India Celebrates Swachh Vayu Diwas with NCAP Awards 2024

India celebrated Clean Air Day on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, aimed to encourage investment in clean air. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has made significant progress in 131 cities.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024

Observed on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas in India
Theme: "Invest in clean air now"
Attended by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma
Hosted by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board
Part of a UN resolution passed in December 2019
First observed worldwide in 2020

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Achievements

Video presentation showcasing NCAP progress in 131 cities
95 cities reported declining air pollution trends
51 cities achieved over 20% reduction in PM10 levels since 2017-18
21 cities surpassed 40% reduction in PM10 levels
Release of "Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities"
NCAP launched in January 2019 to reduce air pollution in non-attainment cities
Covers 131 cities across 24 states and union territories
Targets: 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 by 2024, 40% reduction in PM10 by 2025-26 (base year 2017)

Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards 2024

Awards presented in three categories based on population:

a) Category 1 (over 10 lakh population):

Winners: Surat (Gujarat), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

b) Category 2 (3-10 lakh population):

Winners: Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra), Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh)

c) Category 3 (under 3 lakh population):

Winners: Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana), Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh)
Municipal Commissioners received cash prizes, trophies, and certificates
Awards recognize cities' efforts in reducing air pollution and improving air quality

Key Initiatives and Statements

Planting of 100 saplings under "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign at Jaipur's Matri Van

Union Minister Yadav emphasized:

- Need for multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Importance of investing in clean air
- Encouraged youth participation in Ideas4LiFE campaign

Rajasthan CM Sharma highlighted:

- Planting of over 7 crore saplings in the state
- Plans for electric buses and a 'Green Growth Budget'
- Importance of holistic eco-friendly lifestyles
4th meeting of NCAP's Apex Committee chaired by Minister Yadav
Focus on improving air quality in five non-attainment cities in Rajasthan

India Cowpea Seed Aid Fiji – Support for Farmers

In a major gesture of solidarity with its Indo-Pacific partners, India's Cowpea Seed Aid to Fiji initiative was recently undertaken under the framework of India’s Act East Policy. The Go

Suo Moto Stray Dog Delhi NCR

Understanding the Suo Moto Stray Dog Delhi NCR case is crucial for SSC aspirants because it connects constitutional powers, public safety, and real-life judicial interventions. In this article, we

Section 498A IPC Ruling 2025

The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment concerning Section 498A IPC, which addresses cruelty against married women by their husbands or their relatives. The judgment, pro

India Safety Index Rankings 2025

The India safety index is a critical indicator that measures the overall safety and security conditions across Indian cities. For SSC aspirants and general readers, understanding this index is imp

India Joint Defence Doctrine 2025

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, recently released the declassified India Joint Defence Doctrine focusing on Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations. This signif

Festival Train Ticket Booking 2025

As the festive season approaches, millions of travelers in India plan their journeys to visit family and friends. To ease the intense rush and booking pressure that typically occurs during this ti

Road Accident Statistics 2025

Road Accident Statistics remain a major public safety concern in India, claiming thousands of lives every year. According to the latest Road Accident Statistics tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Mini

GeM Portal 9th Foundation Day 2025

The GeM portal has emerged as a game-changer in India’s public procurement landscape. Marking its 9th Foundation Day in 2025, the Government e Marketplace (GeM portal) achieved a record ₹5

PAHAL Scheme LPG Subsidy 2025

In 2025, the Government of India ramped up efforts to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the PAHAL Scheme LPG Subsidy. With over 4 crore duplicate or inactive gas connections deactiv

India Revives Sawalkote Dam Project

India has recently revived the Sawalkote Dam Project, a major hydropower initiative on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. This project, first proposed over six decades ago, had been stalled du