India’s Push for Critical Mineral Exploration
India is taking significant steps to enhance its domestic production of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. The government has introduced amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, allowing private companies to participate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This move aims to reduce dependency on imports and bolster the country’s energy security. Additionally, the National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched with an allocation of ₹16,300 crore to support exploration, processing, and recycling of these vital resources.
IIT Roorkee Study Sheds Light on EV Emissions in India
A collaborative study between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the International Council on Clean Transportation has provided new insights into the emissions of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in India. The research indicates that while BEVs offer significant reductions in tailpipe emissions, the overall environmental impact depends on the source of electricity used for charging. In regions with a high share of coal-based power, the benefits of BEVs are less pronounced. These findings underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to maximize the environmental advantages of electric mobility.
Himachal Pradesh Launches Environmental Initiatives
On June 2, 2025, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched two significant environmental initiatives: the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme. The former focuses on enhancing green cover by planting fruit-bearing trees in barren forest areas, generating employment through community involvement. The latter encourages corporate and non-governmental organizations to adopt forest land for reforestation efforts. These programs aim to promote sustainable forest management, empower local communities, and contribute to the state’s environmental conservation goals.
Japanese Lunar Mission Hakuto-R Faces Setback
Japan’s private space company, ispace, experienced a setback with its Hakuto-R Mission 2 lunar lander, named Resilience. The lander lost communication just before its scheduled touchdown on the Moon’s Mare Frigoris region, leading to the mission’s likely failure. The lander was carrying Europe’s first lunar rover, Tenacious, and an art installation titled The Moonhouse. This incident marks ispace’s second failed lunar landing attempt, following a similar outcome in 2023. Despite these challenges, ispace plans to continue its lunar exploration efforts, including a collaboration with NASA for a larger lander mission in 2027.
India to Launch Statistical Business Register by 2025
The Government of India is set to introduce a Statistical Business Register (SBR) by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of business data across the country. The SBR will compile comprehensive information on active and closed establishments, serving as a crucial framework for the economic census and various business surveys. By integrating data from sources like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Goods and Services Tax (GST) records, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs database, the SBR will support informed policy-making and economic planning.
Global Push for Ocean Conservation: $15.8 Billion Annual Investment Needed
To meet the global 30×30 target of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, an estimated annual investment of $15.8 billion is required. However, current funding falls short, with only $1.2 billion allocated annually, primarily from public sources. This gap underscores the urgent need for increased financial commitment to marine conservation efforts. In response, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has pledged to double its oceans funding to $2.5 billion for the 2025–2030 period, aiming to support sustainable marine economic activities and ecosystem restoration.