Deep Decarbonization and Green Transport Pathways: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

India has transitioned from a general 'renewable energy' focus to a targeted 'Deep Decarbonization' strategy, prioritizing hard-to-abate industrial and transport sectors. This shift is anchored by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Indian Railways' ambitious 2030 Net-Zero target. Unlike the early phase of energy transition which focused on solar/wind for the grid, this mature phase targets specific high-emission nodes: Steel, Cement, Heavy Shipping, and Aviation, utilizing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen-based propulsion.

Cross-Theme Insight

The transformation reveals a 'Geospatial Industrial Cluster' strategy where infrastructure acts as both producer and consumer. For example, 'Green Ports' (Thread 3) serve as hubs for Green Hydrogen production, which then fuels the 'Indigenous Fuel-Cell Vessels' (Thread 5) and connects to 'Green Railways' (Thread 2) for inland logistics. This minimizes hydrogen transport costs and creates localized 'Green Corridors'. The regulatory push, like the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025 (Thread 6), ensures that the demand-side (commercial fleets) is legally mandated to absorb this clean energy transition.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks (e.g., Shankar IAS, p. 297) cite India's goal as achieving 'Net Zero by 2070,' whereas current reality highlights sector-specific timelines that are much more aggressive, such as Indian Railways' 2030 target. While older material discusses Green Hydrogen as a future prospect, 2024-25 developments show concrete pilot implementations like the Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train and the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using varied feedstock (agricultural residues and wood waste), moving from theoretical 'missions' to functional prototypes.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The theme has evolved through three distinct stages: 'Policy Framework' (2021-2022 National Hydrogen Mission), 'Pilot Commissioning' (2023-2024 Hydrogen buses and ships), and now 'Regulatory Enforcement & Technology Diversification' (2025-2026 Direct Air Capture trials and mandatory EV transition for aggregators). The focus has broadened from simple tailpipe emissions to complex life-cycle analysis, including feedstock sourcing for SAF and carbon sequestration for synthetic fuels.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Analysis of recent exams shows a shift toward technical granularity. IAS 2024 (NID 6187) tested specific feedstock for SAF, and IAS 2025 (NID 6275) explored Direct Air Capture (DAC) for synthetic fuel production. Older questions focused on general advantages of hydrogen (IAS 2023, NID 6101), while newer ones demand knowledge of specific outputs (CDS 2022, NID 14505—Water as the only exhaust of FCEV) and blending limits (IAS 2019, NID 6390—H-CNG).

Probable Prelims Angles

• Permissible feedstock for SAF under CORSIA (Agricultural residues vs. Corn grain).
• Technical distinction between Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) vs. Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) in industrial testbeds.
• The 'Water-only' exhaust property of Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells (FCEVs).
• Nodal agencies for the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and Green Shipping.
• Regulatory mandates of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 regarding EV transition.

Preparation Strategy

Key Connections

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (6 themes, 22 news items)

Carbon Capture and Heavy Industry Decarbonisation

Focus: Initiatives and policies specifically focused on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) and its application in hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement.

UPSC Value: Useful for understanding the technological and policy roadmap for decarbonizing India's heavy industries beyond renewable energy adoption.

6 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-13 [Economy] — India's Initiatives Related to CCUS
  The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 20,000 crore over five years to support Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) projects. This funding targets five key sectors: Power, Steel, Cement, Refineries, and Chemicals. CCUS is considered crucial for achieving India's Net-Zero by 2070 target.
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  UPSC Angle: Rs 20,000 crore allocated for CCUS projects.

  Key Facts:

  • Budget allocation: Rs 20,000 crore over five years
  • Target sectors: Power, Steel, Cement, Refineries, and Chemicals
  • Net-Zero target year: 2070
• 2026-02-03 [Environment & Ecology] — Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
  CCUS can play a strategic role in global decarbonisation efforts. A policy framework was released in 2022 by NITI Aayog emphasizing CCUS for sustainable development and an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. CCU converts CO₂ into products like Green Urea or building materials, or uses it for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). CCS involves injecting CO₂ into geological formations such as depleted oil/gas fields or saline aquifers for permanent storage.
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  UPSC Angle: CCUS can play a strategic role in global decarbonisation efforts.

  Key Facts:

  • NITI Aayog released a policy framework in 2022 emphasizing CCUS for sustainable development and an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”
  • CCU converts CO₂ into products like Green Urea or building materials, or uses it for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
  • CCS involves injecting CO₂ into geological formations such as depleted oil/gas fields or saline aquifers for permanent storage
• 2026-01-31 [Environment & Ecology] — Green Steel for India's Climate Goals
  India is planning more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), making decarbonization of sectors like steel crucial. The steel sector contributes about 12% of India's total carbon emissions, mainly from coal-based blast furnace routes. Transitioning to low-carbon 'Green Steel' is essential to meet climate commitments and remain competitive in global markets.
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  UPSC Angle: Green steel crucial for India's ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions.

