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GOBARdhan: Promoting the Biogas Sector in India

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the unified registration portal for GOBARdhan, an initiative aimed at promoting the biogas sector in India. This pioneering initiative focuses on converting waste into wealth and energy, contributing to a circular economy. The portal serves as a centralized platform for evaluating investment opportunities and facilitating engagement in the biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) sector.

Key Highlights

Unified Registration Portal:

• The unified registration portal for GOBARdhan provides a centralized platform for government, cooperative, and private entities involved or intending to establish biogas, CBG, or Bio CNG plants in India.
• Entities can obtain a unique registration number through the portal, serving as a key identifier for their engagement in the biogas sector.

Benefits and Support:

• The registration number enables entities to access various benefits and support from the ministries and departments of the Government of India.
• These benefits may include financial assistance, technical guidance, and policy support for the establishment and operation of biogas projects.

Waste to Wealth and Energy:

• The GOBARdhan initiative aligns with the objective of converting waste into wealth and energy.
• It promotes the utilization of waste materials, such as cow dung and agricultural residue, to produce biogas, CBG, or Bio CNG, thereby contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental pollution.

Circular Economy and Sustainability:

• GOBARdhan plays a pivotal role in promoting a circular economy, where waste materials are transformed into valuable resources.
• By harnessing the potential of biogas, the initiative aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.

The GOBARdhan initiative, supported by the unified registration portal, aims to promote the biogas sector in India by converting waste into wealth and energy. Through this initiative, entities involved in the biogas, CBG, or Bio CNG sector can obtain a unique registration number, facilitating their engagement and access to benefits and support from the Government of India. By promoting a circular economy and sustainable energy practices, GOBARdhan contributes to the country's energy security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

PM SVANidhi Mobile App: Streamlining Loan Application for Street Vendors

The government has introduced the PM SVANidhi mobile app, a user-friendly platform designed to simplify the loan application process for street vendors. This mobile app aims to provide convenience and efficiency by eliminating paperwork and administrative complexities. The app is a part of the PM SVANidhi scheme, which offers crucial support to street vendors during challenging times.

Key Highlights

Convenient Loan Application:

• The PM SVANidhi mobile app provides street vendors with a user-friendly platform to apply for loans conveniently.
• It streamlines the loan application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for vendors seeking financial assistance.

Elimination of Paperwork and Administrative Complexities:

• With the mobile app, unnecessary paperwork and administrative complexities are eliminated, reducing the burden on street vendors.
• Vendors can now complete the loan application process seamlessly using their smartphones, saving time and effort.

PM SVANidhi Scheme:

• The PM SVANidhi scheme supports street vendors in India during the economic stress caused by the pandemic.
• It provides handholding support and a collateral-free working capital loan of ₹10,000 to help vendors meet their immediate business needs and sustain their livelihoods.
• Subsequent loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 are also available, providing street vendors with increased financial resources to expand and stabilize their businesses.

Empowering Street Vendors:

• The PM SVANidhi mobile app empowers street vendors by giving them easy access to financial assistance.
• By simplifying the loan application process, the app enables street vendors to focus on their businesses and secure the necessary funds to sustain and grow their livelihoods.

The PM SVANidhi mobile app is a significant step towards streamlining the loan application process for street vendors in India. By providing a user-friendly platform, the app eliminates paperwork and administrative complexities, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for vendors seeking financial assistance. As a part of the PM SVANidhi scheme, the app plays a vital role in supporting street vendors during challenging times, helping them meet their immediate business needs and sustain their livelihoods.

Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project: Powering Nepal's Energy Needs

The Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project, located in the Kalikot district of Karnali Province, Nepal, is set to become a significant source of hydroelectric power. With an installed capacity of 480 MW, the project aims to harness the flow of the Karnali River to generate approximately 2,448 GWh of electricity annually. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Vidhyut Utpadan Company (VUCL) have signed an initial pact to drive the development of this project and strengthen power sector cooperation between India and Nepal.

