Indigenous Hydrogen Train Engine – UPSC Current Affairs
Why in the News?
Indian Railways announced development of the **world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-based train engine (1,200 HP)**.
Only **Germany, France, Sweden & China** currently operate hydrogen trains with 500–600 HP capacity.
About India’s Hydrogen Train
- Designed by: RDSO, Lucknow
- Manufactured by: Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
- Project: Hydrogen for Heritage (2023)
- Budget: Union Budget 2023–24 – 35 Hydrogen trains
- Trial Route: Jind–Sonipat, Haryana
- Existing DEMU rakes will be retrofitted with fuel cells
Hydrogen – Basic Science
- Simplest & most abundant element
- Diatomic molecule (H₂)
- Highly reactive; forms hydrides
- Isotopes: Protium, Deuterium, Tritium
Global Hydrogen Initiatives
- World Bank – 10 GW Clean Hydrogen Initiative
- Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM – H2I)
- UNIDO – Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry
India’s Hydrogen Mission
- National Green Hydrogen Mission – 5 MMT by 2030
- Green Hydrogen Standard notified in 2023
- Shipping & Steel pilot projects
Challenges & Way Forward
- High cost of catalysts (Platinum, Iridium)
- Energy intensive storage & extraction
- Safety concerns – highly flammable
- Infrastructure requirement
- Way Forward: Incentives, demand generation, RE capacity, global collaborations
Thermal Power Plants & Sulphur Dioxide Norms
Why in the News?
MoEF&CC issued the **fourth extension** for installation of FGD systems in thermal power plants.
New SO₂ Compliance Timeline
| Category | Earlier | New Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| A | Dec 2024 | Dec 2027 |
| B | Dec 2025 | Dec 2028 |
| C | Dec 2026 | Dec 2029 |
Sources of Sulphur Dioxide
- Natural: Volcanoes
- Anthropogenic: Coal plants, refineriesineries, Metal smelting, Vehicles
Government Regulations
- Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- NAAQS
- BS-VI Fuel Standards
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Way Forward
- Strict enforcement of FGD norms
- Coal Beneficiation
- Shift towards Renewables & Green Hydrogen
National Turmeric Board – UPSC Current Affairs
Why in the News?
Union Minister inaugurated the **National Turmeric Board (NTB)**.
About National Turmeric Board
- Ministry: Commerce & Industry
- Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana
- Aim: Growth, exports, farmer income
- Members: AYUSH, Pharma, Agriculture, Research Institutes, Farmers & Exporters
About Turmeric
- Golden spice – Rhizome
- Temperature: 20–35°C
- Rainfall: 1500 mm+
- Active compound: Curcumin
- Medicinal & pH indicator properties
India’s Turmeric Production
- 70% of global production
- Major states: Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, AP
- India controls 62% of global exports
- Major markets: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia
GI Tagged Turmeric
- Sangli Turmeric – Maharashtra
- Erode Turmeric – Tamil Nadu
- Lakadong Turmeric – Meghalaya
Tags
ENVIRONMENT