Daily Prelims Notes 5 August 2023

August 5, 2023
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

5 August 2023

Table Of Contents

1. What is a Privilege Motion and how does the Committee of Privileges in Parliament examine it?

Subject :Polity

Section: Parliament

Context: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar referred complaints related to the privilege of the House against TMC’s Derek O’Brien and AAP’s Raghav Chadha to the privileges committee on Thursday

Concept:

Parliamentary privilege refers to rights and immunities enjoyed by Parliament as an institution and MPs in their individual capacity, without which they cannot discharge their functions as entrusted upon them by the Constitution
According to the Constitution, the powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and MP’s are to be defined by Parliament (Article 105). No law has so far been enacted in this respect.
In the absence of any such law, it continues to be governed by British Parliamentary conventions.
A breach of privilege is a violation of any of the privileges of MPs/Parliament. Among other things, any action ‘casting reflections’ on MPs, parliament or its committees; could be considered breach of privilege.
A notice is moved in the form of a motion by any member of either House against those being held guilty of breach of privilege
The right to raise a question of privilege is based on satisfying two conditions, namely:

(i) the question shall be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence

(ii) the matter requires the intervention of the Council.
Similar provisions exist in Lok Sabha with the Speaker having the power to make such decisions. The Speaker/RS chairperson is the first level of scrutiny of a privilege motion. Therefore, the Speaker/Chair can decide on the privilege motion himself or herself or refer it to the privileges committee of Parliament.

The Speaker/Chairperson can decide on the privilege motion himself or herself or refer it to the privileges committee of Parliament.
He can then refer it to the Privileges Committee. The Chairman can, from time to time, nominate such a Committee, consisting of ten members. It will also have a Chairman appointed by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
If the Speaker/Chair gives consent under Rule 222, the member concerned is given an opportunity to make a short statement.

Privilege Committee

The mandate of the committee is to examine such cases and “make such recommendations as it may deem fit”. It can call the relevant people as part of its examination and look at related documents. It has to then make a report and if the Council has not fixed any time for its presentation, the report shall be presented within one month of the date on which reference to the Committee was made.
A motion has to be passed for the consideration of the report and amendments can be suggested. The Chairman or any member of the Committee or any other member can move that the Council agrees, disagrees, or agrees with amendments, with the recommendations contained in the report.

2. Assam’s Manas Tiger Reserve 63% short of staff, activist tells Environment Minister

Subject: Environment

Section: Protected Areas in news

Context:

While the western Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is moving from a low- to high-tiger-density area, it is almost 63% short of staff.

Details:

Manas had an effective staff strength of 109 against the 294 posts sanctioned for the two grades of foresters and forest guards.

Implications:

The translocation of rhinos to Manas, as approved during the 12th SBWL (State Board of Wildlife) meeting (in September 2022) has been kept in abeyance.
The poor security scenario in the Panbari and Kuklung ranges of the tiger reserve.
Increased cases of elephant poaching.
Increased encroachment of lands that belong to the reserve area.

About Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve:

Manas National Park is a national park, Project Tiger reserve, and an elephant reserve in Assam, India.
Located in the Himalayan foothills, it borders the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog.
Manas is also famous for its population of wild water buffalo. Because of its exceptional biodiversity, scenery, and variety of habitats, Manas National Park is a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The name of the park originated from the Manas River.
The Manas river is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the national park.
On 21 June 2011, it was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger and was commended for its efforts in preservation.
There are two major biomes present in Manas:
- The grassland biomes: pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros (re-introduced in 2007 after extinction due to heavy poaching during the Bodo uprising), bengal florican, wild Asian buffalo, etc.
- The forest biomes: slow loris, capped langur, wild pig, sambar, great hornbill, Malayan giant squirrel or black giant squirrel, Chinese pangolin etc.
Vegetation:
- The monsoon forests of Manas lie in the Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests ecoregion. The combination of Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai region with riverine succession leading up to the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests makes it one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world.
The main vegetation types are:
- Sub-Himalayan light alluvial semi-evergreen forests in the northern parts.
- East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forests (the most common type).
- Low alluvial savanna woodland, and
- Assam Valley semi-evergreen alluvial grasslands which cover almost 50% of the park.

3. Iraq eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Subject :Science and Technology

Section: Health

Context:

Iraq has now joined the league of 17 other countries that have eliminated trachoma, a neglected tropical disease and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced recently.

Details:

The country is also the 50th to be acknowledged by the United Nations health agency for eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease globally.
This major milestone is the halfway mark to the 100-country target set for 2030 in the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases.

Trachoma:

Trachoma starts off as a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and can be easily treated.
Over time, it causes the eyelashes to be pushed inward into the eye. So with every blink, they brush against the eyeball.
This advanced form of trachoma is called trichiasis. Over time, if it’s not treated, trichiasis can lead to blindness.
The disease thrives where there are water shortages, poor sanitation and infestations of flies, which are considered physical vectors of the disease.
Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness and is one of the conditions known as neglected tropical diseases.
The disease is still known to be endemic in six countries of the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, but there has been substantial progress in the number of people in the region requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma elimination purposes, which has fallen from 39 million in 2013 to 6.9 million in April 2023.

WHO SAFE strategy to end trachoma:

To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy, a comprehensive approach to reduce transmission of the causative organism, clear existing infections and deal with their effects.
The SAFE strategy includes:
- Surgery to treat the blinding stage (trachomatous trichiasis);
- Antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly the antibiotic azithromycin;
- Facial cleanliness and
- Environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.

Countries that eliminate trachoma:

The 17 other countries that have eliminated trachoma are: Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Togo and Vanuatu.

Iraq’s effort to eliminate trachoma:

Iraq established its national trachoma programme in 2012 to coordinate the final domestic push against the disease.
A trachoma surveillance system was developed to detect and manage cases within secondary and tertiary eye care facilities, as well as through school pre-enrollment and school eye screening programmes conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD):

NTDs are a group of infections that are most common among marginalized communities in the developing regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas. They are caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms.
NTDs are especially common in tropical areas where people do not have access to clean water or safe ways to dispose of human waste.
These diseases generally receive less funding for research and treatment than malaises like tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS and malaria.
Examples of NTDs are: snakebite envenomation, scabies, yaws, trachoma, Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease etc.

Indian Initiatives to Eliminate NTDs:

The Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) was launched in 2018, as part of intensifying efforts towards the elimination of NTDs.
A WHO-supported regional alliance established by the governments of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in 2005 to expedite early diagnosis and treatment of the most vulnerable populations and improve disease surveillance and control of sandfly populations (Kala-azar).
India has already eliminated several other NTDs, including guinea worm, and yaws.

4. The Iberian wolf is extinct in Spain’s Andalusia: Report

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), the species of gray wolf native to the Iberian Peninsula comprising Spain and Portugal, has been extinct in the historic region of Andalusia in the extreme south of Iberia since 2020.

Details:

Andalusia is an ‘autonomous territory’ of Spain and consists of eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville.

Iberian wolf:

The Iberian wolf is currently distributed over most of the autonomous territories of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León and some areas of La Rioja, Madrid and northern Castilla La Stain.
The Iberian wolf, like other types of gray wolf, lives in packs that are territorial and hierarchical and led by a dominant breeding pair.
In Andalusia, it was mainly found in Sierra Morena which had good cover, prey base in the form of wild ungulates and a scarce asphalted road network as well as lack of other infrastructure.
They form the largest wolf population in Western Europe.

Iberian peninsula:

The Iberian Peninsula also known as Iberia is a peninsula in southwestern Europe, defining the westernmost edge of Eurasia.
It is divided between Peninsular Spain and Continental Portugal, comprising most of the region, as well as Andorra, Gibraltar and a small part of Southern France.
With an area of approximately 583,254 square kilometres (225,196 sq mi), and a population of roughly 53 million, it is the second-largest European peninsula by area, after the Scandinavian Peninsula.

5. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Modernizing Indian Railway Stations

Subject :Schemes

Context:

PM Narendra Modi to virtually lay the foundation stone for 508 railway stations nationwide on Sunday. 25 Southern Railway stations set for renovation.

What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a Ministry of Railway’s scheme for the continuous modernization of railway stations with a long-term vision.
Aims to create modern, passenger-friendly, and sustainable railway stations for an improved travel experience.

What is the scope of work under the scheme?

The scheme involves creating Master Plans for stations to improve facilities and create Roof Plazas and city centers.
It includes cost-efficient entrance improvements, relocation of old buildings, and optimizing waiting halls.
Amenities for differently-abled individuals will be provided as per Railway Board guidelines.
Station approaches, platform lines, drainage, and cable management will be improved.
The scheme aims to provide free WiFi access, space for 5G towers, and sustainable solutions.
Furniture, signages, and public announcement systems will be upgraded for comfort and convenience.
Escalators may be installed at select stations, and toilets will be improved for cleanliness and accessibility.
Landscaping and local art will enhance the overall station experience.

