INCOIS unveiled an ‘Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas’ for India’s EEZ, highlighting vast marine energy potential from solar, wind, waves, tides, currents, and thermal resources.
About INCOIS:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous body established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India.
Its primary mission is to provide ocean data, information, and advisory services to various stakeholders, including society, industry, government, and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations.
Key Features of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas
The Atlas encompasses marine meteorological energy sources like solar and wind, and hydrological energy forms such as waves, tides, currents, ocean thermal, and salinity gradients within India’s EEZ.
It identifies areas with high potential for energy generation and will serve as a reference for policymakers, industry and researchers for harnessing these rich energy resources.
INCOIS prepared the annual, monthly, and daily energy estimates of ocean energy components that can be visualised through a WebGIS interface at 5 km grid resolution.
Significant potential of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
INCOIS has estimated integrated ocean energy of approximately 9.2 lakh TWh per annum within the EEZ of India.
The vast coastline of over 7,000 km and the EEZ covering up to 220 km from the coast offers ample scope for generating energy from blue renewable sources like tidal waves, currents, solar and wind.
What India can learn from this Report? (Way forward)
The Atlas provides a blueprint for India to tap into its vast untapped ocean energy resources to meet its growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
It offers estimated values of renewable energy that can be generated from individual or integrated blue renewable sources at potential sites along the coast
The detailed mapping of energy potential at a granular 5 km grid level can help industries plan and make informed decisions for developing offshore renewable energy projects.
Collaborating with industrial partners and public sector companies to harness energy at high-potential zones identified in the Atlas can accelerate the adoption of marine energy technologies.
The Atlas can serve as a model for other countries in the Indian Ocean region to assess their blue energy reserves and promote regional cooperation in harnessing ocean energy resources.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Union Cabinet accepted the Kovind committee’s recommendations for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, with municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.
What are the recommendations given by the Kovind Panel?
The panel recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as a first step, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election.
The President would issue a notification setting an “Appointed Date” to mark the start of the new electoral cycle. All State Assemblies formed after this date would conclude their terms before the next general election.
The panel recommended amendments to Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State Legislatures) to account for scenarios like a hung assembly or no-confidence motion.
A single electoral roll for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies was proposed to streamline the election process, requiring coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs).
The panel suggested 18 amendments to synchronize elections, most of which do not require ratification by State Assemblies but will require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Significance of Simultaneous Polls:
Cost Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections is expected to reduce the financial burden by cutting down on the repetitive cost of conducting separate elections.
Increased Governance Efficiency: Simultaneous polls would allow governments to focus on governance rather than being in continuous election mode.
Reduced Electoral Fatigue: Voters and political parties will face fewer disruptions caused by the constant election cycle, leading to more stable and efficient governance.
Economic Benefits: By reducing the frequency of elections, resources can be allocated more effectively toward development and economic growth.
What do the critics say?
Impracticality in a Federal Setup: Critics, including the Congress president, argue that simultaneous elections undermine federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures, which may need to dissolve at different times.
Constitutional Hurdles: Critics emphasize that the changes required would demand significant amendments to the Constitution and may face legal and political challenges, including garnering the required majority in Parliament.
Logistical Concerns: Managing elections for both national and local bodies across a large and diverse country like India would pose logistical difficulties.
Impact on Democracy: Some fear that simultaneous polls may result in the overshadowing of local issues by national politics, potentially harming the representation of state-specific concerns.
Way forward:
Consensus Building and Pilot Implementation: Gradually introduce simultaneous elections by building political consensus through consultations with state governments and stakeholders, and consider a phased implementation, starting with a few states as a pilot.
Strengthening Electoral Framework: Enhance coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs), and ensure legal reforms such as the creation of a unified electoral roll and addressing potential challenges like a hung assembly through constitutional safeguards.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)
The Permanent Indus Commission meetings are on hold until India and Pakistan talk about updating the 64-year-old Indus Water Treaty. The last meeting took place in May 2022.
What is the Indus Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank.
The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River system, which includes three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and three western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan.
This framework was established to manage the sharing of water resources in a region where water scarcity is a significant concern due to agricultural demands and population growth.
