UPSC GS 2
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
- News: The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) recently signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with International Solar Alliance aiming to mobilize $100 million to fund high-impact solar energy projects.
- About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP):
- Alliance Composition: GEAPP is a coalition comprising philanthropy, governments, technology experts, policy makers, and financing entities.
- Mission:
- Facilitate the transition of emerging and developed economies to a clean energy model.
- Promote universal energy access and inclusive economic growth.
- Align efforts to achieve critical global climate targets within the next decade.
- Key Objectives:
- Reduce 4 gigatons of projected future carbon emissions.
- Expand access to clean energy to one billion people.
- Create 150 million new jobs.
- Initiatives Announced by GEAPP:
- 1. Multi-Donor Trust Fund
- Partnership with ISA: GEAPP has strengthened its collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing onto ISA’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
- Objective: Mobilize $100 million to support impactful solar energy projects.
- GEAPP’s Role:
- Provide governance oversight.
- Facilitate fundraising efforts.
- Leverage expertise in energy transition planning, financing, and project implementation.
- 2. DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition)
- Program Focus:
- Digitalization of grid systems by developing a comprehensive technology suite.
- Digitally capture all grid assets, including geo-coordinates and specifications.
- Integrate assets with live smart sensors for real-time data monitoring.
- Functionality:
- Conduct load flow analysis.
- Provide real-time tracking of voltage, current, and phase data.
- Aim to reduce transmission and distribution losses.
- 3. ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge)
- Platform Objective: Identify, nurture, and scale innovative solutions to accelerate India’s startup ecosystem while meeting sustainability targets.
- Background: The first phase, ENTICE 1.0, was launched in 2023 to support energy transition innovations through access to funding, mentorship, and market linkages.
- ENTICE 2.0 Launch:
- Scheduled to commence in January 2025.
- Expanded scope to identify and scale investable opportunities.
- Aims to go beyond the framework of ENTICE 1.0 by emphasizing impactful scaling of innovations.
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EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan
- News: The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, recently launched EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan in partnership with New Shop.
- EmpowHER Biz Initiative:
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- The initiative provides mentorship and comprehensive training in retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs.
- It is a collaborative effort with New Shop, aimed at building a strong retail ecosystem to empower women entrepreneurs and promote sustainable sector growth.
- Selection Process:
- Open to women aged 18–35 from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- Fifty participants will be chosen through an online application process based on specific criteria.
- Benefits:
- The top twenty participants will receive a full waiver on New Shop franchise fees, enabling them to establish and operate their retail businesses with minimal entry barriers.
- Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP):
- Origin and Evolution:
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- Established by NITI Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform.
- Transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022.
- Objectives:
- Seeks to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing information gaps and offering consistent support across key areas:
- Access to Finance.
- Market Linkages.
- Training and Skilling.
- Mentoring and Networking.
- Compliance and Legal Assistance.
- Business Development Services.
- Collaborations:
- Partners with over 30 public and private sector entities to design scalable programs that benefit women entrepreneurs.
- Key Initiative:
- Launched in 2023, the ‘Award to Reward’ framework provides stakeholders with a ready-to-use model for creating impactful programs.
Garudakshi Portal
- News: Karnataka’s forest department has launched Garudakshi system to register FIRs online in cases related to wildlife and forests.
- Overview:
- The Garudakshi Portal is a software designed to tackle wildlife and forest crimes, modeled on the online FIR system.
- It aims to streamline the registration and management of forest crime cases under the Forest and Wildlife Protection Acts.
- Implementation:
- The portal will initially be launched on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions of Karnataka.
- Once fully implemented, registering FIRs through the Garudakshi Portal will become mandatory in these divisions.
- Functionalities:
- The portal will allow for online registration and management of forest offence cases.
- It will auto-generate formats for various reports and complaints, simplifying the documentation process.
- Features of Garudakshi Portal:
- Legacy Case Registration Module: This module enables the registration of historical cases for better record management.
- Online Forest Offence Registration: The portal facilitates the online filing of cases related to forest offences, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
- Investigation Module: This feature supports investigators in managing case-related details and evidence systematically.
- Reporting and Analytics Module: The portal provides tools for generating detailed reports and performing analytics on registered cases.
- Public Accessibility: The portal allows members of the public to report forest offences using mobile phones or email addresses.
- Development: The Garudakshi Portal has been developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), leveraging their expertise in wildlife conservation and management.
