Current Affairs GK 18th to 20th Februrary 2024

1. INDIA IS SET TO REVOLUTIONISE ITS NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR BY INVITING PRIVATE COMPANIES TO INVEST APPROXIMATELY USD 26 BILLION, MARKING A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN ITS ENERGY POLICY –

• This move aims to boost electricity generation from non-carbon-emitting sources and aligns with India’s ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption.
• India aims to increase its non-fossil fuels-based electric generation capacity to 50% by 2030, up from the current 42%.
• The infusion of private investment in nuclear power generation will contribute significantly to achieving this target, bolstering the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
• The government is negotiating with leading firms such as Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta Ltd. for investments of about Rs 440 billion ($5.3 billion) each in the nuclear energy sector. The government aims to add 11,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear power generation capacity by 2040 through this investment.
• This initiative is expected to diversify India’s energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security in the long run.
• India’s total installed power capacity presently stands at 428 GW, expected to double to 810 GW by 2030. Nuclear power contributes approx 3% to India’s energy mix.
• India operates 22 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 6.8 GW, contributing approximately 3% to the nation’s energy mix.
• An additional 11 nuclear power plants are under construction, aiming to add 8,700 MW of capacity.
• This includes a Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and four Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) based on Russian technology.
• The government has also sanctioned ten indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each, aiming for significant capacity expansion by 2031.

2. SUDARSHAN SETU: INDIA’S LONGEST CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE –

• Recently, PM inaugurated Sudarshan Setu connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat. It is a Signature Bridge is technically a sea-link, a first for Gujarat.
• Its a 4 lane bridge spans 2.32 km, with a central double span cable-stayed portion measuring 900 meters and a 2.45 km long approach road. Therefore, its total length is 4,772 meters.
• Project cost: Rs 978 crore, was funded by the Union government. Bridge is a part of National Highway 51 that runs along the sea coast of Saurashtra.
• Geographical Location: Located off Gujarat, situated in the Gulf of Kutch, the okha town of devbhumi Dwarka district of mainland Gujarat to bet Dwarka. (After the Union Territory of Diu (40sqKm), located at Una coast in Gir Somnath, Bet Dwarka (36sqKm) is the second largest island off Gujarat coast.)
• Its pillars are decorated with verses of Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna. It also has solar panels installed on the upper portions of the footpath, generating one megawatt of electricity.

3. BRAHMOS MISSILES RANGE EXTENDED FOR THE INDIAN NAVY –

• The Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared Indian Navy’s proposals to buy 220 BrahMos extended-range missiles for its warships worth around Rs 20,000 crore.
• The extended-range BrahMos is speculated to have an extended range of around 800 km. The term “BrahMos” is created by combining the names of two rivers: the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.
• BrahMos Aerospace is a collaborative effort between India and Russia. BRAHMOS is a Two-Stage Missile. First Stage: Solid-Propelent booster Engine Second Stage: Liquid Ramjet
• Speed: Up to 3 Mach speed in cruise phase.
• BrahMos Missile Range: The missile can travel up to 290 kilometres at supersonic speeds throughout its flight. Cruising up to 15 km and Terminal altitude is as low as 10 meters.
• Warhead Capacity: It carries a conventional warhead weighing 200 to 300 kgs. Stealth technology and guidance system with advanced embedded software provide the missile with special features.

4. RECENTLY, THE UNION GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO EXAMINE WHETHER THE PROVISIONS OF THE SIXTH SCHEDULE OF THE CONSTITUTION CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN LADAKH’S CONTEXT –

• It comes under Article 244 that provides for the formation of Autonomous Administrative Divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state. It applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram (three Councils each), and Tripura (one Council).

Significances of the Sixth Schedule in Indian Constitution-

• Autonomy to Tribal Populations: It protects the autonomy of tribal populations through the creation of autonomous development councils. These councils can frame laws on land, public health, and agriculture.
• Administration of Tribal Areas: It provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Protection of Tribal Rights: It is intended to protect tribal populations from exploitation and preserve their unique cultural and social practices.
• Safeguarding Resources: The autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule have the power to regulate the issuance of licences for mining, control money lending to tribes, and regulate business and commerce in the areas.
• The Sixth Schedule is a crucial constitutional provision that recognizes the unique cultural, social, and economic needs of tribal populations and provides a framework for self-governance.
• It holds significant importance as it provides for the administration of tribal areas, thereby protecting the autonomy of tribal populations.
• It protects tribal populations, allowing for the creation of autonomous development councils which can frame laws on land, public health, agriculture.
• The demand for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule reflects the aspirations of the people of Ladakh for greater autonomy and preservation of their unique cultural identity.
• The government’s response to these demands will have significant implications for the future of Ladakh and its people.

5. UAE’S EXIT FROM FATF’S GREY LIST –

• Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’ exit from the the grey list, nearly two years after its inclusion by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
• Earlier, the UAE was placed under closer scrutiny in 2022, when the FATF highlighted the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing involving banks, precious metals and stones, as well as property.

Impacts on India-

• Boost in Bilateral Trade: The removal of the UAE from the FATF’s grey list could boost confidence in the country and attract more money from overseas.
• Increased Investments: With the UAE’s international standing bolstered, it could attract more foreign investments, including from India.
• Enhanced Financial Security: The delisting of the UAE from the FATF’s grey list indicates its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Strengthened International Relations: The delisting could also strengthen the international relations between India and the UAE, fostering increased cooperation in various sectors.

6. FEBRUARY 24, 2024 MARKS SECOND YEAR OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR WHICH STARTED IN 2022 –

• Crimea’s annexation: Russia took over Crimea, a part of Ukraine, by force in 2014 as Ukraine wanted to join the European Union which Russia sternly objected.
• Sea of Azov clash-Post Crimea’s annexation, Russia and Ukraine fought over the Sea of Azov. It is connected to the Black Sea by a narrow strait.
• Russia built a bridge over the Kerch strait and blocked Ukraine’s ships from passing through.
• Russian backed rebels- Russia has been criticised for its involvement in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine, it acknowledged that the two regions of Donbass region as independent republics which aggravated the issue.