1. Green Steel Mission: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Steel Industry

Context: The Indian government has introduced the Green Steel Mission, a comprehensive initiative with a budget of ₹15,000 crore, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry and aligning it with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.

India’s Steel Sector: An Overview:

Production:

• India’s crude steel capacity reached 179.5 million tonnes in 2023-24, with finished steel production totaling 139.15 million tonnes.
• The private sector contributes about 83% of total crude steel output, showcasing its dominance.
• The National Steel Policy 2017 aims to make India a global steel leader by setting a target of 300 million tonnes production capacity by 2030-31.

Consumption:

• India consumed 75.6 million tonnes of finished steel during April-October 2024.
• Per capita steel consumption stood at 86.7 kg in FY23, highlighting the growing demand in domestic and industrial markets.

Key Features of the Green Steel Mission:

1. Decarbonization Goals:

The mission focuses on transforming the steel industry into a low-carbon sector to meet climate targets under the Paris Agreement and India’s net-zero ambitions.

2. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Green Steel:

• Encourages the production of green steel to reduce reliance on imports.
• Attracts investments and boosts domestic manufacturing of specialty steel.

3. Incentives for Renewable Energy:

• Promotes the integration of renewable energy in steel production.
• Aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.

4. Green Procurement Mandates:

• Government agencies are required to purchase green steel, creating demand and incentivizing sustainable practices.

Benefits of Decarbonizing the Steel Industry:

1. Environmental Impact:

Reducing carbon emissions will help in limiting the global temperature rise, contributing to the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals.

2. Health and Community Benefits:

• Adoption of cleaner technologies will improve air and water quality, safeguarding the health of local communities.
• Prevents environmental degradation, ensuring sustainable development.

3. Employment Opportunities:

• Creates jobs in renewable energy, technology development, and green infrastructure.
• Stimulates economic growth through the development of sustainable supply chains.

Supporting Policies and Initiatives:

Task Forces for Decarbonization:

• 14 task forces involving industry, academia, and government bodies have been established to recommend strategies for emission reduction.

Steel Scrap Recycling Policy (2019):

• Enhances the availability of domestic scrap, promoting a circular economy.
• Encourages the establishment of metal scrapping centers for recycling steel.

Vehicle Scrapping Policy (2021):

• Increases scrap availability through the implementation of vehicle scrapping rules, aiding the steel sector.

Integration with National Green Hydrogen Mission:

• Focuses on green hydrogen production and its application in steel manufacturing.
• Includes pilot projects for producing Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) using 100% hydrogen.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS):

• Introduced in June 2023, this scheme allows trading of carbon credit certificates, incentivizing industries, including steel, to reduce emissions.

Green Steel Taxonomy:

• Defines and categorizes low-emission steel, creating a market and facilitating financial support for green initiatives.

Additional Insights:

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Technology:

• Reduces reliance on traditional coal-based methods, making steel production cleaner.

Adoption of Renewable Energy:

• Increased use of solar and wind energy in steel plants reduces dependence on fossil fuels, accelerating decarbonization.

Global Leadership:

• By integrating green steel initiatives, India positions itself as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices, enhancing its competitiveness in international markets.

Conclusion: A Path Toward Sustainability

The Green Steel Mission is a critical step toward combating climate change and ensuring sustainable growth in the steel industry. By focusing on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and clean technologies, India can significantly lower the carbon footprint of its steel sector. Collaboration among government, industry leaders, and research organizations is essential to drive this transition and establish India as a hub for sustainable steel production.

2. Catastrophes of Rare Severity: Managing Severe Natural Disasters

Context: The Union Government has classified the Wayanad landslide as a disaster of “severe nature”, five months after the calamity claimed 254 lives and left 128 missing.

Understanding Severe Natural Disasters:

Definition:

Disasters of severe nature are catastrophic events causing widespread loss of life, destruction of property, and environmental damage. These can arise from natural phenomena such as earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, or even human-induced accidents like industrial disasters.

Implications of Declaring a Disaster as ‘Severe’

1. National-Level Support:

• When a calamity is deemed of “rare severity”, the Central Government provides additional resources to assist the state in managing the disaster.

