09 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ECONOMY
1. Indian aviation, a case of air safety at a discount
ENVIRONMENT
1. Heat affects India's aim to move from coal to renewables
SECURITY
1. Marching ahead with technology absorption
F. Prelims Facts
1. Households’ debt surged to fresh high by December 2023
2. Right against climate change a fundamental right, says SC
3. Cochin Shipyard signs ship repair agreement with U.S. Navy
4. TASL's satellite successfully deployed in space
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Heat affects India’s aim to move from coal to renewables

Syllabus: GS-3, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Mains: Heatwave and their impact on water availability and electricity generation

Context: Forecasted Heat Waves and Their Impacts

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts an increase in the frequency of heat waves for the upcoming summer, posing significant challenges amidst an impending water crisis, political events like Lok Sabha polls, and rising food inflation.
• Elevated temperatures adversely affect agricultural productivity, crop yields, and labour efficiency, exacerbating the water scarcity issue in the southern regions of the country.
• IMD predicts the probability of above-normal temperatures across India for April- June 2024, with a predominant likelihood of temperatures surpassing normal levels.

Impact of Heat on Power Demand and Generation:

• Rising heat intensifies power demand in urban and industrial areas, straining existing infrastructure and resources.
• The power demand becomes crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of heat on health, productivity, and overall well-being.
• Coal-fired power plants currently play a significant role in meeting peak power demands due to their storage capabilities and consistent load factors, despite the government’s push towards renewable energy sources.
• While India aims for a substantial portion of its power generation to come from renewables by 2030, challenges such as intermittent solar output and limited power storage capacity continue to necessitate coal-based power generation to meet peak demands.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Storage:

• Despite ambitions for renewable energy expansion, India faces hurdles in energy storage, with battery-based and pumped hydro storage (PHS) being the most viable options.
• Both hydroelectric and PHS facilities encounter obstacles during periods of water scarcity, which are exacerbated during heat waves when water demand peaks for various purposes.
• The share of renewable energy sources in total electricity generation has remained relatively consistent since FY16, highlighting the ongoing challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Climate Change Concerns and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities:

• The unpredictability of climate change poses significant concerns for the performance of critical infrastructure, such as dams in the sub-Himalayan region, during periods of high heat and water stress.
• Thermal power generation also faces challenges due to water shortages, resulting in significant losses in power generation, as highlighted by the World Resources Institute’s analysis.
• These multifaceted challenges underscore the urgency of addressing the impacts of extreme weather events in India and transitioning towards more resilient and sustainable energy solutions.

Nut Graf: India faces increasing heat waves, exacerbating challenges like water scarcity and power demand. Despite aims for renewable energy, coal remains vital. Storage hurdles persist, while climate change adds uncertainty to infrastructure resilience.

Category: SECURITY

1. Marching ahead with technology absorption

Syllabus: GS-3, Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Mains: Integration of  disruptive technology in Armed Forces

Introduction: The Year of Technology Absorption

• The Indian Army designates 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ to emphasize its commitment to leveraging technology for military transformation and staying ahead of adversaries.
• The focus is on embracing disruptive technologies (DT) like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, and space technology to enhance strategic capabilities.

Absorption of Disruptive Technologies:

• Absorption involves acquiring, adapting, and integrating technologies into existing structures, known as legacy systems, in military terms.
• Integration of DTs with legacy systems is crucial, complementing rather than replacing existing platforms.
• Time-tested weapon platforms and tactics remain relevant, with the practical application of new technologies being key.

Strategic Considerations and Operational Realities:

• The realization of technology’s potential in warfare hinges on strategic employment strategies rather than mere acquisition.
• Recent conflicts like Russia-Ukraine highlight the importance of traditional methodologies alongside technological advancements.
• Adaptation to new conditions is vital, requiring operational and tactical changes rather than solely technological solutions.

Planning for Future Challenges:

• Future planning must prioritize technology’s role, acknowledging vulnerabilities and bridging gaps.
• Technology absorption should permeate unit levels, democratizing its use for true transformation.
• Macro-level considerations include organizational restructuring, human resource management, civil-military fusion, data integrity, and procurement policies tailored for DTs.

Conclusion:  While the Indian military progresses towards technology absorption, sustaining momentum requires a nuanced understanding of requirements, informed by the recent and ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Nut Graf: The Indian Army’s focus on the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ underscores its commitment to embracing disruptive technologies to stay ahead in warfare, emphasizing integration with existing systems and strategic adaptation over mere acquisition.

2. Right against climate change a fundamental right, says SC

Context: In a groundbreaking decision, the Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the right against the adverse effects of climate change as a distinct fundamental right in the Constitution. 

About: Citing Articles 14 and 21, which guarantee the right to equality and the right to life respectively, the court emphasized the interconnectedness between environmental stability and fundamental human rights. The judgment, issued in a case concerning the survival of the endangered Great Indian Bustard species, underscores the urgent need to address climate change’s impact on biodiversity and human well-being. The court highlighted the pivotal role of solar power in combating climate change, citing its potential to enhance energy security, mitigate air pollution, and safeguard public health. 

Significance: This decision marks a significant step towards recognizing and protecting environmental rights in India’s legal framework, signalling a commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

3. Cochin Shipyard signs ship repair agreement with U.S. Navy

Context: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into a Master Shipyard Repair Agreement (MRSA) with the U.S., making it the third Indian shipyard to do so after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL). 

About: This agreement allows CSL to repair U.S. Navy ships, furthering cooperation between India and the U.S. in ship maintenance. The move aligns with the goal of positioning India as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance. Both countries see this collaboration as mutually beneficial, providing business opportunities and expertise to Indian shipyards while offering the U.S. Navy convenient options for ship repairs. 

Significance: The agreement underscores the commitment expressed by both Indian and U.S. leaders to enhance India’s role in maintaining and repairing U.S. Navy assets, promoting closer bilateral ties in defense and maritime cooperation.

4. TASL’s satellite successfully deployed in space

Context: Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) has celebrated a milestone with the successful launch of its TSAT-1A satellite into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. 

About: The satellite, boasting sub-metre resolution optical capabilities was deployed as part of the Bandwagon-1 mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This achievement stems from TASL’s collaboration with Satellogic, which combined Satellogic’s expertise in earth observation satellites with TASL’s proficiency in complex system integration.

Significance: The deployment marks a significant advancement in India’s space capabilities and underscores the country’s growing prowess in the field of satellite technology.