Central Idea:China has objected to India’s proposal to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior terrorist from Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) on the UN Security Council’s 1267 List.
China’s objection to the proposal
China is a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.
It has put a hold on proposals to blacklist other Pakistan-based terrorists in the past, including Hafiz Talah Saeed, Shahid Mahmood, and Sajid Mir.
The UNSC 1267 list
The UNSC resolution 1267 was adopted unanimously on 15 October 1999.
It came to force in 1999, and strengthened after the September 2001 attacks.
It is now known as the Da’esh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
What is UNSC 1267 committee?
It comprises all permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC stamp.
It is one of the most important and active UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.
How is the listing done?
(1) Submission of Proposal
Any member state can submit a proposal for listing an individual, group, or entity.
The proposal must include acts or activities indicating the proposed individual/group/entity had participated in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities linked to the said organizations.
(2) Actual decision
Decisions on listing and de-listing are adopted by consensus.
The proposal is sent to all the members, and if no member objects within five working days, the proposal is adopted.
An “objection” means rejection for the proposal.
(3) Putting and resolving ‘Technical Holds’
Any member of the Committee may also put a “technical hold” on the proposal and ask for more information from the proposing member state.
During this time, other members may also place their own holds.
The matter remains on the “pending” list of the Committee.
Pending issues must be resolved in six months, but the member state that has placed the hold may ask for an additional three months.
At the end of this period, if an objection is not placed, the matter is considered approved.
Here is a timeline of how China disrupts the global efforts against terrorism:
2009: After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India moved an independent terror designation proposal against Masood Azhar but China blocked the move.
2016: After seven years, India proposes listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and is supported by the US, the UK and France. China blocks the move again.
2017: The trio moves a third proposal only to be blocked by China again.
2019: After the attacks on the CRPF personnel in J-K’s Pulwama, India calls 25 envoys of different countries to highlight the role Islamabad plays in funding, promoting and strengthening global terrorism. India moves the fourth proposal demanding Masood Azhar’s listing. China lifted its technical hold.
June 2022: China blocked a proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a ‘Global Terrorist’
August 2022: China blocks India-US joint proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) deputy chief Abdul Rauf Azhar as UNSC designated terrorist.
Conclusion
China’s actions expose its double speak and double standards when it comes to the international community’s shared battle against terrorism.
This clearly depicts its care for its vassal state Pakistan.
Back2Basics: United Nations Security Council
Description
Purpose
International peace and security
Powers
Establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. Its resolutions are binding.
Membership
15 members. 5 permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States. The remaining 10 are non-permanent members elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms.
Veto Power
P5 members have veto power, which means they can veto any substantive resolution, including those on new member states or candidates for Secretary-General.
India’s new space policy released in 2023 is a promising move towards a flourishing commercial presence in space. However, the policy needs to be accompanied by clear rules and regulations and suitable legislation to create a conducive environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
The Indian Space Policy 2023
The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a short 11-page document that includes a vision to enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space.
It recognizes the private sector as a critical stakeholder in the entire value chain of the space economy.
It makes five key points and outlines the roles of various entities, including the Department of Space, ISRO, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The policy lays out a strategy and spells out the roles of the entities mentioned above.
What is mean by The Second Space Age and its features?
The Second Space Age refers to a period in the space industry following the early 1990s when private sector involvement in space technology began to increase.
The Second Space Age is characterized by the following features:
Increased private sector involvement: The Second Space Age has seen private sector companies take a more prominent role in the space industry. This shift has led to innovation and growth, with private companies investing in space tourism, satellite-based services, and other commercial applications of space technology.
Commercial applications of space technology: The Second Space Age is marked by a shift towards commercial applications of space technology. Private sector companies are investing in satellite-based services such as broadband, OTT, and 5G, which promise a double-digit annual growth rate.
Increased global competition: The Second Space Age has led to increased global competition in the space industry. Countries such as China, India, and private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are competing for a share of the space industry’s market.
