Global Energy Transition: 8 mb/d Supply Shock, 30% EV Demand Rise in 2024, Critical Minerals Dependence on China

India's RE Capacity Crosses 200 GW, Solar & Green Hydrogen Lead Clean Energy Transition

India's renewable energy capacity crossed 200 GW (45% of total installed capacity), driven by solar and wind. Key schemes like PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and International Solar Alliance highlight India's climate leadership. This is exam-relevant for prelims data and mains analysis on energy transition, government schemes, and India's climate commitments.

MNRE Allows 4-Month Extension for Renewable Energy Projects Citing West Asia War as Force Majeure

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allowed renewable energy projects scheduled for commissioning on or after February 28, 2026, an extension of up to four months, citing the West Asia conflict as a force majeure event. This follows the Finance Ministry's classification of the situation as a war, impacting project timelines due to supply chain disruptions in critical materials like galvanized steel and solar glass. The move is crucial for India's renewable energy targets, as solar capacity addition slowed in the April-June 2026 quarter to 11.8 GW, down 18.1% from the previous quarter.

IMF: Global Economy Weathered Strait of Hormuz Oil Shock via AI Investment Boom, Reserves Drawdown

IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva states the global economy has weathered the oil shock from the Strait of Hormuz closure 'better than feared' due to strategic reserve drawdowns and an AI-driven investment boom. However, risks remain tilted to the downside with rising bond yields, stalled disinflation, and the threat of renewed energy price spikes as winter approaches.

Quad, G7 Launch Critical Minerals Initiative; India's NCMM Seeds ₹500 Cr Stockpile

As the world races towards green energy, securing supply chains for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths has become a geopolitical priority. The article explains why India must shift from stockpiling raw ores to processed minerals, and advocates for a multilateral stockpiling platform with dynamic price bands to avoid market shocks.

World Bank Report: Extreme Heat Costs South Asia 31 Million Jobs, 7% GDP by 2050

World Bank report warns extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually and threatens 7% GDP loss by 2050. It urges governments to treat heat as a core development challenge, not a seasonal emergency. Essential for UPSC: climate-economy linkages, urban resilience, and vulnerable worker protection.

India's Institutional Entrepreneurship in Green Finance: ISA, CDRI, BRICS+ Shape New Global Order

India is leveraging its G20 presidency, Global South summits, and initiatives like ISA, CDRI, and GBA to shape a new multipolar global financial order focused on green development. With climate finance needs surging and traditional MDBs struggling to meet targets, India's 'institutional entrepreneurship' offers a model for the Global South. This is a key topic for UPSC GS2 (International Relations) and GS3 (Economy, Environment).

India's National Critical Mineral Mission Targets 1200 Exploration Projects, 50 Overseas Assets by 2030-31

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earths are essential for EVs, solar, defense, and semiconductors. India's National Critical Mineral Mission aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic exploration (1200 projects by 2030-31) and acquiring 50 overseas mining assets, as global supply chains remain heavily concentrated in China.

NDMA Plans Comprehensive Study of Nepal Glacial Collapse; India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending by 2025-26

A hanging glacier collapse in Nepal triggered a devastating flash flood, killing over 350, prompting NDMA to plan a comprehensive study to reduce GLOF risks in India. Simultaneously, India achieved 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, five years ahead of schedule, but faces backlash from older vehicle owners; discussions on offering E10 alongside E20 are underway. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra saw a surge in 2026 after resumption, and India-China special representatives reached an eight-point consensus on border management.