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GS Paper: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

  • India plans to export Solar Power

    solar

    Central idea: The article states that the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy is working towards increasing the production of solar modules in the country, with the goal of making India a net exporter of solar modules by 2026.

    How can India be a net exporter of solar energy?

    • Increased manufacturing of PV modules: By 2026, Indian industry will be able to manufacture solar modules worth 100 gigawatts (GW) annually, and help the country be a net exporter of solar power.
    • Increased installation capacity: This would significantly aid India’s target of installing 500 GW of electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

    Issues with solar power sector

    Ans. Reduced capacity

    • Slow pace: India had planned to install 175 GW of renewable energy by December 2022, including 100 GW of solar power, but has only achieved 122 GW, with solar power accounting for only 62 GW.
    • Huge cost: A key bottleneck has been the cost of solar modules (or panels).
    • Regressive import duties: While India has traditionally relied on China-made components such as poly-silicon wafers, necessary to make modules, higher customs duty on them has shrunk supply. This was done to make equivalent India-manufactured components more competitive.

    Motive behind export promotion

    • Surplus generation: India need about 30-40 GW for our domestic purposes annually and the rest can be used for export.
    • Manufacturing boost: PLI scheme for polysilicone manufacturing is in place are designed to encourage the manufacturers of ingots and wafers in India.

    What obstructs solar power growth in India?

    Ans. Land crunch

    • Apart from module prices, land acquisition has been a major challenge for solar power manufacturers.
    • Despite the Centre commissioning 57 large solar parks worth 40 GW in recent years, only 10 GW have been operationalized.
    • Installing a megawatt of solar power requires on average four acres of land. So various developers face challenges in acquiring it and that’s one reason for the delay.

    Various initiatives for solar energy in India

    • International Solar Alliance (ISA): India, along with France, launched the ISA in 2015, a global platform to promote the use of solar energy.
    • Solar Parks: The government has set up Solar Parks to provide land and infrastructure to developers for the installation of solar power projects.
    • Rooftop Solar Program: The government has launched a rooftop solar program to promote the installation of solar panels on rooftops of residential and commercial buildings.
    • Incentives and subsidies: The government has provided various incentives and subsidies to promote the adoption of solar energy, including tax exemptions, accelerated depreciation, and subsidies for capital costs.

    Way forward

    India has significant potential to become a major exporter of solar power. Here are some steps that can be taken to promote solar power export by India:

    • Increase domestic production: To promote solar power export, India needs to increase domestic production of solar panels and equipment. This can be achieved by providing incentives and subsidies to domestic manufacturers, reducing import duties on raw materials, and investing in research and development.
    • Focus on quality: Indian manufacturers need to focus on producing high-quality solar panels and equipment that can compete with products from other countries. The government can establish quality standards and certification programs to ensure that Indian-made products meet international quality standards.
    • Develop infrastructure: India needs to develop a robust infrastructure to support the export of solar power, including transportation, storage, and transmission facilities. The government can provide support for the development of this infrastructure, such as funding and regulatory support.
    • Partner with other countries: India can partner with other countries to promote the export of solar power. The International Solar Alliance, of which India is a founding member, can play a key role in this regard.
    • Expand market access: India needs to expand market access for its solar power products by signing trade agreements with other countries and participating in international exhibitions and events. The government can also provide support for Indian companies to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad.

    By implementing these measures, India can promote the export of solar power and become a key player in the global solar energy market.

     

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  • Vibrant Villages Programme Gets An Upgrade

    Villages

    Central Idea

    • The Indian government has recently announced a significant allocation of funds to improve infrastructure and living conditions in villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Under a “Vibrant Villages” programme, the government will spend Rs 4,800 crore for infrastructure development and to provide livelihood opportunities in the areas bordering China.

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    What is Vibrant Villages Programme?

    • Improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China: The Vibrant Villages program is a government initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and creating job opportunities in villages situated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
    • Overview: The program involves a significant allocation of funds, i.e., Rs 4,800 crore, to upgrade 633 villages situated in five states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under the programme, residential and tourist centres will be constructed.
    • Objectives of the program: The program aims to enhance the living conditions of the people residing in the border areas and improve the security situation along the LAC with China.
    • Expected Benefits: The Vibrant Villages program aims to provide better facilities like schools, 24×7 electricity, and more 4G telecommunication towers in the border areas to match what is available in settlements across the LAC.
    • Strategy to enhance security: The Vibrant Villages program is part of the broader Indian government strategy to enhance security along the border with China. The investment in developing infrastructure and creating job opportunities is a crucial step towards improving the living conditions of the people in the border areas and enhancing the security situation along the LAC with China.
    • Program is modelled after Chinese actions on LAC: The program is modelled after the Chinese military and civilian authorities’ actions on their side of the LAC to build permanent population settlements along the border.

    Villages

    What is the upgraded plan?

    • Over a third of allocation towards road infrastructure in border areas: The plan is to upgrade 633 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Over a third of the allocation will go towards road building in the border areas. A new 4.1 km all-weather tunnel will connect Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh making troops movement easier.
    • Sports and tourism for livelihood opportunities: Tourism and sporting activities are being planned in these areas to provide livelihood opportunities for local people.
    • New battalions of ITBP to deploy on border: Further, the government will spend Rs 1,800 crore to raise seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) that means 9,000 personnel chiefly deployed along India’s borders with China alongside the Army.

    What are the concerns for India?

    • National Security: India has long been concerned about China’s territorial claims and military build-up in the region. The development of Chinese villages along the LAC is viewed by India as a part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the region, which could pose a threat to India’s national security.
    • Military and Strategic Concerns: India is concerned that the villages built by China along the LAC have a dual purpose, i.e., they serve as civilian settlements as well as military outposts. These villages, therefore, give China an edge in terms of strategic advantage and troop deployment in the region.
    • Incursions and Border Disputes: China has been carrying out frequent incursions into Indian territory in the region, leading to increased tensions between the two countries. The development of Chinese villages along the LAC raises concerns that these could be used as bases for future incursions into Indian territory.
    • Environmental and Ecological Concerns: India has expressed concerns over the environmental impact of China’s development of villages along the LAC, as these areas are ecologically sensitive and prone to landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes. The construction of infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, and buildings can have a severe impact on the environment and ecosystem of the region.

    What are the challenges for developing villages along the LAC?

    • Harsh Terrains: The areas along the LAC are characterized by high-altitude terrain, rugged mountains, and harsh weather conditions. These factors pose significant challenges to the construction of infrastructure and provision of services in these regions.
    • Security Concerns: The LAC border region has been the site of numerous border disputes and conflicts between India and China. Developing villages in this region requires addressing security concerns to ensure the safety of local people and government infrastructure.
    • Environmental Impact: The development of infrastructure and facilities in the border regions could have an adverse impact on the environment, including the degradation of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. Mitigating these impacts is necessary for sustainable development in these regions.
    • Cooperation from Local Communities: The success of the Vibrant Villages program depends on the cooperation of local communities in the border regions. Building trust and collaboration with these communities is crucial to the program’s success.

    Conclusion

    • China’s incursion in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the present danger that India faces along the LAC with China. India can no longer afford to waste time as the PLA determines when and where to inflict harm on the country. Developing infrastructure and building vibrant villages is an essential step towards enhancing security and better living conditions in the border areas. Steps taken so far in the right direction however, India requires a more comprehensive defence strategy with an all-of-government approach to ensure its territorial integrity.

    Mains question

    Q. What is Vibrant Villages Programme? Discuss the challenges for developing villages along the LAC?

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  • Big Lithium find: Risks and Rewards

    lithium

    Central idea: The discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in Jammu & Kashmir is a major boost for India’s electrification plans but mining is a high-risk, high-reward game in the ecologically sensitive Himalayas.

    India’s lithium treasure

    • Huge deposits: Authorities have found 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.
    • One of the largest mines: This may be the seventh largest deposit of the rare element, accounting for roughly 5.7% of all the reserves in the world.
    • High grade quality: They are also said to be of a higher grade—550 parts per million (ppm) against the average 220 ppm—making it highly lucrative, given how lithium prices have soared in the last few years.

