PIB Summary- 26th July, 2021 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Kargil Vijay Diwas

Context: The Kargil War with Pakistan was declared officially over on 26 July 1999.

What happened?
India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th July every year to mark the anniversary of the day we achieved victory over Pakistani infiltrators in the 1999 Kargil War. This day is also a day of remembrance for the hundreds of Indian soldiers who were martyred in this war initiated by Pakistan.
Tiger Hill captured by Indian troops

Kargil War Background

• The Kargil war which broke out in May 1999 continued for 60 days up until 26th July when the war was officially declared over.
• Local shepherds first reported the presence of Pakistani infiltrators in Kargil in District Baltistan in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir on 3rd May 1999.
• The Indian army set up patrol units along the area on 5th Five Indian patrolling soldiers including Captain Saurabh Kalia were captured by Pakistani forces alive and brutally tortured to death.
• Heavy shelling by the Pakistanis started on 9th. This was meant as cover fire to engage the Indian troops so that infiltrators could enter Indian Territory along the LOC.
• Infiltrations occurred in the Dras, Mushkoh and Kaksar sectors.
• The Indian Army moves its troops from the Kashmir Valley to the Kargil sector during the middle of May. The Indian Air Force also engages the infiltrators by the end of May.
• Intense fighting continued from both sides.
• In early June, the Indian army released documents that confirmed the involvement of the Pakistani army which rubbished claims by the latter that the infiltrations were done by Kashmiri “freedom fighters”.
• Even though initially taken by surprise, the determined Indian Army recover many positions and posts from the other side. Our soldiers fought bravely in hostile environments of mountainous terrain, extremely high altitudes and harsh cold weather conditions.
• On 4th July, the Indian army captured Tiger Hill after a battle that lasted 11 hours. The next day, India recovered Drass.
• These were major breakthroughs.
• Internationally, Pakistan was losing face because of vital proof regarding its army’s involvement in the war. The USA led by Bill Clinton had asked Pakistan’s Nawas Sharif to withdraw troops.
• On 5th July, Sharif announced after meeting with Clinton that Pakistan was withdrawing troops.
• The pull-out by Pakistani forces started on 11th On 14th July, the then Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee announced that Operation Vijay (the codename given to the Kargil War) was a success.
• The war officially came to an end on 26th All Pakistani intruders are evicted from Indian soil.
• Pakistan initiated the war despite India’s overtures of talks such as the inauguration of the Delhi-Lahore and the signing of the Lahore Declaration.
• The G8 countries, the ASEAN, the USA and the EU supported India on the conflict. Even China insisted on a pull-out of troops and restoration of the pre-war status quo.
• India was also praised for showing amazing restraint by not crossing the LOC and escalating the situation into an all-out war between two nuclear states.
• The official Indian death toll was 527. A further 1363 Indian soldiers were wounded in the conflict. Let us remember those who sacrificed their lives and youth for the sake of our safety and security. 

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

Context: Government promoting the use of ethanol produced from sugarcane and food grains under EBP Programme.

Details

• Government of India through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is implementing the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, wherein ethanol is being blended in petrol to achieve the objectives of reducing import dependence, promoting clean fuel and providing a boost to agriculture.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme was launched in 2003 with an aim to promote the use of renewable and environmentally friendly fuels and reduce India’s import dependence for energy security.

• Starting with 5% blending, the government has set a target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% blending (E20) by 2030.
• The programme is implemented in accordance with the National Policy on Biofuels.
• Under this programme, oil marketing companies (OMCs) will procure ethanol from domestic sources at prices fixed by the government.
• Till 2018, only sugarcane was used to derive ethanol. Now, the government has extended the ambit of the scheme to include foodgrains like maize, bajra, fruit and vegetable waste, etc. to produce ethanol.
  • This move helps farmers gain additional income by selling the extra produce and also broadens the base for ethanol production in the country.

What is Ethanol Blending?

An ethanol blend is defined as a blended motor fuel containing ethyl alcohol that is at least 99% pure, derived from agricultural products, and blended exclusively with petrol.

Ethanol is one of the principal biofuels, which is naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration. It has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is used as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds, apart from being an alternative fuel source.

