PIB Summary- 29th August, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Khanan Prahari

Context
The Ministry of Coal has launched the Khanan Prahari mobile app, revolutionizing the fight against illicit coal mining activities.

Khanan Prahari: Empowering Citizens Against Illegal Mining

• Innovative Reporting App: Khanan Prahari is a mobile app enabling citizens to actively report instances of illegal coal mining by submitting geo-tagged photos and textual information.
• Comprehensive System: The app is complemented by the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) web portal, developed in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Application & Geoinformatics and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute.
• Public Participation: This initiative combines advanced technology with public involvement to address illegal mining effectively.
• Active Engagement: The public’s active engagement is evident with 483 complaints lodged through the app, showcasing their commitment to curbing illegal mining.

Key Features

• Incident Reporting: Users can report illegal mining incidents by capturing photos and providing comments.
• Confidentiality: The app ensures the confidentiality of users’ identities, prioritizing privacy.
• Complaint Tracking: Complainants receive a unique complaint number to track the progress of their reports easily.

Status of Coal Mining in India

• Coal Importance: India ranks as the world’s second-largest coal producer and possesses the fifth-largest coal deposits globally. Coal, often called ‘Black Gold,’ is a crucial fossil fuel.
• Import Dependency: Despite significant coal reserves, India imports coal due to its high consumption. Coal imports surged by 30% in 2022-23.
• Major Producing States: Key coal-producing states include Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.

Historical Evolution

• Early Beginnings: India’s coal mining history spans 220 years, starting in 1774 with the East India Company in Raniganj Coalfield.
• Growth Catalyst: The introduction of steam locomotives in 1853 propelled coal production.
• Post-Independence: National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) formed in 1956 for organized industry growth.
• Nationalization: Nationalization of coking coal mines (1971-72) and non-coking mines (1973) aimed at addressing mining concerns and labor conditions.
• Post-Nationalization: Demand-supply gaps minimal till 1991; liberalization reforms in 1993 led to captive consumption allocation.
• Modernization: Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 enabled auction-based coal allocation; 2018 allowed private firms into commercial mining.

EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR-23

Context
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent departed to participate in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt, from 27 August to 16 September 2023.

EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR-23

• Nature: Biennial multilateral tri-service exercise.
• Origins: Initiated in 1980, arising from the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, with US involvement.
• IAF’s Debut: Marks the first participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23.
• Participating Countries: United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar.
• IAF Contingent: Comprises five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130, and two C-17 aircraft.
• Personnel Inclusion: Involves IAF’s Garud Special Forces, and members from Squadrons 28, 77, 78, and 81.
• Objective: Focuses on joint operation planning and execution. Facilitates cross-border bonding and enhances strategic relations among participants.
• India-Egypt Relations: Historic partnership with collaborative efforts in aero-engine and aircraft development during the 1960s, along with pilot training exchanges.