Current Affairs – 25th Apr 2024

Articles Covered

  1. Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) Adopts a New Logo and Motto
  2. INTERGOVERNMENTAL negotiating committee on PLASTIC POLLUTION
  3. New IUCN report shows way toward Regenerative Blue Economy
  4. KALESAR wildlife sanctuary
  5. ASEAN future forum
  6. The challenges of renewable energy
  7. India’s Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) recognized as a best practice in Commonwealth Secretaries of public service/ secretaries to cabinet meeting outcome statement
  8. ATACAMA DESERT
  9. This amazing volcano is raining gold dust on Earth – 80 gms a day worth $6000
  10. REC Limited to extend term loan of ₹ 1, 869 crores for Kiru Hydro Electric Project in Kishtwar, J&K
  11. Ministerial Round Table Conference at World Energy Congress discusses pathways to manage evolving energy trilemma of energy security, access and sustainability
  12. Global report on food crises (grfc) 2024:
  13. KHANIJ BIDESH INDIA LIMITED (KABIL)

Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) Adopts a New Logo and Motto

Announcement of Winner of Logo & Motto designs Competition for IHRC

  • The Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC), an apex advisory body on archival matters, acts as an all-India forum of creators, custodians and users of records to advise the Government of India on the management of records and their use for historical research. Established in 1919, the IHRC is headed by the Union Minister of Culture.
  • In order to visually communicate the unique identity of IHRC and the ethos that it represents, an online competition was launched in 2023 on MyGov portal to invite the designs for logo and motto, and in response a total 436 entries were received.
  • The following entry for logo and motto submitted by Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh (Delhi) was selected for the logo as well as the motto of the IHRC:

  • The logo signifies the theme and uniqueness of IHRC entirely. The pages in the shape of lotus petals represent IHRC as the resilient nodal institution for maintaining historical records.
  • The Sarnath pillar in the middle represents India’s glorious past. Brown as the colour theme reinforces the organization’s mission of preserving, studying and honouring India’s historical records.
  • The motto translates as “Where history is preserved for the future.” The motto holds great significance for the IHRC and its work. The IHRC plays a vital role in identifying, collecting, cataloguing and maintaining historical documents, manuscripts other sources of historical information.
  • By doing so the Commission ensures that valuable historical knowledge is conserved for future generations.
  • The motto, therefore, reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the safeguarding of historical documents and making these accessible for the benefit of present and future generations.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE ON PLASTIC POLLUTION

  • The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), opened in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution:

  1. In March 2022, at the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
  2. The resolution requestedthe Executive Director of UNEP to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop “the instrument,” which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
  3. The objective of the global plastics treaty is to set a global framework of standards around accountability, responsibilities, financing, material/chemical standards, import/export restrictions, targets.
  4. From this global framework, countries will be tasked with implementing globally aligned policies that meet the targets set.
  5. An INC has been established, which will meet five times to develop the specific content of the new ILBI by the end of 2024.
  6. The INC began its workduring the second half of 2022, with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024.
  7. The first session of the INC (INC-1) took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay,from 28 November to 2 December 2022, followed by a second session (INC-2) from 29 May to 2 June 2023 in Paris, France, and a third session (INC-3) from 13 to 19 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
  8. INC-5,scheduled for 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea, is intended as the end of the INC process.

It will be followed by a Diplomatic Conference where Heads of State will sign the agreement.

New IUCN report shows way toward Regenerative Blue Economy

Designed as a global primer, this new IUCN report proposes a clear definition and founding principles for a “Regenerative” Blue Economy. It defines different sustainability levels within the overall umbrella and sets ambitions for nature and society alike.

A new IUCN report developed under the France-IUCN Partnership 2021-2024 and with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD) titled Toward a Regenerative Blue Economy. 

  1. The primer report is the result of a joint effort between IUCN Commissions, Secretariat and partners under the France-IUCN Partnership (2021-2024).
  2. The report was developed in the context of the Sustainable Blue Economy project, led by experts from the Ecosystem-based Aquaculture Specialist Group (E-bAG) of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM).
  3. The new IUCN report proposes a clear definition and founding principles for a “Regenerative” Blue Economy. It defines different sustainability levels within the overall umbrella and sets ambitions for nature and society alike.

Blue Economy:

  1. Definition:  It is the sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health.
  2. The Blue Economy is a sector, expected to be worth some $1.5 trillion a year, as per the World Bank.
  3. Activities of Blue Economy:  It include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep-sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.

