Current Affairs – 05th Mar 2024

Articles Covered:

  • JMM bribes for votes ruling: How Supreme Court interpreted privilege for lawmakers
  • Obesity on the rise, high levels of undernutrition persist in India: What a new study says
  • Cambodia defends family relocations around the famous Angkor Wat temple complex
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate infrastructure projects at Indian Navy’s Karwar Base
  • ‘Chakshu’ and ‘DIP’, platforms launched by govt to curb online fraud
  • PM witnesses the historic “Commencement of Core Loading” at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre finally a reality
  • Scindia inaugurates Jindal Stainless’ first green hydrogen project in India

JMM bribes for votes ruling: How Supreme Court interpreted privilege for lawmakers

  • The SC held that both the court and Parliament can exercise jurisdiction on the actions of lawmakers in parallel. This is because the purpose of punishment by the House is different from the purpose of a criminal trial.

Bribe for Vote

  • Refers:It means lawmakers take bribes to make speeches and cast votes in the legislature.
  • Cash-for-Votes Scandal: 
  • This scandal involved allegations of bribery within the UPA government to secure a confidence vote.
  • This scandal saw Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders in Telangana in Telangana implicated in bribery for votes in legislative council elections.

No Immunity For MPs/MLAs Taking Bribe For Vote/Speech In Legislature: Supreme Court

  • The SC overturned the 1998 P.V NARASIMHARAO judgment.
  • The bench said the 1998 judgment has wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life and PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY and there is grave danger of this court allowing an error to be perpetrated.

1998 PV Narasimha Rao Judgement

  1. Availability of Parliamentary Privileges:It held that members of parliament and legislative assemblies could claim immunity under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution for receiving a bribe in contemplation of a vote or speech in the legislature.
  2. Judgement: The majority view was that immunity is necessary to protect the independence of parliamentarians and to ensure that they can participate freely in debate.

Other Associated Case:

  • State of Kerala vs Ajith: In 2021, State of Kerala vs Ajith, a bench dismissed pleas challenging the filing of a criminal FIR against six Left Democratic Front (LDF) members in the Kerala assembly ruckus case of 2015.
  • Judgement: The SC held that while MLAs are protected for their speech and even protest on the floor of the Assembly, criminal acts committed like damaging microphones or furniture cannot be covered under parliamentary immunity.

Background of the Supreme Court On Bribe For Vote Case

Allegation Against Sita Soren Case: 

Allegation against Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Sita Soren for accepting a bribe from an independent candidate in the 2012 RS ELECTIONS

Judicial Approach: 

  1. High Court:She moved the Jharkhand High Court for quashing the criminal proceedings against her, citing provisions of Article 194 (2). But the HC declined to do so.
  2. Appeal to the Supreme Court (2014): She then approached the SC, where a two-judge Bench in September 2014 opined that since the issue was “substantial and of general public importance”, it should be placed beforea larger bench of three judges.
  3. Referral to Larger Bench (2019): A bench of three judges took up the appeal and noted that the HC judgment dealt with the 1998 verdict, and hence should be referred to a larger bench, and it was ultimately referred to the seven-judge bench.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court on Bribe for Vote Case

No Immunity on Bribery:

  • Members of the House cannot claim immunity for actions such as accepting BRIBERY damaging public property, committing violence, etc.

Bribery not Immune: 

  • Bribery is not protected under Article 105(2) and Article 194, even if it’s unrelated to the casting of votes or decision making.

No Violation of the Doctrine of Stare decisis

  • The SC said that it can change prior rulings, such as in the P.V. Narasimha Rao case, if it has wide ramifications on public interest, probity in public life and parliamentary democracy.
  • The doctrine of stare decisis:It is a legal principle that obligates judges to adhere to prior verdicts while ruling on a similar case.

Need for Necessity Test or Two-Fold Test:

  1. The SC said, the individual rights OF PARLIAMENTARY PREVILAGES, has to pass a “necessity test or two-fold test”.
  2. Essentiality:It means that for a member to exercise a privilege, the privilege must be such that without it “they could not discharge their functions.” 
  3. Need to Discharge Duties: Whether the privilege claimed is necessary to the discharge of the essential duties of a legislator.
  4. Naturally, accepting bribes cannot be said to be necessaryto discharge one’s functions as a lawmaker, unlike, for example, having the RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH

On Graft-Vote or Vote of Conscience:

  1. Accepting a bribe is an offence as is, and it does not depend on whether the public servant acted differently.
  2. Section 7 of the PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT:It deals with ‘offence relating to PUBLIC SERVANTS being bribed’. The mere “obtaining”, “accepting” or “attempting” to obtain an undue advantage with the intention to act or forbear from acting in a certain way is sufficient to complete the offence.
  3. It is not necessarythat the act for which the bribe is given be actually performed.

