8 August 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

 1. Coal Gasification

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2042653 )

Topic: GS2 –  Governance, GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

The government has introduced a ₹8500 crore scheme to provide viability gap funding (VGF) for Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects, supporting both public and private sectors. The scheme includes three categories, each with specific funding limits and project scopes. With bids due by November 2024 and agreements by May 2025, commercial-scale projects are anticipated by May 2030.

Coal/Lignite Gasification:

• Coal and lignite gasification is a process that converts solid coal or lignite into a gaseous mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

• This is achieved through a high-temperature reaction with oxygen and steam in a gasifier.
• The resulting gas mixture, known as syngas (synthesis gas), can be used as a fuel for power generation, chemical synthesis, or as a feedstock for producing synthetic fuels and chemicals.
• Gasification offers a cleaner alternative to direct combustion of coal, with the potential to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and particulates.
• It also enables the capture of carbon dioxide, which can be sequestered to mitigate climate change.
• This technology supports the transition to a more sustainable energy system by utilising abundant coal resources more efficiently and with fewer environmental impacts.

2. Nandini Sahakar Yojana

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2042682 )

Topic: GS2 –  Governance – Government policies

Context

The Nandini Sahakar Scheme aims to bolster women cooperatives in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by providing financial assistance and support for project development As of March 31, 2024, no proposals have been submitted from Bihar, although NCDC has allocated ₹6,426.36 crore to women-led cooperatives across India.

Nandini Sahakar Scheme:

• Objective: The Nandini Sahakar Scheme aims to support women cooperatives in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, enhancing the socio-economic status of women.
• Focus: It provides financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding, and capacity development specifically for women cooperatives engaged in business activities.
• Financial Assistance: There is no minimum or maximum limit on the financial assistance provided for projects by women cooperatives.
• Support: The scheme includes inputs for enterprise development, business plan formulation, credit, subsidy, and interest subvention from other schemes.
• Implementation: National Cooperative Development Corporation  (NCDC) funding is project-based. As of March 31, 2024, no proposals have been received from women cooperatives in Bihar.
• Disbursement: NCDC has cumulatively disbursed ₹6,426.36 crore for developing women-promoted cooperative societies across India.

3. LEFT WING EXTREMISM

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2042680 )

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security

Context

The National Policy and Action Plan, implemented since 2015, aims to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE) through a combination of security measures and development initiatives. Recent data shows significant reductions in LWE violence, casualties, and affected districts, reflecting the effectiveness of the multi-pronged strategy and substantial government investments.

National Policy and Action Plan (2015):

• Seeks to address Left Wing Extremism (LWE) with a multi-pronged strategy including security measures, development interventions, and community rights.

Achievements of the policy:

Security Measures:

• Central Armed Police Forces battalions, training, funds for modernization, equipment, intelligence sharing, and Fortified Police Stations provided.
• Rs. 6908 crore allocated for capacity building under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Security Related Expenditure (SRE), and Special Central Assistance (SCA).
• Rs. 1000 crore allocated for helicopters and critical infrastructure under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM).

Development Initiatives:

• Road Network: 14395 km roads constructed; 11474 km in the last 10 years.
• Telecom Connectivity: 5139 mobile towers installed.
• Financial Inclusion: 1007 bank branches, 937 ATMs, 5731 new post offices opened.
• Skill Development: 46 ITIs and 49 Skill Development Centres established.
• Education: 130 Eklavya Model Residential Schools operational.

Impact:

• LWE violence incidents reduced by 73% from 2010; deaths decreased by 86% from 1005 in 2010 to 138 in 2023.
• 32% reduction in LWE incidents and 17% reduction in deaths in 2024 (up to June).
• Reduction in LWE affected districts from 126 in 2013 to 38 in 2024.
• Police stations reporting LWE violence dropped from 465 in 2010 to 89 in 2024 (up to June).

PYQ: Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (250 Words /15 marks)(UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022)

Practice Question:  Assess the effectiveness of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) in mitigating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. What additional measures could enhance the strategy to address LWE? (150 Words /10 marks)