After successfully hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Feb 2016, the City of Destiny Visakhapatnam is gearing up to host another International Naval event ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. With about two months to the mega event, the preparations were reviewed at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) by Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Chief of Staff ENC on 07 January 2020. The review meeting saw an overwhelming and positive response from the civil administrators and stakeholder organisations, with participation by Dr G. Srijana Commissioner GVMC, Shri Rajiv Kumar Meena, City Police Commissioner, Shri A Srinivas Secretary VMRDA, Shri RN Hari Krishna, Chief Mechanical Engineer VPT, representatives from HSL, HPCL, IOCL, EPCL, Coromandel Fertilizers Ltd and Senior Police Officers from Special Branch, Law & Order, and Traffic.
A detailed presentation to apprise the attendees of the planned activities of MILAN was conducted. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade has solicited wholehearted support and cooperation from the City Administration, Civic Bodies, Police Department and PSUs in co-hosting the multinational Naval event as was done during IFR in 2016. The review meeting was followed by site visits to various venues by the Nodal officers from the Navy and the attendees representing stakeholder organisations towards drawing out time bound action plans.
MILAN 2020 is a multilateral naval exercise aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain. The Exercise with the theme ‘Synergy Across the Seas’ would provide an excellent opportunity for Operational Commanders of friendly foreign navies to interact with each other in areas of mutual interest. Of the 41 navies invited, confirmations from over 30 navies have been received towards their participation in MILAN 2020.
As a part of Nationally Determined Contributions as per the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40% of our installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and also by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 % from 2005 level. Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanisation and rising per capita energy consumption has increased the energy demand of the country.
Keeping in view the above and our commitment for a healthy planet with less carbon intensive economy, we decided in 2015 that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power.The substantial higher capacity target will ensure greater energy security, improved energy access and enhanced employment opportunities. With the accomplishment of these ambitious targets, India will become one of the largest Green Energy producers in the world, even surpassing several developed countries.
The Prime Minister in his address atto Climate Action Summit stated that “India’s renewable energy capacity would be increased to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW”.In line with the objective of expanding renewable energy sector, several important initiatives were taken during year 2019.
MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE YEAR 2019 Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) In a major initiative towards making Annadata also a Urjadata PM-KUSUM scheme was approved on 8th March 2019 and implementation guidelines were issued on 22.7.2019. State-wise allocation of capacities for the first year was made on 13.8.2019. The scheme covers grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps and has following three components:
Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants by farmers of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity within 5 km distance from sub-station primarily on barren/uncultivable land. The DISCOMs will purchase power at pre-fixed tariff for which they will get PBI of Rs. 0.40 per unit up to Rs. 33 lakh per MW in a span of five years.
Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solar pump and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solar pump, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solar pump)
Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh existing Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solarisation and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solarisation, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solarisation)
Targets: Setting up of 25,750 MW additional solar capacity by 2022. Implementing framework: Scheme will be implemented by agencies designated by States for the three components in the respective states as per implementation guidelines issued by MNRE. Centralised tendering envisaged for Component-B. Centralised tendering for 1.75 lakh solar pumps Component-B completed by EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.) and States started implementations of Component-B. For Component-A and C the States have to initiate process as per Guidelines.
2. Standard bidding guidelines The Ministry has issued Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar & Wind Power Projects with an objective to provide a framework for procurement of solar & wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.
In order to strengthen the contractual provision in the Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) between the solar power generators and the Procurers, and to facilitate setting up of solar power projects, the Government, vide notification dated 22.10.2019 from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has made following major amendments to the ‘Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects:
(i). Solar Power Generators have been allowed to submit documents/Lease Agreement to establish possession/right to use 100% (hundred per cent) of the required land in the name of the Solar Power Generator for a period not less than the complete term of the PPA, on or before the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD). (ii). Clear and elaborate provisions for time extension and compensation to affected party in the event of natural and non-Natural Force Majeure events with specific provisions regarding termination due to natural and non-natural Force Majeure events have been included.
(iii). Quantum of Compensation for back-down has been increased from 50 % to 100% with provision for recognition of only written instructions of back-down and payment of back-down compensation. (iv). Corresponding Time Extension in date for achievement of financial closure and scheduled commissioning date, in case there is a delay in adoption of tariff by the concerned Electricity Regulatory Commission beyond a period of 60 days from the filing of such application. Similar relaxations were also made for wind power bidding guidelines.
3. Development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) This Ministry has undertaken a scheme to develop Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) under the existing Solar Park Scheme. The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing Renewable Energy (RE) based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required.
