Daily Current Affairs 04 August 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 August 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Green Credit Programme: Incentivising Environmental Conservation In India

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed Parliament about the implementation status of the Green Credit Programme (GCP).

News in Brief

• The government highlighted its role in incentivising voluntary environmental actions under Mission LiFE.
• Details were provided on restoration of degraded forest lands, issuance of Green Credits, and the monitoring mechanism.
• The reply also explained eligibility conditions, verification process, and expected ecological and community benefits.

What is Green Credit Programme

• The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is an innovative initiative by India to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across sectors like tree planting, water management, and sustainable agriculture.
• Administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), it rewards positive ecological efforts beyond just carbon reduction.

Objectives

• Launched to encourage individuals, industries, institutions, and local bodies to undertake environmentally beneficial activities.
• It promote the objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, which aims at encouraging sustainable lifestyles by driving community towards behavioural changes that support environment-friendly actions.
• Aims to increase green cover, enhance carbon sequestration, restore degraded lands and reduce carbon footprint through the adoption of environment-friendly technologies and Practices.

Key Focus Areas

• Covered Activities- Focuses on eight areas including tree plantation, water management, sustainable agriculture, waste management, air pollution reduction, and mangrove restoration.
• Eligibility for Green Credits- For tree planting, entities fund eco-restoration on degraded forest land parcels (minimum 5 hectares), and credits are issued after a 5-year establishment period once a 40% canopy density is achieved (one credit per surviving tree).
• Non-Tradable Status- Tree-based green credits are non-tradable and non-transferable, meant to fulfill specific environmental and social compliance obligations.

Legal Framework

• Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified on 12 October 2023 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 – to encourage voluntary environmental positive actions resulting in issuance of Green Credits.
• The Tree Plantation and Eco-restoration Methodology was notified on 22 February 2024 and revised on 29 August 2025.
• A dedicated Green Credit Programme Portal has been developed for registration, monitoring, and issuance of Green Credits.

Institutional Framework

Benefits of the Programme

Environmental Benefits

• Rebuilds damaged forest landscapes.
• Revitalizes diverse plant and animal habitats.
• Traps atmospheric carbon dioxide efficiently.
• Expands overall tree and foliage density.
• Helps stabilize global temperature changes.
• Prevents erosion and boosts groundwater recharge.

Socio-economic Benefits

• Increases timber and non-timber forest produce (NTFPs).
• Expands fodder and water availability for local use.
• Strengthens ecosystem services: Enhances natural cycles like pollination and water purification.
• Generates jobs and income for forest-dependent communities.

Implementation Challenges

• Securing the long-term growth of new tree plantations.
• Verifying and tracking Green Credits with high transparency.
• Preventing commercial greed from overriding ecological health.
• Avoiding monoculture plantations instead of rich, biodiverse restoration.
• Building adequate institutional capacity to properly monitor and verify progress.

Conclusion

The Green Credit Programme marks a shift from regulation-driven conservation to incentive-based environmental stewardship by rewarding voluntary ecological actions.

Through scientific restoration, transparent verification, and active participation of public and private stakeholders, it can strengthen forest ecosystems, support Mission LiFE, and contribute to India’s climate and sustainable development goals.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to the Green Credit Programme (GCP), consider the following statements:

1. The programme encourages voluntary environmental actions through the issuance of Green Credits.
2. Green Credits for forest restoration can be claimed only after achieving a minimum canopy density of 40%.
3. The State Forest Departments are responsible for issuing Green Credits to successful applicants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Mains Practice Question

Q. The Green Credit Programme represents a shift towards market-based incentives for environmental conservation. Discuss its significance in promoting ecological restoration and sustainable development in India. Examine the challenges in its implementation. (250 words)

Samudra Manthan Scheme: Features, Objectives & Significance

Source: PIB
GS III: Infrastructure- Energy

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme on 31 July 2026 to strengthen India’s offshore oil and gas exploration.

News in Brief

• The scheme has a Phase-I outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030–31.
• It aims to unlock India’s untapped offshore hydrocarbon potential, reduce import dependence, and improve energy security.
• The scheme adopts a mission-mode approach with modern technology, AI-enabled exploration, common infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing support.

Samudra Manthan scheme

• The Samudra Manthan scheme (officially the National Offshore Exploration Scheme) is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• It aims to boost deepwater oil and gas exploration, de-risk offshore projects, and strengthen India’s energy security.

Key Objectives

• India’s offshore basins are estimated to contain over 5,600 MMTOE of hydrocarbon resources, particularly in the Cauvery, Mahanadi, and Andaman basins.
• The scheme seeks to add over 600 Million Metric Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) in hydrocarbon reserves.
• Targets to raise domestic oil and gas production from about 62 MMTOE to 80 MMTOE annually.
• Aims to reduce crude oil import dependence and save up to ₹1 lakh crore yearly.
• The scheme focuses on accelerating deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration across India’s offshore territories.
• It will promote indigenous offshore technology and manufacturing.
• The scheme aims to build a globally competitive offshore energy ecosystem.

