15 MAR 23

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1. UPSC Current Affairs: Landfills and waste management| Text & Context
UPSC Syllabus: Mains: Environment & ecology
Sub Theme: Issues and suggestions| UPSC

Context - The Kochi landfill site around Brahmapuram that caught fire earlier this month is a
stark reminder that Indian cities need to be prepared for more such incidents as summer
approaches.

What are the issues of overall waste generation?

 High waste generation: Urban Indian generates 62 million tonnes of waste (MSW)
annually, said a 2014 Planning Commission report. It also predicted that the volume
will increase to 165 million tonnes by 2030.
 Low waste processing efficiency: India’s municipalities have been collecting
more than 95% of the waste generated in cities but the efficiency of waste
processing is 30-40% at best.
 Heterogeneous mixture: Municipal solid waste consists of about 60% biodegradable
material, 25% nonbiodegradable material and 15% inert materials, like silt and stone.
 Open waste disposal: openly disposed waste includes flammable material like low-
quality plastics, which have a relatively higher calorific value of about 2,500-
3,000 kcal/kg, and rags and clothes. In summer, the biodegradable fraction composts
much faster, increasing the temperature of the heap to beyond 70-80°C. A higher
temperature coupled with flammable materials is the perfect situation for a
landfill to catch fire.
 Low technological utilization: lack of digitalization, poor record keeping, low usage
of bioremediation techniques etc.
 Poor law enforcement in context of landfill management, waste collection and
segregation etc.
 Related pollution and contamination: A huge portion of the untreated waste is
dumped irregularly on the outskirts of towns or cities, causing groundwater
contamination and air pollution.

What should be done?

 Digitization - A smart, integrated waste management system ensures real-time
monitoring of collection and transportation. Technologies like global positioning
system, radio frequency identification, global system for mobile communications,
machine-to-machine communication and internet of things, along with innovative
mobile and web-based applications can be used to improve and smoothen ground-
level mechanism for collection and efficient processing and recycling of waste.
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 Landfill capping : completely cap the material using soil, and close landfills in a
scientific manner.

 Clear the piles of waste through bioremediation — excavate old waste and
use automated sieving machines to segregate the flammable refuse derived
fuel (RDF) (plastics, rags, clothes, etc.) from biodegradable material.
 Regular waste management campaigns
 Incentivising waste management practices
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2. UPSC Current Affairs: NAMASTE, Shesha and Rapid composting technology|

UPSC Syllabus: Mains: Environment
Sub Theme: Basic concepts| UPSC

Context - A total of 1,035 people have died while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers
and septic tanks across India since 1993, the Social Justice Ministry said.

NAMASTE: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem

 Namaste is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment (MoSJE) as a joint initiative of the MoSJE and the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
 NAMASTE envisages safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India by
creating an enabling ecosystem that recognizes sanitation workers as one of the key
contributors in operations and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure thereby
providing sustainable livelihood and enhancing their occupational safety through
capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines.
 Five hundred cities (converging with AMRUT cities) will be taken up under this phase of
NAMASTE. For providing a safety net to identified SSWs and their families they will
be covered under the Ayushyaman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(AB-PMJAY). The premium for AB-PMJAY for those identified SSWs
families who are not covered earlier shall be borne under NAMASTE.
NAMASTE aims to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India
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2. All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers
3. No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter
4. Sanitation workers are collectivized into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation
enterprises
5. All Sewer and Septic tank sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative
livelihoods
6. Strengthened supervisory and monitoring systems at national, state and ULB levels
to ensure enforcement and monitoring of safe sanitation work
7. Increased awareness amongst sanitation services seekers (individuals and
institutions) to seek services from registered and skilled sanitation workers

Note: In case the workers decide to adopt an alternate livelihood of their choice, skilling
support will be provided to these workers. The workers may start a new livelihood project as
an individual or as a group interested in same option. However it will not be free and rate of
interest will be chargeable on self employment projects including sanitation related projects.

