Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Hydrogen
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Researchers from IIT-Madras have developed components for a cost-effective method of electrolyzing seawater to produce green hydrogen.
- The current alkaline water electrolyzer technology is energy-intensive, requires an expensive oxide-polymer separator, and uses fresh water.
Generating Green Hydrogen
- Instead of using fresh water, the researchers developed an electrolyzer that utilizes alkaline seawater.
- Carbon-based support material was used for the electrodes to minimize corrosion.
- Transition metal-based catalysts were designed to catalyze both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, improving the production of hydrogen and oxygen.
- A cellulose-based separator was developed to allow hydroxide ions to pass through while preventing crossover of oxygen and hydrogen.
How does Electrolysis take place?
- The alkaline water electrolyzer involves two half-reactions at the anode and cathode.
- At the cathode, water dissociates into H+ and hydroxide ions, with H+ ions converting into hydrogen.
- Hydroxide ions produced at the cathode pass through the separator, and oxygen is generated at the anode.
- When seawater is used, hypochlorite formation occurs at the anode, causing corrosion and reducing oxygen production. Impurities also affect the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode.
How were the Catalyst and Electrode designed?
- The carbon-based support material was used for both anode and cathode electrodes to prevent corrosion.
- The catalyst coating on the support material enhances hydrogen production at the cathode and oxygen production at the anode.
- Transition bimetals in the catalyst are selective toward oxygen evolution reaction, overcoming the challenge of hypochlorite formation.
- Despite impurities adsorbed on the cathode, the catalyst promotes hydrogen evolution, increasing hydrogen production.
What made this device novel?
- The team developed a cellulose-based separator to separate the anode and cathode.
- The separator allows hydroxide ions to pass through but minimizes the crossover of hydrogen and oxygen.
- The separator shows high resistance to degradation in seawater.
Experimental Results and Performance
- The assembled electrolyzer achieved a seawater splitting voltage of 1.73 V at 10 mA/sq.cm and 26 degrees C.
- The optimized parameters enable the electrolyzer to directly use photovoltaic-derived voltage for green hydrogen production.
- Two prototypes of different dimensions were developed, producing hydrogen at rates of 250 ml/hour and 1 liter/hour.
- A stack of three cells produced hydrogen at a rate of about 4 liters/hour.
Back2Basics: Hydrogen Categories
|
Production Method |
Carbon Emissions |
| Gray Hydrogen |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) from fossil fuels |
High emissions |
| Blue Hydrogen |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) |
Reduced emissions compared to gray hydrogen |
| Green Hydrogen |
Electrolysis using renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) |
No carbon emissions |
| Turquoise Hydrogen |
Methane pyrolysis from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) |
Reduced emissions compared to gray hydrogen |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jatan Software
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Union government plans to complete the 3D digitisation of all museums under its administrative control by the end of 2023.
- The digitisation initiative using JATAN software aims to enhance the conservation and preservation of artefacts.
What is JATAN Software?
- JATAN is a virtual museum builder software used in Indian museums.
- It enables the creation of a digital collection management system and is deployed in several national museums across India.
- The objective of JATAN is to digitally preserve and document museum objects for the benefit of researchers, curators, and other interested individuals.
- The software was designed and developed by the Human Centres Design and Computing Group at the Centre for Development of Smart Computing (C-DAC) in Pune.
- JATAN facilitates the creation of digital imprints of preserved objects and monuments.
- These digital imprints are integrated into the national digital repository and portal, making them accessible to the public.
Benefits of 3D Digitisation
- 3D digitisation offers improved conservation and preservation of artefacts, ensuring their long-term protection.
- It enhances accessibility and exploration for museum visitors, providing new ways to engage with the collection.
- The 3D models generated through digitisation can be used in augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive learning experiences, creating immersive educational opportunities.
- Furthermore, the digitisation process enables the potential for 3D printing, allowing for replication and detailed study of artefacts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fruit Flies
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Flies’ negative perception: Fruit flies often considered annoying pests, but their significance in biological and medical science is immense.
- Economic and environmental importance: Flies, including fruit flies, play crucial roles as pollinators for plants and contribute to decomposition processes.
Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster)
- Overview: Fruit or vinegar fly species known for its nuisance during summer.
- Scientific significance: Drosophila melanogaster is a well-understood animal organism globally and has contributed to numerous Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in physiology and medicine.
Partnership between Science and Flies
- Early collaborations with flies: Biologist Thomas Hunt Morgan’s experiments with fruit flies revolutionized evolutionary and genetic research.
- Discoveries in genetics: Fruit flies provided insights into genetic mutations, inheritance patterns, and the mapping of genes on chromosomes.
- Understanding biological processes: Studies in fruit flies helped unravel mechanisms of development, gene regulation, and protein synthesis.
Insights from Drosophila Research
- Embryo studies: Microscopic examination of Drosophila embryos aided in understanding genetic defects and gene networks that control development.
- Contribution to genetic medicine: Research on fruit flies helped decipher the genetic code, map DNA structure, and investigate inherited disorders.
- Remarkable genetic similarity: Fruit flies and humans share striking biological similarities, allowing for the study of human biology and disease in flies.
Versatility and Applications of Drosophila Research
- Efficient and cost-effective research: Fruit flies offer a fast and versatile model organism for studying various aspects of human biology and disease.
- Neuroscience and behavioral research: Fruit flies provide insights into learning, memory, sleep, aggression, addiction, and neural disorders.
- Broad range of applications: Fruit flies are used to study cancer, aging, development, gut microbiome, stem cells, muscles, and the heart.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps
- Complementary to human studies: Fruit flies serve as a bridge to understanding complex human diseases and physiological processes.
- Insights into neurodegenerative diseases: Although flies cannot fully mimic personality loss in Alzheimer’s disease, they contribute to studying neuronal death and related mechanisms.
Paradigm for Scientific Discoveries
- Accelerating research in complex organisms: Knowledge gained from fruit flies can be applied to more complex organisms, expediting scientific progress.
- Global research community: Over 10,000 researchers worldwide utilize fruit flies for diverse areas of study, enriching our understanding of human biology and disease.
