Recently, The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released an updated report titled Report on Optimal Generation Mix 2030 Version 2.0.

The report is an updated version of the 2020 report titled Report on Optimal Generation Capacity Mix for 2029-30

Key  highlights:

Ø  The report highlights the changes expected in India’s energy mix, with a decline in coal’s share and a rise in renewable energy (RE) sources.

Ø  Decline in Coal’s Share: Coal’s share in the power mix is projected to decline from 73% in 2022-23 to 55% in 2030.

Ø  Increase in Solar Energy: Solar energy is expected to play a significant role in the power mix, with projections indicating a quadrupling of solar capacity from 109 GW to 392 GW by 2030

Ø  Contribution of Other RE Sources: Projections for large hydropower and wind energy remain modest in the future power mix. Renewable sources are expected to account for 31% of the power mix in 2030, compared to the current 12%.

Ø  Wind generation, on the other hand, is projected to decrease to 9% in the updated version (from 12% in the previous report).

Ø  Role of Natural Gas: Despite aspirations to increase the share of natural gas, its contribution to power generation remains small

Ø  Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Power sector emissions are projected to rise by 11%, reaching 1.114 Gt CO2 in 2030, accounting for 10% of global power sector emissions

Ø  Climate Commitments: CEA’s projections indicate that India is likely to over-achieve on its pledge to the Paris Agreement, with 62% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. The share will be 64% if nuclear power is considered.

Challenges in Adopting Renewable Energy:

Ø  Intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources due to weather conditions make it difficult to match energy supply with demand and maintain grid stability.

Ø  Integrating large-scale renewable energy into existing power grids can be complex, requiring upgrading of grid infrastructure and balancing mechanisms.

Ø  Scaling up renewable energy installations requires significant land and resource availability, which can be challenging to identify suitable locations, acquire land, and address environmental concerns.

Ø  Coal currently dominates the power sector in India, accounting for about 70% of electricity generation and providing significant direct and indirect employment.

Ø  Transitioning away from coal can lead to job losses in the coal sector, and ensuring a smooth transition for affected communities is essential.

About Central Electricity Authority

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) was established in 1951 under the Electricity Supply Act 1948.

The Act has been superseded by the Electricity Act 2003.

Functions:

Ø  CEA advises the government of India on policy matters related to the development of electricity systems in the country.

Ø  CEA formulates plans for the development of the electricity sector.

Ø  CEA prepares the national electricity plan and tariff policy.

Ø  CEA advises the central government on matters relating to the national electricity policy, rural electrification, hydropower development, etc.

Ø  CEA specifies technical standards for construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical plants and electric lines.

Ø  CEA specifies grid standards and safety requirements for operation and maintenance of transmission lines.

Ø  CEA collects and records data on electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization.

Ø  CEA promotes research and development in the field of electricity.

Ø  CEA monitors the implementation of power projects and schemes.

Ø  CEA coordinates with state governments, state electricity boards, regional power committees, etc. on electricity matters.

According to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukrainian aircraft allegedly used Storm Shadow missiles, supplied by Britain, to target two industrial sites in the city of Luhansk, which is under Russian control in eastern Ukraine.

About Storm Shadow Missile:

Ø  The Storm Shadow missile, a collaborative effort between the UK and France, is a long-range cruise missile known for its stealth capabilities.

Ø  It is designed to target valuable stationary assets such as airbases, radar installations, communications hubs, and port facilities.

Ø  This versatile weapon system can be operated in extreme conditions and provides operators with a deep-strike capability, thanks to its advanced mission planning system.

Ø  Notably, the Storm Shadow missile is actively deployed by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Features:

Launch: The Storm Shadow missile is typically deployed from airborne platforms.

Warhead and Range: It carries a 450kg conventional warhead and can reach targets at a range of up to 200 miles (300km).

Size and Weight: With a weight of 1.3 tonnes and a length slightly exceeding 5 meters, the missile is compact and efficient.

Guidance System: Equipped with fire-and-forget technology and fully autonomous guidance, it operates independently after launch.

Infrared Seeker: The missile is fitted with a passive imaging infrared seeker, allowing it to detect targets based on their heat signatures.

Pre-Programmed Mission: Prior to launch, the Storm Shadow missile is programmed with precise target information and the optimal path to reach the target.

Low-Altitude Flight: After launch, the missile descends to a low altitude to avoid enemy radar detection. It then utilizes the infrared seeker to lock onto its intended target.

The Union Cabinet cleared a revised production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware with an outlay of Rs 17,000 crore, more than doubling the budget for the scheme that was first cleared in 2021. The IT hardware industry is targeted to reach a production of $24 billion by 2025-26, with exports anticipated to be in the range of $12-17 billion during the same period.

About the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme –

Ø  A cornerstone of the Government’s push for achieving an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the objective of the PLI Schemes is to —

Ø  Make domestic manufacturing globally competitive

Ø  Create global Champions in manufacturing and

Ø  Generate employment opportunities for the country’s youth.

Ø  The strategy behind the scheme is to offer companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in India, over the base year.

