Daily Prelims Notes 21 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

21 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. ‘Planned flood’: As south Bengal is inundated, Mamata Banerjee threatens to snap ties with DVC
2. India Not an ‘Abuser’ of Tariffs: GTRI Counters Trump’s Claims
3. Why two dozen top scientists have expressed concern over the country’s flagship science awards
4. Bombay HC strikes down Centre’s amended IT rules
5. Tata Steel commissions ‘India’s largest blast furnace’ at Kalinganagar
6. Third Indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor Attains Criticality: Advancing India’s Nuclear Power Capabilities
7. Innovative Projects in PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Blockchain, Smart Materials, and More

1. ‘Planned flood’: As south Bengal is inundated, Mamata Banerjee threatens to snap ties with DVC

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Floods in South Bengal:

• Recent flooding in south Bengal has led to political tensions and accusations, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the center of the controversy.

Key Points:

• The Bengal government blames the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for a “planned strategy” to flood Bengal
  • Threatens to cut ties with DVC, which is headquartered in Calcutta.
  • Criticizes neighbouring Jharkhand for water release
  • West Bengal bars commercial vehicles from Jharkhand at the border, stopping them at the Duburdih border checkpost.
• Historical Context:
  • Flooding in the Lower Damodar Basin is a recurring issue
  • Banerjee has blamed DVC and the Centre in past incidents (2013, 2019, 2021).

About Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC):

• DVC is a multi-purpose river valley development project established in 1948 by the Government of India.
•  Its primary objectives were to control floods, irrigate agricultural lands, generate hydroelectric power, and provide industrial water supply in the Damodar Valley region, which spans across parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Major Projects under DVC:

Dams and Reservoirs

1. Tilaiya Dam (Jharkhand)
2. Maithon Dam (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
3. Panchet Dam (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
4. Konar Dam (Jharkhand)

Thermal Power Plants

1. Mejia Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)
2. Chandrapura Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
3. Bokaro Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
4. Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)
5. Koderma Thermal Power Station (Jharkhand)
6. Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station (West Bengal)

Hydro Power Plants

1. Tilaiya Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand)
2. Maithon Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)
3. Panchet Hydel Power Station (Jharkhand-West Bengal border)

Key Facts

• Total installed power generation capacity: Over 6,700 MW
• Area under command: Approximately 24,235 sq km
• Serves: Parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar

Challenges and Controversies:

• Balancing flood control with power generation needs
  • The Damodar River, despite the flood control measures implemented by the DVC, continues to cause flooding in West Bengal, particularly during heavy rainfall. This has led to significant loss of life and property.
• Interstate water disputes
• Environmental concerns due to large-scale infrastructure projects
  • Silt accumulation in reservoirs has reduced their storage capacity, affecting power generation and flood control.
• Rehabilitation and resettlement issues related to dam construction

Recent Initiatives:

• Modernization of existing power plants
• Implementation of renewable energy projects
• Focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility

About Damodar river:

• The Damodar River is a major river system in eastern India, flowing through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Origin: Near Chandwa village in the Chhotanagpur hills in Jharkhand’s Palamau district.
• Mouth: Hooghly River, Howrah district, West Bengal.
• It is known for its seasonal flooding and its role in the development of the region, particularly through the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) projects.
  • It was also known as the Sorrow of Bengal because of the ravaging floods it caused in the plains of West Bengal.
• Tributaries of the Damodar River:
  • Barakar River: Joins the Damodar near Panchet Dam.
  • Konar River: It flows through the Hazaribagh plateau.
  • Bokaro River: Joins the Damodar near Bokaro.
  • Mor River: Flows through the Ranchi plateau and joins the Damodar near Maithon Dam.
  • Gharghara River: A smaller tributary that joins the Damodar near Durgapur.

