India Updates NDC: Targets 47% Emissions Intensity Cut, 60% Non-Fossil Power by 2035
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India's Union Cabinet has approved the country's new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031-2035, enhancing climate ambition under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
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Key targets include a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
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The nation aims to achieve 60% of its cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035.
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A commitment has also been made to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 from 2005 levels.
- ●India's new NDC covers the period 2031-2035.
- ●The updated targets were approved by the Union Cabinet.
- ●These commitments are made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
- ●This new NDC builds upon India's first NDC from 2015, which was subsequently revised in 2021-2022.
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
NDCs are national climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement. They outline each country's efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. NDCs are at the core of the Paris Agreement, embodying the commitment of nations to achieve its long-term goals.
Simple Analogy: Think of NDCs as individual pledges or homework assignments each country submits to contribute to the global goal of fighting climate change, much like students in a class each doing their part for a group project.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
An international environmental treaty established in 1992 to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It provides the framework for international climate negotiations.
Paris Agreement
A legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
A statutory organization constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003. It advises the Central Government on policy matters relating to electricity, collects and publishes data, and undertakes power system planning.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India's NDC targets directly contribute to several SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable development.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
The push for increased non-fossil fuel capacity aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, further decarbonizing the energy sector.
LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Movement
One of the qualitative targets of the new NDC is alignment with the LiFE principle, promoting environmentally conscious lifestyle choices and sustainable consumption patterns at individual and community levels.
Exam Relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment. GS Paper 2: International Relations, Government Policies and Interventions.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environment, International Organizations.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Economy, Environmental Issues, Government Schemes.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environment, Science & Technology.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, International Relations, Environmental Policy.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3 only
For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance? 1. Demographic performance 2. Forest and ecology 3. Governance reforms 4. Stable government 5. Tax and fiscal efforts
Answer: Only three
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Consider the following statements regarding India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031-2035...' (statement-based questions on specific targets, comparison with previous NDCs, or global context).
- ★SSC may ask: 'What is India's target for reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 as per the new NDC?' (direct factual question).
- ★Banking may ask: 'Which international agreement forms the basis for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?' (factual question about international bodies/agreements).
Topic Frequency
High for UPSC (Environment, International Relations, Economy), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway/Defence (General Awareness).
Key Terms
Nationally Determined Contribution
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
International treaty on climate change
Amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of economic output (GDP)
Any natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide than it releases
Lifestyle for Environment
Must Remember
- •The three quantitative targets for 2035 (emissions intensity, non-fossil capacity, carbon sink).
- •The international frameworks under which NDCs are submitted (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement).
- •India's historical contribution to global emissions and its role in global climate leadership.
Exam Tips
- •Understand the distinction between emissions intensity reduction and absolute emissions reduction targets.
- •Be aware of the timelines and specific percentages/figures associated with each target.
- •Familiarize yourself with the roles of key international bodies like UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.