SHESHA TECHNOLOGY:
 SHESHA is a novel, compact helical shaped waste converter aimed to manage the
biodegradable waste generated in small housing societies, restaurants, etc. in-
situ, thus allowing decentralized processing of the biodegradable waste.
 The system has tremendous potential to process the waste as well as generation
of good quality fuel and manure required for soil applications.
 The name Shesha has been given on the basis of the serpentine shape of the
digester (its resemblance to the snake Shesha) as well as Sanskrit name of waste.
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Advantages:
 Helical shaped digester made from low cost PVC pipes.
 Saving major cost of construction and MS dome required for conventional
designs.
 Suitable for skid mounting on a vehicle or wheels required for processing waste
from smaller societies/residential complexes.
 Have inbuilt suitability of biogas recycling for methane enrichment.
 Suitable for online monitoring of process parameters.

RAPID COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY

 ICAR -IISS (Indian Institute of Soil Science) developed this technique in
collaboration with ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal and ICAR-NBAIM, Mau.
 It is based on cellulolytic fungi named Trichoderma koningiopsis isolated from
tree bark.
 It is safe to the environment and for human handling.
 The formulation is capable of composting kitchen waste, agricultural waste,
garden waste (dry leaves including coconut leaves) and temple waste.
 This method, being completely aerobic in nature, is devoid of foul odour and
hence has greater acceptability in the society.

STEPS FOR BIO COMPOSTING

 Collection of biowaste materials
 Segregation of non-biodegradable materials
 Waste materials mixed with fresh cowdung
 Inoculation with consortium of organisms
 All materials mixed together and fed to rapo-compost bioreactor
 After one month the humified organic manure was allowed for curing
 Sieved (4 mm sieves) and stored at 25% moisture condition
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3. UPSC Current Affairs: PVTG Development Mission

UPSC Syllabus: Mains: Social justice
Sub Theme: Basic concepts| UPSC

House panel on Tribal Affairs apprehensive about PM –

PVTG outlay without population data.

Context: Government announced 15,000 crore expenditure outlay for PM – PVTG

development mission on which the Standing committee has expressed
disappointment

Relevance: General Studies II - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by
the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions,
and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUP

Tribal communities are often identified by some specific signs such as primitive traits,
distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness to contact with the community at large
and backwardness. There are some tribes who are more vulnerable because of their extreme
backwardness and low literacy. They are categorized as particularly vulnerable tribal
groups. In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a
separate category, who are less developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the Government
of India renamed the PTGs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Criteria for identification of PVTGs

1. Pre-agricultural level of technology

2. Low level of literacy
3. Economic backwardness
4. A declining or stagnant population

Accordingly, 75 PTVGs have been identified across the country, spread over 18 states and 1
Union territory (Andaman & Nicobar). Among the 75 listed PVTG's the highest number are
found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).

About the PM – PVTG Development Mission:

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 In order to improve socio-economic conditions of the particularly vulnerable tribal
groups (PVTGs), the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission is launched.
 It has been initiated to saturate the PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities
such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to
education health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity and sustainable
livelihood opportunities.
 It is launched as part of ‘Reaching The Last Mile- Leaving No Citizen Behind’ as
there are 75 PVTG groups spread across 18 states and the UT of Andaman & Nicobar
Island in India that will benefit from this scheme.

Concerns raised by Standing Committee:

1. A massive budgetary allocation had been planned when even the Ministry of Tribal
Affairs does not have data on PVTG populations.
2. Baseline survey exercise is still under verification process.