  Key Facts:

  • India produces ~125 million tonnes of steel annually
  • Steel demand is projected to exceed 400 million tonnes by mid-century
  • Steel sector contributes around 12% of India's total carbon emissions
• 2025-12-29 [Science & Technology] — National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB)
  The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India–NCB Carbon Uptake Report was released on the 63rd Foundation Day of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB). NCB was established in 1962 as an apex research and development organization. It functions under the administrative control of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
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  UPSC Angle: NCB's role in cement and building materials research.

  Key Facts:

  • 63rd Foundation Day of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB)
  • Established in 1962
  • Apex research and development organization
  • Functions under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• 2025-05-16 [Science & Technology] — India Approves Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Testbeds
  The Government of India has approved the establishment of five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds to drive net-zero industrial pathways in hard-to-abate sectors like cement, under a public-private partnership model.
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  UPSC Angle: India approves Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds.

  Key Facts:

  • Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
  • Net-zero industrial pathways
  • Public-private partnership model
  • Hard-to-abate sectors (e.g., cement)
• 2025-03-11 [Economy] — PM shares insights on carbon capture for India's steel revolution
  The Prime Minister highlighted an article discussing the potential of carbon capture technology to drive India's next steel revolution. This emphasizes the government's focus on sustainable and innovative approaches to industrial development.
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  UPSC Angle: PM discusses carbon capture for India's steel revolution.

  Key Facts:

  • The Prime Minister shared an article on carbon capture.

Green Railways and Sustainability Initiatives

Focus: Initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of Indian Railways, including electrification, hydrogen trains, and water conservation.

UPSC Value: Essential for understanding India's sector-specific strategies to meet national Net-Zero 2070 and energy transition goals.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-10-14 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Renewable Energy Goals: Railways' Net-Zero Target
  Indian Railways aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, which is four decades ahead of India's national net-zero target for 2070. They are electrifying the broad gauge network (98% complete, almost 45,000 km) and commissioning renewable energy capacity, and are testing hydrogen fuel cell trains for branch lines.
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  UPSC Angle: Indian Railways aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

  Key Facts:

  • Indian Railways aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
  • Electrification of over 98% of the broad gauge network is complete (almost 45,000 km).
  • 756 megawatts of renewable energy capacity has been commissioned.
• 2025-07-26 [Science & Technology] — Indian Railways to Run Hydrogen Trains
  Under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, Indian Railways plans to run 35 hydrogen trains, each costing ₹80 crore, with ₹70 crore for supporting infrastructure. A pilot project on the Jind–Sonipat section is also underway. The 1,200 HP hydrogen train in development reinforces India's vision of net-zero emissions and green transport innovation.
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  UPSC Angle: Indian Railways to run 35 hydrogen trains under 'Hydrogen for Heritage'.

  Key Facts:

  • Indian Railways plans to run 35 hydrogen trains
  • Each train costing ₹80 crore
  • ₹70 crore for supporting infrastructure
  • Pilot project on the Jind–Sonipat section is also underway
• 2025-06-04 [Economy] — Electrification of Indian Railways
  Indian Railways (IR) targets to achieve 100% electrification of its broad gauge network by the end of the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26). From 1948 to March 2014, 21,801 kilometre(km) of railway routes were electrified.
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  UPSC Angle: Indian Railways targets 100% electrification by FY26.

  Key Facts:

  • IR targets to achieve 100% electrification of its broad gauge network by the end of FY26.
  • From 1948 to March 2014, 21,801 km of railway routes were electrified.
• 2025-03-15 [Schemes & Programs] — Railways to dig ponds under Mission Amrit Sarovar to fight water scarcity
  Indian Railways is partnering with the Union Government's Mission Amrit Sarovar to address water shortages and enhance groundwater replenishment nationwide by creating or revitalizing 75 ponds per district. As of October 2024, over 68,000 ponds had been successfully rejuvenated under this mission, launched in April 2022.
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  UPSC Angle: Railways partners with Mission Amrit Sarovar to address water scarcity.

  Key Facts:

  • Partner: Indian Railways
  • Mission: Amrit Sarovar
  • Launch date: April 2022
  • Goal: 75 ponds per district
  • Ponds rejuvenated by October 2024: Over 68,000
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar
  • April 2022
  • 75 ponds per district
  • October 2024
  • 68,000 ponds rejuvenated

Regulatory and Incentive Frameworks for Green Commercial Transport

Focus: Policies and financial mechanisms specifically targeting the transition of app-based aggregators and commercial fleets to electric mobility and carbon-neutral operations.

UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the intersection of urban infrastructure, environmental regulation (GS-III), and the evolving legal framework for the gig economy and transport aggregators.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-15 [Environment & Ecology] — Delhi Government to Monetize Carbon Credits
  The Delhi government has approved a framework for carbon credit monetization, planning to generate carbon credits through initiatives like operating electric buses, plantation drives, promoting solar energy, and waste management. The reduction in emissions will be measured, registered as carbon credits, and sold in national and international carbon markets to generate revenue. However, specific details regarding the framework's implementation have not yet been released.
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  UPSC Angle: Delhi government to monetize carbon credits.

  Key Facts:

  • Initiated by: Delhi Government
  • Mechanism: Carbon credit monetization
  • Activities: Electric buses, plantation drives, solar energy, waste management
  • Goal: Generate revenue through carbon credit sales
• 2025-08-25 [Polity & Governance] — Government to decide on Centre's bike taxi policy
  The government is considering adopting the Centre's bike taxi policy, which includes a gradual shift to an electric fleet. This move aligns with promoting electric mobility and reducing emissions.
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  UPSC Angle: Government to decide on Centre's bike taxi policy.

  Key Facts:

  • Centre's bike taxi policy
  • electric fleet
• 2025-07-04 [Polity & Governance] — Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025
  The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025 is a regulatory framework governing app-based ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It is issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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  UPSC Angle: MVAG 2025 regulates app-based ride-hailing platforms under Motor Vehicles Act.

  Key Facts:

  • Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025
  • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
  • Ola, Uber, and Rapido

Sustainable 'Green and Blue' Port Infrastructure

Focus: Specific initiatives and international agreements focused on decarbonizing Indian ports and modernizing fisheries infrastructure.

UPSC Value: Highlights the intersection of infrastructure development with environmental sustainability (Green Hydrogen, Eco-Fishing) in the maritime sector.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-13 [Environment & Ecology] — India commissions first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project
  India commissioned its first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu, as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission aims for 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production by 2030, with investments of ₹8 lakh crore and the creation of 6 lakh jobs.
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  UPSC Angle: India commissions first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project in Tamil Nadu.

  Key Facts:

  • First port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project commissioned
  • Location: V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission
  • Target: 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production by 2030
  • Investment: ₹8 lakh crore
  • Job Creation: 6 lakh jobs
  • Import Reduction: ₹1 lakh crore
  • CO₂ Emissions Avoided Annually: 50 MMT
  • 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles (15 fuel-cell, 22 ICE) across 10 routes with ₹208 crore support
  • NTPC's Leh hydrogen project (3,650 m altitude) reduces 350 MT CO₂/year
  • Tuticorin Pilot (2025): 10 Nm³/hr H₂ plant + EV charging from hydrogen
  • Green Methanol Bunkering: ₹42 crore project for Coastal Green Shipping Corridor (Kandla–Tuticorin)
• 2025-09-19 [International Relations] — India-FAO Technical Cooperation to Strengthen Blue Ports
  The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure in India. The program aims to modernize fishing harbor infrastructure, boost post-harvest efficiency, ensure traceability, and promote climate-resilient, tech-driven fisheries value chains to enhance food security, export competitiveness and empower coastal communities.
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  UPSC Angle: India-FAO cooperation to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure.

  Key Facts:

  • Department of Fisheries (DoF), MoFAHD in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under its Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).
  • Investment: Three pilot harbours approved with a total investment of ₹369.80 crore under PMMSY.
  • 3 Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), Jakhau (Gujarat).
  • Agreement signed between the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the FAO.
  • The TCP will assist the GoI to strengthen the fishing ports’ technical capacities.
  • Three pilot harbors approved: Vanakbara (Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), and Jakhau (Gujarat).
• 2025-05-28 [Environment & Ecology] — Department of Fisheries and AFD Hold Technical Dialogue in New Delhi
  A Technical Dialogue was held in New Delhi between the Department of Fisheries (India) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to promote "Eco-Fishing Ports". These ports aim to reduce environmental impact while enhancing economic, social, and ecosystem outcomes and align national efforts with sustainable and smart infrastructure development in fisheries.
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  UPSC Angle: India and AFD collaborate to promote 'Eco-Fishing Ports'.

  Key Facts:

  • Participants: Department of Fisheries (India) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Focus: Promoting “Eco-Fishing Ports”
  • Objective: Reduce environmental impact and enhance economic, social, and ecosystem outcomes
  • Aim: Align national efforts with sustainable, inclusive, and smart infrastructure development in fisheries

Decarbonizing Heavy Transport via Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Focus: Pilot projects and indigenous development of green hydrogen fuel cell technology specifically for rail and marine transport applications.

