1. Climate Change Impact on Gangotri Glacier System
Context: The Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), one of the largest glaciers in the central Himalayas, plays a pivotal role in sustaining the Ganga river, which supports millions of people downstream. Recent studies covering the period from 1980 to 2020 have revealed significant climate change impacts on the glacier’s hydrology. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have altered the delicate balance between snowmelt, glacier melt, rainfall-runoff, and base flow, raising concerns about the future of water security, agriculture, and hydropower in northern India.
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The Gangotri Glacier System has historically been dominated by snowmelt, which accounted for nearly 64% of its annual flow. However, data indicate a gradual decline in this contribution, falling from 73% in 1980–90 to 63% in 2010–20. In contrast, the share of glacier melt (21%), rainfall-runoff (11%), and base flow (4%) has increased. Interestingly, during 2010–20, colder winters and enhanced winter precipitation temporarily raised snow accumulation, showing the complexity of short-term climate variations within long-term warming trends.
The temperature rise in the GGS region is a critical driver of change. Between 2001–2020, the mean temperature rose by 0.5°C compared to 1980–2000. This warming leads to earlier summer melting and shifts the peak discharge of the Ganga from August to July. Such a temporal shift disrupts the synchronization between water availability and agricultural cycles, impacting irrigation and hydropower generation, while also affecting local communities that rely on stable river flow patterns.
Another alarming trend is the decline in snow cover. Continuous warming has reduced the snow-covered area, leading to a fall in snowmelt volume. The glacier itself is thinning at an average rate of 46 cm per year, and the glacier snout is steadily retreating, clear indicators of long-term ice loss. This loss, while partially compensated by increased rainfall-runoff and base flow, cannot replace the stable and gradual release of water that snowmelt once provided.
The hydrological changes within the Gangotri Glacier System pose serious challenges for water security. Earlier peak discharge leads to a mismatch between demand and supply—water shortages in late summer when agricultural needs are high. Similarly, reduced snow accumulation impacts dry season flows, leaving less water during crucial months. These changes are particularly concerning for hydropower projects along the Ganga basin, which depend on predictable water inflows.
Finally, the alterations in the glacier’s hydrology are not isolated; they reflect the broader patterns of Himalayan glacier retreat, a phenomenon linked to global climate change. The sustainability of river systems, agriculture, and urban water supplies in northern India hinges on urgent adaptation strategies, including better water management policies, hydropower planning, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Conclusion:
The Gangotri Glacier System serves as a natural water reservoir for the Ganga, but climate change is reshaping its dynamics. With rising temperatures, shrinking snow cover, and changing discharge patterns, the future of water security in the Ganga basin faces significant risks. Long-term strategies such as integrated water resource management, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and investment in renewable energy alternatives are essential to mitigate these challenges. Addressing the climate-induced vulnerabilities of the Himalayan glaciers is not just an environmental necessity but also a socio-economic imperative for India’s future.
2. Impacts of India’s Coal Sector
Context: The coal sector continues to dominate India’s energy landscape, accounting for nearly 73% of power generation in 2022–23, and is projected to contribute about 50% by 2031–32 despite rapid expansion of renewables. While indispensable for meeting India’s growing energy demand, coal mining and thermal power operations impose severe environmental, health, and social costs. A recent knowledge base, drawing from National Green Tribunal (NGT) cases, underscores the urgent need for sustainable coal management that balances energy security with ecological protection and human well-being.
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Coal’s role in India’s energy mix is both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it provides reliable and affordable electricity crucial for economic growth. On the other, its long-term dominance strains India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Despite strong government initiatives to promote non-fossil fuel sources, India’s heavy reliance on coal indicates that a complete transition to clean energy will take time. This makes it imperative to address the environmental governance of coal to mitigate damage.
The environmental and health challenges associated with coal are extensive. Air pollution from mining dust and coal transport often raises PM10 levels to more than five times the safe threshold, directly harming respiratory health. Fly ash disposal contaminates soil and water bodies, reducing fertility, affecting biodiversity, and destroying fisheries. The presence of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead elevates cancer risks, while silica in fly ash leads to chronic diseases like silicosis. These environmental stressors weaken agriculture, animal husbandry, and local livelihoods, forcing families to spend heavily
on medical care while losing income sources.
