Thadou People    
Decarbonising the Steel Sector    
Lithium Deal with Argentina    
Brahmani River    

Thadou People

Recent Development:
A section of the Thadou tribes in Manipur, represented by the Thadou Students' Association (TSA), has formed a global platform to address critical issues facing the community, particularly in the state of Manipur.
About the Thadou People
Location:
The Thadou are an indigenous group residing in the hill country adjacent to the Imphal Valley in Manipur, northeastern India.
They are also found in the Indian states of Assam, Nagaland, and
Mizoram, and in the Chin State and Sagaing Division of Burma/Myanmar.
Demographics:
The Thadou are the second largest community in Manipur, next to the
Meitei, according to the 2011 Manipur Census.
Language:
The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of the Sino- Tibetan languages.
Culture and Livelihood:
Subsistence Activities:
The Thadou engage in animal husbandry, cultivation, hunting, and
fishing.
Jhum (slash-and-burn) agriculture is predominant in their farming practices.
Settlement Patterns:
Thadou settlements are typically located in forests, with preferred sites on the tops of ridges or just below them.
Villages do not follow a formal urban planning structure and lack defined perimeters.
Religion:

Almost all Thadou identify as followers of Christianity.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Ethnic Identity:
The Thadou are part of the larger Kuki ethnic group, which plays a significant role in the socio-political landscape of the region.
Traditional Practices:
Their traditional practices and lifestyle are closely linked to the natural environment, showcasing a deep connection to their ancestral lands.
Challenges and Concerns
Q Social and Economic Issues:
The community faces challenges related to land rights, economic development, and cultural preservation.
There are ongoing efforts to address issues of political representation and
social welfare.
Impact of Development:
Modernization and development projects can impact the traditional way of life, leading to concerns about displacement and loss of cultural heritage.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Thadou people, consider the following statements:
1.The Thadou are the largest indigenous group in Manipur.
2.The Thadou language is part of the Indo-Aryan language family.
3.Jhum agriculture is a significant aspect of Thadou subsistence practices.
4.The Thadou people predominantly practice Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 2 only
B)3 only
C)2 and 4 only
D)1, 3, and 4
Answer: B) 3 only

Mains Question 

Question: Discuss the socio-economic challenges faced by the Thadou people in Manipur. How do traditional practices and modern development intersect in shaping the community's future? Suggest measures for sustainable development that respect cultural heritage. (250 Words)

Decarbonising the Steel Sector

Steel is a core material in engineering and construction but is also among the top three producers of carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing significantly to global emissions.
India is the 2nd largest steel producer globally, after China. With increasing domestic and international demand, India's steel production is projected to rise significantly by 2050.
Decarbonisation of the steel sector is critical for India’s transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving a sustainable green future.
???????? Current Scenario of India’s Steel Sector Production Scenario:
Economic Significance: The steel sector accounts for 2% of India’s GDP (FY 21-22).
Global Standing: India is the 2nd largest producer of crude steel and finished steel.
National Steel Policy 2017: Targets a production increase to 300 million tonnes (MT)
annually by 2030, up from 120 MT.
Future Projections: India’s crude steel production is expected to reach 435 million tonnes by 2050.
Emission Scenario:
Direct Emissions: Iron and steel production emitted approximately 270 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2018.
Contribution to Emissions: Steel production accounts for:
9% of total national greenhouse gas emissions.
1/3rd of direct industrial CO2 emissions.
10% of total energy infrastructure CO2 emissions.
11% of India’s total emissions.

Pollutants from Steel Production:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Oxides of Sulphur (SOx)
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
Waste Water
Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste
Technological Interventions: Air and water filters, along with power-saving techniques, can significantly reduce emissions.
Significance of Decarbonising the Steel Sector
Economic Savings: Potential forex savings of $500 billion by 2050 from reduced coking coal imports.
Global Leadership: A greener steel industry positions India as a global hub for green steel manufacturing.
Decarbonisation of Allied Industries: Reduction in emissions across sectors like automobiles, infrastructure, and construction.
International Regulations: Compliance with EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to prevent a potential 58% decline in steel exports to the EU.
Challenges to Decarbonising the Steel Sector Hydrogen-Based Steelmaking:

Production Routes:
Blast Furnace (BF) Route: Coke is the primary fuel.
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Route: Fuel can be coal or natural gas.
Current Scenario:
90% of India’s steel is produced via BF and coal-based DRI routes.
Hydrogen can replace coal in DRI but not fully in BF.
Cost Concerns:

Hydrogen-based steel is uncompetitive above $1/kg without carbon cost implications.
Scaling up Net-Zero Technologies:
Cost Challenges:
DRI plants with green hydrogen need investments up to Rs 3.2 Lakhs/tonne.
Green hydrogen costs Rs 300-400/kg compared to grey hydrogen at Rs 160- 220/kg.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is also capital-intensive.
Infrastructure Limitations:
Inadequate support for hydrogen storage, production, and transport.
Lack of data on geological storage sites for CCS.
Limited Use Cases: Hinder scaling up of CCS technology.
Steps to Decarbonise the Steel Sector CO2 Pricing and Hydrogen Development:
Carbon Pricing: Introduction of CO2 pricing to boost investments in low-carbon technologies and hydrogen-based steelmaking.
Investment in Green Technology: Encourage renewables-based electricity and green hydrogen.
Competitiveness: A carbon price of $50/tonne can make green steel competitive by 2030.
Encourage Green Steel Consumption:
Targets for Carbon: Set embodied carbon targets in construction and automotive sectors.
Market Creation: Develop a domestic market for green steel to meet export demands.
Investing in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS):
CCUS as a Solution: Increase R&D to reduce capture costs and establish CCS hubs in steel-producing regions like Odisha and Jharkhand.
Initiatives to Decarbonise India’s Steel Sector
National Green Hydrogen Mission:

Significant role in decarbonising steel with green hydrogen.
Promotes Green Steel manufacturing using non-fossil energy sources.
National Solar Mission:
Promotes solar energy to cut steel industry emissions.
Kalyani Group’s Green Steel Brand:
Launch of 'Kalyani FeRRESTA', India’s first green steel brand.