Key Highlights

Substantial Power Generation Capacity:

• The Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project will have an installed capacity of 480 MW, making it a significant source of hydroelectric power in the region.
• With this capacity, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,448 GWh of electricity annually, meeting the energy needs of the region.

Utilizing the Karnali River:

• The project leverages the flow of the Karnali River to harness hydroelectric power.
• By utilizing the river's water resources, the project contributes to sustainable and renewable energy generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Peaking Run-of-River (PRoR) Scheme:

• The Phukot Karnali project is designed as a Peaking Run-of-River (PRoR) type scheme.
• This scheme optimally utilizes variations in river flow by storing water during high-flow periods and releasing it during peak demand periods.
• The PRoR scheme ensures a stable and reliable power supply while minimizing the impact on the river's ecosystem.

Strengthening India-Nepal Power Sector Cooperation:

• NHPC and VUCL's partnership in developing the Phukot Karnali project strengthens power sector cooperation between India and Nepal.
• The project signifies the commitment to cross-border collaboration in the field of energy and supports the shared goal of sustainable development.

The Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project in Nepal, with its substantial capacity and utilization of the Karnali River's flow, holds significant promise for hydroelectric power generation. By signing an initial pact, NHPC and VUCL are poised to drive the development of this project, contributing to Nepal's energy needs and strengthening power sector cooperation between India and Nepal. The project's sustainable and renewable energy generation will help in reducing carbon emissions and fostering regional development

Helmand River Dispute: Water Conflict between Iran and Afghanistan

Iran and Afghanistan have been embroiled in a longstanding dispute over the distribution of water resources from the Helmand River. This conflict has escalated recently due to clashes between Iranian and Taliban troops along the border, further straining relations between the two countries. The Helmand River is a vital water source supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region. Despite the signing of the Helmand River Treaty in 1973 to regulate water allocation, the accord's incomplete implementation has led to ongoing disagreements and tensions.

Key Highlights

Importance of the Helmand River:

• The Helmand River originates in the Hindu Kush Mountain range near Kabul, Afghanistan.
• It flows for approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles) before emptying into Lake Hamun, which straddles the Afghanistan-Iran border.
• The river plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture, providing water for irrigation, and sustaining ecosystems in both countries.

Lake Hamun's Decline:

• Lake Hamun, once the largest freshwater lake in Iran, has suffered immense ecological damage over time.
• Reduced water inflows from the Helmand River, along with climate change and human activities, have caused the lake to shrink and degrade.
• The decline of Lake Hamun has had significant implications for local communities and ecosystems that depend on it.

The Helmand River Treaty:

• In 1973, Iran and Afghanistan signed the Helmand River Treaty to regulate water allocation and address issues related to the river's resources.
• However, the treaty's full implementation has been a challenge, leading to ongoing disputes between the two countries.
• The lack of consensus and cooperation in managing the river's water resources has fueled tensions and hindered the resolution of the conflict.

Escalation of Tensions:

• Recent clashes between Iranian and Taliban troops along the border have further strained relations between Iran and Afghanistan.
• These incidents, occurring in the context of the Helmand River dispute, have heightened tensions and underscored the complexities of the water conflict.

The Helmand River dispute between Iran and Afghanistan highlights the challenges associated with managing shared water resources. The river's significance for both countries' agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems makes resolving this conflict crucial. Efforts to fully implement the Helmand River Treaty and establish effective mechanisms for water allocation and cooperation are necessary to address the ongoing tensions and foster sustainable management of the Helmand River's resources.

Countervailing Duty (CVD)

In an effort to protect the interests of domestic manufacturers and address the influx of low-cost imports, India is contemplating the imposition of a countervailing duty (CVD) on stainless steel imports. The surge in cheap imports has adversely affected the Indian steel market, with subsidized products flooding the market and distorting fair competition. As a result, local steel companies, particularly smaller ones, have faced challenges, leading to delayed hiring and expansion plans. The proposal, supported by the steel ministry and recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, suggests a 19% duty on such imports.

