Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st October 2024) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS1/History & Culture

Merger of French and Portuguese Territories

Why in News?

• On 1st November 1954, the French territories in India were integrated into the Indian Union, leading to Puducherry becoming a Union Territory.
• On 1st December, India commemorates Goa Liberation Day, marking the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961.
• Prolonged negotiations, nationalist movements, and military actions were crucial in India's successful integration of French and Portuguese territories.

Why France Insisted on Retaining its Colonies in India?

• Post-World War II Reconstruction: The French government believed that maintaining its empire would aid in the nation's post-war recovery by utilizing colonial resources and bolstering its global standing.
• Brazzaville Conference (1944): This conference in French Congo introduced the idea of the French Union, aiming to more closely integrate colonies into the French political framework, allowing them to remain part of France under a new relationship.
• Democratic Rights: Article 27 of the French Union's constitution allowed colonies the decision to either remain with France or seek independence, casting France as a progressive colonial power.
• Cultural and Linguistic Influence: Many in French India spoke French and felt culturally connected to France rather than to English-speaking independent India.
• Strategic and Political Calculations: The French government was concerned that developments in India could affect their other colonies in Indochina and Africa, prompting them to prolong negotiations.

Why Portugal Insisted on Retaining its Colonies in India?

• Historical Claim: Portugal highlighted its long-standing presence in India, having ruled the territory since the early 16th century, unlike the more recently established British and French colonies.
• Salazar’s Dictatorial Stance: The Portuguese dictator viewed the colonies as integral parts of Portugal, declaring Goa and other territories as overseas provinces, making decolonization seem impossible.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Portugal's NATO membership acted as a deterrent against Indian military actions aimed at liberating Goa.
• Strategic Significance of Goa: Goa’s location on India’s western coast was crucial for maintaining Portuguese influence in South Asia.
• Catholic Population: Portugal argued that the Goan Catholic community would face danger in a predominantly Hindu independent India, seeking international sympathy by suggesting that their withdrawal would lead to religious persecution.

How did the French and Portuguese Territories Merge with India Differently?

Conclusion

• The decolonization of French and Portuguese territories in India illustrates contrasting methods: diplomatic negotiation versus military conflict.
• The peaceful transition of French India contrasts with the violent military action against Portuguese-held Goa.
• These processes were significant in shaping India's territorial integrity post-independence and influenced decolonization efforts worldwide.

Mains Question:
Q. Examine the contrasting approaches of the French and Portuguese colonial powers in retaining their Indian territories after India's independence.

GS3/Environment

India’s Biodiversity Target Under CBD

Why in News?

• Recently, India plans to submit its National Biodiversity Targets to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Article 6 of the CBD mandates all parties to develop national strategies, plans, or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. India is set to present its 23 biodiversity targets at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the CBD (CBD-COP 16) in Cali, Colombia.

What is India’s Biodiversity Target Under CBD?

• Conservation Areas: Aim to effectively conserve 30% of areas to enhance biodiversity.
• Invasive Species Management: Target a 50% reduction in the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species.
• Rights and Participation: Ensure the involvement and rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Consumption: Promote sustainable consumption choices and aim to halve food waste.
• Benefit Sharing: Encourage fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and associated traditional knowledge.
• Pollution Reduction: Commit to halving nutrient loss and pesticide risk to reduce pollution.
• Biodiversity Planning: Manage all areas to prevent the loss of regions that are critical for biodiversity.

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)?

• About: This multilateral treaty aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally by 2030. It was adopted in December 2022 during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP). The framework supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and builds on the achievements and lessons from the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020.
• Purpose and Goals: It ensures the effective restoration of at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine coastal ecosystems. The KMGBF includes 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent actions over the next decade, which will help achieve outcome-oriented goals for 2050. It emphasizes collective global efforts rather than individual country obligations to allocate specific land and water resources.
• Long-Term Vision: The framework envisions a collective commitment to live in harmony with nature by 2050, serving as a guide for current actions and policies related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

How India Can Achieve the New Biodiversity Goals?