Government Initiatives to promote blue economy:

  • National Policy for India’s Blue Economy-2021: It aims to enhance contribution of the blue economy to India’s GDP, improve lives of coastal communities, preserve marine biodiversity, and maintain the national security of marine areas and resources.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture:The government is promoting the holistic development of the sector through initiatives like the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, and creation of a dedicated Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in 2019.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):It aims to bring about Blue Revolution through plugging critical gaps in infrastructure—right from production, technology use to post-harvest management
  • Sagarmala scheme: It lays ground for port-led development in the country with its focus on port modernisation and extended connectivity by providing states financial assistance
  • Tourism: National Maritime Heritage Complex is being established in Lothal.MV Ganga Vilas today is the world’s longest river cruise service. An International Cruise terminal is coming up in Mumbai
  • Samudrayaan project: It is under the Deep Ocean Mission.MATSYA 6000, a manned deep submersible vehicle, will be utilised for deep sea exploration of rare sea minerals, polymetallic manganese nodule resources, and study deep-sea biodiversity.
  • Maritime India Vision 2030:  Under the vision for this decade, the government has planned over 150 initiatives across various maritime sub-sectors like ports, shipping and waterways

Types of Blue Economy:

IUCN has defined three types of Blue Economy from a conservation and sustainable development perspective in this primer.

  • Brown Blue Economy or Ocean Economy: This is a type of Blue Economy rooted in the maritime sector and includes traditional activities of the maritime sector. It is anthropocentric and based on a conventional economic model.
  • Blue Economy is here associated with traditional accounting consisting of micro- and macroeconomic profitability and social (including employment) indicators:
  • The Sustainable Blue Economy: At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) Rio+20 Summit, 2012 the “Blue Economy” was recognised as encompassing all economic activities in the marine sector, provided that these were consistent with sustainable development.
  • Focus: The focus is to protect, repair, and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and ecosystem services are integrated along with the traditional focus on driving marine Economy.
  • Accounting: Success is measured in the form of environmental assessments, and key performance indicators (KPIs), has been added to traditional conventional accounting for the Blue Economy.
  • The Regenerative Blue Economy: It is an inclusive framework which advocates for ‘blue justice’, and is based on the broad principles of the ecosystem approach
  • Definition:  It is an economic model that combines rigorous and effective regeneration and protection of the ocean and marine and coastal ecosystems, with sustainable sea-linked and low-carbon economic activities, and fair prosperity for people and the planet, today and tomorrow.
  • Economic activities: Activities such as oil extraction or deep-seabed mining (DSM) are excluded from the regenerative economy scope. Other sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, and tourism will also need to adapt their practices.
  • Success indicator: New indicators like the ‘Ocean Impact Navigator’, have been proposed as a way to evaluate the positive impact of the Regenerative Blue Economy on ocean and coastal socio-ecological systems.

KALESAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

A tiger was recently spotted in a camera trap at Kalesar National Park in Haryana’s Yamuna Nagar district.

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location:

  • It is located in the eastern part of Yamuna Nagar district in Haryana.
  • Covering an area of 11,000 acres, it is situated in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas.
  • THE YAMUNA runs to the east.
  • The sanctuary derives its name from the Kalesar Forest, which is a part of the reserve.

Topography:

  • It varies from plains to hills up to an elevation of 700 m, interspersed with narrow valleys locally called ‘khols’ between the hills.
  • These valleys house seasonal rivulets locally called ‘soats’ which remain dry for most of the year.
  • The sanctuary houses the Kalesar Fort,which is believed to have been built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
  • It is also famous for its Dak bungalows, the administrative architectural bungalows built in colonial times.
  • Flora: Mainly, the forest has trees like sal, khair, shisam, tun, sain,and amla.

Fauna:

  1. It is home to many species of animals, including leopards, sambar deer, barkingdeer, hyenas, jackals, Indian porcupines, Indian pangolins, and langurs.
  2. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, such as the red junglefowl, grey partridge,Indian peafowl, and white-throated kingfisher.

ASEAN FUTURE FORUM

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister joined the 1st ‘ASEAN Future Forum’ virtually.

ASEAN Future Forum

  • Proposed at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2023, which was held at Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Objective: To serve as a platform for member states and partners to exchange ideas and policy suggestions.
  • Goal: To influence ASEAN’s developmental trajectory positively & formulate its Strategic Plans with focus on ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
  • Initiated and hosted in: Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • Theme: “Toward fast and sustainable growth of a people-cantered ASEAN Community.”

EAM emphasized the Significance of India with ASEAN:

  • Key Pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Vision: ASEAN holds a central position in India’s Act East Policy.
  • India supports ASEAN unity and centrality, viewing a strong and unified ASEAN as vital in shaping the regional Indo-Pacific architecture.
  • Synergy between ‘India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’ (IIPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) provides a strong framework of cooperation, including and addressing challenges to comprehensive security.
  • Support for ASEAN Centrality: The Quad initiative complements ASEAN-led mechanisms, offering people-centric benefits such as infrastructure and scholarships while recognizing ASEAN’s central role in regional prosperity.

