15 September 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
15-September-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
1. Disentangling the 2030 global renewable energy target.
Topic: GS3 – clean energy
Introduction:
As the world gears up for the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, a significant proposal has been put forward – a global target of tripling renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. While this proposal has undeniable appeal, a closer examination reveals a complex landscape that requires careful consideration.
The Proposal: Tripling RE Capacity by 2030
The presidency of COP28 has called for a global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. This ambitious goal seeks to combat climate change by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of clean energy sources.
The Current State of Renewable Energy
In 2021, global installed capacity of renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation reached 3026 Giga Watts (GW), accounting for 39% of total capacity from all sources. However, these renewables only contributed 28% of total electricity generation. A deeper dive into the data reveals that more than half of RE generation comes from hydropower, while solar and wind contribute significantly less, at 13% and 23%, respectively.
Challenges and Considerations
Tripling RE capacity by 2030 would necessitate adding approximately 6000 GW of capacity, with a primary focus on solar and wind. While the target appears straightforward, there are several challenges and considerations that demand attention.
- Regional Variations in Electricity Demand
Global electricity demand varies significantly among countries and regions. Developing countries, particularly China and India, are experiencing rapid growth in electricity consumption, while developed nations like the European Union (EU) and the United States have relatively stable or declining electricity demand.
- Imbalance in Responsibility
The distribution of responsibility for achieving this target is a contentious issue. Developed countries, with their historical emissions, have a significant role to play. In contrast, developing nations argue that the burden should be shared more equitably and that developed nations should set absolute targets domestically.
- Lack of Transparency in Target Origin
The origin of the global RE target lacks transparency. It draws inspiration from a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which envisions a scenario that closely aligns with the proposed target. This raises questions about the influence of non-governmental organizations in shaping global climate agendas.
- Resource and Infrastructure Challenges
Building the necessary infrastructure to meet the tripling target is a daunting task. It involves not only expanding RE capacity but also ensuring grid stability and developing viable energy storage solutions. The financial resources required for such a massive scaling-up of RE capacity remain a significant challenge.
- The Gap between Rhetoric and Action
Another issue is the contrast between international rhetoric and domestic action. While developing countries like India commit to ambitious renewable energy targets, developed nations like the United States and the EU often focus on relative targets and market signals rather than absolute commitments.
A Path Forward: Equitable Commitments
As COP28 approaches, it is imperative to address these challenges and arrive at a balanced solution. Developing countries, especially India, should consider the global RE capacity target only if developed nations commit to absolute targets domestically that are both equitable and commensurate with their historical responsibility. This would create a fair and balanced approach to achieving global climate goals.
Conclusion
The proposal to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a laudable aspiration, but it is fraught with complexities that require thoughtful consideration. Balancing the burden among nations, addressing regional disparities, ensuring transparency, and bridging the gap between rhetoric and action are crucial steps toward a sustainable and equitable energy future. COP28 presents an opportunity for nations to collaborate and chart a path forward that is both ambitious and fair in the fight against climate change.
Mains questions: Discuss the challenges and complexities associated with the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, as proposed by the presidency of COP28. How can these challenges be addressed to ensure an equitable and sustainable transition to renewable energy sources?.
2. Changing the way the postman knocks
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity
Context:
- The Indian Post Office Act of 1898 is set to be replaced by the Indian Post Office Bill (2023).
- The new Bill acknowledges the evolving role of post offices, transforming them into providers of a diverse range of citizen-centric services.
Expanding Service Scope
- The 1898 Act primarily focused on mail services.
- The new Bill empowers the Director General of Postal Services to make regulations for various services prescribed by the central government, including setting charges.
- This flexibility enables quicker responses to market demands and competition.
Strengthening Security Measures
- The Bill authorizes the central government to intercept, open, or detain postal items for reasons like national security, public order, and safety.
- This provision aims to combat smuggling and unlawful transmission of prohibited items.
- Notably, there is no equivalent legislation for courier firms, posing limitations due to India Post’s relatively small share in the courier industry.
Enhancing Addressing Standards
- The Bill empowers the central government to establish standards for addressing items, address identifiers, and post code usage.
- This provision opens doors for futuristic digital addressing, possibly using geo-spatial coordinates.
- Digital addressing may streamline sorting and pave the way for drone deliveries, although full implementation remains a distant goal.
Modernizing Definitions
- The Bill eliminates the provision granting the central government “exclusive privilege” in conveying letters.
- This change acknowledges the emergence of courier services since the 1980s.
- It clarifies the legal distinction between a “letter” and a “document,” ending longstanding debates.
The Changing Significance of Personal Communication
- With the advent of mobile communication, the significance of traditional written personal letters has waned.
- The removal of the “exclusive privilege” provision aligns with this shift and reflects contemporary communication realities.
Conclusion
- The Indian Post Office Bill (2023) represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s postal system.
- It recognizes the expanded role of post offices, enhances security measures, and embraces future technologies.
- Moreover, it settles legal ambiguities and adapts to changing communication dynamics, all while paving the way for a more efficient and responsive postal service for India’s citizens.
Mains questions: Discuss the key provisions and objectives of the Indian Post Office Bill (2023) and their implications for modernizing India’s postal system.
For Enquiry
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