Why in the News?
- India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism on 30 September 2026 in New Delhi.
- It operationalises bilateral cooperation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
Key Facts
- Partners: India and Japan.
- Objective:
- Deploy advanced low-carbon technologies.
- Mobilise climate finance.
- Promote technology cooperation.
- Support high-integrity emission reductions and removals.
- Contribute to sustainable development in India.
- The JCM also aims to strengthen transparency and confidence in international carbon markets.
Important Timeline
- 7 August 2025: India-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed.
- 8 June 2026: Rule of Implementation (RoI) adopted.
- 30 September 2026: Operational Manual launched.
Operational Manual
- Provides a comprehensive procedural framework for JCM activities.
- Covers the complete project cycle:
- Submission of Project Idea Note
- Project implementation
- Issuance of JCM credits
- Authorization of JCM credits
Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement
- Provides a framework for countries to cooperate through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).
- India-Japan JCM operates under this bilateral cooperation framework.
UPSC Prelims Quick Revision
- JCM is a bilateral mechanism between India and Japan.
- It promotes low-carbon technology deployment and climate finance.
- It operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
- MoC signed: 7 August 2025.
- Rule of Implementation adopted: 8 June 2026.
- Operational Manual launched: 30 September 2026.
- The Manual covers the project cycle from Project Idea Note submission to credit issuance and authorization.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- JCM is a bilateral mechanism, not a multilateral carbon market mechanism.
- India-Japan JCM is linked specifically to Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
- The Operational Manual is meant to move the JCM from institutional preparation to actual implementation.
- Do not confuse JCM credits with generic carbon credits; the source specifically refers to the issuance and authorization of JCM credits.
