19 July 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
19-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau )
1. PM inaugurates New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
Topic: GS1 – History, GS3 – Infrastructure development
Context:
- The Prime Minister inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.
- The new terminal building can handle approximately 50 lakh passengers annually and has a construction cost of around Rs 710 crores.
- The expansion of the airport facilities will increase Ease of Travel, Ease of Doing Business, and connectivity in Port Blair.
More information about Veer Savarkar:
Veer Savarkar, also known as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, was an Indian independence activist, poet, writer, and politician. He was born on May 28, 1883, in the town of Bhagur in present-day Maharashtra, India, and passed away on February 26, 1966, in Mumbai, India.
- Freedom Fighter: Savarkar was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He played a significant role in promoting revolutionary ideas and organizing revolutionary activities against the British rule in India.
- Indian Nationalism: Savarkar is known for his contribution to the development of the concept of Hindutva, a term he coined. He believed in the cultural and national unity of Hindus and worked towards creating a strong sense of Indian nationalism.
- Abolition of Caste System: Savarkar advocated for the abolition of the caste system in India and promoted the idea of social equality. He believed in the upliftment of the oppressed and marginalized sections of society.
- Imprisonment: Savarkar was arrested in 1909 for his involvement in revolutionary activities against the British government. He was sentenced to two life terms totaling 50 years and was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was subjected to inhumane treatment during his incarceration.
- Reforms and Writing: During his imprisonment, Savarkar wrote extensively on various subjects, including history, politics, social issues, and Hindu philosophy. His notable works include “The First War of Independence 1857,” “The History of the War of Indian Independence,” and “Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?”
- Criticisms and Controversies: Critics argue that his views on nationalism and Hindu identity were exclusionary and that he held discriminatory views towards religious and ethnic minorities. Others view him as a patriot and freedom fighter.
Strategic importance of development of infrastructure in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India:
- Geostrategic Location: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically located at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Their proximity to international shipping routes and neighboring countries makes them crucial for maritime security and surveillance. Developing infrastructure in the islands strengthens India’s presence and enhances its ability to monitor and respond to any security threats in the region.
- Defense and Naval Base: The islands serve as an important defense outpost for India. Strengthening infrastructure supports the deployment of naval assets, surveillance capabilities, and rapid response forces, bolstering India’s defense posture in the Indian Ocean region.
- Maritime Trade and Connectivity: Port development, such as the expansion of Veer Savarkar International Airport, enables larger cargo and passenger capacities, fostering economic growth and boosting regional trade. It also promotes connectivity between the mainland and the islands, facilitating easier movement of goods, services, and people.
- Tourism Potential: Andaman and Nicobar Islands have immense tourism potential due to their natural beauty, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life. The development of infrastructure, such as airports, ports, roads, and tourist facilities, attracts more visitors and boosts the tourism industry.
- Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance:. Strengthening infrastructure supports disaster management efforts, including early warning systems, evacuation plans, and emergency response capabilities. Additionally, well-developed infrastructure enables effective humanitarian assistance during times of crisis, ensuring timely aid reaches affected areas.
- Resource Exploration and Research: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are rich in natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and bio-diversity. Developing infrastructure supports sustainable resource exploration, research, and conservation efforts.
Model question:
- “Discuss Veer Savarkar’s ideology of Hindutva and its impact on Indian nationalism. Examine the criticisms and controversies surrounding his concept of cultural and national unity, and analyze its relevance in contemporary India.” (20 Marks)
- “Discuss the strategic significance of infrastructure development in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India’s security, regional connectivity, and economic growth. Examine the key areas where infrastructure development is crucial and analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with it.”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1940403
2. India-USA Strategic Clean Energy Partnership Ministerial Joint Statement.
Topic: GS3 – Sustainable development.
Context:
- The Ministerial meeting of theS.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) was held in New Delhi.
- The meeting highlighted the growing importance of bilateral energy cooperation and the achievements of the SCEP in strengthening energy security, clean energy innovation, addressing climate change, and generating employment opportunities.
- The sides welcomed the increasing energy trade between the two countries and the commercial partnerships facilitated by the SCEP.
How India – USA can contribute to clean energy targets:
- Technology Collaboration: India and the USA can collaborate on research, development, and deployment of clean energy technologies. This includes sharing expertise and best practices in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, smart grid systems, and energy efficiency.
- Investment and Financing: The USA can support India in attracting investments and financing for clean energy projects. This includes facilitating public-private partnerships, mobilizing private capital, and providing technical assistance for project development.
