InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Speaker: need for impartiality and integrity
GS Paper 3:
- Coal: Necessary for India’s Green Transition
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
- 2023 Champions of the Earth
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Baba Farid: Jerusalem-India Connection
- Gir cow breed
- JioSpaceFiber
- Haemoglobin
- Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Mapping
- Venezuela
Coal: Necessary for India’s Green Transition
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Envirionment Conservation
Source: IE
Context: The transition to green energy in India is encountering challenges, especially in coal-rich states. While there’s a global focus on decarbonization and renewable energy (RE), coal continues to play a significant role in India’s energy landscape.
What is Energy transition?
Energy transition involves shifting from fossil-based energy production to renewable sources, aiming to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. In India, by 2030, solar and wind energy could make up 51% of generation capacity, a significant increase from about 8% in 2019 to 31% in 2030
Status of Energy Transition in India
Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026. In 2022, wind and solar made up 92% of India’s capacity additions to power generation.
What is the issues with this energy transition?
The growth of RE assets primarily benefits western and southern states, leading to potential fiscal consequences for RE-poor, coal-rich states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal (mainly Eastern states). They face a decline in coal royalties as RE expands, and they’ll have to import more power from other states, which will strain their budgets.
Other Challenges in phasing out coal for India due to energy transition:
| Challenge | Description |
| Energy Security | Coal is a vital source of energy for India’s economy. It powers 55% of the country’s energy needs and generates 72% of India’s electricity. Coal is also a vital source of jobs and economic growth. |
| Government Revenue | Coal mining and related activities generate significant revenue for the government through royalties, cesses, levies, and dividend payouts. Reducing coal usage impacts this revenue. |
| Direct Employment | Coal production employs hundreds of thousands of people directly, providing social security benefits. The decline in coal usage may result in job losses. |
| Indirect Employment | Numerous auxiliary services and businesses, such as coal washery workers, traders, and transporters, depend on coal-related activities. A coal phase-out affects their employment. |
| Induced Dependence | Communities and businesses in areas near coal mining have developed an induced dependence on coal. A transition impacts their economic well-being. |
| Informal Coal Economy | Small-scale coal operations and illegal trades support a significant informal coal economy with millions of dependents. Their livelihoods are at stake. |
| Social Welfare Provider | Coal India Limited (CIL) has assumed the role of a welfare provider in coal regions, offering essential services like housing, roads, schools, and healthcare. Transitioning from coal may disrupt this support. |
Strategies for ensuring a Balanced Energy Transition:
| Strategy | Description |
| Support for RE-Poor States | Provide support and involvement in the transition for states with fewer renewable energy resources to address their unique challenges. |
| Financial Assistance | Offer preferential lending for renewable energy (RE) projects in states with limited RE resources to encourage investment and development. |
| Increased Federal Negotiations | Empower RE-poor states by giving them a more significant role in federal power discussions, potentially by reviving institutions like the Inter-State Council to ensure their voices are heard. |
| Financial Transfers | The Finance Commission can play a crucial role by providing explicit financial aid to RE-poor states, helping them navigate the transition. |
| Collaborative Policies | Implement just transition mechanisms and collaborative industrial policies that consider the economic well-being of communities affected by the energy transition. |
| Equitable Green Policy | Ensure that all states, not just historically privileged ones, benefit from green industrial policies, creating a more equitable transition for all regions. |
About Coal in India:
| Keyword | Explanation |
| Coal | A type of fossil fuel found in sedimentary rocks, often referred to as ‘Black Gold.‘ It is a conventional energy source used for various purposes, including domestic heating, industrial processes, and electricity generation. |
| Leading Coal Producers | China is the world’s largest coal producer. In 2022, China produced over 52% of the world’s coal. India is the second largest producer, with a global share of nearly 9%, however, despite high production, around 30% of India’s coal is imported. |
| Distribution of Coal in India | Different regions in India where coal is found, such as Gondwana Coal Fields (predominantly found in regions like Jharkhand-West Bengal, Chhattisgarh-Odisha, and Maharashtra) and Tertiary Coal Fields (mainly in extra-peninsular regions like Assam, Meghalaya, and others). |
| Reserve | The top 5 States in terms of total coal reserves in India are Jharkhand > Odisha > Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya Pradesh |
| Classification | Various types of coal based on their carbon content and properties, including Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat. |
India, the largest coal producer, relies on coal imports for several reasons:
- Domestic Demand and Buffer Stock: To meet the high domestic demand and maintain buffer stocks, India imports coal. Domestic supplies often fall short, leading to the import route.
