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July17th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – July 17th –

Table of Contents

India Flags off Its First Hydrogen-Powered Train: A Major Milestone in Green Rail Mobility

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana, marking a major step towards sustainable and clean transportation under Indian Railways. The train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, becoming India’s first passenger train powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Key Highlights

  • Route: Jind – Sonipat (Northern Railway), Haryana.
  • Technology: Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based propulsion.
  • Maximum Speed: Around 110 km/h.
  • Passenger Capacity: Approximately 2,600 passengers.
  • Power Output: Around 2,400 kW.
  • Refuelling Facility: India’s first dedicated hydrogen refuelling station established at Jind.
  • Developed under: Make in India initiative with indigenous integration and safety systems.

How Does a Hydrogen Train Work?

A hydrogen-powered train uses Fuel Cell Technology instead of diesel engines.

Working Mechanism                                             

  • Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks.
  • Hydrogen reacts with oxygen inside a fuel cell.
  • The chemical reaction generates:
    • Electricity (to power the train)
    • Heat
    • Water vapour as the only emission.

Reaction:                                         

Hydrogen + Oxygen → Electricity + Water + Heat

Unlike diesel trains, hydrogen trains produce almost zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Advantages

  • Zero tailpipe emissions (only water vapour released).
  • Reduces dependence on diesel.
  • Helps decarbonize railway transport.
  • Less noise pollution.
  • Supports India’s Net Zero commitments.
  • Suitable for non-electrified railway routes where electrification is expensive.

Challenges

  • Green hydrogen production remains expensive.
  • Hydrogen storage and transportation require advanced infrastructure.
  • Refuelling stations need significant investment.
  • Fuel-cell technology is still costlier than conventional systems.
  • Safety protocols for hydrogen handling are crucial.

Global Context

Countries already operating hydrogen trains include:

  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • China

With this launch, India joins a select group of countries deploying hydrogen-powered rail technology.

Hydrogen Mission Link

The project complements India’s broader clean-energy initiatives:

    • National Green Hydrogen Mission
    • Decarbonisation of transport
    • Net Zero target by 2070
    • Promotion of indigenous clean-energy technologies

Supreme Court Suggests Third Language Should Be Taught from Class 6, Not Introduced in Class 9

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India observed that introducing a third language from Class 9 under the CBSE’s revised language policy may impose an unnecessary academic burden on students. The Court orally suggested that the third language should begin in Class 6 and continue up to Class 9, rather than being introduced only in Class 9.

Background

  • As part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the CBSE issued guidelines requiring students entering Class 9 to study three languages from the 2026–27 academic session.
  • A petition challenging this decision was heard by the Supreme Court, arguing that introducing a new language at the secondary stage would create practical and academic difficulties.

Supreme Court’s Observations

  • Learning a new language is more effective at a younger age.
  • Introducing a third language in Class 9, when students begin preparing for Board examinations, may increase stress and reduce learning efficiency.
  • The Court remarked that:

“The third language should stop in Class 9, not start in Class 9.”

  • It suggested that the third language be introduced from Class 6 and completed by Class 9, allowing students sufficient time to acquire language skills.

Three-Language Formula

The Three-Language Formula is India’s language education policy aimed at promoting multilingualism and national integration.

Under NEP 2020:            

  • Students should learn three languages.
  • At least two languages must be native to India.

The choice of languages is left to States, schools, and students, with no language to be imposed.

Objectives of the Three-Language Policy

  • Promote multilingualism.
  • Preserve India’s linguistic diversity.
  • Improve cognitive and communication skills.
  • Encourage national integration while respecting regional languages.
  • Strengthen learning in the mother tongue during foundational years.

Concerns Raised

  • Additional academic burden on Class 9 students.
  • Shortage of qualified language teachers in many schools.
  • Delay in preparation of textbooks and learning resources.
  • Implementation challenges for schools already following different language policies.
  • Opposition from some States on grounds of federalism and language autonomy.

Supreme Court Directs States to Frame Policy for Release of Elderly and Terminally Ill Prisoners

Why is it in News?

The Supreme Court, acting on a petition filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), directed all States and Union Territories to formulate and notify a comprehensive policy within three months for the early, premature, or compassionate release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners. The Court emphasized that the right to life and dignity under Article 21 continues even inside prisons.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

All States and UTs must frame a uniform policy for the compassionate release of:

    • Prisoners of advanced age.
    • Prisoners suffering from terminal illnesses.
  • The policy should be prepared in consultation with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs).
  • It should include:
    • Clear eligibility criteria.
    • A transparent and time-bound procedure.
    • A standard definition of terminal illness.
  • Independent Medical Boards should assess and certify eligible prisoners.
  • The process should be integrated with the e-Prisons Portal to improve transparency and accountability.
  • Undertrial Review Committees (UTRCs) should periodically review such cases for bail, parole, remission, or premature release.

Why Did NALSA Approach the Supreme Court?

  • NALSA filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) after identifying several elderly and terminally ill prisoners during a nationwide legal aid campaign.

    The petition highlighted:                                           

    • Lack of a uniform national policy.
    • Poor healthcare facilities in overcrowded prisons.
    • Difficulty in providing specialized treatment for seriously ill inmates.
    • The need to allow eligible prisoners to spend their final days with dignity and family.