Key Highlights

Impact of Cheap Imports:

• The influx of cheap imports has had a detrimental effect on domestic steelmakers in India.
• The availability of subsidized products in the market has distorted competition and harmed local manufacturers.
• Smaller companies, in particular, have been forced to delay their hiring and expansion plans due to this unfair competition.

Purpose of Countervailing Duty (CVD):

• Countervailing duty is a measure used to protect domestic industries from the adverse effects of subsidized imports.
• By imposing a duty on these imports, the goal is to restore fair competition and create a level playing field for domestic manufacturers.
• The CVD aims to counterbalance the unfair advantage enjoyed by imports that benefit from subsidies provided by exporting nations.

Recommendation and Support:

• The proposal to impose a countervailing duty on stainless steel imports has gained support from the steel ministry in India.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies, operating under the commerce ministry, has recommended a 19% duty on these imports.
• This recommendation reflects the recognition of the need to address the challenges faced by domestic steel manufacturers and restore fair competition in the market.

Reintroduction of Countervailing Duty:

• The decision to reintroduce the countervailing duty comes after its removal in the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2021-22.
• The reimplementation of the CVD signifies the government's response to the adverse impact of cheap imports on domestic industries and its commitment to supporting local manufacturers.

The imposition of a countervailing duty on stainless steel imports in India demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting the interests of local manufacturers and restoring fair competition. By addressing the challenges posed by subsidized imports, the countervailing duty aims to create a level playing field for domestic steel companies, ensuring their long-term sustainability and growth.

UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023

The Union Government of India has recently released the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, with the aim of establishing high-quality deemed universities in the country. These regulations replace the previous 2019 guidelines and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The revised guidelines introduce significant changes to the eligibility criteria for institutions aspiring to attain deemed university status.

Key Highlights

Emphasis on Quality and Multidisciplinarity:

• The revised guidelines prioritize quality and multidisciplinarity in deemed universities.
• Eligibility criteria include requirements such as NAAC grading, NIRF ranking, NBA grading, and multidisciplinary focus.

Simplified Eligibility Criteria:

• The eligibility criteria for institutions seeking deemed university status have been simplified.
• Institutions must possess valid NAAC accreditation with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of no less than 3.01 for three consecutive cycles.

Collaboration and Collective Efforts:

• The guidelines allow a cluster of institutions managed by multiple sponsoring bodies or societies to apply for deemed university status.
• This provision encourages collaboration and collective efforts in establishing quality-focused institutions.

Faculty Strength and Corpus Fund Requirement:

• The revised guidelines raise the minimum faculty strength requirement from 100 to 150, ensuring a strong academic base for deemed universities.
• In the case of private institutions, the corpus fund requirement has been increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore, promoting financial stability and sustainability.

Academic Flexibility and Student Mobility:

• Deemed universities are now mandated to register on the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to promote academic flexibility and student mobility.

Off-Campus Centers:

• Deemed universities meeting specific criteria, such as minimum 'A' grade or being ranked from 1 to 100 in the "Universities" category of NIRF rankings, are eligible to establish off-campus centers.

The UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, bring about significant changes in the eligibility criteria for institutions aspiring to be deemed universities in India. By prioritizing quality, multidisciplinarity, and alignment with the NEP 2020, these regulations aim to establish high-quality deemed universities across the country. The simplified eligibility criteria, emphasis on collaboration, increased faculty strength, and enhanced corpus fund requirements contribute to the overall improvement of the higher education sector and promote the establishment of quality-focused institutions.

Lavender Festival: Celebrating the Success of Lavender Cultivation in J&K

The Lavender Festival, held in the Bhaderwah Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrates the region's remarkable achievements in lavender cultivation and the positive impact it has had on the community. The festival, organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), showcases the advancements made in lavender cultivation and highlights its contribution to the region's agricultural and economic development.