Legislative Privileges must Conform with Constitutional Parameters:

India’s parliamentary privileges derive from statute and constitutional privilege, subject to JUDICIAL REVIEW

Equality Under Article 14:

The Court said it wo uld bea violation of the right to equality under ARTICLE-14 to create an illegitimate class of public servants and such a classification would be manifestly arbitrary.

Parallel Jurisdiction:

  • Both the judiciary and Parliament can exercise jurisdiction on the actions of lawmakersin parallel. This is because the purpose of punishment by the House is different from the purpose of a criminal trial.
  • House Jurisdiction:The purpose of the proceedings which a House may conduct is to restore its dignity.Such a proceeding may result in the expulsion from the membership of the House and other consequences which the law envisages
  • Criminal Trial:It differs from contempt of the House as it is fully dressed withprocedural safeguards, rules of evidence and the principles of natural justice.
  1. Erosion of Democracy: CORRUPTION and bribery of members of the LEGISLATURE erode the foundation of INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
  2. It is destructive of the aspirational and deliberative ideals of the CONSTITUTIONand creates a polity which deprives citizens of a responsible, responsive and representative democracy.

Applicability to Rajya Sabha Elections:

  1. The Court clarified that the principles enunciated by the verdict will apply equally to elections to the RS and to appoint the PRESIDENT and VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDIA. 
  2. Accordingly, it overruled the observations in Kuldip Nayar vs Union of India (2006).
  3. Kuldip Nayar vs Union of India (2006): It held that elections to the Rajya Sabha are not proceedings of the legislature but a mere exercise of franchise and therefore fall outside the ambit of parliamentary privileges under Article 194.

Significance of the Supreme Court On Bribe For Vote Case

  1. Upholding Basic Structure Doctrine:As the judgment upholds the judicial review, one of the souls of BASIC STRUCTURE DOCTRINE.
  2. Combating Corruption:By eliminating the immunity for legislators facing bribery charges.
  3. Promoting Accountability & Transparency:By clarifying that bribery offences are not immune from prosecution; the judgment would ensure accountability and transparency.
  4. Strengthening Integrity of the House:It will strengthen the integrity of the house, as accepting bribery to make a speech undermines it.
  5. Protection of Fundamental Rights:By ensuring equal treatment under the law by eliminating the special privileges for bribery accused legislators. It is in accordance with the RIGHT TO EQUALITY U/ A-14 OF THE INDIAN COONSTITUTION

 Challenges to Address 

  • Uncertainty Over Judgments & Laws: Overturning established precedent is one of the major concerns that requires more deep study for symmetrical judgments and rules.
  • Impact on Independence of Legislative:Subjecting legislators to criminal prosecution may impact the independence and effectiveness of legislators in fulfilling their duties.
  • Challenges in Implementation: The effective implementation may pose logistical and procedural challenges for law enforcement agencies and the JUDICIARY.

Parliamentary Privileges

Availability of Special Rights: 

  1. Parliamentary privileges are special rights, immunities and exemptions enjoyed by the two (LS, RS) their committees and their members.
  2. Same is enjoyed by the Legislatures of the States.

Constitutional Provisions For Parliamentary Privileges

  1. Article 105(2) of the Constitution: It states that, no MP shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Parliament or any committee thereof.
  2. As per article, no person also shall be so liable in respect of the publicationby or under the authority of a House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.
  3. ARTICLE-194-2It provides identical protections to members of State Assemblies.

Components of Parliamentary Privilege:

  • House Exercises Collectively:It would include the power to punish for its contempt, the power to conduct its own affairs, among others.
  • For Individual Rights:It says exercise of free speech by each member.

Purpose of Parliamentary Privileges:

  • To Create A Fearless Atmosphere: In a fearless atmosphere, debates, deliberations and exchange of ideas can take place within the Houses of Parliament and the state legislatures.

