15 May 2025 Current Affairs

World's First Commercial-Scale E-Methanol Plant Operational in Denmark

Denmark has launched the first-ever commercial-scale e-methanol production facility, marking a significant advancement in decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as shipping and chemical manufacturing.

What is E-Methanol?

E-methanol (or electro-methanol) is a low-carbon synthetic fuel made by synthesizing green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide (CO₂). It offers an alternative to conventional fossil fuels in multiple industries.

How is E-Methanol Produced?

• Green Hydrogen Generation: Renewable energy (like solar or wind) powers electrolysis of water, producing hydrogen (H₂) without emitting carbon.
• Carbon Capture: CO₂ is captured from industrial emissions (e.g. cement or steel plants) or directly from the atmosphere, helping reduce greenhouse gases.
• Methanol Synthesis: The captured CO₂ and hydrogen are combined in a catalytic reactor under specific pressure and temperature, resulting in methanol (CH₃OH).

Benefits of E-Methanol

• Drop-in Compatibility: Can be used in existing fuel infrastructure without major modifications.
• Storage & Stability: Easily stored at ambient temperature and pressure.
• Versatility: Serves as a precursor for gasoline, kerosene, and industrial chemicals.
• Decarbonization: Key solution for reducing emissions in marine, road, and aviation transport.

Challenges Facing E-Methanol

• High Production Cost: Renewable electricity and CO₂ capture are still expensive.
• Efficiency Constraints: Current processes face energy losses and require optimization.
• Scale-Up Needs: Infrastructure for large-scale production and usage is still developing.

India’s Methanol Push: The ‘Methanol Economy’ by NITI Aayog

India is promoting methanol as part of a national strategy to:

• Cut oil imports
• Reduce GHG emissions
• Utilize coal, biomass, and urban waste

1. Key Features

Methanol can be synthesized from:

• High-ash coal
• Agricultural residues
• CO₂ from thermal power plants
• Natural gas

Derivatives like DME (Di-Methyl Ether) can be blended with LPG, reducing cooking gas costs and imports.

2. Economic Potential

• Job Creation: Up to 5 million new jobs in production, logistics, and retail.
• Cost Savings: Blending 20% DME with LPG could save India ₹6,000 crore annually.

Justice B.R. Gavai to Become the 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai is set to be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), continuing the tradition of senior-most judges ascending to the top judicial post in the country.

Constitutional Basis

• Article 124(1): Establishes the Supreme Court of India, comprising the Chief Justice and up to 33 other judges.
• Article 124(2): Empowers the President of India to appoint the CJI in consultation with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, as deemed necessary.

Appointment Process

1. Seniority Convention:

• The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is typically recommended for the position.

2. Memorandum of Procedure (MoP):

• The Union Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation.
• The recommendation is forwarded to the Prime Minister.
• The President of India makes the final appointment.

3. Oath of Office:

• Administered by the President.

Tenure & Background

• CJI serves until the age of 65.
• First CJI of India: Justice Harilal J. Kania.

Key Functions of the Chief Justice of India

1. Judicial and Administrative Authority

• Acts as the Master of the Roster, allocating cases to various benches (as per the SC Handbook of 2017).
• Oversees appointments of SC officers and staff under Article 146.

2. Statutory Responsibilities

• Heads several search-cum-selection committees for appointments to tribunals and regulatory bodies (e.g., NCLAT).

3. Ceremonial and Constitutional Duties

• Administers the oath of office to the President.
• Decides the seat of the Supreme Court (though it usually sits in Delhi).
• Can appoint ad hoc judges and request retired judges to serve.

Transparency and Accountability

• The office of the CJI is subject to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, ensuring greater transparency in judicial functioning.

India’s Retail Inflation Eases to Six-Year Low (April 2025)

According to provisional data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s headline retail inflation (CPI) has reached its lowest point since July 2019, signaling improved price stability.

Key Highlights

1. Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Combined:

• 3.16% (April 2025 YoY), down by 18 basis points from March 2025
• Lowest year-on-year inflation since July 2019

2. Rural Inflation:

• Fell to 2.92% in April from 3.25% in March

3. Core Inflation:

• Slight increase to 4.1%, but still within RBI’s inflation tolerance band (2–6%)

Key Drivers Behind the Decline

1. Easing Food Prices

• Notably lower prices of vegetables and pulses

2. Non-Food Category Moderation

Reduced inflation in:

• Housing
• Pan, tobacco, and intoxicants

Understanding the CPI and Inflation Metrics

• Compiled by: National Statistical Office (NSO), under MoSPI
• Current Base Year: 2012
• CPI Types:

- CPI-Urban

- CPI-Rural

- CPI-Combined (used for policy decisions)

Policy Relevance

RBI’s Inflation Target (Monetary Policy Framework):

• Target: 4% ± 2%
• April data well within range, reducing pressure for rate hikes

India’s Major Ports: Performance Snapshot (FY 2024–25)

India’s ports remain critical to the nation’s trade and economic growth, handling ~90% of EXIM cargo by volume and ~70% by value.

Key Achievements

Key Initiatives Strengthening Port Infrastructure

1. Sagarmala Programme (Launched 2015)

• Objective: Port-led development through modernization, connectivity, and community upliftment
• 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore identified for execution

2. Maritime India Vision 2030

• 150+ action plans to position India as a global maritime hub
• Focus on port digitization, green energy, and multimodal logistics

3. Digital & Operational Reforms

• SAGAR-SETU (National Logistics Portal - Marine)
• Sagar Manthan: Real-time dashboard for port operations
• RFID-enabled gates, paperless documentation, e-berthing system

Strategic Importance

Major ports play a central role in boosting:

• Logistics efficiency
• Global trade competitiveness
• Private investment & employment

India’s performance is aligned with the country’s broader Blue Economy and logistics ecosystem goals under Gati Shakti and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

New IWAI Office established in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

Aim: To develop inland water transport (IWT) infrastructure on three National Waterways in J&K: NW-26 – River Chenab, NW-49 – River Jhelum. NW-84 – River Ravi.

About IWAI

• Established: 1986 under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act.
• Ministry: Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Functions

• Development, maintenance, and regulation of infrastructure for shipping and navigation on National Waterways (NWs).
• Facilitates cargo movement, tourism, and passenger transport through inland waterways.

Significance of IWAI’s J&K Expansion

• Strategic Connectivity: Boosts trade, tourism, and logistics in the Himalayan region.
• Environmental Benefits: Promotes eco-friendly transport over roadways.
• Economic Development: Enhances regional economic integration and access.