India to hold 2nd edition of International Conference on Green Hydrogen from Sept 11-13

• New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the crucial role of Green Hydrogen in driving India and other developed nations towards a clean and green energy transition.

Green Hydrogen

• Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower. This process results in zero carbon emissions, making it a clean alternative to hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (gray hydrogen) or from natural gas (blue hydrogen).

Comparing with grey and blue hydrogen:

• While hydrogen gas does not emit GHGs when burned, the electricity used to produce it may have been generated by fossil fuels. This is commonly known as ‘grey hydrogen’, which currently accounts for 95% of the total production.
• Hydrogen produced using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels, but paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which prevent GHGs from entering the atmosphere, is labelled ‘blue’.

Applications of Green Hydrogen

• Power Generation: Green hydrogen can be used in gas turbines or fuel cells to generate electricity. This can provide backup power during peak demand or when renewable energy sources are unavailable.
• Residential and Commercial Heating: Hydrogen can be used for space heating and water heating in homes and businesses, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
• Decentralized Power Generation: Remote areas with limited access to electricity grids can use green hydrogen to generate power locally using fuel cells or hydrogen combustion.
• Aviation and Shipping: Green hydrogen can be used to produce synthetic aviation and marine fuels, helping to decarbonize these hard-to-abate sectors.
• Hydrogen Injection: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in existing pipelines, reducing the carbon intensity of the gas supply.
• Hydrogen Fuelling Stations: Infrastructure for refuelling hydrogen-powered vehicles is being developed, enabling the expansion of FCVs in regions with a focus on clean transportation.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):Green hydrogen can be used in conjunction with CCS technologies to create "blue" hydrogen, where the carbon emissions from hydrogen production are captured and stored underground.
• Agriculture: Green hydrogen can be utilized for sustainable agricultural practices, including producing fertilizers and running agricultural machinery.

Difficulties in Green Hydrogen Implementation

Cost: 

• The cost of green hydrogen is currently high compared to traditional fossil fuels. The production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen require specialized equipment and infrastructure, making it more expensive than conventional fuels. 
• However, with advancements in technology and scaling up of production, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to decrease over time.

Energy Storage: 

• Green hydrogen production is dependent on renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power. However, these sources are intermittent, meaning that their output can fluctuate over time.The development of effective energy storage solutions is critical to enable the widespread adoption of green hydrogen. 
• Energy storage solutions likebatteries and hydrogen storage can store excess energy produced by renewable sources and provide a constant supply of green hydrogen.

Safety: 

• Green hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that requires special handling and storage.
• The development of proper safety protocols and regulations is crucial to ensure the safe handling and storage of green hydrogen.

Initiatives for Green Hydrogen Production In India

• National Green Hydrogen Mission (Jan 2023): The mission envisages the substitution of grey hydrogen with green hydrogen in industries such as fertilizer production, petroleum refining, steel, shipping etc. 
• Aims: To achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum and an additional renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW by 2030.
• Green Hydrogen Policy, February 2022: It has been framed to aid in the reduction in the landed costs of renewal power and to encourage the transition from fossil fuel to green hydrogen/green ammonia
• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme: It will provide financial incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and green hydrogen production.
• Exemption of Inter-State Transmission Charges: The government has exempted inter-state transmission charges for 25 years for producers of green hydrogen and green ammonia for projects commissioned before December 31, 2030. 
• Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022:These facilitate renewable energy supply through open access for green hydrogen production.

Way Forward

High Cost of Production and Utilization:

• Green hydrogen is currently more expensive than conventional hydrogen produced from fossil fuels or other low-carbon sources, such as nuclear or blue hydrogen.So, to address this issue, there is a need to develop efficient technologies that can reduce the production cost of green hydrogen.
• One promising approach is to use more efficient electrolysis systems that require less energy to produce the same amount of hydrogen.This can be achieved using advanced materials for the electrodes or the use of more efficient catalysts.
• Another approach is to integrate green hydrogen production with other renewable energy technologies such as wind or solar farms.This can reduce the cost of electricity used in the electrolysis process, making green hydrogen more competitive with conventional hydrogen.

Implement Regulatory Incentives:

• The government can play a key role in promoting the adoption of green hydrogen by implementing regulatory incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, to encourage the production and use of this technology.