- Policy Exchange: This involves exchanging information on regulatory frameworks, market mechanisms, and incentive programs that promote renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and decarbonization.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: This includes training programs, workshops, and knowledge sharing platforms to enhance technical expertise and build a skilled workforce. Investing in human capital strengthens the clean energy industry and supports the achievement of clean energy targets.
- Research and Development: Collaboration between research institutions, universities, and industry leaders can accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as solar power, wind energy, energy storage, and advanced grid systems.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1940523
3. Adequate Availability of Coal for Thermal Power Plants: Coal Ministry
Topic: GS3 – Mineral exploration
Context:
- As of 16th July 2023, thermal power plant end coal stock stands at 33.46 million tonnes, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year.
- Coal production during July 2023 has been significantly higher compared to the corresponding period last year.
- Coal production from 1st April to 16th July 2023 has reached 258.57 million tonnes, compared to 236.69 million tonnes during the same period last year.
Importance of continuous supply of coal for India:
- Energy Security: A continuous supply of coal ensures energy security, minimizing the risk of power shortages and blackouts. It helps maintain a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to meet the growing energy demands of industries, businesses, and households.
- Power Generation: Coal-fired power plants play a crucial role in India’s electricity generation mix. A steady supply of coal ensures the availability of fuel for power plants, enabling them to operate efficiently and meet the electricity demand across the country.
- Industrial Sector: Many industries in India, such as steel, cement, and manufacturing, heavily rely on coal as a fuel and raw material. Continuous coal supply is essential for sustaining industrial operations, enabling production processes and facilitating economic growth. A disruption in coal supply can adversely impact industrial productivity, leading to economic losses and job cuts.
- Job Creation: The coal sector in India is a significant employer, supporting a large workforce across mining, transportation, and related industries. A continuous supply of coal ensures the livelihoods of coal miners, truck drivers, and other workers associated with the coal supply chain.
Challenges in maintaining continuous coal supply:
- Domestic Production Constraints: Various challenges impact domestic coal production, such as geological complexities, limited availability of high-quality coal reserves, environmental concerns, and land acquisition issues.
- Transportation and Logistics: India’s vast geographical expanse poses challenges in transporting coal from mining regions to power plants and industrial centers. Inadequate rail infrastructure, congested roads, and logistical bottlenecks can lead to delays and disruptions in coal transportation, affecting supply chain efficiency.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate infrastructure, including coal handling and storage facilities at power plants, can impede the continuous supply of coal.
- Environmental and Social Concerns: Compliance with environmental norms, rehabilitation of affected communities, and addressing socio-environmental issues can add complexities and timeframes to the coal mining process, potentially affecting the continuity of coal supply.
- Dependence on Imports: While India has significant domestic coal reserves, there is still a reliance on coal imports, particularly for high-quality coal. Challenges in international coal markets, fluctuations in prices, geopolitical factors, and shipping logistics can impact the continuous supply of imported coal, affecting overall coal availability.
- Natural Disasters and Climate Events: Natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, can disrupt coal production, transportation, and infrastructure, leading to supply disruptions.
- Regulatory and Policy Challenges: Regulatory uncertainties, policy changes, and delays in obtaining necessary clearances and approvals can hinder coal production and impact the continuous supply.
Way forward:
- Enhance Domestic Coal Production: Focus on increasing domestic coal production through technological advancements, improved mining practices, and exploration of untapped coal reserves.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure development, including railway networks, ports, and coal handling facilities, to improve transportation and logistics for coal supply.
- Diversification of Energy Sources: Promote diversification of the energy mix by accelerating the development and adoption of renewable energy sources. This will reduce the reliance on coal for power generation and ease the pressure on continuous coal supply.
- Technological Innovation: Encourage research and development in clean coal technologies, such as advanced coal combustion techniques, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and coal beneficiation.
- Regulatory Reforms: Simplify approval procedures, ensure transparent and time-bound clearances, and provide regulatory certainty to attract investments in the coal sector.
- Strengthening Disaster Resilience: Develop robust disaster management plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on coal production and transportation.
- Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management: Promote energy efficiency measures and demand-side management to reduce the overall demand for coal. Encourage energy conservation, implement energy-efficient technologies, and promote awareness among industries and consumers about the importance of energy conservation.
Model question: “Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for ensuring a continuous coal supply in India while maintaining environmental sustainability. Provide examples and policy recommendations to strike a balance between coal supply and environmental conservation.”
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