03 Apr 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

03 Apr 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. myCGHS iOS App
2. Mining Sector
3. Report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets

1. myCGHS iOS App

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance

Prelims: myCGHS iOS App

Context:

The Union Health Ministry launched the myCGHS iOS app.

About the myCGHS iOS App:

• The app enhances access to Electronic Health Records, information, and resources for beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
• The app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and NIC Health Team. 
• It is a convenient mobile application offering features to enhance information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.
• The app provides a variety of services such as booking and cancellation of online appointments, downloading CGHS card and index card, accessing lab reports from CGHS labs, checking medicine history, checking medical reimbursement claim status, accessing referral details, locating nearby wellness centres, staying updated with news and highlights, locating nearby empanelled hospitals, labs, and dental units and accessing contact details of wellness centres and offices.
• To ensure the confidentiality and integrity of users’ data, the app incorporates security features like 2-factor authentication and the functionality of mPIN.

2. Mining Sector

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Mains: Growth of the mining sector in India

Context:

Mining Sector Sees Record Production in FY24.

Details:

• The index of mineral production for Feb 2024 was 139.6, which is 8% higher as compared to the level in Feb 2023.
• Some of the non-fuel minerals showing positive growth during Feb 2024 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year are Bauxite, Chromite, Copper Concentrate, Gold, Zinc Concentrate, Manganese Ore, Phosphorite, Diamond, Graphite (R.O.M.), Limestone, Magnesite, etc.
• Iron ore and Limestone together account for about 80% of the total MCDR mineral production by value. 
• Iron ore has grown by 9.6% and limestone by 11.2% during the 11 months from April-Feb FY23 to April-Feb FY24.
• In the non-ferrous metal sector, production of primary Aluminium metal has increased by 2.5% during the same period.

Significance:

• India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, 3rd largest lime producer and 4th largest iron ore producer in the world. 
• Healthy growth in the production of iron ore and limestone reflects the robust demand conditions in the user industries viz. steel and cement. 
• Coupled with the high growth in Aluminium, these growth trends point towards strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.

3. Report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets

Syllabus: GS-3, Environment & Ecology

Mains: Programs and initiatives to achieve net-zero

Context: 

Report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets launched.

Details:

• The report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All” was prepared by IIM Ahmedabad.
• The report was compiled as part of a study project which was sanctioned in November 2021 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India with part-funding (one-third) from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

Objective of the study: 

• To conduct a comprehensive study with rigorous methods for minimizing the cost of power at the consumer end and to work out an optimum mix for all sources of power, aiming for net-zero emission.

Significance of the report: 

The report attempts to answer key questions related to India’s energy trajectory such as:

• How much energy does India need to achieve a high value of the Human Development Index (HDI)
• What are the pathways to achieve this
• What are the energy mix projections for this until 2070 (our declared net-zero target year)
• What would be the cost of electricity to the end user
• What would be the carbon emissions until 2070
• What would be the investments required for energy transitions towards net zero in 2070

Main conclusions of the report:

• Coal is projected to continue until the next two decades as the backbone of the Indian energy system.
• Net-zero is not possible without substantial nuclear power and Renewable Energy (RE) generation by 2070.
• To achieve net-zero energy systems by 2070, the electricity sector will need to decarbonize well before that.
• India’s emissions would range between 0.56 btCO2 and 1.0 btCO2 in 2070. It is expected that the remaining gap in emissions will be offset through sequestration in forestry and tree cover as envisaged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• The coal phase-down will require active policies on critical minerals and carbon dioxide removal technologies.
• Clean, affordable electricity at a low levelized cost of electricity (for consumers) can be achieved in net-zero pathways, especially with a focus on nuclear power and renewable power.
• Financial requirements during 2020-2070 would be to the tune of Rs 150-200 lakh Crore.

Read previous PIB articles here.