Key Highlights

Lavender Capital of India:

• The Bhaderwah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir has earned the prestigious title of the lavender capital of India.
• The region's favorable land and climate conditions have facilitated the successful cultivation of lavender.

Promotion of Lavender Cultivation:

• The Lavender Festival acknowledges the advancements achieved in lavender cultivation and promotes its potential as an agricultural crop.
• Lavender cultivation has opened up new avenues for development, providing farmers with additional income opportunities.

Community Impact:

• Lavender cultivation has positively influenced the lives of farmers in the Bhaderwah Valley.
• The purple revolution in the region has transformed the agricultural landscape, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods.

Organized by CSIR-IIIM:

• The Lavender Festival is organized as part of the 'One Week One Lab Campaign' by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine.
• This initiative aims to showcase the achievements of various scientific research labs and their contributions to societal development.

Recognition of Lavender's Benefits:

• The festival highlights the various benefits associated with lavender, including its medicinal, aromatic, and economic value.
• Lavender-based products, such as essential oils and cosmetics, are gaining popularity due to their therapeutic properties.

The Lavender Festival in Jammu and Kashmir celebrates the success of lavender cultivation in the Bhaderwah Valley. By promoting lavender as an agricultural crop, the festival highlights its positive impact on the community's livelihoods and economic development. Through this event, the region's achievements in lavender cultivation are recognized, and its potential as the lavender capital of India is showcased, opening up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Nand Baba Milk Mission: Empowering Milk Producers in UP

The Nand Baba Milk Mission, launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, aims to empower milk producers and enhance milk production in the state. With a budget of Rs 1,000 crore, this initiative focuses on providing milk producers with fair prices for their milk through dairy co-operative societies. The mission's primary objective is to ensure the economic well-being of milk producers and create opportunities for them to sell their milk at reasonable prices.

Key Highlights

Empowering Milk Producers:

• The Nand Baba Milk Mission aims to empower milk producers in Uttar Pradesh by providing them with better opportunities and fair prices for their milk.
• By strengthening the dairy sector, the mission seeks to improve the economic conditions of milk producers and enhance their livelihoods.

Dairy Co-operative Societies:

• The mission focuses on establishing dairy co-operative societies that act as intermediaries between milk producers and consumers.
• These societies ensure fair pricing for milk and provide a platform for milk producers to collectively market their products.

Enhancing Milk Production:

• The Nand Baba Milk Mission aims to enhance milk production in Uttar Pradesh through various measures, such as improving animal husbandry practices and providing better veterinary care.
• By implementing these initiatives, the mission aims to increase milk productivity and meet the growing demand for dairy products.

Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (Dairy FPOs):

• As part of the mission, there are plans to set up Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (Dairy FPOs) in five districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• These organizations will facilitate the direct sale of milk in producers' villages, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring better prices for the producers.

Socio-economic Impact:

• The Nand Baba Milk Mission is expected to have a significant socio-economic impact by improving the income and living standards of milk producers.
• By providing a supportive ecosystem for the dairy sector, the mission aims to uplift rural communities and contribute to overall rural development.

The Nand Baba Milk Mission in Uttar Pradesh is a significant step towards empowering milk producers and enhancing milk production in the state. By establishing dairy co-operative societies and promoting direct sales through Dairy FPOs, the mission aims to ensure fair prices for milk and improve the economic well-being of milk producers. This initiative has the potential to uplift rural communities and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Uttar Pradesh.

MV Empress: India's First International Cruise Vessel Sets Sail

India's cruise tourism sector reached a significant milestone with the launch of MV Empress, the country's first international cruise vessel. Embarking on its maiden voyage from Chennai, MV Empress introduces a new era of cruising experiences for Indian travelers. The launch of the cruise service coincided with the inauguration of an international cruise tourism terminal at the Chennai Port, further enhancing India's maritime infrastructure.