Shifting Perspectives
- Appreciating the significance: Fruit flies, despite their annoyance, play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and medical breakthroughs.
- Rethinking flies’ presence: Viewing fruit flies in a different light, recognizing their value in research and their contributions to understanding the world around us.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ram Prasad Bismil, Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: This article revolves around the life, contributions, and legacy of Ram Prasad Bismil, a revolutionary figure in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule.
Ram Prasad Bismil
- Birth: Ram Prasad Bismil was born on June 11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur district, UP.
- Revolutionary activities: He actively fought against British Raj and participated in notable events like the Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918 and the Kakori Train Action of 1925.
- Founding of Hindustan Republican Association: Bismil established the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA, later known as the Hindustan Socialist RA) and played a pivotal role in the organization.
- Sacrifice and execution: Bismil was hanged for his revolutionary activities on December 19, 1927, at the age of 30.
Early life and Arya Samaj connections
- Upbringing and linguistic influences: Bismil was born into a Rajput Tomar family and learned Hindi from his father, Urdu from a nearby maulvi, and also studied in an English medium school in Shahjahanpur.
- Association with Arya Samaj: Bismil joined the Arya Samaj during his childhood, becoming a prolific writer and poet. He used pen names such as ‘Agyat’, ‘Ram’, and the well-known ‘Bismil’.
- Poem “Mera Janm”: At the age of 18, Bismil wrote the poem “Mera Janm” expressing his anger over the death sentence of Arya Samaj missionary Bhai Parmanand.
Major events associated to Bismil
(1) Mainpuri Conspiracy
- Political disillusionment: Bismil became disillusioned with the moderate wing of the Congress Party and rejected negotiation or appeasement with the British.
- Formation of Matrivedi: Bismil established the revolutionary organization Matrivedi and collaborated with Genda Lal Dixit, who had connections with dacoits and sought to utilize them in the armed struggle.
- Mainpuri Ki Pratigya: Bismil’s famous poem, “Mainpuri Ki Pratigya,” was widely distributed in pamphlets across the United Provinces. He carried out acts of looting to gather funds for his organization.
(2) Founding the Hindustan Republican Association
- Return to Shahjahanpur: After being underground for several years, Bismil returned to Shahjahanpur in February 1920.
- Formation of HRA: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, founded the Hindustan Republican Association. Later, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh joined the organization.
- Release of the manifesto: Bismil played a significant role in penning the manifesto titled “Krantikari,” which was officially released on January 1, 1925. The manifesto called for an organized and armed revolution to establish a federal Republic of United States of India.
(3) Kakori Train Action
- Objective and planning: The Kakori Train Action aimed to rob a train carrying treasury bags between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow.
- Execution of the action: On August 9, 1925, around ten revolutionaries, including Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan, stopped the train at Kakori station, overpowered the guard, and looted the treasury bags containing approximately Rs 4,600.
- Consequences and crackdown: The action drew both British outrage and mixed responses from the Indian public. The misfiring of a gun resulted in the accidental killing of a passenger, Ahmad Ali, dampening public support. Subsequently, a violent crackdown led to the arrest of most involved, excluding Chandrashekhar Azad.
Death and legacy
- Trial and sentencing: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan and Rajendranath Lahiri, faced a long trial and were ultimately sentenced to death.
- Execution and martyrdom: On December 19, 1927, Bismil was executed at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and dedication to the cause of freedom.
- Enduring influence and remembrance: Bismil’s poetry continues to inspire and his call for Hindu-Muslim unity serves as a symbol of communal harmony. He is remembered for his revolutionary spirit and deep concern for society, justice, and equality.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fixed dose combination (FDC) Drug
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Exploring the recent ban on 14 fixed dose combination drugs in India and its rationale.
What are FDC Drugs?
- Definition: FDC drugs are combinations of active ingredients in a fixed ratio, commonly used in a single pill or syrup.
- Benefits offered: FDCs can reduce pill burden, improve adherence to therapy, and lower costs.
- Risks associated: Certain combinations can be pharmacologically incompatible, have abuse potential, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Issue of Irrational FDCs
- Licensed FDCs: FDCs introduced for the first time require prior approval, while many older FDCs were licensed without proper scrutiny.
- Lack of safety: Lack of evidence on safety and efficacy led to the categorization of many licensed FDCs as irrational.
- Legal challenges: A ban on 344 FDCs in 2016 was stayed by the Delhi High Court, prompting further review and subsequent ban on 329 FDCs in 2018.
Government Action and Expert Review
- Referral to Drugs Technical Advisory Board: The Supreme Court entrusted the review of FDC drugs to the government’s expert body.
- Ban on 14 Pre-1988 FDCs: An expert committee recommended banning certain FDCs licensed before 1988.
- Balancing Prior Approvals and Inquiry: The Supreme Court excluded 15 FDCs licensed prior to 1988 from the ban but allowed for an inquiry.
Implications of the Ban
- Impact on Drug Availability: The ban affects approximately 40-50 brands used for cough, fever, pain, and common infections.
- Support from Pediatricians: Many pediatricians welcome the ban, citing harmful combinations in FDC drugs.
- Call for Additional Scrutiny: Calls to consider banning Nimesulide for single-dose use due to liver risks.
Cautions Regarding Cough Syrups
- Conflicting Effects of Ingredients: Experts highlight how ingredients in cough syrups may work against each other, reducing their efficacy.
- Limited Evidence on Cough Syrups: Weak evidence suggests cough syrups may not significantly reduce cough duration.
- Caution for Cough Suppressants: Prescription-only use is advised, particularly for individuals with underlying lung conditions.
Socioeconomic impact of the Ban
- Economic Savings and Improved Quality of Life: The ban may lead to cost savings and enhanced well-being for individuals.
- Importance of Safe Drinking Water: Access to clean drinking water is crucial for public health and overall quality of life.
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments through research and evaluation.
- Addressing Emerging Health Challenges: Continuous monitoring and research are necessary to tackle evolving health risks.
- Optimizing Healthcare Practices: Ongoing efforts to improve healthcare systems and practices for better patient outcomes.
Conclusion
- The recent ban on 14 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs in India highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RBI Monetary Policy Committee
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- This article discusses the recent policy review by the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) and its implications for India’s economy.
