Current Affairs 21 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Steel Sector Decarbonization
2. Indian PM Highlights Reforms and Global Collaboration at World Food India 2024
3. Archaeological Discovery During Rainwater Harvesting in Kerala
4. Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024
5. Square Kilometer Array Telescope
6. Earth’s Gravitational Field to Temporarily Capture Asteroid 2024 PT5

Steel Sector Decarbonization

Context:

In response to escalating environmental concerns and the global movement towards sustainable industrial practices, the Ministry of Steel is formulating financial strategies to endorse decarbonization initiatives within the steel sector. This proactive stance aims to mitigate the environmental impact of steel production and align with international sustainability goals.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Steel Sector Decarbonization Options
2. Understanding Decarbonization in the Steel Sector
3. Unique Challenges to Decarbonizing India’s Steel Sector
4. Government Initiatives Promoting Steel Industry Decarbonization
5. Strategies for Steel Sector Decarbonization

Steel Sector Decarbonization Options

Strategic Initiatives

• Performance-Linked Incentives (PLI): The Steel Ministry is evaluating the use of PLI schemes for funding decarbonization initiatives. These are still under discussion and require finalization.
• Financial Projections: A comprehensive decarbonization strategy will necessitate an estimated USD 300 billion, covering USD 13 billion for small steel mills upgrades and USD 150 billion for cutting-edge technologies like iron direct reduction and carbon capture.

Technological Innovations

• Direct Iron Reduction: This process eliminates oxygen from iron ore without melting, contrasting traditional blast furnace operations.
• Policy Development: The formulation of India’s Green Steel Policy, incorporating multiple PLI schemes, is currently underway but remains in preliminary phases.
• Alternative Energy Sources: Considering natural gas as a substitute for coal or coke in blast furnaces to decrease emissions.

Efficiency and Emission Control

• Energy Usage: Energy consumption in Indian steel plants averages 6-6.5 Gigacalorie (Gcal)/tonne, surpassing the 4.5-5 Gcal/tonne used in foreign facilities, mainly due to the prevalent use of coal and outdated technology.
• CO2 Intensity Reduction: Aiming to lower CO2 emissions from 3.1 T/tcs in 2005 to 2.64 T/tcs by 2020, with a target reduction to 2.4 T/tcs by 2030, equating to a 1% annual decrease.

Regulatory and Trade Considerations

• Import Regulation: Strategies are being developed to shield the domestic industry from competitive foreign markets through pricing strategies, elevated import duties, and safeguard measures.
• Trade Balance: Efforts to mitigate the transition from a net steel exporter to a net importer with a 1.1 million tonne deficit in 2024 are integral.

Understanding Decarbonization in the Steel Sector

Definition and Importance

• Decarbonization Explained: It involves reducing CO2 emissions and the carbon footprint associated with steel production, leading towards the creation of Green Steel.
• Crucial for Sustainability: Vital for addressing climate change and enhancing sustainability within the sector.

Industry Dynamics

• Production Capacity: India ranks as the second-largest crude steel producer globally, with significant production capacities.
• Consumption Patterns: Current per capita steel consumption in India stands at 97.7 kg, significantly below the global average but set to increase per national policy goals.

National and Global Commitments

• Greenhouse Gas Management: India, which houses 17% of the global population, contributes to only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is committed to substantial green initiatives.
• Future Goals: Aligning with the 2070 net-zero targets, the steel industry’s decarbonization is essential for meeting both national and international climate objectives.

Green Steel Production

• Innovative Practices: Focus on manufacturing steel through sustainable means such as green and blue hydrogen—produced from renewable electricity and fossil fuels with carbon capture, respectively.
• Strategic Importance: Enhancing the development of green steel is crucial for significantly reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and supporting global sustainability efforts.

Unique Challenges to Decarbonizing India’s Steel Sector

• Material and Resource Constraints: Unlike developed countries that rely more on scrap and have access to low-carbon fuels, India faces a shortage of sufficient scrap and contends with expensive natural gas.
• Energy Source Limitations: Predominantly using low-grade coal and iron ore, India experiences elevated emissions and energy consumption.
• Emission Intensity: The emission intensity for Indian steel stands at 2.54 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of crude steel, surpassing the global average of 1.91.
• Energy Production Methods: Integrated steel plants in India predominantly use coal-based captive power plants, resulting in higher emissions compared to those utilizing cleaner energy sources internationally.
• Research and Development: R&D in India is crucial yet underfunded, with only 0.64% of GDP invested, and a limited private sector contribution, hindering the advancement of critical technologies like hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI).
• Financial Hurdles: The transition to greener technologies in the steel sector is financially daunting, estimated to require between USD 5.2 to 6.1 trillion globally, with Indian steel plants alone needing approximately USD 283 billion.
• CO2 Monitoring Challenges: Effective CO2 emissions monitoring is hampered by complex supply chains, fragmented data, and a lack of skilled carbon management professionals.

