1. Prophet’s lessons on peace in promised land READ MORE ]
2. No condition applies READ MORE

1. Many Indian cities record peak pollution during Deepavali day READ MORE
2. Cities with worse air than Delhi fixed the problem: Nine things India needs to do to follow suit READ MORE

1. Tackling violence against women in rural India READ MORE
2. TB burden remains a matter of concern READ MORE

1. Limiting search and seizure: On digital devices and media professionals READ MORE
2. Has free ration become a political compulsion? READ MORE
3. States vs Governors needs clarity from Supreme Court READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Wholesale prices remain in deflation zone in October READ MORE
2. Govt. to invite bids for 20 critical mineral blocks in next two weeks: Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao READ MORE
3. World severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions: UN READ MORE
4. Hope to find ‘landing point’ that works for both in India-UK FTA: Jaishankar READ MORE
5. Parliamentary panel on criminal law Bill leaves decision on death penalty to Centre READ MORE
6. How does an electric battery work and what are the different types? | Explained  READ MORE
7. Offshore Leaks to Cyprus Confidential, a decade of offshore investigations READ MORE
8. Secrecy and no tax — reason why Indians look at Cyprus READ MORE
9. Mount Etna erupts: Why some volcanoes just keep spewing lava READ MORE
10. Easing wheat prices, rising rice prices: What’s behind them? READ MORE  

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Tackling violence against women in rural India READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  

 GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Limiting search and seizure: On digital devices and media professionals READ MORE
2. Has free ration become a political compulsion? READ MORE
3. States vs Governors needs clarity from Supreme Court READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. TB burden remains a matter of concern READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The Qatar death row and India’s options READ MORE
2. A layered relationship READ MORE
3. Xi-Biden meeting holds profound significance for India READ MORE
4. India’s challenges amidst shifting global equations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The economy of a world without work READ MORE
2. Enable flexible work to bridge the gender gap READ MORE
3. Then and now READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Many Indian cities record peak pollution during Deepavali day READ MORE
2. Cities with worse air than Delhi fixed the problem: Nine things India needs to do to follow suit READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Powerful metaphors that caution us to be alert READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. MHA extends UAPA ban against eight Meitei extremist organisations READ MORE
2. Realism, not machismo, to counter terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Experts raise questions on geological and geotechnical surveys for project READ MORE
2. No light at the end of Himalayan tunnels READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Prophet’s lessons on peace in promised land READ MORE ]
2. No condition applies READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is an important institution in India to ensure public accountability of the executive. Examine.
2. Continuous mishaps in the Himalayan region teach us that before any development, a detailed geological investigation and local ecological sensitivity of the region must be considered. Discuss how a balance between development and environmental conservation can be created in this region.
3. Neither economic growth is the indicator of people’s well-being nor per-head income gives a perfect indication of the people’s well-being. Discuss why, compensating public investment in infrastructure projects, poorer states will continue to lag behind and the disparities will only widen?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Communism is not love. Communism is a hammer which we use to crush the enemy.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is one of the most important institutions of the country to ensure public accountability of the executive.
• As the CAG’s work necessarily involves pointing out the irregularities, inefficiencies, leakages and corruption in our public financial management system, relations between the governments and the CAG are generally adversarial.
• CAG reports are known for their political neutrality, robustness of examination and objectivity of conclusions.
• Unless the CAG comes out with cogent explanations, doubts about the credibility and impartiality of the institution will continue to linger in public minds.
• Balance between development and environmental conservation is crucial in the Himalayan region.
• Construction operations related to initiatives such as the Chardham Project frequently necessitate substantial disruptions to the hilly landscape. Deforestation, tunnel construction, and excavation can upset its fragile equilibrium, increasing the risk of geological instability, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
• Piecemeal approaches will only lead to the annual cycle of panic and shutdowns.
• With coordinated and sustained actions, we can address not only air pollution but also our urban climate and health goals together.
• Flexible working boosts productivity, gives access to a wider talent pool, and increases employee retention rates, especially for women.
• Under ‘open-ended’ procurement, Govt buys from farmers unlimited quantities at MSP. Apart from high stocks, this adds to the food subsidy bill substantially.
• The Govt is using state agencies not just to meet food requirements under NFSA but also to extend price support to farmers.
• Society needs to understand that everyone has equal rights according to the constitution. It’s time for patriarchal societies to change their thinking.
• A bill brought by the government before a legislature has some urgency. If a governor, actuated by some extraneous considerations, sits on it for two or three years he would be, in effect, violating the Constitution.
• It is strange that governors should keep the bills pending for years without taking any decision thereon for no ostensible reason. Constitutional authorities are required to act in a reasonable manner and within a reasonable time.
• Unless there is compensating public investment in infrastructure projects, poorer states will continue to lag behind and the disparities will only widen.
• Economic growth does not follow simple mathematical models. Nor is it the only indicator of people’s well-being. Per-head income only gives a rough indication of the state of well-being of the people as compared to some other similar distribution patterns of income.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Many worlds: Multipolarity in the new world order

