Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gurnards or Sea-robins
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have unveiled a captivating discovery— Gurnards, a new species of deep water marine fish, displaying a striking orange hue.
- This remarkable find was made off the coast of Digha Mohana in West Bengal.
Gurnards or Sea-robins
- The newfound species falls within the Triglidae family, commonly referred to as gurnards or sea-robins.
- Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, this species exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts, such as Pterygotrigla hemisticta.
- It marks the fourth species within the Pterygotrigla genus to be reported in India.
- This family boasts a global diversity with a total of 178 species, emphasizing the significance of this discovery.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nuakhai
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Prime Minister has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai.
About Nuakhai
- Nuakhai, also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat, is alternatively referred to as Navakhai Parv in Chhattisgarh.
- Nuakhai is predominantly an agricultural festival celebrated by tribal communities and Hindus residing in Western Odisha.
- It is also observed in the adjacent regions of Simdega in Jharkhand, where the cultural influence of Western Odisha is prominent.
- Nuakhai is observed to mark the arrival of the new rice harvest.
- The term “nua” signifies new, and “khai” represents food, symbolizing the farmers’ possession of the freshly harvested rice.
- This festival falls on the panchami tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August- September).
- It occurs the day following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Historical Roots
- Nuakhai traces its origins back to ancient times, with its roots in the Pralambana Yajna, which involves harvesting the first crop and making a reverential offering to the mother goddess.
- In its present form, the festival is linked to the time of the first Chauhan King Ramai Deva of Patnagarh in western Odisha.
Course of Celebrations
- Nuakhai festivities encompass a series of nine rituals commencing with Behrana and culminating in Juhar Bhet.
- Beheren: This marks the announcement of the scheduled meeting date.
- Nuakhai: The highlight of the celebration involves partaking in the freshly harvested crop after offering it to the deity, accompanied by lively dancing and singing.
- Juhar bhet: It involves seeking blessings from elders and exchanging gifts with them as a gesture of respect and affection.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mithun/Gayal
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use.
About Mithun
- The Mithun, also known as the Gayal (scientifically Bos frontalis), is believed to have evolved from the Indian Gaur or bison.
- It was first described in 1804 by Aylmer Bourke Lambert.
- It holds significant cultural and socio-economic importance among tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Its habitat spans Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and Yunnan, China.
- It is often referred to as the ‘cattle of the mountain.’
- The gayal serves as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Conservation status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I.
Recognition as a ‘Food Animal’
- This move has sparked efforts to help farmers and tribal communities benefit economically from the sale and processing of mithun meat.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has introduced the M-ANITRA app, facilitating the registration of Mithun farmers as both “buyers” and “sellers” to engage in competitive trade.
- Mithun farmers from various villages in Northeast India have been participating in training programs conducted by organizations like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun.
- Farmers are adopting practices to protect mithun, including enclosures, night shelters, and vaccinations.
- Mithuns, when sold as meat, can fetch high prices, with an average selling price of Rs 300 per kg.
- The opportunity to commercially sell mithun meat is generating excitement among farmers.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate Ambition Summit (CAS)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly concluded.
- China, the United States, and India, together responsible for about 42% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and ranking as the top three emitters, were missing.
Climate Ambition Summit (CAS)
| Purpose |
Strengthen global climate action and increase climate ambition. |
| Anniversary of Paris Agreement |
Typically held on December 12th, coinciding with the Paris Agreement’s anniversary. |
| Linked to Paris Agreement |
Connected to the international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C or 1.5°C. |
| Hosts and Participants |
Hosted by countries/regions; attended by heads of state, officials, organizations, and stakeholders. |
| Commitments and Pledges |
Platform for announcing climate commitments, NDCs, funding, and policy measures. |
|
|
| Climate Finance |
Discussions on financing mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. |
| Global Cooperation |
Emphasizes collective efforts and solidarity in addressing climate change. |
| Outcome |
Results in declarations and announcements reflecting increased ambition. |
| Subsequent COPs |
Contributions influence discussions at future UN Climate Change Conferences. |
| Climate Emergency |
Acknowledges climate emergency and the need for urgent, transformative action. |
| Non-State Actors |
Provides a platform for businesses, cities, and civil society to showcase actions. |
| Long-Term Goals |
May include goals like achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. |
India’s Involvement
- India last updated its climate commitments in 2022, aiming to reduce emissions intensity (the volume of emissions per unit of GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, a 10% increase from its 2015 commitment.