2. Financial Assistance:

• Establishment of a Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) shared in a 3:1 ratio between the Centre and State.
• If the CRF proves inadequate, extra funds are allocated from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), fully funded by the Centre.

3. Loan Relief:

Affected individuals may receive loan repayment relief or new loans on concessional terms.

Impacts of Severe Natural Disasters:

1. Social Impact:

• Loss of Lives: Widespread fatalities and displacement of people.
• Vulnerable Populations: Increased challenges for marginalized groups, especially women and children.

2. Economic Impact:

• Infrastructure Damage: Devastation of roads, bridges, power grids, and other vital systems.
• Economic Losses: Disruptions to local businesses and industries.

3. Environmental Impact:

• Ecosystem Disruption: Loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Degradation: Increased soil erosion and deforestation in affected areas.

Government Initiatives for Disaster Management:

1. Legal Frameworks:

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: Creation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Focused on addressing risks from environmental degradation.

2. Early Warning Systems:

• Indian Tsunami Early Warning System: Monitors potential tsunami threats.
• Doppler Radar Installations: Tracks weather patterns to predict cyclones and heavy rains.

3. Financial Mechanisms:

• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for immediate relief and rehabilitation.

4. Technological Integration:

• Geographic Information System (GIS): Helps in disaster mapping and risk analysis.
• Remote Sensing: Provides real-time data for better planning and preparedness.

Recommendations for Better Disaster Management:

1. Resilient Infrastructure:

• Implement zoning laws and land-use regulations to restrict construction in high-risk zones.
• Develop climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme events.

2. International Collaboration:

• Share knowledge and technological innovations with other nations through platforms like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

3. Climate Change Mitigation:

• Promote sustainable practices to address the root causes of environmental hazards.
• Integrate green technologies to minimize carbon footprints.

4. Community Involvement:

• Train local communities in disaster preparedness and first-response actions.
• Strengthen the role of NGOs in disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Additional Insights:

Leveraging AI and Big Data:

• Use of AI algorithms to predict disasters and big data analytics to optimize resource allocation.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Educate citizens about disaster risks and preparedness measures through schools, media, and social platforms.

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Future

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters demand a comprehensive approach to prevention, mitigation, and response. By leveraging technology, adopting climate-resilient policies, and ensuring community participation, India can effectively reduce the impacts of severe natural disasters while safeguarding its development trajectory. Preparedness today is the key to resilience tomorrow.

3. India’s Defence Exports: A Strategic Leap Towards Self-Reliance

Context: India’s defence sector is on a significant growth trajectory, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 20% projected for FY24-FY29, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings.

Key Insights into India’s Defence Sector:

Budgetary Allocations:

• The defence budget consistently represents 1.9% to 2.8% of India’s GDP.
• For 2024-25, a significant allocation of ₹6.22 lakh crore underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector.

Indigenous Defence Manufacturing:

• Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ are reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while bolstering domestic defence production capabilities.

Expanding Defence Exports:

• Over the past six years, Indian defence exports have grown at an impressive CAGR of 28%.
• Defence exports are projected to grow at 19% CAGR over the next five years, with products ranging from aircraft and naval systems to missiles and military hardware.

India’s Defence Export Landscape:

Export Targets and Performance:

• Aiming for 50,000 crore in exports by FY29, India’s defence exports reached a record 21,083 crore in FY23-24, a 32.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.

Global Footprint:

• India exports defence products to 85 countries, supported by over 100 domestic firms.
• Major importers include Myanmar (31%), Sri Lanka (19%), along with Mauritius, Nepal, Armenia, Vietnam, and Maldives.

Private Sector Participation:

• The private sector accounted for 60% of defence exports, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed 40%.

Production Growth:

• India’s defence production surged from ₹74,054 crore in 2016-17 to ₹1,08,684 crore in 2022-23, with the private sector driving 21.96% of this growth.

Advantages of Enhanced Defence Production:

1. Strengthened National Security:

• With adversaries like China and Pakistan, boosting self-reliance in defence ensures better preparedness.