Features of Treaty:
Permanent Indus Commission: The treaty established the Permanent Indus Commission, which consists of representatives from both nations tasked with resolving disputes and facilitating communication regarding water management.
Dispute Resolution: The treaty includes mechanisms for dispute resolution, allowing for consultation with neutral experts or arbitration through international courts if disagreements arise.
Why did the Indian government opt to modify and review the Treaty?
Changed Demographics: India emphasizes that significant changes in population demographics necessitate a reassessment of water-sharing obligations under the treaty.
Environmental Considerations: The need to accelerate clean energy development (Hydro power electricity) to meet emission targets has been highlighted as a reason for modifying the treaty’s provisions, reflecting broader environmental concerns.
Security Issues: Persistent cross-border terrorism has been cited as a factor undermining India’s ability to utilize its rights under the treaty fully.
Perceived Imbalance: Analysts in India have described the treaty as “one-sided,” arguing that it disproportionately favors Pakistan given India’s larger population and growing water needs.
They believe India’s leverage over western rivers should be enhanced, especially during heightened tensions.
Way forward:
Renegotiation of Terms: India and Pakistan should engage in bilateral talks to update the Indus Waters Treaty, reflecting modern challenges like demographic changes, energy needs, and security concerns, while ensuring fair water distribution.
Enhanced Cooperative Framework: Strengthen the role of the Permanent Indus Commission by introducing regular environmental and security assessments, and improving communication to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable water management.
Mains PYQ:
Q Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Philippe Baptiste, head of the French Space Agency, talked about the joint India-France “TRISHNA Mission.”
TRISHNA Mission:
Details
Overview
A joint Indo-French Earth observation satellite project developed by ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency).
Acronym for “Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment” (TRISHNA Mission)
Launch Year
Targeted for 2026.
Mission Lifespan
Designed for a 5-year operational life.
Primary Objectives
• Monitor water and energy budgets of the continental biosphere.
• Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management.
• Improve agricultural water productivity and assist in irrigation water management.
• Provide high-resolution observations of water quality in coastal and inland waters.
• Assess urban heat islands and detect heat anomalies.
Payloads
• Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload: Provided by CNES, this sensor maps surface temperature and emissivity in high resolution.
• Visible-Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) Payload: Developed by ISRO, this sensor uses seven spectral bands for detailed mapping of surface reflectance.
Orbit and Spatial Resolution
• TRISHNA will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 761 km.
• Spatial resolution: 57 meters for land and coastal areas, 1 km for ocean and polar regions.
Application and Significance
• Supports water resource management, agriculture, and urban planning through precise data on water stress, crop productivity, and urban heat islands.
• Enhances climate resilience by tracking droughts, evapotranspiration, and permafrost changes.
• Contributes to global environmental initiatives like GEOGLAM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing key agricultural and climate variables.
PYQ:
[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?
[2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India
The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) has always been mysterious due to its harsh geography and iconic Moai statues.
About Rapa Nui Island
Details
Location
• Situated in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is part of Polynesia and a territory of Chile.
• One of the most remote islands, about 3,500 km from Chile.
Size
• Covers an area of 160 sq. km.
Geographical details
• The island has a volcanic origin, featuring lava-covered terrain and rocky soil.
• Notable volcanoes include Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.
• Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C.
• Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months.
Moai Statues
• Famous for over 900 moai statues, some as tall as 40 ft and weighing 75 tonnes.
• These statues were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to honor revered ancestors.
• Carved from volcanic rock and transported across great distances.
Discovery
• Discovered by European sailors on Easter Sunday, 1722, which gave it the name Easter Island.
• The island had been settled centuries earlier by Polynesian explorers who navigated thousands of kilometers of ocean.
Significance of New Findings
• Recent studies, including the use of AI analysis of satellite images, have debunked earlier theories of ecological collapse.
• Genetic studies show Native American ancestry before European contact, indicating earlier interactions with South America.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Union Cabinet approved the “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan” with a total outlay of ₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore as central share and ₹22,823 crore as state share).
About Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)
Details
Objective
Improve socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through scheme convergence.
Outlay
₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore central; ₹22,823 crore state share).
Coverage
63,000 villages; 5 crore people in 549 districts across 30 States/UTs.
25 interventions by 17 ministries; monitored via PM Gati Shakti Portal.
