Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Ethanol Production ;
Why in the News?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revision in the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25.
What is the significance of the Price Revision?
The recent revision of the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is significant for several reasons:
- Price Stability and Remuneration: The increase from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre ensures price stability and provides a more remunerative rate for ethanol suppliers, which is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of ethanol.
- Support for Sugarcane Farmers: The separate payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and transportation charges will benefit sugarcane farmers, enhancing their income and encouraging production.
- Meeting Blending Targets: The 3% increase in the price is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of ethanol to meet the ambitious blending target of 20% by 2025-26, advancing from the original target of 2030.
- Reducing Crude Oil Dependency: This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce India’s dependency on crude oil imports, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings and environmental benefits.
What is Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)?
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a government initiative aimed at promoting the blending of ethanol with petrol to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel option.
- OMCs are currently blending up to 20% ethanol with petrol, which helps reduce reliance on imported crude oil and lowers carbon emissions.
- Ethanol blending has dramatically increased from 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving an average blending rate of 14.60%.
- The programme has resulted in estimated savings of over ₹1,13,007 crore in foreign exchange and has substituted approximately 193 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil over the past decade.
What are other initiatives taken to promote biofuels?
- National Policy on Biofuels (2018): This policy aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development by encouraging the production and use of biofuels from various feedstocks such as sugarcane, broken rice, and maise.
- Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: This initiative focuses on accelerating the development of second-generation (2G) ethanol capacity in India, providing viability gap funding to support the establishment of 2G ethanol projects.
- Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): Launched in September 2023, this alliance aims to accelerate the global adoption of cleaner fuels and support decarbonization goals. It involves collaboration with multiple countries to enhance biofuel deployment.
- Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) Initiative: Launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2018, this initiative aims to convert used cooking oil into biofuel, thereby preventing its reuse in food preparation and promoting sustainability.
- Biodiesel Production Targets: India has set a biodiesel blending target of 5% by 2030. The government is mobilizing production through policies that support feedstock availability, including used cooking oil and non-edible industrial oils.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiatives: The National Biofuel Coordination Committee has established targets for blending SAF in domestic flights, aiming for 1% by 2025 and 5% by 2030.
- Ethanol Blending Advancements: The target for ethanol blending has been advanced from 2030 to 2025, with plans to achieve 20% blending. This includes signing long-term off-take agreements with dedicated ethanol plants to ensure a steady supply.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Feedstock Supply Chain: Enhance agricultural productivity and diversify feedstock sources including maize and non-food biomass, to ensure a stable and sustainable ethanol supply.
- Expand Infrastructure and Investments: Develop ethanol storage, blending, and distribution networks while encouraging private sector participation through financial incentives and policy support.
Prelims PYQ:
[2013] With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
- Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
- Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Crowd Management;
Why in the News?
This week in India, a tragic crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh claimed the lives of 30 people.
What scientific evidence supports the prevention of crowd disasters?
- Crowd Density Studies: Research indicates that crowd crushes become dangerous at densities of five persons per square meter, with serious risks emerging at seven persons per square meter or more. This evidence underscores the need for effective crowd management to prevent dangerous overcrowding.
- Predictability of Crowd Behavior: Scientific studies have shown that crowd dynamics can be predicted and managed. By understanding how crowds behave in different environments, planners can implement strategies to avoid conditions that lead to crushes.
- Historical Data on Past Incidents: Analysis of previous crowd disasters reveals common factors leading to fatalities, such as inadequate space and poor crowd control measures. Lessons learned from these incidents can inform better practices for future events.
How can effective crowd management practices be implemented at large events?
- Strategic Planning: Event organizers should create a comprehensive plan that includes crowd flow evaluation, risk assessment, and clearly marked exits and entrances. This planning should involve local officials to ensure safety measures are adequate.
- Staggered Entry and Exit Times: To reduce peak crowd density, organizers can stagger arrival and departure times for attendees, allowing for a more manageable flow of people into and out of the venue.
