Category Archives: environment

culture, environment, heritage, politics, travel

Peru’s Machu Picchu could lose ‘Wonder of the World’

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In 2007, Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca sanctuary was designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World after receiving more than 100 million votes in a global competition.

Now, the New7Wonders project, which organized the vote, warns that Machu Picchu is at risk of losing its credibility as one of the wonders. This is due to issues such as overtourism, limited conservation policies, and social conflicts, among others.

The organization emphasized that the fate of Machu Picchu depends on the country’s key decision-makers. These leaders have reportedly received proposals to implement a strategic transformation plan aimed at protecting and preserving the site.

When asked if Machu Picchu could lose its spot on the list and whether a different site might take its place, New7Wonders responded that it is too soon to discuss the process, how it would work, or if it would happen at all.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/perus-machu-picchu-could-lose-wonder-of-the-world-tag-due-to-tourism-social-conflicts-23594920

community development, environment, government, international relations, politics

‘Seva Pakhwada’ launched in Palghar to mark PM Modi`s 75 birthday

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**Seva Pakhwada Launched Across India to Promote People-Centric Governance and Environmental Conservation**

The Seva Pakhwada (Service Fortnight) under Maharashtra government’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rajaswa Mission was formally launched in Palghar by District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, an official announced on Friday. This 15-day-long Sewa Pakhwada, initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark the 75th birthday of its prominent leader, runs from September 17 to October 2.

The initiative aims to provide citizens with direct access to government services and ensure faster delivery of welfare scheme benefits. It is part of the state government’s broader effort to promote efficient, people-centric governance at the grassroots level, according to reports by news agency PTI.

During her visit, Collector Jakhar reviewed various development initiatives and government schemes in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas. She also inspected farm ponds constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). In Mokhada taluka, 53 farm ponds have been approved for 2025-26, while Poshera has 35, Hirve 10, and Ase 8. Each pond is designed to store 2.5 lakh litres of water, aiding local irrigation and water conservation efforts.

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**Diplomats from 70 Nations Participate in Sapling Plantation During Delhi’s Seva Pakhwada**

In New Delhi, diplomats from 70 countries came together to plant saplings at the Central Ridge as part of the Delhi government’s 15-day Sewa Pakhwada. A total of 75 diplomats, alongside Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, attended the event on Thursday.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta planted a tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and highlighted the global significance of the diplomats’ participation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, “The participation of 75 diplomats from 70 countries has given the campaign a form of global cooperation and shared responsibility.”

Under the Seva Pakhwada, observed on the birthday of visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign not only spreads the message of environmental conservation but also symbolizes gratitude toward Mother Earth, she added.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also posted on X, emphasizing that the involvement of foreign diplomats has transformed the mission into a truly global event.

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**PM Modi to Launch ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ and Foundation of PM MITRA Park in Madhya Pradesh**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the country’s first PM MITRA Park and launch the fortnight-long ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ during his visit to Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced.

In addition to these events, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at Bhainsola village in Dhar district. The campaign focuses on the health and empowerment of women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare.

These events mark a concentrated push by the central and state governments to enhance public service delivery, environmental sustainability, and community development initiatives across India.

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*With inputs from PTI*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-seva-pakhwada-launched-in-palghar-under-rajaswa-mission-23594841

conservation, environment, fisheries, marine biology, policy

CMFRI forms panel to study shark fishing and trade amid Wildlife Act changes

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ICAR-CMFRI Forms Special Committee to Study Shark Fishing and Trade Issues in India

In a major move to address the growing concerns of the fishing community, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced the formation of a special committee to scientifically study the issues surrounding shark fishing and trade in India. These concerns have arisen following the amended provisions of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The amendment, which came into force in 2022, places numerous species of sharks and rays under various schedules of the Act, imposing strict regulations on their catch, trade, and export. This has led to widespread unease and operational difficulties for fishermen across the country’s coastline, many of whom often encounter these species as incidental bycatch.

Balancing Species Protection with Fisher Livelihoods

The newly constituted committee will undertake a comprehensive study to develop science-based solutions addressing these challenges. It will focus on the biological and ecological aspects of the protected species, as well as the socioeconomic impacts of the conservation laws on fisher livelihoods, said Grinson George, Director of CMFRI.

