BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) IN INDIA'S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
India has inaugurated South Asia’s largest 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Delhi, marking a significant milestone in its clean energy journey. This development aligns with India’s ambitious target of deploying 47 GW of BESS by 2032 to support renewable energy integration and grid stability.
What is BESS
- BESS are systems that store energy using batteries for later use, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
- They address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind by storing excess energy and releasing it when needed.
Role in India’s Energy Landscape
- Renewable Energy Goals: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.
- Current Status: As of January 2025, India has achieved 217.62 GW of renewable energy capacity.
- BESS Deployment Target: The government plans to install 47 GW of BESS by 2032 to complement renewable energy sources.
Advantages of BESS
- Grid Stability: Helps balance supply and demand, reducing the risk of blackouts.
- Peak Load Management: Stores energy during low-demand periods and releases it during peak demand.
- Integration with Renewables: Facilitates the seamless integration of solar and wind energy into the grid.
Challenges in BESS Implementation
- High Initial Costs: Despite a significant drop in battery prices, the initial investment remains substantial.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Lack of clear policies and regulations can impede BESS deployment.
- Supply Chain Issues: Dependence on imported components and critical minerals poses risks.
Initiatives and Partnerships
- Delhi BESS Project: The 20 MW/40 MWh BESS in Delhi, supported by GEAPP, IndiGrid, and BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, is India’s first commercially approved utility-scale BESS.
- Tata Power’s Mumbai Project: Plans to install a 100 MW BESS across 10 locations in Mumbai to ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical infrastructure.
Future Outlook
- Policy Support: Government schemes like Viability Gap Funding and transmission charge waivers aim to promote BESS projects.
- Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development are expected to enhance BESS efficiency and reduce costs further.
- Global Leadership: With strategic investments and partnerships, India is poised to become a leader in BESS deployment among emerging economies.
Conclusion
Battery Energy Storage Systems are pivotal to India’s clean energy transition, ensuring grid reliability and maximizing the utilization of renewable resources. Overcoming existing challenges through policy reforms, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships will be crucial for India to achieve its energy goals and lead in sustainable energy solutions.
CENSUS OF 1931
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Indian government has announced that the next decadal census will begin in 2026, marking the first time since 1931 that caste data will be collected in detail. The 1931 Census remains the last official caste enumeration in India, and its findings continue to influence current debates on social justice and representation.
Context and Background
- The 1931 Census was conducted during British rule under Census Commissioner John Henry Hutton, who was also an anthropologist.
- India at that time stretched from Baluchistan (now in Pakistan) to Burma (now Myanmar).
- The exercise coincided with the Civil Disobedience Movement, affecting preparations and participation in certain areas.
- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931) was signed just after the enumeration, effectively ending the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Challenges Faced
- Logistical hurdles: Hutton noted the census covered nearly two million square miles with over one-sixth of the world’s population.
- Political disturbances: The Indian National Congress called for a boycott of the census, which had limited impact except in a few cities in Gujarat and parts of Mumbai.
- Economic constraints: The Great Depression led to budget cuts, reducing the census cost to Rs 48.76 lakh compared to Rs 40 lakh in 1921, despite inflation.
- Human resources: Nearly 20 lakh enumerators—mostly teachers and local officials—were unpaid.
- Social challenges: Some communities like the Bhils refused house numbering due to superstitions; enumerators also faced attacks by locals and even wild animals.
Key Findings
- Population: The census recorded a population of 35.05 crore, up from 31.89 crore in 1921—a growth rate of 10.6%. Factors contributing to this growth included improved public health and high birth rates linked to universal marriage practices.
- Density: Varied from less than 1 person per sq km in Chagai, Baluchistan, to 800 per sq km in Cochin State. Fertile agricultural areas saw higher density; less fertile regions witnessed a higher growth rate due to migration.
