Ordinance Promulgated for Amendment of MMDR Act And

Page 1 Why Modi’s focus on groundwater is critical - editorials - Hindustan Times2 Massive black holes found in dwarf galaxies3 The mystery of Malappuram’s population boom5 Renewable Energy Sector Makes rapid Strides in 20196 Oldest material on Earth found inside meteorite that hit Australia14 Ordinance promulgated for amendment of MMDR Act and CMSP Act; paves way for growth in Coal and Mining sector16 China’s birth rate hits lowest level since 194920 Who are the Brus, and what are the implications of settling them in Tripura?21 India begins coral restoration in Gulf of Kachchh23 A bid to restore coral reefs in Gulf of Kutch using biorocks25 Bharat Parv 2020 to be celebrated from 26th to 31st January27 Indian Railways commissions first Waste to Energy Plant in Bhubaneswar29 Page 2 Source : www.hindustantimes.com Date : 2020-01-02 WHY MODI’S FOCUS ON GROUNDWATER IS CRITICAL - EDITORIALS - HINDUSTAN TIMES Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Distribution of key natural resources - Water Resources incl. Rivers & related issues in world & India

Jan 02, 2020-Thursday -°C

Humidity -

Wind -

Metro cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata

Other cities - Noida, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal , Chandigarh , Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi

On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Atal Bhujal scheme to strengthen the institutional framework for participatory groundwater management and bringing about behavioural changes at the community level for sustainable groundwater resource management. For now, the scheme will be implemented in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The PM has personally led the initiative to make water-management a key focus area in this term in office. In his first “Mann ki Baat” address after his re-election, he pitched for water conservation to be made into a mass movement.

The decision to focus on the groundwater crisis is a good one because its over-exploitation is contributing to — as stated by NITI Aayog —“the worst water crisis” in India’s history. Groundwater is one of the most important water sources in India accounting for 63% of all irrigation water and over 80% of the rural and urban domestic water supplies. And participatory groundwater management is a key way of tackling the crisis. In fact, villagers in Andhra Pradesh has already shown how acquifer management and sharing of borewells can ensure equitable distribution of water. It’s time to build on these positive experiences of community water management.

END crackIAS.comDownloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 3 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-07 MASSIVE BLACK HOLES FOUND IN DWARF GALAXIES Relevant for: Geography | Topic: The Earth and the Solar System

Artist's conception of a dwarf galaxy, its shape distorted, most likely by a past interaction with another galaxy, and a massive black hole in its outskirts (pullout). The black hole is drawing in material that forms a rotating disk and generates jets of material propelled outward. | Photo Credit: Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF

Astronomers have discovered some of the smallest galaxies known to host massive black holes, findings which may reveal how such regions of space exhibiting ultrahigh gravitational force — that even light cannot escape from — formed in the early universe.

The study, published in the Astrophysical Journal, found 13 massive black holes, about 4,00,000 times as heavy as the Sun, in dwarf galaxies which are more than 100 times smaller than our own Milky Way.

According to the researchers, including those from Montana State University in the U.S., these galaxies are situated so far away that light from the Earth would take less than a billion years to reach them.

“We hope that studying them and their galaxies will give us insights into how similar black holes in the early universe formed and then grew, through galactic mergers over billions of years, producing the supermassive black holes we see in larger galaxies today, with masses of many millions or billions of times that of the Sun,” said study co-author Amy Reines of Montana State University.

The scientists used the Very Large Array (VLA), a radio astronomy observatory located in central New Mexico in the U.S., to make the discovery.

Previously in 2011, Reines and her colleagues used VLA to discover the first massive black hole in a dwarf starburst galaxy in 2011.

Following this finding, the scientists started by choosing a sample of galaxies from the NASA- Sloan Atlas — a catalog of galaxies made with visible-light telescopes.

They selected galaxies with stars totalling less than 3 billion times the mass of the Sun.

From this pool of galaxies, they picked ones which appeared in the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty centimeters (FIRST) survey — an astronomical survey of the skies above the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere made using the VLA betweencrackIAS.com 1993 and 2011. The scientists then made more sensitive, high-resolution images of 111 of the selected galaxies.

“The new VLA observations revealed that 13 of these galaxies have strong evidence for a massive black hole that is actively consuming surrounding material. We were very surprised to find that, in roughly half of those 13 galaxies, the black hole is not at the center of the galaxy, unlike the case in larger galaxies,” Reines said.

Based on the findings, the astronomers suggested that the galaxies may have merged with others earlier in their history. Page 4 They found this inference to be consistent with computer simulations predicting that roughly half of the massive black holes in dwarf galaxies were found wandering in the outskirts of their galaxies.

“This work has taught us that we must broaden our searches for massive black holes in dwarf galaxies beyond their centers to get a more complete understanding of the population and learn what mechanisms helped form the first massive black holes in the early universe,” Reines said.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 5 Source : www.livemint.com Date : 2020-01-09 THE MYSTERY OF MALAPPURAM’S POPULATION BOOM Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Indian Demography including Tribes

Malappuram saw its population rise 44% between 2015 and 2020

Malappuram in northern Kerala is the world’s fastest-growing city, according to a chart put out by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Three Indian cities figure among top ten, and all of them are in Kerala. Malappuram saw its population rise 44% between 2015 and 2020. Kozhikode ranks fourth on the global chart, while Kollam is tenth, with respective population growth figures of 35% and 31%. The EIU has compiled this list on data provided by the United Nations Population Division. In all, six Indian cities figure on the list of 30.

