PIB Summary- 9th August, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Coastal Mission Scheme

Context

Recently, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the Lok Sabha about the National Coastal Scheme.

National Coastal Mission Scheme:

• Initiated in 2014, the National Coastal Mission (NCM) is part of India’s broader strategy under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities.

Key Components:

• Conservation Initiatives: Includes the Management Action Plan focused on the conservation of mangroves and coral reefs.
• Research and Development: Dedicated to enhancing the marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Sustainable Development: Targets the sustainable management of beaches under the Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service.
• Capacity Building and Outreach: Engages Coastal States and Union Territories (UTs) in programs aimed at conserving marine and coastal ecosystems, including initiatives like beach cleaning drives.

Implementation: The scheme is implemented by State Governments of Coastal States and UT Administrations, ensuring localized and effective management and execution of the program’s objectives.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):

• Launched on June 30, 2008, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy to address climate change and achieve sustainable development by integrating climate change measures into national planning processes.
• Core Elements: The plan comprises eight National Missions which are central to its strategy:
  • National Solar Mission
  • National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
  • National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
  • National Water Mission
  • National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
  • National Mission for a Green India
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
  • National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

Metal-Air Batteries

Context

Researchers from CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur synthesised a cathode material which can be used as catalyst in Metal-air batteries.

Metal-Air Batteries:

Metal-air batteries function through electrochemical reactions between an “Air Electrode” (cathode) and a “Metal Electrode” (anode). Common metals used for the anode include lithium, zinc, aluminum, iron, and sodium, paired with a porous carbon material and a catalyst at the cathode.

Advantages:

• Higher Energy Density: These batteries offer greater energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• Accessibility: Utilizing metals that are readily available in India enhances accessibility and dependence on local resources.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Local production minimizes the need for imports, thus reducing costs.
• Eco-Friendly: Metal-air batteries are recyclable, posing fewer environmental hazards than their lithium-ion counterparts.
• Lightweight: The use of lightweight metals like aluminum allows these batteries to provide high energy density, making them especially suitable for various applications.

Applications:

• Large-Scale Energy Storage: Ideal for stationary applications where large amounts of energy storage are required.
• Transportation: Can be used in electric vehicles due to their high energy efficiency and lighter weight.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Suitable for storing energy generated from renewable sources, aiding in managing supply and demand fluctuations.