2. Strategic Autonomy:

• Indigenous production enhances geopolitical leverage, positioning India as a net security provider in the region.

3. Economic and Technological Boost:

• Advancements in defence technology spur innovation across industries, fostering economic growth.

4. Reducing Economic Drain:

• India spends 3% of GDP on defence, with 60% spent on imports. Indigenous production mitigates this outflow.

5. Employment Opportunities:

• Defence manufacturing drives job creation across allied sectors, boosting employment.

Challenges in India’s Defence Sector:

1. Limited Private Participation:

• A lack of a conducive financial framework restricts private sector involvement and innovation.

2. Gaps in Critical Technology:

• Insufficient design capabilities and R&D investments hinder the development of major subsystems and components.

3. Coordination Issues:

• Overlapping roles between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Industrial Promotion impede smooth operations.

Government Initiatives to Boost Defence Exports:

Simplified Export Processes:

• Platforms like India Defence Mart streamline export licensing and tracking.

Schemes and Incentives:

• Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports (SPDE): Financial support for international marketing and defence exhibitions.
• Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS): Assistance for modernizing manufacturing facilities.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Collaborations with foreign firms under the Strategic Partnership Model bolster domestic capabilities.
• The BrahMos missile project exemplifies India-Russia defence cooperation.

FDI Liberalization:

• FDI limits raised to 74% (automatic route) and 100% (government route) to attract foreign investments.

Defence Corridors:

• Two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh foster localized defence manufacturing.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthening Private Sector Role:

• Policies like Green Channel Status (GCS) encourage private investment in defence production.

2. Promoting Defence Tech Startups:

• With 194 startups innovating in defence technology, fostering these ventures is key to boosting indigenous capabilities.

3. Achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat Goals:

• Enhanced focus on self-reliance and foreign collaboration will position India as a global leader in defence manufacturing.

Conclusion:

India’s robust growth in the defence sector reflects the global acceptability of its products and technologies. By addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and encouraging private participation, India is poised to become a global hub for defence manufacturing and exports, ensuring strategic autonomy and economic resilience.

4. The Vital Role of Elders in Wildlife Conservation

Context: Recent research highlights the devastating effects of human-induced pressures like climate change, habitat destruction, and overexploitation on older members of wildlife populations. The loss of these experienced individuals not only destabilizes their groups but also poses significant challenges to biodiversity conservation.

5. Controversy Over Shivaji Statue Installation at Pangong Lake Bank

Context: The Indian Army has recently installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the banks of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. However, the installation has sparked debates about its relevance to the region’s culture and history.

The Controversy Explained:

Criticism Over Relevance:

• Opponents argue that Shivaji’s legacy holds no connection to Ladakh’s history or culture.
• Historical figures with ties to Ladakh, such as Zorawar Singh, Khree Sultan Cho, Ali Sher Khan Anchen, and Seenge Namgyal, have been suggested as more appropriate choices.

Local Sentiments:

• There is a belief that the statue disregards the rich local history and the contributions of Ladakh’s own heroes.

About Pangong Tso:

Geographical Significance:

• Pangong Tso is a high-altitude lake situated in the Himalayas, spanning the India-China border.
• The lake lies at an altitude of approximately 4,350 meters above sea level, making it the highest saltwater lake in the world.

Key Features:

• Nearly two-thirds of the lake is controlled by China, while 45 km falls under Indian control.
• Known for its crystal-clear yet brackish water, the lake is undrinkable.
• Its unique ability to change colors, appearing blue, green, or even red at times, adds to its allure.

Who Was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?

A Legendary Maratha Leader:

• Born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra, Shivaji established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.
• Known for promoting Swarajya (self-rule) and resistance to Mughal dominance.

Key Contributions:

• Master of guerrilla warfare and builder of a formidable navy.
• Captured or constructed over 300 forts, including Raigad and Sindhudurg.
• Introduced an efficient revenue and justice system and promoted secularism, appointing people of all religions in his administration.

Who Was Zorawar Singh?

A Hero of Ladakh:

• Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a Dogra military general, played a pivotal role in Ladakh’s history during the 19th century.

