20 March 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC

• The news highlights discussions at the 41st IPHE Meeting in New Delhi on accelerating adoption of clean hydrogen through R&D and academic collaboration.

• Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, offers a promising solution for decarbonizing various sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy production.
• Research and development (R&D) in green hydrogen technologies are crucial to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and scale up production.
• Innovation in electrolysis methods, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzers, aims to enhance performance and lower capital expenditures.
• Advancements in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power contribute to the sustainability of green hydrogen production.
• Collaboration between governments, industries, and research institutions is vital to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen technologies.
• Green hydrogen has the potential to store excess renewable energy, enabling grid balancing and enhancing energy security.
• Investment in R&D fosters the development of novel applications for green hydrogen, including fuel cells for vehicles, energy storage systems, and industrial processes, driving economic growth and job creation.
• Continuous innovation and investment are essential to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier.

• Climate Mitigation: Green hydrogen can significantly reduce India’s carbon footprint by substituting fossil fuels in various sectors, aligning with global climate goals.
• Energy Security: Decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels through domestic production of green hydrogen enhances India’s energy independence and resilience.
• Economic Growth: Investing in green hydrogen fosters the growth of a new industry, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic development.
• Air Quality Improvement: Adoption of green hydrogen in transportation and industry reduces air pollution, addressing public health concerns and improving quality of life.

Challenges:

• Cost: High upfront costs of green hydrogen infrastructure and technology hinder widespread adoption.
• Scale-Up: Scaling up green hydrogen production to meet India’s energy demand requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Ensuring reliable access to renewable energy sources like solar and wind for electrolysis poses integration challenges.
• Technological Innovation: Continued R&D is necessary to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and overcome technical barriers in green hydrogen production and utilization.
• Policy Support: Clear policy frameworks and incentives are needed to stimulate investment and create an enabling environment for green hydrogen deployment in India.

• The Union Cabinet, has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore.
• Components include Rs. 17,490 crore for the SIGHT program, Rs. 1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs. 400 crore for R&D, and Rs. 388 crore for other Mission components, to be implemented by MNRE.
• By 2030, the mission aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum, with 125 GW of associated renewable energy capacity.
• Expected outcomes include over Rs. 8 lakh crore in investments, creation of over 6 lakh jobs, and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Benefits include export opportunities, decarbonization, reduced fossil fuel dependence, indigenous manufacturing, employment, and technology development.
• Financial incentives under SIGHT will support domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and green hydrogen production.
• The mission will develop an enabling policy framework, standards and regulations, and a public-private partnership for R&D.
• Coordination among Ministries, Departments, and agencies will ensure successful achievement of mission objectives, overseen by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

• The news outlines a collaborative effort between the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in India to combat human trafficking.
• Through an MoU, they aim to sensitize RPF officials and prevent trafficking within the railway network.

• Human trafficking is a rampant problem in India, affecting millions, especially women and children.
• Victims are often lured with false promises of jobs, marriage, or better living conditions.
• Trafficking for various purposes including sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ trade, and child marriage is prevalent.
• Lack of awareness and poverty exacerbate vulnerability to trafficking.
• Corrupt law enforcement officials and ineffective legal mechanisms contribute to the perpetuation of trafficking networks.

Challenges to Combat:

• Complex socio-economic factors like poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality hinder effective prevention and prosecution efforts.
• Cross-border trafficking networks make it difficult to track and prosecute offenders.
• Insufficient shelters and rehabilitation programs for victims exacerbate their vulnerability to re-trafficking.
• Limited coordination among various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening legal frameworks with stricter penalties for traffickers and better protection for victims.
• Enhancing awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable communities to prevent trafficking.
• Improving coordination among law enforcement agencies and international collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks.
• Providing comprehensive support services including shelters, counseling, and vocational training for survivors.
• Empowering communities through education and economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability to trafficking.
• Engaging with technology to enhance surveillance and identification of trafficking activities.
• Fostering partnerships between government, NGOs, and civil society to address the multifaceted nature of the problem.