- Use of Barriers: Implementing physical barriers can help segment crowds into smaller groups, reducing the likelihood of dangerous surges. Barriers should be designed to allow for emergency exits if needed.
- Crowd Monitoring Systems: Utilizing technology for real-time monitoring of crowd density and behaviour can help event staff respond quickly to potential dangers. Mass notification systems can alert staff about growing concerns, enabling timely interventions.
- Staff Training and Communication: Ensuring that all staff and security personnel are trained in crowd management techniques is essential. Clear communication protocols should be established to relay information quickly during an event.
What role do policies and regulations play in enhancing crowd safety?
- Mandatory Safety Regulations: Governments should introduce regulations requiring event organizers to adhere to safety standards that limit crowd density and ensure adequate emergency planning. Such policies can hold organizers accountable for crowd safety.
- Economic Incentives for Compliance: While event organizers often prioritize profit over safety, regulations can create incentives for them to implement safer practices, such as limiting ticket sales based on venue capacity.
- Post-Incident Reviews and Accountability: Establishing a framework for reviewing crowd disasters can lead to improved regulations and practices in the future. Accountability measures can encourage compliance with safety standards among event planners and local authorities.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments can promote awareness about crowd safety among the public, educating attendees on how to behave in crowded situations and the importance of following safety protocols during events.
What are the steps taken by the government?
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines: The NDMA has formulated guidelines to ensure safe crowd management during mass gatherings. These guidelines include regulating traffic, using barricades, and ensuring adequate police presence to manage crowds effectively.
- Capacity Evaluation: Before hosting large events, there is a requirement for proper evaluation of the venue’s capacity. This ensures that the infrastructure can handle the expected crowd size without leading to dangerous overcrowding.
- Use of Technology: The government encourages the deployment of advanced technologies such as CCTV surveillance, drones for aerial monitoring, and public address systems to enhance crowd management and safety.
- Traffic Management: Effective traffic management strategies are implemented, including displaying route maps, managing unauthorized parking, and controlling pedestrian flow around event venues to prevent bottlenecks.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Regulatory Framework – Governments should enforce stricter crowd safety regulations, mandating capacity limits, emergency preparedness, and real-time crowd monitoring for all large events.
- Enhance Technological Integration – Deploy AI-based crowd analytics, drone surveillance, and real-time alert systems to monitor crowd density and movement. Training event staff in using these technologies will improve response times and prevent disasters.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? (UPSC IAS/ 2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS)
Mains level: Challenges in MSMEs;
Why in the News?
The government approved a Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
What is MCGS-MSME?
- The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing financial accessibility for micro, small, and medium enterprises in India.
What are the Provisions and Salient Features of MCGS-MSME?
- Eligibility and Loan Coverage: The MCGS-MSME is available to MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number, providing loan guarantees of up to Rs 100 crore for purchasing equipment and machinery.
- Guarantee Coverage: The scheme offers 60% guarantee coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for loans sanctioned to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).
- Project Cost Requirements: While the guaranteed loan amount is capped at Rs 100 crore, the total project cost can exceed this amount, provided that at least 75% of the project cost is allocated for equipment or machinery.
- Repayment Terms: Loans up to Rs 50 crore have a repayment period of up to 8 years, including a moratorium of up to 2 years on principal repayments. For loans above Rs 50 crore, longer repayment schedules may be considered.
- Scheme Duration and Fees: The MCGS-MSME will be in effect for four years from the issuance of operational guidelines or until cumulative guarantees of Rs 7 lakh crore are issued. The initial guarantee fee is waived for the first year, followed by a fee of 1.5% per annum for the next three years, and then reduced to 1% per annum thereafter.
What are the other steps taken to ease access to Credit for MSMEs?
In addition to the MCGS-MSME, several other measures have been implemented to facilitate easier access to credit for MSMEs:
- Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 crore, offering up to 85% guarantee coverage, thereby reducing lender risk.
- Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Program: This initiative involves an investment of Rs 6,000 crore over five years, aimed at enhancing MSME growth and performance.
- Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS): An online platform that enables MSMEs to receive faster payments from larger companies, improving cash flow and liquidity.
- Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS): Introduced during COVID-19, this scheme provided a Rs 3 lakh crore relief package, offering a 100% government-backed guarantee for loans.
- Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms: These regulations require banks to allocate a portion of their loans specifically for MSMEs, ensuring that they receive necessary financial support.
What are the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing finance?
- Access to Finance: One of the most significant challenges faced by MSMEs is obtaining timely and affordable financing. For example, The Bank of Baroda reported that over 50% of MSMEs in India could not access formal credit.
- Lack of Financial Knowledge: Many MSMEs lack awareness of available financial schemes and products, which restricts their ability to access funding. For example, Many business owners remain unaware of the Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun loan schemes.
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Way forward:
- Enhanced Financial Literacy and Awareness Campaigns: There is a need for targeted outreach programs to educate MSMEs about available financial schemes, including loan products and government initiatives like Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun schemes, to ensure they are aware and can leverage them effectively.
- Streamlined Loan Processes and Collateral-Free Options: Simplifying the loan application process and expanding collateral-free loan schemes like CGTMSE, along with improving credit rating systems, will ensure quicker and easier access to funds, especially for smaller MSMEs.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: E-Shram Microsites & Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Labour & Employment has launched State and Union Territory Microsites under the e-Shram initiative and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI).
About E-Shram Microsites
- E-Shram Microsites are state-specific digital platforms integrated with the national e-Shram database.
- It is aimed at providing unorganised workers seamless access to both Central and State government welfare programs.
- These platforms ensure real-time integration between State portals and the e-Shram database, allowing simplified registration of unorganised workers.
Key benefits includes:
(1) For Workers:
- One-stop access to employment opportunities, skilling programs, and social security benefits.
- Multilingual accessibility, ensuring workers from different regions can navigate the platform in their preferred language.
- Two-way integration with the e-Shram database, allowing workers to receive real-time updates on welfare schemes and job opportunities.
(2) For States/UTs:
- Cost-effective digital infrastructure, reducing the need for separate State-level portals.
- Real-time analytics dashboards for better policy decision-making and customized tools for specific labour market requirements.
What is Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)?
- The OSI is a data-driven tool designed to identify job roles and industries facing labour shortages, improving workforce planning and employment outcomes.
- It is based on ILO methodology and quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, ensuring an accurate and updated analysis of the job market.
- It comprise of following 4 sub-indicators:
- Hourly Wage Growth
- Employment Growth
- Growth in Hours Worked
- Share of Under-qualified Workers
- High OSI indicates Shortage/higher demand of workers within a particular occupation, which may result in higher wages, more job opportunities.
- Low OSI indicates Surplus/less demand of workers, which may lead to lower wages, fewer job opportunities, and increased competition for available positions.
PYQ:
[2015] Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Teesta River
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has approved the reconstruction of the Teesta-III Dam, which was destroyed by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023.
About Teesta River
- The Teesta River is a transboundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.
- Originates from Tso Lhamo Lake, Sikkim, at 5,330 meters in the Himalayas.
- Major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (Jamuna in Bangladesh).
- Vital for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water supply in Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.
- The Teesta Water Dispute remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable share of water.
Geographical Features:
- Length: 414 km (309 km in India, 105 km in Bangladesh).
- Basin Area: 12,159 sq. km in Sikkim and North Bengal.
- Originates in North Sikkim → flows through West Bengal → enters Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River.
- Passes through major towns like Mangan, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Rangpo.
- Tributaries:
- Left-bank: Rangit, Relli, Great Rangit.
- Right-bank: Lachung, Lachen, Talung.
- It supports Himalayan biodiversity, crucial for tea plantations and terrace farming.
Conservation Initiatives:
- National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Includes efforts to reduce pollution and improve water quality of the Teesta.
