The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 18th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States

Why in News?

• Thermal power-producing States in India face pollution burdens while supplying electricity to consuming States.
• These producing States lack compensation, leading to environmental and economic disparities.

India’s Climate Commitments and Energy Sector Overview

• India aims to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve 50% installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources under the Paris Agreement.
• Despite these targets, thermal power remains dominant, expected to maintain a 50% share of electricity generation.
• Total installed electricity capacity in India is 4,56,757 MW, with the private sector contributing 53.4%, state sector 23.7%, and central sector 22.9%.

Contribution of Thermal Power to India’s Electricity

• Thermal power capacity is 2,37,268.91 MW, with coal accounting for 59.12% of energy supply.
• Coal reserves are 378.21 billion tonnes, with Odisha holding 94.52 billion tonnes.
• In 2022-23, 73.08% of electricity was generated from coal, oil, and natural gas, contributing to 20,794.36 kg of carbon emissions.

Producing States vs. Consuming States

• Maharashtra leads in non-renewable electricity generation capacity, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
• Rajasthan leads in renewable electricity generation.
• States producing the most electricity do not necessarily consume it, with Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh consuming only a fraction of their generated power.
• Gujarat is the biggest consumer of NTPC-produced electricity despite generating only a small amount itself.

Disproportionate Pollution Burden on Producing States

• States with high thermal power shares include Tripura, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal.
• These States produce large amounts of electricity but do not consume all of it, leading to a disproportionate pollution burden.

Electricity Trade Between States

• Chhattisgarh is the highest net seller of electricity, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
• Gujarat is the largest importer of electricity, followed by Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
• This trade highlights the imbalance, with some States benefiting from electricity purchases while others bear the pollution costs.

Lack of Compensation for Producing States

• India’s laws do not provide compensation to States that generate electricity for others.
• Coal-rich States such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha produce maximum thermal electricity but have lower per capita electricity consumption.
• Electricity is a Concurrent subject under the Constitution, allowing both central and State governments to legislate on it.
• However, States cannot tax electricity generation, while consuming States benefit from taxes on electricity sales.

Potential Compensation Mechanisms

• Taxing Thermal Power Generation. Producing States could be allowed to levy a tax on electricity generation, or the Union government could collect and distribute such a tax to producing States.
• Compensation through the Finance Commission. The Finance Commission could recommend environmental grants and fund devolution to support thermal power-producing States.

Conclusion

•  Implementing compensation measures would help address the disparities faced by electricity-producing States, ensuring they are fairly rewarded for the pollution burden they bear while supplying power to other States. 

Georgia and the resurrection of the colour revolutions

Why in News? 

 Georgia is currently facing a political crisis that is emblematic of the larger geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West. This situation has its roots in the early 21st century when several post-Soviet states experienced peaceful uprisings known as "colour revolutions." These movements aimed to replace pro-Moscow governments with pro-Western administrations under the guise of democratic reforms. While these revolutions were largely non-violent, Russia perceived them as Western-backed strategies to undermine its influence in the region. 

 In Georgia, the Rose Revolution of 2003 led to the establishment of a pro-Western government. However, this government soon faced accusations of corruption and authoritarianism. Today, a similar scenario is unfolding as recent elections have triggered protests over alleged electoral fraud. The ruling party has responded by accusing Western-backed NGOs of meddling in Georgia's internal affairs, highlighting the ongoing struggle for influence in this strategically important country. 

 Background of Colour Revolutions 

• With the start of the 21st century, various post-Soviet States experienced peaceful uprisings known as the "colour revolutions." These movements aimed to replace governments aligned with Moscow with those favoring the West, all under the guise of democratic reforms. 
• Although these revolutions were mostly non-violent, Russia viewed them as Western-backed attempts to undermine its influence in the region.

 Key Colour Revolutions 

• Rose Revolution (2003) – Georgia: Peaceful protests led to the resignation of the government, resulting in a pro-Western leadership. However, this new government later faced criticism for governance failures and allegations of authoritarianism. 
• Orange Revolution (2004) – Ukraine: Mass protests against electoral fraud prompted a re-run of the presidential election, bolstering democratic aspirations. However, this also contributed to political instability and heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia. 
• Tulip Revolution (2005) – Kyrgyzstan: Public protests against corruption and election fraud led to the ousting of the ruling government. Yet, subsequent leadership changes failed to bring long-term stability, leading to ongoing political unrest. 

 Russia’s Perspective on Colour Revolutions 

•  Russia perceived these colour revolutions as attempts to destabilize its influence in neighbouring countries. 
• This perspective aligned with Western policies of political subversion rather than direct confrontation.
•  Russia, along with nations like China, viewed these revolutions as models for foreign interventions in regions such as West Asia, Africa, and South Asia. 

 Failures of the Colour Revolutions 

•  Despite initial promises of democratic transformation, these revolutions often resulted in corruption and governance failures. 
•  The new governments were frequently accused of prioritizing Western interests over domestic development. 
•  Public disillusionment grew as the promised reforms failed to materialize, leading to widespread frustration. 

 Georgia’s Political Turmoil 

•  Initially, the Rose Revolution in Georgia set up a pro-Western government. However, this government quickly became associated with corruption and authoritarian practices. 
• A similar scenario is currently unfolding in Georgia, where recent elections have triggered protests over alleged electoral misconduct.
•  The ruling party has responded by alleging that Western-backed NGOs are interfering in Georgia's internal affairs, raising concerns about external influence in the country. 

 Geopolitical Struggles in Georgia 

•  Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it a focal point in global power struggles. 
• Despite facing challenges from the Ukraine conflict, Russia continues to assert its influence in the region.
•  The United States also faces difficulties in engaging actively with Georgia due to internal political changes and shifting global priorities. 

 Future of Colour Revolutions 

•  The effectiveness of soft power strategies, such as democracy promotion, is waning. 
•  Georgia's political situation mirrors the broader challenges faced by post-Soviet States as they navigate global power conflicts. 
• The relevance of the colour revolution model will depend on evolving international relations and the ability of these States to balance external pressures.