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  • 26 Jun 2024
  • 55 min read
Infographics

Schedules in the Indian Constitution

Read More: Fifth Schedule, Sixth Schedule, Eighth Schedule, Ninth Schedule, Tenth Schedule

Science & Technology

Hooch Tragedy

For Prelims: Hooch, Methanol, Ethanol, Alcohols, Fermentation Process, Enzymes.

For Mains: Effect of Spurious Liquor on the Human body, Pros and Cons of Liquor Ban, Government Policies & Interventions.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, around 34 people have died, and around 100 others have been hospitalised after consuming hooch or spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district.

What is Hooch?

  • About:
    • Hooch is a commonly used term for poor-quality alcohol, derived from Hoochinoo, a native Alaskan tribe that was known to produce very strong liquor.
    • It is often produced in unregulated and unsanitary conditions, leading to potential health risks.
    • The lack of quality control in hooch production makes it difficult for consumers to know the exact alcohol content and any potential contaminants present.
  • Production Process:
    • Fermentation:
      • The production process is similar to making beer or wine. It starts with a sugary substance like fruits, grains, or sugarcane. Yeast is added, which ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
    • Distillation (Optional):
      • Hooch often has higher potency (strength), unlike beer or wine, which have lower alcohol content. Distillation increases the alcohol content by heating the fermented mixture.
      • Alcohol evaporates first due to its lower boiling point, and the vapor is captured and condensed back into a liquid, resulting in a stronger alcohol concentration.

What is Alcohol Content in Liquor?

  • Alcohol in Liquor:
    • Ethanol is the type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages and is the psychoactive ingredient responsible for the effects of intoxication.
      • Ethanol (C2H5OH) is a compound consisting of two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one hydroxyl group (OH-).
    • Liquor is differentiated by its alcohol content. It ranges from 5% in beer to 40% in distilled spirits such as vodka and whiskey.
    • Inside the body, ethanol is metabolised in the liver and the stomach by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes to acetaldehyde.
      • Then, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes transform the acetaldehyde into acetate.
  • Spurious Liquor:
    • It is a fake or counterfeit alcohol that is often made at home.
    • In this methanol is added to make the alcohol stronger in terms of its intoxicating effects or to increase the quantity of the liquor being produced. It is a harmful substance that can be dangerous if consumed in high amounts.
    • Hooch production carries inherent risk due to the presence of toxic methanol in the distilled fermented mixture, alongside consumable ethanol.
  • Regulation:
    • The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 prescribe the maximum permissible quantity of methanol in different liquors.
    • These values span a wide range, including “absent” in coconut fenny, 50 grams per 100 litres of country liquor, and 300 grams per 100 litres of pot-distilled spirits.

What is Key Facts About Methanol and its Consumption?

  • Methanol:
    • Methanol, chemically represented as CH3OH, is a simple alcohol molecule consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group (OH).
    • Regulations:
      • Methanol is classified under Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989 in India.
      • Indian Standard IS 517 specifies how the quality of methanol should be determined.
    • Industrial Production:
      • Methanol is primarily produced industrially by combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of copper and zinc oxide catalysts, typically at pressures of 50-100 atm and temperatures around 250°C.
        • Historically, methanol was also produced through the destructive distillation of wood, a method known since ancient times, including in ancient Egypt.
    • Industrial Uses:
      • Methanol serves as a crucial precursor in the production of acetic acid, formaldehyde, and various aromatic hydrocarbons. It is widely used as a solvent, antifreeze, and in various industrial processes due to its chemical properties.
  • Effect on Human Body:
    • Metabolic Acidosis:
      • Methanol in the body is broken down into toxic byproducts, primarily formic acid. This acid disrupts the body's delicate pH balance in the blood, leading to a condition called metabolic acidosis (production of excessive acid that cannot be flushed out by kidneys).
      • This makes the blood more acidic, hindering its ability to function properly.
    • Cellular Oxygen Deprivation:
      • Formic acid also interferes with an enzyme called cytochrome oxidase, which is crucial for cellular respiration. This disrupts the cells' ability to use oxygen, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and further contributing to acidosis.
    • Vision Impairment:
      • Methanol can damage the optic nerve and retina, causing methanol-induced optic neuropathy. This condition can lead to permanent vision problems, including blindness.
    • Brain Damage:
      • It can cause cerebral edema (fluid buildup in the brain) and hemorrhage (bleeding). These can lead to coma and death.
  • Treatment:
    • Pharmaceutical-Grade Ethanol: Medical ethanol competes with methanol for the same enzymes (ADH) in the liver. Since the body processes ethanol much faster (around 10x faster), it prevents the methanol from being converted into toxic formic acid.
    • Fomepizole: It binds to the ADH enzymes, slowing down the metabolism of methanol to formic acid. This allows the body to eliminate methanol before it causes serious harm.
    • Dialysis: It may be prescribed to remove methanol and its toxic byproducts (formic acid salts) directly from the bloodstream. This can help protect the kidneys and retina from damage.
    • Folinic Acid: This medication helps the body break down formic acid into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water.

