Discussion about the Small Modular Reactor, Environmental DNA and Electoral Trusts Scheme

Small Modular Reactor

• Traditional Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) have commonly faced challenges such as delays and increased costs. As a substitute, many nations are exploring the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – nuclear reactors with a maximum capacity of 300 MW – to supplement conventional NPPs
• SMRs ensure Deep Decarbonization, underlining the need for Low-Carbon Electricity Resource

What are Small Modular Reactors (SRMs)?

About:

• SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
• SMRs, which can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are,
• Small: Physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
• Modular: Making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
• Reactors: Harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
• Their designs incorporate enhanced safety features, reducing the risk of uncontrolled radioactive material release.
• SMRs are designed to operate for 40-60 years with capacity factors exceeding 90%.

 

Benefits of Small Modular Reactor:

• • Reliable Low-carbon Electricity Source:
    • As the demand for electricity is projected to surge by 80-150% by 2050, SMRs could provide a reliable 24/7 low-carbon electricity source that complements intermittent renewables.
    • This is crucial for achieving grid reliability and reducing costs in decarbonized electricity systems.
  • Minimized Land Acquisition Challenges:
    • SMRs generate less spent nuclear fuel and can be safely operated in existing brownfield sites, minimizing land acquisition challenges.
    • SMRs are also simpler to design and manufacture, with potential for cost reduction through serial manufacturing.
  • Alternatives to Critical Minerals:
    • The transition to clean energy requires Critical Minerals for technologies like lithium-ion batteries, leading to concerns about geopolitical risks and environmental impacts.
    • SMRs offer an alternative, as they require low-enriched uranium, which is more widely distributed than critical minerals.
  • Integration with India’s Energy Strategy:
    • For India, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, SMRs can play a pivotal role. As coal-based thermal power plants and variable renewable energy sources contribute significantly to the energy mix, SMRs can enhance energy security and grid stability.
      • India’s Central Electricity Authority envisions SMRs as a crucial element in meeting electricity demands, while private sector investments, including public-private partnerships, are vital for expansion.

 

Environmental DNA

About eDNA:

eDNA is the genetic material obtained from various organisms in the environment, which includes a wide array of plants and animals.

• A recent study found that filters used in air quality control stations also accumulate eDNA from the local ecosystem.
• These stations, fitted with filters, represent an untapped source of eDNA samples.
• Adding eDNA analysis to these stations improves their ability to monitor biodiversity.
• This innovative exploration was a result of a collaboration between molecular ecologist Elizabeth Clare and air quality scientist James Allerton.
• Air quality control stations unintentionally collect environmental DNA (eDNA) along with particulate matter.
• Analysing eDNA from air quality control stations provides a revolutionary way to study biodiversity.

 

Advantages of eDNA

Enhancing Biodiversity Tracking:

• The use of eDNA from air quality control stations enables biodiversity assessment on a larger scale.
• This method aids in identifying declines in species, changes in ecosystems, and overall biodiversity trends.

Variety and Abundance of eDNA:

• Examination of filters revealed more than 200 distinct species of local flora and fauna, including maple trees, foxes, hawks, lichens, and salamanders.
• The surprisingly rich eDNA samples emphasize the widespread presence of airborne genetic material.

Temporal Patterns in eDNA:

• Filters exposed to outside air for different durations, such as two hours, two days, and two weeks, were studied.
• Even on filters exposed for just two hours, plant life was detected, while birds and mammals were more evident in samples exposed for longer durations.

Potential for Historical Analysis:

• Some air quality control stations have stored filters for long periods, potentially over several decades.
• The chance to access historical eDNA samples provides opportunities for long-term biodiversity monitoring.

Potential Applications and Future Directions:

• Comparing eDNA from filters with local fauna is crucial to ascertain accuracy and relevance.
• The potential of eDNA extends beyond air quality control stations, indicating a need for further exploration in different environments.
• Researchers aim to evaluate the utility of eDNA data and its integration into biodiversity conservation strategies.