- The MPC is responsible for making decisions regarding the repo rate and determining the policy stance to achieve specific economic objectives.
Key highlights by RBI
- Repo Rate: Kept unchanged at 6.50%
- Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: Remains unchanged at 6.25%
- Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and Bank Rate: Unchanged at 6.75%
- Target Inflation: Medium-term target for Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation of 4% within a band of +/- 2%
RBI Monetary Policy Committee
|
| Purpose |
Make decisions on monetary policy in India |
| Constituted by |
RBI Act, 1934 |
| Objective |
Maintain price stability and foster economic growth |
| Members |
- 3 officials from the RBI,
- 3 external members appointed by the Government of India
|
| Chairperson |
Governor of the RBI |
| Decision Factors |
- Economic and financial developments
- Inflation trends
- Macroeconomic conditions
|
| Key Tools |
Policy interest rate (Repo rate)
Policy stance |
| Impact of Decisions |
- Borrowing costs
- Liquidity in the banking system
- Overall economic environment
|
Various MPC tools
|
Description |
| Repo Rate |
Rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks |
| Reverse Repo Rate |
Rate at which the central bank borrows money from commercial banks |
| Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) |
Portion of banks’ deposits that they must hold as reserves with the central bank |
| Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) |
Percentage of certain assets that banks are required to maintain in their portfolio |
| Open Market Operations (OMOs) |
Buying and selling of government securities by the central bank in the open market |
| Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) |
Facility allowing banks to borrow funds overnight from the central bank against eligible securities |
| Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) |
Repo and reverse repo rates used by banks to manage their liquidity needs |
| Policy Stance and Communication |
MPC’s approach to monetary policy and communication of decisions and outlook |
Key outlooks
- GDP growth and inflation forecasts: GDP growth forecasts provide insights into the expected pace of economic expansion, while inflation forecasts help gauge price stability and purchasing power.
- Stability of forecasts: The MPC’s latest review indicates relatively little change in the GDP growth and inflation forecasts, reflecting a consistent outlook for the economy.
- Goldilocks metaphor for the economy: The reference to a Goldilocks moment alludes to an ideal state where the economy operates optimally, striking a balance between high inflation (too hot) and faltering GDP growth (too cold). RBI surveys on consumer confidence and inflation expectations suggest a positive and favourable economic environment.
Positive Developments
- Surprising GDP growth: India’s GDP growth in FY23 exceeded the RBI’s expectations, reaching 7.2% instead of the projected 7%.
- Decrease in headline retail inflation: Retail inflation dropped to 4.7% in April, marking the lowest reading since November 2021.
- Consumption recovery and private investments: The anticipation of a robust Rabi crop production and a normal monsoon, combined with the government’s emphasis on capital expenditure, suggests a potential increase in consumption levels and private investments.
- Increase in consumer confidence: Consumer confidence is gradually improving, while Indian families expect inflation to stabilize at a more manageable level.
Major considerations
- Expected deceleration in GDP: Despite positive indicators, the MPC anticipates a slowdown in GDP growth from 7.2% to 6.5% in FY24, with professional forecasters projecting an even lower growth rate of 6%.
- Consumer confidence still in negative territory: While consumer confidence metrics show improvement, they remain below the 100 mark, indicating prevailing pessimism among the public.
- Headwinds and potentially economic challenges: Various factors, including weak global demand, volatility in global financial markets, geopolitical tensions, and the potential impact of El Nino on the monsoon, pose potential risks to India’s economy.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Naidu Hospital in Kottar (Nagercoil, TN), stands as a symbol of the forgotten heroes of the freedom movement, spearheaded by Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu, and their enduring impact on social justice
Who was Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu (1880-1958)?
- Introduction to Naidu Hospital: Naidu Hospital, located in Kottar is a significant hospital with historical ties to the freedom movement and the fight for social justice.
- Founder: M. Emperumal Naidu, a freedom fighter and associate of Mahatma Gandhi, established the hospital.
- Contribution to Vaikom Movement: Naidu actively participated in the Vaikom temple street entry movement, following the footsteps of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and his wife Nagammal.
- Enduring the Struggle: Naidu faced adversity during the movement, including being splattered with limestone powder and standing in waist-deep rainwater with Gandhidas Muthusamy.
His Life and Achievements
- Family and Education: Naidu’s ancestors hailed from Andhra Pradesh, and his father served as an artiste in the court of Travancore. Naidu studied at Scott Christian College in Nagercoil and later attended the Madras Medical College.
- Involvement in Freedom Movement: Naidu became actively involved in the freedom movement while studying in England and declined a medical college offer to pursue a degree in Glasgow, aligning himself with the ideals of Gandhi.
- Contributions to Healthcare: In 1914, Naidu established a hospital in Kottar, one of the first private hospitals providing modern medical treatment. He offered free treatment to Dalits and marked prescriptions with ‘HF’ (Harijan Free).
- Leadership and Connections: Naidu played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress and hosted prominent leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, C.F. Andrews, Sarojini Naidu, and Jawaharlal Nehru in Nagercoil.
- Link to Gandhi: Naidu served as a vital link to Gandhi in Travancore and actively participated in various campaigns and Congress meetings alongside him.
Major contribution: Temple Entry Movement
- Vaikom Temple Street Movement: Naidu, along with his wife and other volunteers, actively participated in the Vaikom temple street movement, advocating for equal rights and facing arrests and restrictions.
- Continued Activism: Naidu continued organizing protests and campaigns, leading a protest in Suchindram to open temple streets to all communities in the Kanniyakumari district.
- Achievements: Naidu’s relentless efforts for temple entry and the welfare of Dalits led to the Travancore government issuing a proclamation in 1936, opening temple doors and streets to all communities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agni Prime , Other Agni variants
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: India successfully tested the new-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile with a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres.
About Agni Prime Missile
- Stages: Agni-P is a two-stage, surface-to-surface, road-mobile, and solid-fueled missile.
- Canister-Launch System: Agni-P is launched via a canister, providing operational flexibility and ease of transport.
