Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023
Today’s News
Disentangling the 2030 Global Renewable Energy Target
(Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023 | Relevant for GS Paper-3)
- The presidency of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held in Dubai (November 30 December 12), has called for agreement on a global target of tripling renewable energy capacity from current levels by 2030.
- In 2021, the global installed capacity of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) for electricity generation was 3026 Giga Watts (GW), or 39% of the total capacity from all sources. In total electricity generation however, the contribution by RES was only 28%.
- Tripling RE capacity by 2030 implies a target of about 9000 GW, which is more than the total installed capacity from all sources in 2021, adding about 6000 GW of RE capacity between 2022 and 2030.
- Most of this capacity is expected to come from solar and wind, as the time for construction and operationalization of any hydro plants, will typically exceed the timeline of 2030 being considered.
- However, there is no such thing as “global” electricity demand, but only a global aggregate across countries. Electricity demand across countries is highly differentiated, and the rates of growth vary for countries at different stages of development.
- Electricity demand is growing far more rapidly in developing countries currently. Electricity consumption between 2010 and 2019 in China and India grew annually at 6.6% and 6.3%, respectively, compared to a 0.3% decline in the European Union (EU) and a minimal 0.12% growth in the United States.
- If the U.S. does not phase out its existing fossil fuel capacity, it will need only about 26 GW of new RE capacity to meet additional demand, and its share of the tripling target of an additional 6000 GW by 2030, would be only a measly 0.4%.
- In the second scenario, with a full phase out of fossil fuel based capacity, the U.S. and the EU would account for more than a third of the new capacity, closer to their fair share of the burden.
- Unfortunately, the COP28 call for the RE global target comes with a severe lack of transparency as to its origin. What we do know is that the inspiration flows from a report of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) that calls for “total renewable power capacity to more than triple by 2030, compared to 2022 levels, to over 11 TW globally”.
- Lack of equity apart, such absolute projections of installed capacity suffer from the fundamental problem of divorcing capacity addition from growth in energy demand. IRENA itself recognises that relative targets are inherently less risky as they are less dependent on demand growth matching expectations.
- Finding the resources to build national grids adequate for their development needs at such dizzying levels of scaling up of RE capacity will pose additional challenges, given the inability to reach even the minimal annual target of $100 billion of climate finance covering all sectors.
- Last but not least, the most vocal proponents of this global target do not have any such a target domestically. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at COP26 that India would increase its ambition to 500GW from non fossil fuel sources by 2030, U.S. President Joe Biden made no such promise or declare any renewable energy target.
- Developing countries at COP28, especially India, should consider the tripling global RE capacity target only if the North commits to absolute targets domestically, that are equitable and commensurate with their responsibility, in an update of their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
Refresh basics
Conference of the Parties (COP):
- COP is the apex decision-making authority of UNFCCC.
- The COP meets every year, unless the Parties decide otherwise. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March, 1995.
- The COP meets in Bonn, the seat of the secretariat, unless a Party offers to host the session.
- The office of the COP President normally rotates among the five United Nations regional groups which are – Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others.
- The President is usually the environment minister of his or her home country. S/he is elected by acclamation immediately after the opening of a COP session.
PMMSY: Bridging Gaps in the Fisheries Sector
(Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023 |Relevant for GS Paper-2)
- In 2020, when the Indian fisheries sector was preparing for a big leap due to the reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who understood the immense potential of the Blue Economy, and initiated systemic development of the sector, including carving out a Fisheries Ministry, the COVID19 pandemic threatened to halt the progress.
- A significant sum of ₹20,050 crore was allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in 2020, committing the biggest ever investment in the history of Indian fisheries.
- Thanks to this fresh chunk of investment and focused attention, the PMMSY began to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity and quality to technology, postharvest infrastructure and marketing.
- It identified key strategic priority areas: marine fisheries, inland fisheries, fishermen’s welfare, infrastructure and postharvest management, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, aquatic health management, and sea weed cultivation, among others.
- As it completes three years, the PMMSY has successfully pulled inland fisheries from traditional waters, and infused technology, inspiring many talented and enterprising youth to venture into fishers.
- The PMMSY has also helped to expand fisheries to non traditional Almost 20,000 hectares of fresh pond area is being brought under inland aquaculture, and even in landlocked Haryana and Rajasthan, farmers are successfully converting their saline waste lands into wealth lands through aquaculture.
- The PMMSY has empowered fisher women to explore remunerative options and alternative livelihoods, such as ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation.
- The PMMSY has enabled 900 fish feed plants and 755 hatcheries, and is supporting research and genetic improvement of Indian White Shrimp at Chennai, the development of specific pathogen free brood stock, and domestication of tiger shrimp in the Andaman Islands.