Commitment to Regional Stability: 

  • India’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia underscores its commitment to maintaining peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.
  • Initiatives like the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise and India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) highlight India’s role as a net security provider.
  • Upholding International Laws: Both India and ASEAN emphasize the importance of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) and collaborate on addressing global challenges such as climate change, transnational crimes, and health and food security.
  • Promoting Diverse and Resilient Supply Chains: Recognizing the vulnerabilities exposed during the Covid19 pandemic, India and ASEAN advocate for diverse, secure, transparent, and resilient supply chains.
  • Multifaceted Cooperation: India and ASEAN collaborate through various sub-regional mechanisms, including the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and BIMSTEC, enhancing economic and cultural ties.
  • Advocating for Global South Perspective: India, as G20 President, emphasized the importance of the Global South’s perspective in international affairs which helps to foster cooperation and coordination between India and ASEAN in navigating the multi polar world order.

The challenges of RENEWABLE ENERGY 

Large-scale renewable energy development can avoid reproducing the injustices of past large-scale infrastructure projects, while being sensitive to developmental objectives

With rising record-breaking heat, shortage of water, and other environmental issues, there is a need to adopt renewable energy as soon as possible by countering the associated challenges.

India’s astonishing growth in cumulative renewable capacity in the last 8.5 years from 35 GW in 2014 to 174.53 GW today.

Renewable Energy:

  1. It is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Its sources are plentiful and all around us.
  2. Examples: Sunlight, Wind and others

Recently, India called for international cooperation on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and green hydrogen at 26th World Energy Congress held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

India’s Position on Renewable Energy:

  1. According to the Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, India ranks fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity, fourth in wind power capacity, and fourth in solar power capacity.
  2. As of December 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW.
  • Wind Power: 44.73 GW,
  • Solar Power: 73.31 GW,
  • Biomass/Cogeneration: 10.2 GW,
  • Small Hydro Power: 4.98 GW,
  • Waste To Energy: 0.58 GW and
  • Large Hydro: 46.88 GW
  1. India is the world’s third-largest consumer of energy.
  2. India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and is making significant steps in its transition to renewable energy.
  3. Targets: India has set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, which is the largest expansion plan for renewable energy in the world.
  • The plan involves an investment of at least ₹2.44 lakh crore or ₹2.44 trillion.
  • Additionally, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • India’s Renewable Energy Target Under Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC:
  • Reduce the Carbon Intensity of the nation’s economy: To less than 45% by the end of the decade.
  • Electric Power: Achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed by 2030 from renewables, and
  • Net zero Carbon Emission: Achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
  • Total Capacity: India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030.
  • Green Hydrogen: India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
  • NDC is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

India has Taken Several Steps to Promote Renewable Energy:

  • Budgetary Provisions:India is exploring innovative solutions to these challenges. In the Union Budget 2024-25, India has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for a grid-based solar power scheme.
  • It includes provisions for viability gap funding for offshore wind energy for an initial capacity of 1 GW.
  • Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana: It aims at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: It aims to enhance India’s manufacturing and exports in the solar sector. It has proved to be a watershed event in India’s Renewable landscape resulting in around 48 GW domestic module manufacturing capacity within the next 3 years.
  • The PLI Scheme was approved in April, 2021.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission:It focuses on employment, import substitution, and Research and Development in renewable energy.
  • PM KUSUM Scheme:It ensures energy security for farmers and increases non-fossil fuel power capacity to 40% by 2030.
  • India allows up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment in renewable energy projects.
  • Green Energy Corridors:These establish transmission systems for renewable energy projects.
  • India’s Support to Electric Vehicles: India supports the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims for at least 30% new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
  • The International Solar Alliance: It aims to deploy solar energy solutions globally.
  • Bio energy:Initiative was undertaken for spreading the message of not burning biomass and using it for Bio energy conversion, in 20 districts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh through Bio CNG driven Vans.
  • Green Carbon Credits:These are proposed to create carbon sinks through public participation.

Need for Renewable Energy:

  1. Sustainable: Energy generated from renewable sources will be cleaner and greener and more sustainable.
  2. Employment Opportunities: Inclusion of a newer technology leads to more employment opportunities.
  3. Consistent Power Supply: Providing 24*7 power supply to 100% of the households, sustainable form of transports can be achieved through these renewable energies.
  4. Tackle Climate Issues: Renewable energy has undertaken a global adoption as a means to alleviate climate change. It is free of direct pollution and carbon emissions.

Solar Power in India:

  1. It is a key pillar of India’s renewable energy mitigation strategy.
  2. India has214 sq. km of land under solar parks.
  3. India’s two largest solar parks are Bhadla in Rajasthan and Pavagada in Karnataka.
  4. India’s Experience:
  5. In Bhadla: Farmers have lost sacred common lands called Orans and pastoralists are faced with shrinking grazing lands, forcing some to sell their livestock at negligible prices.
  6. Such losses have led to protests demanding recognition of common land under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. 
  7. In Pavagada:Many farmers were satisfied with the steady annual income they received by leasing out land for solar parks.
  8. This land was drought-stricken and did not yield significant agricultural income.