2. India Not an ‘Abuser’ of Tariffs: GTRI Counters Trump’s Claims

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector 

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Statement:
  • Trump recently labeled India as an “abuser” of import tariffs.
  • This echoes his October 2020 statement where he referred to India as the “tariff king.”
  • The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has called this claim unfair, citing that many nations, including the U.S., use high tariffs to protect domestic industries.
• U.S. Tariff Structure:
  • According to WTO’s World Tariff Profiles 2023, the U.S. imposes high tariffs on several products:
  • Dairy products: 188%
  • Fruits and vegetables: 132%
  • Cereals and food preparations: 193%
  • Oilseeds, fats, and oils: 164%
  • Beverages and tobacco: 150%
  • Minerals and metals: 187%
• India’s Tariff Landscape:
  • India does have high tariffs on certain products like wines and automobiles.
  • However, these do not reflect the overall picture. India’s average tariff rate is 17%, which is higher than the U.S.’s 3.3% but comparable to:
    • South Korea: 13.4%
    • China: 7.5%
  • GTRI argues that focusing only on specific products with high tariffs while ignoring average and trade-weighted tariffs does not provide a complete understanding of India’s trade policies.
• India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Commitments:
  • India has shown openness to free trade by reducing or removing customs duties for imports from FTA partners like ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea.
  • India’s willingness for free trade contrasts with the U.S.’s reluctance to reduce tariffs through FTAs.
• For example, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) did not include any tariff reductions, highlighting the cautious approach of the U.S.
• GTRI’s Recommendation:
  • If the U.S. is interested in zero-tariff access to India’s market, it should consider negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.
  • GTRI’s Ajay Srivastava emphasized that India’s average tariffs are not disproportionate when compared to other major economies, and Trump’s claims overlook important contextual factors.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) – 

• Launched:
  • The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was launched by the United States in May 2022 to strengthen economic ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Purpose:
  • The IPEF aims to promote inclusive economic growth and foster economic cooperation among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • It focuses on addressing global challenges such as supply chain resilience, clean energy, decarbonization, digital trade, and anti-corruption.
• Participating Countries:
  • The IPEF includes 14 member countries, including India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian nations and the 14 partners represent 40 percent of the global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade.
  • It does not involve traditional tariff reduction as in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Four Pillars of IPEF:
  • Fair and resilient Trade: Focuses on establishing high-standard digital trade rules, labor standards, and cooperation on trade facilitation.
  • Supply Chains: Aims to strengthen and diversify supply chains, ensuring stability and resilience.
  • Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure: Seeks to promote green energy solutions and investments in sustainable infrastructure.
  • Taxation and Anti-Corruption: Addresses issues related to tax policy, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.
• Non-Tariff Focus:
  • Unlike traditional trade agreements, the IPEF does not include tariff cuts or market access commitments, which has made it distinct from other trade agreements like FTAs.

Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI):

• Purpose:
  • GTRI is a think tank focused on analyzing and providing insights into global trade policies, especially with respect to India’s role in the global economy.
  • It aims to promote an informed understanding of international trade issues, including tariffs, free trade agreements (FTAs), and other economic policies.
• Role:
  • Research & Analysis: GTRI conducts research on global trade dynamics, evaluating tariff structures, trade agreements, and international trade regulations.
  • Policy Advocacy: It provides evidence-based policy recommendations to governments and trade bodies to ensure better trade practices and policies.
  • Trade Insights: GTRI offers insights into trade policies of other countries, helping India and other nations understand the global tariff landscape.

3. Why two dozen top scientists have expressed concern over the country’s flagship science awards

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Sci

Context:

• A group of scientists some of whom were involved in the selection process for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, alleged that the names of three scientists were removed from the list submitted by the panel.
• Two of these three scientists have been publicly critical of the government and some of its policies.
• Twenty-six laureates of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) award had asked for clarification on the selection process to the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Prime Minister.
• The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) responded saying that final decision on the selection of recipients lies with the Union Minister for Science and Technology.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The RVP was instituted last year after disbanding existing science awards, including the much-coveted Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for scientists under 45, which was replaced by Vigyan Yuva.
• The award honours individuals and institutions that have made significant advancements or contributions to scientific research and development.
• This is RVP’s inaugural year, under which 33 awardees were announced across four categories.
• Up to 56 prizes can be given across these categories annually.
• The awards cover 13 domains: physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics & computer science, earth science, medicine, engineering sciences, agricultural science, environmental science, technology and innovation, atomic energy, space science and technology, and “others”.
• The prize comprises a medallion and a certificate.

Award Categories:

• Vigyan Ratna: Recognizing lifetime achievements of scientists. Maximum of three awards a year.
• Vigyan Shri: Acknowledging distinguished contributions to a specific field. Maximum of 25 awards a year.
• Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: Encouraging young scientists who have made exceptional contributions. This category has an age limit of 45 years. Maximum of 25 awards a year.
• Vigyan Team: Recognizing collaborative efforts of teams comprising three or more Maximum of three awards a year. This year, Chandrayaan-3 team has been awarded.

