16 Feb 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. MnBi2S4
2. Karnisar-Bhatiyan, Bikaner Solar Power Plant
3. India signs MoU with Colombia
4. Central Consumer Protection Authority

1. MnBi2S4

Syllabus: GS-3, Science and technology

Prelims: MnBi2S4

Context:

Scientists uncover unique properties in a multiferroic material potential for energy-efficient data storage.

Details:

• Researchers have identified a unique mechanism of electric polarization via magnetic ordering in a novel mineral named “MnBi2S4”, which can be useful for energy-efficient data storage.
• MnBi2S4 is also known as mineral graţianite and belongs to the ternary manganese chalcogenide family.
• Magnetoelectric multiferroics are a special class of materials displaying both magnetism and ferroelectricity simultaneously. This dual property is unique as materials typically possess either magnetism or ferroelectricity.
• These substances find usage in advanced technology applications like spintronics, electronic memory devices, and other electronic components like actuators and switches.
• In this study conducted at the Chemistry & Physics of Materials Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), MnBi2S4 undergoes magnetic ordering at low temperatures.
• The findings show a strong coupling between magnetism and electric polarization. 
• The findings of this study could find applicability in the domain of energy-efficient data storage.

2. Karnisar-Bhatiyan, Bikaner Solar Power Plant

Syllabus: GS-3, Energy

Prelims: Karnisar-Bhatiyan, Bikaner Solar Power Plant

Mains: Solar power generation in India

Context:

PM lays the foundation stone for Karnisar-Bhatiyan, Bikaner Solar Power Plant.

Karnisar-Bhatiyan, Bikaner Solar Power Plant:

• The project is being set up by NHPC Limited under the Government of India’s CPSU Scheme, Phase-II, Tranche-III with a total investment of over Rs. 1,732 crores.  
• The project includes high-efficiency bifacial modules manufactured in India and aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The electricity generated will be transmitted through Bikaner-II Inter-State Transmission System Substation. 
• The project aims to produce around 750 million units of green power annually, considering a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 28.50%. 
• This will offset carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 18,000 million Metric tons over its lifetime.
• NHPC Limited is India’s leading hydropower company.

3. India signs MoU with Colombia

Syllabus: GS-2, IR

Prelims: Open-source DPIs, India Stack

Context:

India signed an MoU with Colombia on sharing India’s open-sourced DPIs.

Details:

• India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation. 
• It was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Information Technologies and Communications of Colombia.
• The MoU intends to promote digital transformation (viz INDIA STACK) through capacity-building programs, the exchange of best practices, the exchange of public officials and experts, the development of pilot or demo solutions and the facilitation of private sector contacts to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries.

4. Central Consumer Protection Authority

Syllabus: GS-2, Polity & Governance

Prelims/Mains: Central Consumer Protection Authority, Consumer protection laws and authorities in India

Context:

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeks public comments on the Draft Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in the Coaching Sector.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established w.e.f. 24th July 2020 under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Its objective is to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class. 
• It will be empowered to conduct investigations into violations of consumer rights and institute complaints/prosecution, order recalls of unsafe goods and services, order discontinuation of unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements, and impose penalties on manufacturers/endorsers/publishers of misleading advertisements.
• It also acts to prevent unfair trade practices and ensure that no person engages in unfair trade practices.

Read previous PIB articles here.