Increased collaboration: The Second Space Age has seen increased collaboration between government agencies and private sector companies. This collaboration has led to the development of new technologies and innovative solutions to problems faced in space exploration.
Facts for prelims
IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe stands for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre.
It is a new regulatory body that was set up by the Indian government in 2020 to promote and regulate the activities of non-government entities (NGEs) in the Indian space sector.
The primary objective of IN-SPACe is to create an enabling environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
IN-SPACe will be responsible for granting licenses and permits to private companies for carrying out space-related activities, including the establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets, and related services such as communication, remote sensing, and navigation.
New Space India Limited (NSIL)
NSIL is a public sector company under the Department of Space, Government of India.
It was established in March 2019 as the commercial arm of ISRO to enable commercial exploitation of ISRO’s research and development activities, products, and services.
NSIL’s primary objective is to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed by ISRO to industries for commercial exploitation.
It aims to promote the development of the Indian space industry and create a level playing field for the private sector in the space domain.
NSIL also aims to launch new satellites and provide space-based services such as satellite-based communication, navigation, and remote sensing.
NSIL is also responsible for organizing and coordinating the participation of Indian industries in international exhibitions, symposiums, and workshops related to the space sector.
Gaps in Indian Space Policy 2023
Lack of legislative framework: The policy provides a broad framework for promoting private sector participation in the Indian space industry but lacks a legislative framework to support it. A regulatory body like IN-SPACe needs legislative authority to be effective.
Lack of clear rules and regulations: The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations, and an appellate framework for dispute settlement.
Ambiguity in IN-SPACe’s position: IN-SPACe currently functions under the purview of the Department of Space, and its position is ambiguous. The Secretary (Space) is also the Chairman of ISRO, the government entity to be regulated by IN-SPACe. This ambiguity could create conflicts of interest and undermine IN-SPACe’s effectiveness.
Lack of timelines: The policy sets out an ambitious role for IN-SPACe but provides no timeline for the necessary steps ahead. There is no indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices, nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework.
Way ahead: Steps to implement the policy effectively
Enactment of a new Space Activities Bill: The draft Space Activities Bill, which lapsed in 2019 with the outgoing Lok Sabha, needs to be reintroduced and enacted. The Bill will provide a comprehensive legislative framework to support the Indian Space Policy 2023 and regulate space activities carried out by government and non-government entities.
Establishment of a clear regulatory framework: IN-SPACe needs to create a clear regulatory framework that sets out the rules and regulations for private sector participation in the Indian space industry. This will ensure a level playing field and promote the growth and development of the industry.
Timely implementation of the policy: The Indian government needs to work closely with ISRO and other stakeholders to ensure the timely implementation of the policy. This will require setting clear timelines for the necessary steps ahead and ensuring their effective implementation.
Promotion of private sector participation: The Indian government needs to promote private sector participation in the Indian space industry by providing incentives, facilitating technology transfer, and creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
Collaboration with international partners: The Indian government needs to collaborate with international partners to share knowledge, expertise, and resources in the space domain. This will help in promoting innovation and growth in the Indian space industry and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Conclusion
The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a promising move towards creating a conducive environment for private sector participation in India’s space industry. However, it needs legislative support to create a stable and predictable regulatory framework and ensure a level playing field for the private sector. A vision that needs legislative support to launch India into the Second Space Age.
The article announces that Santiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
About Santiniketan
Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and heritage place located in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. It holds historical significance and is known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here are key points about Santiniketan:
It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
The Santiniketan campus is adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
The region of Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is located, is also famous for its fairs and festivals. Some notable ones are Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
Special cultural events are held during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali month of Boisakh with great enthusiasm.
Santiniketan celebrates unique festivals like Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively.
Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated during August/September.
Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, starting on the 7th day of the month of Poush. The fair officially lasts for three days, but vendors may stay until the end of the month. It is known for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and also features tribal dances like Santali.
Recommendation by ICOMOS
The recommendation for Santiniketan’s inclusion was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is the advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
ICOMOS is a France-based international cultural body dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global architectural and landscape heritage.
