Current Affairs for 01 August 2026

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY): Promoting Floating Solar Power in India

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet on 31 July 2026 approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) to accelerate the development of floating solar power projects in India. The scheme aims to install 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030-31.

What is Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)?

• PM-SSY is a Central Financial Assistance (CFA)-based scheme aimed at promoting floating solar projects. 
• It focuses on installing solar power plants on: 
  • Reservoirs 
  • Dams 
  • Lakes 
  • Other water bodies 
• The scheme will be implemented by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). 
• Total financial outlay of the scheme: ₹5,070 crore. 
• Financial support of up to ₹1 crore per MW will be provided for eligible projects.

What is Floating Solar?

• Floating solar refers to the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on floating platforms over water bodies instead of traditional land-based installations.

Major Components

• Solar PV panels 
• Floating platforms 
• Anchoring and mooring systems 
• Power transmission infrastructure 
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  

Key Features of PM-SSY

Current Status of Floating Solar in India

• India currently has around 0.7 GW of installed floating solar capacity. 
• However, its estimated technical potential is around 102 GW. 
• According to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India has significant potential due to its large number of reservoirs and water bodies. 

States with High Floating Solar Potential

• Maharashtra 
• Madhya Pradesh 
• Karnataka 
• Odisha 
• Telangana

Major Floating Solar Project in India

• Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park
• Location: Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh
• River: Narmada River
• Current Capacity: 278 MW
• Planned Expansion: 600 MW
• It is among India's largest floating solar projects.

Advantages of Floating Solar

1. Reduces Land Requirement

• Conventional solar projects require large tracts of land. 
• Floating solar uses existing water bodies, reducing land acquisition challenges. 

2. Reduces Water Evaporation

• Solar panels covering water surfaces reduce evaporation losses from reservoirs. 

3. Higher Efficiency

• The cooling effect of water can improve solar panel performance by reducing operating temperatures. 

4. Protects Agricultural Land

• It avoids competition between energy projects and agricultural land use. 

5. Supports Energy Storage

• Integration with battery storage improves the reliability of renewable energy.

Challenges Associated with Floating Solar

1. Higher Cost

• Floating solar projects are approximately 25% more expensive than ground-mounted solar projects. 

Estimated cost:

• Floating solar: ₹4.9-5.2 crore/MW 
• Ground-mounted solar: Lower cost compared to floating systems 

2. Engineering Challenges

• Maintenance of floating structures 
• Durability of anchoring systems 
• Cable failures and wear issues 

3. Battery Storage Cost

• Mandatory battery storage increases the overall project cost.

Importance for India’s Energy Goals

The scheme supports India’s renewable energy objectives:

500 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Target (2030)

• India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. 

Diversification of Solar Energy Development

• Solar capacity in India is currently concentrated mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat. 
• Floating solar will enable states with fewer land resources but large water bodies to participate. 

Energy Security

• Battery-backed floating solar can provide more reliable and dispatchable renewable electricity.

Employment and Economic Impact

• According to government estimates, the scheme will:
• Generate around 16,000–17,000 employment opportunities.
• Encourage domestic manufacturing of specialised floating solar components.
• Promote investment in the renewable energy sector.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana is a significant step towards expanding India's solar energy capacity. By utilising water bodies, reducing land dependency, integrating energy storage, and promoting domestic manufacturing, the scheme can contribute significantly to India's goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and advancing its clean energy transition.

FAQs: Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)

Climate Change Made Wildfire Conditions 20 Times More Likely in Spain and Twice as Likely in France: WWA

Why in News?

A new study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) found that human-induced climate change made the wildfire weather in central Spain about 20 times more likely and in south-west France about twice as likely during July 2026.

What did the report say?

• The study attributes the increase in wildfire risk to rising global temperatures caused by human activities. 
• A combination of rapid vegetation growth earlier in the year, followed by prolonged heatwaves and severe drought, created highly flammable conditions that allowed wildfires to spread rapidly.

Impact of the Wildfires

• Between 13 and 28 July 2026, wildfires burned around 140,000 hectares in Spain, while 115,000 hectares have burned in France since the beginning of the year. 
• The fires claimed three lives and forced nearly 300,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Worst-Affected Areas

• In Spain, the most severely affected regions were Ávila, Madrid, Toledo, Guadalajara, and Castellón. The Ávila wildfire, which burned around 44,000 hectares, became the largest wildfire in Spain's history. 
• In France, the Gironde department near Bordeaux witnessed the worst fire, burning 40,000 hectares, making it the country's second-largest wildfire since World War II.

