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GS Paper: GS3

  • What do Scientists make of the Budget?     

    Why in the News?

    Modi’s government launched advanced tech missions and boosted private space participation, achieving a moon landing, amid concerns over basic research neglect and stagnant research funding.

    Priority areas – productivity and resilience in agriculture, energy security, and manufacturing and services:

    • Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture

        • The Union Budget emphasizes transforming agricultural research to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
        • Initiatives such as “speed breeding platforms” have been established to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, allowing multiple generations of crops to be grown in a single year.

    • Energy Security

        • The budget prioritizes energy security with a focus on research and development of small and modular nuclear reactors and advanced thermal power plants.
        • The proposed “Critical Minerals Mission” is expected to enhance research in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

    • Manufacturing and Services

      • The budget highlights the importance of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and attracting foreign investment through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
      • Plans for “plug and play” industrial parks in 100 cities are expected to facilitate the uptake of indigenous technologies and boost manufacturing output.
      • The focus on commercializing technologies with private sector involvement aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy.

    Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding 

    • Sidelining of Basic Research

        • Focus on Advanced Technology: The previous two terms of the Indian government emphasized advanced technology missions (e.g., supercomputing, quantum technologies), which raised concerns that basic research was being neglected.
        • Limited Funding for Basic Research: The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF) aims to prioritize basic research, but there are concerns that the emphasis on “prototype development” alongside basic research may indicate a shift towards translational research, potentially sidelining pure scientific inquiry.
        • Disparity in Funding Distribution: Currently, about 65% of research funding is allocated to premier institutions like IITs, while state-run universities receive only about 11% of the funds provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This disparity hampers the growth of basic research across a broader range of institutions.

    • Stagnation in Research Funding

      • Actual Expenditure vs. Allocation: Concerns were raised that the actual expenditure on science and technology and higher education in 2023-2024 was much less than the initial allocation for that year.  
      • Demand for Increased Funding: The scientific community has long demanded higher government funding for basic research, as the private sector has shown limited interest in investing in this area.
      • Impact of Inflation: The nominal increases in budget allocations for research may not be sufficient to counteract inflation, leading to a real decrease in available funding for research activities.

    Way forward: 

    • Increase Research Funding: Need to boost the overall research funding as a percentage of GDP to ensure adequate resources for both basic and applied research. This includes adjusting allocations to counteract the effects of inflation.
    • Equitable Distribution: The government should ensure a more balanced distribution of funds across premier institutions and state-run universities to foster a broader base of scientific inquiry and innovation.

  • Kerala requests Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as a – ‘National Disaster’

    Why in the News?

    • The Kerala government has requested the Centre to declare the landslide in Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, as a national disaster.
      • The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.

    Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties

    • The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
    • Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
    • Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
    • Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.

    Defining a Disaster:

    • A natural disaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
    • Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
    • According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
      • A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
      • It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
      • The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.

    Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’? 

    • There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
    • The guidelines do NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.

    Attempts to Define National Calamity:

    • National Committee (2001):
      • Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
      • The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
    • 10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
      • It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
      • It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.

    Response to such calamities in India

    • When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
    • The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
    • A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
    • If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
    • Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

     

    [2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

  • [pib] INS SHALKI  

    Why in the News?

    • Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki, recently docked at Colombo Port on its two day visit to Sri Lanka.
      • This visit comes against the backdrop of China’s persistent attempts to enhance its strategic and military influence over the island nation.

    About INS SHALKI  

    • INS Shalki is a Shishumar class diesel-electric submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Feb 1992.
      • Shishumar class submarines are an Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft under the internal designation “Type 1500”.
    • This is the first ever submarine to be built in India.
    • It was constructed under licence by the Mazgaon Dock Limited, Mumbai.

    Significance of Sri Lanka Visit

    • India sends submarines to a handful of countries with whom it has close defence and strategic ties.
    • This is the third submarine to visit Sri Lanka after the visit of INS Vagir and INS Karanj in June 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
    • India has been expanding its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
    • Countering Chinese presence:
      • The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
      • Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is ‘PrecivityAD2’ the new Alzheimer’s Blood Test?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers in Sweden have developed a new blood test, PrecivityAD2, which is about 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in people experiencing cognitive symptoms.

    What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?

    • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (loss of memory and cognitive abilities).
    • It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
    • Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
    • Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
    • Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.
    • No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

    How PrecivityAD2 Test works?

    • The test measures a combination of two ratios within a blood sample:
    1. Plasma Phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217) to Not-Phosphorylated-tau21: The test measures the ratio of p-tau217 to non-phosphorylated tau21. Tau proteins are associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, a hallmark of AD.
    2. Amyloid-beta (AB42 and AB40): The test also measures the ratio of two types of amyloid-beta proteins, AB42 and AB40. Amyloid plaques are another key pathological feature of AD.
    • Both tau and amyloid-beta proteins are considered pathological hallmarks of AD.