- India also pledged to fulfill 50% of its electricity needs with renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030.
- In 2021, PM Modi pledged that India would achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- However, experts suggest these commitments may not be enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-Canada Trade
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India and Canada are currently facing escalating diplomatic tensions, with India suspending visa services in Canada and Canada making adjustments to its staff presence in India.
- Amidst this backdrop, let’s take a closer look at the trade ties between these two nations.
Understanding India-Canada Trade
- Trade Volume: In the last fiscal year (2022-23), India’s total trade with Canada amounted to $8 billion, which represents approximately 0.7% of India’s total global trade valued at $1.1 trillion.
- Balance in Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between the two countries has been relatively balanced. For instance, in 2022-23, both imports and exports were approximately $4 billion each, resulting in a modest trade surplus of $58 million for India.
Key Imports from Canada
- Mineral Fuels and Oils: India’s primary imports from Canada include mineral fuels, mineral oils, and related products, which account for nearly half (46%) of the total import value.
- Wood Pulp and Paper Waste: Wood pulp and paper waste are another significant category of imports from Canada.
- Edible Vegetables: Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers also make up a substantial portion of India’s imports from Canada.
Key Exports to Canada
- Pharmaceutical Products: India primarily exports pharmaceutical products to Canada.
- Articles of Iron and Steel: Articles made of iron or steel constitute another major category of exports.
- Machinery and Mechanical Appliances: Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances are among India’s top exports to Canada.
Critical Agricultural Imports from Canada
- Muriate of Potash (MOP): Canada is a crucial supplier of muriate of potash (MOP) to India, a widely used fertilizer. Canada’s share in India’s MOP imports has been substantial.
- Masur (Red Lentil): Canada is also India’s largest supplier of masur or red lentil, a significant pulse crop.
- Impact on Masur Imports: The ongoing India-Canada standoff has raised concerns, especially regarding masur imports. Masur has become a substitute for arhar/tur (pigeon-pea), with implications for prices and trade dynamics.
- Yellow/White Peas: India used to import yellow/white peas as a substitute for chana (chickpea), primarily from Canada, until 2017-18.
Current Challenges and Crop Size Concerns
- Geopolitical Worries: The diplomatic tensions have led to concerns about the availability and size of Canada’s masur crop. The 2023 crop is smaller than the previous year’s, impacting landed masur prices.
- Yellow/White Peas: Yellow/white peas, once a significant import, have faced fluctuations in trade volumes with Canada.
Others: Indian Students in Canada
- Since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada.
- In 2022, their number rose 47 percent to nearly 320000, accounting for about 40 % of overseas students, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education.
- It also helps universities and colleges provide subsidised education to domestic students.
Conclusion
- Trade Dynamics: India and Canada maintain a balanced trade relationship, with certain critical imports like MOP and masur playing pivotal roles in India’s agricultural sector.
- Impact of Diplomatic Tensions: The ongoing diplomatic tensions could potentially affect trade dynamics, especially in the case of masur imports, raising concerns about supply and prices.
- Trade Relationships Evolving: India-Canada trade relations continue to evolve, and the resolution of diplomatic tensions will influence the future direction of this trade partnership.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Parliamentary Immunities
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Important Question: The Supreme Court of India is trying to answer a significant question: Can lawmakers be prosecuted in criminal courts for taking or offering bribes despite the legal protection they enjoy under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution?
- Background: This question arises from a need to re-evaluate a past Supreme Court ruling in the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao vs. State case, which said that lawmakers can’t be prosecuted for bribery related to their speeches or votes in Parliament.
Understanding Lawmaker Immunity
- Constitutional Safeguard: Constitution provides special protection for lawmakers through Articles 105(2) and 194(2). These articles deal with the powers and privileges of Parliament and state legislatures, and they say that lawmakers can’t be taken to court for anything they say or vote on in these bodies.
- What It Means: This means lawmakers are safe from legal action for their words and actions inside the Parliament or state legislatures. For example, they can’t be sued for defamation for something they say during a debate.
Current Case in the Supreme Court
- How It Started: This matter began when, a member of Jharkhand politician, was accused of taking a bribe in exchange for her vote in the 2012 Rajya Sabha elections.
