Why In News?

On the occasion of World Ozone Day 2026, the Union Ministry of Environment launched India’s dedicated Net Zero Portal to institutionalize climate governance.

What is World Ozone Day?

World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer) is celebrated globally on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987).

  • Origin: Proclaimed in 1994 by the United Nations General Assembly.

  • Purpose: To raise awareness about protecting the ozone layer, which shields Earth from harmful UV‑B radiation.

  • 2026 Theme: "Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol." 

  • Key Focus (2026): Highlights the 10‑year milestone of the Kigali Amendment (2016), which targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air‑conditioning.

  • Significance: Connects ozone protection + climate action, promoting energy‑efficient, climate‑friendly cooling technologies.

What is India’s Net Zero Portal?

It is a centralized digital platform launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the voluntary registration and public disclosure of net-zero commitments by entities across various sectors. 

Key Features of the Net Zero Portal

Component

Details

Core Purpose

Tracks voluntary net‑zero pledges and progress by non‑state entities toward India’s 2070 goal.

Standardised 

Registration & 

Disclosure

Provides a structured template for entities to register their greenhouse‑gas (GHG) baselines across Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (electricity‑purchased), and Scope 3 (supply‑chain) emissions.

Enhancing Climate 

Transparency

Operationalises Article 13 of the Paris Agreement (Enhanced Transparency Framework – ETF) to enable real‑time monitoring of corporate emission‑reduction trajectories without administrative friction.

Data Integration 

with 

NAPCC Dashboard

Links with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) monitoring system to align voluntary actions with national missions.

Public Access &

Accountability

Allows citizens, investors, and policymakers to view progress reports, fostering climate accountability and green investment confidence.

Source: DDNEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Montreal Protocol and World Ozone Day, consider the following statements:

1. World Ozone Day is celebrated annually on September 16 to mark the signing of the Montreal Protocol.

2. The Montreal Protocol is the only environmental treaty to achieve universal ratification by all UN member states.

3. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase out Ozone Depleting Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer) is celebrated every year on September 16 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.

Statement 2 is correct: The Montreal Protocol is a historic milestone as the first and only environmental treaty to achieve universal ratification by all 198 UN member states.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Kigali Amendment aims to phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—which are potent greenhouse gases—rather than phasing out CFCs (which were addressed under the main protocol).