The implementing agency of the UMREPPs may be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in form of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be set up between Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) and any State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSU) or State Utility or Agency of the State Government or a SPV fully owned by any CPSU or a SPV fully owned by any State PSU / State Utility / Agency of the State Government. NTPC, SECI, NHPC, THDC, NEEPCO, SJVNL, DVC, NLC and PFC have proposed to set up UMREPPs of around 42,000 MW in various states.
4. Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme Phase II of the Grid connected rooftop solar programme was approved with a target for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022 in February 2019. In the Phase-II Programme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured. Important features of the Phase-II of RTS are as under: -
Power Distributing companies (DISCOMs) will be the implementing agencies Subsidy/CFA will be available for the residential sector only CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower. For RTS systems up to 3 kW, CFA is 40%; for capacity above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for balance quantity; for capacity above 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for next 7 kW. No subsidy beyond 10 kW capacity.
For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities; however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RWA will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity up to 500 kWp. Residential Consumers/Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations have to pay only balance amount after deducting the CFA to the empanelled vendor for installation of the RTS project
For availing the benefit of CFA, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used. Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.
5. Solar PV manufacturing Government Producer Scheme for setting up Solar PV Power plants using domestically manufactured SPV cells & modules Government have approved a Scheme [CPSU Scheme Phase-II (Government Producer Scheme)] for setting up of solar PV power plants by Government Producers [Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs)/ Government Organisations, etc.], as per extant Guidelines, in a World Trade Organization (WTO) compliant manner, using domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules to encourage ‘Make in India’ in Solar PV Manufacturing sector.
Solar PV Manufacturing linked PPAs for Solar Power Plant Tenders for setting up Solar PV Manufacturing Capacities in India linked with assured off take in the form of PPAs for Solar Power Plant has been finalized. SECI has already concluded a bid for one such tender under which 2-3 GW of Solar PV Cells &Modules manufacturing capacity linked with 8-12 GW of Solar PV Power plants capacity is likely to come up.
6. Wind-Solar Hybrid The main objective of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land. The wind - solar PV hybrid systems will help in reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability. The policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants. So far, SECI has awarded 1440 MW capacity of wind solar hybrid projects after e- reverse auction. In addition, Hero Future Energies has commissioned wind solar hybrid project by adding 28.8 MW of solar project to an existing 50 MW wind project (Total 78.8 MW hybrid project) in Raichur district, Karnataka.
7. Offshore Wind Power in India The National Offshore wind energy policy was notified in October 2015 with an objective to develop the offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km. eight zones are identified each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu having cumulative offshore wind energy potential of 70 GW. Expression of Interest for first 1 GW offshore wind project was floated in April, 2018. More than 35 participants from in country onshore wind developer / manufacturer as well as international offshore wind developers had participated. The inputs received from the participants have been duly considered in designing the bid documents.
8. Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) Phase-II (66.5 GW REZ) Potential renewable energy zones (66.5 GW – Solar 50 GW and Wind 16.5 GW) have been identified in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh and a comprehensive transmission scheme was evolved integrating these renewable energy zones.
The scheme is being implemented in phases by way of either Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or through Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) by PGCIL. The TBCB bids are being carried out by PFC and REC. The allotment of works in TBCB or RTM is done by established committees of transmission constituted by Ministry of Power.
Of this, Phase-I projects (for evacuation of 12.4 GW) have been bid out, awarded and are under implementation. Phase-II projects (for evacuation of approx. 15 GW) have been allotted by Ministry of Power in October/November 2019 and the bids have been issued by PGCIL/PFC. The Phase-III (approx. 39 GW) projects are under approval of the National Committee on Transmission.
9. Payment Comfort Opening of LCs by all DISCOMs/ distribution licensees for all producers Ministry of Power has issued an order regarding opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs). Further, Ministry of Power has instructed Power System Operation Corporation Ltd. (POSOCO) that according to the Procedure for Scheduling of power to Distribution Company, Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after a written intimation is given to the appropriate Load Despatch Centre (LDC) i.e. NLDC/RLDC/SLDC that Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power w.r.t the generating stations has been opened.
Term loans to DISCOMs for clearing outstanding payments of RE generators Ministry has requested PFC/REC/IREDA to extend short term loan to DISCOMs for the purpose of making payments to renewable energy generators.
10. Energy Storage SECI have floated two tenders which include battery storage systems: - 1200 MW tender with requirement of supplying power during evening/morning (six hours) peak, with battery storage system. 400 MW round the clock renewable, this will also come with battery storage system.
11. Second Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) The Ministry hosted the second assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30th and 31st October 2019 New Delhi. On 30th October 2019, coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA programmes and initiatives were held.