What sets Malappuram apart? Kerala is a state that has a sub-replacement-level fertility rate, as well as high literacy and other impressive socio-economic indicators. The literacy rates in these three cities are higher than the national average, and better off families typically have fewer children. (The semi and illiterate poor, in contrast, are often unaware that the survival chances of their offspring have risen sharply since olden days.) So, what’s going on? Some analysts may suspect an answer to the anomaly lies in the city’s high proportion of Muslims, who are perceived to have larger families than others. In the absence of city-specific evidence to back faith as a key to the puzzle, however, it’s advisable to go by the academic finding that, across India, the size of a family bears a far stronger correlation with its income than with religious belief.

In all this, the factor that could get overlooked is the trend of rural residents moving to cities. In many states, this is what drives urban population growth. And cities that are seen as more habitable tend to attract disproportionate numbers. Might that be a major factor in Malappuram’s growth?

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crackIAS.comEND Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 6 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-10 RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR MAKES RAPID STRIDES IN 2019 Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Distribution of Key Natural Resources - Energy Resources of the World

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Sector Makes rapid Strides in 2019

Installed Re Capacity Crosses 84GW; Nearly 1o GW Re Capacity Added in 2019

Posted On: 09 JAN 2020 5:58PM by PIB Delhi YEAR END REVIEW, 2019, MNRE

As a part of Nationally Determined Contributions as per the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40% of our installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and also by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 % from 2005 level. Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanisation and rising per capita energy consumption has increased the energy demand of the country.

Keeping in view the above and our commitment for a healthy planet with less carbon intensive economy, we decided in 2015 that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power.The substantial higher capacity target will ensure greater energy security, improved energy access and enhanced employment opportunities. With the accomplishment of these ambitious targets, India will become one of the largest Green Energy producers in the world, even surpassing several developed countries.

The Prime Minister in his address atto Climate Action Summit stated that “India’s renewable energy capacity would be increased to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW”.In line with the objective of expanding renewable energy sector, several important initiatives were taken during year 2019.

Renewable Energy capacity is rising rapidly and the status of projects as on 17.12.19 is given below:crackIAS.com

Installe Total Under d Tendere Installed/ Sector Implementatio capacit d (GW) Pipeline n (GW) y (GW) (GW) Solar 32.53 25.05 25.78 83.36 Power Wind 37.28 9.64 2.20 49.12 Page 7 Power Bio 9.94 0.00 0.00 9.94 Energy Small 4.65 0.55 0.00 5.20 Hydro Wind Solar 0 1.44 0.00 1.44 Hybrid Round the Clock 0 0.00 1.60 1.60 (RTC) Power Total 84.40 36.68 29.58 150.66

MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE YEAR 2019

1. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) In a major initiative towards making Annadata also a Urjadata PM-KUSUM scheme was approved on 8th March 2019 and implementation guidelines were issued on 22.7.2019. State- wise allocation of capacities for the first year was made on 13.8.2019. The scheme covers grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps and has following three components:

Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants by farmers of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity within 5 km distance from sub-station primarily on barren/uncultivable land. The DISCOMs will purchase power at pre-fixed tariff for which they will get PBI of Rs. 0.40 per unit up to Rs. 33 lakh per MW in a span of five years.

Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solar pump and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solar pump, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solar pump)

Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh existing Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solarisation and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solarisation, balance cost crackIAS.comto be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solarisation)

Targets: Setting up of 25,750 MW additional solar capacity by 2022.

Implementing framework: Scheme will be implemented by agencies designated by States for the three components in the respective states as per implementation guidelines issued by MNRE. Centralised tendering envisaged for Component-B. Centralised tendering for 1.75 lakh solar pumps Component-B completed by EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.) and States started implementations of Component-B. Page 8 For Component-A and C the States have to initiate process as per Guidelines.

2. Standard bidding guidelines

The Ministry has issued Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar & Wind Power Projects with an objective to provide a framework for procurement of solar & wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.

In order to strengthen the contractual provision in the Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) between the solar power generators and the Procurers, and to facilitate setting up of solar power projects, the Government, vide notification dated 22.10.2019 from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has made following major amendments to the ‘Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects:

(i). Solar Power Generators have been allowed to submit documents/Lease Agreement to establish possession/right to use 100% (hundred per cent) of the required land in the name of the Solar Power Generator for a period not less than the complete term of the PPA, on or before the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD).

(ii). Clear and elaborate provisions for time extension and compensation to affected party in the event of natural and non-Natural Force Majeure events with specific provisions regarding termination due to natural and non-natural Force Majeure events have been included.

(iii). Quantum of Compensation for back-down has been increased from 50 % to 100% with provision for recognition of only written instructions of back-down and payment of back- down compensation.

(iv). Corresponding Time Extension in date for achievement of financial closure and scheduled commissioning date, in case there is a delay in adoption of tariff by the concerned Electricity Regulatory Commission beyond a period of 60 days from the filing of such application.

Similar relaxations were also made for wind power bidding guidelines.

3. Development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) This MinistrycrackIAS.com has undertaken a scheme to develop Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) under the existing Solar Park Scheme. The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing Renewable Energy (RE) based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required.

The implementing agency of the UMREPPs may be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in form of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be set up between Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) and any State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSU) or State Utility or Agency of the State Government or a SPV fully owned by any CPSU or a SPV fully owned by any State PSU / State Utility / Agency of the State Government. Page 9 NTPC, SECI, NHPC, THDC, NEEPCO, SJVNL, DVC, NLC and PFC have proposed to set up UMREPPs of around 42,000 MW in various states.

4. Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme

Phase II of the Grid connected rooftop solar programme was approved with a target for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022 in February 2019. In the Phase-II Programme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured. Important features of the Phase-II of RTS are as under: -

● Power Distributing companies (DISCOMs) will be the implementing agencies ● Subsidy/CFA will be available for the residential sector only

● CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower. ● For RTS systems up to 3 kW, CFA is 40%; for capacity above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for balance quantity; for capacity above 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for next 7 kW. No subsidy beyond 10 kW capacity. ● For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities; however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RWA will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity up to 500 kWp. ● Residential Consumers/Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations have to pay only balance amount after deducting the CFA to the empanelled vendor for installation of the RTS project ● For availing the benefit of CFA, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used. ● Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

5. Solar PV manufacturing

Government Producer Scheme for setting up Solar PV Power plants using domestically manufacturedcrackIAS.com SPV cells & modules Government have approved a Scheme [CPSU Scheme Phase-II (Government Producer Scheme)] for setting up of solar PV power plants by Government Producers [Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs)/ Government Organisations, etc.], as per extant Guidelines, in a World Trade Organization (WTO) compliant manner, using domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules to encourage ‘Make in India’ in Solar PV Manufacturing sector.

Solar PV Manufacturing linked PPAs for Solar Power Plant

Tenders for setting up Solar PV Manufacturing Capacities in India linked with assured off take Page 10 in the form of PPAs for Solar Power Plant has been finalized. SECI has already concluded a bid for one such tender under which 2-3 GW of Solar PV Cells &Modules manufacturing capacity linked with 8-12 GW of Solar PV Power plants capacity is likely to come up.

6. Wind-Solar Hybrid

The main objective of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land. The wind - solar PV hybrid systems will help in reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability. The policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants. So far, SECI has awarded 1440 MW capacity of wind solar hybrid projects after e- reverse auction. In addition, Hero Future Energies has commissioned wind solar hybrid project by adding 28.8 MW of solar project to an existing 50 MW wind project (Total 78.8 MW hybrid project) in Raichur district, Karnataka.

7. Offshore Wind Power in India

The National Offshore wind energy policy was notified in October 2015 with an objective to develop the offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km. eight zones are identified each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu having cumulative offshore wind energy potential of 70 GW. Expression of Interest for first 1 GW offshore wind project was floated in April, 2018. More than 35 participants from in country onshore wind developer / manufacturer as well as international offshore wind developers had participated. The inputs received from the participants have been duly considered in designing the bid documents.

8. Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) Phase-II (66.5 GW REZ)

Potential renewable energy zones (66.5 GW – Solar 50 GW and Wind 16.5 GW) have been identified in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh and a comprehensive transmission scheme was evolved integrating these renewable energy zones.

The scheme is being implemented in phases by way of either Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or through Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) by PGCIL. The TBCB bids are being carried out by PFC and REC. The allotment of works in TBCB or RTM is done by established committees of transmission constituted by Ministry of Power. Of this,crackIAS.com Phase-I projects (for evacuation of 12.4 GW) have been bid out, awarded and are under implementation. Phase-II projects (for evacuation of approx. 15 GW) have been allotted by Ministry of Power in October/November 2019 and the bids have been issued by PGCIL/PFC. The Phase-III (approx. 39 GW) projects are under approval of the National Committee on Transmission.

9. Payment Comfort

Page 11 Opening of LCs by all DISCOMs/ distribution licensees for all producers

Ministry of Power has issued an order regarding opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs).

Further, Ministry of Power has instructed Power System Operation Corporation Ltd. (POSOCO) that according to the Procedure for Scheduling of power to Distribution Company, Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after a written intimation is given to the appropriate Load Despatch Centre (LDC) i.e. NLDC/RLDC/SLDC that Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power w.r.t the generating stations has been opened.

Term loans to DISCOMs for clearing outstanding payments of RE generators

Ministry has requested PFC/REC/IREDA to extend short term loan to DISCOMs for the purpose of making payments to renewable energy generators.

10. Energy Storage

SECI have floated two tenders which include battery storage systems: -

1. 1200 MW tender with requirement of supplying power during evening/morning (six hours) peak, with battery storage system. 2. 400 MW round the clock renewable, this will also come with battery storage system.

11. Second Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The Ministry hosted the second assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30th and 31st October 2019 New Delhi. On 30th October 2019, coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA programmes and initiatives were held.

The AssemblycrackIAS.com met on 31st October 2019 & was presided by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister & ex-Officio President of ISA. Delegations from 78 countries participated in the Assembly including 29 Ministerial delegations of which 25 are from ISA member countries, two from signatory countries, and two from prospective member countries. The Assembly deliberated upon ISA’s activities and new proposals for accelerating development and deployment of solar energy in ISA member countries and approved Rules and Procedure of the Assembly, Manual of Regulations of ISA, and Work Programme and Budget for the year 2020.

12. Global Solar Event for commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Page 12 Ministry in association with IIT Bombay organised Global Student Solar Assembly to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote the Gandhian idea of sustainable living. Over 6,800 students from National Capital Region created Guinnes world record by lighting the largest number of solar lamps together at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi. Another Guinness World Records was made during this event on sustainability lessons to the largest number of participants at a single place.

13. Dispute Resolution Mechanism

During the period MNRE set up a Dispute Resolution Mechanism for wind/solar projects to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. This mechanism will help in smooth implementation of solar/wind energy projects in India, by expeditiously resolving, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements.

14. Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme Phase III

Government is implementing Phase-3 of the Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme for Solar Street Lights, Solar Study Lamps and Solar Power Packs. Based on the demand for solar street lights and solar study lamps sanction has been issued to States; EESL has completed centralised tendering for solar street lights and solar study lamps.