50-WORD TALK

• Governments are perfectly within their rights to improves the condition of vulnerable sections through well-delivered social welfare schemes. But there are schemes on which huge expenditure has been made over the years while there is a strong perception of sub-optimality in the attainment of their objectives.
• Blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s ban on firecrackers shows it is one thing to deliver orders, but completely another to implement them. It serves as a reminder that judgments must be enforceable, with strict punishments for failures and disregard. The apex court’s word must not go up in smoke.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT– The first International Energy Association (IEA) Summit on Critical Minerals and Clean Energy was held at Paris, France on September 28, 2023. At the heart of its agenda remained the discussions on the challenges and opportunities in meeting the rising demand for minerals required for clean energy technologies.

As economic transformations accelerate, securing access to these materials will both impact and help shape geopolitics in the years to come. This article delves into the developments concerning energy geopolitics from multiple dimensions and analyses the options available to India in securing its national interests.

WHAT IS GEOPOLITICS?

The term “Geopolitics” can be broadly understood as the influence of geography and economics on the power status of a country and its relationships as well as decisions in the bilateral and/or multilateral arena.

Geopolitics seeks to study the effects of the Earth’s geography (human and physical) on politics and international relations.

It is concerned with questions of influence and power over space and territory. It uses geographical frames to make sense of world affairs.

WHY IS ENERGY AN IMPORTANT PART OF GEOPOLITICS?

• Since the industrial revolution, the geopolitics of energy- who supplies it and securing ways for reliable access to those resources- has been influencing the geoeconomics of the nations and the world as a whole.
• Energy is a fundamental resource that drives the global economy and shapes international relations which makes it a crucial component of geopolitics.
• The availability, accessibility, and affordability of energy resources can have significant impacts on a country’s economic growth, political stability, and national security.
• Energy resources are finite and unevenly distributed across the world, which has led to competition among countries for access to these resources. This competition has often resulted in geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and even wars. For instance: Gulf war of 1990s. One of the major factors behind Iran’s annexation of Kuwait was its interest in accessing the rich oil reserves of the latter.
• Heartland Theory (Halford Mackinder) and Rimland Theory (Nicholas Spykman) concerning geopolitics highlighted the importance of gaining control over resource-rich regions if a country was to establish and expand influence/hegemony in the world. In this context, countries rich in oil, gas and other energy resources enjoy an edge over resource-strained countries in terms of power and influence.
• For any country to secure its national interests such as energy security and industrial development, having a reliable supply chain of those energy resources is necessary which dictates the decisions of the country in bilateral/multilateral relationships.

CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING ENERGY AS PART OF GEOPOLITICS

Presenting a region-wise discussion on the geopolitics of energy-

EUROPE AND BLACK SEA REGION

Impacts of Russia-Ukraine war: The energy dynamics of the world have been shaped drastically and multidimensionally because of the Russia-Ukraine war-

• Weaponisation of energy by Russia- It was no accident that Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, when it is the coldest and European demand for gas for heating buildings is the highest. Russia cut gas flows to the EU by around 80% in 2022, leaving the bloc with a significant shortfall in its energy mix, and a pressing need to find energy alternatives from other places.
• Russia cut supplies to Europe in retaliation for western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. This resulted into surge in the prices of electricity, often linked to the price of gas. And that has pushed energy security to the top of the political agenda.
• Attack on Nord Stream pipelines- Russia has been blamed for blast of the Nord Stream pipeline in Baltic Sea which supplied gas from Russia to the European nations like Germany. Extensive damage to Nord Stream 1 and 2 in the Danish exclusive economic zone has been reported in the wake of Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. This has raised energy security challenges for the European countries.
• Discounted Russian oil and geopolitics- The energy resource-rich Russia took advantage of the war to increase its revenue and geopolitical influence through the sale of discounted oil to countries like India and China.

However, under the pressure from Western sanctions on crude oil, Russia in February 2023 decided to cut its production and supply of crude oil. Such disruptions in the energy supply chains and heavy dependence of nations on oil/gas imports leave them in a vulnerable situation.

• Energy resources in the Black Sea- The Russia-Ukraine war which begun as Russian response to Ukraine’s intent to become a member of NATO, also has energy geopolitics as its core. Given the huge potential reserves of oil and natural gas in the Black Sea region, Russia intends to secure its access to the energy resources.

ARCTIC REGION

In a changing Arctic, this potentially resource-rich region could become another venue for geopolitical tensions. Russia has launched an ambitious plan to remilitarize the Arctic. Specifically, Russia is searching for evidence to prove its territorial claims to additional portions of the Arctic, so that it can move its Arctic borderline — which currently measures over 14,000 miles in length — further north.