- Advanced Systems: Agni-P incorporates new propulsion systems, composite rocket motor casings, and advanced navigation and guidance systems.
History and Development
- Development Timeline: Beginning in 2016, DRDO has been developing Agni-P as a successor to enhance accuracy and reliability.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Agni-P is part of India’s strategy to counter China’s naval capabilities and achieve parity in anti-access/area denial.
- International Implications: Agni-P’s development positions India in the regional power dynamics and could impact arms control treaties.
Missile Capabilities
- Manoeuvrability and Accuracy: Agni-P features a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV) for precise delivery of warheads to multiple locations.
- Transportability: The missile is stored in a hermetically sealed tandem twin canister launcher, allowing for swift transportation through road and rail.
- Weight Reduction: Composite materials are utilized in both stages of Agni-P to reduce weight and enhance performance.
Strategic Importance
- Counterforce Capability: Agni-P aims to deter neighbourhood enemy forces, given its limited range.
- Enhanced Deterrence: The missile strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities and contributes to national security.
- Regional Power Dynamics: Agni-P’s development is part of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, impacting regional power dynamics.
Back2Basics: Agni Missile Series
- Agni I: It is a Medium Range Ballistic Missile with a Range of 700-800 km.
- Agni II: It is also a Medium Range Ballistic Missile with a Range more than 2000 km.
- Agni III: It is also an Inter-Medium Range Ballistic Missile with Range of more than 2,500 Km
- Agni IV: It is also an Inter-Medium Range Ballistic Missile with Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road mobile launcher.
- Agni-V: Currently it is the longest of Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
- Agni- VI: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of ICBM 11,000–12,000 km.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NEXT
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The NExT examination, a common qualifying criterion for final-year undergraduate medical students will be introduced in the year 2024.
National Exit Test (NExT)
- Objective: The examination aims to bring uniformity in evaluation across the country, ensuring minimum common standards of education and training for medical graduates.
- Two-Part Examination: The NExT exam will consist of two parts: NExT 1, which will be a theoretical examination, and NExT 2, which will include practical, clinical, and oral examinations covering seven clinical subjects or disciplines.
- Mock Test: A mock test may be conducted to familiarize students with the procedure and alleviate any anxiety before the official examination is rolled out.
National Medical Commission and Application of NExT
- Role of NMC: The NMC is responsible for implementing the NExT examination and ensuring a common standard for medical education in the country.
- Applicability: The NExT examination will also apply to institutes of national importance, including the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to maintain uniformity in medical education.
Significance
- Quality professionals: The NExT examination is seen as a means to ensure quality and produce well-trained Indian medical graduates.
- Expert Perspectives: Experts in the medical field have welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of uniform examination standards and the opportunity for interns to focus on their clinical training.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI), DICGC
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Recommendation for DICGC cover extension: A committee suggests extending Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) cover to Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) holders to protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
- Relief for PPI holders: Acceptance of the recommendation would provide significant relief to PPI holders.
Understanding Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)
- Definition: PPIs are instruments facilitating various financial transactions and the purchase of goods and services.
- Types: PPIs can be categorized as small PPIs and full-KYC PPIs, issued as cards or wallets.
- Loading/reloading options: PPIs can be loaded/reloaded with cash, debit/credit cards, or bank transfers.
Issuers of PPI Instruments
- Authorized issuers: Banks and non-banks authorized by the RBI can issue PPIs.
- Examples of authorized issuers: Airtel Payments Bank, Axis Bank, Union Bank, and others are permitted to issue and operate PPIs.
- Non-bank PPI issuers: Amazon Pay (India), Bajaj Finance, Ola Financial Services, and others also offer PPI services.
RBI Committee’s Recommendations
- Call for DICGC cover examination: The committee recommends examining the extension of DICGC cover to bank and non-bank PPIs.
- Purpose of examination: Considering PPIs as deposits held with regulated PPI issuers requires further examination.
Understanding DICGC
- Role of DICGC: DICGC, a subsidiary of the RBI, provides deposit insurance.
- Protection for depositors: DICGC ensures the stability of the financial system by protecting small depositors in the event of a bank failure.
- Coverage scope: DICGC covers commercial banks, payments banks, small finance banks, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks licensed by the RBI.
DICGC Coverage and Limits
- Types of deposits covered: DICGC insures savings, fixed, current, recurring, and accrued interest deposits.
- Maximum insurance limit: Each depositor is insured up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for both principal and interest amounts.
- Increase in insurance cover: The insurance cover was raised to Rs 5 lakh in 2020 from the previous limit of Rs 1 lakh.
Total Number of PPIs
- PPI quantity as of March 31, 2023: The system comprised 16,185.26 lakh PPIs, including 13,384.68 lakh wallets and 2,800.58 lakh cards.
- Transaction volume in FY2023: The total volume transacted through PPIs in FY2023 reached 74,667.44 lakh.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nyaya Vikas Program
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Nyaya Vikas Portal has been created for monitoring the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored, Nyaya Vikas Scheme.
What is Nyaya Vikas Program?
- Initiated by the Department of Justice in 1993-94.
- Aims to develop infrastructure facilities for districts and subordinate judiciary.
- Provides central assistance to state governments and UT administrations for constructing court halls and residential units.
- Extended beyond March 31, 2021, with additional features for convenience, such as lawyers’ halls, toilet complexes, and digital computer rooms.
- Funding sharing pattern: 60:40 between the central government and state governments (excluding North Eastern and Himalayan States), 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States, and 100% for Union Territories.
About Nyaya Vikas Portal
- The Nyaya Vikas Portal has been created to monitor the implementation of the CSS for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Districts and Subordinate Judiciary.
- It allows stakeholders to log in through four efficient ways, providing seamless access to information related to funding, documentation, project monitoring, and approval.
- The portal ensures transparency and accessibility by providing stakeholders with a centralized platform to access information about funding, documentation, project monitoring, and approval processes.
Impact of the Scheme
- Improved infrastructure: The portal’s monitoring capabilities contribute to the effective utilization of funds for constructing court halls, residential units, lawyers’ halls, toilet complexes, and digital computer rooms.
- Enhanced judicial services: By providing better infrastructure and facilities, the portal enhances the delivery of judicial services to lawyers, litigants, and judicial officers.