    Benefits of PrecivityAD2

    • Early Detection: PrecivityAD2 can diagnose AD at the early stage of mild cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention and management.
    • Accurate Identification: With an accuracy rate of around 90%, the test provides reliable results, reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.
    • Non-Invasive: Unlike current diagnostic methods that involve complex PET scans or lumbar punctures, PrecivityAD2 requires only a simple blood draw.
    • Cost-Effective: The test is expected to be more affordable compared to expensive PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, making AD diagnosis more accessible.
    • Ease of Use: The blood test simplifies the diagnostic process, making it easier for primary care physicians to screen for AD.
    • Wider Reach: By reducing the complexity and cost of diagnosis, more patients can be tested, particularly in resource-limited settings.

    Significance of the Test

    • Standard of Care: PrecivityAD2 has the potential to become the standard first-line test for AD diagnosis, replacing more invasive and costly methods.
    • Support for Early Intervention: Early and accurate diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for managing AD and improving patient outcomes.
    • Reduction in Misdiagnosis: The test’s high accuracy rate can help reduce the rates of misdiagnosis, particularly in primary care settings.

    Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease in India:

    • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are significant public health concerns in India with a rapidly increasing prevalence rate.
    • According to CSIR-NIScPR, in 2019, there were 37 lakh active cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
    • By 2050, dementia cases in India could exceed 11 crore as per projections from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS).
    • The burden of non-communicable neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, more than doubled between 1990 and 2019.

    Feasibility for India:

    • In India, the current diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease primarily include MRI and regular PET scans.
    • Advanced diagnostic tools like amyloid or Tau PET scans are not yet commercially available.
    • The introduction of PrecivityAD2 in India will require approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

  • [pib] CIL ASHIS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Coal India Limited (CIL) has launched a CSR initiative named CIL ASHIS to provide scholarships to children who lost their parents to COVID-19 and were unable to continue their studies.

    What is CIL ASHIS Scheme?

    • The CIL ASHIS Scheme, launched by Coal India Limited (CIL), stands for Ayushman Shiksha Sahayata.
    • The scheme aims to provide financial support for the education of children who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams.

    Features of the CIL ASHIS Scheme

    • Each eligible child receives a scholarship worth ₹45,000 per year.
    • The scholarship is provided for a period of 4 years.
    • The scheme targets 1,645 children who have been identified as needing assistance.
    • Compassionate Appointment for:
      • Dependents of CIL employees who lost their lives while in service.
      • Beneficiaries need to apply for compassionate appointments through CIL’s established procedures.

    PYQ:

    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • An unstated shift in Modi’s economic direction             

    Why in the news?

    The introduction of the new ELI scheme for corporates by the Narendra Modi government acknowledges the disconnect between GDP growth and job creation.

    About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI)

    • The ELI scheme aims to encourage companies to hire more employees by providing financial incentives for each new hire.
    • Target Sectors: The scheme is expected to focus on labour-intensive sectors such as toys, textiles, apparel, furniture, tourism, and logistics, which have significant potential for job creation.
    • Incentives Offered: Financial incentives may include tax relief and wage subsidies for new jobs created, along with non-financial incentives like reduced regulatory burdens and support for skill development programs.

    Government’s Failure of Initiatives

    • Previous Economic Strategies: Over the past decade, the Indian government relied on traditional economic models, such as the trickle-down approach and production-linked incentives (PLI), which did not yield the expected job growth.
      • Initiatives like “Make in India” and corporate tax cuts aimed to stimulate investment but failed to translate into significant employment opportunities.
    • Jobless Growth: Despite policies designed to boost production, employment growth has been stagnant, with a study indicating a negligible employment growth rate of just 0.01%.

    Issue of Job and Ideas Deficit

    • Jobs Deficit: The lack of job creation has prompted proposals like reserving jobs for locals, reflecting political pressures in a democracy where job scarcity is prevalent.
    • Ideas Deficit: Economists often suggest reforms in labour, education, and business practices as solutions to job creation, but these are complex and difficult to implement.
    • Unemployment Trends: The unemployment rate has shown fluctuations, with a reported decline from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2022-23. 

    What can be done?

    • Policy Shift: The ELI scheme represents a significant policy shift towards prioritizing job creation over mere economic output. By encouraging firms to hire rather than invest solely in automation, it aims to address the capital-labour imbalance in the economy.
    • Support for MSMEs: Special focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is crucial, as they employ a substantial portion of the workforce.
    • Alignment of Goals: Need to Collaborate among various ministries, particularly finance, skill development, and labour, is essential to ensure that skill development aligns with industry needs, enhancing employability and job creation

  •  Why the Odisha government will plant palm trees to combat lightning strikes          

    Why in the news?

