PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana    
INS Brahmaputra    3
Vishnupad Temple    
Critical Minerals Explainer    
Exercise KHAAN QUEST    
Dark Oxygen    

1.    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Context
•    The government has issued operational guidelines for implementing incentives to DISCOMs under the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana.
About the Scheme
•    Launch Date: February 15, 2024
•    Objective: Provide free electricity to households in India.
•    Key Features:
o    Subsidy for Solar Panels: Households will receive a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs.
o    Subsidy Coverage: Up to 40% of the cost of solar panels.
o    Beneficiaries: The scheme aims to benefit 1 crore households across India.
o    Cost Savings: Estimated savings of Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.
o    Financial Outlay: Rs 75,021 crore, implemented till FY 2026-27.
Eligibility Criteria
•    Citizenship: The household must be an Indian citizen.
•    Property Ownership: The household must own a house with a roof suitable for installing solar panels.
•    Electricity Connection: The household must have a valid electricity connection.
•    No Previous Subsidy: The household must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.
Role of DISCOMs
•    State Implementation Agencies (SIAs):
o    Responsible for facilitating measures like net meter availability, timely inspection, and commissioning of installations.
o    Incentives for DISCOMs: Based on the achievement of installing additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a baseline level.

o    Financial Outlay for DISCOMs: Rs 4,950 crore for the ‘Incentives to DISCOMs’ component.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, consider the following statements:
1.    The scheme provides a subsidy to households for installing wind turbines on their roofs.
2.    The subsidy covers up to 40% of the cost of the solar panels.
3.    The scheme is expected to save the government Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the potential impact of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana on India's energy sector and household economy. What are the key challenges that might be faced in the implementation of this scheme?

2. INS Brahmaputra
Recent Incident
•    Incident: INS Brahmaputra, docked at Mumbai Dockyard for refitting, overturned under mysterious circumstances after a fire broke out, leading to significant damage and one sailor reported missing.
About INS Brahmaputra

•    Class: First of the indigenously built 'Brahmaputra' class-guided missile frigates.
•    Replacement: The Brahmaputra class replaces the Talwar class and is an indigenous upgrade on the Godavari class of frigates.
•    Sister Ships: The next two ships in the class are INS Betwa and INS Beas, all named after rivers.
•    Builder: Built by state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE).
•    Commissioned: April 2000.
Features Specifications:
•    Displacement: 5,300 tonnes.
•    Length: 125 metres.
•    Beam: 14.4 metres.
•    Speed: Capable of speeds of more than 27 knots.
Crew:
•    Officers: 40
•    Sailors: 330
Armament:
•    Guns: Medium-range, close-range, and anti-aircraft guns.
•    Missiles: Surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
•    Torpedo Launchers: Equipped with torpedo launchers.
Sensors and Helicopters:
•    Sensors: Wide array of sensors covering all facets of maritime warfare.
•    Helicopters: Capable of operating Seaking and Chetak helicopters.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to INS Brahmaputra, consider the following statements:
1.    INS Brahmaputra is the first of the indigenously built 'Talwar' class-guided missile frigates.

2.    The ship is capable of operating Seaking and Chetak helicopters.
3.    INS Brahmaputra was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3 Answer: B) 2 only Mains Question
Question: Discuss the strategic significance of the INS Brahmaputra and its sister ships in the Indian Navy. What are the implications of incidents such as the recent fire and overturning at the dockyard for the operational readiness and maintenance of naval assets?

3. Vishnupad Temple
Context
•    Recently, the Finance Minister announced during her Union Budget speech that corridor projects will be built for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
About Vishnupad Temple
•    Location: Gaya, Bihar
•    Dedication: Lord Vishnu
•    Construction: Built in 1787 on the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
•    Location: Situated on the banks of the Falgu River.
•    Architecture:
o    The temple is approximately 100 feet tall.
o    Features 44 pillars.
•    Significance:

o Devotees visit the temple during Pitra Paksh, a period in the Hindu calendar for rituals to remember ancestors.
Key Facts about Mahabodhi Temple
•    Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Niranjana River.
•    Significance:
o    The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana.
o    The temple is uniquely shaped and has a height of 170 feet.
•    History:
o    The original temple complex was the first built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C.
o    The present structure dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
o    It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, from the late Gupta period.
o    Considered to have had significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries.
•    UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized in 2002.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple, consider the following statements:
1.    Vishnupad Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built on the orders of Emperor Asoka.
2.    The Mahabodhi Temple was built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and is situated on the banks of the Falgu River.
3.    The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2002. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A)    1 only
B)    3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3 Answer: B) 3 only Mains Question
Question: Discuss the historical and cultural significance of the Vishnupad Temple and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar. How can the proposed corridor projects enhance their religious and tourism potential?