- Legal Journey: Soren asked for her case to be dropped, saying she was protected by Article 194(2). But the Jharkhand High Court disagreed in 2014. So, she approached the Supreme Court.
- Referral to a Bigger Panel: During the case, it was clear that the issue was very important. In 2019, a Supreme Court Bench suggested that it should be heard by more judges (a larger Bench) because it relates to the 1998 Narasimha Rao decision.
- What the Supreme Court Just Did: On September 20, 2023, a five-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, decided to send this issue to a seven-judge Bench for a fresh look. They said it’s vital to reconsider the PV Narasimha Rao ruling because it impacts our country’s politics.
Why Lawmaker Immunity Matters
- Protecting Lawmakers: Articles 105(2) and 194(2) aim to make sure lawmakers can speak and vote freely in Parliament and state legislatures without worrying about legal trouble.
- Not a Get-Out-Of-Jail Card: But remember, these rules don’t mean lawmakers are above the regular laws of our country. They just make sure lawmakers can do their job without fear.
Reviewing the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao Decision
- The Big Case: The PV Narasimha Rao case is all about the 1993 JMM bribery scandal. The politician, who is related to the petitioner in this case, and some MPs were accused of taking money to vote against a no-confidence motion.
- Different Opinions: Some judges thought immunity shouldn’t cover bribery cases. But most judges thought lawmakers should be protected to make sure they can talk and vote freely.
- What Happened: The 1998 ruling in the Narasimha Rao case made it hard to prosecute lawmakers for bribery linked to their work in Parliament.
Conclusion
- Big Legal Question: The Supreme Court’s decision to send this issue to a seven-judge Bench shows how important it is. They want to decide if lawmakers can be prosecuted for bribery without affecting their ability to do their job.
- Keeping Democracy Running: Articles 105(2) and 194(2) are here to make sure our Parliament and state legislatures work smoothly. They let lawmakers speak without fear, but they don’t mean lawmakers can break the law.
- Balancing Act: What the bigger Bench decides will shape how lawmakers can be prosecuted for bribery, a matter that’s incredibly important for India’s democracy.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRICS group
Mains level: BRICS Expansion, Significance and challenges and India's approach
What’s the news?
- The 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg recently made headlines with its announcement to expand its membership.
Central idea
- Originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has now doubled its membership by welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While some anticipated that this expansion would transform BRICS into an anti-Western platform, the reality appears to be different.
BRICS expansion and political compromises
- Expansion Initiated by China: China took the lead in pushing for the expansion of BRICS, which was originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This initiative was supported by Russia.
- Initial Reservations from India and Brazil: At the outset, India and Brazil expressed reservations about expanding BRICS. Their concerns revolved around the potential for BRICS to become an overtly anti-Western platform.
- Concerns About China’s Dominance: India, in particular, was cautious about further empowering China within the group. It was wary of an expanded membership that might add more clout to an already dominant China.
- Selection Reflects Political Compromises: The choice of new members, which includes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, appears to be driven more by political compromise than by the application of specific, agreed-upon criteria.
- New Members’ Relationship with the West: Notably, the new members, with the exception of Iran, have significant stakes in their relationships with Western countries. This indicates that BRICS’ expansion may not have transformed it into an explicitly anti-Western alliance.
- Balancing Act: The expansion of BRICS seems to be a balancing act, seeking to accommodate the interests and concerns of both original and new members. It aims to maintain the group’s unity and relevance on the global stage.
Why are countries from the Global South interested in joining the BRICS?
- Hedging Against Uncertainty: Global South countries are joining BRICS as a means of hedging against an increasingly uncertain world marked by shifting political and security dynamics. They seek to strengthen their position in the face of unpredictable global events and challenges.
- Vulnerability to Sanctions: Many of these countries are concerned about their vulnerability to sanctions, particularly from the United States. For example, U.S. sanctions froze a significant part of Russia’s foreign exchange reserves, which raised anxieties among Global South countries about their own vulnerability to such measures.
- Expectation of an Alternative Global Currency: Some Global South countries may have expectations that BRICS, with China as a prominent member, could lead a shift toward an alternative global currency.
- Promotion of Local Currencies: BRICS has been actively promoting the use of local currencies for trade settlement and the raising of funds through local currency bonds. These efforts are seen as modest yet useful steps in reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar.