George spoke after inaugurating a stakeholder workshop on shark and ray conservation alongside fisher livelihood concerns. At the workshop, CMFRI proposed a balanced and pragmatic approach to implementing the Act, aiming to ensure both biodiversity conservation and livelihood security for coastal communities.

“Fishing is the lifeline of millions of coastal families. Unlike on land, bycatch in marine fisheries cannot be predicted or controlled until the net is hauled. Strict penal action for incidental catch of protected species often creates conflict, undermining both conservation intent and fisher livelihoods,” George explained.

Clarifying Rules for Schedule IV Thresher Sharks

The Institute recently intervened following an incident in Kanyakumari where the landing of thresher sharks caused confusion among fishers and enforcement officials. CMFRI clarified that thresher sharks are listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which aligns with CITES Appendix II.

Unlike species listed under Schedules I or II, Schedule IV regulates international trade but does not prohibit domestic fisheries and trade. International trade regulations are subject to the advice of the CITES Scientific Authority in the country. CMFRI has been notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change as the Scientific Authority for Schedule IV (CITES-listed) species, George added.

Proposals to Support Sustainable Trade and Conservation

To facilitate effective implementation of these regulations, CMFRI has proposed several initiatives, including:

  • Training programmes for enforcement agencies and stakeholders focused on species identification.
  • Community-based monitoring and self-regulation of landings.
  • Stakeholder-driven conservation plans.
  • Regular scientific assessments.
  • Preparation of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) to guide international trade decisions.

These measures aim to support sustainable trade while protecting vulnerable shark and ray populations, ensuring that conservation objectives harmonize with the needs of fishing communities.

Published on September 19, 2025.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/cmfri-forms-panel-to-study-shark-fishing-and-trade-amid-wildlife-act-changes/article70068492.ece

energy, environment, household, sustainability, technology

How to save money with LED bulbs

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**How to Save Money with LED Bulbs**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 18, 2025, 05:15 PM*

LED bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as an energy-efficient lighting solution. They consume less power and last longer than traditional bulbs, making them a cost-effective choice for households and businesses alike. By optimizing the use of LED bulbs, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Here are some practical ways to maximize savings with LED bulbs:

### 1. Choose the Right Wattage

Selecting the appropriate wattage is crucial for maximizing savings. LED bulbs are available in various wattages, typically ranging from 5 to 15 watts, depending on the brightness required. While lower wattage saves energy, it’s important to ensure the bulb provides sufficient light for the intended space.

Using a wattage calculator can help determine the optimal power consumption based on the lumens needed, ensuring you get the perfect balance between brightness and energy efficiency.

### 2. Utilize Smart Lighting Systems

Integrating smart lighting systems with LED bulbs can further enhance energy efficiency. Many smart systems offer scheduling features that automatically adjust brightness levels throughout the day, ensuring lights are only used when necessary. This helps avoid unnecessary energy consumption and adds convenience to managing your home or office lighting.

### 3. Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives

Many governments and utility companies offer rebates or incentives for switching to energy-efficient lighting solutions like LED bulbs. These programs can significantly reduce initial costs by providing financial assistance or discounts on purchases.

Before buying new bulbs, it’s worth researching available incentives in your area, as these savings can add up quickly and make the switch even more affordable.

### 4. Regular Maintenance of Fixtures

Keeping light fixtures clean and well-maintained is essential for maximizing the efficiency of LED bulbs. Dusty or dirty fixtures can block light output by up to 20%, which may prompt you to use brighter bulbs than necessary.

Regularly cleaning fixtures improves illumination and prolongs bulb life by preventing overheating caused by dust accumulation.

### 5. Educate Household Members on Usage Habits

Educating everyone in your home about proper usage habits can make a significant difference in saving energy with LED technology. Simple practices such as switching off unnecessary lights when leaving a room or utilizing natural daylight during daytime hours go a long way.

These habits not only reduce energy consumption but also help prolong the life of your LED bulbs.

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By following these tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of LED lighting—lower electricity bills, reduced environmental impact, and long-lasting illumination. Start making the switch today and watch your savings grow!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-save-money-with-led-bulbs/story

climate change, economy, environment, finance, policy

India needs to tap into global green finance

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India’s Climate Finance Landscape: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

India’s climate actions so far have primarily been financed from domestic resources. These include government budgetary support, a mix of market mechanisms, fiscal instruments, and policy interventions.

