28-October-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

WHY IS DELHI’S AIR QUALITY DETERIORATING?

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Delhi’s air quality significantly worsens during winter, especially after the southwest monsoon withdrawal. The city’s particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels often spike beyond safe limits, causing a severe public health concern. The main contributors include stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and atmospheric conditions.

Stubble Burning and Its Impact on PM 2.5 Levels

• Stubble Burning Defined: In Punjab and Haryana, farmers burn leftover paddy stalks after harvest to quickly prepare fields for winter wheat planting. This traditional practice is cost-effective given the short farming window.
• Pollution Contribution: Stubble burning emits large amounts of particulate matter (PM 2.5) that travels to Delhi via prevailing winds. Studies show it contributes between 20%-40% to Delhi’s pollution, peaking in mid-October to November.
• Quantified Impact: Research (e.g., Climate Trends 2023) indicates a direct link between Punjab’s winds carrying smoke to Delhi and air quality dips. For instance, when farm fires intensified in October 2024, PM 2.5 surged in Delhi, worsening air quality.

How Vehicle Emissions Add to Delhi’s Pollution

• Urban Transport Impact: Vehicle emissions within and entering Delhi are significant pollution sources, adding around 18% to the PM 2.5 load.
• Contribution Breakdown: Emissions from cars, buses, and trucks add pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contribute to secondary pollutants when mixed with other chemicals.

Other Contributing Factors to Winter Pollution

• Secondary Inorganic Aerosols (SIA): SIAs, formed from chemical reactions of NOx, SO2, and ammonia, are a substantial pollution source in Delhi. These particles travel long distances, accounting for over 30% of the pollution load, with much of it originating outside Delhi.
• Low Wind Speeds and Temperature Inversions: During winter, slower wind speeds and colder air trap pollutants closer to the ground, preventing dispersal and worsening pollution.

Need for a Coordinated, Multi-State Response

• Airshed Approach: Air pollution is not confined to Delhi’s borders; about 55% of pollutants come from neighboring states. Therefore, a coordinated response from multiple states, such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, is essential to reduce pollution sources and control pollutant flow.
• Joint Action on Agriculture and Transport: Joint policies on reducing stubble burning, improving fuel standards, and limiting vehicle emissions can help address the issue.

Conclusion

While stubble burning is a visible contributor to Delhi’s winter air pollution, it is not the sole factor. Urban emissions, particularly from vehicles, and cross-boundary pollutants also play significant roles. Thus, a coordinated, multi-state approach is necessary for lasting improvements in air quality. This requires shared responsibilities, joint policymaking, and synchronized efforts across the northern states to tackle air pollution effectively and safeguard public health in Delhi and neighboring regions.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding stubble burning in India:

1. Stubble burning is primarily practiced in the states of Punjab and Haryana to clear fields for the next cropping season.
2. Stubble burning is a major source of secondary inorganic aerosols (SIAs) in Delhi’s air pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER – C

SPAIN PM PEDRO SANCHEZ VISITS INDIA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES, INAUGURATE FIRST PRIVATE MILITARY AIRCRAFT PLANT IN VADODARA

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RLEATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is on his first official visit to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vadodara. This marks the first visit by a Spanish Prime Minister to India in 18 years and aims to strengthen bilateral relations in areas like trade, defence, renewable energy, and media.

Inauguration of the C295 Assembly Plant

• C295 Aircraft Collaboration: Sanchez and Modi will inaugurate the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C295 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft, a joint effort between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space.
• Significance of the Vadodara Facility: This plant is India’s first private military transport aircraft production site, which will replace the aging Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Contribution to “Make in India”: This facility is a crucial part of the “Make in India” initiative in the aerospace sector, facilitating production, assembly, testing, and maintenance of aircraft.

C295 Aircraft: Features and Capabilities

• Versatile Operations: The C295 is designed for combat and relief missions, capable of operating from unpaved airstrips. It can transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers.
• Support for Various Missions: It can perform tactical air drops, medical evacuations, disaster response, and maritime patrols, enhancing the operational flexibility of the IAF.
• Manufacturing Timeline: Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft from Spain, while TASL will manufacture the remaining 40 in Vadodara, with deliveries anticipated until 2031.

Economic and Industrial Collaboration

• Contract Details: The $2.5 billion contract between India’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defence and Space is India’s first comprehensive private sector aerospace project, involving defense public sector units and various MSMEs.
• Assembly Hub Development: This project not only strengthens defense ties but also establishes India as a new assembly hub, complementing Airbus’s Seville facility.

