipment traffic was handled abroad, leading to foreign exchange losses. Vizhinjam aims to change that by reclaiming a substantial share of this traffic.
  • The port now shares routes with global hubs like Shanghai, Singapore, and Busan.
  • Plans are also underway to turn Vizhinjam into a multi-modal logistics hub, with direct highway connectivity via NH-66, Kerala’s first cloverleaf interchange, and an upcoming railway link to the national network.

Vizhinjam Port FAQs

Q1. Where is Vizhinjam Port located?

Ans. Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala

Q2. What is the major distinction of Vizhinjam Port in the context of Indian ports?

Ans. India’s first dedicated transshipment port and semi-automated port

Q3. Who operates the Vizhinjam Port under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model?

Ans. Adani Group

Source: NDTV

Orange Economy Latest News

At the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) Summit in Mumbai recently, the Prime Minister spotlighted India’s booming orange economy—powered by content, creativity, and culture. 

About Orange Economy

• The Orange Economy, also known as the ‘creative economy,’ is a concept that includes sectors related to creativity and cultural industries. 
• According to the United Nations Economic Network, the creative economy is an evolving idea that focuses on the contribution and potential of creative assets to drive economic growth and development.
• This economy integrates economic, cultural, and social aspects, interacting with technology, intellectual property, and tourismobjectives. 
• It consists of knowledge-based economic activities with a development dimension, featuring cross-cutting linkages at macro and micro levels to the overall economy.
• These are industries based on individual creativity, skill, and talent, with the potential to create jobs, wealth, and cultural value.
• Industries within this economy include advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, video, photography, music,performing arts, publishing, research and development, software, computer games, electronic publishing, and TV/radio.
• Popularised by Colombian economists Felipe Buitrago and Iván Duque, the term “orange” symbolises creativity and cultural identity.
• According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Orange Economy accounts for 3% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 30 million jobs worldwide. 
• Inspired by ideas, it’s known for constant innovation, singular products (not mass production) and digitized processes.

Orange Economy FAQs

Q1. What is the concept of orange economy?

Ans. The Orange Economy, also known as the ‘creative economy,’ is a concept that includes sectors related to creativity and cultural industries. 

Q2. What is another name for the Orange Economy?

Ans. Creative Economy

Q3. According to UNESCO, the Orange Economy contributes approximately what percentage to global GDP?

Ans. 3%

Source: BT

Palamu Tiger Reserve Latest News

Years of efforts by Jharkhand forest officials have finally paid off, with Jaigir, located inside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), becoming the first village to be entirely relocated outside the core area. 

About Palamu Tiger Reserve

• It is located in the western part of the Chotanagpur plateau and is spread over two districts, viz, Latehar and Garhwa in Jharkhand.
• The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park. 
• This tiger reserve has a total area of 1,014 sq.km. with a core area of 414 sq.km. and a buffer area of 600 sq.km.
• It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
• It is the first reserve in the world in which a tiger census was carried out as a pugmark count, as early as 1932 under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson.
• The terrain is undulating with valleys, hills and plains. 
• Three rivers namely North Koyal, Auranga and Burha flow through the valleys. 
• The area is drought prone with Burha being the only perennial river. 
• The geological formation consists of gneiss and includes granite and limestone. 
• The area is very rich in minerals like Bauxite and Coal. 
• Flora:
  • The vegetation in Palamau region comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests to include Sal and bamboo as the major components. 
  • The western part of the Reserve is composed of dry deciduous forests and the other part shows characters of moist mixed deciduous nature. 
  • The entire area has a good distribution of bamboo thatches. 
  • The herbarium recently prepared by the Tiger Reserve authorities records a good number of medicinal plants.
• Fauna: Some keystone and principal species found in the reserve include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear and four horned antelope.

Palamu Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1. In which state is the Palamu Tiger Reserve located?

Ans. Jharkhand

Q2. Palamu Tiger Reserve is a part of which national park?

Ans. Betla National Park

Q3. What is a key flora component of the Palamu Tiger Reserve?

Ans. Sal and Bamboo

Source: NIE

Ukraine’s Critical Minerals Latest News

Recently, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a strategic minerals deal granting preferential U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral projects and establishing a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

What are Critical Minerals and Rare Earths?