Government Initiatives Promoting Steel Industry Decarbonization

• Strategic Task Forces: Under the Ministry of Steel, 14 task forces aim to develop and recommend decarbonization strategies.
• Steel Scrap Recycling Policy: Enacted in 2019 to enhance the circular economy through increased scrap availability and metal scrapping centers.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Focused on boosting green hydrogen production, crucial for the steel industry’s transition to lower emissions.
• Vehicle Scrapping Rules: Introduced to augment scrap material availability for steel production.
• National Solar Mission: Promotes solar energy utilization to reduce emissions within the steel sector.
• PAT Scheme: A part of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency aimed at incentivizing significant energy savings.
• Carbon Credit Trading: Launched in 2023 to facilitate carbon credit exchanges, aiding emission reduction at reduced costs.

Strategies for Steel Sector Decarbonization

• Energy Efficiency: Leveraging the PAT scheme has already yielded significant energy savings, exceeding initial targets.
• Technological Upgrades: Adopting Best Available Technologies (BATs) can further reduce energy intensity, though challenges like retrofitting and high costs remain.
• Process Enhancements: Improving ore beneficiation and pelletization could decrease reliance on coke, enhancing productivity.
• Hydrogen Utilization: Exploring 100% hydrogen-based DRI and hydrogen injection methods to cut down on coke usage and reduce emissions.
• Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Seen as essential for deep decarbonization, aiming to mitigate up to 56% of existing emissions.
• Biochar Integration: Utilizing biomass-derived biochar offers a promising route to replace or reduce fossil fuel usage in steel production, with potential significant emission reductions.

-Source: The Hindu

Indian PM Highlights Reforms and Global Collaboration at World Food India 2024

Context:

The Indian Prime Minister emphasized that the government has implemented numerous reforms over the past decade to promote the growth of the food processing industry in India.

• He announced the Global Food Regulators Summit organized by FSSAI, which will bring together global bodies like WHO and FAO, along with domestic institutions, to address issues related to food safety, quality standards, and best practices.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. World Food India (WFI)
2. Food Processing Sector in India
3. Government Initiatives to Boost the Food Processing Sector in India
4. Challenges Facing the Food Processing Sector
5. Way forward

World Food India (WFI)

• Inception and Purpose:
  • Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), the first edition of WFI aimed at showcasing India’s rich food culture and attracting investments in the country’s diverse food processing sector.
• Key Editions:
  • 2nd Edition (2023): Organized to celebrate the International Year of Millets and foster global collaboration in the food processing industry.
  • 3rd Edition (2024): Scheduled from 19th to 22nd September 2024, continuing the momentum to bring together global stakeholders.

Food Processing Sector in India

• Current Scenario:
  • Known as a ‘Sunrise sector,’ the food processing industry plays a crucial role in connecting Indian farmers with both domestic and international consumers.
  • It includes key segments such as processed fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat/cook foods, dairy products, and beverages.
• Growth Statistics:
  • Experienced significant growth with an average annual rate of 7.3% from 2015 to 2022.
  • Employs 2.03 million people in the registered sector, representing 12.22% of total employment.
  • The unregistered sector employs 5.1 million workers, accounting for 14.18% of unregistered manufacturing jobs.
• Key Growth Drivers:
  • Agri-commodity Hub: Benefiting from diverse agro-climatic conditions and abundant natural resources, India is a leading producer of milk, spices, fruits, vegetables, poultry, and meat.
  • Policy Support: Programs like One District, One Product (ODOP) and other favorable policies bolster growth.
  • Market Potential: Projected to expand from US$ 866 billion in 2022 to US$ 1,274 billion in 2027, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and evolving food preferences.