India’s initial Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement estimated that the country’s climate action would require $2.5 trillion (at 2014-15 prices) for meeting climate change actions between 2015 and 2030. The NDC aims to reduce the emissions intensity of India’s GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level.

In November 2022, India submitted its Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Several estimates regarding India’s financial needs for this strategy vary due to differences in assumptions, coverage, and modelling approaches. However, these estimates suggest that the requirement will exceed $10 trillion by 2050.

Given India’s substantial financial needs for climate action, tapping into global sustainable/green finance and foreign private capital is expected to play a crucial role in achieving its NDC goals. Encouragingly, the size of global sustainable/green debt finance has been growing rapidly in response to climate change challenges.

According to data from the Institute of International Finance (IIF), cumulative global sustainable/green debt issuances since March 2013 reached $8.86 trillion in December 2024, up from $1.5 trillion in June 2019. Of this amount:

– Mature economies accounted for $6.05 trillion (68.25%)
– Emerging economies $1.53 trillion (17.25%)
– Offshore centres $0.30 trillion (3.38%)
– Supranationals $0.98 trillion (11.12%)

### Green Instruments in Sustainable Finance

Debt instruments used for raising sustainable/green finance range widely, including green bonds/loans, green asset-backed securities (ABS), sustainability bonds, social bonds, green municipal bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds/loans.

Among these instruments:
– Green bonds account for the largest share at 37.10%
– Sustainability-linked loans follow with 18.95%
– Sustainability bonds make up 13.14%
– Green loans comprise 10.44%

India’s share in global sustainable/green debt issuances till December 2024 was $91.2 billion, which represents just 1.03% of the global total. However, when viewed as a share of emerging economies’ sustainable/green debt issuances, India’s portion looks more respectable at 5.97%.

By contrast, China’s share in sustainable/green debt issuances was much higher, at $690.7 billion — accounting for 7.80% globally and 45.21% within emerging economies. Clearly, India has considerable ground to cover in increasing its presence in this space.

### Steps Taken and Future Prospects

Several climate-related measures were announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, including the introduction of sovereign green bonds and thematic funds for blended finance. India joined the sovereign green bonds club on January 25, 2023, by raising ₹80 billion. Since then, a few more sovereign green bond issuances have taken place.

While the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued disclosure requirements for the issuance and listing of green debt securities in 2017, Indian corporate entities entered the green bond market earlier — with Yes Bank issuing the first green bond worth $260 million in 2015. Since then, various public and private sector corporate entities have actively raised green finance.

India has been gaining traction in accessing sustainable/green financing both locally and globally. Yet, the financing gap to meet its NDCs under the UNFCCC remains huge. To bridge this gap, India needs to tap into the rapidly growing global pool of sustainable/green capital from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance funds, private equity, venture capital, infrastructure funds, and more.

### Policy Enablers to Attract Global Green Finance

Attracting global private finance into India’s sustainable/green projects requires a focus on both micro and macro-level policy enablers.

At the micro level, increasing transparency by aligning disclosure and reporting standards to global benchmarks will reduce information asymmetry faced by investors and lenders. Establishing an integrated domestic measurement, reporting, and verification system would enhance the availability and accessibility of sustainable/green finance data.

At the macro level, developing a robust green taxonomy combined with fiscal incentives and a credible domestic capital market is crucial to accelerate the inflow of global private green finance into India.

In this context, the mandatory implementation of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) for the top 1,000 listed companies and the announcement to develop a taxonomy for climate finance in the Union Budget 2024-25 are positive steps. However, much more needs to be done to attract global sustainable/green finance.

For example:
– Developing a dedicated channel for listing green bonds on Indian stock exchanges could help increase visibility.
– Launching or expanding ESG performance-based equity/bond indices on Indian exchanges would incentivize sustainable investment.
– Collaborating with offshore stock exchanges and index providers to include Indian green bonds in global indices could boost international investor interest.

### Conclusion

India stands at a critical juncture in its climate finance journey. While domestic resources have driven much of its climate actions to date, bridging the significant financing gap demands greater engagement with global sustainable finance markets.

Strategic policy reforms, enhanced transparency, and international collaboration will be key to unlocking private capital flows that can support India’s ambitious climate commitments and long-term low-carbon development goals.

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*The writer is a Professor at the Institute of Development and Communications (IDC), Chandigarh. Views expressed are personal.*
*Published on September 18, 2025.*
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/india-needs-to-tap-into-global-green-finance/article70062300.ece