Benefits of Ethanol Blending

• The auto fuels we commonly use are mainly derived from the slow geological process of fossilisation, which is why they are also known as fossil fuels. Ethanol in comparison is a biofuel, that is, it is primarily derived from processing organic matter (hence, it is a biofuel). In India, ethanol is largely derived from sugarcane via a fermentation process.
• Since it is a plant-based fuel, ethanol is considered renewable.
• Since ethanol is high in oxygen content, engines using ethanol blends combust fuel more thoroughly reducing vehicular emissions. Hence, this process will also help reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
• Mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol can potentially reduce the auto fuel import bill by a yearly $4 billion, or Rs 30,000 crore. 
• Another major benefit of ethanol blending is the extra income it gives to farmers. Ethanol is derived from sugarcane and also foodgrains. Hence, farmers can earn extra income by selling their surplus produce to ethanol blend manufacturers.

Impact of E20 as a Fuel
(i) Impact on Environment

• The use of E20 as fuel reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 50% in two-wheelers and 30% in four-wheeler vehicles.
• Hydrocarbon emissions also reduce compared to unblended petrol.
• Ethanol blending can thus reduce emissions in vehicles.

(ii) Impact on Consumers

• The fuel efficiency of vehicles will reduce by:
  • 6-7% for 4 wheelers designed for E0 and calibrated for E10
  • 3-4% for 2 wheelers designed for E0 and calibrated for E10
  • 1-2% for 4 wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20
• However, with improvements in engines, the loss in fuel efficiency can be minimised.

(iii) Impact on Vehicle Manufacturer

• Engines and components will need to be tested and calibrated with E20 as fuel.
• No major change in the assembly line is required.
• Vendors need to be developed for the procurement of additional components compatible with E20.

Ethanol Production
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is the nodal department for the promotion of fuel grade ethanol producing distilleries in the country. The Government has allowed ethanol production/procurement from sugarcane-based raw materials viz. C & B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice sugar sugar syrup, surplus rice with Food Corporation of India (FCI) and maize.
The supply of ethanol under the EBP Programme has increased from 38 crore litres during 2013-14 to 173 crore litres during 2019-20 resulting in an increase in blend percentage from 1.53% to 5.00% respectively. 

Challenges in Ethanol Blending Programme

Although promising, the ethanol blending programme faces several challenges and concerns. Some of them are discussed below.

• Availability of sufficient feedstock on a sustainable basis: Current regulations in the country allow production of ethanol from sugarcane, sugar, molasses, maize and damaged foodgrains unfit for human consumption. Further, surplus rice with FCI is also allowed. Some states have demanded that rice procured by state governments be allowed for ethanol production. However, there is the issue of diverting foodgrains from human consumption to ethanol production when hunger and malnutrition are still problems faced by many in the country.
• Production Facilities: Ethanol production facilities have to be augmented if the goals of 20% blending by 2030 are to be achieved. Currently, ethanol production is largely confined to the sugar producing states. Sugar mills, which are the key domestic suppliers of bio-ethanol to OMCs, were able to supply only 57.6% of the total demand. The mills also do not have enough financial stability to invest in biofuel plants.
• Price uncertainty: The prices of both ethanol and sugarcane are fixed by the government leading to concerns among investors regarding the price of bioethanol.
• Availability of Ethanol: Ethanol is not equally available all over the country. This leads to an increase in transportation and logistics costs. Moreover, handling and storage of ethanol are also risky as it is a highly flammable liquid.
• Challenge for vehicle manufacturers: Vehicle manufacturers must work with vendors to develop automobile parts compatible with ethanol. They should work on engine optimisation for higher ethanol blends. 
• Environmental clearances: Currently, ethanol production plants/distilleries fall under the “Red category” and require environmental clearance under the Air and Water Acts for new and expansion projects. This often takes a long time leading to delays.

Draft Indian Ports Bill, 2021

Context: In the course of new legislation, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways had circulated the draft Indian Ports Bill 2020 for seeking inputs from all stakeholders.

Key Features

• It seeks to enable the structured growth and sustainable development of ports to attract investments in the Port sector
• The proposed Bill will provide measures to facilitate conservation of ports, taking into account the prevalent situation with respect to the high number of non-operational ports.
• It shall ensure greater investment in the Indian maritime and ports sector through the creation of improved, comprehensive regulatory frameworks for the creation of new ports and management of existing ports.

