Although India is increasing its levels of renewable energy, coal still takes centre stage in electricity production. A recent overview of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cases indicated that coal mining and thermal power plants pose environmental, health and governance challenges that are of high concern and more accountability and sustainable transition policies are needed.

Clean water and sanitation will continue to be one of the most urgent public health concerns in the world in 2025. A WHO-UNICEF report identifies major progress since 2000 but notes that deep inequalities continue to erode the progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of universal access by 2030.

Important Events

September 1

1939 - The Second World War started; the war automatically involved India (as a British colony).

1956 - The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was incorporated.

September 2

1946 - Interim Government of India under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru was established.

1998 - Indo-US Strategic Dialogue initiated.

Climate Change and the Gangotri Glacier System

Q1. What is the average rate of loss of glaciers in the Gangotri Glacier System, on the basis of a year?
a) 12 cm
b) 25 cm
c) 46 cm
d) 60 cm
Answer: c) 46 cm

Q2. Which month changed to which month, owing to warming, the maximum release of Ganga river at Gangotri Glacier?
a) May
b) June
c) July
d) September
Answer: c) July

The most recent studies emphasize the increased influence of climate change on the Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), a vital Himalayan glacier that supplies the Ganga river. Temperature and precipitation variations over the past 30 years (1980-2020) have greatly changed its hydrology, and the effects have been severe in terms of agriculture, hydropower, and water supply of the North Indian region.