Read more:

Drishti Mains Question:

Evaluate the health consequences of methanol poisoning caused by illegal alcohol. What measures need to be taken to address it?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? (2021)

(a) Low-density polyethylene

(b) Polycarbonate

(c) Polyethylene terephthalate

(d) Polyvinyl chloride

Answer: (B)

Q. ‘Triclosan’, considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following? (2021)

(a) Food preservatives

(b) Fruit-ripening substances

(c) Reused plastic containers

(d) Toiletries

Answer: (D)

Social Justice

Role of PESA in Forest Conservation

For Prelims: Provisions of PESA Act, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), Article 244(1)

For Mains: PESA Act Related Issues, Benefits of implementing PESA Act, PESA Act comparison, Tribal Policy in India

Source: TH

Why in News?

A recent study has examined the connection between representation and forest conservation in India's Scheduled Areas.

  • It has been found that providing political representation and decision-making power through acts such as PESA to tribal populations has helped in the conservation of forests.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

  • About:
    • The authors arrived at their conclusion by conducting a data-driven study on the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), which provides political representation to Scheduled Tribes (STs).
    • The study compared villages with mandated ST representation in local self-government to those without it and villages that adopted PESA earlier to those that did later, tracking deforestation and afforestation rates.
    • This allowed them to isolate the impact of PESA on forest cover using a "difference-in-differences" framework.
    • This study used satellite data to analyze forestation changes on a global scale from 2001 to 2017, diverging from the traditional method of fieldwork in small communities.
  • Key Findings:
    • PESA has granted STs greater political representation, allowing them a say in how forests are managed.
      • PESA strengthens STs' ability to resist large-scale commercial activities like mining that can cause deforestation leading to a greater reduction in deforestation in PESA villages near mines.
      • The introduction of PESA also increased the incidence of conflict around mining.
    • The PESA Act led to an average increase in tree canopy by 3% per year and a reduction in the rate of deforestation.
    • PESA increased economic incentives to ST communities, in protecting the forest, for non-timber forest products (medicinal plants, fruits, etc.) and food security.
    • The study found that the Forest Rights Act, 2006 had no additional impacts on conservation beyond those caused by PESA.
    • The study advocated for a single institution that can balance conservation and development objectives.
      • Such an institution would better navigate the complexities of balancing local economic interests with sustainable conservation practices.

What is the PESA Act?

  • About:
    • The PESA Act was enacted on 24th December 1996 to ensure self-governance for people living in tribal areas, called Scheduled Areas, through traditional village assemblies known as Gram Sabhas.
    • The Act extended the provisions of Panchayats by providing self-tribal rule to the tribal areas of Fifth Schedule states.
  • Legislation:
    • The Act defines Scheduled Areas as those mentioned in Article 244(1), which states that the Fifth Schedule applies to Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
    • Scheduled Areas of India, which are areas notified by the President as predominantly inhabited by tribal communities.
    • 10 states have notified Fifth Schedule areas that cover (partially or fully) several districts in each of these states.
      • These include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
  • Significant Provisions:
    • Gram Sabha: The PESA Act establishes the Gram Sabha as a forum for community participation in the development process. It is responsible for identifying development projects, preparing development plans, and implementing these plans.
    • Village-level Institutions: The Act mandates the establishment of village-level institutions, including the Gram Panchayat, the Gram Sabha, and the Panchayat Samiti, to carry out development activities and provide basic services to the community.
    • Powers and Functions: Gram Sabha and the Gram Panchayat are granted significant powers and functions related to managing natural resources and regulating economic activities.
    • Consultation: The Act requires consultation with the Gram Sabha before any development projects or activities are undertaken in the Scheduled Areas.
    • Funds: It provides for the transfer of funds to the Gram Panchayat to enable them to perform their functions effectively.
    • Land Rights: The Act provides for the protection of land rights of tribal communities in the Scheduled Areas, requiring their consent before any land is acquired or transferred.
    • Cultural and Social Practices: The Act safeguards the cultural and social practices of tribal communities in the Scheduled Areas, prohibiting any interference in these practices.

