Current Affairs 11 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Election Commission’s Proposal to Amend Voter ID Rules
2. India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion
3. Revised Terms for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna Unveiled
4. Groundbreaking Coal Logistics Plan Unveiled in India
5. State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023
6. IRIS AI Robot
7. Gold nanoparticles

Election Commission’s Proposal to Amend Voter ID Rules

Context:

The Election Commission of India has urged the Union government to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and modify voter registration forms. The proposed changes aim to eliminate the necessity for voters to provide reasons for not linking their Aadhaar number with their voter ID card. The EC suggests removing the “sufficient cause” requirement in the RP Act, 1950 and amending registration forms to include an option for individuals with Aadhaar who opt not to disclose it.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Representation of People Act: Legal Framework for Elections
2. Previous Attempts to Link Voter Card and Aadhaar Number: A Chronological Overview
3. Broad Reasons in Support of Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage

Representation of People Act: Legal Framework for Elections

Parliamentary Legislation: Two laws enacted to establish the legal framework for election conduct:

• Representation of the People Act, 1950
• Representation of the People Act, 1951

1950 Act: Key Provisions:

• Seat Allocation and Constituency Delimitation: Addresses the allocation of seats and the delineation of constituencies for elections.
• Voter Qualifications: Defines the qualifications of voters.
• Electoral Rolls: Governs the preparation of electoral rolls.

1951 Act: Conduct of Elections:

• Election Procedures: Regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections.
• Offences and Disputes: Addresses offences and disputes related to elections.
• Political Parties: Deals with the registration of political parties.
• Membership Qualifications: Specifies qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the Houses.

Previous Attempts to Link Voter Card and Aadhaar Number: A Chronological Overview

2015 Initiative: National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme

• Objective:
  • Remove bogus or duplicate entries from the electoral roll.
• Outcome:
  • Approximately 32 crore Aadhaar numbers seeded.
• Interruption:
  • Supreme Court halted the initiative in August 2015 with a landmark privacy judgment in the Puttaswamy case.
  • The interim order restricted Aadhaar usage, allowing it only for state-facilitated distribution of food grain and cooking fuel.

2019 Proposal: Revisiting Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage

• Initiative:
  • Election Commission proposed Aadhaar linking with the electoral roll.
  • Requested government amendment to election laws for Aadhaar collection.
• Legislative Action:
  • Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduced and passed in December 2021.
• Resumption:
  • EC restarted Aadhaar collection voluntarily from July 2022.
  • Introduction of Form 6B for existing electors to provide Aadhaar details.

Legal Challenge in Supreme Court (2022): Form 6B and Aadhaar Linkage

• Challenges:
  • Form 6B offered two options—provide Aadhaar number or declare non-possession, leaving no alternative for those unwilling to link.
  • Petition sought amendments allowing individuals to opt out of Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage.
• Response:
  • EC committed to making clarificatory changes in September 2022.
• Legal Landscape:
  • Ongoing developments to address concerns raised regarding Aadhaar linkage, providing flexibility for individuals opposed to the connection.

Broad Reasons in Support of Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage

Enhancing Electoral Roll Accuracy:

• Weed out duplication and misrepresentation in electoral rolls.
• Integration of Aadhaar can serve as a robust identity verification mechanism, minimizing the risk of duplicate or false entries.

Implementation of Advanced Voting Mechanisms:

• Facilitate advanced mechanisms like electronic and internet-based voting.
• Aadhaar linkage can streamline the authentication process, enabling secure and technologically advanced voting methods.

Enabling Voting Rights for Domestic Migrants:

• Provide remote voting rights to domestic migrants.
• Aadhaar can serve as a nationally recognized identity document, allowing individuals who have migrated within the country to exercise their voting rights remotely.

Facilitating Proxy Voting with Aadhaar Verification:

• Streamline the proxy voting process.
• Aadhaar-backed verification can enhance the authenticity of proxy voting, ensuring the legitimacy of the representative voter.