However, water security issues and economic disparity between large and small landowners are challenges for the region.

Challenges of Renewable Energy: High Initial Cost of Installation: There are high initial costs for the installation of renewable energy technologies, which makes investors and lenders think of renewables as high risk whereas they find fossil fuel plants more acceptable due to their low installation costs.

  1. Of all the energy sources, solar as well as wind are the cheapest ones.  However, there is a huge difference in the upfront installation cost of a solar power system and a gas-fired plant.
  2. The installation cost of large-scale solar power systems is around $2,000 per kilowatt and for a new gas-fired plant, it is $1,000 per kW
  3. Lack of Infrastructure: Wind and solar energy can be better investments when lifespan costs are considered, but lack of infrastructure is a barrier to renewable energy development.
  4. The present infrastructure is mainly built for fossil fuel plants and nuclear plants.

CHALLENGES IN INDIA:

  1. Limited Understanding of Linkages: The linkages between the pathways of development, sustainability, and climate change mitigation are far from well-understood.
  2. Unsustainable Development Models:Our current models of development drive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are unsustainable, and inequitable. 
  3. India’s Ambitious Net Zero GHG Emissions Target:Although India aims to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2070, mainly led by a massive transition to large-scale renewable energy, the implications of such a transition on developmental or sustainability outcomes are unclear at the local and national levels.
  • Inadequate Power Storage: The lack of power storage at an affordable cost is another drawback. Renewable energy sources generate most of their energy at certain times of the day.Its electricity generation does not match with the peak demand hours.
  • There is volatility in generation and volatility in storage. 
  • Technical Challenges:Renewable energy technologies require specific technical expertise.
  • Solar and wind energy systems require regular maintenance and skilled technicians for installation and repair.
  • Non-Renewable Energy Monopoly: Fossil fuels have been part of human life for a long time. Subsequently, It has its roots deep in the economy of the country.
  • Solar, wind, and other renewable sources of energy have to rival the well-established fossil fuel industry. Even though the government is providing rebates and other support for solar energy, the fossil fuel industry has massive support from the government.
  • Geographical Inequalities:While investment in renewables has seen a notable rise, it is notably imbalanced due to geographic disparities. Developed countries and China account for more than 80% of the total investment in renewables.
  • However, large parts of the world, especially the emerging and less developed economies, are lagging behind.
  • Example: In Southeast Asia,green investments in the region dipped 7% in 2022 compared to 2021. 
  • Disruptive Events:As observed in the last few years, no area of the world is safe from the chaos caused by both natural events and human behavior. It led to massive impacts on supply, demand, and pricing of associated materials and renewable energy technologies. 
  • Operational Challenges: Dust is a problem, especially in Rajasthan, which requires frequent cleaning and increases the operational costs. 
  • Hard water is not suitable for cleaning, and companies have to invest in reverse osmosis (RO) and other technology to make it suitable.
  • Skilled workforce is not available in cleaning and maintenance areas.
  • Furthermore, bureaucratic red tape and complex permitting procedures can delay project implementation.
  • Dependency for Raw Materials:Access to raw materials and rare earth metals is one of the major challenges that are faced by the renewable energy sector. There is low manufacturing of Silicon panels in India and is heavily relied on importing solar cells and modules, mainly from China and Vietnam, to meet its solar energy requirements.
  • These materials are essential for the manufacture of renewable energy technologies, and a projected shortage could impact the sector’s growth.
  • Lack of Knowledge & Awareness: People are reluctant to use renewable energy technology due to lack of knowledge and awareness.
  • Environmental Impacts:Impacts on biodiversity losswith the construction of large-scale solar parks are also location-specific, and under-researched.
  • Example:Open natural systems such as deserts provide essential ecosystem services that, if disturbed, would cause ecological damage and even contribute to climate change.
  • Feasibility & Viability: All of the resource requirements and impacts on livelihoods and biodiversity are subject to uncertainty regarding feasibility and economic viability of other emerging low carbon technologies and the changing climate itself.
  • Competing with Other Resources: At a more regional or national scale, solar parks may compete for essential natural resources. Solar panels require large amounts of water for their regular cleaning.
  • Similarly, the land needed for solar parks may compete with other productive activities — agriculture and related livelihoods, with the potential for impacts on food security. 
  • Land Use Challenge: Large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly solar parks, require extensive land use.
  • Some studies estimate that India may need 50,000-75,000 sq. km of land, about half the size of Tamil Nadu, to achieve its Net Zero targets.
  • Impact on Food Security:The conversion of agricultural land for renewable energy projects could potentially impact food security.
  • As per experts, the push for renewable energy may lead to food insecurity in the future as India would need at least 400,000 hectares of land by 2030 to achieve its renewable targets.