- Strengthened rule of law: The efficient implementation of the scheme through the portal strengthens the rule of law by ensuring access to justice and adequate infrastructure for the judiciary.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Varunastra
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Test-firing achievement: The indigenously designed and developed heavy weight torpedo (HWT) Varunastra was successfully test-fired by the Indian Navy, targeting an undersea target with a live warhead.
Varunastra: Feature Details
- Advanced features: Varunastra is a ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo equipped with low drift navigational systems, acoustic homing, advanced acoustic countermeasures, autonomous guidance algorithms, an insensitive munitions warhead, and a GPS-based recovery aid for practice torpedoes.
- Designed and developed by NSTL: Varunastra was designed and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) based in Vizag under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Manufacturing by BDL: Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) is responsible for the manufacturing of Varunastra.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
- Speed, depth, and range: Varunastra boasts a maximum speed of 40 knots and a maximum operating depth of 600 meters. It has long-range and multi-manoeuvering capabilities.
- Acoustic homing and tracking: The torpedo features acoustic homing with a wide look angle, allowing it to track silent targets effectively.
- Advanced guidance and navigational systems: Varunastra incorporates autonomous advanced guidance algorithms and drift navigational systems, enabling precise targeting and long-endurance operations.
Significance of the test fire
- Mainstay of anti-submarine warfare: Varunastra is set to become the primary anti-submarine torpedo for all naval warships, replacing older torpedoes capable of firing HWT.
- Enhanced anti-submarine warfare: The induction of Varunastra as the mainstay anti-submarine torpedo strengthens the Indian Navy’s capabilities in countering underwater threats.
- Self-reliance and indigenous development: The successful development and deployment of Varunastra highlight India’s progress in indigenous defence technologies and reduce dependence on imports.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Environment Day
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Plastics have become an integral part of human life, despite their adverse environmental impact.
- World Environment Day (5th June) serves as a reminder of our responsibility to address plastic pollution.
Why in news?
- 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day: The day, led by UNEP since 1973, marks its 50th anniversary this year.
- Global Platform for Environmental Outreach: World Environment Day has grown into the largest global platform for environmental outreach.
- Theme- #BeatPlasticPollution: This year’s World Environment Day focuses on the urgent need to combat plastic pollution.
World Environment Day 2023
|
| Date |
June 5th |
| Theme (2023) |
Ecosystem Restoration |
| Host Country (2023) |
Pakistan |
| Established |
World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment |
| Purpose |
To raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection |
| Importance |
Platform for global environmental campaigns and initiatives |
| Activities |
Various activities are organized worldwide, such as tree planting, clean-up drives, and educational programs |
| Previous Themes |
Previous themes have focused on topics like biodiversity, air pollution, plastic pollution, and more |
| Organized by |
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
Plastic pollution and the need for Solutions
- Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue that requires immediate attention.
- Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with less than 10% being recycled.
- Plastic pollution negatively affects ecosystems and poses risks to human health.
Understanding Plastic Pollution
- Versatile Nature of Plastics: Plastics are synthetic materials capable of being shaped and molded according to requirements.
- Types of Plastics: Commodity plastics, such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS, dominate global production.
- Identification Codes and Different Properties: Plastics can be identified by their resin identification codes (RIC) and possess distinct properties.
Environmental impact of plastics
- Plastics have revolutionized various industries but raise significant environmental concerns.
- Plastics have a slow decomposition rate, leading to the persistence of plastic waste.
- Microplastics, including primary and secondary types, accumulate in various environments.
Health risks and toxic chemicals
- Microplastics contain toxic chemicals that pose risks to human health.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) in microplastics can have detrimental effects on human health.
Worst examples of Plastic Pollution
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast collection of plastic and microplastic waste.
- It was formed due to converging ocean currents and is situated in the North Pacific Ocean.
- It covers a surface area of 1.6 million sq km, with smaller patches in other oceans.
Actions against Plastic Pollution
- Urgency for Collective Action: Plastic pollution necessitates collective efforts and immediate action.
- World Environment Day’s Reminder of Responsibility: World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to address plastic pollution.
Way forward
- Plastic Recycling: Advanced recycling technologies offer new ways to efficiently recycle plastic waste.
- Promoting Circular Economy Models: Embracing circular economy principles can reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable resource usage.
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Spreading awareness and educating the public about the impact of plastic pollution can drive behavioral change.
- Collaboration between Industries and Governments: Cooperation between industries and governments is essential to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling plastic pollution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: KFON, Fibre Optic
Mains level: Internet inclusivity
Central Idea
- Free Internet: The Kerala government officially launched KFON, a flagship project aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting e-governance.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: KFON intends to provide high-speed broadband internet access to all households and government offices in Kerala.
What is KFON?
- KFON acts as an optical fibre cable network infrastructure provider, covering 30,000 km and 375 Points-of-Presence across Kerala.
- KFON’s infrastructure is shared with all service providers, including cable operators, benefiting both government offices and individual beneficiaries.
- Local ISP/TSP/cable TV providers are responsible for providing internet connectivity to households.
Spread and Speed of KFON
- Connectivity Goals: The initial stage of KFON aims to connect 30,000 government offices and 14,000 BPL (Below Poverty Line) families in Kerala.
- Internet Speed and Mobile Connectivity: KFON promises internet speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps and is expected to improve mobile phone call quality.
- Progress: As of June 5th, 17,412 government offices and 2,105 houses have been connected, with cable networks laid down for 9,000 houses.
Purpose: Empowering the Poor
- Internet Connection for BPL Families: KFON aims to provide internet connections, free of cost, to 20 lakh families below the poverty line.
- Phase 1 implementation: The first phase targets 14,000 BPL families, with a long-term plan to select 100 BPL families in each assembly constituency for high-speed internet access.
Need for KFON
- Left’s Alternative Model of Development: KFON is showcased by the CPI(M) government as part of their commitment to the public sector and an alternative development model.
- Rural Connectivity Challenges: KFON addresses the limited infrastructure and bandwidth provided by private telecom operators in rural areas.
