1 October 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Steady but slow: On the VIPER mission, lessons for India

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

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

NASA’s cancellation of the VIPER mission has raised concerns about the U.S.’s lunar exploration strategy, especially amidst increasing competition from China’s lunar program India’s space agency, ISRO, is also progressing with its lunar ambitions, yet it faces challenges in executing multiple missions simultaneously. Strengthening international collaborations may enhance India’s capabilities in lunar exploration.

NASA’s VIPER Mission Overview:

• Objective: VIPER aimed to explore the lunar south pole and identify where water-ice and specific soil types exist, particularly in dark craters that are always shadowed.
• Duration: The mission was set for three months, intended to collect important data to support future lunar exploration and NASA’s Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s.
• Launch Details: VIPER was supposed to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and land using Astrobotic’s Griffin lander, as part of NASA’s plan to use commercial services for lunar missions.
• Cancellation: In July 2023, NASA cancelled VIPER due to delays and costs rising from $250 million to about $500 million, disappointing many scientists despite the rover being ready for tests.

Key Learnings for ISRO:

• Resource Allocation: ISRO needs more funding to compete in global lunar exploration. The Indian government has committed around $1.7 billion for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, showing increased support for lunar projects.
• Mission Planning: ISRO should think about running multiple missions at the same time to take advantage of new opportunities.  Currently, ISRO follows a “one major mission at a time” approach, which can limit its responsiveness.
• Collaboration Potential: Working with international partners, like Japan for the Lunar Polar Explorer mission, can boost India’s ability to find lunar resources. Collaborations can also help share technology and lower costs.
• Agility in Response: ISRO should be quicker in approving and planning missions to keep up with other countries’ growing lunar programs.
• Strategic Importance: Understanding the geopolitical impact of lunar exploration can help India shape its space initiatives and strengthen ties with other nations, especially through the Artemis Accords. India is a part of Artemis Accords.

Artemis Accords:

The Artemis Accords are international agreements designed to encourage peaceful exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Initiated by NASA in 2020, they establish key principles for sustainable space exploration. The accords emphasise transparency and cooperation among participating nations to ensure responsible behaviour in outer space.

PYQ: What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.  (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023)

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of NASA’s cancellation of the VIPER mission on global lunar exploration dynamics. How can India leverage this situation to enhance its own lunar program and ensure strategic relevance in the international space arena? (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Having private participation in India’s nuclear energy

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

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Energy

Context

The Indian government announced expanding the nuclear energy sector by developing Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and encouraging private partnerships. However, existing legislation, regulatory challenges, and concerns over liability hinder private sector involvement. Policy reforms and public-private partnerships are necessary to achieve India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

Expansion of India’s Nuclear Energy Sector

• In July 2024, the Government of India announced an expansion of the nuclear energy sector in the Union Budget for FY 2024-25.
• The proposed expansion includes developing Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR), and encouraging private sector partnerships.
• This initiative aligns with India’s pledge to achieve 500 Gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030, as declared at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.

Existing Framework of the Indian Nuclear Energy Sector

• The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (AEA), amended in 1987, grants the central government exclusive control over all activities related to nuclear energy.
• The Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition challenging the provision restricting private sector involvement, citing the need for stringent safeguards and caution due to the risks associated with nuclear energy.
• The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA), which deals with compensation for nuclear disasters, is currently under constitutional challenge, creating regulatory uncertainty for private investments.

Current Restrictions on Private Sector Involvement

• The AEA gives the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) sole control over nuclear energy infrastructure.
• The NPCIL has previously involved the private sector in engineering, procurement, and construction activities, but not in research and development.
• The DAE and NITI Aayog’s report in 2023 emphasised creating an enabling framework to promote private participation in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Cost Implications and Investment Opportunities

• The NITI Aayog report highlighted the potential to attract nearly $26 billion of private investment into the nuclear energy sector.
• However, Section 3(a) of the AEA prohibits private sector involvement in research and development.

Regulatory Challenges

• Rule 35 of the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004, grants the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) authority over radioactive technology.
• Concerns persist regarding the AERB’s lack of independence.
• The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill 2011, intended to enhance regulatory oversight, was never enacted.

Public-Private Partnership as a Potential Solution

• A proposed solution is to form public-private partnerships in which NPCIL or a similar government entity holds a 51% stake.
• This structure allows private capital investment while ensuring the government retains control, aligning with current laws.
• Such entities would also be covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring transparency and public accountability.