• Climate Change and new energy resources- The rapid loss of Arctic Sea ice at a much fast rate than the rest of the world has exposed new lands with high potential for energy resources like oil, natural gas, shale gas and methane hydrates. The United States Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic contains approximately 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil resources and about 30% of its undiscovered natural gas resources.
• Race to control the Arctic energy resources- A race for access to the new potential energy reserves in the Arctic has been shaping the geopolitical agenda and moves of countries like the USA, Russia, China etc. Each party wishes to gain control over these energy resources that would translate into increased geopolitical influence of countries in the future.
• New trade routes for energy- The thawing ice cover in the Arctic is opening new trade routes which are likely to be used as alternative energy trade routes between the countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Control of these routes could bring significant advantages to countries and corporations looking for a competitive edge.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (SCS)

Disputes between China and Southeast Asian countries:

• Since the exploration in the early 20th century, more than 10 billion tonnes of Cenozoic oil and gas fields have been discovered, making the SCS region one of the giant oil and gas areas.
• Estimates by the US Geological Survey and others indicate that about 60%-70% of the region’s hydrocarbon resources are gas.
• Optimistic Chinese estimates of the region’s oil potential indicate as high as 213 billion barrels of hydrocarbons which are untapped. This figure is comparable with any high-value hydrocarbon producing region of the world, including the Persian Gulf region.
• Energy security and hegemony in the international energy trade has been one of the factors behind increasing Chinese muscular power in the SCS region. E.g. growing standoffs between the Philippines and China.

GULF REGION

• In the early twentieth century, the switch from coal to oil formed the basis to a century of geopolitical upheaval in the Middle East.
• Gulf war (1990s)- One of the major factors behind Iran’s annexation of Kuwait was its interest in accessing the rich oil reserves of the latter.
• Cartelisation- The control of OPEC and OPEC+ over the production of oil and the decision of its members to cut production and supply of crude oil has always been a cause of worry for the countries that remain dependent on imports of oil to meet their growing energy demands. The production cuts lead to hike in the oil prices.
• Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict- Iran, a major oil producer, backs the Hamas group which is at war with Israel. As the Hamas attack on Israel intensified, experts have expressed serious concerns on its impact on oil prices, gold prices, inflation and eventually the economy.
• India-Middle East-Europe Corridor- This new counter-BRI initiative, launched at the sidelines of the recent G20 Summit (2023), has energy security and trade among its core objectives. Such regional projects shape the dynamics of international trade in energy. The IMEC will involve rail connectivity, shipping lines, high-speed data cables, and energy pipelines.

o    The volatile situation in the Middle East with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict could hit the corridor plans.

o    This ambitious project aims to create a seamless trade route connecting India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. The corridor spans diverse nations with varying political dynamics, interests and previous tensions.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GEOPOLITICS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY:

RENEWABLE ENERGY

While the global community has ramped its efforts towards green transition to decarbonise economy and achieve climate goals at the earliest, the geopolitics around renewable energy and just transition has been a big challenge, especially for developing countries and LDCs.

• CBDR and Climate Finance- Compelled by the limited financial resources, the developing nations and LDCs seek increased financial assistance in the form of Climate Finance to facilitate shift towards renewable energy and to reduce share of fossil fuels in the energy mix. However, the promise of raising $100 billion as climate finance by the developed countries has remained unfulfilled.
• Technological Supremacy of West- The slower development of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, bio-energy, etc.) and higher costs of renewable energy are attributed to the lack of technology at the disposal of the Third World countries. The West having developed advanced technology for exploitation of green hydrogen, waste-to-energy and hybrid renewable energy, has been reluctant to share their technical know-how with the less developed nation, thus, establishing their supremacy and using it as a weapon of geopolitics.
• Critical Minerals Race- From 2017 to 2022, green energy projects alone boosted demand for lithium by roughly 200 percent, cobalt by 70 percent and nickel by 40 percent.
• Chinese monopoly- The uneven geographical distribution of critical minerals and near-monopoly of China in their production, refining and exports raise apprehensions regarding reliable, efficient supply chain of critical minerals.

Such dependencies create a high risk of supply disruptions and increase the Union’s vulnerability and security risks.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China is home to about 35% of the world’s nickel, 58% of lithium, 65% of cobalt, and 87% of rare earth elements (REE) i.e. cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium etc.

• The European Critical Raw Materials Act was voted on in the European Parliament during the September 11-14, 2023, seeks to diversify its supply chain for reliable supply of critical minerals. Most importantly, it aims to reduce its heavy dependence on China.

 

• Deep sea mining race- In an attempt of diversify the supply chains and explore new regions for untapped critical minerals (in the seabed), countries such as Australia, India, USA have joined hands to counter the Chinese monopoly. The deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules and other critical minerals by countries has surged, and in response, the reports of EEZ encroachments have also witnessed a rise.
• Elitist nature of the Minerals Security Partnership- The MSP is elitist in its very idea of formation and induction of members. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have abundant reserves of critical minerals are not part of this strategic grouping formed by US.

MSP is a strategic grouping of 13 member states including Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, US, the European Union, Italy and India.

CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

The European Union (EU) has launched a carbon border tax on carbon intensive imports of products such as cement and fertilizer with the intent to prevent carbon leakage and incentivise green manufacturing.

• Challenges for developing countries like India- India and other developing countries which are trade partners of the EU raise concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of this carbon levy, given the fact that fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas still contribute nearly 60% of India’s energy mix.
• It is a challenge for India to make sudden transition towards renewable energy generation to drive the green manufacturing. Thus, the EU’s CBAM is touted as a geopolitical tactic used by the EU to further its interests at the stake of the interests of the less-competitive countries.

HOW IS INDIA ENSURING ENERGY SECURITY AND PROTECTING ITS INTERESTS THROUGH GEOPOLITICS?

As per the ‘2023 World Energy Outlook’ published by the OPEC, India’s primary energy demand will nearly more than double to 38.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (mboe/d) in 2045. India’s energy demand will also reach 10 per cent of global demand, up from 6.6 per cent currently.

The surging energy demands in the country and climate action have influenced the foreign policy of India in a bid to secure its national interests and ensure energy security:

• Discounted Russian oil – Taking advantage of the discounts offered by Russia on crude oil in the aftermath of Russia-Ukraine war, India began purchasing Russian oil so as to diversify its trade partners in the field of energy resources. Russia has emerged as the largest oil importer of India, accounting for about 40% of India’s crude imports.
• India and Russia recently discussed the possibility of exploring new transport corridors like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) between Vladivostok and Chennai and both sides also agreed that Indian seafarers will be trained on Polar and Arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute in Vladivostok, which is equipped with simulators.
• India invested to develop Chabahar port in Iran. This will help bypass Pakistan and have access to oil and mineral rich Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
• International Solar Alliance- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) founded by India in 2015, is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
• Global Biofuels Alliance (launched on the sidelines of G20 Summit in New Delhi 2023)- India as a founder member of GBA, has been focussing on scaling up the share of biofuels through sharing of technical know-how and encouraging investments in the R&D in waste-to-energy. The efforts by India to ramp up biofuels in energy basket of India aims to scale down the share of fossil fuels in energy mix.
• Green Hydrogen Alliances- Recently, India and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a green hydrogen supply chain which seeks to expand the cooperation among the two nations in the co-production of green hydrogen and the creation of secure, reliable, and resilient supply chains for materials used in green and clean hydrogen production and renewable energy.

CHALLENGES FOR INDIA

HIGH IMPORT-DEPENDENCE FOR CRUDE OIL

• India’s oil import dependency was 84.4 per cent in 2020-21, 85 per cent in 2019-20, and 83.8 per cent in 2018-19.
• The share of Persian Gulf countries in India’s crude imports has remained at around 60% over the last 15 years.
• Also, Russia has emerged as the largest oil sourcing country for India in 2023, which has its own set of challenges in the wake of potential supply chain disruptions and growing bonhomie between Russia and China. The geodynamic equations and sanctions by the West on Russia are potential threats to energy security interests of India.

NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP

• The nuclear energy generation in India is hindered by the limited domestic reserves of uranium (about 2% of the world’s total uranium reserves) and reliance on imports of nuclear fuel and nuclear technology.
• India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group is stonewalled by China which hurts the energy interests of India. China plays the Pakistan card and NPT entry as conditions for India to become a member of the NSG. India has been seeking NSG membership to gain access to foreign-sourced nuclear material and technology.

LACK OF DOMESTIC RESERVES OF CRITICAL MINERALS

• India lacks reserves of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt.
• The complex supply chains, disruptions sue to political instability in Africa, Chinese dominance in production and processing of about 90% of critical minerals and heavy dependence of India for critical minerals are among the major challenges facing industrial development and green transition in the country.
• Countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo lead in the reserves of cobalt (about 70% of total reserves).
• Russia is a significant producer of nickel, palladium, titanium sponge, & scandium and Ukraine is a major producer of titanium; the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted the supply chains.

HIGH COMPARATIVE COSTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

• While renewable energy sources may appear to be cheaper, there are some hidden and indirect costs that make them far less financially attractive.
• Given the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind, energy storage solutions such as batteries, become crucial.
• While the initial costs of renewable installations might seem competitive, the associated storage costs can be significant, especially when we factor in the lifespan and efficiency of current battery technologies. This is particularly relevant when comparing the continuous power generation capabilities of fossil fuel plants to the on-and-off nature of renewables.

2070 CARBON-NEUTRALITY AS CHALLENGE

• There are numerous hurdles in India’s target for carbon-neutrality by 2070.
• One, it would require about $10 trillion investment and given the constraints in climate finance mobilisation, it seems an arduous task.
• Secondly, phasing out coal completely is difficult, given the requirements of industries and slow progress in addition of renewable energy. Also, the intermittent nature of renewables makes coal a viable option.
• It also requires innovation and collaborations in the desired technologies to meet the target in the long run.