Lack of Adequate Infrastructure and Supply Chain:

•  Green hydrogen requires dedicated infrastructure and supply chain for its production, storage, transport and distribution.
• The existing infrastructure and supply chain for conventional hydrogen are not sufficient or compatible for green hydrogen, efficient and cost-effective supply chain must be developed.

Awareness and Capacity Building among Potential Users and Producers: 

• Green hydrogen is still a developing technology that requires awareness and capacity building among potential users and producers. 
• There is a need to demonstrate the benefits, safety and feasibility of green hydrogen in various applications and sectors. 
• There is also a need to develop skills and competencies for green hydrogen production and utilization.

President of India addresses a gathering of beneficiaries of ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojna’ of Government of Maharashtra

Ladki Bahin Yojana

• The Ladki Bahin Yojana, also known as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, is a flagship welfare scheme launched by the Government of Maharashtra.
• This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections of the state, promoting their self-reliance and socio-economic development.

Objectives

• The primary objective of the Ladki Bahin Yojana is to empower women by providing them with a monthly financial stipend.
• This support is intended to help women meet their basic needs, enhance their quality of life, and promote gender equality.
• The scheme is also designed to encourage women’s participation in various socio-economic activities, thereby fostering their overall development.

Eligibility Criteria

• Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
• Income: The annual family income should be less than ₹2.5 lakh.
• Employment: Women who are employed in government jobs or who pay income tax are not eligible for this scheme.

Benefits

• Monthly Financial Assistance: Eligible women receive ₹1,500 every month.
• Free LPG Cylinders: Three free LPG gas cylinders are provided annually.
• Educational Support: Fee waivers for poor girls belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for higher education admissions in colleges.
• Eligibility: The scheme is available to women aged 21 to 65, including married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, and destitute women. 

Shasan Aplya Dari Initiative

• Objective: The initiative aims to bring government services closer to citizens, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in service delivery.
• Vision: To decentralize the provision of government services and make them more readily available at the local level, thus improving citizen engagement and satisfaction.

Key Features:

Decentralized Service Delivery:

• Local Centers: Establishes local service centers where citizens can access government services without traveling to central offices.
• On-the-Ground Services: Provides direct access to various services such as certificates, permits, and information at the doorstep of the citizen.

Technology Integration:

• Digital Platforms: Utilizes digital tools and platforms to facilitate service delivery, including mobile applications and web portals.
• Automation: Implements automated systems to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Citizen Empowerment:

• Ease of Access: Improves convenience for citizens by reducing the need to visit government offices in person.
• Enhanced Transparency: Provides clear information and updates on service delivery status, thereby increasing transparency.

 Impact:

• Efficiency: Reduces time and effort required by citizens to access government services, leading to more efficient service delivery.
• Accessibility: Makes services more accessible to remote and underserved areas, bridging the gap between the government and the public.

President Droupadi Murmu to confer National Teachers Award 2024 to 82 teachers in New Delhi

• The Department of School Education and Literacy has selected 50 teachers for this year’s National Teachers’ Awards.
• The 50 selected teachers are from 28 States, three Union Territories and six Organizations.
• In addition, 16 teachers from the Department of Higher Education and 16 teachers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will also be awarded.
• Each award carries a certificate of merit, a cash award of 50 thousand rupees and a silver medal.

Why is Teacher’s Day Celebrated in India?

• Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year, since 1962, on September 5, to recognise and celebrate the works of educators including teachers, researchers and professors in India.
• After Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan took charge as the President of India in 1962, some students sought permission from him to celebrate his birthday. Dr Radhakrishnan, however, did not approve any fancy celebration but rather requested that the day be observed as Teachers'' Day.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan 

Early Life and Education

• Birth and Family: Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, into a Telugu-speaking family.
• Education: Studied at the Voorhees College, Vellore, and later at the Presidency College, Chennai, where he excelled in philosophy. He completed his Master’s degree in philosophy in 1909, with a focus on Western and Eastern philosophy.

Academic and Philosophical Contributions

• Philosophical Works: Radhakrishnan was known for his profound works in Indian philosophy.