- Development Finance: BRICS has established the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which has provided development finance for developing countries. Global South countries may see this as an opportunity to access financing for their development projects.
- Demand for Greater Global Governance Voice: There is growing frustration among Global South countries that their interests and aspirations continue to be ignored by dominant Western powers in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank.
BRICS’ role in a changing world
- Economic and Technological Advancements: BRICS, comprising major emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has witnessed significant economic growth, technological advancement, and military capabilities. This positions BRICS as substantial global players.
- Not a Gathering of the Weak: Unlike earlier groupings of weaker nations, BRICS represents countries with substantial global influence and capabilities.
- Energy Superpower: BRICS, with members like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, has the potential to become a significant energy superpower, dominating the global energy market.
- Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the G7, BRICS lacks a common ideological affinity, with member countries having diverse political systems, economic models, and foreign policy priorities.
- Shorter History: BRICS is a relatively young group compared to the G7, which means it is still evolving in terms of its objectives, mechanisms, and institutional frameworks.
Challenges and differences within the BRICS grouping
- Diverse Interests and Priorities: BRICS is composed of countries with varying geopolitical priorities, economic structures, and foreign policy objectives. These differences can pose challenges when trying to reach consensus on collective goals and initiatives.
- Internal Contestations: The existence of internal contestations and differences among BRICS member countries is evident. For example, the India-China rivalry is an example of such internal dynamics. These differences can impact the group’s cohesion and decision-making.
- Lack of Common Security Perspective: Unlike the G7, which is a tightly knit security grouping, BRICS countries do not share a common security perspective. They have varying security interests and priorities, which can make it challenging to coordinate on security-related matters.
A Way Forward: Towards Collaborative Global Governance
- Acknowledging Current Challenges: To move forward, it’s essential to acknowledge the existing challenges in the international order. Recognize that the world is facing significant global issues, from climate change to economic disparities, that require collective action.
- Equal Participation: Encourage equal participation and representation of all countries, including emerging powers, in discussions and decision-making processes. Recognize that the global landscape has evolved and that the voices of emerging powers are essential in shaping the future.
- Engagement and Dialogue: Promote open and constructive engagement between Western countries, such as those in the G7, and emerging powers, including BRICS nations. Foster dialogue that seeks common ground while respecting diverse perspectives.
- Reform Existing Institutions: Consider reforms in existing international institutions like the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Ensure that these institutions are more inclusive and responsive to the needs and concerns of all nations.
- Utilize Forums like the G20: Leverage platforms like the G20, which bring together both advanced and emerging economies, to facilitate discussions and negotiations on global governance. Use these forums as spaces for collaborative problem-solving.
Conclusion
- For India, participating in multiple groupings, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Quad, and regular engagement with the G7, offers a strategic approach to addressing its multifaceted interests and aspirations. As BRICS expands its influence, it is essential for India to continue pursuing this nuanced approach to global governance.
Also read:
The implications of the expansion of BRICS
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India’s development strategies, misses, challenges and way forward
What’s the news?
- The op-ed acknowledges India’s technological achievements, emphasizing the need to revive state support, particularly in emerging sectors. It underscores the urgency of addressing persistent inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth for a more prosperous future.
Central idea
- Aim for the moon is often synonymous with bold ambition, verging on recklessness. India’s foray into space research in the 1960s was initially met with skepticism, given its status as a young and struggling nation. Today, India boasts remarkable achievements in space exploration. However, these accomplishments raise a pertinent question: How do these feats align with the persistent poverty and destitution afflicting millions of Indians?
Historical Foundations of India’s Scientific and Technological Capabilities
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Between 1951 and 1961, India founded five Indian Institutes of Technology. These institutions rapidly gained global recognition as centers of academic excellence. They played a critical role in nurturing a talent pool of engineers and scientists who would later contribute to India’s technological advancements.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): In 1961, India inaugurated the first two Indian Institutes of Management. These institutions aimed to foster managerial talent, aligning with India’s broader goals of building expertise and human capital in various fields.
- Public Sector Units (PSUs): Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, India established numerous public sector units across diverse industrial sectors. These sectors included steel production, fertilizer manufacturing, machine tools, electric machinery, drug production, and petrochemicals. These PSUs not only bolstered industrialization but also served as vital testing grounds for emerging technologies.