How was the study conducted?

• Researchers analysed historical weather data using the Daily Severity Rating (DSR), an internationally recognised wildfire danger index. 
• DSR considers factors such as high temperatures, low humidity, drought conditions, and strong winds to assess how easily fires can spread and how difficult they are to control.

Major Findings

• The study notes that the Earth's average temperature is now around 1.4°C higher than the pre-industrial (1850–1900) level. 
• Under the current climate, such severe wildfire conditions are expected to occur once every 20 years in south-west France and once every six years in central Spain. 
• Climate change has made these conditions twice as likely in France and 20 times more likely in Spain.

Expert Observations

• Climate experts emphasized that these wildfires are not isolated natural events but are closely linked to anthropogenic climate change. 
• Rising temperatures, repeated heatwaves, and prolonged droughts are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfire-prone conditions across Europe.

Recommendations

• The report calls for stronger wildfire prevention measures, improved forest management, better early warning systems, enhanced firefighting capacity, and faster climate adaptation efforts. 
• It also stresses the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit future climate-related disasters.

About World Weather Attribution (WWA)

• The World Weather Attribution (WWA) is an international scientific initiative that studies how human-induced climate change influences extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires, using attribution science.
  

FAQs: Climate Change and Wildfires in Spain & France (WWA Report)

One Officer, One Official Car Policy: Centre Ends Multiple Government Vehicles for Bureaucrats

Why in News?

The Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Expenditure, has introduced a "One Officer, One Official Car" policy to reduce unnecessary government expenditure, prevent misuse of official vehicles, and improve accountability in the use of public resources.

Important Point

• No PSU Vehicles: Officers are prohibited from using vehicles of PSUs, autonomous bodies, or quasi-government organisations, except for authorised official duties.
• Better Resource Management: Ministries must keep unused or surplus vehicles in safe custody to prevent unofficial or personal use.
• Fiscal Discipline: The policy aims to reduce government expenditure, eliminate duplication of resources, and strengthen transparency and administrative efficiency.

What is the 'One Officer, One Official Car' Policy?

Under the new policy, an eligible Central Government officer can be allotted only one official staff car, even if the officer holds additional charge in another ministry, department, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), autonomous body, or other government organisation. No additional government vehicle will be sanctioned for such officers.

Key Provisions

1. One Officer, One Government Vehicle

• Officers already entitled to an official staff car will continue using the same vehicle.
• No second official vehicle will be allotted for additional responsibilities.

2. Restriction on Using PSU Vehicles

• Central Government officers cannot use vehicles belonging to PSUs, autonomous bodies, or quasi-government organisations.
• Exception: Use is permitted only during authorised official tours or official duties.

3. Safe Custody of Surplus Vehicles

• Ministries and departments must keep unused or surplus vehicles in safe custody.
• Such vehicles must not be used unofficially or for personal purposes.

4. Mandatory Compliance

• All ministries and departments have been instructed to strictly implement the revised guidelines.

Objectives of the Policy

• Reduce avoidable government expenditure.
• Prevent duplication of official resources.
• Improve administrative efficiency.
• Strengthen fiscal discipline.
• Ensure responsible use of taxpayer-funded assets.
• Enhance transparency and accountability in government administration.

How is this Different from Earlier Rules?

The latest order supplements the Staff Car Guidelines issued in September 2022 by introducing stricter compliance measures. It specifically clarifies that officers holding multiple assignments cannot claim multiple official vehicles.

Significance for UPSC/PCS

Governance

• Promotes efficient public resource management.
• Strengthens accountability in public administration.

Public Finance

• Supports fiscal prudence by reducing avoidable expenditure.
• Ensures optimum utilisation of government assets.

Administrative Reforms

• Prevents misuse of official vehicles.
• Encourages transparent and efficient governance.

Key Facts at a Glance

FAQs

National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species

Why in News?

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) to tackle the increasing ecological, economic, and social threats posed by invasive species across India. 
• The initiative follows a suo motu proceeding by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which highlighted the adverse impact of invasive alien species on native biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, food security, and human and wildlife health.
• The committee will function for two years and is expected to strengthen India's biodiversity conservation efforts while contributing to national and global biodiversity commitments.

What is the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)?

