NITI Aayog Releases Reports on Green Transition in Key Sectors

Current Context: On 21 January 2026, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) released three landmark reports on decarbonization roadmaps for Cement, Aluminium, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sectors.

• These reports align with Viksit Bharat @2047 and India’s commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2070.
• Cement Sector Roadmap: India is the world’s 2nd largest producer, ~6% of GHG emissions; target to cut carbon intensity from 0.63 → 0.09–0.13 tCO₂e/tonne by 2070 using Refuse-Derived Fuels (RDF), clinker substitution, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS).
• Aluminium Sector Roadmap: Accounts for ~2.8% of GHG emissions; demand to rise from 4 → 37 million tonnes by 2070; strategy includes Renewable Energy–Round the Clock (RE‑RTC) in short term, nuclear power in medium term, and CCUS integration in long term.
• MSME Sector Roadmap: Contributes ~30% to GDP; focus on energy‑efficient equipment, alternative fuels, and green electricity; proposes a National Project Management Agency (NPMA) for implementation.
• Financing support includes Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and Pay As You Save (PAYS) via Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).

Question:

Q.1 India's Cement sector is the world's ________ largest producer and contributes approximately ________ to national GHG emissions.
a) Largest; 8%
b) 2nd largest; 6%
c) 3rd largest; 10%
d) 2nd largest; 10%

Answer: b) India ranks as the 2nd largest cement producer globally, and the sector accounts for about 6% of the country's GHG emissions.