India’s Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) recognized as a best practice in Common wealth Secretaries of public service/ secretaries to cabinet meeting outcome statement

  1. The Commonwealth Secretariat has recognized Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of India as a best practice in Commonwealth Secretaries of Public Service/ Secretaries to Cabinet meeting that took place from 22 to 24 April, 2024 in Marlborough House, London.
  2. In the outcome statement of Third Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Heads of Public Service Meeting issued on 24.04.2024, the commonwealth Secretariat Shared with member countries the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of India, the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (CVRS) and identity management systems of Namibia, Human Resource Management and E-Citizen models of Kenya as future-ready governance best practices from across the Commonwealth.
  • The Indian presentation on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) was made by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), on April 23, 2024 and received commendation from Commonwealth Member countries as a global best practice.
  • The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Ms. Patricia Scotland KC said “CPGRAMS is a state-of-the-art grievance redressal system and a best practice of SMART government.
  • The Commonwealth’s remaining 1.2 billion citizens can benefit from the adoption of the technology platform in the same way India’s 1.4 billion citizens have benefited.”
  • The theme of the meeting was ‘Institutionalisation of SMART Government to enhance public service delivery’ with focus on adopting AI in governance.
  • The forum brought together Commonwealth Heads of Public Service, Secretaries to Cabinet, Senior Public Officials, industry champions, and eminent scholars.
  • The primary objectives of the meeting were to share contemporary knowledge, ideas and experiences on how technology could be leveraged to support provision of e-services for optimal service delivery and achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development across the Commonwealth.
  • It also aimed at sharing select relevant case studies of some member countries and to identify opportunities for possible partnership and collaboration.
  • The meeting was addressed by Hon Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan and The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General.
  • It was observed that there is currently greater appreciation of the importance of digital government, which has added impetus on the roll out of e-services across many jurisdictions. Indeed, there is notable improvement in the way that public services are being delivered, through reliance on secure, inclusive and sustainable information and communication technologies that are data-driven
  • and performance-focused initiatives to strongly move ahead towards digital empowerment of citizens and digital transformation of institutions.
  • Delegates appreciated the papers and country studies presented by the delegates from Rwanda, Kenya, India and Namibia, and noted that the forum remains an important platform for networking and for sharing knowledge, expertise and ideas on public service management.
  • Member countries affirmed the CHOGM mandate that seeks to eliminate the digital divide and acknowledged the importance of transformative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Member Countries also noted that AI has potential for future-ready governance institutions and agile governments to enhance efficiency to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and spur growth and development, by in particular, improving access to education, healthcare, clean water, energy, and to combat climate change, poverty, and hunger.
  • They also welcomed the work of the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), which is providing critical leadership across policy, capacity building, research and innovation, data and infrastructure domains, for the adoption of AI across the Commonwealth, especially in Small States.
  • Member countries also identified the AI Consortium as the platform to lead the way in capacity development work on SMART government to be effectively used for efficient redress of public grievances, improving service delivery, strengthening integrity systems and ushering in procurement reforms.
  • The meeting was briefed about the Commonwealth Hub for the Business of Government whose aim is to support capacity building initiatives for governments to deliver better, faster, and cheaper public services, create knowledge sharing networks on various aspects of implementation, promote good governance and facilitate achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Member countries hailed the impact of technology on strengthening the justice systems and acknowledged the important role that small claim courts are playing in easing access to justice across many Commonwealth jurisdictions. Member countries received a report on the importance of sustainable funding for technical assistance.
  • Delegates acknowledged the work the Secretariat has undertaken in strengthening integrity systems in the Commonwealth and stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions. The meeting received a report on the importance of sustainable funding for technical assistance.

The meeting agreed and endorsed the following actions:

  1. Creation of a community of practice for Commonwealth Heads of Public Service to enhance sharing of knowledge and experiences. Delegates welcomed the opportunity for continued dialogue on topics of good governance during the interregnum between biennial meetings.
  2. Conducting a stocktaking exercise on the status of smart governance within the Commonwealth countries and to identify both the success stories as well as the gaps/demand for digital services.
  3. Charting of a road map to facilitate implementation of agreed actions at country level. This includes, the establishment of a Smart Governance Working Group at the Commonwealth Secretariat, which would include representatives from champion countries, to spearhead work in the area of smart governance until the next biennial meeting scheduled for 2026.
  4. Sharing the work being conducted by the Commonwealth AI Consortium amongst members and expanding the number of members currently being reached through its activities.
  5. Sharing future-ready governance best practices from across the Commonwealth such as the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of India, the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (CVRS) and identity management systems of Namibia, Human Resource Management and E-Citizen models of Kenya, shared at the meeting, amongst others, with member countries.
  6. Continuing provision of technical assistance to support implementation of GAPP principles, including capacity building in government performance management.
  • Delegates expressed sincere gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Ms. Patricia Scotland KC for her invaluable leadership and thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat staff for organising a fruitful and successful meeting.
  • The meeting closed with a Vote of Thanks to Hon Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan for the delivery of the keynote address, all the speakers, resource persons and delegates for their active participation and valuable contributions to the meeting’s discussions and outcomes.