West Bengal’s Representation in World Heritage List
If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Description
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
Importance
World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
Selection Criteria
Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
Conservation
World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
World Heritage Committee
Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
Membership
India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.
Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.
Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga
Description
Launch
2014
Aim
Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river
Interventions
Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns
Approach
River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions
Implementing Agency
NMCG
Responsibilities
Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations
Objective
Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river
Sludge classification
India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.
Current sludge disposal practices
Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.
Study’s findings
The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.
Recommendations to improve sludge quality
The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.
The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.
Meerut: Historical origins and name
Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.
The 1857 Rebellion
The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.
Outbreak of the Mutiny
On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.
Meerut’s Significance
Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.
UPSC 2024 calls for an integrated approach whereby you are learning and sharpening your Mains answer writing skills from DAY 1 along with your prelims prep. RMGP 2024 encapsulates this idea.
GS feels like a massive, insurmountable mountain with 1000 marks spread across the four papers in Mains. Polishing your thought is essential for success, and to keep up with the hands of the clock, practice, and practice are the only things that matter the most to an IAS aspirant.
What should be your motto to clear UPSC Mains?
The simple answer is writing more tests, Doing more practice, and improving answer writing skills, for fetching better scores.
⭐And this time, to fulfill the motto Civilsdaily Mains program (Led by Sukanya Ma’am)
Civilsdaily had a great 2022. With 85% of the questions in UPSC Mains were directly/indirectly from our previous RMGP tests. And after receiving feedback from nearly 1000+ of our successful UPSC candidates, we decided to increase the number of tests this time.
Rankers Mains Guidance Program (RMGP) 2024 is your solution to low confidence wrt Mains Answer writing. You shouldn’t procrastinate and instead deliberately start answer writing, learning the skills and techniques right now.
Rankers Mains Guidance Program 2024 is a Mentor guided comprehensive and intensive program for GS Mains papers. The focus is on making students understand the requirement of the Mains Question, and its elements, using information and imparting answer writing skills for that.
Why start Mains answer writing now?
Your knowledge is tested through your answers: If you have not learned the art to articulate your thoughts on paper, then that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Studying and writing answers is a symbiotic relationship and one reinforces the other.
Helps you retain concepts, facts, and figures.
Learning the trick to formulate the structure of the answer.
Helps to revise things and learn new things not covered by conventional books.
1. Personalised 1-1 Mentorship to correct you at each step
We believe in personalized individual attention. A one-to-one discussion with your Mentor will not only highlight your weaknesses but will also help in tracking your improvements over the subsequent tests. It will also ensure consistency, continuity, and progressive improvement.
Students usually get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. The question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability, and a level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks.
Just schedule a call with our mentor to clear all your doubts and queries.
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After every test we prepare and update your performance on two levels: one by the evaluator – who actually checked your test answer copy, and at the second level by Mentor.
We evaluate and review it on the basis of gaps that you have to overcome and there are four such gaps identified by Sukanya ma’am:
Knowledge gap
Value addition gap
Structure gap
Representation gap
3. Quality standards of questions in our test series
Our Test series questions have consistently proven to be similar to UPSC standards.
The whole syllabus will be divided into portions like history, economics, and geography. The other 12 tests will be spread over 8 months. This will ensure that your basic static preparation happens continuously alongside your Mains answer writing program. Killing two birds with one stone!
36 Tests: 24 sectional + 12 FLT – We are adding 12 extra tests from our test series – to practice sectional subjects better
1-on-1 mentorship after every test
Lecture sessions with IAS-IPS Rankers – Exclusive for students of this test series, we’ll have IAS-IPS rankers like Areeba (AIR 109), Shubham, IPS and Soham (AIR 267) take LIVE sessions with students on answer writing skills, strategy building, conceptual clarity, doubt resolution and more of such topics. This will ensure that you are learning from the best and keeping up to date with the latest Main trends.
Monthly webinar session with Sajal sir to discuss Mains strategy.