    Game-changing prospects for India

    • White gold: Due to its ability to pack energy, it has utility across a range of sectors and has gained the moniker ‘white gold’.
    • Soaring prices: According to the International Energy Agency, lithium prices went up more than seven-fold between the start of 2021 and May 2022.
    • Battery economy: It is now primarily used to build the batteries that power modern appliances.
    • EV push: They also power electric vehicles, a segment that will corner most of the global lithium production in future.
    • Import cut: Currently, India does not have its own lithium resources and like crude oil, it is dependent on imports. In fiscal 2022, India imported lithium and lithium ion worth almost ₹14,000 crore.

    Will batteries be made of lithium from India now?

    • There is still some way to go before miners can extract lithium for industrial use.
    • The discovery is ‘inferred’ or preliminary, the lowest of the three levels of estimations of a mineral deposit and the second of the four stages of exploration, as per the UN Framework Classification of mineral resources.
    • There is much analysis to be done before its true value is confirmed.

    Pitfalls of lithium mining

    • Pollution in the valley: Open-pit-mining, refining, and waste disposal from these processes substantially degrades the environment, including depletes and contaminates waterways and groundwater, diminishes biodiversity, and releases considerable air pollution.
    • Water intensity: Extracting lithium from its ore is highly water-intensive, taking about 2.2 million litres of water for one tonne of lithium.
    • Seismicity threats: The Himalayas are a highly fragile and eco-sensitive region and as the recent Joshimath subsidence shows, it is vulnerable to long-term adverse consequences of unplanned development works.
    • Displacement issues: Mining in the region could displace local communities and have significant social impacts. The region is home to a number of indigenous communities who could be negatively impacted by mining in the region.
    • Undue activism over Kashmir: Mining in the region can attract opposition from environmentalists and so-called separatists disguised as national leaders.

    Geostrategic considerations

    • Sensitive location: The new lithium discovery in J&K has significant geostrategic implications due to the geopolitical sensitivity of its location.
    • Neighborhood hostility: The Union territory of J&K has a history of cross-border tensions, domestic insurgency, and terrorism.
    • Resentment of local population: Lack of meaningful engagement with the local populace in the Li extraction project could introduce new frontiers of socio-environmental conflict.

    China factor

    • China currently dominates the global lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry.
    • Dependence on China for Li and other crucial metals and their derivatives is a source of energy security risks.
    • Major economies such as the E.U., the U.S., Canada, and India are seeking alternative supplies to challenge China’s geopolitical dominance.

    Indian initiatives in this regard

    • Undeterred trade with China: India’s security considerations are more immediate due to the growing geopolitical rivalry with China and longstanding territorial disputes.
    • Rare Earths Mission: The Indian government and industry are pushing for a ‘Rare Earths Mission’ to reduce dependence on China and exploit the country’s critical mineral reserves.

    Conclusion

    • In effect, the proliferation of EVs could mean India becoming dependent on China, just like it is reliant on the Middle East for crude oil today.
    • J&K’s reserves, however, provide a major opening for India to be self-reliant.

     

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  • Discovery of Lithium Deposits in J&K

    lithium

    The Geological Survey of India found “inferred resources” of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir.

    What is Lithium?

    • Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3.
    • It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal and is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
    • It is used in a variety of applications, including batteries, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and nuclear weapons.

    What are Inferred Resources?

    • According to the mines and minerals act, the exploration for any mineral deposit involves four stages: reconnaissance survey (G4), preliminary exploration (G3), general exploration (G2) and detailed exploration (G1).
    • Resources identified after G4 are called ‘reconnaissance mineral resource”, those identified after G3 are “inferred mineral resource”, G2 leads to “indicated mineral resource” and G4 precedes “measured mineral resource.”

    Applications of Lithium

    • Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics such as laptops, cellphones, and portable music players due to their high energy density and low self-discharge rate.
    • Pharmaceuticals: Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders. It can be used to treat symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and aggression.
    • Heat transfer fluids: Lithium is used as a heat transfer fluid in nuclear power plants, as it can absorb and store large amounts of heat.
    • Air conditioning: Lithium-based compounds are used in air conditioning systems to absorb and store heat, which helps to cool air.
    • Alloy production: Lithium is used to produce lightweight alloys for aircraft and spacecraft, as well as components for other vehicles.
    • Grease lubricants: Lithium-based grease lubricants are used in automotive and industrial applications due to their high temperature and pressure tolerance.

    Significance of this discovery

    • Clean energy goals: This has raised hopes of India possibly developing its own source of a metal key to its clean energy goals.
    • Import cuts: It would reduce the need for imports. The government was taking several measures to secure minerals, including lithium, from Australia and Argentina.
    • Enhance battery production: The find is a major boost to the manufacture of rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptops and electric cars.

    Back2Basics: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

    • It is an Act of the Parliament enacted to regulate the mining sector in India.
    • It regulates all activities related to the prospecting for, extraction and disposal of minerals in India.
    • The Act was amended in 2015 to incorporate the changes brought about by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
    • The amendment Act has been enacted to ensure that the mining sector is developed in a sustainable and efficient manner, taking into account the interests of stakeholders including the local communities.
    • The Act also provides for the sharing of revenues between the Union and the States.

    Types of Minerals Covered

    • Metallic Minerals: Iron ore, manganese ore, chrome ore, bauxite, copper ore, gold ore, lead ore, zinc ore, etc.
    • Non-Metallic Minerals: Mica, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, phosphorite, graphite, quartz, sandstone, etc.
    • Atomic Minerals: Uranium, thorium, and other radioactive minerals.
    • Fossil Fuels: Oil, natural gas, coal, etc.
    • Minor Minerals: Building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand, etc.

     

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  • In news: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

    delhi

    Photos of the soon-to-be-inaugurated Delhi-Mumbai Expressway have gone viral, receiving widespread appreciation online.

    Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

    • The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a proposed 1380 km expressway that will link the capital city of Delhi to Mumbai, India.
    • The expressway is being planned as a six-lane expressway and will pass through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
    • Started in 2018, the project is set to be completed by the end of 2023.
    • The expressway is expected to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Mumbai by up to 12 hours.
    • The expressway will also have several rest stops and will be equipped with advanced technology such as electronic toll collection, smart traffic management and surveillance systems.
    • The expressway will be built in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    Some basic details

    • The expressway is being constructed with an initial budget of INR 98,000 crore.
    • According to claims by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it will reduce the distance between Delhi and Mumbai by 180 km (from 1424 km to 1242 km).
    • Depending on the volume of traffic the expressway sees, there are plans in place to expand it to a 12-lane expressway in the future.
    • The reduction in distance and travel time is set to result in annual fuel savings of more than 320 million litres and reduce CO2 emissions by 850 million kg.

    Some unique features

    • Importantly, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is set to introduce certain features seldom seen in road construction in India.
    • According to claims from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the expressway will boast of a state-of-art traffic management system.
    • There will also be a dedicated three metre wide corridor for laying utility lines including fibre optic cables, pipelines as well as solar power generation.
    • The expressway will also have provisions for rain water harvesting at intervals of 500 m, with over 2000+ water recharge points.

    Provisions for wildlife conservation

    • A crucial feature of the project will be its provisions for “wildlife conservation”.
    • The expressway is the first in Asia and only the second in the world to feature animal overpasses and underpasses to facilitate unrestricted movement of wildlife.
    • Furthermore, the expressway has been aligned in a way to minimize the destruction of protected forests.
    • Two iconic 8-lane tunnels will also be built, one through Mukundra sanctuary without disturbing the endangered fauna in the region and the second through the Matheran eco-sensitive zone.
    • A 3 ft tall boundary wall and sound barriers will also be constructed in sections prone to wildlife.

     

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  • Micro hydro systems: An alternative source of energy

    hydro

    Context

    • The crisis unfolding in Joshimath for over a month has led to conversations on the relevance of hydropower in the Himalayan region. Two years ago, a glacier burst led to question marks over the Rishiganga hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand.

    What is hydropower

    • Hydropower generates electricity from the natural flow of water without releasing any emissions or pollutants. It also does not rely on fossil fuels. Therefore, it is often considered green energy.

    hydro

    Hydropower Projects in Himalayan region

    • The Himalaya are a major water source for much of South Asia: Most countries in the region, including India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, have built or are planning to build hydropower projects in the Himalaya.
    • Hydropower one of the key renewable energy sources of India: In India, the government has identified hydropower as a key renewable energy source. Many hydropower projects are under construction or in the planning stages in the Indian Himalaya, including the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the Teesta Low Dam Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim.
    • Nepal has also identified hydropower as a major source of energy: Nepal has many hydropower projects in the planning and development stages, including the Arun III Hydroelectric Project and the West Seti Hydroelectric Project.
    • Main source of revenue for Bhutan: In Bhutan, hydropower is the main source of revenue, and the government has set a target to export surplus electricity to India. The country has built several hydropower projects, including the Chukha Hydropower Project and the Tala Hydropower Project.

    hydro

    Concerns about the potential conflicts over water resources in the region

    • Fragile ecosystem of Himalaya already under stress: The Himalaya is a fragile ecosystem and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is already threatened by deforestation, overgrazing, and construction activities that harm the environment and local communities that depend on it.
    • Construction of dams can disrupt the characteristics of river flow: The construction of dams can disrupt the flow of rivers, leading to changes in water temperature and chemistry. It can also cause erosion, landslides, and sedimentation which can have a negative impact on the local environment.
    • Construction disrupts well-being of the local population: Dams also disrupt the migration patterns of fish and other aquatic species and impact the local wildlife, particularly if the dam’s construction leads to habitat loss. Large-scale hydroelectric dams displace local communities, affecting their livelihoods and cultural heritage and impacting the overall well-being of the local population.

    hydro

    Micro hydro systems as an alternative to hydropower

    • Micro hydro system of 100 kilowatts (kW): It is a small-scale hydroelectric power generation system that typically generates up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.
    • Applications: These systems use the energy of falling water to turn a turbine, which, in turn, generates electricity. They can be used for various applications, including powering homes, businesses, and small communities.
    • Less expensive and smaller environmental footprint: They are typically less expensive to build and maintain than large hydroelectric dams and have a smaller environmental footprint.
    • Can be located at inaccessible areas: They can be located even in inaccessible areas where it is difficult to transmit electricity from larger power stations, and they can provide a reliable source of energy to communities that are not connected to the grid.
    • Two types : Micro hydro systems can be classified into two main types i.e., run-of-river and storage systems. 1. Run-of-river systems use the natural flow of water in a stream or river to generate electricity. 2. In contrast, storage systems use a reservoir to store water and release it as needed to generate electricity.

    hydro

    Conclusion

    • The environmental impact of hydropower can vary depending on projects and the ways in which they are implemented. Micro hydro systems can be tailored to minimize the ecosystem’s negative impact and provide sustainable energy solutions. However, it also can have some impact on the environment and local communities. A detailed assessment should be carried out to evaluate the potential impact before proceeding with the project.

  • What ails the Ken-Betwa River Link Project?

    ken-betwa

    The Steering Committee of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) held its third meeting in New Delhi.

    What is the Ken Betwa Link Project?

    • The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers.
    • Under this project, water from the Ken River will be transferred to the Betwa river.
    • Both these rivers are tributaries of the river Yamuna.

    The Project has two phases:

    • Under Phase-I, one of the components — Daudhan dam complex and its appurtenances like Low Level Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa link canal and Power houses — will be completed.
    • While in the Phase-II, three components — Lower Orr dam, Bina complex project and Kotha barrage — will be constructed.

    Utility of the Project

    • Irrigation: The project is slated to irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares annually, provide drinking water supply to 62 lakh people and generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
    • Water supply: The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved Bundelkhand region, spread across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Agricultural boost: The project is expected to boost socio-economic prosperity in the backward Bundelkhand region on account of increased agricultural activities and employment generation.
    • Addressing Rural Distress: It would also help in arresting distress migration from this region.