- Teesta Barrage Project (West Bengal): Aimed at irrigation development and hydroelectric power generation in North Bengal.
- Hydroelectric Projects in Sikkim: Several Teesta Hydropower Projects (Teesta Stage III, IV, V, VI, etc.) have been established to generate renewable energy while ensuring minimum ecological impact.
- India-Bangladesh Water Sharing Talks: Ongoing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the Teesta water-sharing dispute, ensuring equitable distribution.
- Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan: Implemented to prevent soil erosion and siltation, protecting river health.
| PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asteroid Bennu; OSIRIS-REx Mission
Why in the News?
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security–Regolith Explorer) mission has delivered samples from asteroid Bennu, revealing amino acids, nucleobases, and signs of ancient saltwater, key components in the origins of life.
Key Findings of the Study:
- 14 out of 20 amino acids essential for proteins on Earth were found.
- All five nucleo-bases used in DNA and RNA were detected, indicating prebiotic chemistry beyond Earth.
- Ammonia & Formaldehyde compounds can react under suitable conditions to form complex organic molecules.
- It thus supports the idea that asteroids delivered key building blocks for life to early Earth.
- Calcite, halite, sylvite, and trona were found, indicating prolonged exposure to liquid water.
- Similar briny conditions have been observed on Ceres and Enceladus, suggesting the solar system had widespread environments suitable for organic chemistry.
- Life on Earth exclusively uses left-handed amino acids, but Bennu samples show an equal mix, raising questions about why life evolved with this preference.
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About Asteroid Bennu
- Asteroid Bennu is a carbon-rich asteroid that orbits between Earth and Mars.
- It is believed to be a primitive remnant of the early solar system, holding clues to the origins of life.
- The asteroid is porous, with up to 60% empty space, affecting its collision potential with Earth in the distant future.
- It periodically ejects material, classifying it as an active asteroid.
- OSIRIS-REx was NASA’s first asteroid sample-return mission, launched in 2016 to study and collect material from Bennu’s surface.
- The spacecraft arrived at Bennu in 2018, mapped its surface for two years, and collected samples in 2020.
- It successfully returned the material to Earth in 2023.
- The mission aimed to analyze Bennu’s composition, understand its water history, and study the organic molecules that may have played a role in the origin of life.
Significance of the Study:
- It strengthens the theory that asteroids contributed to life’s origins by delivering organic molecules and water to early Earth.
- It confirms that essential ingredients for life were widespread in the early solar system, increasing the possibility of life beyond Earth.
- It helps refine planetary defense strategies, as Bennu has a small chance of impacting Earth in the future.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
- Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
- Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
- Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kurdistan Region
Why in the News?
India has dispatched a humanitarian aid consignment to the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
What is the Kurdistan Region?
- The Kurdistan Region refers to areas inhabited by ethnic Kurds, primarily in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
- The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) administers Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq.
- The Kurds, a distinct ethnic and linguistic group, have long sought independence and greater autonomy.
- Geographical Significance:
- Spans across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, covering the Zagros Mountains and fertile plains.
- Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, making it geopolitically significant.
- Controls key border regions and trade routes, influencing regional stability.
- Political Implications:
- The Kurdish struggle for autonomy has led to tensions with central governments, particularly in Iraq and Turkey.
- Kurdish forces (Peshmerga) have played a key role in fighting ISIS and maintaining security in northern Iraq.
- The KRG has diplomatic ties with Western countries but lacks full sovereignty.
Ongoing Dispute:
- The Kurdish independence movement faces opposition from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, fearing territorial fragmentation.
- Iraq rejected the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum, leading to military and economic retaliation.
- Turkey continues military operations against Kurdish groups, considering them a security threat.
- The Turkey-ISIS-Kurd relationship remains controversial, with allegations that Turkey indirectly enabled ISIS against the Kurds.
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PYQ:
[2018] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of:
(a) China
(b) Israel
(c) Iraq
(d) Yemen |
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