Conclusion:

• The accidental capture of eDNA by air quality control stations offers a revolutionary opportunity for tracking biodiversity.
• Airborne genetic material provides a unique perspective on the health of ecosystems and changes over time.
• Current research aims to fully realize the potential of eDNA analysis and its application in biodiversity conservation

 

Comparison between DNA and eDNA:

DNA

• DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in organisms that contains the biological instructions for building and maintaining them.
• The chemical structure of DNA is the same for all organisms, but differences exist in the order of the DNA building blocks, known as base pairs.
• Unique sequences of base pairs, particularly repeating patterns, provide a means to identify species, populations, and even individuals.

e-DNA

• Environmental DNA (e-DNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that is released from an organism into the environment.
• Sources of eDNA include secreted faeces, mucous, and gametes; shed skin and hair; and carcasses. eDNA can be detected in cellular or extracellular (dissolved DNA) form.
• In aquatic environments, eDNA is diluted and distributed by currents and other hydrological processes, but it only lasts about 7–21 days, depending on environmental conditions.
• Exposure to UVB radiation, acidity, heat, and endo- and exonucleases can degrade e-DNA

 

NOTE: Global EDNA Project: UNESCO launched the project to study the vulnerability of species to climate change at Marine world Heritage Sites in October 2021.

 

Electoral Trusts Scheme

• Electoral Trusts Scheme was notified in January 2013. Under the scheme, any company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, can form an electoral trust.
  • Under Section 17CA of the Income-tax Act, 1961, any citizen of India, a company registered in India, or a firm or Hindu Undivided Family or association of persons living in India, can donate to an electoral trust.
• These electoral trusts must donate 95% of contributions received in a financial year to political parties registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• The contributors’ PAN (in case of a resident) or passport number (in case of an NRI) is required at the time of making contributions.
• The electoral trusts have to apply for renewal every three financial years.
• The number of registered trusts has ranged from three in 2013 to 17 in 2021-22, but only a few of them actually make donations every financial year

 

Electoral Bonds:   An electoral bond is like a financial tool used for making donations to political parties. The general public can also issue these bonds to fund eligible political parties. The bonds play a similar role as banknotes that are payable to the bearer free of interest and demand. An individual party can purchase these bonds digitally or with the help of a DD or cheque. The electoral bond scheme was launched by the Union government in 2018

 

Difference between Electoral Trusts and Electoral Bonds:

Electoral Trusts	Electoral Bonds
1. The ET route is transparent on contributions and beneficiaries when there is only one beneficiary and one contributor of a particular trust.   2. But, if there are multiple contributors and recipients of donations of donations, it can not be specified which company is funding which party.	1. Electoral bonds are exempt from the disclosure requirements.     2. Parties inform the Election Commission about the aggregate donations received through EBs, but provide no details about the donors.

 

How do donations through electoral trusts stack up against donations made through EBs?

• Data from nine financial years (2013-14 to 2021-22) show that political funding through the two government schemes shot up after the introduction of EBs, with the bulk of donations coming through the newer scheme.
• Over this entire nine-year period, a total Rs 2,269 crore was routed to parties though the ETs, from Rs 85.37 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 464.81 crore in 2021-22.
• During the period 2017-18 — the financial year in which EBs were first made available — to 2021-22, however, the money donated through EBs was more than five times the amount that came through the Electoral Trusts. Thus, between 2017-18 and 2021-22, political parties got a total Rs 1,631 crore through ETs, while Rs 9,208 crore was donated through EBs

 

How are funds distributed by electoral trusts?

• For administrative expenses, the electoral trusts are permitted to set aside a maximum of 5 per cent of the total funds collected during a financial year. The remaining 95 per cent of total income of the trusts including any surplus from the previous financial year is required to be distributed to eligible political parties

 

Who can contribute:

• An individual who is a citizen of India
• A company registered in India
• An association of persons (Indian residents)

Who cannot contribute:

• An individual who is not a citizen of India
• Other electro trusts (approved under the Electoral Trusts Scheme)
• Contributors without PAN
• NRIs without a passport number