Key Highlights

Inauguration of International Cruise Tourism Terminal:

The newly inaugurated international cruise tourism terminal at the Chennai Port is a state-of-the-art facility developed at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore.

Covering an expansive area of 2,880 square meters, the terminal has been designed to cater to the needs of cruise passengers with modern amenities and conveniences.

MV Empress Maiden Voyage:

• MV Empress, India's first international cruise vessel, embarked on its maiden voyage from Chennai, marking a significant milestone in the country's cruise tourism sector.
• This launch signifies India's entry into the international cruise market, offering Indian travelers the opportunity to explore the world's most stunning destinations by sea.

Exciting Ports of Call:

• MV Empress will make three exciting ports of call in Sri Lanka, including Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Kankesanturai.
• Passengers aboard MV Empress can experience the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local communities of these destinations.

Boost to Cruise Tourism:

• The launch of India's first international cruise vessel and the opening of the international cruise tourism terminal demonstrate the country's commitment to developing its cruise tourism sector.
• These developments aim to attract domestic and international travelers, boost tourism revenue, and promote India as an attractive cruising destination.

Enhanced Passenger Experience:

• The international cruise tourism terminal at the Chennai Port provides passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience, offering facilities such as check-in counters, waiting lounges, duty-free shops, and immigration facilities.
• The launch of MV Empress and the state-of-the-art terminal contribute to the growth of India's cruise tourism industry by enhancing the overall passenger experience.

The launch of MV Empress, India's first international cruise vessel, and the inauguration of the international cruise tourism terminal at the Chennai Port mark a significant milestone in the development of the country's cruise tourism sector. These initiatives open up new avenues for travelers to embark on memorable cruises, explore exotic destinations, and contribute to the growth of India's tourism industry. With its maiden voyage, MV Empress sets sail towards a promising future for India's cruise tourism, offering travelers unforgettable experiences at sea.

President Droupadi Murmu Receives Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star

President Droupadi Murmu of India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian to be honored with the Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, the most prestigious state decoration in the Republic of Suriname. This esteemed award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and progress of Suriname and its people. The Order, established in 1975 to mark Suriname's independence, holds great significance and serves as a symbol of honor and appreciation.

Key Highlights

Prestigious State Decoration:

• President Droupadi Murmu has been bestowed with the Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, the highest state decoration in the Republic of Suriname.
• This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Surinamese people or nation.

Historic Significance:

• The Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star was established in 1975, coinciding with Suriname's independence from the Netherlands.
• It replaced the Dutch Order of the Netherlands Lion and symbolizes the nation's transition to an independent state.

Recognition for Meritorious Contributions:

• The Order recognizes both Surinamese citizens and foreigners who have made significant and meritorious contributions to Suriname.
• It serves as a token of honor and appreciation for their dedicated efforts towards the welfare, progress, and development of the country.

Symbol of Appreciation:

• The Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star represents the highest level of recognition and respect bestowed by the Republic of Suriname.
• It is a symbol of the nation's gratitude and acknowledges the exceptional contributions made by individuals towards the betterment of Suriname.

President Droupadi Murmu's receipt of the Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star is a momentous achievement, making her the first Indian to be honored with this prestigious state decoration in the Republic of Suriname. This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the welfare and progress of Suriname and reinforces the strong bond between India and Suriname. The Order stands as a symbol of honor and appreciation for President Murmu's dedication and service, further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023

The recently released NIRF Rankings 2023 serve as a significant benchmark for assessing the quality and performance of educational institutions across India. The rankings cover four major categories: Overall, Colleges, Universities, and Research Institutions.

Key Highlights

Overall Category:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras secured the top position, maintaining its success from the previous year.
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru emerged as the leading university, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence. IISc Bangalore was recognized as the second-best institution in the overall category.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) secured the second and third spots, respectively.

Engineering Category:

• IIT Madras emerged as the top performer in the Engineering category for the second consecutive year.
• Management Category:
• Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad secured the top spot in the Management category.