Cultural and Economic Engagement

• Cultural Cooperation: Sanchez’s visit will also focus on enhancing cultural ties, including activities in Mumbai’s entertainment sector and participation in the 4th Spain-India Forum.
• Expected Agreements: India and Spain plan to sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen partnerships in IT, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and agro-tech, reflecting the positive momentum in bilateral relations since Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017.

Significance of the Manufacturing Facility

• Job Creation: The Tata consortium aims to identify over 125 in-country MSME suppliers across seven states, generating around 600 direct jobs, over 3,000 indirect jobs, and another 3,000 medium-skilled opportunities.
• Support for MSMEs: This project will significantly boost India’s aerospace ecosystem, involving various MSMEs in the production of aircraft parts.
• Reduced Import Dependence: By enhancing domestic aviation manufacturing, the facility will lower import reliance and promote exports, with many components being produced in India.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: The initiative will lead to the development of specialized infrastructure, including hangars and maintenance facilities for the C295 aircraft.
• Offset Obligations: Airbus will fulfill its offset obligations through direct purchases from Indian partners, contributing to the economy. This obligation ensures that international players support India’s domestic defense industry when supplying defense equipment

INDIA’S RELIANCE ON IMPORTED OIL, NATURAL GAS GROWS AS STAGNANT DOMESTIC PRODUCTION LAGS DEMAND GROWTH

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s increasing dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas presents significant challenges, particularly as the country grapples with rising energy demand and sluggish domestic production.

Rising Import Dependency on Crude Oil and Natural Gas

• Current Import Rates: In the first half of FY25, India’s reliance on crude oil imports reached 88.2%, while natural gas imports accounted for 51.5%. This upward trend in import dependency continues from previous years, with oil dependency rising from 83.8% in FY19.
• Consumption vs. Production Gap: The increasing import levels highlight a significant gap between India’s energy consumption and its domestic output, reflecting a need for enhanced domestic production capabilities.

Economic Vulnerabilities

• Impact of Global Price Volatility: India’s high dependency on imported oil exposes its economy to fluctuations in global oil prices, which can adversely affect the trade deficit, foreign reserves, inflation, and the value of the Indian rupee.
• Government Efforts: Despite initiatives aimed at reducing import reliance by promoting domestic production, limited growth in oil output has stalled progress towards achieving energy self-sufficiency.

Push for Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel

• Target for Natural Gas: The Indian government aims to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix from approximately 6% to 15% by 2030. This shift is intended to utilize natural gas as a cleaner alternative to oil, facilitating a transition to more sustainable energy sources.
• Challenges of Increased Imports: The first half of FY25 saw a 23% year-on-year increase in natural gas imports, complicating the government’s goal of reducing overall import dependency.

Efforts to Reduce Oil Imports

• Policy Measures: To decrease oil imports, the government has introduced various policies promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, and alternative energy sources. These efforts are aimed at fostering a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
• Current Status: While there has been growth in the adoption of electric vehicles and biofuel blending, these measures remain inadequate to satisfy the escalating demand for petroleum products, as domestic production met only 11.8% of consumption in the first half of FY25.

Persistent Challenges

• Rising Import Bills: India’s import expenditure on oil and gas surged in the first half of FY25, amounting to $71.3 billion for crude oil and $7.7 billion for natural gas.
• Unfulfilled Targets: Although the government set ambitious goals in 2015 to decrease oil import dependency to 67% by 2022, actual dependency has risen, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable strategies to address the country’s growing energy requirements.

Strategies for Reducing Dependence on Oil and Gas

• Establish Concrete Goals: Developed nations should set clear phase-out dates for all fossil fuel production. This commitment can pave the way for a significant reduction in global reliance on oil and gas.
• Invest in Renewable Energy Innovation: Increased funding for research and development in renewable energy technologies is essential. This includes advancements in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems to drive progress toward sustainable energy sources.
• Foster International Collaboration: Nations can collaborate on innovative initiatives and share knowledge to reduce oil and natural gas consumption. Collaborative efforts can accelerate the development and deployment of effective solutions.
• Support Capacity Building: Developed countries should provide technical assistance and training to help developing nations implement sustainable energy projects, enhancing their capacity to transition to cleaner energy.
• Promote Green Industrialization: Encouraging the growth of green industries, such as renewable energy manufacturing, can create local job opportunities, enhance energy self-sufficiency, and decrease dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Conclusion

To effectively address the challenges posed by increasing reliance on imported oil and gas, India must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes setting ambitious goals, fostering innovation, collaborating internationally, building local capacities, and promoting green industries. These steps are crucial for ensuring energy security and sustainability in the face of rising demand.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR HOLDS THE KEY TO INDIA’S E-BUS PUSH

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s shift towards electric buses (e-buses) is an essential part of its climate goals. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which provides subsidies to increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption, including funding support for 14,028 electric buses in nine cities. However, the scheme excludes private bus operators, which limits the scope of EV adoption.