    In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015.

    How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha?   

    • Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Odisha.
    • In the previous three fiscal years, 791 fatalities were reported, indicating an increasing frequency of lightning strikes.
    • On September 2, 2023, Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people.

    Why are Lightning strikes of particular concern in Odisha?

    • Odisha is located in a tropical zone and experiences a hot, dry climate that creates ideal conditions for lightning strikes.
    • The state has the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in eastern and central India. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 indicates a significant concentration of lightning activity in this region.
    • Research indicates that climate change exacerbates lightning activity, with a 10% increase in lightning occurrences for every degree Celsius of warming. This is particularly relevant in Odisha, where climatic factors contribute to frequent lightning events.
    • With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, the most affected populations include farmers and daily wage earners who work outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable during peak agricultural seasons.

    How can Odisha defend Itself against lightning strikes?

    • Planting Palm Trees: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to plant 19 lakh palm trees as a natural defense against lightning strikes. Palm trees are considered effective conductors of lightning due to their height and moisture content, which can absorb lightning and mitigate its impact on the ground.
    • Financial Commitment: The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for the palm tree plantation initiative and has banned the felling of existing palm trees to enhance this strategy.
    • Public Awareness and Early Warning Systems: While the state has implemented early warning systems to forecast lightning strikes, experts emphasize the need for widespread public education on safety measures during lightning events.
    • Concerns: Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of palm trees as a long-term solution, noting that it takes 15 to 20 years for them to reach a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes.

    NDMA Guidelines for Lightning

    • Preparation and Awareness: The Local government should educate the communities about lightning safety and the risks associated with thunderstorms.
    • Seek Shelter: During a thunderstorm, individuals should seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Open vehicles and structures such as metal sheds or under-construction buildings are unsafe.
    • Avoid Trees: Taking shelter under trees is discouraged, as they can attract lightning. If in a wooded area, find the shortest trees for shelter.
    • Crouching Position: If no shelter is available, crouch down with heels touching and head between the knees to minimize height and reduce risk.
    • 30-30 Rule: After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. This rule helps assess the distance of the storm.

    Way forward: 

    • Installation of Lightning Rods and Conductors: The government should invest in the widespread installation of lightning rods and conductors in rural and vulnerable areas. These devices can provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure, homes, and open fields where farmers and workers are most at risk.
    • Advanced Early Warning Systems: Need to enhance the existing early warning systems with more accurate, real-time data and ensure these warnings are disseminated quickly through multiple channels, including mobile alerts, community announcements, and local radio.

    Main PYQ: 

    Q Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)

  • Centre reissues draft notification on ecosensitive areas in Western Ghats          

    Why in the news?

    On Friday, the Central government released the sixth draft notification, designating 56,825.7 square kilometre of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

    Recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees

    • Gadgil Committee: Recommended that 75% of the Western Ghats (129,037 sq km) be designated as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) with restrictions on development activities.
    • Kasturirangan Committee: Notified only 37% of the Western Ghats as ESAs, reducing the extent compared to the Gadgil report. It split the region into cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human settlements) zones.

    Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

    • ESAs are regions recognized for their environmental significance, where human activities are regulated to protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats. These areas are often home to endemic species of plants and animals and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
    • The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 allows the Central Government to restrict industrial activities in these sensitive areas to safeguard their ecological integrity. Although the term “Eco-Sensitive Zones” is not explicitly mentioned in the Act, provisions exist to prohibit or regulate activities based on biodiversity and environmental considerations.

    The reason behind it:

    • Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to numerous endemic species and globally threatened flora and fauna, making its protection crucial for conserving biodiversity.
    • Recent Natural Disasters: The draft notification follows severe landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. These events underscored the vulnerability of the region to ecological disasters, highlighting the need for protective measures to prevent further environmental degradation

    Opposition from States

    • State governments, including Kerala, have opposed the proposals in the draft notifications for declaring ESAs along the Western Ghats.
    • The Kerala government want to reduce the ESA to 9,993.7 sq km from the Kasturirangan committee’s recommendation of 13,108 sq km.
    • The then Kerala government led by Oommen Chandy opposed the Gadgil report and appointed another panel to come up with an independent report.

    New Panel Formed by the Government

    • In April 2022, the Centre formed another panel to “re-examine suggestions by these six state governments while keeping in view the conservation aspects of the disaster-prone pristine ecosystem, as well as rights, privileges, needs and developmental aspirations of the region”.
    • The Centre and expert panel held 10 meetings with states having Western Ghats to discuss the fifth draft notification at various forums.
    • The sixth draft notification, issued on Friday, declared 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as ESAs in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Management Plans: The Government should develop and implement integrated management plans that balance ecological conservation with the developmental needs of the region.
    • Enhanced Monitoring and Enforcement: There is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework by enhancing monitoring mechanisms and enforcing existing environmental laws more stringently.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (2021)

  • [pib] Approval of Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved the project proposal for setting up a Major Port at Vadhavan, Palghar District of Maharashtra.

