Kerala's Rooftop Solar Surge Under PM Suryaghar Yojana Faces Night-Time Peak Demand Mismatch

Bihar Targets 24 GW Renewable Energy by 2030 with ₹1.38 Lakh Crore Solar Investment Plan

Bihar, facing severe energy deficits and high power purchase costs, has announced a ₹1.38 lakh crore investment plan to achieve 24 GW renewable energy capacity and 6 GWh energy storage by 2030. The plan aims to meet projected peak demand of 11,747 MW and includes a Green Energy Corridor and large-scale solar parks.

7th ESA Draft Notification: 9,993.7 sq km in 131 Kerala Villages Under Western Ghats Regulation

The 7th draft ESA notification for Kerala's Western Ghats has triggered protests from settlers and farmers who fear displacement and land-use restrictions. The notification covers 9,993.7 sq km across 131 villages, but the state government wants it reduced to 8,590.69 sq km excluding human habitations. This is a decade-old conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights, with implications for UPSC GS3 (Environment) and GS2 (Federalism, Governance).

Telangana CM Announces Bharat Future City as India's First Net-Zero Smart City; Per Capita Income ₹4.18 Lakh

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced the development of 'Bharat Future City' as India's first net-zero smart city during the 80th Independence Day speech at Golconda Fort. The state's per capita income reached ₹4,18,931, 91% above national average. Key initiatives include ₹1.70 lakh crore agriculture spend, ₹1.29 lakh crore investments via TG-iPASS, and the establishment of Young India Skills University.

Andhra Pradesh EV Policy 2024-29: 5% Subsidy, 5-Year Tax Exemption, 25% Charging Incentive

Andhra Pradesh has announced a comprehensive EV push under the Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 2024-29, offering up to 5% subsidy on ex-showroom price, five-year road tax exemption, and 25% incentive for charging stations. With a target of 2 lakh electric two-wheelers and 20,000 cars by 2029, the state aims to become a leader in electric mobility.

21 GW Renewable Energy Faces Curtailment Due to Transmission Bottlenecks in India

India's renewable energy boom is hitting a critical bottleneck: lack of transmission infrastructure. Nearly 21 GW of capacity operates on temporary grid access, facing severe curtailment (up to 90-95% in some cases), threatening project viability, debt repayment, and potentially creating NPAs for banks that have deployed ₹5.08 lakh crore in the sector.

MoEFCC Amends GHG Emission Intensity Targets for Refineries & Textiles Under CCTS, Drops 2025-26 Compliance Year

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended legally binding GHG emission intensity targets for petroleum refineries and textile units, revising baselines for seven IOC refineries and removing 2025-26 compliance targets. This creates uncertainty in India's domestic carbon market (CCTS) as industries face shifting deadlines, affecting long-term investment planning.

Kerala Seeks Final Notification on Western Ghats ESA, Proposes Limiting to 8,590.69 sq km Forest Area

Kerala has formally submitted recommendations to the Centre to limit the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats to only forest areas covering 8,590.69 sq km, excluding all populated areas, farmlands, and plantations. The state, which has been demanding a final notification after multiple draft versions since 2014, plans to pass a resolution in the Assembly to press its case. This is a critical exam topic for understanding environmental governance, federal-state dynamics, and the developmental vs. conservation debate.

7th ESA Draft Notification Covers 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala; 131 Villages Included Across 12 Districts

The Union government's seventh draft notification for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats has designated 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala, affecting 131 villages across 12 districts. Farmers and residents fear restrictions on agriculture and habitation, demanding exclusion of populated areas before the final notification. This is a critical issue for environment and governance syllabus, highlighting the conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights.