India at World Energy Congress 2024

In news

India is showcasing its innovative technologies and power generation practices, at the 26th World Energy Congress, being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from 22nd April, 2024 to 25th April, 2024.

World Energy Congress: ●It is a prestigious and globally recognized flagship event welcomes leaders from all corners of the world as they come together to shape the future of energy. ●It aims leverage the collective power of the world energy community to turn inspiration into action. ●The origins of the World Energy Congress date back to shortly after the First World War, when visionary Scotsman Daniel Dunlop decided to bring together leading energy experts to discuss current and emerging energy issues.

Context:  Indian Ambassador to Netherlands inaugurates India Pavilion at World Energy Council

The India Pavilion at the Congress aims to be a hub for showcasing innovative technologies and power generation practices, reinforcing India's commitment to environmental conservation on the global stage.

India's progress towards its commitment to environmental conservation on the global stage: About 13.5 GW renewable energy capacity added during calendar year 2023 India, 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power capacity and 5th in Solar Power capacity “Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023” notified to regulate allocation of offshore wind sea blocks to developers India announces definition of Green Hydrogen; process initiated under National Green Hydrogen Mission for setting up 4.5 lakh tonnes of Green Hydrogen Production Facilities in India 49 lakhs pumps to be installed / solarized as per revised targets under Component B and C of PM KUSUM

Various government  initiatives towards Energy Transition:

1.National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on 4th January 2023, with an outlay of  19,744 crore. The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

• The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, is a major financial measure under the Mission with an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore. The programme consists of two distinct financial incentive mechanisms to support domestic manufacturing of electrolysersand production of Green Hydrogen.
• The Green Hydrogen standard for Indiahas been notified on 19th August 2023, outlining the emission thresholds to be met in order for hydrogen produced to be classified as ‘Green’, i.e., from renewable sources.

The Research & Development Roadmap for the National Green Hydrogen Mission has been unveiled on 7th October 2023.

• The Green Hydrogen page on ‘The National Single Window System (NSWS) of Government of India’was unveiled on 7th October 2023, to provide a single window to industry for obtaining all approvals related to projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

2.Green Energy Corridor - Inter-State Transmission System for 13 GW RE Projects in Ladakh

• MNRE plans to set up 13,000 MW RE along with 12000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Ladakh.
• The project will also ensure reliable power supply to the Ladakh region as well as Jammu & Kashmir.

3.PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules

• The Government of India is implementing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt (GW) scale in High Efficiency Solar PV modules.

4.Offshore Wind Energy

• India is blessed with a coastline of about 7600 km (Mainland) surrounded by water on three sides and has good potential for offshore wind energy generation. Initial assessment of offshore wind energy potential within the identified zones has been estimated to be about 70 GW off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• The “Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023”to regulate the allocation of offshore wind sea blocks to developers have been notified on 19.12.2023.

5.Solar Parks

• The Scheme for “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” was rolled out in December 2014, with aggregate capacity 20,000 MW. Further, the capacity of the Solar Park Scheme was enhanced from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW in March 2017 by 2025-26.
• As on 30-11-2023, Ministry has approved 50 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of around 37,490 MW in 12 States across the country.  

6.PM KUSUM

• The Government approved the expansion of PM KUSUM Schemewith revised targets of 49 lakhs pumps to be installed / solarized  

7.Rooftop Solar:

   About 741 MW capacity has been installed under the grid connected rooftop solar programme during January to November 2023. An additional approximately 2.77 GW capacity has been installed in all sectors with or without Central Financial Assistance during this period.

8.Bioenergy

• Initiative was undertaken for spreading the message of not burning biomass and using it for Bioenergy conversion, in 20 districts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh through BioCNG driven Vans.
• 105 MWeq capacity of Bioenergy Projects (Biomass and Waste to Energy projects) was installed during the year.
• Briquette/Pellet projects with capacity more than 180 TPH (Tonnes per Hour) has been installed.

9.Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)

• Government of India has notified the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets for designated consumers up to March 2030 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• The minimum share of renewable energy is set to progressively increase over the years. In 2024-25, 29.91 per cent of the total energy must come from renewable energy sources. This will gradually rise to 43.33 per cent in 2029-30.
• Separate RPO for 'distributed renewable energy (DRE)' has been introduced.
• The new trajectory represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape and will help entities in long-term planning.

10.Rising Stature of IREDA

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to IREDA

11.International Renewable Energy Agency Presidency

• India assumed the Presidency of the 13th Assembly of The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first international organisation to focus exclusively on Renewable Energy, in the meeting held on 14-15 January, 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

12.G20 Energy Transitions Working Group and Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting

• Under India’s G20 Presidency, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy participated in the discussions and negotiations under the Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG), one of thirteen Working Groups under the Sherpa track, which discusses energy security, accessibility and affordability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, innovation, technology, and funding.