    About Vadhavan Port Project 

    • The project involves the development of core infrastructure, terminals, and other commercial infrastructure through a public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
    • The shareholding for the project is divided between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (74%) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%).
      • The project aims to create a total capacity of 298 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
    • Trade routes facilitated:

    Existing Major Ports in India

    • India has 12 Major Ports: Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), Kolkata, Mormugao, Mumbai, New Mangalore, Paradip, V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin), Visakhapatnam, and Kamarajar Port Limited.
    • Private Sector participation is allowed in Major Ports for specific projects/berths/terminals through concession agreements for a specific period via open competitive bidding on revenue share/royalty between the Concessionaire and the Major Port Authority.
    • After the expiry of the concession period, the asset is handed over to the Port Authority.

    Significance of Major Ports

    • Major ports play a critical role in facilitating international trade and commerce.
    • They serve as gateways for the import and export of goods, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.
    • Ports generate substantial revenue for the government through customs duties, port fees, and other related charges.
    • Ports facilitate international collaboration and partnerships, enhancing diplomatic and trade relations with other countries.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?

    (a) Andhra Pradesh

    (b) Chhattisgarh

    (c) Karnataka

    (d) Rajasthan

  • The relevance of pumped storage projects      

    Why in the news?

    The Union Budget for 2024-25 announced that “a policy will be introduced to promote pumped storage projects aimed at electricity storage and ensuring the seamless integration of the increasing share of renewable energy.

    Why is renewable power generation subject to variations and weather changes?

    • Due to Intermittent nature: Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are inherently intermittent. Solar energy is only available during daylight hours and is affected by weather conditions such as cloud cover, while wind energy varies with wind speed and direction. This variability leads to fluctuations in power generation, making it challenging to match supply with demand consistently.
    • Daily and Seasonal Variations: The generation capacity of renewable sources can change significantly over short periods (hours to days) and longer periods (seasonal). For instance, solar power generation peaks during sunny days and drops to zero at night, while wind power can vary greatly depending on seasonal weather patterns.

    Significance of Pumped Storage Projects

    • Grid Stabilization: Pumped storage projects are critical for stabilizing the power grid by addressing the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
    • Energy Storage Capacity: PSPs account for over 94% of the installed global energy storage capacity, making them the most widely used technology for large-scale energy storage.
    • Flexible Energy Generation: These projects can provide both base load and peaking power, offering flexibility in energy generation.  
    • Environmental Benefits: Pumped storage is a clean and environmentally friendly technology.
    • Economic Viability: The cost of energy from pumped storage is competitive compared to other energy storage technologies.

    How do Power Managers decide which energy source to use?

    • Use of forecasting Techniques: Power managers utilize advanced forecasting techniques to predict renewable energy generation based on expected weather conditions. This allows them to plan the operation of different power plants in advance, ensuring a steady supply of electricity.
    • Demand and Supply Management: Decisions on which energy source to use are based on real-time demand and the availability of renewable energy. When there is a surplus of renewable energy (e.g., during sunny or windy periods), it may be used to pump water in pumped storage systems. Conversely, when renewable generation is low, power managers may rely on more stable sources like hydro, coal, or nuclear power to meet demand.

    Where are some of the Pumped Storage Projects of India situated?

    • Kadamparai: Located in Tamil Nadu, this facility has a capacity of 400 MW and operates by pumping water to a higher reservoir during periods of surplus power generation.
    • Other Notable Projects: India has several other pumped storage projects, including those at Nagarjunasagar, Kadana, and Panchet. These facilities contribute to managing the variability of renewable energy generation in the country.

    How do the reservoirs in Kadamparai, Tamil Nadu operate?

    • The Kadamparai pumped storage plant consists of two reservoirs at different elevations. Water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir when there is surplus power available, typically from solar or wind sources.
    • When demand rises, especially during peak evening hours, water flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, turning turbines to generate electricity. This operation allows the plant to provide power for three to four hours during peak demand periods, effectively stabilizing the grid.
    • The plant can switch between pumping and generating modes, allowing it to respond quickly to changes in power demand. This flexibility is crucial for integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid.

    Conclusion: The need to Develop a robust and flexible grid infrastructure that can efficiently handle the integration of renewable energy sources is crucial. Implementing smart grid technologies, including real-time monitoring, advanced forecasting techniques, and automated demand-response systems, can optimize the balance between supply and demand.