Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

The shipbuilding industry is a crucial component of India’s maritime economy, contributing to both economic growth and national security. Despite substantial investments, such as the ₹5.8 lakh crore under the Sagarmala Programme, the sector remains stagnant, reflecting significant structural challenges that hinder its growth.

Key Structural Challenges

One of the primary challenges is the lack of a competitive ecosystem. Indian shipbuilders face long construction timelines and inconsistent quality, making them less competitive internationally. Additionally, high capital costs pose a barrier, as shipbuilding is capital-intensive and Indian manufacturers struggle to secure affordable financing compared to global competitors who benefit from state-backed support.

The sector also suffers from a heavy dependence on imported raw materials. Critical components like marine-grade steel and navigation systems are often sourced from abroad, which increases costs and vulnerability in supply chains. Furthermore, infrastructure bottlenecks hinder growth; many shipyards operate outdated machinery, while port congestion exacerbates logistical inefficiencies.

Another significant issue is the weak domestic market for new vessels. Indian shipping companies frequently prefer to purchase second-hand foreign ships due to high costs and longer delivery times for new builds. Lastly, the repair and maintenance ecosystem remains underdeveloped, with India’s share in the global ship repair market being less than 1%, leading to lost opportunities for Indian shipyards.

Policy Measures for Revival

To revitalize the shipbuilding sector, several policy measures can be implemented. First, strengthening domestic manufacturing of shipbuilding components is crucial. This can be achieved through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage local production.

Establishing a dedicated Shipbuilding and Maritime Financing Institution will provide low-interest loans and support exports, ensuring that shipbuilders have access to necessary capital. Moreover, revamping existing infrastructure through modernization of shipyards and the establishment of maritime Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will enhance operational efficiency.

Implementing a Buy Indian Policy can ensure that future government and defense orders are placed with Indian shipyards, promoting domestic demand. Additionally, integrating shipbuilding with renewable energy initiatives can align with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals by developing low-emission vessels.

Lastly, enhancing research and development through a National Maritime Innovation Hub will foster innovation and skill development, ensuring the industry remains competitive in advanced technologies.

Way Forward

The Indian shipbuilding sector holds immense potential for economic growth and security. However, overcoming existing structural challenges requires comprehensive policy interventions and coordinated efforts from the government and industry stakeholders. By addressing these challenges, India can strengthen its position in the global shipbuilding landscape and secure a sustainable maritime future.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Indo-French partnership has evolved into a significant alliance amidst shifting global geopolitics, marked by cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, AI, and space exploration. This relationship traces its roots back to historical ties that date back to the colonial era, establishing a foundation for mutual respect and collaboration.

Key Areas of Cooperation

In recent years, defense cooperation has deepened through joint military projects and technology transfers, with France emerging as a key arms supplier to India. Notably, agreements on Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines underscore the strategic alignment between the two nations. Additionally, the civil nuclear collaboration is gaining momentum, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that promise cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment. France’s expertise in nuclear technology positions it as a vital partner for India’s ambitious goal of generating 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.

Space cooperation has also flourished, with collaborative projects like the TRISHNA satellite mission, enhancing India’s capabilities in climate monitoring and resource assessment. Furthermore, the recent roadmap for artificial intelligence highlights both nations’ commitment to ethical AI development, fostering innovation while ensuring data integrity.

Challenges and Areas of Friction

Despite the robust cooperation, several challenges persist. Delays in defense procurement and technology transfer have been a significant hurdle, with projects often facing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Moreover, trade imbalances and regulatory barriers create friction, complicating economic relations. Differences in strategic outlooks, particularly regarding NATO membership and relations with Russia, further add to the complexities of the partnership.

Way Forward

Strengthening Indo-French ties is crucial for both nations as they navigate an increasingly multipolar world. By addressing existing challenges and enhancing cooperation in key sectors, India and France can solidify their partnership and contribute to global stability and security.

The future of this alliance holds promise, particularly in areas like renewable energy and technological innovation, paving the way for a sustainable and cooperative international landscape.

Model Answer

Introduction

Industrial emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change in India. As the nation strives for economic growth, it faces the dual challenge of increasing industrial output while reducing environmental degradation. This balance is crucial for sustainable development.

