Union Health Ministry launches myCGHS iOS app

• myCGHS app is an essential leap for CGHS in the realm of healthcare services. It empowers CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare features right at their fingertips: Union Health Secretary

Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the myCGHS app for iOS ecosystem of devices, here today. The app is designed to enhance access to Electronic Health Records, information, and resources for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries.

• Expressing his enthusiasm for the launch, the Union Health Secretary stated that, “The myCGHS app is an essential leap for CGHS in the realm of healthcare services. It empowers CGHS beneficiaries with convenient access to essential healthcare features right at their fingertips. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.”

1. The myCGHS iOS app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and NIC Health Team. It is a convenient mobile application offering features aimed at enhancing information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.
2. The myCGHS app facilitates a wide range of services, including booking and cancellation of online appointments, downloading CGHS card and index card, accessing lab reports from CGHS labs, checking medicine history, checking medical reimbursement claim status, accessing referral details, locating nearby wellness centers, staying updated with news and highlights, locating nearby empanelled hospitals, labs, and dental units and accessing contact details of wellness centers and offices.
3. The app features security features like 2-factor authentication and functionality of mPIN ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of users’ data.
4. The event marks a significant milestone in digital healthcare service in the Department of CGHS. The myCGHS app will now be available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, free of charge. CGHS beneficiaries are encouraged to embrace this innovative solution for a seamless healthcare experience.

Contempt of Court

The Allahabad High Court recently observed that orders issued by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, are subject to appeal solely to the Supreme Court and not the High Court.

Constitutional Provisions: Article 129 of the Constitution says that the Supreme Court shall be the ‘Court of Record’ and it has all the powers of such courts including the power to punish for contemptof itself. Article 215 conferred a corresponding power on the High Courts.

• According to the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, contemptof court can either be civilcontempt or criminal contempt.
• Civil contemptmeans wilful disobediencetoany judgment,decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court.
• On the other hand, criminal contemptmeans the publication(whether by words, spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representations, or otherwise) of any matteror the doing of any other act whatsoever which

1. scandalises or tends to scandalise, or lowers or tends to lower the authority of, any court; or
2. prejudices, or interferes with,or tends to interfere with, the due course of any judicial proceeding; or
3. interferes or tends to interfere with, or obstructs or tends to obstruct, the administration of justice in any other manner.

A contempt of court may be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both, provided that the accused may be discharged or the punishment awarded may be remitted on apology being made to the satisfaction of the court.

not contempt of court

Fair and accurate reporting of judicial proceedings will not amount to contempt of court. Nor is any fair criticismon the merits of a judicial order after a case is heard and disposed of.

Zakariyapura — India’s climate-smart model village for biogas production & utilisation

The village has created a sustainable biogas network that not only helps women financially but also reduces their burden of household work

• Zakariyapura village in Anand district, Gujarat has become a model for other villages across India by embracing small-scale biogas facilities in every household that owns milch cattle.

climate-smart model village

• Tackling Agricultural Impacts of Climate Change: The Climate-Smart Village approach, pioneered by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) aims to address the effects of climate change on agriculture.
• Key Approach: It is an institutional approach to test, implement, modify and promote Climate smart agriculture locally and enhance farmers‟ abilities to adapt to climate change. It includes following main features:

1. Create a new revenue stream for rural communities by helping them grow and implement holistic interventions to promote gender equality
2. Diversify farmers’ livelihood and add more nutrients to diets
3. Sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes.
4. Reduce and/or remove greenhouse gases emissions, where possible
5. Advance progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Features of Zakariyapura Village:

• Equipped with Flexi Biogas plants: With the assistance of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), all 368 households with livestock were equipped with flexi biogas plants of 2 cubic metres capacity.
• Revenue: The monthly revenue from slurry sales typically ranges from Rs 1,500-2,500. In total, the biogas system helps households save between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,500 per month.
• Geotagging of Biogas Plants: All 368 biogas plants have been geotagged and two villagers from the local community have been trained to address any immediate operational problem.
• Training Sessions: A series of training sessions toeducate local women on plant operation, maintenance and the potential economic and environmental advantages.
• Centralised slurry processing centre:It established a centralised slurry processing centre.
• Transparent slurry procurement system: To ensure fairness, a transparent slurry procurement system was implemented similar to that of milk, where women farmers are compensated based on the quality of slurry supplied.
• This was assessed using predefined rate charts based on dissolved solids and electrical conductivity measurements. 
• Slurry applicator:NDDB has developed a slurry applicator with a 3,500-litre capacity for efficient collection from these plants.
• Payments for slurry sales are deposited directly into the individual beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
• Dewatering machine:The centralised slurry processing facility in Vasna near Borsad town has deployed a dewatering machine to separate the slurry into liquid and solid components.
• These components are then enriched and transformed into useful biofertilisers such as phosphate-rich organic manure, micronutrient-rich liquid and others.