13.6th Assembly of International Solar Alliance

• The International Solar Alliance is an international intergovernmental organ It was proposed and launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Change Conference along with the President of France, Francois Hollande. ISA is founded on 30 November 2015 in Paris, France 

Way forward :

Policy Alignment: Ensure alignment of national policies and regulations with renewable energy targets to provide a supportive framework for investment and development.

Investment Incentives: Offer financial incentives, tax breaks, and subsidies to attract private investment in renewable energy projects, encouraging the growth of the sector.

Research and Development: Invest in research and development to drive innovation in renewable energy technologies, making them more efficient, affordable, and accessible.

Grid Modernization: Upgrade grid infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources, implement smart grid technologies, and enhance energy storage capabilities for better grid stability and reliability.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2018624 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1992732 https://www.worldenergy.org/

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

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On 21 December 2023, the Parliament passed Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita,2023. It is set to come into effect in India starting July 1, 2024, aiming to modernize the country's legal framework and address contemporary challenges. It represents a significant overhaul of the existing legal structure, replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The Indian Penal Code, often abbreviated as IPC, is the main criminal code of India. It was established in 1860 during the British colonial period and has since undergone amendments. The IPC defines various offenses, their punishments, and the procedures for legal proceedings related to criminal matters in India

Key Changes:

• Promise to Marry : Clause 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes the act of making a "deceitful" promise to marry. It Targets false promises of marriage, employment, promotion, inducement, or marriage after suppressing identity
• Terrorism:  The BNS defines terrorism as an act that intends to:
  • threaten the unity, integrity, and security of the country,
  • intimidate the general public
  • disturb public order.

• Sedition: The BNS removes the offence of sedition.  It instead penalises the following:
  • (i) exciting or attempting to excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities,
  • (ii) encouraging feelings of separatist activities, or
  • (iii) endangering the sovereignty or unity and integrity of India.  

These offences may involve exchange of words or signs, electronic communication, or use of financial means

• Mob lynching:  The BNS adds murder or grievous hurt by five or more people on specified grounds, as an offence.  These grounds include race, caste, sex, language, or personal belief.  The punishment for such murder is a minimum of seven years imprisonment to life imprisonment or death.

• Sexual offences against women: The IPC criminalizes acts such as rape, voyeurism, stalking and insulting the modesty of a woman.  The BNS retains these provisions.  It increases the threshold for the victim to be classified as a major, in the case of gang rape, from 16 to 18 years of age.

Provisions Repealed:

• Omission of Adultery Offence: The BNS has omitted the offence of adultery, which was previously declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2018.

• Repeal of Unnatural Sexual Offences: The BNS has repealed Section 377, which previously criminalized homosexuality and other activities deemed "unnatural" under Indian law. The Supreme Court in 2018 declared Article 377 unconstitutional only in the context  of criminalizing consensual homosexual relationships.

• Removal of Thugs Provision:Section 310 of the IPC, which labeled individuals habitually associated with robbery or child-stealing as thugs, has been fully omitted in the BNS. This move addresses criticisms of colonial-era notions of criminality associated with certain tribes.

Concerns related to Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita,2023:

• Terrorism may be defined too broadly: By including the intention to disturb public order as a terrorist act, a wide range of offences may be classified as acts of terrorism.  These may range from armed insurrection and war against the state to rioting and mob-violence.

• Lack of clarity in the definition of petty organized crime : the definition lacks clarity regarding what constitutes a "general feeling of insecurity," and key terms such as "gang," "anchor points," and "mobile organized crime groups" remain undefined. The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2023) has recommended revising this provision for clarity.

• Insufficient Legislative Review: The Bill is approved by Parliament during its current session, despite the suspension of more than one-fourth of MPs

• Overlap between the BNS and special laws : The BNS also adds certain new offences such as organised crime and terrorism which are already covered under special laws.  Such overlap in laws may cause additional compliance burden and costs.

Way Forward: To ensure the successful implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, several key steps should be taken:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive campaigns to educate the public, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies about the provisions of the new code.

• Training and Capacity Building: Provide training programs for judges, lawyers, police officers, and other stakeholders to familiarize them with the changes introduced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

• Infrastructure Development: Invest in the development of legal infrastructure, including courts, legal aid centers, and technology systems, to support the implementation of the new code. This will ensure efficient adjudication of cases and access to justice for all.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster active engagement with civil society organizations, legal experts, and the public to solicit feedback and input on the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This will promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the implementation process.

• International Cooperation: Explore opportunities for international cooperation and exchange of best practices in legal reform to enhance the effectiveness of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Learning from experiences in other jurisdictions can help inform the implementation process and overcome potential challenges.