Government Initiatives to Boost the Food Processing Sector in India

• PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY):
  • A comprehensive package designed to create modern infrastructure and an efficient supply chain, from farm gate to retail outlet, enhancing the overall value chain in food processing.
• PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme:
  • Focuses on upgrading existing micro-enterprises in the unorganized food processing sector, aiming to formalize and improve productivity and efficiency.
• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI):
  • Aims to:
    • Boost domestic manufacturing and increase exports.
    • Support food manufacturing entities with specific sales criteria.
    • Promote investment for expanding processing capacities; 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in this sector.
    • Incentivize the emergence of robust Indian food brands with complete profit exemption for the first five years.
• One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme:
  • Launched under the PMFME scheme to develop value chains and align support infrastructure.
  • Approved for 713 districts across 35 States/UTs, covering 137 unique products, to promote district-specific food products.
• Mega Food Park (MFP) Scheme:
  • Adopts a cluster approach by setting up modern food processing units in designated agricultural and horticultural zones.
  • As of December 2023, 41 projects were approved, with 24 operational, facilitating a significant increase in food processing capacity.
• Operation Greens:
  • Initially launched to support the Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) value chains by boosting Farmer Producers Organisations (FPOs), agri-logistics, and processing facilities.
  • Extended under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package” to cover all fruits and vegetables (TOTAL), enhancing the scope and impact of the scheme.

Challenges Facing the Food Processing Sector

• Lack of Advanced Infrastructure:
  • Many businesses in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector struggle with outdated technology and facilities, limiting their ability to compete and scale.
• Supply Chain Inefficiencies:
  • The sector suffers from disorganized and inefficient supply chains, leading to high levels of wastage and reduced profitability.
• Inadequate Storage and Transport Facilities:
  • Insufficient cold storage and transport infrastructure hinder the ability to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of processed food products.
• Limited Access to Credit and Financing:
  • Small businesses often face challenges in securing funding, which restricts their capacity for growth and modernization.

Way forward

• Growing Demand and Supportive Policies:
  • With rising demand for processed food products in both domestic and international markets, alongside supportive government initiatives, the food processing sector is poised for substantial growth.
• Collaborative Efforts for Future Growth:
  • By addressing existing challenges and encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector, the food processing industry can significantly contribute to India’s GDP and economic development, becoming a pivotal sector in the nation’s growth story.

-Source: The Hindu

Archaeological Discovery During Rainwater Harvesting in Kerala

Context:

A rainwater harvesting initiative in Kerala has resulted in an extraordinary archaeological find—numerous megalithic urn burials. These historical relics were uncovered on Kundlikkad Hill, known locally as Malampalla or Malappuram Hill, situated in the Nenmara forest division. An urn burial involves placing the remains of the deceased inside a pottery vessel or urn and then burying it, reflecting ancient funerary practices.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Insights on Megalithic Urn Burials
2. Overview of Megalithic Culture

Key Insights on Megalithic Urn Burials

• Hilltop Burial Sites: Typically, these sites feature cairn heaps with cists, cairn circles, and stone circle burials.
• Dating and Rarity: These urn burials are rare for hilltop sites and date back over 2,500 years.
• Urn Characteristics: The site yielded pot sherds from various types of pottery, including black ware, red ware, and black and red ware, with one notable urn displaying fingertip impressions.
• Decorative Techniques: Smaller pots showcased cord-impressed designs, highlighting distinctive decorative methods.
• Construction Techniques: Chisel marks on rocks suggest a structured and organized approach to constructing burial enclosures.
• Archaeological Significance: The discovery provides critical insights into the transitional phase between the Mesolithic period, characterized by microliths, and the Iron Age in Kerala.
• Uniqueness: The combination of Mesolithic and Iron Age elements in one site is considered unusual.

Overview of Megalithic Culture

• Definition and Function: Megaliths are large stone monuments primarily serving as burial sites, usually situated away from habitation areas.
• Chronology: Dating based on findings from the Brahmagiri excavation places these cultures between the 3rd century B.C. and 1st century A.D.
• Geographical Spread: Predominantly found in the Deccan, south of the Godavari River, and across regions like Punjab Plains, Indo-Gangetic basin, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir.
• Notable Sites: Significant sites include Seraikala in Bihar, Khera in Uttar Pradesh, and Deosa in Rajasthan.
• Iron Age Integration: In South India, the Megalithic period was distinctly marked by the full adoption of iron technology, with artifacts found from Junapani in Vidarbha to Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.
• Subsistence Methods: The communities engaged in agriculture, hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry.
• Cultural Artifacts: Rock paintings at these sites illustrate scenes of hunting, cattle raids, and communal dancing, reflecting the societal and cultural dynamics of the period.

