General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• India has been aggressively pushing towards a more sustainable future by investing heavily in renewable energy sources,with solar energy at the forefront of its efforts. The Government of India has set the target to expand India’s renewable energy installed capacity to 500 GW by 2030. India has promised to source nearly half its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and, in the shorter term, source at least 60% of its renewable energy from solar power.
• India is committed to reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning towards a greener future, and the growth of the solar sector plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.
• India is pushing towards renewable energy due to government’s support for the transition. The recognition that solar energy is a free and abundant resource also plays a role. But there are some misconception regarding Solar energy which we need to consider first.

Misconceptions about Solar Energy:

• Levelized Cost of Solar Power is Coming Down:
  • It is believed that the levelized cost of solar power coming down and some believe that the cost will decrease linearly over time, that the cost is the same for all regions, that the cost only takes into account the cost of solar panels, that it doesn’t include maintenance costs, and that it ignores energy storage costs.
  • In reality, the cost can be affected by various factors such as technology advancements, changes in market conditions, and government policies, and the levelized cost takes into account all components of a solar power system including installation and ongoing maintenance costs, not just the cost of solar panels.
• Financially Viable:
  • Solar energy is made financially viable by misguiding the people by leaving out storage battery cost;handicapping it with subsidies and concessions that are front loaded by the government, and forcing it on the industry and hapless discoms through state policy.

Benefits of Solar Energy:

• Renewable:
  • Solar energy is a renewable source of energy, meaning it can be produced indefinitely without depleting resources.
• Clean:
  • Solar energy is a clean source of energy, producing no harmful emissions or pollution.
• Cost-effective:
  • The cost of solar energy has decreased significantly in recent years, making it increasingly cost-effective as a source of energy.
• Reliable:
  • Solar energy systems are becoming increasingly reliable and durable, requiring little maintenance.
• Versatile:
  • Solar energy can be used for a wide range of applications, including electricity generation, heating, and lighting.
• Decentralized:
  • Solar energy systems can be installed on a small scale, making it possible to generate energy locally, reducing dependence on centralized energy sources.

Challenges with Solar Energy in India:

• High Initial Costs:
  • Despite recent reductions in the cost of solar panel technology, the upfront cost of installation remains high, which can be a barrier to adoption for many households and businesses.
• Limited Access to Finance:
  • Access to finance for renewable energy projects can be limited, particularly for smaller and rural projects, which can make it challenging for individuals and organizations to invest in solar energy.
• Infrastructure and Grid Connectivity:
  • A lack of adequate infrastructure and grid connectivity in some areas of the country can make it difficult to transmit the electricity generated from solar panels to where it is needed.
• Land Availability:
  • Finding suitable land for large-scale solar projects can be a challenge in India,particularly given competing demands for land for other purposes such as agriculture and urban development.
• Maintenance and Operation Issues:
  • Poor maintenance and operation of solar power systems can reduce their efficiency and effectiveness,which can impact the long-term viability of renewable energy projects in India.
  • Cleaning solar panels currently is estimated to use about10 billion gallons of water per year — enough to supply drinking water for up to 2 million people.
    • Attempts at waterless cleaning are labor intensive and tend to cause irreversible scratching of the surfaces, which also reduces efficiency.
    • Now,a team of researchers at MIT has devised a way of automatically cleaning solar panels, or the mirrors of solar thermal plants, in a waterless, no-contact system that could significantly reduce the dust problem.

Way Forward:

• Utilising Large Hydro:
  • With large hydro, India can produce more renewable energy at the least cost and with the least carbon footprint.
    • India has utilised only about 15% of its hydro potential whereas the U.S. and Europe have utilised 90% and 98% of their potential, respectively.
    • The extent of utilisation of hydro potential seems to be an index of civilisational development and evolution.
  • Expanding Infrastructure and Investment:
    • India needs to increase investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including transmission and distribution networks, as well as in research and development of new solar technologies.
  • Encouraging Private Sector Participation:
    • The private sector can play a crucial role in developing and deploying solar energy in India, and the government should create favorable policies and incentives to encourage private sector involvement.
  • Improving Energy Storage Solutions:
    • Energy storage systems are essential for ensuring that solar energy can be effectively used, even when the sun is not shining. The Indian government should support the development of advanced energy storage solutions to make solar energy more accessible and reliable.
  • Promoting Rooftop Solar:
    • Rooftop solar systems  can be a cost-effective and convenient way for households and businesses to generate their own energy. The Indian government should encourage the growth of rooftop solar by providing incentives, subsidies and tax credits.
  • Building a Skilled Workforce:
    • The growth of the solar energy sector in India will require a skilled workforce. The government should invest in training and education programs to build a pipeline of skilled workers who can help deploy and maintain solar energy systems.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• The crisis in Joshimath for over a month has led to conversations on the relevance of hydropower in the Himalayan region. Glacier burst led to concerns over the Rishiganga hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand.