Selection Process:

• The RVP Committee comprises the Secretaries of six science-related ministries and departments, six distinguished scientists, and up to four presidents of science and engineering academies.
• It is tasked with considering the nominations for the awards, and with constituting sub-committees for the domains.
• Once the nominations have been considered, the RVPC is supposed to recommend the names to the Minister for Science and Technology. This provision was added recently.

4. Bombay HC strikes down Centre’s amended IT rules

Sub: Sci and Tech

Sec: Awareness in IT

Context:

• The Bombay High Court struck down crucial provisions of the amended Information Technology Rules, 2023.
• The rules empowered the Centre to set up a fact check unit (FCU) to identify fake, false and misleading information about the government and its establishments on social media.

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023:

• In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEiTY) amended the IT Rules, 2021 to establish a Fact Check Unit (FCU) tasked with identifying and flagging false, fake, or misleading information about the government on social media and other online platforms.
• As per the rules, the government can ask social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube to remove any content/ news related to the “business of the Central government” that was identified as fake, false, or misleading by the FCU.
• The rule also imposed a duty on intermediaries like social media platforms and news websites to take down content flagged by these units, effectively granting the government sweeping powers to determine the truthfulness of online content.
• If intermediaries do not comply with the organisation’s decision, they may lose their safe harbour status under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000.
• The amendment also provided for Grievance Appellate Committees to allow users to appeal against the inaction of, or decisions taken by intermediaries on user complaints.

About the case:

• The amendments were challenged by petitioners, including comedian Kunal Kamra, Editors Guild of India, Association of Indian Magazines and the News Broadcasters & Digital Association.
• Petitioners argued that these provisions violated the constitutional right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) and amounted to unchecked censorship, undermining the principle of independent journalism and public discourse.
• The case revolved around the constitutionality of 2023 amendments introduced to the IT Rules, 2021, specifically Rule 3(1)(b)(v), which authorised the central government to establish FCU to identify fake news.

Fact Check Unit (FCU): The rules allowed the government to establish an FCU to identify “fake, false, or misleading” information about the government on social media.

Fact-Check Unit (FCU): The IT Ministry will notify the FCU, which will identify fake, false, or misleading information about the government. Content flagged by FCU must be removed by intermediaries, failing which, their legal protections will be revoked.

Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRB) for Online Gaming: Online gaming platforms must register with an SRB, which will assess if a game is permissible. Gambling and betting elements are prohibited in online games, and platforms must meet legal standards like parental controls.

Concerns Regarding the IT Amendment Rules, 2023

Reasons for the strike down:

• Violation of the constitution: Supreme Court said that the rules violated fundamental rights under:
  • Article 14 (right to equality)
  • Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression)
  • Article 19(1)(g) (freedom and right to profession)
• Lack of clarity: The expression “fake, false and misleading” in the Rules was vague in the absence of any clear definition. It empowered the government to decide what constitutes false or fake news without any objective criteria, clear definitions or procedural safeguards.
• Chilling effect: SC held that the unchecked power given to the centre could have a “chilling effect” not only on an individual but also social media intermediaries or platforms.
• Fake news and misinformation do not amount to reasonable restrictions to the right to free speech rights.

5. Tata Steel commissions ‘India’s largest blast furnace’ at Kalinganagar

Sub: Geo 

Sec: Eco Geo 

Context:

• Tata Steel successfully commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at Kalinganagar in Jajpur district of Odisha as part of the Phase II plant expansion.
• The new blast furnace, with a volume of 5,870 cubic metre, is equipped with state-of-the-art features for long campaign life and an eco-friendly design to optimise the steelmaking process.

Kalinganagar Steel Plant:

• The plant is among India’s largest Greenfield projects.
• Tata Steel plant in Kalinganagar is the first and only Indian plant to be inducted into the World Economic Forum’s 26-member Global Lighthouse Network.
• The phase-II expansion at Kalinganagar will take the total capacity from 3 MTPA to 8 MTPA.

Steel sector in India:

• The steel industry has been the backbone of the country’s industrial development.
• Easy availability of low-cost manpower and presence of abundant iron ore reserves make India competitive in the global steel market.
• India is home to fifth-highest reserves of iron ore in the world.​
• However, India heavily depends on imports for coking coal used in steel production. India imports about 85 per cent of its annual coking coal consumption of around 70 million metric tons.
• India is the second largest producer of steel in the world, with an output of 32 MT of crude steel and finished steel production of 121.29 MT in FY23.
• Per capita consumption of steel has risen from 59 kg in 2013-14 to 119 kg in 2022-23.
• National Steel Policy 2017 projects crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT), production of 255 MT and seeks to increase per capita steel consumption to the level of 160 Kgs by 2030.
• The policy also aims to increase domestic availability of washed coking coal so as to reduce import dependence on coking coal from about 85% to around 65% by 2030-31.