Provision has been made for financial supportup to 90% of the benchmark cost of the system for NE States, Hilly States/UTs and Island UTs; up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the system for other States. Solar study lamps for students will be provided in NE States and LWE affected areas with 85% financial support from Central Government.

Targets: 118 MW of off-grid solar power systems during 2018-20.

Implementing framework: Projects will be implemented by State Nodal Agencies in their respective States. Centralised tendering will be done for solar streetlights and solar study lamps.

15. Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) Phase-II

Applications covered: Solar Street Lights.

Financial support: 75% of the cost by MNRE and balance 25% through MPLAD.

Targets: A total of 3,04,500 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) will be installed in the following states/crackIAS.com regions: i. States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, which were covered in Phase-I of the Scheme as there is additional demand in these States. ii. Hilly States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. iii. North Eastern States including Sikkim. iv. Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. v. Parliamentary constituencies covering 48 aspirational districts of States other than those covered in (i) to (iii) above. Implementing framework: Project is proposed to be implemented by EESL. Hon’ble MPs of concerning parliamentary constituencies will provide consent letter along with Page 13 location of lights. Respective DM will issue sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD funds.

Achievements: During Phase I of the Scheme, sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD fund received for 96 parliamentary constituencies. Out of sanctioned 1.45 lakh Solar Street Lights 1.34 lakh have been installed.

Current Status: Ph-II of the Scheme is under implementation. Consent letters for installation of 1,31,586 SSLs have been received from 120 Hon’ble MPs against which sanction from DMs has been received for 31,426 numbers of SSLs and 13,583 SSLS have been reported installed.

***

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crackIAS.com Page 14 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-14 OLDEST MATERIAL ON EARTH FOUND INSIDE METEORITE THAT HIT AUSTRALIA Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Interior of the Earth and Materials of the Earth's Crust

A scanning electron micrograph of a presolar silicon carbide grain, about 8 micrometers in its longest dimension, from a meteorite that crashed into Australia in 1969 is seen in this image released in Chicago. | Photo Credit: Reuters

A meteorite that crashed into rural southeastern Australia in a fireball in 1969 contained the oldest material ever found on Earth, stardust that predated the formation of our solar system by billions of years, scientists said on January 13.

The oldest of 40 tiny dust grains trapped inside the meteorite fragments retrieved around the town of Murchison in Victoria state dated from about 7 billion years ago, about 2.5 billion years before the sun, Earth and rest of our solar system formed, the researchers said.

In fact, all of the dust specks analyzed in the research came from before the solar system's formation - thus known as “presolar grains” - with 60% of them between 4.6 and 4.9 billion years old and the oldest 10% dating to more than 5.6 billion years ago.

The stardust represented time capsules dating to before the solar system. The age distribution of the dust - many of the grains were concentrated at particular time intervals - provided clues about the rate of star formation in the Milky Way galaxy, the researchers said, hinting at bursts of stellar births rather than a constant rate.

“I find this extremely exciting,” said Philipp Heck, an associate curator at the Field Museum in Chicago who led the research published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Despite having worked on the Murchison meteorite and presolar grains for almost 20 years, I still am fascinated that we can study the history of our galaxy with a rock,” Mr. Heck added.

The grains are small, measuring from 2 to 30 micrometers in size. A micrometer is a one- thousandth of a millimeter or about 0.000039 of an inch.

Stardust forms in the material ejected from stars and carried by stellar winds, getting blown into interstellar space. During the solar system's birth, this dust was incorporated into everything that formed including the planets and the sun but survived intact until now only in asteroids and comets.crackIAS.com The researchers detected the tiny grains inside the meteorite by crushing fragments of the rock and then segregating the component parts in a paste they described as smelling like rotten peanut butter.

Scientists have developed a method to determine stardust's age. Dust grains floating through space get bombarded by high-energy particles called cosmic rays. These rays break down atoms in the grain into fragments, such as carbon into helium.

These fragments accumulate over time and their production rate is rather constant. The longer the exposure time to cosmic rays, the more fragments accumulate. The researchers counted Page 15 these fragments in the laboratory, enabling them to calculate the stardust's age.

Scientists previously had found a presolar grain in the Murchison meteorite that was about 5.5 billion years old, until now the oldest-known solid material on Earth. The oldest-known minerals that formed on Earth are found in rock from Australia's Jack Hills that formed 4.4 billion years ago, 100 million years after the planet formed.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 16 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-14 ORDINANCE PROMULGATED FOR AMENDMENT OF MMDR ACT AND CMSP ACT; PAVES WAY FOR GROWTH IN COAL AND MINING SECTOR Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Industry & Services Sector incl. MSMEs and PSUs

Ministry of Coal Ordinance promulgated for amendment of MMDR Act and CMSP Act; paves way for growth in Coal and Mining sector

Posted On: 11 JAN 2020 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

The ordinance for amendment in the MMDR Act 1957 and the CMSP Act 2015 has been promulgated. The Union Cabinet had earlier approved the amendments intending to open up new areas of growth in the coal & mining sector.

The amendments in the Acts would enable the following:

a. Enhancing the ease of doing business b. Democratization of coal mining sector by opening it up to anyone willing to invest. c. Offering of unexplored and partially explored coal blocks for mining through prospecting license-cum-mining Lease (PL- cum-ML). d. Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in the coal mining sector by removing the restriction and eligibility criteria for participation. e. Allowing of successful bidder/allottee to utilise mined coal in any of the plant of its subsidiary or holding company f. Attracting large investment in coal mining sector as restrictions of end use has been dropped. The details are as given below:

A. Amendments in respect of Ministry of Coal Amendment 1: To provide for allocation of coal blocks for composite prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML)

Earlier, there was no provision for grant of composite prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL- cum-ML) in respect of coal/ lignite. A coal / lignite block could be either be allocated for PL or for ML. The AmendmentcrackIAS.com has enabled the allocation of coal blocks for composite prospecting licence-cum- mining lease (PL-cum-ML) which will help in increasing of the inventory of coal/ lignite blocks for allocation. Coal blocks with different grades and in a wide geographical distribution will now be available for allocation.