- Enhanced Service Delivery: KFON was established to ensure efficient service delivery, quality, reliability, interoperability, and security.
Stakeholders of KFON
- Joint Venture and Ownership: KFON is a joint venture of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala State IIT Infrastructure Limited, with KSEB owning the infrastructure assets.
- Project Implementation: A consortium led by Central PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is responsible for implementing the KFON project.
- Project Funding: The project is fully funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
Services Provided
- Core Network Infrastructure: KFON aims to create an information highway with non-discriminatory access, connecting government offices and educational institutions.
- Range of Services: KFON offers connectivity to government offices, leasing of dark fibre, internet leased line, fibre to the home, wifi hotspots, colocation of assets, IPTV, OTT, and cloud hosting.
- Licenses and Facilities: KFON holds Infrastructure Provider (category one) and Internet Service Provider (category B) licenses, allowing access to optic fibre network infrastructure.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kakhovka Dam
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Breach of the Dnipro River Dam: A Soviet-era Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine was breached, resulting in floodwaters spreading across the war zone.
- Conflicting Accounts: Ukraine accused Russia of destroying the dam, while Russian officials provided differing explanations, suggesting Ukrainian shelling or prior damage as potential causes.
The Kakhovka Dam
- Construction and Purpose: The Kakhovka Dam was built in 1956 as part of the Khakhovka hydroelectric power plant, with a height of 30 meters (98 feet) and a length of 3.2 kilometres (2 miles).
- Water Supply: The dam’s reservoir supplies water to the Crimean peninsula, claimed by Russia since 2014, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control.
- Reservoir Capacity: The reservoir holds approximately 18 cubic km of water, comparable in volume to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA.
Accounts of the Dam Breach
- Ukrainian Accusations: Ukraine attributed responsibility to Russia, stating that the dam was destroyed by “Russian terrorists” and accusing Russian occupying forces of the act.
- Russian Claims: Russian-installed officials offered conflicting accounts, with some blaming Ukraine for shelling the dam, while others asserted that the dam collapsed due to pre-existing damage and water pressure.
Human Impact and Evacuations
- Potential Flooding: The surge in water levels poses a significant risk, potentially impacting thousands of people in the affected areas.
- Evacuations: Evacuation efforts commenced on both sides of the front line to ensure the safety of civilians.
- Population at Risk: Russian-installed officials indicated that 22,000 individuals across 14 settlements in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region were at risk of flooding, while the Ukrainian Prime Minister noted that up to 80 settlements were in danger.
Impact on Crimea
- Water Supply Concerns: The rupture of the dam raises concerns about water levels in the North Crimea Canal, which supplies fresh water to the Crimea peninsula from the Dnipro River.
- Dependence on Canal: Crimea depends on the canal for fresh water, and its previous blockage by Ukraine after the 2014 annexation caused water shortages in the region.
- Potential Consequences: Decreased water levels in the canal could have significant implications for water supply in Crimea.
Other hotspots under threat: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
- Cooling Water Source: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, relies on the reservoir as a source of cooling water.
- Russian Control: The plant is located on the southern side of the conflict zone, which is currently under Russian control.
- Nuclear Safety Assurance: The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that there was no immediate nuclear safety risk at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and Russia’s state nuclear energy company affirmed that there was no threat to the plant.
Try this question from CS Prelims 2023
Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news: Reason for being in news
- North Kivu and Ituri: War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Nagorno-Karabakh: Insurgency in Mozambique
- Kherson and Zaporizhzhia: Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Higgs Boson Decay
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Physicists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) reported detecting a rare decay of the Higgs boson into a Z boson and a photon.
- The decay process provides valuable insights into the Higgs boson and the nature of our universe.
Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
|
| What is it? |
– The LHC is the world’s largest science experiment constructed by CERN.
– It collides beams of hadrons, such as protons, for high-energy physics research.
– Upgrades have enhanced the LHC’s sensitivity and accuracy for its third season of operations. |
| Functioning |
– Protons are accelerated through a 27 km circular pipe using powerful magnets.
– Magnetic fields guide the protons, reaching speeds close to the speed of light. |
| Particle Collisions |
– Collisions of high-energy protons lead to the creation of various subatomic particles.
– The LHC has achieved collision energies of up to 13.6 TeV. |
| Scientific Discoveries at the LHC |
– LHC’s detectors, including ATLAS and CMS, discovered the Higgs boson in 2012.
– Scientists have tested predictions of the Standard Model, observed exotic particles, and gained insights into extreme conditions. |
| Future of the LHC |
– Upgrades are planned to increase the LHC’s luminosity by ten times by 2027, aiming to discover new physics.
– There is a debate about investing in a larger LHC or smaller experiments to explore new realms of physics. |
Understanding the Higgs Boson
- The Higgs boson is a type of subatomic particle that carries the force of particle movement through the Higgs field, present throughout the universe.
- Interaction with Higgs bosons determines a particle’s mass, with stronger interaction leading to greater mass.
Importance of Higgs Boson Decay
- Studying how different particles interact with Higgs bosons and understanding the properties of Higgs bosons helps reveal information about the universe.
- The recent detection of Higgs boson decay to a Z boson and a photon provides noteworthy insights.
Role of Virtual Particles
- Quantum field theory suggests that space at the subatomic level is filled with virtual particles that constantly appear and disappear.
- Higgs bosons interact fleetingly with virtual particles during their creation, resulting in the production of a Z boson and a photon.
New Result and Probability
- The Standard Model predicts that the Higgs boson will decay into a Z boson and a photon 0.1% of the time.
- The LHC needed to produce a significant number of Higgs bosons to observe this decay pathway.
Confirmation and Statistical Precision
- The ATLAS and CMS detectors, which previously observed the decay independently, combined their data for increased statistical precision.
- Although the significance is not yet 100%, the combined data enhanced the confirmation of the Higgs boson decay.
Significance for the Standard Model
- Physicists seek to detect and validate the predicted decay pathways of the Higgs boson according to the Standard Model.
- Precise testing of the model’s predictions helps identify potential deviations and explore new theories in physics.
Implications for New Theories
- Higher decay rates through the observed pathway could support new theories beyond the Standard Model.