THE WAY FORWARD

India must secure its energy interests through the following measures:

• Strategic Petroleum Reserves- All oil importing member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have an obligation to hold emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net oil imports. India with the help of imported oil has been building its strategic petroleum reserves at Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur. India should also consider having strategic reserves of coal as well as natural gas.
• Strategic autonomy- India must proactively exercise its strategic autonomy in maintenance of bilateral and multilateral relations to secure the national interests of the country in energy sector. Therefore, India must maintain its healthy relations with the Middle East, Russia as well as the USA for diversification of risks associated with suppliant chain management of energy resources and critical minerals supply.

The 3-year India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership and purchase of discounted Russian oil in this context are the right measures.

• Critical Minerals Partnerships- India’s membership in the Minerals Security Partnership, state-owned joint venture KABIL’s agreement with Argentina to tap the critical minerals are the much-needed initiatives towards reliable and efficient critical minerals supply chain. Such opportunities must be leveraged well by the Indian government and investors.
• Commercial mining of critical minerals- The rising demand of critical minerals for green energy transition and inadequate, slow progress in exploration and production of potential domestic reserves of critical minerals have driven India’s amendments in the Minerals and Mines (Development and Regulation) Act 1957, to boost commercial mining of select critical minerals in the country. Private participation in mining of critical minerals with increased investments in the R&D is imperative.
• Deep Ocean exploration- India must ensure robust implementation of the crucial policies such as Deep Ocean Mission, O-SMART and Samudrayaan Mission (Matsya 6000) to explore, tap and exploit the polymetallic nodules and other energy resources to fulfil the burgeoning energy demands of the country.
• Geospatial Energy Mapping- The Geospatial Energy Map of India launched by IRSO and Niti Aayog (2021) attempts to identify and locate all primary and secondary sources of energy and their transportation/transmission networks to provide a comprehensive view of energy production and distribution in a country. It should be used effectively by the private sector and other stakeholders in research and development of energy resources.

THE CONCLUSION- Energy and geopolitics are intertwined. With new discoveries of energy resources (shale gas in the USA, lithium reserves in India, etc.) and innovations in associated technologies, the energy sector dominates in the negotiations and agreements between the nations and will continue to have its influence on foreign policy of the nations in future as well. India must carefully weigh its options and make the best out of its deals, agreements at the bilateral, regional, or multilateral forums.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

Q. Climate change is changing the energy geopolitics globally, with significant implications for India. Comment.

Q. The melting of the Arctic has been shaping the energy dynamics of the world. Discuss in the context of importance of Arctic region for India.

Q. The Russia-Ukraine war has dramatically transformed the energy dynamics of the world. In this context, comment on India’s approach to fulfil its national interest.

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1. EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, European astronomers released the first images from the newly launched Euclid space telescope which is designed to unlock the secrets of dark matter and dark energy.

EXPLANATION:

• Images released include irregular galaxies and a spiral formation resembling the Milky Way, shedding light on celestial formations and background galaxies.

EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE MISSION OVERVIEW

• Purpose:
  • The Euclid telescope is a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
  • It is designed to explore the hidden aspects of the universe, specifically dark matter and dark energy, which are estimated to constitute about 95% of the cosmos.

• Initial Images:
  • The released images are said to be the sharpest of their kind, showcasing the telescope’s capability to observe billions of galaxies located up to 10 billion light-years away.

• Target Areas:
• • The captured images spanned various regions of the nearby universe, including the Perseus cluster, which contains around 1,000 galaxies, and over 100,000 galaxies spread across the background.

DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY

• Dark Matter’s Influence:
  • Scientists believe that structures like the Perseus cluster could only have formed if dark matter exists.
  • This unseen matter’s gravitational pull is considered responsible for organizing galaxies and impacting their rotational speeds.

• Dark Energy Enigma:
• • Dark energy, a hypothetical force, was postulated in the 1990s based on observations of supernovas.
  • It’s thought to be driving the acceleration of the universe’s expansion, a groundbreaking discovery that contrasts with earlier beliefs.

EUCLID’S MISSION GOALS

• Mapping the Universe:
  • Euclid aims to construct a 3D map covering a significant portion of the sky.
  • By detecting subtle variations attributable to dark matter and dark energy, the mission intends to enhance understanding of galaxy formation and distribution within the cosmic web.

• Exploring the Dark Sector:
• • By probing deeper into the dark sector of the universe, the mission hopes to uncover insights that current ground and space missions have been unable to achieve.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND CHALLENGES

• Teething Problems:
  • Euclid faced initial technical issues, including stray light and guidance problems, which the team has been addressing.

• Mission Duration:
• • The six-year mission, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aims to collect data for an extended period, although there’s hope for an additional six months’ worth of operational life due to extra propellant.

SIGNIFICANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Scientific Implications:
  • Understanding dark matter and dark energy could revolutionize our comprehension of cosmic structures and the universe’s evolution.