6. Third Indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor Attains Criticality: Advancing India’s Nuclear Power Capabilities

Sub : Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector /energy

Why in News:

India’s nuclear power sector made significant strides as Unit 7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) achieved criticality. This marks a key milestone in India’s indigenous nuclear energy development.

Unit 7 of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Achieves Criticality

Location: Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan.

Date of Criticality: September 19.

Significance of Criticality: Marks the start of a controlled fission chain reaction, a key step in the reactor’s operational phase.

Authority: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) had earlier granted approval for this critical phase.

Reactor Type: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) of 700 MW capacity.

Series: RAPP-7 is part of a larger series of 16 indigenous PHWRs being developed by India.

Previous Achievements: The first two reactors to attain criticality in this series were Units 3 and 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, which went critical in 2020 and 2023 respectively.

What is Criticality:  Criticality is the normal operating condition of a nuclear reactor, in which nuclear fuel sustains a fission chain reaction. A reactor achieves criticality (and is said to be critical) when each fission releases a sufficient number of neutrons to sustain an ongoing series of nuclear reactions.

India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme: India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to secure the country’s long term energy independence, through the use of uranium and thorium reserves found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.

Stage 1- Pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR): The first stage involved using natural uranium to fuel PHWR to produce electricity and Plutonium-239 as a byproduct.

• Also, the byproduct plutonium-293 would be used in the second stage.

A Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water (D₂O) as both a moderator and coolant. It typically uses natural uranium as fuel, allowing it to operate without enriched uranium. PHWRs are known for their efficiency in utilizing fuel and can be refuelled while running.

Stage 2- Fast breeder reactor (FBR): The second stage involves using plutonium-239 to produce fuel, which would be used in Fast Breeder Reactors. Plutonium 239 undergoes fission to produce energy. Once a sufficient amount of plutonium-239 is built up, thorium will be used in the reactor, to produce Uranium-233. This uranium is crucial for the third stage.

Stage 3- Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR): The main purpose of stage-3 is to achieve a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.

The advance nuclear system would be used a combination of Uranium-233 and Thorium.

Thorium absorbs the neutrons, which can more efficiently produce more Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactor for a faster growth.

Difference Between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

7. Innovative Projects in PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Blockchain, Smart Materials, and More

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Economy

Why in News

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a ₹500-crore sub-component for innovative projects under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to boost novel solutions in rooftop solar installations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, smart materials, and electric vehicle integration.

About the scheme:

The scheme Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

The scheme aims to incentivise the adoption of solar energy among residential consumers, promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

It is a grid connected rooftop solar PV system, where the DC power generated from a solar panel converted to AC power using a power conditioning unit/Inverter and is fed to the grid.

All stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal.

In order to popularize this scheme at the grassroots, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.

The scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people.

Under the scheme, subsidies will be given directly to people’s bank accounts.

The government has appointed eight central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) to implement the scheme across all states and union territories of the country.

These include NTPC, NHPC, EESL, PowerGrid, Grid-India, THDC, SJVN and NEEPCO. 

These CPSUs will be responsible for installation of rooftop solar in one crore households.

Under rooftop installation, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are fixed atop a building, home, or a residential property

Focus on Innovation: ₹500 Crore for New Projects:

A ₹500-crore allocation has been set aside specifically for fostering “Innovative Projects” related to solar installations.

The National Institute for Solar Energy (NISE), under the Ministry, will be responsible for implementing this component.

Companies and individuals can submit proposals for unique, technology-driven projects. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee, ensuring that only the most promising and impactful projects are selected.

Examples of Innovative Projects

Blockchain-based Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading: Projects focused on using blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer energy trading between rooftop solar users.

Smart Building Materials: The use of smart materials integrated with solar panels to enhance energy efficiency and reduce installation costs.

RTS with Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration: Projects that connect rooftop solar installations with electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. This integration is crucial for creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Grid-Responsive Solar Systems with Battery Storage: Projects combining rooftop solar with battery storage solutions for better management of energy supply, especially during peak demand.

DISCOM Systems for Solar Management: Proposals focused on improving Distribution Company (DISCOM) systems for better management of solar energy in grids.