05 Apr 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

05 Apr 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. 100 5G Labs across academic institutions in India
2. Hydroelectric Power Projects
3. Prelims Facts

1. 100 5G Labs across academic institutions in India

Syllabus: GS-3, Science and Technology

Prelims: 5G Labs initiative 

Context:

One of the “Experimental Licence Module for 100 5G Labs” launched at IIT Madras.

Details:

• This initiative aims to simplify the experimental licence requirements for these institutions, facilitating smoother operations and fostering innovation in the 5G domain.
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has awarded ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ to educational institutions nationwide. 
• The primary objective behind this initiative is to cultivate competencies and engagement in 5G technologies among students and start-up communities.
• These labs will use 5G frequency bands to conduct experiments and test use cases. Hence, they need to obtain an Experimental (Non-Radiating) license category from the DoT to ensure interference-free operations to licensed TSPs.
• This license is currently being issued in a “Self-declaration Mode” from the Saralsanchar portal of DoT through the National Single Window System (NSWS).

Application Process Simplification:

• As per the current process, the applicant has to fill in necessary details regarding the experiment to be carried out, the schematic of the setup, details of the equipment, frequency band of operation, etc. to obtain the experimental license.
• The DoT has now introduced a simplified mechanism for issuance of this license through a specific Approval Type, ‘Experimental License for 100 5G Labs’ on the NSWS Portal. 
• The new mechanism offers efficiency and instantaneous licensing, along with promoting a simpler application process and supporting innovation.

2. Hydroelectric Power Projects

Syllabus: GS-3, Energy, Infrastructure

Prelims: Hydroelectric power projects in India

Mains: Hydropower in India

Context:

Hydroelectric power projects with an aggregate capacity of 15 GW are under construction in the country. 

Details:

• The hydro capacity is likely to increase from 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-32, marking an increase of more than half of the present capacity.
• However, compared to 2022-23, the hydropower generation in 2023-24 has fallen.
• This is not just because of the southern regions (which contribute about 22% to the total hydropower generated) having experienced less rainfall, but also because of the natural disasters that hit the Himalayan region. 
• The northern and eastern regions contribute over 60% of the total hydropower generated.
  • In July 2023, Himachal Pradesh experienced flash floods, disrupting the operation of many power stations in the area. 
  • Flash floods in the Eastern region in October 2023 have further hindered the operation of several hydropower stations, thus affecting the generation severely.
• The development of hydropower projects has been marred by various issues such as natural calamities, geological surprises and contractual disputes, which have resulted in slower hydro capacity addition in recent years.
• The government has adopted a proactive stance towards hydropower development considering India’s ambitious targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the COP Paris Agreement.
• India is aiming to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve 50% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources by 2030.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

• As on 30.11.2021, the installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity of the country stood at 150.54 GW (solar: 48.55 GW, wind: 40.03 GW, Small hydro: 4.83 GW, Bio-power: 10.62 GW, Large Hydro: 46.51 GW) while its nuclear energy based installed capacity stood at 6.78 GW. 
• This brings the total non-fossil-based installed energy capacity to 157.32 GW, which is 40.1% of the total installed electricity capacity of 392.01 GW at the time. 
• Thus, India has overachieved its commitment made at the COP 21 Paris Summit almost nine years ahead.
• India also upgraded its commitments under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Glasgow COP26 and in August 2022.
• Now, India aims to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from the 2005 level.
• It also aims to achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of the transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

3. Prelims Facts

15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024

• CIDC Vishwakarma Awards have become an epitome for recognizing organizations and individuals for their initiatives across various fields, including Corporate Social responsibility, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainable development of the nation.
• The awards were instituted by the Construction Industry Development Council.
  • Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) was set up in 1996 by the Planning Commission along with the construction industry to take up activities for the development of the Indian construction industry.
  • The Council provides the impetus and the organisational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry.
  • Functions:
    • Advise the Government on policy formulation related to the construction industry.
    • Standardization of construction contracts and procedures.
    • Training manpower at the skilled worker level and construction management level.
    • Grading of construction entities
    • Devise mechanisms for workers’ welfare.
    • Create an environment that ensures equality of opportunity for all Indian contractors.
    • Help evolve policies for financing.
    • Help the industry move from the current state of rule-bound, lowest-price-based contracting to a more quality-conscious, time-bound & technology-driven one.
    • Dispute Resolution in Construction Contracts.
    • Establishing construction equipment bank.
    • Interaction and networking with international organisations to promote emerging technologies and best practices.

Read previous PIB articles here.