Which Chennai Division stations are being renovated under ABSS?

The eight stations being renovated in Chennai Division are Chengalpattu junction, Perambur, Guduvanchery, Tiruvallur, Tiruttani, Gummidipoondi, Arakkonam, and Jolarpettai junction.

Which other divisions will have railway stations renovated in the Southern Railway zone?

The remaining 17 railway stations being taken up for renovation in the Southern Railway zone are distributed across different divisions as follows:
- Four stations in Salem division
- Four stations in Tiruchi division
- Two stations in Madurai division
- Six stations in Palakkad division
- One station in Thiruvananthapuram division

6. Government to delay implementation of laptop, PC import curbs

Subject : Economy

Section: External Sector

Context:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on August 4 delayed Thursday’s notification restricting imports of laptops, PCs, tablets, and servers to India ‘with immediate effect’ to November 1.

What does the notification for the restriction on imports state?

Restricts import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ‘ultra-small form factor computers and servers under HSN 8741.
Import allowed only with a valid license for restricted imports.
Exempts one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra-small form factor computer imports purchased through e-commerce portals via post or courier.
Allows import of up to 20 items per consignment without a license for R&D, testing, etc., but not for sale.
Repair and return of re-imported goods do not require a license.

Why have the restrictions been imposed?

Aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce imports, especially from China.
Boosts the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware.
Addresses the trade deficit caused by increased electronic goods and laptop imports.

When will the implementation of the import curbs take effect?

Implementation delayed to November 1.
IT hardware can be imported without a license until October 31.

What is the government’s goal behind the import restrictions?

Aims to achieve self-sufficiency in electronics production.
Import curbs are not directly linked to the PLI scheme but align with the goal of promoting local manufacturing.

How will the import licensing process be affected by the restrictions?

Import curbs were implemented immediately after notification, leading to shipment hold-ups at entry ports.
The government assures prompt processing of license applications for restricted electronics products.

7. Parliamentary Committee Recommends Lowering Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

Subject :Polity

Section: Election

Context:

The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievance, Law and Justice has made recommendations.

Recommendation:

Lower the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the voting age in India.
Young individuals can be reliable and responsible political participants.

Supportive Evidence:

Examined global practices from countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, where 18-year-olds can contest national elections.
Young individuals can effectively participate in politics and contribute to the decision-making process.

Election Commission’s Opposition:

The Election Commission of India opposes the recommendation, citing a lack of experience and maturity in 18-year-olds.
Maintains the current minimum age requirements for contesting elections.

Current Minimum Age Requirements:

Presently, the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is 25 years.
To become a member of the Rajya Sabha or State Legislative Council, the minimum age is 30 years.
Provided under Article 84 (b) and Article 173 (b) of the Constitution of India.

Voting Age in India:

The legal voting age in India is 18 years.
Article 326 of the Constitution of India.
- The 61st amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as The Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act, 1988, lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years.

Delimitation Process Recommendation:

Election Commission to collaborate with the legislative department to study the effects of delimitation, especially in challenging areas.
Address regional differences and challenges for fair representation.

Benefits of Common Electoral Rolls:

Collaboration between the Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions to create accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls.
Reduces discrepancies and improves the efficiency of the electoral process.

8. Will a nuclear-powered rocket cut travel time to Mars by half?

Subject :Science and technology

Section: Space technology

Context:

NASA and DARPA selected Lockheed Martin to design, build, and test a propulsion system for speeding astronauts to Mars.

What is the purpose of the DRACO program announced by NASA and DARPA?

The purpose of the DRACO (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) program is to design, build, and test a propulsion system that could speed up astronauts’ trips to Mars.
It aims to develop Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) technology for space exploration.
The program intends to reduce the travel time to Mars significantly.

How long does it currently take to travel to Mars using conventional rocket engines?

The travel time using conventional rocket engines takes seven to nine months.
This duration is due to the relatively long distance between Earth and Mars.
The launch window for shorter journeys between the planets occurs every 26 months.

How could nuclear-powered propulsion reduce travel time?

Nuclear reactions, specifically Nuclear Fission, provide more energy for continuous acceleration.
A spacecraft could continue accelerating through the first half of the journey and then slow down again.
This continuous acceleration and deceleration could potentially cut the travel time significantly.