    Ecological issues with the project

    • The government’s plan is based on a ‘surplus and deficit’ model that have little basis in science.
    • There may not even be enough water in the Ken, a non-perennial river, to meet the projected needs of the Betwa – forget the needs of the Bundelkhand region.
    • UP and MP could not agree on how water would be shared, particularly in the non-monsoonal months.
    • The project plans to create a high reservoir-dam on the Ken River in the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve for the KBLP.
    • Downstream of the national park lies the Ken Gharial Sanctuary, created to protect the critically endangered Gangetic gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).

    What are the legal problems?

    • Approval by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife to the Ken-Betwa link Project has not been proved.
    • This is necessary for the improvement and better management of the wildlife therein as provided in Section 35(6) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Issues with the projects

    • Migration: It will lead to massive displacement of people
    • Topography change: Since the Ganga basin topography is flat, building dams would not substantially add to river flows.
    • Inundation: The transfer of such enormous amounts of water will inundate forests and land for reservoirs.
    • Seismic hazards: The weight of billions of liters of water can have seismic implications in the Himalayan region.
    • Financial expense: River inter-linking is an expensive business from building the link canals to the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure.
    • Political will: Implementation of the project not only needs a huge financial capital but also political support both is scarce commodities as of now.
    • Consensus building for land acquisition: Another important issue is building consensus among states and Land acquisition.
    • Ecological feasibility: Once the project is implemented it would lead to large-scale displacement of people and animals.

    Criticisms of such projects

    • Bad Science: Such projects are built on bad science and an outdated understanding of water systems and water management.
    • Human determinism: Such projects go in contravention with natural process thereby generating more scope for threat than any opportunity.

    Way forward

    • Due diligence: Expert scrutiny during the project-approval stage are cornerstones of sound environmental governance.
    • Independent hydrological study: of these rivers is necessary.

    Conclusion

    • No developmental project should destroy the ecology of remnant fragile ecosystems and an important tiger habitat in the country.
    • Destructive impact of the proposed dam on the flow of water into and outside of this sanctuary should be immediately clear, as also its violation of the requirement under the Act for a sanctuary

     

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  • TRAI’s Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Proposal

    cnap

    Telecom operators have expressed concerns over user privacy on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) proposal.

    Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)

    • Under this phones would need to display the name of a caller, by extracting the name of the telecom subscriber from their SIM registration data.
    • The feature would provide the called individual with information about the calling party (similar to ‘Truecaller’ and ‘Bharat Caller ID & Anti-Spam’).
    • The idea is to ensure that telephone subscribers are able to make an informed choice about incoming calls and curb harassment by unknown or spam callers.

    Why need CNAP?

    • Securing important calls: Genuine calls should not get unanswered. Hence proper system is solicited.
    • Blocking of spammers: Since subscribers are not given the name and identity of the caller, they may choose not to answer them believing it could be commercial communication from unregistered telemarketers.
    • Rise of robocalls: There have been rising concerns about robocalls (calls made automatically using IT-enabled systems with a pre-recorded voice), spam calls and fraudulent calls.

    What are the proposed models? 

    The regulator has proposed four models for facilitating the CNAP mechanism-

    1. TSPs operating CNAP database: The first model involves each telecom service provider (TSP) establishing and operating a CNAP database of its subscribers. Here, the caller’s TSP would have to extract the relevant data from its own database.
    2. Database sharing: In the second model, the operator of the calling entity shares its CNAP database with the receiver’s operator. The difference here is that the calling operator would permit the receiver’s operator to access its database for the caller’s CNAP data.
    3. Creating a Centralised database: The onus rests on the receiver’s operator to delve into the centralized database to retrieve and present the caller’s data. This model is similar to a plan envisaged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2018, involving the setting up of a Digital Intelligence Unit at the central level.
    4. Centralized CNAP database: TSP retains a copy of a synchronized central database operated by a third party. It works this way: the call is facilitated as per the routine procedure, and since the receiver’s operator has access to both the centralized and their own database, the lookup is, therefore, internal.