-Source: The Hindu

India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion

Context:

India is on track to finalize a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This agreement is part of India’s efforts to conclude three free-trade agreements (FTAs) in March, including deals with Oman and the UK, ahead of the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
2. Economic Ties Between EFTA States and India
3. Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

Establishment and Objectives:

• EFTA is an intergovernmental organization created by the Stockholm Convention in 1960.
• The main objective of EFTA is to promote free trade and economic integration among its member countries within Europe and globally.

Membership and Free Trade Agreements:

• EFTA currently has four member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• The EFTA member states have developed one of the largest networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that covers over 60 countries and territories, including the European Union (EU).

Customs Union and Governance Structure:

• Unlike the EU, EFTA is not a customs union, which means that each EFTA member state can set its own customs tariffs and negotiate foreign trade policies independently.
• The highest governing body of EFTA is the EFTA Council, which meets eight times a year at the ambassadorial level and twice a year at the ministerial level.
• The EFTA Secretariat is based in Geneva and assists the EFTA Council in managing the relationships between member states and negotiating and operating FTAs.
• The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
• The EFTA Court, located in Luxembourg, has the authority to settle internal and external disputes related to the implementation, application, or interpretation of the EEA agreement.

Economic Ties Between EFTA States and India:

Steady Growth in Two-Decade Trade:

• Over the last two decades, economic relations between the EFTA States and India have witnessed consistent growth.

2022 Merchandise Trade Surpasses USD 6.1 Billion:

• In 2022, the total merchandise trade between EFTA States and India exceeded USD 6.1 billion.

Key Imports to EFTA States:

• The primary imports to the EFTA States included organic chemicals (27.5%), machinery (17.5%), and pharmaceutical products (11.4%).
  • Noteworthy FY23 Imports from Switzerland to India:
    • Gold: $12.6 billion
    • Machinery: $409 million
    • Pharmaceuticals: $309 million
    • Coking and Steam Coal: $380 million

Substantial Levels of Services Trade and FDI:

• Apart from merchandise trade, services trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) between EFTA States and India have also reached significant levels.

Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA):

Investment Commitment:

• The India-EFTA TEPA involves a significant commitment from the European bloc, pledging $100 billion in investments over 15 years. Sectors targeted include pharma, food processing, engineering, and chemicals.

Source of Investment:

• The investment, a groundbreaking aspect of this FTA, is anticipated to come largely from provident funds in EFTA countries, including Norway’s $1.6-trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest pension fund.

Nature of Commitment:

• Despite its substantial size, the investment commitment may not be legally binding and falls under the category of “investment promotion.” Notably, it does not constitute a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) similar to negotiations with the UK and the EU.

Benefits of TEPA:

For EFTA:

Reduction in Indian Tariffs:

• With historically high average tariffs in India (around 18%), the TEPA is expected to lead to increased imports of machinery, pharmaceuticals, and medical instruments. This reduction in Indian tariffs is particularly advantageous for EFTA countries.

Crucial Investment Commitment:

• The investment commitment becomes crucial for EFTA, given that India-EFTA trade, especially in goods, has been in favor of the European grouping. Elimination of duties could potentially widen India’s trade deficit, particularly with countries like Switzerland.

For India:

Attracting Investments and Market Access:

• India seeks to attract investments and gain improved market access for its service sector workforce through the TEPA.

Joint Ventures and Diversification:

• The agreement opens avenues for joint ventures in key sectors such as pharma (especially medical devices), chemicals, food processing, and engineering. India sees the TEPA as a means to diversify imports away from China, especially in critical medical imports where the country currently heavily depends on China.

-Source: The Hindu

Revised Terms for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna Unveiled

Context:

The Centre has modified the ₹75,000-crore PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, originally intending to fully fund 1-3 KW solar system installations in one crore households. The revised plan now covers up to 60% of installation costs, requiring households to contribute the remainder, with a minimum payment of ₹20,000. Eligible houses must have suitable roofs, grid connectivity, and consumers are still responsible for grid power usage payments. Additionally, low-interest, collateral-free loans are available to assist with installation expenses.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Intervention

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
2. India’s current solar capacity
3. India’s solar policy

 About Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

• The scheme provides free electricity to its beneficiaries and further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing.
• It aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
• It scheme provides substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts and heavily concessional bank loans.
• The Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. 
• Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.
• Hence, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people.

