State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 14 May 2025

MoU Between CIL and UPRVUNL

Why in News? 

Coal India Limited (CIL) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a solar power project in the state. 

Key Points 

• About the MoU: 
  • This agreement is part of CIL’s strategic initiative in the green energy sector.  
    • It is a strong step towards meeting the rapidly growing energy demand of Uttar Pradesh. 
  • This is a non-binding agreement with the aim of setting up a solar power project of 500 MW capacity within Uttar Pradesh . 
• Solar Energy: 
  • Solar energy, known as energy obtained from the sun, is a clean and renewable energy source. It is harnessed through solar technology, which is mainly of two types: 
    • Solar Thermal: In this the heat of the sun is used to heat water. 
    • Solar Photovoltaic (PV): It uses the photovoltaic effect to convert the sun's rays into electrical energy. 
  • Uses: 
    • Solar technologies are scalable and flexible, capable of powering entire cities through solar farms. 
    • Electricity can be supplied even to remote areas through decentralized systems. 
    • Homes and commercial buildings can be provided with energy by installing solar panels on rooftops. 
      • Example : Cochin International Airport is one such example where solar energy is being used effectively. 
  • Importance:  
    • Reduction in dependence on fossil fuels. 
    • Reducing carbon emissions. 
    • Improvement in air quality. 
    • Promote energy access and security. 

 Coal India Limited (CIL) 

• Introduction: CIL is a government-owned coal mining company in India, responsible for production and management of coal resources in the country. 
  • It was established in 1975 and is the world's largest coal producing mining company
• Organisational Structure: CIL is classified as a 'Maharatna' public sector enterprise. It operates through 8 subsidiaries like Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) . 
  • Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is the largest coal producing subsidiary of CIL. 
• Strategic Importance: More than half of India's installed power capacity is coal-based, with CIL supplying about 78% of the country's total coal production. 
  • Coal also contributes 40% to India's primary commercial energy needs. 
• Mining Capacity: CIL operates in 84 mining areas across eight Indian states and manages a total of 313 active mines.  

 Uttar Pradesh State Power Generation Corporation Limited (UPRVUNL)  

• It is a thermal power generation undertaking wholly owned by the state government, which operates five thermal power plants located in different areas of the state.  
• It was formed on 25 August 1980 under the Companies Act, 1956 to construct new thermal power projects in the state.  
• The first project constructed by the corporation was Unchahar Thermal Power Station (2x210 MW) , which was handed over to NTPC on 13 February 1992. 
• Later, under the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Reform Act 1999 and Uttar Pradesh Transfer Scheme 2000, Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board was reorganized and divided into three public sector undertakings: 
  • Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Generation Corporation Limited (for electricity generation) 
  • Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (for electricity distribution) 
  • Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (for electricity transmission).

Chip Design Center Launched in Noida

Why in News? 

The Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology inaugurated India's first 3-nanometer (3nm) chip design centre in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 

Key Points 

• Achievement of 3nm technology: 
  • This technology is much more advanced than the existing 7nm and 5nm. 
  • This enables higher performance, lower energy consumption, and greater computing efficiency. 
  • It represents the pinnacle of innovation at the design level, which is now being realised in India. 
  • This centre has been established by Renesas Electronics India, a company of Japanese origin. 
• Supporting the Government Strategy: 
  • This initiative is part of the Indian government's broader strategy to develop the semiconductor ecosystem. 
  • The government is looking to empower the semiconductor ecosystem by incorporating design, manufacturing, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging) and supply of related equipment. 
  • It is being implemented under India's Semiconductor Mission and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. 
• Global recognition and confidence : 
  • India's semiconductor capabilities are being appreciated at global forums like the World Economic Forum (Davos). 
  • This has increased the confidence of international companies and investors towards India.  

India's Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 

• Introduction: 
  • ISM was launched in 2021 under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) with a total financial outlay of Rs.76,000 crore. 
  • This is part of a comprehensive programme to develop a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country. 
  • The objective of this program is to provide financial support to companies investing in the semiconductor, display manufacturing and design ecosystem . 
  • It is envisaged that ISM will act as the nodal agency for efficient, consistent and smooth implementation of the schemes under the leadership of global experts from the semiconductor and display industry . 
• Ingredients: 
  • Plans to set up semiconductor fabs in India: 
    • It provides financial assistance to eligible applicants for setting up semiconductor fab (manufacturing plant) with the aim of attracting investments for setting up semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities in the country. 
• Semiconductor chips: 
  • It is a small electronic device made from a semiconductor (silicon or germanium), which serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits. 
  • These chips can contain billions of microscopic switches on a chip smaller than a fingernail. 
  • The basic component of a semiconductor chip is a silicon wafer built of tiny transistors , which control electric current according to various computational instructions. 
  • It performs various functions, such as processing data , storing information or controlling electronic devices. 
  • They are a vital part of almost every modern electronic device, including smartphones, computers, and integrated circuits.

New UPSC Chairman Appointed

Why in News? 

Former Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar has been appointed  the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). 

Key Points 

• Union Public Service Commission 
  • The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body. Part XIV of the Indian Constitution contains provisions relating to the composition, appointment and removal, powers and functions of its members under Articles 315 to 323.  
  • Appointment of Members: The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India. 
  • Office: Any member of the UPSC will hold office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. 
  • Re-appointment: No person who has once held office as a member of a Public Service Commission shall be eligible for reappointment to his office.  
  • Resignation: A member of the Union Public Service Commission may resign from his office by writing to the President of India.  
  • Removal/Suspension of Members: The Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission shall be removed from his office only by order of the President of India.  
    • The President may also suspend the Chairperson or any other Member before the completion of his office, in respect of which a reference is made to the Supreme Court.  
  • Removal: The Chairman or any other member of the UPSC may be removed if he:  
    • has been declared bankrupt. 
    • Engages in any paid employment outside the duties of the office during his term of office. 
    • is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.  
  • Regulating the conditions of service: Power of the President of India in the case of UPSC:  
    • Determines the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service. 
    • Makes provision for the number of employees of the Commission and their conditions of service. 
  • Restriction on Powers: The service conditions of members of the UPSC shall not be amended in any manner after their appointment.  
  • Power to extend functions: The Legislature of a State may make provision for the exercise of additional functions by the UPSC or the SPSC in respect of the services of the Union or a State and in respect of the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or any public institution.  
  • Expenses: The expenses of the UPSC, including salaries, allowances and pensions of members or employees of the Commission, are met from the Consolidated  Fund of India . 
• Submission of Reports: The UPSC submits an annual report of the work done by the Commission to the President of India.  
  • A memorandum has to be submitted to the President in respect of those cases in which the advice of the Commission has not been accepted. 
    • The reasons for rejection will have to be presented before each House of Parliament before being presented to the President .