current affairs

MOTION OF NO-CONFIDENCE

 There is no specifi c provision in the Constitution for a confi dence motion; however, this practice 

is derived from the principle of the collective responsibility of the government to the House, as 

highlighted under Article 75(3) of the Constitution.

 Article 75(3) of the Constitution- Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. 

 To ensure this collective responsibility, the rules of Lok Sabha have established a specifi c mechanism 

– the motion of no-confi dence.

 Any Lok Sabha MP, supported by at least 50 colleagues, can introduce a motion of no-confi dence 

against the Council of Ministers at any time.

 Following the admission of the no-confi dence motion, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is required to 

set a date for the debate to begin, which must be within 10 days from the acceptance of the motion 

in the House.

 If the motion succeeds, the government is obliged to resign.

 So far Twenty-seven no-confi dence motions have been moved and none have passed.

PM-SEVANIDHI SCHEME

 Central Sector Scheme i.e. fully funded by Ministry of Housing and Urban Aff airs 

 Objectives: 

 To facilitate working capital loan up to `10,000

 To reward digital transactionsavailable for benefi ciaries belonging to only those States/UTs 

which have notifi ed Rules and Scheme under Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and 

Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

 The vendors, availing loan under the scheme, are eligible to get an interest subsidy @ 7%.                                              COPPER

 Critical for the clean energy transition due to its excellent electrical conductivity and effi ciency. 

 Used in solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants because it helps generate electricity 

effi ciently with minimal energy loss. 

 Electric Vehicles (EVs) use a lot of copper.

 To integrate renewable energy into the power grid, copper is essential for the cables and transformers 

that carry electricity over long distances with little loss. 

 Important in energy storage systems, like batteries, ensuring energy is stored and used effi ciently. 

 Copper is a 100 percent recyclable metal– it allows for a circular economy.

 The government has included copper in its list of critical minerals. 

 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2023 , introduces 

an exploration license for 29 crucial minerals, including copper, allowing license holders to search 

and examine deep-seated minerals. This license encourages private agencies to participate in 

mining activities.

 However, the copper smelting process releases several pollutants into the environment, both as 

airborne emissions and as solid or liquid waste. These include Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Arsenic, Lead, 

Particulate Matter, Heavy Metals, Greenhouse Gases, Wastewater Contaminants, and Slag.

 India has always been an importer of copper ore and concentrate.

PM SURYA GHAR YOJANA

 This project, with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore, aims to light up 1 crore households by 

providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

 Under this, substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily 

concessional bank loans, the Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the 

people. 

 All stakeholders will be integrated to a National Online Portal which will further convenience.

 Urban local bodies and panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their 

jurisdictions.