Rooftop Solar Panels:

• Definition: Rooftop solar panels are photovoltaic panels installed on a building’s roof, integrated into the main power supply system.

Benefits

• Energy Consumption Reduction: Significantly reduces reliance on grid-connected electricity, leading to lower electricity costs for consumers.
• Surplus Power Export: Excess solar power generated can be exported to the grid, providing monetary benefits to consumers based on prevailing regulations.

India’s current solar capacity:

• Solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s website, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023.
• The rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.
• In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW. 
• When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.

Importance for expansion of solar energy in India:

• According to the latest World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is expected to witness the largest energy demand growth of any country or region in the world over the next 30 years.
• To meet this demand, the country would need a reliable source of energy and it can’t be just coal plants.
• Although India has doubled down on its coal production in recent years, it also aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• Therefore, it is essential to expand solar power capacity.

India’s solar policy:

• Since 2011, India’s solar sector has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 59% from 0.5GW in 2011 to 55GW in 2021.

National Solar Mission (NSM):

• The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), also known as the National Solar Mission (NSM), which commenced in January 2010, marked the first time the government focussed on promoting and developing solar power in India.
• Under the scheme, the total installed capacity target was set as 20GW by 2022.
• In 2015, the target was revised to 100GW and in August 2021, the government set a solar target of 300GW by 2030.
• India currently ranks fifth after China, U.S., Japan and Germany in terms of installed solar power capacity.
• As of December 2021, the cumulative solar installed capacity of India is 55GW, which is roughly half the renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding large hydro power) and 14% of the overall power generation capacity of India.
• Within the 55GW, grid-connected utility-scale projects contribute 77% and the rest comes from grid-connected rooftop and off-grid projects.

-Source: The Hindu

Groundbreaking Coal Logistics Plan Unveiled in India

Context:

India has introduced a transformative initiative, the “Coal Logistics Plan and Policy,” signaling a significant step forward in the modernization of coal transportation.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

Coal Logistics Plan and Policy in India

Coal Logistics Plan and Policy in India:

• Coal logistics has been a persistent challenge in India, especially during high-demand periods, prompting the development of the Coal Logistics Plan and Policy.

Key Points:

• Seasonal Coal Shortages:
  • Persistent coal shortages during summer months, when electricity demand peaks, have highlighted the need for improved coal logistics.
• Challenges in Transportation:
  • Frequent challenges in coal transportation have necessitated special measures by railways to prevent disruptions in coal supply.
• Objective of the Plan:
  • The Coal Logistics Plan and Policy aim to enhance the affordability, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of coal logistics.
• Scope:
  • Encompassing storage, loading, unloading, and delivery, the plan targets various industries such as power plants, steel mills, cement factories, and washeries.
• Strategic Shift to Railway-based System:
  • Proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system, particularly in First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects.
• Cost Reduction Goals:
  • Aims for a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs, with an anticipated annual cost-saving of Rs 21,000 Crore.

Expected Outcomes:

• Environmental Benefits:
  • Anticipated reduction in air pollution, alleviation of traffic congestion, and a decrease in carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum.
• Efficiency Improvements:
  • Forecasts a 10% reduction in the average turnaround time of wagons nationwide, contributing to overall logistics efficiency.

Status of the Coal Sector in India:

• Coal, a naturally occurring combustible sedimentary rock, holds significant importance in India’s energy landscape.

