Daily Current Affairs 06 March 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 March 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are:

Coal Gasification

Source: PIB
GS III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development new technology

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Coal Gasification

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Coal has taken a significant step by issuing three draft Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to solicit feedback from interested Government PSUs and Private Investors for the establishment of coal gasification plants in India. 

News in Brief

• This move comes in the wake of the Cabinet’s approval of a financial assistance scheme.
• Allocating ₹ 8500 crores for incentives towards this project, categorized into three categories.

Draft requests for proposals (RFPs)

• Category I: Allocates Rs. 4,050 crores to Government PSUs to support up to 3 projects, offering a lump-sum grant of Rs. 1,350 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure, whichever is lower.
• Category II: Rs. 3,850 crores are earmarked for both the Private Sector and Government PSUs, providing each project with a lump-sum grant of Rs. 1,000 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure. Additionally, at least one project in this category will undergo a tariff-based bidding process.
• Category III: Includes Rs. 600 crores for Demonstration Projects and small-scale Gasification Plants, offering a lump-sum grant of Rs. 100 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure to entities with a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.

About Coal Gasification

• Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into a synthesis gas (syngas) consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
• This process involves breaking down coal into its basic components at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of steam and a controlled amount of oxygen or air.
• The resulting syngas can be used as a fuel or as a chemical feedstock for the production of various products, including hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels.
• It has been used for over a century, with historical applications ranging from industrial heating and lighting to the production of town gas for residential use.
• Modern coal gasification technologies offer improved efficiency and environmental performance compared to traditional coal combustion methods, as they enable the capture and utilization of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
• Syngas produced from coal gasification can be cleaned to remove impurities such as sulfur and particulate matter, resulting in lower emissions of air pollutants and reduced environmental impact.
• Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants, which combine coal gasification with a gas turbine and steam turbine system, offer higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to conventional coal-fired power plants.

China is one of the leading countries in this technology and application. The country has invested significantly in coal gasification to address energy security concerns, reduce air pollution, and utilize its abundant coal resources more efficiently.

Section 49M of Wild Life (Protection) Act

Source: PIB
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How it helps

Why in the News?

Notification of Rules framed under Section 49M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2022)

News in Brief

• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), provides the legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals, the management of their habitat and also for the regulation and control of trade in the products derived from various parts of wild animals.
• The Act was last amended in 2022.
• The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 has come into force since 1st April 2023.

What does Section 49M say?

• Section 49 M of the Act provides for registration of possession, transfer and birth and reporting of death of living scheduled animal species listed in the Appendices of CITES and as such listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Rules for Section 49 M vide Gazette Notification.
• All persons possessing a living specimen of such animal species are required to apply for registrations of such possession within six months from the date of commencement of these rules.
• After that PARIVESH 2.0 portal within thirty days of possessing such animal species to the concerned State Chief Wild Life Warden, through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.

Wild Life (Protection) Act

• The Wildlife Protection Act of India, enacted in 1972, is a significant piece of legislation to protect the country’s rich biodiversity.
• Its primary objective is to protect wild animals, birds, and plants and their habitats.

Key Provisions and Objectives

• Protection of Wildlife: The act prohibits hunting, poaching, and capturing of specified wild animals and birds listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V. It also includes provisions for the protection of their habitats.
• Regulation of Trade: The act regulates the trade in wildlife and their derivatives through licensing and permits. It prohibits trade in rare and endangered species unless specifically authorized.
• Establishment of Protected Areas: The act provides for the declaration of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves for protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats.
• Control of Zoos: The act regulates the establishment and functioning of zoos to ensure the proper care and management of captive animals.
• Penalties and Offenses: The act imposes stringent penalties for offences related to the illegal hunting, poaching, trade, or possession of wildlife and their derivatives.

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