India’s Moonshot Development Strategy
- The moonshot development strategy aimed to leverage modern industrialization to address developmental challenges.
- Early visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai envisioned satellite technology for nationwide communication, agricultural improvements, and healthcare education.
- Nevertheless, this approach faced criticism for its heavy reliance on public investment and the alleged misdirection of resources toward capital- and technology-intensive industries instead of labor-intensive sectors.
How have inequalities posed significant hurdles to India’s progress and development?
- Lack of Effective Government Intervention:
- India’s development strategy’s lackluster record was not due to excessive government emphasis on technology but rather because the government could not effectively address inequalities and ensure social development.
- One of the missed opportunities was the failure to implement a successful program of land redistribution.
- Ownership Disparities: Ownership of assets remains significantly low among socially oppressed communities, including Dalits and the Scheduled Caste (SC) population. This lack of asset ownership creates barriers to accessing education and economic opportunities.
- Education Underinvestment: India has consistently underinvested in basic education for the masses. This educational deficit further exacerbates inequalities and limits opportunities for those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
- Replicated Inequalities in the Labor Market: The historical inequalities in social and economic spheres translate into labor market disparities. Better-paying jobs tend to be concentrated among privileged groups with greater access to higher education, further deepening the divide.
- Employment Disparities: The data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey highlights significant disparities in employment. In 2021–22, a higher percentage of SC workers (38.2%) were engaged in casual employment, which often involves manual labor, compared to workers from other general category castes (11.2%).
- Contrast with East Asian Countries: East Asian countries like Japan and China implemented land reforms and other measures in the 1950s that created a relatively egalitarian social structure. This laid the foundation for progressive economic and social changes in the subsequent years.
- Impact on Industrial and Economic Growth: Inequalities have negatively impacted industrial and economic growth in India. The skewed domestic demand, driven by the upper-income classes, has hindered the growth of manufacturing sectors producing high-quality, mass-consumption goods like food products and garments.
- Narrow Social Base for Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship in India has emerged from a narrow social base, limiting the diversity and inclusivity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Way forward
- India should recognize the strengths and weaknesses of its post-independence development strategy.
- The audacious attempt to build technological and industrial capabilities with generous state support was the right approach.
- India must reinstate such efforts, especially in rapidly growing economic sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology.
- Abandoning industrial policy in a globalized economy, as done after 1991, is a mistake, especially when countries like the United States and China actively support their industries.
- Make Economic Growth Inclusive:
- India needs to redouble efforts to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and broad-based.
- Access to education, particularly higher education, should be made accessible to all, including marginalized communities.
- Strengthen human and social capabilities:
- While technology has played a significant role in India’s development, it’s equally important to focus on building human and social capabilities.
- Empowering the billion-strong population with the skills and capabilities required for upward mobility is crucial.
- Achieving this would be equivalent to a significant leap in economic progress.
Conclusion
- India’s journey toward technological prowess should coexist with a commitment to alleviate inequality and ensure inclusive growth. A moonshot approach to development, grounded in state support for technological advancement, is imperative. By reconciling these objectives, India can pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Biofuel Alliance
Mains level: India’s Ethanol Blending Progress, Rising mobility needs and role of biofuels, challenges and way forward
What’s the news?
- India grapples with soaring international oil prices, hitting nearly $100 per barrel, amid its record high import dependence on crude oil and products at 87.3% in FY2023.
Central idea
- As the third-largest consumer of crude and related products globally, India faces a critical challenge in securing its energy future. However, the recently formed Global Biofuel Alliance under India’s G20 presidency presents a promising opportunity to harness clean bioenergy and enhance energy security while optimizing public spending.
- In 2003, India initiated its ethanol blending program, but progress remained sluggish for over a decade.
- In 2022, after sustained policy efforts, the program achieved a significant milestone by achieving a 10% ethanol blending rate in petrol.
- The government now aims to accelerate progress, targeting a 20% (E20) blending rate by FY25–26, advancing the original timeline by five years.
- Ethanol producers supplied approximately 430 crore litres of ethanol in 2022, with demand projected to soar to nearly 1,100 crore litres by 2025.
- Achieving this target hinges on substantial investments and ensuring an adequate supply of feedstock for domestic ethanol production.