- The government has recently announced investment of ₹6,000 crore as a sub scheme under the PMMSY, taking total investment into fisheries to more than ₹38,500 crore over the last nine years.
Refresh Basics
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- PMMSY was introduced by the Government of India, as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with the investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, the highest ever investment in the Fishery sector.
- Fishermen are provided with insurance cover, financial assistance and a facility of Kisan Credit Card as well.
- PMMSY aims towards the purpose of rural development by utilizing rural resources and boosting rural economy in a rapid way.
- The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.
- The reforms and initiatives in PMMSY scheme have been inculcated in:
- Core & trunk infrastructure development
- Modernization of Indian fisheries by undertaking the efforts such as:
- Push for new fishing harbours/landing centres
- Modernisation and mechanization of traditional fishermen crafts-trawlers-deep sea going vessels
- Provision of post-harvest facilities to reduce post-harvest loss
- Cold chains facilities
- Clean and hygienic fish markets
- Two wheelers with ice boxes
Natural Polyphenols to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease
(Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023 |Relevant for Prelims)
- Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have discovered that naturally occurring plant-based polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties), like tannic acid found in Chestnut and Oak twigs, can modulate the ferroptosis-AD axis to yield a safe, cost-effective strategy for combating Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
- AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and cognitive decline.
- Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is dependent on iron and is linked to the development of AD.
- AD aligns with characteristics of ferroptosis, including abnormal iron build-up, and reduced activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4).
- Tannic acid activates and enhances GPX4, offering a comprehensive approach to combat AD.
India and WOAH Collaborate for Pandemic Preparedness
(Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023 |Relevant for Prelims)
- Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, in partnership with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), organized a multi-sectoral workshop “Risk-based management of spillover events in wildlife in India” at Hyderabad.
- The workshop aimed at enhancing stakeholder knowledge about wildlife-origin disease risk analysis.
- Discussions emphasized the significance of a One Health approach, cross-sectoral collaboration, and pandemic preparedness.
- The “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of wildlife, domestic animals, and human health, remains crucial for a sustainable future.
- The WOAH is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1924 to improve animal health worldwide.
- WOAH aims to control and prevent the spread of epizootic diseases.
- WOAH has 182 member countries, including all EU Member States.
- The WOAH headquarters is in Paris, France, and Regional Commissions are maintained in each region of the world.
Operation Polo
(Current Affairs 15 Sep 2023 |Relevant for Prelims)
- On 13th September, 1948, India’s military action known as “Operation Polo” was launched to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad, a significant event in Indian history.
- The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Shah, had hesitated to join India or Pakistan after Independence, capitalizing on the Indian government’s preoccupation with the Kashmir conflict.
- A standstill agreement signed in November 1947 maintained the status quo between Hyderabad and India for a year, allowing the Nizam to continue governing independently.
- However, escalating tensions, cross-border raids, and intentions to establish an independent state, prompted India to act.
- The operation saw well-planned military thrusts from multiple directions, ultimately leading to the surrender of the Hyderabad state forces.
- This pivotal campaign, carried out under the watchful eye of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, culminated in a ceasefire declaration on 17th September, 1948 effectively placing Hyderabad under Indian control by 18th September, 1948.
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Choose The Best Sociology Optional Teacher for IAS Preparation?
At the beginning of the journey for Civil Services Examination preparation, many students face a pivotal decision – selecting their optional subject. Questions such as “which optional subject is the best?” and “which optional subject is the most scoring?” frequently come to mind. Choosing the right optional subject, like choosing the best sociology optional teacher, is a subjective yet vital step that requires a thoughtful decision based on facts. A misstep in this crucial decision can indeed prove disastrous.
Ever since the exam pattern was revamped in 2013, the UPSC has eliminated the need for a second optional subject. Now, candidates have to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains, which has two papers of 250 marks each. One of the compelling choices for many has been the sociology optional. However, it’s strongly advised to decide on your optional subject for mains well ahead of time to get sufficient time to complete the syllabus. After all, most students score similarly in General Studies Papers; it’s the score in the optional subject & essay that contributes significantly to the final selection.
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The choice of the optional subject should be based on objective criteria, such as the nature, scope, and size of the syllabus, uniformity and stability in the question pattern, relevance of the syllabic content in daily life in society, and the availability of study material and guidance. For example, choosing the best sociology optional coaching can ensure access to top-quality study materials and experienced teachers. Always remember, the approach of the UPSC optional subject differs from your academic studies of subjects. Therefore, before settling for sociology optional, you need to analyze the syllabus, previous years’ pattern, subject requirements (be it ideal, visionary, numerical, conceptual theoretical), and your comfort level with the subject.
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