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According to the Ember Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026, global coal mine methane (CMM) emissions stayed flat at approximately 35 million tonnes (mt) in 2023, failing to fall since 2021 despite the Global Methane Pledge. Only 23 of 73 coal-producing countries reported data to the UNFCCC, leaving 89% (around 31 mt) of emissions.

According to the Ember Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026, global coal mine methane (CMM) emissions stayed flat at approximately 35 million tonnes (mt) in 2023, failing to fall since 2021 despite the Global Methane Pledge. Only 23 of 73 coal-producing countries reported data to the UNFCCC, leaving 89% (around 31 mt) of emissions. Key Findings on 2023 Coal Mine Methane: Persistent Emissions: - Despite rising global coal production, methane emissions remained stable at 34.7 mt in 2023, roughly equal to 2021 levels, according to Ember's analysis. Low Reporting Rate: - 89% of emissions were left outside official UNFCCC records, highlighting a massive tracking gap. Top Emitters: - 94% of global CMM emissions originate from seven countries: China, the US, Russia, India, Australia, Poland, and Ukraine. Mitigation Potential: - Existing technologies could capture this methane, which is released during mining, but lack of reporting prevents accountability.  Implications: Methane Pledge Fai...
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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) settled a record 83.1 million claims in 2025-26, a 38.3% increase over the previous year, while the government is reviewing a proposal to raise the minimum monthly pension under the EPS- 95 scheme from ₹1,000 to potentially higher levels. Over 55 million claims were processed as advances, with 71.1% handled automatically within three days.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) settled a record 83.1 million claims in 2025-26, a 38.3% increase over the previous year, while the government is reviewing a proposal to raise the minimum monthly pension under the EPS- 95 scheme from ₹1,000 to potentially higher levels. Over 55 million claims were processed as advances, with 71.1% handled automatically within three days.  Key Highlights of EPFO Performance (2025-26) Record Claim Settlements : - 83.1 million claims settled, up from 60.1 million in 2024-25. High-Speed Processing: - 98.7% of total claims were settled in less than 20 days. Auto-Mode Efficiency: - 71.1% of advance/partial withdrawal claims (totaling 55.1 million) were processed automatically within three days, increasing from 59.19% the previous year. Digital Adoption: - In April 2026, roughly 74% of advance claims were handled through automated systems.  EPS- 95 Minimum Pension Proposal  Review of Pension Amount: - The Ministry of Labour and...
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More than 50 nations gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first-ever fossil fuel phase-out summit (April 26–29, 2026), sparking hope among Catholic groups for accelerated climate action. The "coalition of the willing" aims to transition away from oil, coal, and gas, with church representatives pushing for ecological justice.

More than 50 nations gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first-ever fossil fuel phase-out summit (April 26–29, 2026), sparking hope among Catholic groups for accelerated climate action. The "coalition of the willing" aims to transition away from oil, coal, and gas, with church representatives pushing for ecological justice.  Key Details of the Gathering: Purpose: - The conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, focuses on practical strategies to phase out fossil fuels, addressing the main driver of the global climate crisis. Catholic Involvement: - Over two dozen Catholic organizations attended, advocating for the"integral ecology" outlined in Pope Francis Laudato Si’, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities from climate impacts. Colombia’s Leadership: - Colombia is pushing for a shift by halting new oil, coal, and gas exploration, aiming for a sustainable, green economy. Goal: - The summit seeks to build a coalition that moves faster than f...
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Huaneng Group has commissioned a massive 5.43 GW hydro-solar hybrid project in Yunnan, Southwest China, as of April 27, 2026. Operated by Huaneng Lancang River Hydropower, this facility combines 4.2 GW of existing hydropower with 1.23 GW of new solar, designed to supply stable energy to the grid by using the dam as a "natural battery" to manage solar intermittency.