Major Components of the Scheme

• Seismic Data Acquisition – Funds large-scale 2D and 3D seismic mapping, deploys AI-based processing tools, and reprocesses legacy data from the National Data Repository (NDR).
• Accelerated Offshore Exploration – Subsidizes up to 50% of drilling expenses  for 60 deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory wells, open to public and private firms.
• Common Offshore Infrastructure- Builds shared production networks and evacuation pipelines, emphasizing resource-heavy locations like the Mahanadi and Kutch basins.
• Manufacturing & Services Zone– Establishes localized hubs for marine engineering, equipment repair, and warehousing to align with the Make in India initiative.
• Monitoring & Support- Dedicated funds for digital tracking, program execution, and human resource development.

Significance for India and associated Challenges

• Energy Security- Secures long-term oil and gas supplies from domestic offshore basins.
• Import Savings- Lowers massive crude import bills and saves valuable foreign exchange.
• Private Investment- Invites public and private operators into high-risk offshore blocks with state co-funding.
• Local Industry– Grows indigenous manufacturing, high-tech marine jobs, and digital project management.
• National Vision- Aligns with Viksit Bharat by building a self-reliant energy ecosystem.

Key Challenges

• High Costs- Deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling require massive capital outlays over many years.
• Deep-Sea Risks– Complex underwater geology increases operational and technological failure risks.
• Ecosystem Protection- Offshore drilling poses potential threats to marine life and coastal environments.
• Skill Gaps- Demands specialized naval engineering, advanced seismic gear, and expert technicians.
• Global Markets– Fluctuating international crude prices can disrupt projected financial returns,

Conclusion

Samudra Manthan marks a significant step in India’s journey towards energy security and self-reliance.

It focuses on accelerating exploration, deploying modern technology, creating shared infrastructure, and strengthening domestic manufacturing.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Samudra Manthan Scheme:

1. It aims to promote offshore hydrocarbon exploration in India.
2. It supports both public and private exploration companies.
3. The scheme provides financial support for drilling deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration wells.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Discuss the importance of domestic hydrocarbon exploration in enhancing India’s energy security and reducing import dependence. What are the major challenges in achieving these objectives?” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Bioenergy From Agricultural Waste

Source: The Hindu  Businessline
GS III: Agriculture, Infrastructure- Energy

Why in the News?

An article in The Hindu BusinessLine highlighted that agricultural waste (crop residues, husk, bagasse, etc.) can become a major source of clean energy while addressing stubble burning, rural pollution, and India’s energy security.

News in Brief

• India generates 500 million tonnes of agricultural residues every year, much of which remains underutilised or is burnt in fields.
• This causes severe seasonal air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in North India.
• The article argues that biomass-based energy should become an integral part of India’s energy transition.

Main Sources of Agricultural Waste

• Crop Residues– Leftovers from harvesting like rice straw, wheat straw, and corn stover.
• Agro-Processing Byproducts- Factory leftovers like rice husks, coffee husks, and sugarcane bagasse.
• Animal Manure– Livestock waste used heavily for methane and biogas generation.

Opportunities in Transforming Agricultural Waste into Clean Energy

• Productive utilisation of crop residues reduces open-field burning, lowering emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and other pollutants that contribute to severe air pollution and public health risks.
• Converting agricultural waste into bioenergy, compressed biogas (CBG), and biofuels diversifies India’s energy mix, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and enhances domestic energy resilience.
• Selling crop residues to biomass plants, CBG units, and biofuel industries provides farmers with an additional and stable source of income instead of treating agricultural waste as a disposal burden.
• Biomass collection, aggregation, transportation, storage, and processing create jobs in rural areas while encouraging the growth of biomass-based enterprises and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
• Agricultural residues are transformed into valuable products such as electricity, biofuels, biochar, briquettes (compressed biomass fuel), and organic manure, ensuring efficient resource use and minimizing waste generation.
• Biomass-based energy lowers greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels, reducing methane emissions from residue decomposition, and contributing to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Net Zero by 2070 target.
• Technologies such as biochar production and composting return nutrients to the soil, improving soil fertility, water retention, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
• Decentralized biomass-based energy systems provide reliable power to rural areas, strengthen local energy access, and support inclusive economic development.

Key Conversion Technologies

• Anaerobic Digestion- Microorganisms break down wet organic waste in oxygen-free tanks to produce methane-rich biogas and bio-CNG.
• Direct Combustion and Briquetting- Dry crop waste is compressed into solid blocks or burned directly in boilers to create steam and electricity.
• Pyrolysis & Gasification- High-heat thermal processes break down dry, woody biomass into bio-oil, biochar, and synthetic gas without oxygen.

Core Biomass Challenges

• High costs- Moving and gathering waste costs a lot of money.
• Seasonal supply- Crops only grow and yield waste at certain times of the year.
• Storage gaps- There are not enough safe places to keep the biomass dry and ready.
• Low awareness-Many farmers do not know how to sell or handle crop waste properly.
• Processing limits- Few local plants exist to turn the raw waste into useful fuel.
• Money and tech rules– Getting loans and new machines is hard for many workers.

