National Critical Mineral Mission: ₹1,500 Cr Urban Mining Scheme Approved (2025-31) to Boost Circular Economy

National Green Hydrogen Mission: 400-500 Buses/Trucks by 2030, Trials on 20 Highways

India's National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 400-500 hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty buses and trucks by 2030. To achieve this, 70 vehicles have been sanctioned for trials across 20 highways, with the goal of achieving operating cost parity with diesel in 2-3 years.

Govt to Launch Lithium-Nickel Scheme; 4 States Identified for Critical Mineral Processing

India is launching a new scheme to process lithium and nickel, critical for EV batteries, with four states identified as hubs. The government has flagged the contradiction of exporting raw minerals while being 100% import-dependent on key minerals, signaling a strategic push toward self-reliance and value addition.

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan Scheme; Rajya Sabha Clears Rs 54,067 Cr Appropriation Bill

The UPSC Key article covers multiple critical topics: the Rajya Sabha cleared the Appropriation Bill for Rs 54,067 Cr excess expenditure, the Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan scheme to boost CBG production, and new high-resolution images of the Sun's surface were captured. Also includes data on road safety Good Samaritans, school consolidation, and ethanol policy.

GOBARdhan Scheme Approved with ₹23,731 Cr Outlay to Boost CBG Production Tenfold

Union Cabinet approves GOBARdhan, a National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with ₹23,731 crore outlay for 10 years to increase domestic compressed biogas (CBG) production by nearly 10-fold. The scheme aims to reduce natural gas imports, strengthen energy security, and create a commercially viable waste-to-energy ecosystem through assured offtake, administered pricing, capital subsidies, and pipeline infrastructure.

National Bamboo Mission: 13.96 Mn Ha Bamboo, 136 Species, Rs 28,005 Cr Industry – Green Gold Potential

Bamboo, 'Green Gold', offers rapid growth, soil stabilisation, and carbon sequestration. India has the world's largest bamboo area (13.96 Mn Ha) but low productivity vs China. The National Bamboo Mission (NBM) aims to strengthen the value chain, but challenges like poor connectivity and low yield persist. This article is a must-read for Environment, Agriculture, and Economy segments.

India's Next Energy Transition: Electrifying Industrial Heat for MSMEs, Manufacturing Competitiveness

India's next energy transition phase targets electrifying industrial heat, especially for MSMEs, to boost manufacturing competitiveness, energy security, and decarbonisation. The article draws a parallel with the solar PV revolution and calls for a coordinated ecosystem of policies, financing, and cluster-level planning to scale the transition.

EVs Account for 10.6% of India's Vehicle Registrations in 2026, Three-Wheelers Lead at 60.5% - FADA Data

India's vehicle registration data for 2026 shows a historic fuel crossover: petrol/diesel share dropped to 83.5% while EVs reached 10.6%. However, the shift is lopsided—two-wheelers and three-wheelers drive EV adoption, while cars prefer CNG/LPG. This data is crucial for understanding India's energy transition and can be tested in Prelims for exact percentages and FADA's role.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.