What are the Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes in India?

Drishti Mains Question:

What is the PESA Act? How has this impacted the state of tribal people in India?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q1. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Ans: (d)

Q2. Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States? (2008)

(a) Third
(b) Fifth
(c) Seventh
(d) Ninth

Ans: (b)

Q3. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (2019)

(a) Third Schedule
(b) Fifth Schedule
(c) Ninth Schedule
(d) Twelfth Schedule

Ans: (b)

Q4. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective? (2013)

(a) To provide self-governance
(b) To recognize traditional rights
(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
(d) To free tribal people from exploitation

Ans: C

Q5. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (2013)

(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
(d) Gram Sabha

Ans: (d)

Q6. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (2015)

(a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
(b) determine the boundaries between States
(c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border States

Ans: (a)

Mains:

Q. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to the administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left wing extremism. (2013)

Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)

Governance

Faecal Sludge and Septage Management

For Prelims: Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM)), Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs), Geographic Information System (GIS), Open Defecation-Free (ODF), Swachh Survekshan, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For Mains: Issues and challenges involved in Faecal Sludge and Septage Management and related steps taken.

Source: DTE

Why in News?

India has recently set up more than 1,000 Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) equipped with digital technology. This signifies the emergence of Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) as an innovative method for creating effective and environmentally friendly sanitation solutions.

What are Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs)?

  • About: FSTPs are specialised facilities in FSSM designed to process and treat faecal sludge and septage collected from on-site sanitation systems like septic tanks.
    • FSSM places a primary focus on the management of human excreta, recognising it as the waste stream with the most significant potential for disease transmission.
  • Objective: FSTPs are created to manage and treat human waste that is not connected to centralised sewage systems, especially in areas needing more comprehensive sewerage infrastructure.
    • These plants treat the collected faecal sludge to reduce pathogens and organic matter, making it safe for disposal or reuse.
  • Digital Integration: There's a growing trend of incorporating digital monitoring and management systems in FSTPs to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
    • Geographic Information System (GIS):
      • Use of GIS technology for mapping sanitation infrastructure and planning.
    • Mobile Applications:
      • Implementation of mobile applications like SaniTab, mWater, Google Forms, and Kobo Toolbox for streamlining field surveys and data collection
      • Utilisation of GPS tracking for desludging services, as seen in Odisha and Maharashtra.
    • Sustainable Urban Services:

What are the Various Types of Sanitation Systems in India?

  • On-site Sanitation Systems (OSS):
    • Twin Pits and Septic Tanks: prevalent in rural areas where centralized sewage is impractical.
  • Alternative On-site Solutions:
    • Include bio-digester toilets, bio-tanks, and urine diversion dry toilets.
    • Act as collection and passive treatment units.
    • Sulabh International pioneered bio-toilets for sustainable, affordable sanitation.
  • Urban Sanitation:
    • Sewer Systems and Treatment Plants Underground Sewer Networks: Suited for densely populated urban areas, interconnected pipes collect and transport wastewater
  • Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
    • They employ physical, biological, and chemical processes, utilising both mechanised and non-mechanised systems.

What is the Need for Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM)?

  • Eradicating Manual Scavenging:
    • The practice of manual scavenging is driven by caste, class and income divides. It is linked to India’s caste system where so-called lower castes are expected to perform this job.
    • In 1989, the Prevention of Atrocities Act became an integrated guard for sanitation workers with more than 90% people employed as manual scavengers belonged to the Scheduled Caste.
  • Health Outcomes:
  • Environmental Preservation:
    • Improper sewage management, including the discharge of untreated wastewater into the River Ganga, continues to be a significant source of environmental pollution. Implementing effective sanitation systems is crucial to addressing this problem.
  • Socio-Economic Progress:
    • Improved sanitation is strongly correlated with increased economic productivity, as healthier communities are better equipped to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.
  • Dignity and Social Equity:
    • Access to proper sanitation facilities is fundamental to human dignity, particularly for women, as it provides safe and private spaces for personal hygiene, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.

What are the Initiatives Related to Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) in India?