The Sections involved were Section 4(2), 5(1), 8(4), 8(8), 8(9) and 31(2)(b) of the CMSP Act and Section 11A and 13(2) of the MMDR Act

Amendment 2: Clarifying the power of Central Government to specify the purpose of allocation and that ‘any’ company can participate Page 17 There was lack of clarity earlier in the language of the provisions in the Acts leading to restrictive interpretation of the eligibility conditions in the auction. It has now been clarified that any company selected through auction/ allotment can carry on coal mining operation for own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the Central Govt. allowing wider participation and competition in auction.

Thus, the companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India but are financially strong and or have mining experience in other minerals or in other countries can now participate in auction of coal/lignite blocks. This would also allow the implementation of the 100% FDI through automatic route for sale of coal.

The Sections involved are 11A of the MMDR Act and Section 4(2) and 5(1) of the CMSP Act.

Amendment 3: Flexibility in deciding the end use of Schedule II and III coal mines

Hitherto, the Schedule II and III coal mines could only be auctioned to companies that are engaged in specified end use. Now, the omission of sub-section (3) of Section 4 of CMSP Act has provided flexibility to the Central Govt. in deciding the end use of Schedule II and III coal mines under the CMSP Act. This would allow wider participation in auction of Schedule II and III coal mines, for a variety of purposes such as own consumption, sale or for any other purpose, as may be specified by the Central Govt.

Amendment 4: Termination of the allocations made under the CMSP Act, their reallocation and compensation

The CMSP Act and the CMSP Rules were silent on subsequent allocation of coal mines upon termination of allocations made under the Act as well as rights and liabilities of the allottee, whose allocation has been terminated. With the amendment of Section 8 (insertion of sub section (13), (14) and (15) in CMSP Act), it is has become possible to provide for allocation of the coal mine to next successful bidder or allottee, subsequent to termination of its allocation along with the matters incidental to it. The Act now also provides for compensation to the allocattee whose allocation has been terminated.

Amendment 5: Appointment of Designated Custodian in mines under production:

Earlier, there was no provision for appointment of designated custodian for management of the mines under production whose vesting/ allotment order has been cancelled. By amending the Section 18 of the CMSP Act, it is now possible for appointment of designated custodian for management of the mines, apart from Schedule II mines, which have come under production and whose vesting/ allotment order has been cancelled. It therefore addresses the issue of management and operation of the mines after their termination, which have come under production.crackIAS.com Amendment 6: Dispensing with the requirement of previous approval in certain cases

With the amendment of the Section 5 and 17A of the MMDR Act, the repetitive and redundant provision requiring previous approval of Central government even in cases where the allocation or reservation of coal/ lignite block has been made by the Central Govt. itself has been done away with. This would significantly reduce the time taken for operationalisation of coal/ lignite mines.

Amendment 7: Entitlement to successful allocattee to utilise the coal mined in plants of Holding and Subsidiary company: Page 18 Earlier a successful allocattee was entitled to utilise the mined coal only in any of its plants. With the amendment of Section 20(2)of the CMSP Act now the reference of Holding company and Subsidiary company has been added. This would make the successful bidder/allottee entitled to utilise mined coal in any of its plants or plants of its subsidiary or holding company.

Amendment 8: Certain Consequential and clarificatory Amendments:

Certain consequential and clarificatory amendments were required in language of various provisions for smooth implementation of the CMSP Act. Section 9 and 20(1) of the CMSP Act have now been amended which has resulted in the clarification of language of Section 9 (related to priority of disbursal) Further, language of Section 20(1) has been clarified to avoid any arrangement between two coal linkage holders as the same is not subject matter of the CMSP Act.

B. Amendments in respect of Ministry of Mines Amendment 1: Insertion of new section 4B (after section 4A) to enable the Central Govt. to prescribe conditions for ensuring sustained production by the holder of mining leases, who have acquired rights/approvals/clearances etc. transferred from the previous lessee, as per the provisions under section 8B, which is incorporated in this amendment:

The pre-amended MMDR Act, provided a time period of two years for the new lessee for starting the mining operation, whereas the newly introduced section 8B of this Act, provides for deemed acquiring of valid rights /approvals /clearances by the new lessee. The objective of the amendment is to ensure the continuity of production of minerals. Hence, there is need to specify the conditions for production by the new lessee, who will avail benefits of section 8B. Further, the Central Government derives power to prescribe the conditions for the new lessees to commence production without prejudice to the time period of two years for starting the production prescribed in Section 4A.

Amendment 2: Amendment of Section 8A by introducing a proviso to clarify the intent of Section 8A(4) of the MMDR Act:

The previous section 8A(4) of the MMDR Act provided for auction of leases on the expiry of the lease. There existed scope for ambiguity about initiating the advance action/process by the State Government for notifying the expiring leases for auction. With the amendment it has been clarified that State Government can take up advance steps for auction of blocks before the expiry of lease period. This would ensure that the production of the minerals from such blocks can be seamlessly continued.