Obesity on the rise, high levels of undernutrition persist in India: What a new study says

  • Adults — anyone over the age of 20 years — are considered to be obese, if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more. The study blamed a lack of access to affordable and nutritious food for the prominence of undernutrition and obesity.

According to a new study published by the Lancet, India has become one of the countries with a high “double burden,” of Obesity and Undernutrition.

Meaning of Obesity & Undernutrition

Obesity:

  1. Defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat posing health risks.
  2. In adults (20 years and above), obesity is identified if the Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 kg/m² or more.
  3. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
  4. School-aged children and adolescents (5 to 19 years) are considered obese if their BMI is two standard deviations above the mean.

Underweight:

  1. One of the four broad sub-forms of undernutrition.
  2. An adult is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18 kg/m².
  3. School-aged children and adolescents are considered underweight if their BMI is two standard deviations below the mean.

Key Highlights of the Study Published by the Lancet:

Obesity in India:

  • Obesity in women increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, with 44 million women living with obesity.
  • Obesity in men increased by 4.9 percentage points during the same period, with 26 million men living with obesity in 2022.
  • Significant increase in childhood obesity, with a 3-percentage point spike in girls and 3.7 percentage points in boys.
  • In 2022, 3.1% of girls and 3.9% of boys were obese.

Underweight in India:

  1. Despite a decline, underweight prevalence remains high, with 13.7% of women and 12.5% of men.
  2. Thinness in Indian girls is the highest globally, with a prevalence of 20.3%.
  3. Thinness in Indian boys is the second-highest globally, with a prevalence of 21.7%.
  4. Why Women are more Obese than Men:
  5. Women’s vulnerability to weight gain is attributed to limited access or time for physical activities.
  6. Prioritizing family nutrition over personal health contributes to weight gain in women.
  7. Considering central obesity, rates could be as high as 40% to 50% in various parts of the country.
  8. Central obesity, an excess accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, is a better predictor of future disease risks like diabetes and hypertension.

Impact of Socio-economic Conditions on Obesity and Undernutrition:

  • Obesity in India is no longer limited to the affluent; affordability and convenience of junk food contribute to its widespread prevalence.
  • Example: Cheaper and tastier options like samosas and pakoras are more accessible than nutritious fruits and vegetables.
  • Despite affecting a larger population, a rural-urban divide persists in obesity rates.
  • National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data reveals obesity prevalence of 31.7% in urban women and 19% in rural women.
  • For men, it is 28.6% in urban areas and 18.8% in rural areas.
  • Undernutrition prevails in extremely remote and impoverished areas of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, or Odisha, where access to food is limited, and some might consume only one meal a day.

Cambodia defends family relocations around the famous Angkor Wat temple complex

Amnesty International questioned Cambodia’s assertion that the families were being voluntarily relocated, citing interviews with people who said they had been forced out. Recently the Cambodian Government evicted people living around the Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

Angkor Wat Temple

History: It was built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century.

  1. Suryavarman II was the king of the Khmer (Cambodian) empire renowned as a religious reformer and temple builder.
  2. Location:Angkor Wat, temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia.
  3. Religious Site: It was first a Hindu templededicated to Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist temple.
  4. The intricate carvings on its walls tell stories from Hindu and Buddhist myths.
  5. The temple remains an active religious site, attracting Buddhist monks and devotees who come to pay their respects and engage in prayer and meditation.

Historical Importance Of Angkor Wat Temple

  1. Buddhism: The carvings in the temple, which show scenes from both Buddhist and Hindu mythology, represent the change from Hinduism, BUDDHISM.
  2. Neighbouring Structures: Angkor Wat is a component of a larger complex that also contains the sculpturally decorated Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.
  3. Archaeological Significance: Covering 400 square kilometres, the site contains ruins of several Khmer Empire capitals from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites.

Important characteristics Of Angkor Wat Temple

  1. Architecture: The sandstone block construction of Angkor Wat, a 15-foot-tall wall enclosing the city, temple, and people, and abroad moat providing defense are examples of the temple’s architectural magnificence.
  2. Bas-Reliefs: The walls of the temple are covered in numerous bas-reliefs thatdepict Hindu and Buddhist deities and stories.
  3. Symbolism:The five lotus-shaped towers in the center of the temple complex symbolize Mount Meru, the mythological home of the gods in Buddhist and Hindu mythology. The symmetry and accuracy of these towers are striking.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate infrastructure projects at Indian Navy’s Karwar Base

The defence minister is set to inaugurate several infrastructure projects at the INDIAN NAVY s strategically located base in Karnataka’s Karwar.