Issues faced by PVTGs:

1. Outdated list: Baseline survey has not been conducted in States and UT’s – which is
impacting the implementation of welfare programmes designed for PVTGs.
Moreover, regular census does not comprehensively capture data of PVTGs.
2. Land alienation: A mounting pressure from external groups who seize their lands
for various purposes such as mining, industrialization, and other uses, leading to the
displacement and forfeiture of traditional livelihoods for numerous PVTGs.
3. Lack of access to basic services: Due to a dearth of infrastructure and resources in
their remote regions, as well as discriminatory and neglectful treatment by
government officials, PVTGs frequently encounter impediments to obtaining basic
amenities such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
4. Exploitation: PVTGs are often subject to exploitation and discrimination by more
powerful groups, including non-tribal populations and the government. They are
often denied their rights to resources, participation in decision-making processes,
and representation in government bodies.
5. Socio-cultural: PVTGs have a unique culture and way of life, but they are
increasingly under threat of assimilation into mainstream society. This is due to
factors like education, urbanization, and migration, which can erode traditional
knowledge and practices.
6. Impact of Climate change: PVTGs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of
climate change, which can impact their livelihoods and access to natural resources.
This includes changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased
frequency of natural disasters like floods and droughts.

Way Forward:
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1. Identification of PVTGs (conduct Baseline Survey) and assessment of their
vulnerabilities (Vulnerability index for each PVTG should be developed)
2. Recognition of rights of PVTGs, development approaches and livelihood strategies
(Rights based approach is required)
3. Institutions for governance and service delivery (inclusive governance approach &
Bottom-up approach)
4. Comprehensive framework for Nutrition, education, and health
5. Ensure the accountability of government officials working in the areas of PVTGs.
6. Develop livelihood strategies for PVTGs as per their needs and skills.

4. UPSC Current Affairs: Power sector in India

UPSC Syllabus: Mains: Energy
Sub Theme: Issues, suggestions and scheme| UPSC

Power Sector in India

Introduction
● Power is among the most critical components of infrastructure, crucial for the economic
growth and welfare of nations. The existence and development of adequate power
infrastructure is essential for sustained growth of the Indian economy.
● The fundamental principle of India’s power industry has been to provide universal
access to affordable power in a sustainable way.
● The Government has made significant efforts over the past few years to turn the
country from one with a power shortage to one with a surplus by establishing a single
national grid, fortifying the distribution network, and achieving universal household
electrification.
● India’s power sector is one of the most diversified in the world. Sources of power
generation range from conventional sources such as coal, lignite, natural gas, oil, hydro
and nuclear power, to viable non-conventional sources such as wind, solar, agricultural
and domestic waste.
● Electricity demand in the country has increased rapidly and is expected to rise further in
the years to come. In order to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country,
massive addition to the installed generating capacity is required.
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● India was ranked 4th in wind power, 5th in solar power and 4th in renewable power
installed capacity, as of 2020.
● India is the only country among the G20 nations that is on track to achieve the targets
under the Paris Agreement.
● As of October 31, 2022, India’s installed renewable energy capacity (including hydro)
stood at 165.94 GW, representing 40.6% of the overall installed power capacity.
○ Solar energy is estimated to contribute 61.62 GW, followed by 41.84 GW from
wind power, 10.70 GW from biomass, 4.92 GW from small hydropower, and
46.85 GW from hydropower.
● The peak power demand in the country stood at 210.79 GW on June 9, 2022.

Why is India at an Advantage:

● Growing Demand:
○ India is the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity worldwide, with an
installed power capacity of 408.71 GW as of October 31, 2022.
○ Growing population along with increasing electrification and per-capita usage
will provide further impetus. Power consumption is estimated to reach 1,894.7
TWh in 2022.
● Attractive Opportunities:
○ Under the Union Budget 2022-23, the government announced the issuance of
sovereign green bonds, as well as conferring infrastructure status to energy
storage systems, including grid-scale battery systems.
○ In the same budget, Rs. 19,500 crore (US$ 2.57 billion) was allocated for a PLI
scheme to boost manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules.
● Policy Support:
○ 100% FDI allowed in the power sector has boosted FDI inflow in this sector.
○ Schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and
Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) are expected to augment
electrification across the country.
● Higher Investments:
○ As per the National Infrastructure Pipeline 2019-25, energy sector projects
accounted for the highest share (24%) out of the total expected capital
expenditure of Rs. 111 lakh crore (US$ 1.4 trillion).
○ Total FDI inflow in the power sector reached US$ 16.39 billion between April
2000-June 2022.