- Shortage of Good Coking Coal: India lacks reserves of high-quality coking coal crucial for steel and related industries, necessitating imports.
- Lower Cost of Imported Coal: Imported coal is cost-effective compared to similar coal from Coal India for many coal-fired power plants.
- Coal Transport Challenges: Despite a vast railway network, transporting coal from mines to coastal power plants faces major connectivity bottlenecks.
Government Initiatives for the Coal sector
- Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme: This initiative focuses on assessing coal resources, preparing project reports for mining, and facilitating the auction of new coal blocks to recover costs from successful bidders
- UTTAM(Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal) Application for coal quality monitoring
- New coal linkage policyto ensure adequate supply of fuel to power plants through reverse auction
- Online Coal Clearances System
- Coal Allocation Monitoring System (CAMS)
- Opening up of commercial coal mining
For Major points of the Coal Ministry Action Plan 2023-24: Click Here
Conclusion
Coal accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs. Coal is and will continue to be the backbone of India’s economic and development growth. Thus India has to go for ‘Just transition’ to balance the need for Renewable, without severely affecting Coal depedent economy.
Related News:
The Ministry of Coal has made a request to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to classify coal as part of the infrastructure sector.
Source: ET
The inclusion of coal in the master list of Infrastructure sub-sectors has several benefits, including securing financial assistance for commercial coal mines, making the coal sector more investor-friendly, and enabling banks and financial institutions to formulate effective policies.
The Ministry of Finance introduced the Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure sub-sectors (HMLIS) in 2012 to guide financial institutions and agencies supporting infrastructure development. Inclusion in the HMLIS is based on criteria such as economic importance and contributions to human capital. This inclusion facilitates easier access to long-term funding at lower interest rates
Insta Links
Mains Links
Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (UPSC 2021)
“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
- Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
- Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
- Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A
Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? (UPSC 2013)
- High ash content
- Low sulphur content
- Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A
Speaker: need for impartiality and integrity
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Indian Parliament
Source: TH
Context: The article discusses the need for impartiality and integrity in the functioning of Speakers in Indian parliamentary bodies.
About Speaker:
| Role of a Speaker | Definition |
| Who is a Speaker? | A presiding officer in a legislative body responsible for maintaining order during debates, ensuring rules are followed, and representing the institution. Typically elected by members, they play a crucial role in the legislative assembly’s functioning. |
| Constitutional Articles | Article 93 and Article 178 of the Indian Constitution govern the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. |
| Origin | Originated in medieval Britain as a House of Commons spokesman. Initially seen as an agent of the Crown until the 17th century. Evolved to be an impartial Chairman since the 19th century. |
| Powers and Functions of the Speaker | The final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and parliamentary precedents |
| Presides over joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament | |
| Makes final decisions regarding disqualifications of members under the Anti-defection Act | |
| Appoints chairmen of parliamentary committees and supervises their functioning | |
| Maintains quorum and decorum in the house for conducting its business | |
| Decides whether a bill is a money bill, and this decision is final | |
| Can allow a secret sitting of the House at the Leader of the House’s request | |
| Has a casting vote in case of a tie | |
| Importance of Speaker’s Independence | Supreme Authority in the Lok Sabha/State Assembly, with vast powers to ensure the orderly conduct of business |
| Symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty | |
| Conscience and guardian of the House | |
| Represents the collective voice of the parliament/ State assembly |
Issues with the functioning of speakers in India:
| Issues | Examples |
| Favour Ruling Party | Several judgments on the anti-defection law highlight partisan conduct of speakers in state assemblies. |
| Recently, the leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was suspended for his remarks against the Prime Minister (which was later revoked) | |