• Habitat Connectivity: India should prioritize the conservation of neglected ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, and seagrass meadows. Well-connected protected areas integrated into broader landscapes can enhance species movement and promote biodiversity.
• Mobilising Financial Resources: India must continue advocating for financial support from developed nations to effectively implement its national biodiversity action plans. The Global Biodiversity Framework calls for developed countries to mobilize at least USD 20 billion annually by 2025 and USD 30 billion by 2030 for biodiversity initiatives in developing nations.
• Co-Management Models: Developing co-management frameworks that involve indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation efforts can enhance the effectiveness of protected areas while ensuring community livelihoods are maintained.
• Integrating OECMs: Shifting from traditional protected areas to other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) allows for biodiversity conservation in areas with fewer restrictions on human activity, including support for traditional agricultural systems and privately owned lands that aid conservation goals.
• Reforming Agricultural Subsidies: India should redirect support from harmful agricultural practices, such as pesticide use, to sustainable alternatives that promote ecosystem health.
• Alignment with Previous Targets: Building on the existing National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and aligning it with the new 23 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework will create a cohesive strategy for biodiversity conservation in India.

Conclusion
India's commitment through its 23 biodiversity targets reflects a strategic approach to conserving ecosystems and enhancing community participation. By prioritizing neglected habitats, mobilizing resources, and reforming subsidies, India can effectively work towards achieving its biodiversity goals by 2030.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) for global biodiversity conservation.

GS3/Environment

Living Planet Report 2024

Why in news?

• According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), there has been a catastrophic 73% decline in the average size of monitored wildlife populations in just 50 years (1970-2020). The highest decline was reported in freshwater ecosystems (85%), followed by terrestrial (69%) and marine (56%).

What is the Living Planet Report and its Key Findings?

• The WWF utilizes the Living Planet Index (LPI) to track average trends in wildlife populations, monitoring broader changes in species population sizes over time.
• The Living Planet Index, released by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), monitors nearly 35,000 vertebrate populations across 5,495 species from 1970 to 2020.
• It serves as an early warning system for extinction risks and helps evaluate the overall health and efficiency of ecosystems.

Key Findings:

Significant Population Declines:

• Steepest declines in monitored wildlife populations are recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean (95%), Africa (76%), and Asia-Pacific (60%), especially in freshwater ecosystems (85%).

Primary Threats to Wildlife:

• Habitat loss and degradation are the most reported threats to wildlife populations globally, followed by overexploitation, invasive species, and diseases.

Indicators of Ecosystem Health:

• Declines in wildlife populations can serve as early warning indicators of increasing extinction risks and the deterioration of healthy ecosystems.
• Damaged ecosystems become more vulnerable to tipping points, which can lead to irreversible changes.
• For instance, a study in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest showed that the loss of large fruit-eating animals reduced seed dispersal for large-seeded trees, impacting carbon storage.
• The WWF warns that this could result in carbon storage losses of 2-12% across forests in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, affecting their ability to store carbon amid climate change.

Vulnerability of Damaged Ecosystems:

• Despite global agreements aimed at restoring nature by 2030, progress has been limited, and urgency is lacking.
• More than half of the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 are unlikely to meet their targets, with 30% already missed or worse than their 2015 baseline.

Economic Impacts:

• Globally, over half of GDP (55%) is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services.
• The report suggests that by 2050, adopting India's dietary model worldwide could enable the world to sustain food production with only 0.84 of an Earth.

Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Degradation and Loss:

• Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are primary causes of habitat destruction, fragmenting ecosystems and limiting species' space and resources.
• The Sacramento river winter-run Chinook salmon population decreased by 88% between 1950 and 2020, mainly due to dams disrupting their migratory routes.

Overexploitation:

• Excessive hunting, fishing, and logging for commercial purposes are depleting wildlife populations faster than they can recover, pushing many species toward extinction.
• In Africa, poaching for the ivory trade has caused a 78-81% decline in forest elephant populations in Minkébé National Park from 2004 to 2014.

Invasive Species:

• Non-native species introduced by humans often outcompete local species for resources, destabilizing ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

Climate Change:

• Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme events threaten species' habitats, especially those that cannot adapt quickly.
• Wildfires are becoming longer and more frequent, even reaching the Arctic Circle.

Pollution:

• Industrial waste, plastic pollution, and agricultural runoff contaminate ecosystems, harming wildlife and disrupting natural processes.

Critical Tipping Points
Coral Reef Bleaching:

• Mass coral die-offs threaten fisheries and coastal protection, impacting millions of people.

Amazon Rainforest:

• Continued deforestation risks disrupting global weather patterns and releasing significant amounts of carbon, worsening climate change.

Greenland & Antarctic Ice Melt:

• Melting ice sheets could cause substantial sea level rise, affecting coastal regions worldwide.