Prelims Question
Question: Consider the following statements about the decarbonisation of the steel sector:
1.Hydrogen-based steelmaking is currently cost-competitive with conventional methods.
2.India's steel industry is responsible for 9% of the national greenhouse gas emissions.
3.The National Steel Policy 2017 aims to double steel production by 2030. 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: Examine the challenges and opportunities in decarbonising India's steel sector. Discuss the role of technology and policy in achieving a sustainable transition to green steel.

Lithium Deal with Argentina

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, through the state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), has entered into a draft exploration and development agreement with Argentinian miner CAMYEN. This agreement involves the potential acquisition and development of approximately five lithium blocks.
Additionally, KABIL has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Chilean miner ENAMI for "possible exploration, extraction, processing, and commercialization" of lithium.
About Lithium

General Characteristics:
Lithium is an alkali metal, also known as ‘white gold’.
It is a soft, silvery-white metal and the lightest metal in the periodic table.
Major Properties:
High Reactivity
Low Density
Excellent Electrochemical Properties Occurrence and Top Producers:
Lithium is naturally found in minerals such as spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite.
It is extracted from these minerals and refined into lithium metal or its compounds.
The top producers of lithium are:
Australia: World leader in lithium mine production as of 2022.
Chile
China
Argentina
A significant lithium deposit was recently discovered beneath California’s Salton Sea
(US), estimated to hold 18 million tons of lithium.
Note: The Lithium Triangle—comprising Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia—contains roughly
half of the world's known lithium reserves.
Applications of Lithium
Batteries:
Essential for rechargeable batteries used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), and other electronic devices.
Glass and Ceramics:
Lithium compounds are used to strengthen and make glass and ceramics more durable and heat-resistant.
Medicine:
Utilized as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Lubricants:

Lithium greases are used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
???????? Lithium in India Recent Discoveries:
2023 saw significant lithium discoveries in India:
Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir: Estimated 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves.
Additional reserves found in Koderma and Giridih regions of Jharkhand. Current Scenario:
India has put lithium blocks up for auction:
One in Jammu & Kashmir
Another in Chhattisgarh
India meets most of its domestic lithium requirements through imports, catering to:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Lithium-ion battery manufacturing
Other energy storage solutions

The import bill for lithium and its products is estimated at around ₹24,000 crore. Prelims Question
Question: With reference to lithium and its global significance, consider the following statements:
Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile are collectively known as the Lithium Triangle, which holds more than half of the world's known lithium reserves.
2.India is a major global producer of lithium.
3.Lithium is only used in battery production and has no other industrial applications.
4.Lithium deposits have been found in Jammu & Kashmir, India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 4 only
B)1, 2, and 3 only
C)1, 2, and 4 only
D)1 and 3 only
Answer: A) 1 and 4 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the strategic importance of lithium for India’s economic and technological future. How can international collaborations, like the recent agreement with Argentina, enhance India's energy security and industrial growth?

Brahmani River
        
Brahmani River is a major inter-state east-flowing river among the peninsular rivers
in India.
It is known as Dhamra in its lower reaches.
Origin
Formation: Brahmani River is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers.
Location of Confluence: The confluence occurs near the industrial town of Rourkela
in Odisha.
Source:
Both rivers originate from the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
Sankh River originates near the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border.
South Koel River also rises in Jharkhand.
Course
Basin: The river basin spans Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, covering a total area of 39,033 sq.km.
Flow: It flows generally south-southeast past Bonaigarh and Talcher in Odisha, then turns east to join the northern branches of the Mahanadi River.
Outfall: The river empties into the Bay of Bengal at Palmyras Point.
Length: Total length is approximately 799 km, with 541 km in Odisha alone.
Brahmani Delta:
Located at the point where the river joins the Bay of Bengal.
Home to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, known for estuarine crocodiles.
Geography

Boundaries:
North: Chotanagpur Plateau
West and South: Mahanadi Basin
East: Bay of Bengal
Eastern Ghats: One of the few rivers to cut across the Eastern Ghats, forming a minor gorge at Rengali in Odisha, where a dam has been built.
Tributaries
Principal Tributaries:
Sankh River
Tikra River
Karo River
Q Background Information
Chota Nagpur Plateau: A part of the Indian Shield, known for its mineral wealth, especially coal and iron ore. It is an important geological formation in eastern India.
Rourkela: An industrial city in Odisha, home to one of India’s largest steel plants, Rourkela Steel Plant, established in collaboration with Germany.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for its biodiversity, including saltwater crocodiles, Indian python, king cobra, and a variety of bird species. It is a Ramsar site and an important ecological zone for conservation.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Brahmani River, consider the following statements:
1.The Brahmani River is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers.
2.It flows exclusively within the state of Odisha.
3.The river is known for forming a delta at its confluence with the Bay of Bengal.
4.The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the delta region of the Brahmani River.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 3 only
B)1, 3, and 4 only
C)2 and 4 only
D)1, 2, and 3 only
Answer: B) 1, 3, and 4 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the Brahmani River in the context of Odisha's geography and ecology. How does the river contribute to the socio-economic development of the regions it flows through?