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• It is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act relating to the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
• Established Under: Biological Diversity Act, 2002 
• Nature: Autonomous statutory body 
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu 
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) 

Objectives of the NBA

The National Biodiversity Authority aims to:

• Conserve India's rich biological diversity. 
• Promote sustainable utilization of biological resources. 
• Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources and traditional knowledge. 
• Protect the rights of indigenous and local communities. 
• Regulate access to biological resources by foreign individuals and organizations. 
• Support biodiversity governance at national, state, and local levels. 

Functions of the National Biodiversity Authority

The NBA performs facilitative, regulatory, and advisory functions.

1. Advisory Functions

The NBA advises the Central and State Governments on matters relating to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Its major advisory functions include:

• Recommending biodiversity conservation policies and action plans. 
• Advising governments on strategies for sustainable utilization of biological resources. 
• Identifying biodiversity-rich areas for declaration as Biodiversity Heritage Sites. 
• Recommending measures for the management and conservation of Biodiversity Heritage Sites. 
• Assisting in implementing national and international biodiversity commitments. 

2. Regulatory Functions

The NBA regulates access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Its regulatory responsibilities include:

• Granting prior approval to foreign individuals, foreign companies, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for accessing India's biological resources or associated traditional knowledge for research, commercial utilization, bio-surveys, or bio-utilization. 
• Determining the terms and conditions for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). 
• Ensuring equitable sharing of benefits with local communities. 
• Granting prior approval before applying for any Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), in India or abroad, based on biological resources obtained from India or associated traditional knowledge. 
• Issuing guidelines for access to biological resources. 

For Indian citizens and Indian companies, approvals for commercial utilization are generally granted by the State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs).

3. Facilitative Functions

Apart from regulation, the NBA actively supports biodiversity conservation through:

• Strengthening State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs). 
• Capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). 
• Conducting awareness campaigns and training programmes. 
• Promoting documentation of local biodiversity. 
• Monitoring violations under the Biological Diversity Act. 
• Ensuring that monetary and non-monetary benefits reach local communities conserving biodiversity. 

Composition of the National Biodiversity Authority

The NBA consists of:

Chairperson

• An eminent person possessing expertise in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and equitable benefit sharing. 

Ex-Officio Members (10)

• Senior representatives of various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. 
• Ensure inter-ministerial coordination and policy integration. 

Non-Official Members (5)

• Experts from biodiversity conservation, agriculture, forestry, tribal welfare, traditional knowledge, biotechnology, and related fields. 

All members are appointed by the Central Government.

Three-Tier Institutional Structure under the Biological Diversity Act

The Biological Diversity Act establishes a three-tier institutional mechanism for biodiversity governance.

1. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

• Functions at the national level. 
• Regulates foreign access to biological resources. 
• Advises the Central Government. 

2. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)

• Established in every State. 
• Regulate access by Indian individuals and companies for commercial utilization. 
• Advise State Governments on biodiversity conservation. 

3. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

• Constituted at the level of local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities. 
• Promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 
• Prepare People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) documenting local biological resources and traditional knowledge. 

Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species

Why was the Committee constituted?

India is witnessing a rapid spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS), which threaten:

• Native biodiversity. 
• Forests and wetlands. 
• Agriculture and food security. 
• Livestock productivity. 
• Human and wildlife health. 
• Ecosystem services. 

Recognizing these threats, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) initiated suo motu proceedings, following which the NBA constituted the Expert Committee.

Mandate of the Committee

The Committee has been tasked with:

• Preparing a comprehensive national list of invasive alien species using State-wise inputs. 
• Identifying and prioritizing high-risk invasive species. 
• Recommending science-based prevention, control, eradication, and management strategies. 
• Suggesting ecological restoration measures. 
• Developing national guidelines for invasive species management. 
• Documenting best practices from across India. 
• Identifying research gaps. 
• Recommending long-term research and data generation programmes. 
• Strengthening national policy responses to invasive species. 

The committee will function for two years.

What are Invasive Alien Species?

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms that are introduced outside their natural geographical range and establish themselves in new ecosystems, causing ecological, economic, or health-related harm.

Major Impacts

• Loss of native biodiversity. 
• Competition with indigenous species. 
• Habitat degradation. 
• Crop damage. 
• Spread of diseases. 
• Economic losses in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. 
• Reduced ecosystem resilience. 

Significance of the Initiative

The Expert Committee will help:

• Strengthen India's biodiversity governance. 
• Protect native ecosystems from biological invasions. 
• Improve ecosystem resilience against climate change. 
• Enhance agricultural and food security. 
• Fulfil India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 
• Promote evidence-based policymaking for invasive species management. 