Biogas Facility:

1. About: In this, cow dung undergoes anaerobic (absence of oxygen) digestion by bacteria to produce biogas comprising 50-55 per cent methane and 30-35 per cent carbon dioxide.
2. Minor amounts of hydrogen sulphide and moisture are also produced.

Significance: 

• Cooking Fuel: This gas serves as a direct cooking fuel, effectively replacing traditional sources such as wood and fossil fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
• Low Maintainace and Portability: These flexible biogas plants are easy to install and can be set up quickly, are portable, demand minimal maintenance.
• Cost Effective: They are more cost-effective compared to conventional biogas digesters.

1. Utilising SuDhan trademark:NDDB has granted the cooperative the rights to utilise the SuDhan trademark for marketing fertiliser products under the SuDhan brand.
2. Validation of Slurry Effectiveness: The effectiveness of the slurry was validated through research conducted at the Anand Agricultural University in Gujarat. 
3. Potential Catalyst for white revolution:The initiative in Anand, known as the dairy hub of India, can serve as the catalyst for another ‘white revolution’, focusing on the utilisation of animal waste rather than solely milk.
4. Building on the success of this model, NDDB has planned toreplicate it in 11 other locations across India. 

Lumpy Skin Disease

1. It is an infectious viral disease of cattle.
2. Causative Agent:It is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which belongs to the genus capripoxvirus, a part of the poxviridae family (smallpox and monkeypox viruses are also a part of the same family).
3. LSDV is not a zoonotic virus, meaning the disease cannot spread to humans.

Geographical distribution:

1. LSD is currently endemic in most of Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Turkey.
2. Since 2015, the disease has spread to most of the Balkan countries, the Caucasus, and the Russian Federation.
3. Since 2019, several outbreaks of LSD have been reported by countries in Asia (Bangladesh, India, China, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Bhutan, Hong Kong (SAR-RPC), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand).

Transmission:

1. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks.
2. Infected animals shedthe virus through oral and nasal secretions, which may contaminate common feeding and water troughs.
3. Thus, the disease can either spread through direct contact with the vectors or through contaminated fodder and water.

Symptoms:

• LSD affectsthe lymph nodes of the infected animal, causing the nodes to enlarge and appear like lumps on the skin, which is where it derives its name from.
• The cutaneous nodules, 2–5 cm in diameter, appear onthe infected cattle’s head, neck, limbs, udder, genitalia, and perineum.
• The nodules may later turn into ulcersand eventually develop scabs over the skin.
• The other symptoms include high fever, a sharp drop in milk yield, discharge from the eyes and nose, salivation, loss of appetite, depression, damaged hides, emaciation (thinness or weakness) of animals, infertility,and abortions.

It can also lead to death, especially in animals that have not previously been exposedto the virus or have low immunity.

LSD is a highly host-specific disease. It primarily affects cows and to a lesser extent, buffalo. Morbidity rate is higher in cattle than buffalo.

Treatment:

1. It has no direct antiviral treatment.
2. Instead, the infected animals receive supportive care, which involves the use of antibiotics, painkillers, and wound care sprays to treat symptoms.
3. As there’s no treatment, vaccinesare used to control disease transmission.

Mining Sector sees Record Production in FY24

Significant Growth in the Production of Key Minerals and Aluminium Metal

The mining sector’s GDP contribution only swings between 2.2% and 2.5%, but based on the GDP of the entire industrial sector, it ranges from 10% to 11%. Even small-scale mining adds 6% to the overall cost of mineral production.