  • These projects, developed under Project ‘Seabird,’aim to enhance India’s long-term security interests in the IOR.

Overview of Project Seabird:

  1. The Project Seabird at the Karwar Naval Base is the biggest naval project in India.
  2. Objective: Its goal is to offer assistance to fleets and maintain warships.
  3. Location:located near Karwar in Karnataka

Phase I of Project Seabird:

  1. Completion year: The initial phase of Project Seabird was completed in 2005.
  2. The first phase of the naval base was calledOperation Seabird. 
  3. Objective: It aimed to provide facilities for 10 ships.
  4. Essential infrastructures:It included various essential infrastructures such as a breakwater, a pier capable of accommodating 10 ships, a ship lift capable of lifting 10,000 tons, and a dry berth.

Phase IIA of Project Seabird:

  1. The second phase of the naval base started in   INS Kadamba commenced in 2011
  2. TheCabinet Committee on Security approved Phase IIA, aiming to accommodate 32 ships and submarines, along with 23 Yardcraft.
  3. Phase IIA focuses on constructing buildings and structures adhering to environmental guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

‘Chakshu’ and ‘DIP’, platforms launched by govt to curb online fraud

  • The government launched the platforms as several instances of fraud came to the fore, with criminals pretending to be bank or government officials

As a component of the Sanchar Saathi portal, the Department of Telecommunications introduced Chakshu and the Digital Intelligence Platform.

Digital Intelligence Platform

  • The Digital Intelligence Platform is an inter-agency initiative that facilitates the exchange of CYBER CRIMINAL DATA among many parties, including banks, social media sites, and wallet providers.

Chakshu

  • Reporting of Fraud:Citizens can report suspected fraudulent communication by using Chakshu, which allows users to report messages, numbers, and phishing attempts.
  • Method of reporting: Users can fill out a form with information about the FRAUD communication method, such as an SMS, call, or WhatsApp, by logging into the built-in Chakshu window on the Sanchar Saathi portal.
  • Specification:After that, users must specify which category the message falls into, including impersonation, phony KYC, sextortion, and bogus customer helplines.

Sanchar Saathi Portal

  • Aims:To raise awareness of government activities while strengthening mobile customers’ security and empowering them.
  • Launched in 2023
  • Nodal Agency:Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Communication) made the introduction.
  • Verification of Connection:Individuals can confirm the mobile connections that are registered in their names by visiting the Sanchar Saathi portal. Users can verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the mobile connections linked to their identification with this service.

Blocking Stolen/Lost Phones: Users have the option to prohibit cell phones that have been reported stolen or lost. By preventing unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices, this feature improves security and lowers the possibility of abuse.

PM witnesses the historic “Commencement of Core Loading” at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

  • Upon completion of the core loading, the first approach to criticality will be achieved, leading to generation of power subsequently
  • In spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, PFBR is indigenously designed and constructed by BHAVINI with contribution from more than 200 Indian industries including MSMEs
  • India’s nuclear power program is aimed to meet the twin goals of energy security and sustainable development

Recently, the PM witnessed the start of core loading for India’s indigenous 500 Mwe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in the nuclear plant at Kalpakkam, Chennai.

Background of India’s Nuclear Energy Programme

  • Atomic Energy Commission: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), set up in 1948 under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha, marked the beginning of India’s nuclear program.
  • Atomic Energy Establishment:In 1954, the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), was founded, which later became the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
  • Nuclear Power: INDIAs FIRST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT was commissioned in 1969 at Tarapur, Maharashtra, which marked asignificant step in the country’s nuclear power generation.
  • Pokhran Tests: India demonstrated its nuclear capabilities to the world with the peaceful nuclear explosion at Pokhran in 1974, and later in 1998.
  • Indigenous Development:Post the POKHRAN TESTs India faced international embargos which led to the development of indigenous technology for both power generation and strategic purposes.

India’s 3 Stage Nuclear Program:

  • The goal of the three-stage nuclear programme is to use India’s enormous uranium deposits, which make up around 25% of the global total. 
  • In addition, India only possesses 2% of the world’s uranium deposits, making them scarce.