UPSC GS 3
‘Future of Jobs’ Report 2025
- News: The World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs’ report 2025 presented results based on data gathered from more than 1,000 leading global companies.
- Future of Jobs Report 2025:
-
- Publisher: The report is issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
- Data Source: Derived from insights provided by over 1,000 leading global companies, collectively representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industry sectors and 55 economies worldwide.
- Key Highlights:
- Fastest-growing roles: The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 forecasts the creation of 170 million new jobs by 2030, with 92 million displaced, leading to a net increase of 78 million jobs.
- The occupations with the fastest percentage growth are software developers, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning specialists, and big data specialists.
- Declining job roles :Clerical and manual roles face significant decline as automation and digitalisation take centre stage. The top five declining careers include:
- Postal service clerks
- Bank tellers and related clerks
- Data entry clerks
- Cashiers and ticket clerks
- Administrative assistants and executive secretaries
- Automation takes over: 96% of Indian organisations are implementing AI programmes, compared to 88% worldwide
- Farmworkers see unexpected job boom: Farmworkers are set to experience the largest job growth, with 35 million new positions expected by 2030. Green transition trends, such as reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change, are driving this surge.
- The skills gap: 40% of job skills will change by 2030, with 63% of employers identifying it as their primary challenge. According to the research, between 2025 and 2030, 39% of workers’ skill sets will either need to be transformed or face obsolescence. To bridge this gap, businesses are taking proactive measures:
- 85% of employers plan to upskill their workforce
- Half aim to transition employees into emerging roles
- 73% are focused on automating processes
- 70% plan to hire talent with new skills
- Adapting to a changing workforce: Online learning platforms play a vital role in workforce transformation. AI, big data, cybersecurity, creative thinking, multilingualism and other vast range of skills are among the skills that will be on the rise in the next few years, between 2025 and 2030.
- Findings on India:
- The research highlights that 96% of Indian organisations are implementing AI programmes, compared to 88% worldwide.
- The demand for AI skills has increased globally, with the US and India leading the way in generative AI training enrolments on the Coursera platform.
- Countries with a demographic dividend, like India and Sub-Saharan African countries, will provide nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants in the coming years due to demographic shifts caused by an ageing population in high-income countries and a growing working-age population in low-income countries.
Neuroptera Species
- News: Researchers have found two rare Order Neuroptera species, Glenochrysa zeylanica and Indophanes barbara from Kerala.
- Neuroptera Species:
- Indophanes barbara:
- Taxonomy: Indophanes barbara is an antlion species belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family.
- Larval Characteristics:
- The larvae of Indophanes barbara do not construct pits like other common antlion species.
- They prefer to live under loose soil surfaces, where they remain shielded from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.
- Adult Morphology:
- Adults of Indophanes barbara are frequently misidentified as damselflies by non-taxonomists due to their morphological resemblance.
- They can be easily distinguished by their long, distinct antennae, which are a key identifying feature.
- Taxonomic Classification:
- Indophanes barbara is classified under the Order Neuroptera, which includes holometabolous insects.
- Damselflies, however, belong to the Order Odonata, which consists of hemimetabolous insects.
- Glenochrysa zeylanica:
- Taxonomy and Rediscovery:
- Glenochrysa zeylanica is a green lacewing species from the Chrysopidae family, classified under Order Neuroptera.
- This species was rediscovered after 111 years from Mananthavady and Thirunelly in the Wayanad district of Kerala.
- Previously believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka, Glenochrysa zeylanica has now been reported for the first time in India.
- Neuroptera Overview:
- General Characteristics: Neuroptera refers to a group of insects that are commonly called lacewings because of the intricate vein patterns on their wings, giving them a lace-like appearance.
- Habitat: Adult Neuropterans are terrestrial and are primarily found in the aerial parts of plants, where they either rest or hunt for prey.
- Ecological Importance:
-
- Neuropterans play a vital role in agriculture due to their predatory behavior, which helps in controlling pest populations.
- The larvae of families such as Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, and Coniopterygidae are known for their voracious feeding habits and their active prey-seeking behavior.
- These larvae act as highly effective biological control agents for managing significant agricultural and horticultural pests.
Soapstone Mining
- News: The Uttarakhand High Court has pulled up the authorities for unregulated soapstone mining in Bageshwar, a district with more than 160 mines at present.
- Overview:
-
- Soapstone, also known as Steatite, is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, a naturally occurring mineral.
- It is widely used in construction and design for applications such as countertops, sinks, hearths, and sculptures.