| Party Interest Over National Interest | Speakers who are active members of the ruling party may refuse essential debates in the national interest to avoid embarrassing the ruling party. |
| Increased Disruption in Parliament | Partisan conduct and apathy of the speaker towards opposition demands lead to frequent disruptions in Parliament by the Opposition. |
| Disruption of Parliament damages its prestige and hinders its primary function of making laws through careful debate. | |
| Bills are Not Referred to Committees | Stalling parliamentary proceedings has resulted in the passing of significant bills without discussion. |
| E.g., In the 2021 monsoon session of Lok Sabha, not a single bill was referred to any select committee for review. | |
| Wide Discretion | Speakers exercise wide discretion in matters of Money Bills, decorum maintenance, and the suspension of members. |
| Bills are sometimes labeled as ‘Money Bills’ to bypass the Upper Houses. E.g., The Aadhar bill, introduced as a Money bill | |
| Misuse of Powers under the 10th Schedule | The role of the Speaker in recent political crises, such as in Maharashtra (2022), has raised concerns about the misuse of powers under the 10th Schedule. |
| Other Examples include the dismissal of governments in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, where Speakers helped ruling parties by disqualifying MLAs under the 10th Schedule | |
| Appointment System | – Speakers are typically elected by the ruling party, leading to questions about their independence from party influence. |
| Lack of Tenure Security | The Constitution of India doesn’t provide a fixed tenure for speakers, making their position dependent on their selection, which can influence their actions in the House. |
Associated Cases:
- Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu (1992): Minority judges argued that the Speaker’s power to decide on defections undermines democratic principles.
- Nabam Rebia v Bemang Felix case (2016),the Supreme Court held that it is “constitutionally impermissible” for a speaker to proceed with disqualification proceedings, if a no-confidence motion against him is pending.
- Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs The Hon’ble Speaker Manipur (2020): The Supreme Court recommended amending the Constitution to create an independent tribunal led by judges to handle such matters.
Suggestions to improve the impartiality of the Speaker in India:
| Suggestions | Explanation |
| Resignation from Political Party | Upon selection as Speaker, the individual should resign from their political party to avoid conflicts of interest. |
| Ireland Model | Follow the Ireland model, where the Speaker is someone who has given up political ambitions and built credibility. |
| British Model (‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’) | Adopt the British model, where Speakers usually remain unopposed by major political parties, enhancing objectivity. |
| Adopt practices from the UK, where Speakers resign from associated political parties to reflect impartiality | |
| Continuity Based on Impartiality | A committee, like the one headed by V.S. Page, suggested allowing Speakers to continue if they have been impartial and efficient in their previous tenure. |
| Election on an Independent Ticket | It is suggested that, anyone seeking the position of Speaker may be required to run for election on an independent ticket. |
| Disqualification Power Shift | Shift the power of disqualification under the anti-defection law to the President or Governor, who decide based on the suggestions of the Election Commission of India (2nd ARC recommendation). |
| Imposition of Disciplinary Actions | Grant the Speaker the power to impose various disciplinary actions, such as a salary cut for members disrupting the house. |
| Formation of a Parliamentary Committee | Allow the Speaker to create a parliamentary committee to recommend the removal of MPs who regularly disrupt the house. The committee’s decisions should be subject to judicial review. |
| Independent Tribunal for Disqualification | Establish an independent tribunal to resolve questions related to the disqualification of members based on defection. |
Conclusion
Jawaharlal Nehru rightly mentioned on Speaker’s role, “The speaker represents House. He represents the dignity of the house, the freedom of the house and because the House represents a nation, in particular, way speaker becomes a symbol of national freedom and dignity. Therefore a free position should always be occupied by the persons of outstanding ability and impartiality
Mains Links:
What are the roles and responsibilities of the speaker of Lok Sabha? How is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha elected? The office of the Deputy Speaker is not a ceremonious post but a constitutionally mandated one. Comment on its importance. (15M)
2023 Champions of the Earth
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: UNEP
Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the 2023 Champions of the Earth, recognizing individuals and organizations for innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution.