What is the role of the nuclear reactor in the DRACO engine?

It heats hydrogen to extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hot gas produced by the nuclear reactor is expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust, propelling the spacecraft forward.

What other applications does DARPA envision for nuclear propulsion technology?

Nuclear-powered propulsion could enhance the maneuverability and responsiveness of military satellites, providing strategic advantages in space operations.

What were the historical efforts related to nuclear propulsion for space exploration?

In the 1950s and 1960s, projects like Project Orion and Project Rover explored the concept of using atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear Thermal Engines (NTE) for spacecraft acceleration.
Efforts were made to develop nuclear reactors for space probes destined for destinations like Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond, as well as to provide power at lunar bases.

How does the use of uranium differ between NERVA and DRACO?

NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) used weapons-grade uranium for its reactors.
In contrast, DRACO will use a less-enriched form of uranium to ensure safety and minimize the risk of radioactive accidents.

What precautions are taken to ensure safety?

The reactor in the engine will not be activated until the spacecraft reaches space, reducing the possibility of a radioactive accident on Earth during launch.

What is the timeline and intended orbit for testing the nuclear-thermal engine?

The launch of the test flight is currently scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.
The demonstration spacecraft will likely orbit at an altitude between 435 and 1,240 miles.
- This ensures that the spacecraft remains in space for over 300 years, allowing radioactive elements in the reactor fuel to decay to safe levels.

Another partner building the rocket: BWX Technologies, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, will build the nuclear fission reactor at the heart of the engine.

9. Meri Maati Mera Desh

Subject :Schemes

Why in news:

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, recently announced the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast.

Objectives of the campaign:

This campaign aims to honour the brave freedom fighters and bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country. Shilaphalakams (memorial plaques) commemorating them will be installed in gram panchayats, close to Amrit Sarovars.

Details:

The ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign is a part of the larger ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative launched by the Centre earlier this year to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence.
The Centre has invited people from all walks of life to participate in the campaign by sending soil samples from their native places or places of historical significance to the Ministry of Culture. The soil samples will be collected at various centres and then transported to Delhi for the creation of the garden.

Key Components of the Campaign:

Shilaphalakam:

Installing a memorial plaque in every gram panchayat or village, bearing the names of the freedom fighters, defence personnel, CAPF personnel, and state police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.
It will serve as a reminder of their courage and sacrifice and will inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps. The installation will be done through the MGNREGA scheme, using local materials and resources.

Vasudha Vandhan:

Planting 75 saplings of indigenous species in every gram panchayat or village, creating an Amrit Vatika (a sacred grove) that will symbolize the renewal of ‘Mother Earth’. The saplings will be nurtured by the local community and will provide ecological benefits such as soil conservation, water recharge, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon sequestration.

Veeron Ka Vandan:

Saluting the freedom fighters and their families, as well as the retired and deceased defence, CAPF, and state police personnel and their families. This will acknowledge their contribution to the nation’s freedom and security and will express gratitude and respect for their service. It will be done at various levels, from gram panchayats to district headquarters.

Collection of Soil:

Collecting soil from every gram panchayat or village by young volunteers and others, who will bring it to the block level in ‘Mitti Kalash’ (earthen pots). The soil will represent the diversity and richness of the country’s land and culture and will be used to create a unique garden in Delhi.

Amrit Vatika:

One of the main highlights of the campaign is the development of a unique garden called Amrit Vatika along the Kartavya Path in Delhi. The garden will be made with soil brought from all parts of the country, representing the different regions, cultures and traditions of India. The soil will also symbolise the blood and sweat of the brave men and women who fought for the country’s freedom.
The Amrit Vatika will be inaugurated on August 15 by Prime Minister, who will also pay tributes to the martyrs and freedom fighters at the National War Memorial. The garden will be open to the public from August 16 onwards, and will showcase various cultural and artistic performances, exhibitions and workshops related to the theme of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’.

Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign Implementation:

Young volunteers will gather soil from every panchayat and hamlet and bring it to the block, where ‘Mitti Kalash’ (pots of soil) would be ceremoniously conveyed to Delhi. The gathered soil will be used to build the Amrit Vatika, a special garden celebrating national integrity and the warriors of the Indian freedom struggle, near Delhi’s Kartavya Path.