• The index of mineral production for the month of Feb 2024 was 139.6, which is 8.0% higher as compared to the level in the month of Feb 2023. The cumulative growth of this index for the 11-month period of April–Feb of FY24 over the corresponding period of the previous year was higher by 8.2%.
• Some of the non-fuel minerals showing positive growth during the month of Feb 2024 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year are Bauxite, Chromite, Copper Concentrate, Gold, Zinc Concentrate, Manganese Ore, Phosphorite, Diamond, Graphite (R.O.M.), Limestone, Magnesite, etc.
• Iron ore and Limestone together account for about 80% of the total MCDR mineral production by value. Production of these key minerals in the country has exhibited high growth in FY24 as per provisional figures.
• Iron ore production has increased from 230 million metric ton (MMT) during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 252 MMT during the corresponding period of FY24, at 9.6% growth.
• The full year production of iron ore in FY24 is likely to break the production record of 258 MMT achieved in FY23. Showing a similar trend, limestone production has increased from 366 MMT during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 407 MMT during the corresponding period of FY24, at 11.2% growth, and has already surpassed the full year production record of 406.5 MMT achieved in FY23.
• In the non-ferrous metal sector, production of primary Aluminium metal has increased from 37.11 lakh ton (LT) during the 11-month period April-Feb of FY23 to 38.02 LT during the corresponding period of FY24, at 2.5% growth.
• The full year production of primary Aluminium in FY24 is likely to break the production record of 40.73 LT achieved in FY23.
• India is the 2^ndlargest Aluminium producer, 3^rdlargest lime producer and 4^th largest iron ore producer in the world. Healthy growth in production of iron ore and limestone reflect the robust demand conditions in the user industries viz. steel and cement.
• Coupled with the high growth in Aluminium, these growth trends point towards strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.

The Central Government has launched the first tranche of e-auction of 20 mineral blocks of critical and strategic minerals on 29.11.2023 which include blocks of Lithium, Rare Earth Elements, Platinum Group of Minerals, Nickel, Potash etc. The auction of these blocks aims to expedite the General Exploration (G2 level), achieve the operationalization of mines and create a steady supply of these minerals, thus reducing our reliance on imports and ensuring a more secure and resilient supply chain.

INDIA’S MINING SECTOR: The mining sector’s GDP contribution only swings between 2.2% and 2.5%, but based on the GDP of the entire industrial sector, it ranges from 10% to 11%. Even small-scale mining adds 6% to the overall cost of mineral production. About 700,000 people have employment chances in the mining sector in India. The 1991 economic reforms and the 1993 National Mining Policy both contributed to the expansion of the mining industry. Both metallic and non-metallic minerals are found in India. The non-metallic minerals include mineral fuels, and precious stones, among others, whereas the metallic minerals include ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. India has large reserves of Iron ore, Bauxite, Chromium, Manganese ore, Baryte, Rare earth, and Mineral salts. India is the 2nd largest crude steel producer in the world, with 120 MT of crude steel produced in FY’22. India is home to 1,303 mines that reported mineral production (excluding atomic, fuel, and minor minerals) in 2019-20 and produces 95 minerals – 4 fuel-related, 10 metallic, 23 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 55 minor minerals. India is the 2nd largest producer of coal, all India production in 2021-22 was 777.31 MT (P) with a growth of 8.55%. India is the fourth largest iron ore producer in the world. The coal and iron ore is in the fifth largest reserve in the world. India is the world’s fourth-biggest producer of iron ore, alumina, chromite, and bauxite as of 2015. In 2018, it was the 11th-largest uranium producer in the world. With the launch of the National Mineral Policy 2019 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2021, India presents a major opportunity for investors looking to invest in the metal industry in India. Minerals like manganese, lead, copper, and alumina are expected to witness double-digit growth in the years ahead. There is significant scope for new mining capacities in iron ore, bauxite, and coal. India has an advantage in the cost of production and conversion costs of steel and alumina. Government initiatives for the mining sector: India is moving quickly with plans to revamp its mining sector to achieve its goal of making India a $5 trillion economy. India’s central government and state governments are jointly responsible for the mining sector’s administration. The entry at serial No. 23 of List II (State List) to the Constitution of India deals with mining-related issues under the purview of the State government. The entry at serial No. 54 of List I (Union List) to the Constitution of India gives the central government the power to regulate mines and mineral development to the extent that such a regulation is declared by the Parliament to be in the public interest. In Union Budget 2021, the government reduced customs duty to 7.5% on semis, flat and long products of non-alloy, alloy, and stainless steels to provide relief to MSMEs. To boost the recycling of copper in India, the government announced a reduction of import duty on copper scrap from 5% to 2.5% in the Union Budget 2021. The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules in November 2021 to provide rules regarding the conservation of minerals, systematic and scientific mining, and the development of minerals in the country for environmental protection. The National Steel Policy aims to boost per capita steel consumption to 160 kgs by 2030-31. The government has a fixed objective of increasing rural consumption of steel from the current 19.6 kgs per capita to 38 kgs per capita by 2030-31. Ministry of Coal has formulated a strategy to develop an integrated approach for eliminating road transportation of coal in mines and has taken steps to upgrade mechanized coal transportation and loading system under ‘First Mile Connectivity’ projects. National Mineral Exploration Policy 2019 aims to have an effective, meaningful, and implementable policy that brings further transparency, better regulation and enforcement, balanced social and economic growth as well as sustainable mining practices. Mission Purvodaya emphasized harnessing the untapped potential of the region to fuel the next wave of national growth. In 2022, PLI Scheme for domestic production of specialty steel has been approved with an outlay of Rs.6,322 crore (US$ 762.4 million) by the Cabinet. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021, notified on 28.03.2021, for giving boost to mineral production, improving ease of doing business in the country and increasing contribution of mineral production to GDP. Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 enabled captive mines owners (other than atomic minerals) to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral (including coal) production in the open market. The Ministry of Mines has formed a Joint Venture company, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), with National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL) as partners to ensure the nation’s mineral security and achieve self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Reforms: 100% FDI in mining in India is allowed under automatic route. 100% FDI in the mining sector in India is allowed in Coal and Lignite under automatic route. 100% FDI in the mining sector is allowed in mining and mineral separation of titanium-bearing minerals and ores, value addition, and integrated activities under government routes. Challenges faced by the mining sector: Various formalities, legal clearances and adhering to several legal obligations are required to continue operations conveniently which in turn make the mining activities unviable and unprofitable. Too many regulations in place further hinder the progress of the sector. Over-extraction and illegal mining – Reports estimate the existence of almost 115,000 illegal mines. Lack of transparency and inadequate governance infrastructure. Lack of assets and under utilization of resources especially under the control of public sector units. Inefficient management of funds. Ambiguities in the political approaches of the Centre and States in mine auction and regulation further exacerbate the problem Failure to meet environmental compliances has led to the closure of several mines Difficulty in acquiring environmental clearances and government permits in certain areas due to the possibility of adverse effects on the population and environment add to it. The lack of modern techniques for mineral exploration and extraction hampers the progress of the sector. Inefficient machinery is another such problem. Health and safety related problems and frequent accidents and disasters at mining sites.

