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India’s First CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant in Pune
By concentrating on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies, India has developed its first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. India’s commitment to sustainable practices and lowering carbon emissions is demonstrated by this program.
Project Overview
Thermax Limited in Pune, Maharashtra is home to the pilot plant, which has a daily processing capacity of 1.4 tons of CO2. One of the first plants of its sort in India it seeks to sequester carbon dioxide and transform it into the valuable chemical methanol. India’s innovative achievements in carbon reduction technology are exhibited by this project.
Key Stakeholders
Thermax Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi collaborated on this project which was sponsored through a public-private partnership (PPP). The participation of business and academic partners emphasizes the cooperative strategy for addressing carbon emissions. Officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) attended the foundation ceremony to demonstrate the department’s strong support for the project.
Financial Aspects
The pilot plant costs an estimated ₹31 crore (approximately USD 3.7 million) funded by the DST under the Ministry of Science and Technology. India’s dedication to creating indigenous technologies for carbon capture and sustainable solutions is reflected in this investment.
Significance of the Initiative
The DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar stressed that the pilot plant acts as a revolutionary platform for the advancement of India’s domestic carbon capture technologies. This project not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also supports the development of innovative solutions that can be scaled up in the future.
Alignment with National Goals
The project is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panchamrit goal for India, which was declared during the COP 26 climate conference. India’s objectives to reduce carbon emissions and advance sustainable development are outlined in the Panchamrit framework. India demonstrates its commitment to climate change by investing in technology such as CO2-to-methanol conversion and leading the way in carbon management.
This project represents a critical turning point in India’s attempts to slow down climate change and shows the nation’s forward-thinking approach to environmental preservation and technical advancement.
‘Dust-Free Delhi’ Drive
Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena initiated the “Dust-free Delhi” project in response to the increasing levels of air pollution in the city. The goal of this endeavor is to lower pollution levels particularly prior to the winter months when air quality typically deteriorates.
Main Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi
Road dust is one of the main contributors to Delhi’s air pollution. This issue is exacerbated by dry weather and a lack of precipitation because dust from silt and dried mud on the roads is thrown into the air, lowering air quality.
Agencies Involved
Three key agencies will work on this initiative:
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
Public Works Department (PWD)
Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
To lessen the amount of dust in the air these organizations will concentrate on clearing and disposing of mud and silt from the roads.
Coordination Between Agencies
The MCD, DJB and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) will collaborate closely to achieve better outcomes. This collaboration is crucial for effectively using resources and strategies to tackle road dust.
To evaluate Delhi’s preparedness to tackle air pollution a high-level task team headed by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra has also been established. The task group will keep an eye on the ongoing efforts to combat various sources of pollution including automobile emissions and farm stubble burning.
Comprehensive Plan for Managing Pollution
The task group will examine actions taken to combat various pollution causes such as:
Stubble burning: This practice contributes to smog by burning leftover crops, mostly paddy stubble.
Vehicle Emissions: Pollution from automobiles, trucks and other vehicles on the road.
Construction Dust: Air-polluting dust from construction sites.
Solid Waste: The combustion of garbage and other waste which emits toxic smoke.
Diesel Generators: The emissions produced by generators that are frequently used in times of power outage.
The goal is to create an organized and effective plan for enhancing Delhi’s air quality and lowering health risks associated with pollution. This coordinated effort attempts to make Delhi a healthier and cleaner city especially in the next winter months when pollution levels usually reach their highest.
Indian Navy Hosts Goa Maritime Symposium 2024
The Indian Navy hosted the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS-24) at the Naval War College in Goa from September 23 to 24, 2024. The goal of the conference is to improve security and collaboration between nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Overview of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS)
The Indian Navy started hosting the Goa Maritime Symposium every year in 2016. It encourages discussion of important marine topics, such as trade, security and regional cooperation. Specialists from different nations talk on issues like how climate change affects the waters and dangers like piracy. The symposium has become more significant over time, supporting India’s efforts to fortify its maritime security initiatives in the Indian Ocean region as well as its strategic alliances.
Theme of GMS-24
“Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region” is the theme for GMS-24. Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and other illicit activities endangering marine security and safety will be the main topics of discussion during the conference.
Goals of the Symposium
The symposium’s primary goal is to strengthen national collaboration in addressing shared security issues. By working together these countries hope to make the Indian Ocean safer and more secure.
Participating Nations
Representatives from 14 countries will attend the symposium including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.
The diverse group of participants emphasizes how crucial regional cooperation is in tackling pressing marine security issues.
About the Indian Navy
One of the biggest naval forces in the world was formed in 1950 when the Indian Navy was founded. In 1961, INS Vikrant, the nation’s first aircraft carrier was put into service. Sam No Varunah, the navy’s motto translates to “May the Lord of Water be auspicious to us.” The primary missions of the Indian Navy, which consists of more than 150 ships and submarines, are humanitarian relief efforts and maritime security. It played a significant role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and has a special forces unit called MARCOS (Marine Commandos).
10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference
In New Delhi, the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference will be hosted by the Indian Parliament. The Commonwealth nations’ dedication to enhancing legislative procedures and bolstering democracy is demonstrated by this two-day gathering.
Leadership of the Conference
The conference will be chaired by Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chair of the CPA India Region. His leadership will steer discussions on key legislative issues ensuring productive dialogue among participants.
Participants in the Conference
A wide range of delegates will be present at the conference, including:
46 Presiding Officers
4 Chairmen
25 Speakers
3 Deputy Chairmen
14 Deputy Speakers
Several Indian States and Union Territories are represented among these participants. Key administrative officials, such as Principal Secretaries and Secretaries will also attend adding their expertise to the discussions.
The CPA India Region Executive Committee will convene prior to the main conference. The agenda for the conference will be shaped in part by this gathering which will set the stage for the major talks.
Conference Theme
The Role of Legislative Bodies in the Achieving of Sustainable and Inclusive Development is this year’s theme. The main topic of discussion will be the critical role that legislatures and parliaments may play in accomplishing more general societal objectives like inclusive development and sustainable growth.
Background of CPA India Region
The CPA Asia Region was replaced by the CPA India Region when it was founded in 2004. The Indian Parliament and the legislatures of thirty states and union territories make up its 31 member branches. Members of this network of legislative bodies are encouraged to work together and communicate.
The CPA India Region Conference is being held in New Delhi for the second time this year underscoring the significance of the city as a hub for legislative cooperation and discourse among Commonwealth countries.
About the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was founded in 1911 with the goal of fostering collaboration between Commonwealth nations’ legislative bodies. There are 54 member countries with a variety of political structures. The CPA has eight regional branches and its main office is in London. Every two years the association hosts a conference with the aim of exchanging best practices related to legislation, democracy and governance. It also places a strong emphasis on gender equality promoting women’s involvement in politics and defending democratic principles and human rights throughout its member countries.