Ocean Circulation:

• The collapse of ocean currents could alter weather patterns in Europe and North America.

Permafrost Thaw:

• Large-scale thawing may release vast quantities of methane and carbon, accelerating global warming.

What are the Challenges Related to Conservation of Biodiversity?

Conflicting Priorities:

• Balancing conservation efforts with economic growth can be challenging, particularly in developing nations where short-term economic gains often overshadow long-term ecological sustainability.

Resource Allocation:

• Limited financial resources and competing budget priorities make it difficult for governments to invest in large-scale biodiversity conservation while addressing urgent social needs.

Agricultural Expansion:

• Meeting food security demands can conflict with habitat protection, as agricultural land often encroaches on vital ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots.

Issue in Energy Transition:

• Transitioning to renewable energy can impact ecosystems through land-use changes (e.g., solar farms, wind turbines), creating trade-offs between environmental protection and energy needs.

Policy and Enforcement Gaps:

• Weak institutional frameworks and inconsistent enforcement of environmental regulations hinder effective biodiversity protection, allowing unsustainable practices to continue unchecked.

Way Forward
Scaling up Conservation Efforts:

• Enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives by expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and supporting Indigenous Peoples in their conservation efforts.

Transforming Food Systems:

• Implement sustainable agricultural practices, reduce food waste, and encourage plant-based diets to minimize food production's environmental impact on biodiversity.

Accelerate Energy Transition:

• Quickly shift to renewable energy sources while ensuring minimal harm to ecosystems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating climate change impacts.

Finance System Reform:

• Redirect financial investments from harmful industries to nature-positive and sustainable activities, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.

Global Cooperation:

• Enhance international collaboration on biodiversity protection, aligning climate, nature, and development policies to achieve global sustainability goals.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the major threats to biodiversity and suggest transformative solutions to ensure sustainable ecosystems for future generations.

GS3/Environment

Disruption in Emissions and Uptake of Methane

Why in News?

• Recently, new research warned that climate change could disrupt the Methane Cycle (methane emissions and uptake) in the Amazon rainforest, leading to significant global consequences. The methane cycle refers to the series of processes that control the production, consumption, and release of methane (CH4) in the environment.

What are the Key Highlights of the Research on Methane?

Floodplain Ecosystems

• Floodplains in the Amazon, which are waterlogged areas, contribute up to 29% of global wetland.
• Climate change increases the risk of methane-producing microbes in these areas.

Upland Forests

• Upland forests in the Amazon act as methane sinks.
• The study observed a 70% decrease in methane uptake in upland forest soils under warmer and drier conditions, indicating a diminished capacity to mitigate methane emissions.

Methane Cycling

• The role of methanotrophic microorganisms, which consume methane, was highlighted.
• Isotope analysis revealed both aerobic and anaerobic methane-consuming microbes were active in floodplains, showcasing the complex interactions in methane cycling in the Amazon.

What is a Methane Cycle?

• Methane originates from several sources, including wetlands that release gas into the atmosphere.
• There are also mechanisms through which methane is captured or destroyed.
• The cycle starts in the soil, where methane gas is produced by methanogens.
• Soil methane is consumed by methanotrophs, which are microorganisms that feed on methane.
• Methanotrophs inhabit drier, oxygen-rich upper soil layers, as they need these conditions to thrive.
• Methane produced rises to the surface, contributing to atmospheric methane levels alongside emissions from landfills, livestock, and fossil fuel extraction.
• The primary process for methane removal from the atmosphere is oxidation by hydroxyl radicals (OH), which help cleanse the atmosphere of pollutants.
• After reacting with OH, atmospheric methane is converted to CO2 through a series of chemical reactions.
• Some methane in the troposphere can ascend to the stratosphere, where similar processes occur to remove it from the atmosphere.

How Global Warming Can Impact Methane Cycle?

Imbalance in Sources and Sinks

• In an ideal scenario, methane sources should be balanced with methane sinks, similar to CO2.
• However, rising atmospheric methane levels due to human activities are concerning.
• As global temperatures rise, additional methane may be released from soils and other sources, exacerbating global warming.

Methane Clathrates

• Methane crystals form in cold, oxygen-poor undersea sediments and are also found in permafrost.
• Clathrate ice, or methane hydrate, is composed of water molecules frozen around methane molecules.

Role of Clathrate Deposits

• Previously, clathrate deposits acted as sinks for methane.
• As the planet warms, these deposits are melting, releasing methane into the atmosphere, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

How Disruption in the Methane Cycle Can Have Global Consequences?