  • National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance:
    • Organisations like the NFSSM Alliance typically aim to promote sustainable sanitation practices, particularly in the area of faecal sludge and septage management.
    • The National Policy on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management, 2017 further detailed the design of septic tanks, operating procedures fir desludging and the penalty for untreated discharge.
  • Constitutional Backing:
    • According to the Constitution of India, sanitation and water are State subjects (Seventh Schedule, List II – State List, Entries 6 and 17 respectively).
    • With the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992, the responsibility for the planning and delivery of urban services, including sanitation, lies with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) which are the local municipalities
  • Legal Framework:
  • Open Defecation-Free (ODF)+ and ODF++ Protocols:
  • Related Sustainable Development Goals:
    • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
    • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation- Improve the functioning of onsite sanitation systems and to reduce the potential for human contact with faecal-borne pathogens;
    • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

What are the Challenges Related to Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM)?

  • Collection and Conveyance Issues:
    • Challenges include the persistence of illegal manual scavenging, limited access to septic tanks, improper tank design and sizing, inadequate infrastructure, lack of scheduled cleaning, and insufficient formal private sector involvement.
  • Digital Barrier:
    • Unreliable or absent internet access in peripheral areas hinders the effective deployment of digital solutions. The increasing digitalisation of FSSM systems raises vulnerabilities to data breaches and cyber-attacks, necessitating robust security measures.
  • Treatment and Disposal Deficiencies:
    • There's a significant shortage of adequate centralised or decentralised facilities and designated sites for sewage and septage treatment and disposal.
  • Accessibility Barriers:
    • Challenges such as household financial constraints, limited space for individual toilets, and cultural or social factors hinder widespread access to proper sanitation facilities.
  • Institutional Fragmentation:
    • The lack of an integrated city-wide approach leads to fragmented institutional roles and responsibilities.

Way Forward

  • Independent Septage Treatment:
    • Independent septage treatment facilities utilize various methods, such as physical, biological, and chemical processes, to safely process and dispose of waste, aligning with sustainable sanitation practices and supporting the goals of cleaner, healthier communities.
  • Land disposal of Untreated Septage:
    • Deep trench burial of faecal sludge is a viable disposal option if:
      • A suitable location is chosen
      • Contamination of surface soil is prevented
  • Data Security and Privacy:
    • Develop robust mechanisms to ensure the privacy and security of collected data.
    • Example like Implement encryption and access control measures similar to those used in sensitive government databases.
  • Enhance Public Awareness:
    • Awareness campaigns or IEC (Information education and communication) can be conducted to spread the information about the need to maintain hygiene and regular maintenance of septic tanks.
    • Further, it can lead to social empowerment in case of discriminated sections and elimination of night soil collection and transport.
  • Standardisation and Integration:
    • Develop standardised protocols for data collection and sharing across different FSSM digital platforms.
    • Create a national-level data integration platform similar to the DIGIT platform used in Odisha's SUJOG program.

Drishti Mains Questions:

Q. What are the key challenges facing Faecal Sludge and Septage Management implementation in India and how has digital technology improved FSSM practices in Indian cities?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? (2016)

  1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
  2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
  3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q. Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs? (2015)

Indian Economy

Power Markets in India

For Prelims: Indian Energy Exchange Procurement, Electricity Act 2003, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

For Mains: Regulation of Discoms & Significance of Power Sector of India

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the government has allowed the trading of surplus electricity generated from “linkage coal” in the country's power markets amid increasing demand during the summer.

  • Coal linkages are government-allocated resources to thermal units based on long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with distribution companies to ensure reliable and consistent coal supply for electricity generation.

What are Power Markets of India?