- Depending on its source, soapstone may contain varying amounts of other minerals, including micas, chlorite, amphiboles, quartz, magnesite, and carbonates.
- Formation of Soapstone:
- At Convergent Plate Boundaries:
- Soapstone is commonly formed in regions where the Earth’s crust experiences heat and directed pressure, such as at convergent plate boundaries.
- In these areas, rocks like peridotites, dunites, and serpentinites can undergo metamorphism, transforming into soapstone.
- Through Metasomatism:
- On a smaller scale, soapstone can also form when siliceous dolostones are altered by exposure to hot, chemically active fluids in a process known as metasomatism.
- Properties of Soapstone:
- Soapstone is a relatively soft material but is highly dense and resistant to heat, making it suitable for various industrial and artistic applications.
- Global Production:
- The leading producers of soapstone include China, India, Brazil, the United States, and Finland.
- Major Reserves in India:
- According to the Indian Bureau of Mines, Rajasthan accounts for 57% of India’s soapstone reserves, followed by Uttarakhand with 25%.
- Applications of Soapstone:
- Powdered Form: Soapstone in powdered form is often mixed with corn starch and used as baby powder.
- Industrial Uses: It serves as a thickening agent, lubricant, and an ingredient in ceramics, paint, and roofing materials. It is also a key ingredient in many cosmetics.
- Other Uses of Talc: Talc, the primary component of soapstone, finds applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various other industries.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- News: India’s first commercial utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) — an inverter that can provide electricity to a grid — from renewable energy is expected to go live in Delhi in March 2025.
- India’s First Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):
- Capacity:
- The system has a capacity of 20 MW (megawatts)/40 MWh (megawatt-hours) comprising a cluster of batteries.
- It can supply power for four hours daily, with two hours each during the day and night.
- Source of Electricity:
- The batteries are charged using electricity procured through renewable power purchase agreements.
- Location:
- The system is located in Kilokri village, South Delhi.
- Initiative By:
- Developed by BSES Rajdhani, a joint venture between the Reliance Group and the Delhi government.
- Utility:
- It aims to provide 24/7 reliable power to over 12,000 low-income consumers in the area.
- What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
- Battery Energy Storage Systems are advanced setups that utilize rechargeable batteries to store energy, predominantly sourced from renewables like solar and wind, and release it back into the grid as needed.
- Operation:
- BESS employs intelligent algorithms and software to interact with the electricity grid and decide whether to store or release energy based on demand.
- Commonly Used Batteries:
- Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their high energy density, extended lifespan, and decreasing costs.
- Components of a BESS:
- Batteries: Includes various types like lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries.
- Inverters: Converts stored direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) for grid use and vice versa.
- Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors the health and performance of the batteries.
- Thermal Management Systems: Regulates battery temperature to ensure optimal operation.
- Utility of BESS:
- Stores surplus energy efficiently for later use.
- Acts as a reliable backup power source.
- Improves the stability of the electricity grid.
- Facilitates greater integration of renewable energy into the grid.
- Provides clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to users.
- Development of 4 GWh BESS:
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- Current Status: As of FY23, India had approximately 37 MWh of BESS capacity.
- Future Target: The goal is to achieve 4 GWh of capacity by 2026 through battery-based systems.
- Significance: A 4 GWh BESS capacity is expected to reduce around 1.3 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon emissions annually, assuming the system is charged using renewable energy.
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AnemiaPhone
- News: AnemiaPhone, a technology developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly, and cheaply, assess iron deficiency, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programmes for anaemia.
- Development:
- AnemiaPhone is an innovative technology created by researchers at Cornell University, United States, to assess iron deficiency accurately, swiftly, and cost-effectively.
- Integration in India:
- The technology has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for inclusion in its programs focusing on anemia reduction, women’s health, and maternal and child health.
- Purpose:
- AnemiaPhone facilitates rapid screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency, enabling intervention at the point of need.
- Significance in India:
- Iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia, affects 50% to 70% of pregnant women in India.
- How It Works:
- Process:
- A small finger stick is used to extract a drop of blood, which is placed on a test strip similar to a COVID-19 home test.
- The system processes the sample within minutes to assess iron deficiency.
- Data Handling:
- The results are uploaded to a clinical database using a mobile phone, wireless tablet, or computer for further analysis.
- Healthcare Applications:
- Health workers can use the results for immediate interpretation, offering guidance, triage, referral, or intervention at the site of screening.