ATACAMA DESERT

Researchers recently found microbes thriving 13 feet beneath the scorched surface of Chile’s Atacama Desert, marking the deepest discovery of microbial life in the region to date.

ATACAMA DESERT:

  1. It is located in northern Chile, nestled between the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
  2. It is the driest desert in the world.
  3. It forms a continuous strip for nearly 1,000 km along the narrow coast of the northern third of Chile.
  4. Argentina, Peru, and BOLIVIA border the Atacama Desert.
  5. It shows a unique combination of environmental extremes(extreme dryness, the highest UV radiation levels on Earth, and highly saline and oxidizing soils).
  6. Previously part of the Pacific Ocean seabed, the Atacama Desert landscape consists of caked salt deposits called play as, which stretch for miles and can be up to 1.6 feet thick in some places.
  7. It also hosts 12 volcanoes,mainly located in the western outliers of the Andes.

Climate:

  • Average rainfall in this region is about 1 mm per year. Some locations within the desert have never had any rainfall
  • This is due to its location between the Andes, which blocks the humid air from the Amazons, and the Coastal Mountain range.
  • To the west,the up welling of cold water from deep in the Pacific Ocean promotes atmospheric conditions that hamper the evaporation of seawater and prevent the formation of clouds and rain.
  • Temperatures are comparatively mild throughout the year. The average temperature in the desert is about 63 degrees F (18 degrees C).
  1. This region has the largest natural supply of Sodium Nitrate, which can be used for producing fertilizers and explosives, amongst other things.
  2. Soil samples from this region are very similar to samples from Mars; for this reason, NASA uses this desert for testing instruments for missions to the red planet.
  3. Chinchorro Mummies: The oldest artificially mummified human remains have been found in the Atacama Desert.

It is one of the few locations on the globe with 300+ days of clear skies in a year, along with no light pollution.

This amazing volcano is raining gold dust on Earth – 80 gms a day worth $6000

As per NASA’s Earth Observatory, Mount Erebus is ejecting gold along with other materials from deep within the Earth.

  1. Gold amount: A recent report by IFL Science reveals that approximately $6000 worth of gold is extracted daily from within the volcano.
  2. This extraction is carried out by natural forces within the volcano.
  3. The amount of gold collected each day is estimated to bearound 80 grams.
  4. The gold is emitted in gas pockets by the volcano and is in the form of crystallized gold.
  5. Gold distribution: Due to this, the gold is dispersed over a wide area, reaching as far as 621 miles away from the volcano.

Mount Erebus

  • It is an active volcano.
  • Location:Ross Island, Antarctica.

Characteristics

Tragic Incident associated with Mount Erebus

  1. Mount Erebus gained notoriety due to the Mount Erebus disaster.
  2. This tragedy occurred when an Air New Zealand plane crashed into the volcano, resulting in the loss of 257 lives.
  3. The crash was attributed to a‘whiteout’
  4. This optical illusion made the snow-covered volcano nearly invisible to the pilot, even though it was daylight and the plane was flying below the clouds.
  • Mount Erebus is the highest active volcano in Antarctica.
  • Mount Erebus has an altitude of roughly 3,794 meters (12,448 feet).
  • This volcano is classified as a stratovolcano, featuring a cone-shaped structure formed by layers of solidified lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.
  • First Observation: Its eruption was first observed by Captain Sir James Clark Ross in 1841.
  • Mount Erebus has remained known for its frequent and violent eruptions.

Antarctica region

  • Antarctica is a cold and isolated region.

Location: Southern Hemisphere, encircled by the Antarctic Convergence.

  • The Antarctic Convergence is a boundary where cold Antarctic waters meet warmer ocean waters, covering approximately 20% of the Southern Hemisphere.

Features:

  • The dominant feature of Antarctica is the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
  • The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth.
  • Extension of Ice sheet: This ice sheet extends beyond the continent, especially during extreme snow and ice conditions.
  • Mountain Summits: Antarctica is home to various mountain peaks, including the Transantarctic Mountains, dividing the continent into eastern and western regions.

Human Presence and Claims:

  • Antarctica lacks a native human population, and there are no countries within its territory.
  • Prior to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, seven countries made claims to Antarctic land, although the treaty doesn’t legally recognize these claims.
  • This treaty applies to the region from 60°S latitude to the South Pole.
  • Number of volcanoes: A total of 138 volcanoes have been identified in the region.
  • Out of these, 809 are classified as active.
  • The remaining volcanoes are considered dormant

REC Limited to extend term loan of ₹ 1, 869 crores for Kiru Hydro Electric Project in Kishtwar, J&K

  1. REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise and leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, has signed an agreement with Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPPL), under which REC will provide CVPPL with a financial assistance of ₹ 1,869.265 crores as Term Loan. The loan will be utilized for Development, Construction and Operation of the Greenfield 4 x156 MW Kiru Hydro Electric Project on River Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir.
  2. The 624 MW Kiru Hydro Electric Project is a run-of-river scheme, which envisages construction of dam of height 135 metres and an underground Power House with 4 units of 156 MW each.
  3. The Agreement was signed in the presence of Managing Director, Shri Ramesh Mukhiya; General Manager (C&P), Shri Vasant Hur made; and General Manager (Finance), Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta from CVPPPL, and Deputy General Manager, Shri Pramod Kumar Soni; and Deputy General Manager, Shri Rishabh Jain from REC Limited.