Some of his notable books include:

• "The Philosophy of the Upanishads" (1923): An exposition of the philosophical ideas found in the Upanishads, which are central to Hindu philosophy.
• "Indian Philosophy" (1923 and 1927): This two-volume work is a comprehensive study of Indian philosophical systems.
• "The Hindu View of Life" (1926): This book presents Hindu philosophy in a way that addresses contemporary issues and offers a modern interpretation.
• Philosophy: His philosophy bridged Eastern and Western thought. He was known for his interpretation of Vedanta and his emphasis on the unity of religion and philosophy.

Political and Administrative Roles

• Constituent Assembly: Radhakrishnan was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, where he contributed to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
• First Vice-President (1952-1962): He was the first Vice-President of India, serving under President Rajendra Prasad. His tenure as Vice-President was notable for his contributions to the Indian parliamentary system.
• Second President (1962-1967): Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad. His presidency is remembered for his commitment to social justice and educational reforms. He was known for his scholarly approach to the presidency and his efforts to promote national unity.

Awards and Honors

• Radhakrishnan received several awards during his lifetime, including a knighthood in 1931, the Bharat Ratna (India''s highest civilian award) in 1954, and honorary membership in the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.
• He was also awarded the Templeton Prize in 1975, shortly before his death.

India’s textile industry expected to grow to US$350 bn by 2030 and add 3.5 crore jobs: Shri Giriraj Singh

• This was stated by Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh during the Curtain Raiser event of ‘Bharat Tex 2025’ today in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of Bharat Tex 2025

1. Growth Projections and Employment:

• Textile Industry Growth: Expected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030.
• Job Creation: Anticipated addition of 35 million jobs.

2. Government Initiatives:

• PLI Scheme: Aims to enhance production, branding, and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the textile sector.
• 5F Vision: Emphasizes the integrated textile value chain from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

3. Event Details:

• Dates and Venues:
• Main Event: February 14-17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Additional Exhibitions: February 12-15, 2025, at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.
• Scope: Covers the entire textile value chain, including handicrafts, garment machinery, and ethnic apparel.

4. Themes:

• Resilient Global Value Chains: Focus on strengthening global textile supply chains.
• Textile Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable textile practices.

5. Activities and Features:

• Trade Fair and Expo: Global-scale textile trade fair and expo with numerous exhibitors.
• Conference and Seminars: Includes global textiles conference, seminars, CEO roundtables.
• B2B and G2G Meetings: Opportunities for business and government-to-government engagements.
• Special Events: Product launches, strategic investment announcements, live demonstrations, cultural events, fashion presentations, and sustainability workshops.

India''s Textile Industry

• The textile industry is a vital sector of the Indian economy, with a rich history dating back centuries.
• The Indian textile manufacturing industry is diverse, encompassing a wide range of textiles, including apparel, home textiles, technical textiles, and traditional handloom textiles.

Present status of India''s Textile Industry

• Contribution in Economy: Textiles and apparel industry contribute 2.3% to the country’s GDP, 13% to industrial production and 12% to exports. 
• Employment: It is one of the largest employers (with direct employment to around 45 million workers) in the country, generating jobs across the entire value chain, from cotton farming and spinning to weaving, dyeing, printing, and garment manufacturing.
• Textiles production and export: India is the world’s second-largest producer of textiles and garments. 
• It is also the sixth-largest exporter of textiles spanning apparel, home and technical products, having a 4% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel.
• India is set to achieve $250 Bn textiles production and $100 Bn exports by 2030.

Challenges faced by the textile sector

• Quality of raw material: India has a strong raw material base and is largest producer of cotton but high contamination level and poor quality of fibre, both in fineness and length, are major concerns.
• Lack of technological advancement: Sector lack technological advancements due to fragmented nature despite it being a highly resource intensive industry.
• Globalization: Globalization has significantly affected the garment industry by increasing competition and moving production to lower cost labour countries.
• In cotton yarn, India has lost market share over the past decade to Vietnam and China because of high cost and lack of FTAs (Free Trade Agreements).
• Also, three major factors of production viz. land, labour and capital are costlier in India than other competitive economies like Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam etc.

