Carbon Markets (Climate Change).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change; Mains GS3
Paris Agreement for UPSC: 1.5 and 2 degree goals, NDCs, Article 6 markets, global stocktake, finance goal, India's updated NDC and Panchamrit,…
India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for their Joint Crediting Mechanism in New Delhi on 30 September 2026. Under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, the mechanism lets Japanese low-carbon technology be deployed in India and the resulting emission cuts be issued as credits. The manual sets the full project cycle, from idea note to credit issuance.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Article 6 sub-parts. · Mains GS-III: carbon markets.
5 Oct 2026
On 17 September 2026, at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, the ICAR Director General started direct payments of over ₹2.9 crore to 2,550 farmers of Punjab and Haryana for carbon stored in their soil. The money comes from carbon credits earned under 'Aadi', a Grow Indigo programme of 2019 with ICAR guidance, after the gains were measured and verified.
UPSC angle: Mains: Can carbon payments wean Punjab–Haryana farmers off stubble burning?
17 Sep 2026
The Green Credit Programme rewards voluntary environment-positive actions such as restoring degraded forest land, the Environment Ministry told Lok Sabha on 3 August 2026. Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Credits can be claimed only after five years of restoration and 40 per cent canopy density. ICFRE is the Administrator.
UPSC angle: Prelims: GCP vs CCTS.
3 Aug 2026
India and Japan adopted the Rule of Implementation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism on 8 June 2026 under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, the Environment Ministry said on 16 June 2026. The MoC signed last year frames joint mitigation that cuts or removes greenhouse gases, supports sustainable development in India, and helps both countries meet their NDCs.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Article 6.2 vs 6.4.
16 Jun 2026
Note that targets are on emission intensity, not absolute caps. That lets industry grow while cutting emissions per unit of output.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CCTS, BEE, PAT. · Mains: carbon pricing.
4 Dec 2025
Brings Japanese low-carbon tech and finance in exchange for credits.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Article 6.2.
29 Aug 2025