Challenges Before the NBA

• Increasing spread of invasive alien species. 
• Illegal access to biological resources and biopiracy. 
• Weak biodiversity documentation in several regions. 
• Limited awareness among stakeholders. 
• Coordination challenges among Central, State, and local authorities. 
• Need for scientific monitoring and real-time biodiversity data. 

Way Forward

• Strengthen surveillance and early detection systems for invasive species. 
• Improve coordination among the NBA, SBBs, BMCs, research institutions, and local communities. 
• Enhance scientific research and biodiversity databases. 
• Encourage community participation through People's Biodiversity Registers. 
• Strengthen implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms. 
• Promote restoration of degraded ecosystems using native species. 
  

National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – FAQ

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana 2026: Who will get ₹2,500 Per Month? Eligibility, Online Application, Benefits, Documents & Complete Details

Why in News?

The Delhi Government has officially launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana on August 1, 2026, a flagship welfare scheme aimed at providing ₹2,500 per month as financial assistance to eligible women from economically weaker households.

What is Delhi Lakshmi Yojana?

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based social welfare scheme launched by the Delhi Government to provide regular financial assistance to economically weaker women. The scheme is not limited to direct cash support but also seeks to promote financial savings, digital payments, and greater participation in social welfare programmes.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To provide financial assistance to economically weaker women. 
• To encourage savings among women. 
• To promote digital financial inclusion. 
• To strengthen women’s economic empowerment. 
• To support children's education, healthcare, and nutrition. 
• To connect women with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and skill development programmes. 

Key Features of Delhi Lakshmi Yojana

How Much Financial Assistance Will Beneficiaries Receive?

The Delhi Government has provided two payment options under the scheme.

Option 1

• ₹1,500 will be deposited into a Recurring Deposit (RD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account. 
• ₹1,000 will be credited to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Wallet. 

The CBDC amount can only be used for purchasing government-approved essential goods.

Option 2

• Beneficiaries may choose to receive the entire ₹2,500 per month directly into their RD or FD account instead of splitting the amount between the bank account and the CBDC wallet.
• Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
• Age: Between 21 and 60 years. 
• Annual Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. 
• Residence: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Delhi and should have been residing in Delhi for at least the last 10 years as of the date of application. 

Who is Not Eligible?

The following women are not eligible under the scheme:

• Income Tax payers. 
• GST-registered individuals. 
• Government employees. 
• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). 
• Women already receiving financial assistance under any other government welfare scheme. 
• Families owning a four-wheeler. 
• Families with annual electricity consumption exceeding 2,400 units. 
• Families with any member employed in a government department. 
• Women having more than three living children. 
• Women with a criminal record. 

How to Apply Online for Delhi Lakshmi Yojana?

Applications will be accepted entirely through the official online portal.

Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana Portal.

Step 2: Register using your mobile number.

Step 3: Fill in Aadhaar details and other required information.

Step 4: Upload the necessary documents.

Step 5: Choose your preferred payment option (RD/FD or CBDDC Wallet).

Step 6: Submit the application.

Step 7: Save the Application Number for future reference.

Documents Required

Applicants may need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card 
• Residence Certificate 
• Income Certificate 
• Bank Account Details 
• Mobile Number 
• Passport-size Photograph 
• Family Details 
• RD/FD Account Details (if applicable) 

How Will Applications Be Verified?

Applications will be scrutinized by District Level Committees (DLCs).

Their responsibilities include:

• Verification of applications. 
• Checking eligibility. 
• Approval of beneficiaries. 
• Grievance redressal. 
• Ensuring transparent implementation of the scheme. 

Key Benefits of Delhi Lakshmi Yojana

• Monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500. 
• Improved financial security for women. 
• Promotion of savings habits. 
• Encouragement of digital payments. 
• Better access to government welfare programmes. 
• Women's economic empowerment. 
• Improved household financial stability. 
• Support for children's education and healthcare. 

Challenges

• Verification of eligibility may take time. 
• Accurate verification of income and assets will be necessary. 
• Greater digital literacy will be required for online applications and CBDC usage. 
• A large number of applications may create initial technical challenges. 

Conclusion

The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana 2026 is a significant initiative by the Delhi Government to strengthen the economic security of women from economically weaker households. By providing ₹2,500 every month, the scheme aims to ensure regular financial support while promoting savings, digital financial inclusion, and women's empowerment. If implemented effectively and transparently, it has the potential to improve household incomes, encourage financial discipline, and contribute to broader social development goals such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and women's participation in the economy.