Government initiatives to promote the growth of the textile sector

• Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): In order to modernize the textile industry’s technology, the government approved the “Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)” in 2015.
• The Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) : aims to help small and medium-sized textile business owners cluster investments in textile parks by providing financial support for the parks’ top-notch infrastructure.
• The SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector): The government started the SAMARTH Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) to alleviate the scarcity of trained people.
• Power-Tex India: It includes innovative power-loom textile research and development, new markets, branding, subsidies, and worker welfare programs.
• PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks: It aims to integrate the entire textile value chain from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing, printing to garment manufacturing at one location.

Way Forward:

• Technology upgradation: In order to make the textile industry competitive, industry needs to focus on investing in technology upgradation and in capabilities and R&D. 
• Strengthen weaving and processing sectors: Under ATUFS, the weaving sector may be considered to get capital subsidy at par with garmenting and technical textiles. At present, the weaving sector is getting subsidy at 10% subject to cap of 20 crore under ATUFS, whereas for garmenting and technical textiles, subsidy is provided at 15% subject to cap of 30 crore.
• Sustainability: India should focus on revamping processes including circular designs, use of blended fibres, zero liquid discharge, chemical management, and revamping policies including safety at workplace. 
• 5F vision, referring to the entire value chain from Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, and finally Fashion to Foreign, advocates incorporation of sustainable practices. 
• Focus on High-End Global Value Chain:India should explore diversification of the export basket and explore other markets such as Japan, Australia, Africa etc. 

‘90% projects under Smart Cities Mission completed’

• Of the 100 smart cities,17 have completed 100% of projects.
• While 75% of projects have been completed in 75 smart cities, 34 cities have completed more than 90% of the projects.
• Of the total outlay of ₹48,000 crore for the mission, the Centre has released ₹46,787 crore, of which over 90% has been utilised.

Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

About:

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in June 2015to transform 100 cities to provide the necessary core infrastructure and clean and sustainable environment to enable a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of "Smart Solutions".
• It aimed to improve the quality of life for citizens through sustainable and inclusive development. 

Components of the SCM:

• Area-based Development:

1. Redevelopment:Renewal of existing urban areas to improve infrastructure and amenities. e.g. Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai.
2. Retrofitting: Upgrading infrastructure in existing areas to make them more efficient and sustainable. e.g. Local Area Development (Ahmedabad).
3. Greenfield Projects:Development of new urban areas with a focus on sustainability and smart technologies. e.g. New Town, Kolkotta, Naya Raipur, GIFT City.

• Pan-City Solutions:

1. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions across various sectors such as e-governance, waste management, water management, energy management, urban mobility, and skill development.

Objectives

• In the approach to the Smart Cities Mission, the objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions.
• The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a light house to other aspiring cities.
• The Smart Cities Mission is meant to set examples that can be replicated both within and outside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions and parts of the country.

Challenges Faced by the Smart Cities Mission

• Lack of Clarity in Definition: The SCM has acknowledged the lack of a universal definition for the term "smart city." This recognition reflects the understanding that each city''s vision for a smart city is shaped by its unique local contexts and aspirations. However, this ambiguity in the conceptualisation of a smart city poses a challenge in effectively allocating resources and prioritizing projects.
• Lack of Coordination: Effective coordination between the central, state, and local governments has been a challenge due to differences in priorities, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities that have hindered the seamless implementation of the mission.
• Sustainability Concerns: There are doubts about the long-term sustainability of the smart city projects, as many of them focus on technology-driven solutions rather than addressing the fundamental issues of urban planning and governance. 
• Displacement and Social Impact: According to the World Bank, in urban areas of India more than49% of the population live in slums.  The execution of smart city projects has led to the displacement of residents in poorer areas, such as street vendors, disrupting the fabric of urban communities. Infrastructure development in certain towns has contributed to increased urban flooding due to disruptions in water channels and contours.

Steps Taken to Strengthen Smart Cities Mission

• Effective Governance and Implementation: Appointing CEOs with fixed tenures ensures continuity and attracts qualified professionals. Stakeholder representation, including experts and Member of Parliaments (MPs), fosters inclusive decision-making.
• Strategic Project Focus: The SCM digital infrastructure is expected to generate and utilise vast amounts of data from diverse sources. Therefore, it is necessary that a robust system should be implemented to protect these platforms from cyberattacks and guarantee adequate protection for sensitive public and private data.
• Building Capacity and Funding: Strengthen Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in smaller cities through capacity building programs. Central government assistance can be crucial for organisational restructuring and skill development.