Stage I: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs):

  • Pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) are used in the first phase of India’s three-stage nuclear power development.
  • These reactors createplutonium-239 as a byproduct in addition to power.
  • PHWRs were selected for the first phase because of their effective reactor design, which maximizes the use of uranium.

Utilization and Operation of Uranium:

  1. Use of Natural Uranium: PHWRs burn natural uranium which is primarily composed of uranium-238.
  2. Production of Plutonium:In a reactor, uranium-238 can be transformed into plutonium-239.
  3. Heavy Water Usage:In PHWRs, heavy water, or deuterium oxide, or D2O, is used as a coolant and moderator.
  4. PHWR Series: Based on the original Canadian CANDU reactors, India has built a series of PHWRs known as the IPHWR series.
  5. Reactor designs with capacities of 220 MWe, 540 MWe, and 700 MWe are part of the IPHWR series.
  6. Installed Capacity: First-stage PHWRs from the IPHWR series make up the majority of INDIAS CURRENT NUCLEAR POWER CAPACITY
  7. Upcoming Developments: In order to augment PHWRs, India is developing reactors based on Pressurised Water Reactor technology, such as the IPWR-900 reactor platform.

Stage II: Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR):

Fast breeder reactors (FBRs) are used in the second phase of India’s three-stage nuclear power development.

Composition and Type of Fuel:

  1. Type of Fuel:  FBRs use amixed oxide (MOX) fuel composed of plutonium-239 recovered from spent fuel from the first stage and natural uranium.
  2. Fission Process:In order to produce energy in FBRs, plutonium-239 undergoes fission.
  3. Breeding Fuel:FBRs are able to “breed” more fuel than they consume because uranium-238 in the mixed oxide fuel transmutes to more plutonium-239.

Change to Thorium:

When there is enough plutonium-239 in stock, thorium can be added to the reactor as a blanket material.

Stage III: Thorium-Based Reactors:

In the third stage of India’s three-phase nuclear power programme, self-sustaining reactors powered by uranium-233 and thorium-232 will be deployed.

Features of Reactors:

  1. Refueling: Reactors classified as thermal breeder reactors are able to be refuelled with naturally occurring thorium following the initial fuel charge.
  2. Fuel Composition: The main fuel used in the reactor is thorium-232, which is converted to uranium-233 to provide energy.

Implementation Plan:

  1. Capacity Growth:By using PHWRs and FBRs, the third stage is expected to help India’s nuclear energy sector grow beyond 10 GW.
  2. Timeline:It is anticipated that full thorium reserve exploitation in India would take place three to four decades after fast breeder reactors begin commercial operations.
  3. Other Methods:
  4. Indian Accelerator Driven Systems (IADS):To exploit thorium, innovative accelerator-driven systems are being developed in partnership with Fermilab, a US laboratory.
  • Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR):The AHWR is a reactor design that is ready for deployment and runs on fuel composed of uranium-thorium MOX and plutonium-thorium MOX. It can use thorium to produce a sizable amount of its electricity.
  • Molten Salt Reactor: An experiment to determine whether molten salt technology can be used to produce thorium is being conducted with the Indian Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (IMSBR).

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

  1. Beginning of Stage II:The country’s three-stage nuclear power programme begins with PFBR, the second stage, where the spent fuel from the first stage will be “reprocessed and used as fuel.”
  2. Feature: This sodium-cooled PFBR’s ability to create more fuel than it consumes makes it special and contributes to future fast reactors’ ability to become self-sufficient in their fuel supply.
  3. Design and Construction: The nation’s first fast breeder reactor, the PFBR was created by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
  4. Responsibility:The Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) public sector enterprise Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (Bhavini) is in charge of constructing fast breeder reactors in India.

Advantages of Fast Breeder Reactors

  • Efficient Utilization of Resources:FBRs can utilize uranium more efficiently by converting non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239). An example of this is the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.
  • Reducing Nuclear Waste: FBRs can help in reducing the amount of  NUCLEAR WASTE due to their ability to burn actinides, which are major contributors to long-term radiotoxicity of nuclear waste.
  • Energy Security:FBRs are vital for long-term energy security in India, which has limited reserves of uranium but abundant reserves of thorium. This thorium can be converted into fissile uranium-233 in FBRs.