Social Component
Pucca houses (PMAY), water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission), road and mobile connectivity, education, healthcare.
Increase GER, build tribal hostels, reduce IMR & MMR through Mobile Medical Units.
Economic Push
Tribal Home Stays, Sickle Cell Disease management (Centers of Competence), 100 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) for tribal product marketing.
Sustainable Livelihood
Support 22 Lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders for forest rights and sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied activities.
Special Initiatives
Tribal Home Stays, SCD management, and establishment of Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC).
Eligibility
Tribal-majority villages: 500+ population (plains), 250+ (NE & Hill States), 100+ (LWE districts based on Census 2011).
PYQ:
[2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
[2017] What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
[2016] Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan Misison), Gaganyaan, the development of India’s first space station (the Bharatiya Antariksh Station), and NextGen launch vehicles.
About Chandrayaan-4 Mission
Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in India’s Chandrayaan program (2003).
The mission is currently under conceptualisation and expected to launch around 2027.
Aims: To develop technology for a successful moon landing and ensure a safe return to Earth.
The mission will be launched in two phases onboard two LVM3 rockets.
It will collect lunar samples for analysis on Earth.
About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)
The VOM, also called Shukrayaan-1, is an upcoming ISRO mission targeting a 2028 launch.
The mission aims to study Venus’ surface, atmosphere, volcanic activity, and solar wind interactions with its ionosphere.
It will have a mission duration of 4 years.
The spacecraft will operate in an elliptical orbit, with distances of 60,000 km at apoapsis and 500 km at periapsis.
Its payload has a capacity of 100 kg, is powered by 500 watts, and will feature Indian and international instruments for comprehensive analysis.
For the mission’s payload and technology, collaborations with NASA, CNES (France), and Russia have been established.
PYQ:
[2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO:
is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ammonium Nitrate (AN) imports from Russia have sharply increased affecting domestic fertilizer companies in India.
The import of Ammonium Nitrate is concerning due to increased dependence on foreign supply, price disparity impacting domestic industries, and potential risks to national energy and security.
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a nitrogen-rich, white, crystalline chemical compound.
It is soluble in water and commonly used in various industries.
Uses:
It is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
It serves as a component for anaesthetic gases and cold packs.
It is also a key ingredient in commercial explosives used for mining and construction.
Ammonium nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance under Grade 5.1 by the United Nations.
India’s Regulations:
AN is regulated under The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, and its manufacture or use requires a license.
The Explosives Act, 1884 defines ammonium nitrate as any compound with more than 45% AN by weight.
Storage Restrictions: Storing large quantities of AN in populated areas is illegal in India.
For manufacturing, companies need an industrial license under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951.
Why is it a Cause of Concern?
Ammonium Nitrate is a primary component in explosive mixtures like ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
Though not explosive on its own, it becomes highly dangerous when mixed with detonators like RDX or TNT.
It has been used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups.
Accidents involving AN, like the Beirut port explosion in 2020, have raised serious concerns about its storage and handling.
Its widespread use in fertilizers leads to concerns about environmental impact, especially when mishandled.
Improper storage in populated areas can result in devastating accidents, which is why stringent regulations are in place to control its use, storage, and transport.
PYQ:
[2015] What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[2022] Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. [2014] While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain.
Prelims:
[2013] Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if: (a) there is technical progress in the world economy (b) there is population growth in X (c) there is capital formation in X (d) the volume of trade grows in the world economy
Mentor’s Comment: India has become a global economic powerhouse, now ranking as the fifth-largest economy and holding the title of the fastest-growing major economy. A significant factor in this growth is its demographic advantage, with a median age of 28 and 63% of the population being of working age. However, the labour force participation rate in 2022 stood at 55.2%, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report also notes that much of this growth is led by the services sector, which is less labour-intensive, underscoring the importance of fully leveraging the demographic dividend.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India is not fully capitalizing on its demographic dividend, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan stated on April 16, highlighting the need to prioritize the development of human capital and the improvement of skill sets.
Factors behind Service-pushed Growth
Capital and Labour Ratios: The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted a declining capital-to-output ratio and an increasing capital-to-labour ratio.
Labour Abundance: Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, noted that capital-led economic growth is not ideal for India, which has an abundance of labour.