They have been specifically designed to —

Ø  Boost domestic manufacturing in sunrise and strategic sectors,

Ø  Curb cheaper imports and reduce import bills,

Ø  Improve cost competitiveness of domestically manufactured goods, and

Ø  Enhance domestic capacity and exports.

Ø  The first three PLI Schemes were approved earlier in March, 2020 and these were followed by another 10 New PLI Schemes in November, 2020.

Ø  The Union Budget 2021-22, announced an outlay of INR 1.97 Lakh Crores for the PLI Schemes for 13 key sectors.

Ø  This means that minimum production in India as a result of PLI Schemes is expected to be over US$ 500 billion in 5 years.

The PLI for IT hardware —

Ø  It was first announced in February 2021 with an initial outlay of around Rs 7,300 crore over a period of four years.

Ø  Domestic players investing Rs 20 crore and clocking sales of Rs 50 crore in the 1st year, Rs 100 crore in the 2nd, Rs 200 crore in the 3rd, and Rs 300 crore in the final year, would pocket incentives of 1-4% on incremental sales over 2019-20.

Ø  The first version of the scheme was a laggard with only two companies - Dell and Bhagwati - managing to meet first year’s (FY22) targets, and the industry calling for a renewed scheme with an increased budgetary outlay.

The PLI 2.0 for IT hardware —

Ø  According to the MeitY, the PLI 2.0 (outlay - Rs 17,000 crore) could attract big global IT hardware manufacturers to shift their production base to India and give a boost to local production of laptops, servers, personal computers, etc.

Ø  It will be implemented from July 1, with a cap on maximum incentives available to participating companies.

Ø  The tenure of the new scheme has been fixed for six years and the Centre is expecting an investment of over Rs 2,430 crore as part of it.

Ø  The expected incremental production value could touch Rs 3.35 lakh crore, and the scheme could generate 75,000 direct jobs [could touch 2 lakhs when accounted for indirect jobs.

Ø  The average incentive over six years will be about 5% compared with the 2% over four years offered earlier.

Ø  This scheme will play a key role in catalysing India’s Techade and in achieving the $1 trillion digital economy goal - including $300 billion of electronics manufacturing by 2025-26.

The Centre has promulgated an ordinance notifying rules for GNCTD regarding ‘transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters’.

About the ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ -

Creation of NCCSA — The ordinance has been passed by the Centre to constitute ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in Delhi. The authority shall comprise the chief minister of the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi as its chairperson, along with the chief secretary and the principal home secretary, who shall be the member secretary to the authority.

Purpose of NCCSA — They will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group ‘A’ officers and DANICS officers serving in Delhi Government.

Powers and Functions —

Ø  The order reads, "Provided also that in case of difference of opinion, the decision of the Lieutenant Governor shall be final."

Ø  All matters required to be decided by the authority shall be decided by majority of votes of the members present and voting. All recommendations of the authority shall be authenticated by the member secretary.

Ø  The central government, in consultation with the authority, shall determine the nature and the categories of officers and other employees required to assist the authority in the discharge of its functions and provide the authority with such officers and employees, as it may deem fit.

Ø  Responsibility — Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, the National Capital Civil Service Authority shall have the responsibility to recommend the transfers and postings of all the Group 'A' officers and officers of DANICS serving in the affairs of the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi but not officers serving in connection with any subject matter.

Background -

Ø  Recently, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had ruled unanimously in favour of the Delhi government on the issue of who controls the bureaucracy in the national capital. Earlier, it was the Lieutenant-Governor, Chief Secretary and the Secretary of the Services Department who took a call on these issues.

Ø  The Court held that the legislature has control over bureaucrats in administration of services, except in areas outside the legislative powers of the National Capital Territory (NCT).

Ø  According to the Supreme Court, the Delhi government, much like other States, represents the representative form of government and any further expansion of the Union's power will be contrary to the Constitutional scheme.

Ø  The Court pointed out that if officers stop reporting to ministers or do not follow their instructions, the principle of collective responsibility will be affected.

Limitations –

Ø  However, the Court added that control over services would not extend to entries related to public order, police and land.

Ø  Also, the decision on which IAS officer gets posted to the national capital — and for how long — will continue to be the Centre!s prerogative.

Ø  Also, the Central government will continue to, appoint the Chief Secretary of Delhi, with consultations with the Chief Minister which, as per tradition, is more or less a formality.

Ø  Now, the promulgated ordinance, through the National Capital Civil Services Authority, has essentially institutionalised the transfer and posting of Group ‘A’ officers and DANICS officers serving in Delhi Government.

What is an ‘Ordinance’?

Ø  Ordinances are like a law but not enacted by the Parliament/State Legislatures but rather promulgated by President of India/Governor of States when both houses of Parliament/State

Ø  Legislature or either of those is not in session.

Ø  Cabinet’s recommendation is a must for an ordinance to be promulgated. Using ordinances, immediate legislative actions can be taken.

Conditions and constitutional provisions -

For an ordinance to exist, it should be approved by the Parliament (or State Legislature in case of Governor’s ordinance) within six weeks of it being introduced. Parliament is required to sit within 6 weeks from when Ordinance was introduced.