Geographic Distribution:

• India’s coal reserves are concentrated in the eastern and central regions, with major coal-producing states being Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Types of Coal and Clusters:

Anthracite:

• Carbon content: 80% to 95%
• Limited quantities, primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bituminous Coal:

• Carbon content: 60% to 80%
• Predominantly found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Lignite:

• Carbon content: 40% to 55%
• High moisture levels
• Found in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Peat:

• Carbon content below 40%
• Represents the earliest stage of the transformation from organic matter into coal.

Coal Imports in India:

• Import Policy:
  • The current import policy allows unrestricted coal imports under an Open General License.
• Consumer Categories:
  • Steel, power, and cement sectors, along with coal traders, can import coal based on their commercial requirements.
• Coking Coal in Steel Sector:
  • The steel sector primarily imports coking coal to supplement domestic availability and improve quality.
• Non-Coking Coal Imports:
  • Other sectors like power and cement, as well as coal traders, import non-coking coal to meet their respective needs.

Challenges Related to Coal for India:

Environmental Impact:

• Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
  • Coal mining and combustion contribute to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and habitat destruction, necessitating the management of environmental impacts.
• Addressing Environmental Impacts:
  • Balancing the need for energy security with addressing environmental impacts remains a significant challenge.

Health Risks:

• Community Health Hazards:
  • Exposure to coal dust, particulate matter, and emissions from coal-fired power plants poses health risks to communities, leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues.

Social Challenges:

• Land Acquisition and Displacement:
  • Acquiring land for coal mining often displaces communities, disrupting livelihoods and posing challenges for proper rehabilitation and resettlement.
• Socio-economic Hardships:
  • Rehabilitation and resettlement efforts encounter challenges, with affected populations facing social and economic hardships.

Technology Adoption:

• Limited Adoption of Clean Coal Technologies:
  • Despite advancements in technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), their widespread adoption in India is limited due to high costs and technical challenges.

Transition to Renewable Energy:

• Balancing Energy Security and Renewable Transition:
  • India’s commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions presents challenges for the coal sector.

Finding a Balance:

• Striking a balance between ensuring energy security and meeting climate change mitigation objectives remains a significant hurdle.

International Advocacy:

COP28 Position:

• India advocated for a “phase down” of coal power at COP28, signaling a nuanced approach rather than an immediate “phase out,” highlighting the complexities in managing the coal sector amidst global environmental goals.

Significance of Coal for India:

• Energy Source:
  • Accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs, making it the most important and abundant fossil fuel.
• Power Generation:
  • 70% of India’s power demand is met by thermal power plants, mostly powered by coal.
• Energy Consumption Trends:
  • Over the past four decades, commercial primary energy consumption in India has increased by approximately 700%.
• Per Capita Consumption:
  • Current per capita consumption is around 350 kilograms of oil equivalent per year, still lower than developed countries.

-Source: The Hindu

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023

Context:

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency celebrated its 22nd Foundation Day, centering on the theme “Energy Transition through Electrification and Decarbonization in India.” Additionally, the State Energy Efficiency Index 2023 was unveiled during the commemoration.

Relevance:

GS III: Energy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023
2. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023:

Development and Evaluation:

• The 5th edition of SEEI is developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE).

Evaluation Criteria:

• It assesses the performance of 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) across seven demand sectors, employing 65 indicators that include qualitative, quantitative, and outcome-based measures.

Classification:

• States and UTs are categorized as ‘Front runner’ (>=60), ‘Achiever’ (50-59.75), ‘Contender’ (30-49.75), and ‘Aspirant’ (<30) based on their total scores.

Peer-to-Peer Comparison:

• Peer-to-peer performance comparison is facilitated by classifying states and UTs into four groups based on their total final energy consumption (TFEC): Group 1 (>15 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE)), Group 2 (5-15 MTOE), Group 3 (1-5 MTOE), and Group 4 (<1 MTOE).

Top-Performing States:

• The leading states in each group are Karnataka (Group 1), Andhra Pradesh (Group 2), Assam (Group 3), and Chandigarh (Group 4).

Key Findings of SEEI 2023:

Front Runner (>=60):

• Seven states classified as ‘Front runner,’ including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Telangana.