    Issues involved

    • Latency: The regulator has said that latency in setting up the call must be ensured and CNAP must be inter-operable. The responsiveness might also suffer when moving from a faster wireless network (4G or 5G) to a comparatively slower one (2G or 3G), or vice-versa.
    • Privacy Issue: It is not clear how the CNAP mechanism would balance the caller’s right to remain anonymous, an essential component of the right to privacy. To put it into perspective, an individual may opt to remain anonymous for multiple reasons, for example, whistle-blowers or employees being harassed.
    • Gendered impact: The proposal may particularly harm women. The service will display a woman subscriber’s name and data, to every calling party whether or not she consents to it.
    • Data sharing without consent: We have to see it in parallel with The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2022) which has a clause on deemed consent lacking adequate safeguards including sharing of data with third parties.
    • Implementation loopholes: Marketers have figured out newer ways to circumvent the existing framework. Previously, telemarketers were required to be registered as promotional numbers. Now they have started deploying people not necessarily part of the entity’s set-up, but rather “at-home workers”.

    Way forward

    • Innovative solution: TRAI must build an interface that is user-friendly and in turn, an effective mechanism.
    • Spam identification: Active participation from the subscribers would ensure that spammers are rightly identified and are unable to make further calls.
    • Digital literacy: The government must also invest in digital literacy, skilling citizen’s to navigate and use the tech better, ensuring they do not share their data indiscriminately and are informed about dangers such as financial fraud and spoofing.

     

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  • What is National Coal Index (NCI)?

    The Ministry of Coal has launched the sixth round of commercial coal mines’ auction for 141 coal mines.

    What is the news?

    • As per the provisions of the tender document, the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) to be submitted for each successfully auctioned coal mine is to be revised annually based on the National Coal Index (NCI).

    What is National Coal Index (NCI)?

    • Ministry of Coal has started commercial auction of coal mines on revenue share basis.
    • In order to arrive at the revenue share based on market prices of coal, one National Coal Index (NCI) is conceptualized.
    • The NCI is a price index which reflects the change of price level of coal on a particular month relative to the fixed base year.
    • The base year for the NCI is FY 2017-18.
    • NCI is a price index combining the prices of coal from all the sales channels- Notified Prices, Auction Prices and Import Prices.
    • It is released every month.

    Components of NCI

    • The concept and design of the Index as well as the Representative Prices have been developed by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
    • NCI is composed of a set of five sub-indices: three for Non-Coking Coal and two for Coking Coal.
    • The three sub-indices for Non-Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Non-Coking Coal and the two sub-indices for Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Coking Coal.
    • Thus, indices are separate for Non-coking and Coking Coal.
    • As per the grade of coal pertaining to a mine, the appropriate sub-index is used to arrive at the revenue share.

    Implementation of NCI

    • The amount of revenue share per tonne of coal produced from auctioned blocks would be arrived at using the NCI by means of a defined formula.
    • The Index is meant to encompass all transactions of raw coal in the Indian market.
    • This includes coking and non-coking of various grades transacted in the regulated (power and fertilizer) and non-regulated sectors.
    • Washed coal and coal products are not included.

     

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  • PM flags off world’s longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas

    ganga vilas

    Prime Minister has flagged off the world’s longest river cruise – MV Ganga Vilas – and inaugurated the tent city at Varanasi.

    About Ganga Vilas

    • MV Ganga Vilas is the first indigenously made cruise vessel to be made in India.
    • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the coordinator of this ship tourism project.
    • The cruise has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the modern amenities.
    • It will cover a distance of 3,200 km in roughly 51 days reaching Assam’s Dibrugarh through Bangladesh.

    Destinations covered

    • Set to sail from Varanasi, the cruise ship, MV Ganga Vilas, will cover 3,200 km over 51 days, crossing 27 river systems and several states before ending its journey at Dibrugarh.
    • The voyage is packed with visits to 50 tourist spots, including World Heritage spots, national parks, river ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam.
    • It will make pit-stops to cover the famous Ganga Arti in Varanasi, the Buddhist site of Sarnath; and even Majuli, the largest river island in Assam.

     

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