Way forward:

• Incentivising domestic explorationof critical minerals is crucial for India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070.
• To encourage exploration, there is a need to shift from the current ‘revenue maximizing’ model to an ‘exploration investment incentivizing’ model.
• Encouraging more opportunities to private sectorin exploration of critical minerals implies more mining efficiency and more self-sufficiency for India thus reducing India’s mineral import bills.
• The need is to have an independent regulating authoritywhich should be given power to work in the larger interest of public & economic growth.

Sea of Japan

• It is a marginal seaof the western Pacific Ocean.
• It is located in Eastern Asiaand is bounded by Japan and Sakhalin Island to the east and by Russia and Korea on the Asian mainland to the west.
• It covers 978,000 square km. The average depth is 1,667 meters. The depth of the deepest point is 3,742 meters.

Dohoku Seamount, an underwater volcano, is its deepest point.

• The sea itself lies in a deep basin, separated fromthe East China Sea to the south by the Tsushima and Korea straits and from the Sea of Okhotsk to the north by the La Perouse (or Sōya) and Tatar straits.
• To the east, it is also connected to the Inland Sea of Japan by the Kanmon Strait, and to the Pacific by the Tsugaru Strait.
• It influences the climate of Japan because of its relatively warm waters.
• It serves as the meeting point ofthe cold currents from the north and the warm currents from the south.
• There are no large islandsin the Sea of Japan. Except for the South Korean Island of Ulleungdo, all the other small islands are situated near the eastern coast of the sea.

Major Ports:

1. Russia: Vladivostok, Sovetskaya Gavan, Nakhodka, Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, and Kholmsk.
2. North Korea: Hamhung, Chongjin, and Wonsan.
3. Japan: Niigata, Tsuruta, and Maizuru.

World Bank –  South Asia regional  report, Jobs for Resilience

The World Bank released the South Asia regional update report, Jobs for Resilience.