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metals essential for making permanent magnets used in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, missile systems, and wind turbines.
• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) lists 50 minerals as “critical”, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths, due to their vital role in defence, aerospace, green energy, and electronics.
• These minerals have no commercially viable substitutes, making their supply chain strategically important.

Ukraine’s Mineral Wealth

• Ukraine has 22 of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the European Union (EU).
• Major critical minerals in Ukraine include:
  • Rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, and scandium.
  • Lithium, nickel, manganese, beryllium, gallium, zirconium, graphite, apatite, fluorite, and titanium.
• Graphite reserves in Ukraine account for approximately 20% of global resources, crucial for EV batteries and nuclear reactors.
• Lithium reserves are estimated at 500,000 metric tonnes, one of the largest in Europe. Key lithium areas include the central, eastern, and southeastern regions.
• Titanium is concentrated in the northwestern and central regions and is used in the aerospace and defence sectors.
• China dominates global rare earth production, making Ukraine a strategically attractive alternative supplier for Western economies.

Ukraine’s Critical Minerals FAQs

Q1. What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?
Ans. Rare Earth Elements are a group of 17 chemically similar elements, including the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, used extensively in high-tech and defence applications.

Q2. Why are REEs strategically important for India?
Ans. REEs are critical for national security, clean energy, and electronics manufacturing, making their supply crucial for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Q3. Which countries dominate REE production globally?
Ans. China is the largest producer and exporter of REEs, followed by countries like the USA, Australia, and Myanmar.

Source: TH

Private Member’s Bill (PMB) Latest News

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recently emphasised that PMBs are “forward-looking” and a “gold mine” for legislative progress.

About Private Member’s Bill (PMB)

• A Private Member’s Bill (PMB) is a legislative proposal introduced by any Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a Minister, whether elected or nominated.
• The drafting responsibility of a PMB lies entirely with the MP concerned, not with any Ministry.
• For introducing a PMB in Parliament, a notice period of one month is required under parliamentary rules.
• PMBs often reflect the ideological stance, personal convictions, or public interest concerns of the MP, especially those in the Opposition.

Time Allocation for PMBs in Parliament

• In the Lok Sabha, the last two-and-a-half hours of business on every Friday are earmarked for the introduction and discussion of PMBs.
• In the Rajya Sabha, PMBs are taken up every alternate Friday for two-and-a-half hours.

Historical Record and Trends

• Since Independence, only 14 PMBs have ever been passed and received Presidential assent, with the last one becoming law in 1970.
• In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), 729 PMBs were introduced in the Lok Sabha and 705 in the Rajya Sabha. Yet, only 2 PMBs were discussed in Lok Sabha, and 14 in the Rajya Sabha.
• In the 18th Lok Sabha, as of the 2024 Budget Session, only 20 MPs introduced PMBs, and not a single one was discussed due to disruptions and prioritisation of other business.

Private Member’s Bill (PMB) FAQs

Q1. What is a Private Member’s Bill in Indian Parliament?
Ans. A Private Member’s Bill is a legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a minister, aimed at drawing attention to specific issues or suggesting legal reforms.

Q2. How often are Private Members’ Bills passed in India?
Ans. Very rarely. Only 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed since Independence, the last one being in 1970.

Q3. On which day are Private Members’ Bills introduced in Parliament?
Ans. They are introduced and discussed usually on Fridays, when Parliament is in session.

Source: TH

Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Latest News

Recently, the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the certification to the U.S. Congress, confirming the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India.

About Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)

• The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) is a Quad-led initiative launched during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in May 2022.
• The initiative was introduced to track "dark shipping", vessels that switch off tracking systems to evade detection, and to build a faster, broader, and more accurate maritime surveillance network across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Three strategic sub-regions of the Indo-Pacific are targeted under this initiative: the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Purpose and Functions of IPMDA

• The primary objective of IPMDA is to enhance maritime domain awareness and bring greater transparency to critical sea lanes of the Indo-Pacific region.
• It is a technology and training initiative that uses advanced tools like commercial satellite radio frequency (RF) data to monitor and detect maritime activity in near real-time.
• Through this, IPMDA aims to provide partner countries in Southeast Asia, Pacific, and IOR with timely and actionable maritime intelligence to protect their exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

Details of the U.S. Approval to India

• The United States has approved a potential sale of maritime surveillance technology worth $131 million to India. The deal includes:
  • SeaVision software and its enhancements,
  • A Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) for training,
  • Remote software and analytics support, and
  • Program documentation and logistics assistance.
• SeaVision is a key maritime situational awareness tool widely used for vessel tracking and coastal surveillance.

Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) FAQs

Q1. What is the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative?
Ans. The IPMDA is a Quad initiative to provide real-time maritime surveillance to Indo-Pacific nations using satellite-based technology.

Q2. When was the IPMDA announced?
Ans. It was announced in the Quad Leaders' Summit in May 2022 held in Tokyo, Japan.

Source: TH

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Latest News

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has significantly intensified actions under the PMLA since 2014, reflecting a heightened institutional response to economic offences in India.

About the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 was enacted in January 2003 to combat money laundering and confiscate proceeds of crime.
• Section 3 defines money laundering as any attempt to project criminal proceeds as untainted assets.
• The main objectives of the Act are:
  • To prevent and control money laundering,
  • To attach and confiscate assets derived from crime,
  • To address related economic offences in India.
• PMLA has undergone major amendments in 2009 and 2012 to expand its scope and enforcement powers.
• As of 2024-25, the ED has initiated 775 new investigations under the PMLA and filed 333 prosecution complaints, demonstrating increased legal action against money laundering.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) Role

• ED is the chief enforcement agency under PMLA, empowered to investigate, attach property, and file prosecution complaints.
• The Act mandates record maintenance and client identity verification by banks, financial institutions, and intermediaries.
• Key institutions include:
  • Adjudicating Authority (for attachment confirmation),
  • Appellate Tribunal, and
  • Special Courts (designated sessions courts for PMLA trials).
• The Act allows international cooperation through treaties and MoUs with foreign governments.

Focus Areas for 2025

• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) cases are a key enforcement priority this year.
• Under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, applications were filed against 24 individuals, and 14 have been declared fugitive economic offenders.
  • Over ₹900 crore worth of assets have been confiscated so far.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) FAQs

Q1. What is the objective of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
Ans. PMLA, 2002 aims to prevent money laundering and confiscate properties derived from laundered money.

Q2. Which agency enforces PMLA in India?
Ans. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the key agency responsible for investigating offences under PMLA.

Q3. What is a scheduled offence under PMLA?
Ans. A scheduled offence is a predicate offence listed in the schedule of the Act, and it must be proved before prosecuting money laundering.

Source: TH

Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel T-8 Latest News

Tunnel No. 8 (T-8) is set to become India’s longest rail transportation tunnel at 14.57 km, surpassing the current longest T-50 (12.77 km) on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link.

About Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel T-8

• T-8 is a twin tunnel situated on the Devprayag–Janasu stretch of the 125-km Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project, in the state of Uttarakhand.
• The project is being implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, and executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• Over 83% of the 125-km alignment—about 104 km—comprises tunnels, making it one of the most underground-intensive rail projects in India.
• The rail line will connect Rishikesh to Karnaprayag, cutting travel time from 7 hours to just 2 hours, enhancing connectivity across five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.

Engineering and Technological Highlights

• Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) were used for the first time in Himalayan rail projects to excavate 10.4 km of T-8. These 2200-tonne machines were imported from Germany, transported via 17 shipments and assembled on site.
• The diameter of the TBM used for T-8 was 9.1 metres, larger than the 6-metre TBMs used in the Delhi Metro.
• The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) was used to excavate the remaining 4.11 km of the tunnel, especially in non-uniform geological zones.
• Three advanced technologies were deployed for safety and precision:
  • Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) to detect geological faults.
  • Torque Box for multidirectional boring capability.
  • Void Measurement to detect and fill gaps behind tunnel linings.

Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel T-8 FAQs

Q1. What is the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Tunnel T-8 project?
Ans. It is a part of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line, and Tunnel T-8 is the longest tunnel (6.6 km) being constructed under this broad-gauge railway project in Uttarakhand.

Q2. Which agency is executing the T-8 tunnel construction?
Ans. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is the executing agency for the project.

Source: IE