Contributor to Global Warming

• Methane is the second most significant driver of climate change after carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Its global warming potential is 28 times greater than CO2 over a century, making even small emissions impactful.

Halts Checking Global Warming Efforts

• Data from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that even as CO2 emissions slowed during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, atmospheric methane levels increased.

Health Impacts

• Methane is a significant precursor to tropospheric ozone, a harmful air pollutant.
• Ozone contributes to approximately 1 million premature respiratory deaths globally.
• Increased methane emissions are responsible for half of the observed rise in tropospheric ozone levels.

Effects on Air Quality

• Higher methane emissions reduce hydroxyl radicals (OH), which naturally cleanse the atmosphere of pollutants.
• This reduction allows other pollutants to persist longer, worsening air quality.

Agriculture Impacts

• Methane contributes to annual staple crop losses of up to 15% by raising atmospheric temperatures and causing tropospheric ozone formation.

Economic Impacts

• Methane's effects on climate change and public health lead to a global annual loss of about 400 million work hours due to extreme heat.

Biodiversity Threats

• Climate change induced by methane disrupts ecosystems, causing shifts in species distributions and destabilizing ecological interactions, which negatively affect plant and animal health.

How Can We Balance the Methane Cycle?

Enhanced Landfill Design

• Implementing lining systems and gas collection wells in landfills can capture methane for energy instead of letting it escape into the atmosphere.

Livestock Management

• Using additives like seaweed or specific enzymes can reduce methane emissions from ruminants, helping to mitigate livestock-related emissions.

Aerobic Treatment Methods

• Technologies such as aerobic digestion can effectively manage organic waste without generating methane.

Rice Cultivation Practices

• Adopting alternative wetting and drying practices in rice farming can lower methane emissions by reducing prolonged flooding of fields.

Soil Health Management

• Improving soil health with organic fertilizers and crop rotation can decrease methane emissions by fostering aerobic conditions that are less favorable for methane production.

Pest Management

• Researching eco-friendly pest control methods may help manage termite populations known for significant methane emissions.

Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

• Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems like mangroves and salt marshes can enhance their carbon absorption capacity and reduce methane emissions from sediments.

Safe Extraction Practices

• If methane hydrates are to be extracted for energy, it is essential to develop technologies that minimize methane leakage.

Reducing Fossil Fuel Use

• Shifting to renewable energy sources can lower overall methane emissions linked to fossil fuel extraction and usage.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the significance of the methane cycle in the context of climate change. What are the major sources and sinks of methane?

GS2/Governance

3 Years of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan

Why in news?

• Recently, the Prime Minister commended the successful completion of three years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, describing it as a transformative initiative for India's infrastructure development. He emphasized that GatiShakti is significantly improving multimodal connectivity and enhancing efficiency across various sectors, leading to benefits in logistics, job creation, and innovation.
• The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched in October 2021, is a groundbreaking Rs. 100 lakh crore project aimed at revolutionizing India's infrastructure over the next five years. Developed as a Digital Master Planning tool by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics), the initiative utilizes a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform where data from various Ministries and Departments is consolidated into a comprehensive database. The plan aims to speed up project completion, reduce timelines, and improve India’s global competitiveness by addressing inter-ministerial barriers. The overarching vision of PM GatiShakti is to establish world-class infrastructure that enhances living standards, stimulates economic growth, and makes Indian enterprises more competitive.

Key Features:

• Digital Integration: A digital platform that integrates efforts from 16 ministries to ensure smooth infrastructure planning and execution across various sectors.
• Multi-Sector Collaboration: The platform incorporates infrastructure initiatives from major programs such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry ports, and UDAN.
• Economic Zones: Focuses on developing critical economic areas like textile clusters, pharmaceutical hubs, defence corridors, and agricultural zones to enhance economic productivity.
• Use of Technology: Advanced spatial planning tools and ISRO satellite imagery, developed by BiSAG-N, provide data-driven insights for effective project planning and management.

Key Engines Driving PM GatiShakti:

• The National Master Plan is centered around seven primary sectors that drive economic growth and connectivity.
• These engines are supported by complementary sectors, including energy transmission, IT communication, bulk water and sewerage, and social infrastructure, ensuring seamless logistics and connectivity across the country.