Findings from the Report:

• South Asian Economic Outlook: India’s economy was expected to post a “robust growth” of 7.5% in FY23/24.
• This expansion coupled with recoveries in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, was largely driving the strong numbers for the South Asian region.
• Not Capitalizing on Demographic Dividend: The World Bank has warned that the South Asia region including India was not making use of its demographic dividend.
• Growth in the working-age population outpacing Job Creation: The pace of job creation in the region fell short of the growth in the working-age population, even as it projected a strong 6.0-6.1% growth for 2024-25 for the region.
• The region could have 16% higher output growth if the share of its working-age population that was employed was on a par with other emerging market and developing economies (EMDE).
• Status in India:  India’s employment growth was “well below” the average growth in its working age population for the 2000-23 period.
• The country’s employment ratio had declined more than in any other country in the region except Nepal up till 2022.
• India’s robust economic expansion has, however, kept the region’s output growth stronger than in other EMDE.
• Weak employment trends in the region: These were concentrated in non-agricultural sectors reflecting challenges in the institutional and economic climate, which had stifled the growth of businesses.
• Recommendations for growth in Employment:  Supporting the participation of women in the economy, increasing access to finance, increasing openness to trade, easing financial sector regulations and improving education.

World Bank (WB):

1. About: The World Bank is the collective name for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA).
2. Genesis: It was established along with the International Monetary Fund at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference of which India was a founding member.
3. World Bank Group: It is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.

Different Institutions under World Bank group:

1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): It provides commercial or concessional loans to only sovereign states or projects backed by sovereign states.
2. Its loans are aimed to improve transportation and infrastructure, education, domestic policy, environmental consciousness, energy investments, healthcare, access to food and potable water, and access to improved sanitation.
3. International Development Association (IDA): It helps the world’s poorest countries and aims to reduce poverty by providing interest-free loans (called IDA Credits) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people’s living conditions.
4. International Finance Corporation (IFC): IFC was created in 1956 to foster private sector investment in developing nations.
5. It finances the private sector investment, mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments.
6. Multilateral Investment Guarantee (MIGA): MIGA promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) into developing countries to help support economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people’s lives.
7. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID):  It is an autonomous, multilateral specialized institution to encourage international flow of investment and mitigate non-commercial risks.
8. India is not a member of ICSID.

Important Reports: 

1. Global Economic Prospects
2. Global Financial Development Report
3. World Development Reports
4. International Debt Statistics

SJVN partners with IIT Patna to improve Tunnelling Project Performance using Advanced Geological Models

• SJVN Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) to use advanced geological models in SJVN’s tunnelling projects, thus significantly reducing time and cost overruns.
• One of the key outcomes of this partnership will be the development of predictive analytics algorithms. These algorithms, leveraging integrated geotechnical data, will forecast potential risks and provide early warning systems specifically tailored for tunnelling projects. Such proactive measures are expected to substantially mitigate time and cost overruns during project execution.
• Chairperson & Managing Director, SJVN, Smt. Geeta Kapur said that the primary focus of the MoU is to develop cutting-edge methodologies which integrate diverse geotechnical data sources. These would include geological surveys, borehole data, geophysical measurements and monitoring data from projects of SJVN.
• The collaboration also aims to evaluate the intricate relationship between overburden and deformation, thereby enhancing the evaluation and design of support systems crucial for tunnelling projects. By harnessing integrated geotechnical data and 3D geological models, SJVN and IIT Patna aim to identify and analyze potential risks and hazards.
• The MoU has been signed in the presence of Director (Finance), SJVN, Shri A.K Singh and Director, IIT Patna Shri T.N Singh in New Delhi on April 2, 2024. CGM (Civil), Shri R.K Gupta; GM (Finance), Shri Jitender Yadav; GM (Civil), Shri Hemant Kumar Shaklya; and GM (Geology), Shri Akshay Acharya from SJVN, and Professor A. K. Verma from IIT Patna were also present on the occasion of the signing ceremony.

WHITE RABBIT COLLABORATION

CERN has introduced the White Rabbit Collaboration to promote the adoption of its White Rabbit (WR) technology, initially developed to synchronize devices in particle accelerators with sub-nanosecond precision.

1. This technology has applications beyond particle physics and has been incorporated into the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) standard.
2. Unlike other technologies, WR is open-source and based on standards, allowing companies and institutes to adapt it to their needs.