Other Domains:

• The NIRF rankings also acknowledge the top performers in other domains such as Pharmacy, Colleges, Medical, Research Institutions, Innovation, Law, Architecture, Dental, and Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

The NIRF rankings play a crucial role in evaluating and improving the quality of higher education in India. They provide a comprehensive assessment and comparison of institutions, enabling students to make informed decisions about their academic pursuits.

Antardrishti Dashboard

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das recently launched a financial inclusion dashboard called 'Antardrishti', marking a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion in India.

Key Highlights

• Objective: The primary objective of the Antardrishti dashboard is to evaluate and track the advancements made in financial inclusion across the country.
• Monitoring and Analysis: By analyzing key metrics and indicators, the dashboard enables policymakers and stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of financial inclusion in India. It provides real-time monitoring to identify areas with limited access to financial services.
• Targeted Interventions: The Antardrishti dashboard allows for targeted interventions and initiatives to address the challenges and gaps in financial inclusion. It provides insights that can inform policy decisions and enable strategic interventions in areas that need greater focus.
• Multi-stakeholder Approach: One of the key advantages of the Antardrishti dashboard is its ability to facilitate greater financial inclusion through a multi-stakeholder approach. It involves various entities, such as financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers, in the decision-making process, promoting collective efforts to enhance financial inclusion.

About Financial Inclusion Index

• Development: In 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) devised the Financial Inclusion (FI) Index as a reliable means to accurately gauge the level of financial inclusion in the country.
• Inclusion of Sectors: The FI Index encompasses multiple sectors, including banking, investments, insurance, postal services, and pensions. It takes into account various dimensions of financial inclusion.
• Numerical Representation: The index lists various aspects of financial inclusion and consolidates them into a single numerical value that ranges from 0 to 100. A score of zero signifies total exclusion from financial services, while a score of 100 signifies comprehensive inclusion in the financial system.

The Antardrishti dashboard, in conjunction with the Financial Inclusion Index, will play a crucial role in monitoring and promoting financial inclusion in India by providing insights and guiding policies and initiatives in this field.

NHAI's First 'Sustainability Report'

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently released its inaugural 'Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22'.

Key Highlights

• Governance and Stakeholder Engagement: The Sustainability Report provides insights into NHAI's governance structure, emphasizing transparency and accountability in its operations. It highlights the involvement of various stakeholders in NHAI's sustainability initiatives, demonstrating the organization's commitment to inclusive decision-making.
• Reduction in Direct Emissions: NHAI's report showcases significant progress in reducing direct emissions. From FY 2019-20 to 2021-22, direct emissions decreased by 18.44%, primarily due to reduced fuel consumption. This reduction contributes to the organization's efforts to mitigate its environmental impact.
• Decline in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The report highlights a commendable decline in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In FY 2020-21, GHG emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel saw a reduction of 9.7%. This positive trend continued in FY 2021-22 with a 2% decline, indicating NHAI's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: NHAI has made remarkable strides in improving energy efficiency during its operations. In FY 2020-21, energy intensity, measured in Giga Joules per kilometer, reduced by 37%. This demonstrates NHAI's focus on adopting sustainable practices and optimizing energy consumption.
• Wildlife Conservation Measures: To mitigate man-animal conflicts and protect wildlife, NHAI has created more than 100 Wildlife Crossings across 20 states in the last three years. These crossings serve as crucial measures for safeguarding wildlife habitats and promoting sustainable development alongside the highways.
• Gender Diversity and Workforce Growth: Through a performance-based management system, NHAI has achieved a 7.4% increase in female hiring and an overall 3% increase in its workforce over the past three financial years. This highlights NHAI's commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusive growth in its workforce.

NHAI's Sustainability Report reflects the organization's dedication to environmental stewardship, stakeholder engagement, energy efficiency, wildlife conservation, and workforce development. It sets a positive precedent for sustainable practices in the transportation infrastructure sector.