The award, the UN’s highest environmental honor, acknowledges efforts to address the global plastic crisis.
Awardees and their contributions include:
| Awardee | Category | Work Description |
| Mayor Josefina Belmonte, Quezon City, Philippines | Policy Leadership | Implementing policies to combat climate crisis, end plastic pollution, and promote green urban initiatives. |
| Ellen MacArthur Foundation, United Kingdom | Inspiration and Action | Mainstreaming a lifecycle approach for plastics, fostering collaborations among decision-makers, academia, and more to address climate, biodiversity, and plastic pollution. |
| Blue Circle, China | Entrepreneurial Vision | Utilizing blockchain and IoT to track and manage plastic pollution lifecycle, including collection, regeneration, re-manufacturing, and resale. |
| José Manuel Moller, Chile | Entrepreneurial Vision | Leading Algramo, a social enterprise offering refill services to reduce plastic pollution and lower costs of everyday essentials. |
| Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa | Science and Innovation | Employing cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions for plastic pollution, including sustainable alternatives and local manufacturing. |
Previous, Indian awardees include: Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman (2022); PM Narendra Modi (2018); Tulsi Tanti (Chairman of the Suzlon Group), and Afroz Alam, a lawyer who led the clean-up at Mumbai’s Versova beach
About the award:
The UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s top environmental annual honor, celebrates individuals, groups, and organizations for their transformative contributions to the environment. It has recognized leaders in government, civil society, and the private sector since its establishment in 2005, honoring those leading efforts to protect our natural world.
To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP had launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, large-scale and coordinated action against air, land and water pollution
Baba Farid: Jerusalem-India Connection
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: India’s connection with Jerusalem traces back 800 years to the establishment of Baba Farid’s lodge.
What is the story?
Legend has it that Baba Farid, a Sufi saint from Punjab, meditated at this spot in Jerusalem, and Indian Muslims on their way to Mecca began visiting the place to pray. Over time, this humble spot evolved into a shrine and hospice for Indian travelers. The property is now under the ownership of Waqf Board of India, accessible solely to individuals of Indian citizenship or heritage.
Who was Baba Farid?
Baba Farid, born in 1173 near Shakarganj, Pakistan, was from a family that migrated from Kabul to Punjab. He followed the Chishti Order and was a pioneering Sufi who wrote verses in Punjabi. His significant impact is seen in Sikhism, where many of his verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs. Baba Farid’s most famous disciple Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325) was responsible for making Delhi an important centre of the Chishti silsilah.
Gir cow breed
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, India’s initiative to enhance indigenous cattle breeds, has primarily promoted the Gir cow breed due to its high milk yield and adaptability.
What is Gir Cow Breed?
The Gir cow is an indigenous breed of cattle in India known for its high milk yield, adaptability to various regions, and calm temperament. It is characterized by its distinctive hump over the shoulders and a reddish-brown coat. Gir cows are prized for their milk production, with purebred Gir cows yielding 18-20 liters of milk per day. Gir is originated in Gir forests in Gujarat and also found in Maharashtra and adjacent Rajasthan
Other indigenous cattle breeds: Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Hallikar etc
What is the issue with adopting Gir Cow Breed?
Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s focus on Gir breed risks threatening the purity of other indigenous breeds. While the Gir cow has its advantages, experts argue that focusing solely on one breed is detrimental. They suggest that genetically superior cows should be identified and bred from various indigenous breeds to maintain regional traits and diversity.