The Assembly met on 31st October 2019 & was presided by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister & ex-Officio President of ISA. Delegations from 78 countries participated in the Assembly including 29 Ministerial delegations of which 25 are from ISA member countries, two from signatory countries, and two from prospective member countries. The Assembly deliberated upon ISA’s activities and new proposals for accelerating development and deployment of solar energy in ISA member countries and approved Rules and Procedure of the Assembly, Manual of Regulations of ISA, and Work Programme and Budget for the year 2020.
12. Global Solar Event for commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Ministry in association with IIT Bombay organised Global Student Solar Assembly to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote the Gandhian idea of sustainable living. Over 6,800 students from National Capital Region created Guinnes world record by lighting the largest number of solar lamps together at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi. Another Guinness World Records was made during this event on sustainability lessons to the largest number of participants at a single place.
13. Dispute Resolution Mechanism During the period MNRE set up a Dispute Resolution Mechanism for wind/solar projects to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. This mechanism will help in smooth implementation of solar/wind energy projects in India, by expeditiously resolving, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements.
14. Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme Phase III Government is implementing Phase-3 of the Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme for Solar Street Lights, Solar Study Lamps and Solar Power Packs. Based on the demand for solar street lights and solar study lamps sanction has been issued to States; EESL has completed centralised tendering for solar street lights and solar study lamps.
Provision has been made for financial supportup to 90% of the benchmark cost of the system for NE States, Hilly States/UTs and Island UTs; up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the system for other States. Solar study lamps for students will be provided in NE States and LWE affected areas with 85% financial support from Central Government.
Targets: 118 MW of off-grid solar power systems during 2018-20. Implementing framework: Projects will be implemented by State Nodal Agencies in their respective States. Centralised tendering will be done for solar streetlights and solar study lamps.
15. Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) Phase-II Applications covered: Solar Street Lights. Financial support: 75% of the cost by MNRE and balance 25% through MPLAD.
Targets: A total of 3,04,500 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) will be installed in the following states/ regions: States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, which were covered in Phase-I of the Scheme as there is additional demand in these States. Hilly States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. North Eastern States including Sikkim. Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. Parliamentary constituencies covering 48 aspirational districts of States other than those covered in (i) to (iii) above.
Implementing framework: Project is proposed to be implemented by EESL. Hon’ble MPs of concerning parliamentary constituencies will provide consent letter along with location of lights. Respective DM will issue sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD funds. Achievements: During Phase I of the Scheme, sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD fund received for 96 parliamentary constituencies. Out of sanctioned 1.45 lakh Solar Street Lights 1.34 lakh have been installed.
Current Status: Ph-II of the Scheme is under implementation. Consent letters for installation of 1,31,586 SSLs have been received from 120 Hon’ble MPs against which sanction from DMs has been received for 31,426 numbers of SSLs and 13,583 SSLS have been reported installed.
Key facts: As per government data, only 84 traders and self-employed persons from Delhi have registered for the scheme so far, while 59 persons from Kerala, 54 from Himachal Pradesh, 29 from Jammu and Kashmir and two from Goa have registered.
No one has registered for the scheme in Lakshadweep and Mizoram. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of registrations with 6,765 persons. What is Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana?
It is a voluntary and contribution based central sector scheme. The government launched the scheme, entailing monthly minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 for the entry age group of 18-40 years after attaining the age of 60 years, with effect from July 22, 2019.
Under the scheme, the government makes matching contribution in the subscribers’ account. The scheme is based on self-declaration as no documents are required except bank account and Aadhaar Card.
Eligibility: All small shopkeepers, self-employed persons and retail traders aged between 18-40 years and with Goods and Service Tax (GST) turnover below Rs.1.5 crore can enrol for pension scheme. To be eligible, the applicants should not be covered under the National Pension Scheme, Employees’ State Insurance Scheme and the Employees’ Provident Fund or be an Income Tax assessee.
Why Switzerland? Switzerland represents the interests of the US in Iran. This is because the US itself does not have an embassy there. Iran’s interests in the United States, on the other hand, are represented by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington.
How can one country represent another country? In an arrangement such as this, Switzerland is the “Protecting Power” of the United States’ interests in Iran. The instrument of Protecting Powers is provided for under the 1961 and 1963 Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations.
What the Vienna rules say? 1961 Vienna Convention states, if diplomatic relations are broken off between two States, or if a mission is permanently or temporarily recalled, the sending State may entrust the protection of its interests and those of its nationals to a third State acceptable to the receiving State.
And the 1963 Convention reiterates: “A sending State may with the prior consent of a receiving State, and at the request of a third State not represented in the receiving State, undertake the temporary protection of the interests of the third State and of its nationals.”