Amendment 3: Provisions to ensure that the successful bidder of mining leases expiring under Section 8A(5) & 8A(6), shall acquire all valid rights / approvals / clearances; for a period of two years and within which period he/she shall apply for fresh licence:

The working mining leases of Odisha are expiring during 2020. These leases produced about 58 MillioncrackIAS.com Tonne of iron ore, 1.80 Million Tonne of chromite and 0.77 Million Tonne of manganese during the year 2018-19. Statutory clearances required to start the mining operations for the new leases have to be granted expeditiously to enable the new lessees to continue the mining operations.

The new lessee has to obtain 20 approvals to start the mining operations, of which 9 are related to different Central Govt. Ministries and the remaining are from the State Government. In normal course, the minimum time period required to obtain these approvals vary from two to three years. This whole process would delay the commencement of mining operations by the new lessees. Any delay in commencing the mining operations by the new lessee would adversely affect the mineral production in the country, which in turn would impact the important downstream industries like steel, Page 19 cement etc.

With the insertion of new section 8B (after section 8A) of the MMDR Act, the successful bidders of the mining leases expiring under section 8A(5) & 8A(6) of the MMDR Act, deemed to have acquired all valid rights/ approvals/ clearances/ licenses and the like; for a period of two years and can start mining operation without loss of time. Seamless continuance of mining operations is in public interest as this will prevent disruption in supply of raw material (mineral) to the industries.

The above amendments (1,2&3) pertaining to Mines will promote ease of doing business and will benefit the holders of auctioned brown field mining leases on expiry of their lease period starting from March 2020 and then from March 2030.

Amendment 4: Provisions to enable the holders of Non-Exclusive Reconnaissance permit of deep seated minerals and other minerals of the national interest to obtain composite licence (PL-cum-ML) or Mining Lease:

The previous legislative provisions did not allow the non-exclusive reconnaissance permit holders to apply for mining lease. The private participation in exploration was therefore negligible. In order to enhance exploration of deep seated minerals a facilitating environment has been envisaged to be provided with the insertion of new proviso after sub-section 2 of section 10C. This amendment would allow NERP holders of deep seated minerals or any minerals of the national interest to apply for composite licence (PL-cum-ML) or Mining Lease. This would hence augment the exploration of the deep seated minerals and minerals of national interest, some of which are strategically important for the country.

Amendment 5: Empowers the Central Government to frame rules in respect of newly introduced sections:

The difficulty of the Central Govt. which had to derive power to make rules to implement the provision of the amended Act has now been removed with the insertion of new clauses in sub- section 2 of section 13. This would give the Central Government power to frame subordinate legislation to implement the intent of the Ordinance.

*******

(Release ID: 1599160) Visitor Counter : 434

Read this release in: Hindi crackIAS.com END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 20 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-18 CHINA’S BIRTH RATE HITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1949 Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Demography of the World - Population Trends

China’s birth rate dropped last year to its lowest level since the Communist country was founded in 1949, adding to concerns that an aging society and shrinking workforce will pile pressure on a slowing economy.

To avoid a demographic crisis, the government relaxed its one-child policy in 2016 to allow people to have two children, but the change has not resulted in an increase in pregnancies. In 2019, the birth rate stood at 10.48 per 1,000 people, down slightly from the year before, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Friday. The number of births has now fallen for three consecutive years, still, there were 14.65 million babies born in 2019.

He Yafu, an independent demographer based in southern Guangdong province, said the number of births was the lowest since 1961, the last year of a famine that left tens of millions dead. U.S.-based academic Yi Fuxian, senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that even though China has abolished its one-child policy, there has been a shift in the mindset of the population. He believes that China’s population is over-estimated, and according to his work, the real population “began to decline in 2018”.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 21 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-20 WHO ARE THE BRUS, AND WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF SETTLING THEM IN TRIPURA? Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Indian Demography including Tribes

Bru children at a refugee camp in Tripura. File | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

A quadripartite agreement in New Delhi on January 16 allowed some 35,000 Bru tribal people, who were displaced from Mizoram and are living in Tripura as refugees since 1997, to settle permanently in Tripura. The Centre, State governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and representatives of Bru organisations signed the agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The “solution” has evoked mixed reactions with rights activists fearing it could “legitimise” the ejection of minority communities by ethnocentric states.

The Brus, aka Reangs, are spread across Tripura, Mizoram and southern Assam. In Mizoram, they are scattered in Kolasib, Lunglei and Mamit districts. While many Brus of Assam and Tripura are Hindu, the Brus of Mizoram converted to Christianity over the years. Clashes in 1995 with the majority Mizos led to the demand for the removal of the Brus, perceived to be non- indigenous, from Mizoram’s electoral rolls. This led to an armed movement by a Bru outfit, which killed a Mizo forest official in October 1997. The retaliatory ethnic violence saw more than 40,000 Brus fleeing to adjoining Tripura where they took shelter in six relief camps.

The Centre and the two State governments involved made nine attempts to resettle the Brus in Mizoram. The first was in November 2010 when 1,622 Bru families with 8,573 members went back. Protests by Mizo NGOs, primarily the Young Mizo Association, stalled the process in 2011, 2012 and 2015. Meanwhile, the Brus began demanding relief on a par with the relief given to Kashmiri Pandits and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. The Centre spent close to 500 crore for relief and rehabilitation until the last peace deal was brokered over three years since 2015. A final package of 435 crore was arrived at in July 2018 and it involved Mizo NGOs besides the governments concerned.

The package covered 32,876 members of 5,407 Bru families, entailing a one-time assistance of 4 lakh as fixed deposit within a month of repatriation, monthly cash assistance of 5,000 through DBT, free rations for two years, and 1.5 lakh in three instalments as house-building assistance. The package also included Eklavya residential schools, permanent residential and ST certificates besides funds to the Mizoram government for improving security in Bru resettlement areas. The refugees were given a deadline, September 30, to move or face harder times at the relief camps. But most stayed back, demanding resettlement in close-knit clusters and an autonomous council for Brus in Mizoram.