Concerns About Liability

• Nuclear infrastructure requires higher liability standards due to the risks associated with nuclear reactors.
• In India, the CLNDA provides for compensation to victims of nuclear disasters under a no-fault liability principle.
• The constitutionality of the CLNDA is currently under challenge, citing concerns over the violation of the absolute liability principle and threats to nuclear safety.

Historical Context and the Need for Stringent Legislation

• In the G. Sundarrajan vs Union of India case (2013), the Supreme Court permitted the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear plant but emphasised the need for due diligence, inspections, and reports.
• The World Nuclear Association’s 2024 profile highlights India’s proposed increase of 32 GWe in nuclear energy capacity, which requires substantial capital investment and skilled resources.
• Comprehensive legislation and clear regulation are essential to address the sensitive requirements of nuclear technology and ensure ease of business.

Conclusion

• Expanding energy generation capacity is crucial for economic development, and India’s commitment to achieving it through renewable sources is ambitious but challenging.
• Legislative and policy changes are necessary to shape the Indian nuclear energy sector and meet the targeted goals.

PYQ: With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges faced by India’s nuclear energy sector in allowing private sector participation, and suggest measures to facilitate effective public-private partnerships in this field. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. India’s ‘silver dividend’, challenge to opportunity

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

Topic: GS1 – Society – Population and associated issues.

Context

The ageing population in India and China presents both challenges and opportunities. Rising health-care needs, financial insecurities, and digital exclusion are key concerns that need reform. Addressing these issues through health care, economic support, digital inclusion, and the development of a “silver economy” can ensure better quality of life for the elderly.

Rising Health-Care Consumption and Reform

• The elderly population is facing increasing health-care consumption, currently estimated at $7 billion.
• Three-quarters of elderly people in India have at least one chronic ailment, and one-quarter have limitations in daily living, with many displaying depressive symptoms and low life satisfaction.
• Rising health-care costs, combined with economic insecurities, highlight the need for senior care reform to ensure the well-being of this population.
• Reform initiatives must address multiple sectors, including health, social, economic/financial, and digital domains, to mainstream the elderly population.
• Improving health literacy among the elderly and caregivers, expanding tele-consultation services, and enhancing the skilled workforce are crucial for health empowerment and inclusion.
• The Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) initiative, which provides comprehensive health care through Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha, and homoeopathy (AYUSH), is a positive step in providing inclusive senior care.
• A holistic approach to senior care should include mental health services, nutrition, and a focus on preventive, wellness, and therapeutic interventions.

Addressing Financial Insecurities

• Social inclusion of the elderly can be improved by sensitising communities to their needs, establishing peer support groups, and raising awareness of entitlements and legal safeguards.
• Financial insecurities among the elderly should be addressed through innovative schemes and plans, particularly to reduce health-care costs.
• Introducing insurance products, such as ₹5 lakh coverage for every individual over 70 years, can help alleviate financial burdens related to health care.
• Reskilling the younger ageing population to maintain their economic independence is an important step, as this can enable them to engage in the labour market.

Digital Inclusion of the Elderly

• Digital adaptation among the elderly is crucial for accessing various schemes and programs with ease and convenience.
• Despite the rapidly growing digital environment, digital inclusion among the elderly remains below expectations, excluding them from desirable schemes and benefits.
• Targeting both the current elderly population and the younger ageing population for digital adoption is essential, as it is necessary for services ranging from finance to elderly care.

The Silver Economy

• The idea of turning the challenge of an ageing population into an opportunity is found in the development of the “silver economy.”
• The silver economy includes economic activities, goods, and services catering to the elderly population.
• The worth of the silver economy in India is estimated at ₹73,082 crore and is expected to grow significantly over the years.
• The share of the elderly population (60-plus) is estimated to rise to 13.2% by 2031 and 19% by mid-century, creating a major consumer segment characterised as the wealthiest.
• As healthcare consumption constitutes about a third of their entire consumption, it has the potential to drive health and wellness-driven businesses in the senior care segment.
• Innovation in health technology and utility infrastructure is essential for addressing the needs of the ageing population.

Government Initiatives for Senior Citizens

• The government has taken steps to support the silver segment by launching the Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal, connecting senior citizens with job providers in the private sector.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Senior care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative aims to promote and incentivize senior care products, contributing to the development of the silver economy.

Practice Question:  Discuss the key challenges faced by India’s elderly population and suggest policy reforms to transform these challenges into opportunities for the development of the “silver economy.”  (250 Words /15 marks)