Issues Associated with Power Sector

● Challenges in fuel supply: include unequal contractual provisions, inadequate supply,

and poor transport logistics. Coal is transported over long distances through railways,
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but such long haulage leads to increased delivery costs, thefts and life-cycle energy
consumption
● Challenges to open access: While all states in India have notified open access, only 19
have determined all the charges (cross-subsidy charges, wheeling charges, transmission
charge) on open access.
● Poor financial health of DISCOMS: The main causes of which include unmetered
consumption, low collection efficiency, and high technical losses due to insufficient
capital expenditure on up-gradation of existing infrastructure. The extent of commercial
losses of DISCOMS across India increases by over 50% in the absence of subsidy.
● High Transmission & Distribution Losses: averaging about 22.3% of electricity which
is very high as compared to those of the developed countries (6-11%).
● Under-procurement of power by states - cancelling out costlier Power Purchase
Agreements (PPAs) in favour of newer and cheaper agreements.
● Coordination Issues: Multiple ministries and agencies are currently involved in
managing energy-related issues which presents challenges of coordination and optimal
resource utilisation, thus undermining efforts to increase energy security.

Government Policies & Initiatives

The Government of India has identified the power sector as a key sector of focus to promote
sustained industrial growth. Some initiatives by the Government to boost the Indian power
sector are as below:

● In the Union Budget 2022-23, the government allocated Rs. 19,500 crore (US$ 2.57
billion) for a PLI scheme to boost manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules.
● As of August 24, 2022, over 36.86 crore LED bulbs, 72.18 lakh LED tube lights and
23.59 lakh energy-efficient fans have been distributed across the country, saving around
48,411 million kWh per year and around Rs. 19,332 crore (US$ 2.47 billion) in cost
savings.
● As of November 2022, over 51.62 lakh smart metres have been deployed under the
National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), with a further 61.13 lakh to be deployed.
● Electrification in the country is increasing with support from schemes like Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
(UDAY), and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS).
● In order to meet India’s 500 GW renewable energy target and tackle the annual issue of
coal demand supply mismatch, the Ministry of Power has identified 81 thermal units
which will replace coal with renewable energy generation by 2026.
● In February 2022, a parliamentary standing committee recommended the government to
take steps to increase the loan limit for the renewable energy sector under priority
sector lending. The current limit stands at Rs. 30 crore (U$ 3.93 million).
● In November 2021, the government announced future plans to increase the funding
under the PLI scheme for domestic solar cells and module manufacturing to Rs. 24,000
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crore (US$ 3.17 billion) from the existing Rs. 4,500 crore (US$ 594.68 million) to
make India an exporting nation.
● In November 2021, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) stated that it will
partner with private sector energy service companies to scale up its Building Energy
Efficiency Programme (BEEP).
● The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, “Saubhagya”, was launched by the
Government of India with an aim of achieving universal household electrification. As
of March 2021, 2.82 crore households have been electrified under this scheme.

Road Ahead
● In the current decade (2020-2029), the Indian electricity sector is likely to witness a
major transformation with respect to demand growth, energy mix and market
operations.
● India wants to ensure that everyone has reliable access to sufficient electricity at all
times, while also accelerating the clean energy transition by lowering its reliance on
dirty fossil fuels and moving toward more environmentally friendly, renewable sources
of energy.
● Future investments will benefit from strong demand fundamentals, policy support and
increasing government focus on infrastructure.
● The Government of India is preparing a 'rent a roof' policy for supporting its target of
generating 40 GW of power through solar rooftop projects by 2022. It also plans to set
up 21 new nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 15,700 MW by
2031.
● The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates India’s power requirement to grow
to reach 817 GW by 2030. Also, by 2029-30, CEA estimates that the share of
renewable energy generation would increase from 18% to 44%, while that of thermal
energy is expected to reduce from 78% to 52%.
● The government plans to establish a renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.