PIB Summary- 30th November, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Context
Recently, experts from research and academia highlighted the need for investment both from the government and industry in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and the importance of leading experts in the field to work collaboratively towards India’s net zero targets through CCUS.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

• CCUS encompasses a set of technologies and processes designed to address carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions originating from significant point sources like power plants, industrial facilities, and refineries.
• The core aim of CCUS is to prevent the release of CO₂ into the atmosphere, representing a crucial strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in various industries.

Key Steps in CCUS Implementation

Capture Process:

• This step involves seizing CO₂ emissions at their source before they are released.
• Various capture methods are employed, such as post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion.

Transportation:

• This stage encompasses the movement of compressed CO₂, either by ship or pipeline, from the point of capture to the storage site.

Storage:

• The transported CO₂ finds its storage in underground geological formations, which may include depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.

Utilization:

• After capture, CO₂ can be repurposed in various applications instead of being released into the atmosphere.
• Utilization can involve incorporating CO₂ into industrial processes, such as the production of chemicals or fuels.

Significance of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

• The NITI Aayog’s report, ‘Policy Framework and Deployment Mechanism for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage in India,’ underscores CCUS as a pivotal strategy for emission reduction, particularly in challenging sectors.
• Hard-to-abate industries, including steel, cement, and petrochemicals, benefit significantly from CCUS interventions.

Global Imperative:

• The IPCC highlights the indispensability of CCUS technologies in achieving global net zero emissions, emphasizing its role as a crucial deployment mechanism.

Benefits and Applications of CCUS

• Incorporating CCUS into the energy mix enhances flexibility in the energy grid.

Low-Carbon Energy Production:

• CCUS facilitates the production of low-carbon electricity and hydrogen, with the latter serving as a direct substitute for fossil fuels.
• This diversity contributes to energy security, aligning with the priorities of governments worldwide.

Applications of CCUS in Industries

• CCUS technology captures CO₂ emitted during the firing of limestone and clay in the concrete and cement industry.
• Recovered CO₂ is injected into concrete mixtures, enhancing strength and durability through a process known as carbonation.

Synthetic Gas Production:

• CCUS serves as a source of CO₂ for synthetic gas production, a crucial component for the further production of bio-jet fuel, supporting sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.

Fine Chemicals Industry:

• CCUS is employed in the fine chemicals industry by capturing CO₂, blending it with biomass, and transforming it into oxygenated compounds like high-functional plastics.

Infrastructure Utilization:

• CCUS enables industries to continue using existing infrastructure, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities, reducing the need for significant capital investments in new, low-carbon alternatives.

About The National Cadet Corps

Context
Recently, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrated its 75th Anniversary on November 26, 2023.

About the National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is a Tri-Services organization, encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force, dedicated to shaping the youth into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
• Established under the National Cadet Corps Act XXXI of 1948, it operates under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Voluntary Recruitment:

• NCC operates as a voluntary organization, recruiting cadets from high schools, colleges, and universities across India.

Training and Preferences:

• Cadets undergo basic military training in small arms and parades.
• They receive preferential consideration in military service selections over regular candidates.

Aims of the National Cadet Corps:

Character Development:

• Foster qualities of character, courage, comradeship, discipline, leadership, secular outlook, spirit of adventure, and sportsmanship among the youth.

Youth Leadership:

• Create an organized, trained, and motivated youth resource capable of providing leadership across various domains, including the Armed Forces.

Service to the Nation:

• Instill the ideals of selfless service, encouraging youth to be available for the nation’s service.

Career Motivation:

• Establish an environment conducive to motivating youth to pursue careers in the armed forces.

Leadership and Headquarters:

• The NCC is headed by the Director General (DG), an Army officer holding the rank of Lieutenant General.
• The headquarters of the National Cadet Corps is situated in New Delhi.