CVPPL

  • CVPPPL is a Joint Venture Company between NHPC (51%) and JKSPDC (49%), a joint initiative of the Government of India and the Government of J&K, formed to harness the vast hydro potential of river Chenab.
  • The company has been incorporated in 2011. CVPPPL has been entrusted with construction of Kiru Hydro Electric Project (624 MW), Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project(1000 MW), Kwar Hydro Electric Project (540 MW), and Kirthai-II Hydro Electric Project (930 MW) on Build, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) basis with an aggregate installed capacity of 3094 MW.

REC Limited

  1. REC is a ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, and is registered with RBI as Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).
  2. REC finances the entire Power-Infrastructure sector comprising Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewable Energy and new technologies like Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage, Pumped Storage Projects, Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects.
  3. Recently, REC has also diversified into the Non-Power Infrastructure sector comprising Roads & Expressways, Metro Rail, Airports, IT Communication, Social and Commercial Infrastructure (Educational Institution, Hospitals), Ports and Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works in respect of various other sectors like Steel and Refinery.
  4. REC Ltd. provides loans of various maturities to State, Central and Private Companies for creation of infrastructure assets in the country. REC Ltd. continues to play a key strategic role in the flagship schemes of the Government for the power sector and has been a nodal agency for Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme which resulted in strengthening of last-mile distribution system, 100% village electrification and household electrification in the country.
  5. REC has also been made the nodal agency for certain States and Union Territories for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The loan book of REC stands at Rs 4.97 Lakh Crores and Net Worth at Rs. 64,787 crores as on 31stDecember, 2023.

REC Limited, a leading NBFC under the Ministry of Power, has entered into an agreement with Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPPL).

  1. This agreement involves REC providing financial assistance of ₹1,869.265 crores to CVPPPL as a Term Loan.
  2. The loan amount will be used for the development, construction, and operation of the Kiru Hydro Electric Project.

Kiru Hydro Electric Project:

This project is a run-of-river scheme.

It is proposed on river Chenab in district Kishtwar of Union Territory of J&K and is about 42 kms from Kishtwar.

  • It has a total capacity of 624 MW
  • Objective: To increase power generation capacity by using the energy potential of Chenab River.
  • Type of Dam:Concrete gravity.
  • It includes the construction
  • A dam with a height of 135 meters
  • An underground Power House equipped with 4 units, each generating 156 MW.

Chenab River

  • The Chenab River is a key river in both India and Pakistan.
  • It is one of the five main rivers in the Punjab region
  • Origin:Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh
  • Formation:Chandra and Bhaga streams merge
  • Length:504 km in India
  • Main Tributaries:Marusudar, Thirot, Sohal, Bhut nallah, Liddrari, Kalnai, Neeru, Raghi, Bichleri, Ans
  • Catchment Area:29,050 Sq. Km. up to the international border; 21,808 Sq. Km. up to Akhnoor

Economic Potential: Estimated at 3600 MW (firm) & installed capacity of 11,400 MW

CHENAB VALLEY POWER PROJECTS PRIVATE LIMITED

  • Objective:  To use the hydro potential of the Chenab River.
  • It is a joint venture between NHPC (51%) and JKSPDC (49%), created by the Indian and J&K governments.

Project Portfolio:

  1. CVPPPL is responsible for several hydroelectric projects:
  2. Kiru Hydro Electric Project (624 MW)
  3. Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project (1000 MW)
  4. Kwar Hydro Electric Project (540 MW)
  5. Kirthai-II Hydro Electric Project (930 MW)
  6. These projects operate on a Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (BOOM) basis.
  7. Combined, these projects have a capacity of 3094 MW.

IMPACT ON THE INDIAN ECONOMY

The agreement between REC Limited and Chenab Valley Power Project Private Limited (CVPPPL) is likely to have a positive impact on the Indian economy in a few ways:

  • Increased Power Generation Capacity: The project will add 624 MW of hydro power generation capacity to the Indian grid.
  • This will help to meet the growing demand for electricity in the country and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Infrastructure Development: The construction of the Kiru Hydro Electric Project will involve the creation of new infrastructure such as dams, power houses, and transmission lines.
  • This will create jobs in the construction sector and boost the overall infrastructure development of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate employment opportunities during construction and operation phases.
  • This will increase disposable income and stimulate economic activity in the region.
  • Clean Energy Source: Hydro power is a clean and renewable source of energy.
  • This project will help to reduce India’s carbon footprint and contribute to its clean energy goals.