Current Scenario of E-Bus Deployment

• Public Sector Focus: India’s e-bus deployment has largely been driven by public sector entities under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme. FAME Phase I (2015-19) approved subsidies for 425 e-buses, and FAME Phase II (2019-24) approved 7,120 e-buses.
• Limited Reach: Despite the public sector focus, public transport buses constitute only 7% of India’s total bus fleet, leaving 93% as privately-owned buses that are mostly excluded from national e-bus incentive schemes.

Importance of Private Sector Involvement

• Scaling E-Buses: To achieve significant adoption and scale in the e-bus market, private buses must be included. Currently, only a few private operators, such as NueGo and Chartered Speed, have introduced e-buses, but the numbers remain limited.
• Significance of Private Intercity Buses: Intercity buses serve 22.8 crore passengers daily, account for 57% of the country’s total bus ridership, and cover about 64% of vehicle-kilometres. Many routes, between 250 and 300 kilometers, are well-suited for current e-bus models, which makes private-sector involvement crucial for widespread adoption.

Financial Challenges for Private E-Bus Adoption

• High Upfront Costs: The initial investment in e-buses is higher compared to diesel buses. Moreover, private operators face difficulties securing financing due to the perceived high-risk profile, lower resale value, and uncertainty over battery life.
• Loan Repayment Hurdles: Although e-buses are more profitable over their lifetime compared to diesel buses, high-interest rates and loan repayment costs make them less viable financially during the loan period.

Potential Solutions to Financial Barriers

• Subsidies and Credit Guarantees: Offering financial incentives such as interest subsidies, extended loan tenures, and credit guarantees through government banks could lower the financial burden on private operators.
• Shared Charging Infrastructure: State governments could use PM E-DRIVE scheme funds to establish shared charging infrastructure, making it more economically feasible for private operators, especially those with smaller fleets.

Infrastructure Challenges for Private Operators

• Charging Infrastructure Constraints: The FAME scheme-funded charging facilities are mainly available at public transport depots, which limits accessibility for private operators. Establishing new charging stations is challenging due to high land and setup costs, especially for operators with small fleets.
• Grid Limitations: Power supply interruptions and limited grid capacity are additional challenges for private e-bus operators, particularly for intercity routes that require stable and high-capacity charging options.

Proposed Solutions for Charging Infrastructure

• Development of Public Charging Stations: Governments could create shared charging stations on main highways and intercity routes, enabling access for both private and public e-buses. States can offer fiscal incentives or tender contracts under the design-build-operate-transfer (DBOT) model to make such infrastructure feasible.
• Energy Guarantees: Providing minimum energy consumption guarantees for chargers could improve financial viability and encourage private investment in charging infrastructure.

Innovative Business Models for E-Bus Adoption

• Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS): In this model, the battery is separated from the bus, reducing the initial cost. Operators can lease batteries instead of buying them, as seen in China and Kenya. This approach lowers the upfront investment, making e-buses more financially accessible.
• Battery Swapping and Leasing Options: Battery swapping, supported by usage-linked leasing options, could accelerate adoption, especially for operators with tight budgets. Platforms like Macquarie’s Vertelo in India offer potential models that private bus operators could leverage.

Conclusion:

To create significant momentum in India’s e-bus market, policies that encourage private sector participation are essential. Potential measures include Expanding financing options like interest subsidies and credit guarantees. Enhancing charging infrastructure, particularly shared public stations on intercity routes. Exploring BaaS and battery swapping as cost-effective solutions.

 THE LIVESTOCK CENSUS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Livestock Census, a vital exercise conducted every five years by the Indian government, gathers comprehensive data on the country’s livestock population. The 21st Livestock Census, recently launched by Union Minister, is set to be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025. Here’s why this census matters and what it covers.

What is the Livestock Census?

• Purpose: The Livestock Census provides a headcount of domesticated animals, stray animals, and poultry in India. This data includes details on species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status.
• Frequency: Conducted every five years since 1919, this census helps in understanding trends and managing livestock resources.
• Scope: Over the next few months, approximately 87,000 enumerators will visit 30 crore households and institutions, such as dairy farms, gaushalas (cattle shelters), veterinary colleges, and defence establishments, to record the data.

Animals and Species Counted in the Census

• Animal Categories: The census will cover 16 animal species, including cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, dogs, rabbits, and elephants.
• Indigenous Breeds: Data will be gathered on 219 indigenous breeds, as recognized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
• Poultry: Besides livestock, the census will also record data on poultry species, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, quails, and emus.