- Major cities: Kolkata (14.85 lakh) was the most populous, followed by Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
Caste Data Collection
- The 1931 Census included a detailed caste enumeration under the question on “Race, Tribe or Caste.”
- This continued a practice from earlier censuses, despite opposition from reform groups like the Arya Samaj. About 18.83 lakh people reported “caste nil,” most of them from Bengal.
- Hutton argued that recording caste data was essential to understand society rather than ignoring it.
Relevance Today
- The 1931 Census remains the baseline for any new caste enumeration.
- Its insights and methodology continue to inform policy debates and efforts to understand social dynamics.
CENSUS IN INDIA
Colonial Period:
- The first systematic Census in India was conducted in 1872 (a trial census).
- The first complete and synchronous Census of the entire country was conducted in 1881 under British rule.
- After that, India adopted a decennial (every 10 years) census schedule starting from 1881, which has continued uninterrupted except during the partition years.
Post-Independence:
- India continued the Census exercise after independence in 1951, and it has been conducted every 10 years since.
- The Census collects wide-ranging data on population, literacy, employment, caste, religion, language, and housing.
Significant Milestones:
- The 1931 Census was the last to collect detailed caste data.
- Since 1951, caste data is collected only for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- The Census 2021 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now planned for October 2026 onwards.
Conclusion
The 1931 Census was a landmark exercise in documenting India’s complex social structure. Its findings, especially on caste, continue to shape contemporary discussions on equity and representation.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GREEN BUSINESS
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
On World Environment Day, Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the need for increased innovation in green businesses, emphasizing the importance of women-led green enterprises. Despite their potential, only 18% of start-ups in India are led by women, presenting a key challenge to achieving sustainable development goals.
Importance of Women in Green Business
- Women entrepreneurs are crucial to India’s goal of achieving a sustainable and prosperous future by 2047.
- Sectors like renewable energy, e-waste recycling, circular economy, and bio-packaging offer immense opportunities for green growth.
Access to Finance
- Funding remains a significant barrier for women entrepreneurs, especially in green technologies.
- Many financial institutions are hesitant to lend to women-led green businesses due to perceived higher risks.
- While initiatives like term loans of up to ₹2 crore for SC/ST women are a start, more accessible and larger credit facilities are needed.
Mentorship and Training
- Women entrepreneurs often lack access to quality mentorship tailored to their needs.
- Platforms like the BRICS Bootcamp and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform by NITI Aayog are helpful, but more comprehensive guidance is needed.
- Partnerships that provide training, networking, and funding can empower women to lead green businesses.
Education and Engineering
- The participation of women in engineering remains low at around 19.2%.
- Updating curricula with new technologies and offering scholarships can attract more women into engineering roles essential for green businesses.
- Programs like Tata Steel’s ‘Women of Mettle’ scholarships help women enter manufacturing and other technical fields.
CONTRIBUTION AND POTENTIAL OF WOMEN IN INDIAN ECONOMY
- Labor Force Participation:
Women’s labor force participation in India has declined from 31.2% in 2005-06 to around 20.3% in 2022-23 (PLFS data). Despite this, women contribute nearly 18-20% of India’s total workforce, largely in informal and agricultural sectors. - Economic Contribution:
Women’s contribution to GDP is estimated at 18-20%, including formal and informal sectors. The Economic Survey notes that increasing women’s workforce participation to male levels could add $770 billion (about 27% of GDP) to India’s economy by 2025. - Entrepreneurship:
Women own about 20% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Schemes like Stand Up India have facilitated loans worth over ₹4,000 crore to women entrepreneurs between 2016-2024, promoting financial independence. - Education and Skill Development:
Female literacy rate has improved to 76% in 2021, yet skill gaps remain. Only 18% of women are digitally literate, highlighting the need for targeted skill development in sectors like IT and manufacturing to enhance employability.
Conclusion:
Addressing barriers to finance, mentorship, and education is key to enabling women to lead in the green economy. Supporting women-led green businesses is crucial for India to achieve its sustainable development goals and build a resilient, equitable economy.