Regulatory and legal mechanisms have struggled to keep pace with the scale of coal operations. NGT cases reveal repeated violations of pollution control norms, with coal operators often bypassing or manipulating compliance. Communities living near coal mines remain largely excluded from decision-making, reducing accountability. Even when compensation is awarded, delays and inconsistencies undermine justice. While the NGT emphasizes absolute liability for polluters, enforcement is often weak, leaving affected populations vulnerable.
Efforts toward environmental restoration have been mandated in multiple tribunal orders, including river decontamination, mangrove rehabilitation, and pollution clean-up programs. Funds have been earmarked, but the lack of clear timelines, poor monitoring, and bureaucratic delays reduce their effectiveness. Without efficient implementation, environmental degradation continues unchecked, worsening the public health crisis in coal-bearing regions.
The way forward lies in adopting robust recommendations. Continuous monitoring of air, water, soil, and biodiversity is essential, alongside strengthening pollution control boards with community and expert involvement. Making health impact assessments mandatory near coal operations will highlight risks early. Restoration efforts should integrate traditional knowledge to sustain local livelihoods. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change must prioritize clean-up missions, while the NGT could keep cases open to ensure ongoing compliance.
Finally, the idea of a just transition has gained prominence. Moving towards renewable energy cannot ignore the millions dependent on coal mining for livelihoods. Social justice, economic support, and health safeguards are necessary to ensure that communities are not left behind. Policies must strike a balance between energy needs, sustainable development, and equity, aligning India’s energy transition with its broader developmental goals.
Conclusion: India’s coal sector embodies a paradox: while essential for energy security, it is equally a source of profound environmental and social harm. Rising health costs, ecological degradation, and regulatory failures highlight the urgent need for responsible governance and sustainable coal management. A gradual but deliberate shift towards renewables, anchored in principles of a just transition, can ensure that India meets its energy demand without compromising the well-being of its people and environment. The challenge is not only technical but also deeply social, ensuring that the path to cleaner energy is also fair and inclusive.
3. Japan Releases AI Video Showing Mount Fuji Eruption
Context: Japan has released an AI-generated simulation video showing a potential eruption of Mount Fuji, depicting widespread ash clouds over Tokyo, transport disruption, communication failures, and power outages. Released on Volcano Disaster Prevention Day, the video is part of efforts to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards and preparedness, despite there being no immediate threat of eruption. The initiative highlights Japan’s proactive approach to disaster management and its commitment to educating citizens about potential natural hazards.
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Mount Fuji, standing as Japan’s tallest peak, is not only a cultural icon but also an active volcano, with its last eruption recorded in 1707 (the Hoei eruption). Though dormant for centuries, it remains capable of erupting again, given the presence of magma reserves beneath its surface. Understanding the difference between active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes is crucial in appreciating why Mount Fuji, despite its calm exterior, still poses risks for Japan’s densely populated regions.
The AI video release on 26 August also marks the anniversary of Japan’s first volcano observatory in 1911, reinforcing the nation’s legacy in scientific monitoring of natural hazards. By simulating real-world impacts, such as ash fallout, food shortages, and health risks, the video underscores the importance of preparedness protocols, like stocking food, using protective masks, and staying alert to emergency instructions. While some critics argue the simulation may create panic or affect tourism, others see it as a cautious reminder shaped by Japan’s tragic experiences during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, where under-preparedness worsened losses.
From a geological perspective, volcanic eruptions result when magma from underground chambers rises through vents, releasing lava, ash, gases, and rocks. These eruptions can bury settlements, contaminate water supplies, and release ash clouds that disrupt aviation. Ash is particularly destructive because it does not melt away and can collapse roofs, damage machinery, and severely impact health. The Mount Fuji scenario highlights how a single eruption could ripple across economic, social, and environmental systems in Japan.
Predicting volcanic eruptions remains a scientific challenge. Warning signs such as seismic tremors, ground deformation, heat anomalies, and groundwater chemistry changes often precede eruptions. Yet not all warning signs lead to eruptions, and in some cases, volcanoes erupt with little to no precursor activity. This uncertainty complicates risk management and underscores why continuous monitoring is vital. Japan, with over 100 active volcanoes, invests heavily in seismology and geophysical research to reduce the unpredictability of such hazards.