The 6 Pillars of PM GatiShakti:

• Comprehensiveness: The plan integrates existing and planned initiatives across all ministries via a centralized portal, providing visibility into essential data for efficient planning.
• Prioritisation: Ministries can effectively prioritize projects by leveraging cross-sectoral interactions, ensuring optimal resource allocation based on national priorities.
• Optimisation: The initiative identifies key gaps in infrastructure, selects the most efficient transport routes, reduces costs, and minimizes delays.
• Synchronisation: Coordination among ministries ensures alignment of projects, avoiding delays caused by isolated efforts.
• Analytical Capabilities: With over 200 data layers available on the GIS-based platform, PM GatiShakti offers comprehensive spatial planning tools for informed decision-making and enhanced infrastructure visibility.
• Dynamic Monitoring: Real-time project monitoring allows ministries to track progress and make necessary adjustments to maintain project schedules.

What are the Achievements of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan?

• District-Level Expansion: The GatiShakti platform has been extended to 27 aspirational districts, with plans for expansion to 750 districts in the near future.
• Technological Integration: The application of geospatial tools and dynamic data layers has significantly enhanced real-time infrastructure planning and decision-making.
• Global Showcasing: The GatiShakti tool has been presented to 30 countries in Central and Southeast Asia and was recently highlighted at the UNESCAP conference in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific Business Forum.
• Social Sector Integration: Ministries, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, have used the platform to identify areas for new healthcare facilities. For instance, Uttar Pradesh utilized the platform for selecting sites for new hospitals and wheat purchase centers.
• Rural and Urban Impact: Districts like Dahod in Gujarat have implemented satellite imagery for planning low-cost drip irrigation systems, while Arunachal Pradesh has used data visualization to enhance tourism around the Bichom Dam. Cities like Kanpur, Bengaluru, and Srinagar have developed city logistics plans to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
• Employment and Vocational Training: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is leveraging the Gati Shakti approach to locate training institutes near industrial clusters and special economic zones.

What are the Challenges of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan?

• Data Integration and Accuracy: Merging real-time data from multiple ministries is challenging, and some data can be outdated or incomplete, hindering effective planning. For example, while land records are digitized in 13 states, many others lag behind, delaying project execution.
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Ministries often operate in silos, leading to delays and resource conflicts in major projects like roads and railways. A lack of coordination between states and ministries, as seen in the Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects, results in slower progress.
• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Projects experience lengthy delays in obtaining approvals, particularly for environmental and land clearances. Even with route optimization tools, power transmission projects in hilly regions face significant delays due to environmental concerns and local protests.
• Financing and Resource Allocation: Securing sufficient funding for large projects, especially at the local level, is challenging. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are limited in many areas, placing the financial burden on the government and delaying project completion.
• Lack of Skilled Manpower: Not all states possess the necessary technology and skilled personnel to fully utilize the GatiShakti platform, unlike states such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, which have effectively implemented it.
• Project Monitoring and Accountability: Despite the platform allowing for real-time tracking, project updates are not always timely, leading to delays. For instance, many rural road projects in various districts are not adequately monitored, causing slow progress.

How Can the Implementation of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan Be Enhanced?

• Improve Real-Time Data: Ministries should increase the use of satellite imagery and geospatial data to maintain accurate and up-to-date project information. Accelerating the digitization of land records across all states will facilitate smoother project execution and reduce delays caused by outdated data.
• Enhance Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Establish inter-ministerial task forces to foster communication and synchronization among ministries. Utilizing the GatiShakti platform will enable ministries to track each other’s activities in real-time, reducing delays and resource conflicts for significant projects.
• Provide Training and Support for Technology Adoption: Expand Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and establish regional centers to offer training in infrastructure planning and project management, ensuring states can fully leverage GatiShakti tools.
• Streamline Regulatory Approvals: Implement GIS-based tools to expedite environmental and land clearance processes. Fast-tracking approvals for critical infrastructure projects will alleviate regulatory bottlenecks that impede progress.
• Attract Private Investment: Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and Sovereign Wealth Funds should be encouraged to finance large-scale projects. This will help lessen the financial burden on the government, improve resource allocation, and draw in more private and international investors.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Incorporate environmentally friendly methods into all infrastructure projects. Engaging local communities early in the planning process will help address environmental and social concerns, minimizing resistance and ensuring smoother execution, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Himalayas.

Mains Question:
Q. What are the key challenges faced by the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan?

GS3/Environment

World Energy Outlook 2024

Why in News?

