11 Nov 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Enhancing Steel Intensity towards Green Steel
2. Comprehensive Policy Framework for Promotion of Energy Storage
3. Solar Iron Cart
4. National Achievement Survey
5. The Statue of Maharani Laxmi Bai
6. Prime Minister pays tribute to notable Freedom Fighters

1. Enhancing Steel Intensity towards Green Steel

Context: The Government of India decided to promote the manufacturing of low carbon steel by enhancing steel intensity in the rural sector. This was announced at the Global Steel Summit 2021 which was organised by CII and the Ministry of Steel.

Significance: 

• The manufacturing of low carbon steel is a component of India’s long action plan and policies that are in accordance with the vision of the National Steel Policy 2017.
• As the world looks forward to a low carbon sustainable future, this initiative will ensure to protect such interests and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Ministry of Steel has been working tirelessly with the stakeholders to increase the demand for steel along with production and capacity expansion. The National Infrastructure Pipeline will enable increased demand for steel within the given timeline.
• Coal gasification and the National Hydrogen Mission will aim at reducing the dependence on coke and bringing down CO2 emissions.
• Experts believe that the important measures, if employed properly to provide impetus to these initiatives like green steel, will make it possible to meet the 1.5℃ goal of the Paris Agreement.

Key Objectives of the move:

• To achieve the roadmap of carbon neutrality by 2050
• To develop multi-track approach
• Establish carbon recycling blast furnace and CCU (Carbon capture and utilisation) and direct hydrogen ironmaking
• To promote industry-leading electric arc furnace technology
• Better R&D facilities by introducing new technologies.

2. Comprehensive Policy Framework for Promotion of Energy Storage

Context: In a meeting chaired by the Power Minister the report on the Comprehensive Policy Framework for Promotion of Energy Storage in the power sector was discussed. 

Key Points of the Discussion:

• The necessity to store energy by putting all possible efforts was emphasized.
• The directive was given to prepare separate guidelines on the treatment of energy storage and resource adequacy and the undisturbed availability of renewable energy must be ensured.
• Identification of Pump Hydro sites is required with the engagement of all Hydro CPSU and private industries. The pumped hydro sites are a type of an efficient energy storage grid. They help in bringing more renewable resources to the grid resulting in grid resilience and reliability.

3. Solar Iron Cart

Context: A teenage girl was recognised for her innovative idea of the Solar Iron Cart at the Earth Day Network Rising Star 2021 organised by the global NGO Earth Day Network that works towards environmental issues. This idea is an exemplary move towards clean energy which is presently the central theme of every discussion.

Benefits of Solar Iron Cart:

• Eliminates the use of coal for steam iron boxes and uses solar energy.
• The end users can move door to door and increase their daily earning.
• This cart can be fitted with USB charging points, pre-charged batteries, electricity and benefit the workers.

Therefore, the solar carts can be replicated and scaled up as a welcoming move towards clean energy.

4. National Achievement Survey

Context: In order to assess the competitiveness of children, the Government of India has introduced a sample-based programme called the National Achievement Survey (NAS).

    About the Survey:

• The survey aims at monitoring disturbances in learning during the pandemic and comes up with measures to tackle the challenges. 
• A National Steering Committee has been constituted for the conduct of NAS to ensure better coordination of departments at different levels.
• The survey will cover all the government schools (Central and State), government-aided schools and private schools across the country and the test would be conducted in 22 mediums of instruction.
• The report cards for both elementary and secondary levels will be displayed in the public domain.

5. The Statue of Maharani Laxmi Bai

Context: The statue of Rani Laxmibai was unveiled in a college at Hisar by the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas. The statue symbolizes women empowerment and gender equality.

 Read More About the Illustrious personality of Rani Laxmibai: Rani Laxmibai

6. Prime Minister pays tribute to notable Freedom Fighters

• The Prime Minister remembers Acharya Kriplani and his significant contribution towards the freedom struggle.

Also Read: Acharya Kripalani

• The Prime Minister called Maulana Abul Kalam Azad a path-breaking thinker and an intellectual as he paid tribute to this inspiring character on his Birth Anniversary.

Also Read: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad  
Read previous PIB here.

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