The demand to rehabilitate the Brus in Tripura was first raised by Pradyot Manikya, the scion of the TripuracrackIAS.com royal family. The BJP-led Tripura government agreed. Chief Minister Biplab Deb called the “solution” within Tripura historic, as did his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga. Guwahati-based researcher on social issues and conflicts, Walter Fernandes, said the decision was humanitarian from the point of view of the Brus, who were apprehensive about returning to Mizoram, but felt it could lead to conflicts with the locals of Tripura. Delhi-based rights activist Suhas Chakma said it could set a bad precedent, encouraging ethnocentric states to eject minorities of all hues besides making the Brus of Mizoram opt for the rehabilitation package in the relative safety of Tripura. The displaced Brus who returned to Mizoram have already begun demanding a package equivalent to the one those who stayed behind in the Tripura relief camps would be getting. And conflicts between the Brus and the local Bengali non-tribal people have Page 22 started taking place in Tripura.

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To reassure Indian Muslims, the PM needs to state that the govt. will not conduct an exercise like NRC

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To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu. Sign upcrackIAS.com for a 30 day free trial. END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 23 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-25 INDIA BEGINS CORAL RESTORATION IN GULF OF KACHCHH Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Islands & Coral Reefs, changes therein and in Flora & Fauna and the Effects of such changes

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s forest department, is attempting for the first time a process to restore coral reefs using biorock or mineral accretion technology. A biorock structure was installed one nautical mile off the Mithapur coast in the Gulf of Kachchh on January 19.

“The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water,” Ch. Satyanarayana, a scientist at the Marine Biology Regional Centre of the ZSI, explained. “When a positively charged anode and negatively charged cathode are placed on the sea floor, with an electric current flowing between them, calcium ions combine with carbonate ions and adhere to the structure (cathode). This results in calcium carbonate formation. Coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly,” he added.

Dr. Satyanarayana, a renowned coral expert, added that fragments of broken corals are tied to the biorock structure, where they are able to grow at least four to six times faster than their actual growth as they need not spend their energy in building their own calcium carbonate skeletons.

Along with scientists from the ZSI, Thomas Goreau, President of Global Reef Technology, U.S.A. had also provided inputs to the restoration project.

The location for installing the biorock had been chosen keeping in mind the high tidal amplitude in the Gulf of Kachchh. The low tide depth where the biorock has been installed is four metres, and at high tide it is about eight metres.

Shyamal Tikadar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife), Gujarat, said that the biorock structure had been lowered and that calcification had started, making it an academic success.

“For us the real success will come when we find that the attached and new organisms (corals) grow faster and we are able to scale up the process,” Mr. Tikadar said. He added that a final determination on whether the biorock structure was giving the desired results or not would be madecrackIAS.com in the next three months.

Throwing light on the degradation of coral reefs across the world and also in India, Kailash Chandra, director of ZSI, said that threats were posed both by climate change induced acidification as well as by anthropogenic factors. Observing that coral reefs were the most diverse ecosystem on the earth, Dr. Chandra said India has four major coral reefs areas: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar and the Gulf of Kachchh.

Dr. Satyanarayana said that the ongoing initiative of coral restoration using biorock technology could potentially help to sustain the earlier successes. He added that the technology helps corals, including the highly sensitive branching corals, to counter the threats posed by global warming.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 25 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-26 A BID TO RESTORE CORAL REEFS IN GULF OF KUTCH USING BIOROCKS Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Islands & Coral Reefs, changes therein and in Flora & Fauna and the Effects of such changes

On a mission:Ch. Satyanarayana with Thomas Goreau installing a biorock at Gulf of Kutch.Special arrangement

Biorock is the name given to the substance formed by electro accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater on steel structures that are lowered onto the sea bed and are connected to a power source, in this case solar panels that float on the surface. “The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water,” Ch. Satyanarayana, a scientist at the Marine Biology Regional Centre of the ZSI, explained. “When a positively charged anode and negatively charged cathode are placed on the sea floor, with an electric current flowing between them, calcium ions combine with carbonate ions and adhere to the structure (cathode). This results in calcium carbonate formation. Coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly,” he added.

Along with scientists from the ZSI, Thomas Goreau, President of Global Reef Technology, U.S.A. had also provided inputs to the restoration project.

Shyamal Tikadar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife), Gujarat, said that the biorock structure had been lowered and that calcification had started, making it an academic success. “For us the real success will come when we find that the attached and new organisms (corals) grow faster and we are able to scale up the process,” Mr. Tikadar said. He added that a final determination on whether the biorock structure was giving the desired results or not would be madecrackIAS.com in the next three months.

In 2015, the same group of ZSI scientists with the support of the Gujarat forest department had successfully restored branching coral species (staghorn corals) belonging to the family Page 26 Acroporidae (Acropora formosa, Acropora humilis, Montipora digitata) that had gone extinct about 10,000 years ago to the Gulf of Kachchh. The researchers claimed that the specimens for regenerating these corals were brought from the Gulf of Mannar with the help of Tamil Nadu’s Forest Department. Dr. Satyanarayana said that the ongoing initiative of coral restoration using biorock technology could potentially help to sustain the earlier successes. He added that the technology helps corals, including the highly sensitive branching corals, to counter the threats posed by global warming.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Page 27 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-26 BHARAT PARV 2020 TO BE CELEBRATED FROM 26TH TO 31ST JANUARY Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Factors responsible for location of Tertiary sector Industries incl. Tourism in world & India and related issues

Ministry of Tourism Bharat Parv 2020 to be celebrated from 26th to 31st January

Central theme of Bharat Parv 2020 is ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Celebrating 150 Years of Mahatma Gandhi’

Posted On: 25 JAN 2020 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

To celebrate the spirit of India, the annual event Bharat Parv is being organised in Delhi this year too. Special Secretary & Financial Adviser of Ministry of Tourism Shri Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi will inaugurate the Bharat Parv tomorrow at Red fort ground in New Delhi. Bharat Parv, 2020 is being celebrated from 26th to 31st January, 2020 in front of Red Fort at Gyan Path and Red Fort grounds. The objective of Bharat Parv is to encourage Indians to visit different tourism places of India and to inculcate the spirit of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’.