Achiever (50-59.75):

• Two states, Assam and Uttar Pradesh, fall under the ‘Achiever’ category.

Contender (30-49.75):

• Three states, Goa, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu, are categorized as ‘Contender.’

Aspirant (<30):

• Maharashtra and Haryana showcase significant improvement, with score increases of 18.5 and 17 points, respectively.
• Fifteen states have improved their scores compared to SEEI 2021-22.
• Rajasthan experiences a substantial decline in score, primarily attributed to a lack of reported data.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):

Establishment:

BEE was established on March 1, 2002, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, within the Ministry of Power.

Mission:

• BEE’s mission is to aid in developing policies and strategies for energy efficiency, primarily aiming to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.

Functions:

• Responsible for regulatory and promotional functions outlined in the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

Achievements:

• BEE has contributed to reducing India’s energy consumption by approximately 3.5%.

-Source: The Hindu

IRIS AI Robot

Context:

A groundbreaking development in education has emerged from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, where a school has introduced India’s first AI teacher robot, Iris.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

IRIS AI Robot:

Technological Features:

• Powered by Robotics and Generative AI technologies, IRIS is equipped with a dedicated Intel processor and coprocessor, ensuring seamless performance.

User Interface:

• The Android App interface allows users to control and interact with the robot, providing a personalized learning experience.

Dynamic Functionality:

• IRIS is not merely a passive presence in the classroom but serves as a dynamic voice assistant and interactive learning tool.

AI Voice-Controlled Assistant:

• It acts as an AI voice-controlled assistant, responding to user queries, providing explanations, and delivering educational content.

Interactive Learning Experiences:

• Engages users in interactive learning experiences through personalized content generation, quizzes, and interactive activities.

Mobility:

• Equipped with a 4-wheel chassis, IRIS can move freely within its environment, facilitating interaction with users and navigating through learning spaces.

Manipulative Abilities:

• IRIS’s hands, featuring 5 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) each, enable it to manipulate objects, perform demonstrations, and engage in hands-on learning activities.

Educational Scope:

• Capable of teaching subjects from nursery to Class 12, making it versatile across different educational levels.

Multilingual Capabilities:

• Currently, the robot speaks three languages – English, Hindi, and Malayalam, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.

Creators:

• IRIS AI Robot is created by Maker Labs, showcasing advancements in educational technology and interactive learning tools.

-Source: Times of India

Gold Nanoparticles

Context:

Experts recently said that Gold nanoparticles used in medicines and beauty products may not only protect the skin from external infestations but can also help arrest the effects of ageing.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs):

• Gold nanoparticles are small gold particles with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm. When dispersed in water, they are known as colloidal gold and are sometimes referred to as ‘gold bhasma.’

Properties:

• Attributes:
  • Spherical AuNPs possess beneficial attributes such as size- and shape-related optoelectronic properties, a large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent biocompatibility, and low toxicity.
• Physical Properties:
  • Key physical properties include surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and the ability to quench fluorescence.
• Color Variations:
  • Spherical AuNPs exhibit various colors (brown, orange, red, purple) in aqueous solutions as the core size increases from 1 to 100 nm.
• Safety Characteristics:
  • Not toxic, phototoxic, genotoxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

Applications:

• Electronics:
  • Designed for use as conductors, from printable inks to electronic chips. Nanoscale gold nanoparticles are employed to connect resistors, conductors, and other electronic chip elements.
• Photodynamic Therapy:
  • Near-IR absorbing gold nanoparticles generate heat when excited by light (700 to 800 nm), enabling the eradication of targeted tumors.
• Therapeutic Agent Delivery:
  • Coating therapeutic agents onto the surface of gold nanoparticles is possible due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio.
• Sensors:
  • Utilized in various sensors, such as colorimetric sensors based on gold nanoparticles that can identify the suitability of foods for consumption.
• Diagnostics:
  • Used in the detection of biomarkers for the diagnosis of heart diseases, cancers, and infectious agents.

-Source: The Hindu