• The report focuses on critical global energy dynamics, highlighting the effects of ongoing global conflicts and the acceleration of clean energy investments. It also underscores India's unique energy challenges and ambitions amidst this changing landscape.

What are the Major Highlights of the World Energy Outlook 2024 Report?

• Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Security:
• Current conflicts, notably the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, pose significant threats to global energy security.
• Clean Energy Transitions Accelerating:
• Investments in clean energy reached unprecedented levels, especially in solar and wind power, with over 560 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity added globally in 2023.

Global Power Mix Transformation:

• By 2030, renewable energy is predicted to become the primary source of electricity, overtaking coal, oil, and gas. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy are the main drivers of this transition.

Oil and Gas Markets Facing a Surplus:

• The latter half of the 2020s is expected to see an oversupply in oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), which may lead to lower prices.

Rising Electric Mobility and Oil Demand Shift:

• The electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding rapidly, with EVs projected to represent 50% of new car sales by 2030.

Clean Energy Technology Competition:

• The report highlights the increasing competition among suppliers of clean energy technologies, including solar PV and battery storage.

Impact of Climate Change on Energy Systems:

• Visible climate change effects, such as extreme weather events, are creating additional challenges for global energy systems.

Role of Energy Efficiency:

• Enhancing energy efficiency is essential for emission reduction, but current policies suggest that the global target of doubling efficiency by 2030 is unlikely to be met.

What are the Key Highlights Related to India?

India’s Economic and Population Surge:

• India emerged as the fastest-growing major economy in 2023, achieving a growth rate of 7.8% and is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. It also surpassed China as the most populous country in 2023.

Surging Energy Demand:

• India is expected to experience the most substantial increase in energy demand globally over the next decade, with an anticipated rise of nearly 35% by 2035, driven by rapid economic growth and urbanization.

Strong Coal Dependency:

• Coal remains a vital part of India's energy mix, with projections indicating an addition of nearly 60 GW of coal-fired capacity by 2030.
• Industrial Expansion:
• India's industrial sector is forecasted for significant growth by 2035, with iron and steel production increasing by 70% and cement production by 55%.

Electricity Demand for Cooling:

• The number of air conditioners in India is expected to grow substantially, resulting in electricity demand for cooling that will exceed Mexico's total projected consumption in 2035.

Renewable Energy Growth and Storage Capacity:

• India is on track to nearly triple its electricity generation capacity to 1,400 GW by 2035, positioning itself to have the world's third-largest installed battery storage capacity by 2030.

Net Zero Emissions Target:

• India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, with clean power generation expected to be 20% higher than current policy projections by 2035.

Electric Mobility and Oil Demand Peak:

• The swift adoption of electric vehicles in India is anticipated to peak oil demand in the 2030s, although oil usage in petrochemicals will continue to rise.

Government Policy Support:

• Strong government initiatives, such as the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar energy in agriculture and the National Solar Mission, support India’s clean energy goals.

What are the Challenges Highlighted in the Report?

Geopolitical Risks:

• Conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, threaten energy security and disrupt supplies globally.

Supply Chain Issues:

• Most clean energy technologies are produced in a limited number of countries, creating vulnerabilities in supply chains.

High Financing Costs:

• Funding renewable energy projects is increasingly expensive, particularly in developing nations.

Grid Infrastructure Delays:

• Many countries lack the necessary grid capacity to support the rapid growth of renewable energy, leading to inefficiencies.

Slow Progress on Energy Efficiency:

• Progress in enhancing energy efficiency is insufficient to meet global targets.

Continued Reliance on Fossil Fuels:

• Despite the growth of renewables, fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas continue to dominate energy consumption, hindering the shift to cleaner energy sources.

Challenges for Developing Countries:

• Many low-income countries struggle to attract the investments needed for clean energy, exacerbating energy access disparities.

Impact of Climate Change:

• Extreme weather events are increasing the pressure on energy systems, necessitating greater resilience.

Way Forward

Increase Clean Energy Investments:

• Governments must enhance funding for grid infrastructure to meet future energy demands and climate objectives.

Diversify Supply Chains:

• Countries should focus on reducing dependency on a few nations for clean energy technology by expanding local manufacturing capabilities.

Improve Financing for Developing Countries:

• Access to affordable financing is crucial for developing nations to grow their renewable energy sectors.

Expand and Modernise Grid Infrastructure:

• Investing in smarter, larger grids and energy storage will ensure effective integration and utilization of renewable energy.