• Dependency on Launches:
• • The mission faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, shifting from a planned launch on a Russian Soyuz rocket to the SpaceX Falcon 9 due to strained relations.

CONCLUSION

• Euclid’s Potential:
  • The successful initial imaging by the Euclid telescope marks a significant step in exploring the unknown realms of the universe, shedding light on the enigmatic aspects of dark matter and dark energy.
• It emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the Euclid mission in unraveling the mysteries of the vast, unseen universe and how its findings could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/star-filled-euclid-images-spur-mission-to-probe-dark-universe/article67516002.ece

2. PM-KISAN BHAI

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: A new scheme called PM-Kisan Bhai will soon be launched by the Government of India.

OBJECTIVES OF PM-KISAN BHAI SCHEME:

• Empowering Farmers:
  • The scheme intends to empower farmers, particularly small and marginal ones.
  • It aims to ease the facilities for the farmers who face difficulties storing their produce post-harvest due to capacity constraints and dependence on traders for selling crops at prevailing market prices.

• Breaking Trader Monopoly:
• • It seeks to break the monopoly of traders who often dictate prices, especially during the harvesting season, compelling farmers to sell their crops quickly, often at lower rates.

FEATURES AND COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Pilot Launch:
  • The scheme will likely commence on a pilot basis in specific states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is estimated to cost around ₹170 crore over three years, including the current fiscal year.

• Incentives and Components:
• • The scheme comprises two main components—Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS) and Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI).
    • Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS):
      • Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will receive a storage incentive of ₹4 per quintal per month, capped at a maximum period of three months.
      • This subsidy aims to encourage storing crops in scientifically built warehouses.
    • Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI):
      • It proposes a 3% additional interest subvention under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
      • It allows the farmers to pledge their produce and obtain loans at subsidized rates for three months.

POTENTIAL IMPACT AND CHALLENGES:

• Farmers’ Autonomy:
  • The scheme intends to provide farmers with the autonomy to store their produce and sell it strategically, rather than being compelled to liquidate during the harvesting season.

• Trade via e-NAM:
  • The initiative encourages trade through online platforms like e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), facilitating access to a broader buyer base across the country.

• Dependence on Buyers:
• • However, there’s a cautionary note regarding the scheme’s effectiveness, as its success depends on buyer response.
  • Buyers’ engagement via online platforms will be crucial; if not adequately involved, farmers might still rely on traditional market yards (mandis).

EXPERT OPINION:

• An agriculture expert highlights concerns about the scheme potentially transferring power to stockists by limiting incentives after three months, impacting farmers’ control over pricing during festival seasons.
• A commodity market analyst emphasizes the scheme’s dependency on buyers’ response.
• The success of the scheme in enabling farmers as decision-makers hinges on buyers’ interest in purchasing through online portals.

CONCLUSION:

• The PM-Kisan Bhai scheme endeavors to offer support to small and marginal farmers by providing incentives for storing produce and facilitating better selling opportunities.
• However, its effectiveness and impact will heavily rely on buyer engagement through online platforms, along with addressing potential challenges in the agricultural supply chain.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/aimed-at-breaking-traders-monopoly-centre-to-launch-pm-kisan-bhai-scheme/article67525079.ece

3. GLOBAL TB REPORT 2023

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: According to the recently released Global TB Report 2023 by the World Health Organisation, India accounts for 27 per cent of the total TB cases in the world.

TB CASES AND MORTALITY IN INDIA:

• Incidence Rate:
  • India continues to bear a significant burden of TB globally, accounting for 27% of total TB cases worldwide.

• Positive Trends:
  • India witnessed an increase in reported TB cases, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2022, reaching 24.2 lakh cases.
  • Treatment coverage also increased to 80%, showcasing improved access to care.

• Mortality Drop:
• • A significant reduction in TB-related deaths in India was noted in the 2023 report.
  • The shift in mortality calculation methodology, using India’s Sample Registration System dataset, led to a decline in TB mortality from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022.
  • This resulted in India’s contribution to global TB mortality dropping from 36% to 26%.

DATA REVISIONS AND RECOGNITION:

• Revised Data:
  • The Union Health Ministry provided newer evidence, including in-country mathematical modeling and data from the government’s Ni-Kshay portal, leading to a change in mortality estimates.
  • The WHO accepted and appreciated these efforts, acknowledging the revised estimates in the 2023 report.

• Improved Reporting:
• • India’s efforts in reporting TB cases were recognized, with the country being the only one among its peers to conduct a National TB prevalence survey, which provided key inputs to estimate TB incidence in India.

TB TREATMENT COVERAGE AND INITIATIVES:

• Treatment Coverage:
  • India witnessed a 19% increase in TB treatment coverage, reaching more than 80%.
  • This accomplishment positioned India among only four countries out of the 30 high-burden countries globally that achieved over 80% treatment coverage.

• Initiatives:
• • The Indian government implemented various initiatives toward TB elimination, including active case finding, molecular testing, screening services at health and wellness centers, engagement of the private sector, and additional nutritional support for TB patients through programs like Nikshay Mitra.