• It is a technology developed at CERN, in collaboration with institutes and companies, to synchronize devices in the accelerators down to sub-nano seconds and solve the challenge of establishing a common notion of time across a network.
• White Rabbit Switches provides sub-nanosecond synchronization accuracy,which formerly required dedicated hard-wired timing systems, with the flexibility and modularity of real-time Ethernet networks.
• It achieves sub-nanosecond accuracy in Ethernet based networks.
• A White Rabbit network may be used solely to provide timing and synchronizationto a distributed electronic system, or to provide both timing and real-time data transfer.
• First used in 2012, the application of this fully open-source technology has quickly expanded outside the field of particle physics.
• In 2020, it was included in the worldwide industry standard known as Precision Time Protocol (PTP), governed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• A key distinctive feature of White Rabbit, is that it is open source and based on standards.
• Companies and institutes can therefore adapt it to their needs and incorporate it in their products and systems.
• White Rabbit is used in the finance sectoras well as in many research infrastructures, and it is currently being evaluated for application inthe future quantum internet.
• The technology could also play a key role inthe future landscape of global time dissemination technologies,which currently rely heavily on satellites.

White Rabbit Collaboration

1. It is a membership-based global community whose objective is to maintain a high-performance open-source technology that meets the needs of users and to facilitate its uptake by industry.
2. The WR Collaboration will provide dedicated support and training, facilitate R&D projectsbetween entities with common interests and complementary expertise, and establish a testing ecosystem that fosters trust in products that incorporate the open-source technology.

Express View on IMD’s heat wave alert: Act Now

Alert should spur local-level strategies, help create robust data to protect the most vulnerable.

Recently, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory on the heatwaves and revealed a terrific image of rising heat wave conditions in multiple areas — from Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh to the western parts of Madhya Pradesh.

1. The IMD warned that heatwave spells could last 10-20 days,instead of four to eight days.
2. In 2022,the country experienced its hottest March since 1901.

Time for Heat Action Plans (HAPs):

• Began: In May 2010, a heat wave claimed more than 800 lives in Ahmedabad, which pushed the city’s municipality to partner with the Indian Institute of Public Health and American academies to develop the country’sfirst heat action plan (HAP) in 2013. 
• About:HAPs are India’sprimary policy response to economically damaging and life-threatening heat waves. 
• Aim:To decrease the impact of heatwaves, HAPs prescribe a variety of preparatory activities, disaster responses, and post-heatwave response measures across state, district, and city government departments.

Focus: 

1. Creating an early warning system
2. Increasing the capacity of healthcare professionals
3. Promoting adaptive measures in workplaces and creating awareness

Challenges with Heat Action Plans (HAPs):  

1. Fail to Identify Targets: Nearly all HAPs fail to identify and target vulnerable groups.
2. Only two HAPs carry out and present vulnerability assessments (systematic studies to locate where the people most likely to be affected are in a city, district, or state).
3. No Focus on Vulnerables: While most HAPs list broad categories of vulnerable groups (elderly, outdoor workers, pregnant women), the list of solutions they propose do not necessarily focus on these groups.
4. Underfunding: As per a report of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), HAPs are underfunded and only three of 37 HAPs identify funding sources while eight HAPs ask implementing departments to self-allocate resources, “indicating a serious funding constraint”.
5. Not Requirement Specific: Most HAPs adopt national heatwave thresholds that may not be suited to the risks faced by local populations and there is no climate projection.
6. HAPs across the country generally focus on dry extreme heat and ignore the threats posed by humid heat and warm nights.
7. As per a report of the CPR, only 10 out of 37 HAPs seem to have locally specified temperature thresholds.
8. Weak Legal Foundations & Accountability: The CPR further finds that the HAPs have weak legal foundations. None of the HAPs reviewed indicate the legal sources of their authority.

• This reduces bureaucratic incentives to prioritise and comply with HAPs instructions.
• There is no national repository of HAPs and very few HAPs are listed online.
• It is also unclear whether these HAPs are being updated periodically and whether this is based on evaluation data.

Way Forward:

• National Joint Actions: These are must for heat mitigation are necessary to ensure the safety of lives and livelihoods amid extreme weather conditions.
• Follow a Sustainable Approach:As per experts, the primary objective should be a sustainable and equal future.
• Need for Climate Projections:It could help to identify future planning needs and combat the threat of intensifying heat waves.
• Work on Missing Areas:India has made considerable progress by creating several dozen heat action plans in the last decade, but India needs to work on the findings of loopholes, revealed by the CPR to eliminate the damaging social and economic losses due to frequent and intense heat waves.
• Accountability and Transparency:There is a need for an online national repository that should be periodically updated and in accordance with region-specific needs.
• Bureaucratics need incentivesto prioritise and complywith HAPs instructions.
• Adequate Funding:HAPs need to be funded adequately to implement the required and desired actions.