THE SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR INDIA’S TEXTILE LEADERSHIP
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Indian textile industry is facing challenges like supply chain issues, price fluctuations, and climate concerns. There’s a growing need for sustainability in cultivation, production, and trade practices to secure India’s place in the global market.
Importance of Sustainable Practices
- The Indian textile sector is the sixth-largest exporter globally, but needs to modernise with sustainable practices to remain competitive.
- Concepts like regenerative farming, supply chain traceability, and product circularity are becoming essential.
Regenerative Farming
- Regenerative (regen) farming focuses on restoring soil health, tackling climate change, and ensuring stable raw material supply.
- The Ministry of Agriculture is supporting pilot projects covering over a million hectares of farmland.
- Digital tools connect farmers with certification agencies, manufacturers, and international brands.
- Example: In Maharashtra’s Aurangabad, 6,000 farmers under the Regenerative Cotton Program report higher yields, improved climate resilience, and reduced fertiliser use.
- This approach also encourages community development and promotes gender equality in farming.
Supply Chain Traceability
- Traceability solutions build trust in product origin, quality, and ethical practices across the supply chain.
- 37% of consumers in a 2023 survey prioritised sustainability and traceability when buying textiles.
- Advanced technologies like AI can improve traceability and brand transparency.
- India’s Kasturi Cotton initiative aims to benchmark quality and transparency globally.
- The India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can further benefit traceable, sustainable textiles.
- The EU also stresses traceability through international frameworks to protect consumers and the environment.
Product Circularity
- India contributes 8.5% of the world’s textile waste, highlighting the need for circular design.
- Circularity means designing products for longer lifespans, recycling factory waste, and eco-friendly packaging.
- Post-use products can be reintegrated into the production cycle or safely returned to the soil.
- The REIAI’s initiatives show that circularity creates innovation, jobs, and competitiveness.
- This aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision for self-reliance and sustainability.
The Way Forward
- India’s textile sector is expected to grow to $350 billion by 2030, creating 35 million jobs if it aligns with climate goals and technological advancements.
- Embracing regenerative farming, traceability, and circularity will secure India’s position as a global textile leader.
- Moving beyond symbolic green measures to real action will help India build a sustainable and resilient textile economy for the future.
CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
- Economic Impact: The textile and apparel industry contributes approximately 2.3% to India’s GDP.
- Export Earnings: It accounts for about 10.5% of the country’s total export earnings, highlighting its pivotal role in foreign trade.
Budget 2025-26 Highlights
- Increased Allocation: The Ministry of Textiles received ₹5,272 crore, a 19% rise from the previous year.
- Cotton Mission: A five-year initiative with an allocation of ₹600 crore aims to enhance cotton productivity, especially focusing on extra-long staple varieties.
- Customs Duty Adjustments: Customs duty on knitted fabrics has been revised to 20% or ₹115 per kilogram, whichever is higher, to protect domestic manufacturers.
- Duty-Free Inputs: Nine items, including wool polish materials and sea shells, have been added to the list of duty-free inputs to support the textile industry.
Potential and Government Initiatives
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The budget for the PLI scheme for textiles has seen a significant rise, from ₹45 crore in 2024-25 to ₹1,148 crore in 2025-26, aiming to boost textile manufacturing and exports.
- Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Parks: Seven mega textile parks are being established to integrate the entire textile value chain, reduce logistics costs, and enhance competitiveness.
- Kakatiya Mega Textile Park: Located in Telangana, this park is poised to become the largest textile park in India, offering state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and integrated infrastructure.
Conclusion:
The Ministry of Textiles has set an ambitious target to achieve a textile market size of $350 billion, including $100 billion in exports, by 2030. With the current trajectory of investments, policy support, and infrastructural developments, the Indian textile industry is well-positioned to become a global leader in the sector.
