NO2 Emissions: Stanford study

Context: A study by Stanford University studies Impact of Coal Power Plant Emissions on Crop Losses in India.

About NO2 Emissions

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gas released into the air mainly from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, Characteristics of NO2 
  • Reactive Gas: It is a reactive gas that easily interacts with other substances in the air.
  • Part of NOx: It belongs to a group of gases known as nitrogen oxides (NOx)

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Key Findings of the Study

• Prevention of crop losses: The study found that eliminating nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emissions from coal-fired power plants in India could prevent crop losses worth nearly $1 billion annually.
  • NO₂ emissions from these plants reduce wheat and rice yields by 10% or more in many areas.
  • Economic Impact
    • Potential Benefits: Eliminating coal emissions during key growing seasons (January-February and September-October) could:
      • Increase rice output value by approximately $420 million per year.
      • Increase wheat output value by $400 million per year.
• State-Wise Impact of Coal Emissions
  • NO₂ pollution from coal power plants varies across states:
    • Chhattisgarh: Coal plants contribute 13-19% of NO₂ pollution.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Coal plants contribute only 3-5% of NO₂ pollution.
    • Other NO₂ sources include vehicles and industries.
  • Long-Term Crop Losses
    • In states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, crop yield losses exceed 10% annually.
      • This is equal to six years of average annual yield growth (2011-2020).

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Context: Recently, the Environment Ministry announced that the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• Launched by:  Launched by the Prime Minister in 2023 at an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in India.
• Objective: To reach out to 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of the seven big cats.
  • Seven cats include tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma
  • Among the seven big cats, five Big Cats; tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah are found in India, excluding puma and jaguar.
• Twenty-four (24) countries (including India) have consented to be members of IBCA. 
  • All UN member countries are eligible for becoming a member of IBCA.
• IBCA governance: Governed by a General Assembly made up of all member nations, an elected member nations Council, and a Secretariat.
• Funding of IBCA: IBCA has secured Government of India’s initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2027-28)
• Headquarters:  India

Jevons Paradox

Context: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently referenced the Jevons Paradox in relation to AI, emphasizing that increased efficiency and accessibility of AI could drive a significant rise in demand.

About Jevons Paradox

• The Jevons Paradox states that technological advancements that enhance efficiency or reduce the cost of using a resource often lead to an increase in its overall consumption.
• This concept was introduced by economist William Stanley Jevons in 1865.
• Key Principle: As technological advancements improve the efficiency of resource utilization, the total consumption of that resource tends to increase rather than decrease.
• Explanation
  • Intuitive Assumption: When a technology enhances efficiency, it is expected to lower overall resource consumption.
  • Jevons’ Argument: Increased efficiency reduces the effective cost of using the resource, which in turn boosts demand. As a result, total consumption may rise instead of decline.

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Examples of Jevons Paradox

• Coal and Steam Engines: In his 1865 book The Coal Question, Jevons observed that improved steam engine efficiency led to increased coal consumption, contrary to expectations of a decline.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): As AI models become more efficient and affordable, their adoption increases, leading to higher energy consumption in data centers.
• Energy Efficiency in Transportation : The introduction of fuel-efficient vehicles lowers per-mile fuel costs, encouraging people to drive more, which ultimately results in higher overall fuel consumption.

Exercise Ekuverin

Context: The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced  in the Maldives.

About Exercise Ekuverin

• Meaning: The term ‘Ekuverin’ means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language.
  • Dhivehi is an Indo-European language spoken in  Maldives and Indian UT Lakshadweep.
• Aim & Objectives: To enhance interoperability in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
  • It also includes joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Other Exercises Between India and Maldives

• Exercise Ekatha: An annual exercise between the navies of India and the Maldives.
• Dosti Trilateral Exercise: A biennial trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

4.3 GW Solar Manufacturing Unit Inaugurated

Context: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has recently inaugurated a 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.

About The Facility

• The solar cell and module manufacturing plant is India’s largest single-location solar manufacturing facility
• Technology: The plant is equipped with cutting-edge TOPCon and Mono Perc technologies and will also manufacture some of the raw materials for module manufacturing.
• Project By: The Facility is developed by TP Solar Ltd (Tata Power’s Solar manufacturing arm & a subsidiary of Tata Power renewable Energy Limited)
• Objective: The facility would produce photovoltaic cells and modules for solar power generating units having an annual capacity of 4 GW. 
• Significance: 
  • Support India’s Solar Industry: The facility will deliver enhanced efficiency and long-term reliability in solar plants and rooftop projects for residential, commercial and industrial purposes
  • Creating Local Employment: The facility will pay a crucial role in community development by creating job opportunities, with 80% of the workforce comprising women.
  • Build Capacity: It will strengthens India’s solar manufacturing capabilities by reinforcing the supply chain
  • Goal of Net Zero: The Facility will pave the way to achieve India’s goal of solar power capacity of 500 GW and Net Zero by 2070.

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National Fellowship scheme

Context: OBC and Scheduled caste research scholars have reported delays in receiving their  grants under the National Fellowship. 

About National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students

• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• launched : In the financial year 2005-06.
• Objective: To provide higher education opportunities for SC students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
• Implementing Agency
  • Central Nodal Agency (CNA): Since October 1, 2022, the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) for implementing the scheme.
    • Earlier, the scheme was managed by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• NSFDC’s Role:
  • Establishing guidelines and procedures for implementation.
  • Selecting beneficiaries for the fellowship.
  • Disbursing fellowship funds to the selected candidates.

Executions with Nitrogen Gas

Context: Recently, Alabama put a man(Demetrius Frazier, a 52-year-old inmate,)  to death for a 1991 murder in the nation”s 4th execution using nitrogen gas.  

Execution Method: Nitrogen Gas

• Alabama became the first state to introduce execution by nitrogen gas in 2024. 
• This method uses pure nitrogen to make the culprit  unconsciousness
• Nitrogen-filled face masks are used over the mouth and nose of the culprit.
  • It causes disconnection of oxygen flow, causing death of a person.
  • It can cause seizure-like movements. 
• This technique can kill a person in a few minutes.

India Becomes the World’s 2nd Largest Mobile Manufacturer

Context: India has emerged as the world’s 2nd largest mobile manufacturing country, marking a significant transformation in its electronics manufacturing sector.

• Currently the country produces 99.2% of mobile phones sold domestically. 
• China remains the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones.

Current Status of Mobile Manufacturing in India

• Rise in Domestic Production: In 2014-15, only 26% of mobile phones sold in India were manufactured locally, with the majority being imported.
• Near-Complete Localization: By 2025, 99.2% of mobile phones sold in India are now made domestically, reducing reliance on imports.
• Shift Towards Self-Reliance: This growth highlights India’s transition from an import-dependent nation to a global hub for mobile manufacturing.

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Major Reasons for India’s Growth in Mobile Manufacturing

• Government Initiatives and Policy Support
  • Make in India (2014): Encouraged domestic manufacturing and reduced dependency on imports.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme (2020): Offered financial incentives to 
• Increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI in: 100% FDI allowed in electronics manufacturing under the automatic route attracted global players.
• Rising Domestic Demand for Smartphones: Expanding internet penetration and affordable data boosted smartphone adoption.
• Tariff and Import Duty Policies: Increased customs duties on imported mobile phones and components encouraged local production.
• Geopolitical and Market Factors: US-China trade tensions pushed global manufacturers to diversify production to India.
• • Companies like Apple and Foxconn expanded operations due to supply chain shifts.

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