About the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
| Keywords | Explanation |
| Rashtriya Gokul Mission | A program for indigenous bovine breed development and conservation |
| Implementation Since | Started in December 2014 |
| Continued Under | Part of Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna from 2021 to 2026 |
| Nodal Ministry | Managed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
| Objectives | Aims to enhance bovine productivity, promote high genetic merit bulls, expand artificial insemination coverage (increase artificial insemination to 70%), and conserve indigenous cattle and buffalo |
JioSpaceFiber
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Reliance Jio has successfully demonstrated JioSpaceFiber, India’s first satellite-based gigabit internet service, at the India Mobile Congress.
This technology, developed in partnership with Luxembourg-based SES, leverages medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, particularly SES’s O3v and o3b mPOWER networks.
How is it different from Elong Musk’s Starlink?
Unlike the more common low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet (e.g., StarLink or OneWeb), JioSpaceFiber uses MEO satellites, orbiting at a greater distance from the planet, which may result in higher latency (latency is the time that data takes to transfer across the network). However, MEO satellites can cover larger areas with fewer satellites.
To access JioSpaceFiber, a larger satellite dish may be required. Reliance Jio has already connected four remote locations using this technology.
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is an online connection provided by satellites in space. Internet service providers launch satellites into orbit around Earth, and these satellites communicate with user equipment, including a modem and satellite dish, to transmit and receive data. It’s advantageous for connecting remote or rural areas and enabling multi-device access.
Haemoglobin
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: In a recent discovery published in Nature, scientists found that haemoglobin, typically associated with red blood cells, is also produced by chondrocytes, the cells responsible for making cartilage in the body.
What is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a Iron containing protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation. It plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and maintaining the body’s overall oxygen balance.
What does the new study says?
A recent study revealed that chondrocytes, responsible for forming cartilage, produce haemoglobin, contrary to the previous belief that only Red Blood Cells (RBCs) contained it.
Chondrocytes play a role in strengthening and flexibilizing cartilage, and they rely on haemoglobin for oxygen transport and survival. Haemoglobin within chondrocytes stores and releases oxygen as needed.
What are Cartilage?
Cartilage is a flexible and connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as joints, the nose, and ears. It provides support and cushioning while allowing for smooth movement in the joints.
Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TOI
Context: The Amangarh Tiger Reserve, an extension of the Jim Corbett National Park, has seen a marginal increase in its tiger population. However, this growth in the tiger population has had unintended consequences for the leopards in the area.
What is the Issue?
The territorial nature of tigers, with one big cat ruling over 8 square kilometers, is causing leopards to be pushed out of the forests. This phenomenon has led to leopards venturing into human habitats, resulting in over 35 leopards being captured in such areas and 16 people being killed in leopard attacks. The expansion of the Amangarh Tiger Reserve is seen as a potential solution to protect big cat habitats and prevent future conflicts.
About Amangarh Tiger Reserve:
| Aspect | Information |
| Location | Located in Amangarh, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh. |
| Situated in the Terai region, covering approximately 578 sq km. | |
| Shares boundaries with Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. | |
| Originally part of Jim Corbett National Park, remained in Uttar Pradesh after the creation of Uttarakhand. | |
| Establishment | Declared a tiger reserve in 2012. |
| Flora | Vegetation includes grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests. |
| Fauna | Mammals: Tigers, Elephants, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Porcupine |
| Birds: Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowl, Bengal Florican, | |
| Reptiles: Monitor Lizard, Turtles, Gangetic Dolphin, Mugger, Gharia, etc. |
Venezuela
Mapping
Source: TH
Context: The recent thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations is due to Maria Corina Machado’s victory in the opposition primary and the Biden administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and mining sectors in exchange for fair elections in 2024. Geopolitical shifts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict also played a role. The sanctions relief is expected to revive Venezuela’s economy.
About Venezuela:
It is a country on the northern coast of South America.To the northwest are the Andes Mountains and the colonial town of Mérida, a base for visiting Sierra Nevada National Park. Caracas, the capital, is to the north.
The country’s economy is strongly depending on hydrocarbons, as well as on loans from China and Russia. Traditionally, petroleum represents more than 85% of Venezuela’s exports.
Download the Daily Current Affairs in PDF Format here
Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE
Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram Account HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn: HERE