- Experimental evidence from the LHC could contribute to advancements in scientific understanding.
Back2Basics: Standard Model
- The Standard Model is a theoretical framework in physics that describes the fundamental particles and their interactions, except for gravity.
- It provides a comprehensive understanding of three of the four fundamental forces: electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces.
- Developed in the mid-20th century, the Standard Model has been highly successful in explaining and predicting the behaviour of elementary particles.
Key points about the Standard Model:
- Particle Classification: The Standard Model classifies particles into two main categories: fermions and bosons.
- Fermions: Fermions are particles that make up matter. They are further categorized into quarks and leptons. Quarks are the building blocks of protons and neutrons, while leptons include electrons and neutrinos.
- Bosons: Bosons are force-carrying particles responsible for transmitting the fundamental forces. Examples include photons (electromagnetic force), gluons (strong nuclear force), and W and Z bosons (weak nuclear force).
- Fundamental Forces: The Standard Model explains the interactions between particles through the following fundamental forces:
- Electromagnetic Force: Mediated by photons, this force governs the interactions between charged particles.
- Strong Nuclear Force: Mediated by gluons, it binds quarks together to form protons, neutrons, and other particles.
- Weak Nuclear Force: Mediated by W and Z bosons, it is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay.
- Higgs Field and Higgs Boson: The Standard Model introduces the concept of the Higgs field, an energy field that permeates the universe. Particles acquire mass through their interaction with this field. The existence of the Higgs boson, a particle associated with the Higgs field, was confirmed in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in 2012.
Limitations and Open Questions:
While the Standard Model has been highly successful in describing particle interactions, it has some limitations:
- Gravity: The theory does not include a description of gravity, which is described by general relativity. Combining gravity with the other forces remains a challenge.
- Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Standard Model does not account for dark matter and dark energy, which are believed to constitute a significant portion of the universe.
- Unification: The theory does not provide a unified description of all forces, including electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GOTS
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Marple (an AI company) aims to track cotton certification in India.
- Utilizing satellite images and artificial intelligence, the project focuses on identifying and classifying cotton fields in India.
What is GOTS?
- The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a globally recognized standard for the processing and manufacturing of organic textiles.
- It is a leading certification for organic fibers, including cotton, throughout the entire supply chain, from harvesting of raw materials to labeling of the final product.
- GOTS ensures that organic textiles meet strict environmental and social criteria, providing credible assurance to consumers.
Key aspects of GOTS include:
- Organic Fiber Criteria: GOTS requires that at least 95% of the fibers in a textile product must be certified organic. It prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and restricts the use of certain synthetic chemicals.
- Environmental Criteria: GOTS sets strict environmental criteria for processing and manufacturing organic textiles. It includes guidelines for wastewater treatment, chemical inputs, and energy usage, promoting sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact.
- Social Criteria: GOTS also encompasses social criteria, ensuring fair and safe working conditions for employees throughout the supply chain. It includes provisions for workers’ rights, prohibition of forced labor, and compliance with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.
- Supply Chain Traceability: GOTS requires full traceability of the supply chain, from the source of the organic fibres to the final product. This ensures transparency and integrity throughout the production process.
- Labelling and Certification: GOTS-certified products are labelled accordingly, allowing consumers to identify and choose organic textiles with confidence. Certification is carried out by independent third-party organizations that assess compliance with GOTS standards.
What is the new program about?
- ESA’s programme will train AI models to analyze ESA satellite data and identify cotton fields in India.
- The project will help GOTS generate accurate estimates of organic cotton yields and incorporate standardized yield metrics.
- The initiative aims to identify cotton fields meeting predetermined standards and support a seamless transition to organic cultivation.
- Traditional and ecologically friendly farming practices will be encouraged.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Evapotranspiration, Water Cycle
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Evapotranspiration is a key process in Earth’s dynamic systems, impacting the movement of water and nutrients, influencing the water cycle, and providing crucial information for farmers to manage irrigation and water resources effectively.
Understanding Evapotranspiration
- Definition: Evapotranspiration refers to the movement of water from terrestrial surfaces into the atmosphere and is a crucial part of the planet-wide water cycle.
- Water cycle and its connection to evapotranspiration: Evapotranspiration is an amalgamation of evaporation (water loss from soil) and transpiration (water movement and loss by plants), both of which contribute to the overall movement of water in the water cycle.
- Breakdown of the term: Evapotranspiration encompasses the movement of water upward through plants and its subsequent loss into the air from exposed plant parts.
Factors affecting Evapotranspiration
- Rate of evapotranspiration: Several factors impact the rate of evapotranspiration, including solar radiation, day length, soil moisture levels, ambient temperature, wind conditions, and the amount of water vapour already present in the air.
- Insolation and its effect: The intensity of solar radiation directly affects the rate of evapotranspiration, as it provides the energy needed to evaporate water from terrestrial surfaces.
- Role of day length: The length of the day, soil moisture content, ambient temperature, wind patterns, and the moisture content of the air all contribute to the rate at which evapotranspiration occurs.
Historical significance of evapotranspiration
- Origin and age of the term: The term “evapotranspiration” has been in use for at least 86 years and was initially published with a hyphenated form.
- Contribution of Charles Warren Thornthwaite in 1944: Thornthwaite, an American climatologist, defined and popularized the term “evapotranspiration” in 1944.
- Relevance for farmers in estimating water needs for crops: Even today, evapotranspiration remains significant for farmers who utilize it to estimate the amount of water required to irrigate their crops effectively.
Back2Basics: Water Cycle
- The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement and circulation of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.
- Stages of the Water Cycle include:
- Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, rising into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: The cooling of water vapor in the atmosphere, causing it to change from a gaseous state back to a liquid state, forming clouds.
- Precipitation: When condensed water droplets combine and fall from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Runoff: The movement of water on the Earth’s surface, flowing into streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually into the oceans.
- Infiltration: The process by which water seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.
- Transpiration: The release of water vapor from plant surfaces into the atmosphere.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Salt Cavern-Based Reserves
Mains level: Strategic Oil Reserves in India
Central Idea
- Engineers India (EIL) is conducting a feasibility study for developing salt cavern-based strategic oil reserves in Rajasthan, India, to increase the country’s storage capacity.