Amrit Kalash Yatra:

There will also be an Amrit Kalash Yatra during the “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign. With 7,500 Kalash from villages and other parts of the nation, this “Amrit Kalash Yatra” would transport soil from these locations to Delhi. Additionally, this yatra will transport plants from different regions of the nation. These 7,500 Kalash of earth and vegetation will be used to construct a “Amrit Vatika” next to the National War Memorial.

10. Jan Vishwas Bill: Debating Compounding of Drug Offences

Subject: Polity

Section: Legislation In news

Why in News?

Recently, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 was passed in both the house of parliament during the monsoon session and aims at giving a boost to Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.

Central Idea

The Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, has sparked a heated debate over certain amendments that modify the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
While the bill intends to streamline regulatory provisions, critics argue that it may allow manufacturers of substandard medicines to evade imprisonment and instead pay fines for their offenses.

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023:

About:
1. The Bill proposes to amend 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 Ministries/Departments, covering various domains such as environment, agriculture, media, industry, trade, information technology, copyright, motor vehicles, cinematography, food safety, etc.
2. The main objective of the Bill is to decriminalize minor offences that do not involve any harm to the public interest or national security and replace them with civil penalties or administrative actions.

Amendments to Drugs and cosmetics act 1940:

First Amendment :The first amendment under the Jan Vishwas Bill eliminates imprisonment for companies repeatedly using government analysis or test reports to promote their products. Instead, offenders will be subject to a fine not less than five lakh rupees, as opposed to the previous fine of not less than ten thousand rupees.
Second Amendment :The second, more contentious amendment allows for the “compounding” of offenses under section 27 (d) of the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Compounding enables companies to pay a fine as an alternative to undergoing criminal proceedings. However, section 27 (d) covers offenses related to drugs not of standard quality (NSQ) or colloquially termed substandard drugs.

11. SC: Is Article 370 being equated to Basic Structure of Constitution?

Subject :Polity

Section: Constitution

Why in news:

Recently the Supreme Court asked whether Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is being equated to the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

Article 370:

The Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir was empowered to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state.
The J&K Constituent Assembly was dissolved after it drafted the state’s constitution.
Clause 3 of the article 370 gives the President of India the power to amend its provisions and scope.

Article 35A:

Article 35A empowers the Jammu & Kashmir legislature to define the permanent residents of the state, and their special rights and privileges.

Removal of Article 370:

It commenced with a presidential order issued nearly four years ago.
Amendments were made to make applicable the entirety of India’s Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
The State was also sundered into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh.
It was done when the State was under President’s Rule with no elected Legislative Assembly in place.

How was Article 370 introduced?

The Indian Independence Act, 1947: It allowed the Government of India Act, 1935, to serve as an interim constitution until the country adopted its own.
The statute permitted princely States to accede to India by executing an instrument of accession.
In the case of J&K, the instrument came with qualifications that were ultimately written into Article 370.
It stipulated that Parliament could legislate for J&K only over matters concerning external affairs, defense, and communications.
Where Parliament intended to legislate over areas otherwise provided for in the instrument of accession, it could do so by consulting the State government.
where it proposed to enact laws beyond the agreed subjects, it required additional ratification by the State’s Constituent Assembly.
After 1957, when J&K’s Constitution came into force, its Constituent Assembly was disbanded and replaced by a Legislative Assembly.
- Article 370 remained unaltered.

How was it altered?

Part XIX of the Constitution, Article 367 comprises a set of general rules for interpreting the Constitution.
- Through this Article, the President’s order on August 5, 2019, amended with a view to transforming the existing status of J&K.
It was done by adding a new clause to Article 367: It stipulated that wherever the term “Constituent Assembly of the State” was used in Article 370, it would now refer to the “Legislative Assembly of the State.”

12. Green steels and carbon footprint

Subject: ENVIRONMENT

Section: Climate Change

Section: Green steel to overcome EU’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

What is green steel ?

Essentially, green steel is the manufacturing of steel without the use of fossil fuels.
So-called “green hydrogen” is one solution that could help reduce the steel industry’s carbon footprint.

Prelims Titbits

Schemes in news

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund https://optimizeias.com/agriculture-infrastructure-fund/
Smart City Mission https://optimizeias.com/smart-cities-mission-scm/

Places in news:

Bevan
Novorossiysk port
Belarus-Poland -Lithuania Russia Border
Kaliningrad

Concept builders:

Regional Rural Banks
CD ratio, Gross NPAs , Provision coverage ratio (PCR ) and Current and aavings account (CASA)