Launch of the report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets

• A meeting was held for the launch of the report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All” prepared by IIM Ahmedabad as part of a study project which was sanctioned in November 2021 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of Indiawith part-funding (one-third) from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
• The launch was held in Committee Room ‘A’, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi on 3rd April, 2024 at 2pm.

A need was felt to undertake an analytical study on the energy transition required towards a net-zero energy basket for India. Accordingly, the study was sanctioned with the objective of conducting a comprehensive study with rigorous methods for minimizing the cost of power at consumer end and to work out an optimum mix for all sources of power, aiming for net-zero emission.

• The report attempts to answer key questions related to India’s energy trajectory such as how much energy does India need to achieve high value of Human Development Index (HDI);
• what are pathways to achieve this; what are the energy mix projections for this until 2070 (our declared net-zero target year); what would be the cost of electricity to the end user;
• what would be the carbon emissions until 2070; what would be the investments required for energy transitions towards net-zero at 2070;
• estimation of other challenges and opportunities (RE integration, requirement of critical minerals, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen) in energy transitions towards achieving net-zero in 2070.

The main conclusions of the report are given below: There is no silver bullet to achieve net-zero. The transition needs multiple pathways to be adopted with co-existence of myriad technologies in our energy basket. Coal is projected to continue until the next two decades as the backbone of the Indian energy system. Net-zero is not possible without substantial nuclear power and Renewable Energy (RE) generation by 2070. To achieve net-zero energy systems by 2070, the electricity sector will need to decarbonize well before that. India’s emissions would range between 0.56 btCO2 and 1.0 btCO2 in 2070. It is expected that the remaining gap in emissions will be offset through sequestration in forestry and tree cover as envisaged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, the coal phase-down will require active policies on critical minerals and carbon dioxide removal technologies. Clean, affordable electricity at low levelized cost of electricity (for consumers) can be achieved in net-zero pathways, especially with a focus on nuclear power and renewable power. Widespread electrification of end-use sectors i.e upto 47-52% electricity shares in Total Final Electricity Consumption (TFEC) compared to 18% at present. Financial requirements during 2020-2070 would be to the tune of Rs 150-200 lakh Crore (about US$ 2-2.5 trillion, or US$ 40-50 billion/year). Considerable financial flows must be international.

• Ajay Sood, PSA to Government of India, in his opening remarks, stated that the report is a comprehensive study, bringing together aspects from all sectors of power generation in one place, providing a holistic view of the Indian energy sector and throwing light on the potential pathways for a development-led transition to net-zero.
• He added that these pathways also need large resources to be put in place, hence, we need to synergise our efforts in various sectors. He stated that this report is a good beginning and more such studies are needed.
• Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman, AEC welcomed the study as the need of the hour which is an energy transitions study done from India’s perspective. He also highlighted the need for the development of technologies for low-cost hydrogen production.
• V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog expressed his satisfaction in the findings of the study which were in alignment with the simulation studies done by NITI Aayog. He appreciated that the study is based on a development-led approach which is the right approach to clean energy transition.
• He also acknowledged that such a transition is also going to be expensive, as highlighted in the report. He agreed with the premise that more RE penetration is needed with baseload energy source as nuclear.
• He emphasised that without nuclear energy, the storage requirements for RE will be very high to tackle the intermittency of its supply. This will, in turn, enhance the dependence on critical minerals which is not sustainable.
• He further added that for the nuclear sector, a transition is needed from large reactors to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with participation of industry. There is also a need to promote alternate nuclear fuel options such as Thorium to reduce dependence on Uranium import.
• A. K. Mohanty, Secretary, DAE and Chairman, AEC, gave an overview of the on-going nuclear programme in the country and the plans for increasing the nuclear installed capacity by 100GW by 2047.
• He also appreciated the report and stated that is a vital input for further policy formulations.
• Ajay Sood concluded by saying that he firmly believes that this report will be taken seriously by all the relevant stakeholder ministries, departments and industries and will be helpful in the planning stages of our endeavours in clean energy

India starts work on green steel policy

The Steel Ministry has begun work towards formulating a comprehensive green steel policy that include defining the processes of making such offerings, the skill-set required, funding support availablity, among others

The Steel Ministry has initiated efforts to develop a thorough green steel policy to reduce carbon emissions.