TB ELIMINATION TARGETS AND CHALLENGES:

• India’s Targets:
  • India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, setting ambitious goals in the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025, aiming for no more than 44 new TB cases per lakh population.
  • However, the reported incidence stands at 199 cases per lakh population in 2023.

• Mortality Target:
• • India aims to reduce TB-related mortality to 3 deaths per lakh population by 2025.
  • Although the current figure remains higher at 23 per lakh population, even after the revised estimates.

CHALLENGES AHEAD:

• Meeting Targets:
  • Achieving India’s ambitious targets for TB elimination by 2025 appears challenging, given the current incidence rates and mortality figures compared to the set benchmarks.
• While India has made significant strides in reporting, treatment coverage, and data accuracy regarding TB, achieving the elimination targets by 2025 remains a formidable challenge.
• The revisions in mortality estimates reflect efforts toward refining data accuracy, but the country still faces a substantial burden of TB cases and related mortality.
• Continuing and enhancing current initiatives will be crucial in combating this public health issue.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/indias-tb-mortality-report-2023-explained-9023266/

4. EARTHQUAKE IN ICELAND

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Iceland experienced a swarm of earthquakes, a sequence of around 800 earthquakes within 14 hours on the Reykjanes peninsula. This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

SEISMIC ACTIVITY AND VOLCANIC ERUPTION LIKELIHOOD:

• Recent Earthquakes:
  • A series of earthquakes, including a swarm of 800 quakes within 14 hours, hit Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, followed by about 1,400 quakes within 24 hours.
  • This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

• Volcanic Precursors:
  • Such seismic activities concern precursors to potential volcanic eruptions, especially when they involve a swarm of earthquakes without a clear main shock.

• Geological Context:
• • Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, makes it prone to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY:

• Magma Movement and Earthquakes:
  • The movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface exerts pressure on surrounding rocks, leading to earthquake swarms.
  • As magma approaches the surface, the likelihood of an eruption increases, correlating with increased seismic activities.

POTENTIAL ERUPTION SITE AND TIMELINES:

• Fagradalsfjall Volcano:
  • This area, about 40 km southwest of Reykjavík, has been active recently (in 2021, 2022, and 2023) and is the focus of current seismic activity.
  • The Icelandic Met Office noted significant magma movement in an area extending from Sundhnjúkagígum towards Grindavík, posing a serious volcanic hazard.

• Imminent Eruption:
• • The magma, at its shallowest depth just north of Grindavík, is approximately 800 meters below the Earth’s surface.
  • The IMO suggested a potential eruption could occur in a matter of days, with Grindavík, a nearby town, being evacuated as a precaution.

ACTIVE VOLCANO COUNT IN ICELAND:

• Iceland’s Active Volcanoes:
  • The country hosts 33 active volcanoes that have erupted more than 180 times in the past millennium.
  • Active volcanoes are those that have erupted within the Holocene or have the potential to erupt in the future.

• Notable Volcanoes:
  • Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, Grímsvötn, Hóluhraun, and Litli-Hrútur (part of the Fagradalsfjall system) are among Iceland’s famous active volcanoes.

• Historical Context:
• • Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption caused a massive ash cloud that disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks, resulting in substantial economic damage.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/earthquake-swarm-iceland-volcanic-eruption-9023297/

5. TOWARDS ELIMINATING PLASTIC POLLUTION BY 2040: A POLICY SCENARIO ANALYSIS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per a new interim report released by the intergovernmental organisation “Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”- 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally in 2022.

EXPLANATION:

• The report was released on November 11, 2023, two days before the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).
• Theme of the report was “Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis”.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Plastic Leakage Statistics:
  • The report reveals that in 2022, a staggering 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally.
  • It highlights the concerning environmental impact caused by plastic waste, especially in aquatic environments.

• Policy Scenario Analysis:
  • The report outlines various policy scenarios to tackle plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive actions across the entire lifecycle of plastics.
  • It discusses the potential benefits of these actions and the costs associated with delayed or limited measures.

• Baseline Scenario:
  • If no significant action is taken to curb plastic production and leakage, the report predicts a 50% increase in plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It will result into about 30 MT of plastic entering the environment, with adverse consequences for the environment, climate, and health.

• Impact of Policy Actions:
  • The report suggests that ambitious, coordinated policy actions could significantly reduce plastic waste generation by a quarter below baseline levels by 2040, virtually eliminating mismanaged waste and reducing plastic leakage.

• Cost of Action vs. Inaction:
  • It highlights that while ambitious policy action might cost 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.
  • The costs of inaction would have longer-term societal and environmental repercussions.
  • It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to limit transition costs.

• Challenges and Investment Needs:
  • The report acknowledges technical and economic barriers to eliminating plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It emphasizes the need for significant investments (over $1 trillion) in waste management systems for non-OECD countries.