Objectives of the Livestock Census

• Economic Contribution: The livestock sector contributes significantly to India’s economy, especially in rural areas where it supports employment and income. It accounts for about 30% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and 4.7% of the total national GVA.
• Policy Formulation: Data from the census helps shape policies related to the livestock sector, addressing issues such as animal health, genetic diversity, and resource allocation.
• Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The census provides data relevant to UN SDGs, especially Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Target 2.5, which focuses on maintaining genetic diversity in food and agriculture. Specifically, it helps track Indicator 2.5.2, which looks at local livestock breeds at risk of extinction.

Innovations in the 21st Census

Digital Data Collection: Like the 2019 census, the 21st census will be fully digitized. Enumerators will use mobile applications for data collection, which allows for real-time monitoring and digital dashboards. Data collection will also capture GPS coordinates for accuracy.

New Data Points:

• Pastoral Data: For the first time, the census will gather data on pastoralists, including their socio-economic status and contribution to livestock management.
• Income Information: The census will record the proportion of households whose main income source is livestock.
• Gender Data on Stray Cattle: New data will provide information on the gender distribution of stray cattle.

Findings from the 2019 Livestock Census

The previous census in 2019 recorded a total livestock population of 535.78 million in India, which included:

• Cattle: 192.9 million
• Goats: 148.88 million
• Buffaloes: 109.85 million
• Sheep: 74.26 million
• Pigs: 9.06 million

Animals outside these categories made up only 0.23% of the total population, highlighting the dominance of primary livestock species in India’s agricultural landscape.

Conclusion

The Livestock Census is a key tool for monitoring and managing India’s livestock resources, aiding in economic planning, sustainable growth, and policy-making. By including new data points and digital advancements, the 21st census will provide even deeper insights into the sector, guiding India toward more effective management and conservation of its animal resources.

ISRAEL ATTACK ON IRAN: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR WAR IN WEST ASIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Israel-Iran conflict recently saw a significant development with targeted airstrikes by Israel on Iran, marking an escalation in tensions between the two adversaries.

Background of the Attack

• Targeted Strikes: Early on October 26, Israel launched precise airstrikes on Iranian military sites in response to a recent missile attack from Iran. This strike was conducted in three waves using multiple Israeli fighter jets, primarily targeting military installations rather than critical infrastructure.
• Extent of Damage: According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 20 military sites were hit, including missile manufacturing facilities and air defense storage sites. Notably, nuclear and oil sites were not attacked, suggesting a controlled approach by Israel. The Iranian government confirmed limited damage to sites in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, and reported two Iranian soldiers killed in the assault.

Reason Behind the Attack

• Historic Tensions: Israel and Iran have a longstanding rivalry, with Iran not recognizing Israel’s existence and supporting groups in the region that oppose Israel, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
• Trigger Events: This recent escalation can be traced back to a series of events, starting with Israel’s April 1 airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria and further tensions following targeted killings of key figures like Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
• Retaliatory Actions: Each event led to retaliatory actions, including missile and drone attacks by Iran and further targeted strikes by Israel. This cycle of action and counter-action has culminated in the recent strikes by Israel, with the guidance of the U.S. to keep the response “proportional.”

Implications for West Asia

• Potential Iranian Response: Iran’s response to Israel’s recent airstrikes is uncertain. While Iranian sources indicate that Iran may react proportionally, the extent of this reaction remains unclear. Iran has emphasized both its right to self-defense and its commitment to regional peace.
• Measured Retaliation: If Iran’s past reactions are any indication, it may avoid immediate or large-scale retaliation, especially given the limited physical impact of the recent strikes.
• Regional Stability: Israel’s calculated choice to target military installations rather than nuclear or other high-value sites reflects an attempt to issue a warning while avoiding full-scale escalation. This restraint is likely aimed at maintaining a balance and preventing an all-out conflict in the region.

Conclusion

The Israel-Iran conflict, marked by the latest Israeli airstrikes, highlights ongoing tensions in West Asia. Both sides have shown signs of restraint, which may help prevent further immediate escalation. However, the situation remains delicate, with any future actions from Iran potentially reshaping the conflict dynamics in the region. The coming days will be crucial in determining if a further cycle of retaliation ensues or if diplomatic efforts to maintain stability are prioritized.

 GULF OF OMAN

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: TIMES OF INDIA

The Gulf of Oman, also called the Gulf of Makran, is a critical waterway connecting the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. This region is strategically significant for global trade and regional security, especially as it forms a gateway for a large portion of the world’s oil exports.