  • About:
    • Power markets in India represent a system where electricity is traded through various mechanisms and platforms like power exchanges, allowing for flexible and efficient allocation of electrical power.
  • Power Exchange:
    • Power exchanges are a key infrastructure within power markets that enable the buying and selling of electricity through transparent and competitive processes, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of the electricity supply system.
    • Structure and Evolution:
      • Power exchanges were first introduced in Europe in 1990-91 and now operate in about 50 countries worldwide.
      • In India, the Electricity Act of 2003 established the framework for exchange operations, and exchanges commenced in 2008.
        • The spot market was introduced in 2020 to enhance flexibility and responsiveness.
    • Trading Mechanism:
      • Bidding Process: Buyers make bids for purchasing electricity, and sellers make offers to sell.
      • Market Clearing Price: The equilibrium of demand bids and supply offers determines the market clearing price at which electricity is traded.
    • Categories of Power Markets:
      • Spot Market:
        • Real-time market (RTM) for near-immediate delivery.
        • The intraday market for same-day trades hours before delivery.
      • Contract Markets:
        • Day-ahead market (DAM) for closed auctions in 15-minute time blocks for the following day.
        • Term-ahead market (TAM) for trades from 3 hours to 11 days in advance.
  • Benefits of Power Markets:
    • Flexibility: Generators can respond to short-term demand fluctuations and sell surplus power independently of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).
    • Transparency and Reliability: Price-based demand response involves multiple parties, resulting in greater transparency and reliability compared to bilateral contracts.
    • Resource Optimisation: Market-driven approaches enable generators to optimise their output and revenue, while utilities can meet variable power demands more efficiently.
  • Major Power Exchanges in India:
    • Indian Energy Exchange Ltd (IEX): Dominates with over 90% market share.
      • Traded about 110 billion units (BU) of electricity in FY 2023-24, growing 14% year-on-year.
    • Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL): It is India’s first institutionally promoted power exchange which has been providing innovative and credible solutions since 2008.
    • Hindustan Power Exchange Ltd (HPX): It provides a comprehensive market platform for different electricity products.
  • Regulation: All exchanges are regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
    • CERC intends to promote competition, efficiency and economy in bulk power markets, improve the quality of supply, promote investments and advise the government on the removal of institutional barriers to bridge the demand-supply gap.
    • It is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under the Electricity Act 2003.
    • Electricity Act 2003: The Electricity Act, 2003 provides for Electricity Regulatory Commissions at both the central and state levels (CERC and SERCs).

Instruments Related to Power Market

  • Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Mechanism:
    • It allows utilities to meet renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) by buying RECs, each representing 1 MWh of renewable electricity.
      • RPO was instituted in 2011, it is a mandate that requires large power procurers to buy a predetermined fraction of their electricity from renewable sources.
    • States with insufficient renewable capacity can purchase RECs to meet green energy targets.
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs):
    • These are long-term agreements (typically 25 years) between electricity generators and buyers (usually public utilities).
    • It involves committing generators to supply power at fixed rates, locking in significant generating capacity.
    • They are inflexible and unable to adapt to dynamic market conditions.

What are the Challenges Faced by Power Markets in India?

  • Transmission Bottlenecks: Insufficient transmission infrastructure creates congestion in the grid, hindering the efficient flow of electricity from generation sources to consumers.
    • This is particularly problematic for integrating renewable energy sources located far from demand centres.
  • Financial Health of Discoms: Distribution Companies (Discoms) have weak finances due to high losses from inefficiencies, theft, and unpaid bills, limiting their ability to invest in grids and pay generators promptly, impacting the market.
    • For example, transmission and distribution losses(T&D) in India are more than 20% which is more than the world average.
  • Coal Dependence and Price Volatility: India's heavy reliance on coal for power generation exposes the market to price fluctuations in the global coal market. This disrupts power pricing stability and can strain generator margins.
  • Market Design and Infrastructure: Developing robust market designs, including market coupling and capacity markets, requires substantial investment in infrastructure and coordination.
  • Inconsistent Policy and Regulatory Framework: A complex and evolving regulatory environment creates uncertainty for investors in the power sector.
  • Limited Market Products: The current power market primarily focuses on short-term trading than developing a wider range of market products, such as futures and derivatives contracts.

Note

  • Market Coupling: Market coupling is a mechanism used in electricity markets to integrate and coordinate the trading of electricity across different regions or countries.
    • It aims to achieve a single market clearing price for electricity by matching supply and demand bids from all participating power exchanges or market platforms.
  • Capacity Markets: Capacity markets are mechanisms within the electricity sector where generators are paid not only for the electricity they produce and sell but also for their capacity to generate electricity.

What are the Steps Needed to Strengthen Power Markets in India?

  • Promote Market-Based Pricing: The Economic Survey 2022-23 highlights the need for a market-driven approach to power pricing. This could involve reforms like phasing out subsidised electricity for high-income consumers and allowing generators more flexibility in setting prices based on demand and supply.
  • Introduce Market Coupling: Implementing market coupling to unify power prices and develop capacity markets with incentives and support for grid reliability.
  • Address Discoms' Financial Issues: Measures like improving billing and collection systems, reducing power theft, and exploring public-private partnerships can improve their financial health.
  • Encourage Renewable Energy Integration: Promote renewable energy and smart grid technologies to improve grid management, efficiency, and reliability through better forecasting, storage, metering, data analytics, and automation.
  • Harmonize Regulatory Framework: Develop uniform regulations across states to reduce inconsistencies and create a cohesive market environment.
  • Strengthen Transmission Infrastructure: Using drones for line inspection and maintenance in tough terrains and exploring advanced materials for lighter, stronger, and more efficient transmission towers can help in strengthening the transmission infrastructure.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Examine the challenges faced by power markets in India and discuss the steps needed to overcome these challenges.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? (2016)

(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

Ans: (d)

Important Facts For Prelims

Maternity Leave for Surrogates

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Government has notified an amendment to Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 to grant maternity leave and other benefits to government employees in case of children born through surrogacy.

  • This move aims to address the existing gap in the leave policies for government employees who opt for surrogacy.

What are the Provisions of Notified Amended Rules?

  • Maternity Leave for Surrogate and Commissioning Mothers: It allows women government employees who have children through surrogacy to avail 180 days of maternity leave.
    • This includes both the surrogate mother and the commissioning mother (the intended mother) with less than two surviving children.
  • Paternity Leave for Commissioning Fathers: The new rules also grant 15 days of paternity leave to the "commissioning father" (the intended father) who is a male government servant with less than two surviving children.
    • This leave can be availed within 6 months from the date of delivery of the child.
  • Child Care Leave for Commissioning Mothers:
    • Additionally, the commissioning mother with less than two surviving children is eligible for childcare leave, as per the existing provisions in the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules.

What is Surrogacy and Related Regulation?

  • About:
    • It is a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intended couple with the intention to hand it over to them after the birth.
    • It is permitted only for altruistic purposes or for couples who suffer from proven infertility or disease.
    • Surrogacy is prohibited for commercial purposes such as sale, prostitution or any other forms of exploitation.
    • A child born through surrogacy will be deemed to be the biological child of the couple.
    • Abortion of such a fetus is allowed only with the consent of the surrogate mother and the authorities as per provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021.
  • Criteria:
    • To avail of surrogacy, a couple should be married for at least 5 years, with the wife aged between 25-50 and the husband between 26-55.
    • They should not have any living child unless the child has disabilities or a life-threatening illness.
    • The couple must also have certificates of eligibility and essentiality, proving infertility and a court order for parentage and custody of the surrogate child. Additionally, the intended couple must provide insurance coverage for the surrogate mother for 16 months.
  • Criteria for Surrogate Mother:
    • She must be a close relative of the couple, a married woman with her own child, aged 25-35, and have only been a surrogate once.
    • She also needs a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy.
  • Regulation:
    • The National Surrogacy Board and State Surrogacy Boards are responsible for regulating surrogacy clinics and enforcing standards.
    • The Act prohibits practices like commercial surrogacy, embryo selling, and exploitation or abandonment of surrogate mothers or children. Violations can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of Rs. 10 lakh.

Laws Related to Surrogacy:

Read more: Assisted Reproductive Technology, Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question

Q. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for (2020)

(a) fertilisation of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Ans: (d)

Important Facts For Prelims

Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Source: IE

Why in News?

  • The recent increase in the Opposition's strength in the Lok Sabha has reignited their interest in securing the Deputy Speaker's post.
  • This post has remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24), marking a departure from the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-19) where a Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling party’s ally held the office.

What is the Role of Deputy Speaker?

  • Constitutional Provisions:
    • Article 95(1): It provides that the Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the post is vacant.
    • The Deputy Speaker has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House.
      • All references to the “Speaker” in the Rules are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times when he or she presides.
    • Article 93: It provides that Lok Sabha must, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
    • Article 178: It contains the corresponding provision for the Speakers and Deputy Speakers in the State Assemblies.
  • Compulsion of Choosing Deputy Speaker:
    • The Constitution does not specify a time frame for choosing a Deputy Speaker, that allows governments to delay or avoid its appointment.
    • Article 93 and Article 178 use the words “shall” and “as soon as may be” which indicates that not only is the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker mandatory, it must be held at the earliest.
  • Rules for Election:
    • The Speaker/Dy Speaker is elected from among the Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of members present and voting.
    • The election of a Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha is governed by Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
    • The election of the Deputy Speaker usually takes place in the second session but can occur in the first session of the new Lok Sabha or Assembly.
    • The Deputy Speaker continues in office until the dissolution of the House.
  • Resignation/Removal:
    • Under Article 94 (and Article 179 for state Assemblies), the Speaker or Deputy Speaker will vacate office if they cease to be a member of the House of the People.
    • They can also resign or be removed from office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the members (absolute majority).
  • Deputy Speaker from Opposition:
    • As per the Parliamentary Convention, the opposition party has held the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha on several occasions. This includes during the Congress-led UPA-I (2004-09) and UPA-II (2009-14) governments, as well as during the tenure of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999 to 2004), P V Narasimha Rao (1991-96), and Chandra Shekhar (1990-91).