Mobility needs in India
- Two-Wheelers Dominance: Nearly 60% of India’s petrol demand is attributed to two-wheelers. These vehicles are essential for meeting the mobility requirements of people across various economic strata, from urban commuters to rural residents.
- Four-Wheelers’ Growing Demand: While two-wheelers dominate, the demand for four-wheelers is steadily increasing. Approximately 55% of respondents in a 2021 study indicated their desire and need to own a four-wheeler. A NITI Aayog report also predicts a significant growth in petrol demand from four-wheelers by 2030.
The Role of Biofuels, Specifically Ethanol
- Reducing Petrol Consumption: One of the primary roles of biofuels, such as ethanol, is to reduce the overall consumption of petrol (gasoline). By blending ethanol with petrol, India can lower its dependence on imported crude oil, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security.
- Blending to Reduce Emissions: Ethanol blending in petrol is an effective strategy to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. This is crucial for addressing India’s air quality challenges and its commitment to combating climate change.
- Promoting Bio-Energy: Biofuels, including ethanol, can be produced from agricultural crops and biomass sources. This provides an additional income stream for the farming community, contributing to rural development and income generation.
- Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: The cultivation of crops for biofuel production can be aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification and efficient resource use.
Challenges with Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Limited Availability and Affordability of EVs: While EV adoption is increasing, there is still limited variety in EV models compared to traditional vehicles. This limitation can impact consumer choice and adoption. Additionally, the upfront costs of EVs are often higher, which can deter potential buyers.
- Charging Infrastructure: The need for expanding charging infrastructure is emphasized, highlighting that the development of charging stations is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs. The lack of charging stations can create range anxiety among EV users.
- Range Anxiety: EVs generally have a limited range compared to traditional vehicles, and addressing this concern is crucial to alleviating consumer fears about long-distance travel.
- Charging Time: While not explicitly mentioned, the article indirectly alludes to the longer charging times for EVs compared to refueling traditional vehicles. Fast-charging stations are discussed as a solution to reduce charging times.
- Battery Technology and Supply Chain: The article briefly touches upon battery cost and supply chain challenges, noting that the cost of EV batteries remains relatively high and disruptions in the global supply chain can impact EV manufacturing.
Way forward
- Expediting Ethanol Blending Program: Accelerate efforts to achieve the ambitious target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by FY25–26. Prioritize investments in ethanol production facilities to meet the rising demand for ethanol.
- Infrastructure Development: Focus on rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure for the efficient distribution and sale of ethanol-blended petrol, including retrofitting existing petrol pumps and establishing new ones.
- Research and Development for 2G Technologies: Allocate resources to research and develop second-generation (2G) biofuel technologies that can utilize non-food crop feedstocks, diversifying biofuel sources.
- Balanced Approach: Recognize the complementary nature of biofuels, electric vehicles (EVs), and other sustainable mobility solutions. Promote EV adoption, particularly in public transit and urban settings, alongside biofuel promotion.
- Supportive Policy Framework: Ensure the presence of consistent and supportive policy frameworks that incentivize biofuel production, distribution, and usage. Explore pricing mechanisms to encourage responsible private vehicle usage in urban areas.
What else?
- First-generation Production: Much of India’s supply of ethanol for the blending program comes from first-generation production. This primarily involves using underlying sugars in food crops, with the majority sourced from sugarcane (84 percent) and grain (16 percent).
- Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Considering the food-energy-water nexus in ethanol production is important. Food crops used for ethanol require fertilizers, water, and energy subsidies for their production.
- Climate Change Considerations:
- While ethanol production provides a new income stream for the farming community through assured procurement, it’s crucial to recognize that climate change can lead to significant variations in rainfall and yields. These variations can make the ethanol supply vulnerable to supply shocks.
- Therefore, India needs a robust assessment of these trade-offs and a clear research and development plan for second-generation (2G) ethanol technologies before scaling up ethanol production.
Conclusion
- In an era when the automobile industry grapples with the transition to EVs, India’s strategic and actionable plan for transforming its mobility landscape not only promises to reduce the import bill but also provides the nation with the time required to transition a cornerstone industry of its economy. The Global Biofuel Alliance, alongside well-considered policy initiatives, will be pivotal in steering India toward greater energy security and sustainability.
Must Read:
Sustainable Biofuels
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