MSMEs and Labour Laws: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are hesitant to scale up due to outdated labour laws and compliance burdens.
Labour Codes: The impasse over new labour codes, approved by Parliament but yet to be implemented, sends a negative signal to investors.
Employment in Labour-Intensive Sectors
Agriculture Employment: 45% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, which contributes only 18% of GDP, making it essential to boost manufacturing.
Unorganised Sector: The unorganised and non-agricultural sectors employ 19% of the workforce and need focused attention.
High-Growth Sectors: High-growth sectors such as toys, apparel, tourism, and logistics can provide labour-intensive employment opportunities.
Skilling for Growth: Upgrading skills in these sectors will help workers move up the value chain and access better-paying jobs.
The Importance of Skilling
Workforce Productivity: Skilling is vital for making the workforce productive, with only 4.4% of the workforce aged 15-29 being formally skilled, according to the Economic Survey.
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships are crucial for creating a relevant curriculum and offering on-the-job training.
Lifelong Learning: Skilling should be a lifelong process with flexible learning systems, not just a one-time intervention.
New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 focuses on foundational and cognitive skills but needs regular review to stay updated.
Impact of AI and Machine Learning
Job Threats and Opportunities: AI and machine learning (ML) pose a threat to low-skill, repetitive jobs but will still require human oversight.
Regulatory Framework: Creating appropriate regulations to govern AI/ML while leveraging its potential is key.
Market Growth: The AI/ML market is expected to grow nearly nine times by 2030, reaching $826.73 billion globally.
Talent Pool: India has the second-largest talent pool in AI/ML, but with a current demand-supply gap of 51%, it presents a significant opportunity for growth.
Way Forward
Sustaining Growth: Reforms are essential to sustain India’s growth trajectory and create new opportunities.
Policy Focus: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for improving productivity and making markets more efficient in her 2023 Budget speech.
State-Level Reforms: While the central government has improved the ease of doing business, state-level reforms are crucial as states are where most economic activities occur.
Collaboration: Both the Centre and States must collaborate to broaden and deepen reforms for sustained economic growth.
Conclusion:
India’s large, young, and aspirational population presents a unique opportunity. Managing this demographic advantage is more favorable than dealing with the challenges of an aging population.
The ongoing first phase of polling for the J&K Assembly significantly marks the first assembly election since 2019’s (Article 370 abrogation), resulting in a fundamentally changed Assembly.
Structural changes made during the J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019:
Statehood to Union Territory: The Act downgraded Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature, while Ladakh became a UT without a legislature.
Abrogation of Article 370: The special status granted under Article 370 was removed, extending the Indian Constitution and laws to Jammu and Kashmir in their entirety.
Importance of Election in Jammu and Kashmir:
Restoration of Democratic Governance: After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and was reorganized as a Union Territory. Elections are crucial to restore democratic governance and allow people to elect their representatives.
Political Representation: The elections offer citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders and voice their concerns, ensuring political representation at a regional level within the framework of the Union Territory.
Restoring Normalcy and Stability: Conducting elections in the region is seen as a step toward restoring political stability and normalcy after a period of uncertainty and tension following the constitutional changes in 2019.
Powers of the J&K Assembly:
Legislative Powers: The J&K Legislative Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List, except for public order and police, which are under the LG’s jurisdiction. It can also legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, provided the laws are not repugnant to central legislation.
Financial Bills: Any financial bill or amendment in J&K requires the prior recommendation of the LG before being introduced in the Assembly. This ensures that significant financial decisions are under the control of the central government.
Powers of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K:
Discretionary Powers: The LG has the authority to act independently on subjects outside the Assembly’s purview, such as public order, police, bureaucracy, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Final Authority: The LG’s decisions on whether a subject falls under his discretion are final and cannot be challenged in court. This gives the LG significant control over governance in the UT.
Appointment Powers: The LG has the power to appoint the Advocate General, law officers, and approve prosecutions, further enhancing his administrative role.
Conclusion: The structural changes in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019 have reshaped its governance, enhancing the Lieutenant Governor’s powers. Elections are essential for restoring democratic representation, ensuring regional participation, and promoting stability after the abrogation of Article 370 and state reorganization.
Mains PYQ:
Q To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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