• Known for his military genius, he successfully annexed Ladakh into the Jammu and Kashmir Kingdom.

Symbol of Bravery:

• Zorawar Singh’s campaigns symbolize valor and strategic brilliance, making him a revered figure in the region.

Conclusion:

While Shivaji Maharaj is undoubtedly an iconic national leader, the installation of his statue at Pangong Tso has raised questions about cultural relevance and regional representation. Many believe that honoring local historical figures like Zorawar Singh would have been a more fitting tribute to Ladakh’s heritage. This debate highlights the importance of aligning such initiatives with the local context and sentiments to preserve the region’s rich history.

Shivaji I: The Founder of the Maratha Empire: 

Shivaji I (Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale, pronounced 19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680) was a prominent Indian ruler and a key figure in Indian history. He hailed from the Bhonsle dynasty and established a powerful Maratha kingdom that eventually formed the basis of the Maratha Confederacy.

Early Life and Background:

• Shivaji was born on 19 February 1630, at Shivneri Fort, near Pune in Maharashtra.
• He was the son of Shahaji Bhonsale, a Maratha general, and Jijabai, whose teachings deeply influenced him.

Establishment of the Maratha Empire:

• Shivaji carved out his independent kingdom by challenging the dominance of the Sultanate of Bijapur and later resisting the mighty Mughal Empire.
• His kingdom laid the foundation for what became the Maratha Confederacy, a dominant power in India in the 18th century.

Legacy:

Shivaji’s achievements extend beyond military conquests. He is celebrated as:

1. A Visionary Leader: Focused on Swarajya (self-rule) and preserving the cultural identity of his people.
2. A Military Genius: Known for his innovative use of guerrilla warfare tactics.
3. A Naval Pioneer: Built a strong Maratha navy, which was rare for Indian rulers of his time.
4. An Administrative Reformer: Established an efficient revenue system and promoted secularism, employing people of all faiths in his administration.

Death and Legacy:

Shivaji passed away on 3 April 1680, but his legacy endured. His life and work continue to inspire Indians, symbolizing resistance against oppression and the pursuit of self-rule.

6. India Sees a Decline in Internet Shutdowns in 2024

Context: According to data from the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC), India reported 60 internet shutdowns in 2024, marking the lowest number in eight years. This is a significant improvement for a country often criticized for frequent internet restrictions.

The Role of Internet Access:

In 2016, the United Nations (UN) declared internet access a fundamental human right.
Access to the internet is critical for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Facilitates e-learning and digital literacy.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Empowers women through access to information and opportunities.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Bridges the digital divide and promotes inclusivity.

Legal Framework for Internet Shutdowns in India:

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 19(2): Allows the government to impose reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of public order, sovereignty, or security of the state.
• Internet shutdowns are often implemented to curb misinformation, control civil unrest, or prevent violent protests.

Statutory Provisions:

1. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885:
   • Under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, the government can suspend telecom services, including the internet, during public emergencies or for public safety.
2. Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):
   • Previously under Section 144, now incorporated as Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, authorities can impose restrictions to maintain public order.

Judicial Oversight:

• Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India (2020):
  • The Supreme Court ruled that internet restrictions must adhere to the principles of temporariness, legality, necessity, and proportionality.
  • It emphasized that the government must justify the need for a shutdown and ensure it is the least intrusive measure available.

Additional Insights:

Impact of Internet Shutdowns:

• Economic Costs: Frequent shutdowns lead to substantial losses, affecting sectors like e-commerce, banking, and IT.
• Social Impact: Curtails access to education, healthcare, and essential information.

• Global Image: Frequent shutdowns harm India’s reputation as a democratic nation committed to individual freedoms.

India’s Efforts to Minimize Shutdowns:

The decline in internet restrictions highlights a growing awareness of their negative consequences and the importance of balancing security concerns with digital rights.

Conclusion:

While the decline in internet shutdowns in 2024 is a positive trend, India must continue to prioritize digital inclusion and adopt more nuanced approaches to maintaining public safety. By upholding constitutional principles and leveraging technology responsibly, the country can ensure both security and freedom of expression in the digital age.