Significance

• The proposed Bill would ensure safety, security, pollution control, performance standards and sustainability of Ports.
• The Bill ensures that all up-to-date conventions /protocols to which India is a party, are also suitably incorporated.
• This will promote marine safety and security in the true sense.
• The Bill will fill up the gaps for achieving scientific development of Ports and Port Network.
• Enhancing “Ease of Doing Business’, it will provide greater impetus to a self-reliant domestic investment climate in the maritime sector, towards Atamanirbhar Bharat initiatives of the Government.

RoPax and Water taxi services in Coastal states

Context: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Sagarmala programme has undertaken Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax projects across several routes. 

Details

• Ro-Pax is a roll-on-roll-off cum passenger ferry service launched by the Shipping Ministry.
• It is a water transport service project.
• It enhances connectivity between centres and also aids in reducing pollution associated with road transport.
• Water transport services such as these are economical and more green in comparison to the road/rail transport. It is a cheaper alternative for people and also is more time-saving as it can reduce the journey time by more than half.
• It has a substantial impact on the logistics of small-scale industries of the region.

National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

Context: The Union Minister for Jal Shakti mentioned the National River Conservation Plan Scheme in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

About the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• It commenced in 1985 with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP).
• It was enlarged in 1995 as the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) to include other major rivers of the country.
• The objective of NRCP is to reduce the pollution load in rivers through implementation of various pollution abatement works, thereby improving their water quality.
• The implementation of the scheme is overseen by NRCD (National River Conservation Directorate).
• The National River Conservation Authority (NRCA) chaired by the Prime Minister provides the policy framework and oversees the implementation of NRCP.
• Initially, the funding pattern was 100% funded by the Centre, but from 2015, it is shared between the Centre and the states on a 50:50 basis.
• The pollution abatement works taken up under the NRCP include:
  • Interception, diversion & treatment of sewage
  • Some non-core schemes also implemented:
    • Construction of crematoria  
    • Construction of low cost sanitation
    • River front development
    • Public participation & awareness

Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme

Context: The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme.

About the Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme

• The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2017-18 so that short term job oriented skill development courses may be provided to youth from minority communities in order to enable them for skill based employment.
• This scheme is implemented as per common norms of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E) through the empanelled Program Implementation Agencies (PIAs). 
• The scheme is implemented by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, an autonomous body under the aegis of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Under this scheme, ‘Garib Nawaz’ skill development centres are run for the purpose of developing skills among the minority youth.

My Gov 

Context: MyGov celebrates its 7th anniversary.

Details

• MyGov, the citizen engagement platform, completed 7 years.
• It was launched in 2014 with the idea of bringing the Government closer to the common man using the online platform, creating an interface for healthy exchange of ideas and views involving the common citizen and experts with the goal to contribute to the social and economic transformation of India.
• MyGov has evolved into a robust citizen engagement platform that is being leveraged by almost all the Government departments for enabling participatory governance.
• Today, it has more than 185 lakh registered users on MyGov platform – MyGovSaathis, who actively engage with MyGov and give their ideas and suggestions on various policy issues and also take part in Pledges, Quizzes and contests.

Kandla becomes first Green SEZ

Context: Kandla SEZ (KASEZ) was awarded IGBC Platinum Rating.

Details

• KASEZ is the First Green SEZ to achieve the IGBC Green Cities Platinum Rating for Existing Cities.

About IGBC Green Cities (Existing Cities)

• IGBC Green Cities (Existing Cities) rating system is a voluntary and consensus-based programme.
• IGBC Green Cities rating system is the first of its kind rating in India to address environmental sustainability in existing cities. 
• The rating system shall enable the municipalities, municipal corporations, development authorities and developers to formulate green policy interventions and implement green initiatives at the city scale, so as to reduce environmental impacts that are measurable and improve the overall quality of life.
• The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was formed in the year 2001. 
  • The vision of the council is, “To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025”.
  • The council is committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused. 

About the Kandla Special Economic Zone

• Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ), earlier known as the Kandla Free Trade Zone, is located at the port town Gandhidham in the state of Gujarat. 
• The Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) is the first in Asia and the largest multi-product Special Economic Zone in India.