• This policy will include defining the production processes, necessary skills, funding availability, and other pertinent aspects.

GREEN STEEL

1. Green steel is steel manufactured through eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
2. It’s done by using energy from renewable sources, creating less carbon dioxide, and managing waste better.
3. Its manufacturing uses no fossil fuel. 
4. Objective:To make steel production more eco-friendly and lessen its impact on the climate.

Techniques to reduce carbon footprints:

• Carbon-based materials: Carbon footprints can be decreased by using less carbon-based materials and recycling more steel.

Hydrogen: Green hydrogen is a solution that emits only water when it’s burned.

• It’s produced by using water and renewable electricity.
• This process is called
• Green hydrogen offers a clean and sustainable alternative for various industries, including steel manufacturing.

Blue Hydrogen: Blue hydrogen is another option that’s low in carbon emissions.

1. It’s produced using fossil fuels, but with a technology called carbon capture.
2. This technology helps capture and store the carbon emissions, making blue hydrogen cleaner than traditional fossil fuels.
3. Blue hydrogen serves as a transitional solution towards cleaner energy sources.

Electric arc furnaces: Electric arc furnaces are also used, but they’re not always powered by renewable energy, so the steel they make might not be completely green.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Green Steel

Benefits	Drawbacks
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Green steel methods emit less CO2 compared to traditional blast furnaces. Resource Conservation: It reduces reliance on coal and efficiently uses scrap steel, promoting sustainability. Enhanced Sustainability: Green steel supports greener construction and infrastructure, contributing to a sustainable future.	Higher Production Costs: Green steel is currently more expensive due to developing technology. Limited Availability: Production is restricted due to its early stage and high initial investment. Future Challenges: Some technologies used in green steel production have long-term environmental impacts that need research.

Steps taken for Green Steel making in India

• 13 task forces:Thirteen task forces were previously established to address various modalities of green steel-making.
• 14 task forces:Recently, a fourteenth task force was formed to investigate the use of biochar or biomass as alternatives in blast furnace operations to reduce carbon emissions.
• Pilot Projects and Hydrogen-based Technology
• Pure-hydrogen- DRI:India is exploring its own pure-hydrogen-based Direct Reduction of Iron (DRI) technology.
• A consortium-led pilot project for a hydrogen-based DRI facility is also being explored.
• Collaboration:The proposed pilot plant involves collaboration between integrated steel players, secondary players, and the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Lab.
• Use of hydrogen: Industrial-scale hydrogen-iron making, known asDirect Reduction of Iron (DRI), uses hydrogen instead of high carbon-emitting fossil fuels, with water as the waste product.

Overview of Indian Steel Sector in India

• This industry is a deregulated sector.
• Categorisation: The Indian steel industry is categorized into major, main, and secondary producers.
• Production Statistics
• India ranks as the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, with 125.32 MT output in FY23.

Finished steel production stood at 121.29 MT during the same period.

Key Drivers of growth

1. Raw Materials (Availability of iron ore): India has rich reserves of iron ore, a key ingredient in steel production. T
2. Cost-effective labor: India has a large workforce, and the steel industry can benefit from a readily available pool of skilled and unskilled labor.
3. The steel industry significantly contributes to India’s overall manufacturing output.

Status of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Steel Sector

1. India’s domestic sector contribution:Official data shows that India’s domestic steel sector contributes 12% to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Intensity of Emission: The emission intensity is around 2.55 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of crude steel, higher than the global average of 1.9 tonnes.

Punnett square

The Punnett Square is named after British geneticist Reginald Punnett.

it works

• Along the top and side of the grid the possible genetic traits of one parent on one side and the other parent on the other side is listed.
• Then, you fill in the squares by combining the traits from each parent. Each square effectively represents a possible combination of traits that their offspring could inherit.
• It’s a simple way to visualise the probabilities of different traits showing up in the offspring.

Application:

1. Punnett Squares are commonly used in biologyto understand inheritance patterns, like when you learn about dominant and recessive genes in school.
2. It is a useful tool that helps predict the variations and probabilitiesresulting from cross-breeding.
3. It can also be used to understand the genetic traitsin the offspring of animals, including humans.
4. Researchers typically use them together with Mendelian inheritance.