Key Facts

• Geographic Location: It borders Pakistan and Iran to the north, the UAE to the west, and Oman to the south. The Gulf stretches about 560 km in length and is around 320 km wide at its broadest point.
• Importance in Trade: Historically, it served as a vital trade route connecting ancient civilizations from the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Today, it is still essential for maritime trade, with major international ports like Chabahar (Iran), Port Sultan Qaboos (Oman), and the Port of Fujairah (UAE).
• Shipping and Oil Transit: Approximately one-third of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is fed by the Gulf of Oman. This makes it a crucial artery for global energy security.
• Unique Features: The Gulf is relatively shallow, with islands like Sheytan and Al Fahal. It also houses major ports and container terminals critical to regional and global logistics.

This maritime area’s security and open access are essential due to its economic and strategic importance, making it a focal point of regional cooperation and rivalry.

TRITON ISLAND

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: DOWN TO EARTH

Triton Island, a small but strategically significant landmass, is part of the Paracel Islands in the contested South China Sea region. Located southwest of the main Paracel islands, this uninhabited island covers around 1.2 square kilometers, with dimensions of roughly 4,000 feet by 2,000 feet.

Key Facts

• Geopolitical Significance: Triton Island is claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, making it part of a region with heightened territorial disputes.
• Strategic Location: Although uninhabited, the island’s proximity to Vietnam and its location within the South China Sea make it valuable for monitoring regional maritime activities.
• Natural Resources: The South China Sea is rich in fishing grounds and is believed to have significant oil and gas reserves, adding to the strategic value of Triton Island and nearby territories.
• Military Presence: Recent satellite imagery indicates a military buildup on the island, showcasing its use as a strategic asset in the ongoing power dynamics of the region.

Triton Island’s position highlights its importance in regional security, resource access, and influence over shipping routes in the South China Sea.

COKING COAL

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

Coking coal, also called metallurgical or “met” coal, is a type of bituminous coal that plays a crucial role in steel production. This natural sedimentary rock contains high carbon levels and low amounts of ash and moisture, differentiating it from thermal coal, which is used for power generation.

Key Facts

• Primary Use: Coking coal is essential for creating metallurgical coke, which is needed in steelmaking. Coke acts as a reducing agent for iron ore in blast furnaces, crucial for producing pig iron and supporting the furnace structure.
• Steel Production: Roughly 770 kg of coking coal is required to produce one ton of steel, with approximately 70% of the world’s steel produced in basic oxygen blast furnaces.
• Global Producers: Leading coking coal producers include China (62% of global production in 2022), Australia (15%), Russia (9%), the USA (5%), and Canada (3%).
• India’s Imports: India’s coking coal imports have increased, reaching 29.6 million tonnes between April and September 2024, driven largely by a substantial rise in imports from Russia.

BENOG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: DOWN TO EARTH

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a scenic sanctuary located about 11 kilometers from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. Established in 1993, it is named after Benog Hill, which is the highest peak in the area, reaching 2,250 meters above sea level.

Key Details

• Location and Geography: Part of Rajaji National Park, the sanctuary sits on a pine-covered slope surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan peaks. The Aglar River, a tributary of the Yamuna, flows through it.
• Flora: The sanctuary boasts rich biodiversity with oak and rhododendron forests, as well as medicinal plants. It is also surrounded by ancient cedar trees and pine forests.
• Fauna: Benog is home to diverse wildlife, including Himalayan goats, leopards, deer, bears, and panthers. It is particularly notable for its exotic bird species, such as the White-Capped Water Redstart and the Red-Billed Blue Magpie, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a valuable part of Uttarakhand’s natural heritage, attracting nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike.

FLUE GAS DESULPHURISATION (FGD) TECHNOLOGY

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a pollution control technology designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from exhaust emissions produced during the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas, or wood for energy.

Key Details

Purpose: The primary goal of FGD is to reduce sulfur compounds in emissions, preventing environmental pollution and health hazards linked to SO₂ exposure.

Process:

• In wet limestone scrubbing, unfiltered flue gas is directed through a scrubber tower, where it is sprayed with a water-limestone slurry that captures up to 95% of SO₂ through a chemical reaction.

Benefits: FGD significantly reduces sulfur emissions, promoting cleaner air and aligning with environmental regulations, especially in industries relying on coal-based power.

• FGD technology works by adding absorbents (chemicals that absorb SO₂) to the flue gas.
• Common absorbents include ammonia, sodium sulfite, and lime or limestone slurry.
• FGD technology is crucial for reducing industrial SO₂ emissions and advancing cleaner energy practices.