Huaneng Group has commissioned a massive 5.43 GW hydro-solar hybrid project in Yunnan, Southwest China, as of April 27, 2026. Operated by Huaneng Lancang River Hydropower, this facility combines 4.2 GW of existing hydropower with 1.23 GW of new solar, designed to supply stable energy to the grid by using the dam as a "natural battery" to manage solar intermittency.  Key Details of the Project: Location: - The project is integrated with the existing 4.2 GW Xiaowan hydropower station on the Lancang River in Yunnan Province. Capacity Breakdown: - The 5.43 GW total capacity consists of 4.2 GW (hydro) and 1.23 GW (solar). Integration: - 16 photovoltaic (PV) plants are connected through a single collection station, allowing the hydropower to smooth out solar output volatility. Impact: - The project is expected to generate approximately 20 TWh/year of electricity, capable of powering around 7 million households and reducing CO2 𝐶𝑂2 emissions by 16 million tons annually. Technology...
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India's energy security strategy focuses on reducing 85-88% import dependency, with high costs driving a shift toward renewable energy, domestic production, and critical mineral investments, according to IISD 2026 Mapping India’s

India's energy security strategy focuses on reducing 85-88% import dependency, with high costs driving a shift toward renewable energy, domestic production, and critical mineral investments, according to IISD 2026 Mapping India’s Energy Policy and CPPR research. Subsidies: - ₹4.3 lakh crore ($51 billion) for energy, with over 50% on electricity. Oil & Gas: - High import costs ($115/barrel) create pressure. Infrastructure:-  Growing investments in renewable generation and grid expansion. Critical Minerals: - Investment in the National Critical Mineral Mission to secure transition materials. I Key Energy Security Expenses (FY 25/26) Fossil Fuel Support:-  India spent over ₹4.3 lakh crore ($51 billion) on energy subsidies, with a significant portion going to fossil fuels, notes IISD 2026 and The Hindu Business Line. Electricity Subsidies: - State-level electricity subsidies reached ₹2.4 lakh crore, comprising nearly 58% of all energy subsidies. Fertilizer Subsidies:-  Ur...
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Leading the change toward a sustainable future involves taking urgent, actionable steps: shifting to renewable energy, implementing a circular economy (reduce, reuse, recycle), and promoting regenerative practices. Individuals can drive change by lowering energy consumption, choosing sustainable transportation, and supporting environmentally .

Leading the change toward a sustainable future involves taking urgent, actionable steps: shifting to renewable energy, implementing a circular economy (reduce, reuse, recycle), and promoting regenerative practices. Individuals can drive change by lowering energy consumption, choosing sustainable transportation, and supporting environmentally . Key Actions for a Sustainable Future: Energy Transition:-  Transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources. Circular Economy:-  Focus on resource efficiency, product life extension, and repair. Sustainable Living:-  Reduce meat consumption, cut food waste, and use public transit. Corporate Leadership: - Implement AI and IoT for resource optimization, develop green talent, and align with net-zero goals. Advocacy:-  Engage politically by voting for leaders who support climate action and ecosystem restoration. Center for Biological Diversity . Individual lifestyle changes? Leading sustainability in your organization/wor...
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The EPFO is considering increasing the minimum monthly pension under EPS-95, potentially to ₹2,500 from the current ₹1,000, aimed at improving financial security for retirees. Concurrently, the body achieved a record in 2025-26 by settling 83.1 million claims, a 38.3% increase, with 55.1 million being partial withdrawals.

The EPFO is considering increasing the minimum monthly pension under EPS-95, potentially to ₹2,500 from the current ₹1,000, aimed at improving financial security for retirees. Concurrently, the body achieved a record in 2025-26 by settling 83.1 million claims, a 38.3% increase, with 55.1 million being partial withdrawals.  Key Updates on EPFO (2025-26): Minimum Pension Revision: The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) is reviewing a hike, with proposals including raising the floor to ₹2,500, while some unions are demanding ₹7,500. Record Claim Settlements:-  In 2025-26, 83.1 million claims were settled compared to 60.1 million in 2024-25. Auto Mode Efficiency:-  Approximately 71.1% of advance claims were processed via auto mode within three days, enhancing efficiency. Pension Fund Shift: A,  12.4% rise in contributions is budgeted for 2026-27,.  The 83.1 million claims represent a major push for digital efficiency and faster service delivery to members.   ...
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