Ministerial Round Table Conference at World Energy Congress discusses pathways to manage evolving energy trilemma of energy security, access and sustainability

  • A Ministerial Round Table Conference was held on 24thApril, 2024, at the ongoing 26thedition of World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Round Table Conference discussed how the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai was a game changer.
  • The Ministerial Round Table also discussed energy innovation and collaboration, and implications in managing the evolving energy trilemma trade-offs.
  • The Round Table, held on day three of the World Energy Congress, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Climate and Energy Policy of the Netherlands, H.E. Rob Jetten; Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, Shri Pankaj Agarwal; and senior representatives of different countries and organizations.
  • During the conference, the Union Power Secretary highlighted India’s pivotal role in COP28, emphasizing its significance as a policy catalyst in global energy transition.
  • He pointed out that the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration is a testimony of India’s efforts for building convergence towards the COP28 renewable energy and energy efficiency commitments of doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvements every year and of tripling the global renewable capacity by 2030.
  • The Secretary said that India’s Mission LiFE has been lauded for advocating sustainable lifestyles, echoing global consensus at COP27 and G20 forums.
  • He spoke also about COP28’s recognition of transitioning towards carbon neutrality, with emphasis on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and green hydrogen.
  • The Power Secretary brought out the complexity of managing energy transitions, stressing inclusive approaches.
  • He spoke of the role of technology deployment and cooperation, with tools such as the Revamped India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) 2047 dashboard (https://iess2047.gov.in/) aiding informed decision-making.
  • The Secretary said that balancing energy security, access, and sustainability remains crucial, with initiatives like the PM-KUSUM Schemeand solar rooftop programs promoting environmental sustainability and job creation.
  • The Indian Carbon Market will further advance sustainability efforts, he added.
  • The Secretary also told the Conference participants that developing countries require support in accessing financing and clean technologies, to help them navigate the energy trilemma effectively.

26th World Energy Congress

  1. The 26th World Energy Congress is expected to be a critical turning point for leadership on clean and inclusive energy transitions worldwide.
  2. Themed ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet’, the four-day gathering marks the World Energy Council’s centenary in world energy.
  3. According to the Council, the Congress seeks to explore the role of connected energy societies in driving forward global energy transitions in a world context which is less predictable, more turbulent and faster-shifting.

World Energy Council India

  • World Energy Council India is a country member of World Energy Council (WEC), a global body established in 1923, with the aim of promoting sustainable supply and use of energy.
  • WEC India is one of the earliest country members of World Energy Council, having joined the Council in 1924. WEC India functions under the patronage of Ministry of Power, Government of India and with the support of the Ministries of Coal, New & Renewable Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas and External Affairs.

GLOBAL REPORT ON FOOD CRISES (GRFC) 2024:

  • Nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023, according to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC), released recently.

Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024:

  • GRFC is produced annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises, a multi stake holder initiative that includes United Nations agencies, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, and non-governmental agencies working to tackle food crises.

Highlights of GRFC 2024:

  1. The report analyzed a population of 1.3 billion in 2023 across 59 countries.
  2. 2023was the fifth consecutive year of rises in the number of people suffering acute food insecurity, defined as when populations face food deprivation that threatens lives or livelihoods, regardless of the causes or length of time.
  3. Nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023.
  4. The report identifies conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks as the three main drivers behind the exacerbation of food crises in the world.
  5. With food crisis escalating alarmingly in conflict hotspots in 2023, notably Palestine (Gaza Strip) and Sudan, conflict / insecurity became the primary driver in 20 countries, directly affecting 135 million people.
  • The Gaza Strip became the area with the most severe food crisis in the last eight years of GRFC reporting.
  • Sudan is facing one of the worst food crises in the world, with almost a third of the population in need of emergency food aid.
  1. Meanwhile, weather extremes were the main driver for 18 countries, with over 72 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity because of such extreme weather events.
  2. The 10 countries with the world’s largest food crisis in 2023 were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, the Syrian Arab Republic, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
  3. On a positive note, the situation improved in 17 countries in 2023, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

KHANIJ BIDESH INDIA LIMITED (KABIL)

  • It is a Joint Venture Company formed with the participation of National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL)in August, 2019.
  • Mandate:Target of this company is to identify, acquire, develop, process and make commercial use of strategic minerals in overseas locations for supply in India.
  • It is focusing on identifying and sourcing battery minerals like Lithium and Cobalt.
  • The equity participation between NALCO, HCL and MECL is in the ratio of 40:30:30.

Functions

  1. It helps in building partnerships with other mineral rich countries like Australia and those in Africa and South America, where Indian expertise in exploration and mineral processing will be mutually beneficial bringing about new economic opportunities.
  2. The KABIL would carry out identification, acquisition, exploration, development, mining and processing of strategic minerals overseas for commercial use and meeting country’s requirement of these minerals.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines

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