4.    Critical Minerals Explainer
What are Critical Minerals? About:
•    Critical minerals are essential for economic development and national security. A lack of availability or concentration of extraction/processing in specific locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptions.
•    These minerals have no universal definition; countries identify critical minerals based on their specific needs and criteria.
Declaration of Critical Minerals:
•    The identification of critical minerals is a dynamic process that evolves with new technologies, market dynamics, and geopolitical considerations.
•    Examples:
o    US: 50 critical minerals.
o    Japan: 31 critical minerals.
o    UK: 18 critical minerals.
o    EU: 34 critical minerals.
o    Canada: 31 critical minerals.

Critical Minerals for India Identification:
•    India has identified 30 critical minerals based on disruption potential, substitutability, cross-sector usage, import reliance, and recycling rates.
List of Critical Minerals:
•    Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, Cadmium.
Geographical Distribution:
•    States/UTs housing these minerals: Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir.
Recommendations:
•    Creation of a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals (CECM) under the Ministry of Mines to periodically update the list and notify the critical mineral strategy.
Current Scenario for Critical Minerals Around the Globe Demand and Market Growth:
•    2017-2022: Demand for lithium tripled, cobalt increased by 70%, and nickel rose by 40%, driven by the energy sector.
•    IEA Estimates: Clean energy technologies will constitute a significant share of total demand for critical minerals by 2040.
o    Copper and Rare Earths: Over 40%.
o    Nickel and Cobalt: 60-70%.
o    Lithium: 90%.
Global Policy Measures:
•    Countries are implementing policies to diversify mineral supplies to mitigate global supply chain uncertainties.

OASHUB

o    US, Canada, EU, Australia: Enacted regulatory legislation.
o    Resource-rich nations: Indonesia, Namibia, Zimbabwe imposed restrictions on exporting unprocessed mineral ores.
Concentration of Critical Minerals:
•    Concentrated in a few countries:
o    Lithium: Australia (55%).
o    Rare Earths: China (60%).
o    Cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo (75%).
o    Nickel: Indonesia (35%).
o    Copper: Chile (30%).
Geopolitical Tensions and Resource Nationalism:
•    Global relations are polarized due to events like the US-China trade war and the
Russia-Ukraine war, leading to sanctions and trade disruptions.
Supply-Demand Dynamics:
•    Prices of critical industrial metals, like copper, are expected to increase due to growing demand surpassing supply, impacting production costs for solar panels and electric vehicles.
Significance of Critical Minerals Economic Development:
•    Critical for industries like high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, and
defence.
•    Essential for green technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles.
•    Contribute to job creation, income generation, and innovation in India.
National Security:
•    Vital for defence, aerospace, nuclear, and space applications.
•    Ensuring a steady supply is crucial for defence preparedness and self-reliance.

Environmental Sustainability:
•    Crucial for India's net-zero by 2070 target and setting up 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.
•    Transition to electric vehicles (30% private cars, 70% commercial vehicles, 80% two/three-wheelers) requires a steady supply of critical minerals like lithium.
Promoting Industrial Activities through Vertical Integration:
•    Critical minerals are part of multiple strategic value chains, contributing significantly to industrial production and robust supply-chain networks.
International Cooperation:
•    Collaborations enable India to diversify import sources, reduce dependency on China, and enhance mineral security.
•    India has joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), including countries like Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Norway.
Concerns Related to Critical Minerals in India Limited Domestic Reserves:
•    India has limited reserves of critical minerals, leading to heavy import reliance (100% for lithium and nickel, 93% for copper).
Increasing Demand for Minerals:
•    Renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles require larger quantities of critical minerals compared to fossil fuel counterparts.
Limited Membership of MSP:
•    MSP does not include countries rich in certain critical minerals (Chile, DRC, Indonesia), raising concerns about its effectiveness.
Challenges Posed by China:
•    Monopoly on Rare Earth Reserves and Processing: China processes a significant portion of the world's critical minerals.