India’s Capabilities in Critical Minerals

In news

The 'Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities' concluded on  April 30th in New Delhi on a note of strategic collaboration and policy insights, marking significant strides towards India's critical minerals objectives

Critical Minerals: Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for economic development and national security. The lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies

Critical Minerals in India:

• The Expert committee Constituted by GOI recommended 30 minerals are critical for the country, out of which 24 minerals are included in the list of critical and strategic minerals

Significance of critical minerals for India:

1.Economic Growth and Industrialization:

• Critical minerals are essential for driving India's economic growth and industrialization efforts.
• Minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing batteries, magnets, and semiconductor devices.
• Securing a stable supply chain of critical minerals will enhance India's manufacturing capabilities, attract foreign investments, and foster innovation in key industries.

2.Energy Security and Transition:

• Critical minerals play a vital role in ensuring India's energy security and achieving its renewable energy targets.
• Minerals such as silicon, gallium, and indium are indispensable for manufacturing solar panels, while lithium-ion batteries are essential for energy storage systems.
• Investing in domestic mineral exploration will reduce India's reliance on imports and strengthen its energy resilience.

3.National Security and Defense:

• Critical minerals are strategically important for India's national security and defense preparedness.
• Minerals like tungsten, titanium, and rare earth elements are essential for producing advanced weaponry, aircraft, and communication systems.
• Developing a robust indigenous supply chain of critical minerals will enhance India's defense capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities to external disruptions.

4.Environmental Sustainability:

• Critical minerals contribute to India's environmental sustainability goals by enabling the adoption of cleaner technologies.
• Minerals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium help control vehicle emissions in catalytic converters, mitigating air pollution.
• Rare earth elements facilitate the development of efficient electric vehicles, wind turbines, and LED lighting systems, promoting a greener future.

5.Technological Innovation and Digitalization:

• Critical minerals drive technological innovation and digitalization across various sectors.
• Minerals like graphite, cobalt, and nickel are crucial for manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electronic devices.

By investing in research and development in critical mineral exploration, India can harness its technological prowess and emerge as a global leader in emerging technologies.

Challenges:

1)Geological and Exploration Challenges:

• Limited geological data: India faces challenges due to limited geological data and exploration activities for identifying potential deposits of critical minerals.
• Complex geological terrain: The geological complexity of India's terrain poses challenges in exploration and extraction of critical minerals, requiring sophisticated exploration techniques.
• Lack of infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure in remote and mineral-rich regions hinders exploration and extraction efforts, increasing operational costs and logistical challenges.

2)Supply Chain and Market Challenges:

• Dependency on imports: India relies heavily on imports for critical minerals, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities and exposure to geopolitical risks.
• Price volatility: Fluctuations in global prices of critical minerals impact India's manufacturing sector and economic stability, highlighting the need for price stabilization mechanisms.
• Dominance of foreign markets: The dominance of a few countries in critical mineral production and processing limits India's bargaining power and control over supply chains.

3)Environmental and Regulatory Challenges:

• Environmental concerns: Extraction and processing of critical minerals raise environmental challenges such as land degradation, water pollution, and habitat destruction, necessitating stringent environmental regulations.
• Regulatory complexities: Complex regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic procedures delay approvals for mining projects, leading to project delays and cost overruns.

4)Technological and Innovation Challenges:

• Technological gaps: India faces challenges in adopting advanced technologies for exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals, limiting efficiency and productivity.
• Innovation deficit: The lack of investment in research and development hampers innovation in critical mineral technologies, hindering competitiveness and value addition.

5)Policy and Institutional Challenges:

• Policy inconsistency: Inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks related to mineral exploration, mining, and export impede investment and long-term planning in the critical minerals sector.
• Institutional capacity: Limited institutional capacity and expertise in geological surveying, mineral exploration, and mining regulation constrain India's ability to exploit its mineral resources effectively.

Major initiatives/reforms undertaken by the GOI during the year 2023  :-

• Launch of  first ever auction process for Critical and Strategic Minerals for India

• Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulations) Amendment Act, 2023

• The Offshore Area Minerals (Development And Regulations) Amendment Act, 2023

• Streamlining of  rules /provisions of  District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for more effective implementation of Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

• Stepped up exploration activities by Geological Survey of India (GSI) for strategic and critical minerals and also fertilizer minerals

• Further strengthening  of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in mining sector

• Successful participation and setting up of Mines Pavilion for the first time  at India International Trade Fair( IITF- 2023)

Way forward:

As India embarks on this transformative journey, collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society will be crucial. By aligning interests, leveraging expertise, and fostering inclusive growth, India can position itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector, contributing to the advancement of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2019185 https://mines.gov.in/admin/storage/app/uploads/649d4212cceb01688027666.pdf https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1991445