In the GPS age, what do you mean by “Standard Positioning Systems” and “Precision Positioning Systems”? Talk about the benefits that India believes its ambitious IRNSS program—which uses only seven satellites—offers. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Model Answer Introduction According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India aims to produce up to 405 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources by 2030, surpassing its target of generating 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by the end of the decade.Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India aims to produce up to 405 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources by 2030, surpassing its target of generating 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by the end of the decade. Solar energy is poised to play a crucial role in achieving this target.
Body
The recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariffs of solar energy can be attributed to several factors:
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in solar technology have significantly improved efficiency and reduced production costs, leading to lower equipment prices.
- Scale of Production: The growing demand for solar energy has resulted in increased production scale, which has further decreased costs.
- Easier Construction and Maintenance: Solar energy systems are now quicker to install and cheaper to maintain compared to new coal-fired power plants, making them more attractive.
- Government Subsidies and Incentives: Various government initiatives, such as India’s National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM, have provided financial support, making solar energy more affordable.
- Increased Competition: The expansion of the solar industry has fostered competition, driving down equipment costs and tariffs.
- Improved Regulatory Outlook: Clearer government policies have encouraged investment in solar energy, enhancing market confidence.
As solar energy becomes increasingly cost-competitive, thermal power producers face significant implications:
- Increased Competition: Thermal power producers will encounter heightened competition from the growing solar sector.
- Reduced Demand: The affordability of solar energy is likely to decrease the demand for thermal power generation.
- Investment Risks: With declining demand, some thermal power plants may become stranded assets, jeopardizing previous investments.
- Need for Transition: The shift towards renewable energy necessitates a transition for thermal power producers, which could be challenging and costly.
Conclusion
The trend of falling solar energy costs and tariffs presents substantial implications for the energy sector, particularly for thermal power producers. While solar energy’s growth is promising, challenges remain regarding energy load management, variability, and regional disparities in sunlight availability, which may provide some relief to the thermal sector.
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Model Answer Introduction In the GPS era, Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) provide an accuracy of approximately 20-30 meters and are primarily utilized for civilian applications. In contrast, Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) offer higher accuracy, around 10 meters, and are mainly used by the U.Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
In the GPS era, Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) provide an accuracy of approximately 20-30 meters and are primarily utilized for civilian applications. In contrast, Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) offer higher accuracy, around 10 meters, and are mainly used by the U.S. military and its allies. In this context, India has launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which consists of a constellation of just seven satellites to deliver comprehensive positioning data to users in India and its surrounding regions.
Advantages of India’s IRNSS Programme
NAVIC reduces India’s reliance on foreign GPS systems, enhancing the country’s autonomy in navigation and ensuring uninterrupted service regardless of international relations.
NAVIC provides positional accuracy of less than 20 meters within India and extends to an area of 1500 km around it, which is advantageous compared to SPS.
NAVIC bolsters national security by delivering precise locational intelligence to the military, aiding in surveillance, reconnaissance, and missile guidance.
NAVIC significantly benefits various civilian sectors. For instance, it enhances logistics and transport efficiency through accurate navigation, aids in agriculture with precise locational data for land management, and assists in disaster management by providing real-time positional data.
The development of NAVIC fosters opportunities for growth in space technology industries, creating jobs, promoting innovation, and contributing to economic development.
Conclusion
The IRNSS, or NAVIC, represents a strategic advancement for India, not only in space technology but also in enhancing national security and socio-economic development.
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