Roles of Protecting power: In the absence of diplomatic and consular relations of the United States of America with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power of the USA in Iran since 21 May 1980. The Swiss Embassy’s Foreign Interests Section provides consular services to US citizens living in or travelling to Iran. The United States government describes the same role on a web page on the “US Virtual Embassy” in Iran.
Background: A Farmer Connect Portal has been set up by APEDA on its website for providing a platform for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to interact with exporters.
About APEDA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act 1985.
The Authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, promotes export of agricultural and processed food products from India.
APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the following scheduled products: Fruits, Vegetables and their Products. Meat and Meat Products. Poultry and Poultry Products. Dairy Products. Confectionery, Biscuits and Bakery Products. Honey, Jaggery and Sugar Products.
Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Cereal and Cereal Products. Groundnuts, Peanuts and Walnuts. Pickles, Papads and Chutneys. Guar Gum. Floriculture and Floriculture Products. Herbal and Medicinal Plants.
Administrative set up: Chairman – Appointed by the Central Government. Director – Appointed by APEDA. Secretary – Appointed by the Central Government. Other Officers and Staff – Appointed by the Authority.
Background: An Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), formed by a group of farm producers, is a registered body with producers as shareholders in the organisation. It deals with business activities related to the farm produce and it works for the benefit of the member producers.
What next? The ‘in-principle’ approval implies that the lender now has 18 months to comply with all conditions required to get the final SFB license from the RBI.
On being satisfied that the applicant has complied with the requisite conditions laid down by it as part of “in-principle” approval, the RBI would consider granting it a licence for the commencement of banking business under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as an SFB.
What are small finance banks? The small finance bank will primarily undertake basic banking activities of acceptance of deposits and lending to unserved and underserved sections including small business units, small and marginal farmers, micro and small industries and unorganised sector entities.
What they can do? Take small deposits and disburse loans. Distribute mutual funds, insurance products and other simple third-party financial products. Lend 75% of their total adjusted net bank credit to priority sector. Maximum loan size would be 10% of capital funds to single borrower, 15% to a group.
Minimum 50% of loans should be up to 25 lakhs. What they cannot do? Lend to big corporates and groups. Cannot open branches with prior RBI approval for first five years. Other financial activities of the promoter must not mingle with the bank. It cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial services activities. Cannot be a business correspondent of any bank.
The guidelines they need to follow: Promoter must contribute minimum 40% equity capital and should be brought down to 30% in 10 years. Minimum paid-up capital would be Rs 100 cr. Capital adequacy ratio should be 15% of risk weighted assets, Tier-I should be 7.5%. Foreign shareholding capped at 74% of paid capital, FPIs cannot hold more than 24%. Priority sector lending requirement of 75% of total adjusted net bank credit. 50% of loans must be up to Rs 25 lakh.
About SSR Policy: India is going to be possibly the first country in the world to implement a Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy on the lines of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A draft of the new policy was recently made available by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Aims: To encourage science and technology (S&T) institutions and individual scientists in the country to proactively engage in science outreach activities to connect science with the society.
To harness latent potential of the scientific community for strengthening linkages between science and society, and for making S&T ecosystem vibrant. To develop a mechanism for ensuring access to scientific knowledge, transferring benefits of science to meet societal needs, promoting collaborations to identify problems and develop solutions.
Highlights of the Draft: Under the proposed policy, individual scientists or knowledge workers will be required to devote at least 10 person-days of SSR per year for exchanging scientific knowledge to society. It also recognises the need to provide incentives for outreach activitieswith necessary budgetary support.
It has also been proposed to give credit to knowledge workers/scientists for individual SSR activities in their annual performance appraisal and evaluation. No institution would be allowed to outsource or sub-contract their SSR activities and projects.
The draft defines SSR as “the ethical obligation of knowledge workers in all fields of science and technology to voluntarily contribute their knowledge and resources to the widest spectrum of stakeholders in society, in a spirit of service and conscious reciprocity”. A central agency will be established at DST to implement the SSR. Other ministries would also be encouraged to make their own plans to implement SSR as per their mandate.
Need for SSR: When most research is being done by using taxpayers’ money, the scientific establishment has an ethical obligation of “giving back” to the society. SSR is not only about scientific impact upon society but also about the social impact upon science. SSR would therefore strengthen the knowledge ecosystem and bring efficiencies in harnessing science for the benefit of society.
NAAC is established by University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit institution of higher learning in the country.
The NAAC was originally formed in 1992 as a result of recommendations from ‘National Policy on Education – 1986’ which emphasizes on deteriorating quality of higher education in the country.
Functions: The NAAC certifies institutions of higher learning (Colleges, Universities, Institutes, etc) in the country; however, it does not include the institutes providing technical education.
It is an autonomous organisation that assesses and accredits institutions of higher education in India.