Another difficulty lies in the long intervals between eruptions, which limit available data. Each volcano behaves differently, making it difficult to generalize predictions. Global examples, such as Italy’s Campi Flegrei caldera, demonstrate how decades of unrest can confuse scientists and delay clear decisions. In this context, Japan’s strategy of combining scientific surveillance with public education represents a pragmatic model for disaster preparedness. The AI video is thus less about forecasting and more about resilience-building, preparing communities for worst-case scenarios.Conclusion: Japan’s AI-based Mount Fuji eruption simulation is a striking example of how technology, science, and governance intersect in modern disaster preparedness. While not predicting an imminent event, it serves as a tool for awareness, reminding citizens of the importance of readiness in a country prone to natural disasters. By embracing proactive strategies, Japan demonstrates how nations can foster a culture of preparedness that minimizes vulnerability while strengthening resilience against nature’s uncertainties.
4. State Energy Efficiency Index 2024
Context: The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, released by the Union Ministry of Power, highlights how India’s states and Union Territories are progressing in improving energy efficiency across key sectors. Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), the index is a critical tool for accelerating India’s climate commitments of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030. Maharashtra emerged as the top-performing state for 2023–24, underscoring the growing importance of state-level action in energy transition.
Details
The SEEI 2024 is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of state-level progress, covering seven demand sectors: buildings, industry, transport, DISCOMs, agriculture, municipal services, and cross-sector initiatives. With 66 indicators, the index captures not just policy adoption but also implementation, infrastructure, and outcomes. This allows for identifying gaps and best practices, making the index a roadmap for improving energy governance at sub-national levels.
The state rankings are structured into four groups based on total energy consumption. Maharashtra topped Group 1 (over 15 million tonnes of oil equivalent), while Andhra Pradesh led Group 2 (5–15 million tonnes), Assam dominated Group 3 (1–5 million tonnes), and Tripura ranked highest in Group 4 (below 1 million tonnes). Importantly, only five states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu—retained the prestigious ‘Front Runner’ status, compared to seven in the previous year. This signals that while progress is steady, many states still struggle to keep pace with national energy efficiency goals.
The index also highlights differentiated progress across key sectors. For example, 24 states have now notified the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017, a crucial step for reducing urban energy demand. In transport, 31 states have implemented electric mobility policies, while 14 states went further by mandating EV charging infrastructure in new buildings. In agriculture, 13 states promoted solar-powered pumps, reducing dependence on grid electricity and fossil fuels. These measures reflect how SEEI is driving sector-specific energy transitions with broad co-benefits for climate resilience and local development.
Institutional progress is another highlight. All states and UTs prepared State Energy Efficiency Action Plans (SEEAPs) and 31 states established State-Level Steering Committees on Energy Transition, led by Chief Secretaries. These steps enhance coordination, monitoring, and accountability, critical for ensuring that policies translate into real-world outcomes. However, disparities persist: while some states are moving rapidly, others remain stuck in the ‘Contenders’ category, such as Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, with only 30–50% efficiency scores. This uneven performance risks slowing India’s national progress.
The SEEI also aligns with global trends. With the world pushing for sustainable energy use, India’s sub-national index is seen as an innovative model for measuring multi-level governance performance. By tracking state achievements, SEEI ensures that the energy transition is decentralized, inclusive, and accountable, key principles if India is to meet its climate commitments without compromising development needs.
Conclusion:
The State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 reaffirms the central role of states in India’s climate and energy transition strategy. By ranking and benchmarking performance, it fosters competitive federalism, motivating states to scale up reforms in buildings, transport, industry, agriculture, and governance. While leaders like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh showcase strong momentum, lagging states must accelerate to ensure balanced national progress. Ultimately, SEEI acts not just as a performance measure but also as a policy compass for India’s journey towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
5. Tamil Nadu’s Mahout Villages
Context: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has recently inaugurated its second dedicated Mahout Village at the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). This comes after the success of India’s first Mahout Village at Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. These villages aim to provide modern housing, facilities, and dignity to mahouts and cavadies who care for captive elephants, thereby strengthening both elephant welfare and community-based conservation.