Deputy Speaker Appointed as Speaker

  • After the first Speaker, G V Mavalankar died in 1956 without completing his full term, Deputy Speaker M Ananthasayanam Ayyangar filled in for the remaining tenure of Lok Sabha from 1956 to 1957.
    • Ayyangar was later elected as Speaker of the second Lok Sabha.
  • Similarly, after G M C Balayogi passed away in 2002, Deputy Speaker and Congress MP P M Sayeed became acting Speaker for two months until Manohar Joshi was elected Speaker.

Read more: Deputy Speaker Election

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q1. Consider the following statements: (2017)

  1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
  2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Q2. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha speaker, consider the following statements: (2012)

  1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
  2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.
  3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

Ans: (b)

Rapid Fire

Kerala Seeks Renaming to Keralam

Source: IE

Recently, the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution asking the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam’’ in the Constitution.

  • Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Centre to change the name of existing states which also needs amendment in the name of the state listed under Article 1 of the constitution.
  • Kerala is the English word for the Malyali Keralam and the earliest mention of the word can be found in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II of 257 BCE which mentions “Keralaputra”.
    • Keralaputra in Sanskrit literally means “son of Kerala” which refers to the dynasty of the Cheras, one of the three main kingdoms of southern India (the other two dynasties being Chola and Pandya).
  • The demand for a united Malayalam-speaking state was first raised in the 1920s and after independence, in 1949, the state of Travancore-Cochin was formed by integrating the two Malayalam-speaking princely states of Travancore and Cochin.
  • Based on the recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission, the state of Kerala was finally created on a linguistic basis.

Read more: Statehood Demand

Rapid Fire

350th Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Coronation

Source: PIB

Recently, the exhibition depicting 115 oil paintings of Shivaji Maharaj was organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) to mark the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji .

  • The paintings at the exhibition were created under the guidance of Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the king of the Marathas on 6th June 1674, at Raigad.
    • He was born on 19th February 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune.
    • His father Shahaji Bhonsle was a Maratha general under the Bijapur Sultanate and his mother was Jijabai. He took on the titles of Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.

Read More:Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Rapid Fire

Srinagar Recognised as ‘World Craft City’

Source: IE

Recently, Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Crafts City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC).

  • Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore are the other three Indian cities that have earlier been recognised as World Craft Cities.
  • In 2021, Srinagar city was designated a creative city as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts.
  • Papier-maché, walnut wood carving, carpets, Sozni embroidery and Pashmina and Kani shawls are some of the crafts from Srinagar.
  • WCC-World Craft City Programme:
  • It was launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International) to recognise the pivotal role local authorities, craftspeople, and communities play in crafts development across the world.
  • The WCC-International was founded in 1964 and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, being one of the founding members, attended the 1st WCC General Assembly.
    • Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay founded the Craft Council of India in 1964 to protect and enhance India’s craft heritage.

Read More: Srinagar: UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Rapid Fire

21st Livestock Census

Source: PIB

Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) hosted a workshop for the upcoming 21st Livestock Census scheduled for September to December 2024.

  • This aimed to equip State and Union Territory officers with the necessary tools, including a mobile app and software, for efficient data collection during the census.
  • Officials were trained on data collation strategies and familiarized with various registered breeds of livestock.
  • A livestock census has been conducted across the country every 5 years since 1919.
    • As per the 20th Census conducted in 2019, total Livestock population in India is 535.78 million.
    • The total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) was 302.79 Million.
  • For development of livestocks, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme launched in the 2014-15 consists of 3 sub-missions as Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry, Feed & Fodder Development and Innovation & Extension.

Read more: India’s Livestock Sector, 20th Livestock Census

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