Performance Review report – New feature added for 2024 series.(Check here)
Civilsdaily’s hand holding: Interact with peers on strategies to improve your Mains writing. You can also contact mentors like Sajal sir, Sukanya ma’am, Rahul sir, and Parth sir. They all have interview-level experience, so utilize their experience to your benefit.
High-value Mains Content:
Mains Value added material: 250+ Most Probable Topics
Documents on the latest and most relevant Case Studies, data
Best answer writing practices PDF
Civilsdaily magazine: Your current affairs will be covered with access to our 1-year subscription. (June 2023 to May 2024)
It happens under a team of experienced Civilsdaily faculty. Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC.
Our questions specifically state:
Whether they are straightforward or thought-provoking/analytical.
Whether they have subparts.
Why this question – similar to previous year’s questions, the importance of the theme, etc.
CD Innovation – Red highlight – to let you know about the necessary and innovative points.
2. One-to-One Discussion
We believe in personalized individual attention. This is the biggest reason why you should join our TS. Students can schedule a call within 2 days of receiving their checked copies.
A one-to-one discussion with your Mentor will not only highlight your weaknesses but will also help in tracking your improvements over the subsequent tests. It will also ensure consistency, continuity, and progressive improvement.
3. Answer Checking
Our evaluation focuses on multiple dimensions and parameters like structure, flow, presentation, contextuality, relevance to question, analytical excellence, and cross-domain inter-linkages than simply on superficial, memory-based lapses.
More than just simply providing information, our model answers cover all the aspects of a question and provide enriching points to the student. They also include:
For ‘thought-provoking/analytical’ type of questions, we’ll provide the best way to approach them.
Alternate introductions
Subheadings and categorization to enhance readability and answer structure.
Colour coding for main arguments, reports, data, scholars, etc. OTB – Out-of-the-box points for additional marks
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You’ll be assigned to a special group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat, there you can interact with different mentors like Sajal Sir, Sukanya Ma’am, Parth Sir, Rahul sir, and others.
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Current affairs magazines – Civilsdaily’s Magazines are the best in terms of comprehensive coverage, superb design, and high readability.
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As per need, we will also involve our Civilsdaily core mentors like Swatantra sir, Parth sir, etc.
The recent meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the national security advisers of the US, UAE, and India highlights India’s new possibilities in the Arabian Peninsula. The growing strategic convergence between India and USA in the Gulf and the opportunities and challenges for India in the emerging.
India-US Gulf Partnership: Departure from Traditional Approaches
Shedding the Anti-Western Lens: The Nehruvian foreign policy of keeping a distance from the US in the Middle East is being discarded, and India is working with the US in the Gulf region.
Building New Partnerships: The formation of a four-nation grouping called I2U2, comprising the US, India, Israel, and the UAE, highlights the growing strategic convergence between Delhi and Washington in the Gulf.
Rejection of Ideological Taboo: India is shedding its ideological taboo of keeping its distance from Israel, and transforming its relations with the two Arabian kingdoms, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into solid strategic partnerships.
Expansion of Partnerships: In addition to the US, India is beginning to work with France in the Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean.
Change in Perception: The US is leading the West to discard its pro-Pakistan bias and rethink the relationship between the Subcontinent and the Gulf.
New Strategic Opportunities for India in the Gulf
Economic growth: The emerging Arabian Peninsula presents enormous new possibilities for India’s economic growth, given the massive financial capital and ambitious economic transformation of Gulf kingdoms like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Connectivity and security: India can play a productive role in promoting connectivity and security within Arabia and between it and abutting regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Subcontinent.
Overcoming extremism: The engagement with the Gulf can also help India overcome the dangerous forces of violent religious extremism within the Subcontinent.
Elevating India’s standing: The new opportunities in Arabia and the emerging possibilities for partnership with the US and the West position India to rapidly elevate its own standing in the region.