Key Government Bioenergy Initiatives

National Bioenergy Programme

• Focuses on power generation and thermal energy from biomass, urban waste, and industrial waste.
• Provides central financial assistance to set up biogas plants, biomass power projects, and waste-to-energy plants.

SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation)

• Encourages entrepreneurs to set up Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants.
• Links CBG to green vehicle fuel markets and commercial use.

GOBARdhan Scheme (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan)

• Converts cattle dung and farm waste into compost and biogas.
• Improves rural cleanliness and creates wealth from waste.

National Policy on Biofuels

• Expands ethanol blending in petrol, aiming for 20% blending.
• Broadens the feedstock base for producing bio-ethanol and biodiesel.

Biomass Co-Firing Policy

• Mandates coal-based thermal power plants to use a percentage of biomass pellets alongside coal.
• Reduces stubble burning and cuts carbon emissions from power generation.

PM-JI-VAN Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Ji-Van Yojana financial support for Second Generation (2G) bio-ethanol refineries.
• Promotes commercial projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.

Conclusion

Agricultural waste should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a disposal challenge.

Its efficient utilisation for bioenergy and biofuels can enhance India’s energy security, reduce environmental pollution, increase farmers’ incomes, and advance the country’s transition towards a circular economy and sustainable development.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding agricultural waste and clean energy:

1. Agricultural residues can be converted into compressed biogas (CBG), bioethanol, and biomass briquettes.
2. Biomass co-firing in thermal power plants helps reduce coal consumption.
3. The SATAT initiative promotes the production and use of Compressed Biogas (CBG).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Agricultural waste is an untapped resource that can simultaneously address India’s energy security, farmers’ income, and environmental challenges.” Discuss. (250 Words)

Glaw Lake India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment and Conservation

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, on 3 August 2026 announced the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as India’s 101st Ramsar Site.

News in Brief

• The Minister stated, ” Every new Ramsar Site strengthens our resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities that depend on these invaluable ecosystems”.
• The designation strengthens India’s commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, water security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
• The recognition is expected to promote biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, water security, eco-tourism, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
• India’s Ramsar network has expanded from 26 sites in 2014 to 101 sites in 2026.

About Glaw Lake

• Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is bounded by the Lang River to the north and Namdapha National Park to the south, forming part of an ecologically connected landscape.
• Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas and a significant biodiversity hotspot.
• The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and is surrounded by lush vegetation, supporting rich floral diversity.
• The Glaw lake wetland has over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species in its surrounding catchment area, underscoring its ecological significance and surrounding landscape.
• Its surrounding landscape are traditionally inhabited by the Miju Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Idu Mishmi tribal communities, whose traditional knowledge and sustainable resource-use practices contribute to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.
• The lake has become Arunachal Pradesh’s first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

What Does Ramsar Status Mean

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971.
  • The Convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.
  • India became a Contracting Party in 1982.
• It promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• The designation recognises wetlands that play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining water resources, regulating climate and supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems.

Importance of Ramsar Sites

• They provide safe homes for rare plants, animals, and migrating birds and helps in conserving biodiversity.
• They filter water naturally and help refill underground water tables and thus improve water security.
• They absorb heavy rainfall to lower flood risks and hold moisture during dry droughts.
• They trap large amounts of carbon to slow down global warming.
• They support fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and local livelihoods for nearby communities.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation

• Encroachment and land-use change.
• Pollution from domestic and industrial waste poison the water.
• Invasive alien species take over and harm native life.
• Climate change and altered hydrological regimes disrupt natural water cycle.
• Weak coordination among multiple agencies to protect the areas.

India’s Growing Ramsar Network

• India has significantly expanded its Ramsar network over the past decade.
• It has now 101 internationally recognised wetlands, with the designation of Glaw Lake in Andhra Pradesh, as the State’s first-ever site.
• This milestone highlights a major expansion from 26 sites in 2014, reflecting the country’s continued focus on wetland conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable management.
• It further strengthens India’s efforts to protect ecologically sensitive wetlands while promoting long-term environmental sustainability and supporting communities that rely on these natural ecosystems.

Key Government Initiatives

Water and Wetland Protection

• NPCA (National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems)
  • It merges lake and wetland conservation into one program.
  • Helps states to manage lakes and wetlands through funding and scientific plans.
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
  • Sets up a state-level authority to list protected wetlands.
  • It bans harmful activities like waste dumping, industry setup, and land reclamation in these zones.
• Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme
  • Promotes unique values of local wetlands.
  • It encourages eco-tourism, local livelihoods, and green jobs around Ramsar sites.

Biodiversity and Coastal Restoration

• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
  • Aligns national goals with global biodiversity targets.
  • It guides the protection of plants, animals, and fragile ecosystems across India.
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
  • Focuses on planting mangrove trees along India’s coastlines.
  • It protects shores from storms while helping local communities earn money.

Conclusion

As India’s Ramsar network continues to expand, the focus must shift from designation to effective conservation through integrated wetland management, ensuring that these ecosystems continue to support biodiversity, water security, and local livelihoods.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Glaw Lake and the Ramsar Convention:

1. Glaw Lake is the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. With the inclusion of Glaw Lake, India now has 101 Ramsar Sites.
3. The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

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