•    Manufacturing Dominance: China supplies a large share of cathodes, anodes, battery cells, and permanent magnets.
•    Geopolitical Leverage: China uses its monopoly to exert political pressure.
Lack of Processing and Manufacturing Capacity:
•    India needs to develop processing and manufacturing capabilities to utilize critical minerals effectively.
Steps Required to Boost Critical Minerals Availability Ensuring Resource Availability:
•    Assess availability and accessibility of critical materials domestically and through international markets.
•    Develop strategies to ensure a steady supply and mitigate global supply chain risks.
Financial Considerations:
•    Significant investments needed for infrastructure, R&D, and policy support.
•    Develop financing mechanisms, incentives, and funding models to attract public and private investments.
Technology as the Key Driver:
•    Foster domestic technological capabilities and promote R&D.
•    Collaborate with academia and industry to develop, adopt, and scale up clean energy technologies.
Setting Up a Specialised Body:
•    Establish a National Institute or Centre of Excellence on critical minerals, similar to Australia's CSIRO.
•    A wing in the Ministry of Mines can periodically update the list and notify the critical mineral strategy.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to critical minerals, consider the following statements:
1.    Critical minerals are essential for economic development and national security.

2.    India has identified 30 critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
3.    The US, EU, and Australia have implemented policies to diversify their mineral supplies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3 Answer: D) 1, 2, and 3 Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of critical minerals for India's economic development, national security, and environmental sustainability. What steps should India take to ensure a steady supply of these minerals in the face of global challenges?

5. Exercise KHAAN QUEST
Rapid Fire Quick News Exercise KHAAN QUEST:
•    Dates: 27th July to 9th August 2024
•    Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
About:
•    Multinational Military Exercise: Brings together military forces worldwide to collaborate and enhance peacekeeping capabilities.
•    Previous Edition: Conducted in Mongolia from 19th June to 2nd July 2023.
Background:
•    Origin: Started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003.

•    Expansion: Became a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in 2006; 2024 marks the 21st iteration.
Indian Army Contingent:
•    Composition: 40 personnel mainly from a Battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
•    Aim: Prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment, enhancing interoperability and readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Tactical Drills:
•    Establishment of Static and Mobile Check Points
•    Cordon and Search Operations
Benefits:
•    Develop interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie among soldiers from participating countries.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Exercise KHAAN QUEST, consider the following statements:
1.    Exercise KHAAN QUEST is a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces.
2.    The 2024 edition of the exercise is the 21st iteration.
3.    The Indian Army contingent participating in the exercise mainly comprises troops from the MADRAS REGIMENT.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of multinational military exercises like KHAAN QUEST for India's peacekeeping capabilities and international military relations. How do such exercises enhance interoperability and military readiness among participating nations?

6. Dark Oxygen
About:
•    Dark Oxygen: Oxygen produced in complete darkness thousands of feet below the ocean surface.
Why is the Discovery Important?
•    Traditional Understanding: Oxygen was thought to be created only through photosynthesis, a process requiring sunlight.
•    Photosynthesis: Carried out by oceanic plankton, algae, and some bacteria, which are primary producers of oceanic oxygen.
•    Depth Challenge: Production of oxygen at great depths was considered impossible due to the lack of sunlight for photosynthesis.
•    Non-Photosynthetic Production: This oxygen is not produced by plants.
•    Source: Oxygen emerges from Polymetallic Nodules through electrochemical activity even in the absence of light.
•    Process: These nodules split H₂O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Key Facts about Polymetallic Nodules:
•    Definition: Small, rounded accretions found on the seabed of the deep ocean floor.
•    Composition: Mixture of metals and minerals, including manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, rare earth elements, and lithium.
•    Formation: Slow and gradual process over millions of years, developing as concentric layers around a central nucleus (shell fragment, shark tooth, or basaltic rock).

•    Importance: Essential for lithium-ion battery production, used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, wind turbines, and solar panels.
•    Locations: Mainly found in the north-central Pacific Ocean, southeastern Pacific Ocean, and northern Indian Ocean.
•    Potential: An area of the Pacific Ocean called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is said to have enough polymetallic nodules to meet global energy demands for decades.
Photosynthesis:
•    Definition: Process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
•    Carried Out By: Plants, algae, and some bacteria.
•    Outcome: Produces oxygen (O₂) and chemical energy stored in glucose (a sugar).
•    Ecosystem Role: Herbivores obtain energy by eating plants, and carnivores obtain it by eating herbivores.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to dark oxygen, consider the following statements:
1.    Dark oxygen is produced through photosynthesis at great ocean depths.
2.    Polymetallic nodules can generate oxygen through electrochemical activity even in the absence of light.
3.    Polymetallic nodules are primarily composed of manganese and iron oxides. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the discovery of dark oxygen production from polymetallic nodules in the deep ocean. How does this challenge the traditional understanding of oxygen production, and what implications might it have for future scientific research and technological development?