IS GLOBAL WARMING BECOMING A DISTRACTION?
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Record-breaking heat in 2023 and 2024 reignited debates on climate change and the 1.5ºC global warming threshold. Questions are being raised about whether focusing on global mean temperature takes away attention from pressing local climate disasters and adaptation needs.
Unreliable Climate Models
- Predicting distant future temperatures is tough because models depend on assumptions about emissions, technology, and social policies.
- Uncertainties make long-term forecasts (beyond 2050) less reliable.
- Scientists struggle to simulate societies and economies decades from now, which affects accuracy.
Are 1.5ºC or 2ºC Special Numbers?
- The Paris Agreement set 2ºC as a “safe” warming limit, later reduced to 1.5ºC due to demands from vulnerable nations.
- These figures come from economic studies and are not necessarily based on hard climate science.
- Actual damage from warming depends on local factors, not just global averages.
- Whether warming is 1.5ºC or 2ºC, disaster management and adaptation are critical now.
Did We Cross 1.5ºC?
- Different research groups use different methods and datasets, so estimates vary.
- Some models said 1.5ºC was crossed in 2024, while others said no.
- Year-to-year warming can fluctuate, so focusing on exact numbers can be misleading.
- Local adaptation plans need reliable short-term and medium-term forecasts instead.
Focus on Local Climate Disasters
- Climate hazards like heatwaves, floods, and droughts are increasing in frequency and intensity.
- Global warming discussions can distract from urgent local solutions, like disaster management and early warning systems.
- Insurance losses and human impacts are rising every year.
- Local forecasts with actionable information are more valuable for preparedness.
Improving Adaptation and Resilience
- Climate adaptation requires investment, especially in developing countries.
- Early-warning systems are improving but must be delivered effectively to communities.
- Countries need plans not only for immediate threats but also for the next decade or two.
- Agencies must record and fix failures in forecasts and disaster management to build trust.
UNFCCC AND PARIS AGREEMENT
What is the UNFCCC?
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
- It aims to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prevent dangerous climate change.
- Nearly all countries (197 Parties) are signatories to the UNFCCC.
What is the Paris Agreement?
- The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty under the UNFCCC adopted in December 2015.
- It aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
- It emphasizes nationally determined contributions (NDCs)—each country’s plan to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- The Agreement came into force on 4 November 2016.
India’s Updated Goals (New Targets)
- India submitted its updated NDC in August 2022 as part of the Paris Agreement.
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
- Achieve 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030.
- India also aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, announced at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
Conclusion
Global mean warming numbers can be a distraction. Governments must focus on strengthening disaster management, investing in early warnings, and adapting to local climate risks. Mitigation must continue alongside urgent adaptation efforts.
INDIAN RAILWAYS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Indian Railways is a key player in India’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, supporting the Panchamrit goals announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The railway’s initiatives aim to decarbonize transport and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Shift from Road to Rail for Freight
- Cargo transported by rail increased from 1,055 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25.
- This modal shift has saved over 143 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, comparable to planting 121 crore trees.
- Transporting goods by rail costs about half of road transport, saving the economy nearly ₹3.2 lakh crore in logistics over the last decade.
- Diesel consumption has dropped by 2,857 crore litres, saving around ₹2 lakh crore in fuel costs.
Electrification of Railway Network
- Prior to 2014, Indian Railways had electrified 21,000 km of track over 60 years. In just 11 years since then, it has electrified 47,000 km, making 99% of the broad-gauge network electrified today.
- Electrification reduces dependence on imported oil and cuts carbon emissions.
- Use of Green Energy: Indian Railways is adopting renewable energy sources like solar power for its stations, workshops, and factories. It collaborates with states to increase green energy use for running trains, further lowering its carbon footprint.
Innovations and Future Projects
- The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), which cover 2,741 km, are fully electrified, easing road congestion and cutting diesel use and emissions.
