23 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The global warming fight has a challenge for India

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

Topic: GS1 – Geography – Climate Change, GS3 – Environment

Context

The COP29 conference highlighted the challenges of global climate negotiations amidst political shifts and increasing environmental urgency. Developed nations and the EU are enforcing strict timelines for emissions reduction, while India faces dual pressures of economic growth and energy transition. Equity in carbon space allocation remains critical for India’s development.

 Disappointment at COP29 and Climate Challenges

• The COP29 conference in Azerbaijan failed to achieve significant progress.
• The meeting coincided with a transition in U.S. politics, adding uncertainty to climate agreements.
• Global warming continues to worsen, necessitating emissions reductions.
• Developed countries aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, China by 2060, and India by 2070.

Factors Reducing Transition Time

• EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Effective from 2026, penalizes imports unless exporting countries align carbon taxes with EU standards.
• Pressure to Peak Emissions: G-7 summits in Hiroshima and Apulia urged major economies, including India and China, to accept emission peaking by 2025.

Challenges for India

• India’s electricity consumption is one-third of the global average, requiring significant growth to replace fossil fuels.
• Transitioning to clean energy poses higher costs and a compressed timeline compared to developed countries.
• India must establish a feasible peaking year, following China’s target of 2030.

Ramp-Up in Electricity Generation

• Targets may be voluntary but will be enforced through tariffs and financing conditions.
• India needs to rapidly scale electricity generation before being constrained by emission caps.
• A Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) study projected India’s minimum electricity demand at 21,000 TWh by 2070, while the International Energy Agency estimated 3,400 TWh by 2040.

Renewables vs. Nuclear Power

• Renewables and nuclear are the only emission-free energy sources, but nuclear is more cost-effective and requires less land.
• Renewables cost ₹4.95–₹7.5 per unit (with six hours of storage), compared to nuclear at ₹3.80 per unit.
• The renewable approach could cost $15.5 trillion and require 4,12,033 sq.km of land, double the available surplus land in India.
• The nuclear approach would cost $11.2 trillion and require 1,83,565 sq.km.

Global Nuclear Initiatives

• Over 20 countries, including the U.S., France, and Japan, pledged to triple nuclear power by 2050.
• India’s nuclear power share in electricity generation is just 3%, necessitating significant growth.

Financial and Policy Challenges

• Developed countries pledged $300 billion annually by 2035, far below the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations.
• Green finance depends on tariff hikes and reforms in power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
• A political consensus is needed to sensitise the public about increased tariffs.

Carbon Trading and Equity

• Carbon trading rules allow richer countries to buy entitlements from poorer nations, potentially disadvantaging developing economies.
• India must establish high-generation capacity to claim a fair share of the limited global carbon space.
• Developed nations and China have already set their peaking levels, asserting claims over the remaining carbon budget.

PYQ: Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the ParSes (COP) to the United NaSons Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2021)

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges faced by India in achieving a balance between energy transition and economic growth while addressing international pressures for early emission peaking. Suggest measures to ensure equity in the allocation of global carbon space. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Pointing the beacon at India’s undersea warfare power

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS3 – Security

Context

In 2024, the Indian Navy demonstrated its evolving maritime capabilities, expanding Operation Sankalp and enhancing undersea warfare with INS Arighaat and Project-77. Developments in nuclear-powered submarines, conventional boats, and unmanned technologies highlighted India’s focus on maritime security. However, challenges such as budget constraints and delays require streamlined processes and sustained funding.

 Indian Navy’s Expanding Role in 2024

• The Indian Navy expanded Operation Sankalp from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea to ensure shipping security and counter piracy.
• The Navy has addressed piracy, hijacking, and drone attacks on merchant shipping, strengthening its status as a preferred security partner and first responder.
• The year also saw significant advancements in undersea warfare capabilities, reinforcing operational preparedness.

Key Developments in Undersea Warfare

Commissioning of INS Arighaat INS Arighaat, India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), was commissioned in August 2024. It bolsters India’s nuclear deterrent by enhancing the third leg of the nuclear triad. Features advanced sonar, upgraded acoustic dampening, and propulsion systems, with a higher indigenous content compared to INS Arihant. Successfully tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of 3,500 km, which could place most of China within striking range. Approval of Project-77 (P-77) The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a cost of ₹40,000 crore. The first SSN is expected by 2036-37, with over 90% indigenous content. These SSNs will provide crucial protection to deployed SSBNs, enhancing India’s strategic underwater capabilities. Once inducted, India will become the only non-P5 nation operating both SSBNs and SSNs.

 Developments in Conventional Submarines

Project-75 and Project 75(I)

• The sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, under Project-75, will be commissioned soon.
• Plans to add three more Scorpene-class submarines to replace decommissioned boats, featuring 60% indigenous content.
• Project 75(I) aims to induct Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)-enabled submarines, with Spain and Germany as contenders.
• Initial AIP-enabled boats are expected to have 45% indigenous content, increasing to 60% by the sixth boat.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

• Approval for building 100-tonne UUVs at a cost of ₹2,500 crore strengthens India’s capabilities in niche undersea technologies.
• UUVs offer low-cost, high-return solutions to complex maritime threats.

Challenges and Opportunities

Addressing Challenges

• The Navy’s goal to create a balanced blue water force is hindered by budgetary constraints and delays in modernisation projects.
• Sustained funding, streamlined procurement, and timely project execution are critical to aligning planned acquisitions with operational requirements.

Leveraging Opportunities

• Collaboration with strategic partners supports India’s maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
• Strengthened undersea capabilities enhance India’s contribution to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Practice Question:  How do advancements in India’s undersea warfare capabilities contribute to its maritime security objectives? Examine the hurdles in modernizing the Navy’s submarine fleet and propose actionable solutions. (250 Words /15 marks)

 

For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out: 21 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis