23 August 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

 1. India and the United States discusses advancements in Energy Collaboration

Topic: GS2 – International Relations –  Bilateral Relations

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2047766 )

Context

Union Minister for Power Shri Manohar Lal and US Senior Advisor John Podesta discussed enhancing bilateral energy cooperation. Key areas included grid modernization, boosting India’s manufacturing capacity, energy storage, and high-efficiency cooling systems, aiming to strengthen the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and support a clean energy future.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

• Grid and Transmission Modernization: Exploration of technical exchanges and policy consultations to upgrade grid transmission systems for future load growth, including potential financial support.
• Enhancing Manufacturing Capacity: Focus on increasing India’s production capabilities for critical components such as large transformers, aiming to reduce import dependency and boost domestic manufacturing.
• Energy Storage Systems: Discussion on state-to-state partnerships for long-duration energy storage studies and collaboration on grid-scale battery storage solutions to enhance energy storage capabilities.
• High-Efficiency Cooling Systems: Emphasis on stimulating projects and policies to expand India’s capacity to manufacture, deploy, and export high-efficiency air conditioning systems and fans.

PYQ: The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of advancing energy infrastructure in India for sustainable economic growth and energy security. What are the key challenges and potential solutions? (250 Words /15 marks)

2. President of India presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar –2024

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2047748 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

On August 22, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards honoured 33 scientists across four categories for significant contributions to science and technology, including the Chandrayaan-3 team for their lunar landing achievement.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar/National Science Awards:

National Science Awards are prestigious awards conferred by the Government of India to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology. They are awarded by the Department of Science and Technology.

The purpose of these awards is to:

• Encourage excellence in science and technology.
• Inspire young scientists.
• Promote scientific research.
• Motivate the scientific community of the country.

The award includes:

• A medal
• A certificate
• Cash prize

Eligibility:

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Should have made significant contributions in the field of science and technology.

Selection process:

• Candidates are selected by a selection committee.
• The selection committee comprises experts from various fields.

National Science Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the field of science and technology in India.