The Indian tectonic plate is breaking into two
Context:
– A recent discovery may revolutionize our comprehension of the processes shaping the Earth’s tallest mountain ranges.
– New seismic data presented at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco suggests a split occurring within the Indian tectonic plate beneath the Tibetan plateau.
Key Highlights:
– This revelation challenges the conventional understanding of the Himalayan mountain range’s genesis and was unveiled at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco.
– Geologists have long attributed the towering presence of the Himalayas to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian continental plates, a process initiated around 60 million years ago.
– The collision has been analogized to the crumpling of a car’s hood in a head-on collision, where the Indian plate is being driven beneath its northern neighbor by molten rock currents in the Earth’s mantle, ultimately elevating the Eurasian landmass.
– However, the latest analysis questions previous assumptions about the smooth subduction of the buoyant Indian plate.
– Contrary to expectations, the seismic data indicates a more intricate scenario involving the delamination of the Indian plate.
– The dense base of the Indian plate is separating and descending into the mantle, while the lighter top portion continues to scrape just beneath the Eurasian plate.
– The findings suggest a dramatic structural separation, challenging the notion of a uniform sinking or crumpling of the Indian plate.
– Some sections of the plate remain relatively intact, while others are fragmenting about 100 kilometers below the surface, allowing the base to deform into the Earth’s core.
– The seismic investigation aligns with geological models based on helium-3 enriched spring water and patterns of fractures and earthquakes near the surface, portraying a vivid image of tectonic unrest beneath the Himalayas.
– The implications of this study extend beyond mountain formation, significantly impacting earthquake prediction methods.
2. SIGHT Program for Green Hydrogen Transition
Introduction:
The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme has been initiated by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
SIGHT Programme Overview:
Aligned with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the SIGHT Programme is strategically formulated to promote the domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and the production of green hydrogen.
Financial Commitment:
A significant investment of Rs 17,490 crore has been earmarked for the SIGHT Programme until the fiscal year 2029-30.
Dual Incentive Mechanisms:
The SIGHT Programme introduces two distinct financial incentive mechanisms:
- Incentive for Electrolyzer Manufacturing: Aimed at boosting the production of essential electrolysis equipment.
- Incentive for Green Hydrogen Production: Geared towards encouraging the generation of clean and sustainable green hydrogen.
Adaptive Evolution:
The incentive schemes and programs under SIGHT will adapt to market dynamics and technological advancements, ensuring the Mission’s flexibility and responsiveness.
Execution Authority:
The implementation of the SIGHT Programme is entrusted to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to ensure effective execution.
About National Green Hydrogen Mission:
- Strategic Implementation: Launched by MNRE, the mission commits an outlay of ₹19,744 crore from FY 2023–24 to FY 2029–
- Global Hub for Green Hydrogen: The mission aims to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Vision for 2030:
- Production Capacity: India aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tons (MMT) per annum by 2030, reducing fossil fuel imports and saving ₹1 lakh crore.
- Economic Impact: The mission anticipates attracting over ₹8 lakh crore in investments and generating employment for more than 6 lakh people.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Targeted production and utilization of green hydrogen are expected to reduce nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions.
- Pilot Projects: The Mission supports pilot initiatives in low-carbon steel, mobility, shipping, and ports.
Flexible Allocations: The Mission allocates resources for sub-components like SIGHT, pilot projects, research and development (R&D), enabling the funding of selected projects.
State-Wide Impact: While the Mission lacks state-wise allocation, its broad scope promises nationwide benefits.
Significance of Green Hydrogen:
Eco-Friendly Production: Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.
A Sustainable Fuel: This process yields a clean, emission-free fuel with immense potential to replace fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions.
Batadrava Than: Significance & Controversy
Introduction
A recent incident involved the refusal of entry to Assam’s Batadrava Than for a Rahul Gandhi engaged in Yatra.
About Batadrava Than
Positioned in the Nagaon district, Batadrava Than, also recognized as Bordowa Than, holds significant importance for the Assamese Vaishnavites.
Birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva: Situated at the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568), a respected Vaishnavite reformer-saint.