Details:
The concept of Mahout Villages is relatively new in India. The first such initiative was launched in May 2025 at Theppakadu, where 44 houses were constructed exclusively for mahouts and their families. Each house was equipped with drinking water, sanitation, and basic amenities, marking a significant step in recognising the contribution of elephant caretakers. Tamil Nadu thus became the first state in India to dedicate full-fledged housing colonies for mahouts.
The second Mahout Village at Kozhikamuthi expands this model further. It accommodates 47 mahouts and cavadies, most of whom belong to the Malasar tribal community, known for their traditional knowledge of elephant handling. These families are responsible for more than 20 elephants in ATR, and their housing settlement is located near Top Slip in Ulandy forest range. The village also has visitor galleries and beautification projects that aim to raise public awareness about elephant welfare.
The role of mahouts and cavadies is central in elephant conservation. Beyond feeding and bathing elephants, they guide them in forest patrols, anti-poaching operations, and conflict management, especially when wild elephants raid villages. They also manage Kumki elephants, specially trained to handle wild elephants or capture man-eating animals. This traditional occupation, passed down for generations, reflects a deep cultural and ecological bond between local tribes and elephants.
The facilities provided in these villages go beyond housing. Each home is named after elephants that once lived in the camps, honouring their legacy. Recreational facilities, sanitation, and secure housing address long-standing problems faced by mahouts, who earlier lived in temporary or poorly maintained structures. By providing dignified living spaces, the initiative directly impacts the well-being of both mahouts and elephants, as healthier and happier caretakers can ensure better elephant care.
Importantly, the Mahout Villages also serve as hubs for eco-tourism and conservation awareness. The Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Asia’s oldest (dating back to the British era), houses 27 elephants, including retired and baby elephants. Similarly, Kozhikamuthi plays a vital role in ATR’s elephant management. These camps are not just functional but educational, allowing visitors to understand the importance of elephant conservation and the lives of the communities that dedicate themselves to this task
ConclusionTamil Nadu’s Mahout Villages represent an innovative blend of wildlife conservation and community welfare. By improving the lives of mahouts and cavadies, the initiative indirectly enhances the health and well-being of captive elephants, while also strengthening local participation in conservation. These villages serve as a model for other states to replicate, highlighting how conservation success often depends not only on protecting animals but also on caring for the people who protect them.
6. The Daruma Doll: A Cultural Bridge Between India and Japan
Context: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan, he was presented with a Daruma doll by Rev. Seishi Hirose, chief priest of Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple. The Daruma doll, a widely cherished cultural symbol in Japan, represents perseverance, resilience, and goal-setting. Its history, however, traces back to India, through the figure of Bodhidharma, a 5th-century monk from Kancheepuram who laid the foundations of Zen Buddhism.
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The Daruma doll is directly inspired by Bodhidharma (Daruma Daishi in Japan), who meditated facing a wall for nine years in China. Legends of his unwavering discipline shaped the doll’s design, a round body, absence of limbs, and blank eyes. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word “Dharma”, linking it to the universal concept of cosmic law and duty.
Crafted from papier-mâché, Daruma dolls come in varied sizes, from small charms to large ceremonial pieces. Their weighted round bottom makes them return upright when tipped, embodying resilience. This is associated with the Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight”, encouraging persistence despite failures. A unique practice accompanies the doll: one eye is painted when setting a goal, and the other when it is achieved, making the doll both a spiritual talisman and a tool for self-discipline.
The cultural epicentre of this tradition is the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, founded in 1697. Over centuries, it has become a centre for Daruma production, spiritual blessings, and pilgrimages by emperors, samurai, and ordinary citizens. Today, students before exams, entrepreneurs starting businesses, and politicians before elections all turn to the Daruma for good fortune and success.
The Daruma also serves as a symbolic bridge between India and Japan. Bodhidharma’s journey, from India to China and then to Japanese cultural memory, illustrates how ideas of Indian Buddhism evolved into Zen traditions. The doll’s philosophy reflects shared values of discipline, perseverance, and hope, highlighting an enduring civilisational link between the two nations.
Conclusion:
The Daruma doll is more than a decorative object, it is a living cultural practice rooted in Indian spirituality and Japanese adaptation. Its recent presentation to Prime Minister Modi reflects how cultural diplomacy strengthens bilateral ties by recalling shared heritage. As India and Japan deepen their strategic and economic partnership, the Daruma serves as a reminder of their historic bonds through Buddhism and cultural resilience.