UPSC Value: Demonstrates the practical application of green hydrogen in hard-to-abate transport sectors like railways and shipping.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-10-14 [Science & Technology] — India's Green Hydrogen Train Testing
  In July 2025, India tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, utilizing green hydrogen produced in a dedicated plant. This initiative marks a significant step towards clean and green transportation, aligning with Indian Railways' broader efforts to transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources.
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  UPSC Angle: India tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach.

  Key Facts:

  • India tested its first hydrogen power train coach in July 2025.
  • Testing occurred at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
  • The train will use green hydrogen.
  • A green hydrogen production plant has been established.
• 2025-05-18 [Science & Technology] — CSIR's contribution to shipping transport
  India’s first indigenously developed green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel was developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd with a hydrogen fuel cell-based drivetrain built by KPIT, drawing upon the foundational work enabled by the CSIR.
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  UPSC Angle: India’s first indigenously developed green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel.

  Key Facts:

  • India’s first green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd
  • KPIT built the hydrogen fuel cell-based drivetrain
  • Foundational work enabled by the CSIR
• 2025-04-17 [Science & Technology] — India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Sea Vessel
  Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed India's first indigenously developed green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel, which was developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd featuring a hydrogen fuel cell-based drivetrain built by KPIT, drawing upon the foundational work enabled by the CSIR. Dr. Amit Vernekar and his PhD student Adarsh Fatrekar at CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, have created a next-gen nanozyme called Cu-Phen, which can precisely control electron transfer. The Karnataka government signed a tri-party agreement to use 'Ecofix', a mix of iron and steel slag, for instant repair of roads across the state, with Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), Public Works Department and Urban Development Department, and Ramuka Global Services.
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  UPSC Angle: India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel developed.

  Key Facts:

  • India's first indigenously developed green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd
  • Hydrogen fuel cell-based drivetrain built by KPIT
  • Foundational work enabled by the CSIR
  • Cu-Phen nanozyme created by Dr. Amit Vernekar and Adarsh Fatrekar at CSIR-CLRI, Chennai
  • Ecofix: mix of iron and steel slag
  • Tri-party agreement signed between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), Public Works Department and Urban Development Department, and Ramuka Global Services

Sustainable Fuels and Transport Sector Transition

Focus: Specific efforts to decarbonize the transport sector through alternative fuels (Green Hydrogen, SAF) and international shipping frameworks.

UPSC Value: Highlights India's multi-modal approach to reducing transport emissions through fuel diversification and global cooperation.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-08-18 [Economy] — Indian Oil Corporation to start producing sustainable aviation fuel
  Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) expects to begin commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Panipat refinery by December 2025. IOC is the first company in India to receive the ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat refinery in Haryana. SAF is a biofuel derived from renewable feedstocks and can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel.
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  UPSC Angle: IOC to start producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Dec 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
  • Panipat refinery
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to begin by December 2025
  • Using used cooking oil as feedstock
  • Certified by ISCC CORSIA
  • India's first sustainable aviation fuel plant will start production by the end of the year.
  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) expects to start producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by December 2025
  • IOC received ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat refinery
  • SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel
  • SAF feedstock: Used cooking oil collected from hotels, restaurants, and large food businesses (e.g., Haldiram's)
  • SAF Capacity: 35,000 tonnes/year
• 2025-07-17 [International Relations] — India's Role in Global Shipping Decarbonisation
  India is playing a key role in global shipping decarbonisation, helping to shape the Market-Based Measure (MBM) framework adopted at the IMO's 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session. India suggested a 'bridging mechanism' to penalize polluters and reward those adopting Zero or Near-Zero (ZNZ) fuels, and it hosted the Green Shipping Conclave 2025 in Mumbai.
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  UPSC Angle: India plays key role in global shipping decarbonisation at IMO.

  Key Facts:

  • India's role: Shaping MBM framework at IMO MEPC
  • Suggested 'bridging mechanism'
  • Hosted Green Shipping Conclave 2025 in Mumbai
  • Goal: Reduce carbon emissions from global shipping by 2040-2050
• 2025-04-27 [Economy] — NITI Aayog's Green Hydrogen Push
  NITI Aayog announced a strong emphasis on green hydrogen initiatives in the upcoming budget on April 27, 2025, with the objective of accelerating India's transition to clean energy. This commitment signals a significant policy direction towards sustainable energy sources and aims to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production and utilization.
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  UPSC Angle: NITI Aayog's emphasis on green hydrogen initiatives.

  Key Facts:

  • Announced by NITI Aayog
  • Focuses on green hydrogen initiatives
  • Aims to boost India's clean energy transition
  • Strong push for green hydrogen initiatives
  • In the upcoming budget
  • Aiming to boost India's clean energy transition
  • NITI Aayog announced a push for green hydrogen initiatives on April 27, 2025.
  • This initiative is planned for the upcoming budget.
  • The aim is to boost India's clean energy transition.