Status of Nuclear Power in India

  1. Fifth Largest source:After gas, coal, HYDROELECTRICITY, and wind power, NUCLEAR POWER is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India.
  2. Capacity:With a total installed capacity of 7,380 MW, India operates 22 nuclear reactors spread over 8 nuclear power stations as of November 2020.
  3. 11% of INDIAS TOTAL POWER GENERATION in the fiscal year2020–21 came from nuclear power, which produced 43 TWh out of 1,382 TWh.

India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre finally a reality

  • Plan in works for a decade but faced several delays; institute in Patna to research the endangered freshwater mammals
  • India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) has opened in Patna, Bihar to help protect the GANGETIC RIVER DOLPHIN

 National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC)

  1. National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) has been set up on the premises of Patna University.
  2. It is located Near Ganga. 
  3. This centre is stretched around 4,400 square meters. 
  4. Its strategic location is very helpful for researchers to examine dolphins in their natural habitat.
  5. It will study how dolphins behave, what they eat, and why they die.
  6. The center will also teach fishermen how tokeep dolphins safe while fishing.

Significance of setting up NDRC

  1. Conservation of Endangered Gangetic Dolphins
  2. Collecting important Data about the dolphin population.
  3. Creation of conservation plans.
  4. Maintenance of ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
  5. Awareness and Education of significance of this species

Gangetic River Dolphins.

  1. National Aquatic Animal: The Gangetic River dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal.
  2. Other Name: “Tiger of the Ganges.”
  3. It was officiallydiscovered in 1801.
  4. Special Among Freshwater Dolphins: It’s one of only four types of freshwater dolphins in the world.
  5. The others were found in the Yangtze river in China (but now extinct), the Indus river in Pakistan, and the Amazon river in South America.
  6. Features: These are essentially

Echolocation

  • Echolocation happens when an animal sends out a sound that hits object and bounces back.
  • This bouncing sound tells the animal how far away the object is and how big it might be.
  • Echolocation: They navigate and find food in river waters using
  • Live alone or in group: Gangetic River dolphins are often spotted either alone or in small groups.
  • These groups usually consist of a mother dolphin and her calf.

Habitat: 

  1. These dolphins live in the river systems of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
  2. They prefer water that’s around five to eight feet deep and often are found in turbulent waters, where there’s lots of fish.
  3. They like places where there’s not much current, so they don’t have to use too much energy.
  4. The dolphins move from areas with little or no water flow to the river’s edges to find food. After hunting for fish, they swim back to their original spot.
  5. Indicators:Gangetic dolphins are like messengers; they talk about the health of the rivers.

Protection Status:

  • Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I.
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • CMS: Appendix I

Major threats to Gangetic Dolphins

  • Unintentional killing in fishing gear.
  • Poaching for dolphin oil.
  • Habitat destruction due to development and pollution.

Scindia inaugurates Jindal Stainless’ first green hydrogen project in India

Recently, the Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation inaugurated India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless-Steel Sector at Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), Hisar, Haryana.

  • The green hydrogen will be used by JSL in stainless steel manufacturing processes at the Hisar unit.
  • India’s progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter and aiming to become the world’s largest producer of crude steel was highlighted.

Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.

First Green Hydrogen Plant in India

  • It will be the world’s first green hydrogen plant with ROOFTOP & FLOATING SOLAR equipment.
  • Aim: To reduce carbon emissions by around 2,700 metric tonnes per annum and 54,000 tonnes of CO2 emission over 20 years.
  • Location: Hisar, Haryana.
  • Collaboration: between Jindal Stainless Ltd and Hygenco.
  • BOO Model: Hygenco is operating the plant under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model.
  • Build Own Operate (BOO): It  is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for private investment in infrastructure projects
  • Ownership of the newly built facility rests with the private party.
  • On mutually agreed terms and conditions, the public sector partner agrees to ‘purchase’ the goods and services produced by the project.

Significance:

  • Decarbonization in Steel Production:Green hydrogen serves as a cleaner alternative to traditional methods.
  • Reducing Carbon Emissions: Reduce the CARBON FOOTPRINT but also diversify the energy mixand enhance ENERGY SECURITY
  • Green Hydrogen can reduce carbon emissions in blast furnaces by almost 20%.
  • Enhanced Energy Efficiency: can revolutionise the steel sector in India and set a benchmark for sustainable practices across the globe.
  • Green Jobs: It will promote “green growth” and “green jobs” to achieve the target of net ZERO CARBON EMISSION BY-2070
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