Accelerate Energy Efficiency Efforts:

• Stronger policies are necessary to boost energy efficiency, which can greatly lower emissions and energy demand.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the key challenges highlighted in the World Energy Outlook 2024 regarding the global energy transition.

GS2/International Relations

India - Canada Relations

Why in News?

• Recently, India-Canada relations have encountered significant challenges following allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani leader in Canada.

What are the Recent Developments in India-Canada Relations?

• Assassination of Nijjar: The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani leader, in British Columbia has prompted accusations from the Canadian Prime Minister regarding Indian officials' involvement. India has firmly rejected these claims as "absurd."
• Diplomatic Fallout: The relationship has sharply declined, with both nations expelling each other's diplomats and suspending consular services.
• Support from Five Eyes Alliance: Canada has sought assistance from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to garner international backing amidst escalating diplomatic tensions with India over serious allegations.

What are the Significant Areas of India-Canada Relationship?

• Political Relations: Diplomatic ties between India and Canada were established in 1947. Both countries uphold democratic values, human rights, the rule of law, and pluralism, which form the basis of their bilateral interactions. They collaborate in international forums like the Commonwealth, G20, and United Nations to address global challenges such as climate change, security, and sustainable development.
• Economic Cooperation: The total bilateral trade in goods was valued at USD 9.36 billion in 2023, with Canada being the 18th largest foreign investor in India, contributing around USD 3.3 billion in investments from April 2000 to March 2023. Ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aim to strengthen economic relations by encompassing trade in goods, services, investment, and facilitation.
• Diaspora Connections: Canada hosts over 1.8 million individuals of Indian origin, including about 1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), making it one of the largest Indian diasporas globally. This community plays a vital role in cultural exchange, economic activities, and enhancing bilateral relations while maintaining strong social and familial bonds between the two countries.
• Education and Space Innovation: Joint research initiatives in areas like healthcare, agricultural biotechnology, and waste management are being advanced through programs such as IC-IMPACTS, fostering innovation. Furthermore, space collaboration involves agreements between ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency, including successful launches of Canadian satellites by ISRO. Education exchange is significant, with Indian students making up around 40% of Canada’s international student population, enriching cultural diversity. A Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2010, effective since 2013, facilitates uranium supplies and establishes a Joint Committee for oversight.
• Strategic Importance: India is crucial to Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, assisting in diversifying the Canadian economy and enhancing regional security dynamics. The two nations collaborate on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

What are the Major Challenges in India-Canada Relations?

• Diplomatic Immunity Issue: Canada has invoked the Vienna Conventions, stressing the importance of safeguarding its diplomatic staff and citizens in India amid rising tensions. India’s response to these concerns and its adherence to diplomatic norms will be vital for the future of bilateral relations.
• Khalistan Issue: India views Canada’s tolerance of Khalistani separatist groups as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. The investigation by Canada into alleged Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination has intensified tensions, straining diplomatic and political trust between the two nations.
• Economic and Trade Barriers: The political rift has stalled efforts to finalize agreements, causing a slowdown in bilateral trade and uncertainty in Canadian investments in India due to the ongoing diplomatic crisis.
• Visa and Immigration Issues: A reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India has resulted in significant delays for Indians applying for visas, particularly affecting students wishing to enroll in Canadian institutions.
• Geopolitical Implications: The diplomatic standoff may negatively impact India's G20 standing if the allegations are validated, affecting relationships with related nations. Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy, initially focused on engaging India, now faces challenges due to political tensions, limiting cooperation on security and economic matters in the region.

Way Forward

• Address Khalistan Issue: Active dialogue between both governments is essential to resolve concerns related to the Indian diaspora and Khalistan separatism. Mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and legal frameworks is crucial in addressing these sensitive issues.
• Strengthen Economic Ties: Reviving discussions on technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure can enhance economic cooperation. Strengthening trade and investment frameworks will create mutually beneficial opportunities.
• Balance Geopolitical Interests: Both nations must carefully navigate their relationships with major powers like the United States, China, and Russia, adopting a cautious approach to enhance strategic partnerships without creating conflicts.
• Leverage Multilateral Forums: Utilizing multilateral platforms such as the G7 and Five Eyes can address global challenges and promote shared values, contributing to stronger bilateral ties.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the factors contributing to the decline in India-Canada relations, particularly in the context of the Sikh diaspora and Khalistani separatism. How can both nations work towards improving their bilateral ties?