-Source: Indian Express

Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024

Context:

The second edition of the Direct Tax Vivad se Viswas scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0) will be operational soon, the Finance Ministry has said in a notification.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0)

• Objective:
  • The scheme is designed to minimize ongoing litigations related to income tax disputes by providing a streamlined mechanism for resolution.
• Key Features:
  • Dispute Resolution Process: Offers a simplified process for resolving disputes between taxpayers and the Income Tax Department through various appellate forums.
  • Coverage:
    • Applies to appeals, writ petitions, and special leave petitions pending as of July 22, 2024.
    • Includes objections filed before the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) where no final assessment order has been passed, and pending revision applications before the Commissioner.
  • Benefits:
    • Waives penalties and interest on settlements.
    • Ensures that no prosecution will be initiated for cases settled under the scheme.
• Exclusions:
  • Cases involving searches, prosecutions, and undisclosed foreign income are not eligible.
  • Taxpayers under specific legal restrictions or involved in serious offenses will not benefit from the scheme.
• Goal:
  • To provide a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for resolving tax disputes, reducing the burden on taxpayers and the judiciary, and promoting voluntary compliance.

-Source: Indian Express

Square Kilometer Array Telescope

Context:

Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope in the making, has carried out its first observations, signalling that at least a part of the yet-to-be-completed facility has become functional.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and technology

Square Kilometer Array Telescope (SKA)

• Overview:
  • The SKA is an advanced international project aimed at constructing the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope. It is designed to address a broad range of cutting-edge scientific questions, potentially transforming our understanding of the universe.
• Location and Structure:
  • SKA-Low (Australia):
    • Located in Australia, it will operate at low frequencies ranging from 50 to 350 MHz.
    • Comprises a network of 131,072 antennas, each about two meters tall, to form a highly sensitive radio array.
  • SKA-Mid (South Africa):
    • Situated in South Africa, it is designed to work in the mid-frequency range of 350 MHz to 15.4 GHz.
    • Consists of 197 large parabolic dish antennas, ideal for a wide range of astronomical observations.
• Headquarters and Management:
  • The SKA Observatory’s operational headquarters are based in the United Kingdom, coordinating this global effort in radio astronomy.
• Scientific Goals:
  • The SKA will explore a variety of fundamental scientific questions, including:
    • Understanding the origins of the universe.
    • Investigating the formation and evolution of galaxies.
    • Searching for signs of life and comprehending the role of cosmic magnetism.
• Global Collaboration:
  • India joined the SKA project in December 2022, becoming part of a consortium that includes Canada, China, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, and the Netherlands, among others.
• Significance:
  • With its unprecedented sensitivity and scale, the SKA is expected to significantly advance radio astronomy, providing new insights into the cosmos and contributing to our knowledge of the fundamental processes of the universe.

-Source: The Hindu

Earth’s Gravitational Field to Temporarily Capture Asteroid 2024 PT5

Context:

A recent study predicts that by late September 2024, Earth’s gravitational field will temporarily capture a small asteroid named 2024 PT5.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and technology

Temporary Capture of Asteroid 2024 PT5

• Mini-Moons:
  • These are small asteroids temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field, leading to short-term orbits around the planet.
  • They are usually small, often evading detection due to their size and fleeting nature.
  • This phenomenon is uncommon since most asteroids either bypass Earth or disintegrate in the atmosphere.
  • Only four mini-moons have been discovered so far, and none remain in orbit. Some might have been misidentified as space debris, like parts of spacecraft or rocket stages.
• Asteroid 2024 PT5:
  • Detected by NASA, 2024 PT5 is predicted to become a temporary mini-moon in late September 2024.
  • Its capture will provide valuable insights into the behavior of near-Earth asteroids, especially those that frequently approach or occasionally collide with our planet.
• Scientific Significance:
  • The study of 2024 PT5 will enhance our understanding of near-Earth objects (NEOs) and contribute to planetary defense strategies.
  • By observing its temporary capture and orbit, researchers can better model asteroid dynamics and improve detection methods for future mini-moons.

-Source: The Hindu