What is NALSA?

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

  • Established under: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
  • Came into force: 9 November 1995
  • Objective: Provide free legal aid to weaker sections of society and ensure equal access to justice.
  • Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India
  • Executive Chairman: A sitting judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

Functions                                      

    • Provides free legal services.
    • Organises Lok Adalats.
    • Promotes legal awareness.
    • Protects the rights of prisoners, women, children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups.

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty, including the right to live with dignity.
  • Article 39A – Equal justice and free legal aid.
  • Article 142 – Supreme Court’s power to pass orders necessary for complete justice.

Significance of the Judgment

  • Upholds the constitutional principle that imprisonment does not extinguish human dignity.
  • Promotes humanitarian prison reforms.
  • Addresses issues of prison overcrowding.
  • Ensures better healthcare and legal protection for vulnerable prisoners.
  • Encourages a uniform national framework for compassionate release.

Challenges

  • Ensuring fair identification of eligible prisoners.
  • Preventing misuse of compassionate release provisions.
  • Coordination among prison authorities, medical boards, and legal services authorities.
  • Providing post-release healthcare and rehabilitation support.

Cabinet Approves Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) to Boost Electronics Manufacturing

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a financial outlay of ₹62,500 crore for five years. The scheme aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for smartphone manufacturing, increase exports, attract investments, and generate employment. It was approved alongside the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, taking the total electronics manufacturing package to about ₹1.9 lakh crore.

Key Highlights of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)

  • Total Outlay: ₹62,500 crore.
  • Duration: Five years.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Objective: Promote large-scale manufacturing of mobile phones in India.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Increase mobile phone exports.
    • Attract global and domestic investments.
    • Create large-scale employment.
    • Deepen the domestic electronics supply chain.
    • Reduce import dependence on critical components.

Objectives of the Scheme

  • Make India a global smartphone manufacturing hub.
  • Strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • Enhance India’s share in the global electronics value chain.
  • Promote domestic value addition.
  • Improve manufacturing competitiveness through incentives.
  • Encourage production for both domestic consumption and exports.

Expected Benefits

Economic Benefits                              

  • Higher manufacturing output.
  • Increased exports and foreign exchange earnings.
  • Greater inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
  • Expansion of ancillary industries.

Employment                     

  • Creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
  • Growth in skilled employment in electronics manufacturing.

Strategic Benefits

  • Reduced dependence on imported smartphones and components.
  • Improved supply-chain resilience.
  • Enhanced technological capabilities.

Challenges

  • Heavy dependence on imported semiconductor chips and electronic components.
  • Need for greater domestic value addition.
  • Competition from established manufacturing hubs such as China and Vietnam.
  • Requirement for skilled manpower and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Relation with Other Government Initiatives

The MPMS complements:              

    • Make in India
    • Digital India
    • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing
    • Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

Significance for India

  • Strengthens India’s ambition to become a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse.
  • Supports the transition from an import-dependent market to an export-oriented manufacturing economy.
  • Improves India’s competitiveness in global supply chains.
  • Contributes to economic growth and employment generation.

Indian Grey Hornbill Makes a Successful Return to Gir Forest After Six Decades

Why in News?

The Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) has successfully re-established its population in Gujarat’s Gir Forest after disappearing from the region for more than 60 years. The Gujarat Forest Department’s reintroduction programme has recorded four consecutive years of successful breeding, marking a significant conservation milestone.

Key Highlights

  • The Indian Grey Hornbill had become locally extinct in the Gir landscape over six decades ago.
  • The Gujarat Forest Department initiated a scientific reintroduction programme by releasing hornbills in phases.
  • The species has now achieved four years of successful breeding, indicating that the population has become self-sustaining.
  • The success highlights the effectiveness of habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and wildlife conservation efforts.

About the Indian Grey Hornbill

Feature

Details

Scientific Name

Ocyceros birostris

Family

Bucerotidae

IUCN Status

Least Concern (LC)

Habitat

Deciduous forests, riverine forests, orchards, parks, and urban areas with large trees

Distribution

Indian subcontinent, including most parts of India, Nepal, and adjoining regions

Diet

Fruits, berries, insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals

State

One of the most widespread hornbill species in India

Unique Characteristics

  • Medium-sized grey bird with a curved bill and a small casque (helmet-like structure).
  • Mostly found in pairs.
  • Plays a crucial ecological role as a seed disperser, helping regenerate forests.
  • Unlike many hornbill species, it adapts well to semi-urban environments where mature trees are available.

Ecological Importance

  • Seed dispersal: Hornbills consume fruits and disperse seeds over long distances.
  • Forest regeneration: They support the natural regeneration of forests.
  • Indicator species: Their presence reflects healthy forest ecosystems and biodiversity.

Threats

  • Loss of nesting trees due to deforestation.
  • Habitat fragmentation.
  • Urbanisation.
  • Decline of mature native trees suitable for nesting.
  •  

Conservation Measures

  • Scientific reintroduction programmes.
  • Protection of nesting and breeding habitats.
  • Habitat restoration in Gir Forest.
  • Continuous monitoring by the Forest Department.
  • Public awareness and community participation in conservation.

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