Primary Sources of Industrial Emissions

India’s industrial landscape is characterized by several emission-intensive sectors:

1. Thermal Power Sector: The largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to coal-based thermal plants, which account for around 50% of fuel-related CO₂ emissions.
2. Steel Industry: Highly energy-intensive, relying predominantly on coal-based processes, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions.
3. Cement Industry: Known as a ‘hard-to-abate’ sector, cement manufacturing directly emits CO₂ through limestone calcination.
4. Oil and Gas Industry: Major sources of methane leaks and CO₂ emissions, exacerbated by increasing oil demand.
5. Fertilizer Industry: A significant emitter of nitrous oxide, contributing to overall greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Aluminum Industry: Energy-intensive processes lead to high CO₂ emissions, with most production relying on coal-based power.
7. Transport Sector: Rapidly increasing emissions due to rising vehicle ownership and freight movement.

Challenges in Mitigation

The path to reducing emissions is fraught with challenges:

• Dependence on Coal: Many industries rely heavily on coal for energy, making it economically difficult to transition to cleaner alternatives.
• High Costs of Clean Technologies: The upfront investment required for carbon capture and renewable energy technologies is often prohibitive.
• Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Inconsistent implementation of emission norms allows industries to evade compliance.
• Lack of Financial Incentives: Limited access to green financing and low carbon credit prices diminish motivation for emission reductions.
• Inefficiencies in Industrial Processes: Outdated machinery and practices lead to higher emissions and energy consumption.
• Slow Progress in Circular Economy: Limited recycling and waste management practices increase resource extraction and emissions.
• Socioeconomic Trade-offs: Balancing job creation in emission-intensive industries with environmental regulations poses political challenges.

Measures for Balancing Growth and Sustainability

To address these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

1. Strengthening Carbon Pricing: Introducing mandatory carbon pricing and expanding the carbon credit trading scheme can incentivize industries to reduce emissions.
2. Expanding Green Hydrogen and Biofuels: Encouraging the production and use of green hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.
3. Adopting Circular Economy Principles: Enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can promote recycling and reduce waste.
4. Decarbonizing Thermal Power Plants: Rapid deployment of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies is essential.
5. Strengthening Energy Efficiency Standards: Expanding the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme to more sectors can drive energy efficiency improvements.
6. Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption: Providing incentives for industries to shift to renewable energy sources will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
7. Ensuring Just Transition: Implementing a Just Transition framework will protect workers in coal-dependent industries while facilitating the move to cleaner energy.

Way Forward

Balancing industrial growth with emission reduction is imperative for India’s sustainable development. By addressing the primary sources of emissions and tackling the associated challenges through effective policies, India can achieve its climate goals while fostering economic growth. Implementing these measures will contribute significantly to achieving environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Indian telecom sector has emerged as a pivotal component of the country’s economic growth, boasting over 1.18 billion subscribers. However, despite this remarkable growth, significant challenges persist, particularly in achieving inclusive growth across urban and rural landscapes.

Key Challenges

One of the foremost challenges is the rural-urban divide, with urban teledensity at 131.01% compared to just 58.31% in rural areas. This disparity highlights the insufficient infrastructure and low digital literacy in rural regions.

Moreover, Indian telecom operators grapple with high spectrum costs, which are among the highest globally, leading to substantial debt accumulation—estimated at Rs 4.09 lakh crore. The affordability of 5G smartphones and data plans further exacerbates this issue, limiting access for lower-income users.

The sector also faces cybersecurity risks, with increasing incidents of hacking and data breaches. The presence of untrusted foreign equipment raises national security concerns, while regulatory uncertainty adds to the woes, especially with OTT platforms using telecom networks without contributing to infrastructure costs.

Measures to Address Challenges

To tackle these challenges, the government must focus on enhancing rural connectivity by expanding fiber-optic networks and incentivizing private telecom players to invest in underserved areas.

Rationalizing spectrum pricing through a graded mechanism and introducing long-term payment flexibility can alleviate financial pressures on operators. Strengthening cybersecurity by mandating end-to-end encryption and regular audits will protect sensitive data and enhance trust in telecom services.

Additionally, a fair revenue-sharing mechanism for OTT services can create a balanced ecosystem, ensuring that telecom operators are compensated for infrastructure use. Finally, boosting indigenous manufacturing through expanded PLI schemes will reduce reliance on imports and foster self-reliance.

Way Forward

In conclusion, while the Indian telecom sector stands at a critical juncture, addressing these challenges through strategic reforms and investments is essential for fostering inclusive growth. A robust and equitable telecom infrastructure is crucial for empowering all sections of society and driving India towards becoming a global telecom powerhouse.