An ordinance is a law that is promulgated by the President of India only when the Indian parliament is not in session. President promulgates an ordinance on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.

Similarly, Governor of Indian states can also initiate ordinances only when a legislative assembly is not in session when it is a unicameral legislature and when legislative assembly along with legislative council both are not in session when it is the bicameral legislature.

Article 123 deals with the ordinance making power of the President. Article 213 deals with the power of Governor to legislate through ordinances.

A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

The amendments allowed bull-taming sports like jallikattu, kambala, and bullock-cart races.

Ø  While delivering its verdict for a batch of pleas challenging Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra laws allowing the traditional bull-taming sport Jallikattu, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the laws.

What is ‘Jallikattu’?

Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festival.

Ø  The festival is a celebration of nature, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, of which cattleworship is part.

Ø  It is popular in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts — known as the Jallikattu belt.

Ø  The practice of jallikattu has long been contested, with animal rights groups and the courts expressing concern over —

Ø  cruelty to animals and,

Ø  the bloody and dangerous nature of the sport that sometimes causes death and injuries to both the bulls and human participants.

Importance of Jallikattu -

Old cultural tradition —

Ø  A tradition over 2,000 years old, Jallikattu is a competitive sport as well as an event to honour bull owners who rear them for mating.

Ø  It is a violent sport in which contestants try to tame a bull for a prize; if they fail, the bull owner wins the prize.

Way to protect these male animals —

Ø  Conservationists and peasants argue that Jallikattu is a way to protect these male animals which are otherwise used only for meat if not for ploughing.

Ø  This becomes significant at a time when cattle breeding is increasingly becoming an artificial process.

Background of the case -

2014 judgement of Supreme Court —

Ø  In 2014, a two-judge Bench of apex court had essentially outlawed two common sports practised in the States of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Ø  These were referred to as Jallikattu and Bullock Cart Race.

Ø  The ruling also held that bovine sports were contrary to the provisions of Sections 3, 11(1) (a) and (m) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Ø  These sections relate to the duties of persons having charge of animals and define animal cruelty

Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu —

Ø  In 2015, the apex court also dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s plea calling for a recall of its verdict.

Ø  Dismissing the government's plea, SC brushed aside the state government’s argument that the 3,500-year-old tradition was rooted in religion.

Ø  In January 2017, massive protests erupted across Tamil Nadu against the ban, with Chennai city witnessing a 15-day-long Jallikattu uprising.

Ø  2016 notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) allowing Jallikattu —

Ø  In January 2016, a notification was issued by the MoEF&CC prohibiting the exhibition or training of bulls as performing animals.

Ø  However, an exception was carved in the notification.

Ø  The exception specified that bulls might still be trained as performing animals at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, according to the customs and culture of different communities.

Ø  A batch of petitions were filed challenging the exemption notification, relying on the 2014 ruling.

Tamil Nadu Assembly passes bill in 2017 —

Ø  The Tamil Nadu Assembly, in 2017, passed a bill replacing an ordinance for conducting the bull-taming sport.

Ø  The "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 2017" was passed in this regard.

Ø  The act said the "Government of Tamil Nadu has decided to exempt Jallikattu from the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act”.

Petitions challenging the bill —

Ø  The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) filed some petitions.

Ø  These petitions challenged the amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Ø  SC refused to stay the new Jallikattu law passed by the Assembly but slammed the state government for not following the law and order.

Matter transferred to larger bench —

Ø  In 2018, a two-judge bench referred the petitions challenging the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017 to a larger bench.

Ø  The bench framed five questions to be adjudicated upon by the larger bench.

What did the court hold?

Tamil Nadu Amendment Act is not a piece of colourable legislation —

Ø  The top court held that the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act is not a piece of colourable legislation.

Ø  Doctrine of Colourable Legislation means that if a legislature lacks the jurisdiction to enact laws on a specific subject directly, it cannot make laws on it indirectly. In simple words, the doctrine checks if a law has been enacted on a subject indirectly when it is barred to legislate on that topic directly.

Ø  It relates to Entry 17 of List III of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution which relates to the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Observations regarding 2017 amendment —

Ø  The 2017 amendment “minimises cruelty to animals in the concerned sports”.

Ø  Once it is implemented and read with the rules, the sports will not come under the definition of cruelty defined in the 1960 Act.

Ø  The amendment has received Presidential assent; hence, there is no flaw in the state action.

Jallikattu has historical context —

Ø  As per the legislatures of Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu has been going on in Tamil Nadu for the last few centuries and forms a part of its cultural heritage.

Ø  In this context, the court clarified that it did not want to disrupt the legislature’s view.

Ø  2017 amendment does not violate Fundamental duties and Fundamental Rights —

Ø  The court also said that the 2017 amendment does not violate Articles 51-A (g) and 51-A (h).

Ø  51-A (g) impose duties on Indian citizens to protect the environment.

Ø  51-A (h) deals with developing a scientific temper, humanism, spirit of inquiry, and reform.

Ø  It also held that the amendment didn’t violate Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.