9 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

India’s Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights the country’s progress in decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions, showcasing a GDP CAGR of 7% against an emissions CAGR of 4% (2005–2019). While India demonstrates economy-wide relative decoupling, achieving absolute decoupling remains a challenge. Sustained efforts are essential for meeting long-term climate commitments.

India’s Economic Growth and GHG Emissions: Decoupling Dynamics

Economic Growth and Environmental Pressure

• India’s economy has consistently grown over the past few decades, but this growth has been accompanied by rising environmental pressure, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Between 2005 and 2019, India’s GDP grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, while GHG emissions rose at a slower CAGR of 4%, suggesting potential decoupling of economic growth from emissions.

Understanding Decoupling

• Definition: Decoupling refers to breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation.
• Historically, economic growth has been associated with increased environmental harm, including higher GHG emissions.
• Types of Decoupling:
  • Absolute Decoupling: Economic growth occurs while emissions decline.
  • Relative Decoupling: Both GDP and emissions grow, but GDP grows at a faster rate than emissions.

Importance of Decoupling

• Decoupling is critical for achieving sustainable growth, improving living standards, and addressing climate change.
• It contributes to the ongoing debate between green growth and degrowth:
  • Green growth emphasizes the possibility of economic expansion alongside reduced environmental harm.
  • Degrowth advocates argue for reduced resource consumption and question the necessity of continuous economic growth.
• Developing countries like India face the dual challenge of tackling emissions while addressing energy poverty and improving living standards.

India’s Decoupling Status

The Economic Survey (2023-24) suggests India may have achieved relative decoupling, where GDP growth outpaces emissions growth. Since 1990, India’s GDP has grown six-fold, while GHG emissions have only tripled, indicating relative decoupling at the economy-wide level. Sectoral Insights: Agriculture and manufacturing are major contributors to GHG emissions. Decoupling in these sectors is assessed by comparing the growth rates of Gross Value Added (GVA) with GHG emissions. Despite progress, India has not achieved absolute decoupling, as emissions continue to rise.

Challenges in Achieving Absolute Decoupling

• Most countries, including India, experience rising emissions alongside GDP growth.
• Absolute decoupling, where emissions decline despite economic growth, remains a distant goal for India.
• As a developing country yet to peak its emissions, India’s emissions are expected to rise with continued economic expansion.

The Path Forward

• Relative decoupling is a commendable achievement, but absolute decoupling is necessary to meet long-term climate goals.
• Policies and measures promoting renewable energy, emission mitigation, and sustainable development are essential.
• Continued efforts toward reducing the emissions growth rate while sustaining economic development will be crucial in balancing environmental and developmental priorities.

Conclusion

• India’s relative decoupling demonstrates progress but highlights the need for further action to achieve absolute decoupling.
• Ensuring sustainable economic growth without exacerbating climate challenges will require innovative policies, long-term commitments, and a focus on renewable and sustainable practices.

PYQ: The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023)

Practice Question:  Examine India’s progress in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Discuss the challenges of achieving absolute decoupling and suggest measures to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Gamify India’s skilling initiatives

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Issues relating to development and employment.

Context

India faces a critical unemployment challenge, requiring 78.5 lakh non-farm jobs annually by 2030. The skilling ecosystem struggles with limited outreach and industry relevance, especially for Industry 4.0 demands. Innovative solutions like gamified learning could bridge gaps effectively.

Tackling Unemployment Through Skilling in India

Rising Unemployment Challenge

• The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted that India needs to create 78.5 lakh non-farm jobs annually until 2030 to meet the growing workforce demand.
• Bridging the gap between job seekers’ skills and industry requirements is essential for addressing unemployment.

Current Skilling Landscape

• India has developed a robust framework for training and skilling, but its success remains limited.
• Only 21% of youth aged 15-29 years received vocational or technical training, with just 4.4% receiving formal training, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23.
• The Chief Economic Advisor highlighted that only 51% of India’s graduates are employable, indicating gaps in reach, quality, and industry relevance of skilling programs.
• The 2024-25 Budget prioritizes improving the quality of skilling programs and aligning training content with industry needs.

Industry 4.0 and Skilling Gaps

• Industry 4.0 (I4.0) demands skills in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Two-thirds of Indian manufacturers are expected to undergo digital transformation by 2025.
• However, only 1.5% of Indian engineers possess the necessary skills for new-age jobs, and 60% of the MSME workforce lacks digital skills.
• The SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 initiative aims to prepare industries for I4.0, but equipping the workforce with relevant skills remains a challenge.

Innovative Skilling Approaches

• Gamified and simulation-based learning can revolutionize skilling programs by enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.
  • Gamified Learning: Incorporates game mechanics, rewards, and challenges, fostering higher motivation and performance.
  • Simulation-Based Learning: Provides hands-on experience in a virtual environment, allowing trainees to experiment and develop critical thinking and practical skills.
• Countries like Singapore and Germany have successfully adopted these methods in their education and skilling systems.

Implementation in India

• Government skilling platforms such as SWAYAM and Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) can host gamified and simulation-based modules.
  • SWAYAM offers over 4,000 courses, with 93.45% of successful completions in engineering and physical sciences.
  • SIDH hosts 752 online courses, with 7.63 lakh enrolled candidates and 7.37 lakh minutes of digital content as of June 2024.
• These platforms can integrate customised modules addressing specific skill gaps, enabling trainees to work on real-world challenges and projects.
• Industry can utilize this talent pool for hiring, ensuring a stronger alignment between training and employment opportunities.

Conclusion

• Leveraging gamified and simulation-based training on digital platforms can significantly enhance skilling outcomes.
• Such measures are critical for equipping India’s workforce to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and addressing unemployment effectively.

PYQ: Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2023)

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges in India’s skilling ecosystem and evaluate the potential of gamified and simulation-based learning in addressing unemployment and preparing the workforce for Industry 4.0. (150 Words /10 marks)