Challenges that India may face in pursuing strategic opportunities in the Gulf
Regional instability: The Gulf region is prone to political and security instability due to ongoing conflicts, political tensions, and the presence of non-state actors. This can pose a challenge for India in pursuing its interests in the region.
Dependence on hydrocarbons: India is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon imports from the Gulf, which makes it vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility. The shift towards renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons may take time and require significant investments.
Competition with other powers: India faces competition from other major powers such as China, the United States, and European countries, who are also seeking to expand their strategic presence in the Gulf region.
Cultural differences: There may be cultural differences between India and some Gulf countries, which could pose challenges in developing strong partnerships and cooperation in areas such as security and counter-terrorism.
Domestic political constraints: Domestic political constraints, such as political opposition to closer ties with certain Gulf countries, could hinder India’s efforts to deepen its strategic engagement in the region.
Way ahead: Steps is to continue building on the momentum
Strengthening economic ties: India should focus on deepening its economic relations with the Gulf countries, including diversifying its trade and investment portfolio, exploring opportunities in non-oil sectors, and leveraging its expertise in areas such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Enhancing security cooperation: India should work with its Gulf partners to enhance security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, and contribute to regional stability and security.
Promoting people-to-people ties: India should encourage greater people-to-people exchanges with the Gulf countries, including through cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, and sports.
Supporting regional initiatives: India should support regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability, connectivity, and development in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region.
Balancing relations with various actors: India should strive to balance its relations with various actors in the region, including the US, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, and avoid getting embroiled in regional rivalries.
Conclusion
The emerging India-US partnership in the Gulf region presents a new era of cooperation that has the potential to promote economic growth, connectivity, and security within the region. The partnership marks a departure from traditional approaches to the Middle East and has the potential to elevate India’s standing in the Gulf.
Access to affordable and reliable energy is essential for economic development and public services. However, the global energy market has been disrupted due to demand and supply-side factors leading to rising prices and disruptions in energy supply chains. As a result, countries with a high dependence on fossil fuels, including India, faced a significant challenge.
The correlation: Energy availability and economic development
The correlation between energy availability and economic development is that energy availability and accessibility are essential inputs for many public services, and securing affordable and reliable access to energy remains a central political and economic imperative for almost all governments.
Energy availability and accessibility are necessary for economic growth and development, and a lack of access to energy can hamper the growth of industries, limit productivity, and impede social development.
Factors that contributed to the Global Energy Crisis
Demand and Supply-side Factors: There have been disruptions in the oil and gas supply chains due to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war. Additionally, energy prices came under pressure due to a sudden rise in demand resulting from abnormally high temperatures and associated heatwaves across the globe. These factors inflated the international price of oil and natural gas.
Dependence on Finite Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels account for over 80% of global energy requirements and over 64% of electricity generation worldwide. Additionally, most countries are net importers of fossil fuels, and thus prone to adverse supply shocks resulting from various geopolitical and economic events.
Overdependence on Fossil Fuels: Many countries turned to coal to meet their energy needs, while those already using coal intensified its exploitation, putting immense pressure on the coal market.
Increased Cost of Electricity: The increased cost of electricity due to a higher usage of fossil fuel-based sources imposed a heavy burden on low-income households since they spend a larger share of their incomes on electricity and gas.
Widespread Power Outages: Widespread power outages in many countries due to disruptions in electricity supply threw lives out of gear.
Dependence on Imported Fossil Fuels: Europe, for instance, faced a challenging situation due to its historic high dependence on imported gas from Russia to meet its energy requirements.
Climate Change: Fossil fuels account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and around 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. Climate events, such as floods and droughts, cause immense human and economic loss.
Impact on countries
High energy prices: The increased cost of electricity due to a higher usage of fossil fuel-based sources imposes a heavy burden on low-income households since they spend a larger share of their incomes on electricity and gas.
Power outages: Widespread power outages in many countries due to disruptions in electricity supply throw lives out of gear. For instance, Bangladesh witnessed a countrywide blackout as many gas- and diesel-based power plants, responsible for approximately 85 percent of the country’s electricity generation, were forced to shut down due to fuel shortages.
