PIB Summary- 20th March, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Five-day 41st Steering Committee Meeting of International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy begins in New Delhi

Context

The news highlights discussions at the 41st IPHE Meeting in New Delhi on accelerating adoption of clean hydrogen through R&D and academic collaboration.

Additional information on this news:

• The 41st IPHE Steering Committee Meeting in New Delhi focused on academic outreach at IIT Delhi from March 18-22, 2024.
• Discussions emphasized the need to enhance hydrogen’s cleanliness and affordability through R&D and innovation.
• Climate change challenges were highlighted, stressing the importance of transitioning to green hydrogen.
• India’s significant role in shaping the clean energy future was emphasized, along with the need for skills, education, and research.
• IIT Delhi’s contributions to hydrogen vehicle R&D and education were showcased.
• India’s energy transition initiatives were discussed, urging academia to contribute technology ideas.
• Panel discussions focused on skill development in the green hydrogen sector and the transformative potential of clean hydrogen technologies.
• The IPHE, established in 2003, comprises 23 member countries and the European Commission, dedicated to advancing global hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Need for R&D and innovation green hydrogen:

• Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, offers a promising solution for decarbonizing various sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy production.
• Research and development (R&D) in green hydrogen technologies are crucial to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and scale up production.
• Innovation in electrolysis methods, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzers, aims to enhance performance and lower capital expenditures.
• Advancements in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power contribute to the sustainability of green hydrogen production.
• Collaboration between governments, industries, and research institutions is vital to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen technologies.
• Green hydrogen has the potential to store excess renewable energy, enabling grid balancing and enhancing energy security.
• Investment in R&D fosters the development of novel applications for green hydrogen, including fuel cells for vehicles, energy storage systems, and industrial processes, driving economic growth and job creation.
• Continuous innovation and investment are essential to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier.

Importance of transitioning to green hydrogen for India:

• Climate Mitigation: Green hydrogen can significantly reduce India’s carbon footprint by substituting fossil fuels in various sectors, aligning with global climate goals.
• Energy Security: Decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels through domestic production of green hydrogen enhances India’s energy independence and resilience.
• Economic Growth: Investing in green hydrogen fosters the growth of a new industry, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic development.
• Air Quality Improvement: Adoption of green hydrogen in transportation and industry reduces air pollution, addressing public health concerns and improving quality of life.

Challenges:

• Cost: High upfront costs of green hydrogen infrastructure and technology hinder widespread adoption.
• Scale-Up: Scaling up green hydrogen production to meet India’s energy demand requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Ensuring reliable access to renewable energy sources like solar and wind for electrolysis poses integration challenges.
• Technological Innovation: Continued R&D is necessary to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and overcome technical barriers in green hydrogen production and utilization.
• Policy Support: Clear policy frameworks and incentives are needed to stimulate investment and create an enabling environment for green hydrogen deployment in India.

National Green Hydrogen Mission:

• The Union Cabinet, has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore.
• Components include Rs. 17,490 crore for the SIGHT program, Rs. 1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs. 400 crore for R&D, and Rs. 388 crore for other Mission components, to be implemented by MNRE.
• By 2030, the mission aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum, with 125 GW of associated renewable energy capacity.
• Expected outcomes include over Rs. 8 lakh crore in investments, creation of over 6 lakh jobs, and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Benefits include export opportunities, decarbonization, reduced fossil fuel dependence, indigenous manufacturing, employment, and technology development.
• Financial incentives under SIGHT will support domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and green hydrogen production.
• The mission will develop an enabling policy framework, standards and regulations, and a public-private partnership for R&D.
• Coordination among Ministries, Departments, and agencies will ensure successful achievement of mission objectives, overseen by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

Railway Protection Force and National Commission for Women Unite Against Human Trafficking

Context

The news outlines a collaborative effort between the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in India to combat human trafficking.

Through an MoU, they aim to sensitize RPF officials and prevent trafficking within the railway network.

Additional information on this news:

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) signed an MoU to combat human trafficking.
• The initiative aims to sensitize RPF officials to effectively address women trafficking within the Indian Railway network.
• NCW established an Anti-Human Trafficking Cell and has been collaborating with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to combat trafficking.
• Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, with the railway network often exploited by traffickers.
• The MoU focuses on preventing trafficking and rescuing victims through sensitization workshops and training for RPF personnel.
• Awareness campaigns targeting railway staff and the public will educate them on identifying and reporting trafficking cases.
• RPF personnel will receive ongoing training to enhance their capabilities in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
• This partnership signifies a significant step forward in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable women across India’s railway network.

Issue of human trafficking in India:

• Human trafficking is a rampant problem in India, affecting millions, especially women and children.
• Victims are often lured with false promises of jobs, marriage, or better living conditions.
• Trafficking for various purposes including sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ trade, and child marriage is prevalent.
• Lack of awareness and poverty exacerbate vulnerability to trafficking.
• Corrupt law enforcement officials and ineffective legal mechanisms contribute to the perpetuation of trafficking networks.

Challenges to Combat:

• Complex socio-economic factors like poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality hinder effective prevention and prosecution efforts.
• Cross-border trafficking networks make it difficult to track and prosecute offenders.
• Insufficient shelters and rehabilitation programs for victims exacerbate their vulnerability to re-trafficking.
• Limited coordination among various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening legal frameworks with stricter penalties for traffickers and better protection for victims.
• Enhancing awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable communities to prevent trafficking.
• Improving coordination among law enforcement agencies and international collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks.
• Providing comprehensive support services including shelters, counseling, and vocational training for survivors.
• Empowering communities through education and economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability to trafficking.
• Engaging with technology to enhance surveillance and identification of trafficking activities.
• Fostering partnerships between government, NGOs, and civil society to address the multifaceted nature of the problem.