CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Web Portal Launched for Star Rating of Mines in India. In order to promote green, safe and sustainable mining practices using technology as a tool, Ministry of Coal (MoC) has launched a web portal for star rating of coal mines.

Detailed explanation-2: -Rating of one to five stars would be given to the mines by IBM. The best performing leases would be given 5 Stars. Under this system, a provisional ‘Star Rating’ would be awarded on self-certification basis of the evaluation template, filed by the mining lessee.

Detailed explanation-3: -The State Governments grant the mineral concessions for all the minerals located within the boundary of the State, under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957, and Mineral Concession Rules (MCR), 1960 framed thereunder.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the federal structure of India, the State Governments are the owners of minerals located within their respective boundaries. The Central Government is the owner of the minerals underlying the ocean within the territorial waters or the Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

Detailed explanation-5: -A five-star rating, the highest in the rating scheme, is given to mines which perform best on parameters such as scientific, efficient and sustainable mining, compliance with approved production, land, resettlement and other social impacts.