Slowdown in economic growth: Increased prices and disrupted supply severely impacted those countries with a high dependence on fossil fuels, particularly its import, and led to a slowdown in global economic growth, forcing some countries and regions into recession.
Environmental degradation: Overdependence on fossil fuels impacts countries adversely in the form of air and water pollution and soil degradation, while also being a significant cause of climate change.
Foreign exchange reserves: The dependence on fossil fuels also affects countries’ foreign exchange reserves, as the fluctuations in prices of fossil fuels affect their import bills and balance of payments.
Revenue loss: Many regions and their economies, especially in developing countries, depend on incomes derived from fossil fuel-based employment, such as mining, power generation, transmission, and distribution and storage. In many regions, governments are also dependent on the revenue generated from fossil fuels to enhance infrastructure that enables local communities to expand and diversify their livelihood options.
Challenges in way of transition to renewable sources of energy
Mobilizing capital: While the cost of clean energy is declining, many clean energy technologies require high upfront investment costs, which may be beyond the capacities of most developing countries. Additionally, international support for developing countries is lacking, making it difficult for them to transition to renewable energy sources without supportive international actions.
Ensuring a just transition: There is a need to ensure decent work opportunities and social support for people likely to lose their livelihoods in the process of transitioning to low-carbon and renewable-based economies. Many people are employed in the fossil fuel industry globally, and there is a risk of destabilizing local economies during the transition process.
Technical challenges: The transition to renewable energy sources may require significant upgrades to infrastructure, including energy storage and transmission systems, which can be costly.
Policy and regulatory challenges: The transition to renewable energy sources requires significant policy and regulatory changes, including reforms to subsidy systems, pricing mechanisms, and energy markets.
Reliability and intermittency of renewable sources: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are often intermittent, making it difficult to guarantee a stable supply of electricity. This may require investments in energy storage and backup power systems to ensure reliable supply.
Public acceptance: The transition to renewable energy sources may face resistance from some stakeholders, including those who are reliant on fossil fuels for their livelihoods or those who are concerned about the visual and environmental impacts of renewable energy infrastructure.
Way ahead: Addressing these challenges
Mobilizing capital: Developed countries need to fulfill their commitment to providing climate finance to developing countries. Innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and blended finance could also be used to attract private investment.
Ensuring a just transition: Governments need to develop comprehensive plans that protect workers and communities affected by the shift to renewable energy. This could involve retraining programs, investment in new industries, and social safety nets.
Investing in research and development: Governments, international organizations, and the private sector need to invest in research and development to drive down the costs of renewable energy technologies and improve their efficiency.
Promoting energy efficiency: Governments and businesses need to prioritize energy efficiency measures such as retrofitting buildings and improving industrial processes to reduce energy demand and costs.
Accelerating deployment of renewable energy: Governments need to set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment and create policy frameworks that incentivize investment in clean energy.
Building energy infrastructure: Governments need to invest in building the infrastructure needed to support the deployment of renewable energy, including grid upgrades, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Promoting international cooperation: The transition to renewable energy requires international cooperation, especially between developed and developing countries. Developed countries can support developing countries through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support.
Facts for prelims
Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE)
DRE refers to the generation and distribution of electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, through small-scale, decentralized systems.
These systems are often installed in remote or rural areas where it is difficult or expensive to connect to a centralized power grid.
DRE systems can range from individual rooftop solar panels to small-scale wind turbines, mini-hydro systems, and biomass generators.
They are typically designed to serve a single household or community, rather than a large urban or industrial center.
DRE systems are also known as off-grid or mini-grid systems, and they can be standalone or connected to a larger power grid.
Conclusion
The transition towards renewables is an attractive option for countries to hedge against the risks associated with fossil fuel-based energy sources. However, this requires access to affordable finance and international support to enable a just transition through on-the-job retraining programs, infrastructure investments, and so on. Access to affordable and reliable energy is crucial for sustainable economic development.