- If successful, it would be India’s first oil storage facility using salt caverns, different from the existing rock cavern-based strategic storage facilities.
Cavern-based Oil Storage
- Cavern-based strategic oil storage facilities are storage facilities for crude oil or petroleum products that utilize naturally occurring underground caverns for storage purposes.
- These caverns are typically formed in salt formations or other geological formations through processes such as solution mining or excavation.
- In the case of salt cavern-based storage facilities, the storage space is created by dissolving salt deposits with water.
- The process involves pumping water into the geological formations with large salt deposits, which dissolves the salt and creates caverns.
- Once the brine (water with dissolved salt) is pumped out, the space can be used to store crude oil or other petroleum products.
Advantages offered
- Secure and safe: They are naturally well-sealed, providing a secure and impermeable barrier against liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.
- Impermeable: This inherent sealing property makes them suitable for long-term storage of oil, minimizing the risk of leaks or environmental contamination.
- Efficient pumping: Furthermore, cavern-based storage facilities often have high injection and extraction rates, allowing for rapid and efficient operations.
- Huge capacity: The large volume capacity of caverns enables significant storage capacity, making them ideal for strategic oil reserves intended to address supply disruptions or emergencies.
- Strategic asset: Countries build strategic crude oil reserves to mitigate supply disruptions and ensure energy security during global supply shocks and emergencies.
India’s Current Strategic Oil Reserves
- Existing strategic oil storage facilities: India’s three current strategic oil storage facilities are located in Mangaluru, Padur, and Visakhapatnam, consisting of excavated rock caverns.
- Current capacity and days of demand met: India’s current strategic oil reserves have a capacity of 5.33 million tonnes, equivalent to around 39 million barrels, meeting approximately 9.5 days of demand.
- Expansion plans: India is in the process of expanding its strategic oil reserves by 6.5 million tonnes at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur.
Salt Cavern-Based Reserves vs. Rock Cavern-Based Reserves
|
Salt Cavern |
Rock Cavern |
| Development Process |
- Developed through solution mining
- Dissolving salt deposits with water to create storage space
|
- Excavated from solid rock formations
|
| Advantages |
- Naturally well-sealed
- Rapid injection and extraction of oil
- Less labour-intensive and cost-intensive compared to rock caverns
|
- Excavation process
- Suitable for certain geological formations
|
| Suitability for Oil Storage |
- Low oil absorbency
- Impermeable barrier
- Suitable for storing crude oil
|
- Depends on specific geological formations
- May have varying degrees of oil absorbency and permeability
|
Examples of Salt Cavern-Based Storage
- US Strategic Petroleum Reserve: The US has the world’s largest emergency oil storage, with storage caverns created in salt domes along the Gulf of Mexico coast. It has a capacity of around 727 million barrels.
- Salt caverns for other purposes: Salt caverns are also used for storing liquid fuels, natural gas, compressed air, and hydrogen in various parts of the world.
Potential for such storage in Rajasthan
- Rajasthan’s conducive conditions: Rajasthan, with abundant salt formations, is seen as a favorable location for developing salt cavern-based strategic storage facilities.
- Previous plans and current renewal: Earlier plans for a strategic oil reserve in Bikaner did not materialize, but the exploration of salt cavern-based storage in Rajasthan can be seen as a renewed proposal.
- Infrastructure suitability: The presence of a refinery in Barmer and existing crude pipelines in Rajasthan make the infrastructure conducive for building strategic oil reserves.
- Importance of technology access: Previously, no Indian company possessed the necessary technical expertise for building salt cavern-based strategic hydrocarbon storage.
Future plans in India
- Emergency stockpiles: India’s strategic oil reserves are intended to provide emergency stockpiles and are managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL).
- Import protection: The International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that countries should hold oil stockpiles sufficient for 90 days of import protection.
- Commercialization plans and partnerships: India plans to commercialize its strategic petroleum reserves through public-private partnerships, reducing government spending and leveraging the commercial potential of the reserves.
- Recent actions and releases: India took advantage of low crude oil prices to fill its reserves, leading to cost savings. It also released oil from its strategic reserves as part of coordinated actions with other major oil-consuming countries.
Conclusion
- Compared to rock cavern-based reserves, salt caverns offer unique benefits that align with India’s goals of increasing storage capacity and ensuring energy security.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Payment System Operators (PSOs)
Mains level: Not Much
The Reserve Bank of India has released the draft Master Directions on Cyber Resilience and Digital Payment Security Controls for Payment System Operators (PSOs).
What are Payment System Operators (PSOs)?
- A payment system operator means a legal entity responsible for operating a payment system.
- The PSO provides services by operating on certain models.
- They largely outsource their payment and settlement-related activities to various other entities.
- Examples of PSOs include: Google Pay (and other apps), Clearing Corporation of India, National Payments Corporation of India, Cards Payment Networks, Cross border Money Transfer, ATM networks, Prepaid Payment Instruments, White Label ATM Operators, Instant Money Transfer, and Trade Receivables Discounting System, Bharat Bill Payment System etc.
Key points from the draft
(1) Governance Mechanisms:
- The draft emphasizes the need for robust governance mechanisms to manage cybersecurity risks effectively.
- It covers information security risks and vulnerabilities that PSOs should address.
- PSOs are expected to establish and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
(2) Baseline Security Measures:
- The draft specifies baseline security measures to be implemented by PSOs.
- These measures are designed to protect digital payment systems from cybersecurity threats.
- PSOs must implement controls related to data security, access controls, incident response, and business continuity planning.
(3) Resilience to Cybersecurity Risks:
- The directions aim to ensure that PSOs are resilient to both traditional and emerging information systems and cybersecurity risks.
- PSOs are required to conduct periodic risk assessments and implement appropriate controls to mitigate identified risks.
- The draft emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and review of cybersecurity measures.
(4) Safeguarding Digital Payment Transactions:
- The focus of the directions is to enhance the security of digital payment transactions.
- PSOs must implement strong authentication mechanisms, encryption standards, and secure communication protocols.
- The draft highlights the need for robust fraud monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
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