Founder of Kirtan Ghar: Sankardeva initiated the inaugural Kirtan Ghar at Bordowa in 1494 AD, where he propagated and preached the neo Vaishnavite faith.
Sankardeva’s Philosophy
- Ek Saran Naam Dharma: Central to Sankardeva’s philosophy was worship through bhakti (devotion) to Lord Krishna, emphasizing the singing and collective listening of His name and deeds.
- Society Based on Equality: He advocated for a society devoid of caste distinctions, traditional Brahmanical rituals, and sacrifices, promoting equality and brotherhood.
- Devotion over Idol Worship: Sankardeva’s teachings favored prayer and chanting (naam) over idol worship.
- Four Components of Dharma: His dharma was based on four components: deva (god), naam (prayers), bhakats (devotees), and guru (teacher).
Legacy of Sankardeva’s Movement
- Monastic Institutions: Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement led to the establishment of monastic institutions known as Thans/Sattras across Assam.
- Religious, Social, and Cultural Reforms: These Thans/Sattras evolved into hubs for religious, social, and cultural reforms in the 16th century.
- “Worship Through Art” Approach: Currently, the Sattras advocate Sankardeva’s distinctive approach of “worship through art” with music (borgeet), dance (xattriya), and theater (bhauna).
- Nucleus of Naamghar: Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) at its core and is led by an influential “Sattradhikar.”
Political Significance and Controversies
- Assamese Identity: Thans/Sattras play an integral role in the Assamese identity, and Batadrava Than is a frequent destination for politicians.
- Electoral Issue: The government has highlighted “land grabbing around Sattras by illegal settlers” as a key electoral concern.
- Proposed Land Law: The Chief Minister has announced intentions for a law preventing “non-indigenous people” from purchasing land within an eight-kilometer radius of Batadrava Than.
Beautification Project: In 2021, Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a Rs 188 crore beautification project at Batadrava Than.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana: India’s Solar Revolution
Introduction
- Prime Minister Modi has recently introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ a governmental initiative designed to provide rooftop solar power systems to one crore households across India.
- This ambitious project extends previous efforts to encourage rooftop solar installations, addressing the increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources.
About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
- Rooftop Solar Installations: The initiative concentrates on installing solar power systems on one crore residential rooftops.
- Reduced Electricity Bills: Its primary goal is to decrease electricity expenses for households, particularly benefiting the “poor and middle class.”
- Energy Self-Reliance: The scheme aligns with India’s objective of achieving self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
India’s Current Solar Capacity
- Total Solar Capacity: As of December 2023, India possesses a total solar power installed capacity of approximately 73.31 GW.
- Rooftop Solar Capacity: The rooftop solar capacity is approximately 11.08 GW, emphasizing the necessity for expansion.
- Leading States: Rajasthan leads in total solar capacity with 18.7 GW, while Gujarat tops the list in rooftop solar capacity with 2.8 GW.
Importance of Expanding Solar Energy
- Growing Energy Demand: India is anticipated to witness significant growth in energy demand over the next three decades, necessitating a reliable energy source.
- Diversifying Energy Mix: To meet this demand and decrease reliance on coal, India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Solar Power Growth: India has remarkably increased its solar power capacity, from less than 10 MW in 2010 to 70.10 GW in 2023.
Existing schemes: Rooftop Solar Programme
- Launched in 2014: The program seeks to enhance rooftop solar installations in the residential sector.
- Financial Assistance: It provides Central Financial Assistance and incentives to distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- Capacity Target: The program aims to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026, having already grown from 1.8 GW in March 2019 to 10.4 GW by November 2023.
- Consumer Benefits: Consumers can access the program through DISCOM tendered projects or the National Portal. They have the flexibility to choose vendors and solar equipment. Subsidies are directly deposited into their bank accounts, and excess solar power can be exported to the grid, offering financial advantages.
Conclusion
The new initiative underscores India’s dedication to harnessing solar power as a clean and sustainable energy source for its expanding population.
With a specific focus on residential rooftop installations, this initiative aims to reduce electricity expenses for millions of households, simultaneously contributing to India’s energy self-reliance objectives.