- India is launching hydrogen-powered trains, starting with the Jind to Sonipat route in Haryana, expected to be the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train.
- These advancements improve speed, capacity, and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Indian Railways exemplifies how economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Its ongoing efforts in electrification, cleaner freight transport, and renewable energy are vital steps towards India’s ambitious net-zero targets and a greener future.
ARAVALLI RANGE AND THE ARAVALLI GREEN WALL PROJECT
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Government of India has launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project to restore the degraded land along the 700 km-long Aravalli Mountain range.
Oldest Mountain Range in India
- The Aravalli Range is around 670 million years old, making it one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, even older than the Himalayas.
- It stretches about 692 km from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana, ending near Delhi.
Geological Formation and Features
- Formed during the Proterozoic Eon through tectonic activities and mountain-building processes. Composed mainly of metamorphic rocks such as granite, gneiss, and schist.
- The range has been shaped by weathering and erosion over millions of years, resulting in rugged hills and rocky landscapes.
Ecological and Hydrological Importance
- Acts as a natural barrier against desertification in the region. Helps regulate the local climate and supports diverse ecosystems.
- Serves as a watershed for rivers like Sabarmati, Luni, and Banas, important for agriculture and water supply.
Significant Peaks and Natural Sites
- Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu is the highest peak at 1,722 meters, named after Dattatreya (a revered spiritual figure).
- The Dilwara Temples near Mount Abu are famous Jain temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
- The range has notable waterfalls (Bhimlat, Kumbhalgarh, Chitrakoot) and lakes (Sambhar, Nakki, Ana Sagar).
Aravalli Green Wall Project
- Purpose and Scope: Aims to restore and green the 5 km buffer zone around the Aravalli Hills to prevent land degradation and desertification. Covers over 6 million hectares across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
- Activities Involved: Planting native trees and shrubs on wasteland, scrubland, and degraded forest areas. Restoring surface water bodies like ponds, lakes, and streams to improve water availability.
- Environmental Benefits: Promotes agroforestry and pasture development to support the livelihoods of local communities. Helps enhance biodiversity and improves ecological balance in the region.
Conclusion
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a vital step towards ecological restoration and sustainable development in western and northern India. It reinforces the importance of preserving ancient natural heritage while addressing modern environmental challenges.
FLUE GAS AND FLUE GAS DESULPHURISATION (FGD)
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
A high-level expert committee led by the Principal Scientific Adviser, Ajay Sood, has recently suggested removing the decade-old rule that makes Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units mandatory in all coal-fired thermal power plants in India.
What is Flue Gas?
- Flue gas, also known as exhaust or stack gas, is the mixture of gases released when fossil fuels are burned in power plants and other industries.
- It contains gases like carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), water vapor, and some particulate matter (tiny solid particles).
- Flue gases escape through chimneys or ducts called “flues,” hence the name. These gases often contain harmful pollutants that need to be controlled before release into the air.
Importance of Flue Gas Analysis
- Optimizes air-to-fuel ratio: Ensures efficient fuel burning with less pollution.
- Improves burner efficiency: Helps reduce fuel use and lowers costs.
- Monitors pollutant levels: Tracks dangerous gases like NOx and SO2 to comply with environmental rules and prevent equipment damage.
What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?
- Purpose: FGD is a technology used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, reducing air pollution.
- How FGD Works: Flue gas is passed through a scrubber (absorber) where it meets an absorbent material like lime or limestone slurry mixed with water. This chemical reaction removes up to 95% of SO2 by binding it to the absorbent, cleaning the gas.
- Common Absorbents: Lime or limestone slurry (wet scrubbing) is widely used. Other substances like ammonia or sodium sulphite can also absorb SO2.
Conclusion
Flue Gas and its treatment through technologies like FGD are essential for reducing harmful emissions from coal power plants. The recent recommendation to reconsider mandatory FGD use reflects evolving approaches to balancing environmental concerns with economic and technical feasibility.