Revised subsidies to spur EV demand
Context: Electric two-wheeler makers termed the government’s decision to increase subsidy for such vehicles by 50% under the FAME II scheme saying it would be a game changer in the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles as phenomenal. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure Dimensions of the Article: Electric Vehicles (EVs) and their need in India FAME-II Revamped […]
Why oil prices are rising? Impact on India
Context: Crude oil prices have hit a two-year high with Brent crude rising above the $71 per barrel mark on May 2021, hitting the highest level since May 2019 as key oil-producing countries announced that they would adhere to plans entailing a gradual increase in crude oil production. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (International Trade, Mobilization […]
Semiconductor chips shortage
Context: A protracted shortage of inputs, especially semiconductor chips, has made India-based car manufactures and premium bike makers curtail production across categories. While carmakers in India appear to be waiting to ride out the chip famine by constraining production, their global counterparts have got more creative in addressing the shortage. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure […]
Smuggling of uranium: ATS seizes 7kg uranium
Context: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested two persons under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, with 7 kg natural uranium estimated to be worth around Rs 21 crore. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure, Mineral & Energy Resources, GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Pollution & Degradation) Dimensions of the Article: What exactly is uranium and what […]
Indian offshore model to dominate IT sector
Context: Analysis said that IT markets are picking up to such a degree that both the U.S. and Europe are running out of critical skills, and with this, offshore and Indian alternatives are increasingly becoming attractive for tech buyers. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (IT Sector), Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: About the attractiveness […]
China’s lead in share of critical battery minerals
Context: A group of 17 elements, dubbed rare earths and placed at the bottom of periodic table, have remarkable electrical and magnetic properties, while a dozen others can store energy and transmit them with minimal losses. These elements, such as neodymium, molybdenum, titanium, lithium, cobalt, vanadium etc., are crucial in the new energy era where […]
AVERAGE SPOT POWER PRICE AT IEX JUMPS 65%
Context: Average spot power price rose by 65% per unit in March compared to the year earlier month at the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) mainly due to increase in demand on account of rise in temperature and revival of economic activities. The electricity market at Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) achieved an all-time high volume of […]
ARCH CLOSURE OF CHENAB BRIDGE COMPLETED
Context: The Railways said it had completed the arch closure of the 1315m Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Transport and Connectivity related infrastructure) Dimensions of the Article: About the Chenab Bridge Chenab valley Recently in news: Ratle Hydroelectric Project About the Chenab Bridge It is one of […]
FIRST FARM-BASED SOLAR POWER PLANT UNDER PM- KUSUM
Context: The first farm-based solar power plant under the Prime Minister’s Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has come up in Jaipur (Rajasthan) district’s Kotputli tehsil with a provision for production of 17 lakh units of electricity every year. Relevance: GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Energy related Infrastructure, Renewable energy sources, Government Policies and […]
THE SURGE OF GEOPOLITICS IN SOUTH ASIA’S POWER TRADE
Context: India has released new rules governing the trade of electricity across its borders. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy, Industry and Infrastructure (Implications and Ramifications of International Trading policies and deals, Energy Sector), GS-II: International Relations Mains Questions: What are the ramifications of India’s “new rules governing the trade of electricity” on electricity markets of India’s […]