The Central theme of this year’s Bharat Parv is ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Celebrating 150 Years of Mahatma Gandhi’. Bharat Parv will be open for the General Public on 26th January, at 5.00 PM till 10.00 PM. On the remaining days 27th to 31st January, 2020 the Bharat Parv would be open from 12.00 Hrs till 10.00 PM.

Bharat Parv have many attractions for public like display of Tableaux of the Republic Day parade, performance by armed forces bands, tourism theme pavilion by State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and line Ministries, handicraft & Handloom Stalls by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Commission Handloom / Handicrafts / TRIFED, food Court by State Governments, Institutes of Hotel Management and other organizations, cultural Performances by North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) and State Governments / UT Administrations and cookery demonstrations by State Governments and Institute of Hotel Management.

Entry to the Bharat Parv is free though the visitors will have to show their identity proof for enteringcrackIAS.com the Parv. *****

NB/AKJ/OA

(Release ID: 1600526) Visitor Counter : 379

Read this release in: Hindi Page 28

crackIAS.com Page 29 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-29 INDIAN RAILWAYS COMMISSIONS FIRST WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT IN BHUBANESWAR Relevant for: Geography | Topic: Distribution of Key Natural Resources - Energy Resources of the World

Ministry of Railways Indian Railways commissions first Waste to Energy Plant in Bhubaneswar

The capacity of this Waste to Energy Plant is 500 Kg waste per day

All types of waste including plastic and e-waste can be converted to Light Diesel Oil which is used to light furnaces.

Posted On: 28 JAN 2020 1:25PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways has commissioned country’s first governmental Waste to Energy Plant, having capacity of 500 Kg waste per day, in Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop at Bhubaneswar in East Coast Railway. Member Rolling Stock, Shri Rajesh Agarwal inaugurated this plant on 22nd January 2020 along with GM, East Coast Railway. This Waste to Energy Plant has been constructed in three months.

This Waste to Energy Plant, a patented technology called POLYCRACK, is first-of-its-kind in Indian Railways and fourth in India. It is world’s first patented heterogeneous catalytic process which converts multiple feed stocks into hydrocarbon liquid fuels, gas, carbon and water. Polycrack Plant can be fed with all types of Plastic, Petroleum sludge, Un-segregated MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) with moisture up to 50%, E–Waste, Automobile fluff, Organic waste including bamboo, garden waste etc., and Jatropha fruit and palm bunch. Waste generated from Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop, Coaching Depot and Bhubaneswar Railway Station will be feeder material for this plant.

The process is a closed loop system and does not emit any hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere. The combustible, non-condensed gases are re-used for providing energy to the entire system and thus, the only emission comes from the combustion of gaseous fuels. The emissionscrackIAS.com from the combustion are found to be much less than prescribed environmental norms. This process will produce energy in the form of Light Diesel Oil which is used to light furnaces. Page 30

FEATURES OF POLYCRACK TECHNOLOGY -

Polycrack has the following advantages over the conventional approach of treating solid waste:-

● Pre-segregation of waste is not required to reform the waste. Waste as collected can crackIAS.combe directly fed into Polycrack. ● It has high tolerance to moisture hence drying of waste is not required. ● Waste is processed and reformed within 24 hours. ● It is an enclosed unit hence the working environment is dust free. ● Excellent air quality surrounding the plant. ● Biological decomposition is not allowed as the Waste is treated as it is received. ● The foot print of the plant is small hence the area required for installing the plant is less when compared with conventional method of processing. ● All constituents are converted into valuable energy thereby making it Zero Discharge Page 31 Process. ● Gas generated in the process is re-used to provide energy to the system thereby making it self-reliant and also bring down the operating cost. ● There is no atmospheric emission during the process unlike other conventional methods except for combustion gases which have pollutants less than the prescribed norms the world over. ● Operates around 450 degrees, making it a low temperature process when compared with other options. ● Safe and efficient system with built-in safety features enables even an unskilled user to operate the machine with ease. ● Low capital cost and low operating cost. ● Fully automated system requires minimum man power.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION -

This process has been awarded with the Best innovation Gold Medal in 2007 by Lockheed Martin, Dept of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, FICCI; Best Innovation Gold Medal 2007; Best Innovation Gold Medal 2008; Best Innovation Gold Medal 2009; Nominated for Tech- Museum Awards 2008; Frost & Sullivan – Global Innovation and Leadership Award -2011 and IGCW-2011 – Best Green Chemistry Innovation Award.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT –

● Total plant installation cost : Rs 1.79 crore ● Date of commissioning : 22 Jan 2020 ● Estimated income from the byproducts : Rs 17.5 Lakhs per annum ● Maintenance cost : Rs 10.4 Lakhs per annum ● The capacity is : 500kg/ Batch *****

SG/AP

(Release ID: 1600784) Visitor Counter : 526

Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali crackIAS.com