• International Cooperation:
  • The report recognizes the uneven distribution of costs and investment needs.
  • It also stresses the importance of international cooperation to address plastic pollution effectively.

• Call for Evidence-Based Decision-making:
  • OECD’s Environment Director highlighted the need for further evidence to inform decision-making, especially concerning the negotiations for an international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

• Policy Scenarios:
• • The report presents a comprehensive policy scenario package that, if implemented, could nearly eliminate plastic pollution by 2040, necessitating increased investments and international cooperation.

CONCLUSION:

• The detailed analysis of the report emphasizes the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and the dire consequences of inaction.
• It underscores the necessity for concerted efforts, international collaboration, increased investments, and ambitious policy actions across the lifecycle of plastics.
• It focuses on mitigation of the growing threat of plastic pollution to the environment, economies, and human well-being.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):

• It is an international organisation of 38 countries committed to democracy and the market economy.
• OECD members are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies.
• The OECD was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• The stated goal of OECD is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
• The OECD publishes economic reports, statistical databases, analyses, and forecasts on the outlook for economic growth worldwide.
• The organization also seeksto eliminate bribery and other financial crime worldwide.
• The OECD maintains a so-called “black list” of nations that are considered uncooperative tax havens.
• India is one of the many non-member economies with which the OECD has working relationships in addition to its member countries.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/globally-21-million-tonnes-of-plastics-leaked-into-environment-last-year-oecd-92759

THE CONTEXT: There are far too few parliamentarians or assembly members responsible for citizen welfare in India. This limited representation in a democratic setup indicates India’s flawed representative system.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

• India had around 4,126 Members of the Legislative Assembly, 543 Lok Sabha MPs and 245 Rajya Sabha MPs. However, India has innumerable grassroots politicians, 1,000-plus municipal councils/corporations with between 50 to 100 wards and approximately 2,38,000 panchayats.
• An Indian Member of Parliament (MP) is said to represent 2.5 million citizens on average. A U.S. House of Representatives member typically represents approximately 7,00,000 citizens.
• In Pakistan, a member of the National Assembly is a representative of approximately 6,00,000 citizens, while the ratio in Bangladesh is closer to approximately 5,00,000 citizens.
• Unlike India, the United States has a political system that seeks to engender malapportionment, with each State given two senators in the U.S. Senate. This is easier in a homogeneous country with a bi-party political system, where the same parties compete across all States.
• In India, with its heterogeneous political system across States, malapportionment can mean empowering select political outfits over others.

ISSUES:

• Law making: Legislatures play a vital role in raising debates and discussions on various aspects of governance and in exacting accountability from the government. However, due to inadequate representation there are issue in order to raise critical issues and in the process of law-making.
• Reduced working hours of Parliament: Limited representation often leads to reduction in working hours of Parliament. This leads to passing of bills without any scrutiny.
• Hindrance to Representative Democracy: Parliamentary discussion is a manifestation of a representative kind of democracy but inadequate representation leads to limited parliamentary discussion. This in turn hinders the representative democracy.
• Lack of Accountability: Lack of productivity in the Parliament hinders the process of holding members of parliament accountable for their actions. This undermines the democratic principle of checks and balances without sufficient oversight.
• Skewedness towards few states: Our political system faces issue of malapportionment, with legislative weight being skewed towards the citizens of select States.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Proper Delimitation: Delimitation could be a potential solution to restore proportionality however it should be utilised properly. Delimitation could engender a bias towards a Hindi-speaking northern population while enabling select national parties to rise to power. However, delimitation should not be driven only by factors based on population. Geographical determinism, economic productivity, linguistic history, and a sense of fairness should also play a part. The number of seats in the Parliament needs to increase significantly to help enhance democratic representation ratios.
• Promoting federalism: Our electoral system must be reformed by promoting federalism and the states must be given a better voice and a platform to represent their interests.
• Reform in Rajya Sabha: Constitutional reform can be pursued to give each state the same number of Rajya Sabha MPs. At the same time, direct elections for Rajya Sabha MPs should be promoted while ensuring that a domicile requirement is added and stringently adhered to.
• Reforms in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections: There is need for proportional representation especially for the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. As, India’s first-past-the-post system may ensure quicker election results. But still, it does ensure that a legislator often represents a constituency without a majority of votes.
• Increase number of states: The largest State with highest resident population in the United States, California, has a population of just 39 million, with the average State having a population of about five to six million. Around 22 Indian States/Union Territories have a population higher than that. A New State Reorganisation Commission may be set up after the next election to evaluate the socio-economic and administrative viability of select to-be States to enhance administrative efficiency and democratic accountability.

THE CONCLUSION:

There is a need to strengthen the representative parliamentary democracy by promoting a culture of constructive dialogue and debate within Parliament. This requires ensuring that adequate number of seats are provided to parliamentarians in a timely and transparent manner.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q. Legislative representation is fundamental to political empowerment which enables participation in the law-making process. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/enhancing-representation-for-a-just-electoral-system/article67529548.ece