PIB Summary- 16th March, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Measures being taken by Govt to promote indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in the coal sector

Context

The news highlights Ministry of Coal’s initiatives to promote indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in the coal mining sector through collaborations with Coal India Ltd and implementation of Make in India policies.

Additional information on this news:

• Ministry of Coal (MoC) committed to advancing Make in India agenda in coal mining sector for Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
• Collaboration with Coal India Ltd (CIL) to promote indigenous manufacturing and support local suppliers.
• Trial tenders floated for various equipment, offering opportunities for domestic manufacturers to contribute.
• Streamlining procurement procedures and providing incentives for domestic manufacturers through CPSEs collaboration.
• Preferential Purchase Policy – Make in India (PPP-MII) guidelines mandated in all tenders to promote local suppliers.
• Current fleet of indigenous Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) units in CIL, with future requirement projections.
• Recommendations implemented by CIL from Make in India initiatives, including relaxed availability and provenness criteria.
• Manufacturers offered participation in Revenue Sharing Model of Mine Development cum Operator (MDO) tenders.
• Government’s dedication to promoting indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in coal sector highlighted through collaborative efforts.

Importance of coal sector for Indian economy

• Industrial backbone: Vital for industries like steel, cement, and power generation, providing essential raw material and fuel.
• Employment: The coal sector directly employs millions in mining, transportation, and associated industries, supporting livelihoods.
• Revenue generation: Contributes significantly to government revenue through taxes, royalties, and dividends from state-owned coal companies.
• Trade balance: Domestic coal production helps reduce reliance on imports, positively impacting the trade balance.
• Energy security: Ensures energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels, mitigating risks associated with international markets.
• Rural development: Coal mining regions often witness infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and employment opportunities, aiding rural development.
• Technology innovation: Investments in coal sector spur technological advancements, enhancing efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Government approves E- Vehicle policy to promote India as a manufacturing destination for EVs

Context

The news announces a government scheme to attract investments from global EV manufacturers to establish manufacturing facilities in India, promoting domestic production.

 Additional information on this news:

• The Union Government approves a scheme to promote India as a manufacturing hub for e-vehicles (EVs).
• Aimed at attracting investments from global EV manufacturers to enhance technology accessibility for Indian consumers.
• Policy mandates minimum investment of Rs 4150 Cr with no cap on maximum investment.
• Manufacturing timeline set at 3 years to commence commercial production of EVs, achieving 50% domestic value addition within 5 years.
• Limited imports of EVs allowed at lower customs duty for companies setting up manufacturing facilities in India.
• Customs duty of 15% applicable on EVs with CIF value of USD 35,000 and above for 5 years, contingent on manufacturing setup in 3 years.
• Duty foregone on imported EVs limited to investment made or ₹6484 Cr, with a maximum of 40,000 EVs permitted.
• Investment commitment backed by bank guarantee, invoked in case of non-achievement of domestic value addition and minimum investment criteria.

Need for shift to electric mobility for India:

• Environmental concerns: Transition to electric mobility crucial to combat air pollution, especially in densely populated urban areas.
• Energy security: Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels enhances energy security and mitigates risks associated with volatile oil prices.
• Climate change mitigation: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce lower greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in India’s efforts to meet its climate targets.
• Economic opportunities: Shift towards electric mobility creates opportunities for domestic manufacturing, job creation, and technological innovation.
• Cost savings: Lower operating and maintenance costs of EVs make them an attractive option for consumers, leading to potential savings in the long run.
• Infrastructure development: Transition to electric mobility necessitates the development of charging infrastructure, stimulating investment in infrastructure projects.
• Global competitiveness: Embracing electric mobility aligns with global trends towards sustainable transportation, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the international market.
• Urban planning: Adoption of EVs requires urban planning strategies to accommodate charging infrastructure and promote sustainable transport options.
• Policy support: Comprehensive policies and incentives are essential to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility and facilitate the transition towards a cleaner and sustainable transportation system.

New material design capable of controlling temperature at which material converts from insulator to conductor paves way for novel superconductors

Context

The news discusses the development of a synthetic material design for an electronic switch surpassing the efficiency of traditional transistors.

Additional information on this news:

• Scientists developed synthetic material design for electronic switch surpassing traditional transistors’ efficiency.
• Correlated electron materials transition from insulator to metal at varying temperatures, hindering device applications at constant temperatures.
• Proposed three-layer structure includes an active channel layer, charge reservoir layer, and charge-regulating spacer layer.
• Layers prepared with nanometer-thick atomically smooth layers using pulsed laser deposition technique.
• Atomic force microscope used to qualify layer quality and optimize growth conditions.
• Research published in Nature Communications demonstrates dripping over a billion-trillion electrons into VO2 layer without impurities.
• Novel synthetic materials eliminate the need for doping, preserving crystal arrangement integrity.
• Amorphous-layer design developed for reservoir and spacer layers for easy synthesis and replication.
• Study enables control of properties in materials acting as both insulators and conductors, aiding research in exotic materials like superconductors.
• Potential applications include developing devices harnessing phase transitions for classical and quantum computing.