Hydropower:

• Hydroelectricity is a renewable energy source that uses the potential energy of the water stored in the dams, reservoirs, flowing rivers etc.
• The falling or flowing water rotates the turbine which spins a generator and the mechanical energy of the generator is converted to electric energy and hence the electricity is generated from the water.
• Hydroelectricity accounts for about 17% of the total electricity sources worldwide.
• Hydropower is considered green energy because it generates electricity from the natural flow of water without releasing any emissions or pollutants.
• It also does not rely on fossil fuels.

Environmental impact of hydropower

• Large-scale hydroelectric dams impact local ecosystems and communities
• They displace people and result in loss of habitat for fish and other wildlife.
• The building and maintenance of large hydroelectric dams have a significant environmental impact.

Himalaya and hydropower:

• They are a major water source for much of South Asia.
• Most countries in the region,including India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
  • They have built or are planning to build hydropower projects in the Himalaya.
• In India: the government has identified hydropower as a key renewable energy source.
• Indian Himalaya:
  • Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh
  • Teesta Low Dam Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim.

Nepal:

• It has identified hydropower as a major source of energy.
• It has many hydropower projects in the planning and development stages, including:
  • Arun III Hydroelectric Project
  • West Seti Hydroelectric Project.

Bhutan:

• Hydropower is the main source of revenue.
• The government has set a target to export surplus electricity to India.
• The country has built several hydropower projects:
  • Chukha Hydropower Project
  • Tala Hydropower Project.

Controversies about development of hydropower projects in the Himalayas:

• Environmental impacts — in Joshimath and other parts of Uttarakhand.
• Concerns about the potential conflicts over water resources in the region.
• The Himalaya is a fragile ecosystem and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• It is threatened by deforestation, overgrazing, and construction activities that harm the environment and local communities that depend on it.

Negative Impact of dams:

• The construction of dams can disrupt the flow of rivers, leading to changes in water temperature and chemistry.
• It can cause erosion, landslides, and sedimentation which can have a negative impact on the local environment.
• Dams disrupt the migration patterns of fish and other aquatic species and impact the local wildlife, particularly if the dam’s construction leads to habitat loss.
• Large-scale hydroelectric dams displace local communities, affecting their livelihoods and cultural heritage and impacting the overall well-being of the local population.

Alternatives to hydropower:

Micro hydro:

• It is a small-scale hydroelectric power generation system that typically generates up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.
• These systems use the energy of falling water to turn a turbine, which, in turn, generates electricity.
• They can be used for various applications,including:
  • powering homes
  • businesses
  • small communities.
• Micro hydro systems are less expensive to build and maintain than large hydroelectric dams
• They have a smaller environmental footprint.
• They can be located even in inaccessible areas where it is difficult to transmit electricity from larger power stations
• They can provide a reliable source of energy to communities that are not connected to the grid.

Micro hydro systems can be classified into two main types:

• Run-of-river systems use the natural flow of water in a stream or river to generate electricity.
• Storage systems use a reservoir to store water and release it as needed to generate electricity.

Way Forward

• Micro hydro systems can be tailored to minimize the ecosystem’s negative impact and provide sustainable energy solutions.
• Even micro-hydropower projects can have some impact on the environment and local communities.
  • A detailed assessment should be carried out to evaluate the potential impact before proceeding with the project

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• Recent surveys by the state Ministry for Excise highlights the rise in the drug overtake cases in Kerala. Kerala has seen a 300% increase in drug cases over the past six years, with arrests up 90%.
• The number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Actin 2022 was 26,629, a significant increase from 5,924 cases in 2016 and 9,245 cases in 2019.
• Nearly 97% of the respondents admitted to using some form of drug with Cannabis (ganja) being the most consumed drug (82%), followed by tobacco (75.6%).
• Recreational drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine have found a market in Kerala, with seizures of the latter spiking in 2022.
• The report has also highlighted that cannabis is finding its way into the state from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.

Need to curb drug abuse

• About: India’s location between the world’s two main illicit opium-producing regions, the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, has left its borders open to drug trafficking. It emanates from two fronts, the NW and NE, which pose a danger to national security and border violations, respectively.
• Substance abuse and addiction: Harmful use of drugs or alcohol leads to physical or psychological dependence which impairs the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and makes it difficult for them to quit on their own.
• Overdose and health consequences: Substance abuse can result in serious health problems, including overdoses that can be fatal.
• Psychological and social impacts on the individual and their family: Substance abuse can cause emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems for the individual and their family.
• Increased crime and criminal activity: Drugs are often linked to criminal behavior, such as theft, violence, and drug trafficking which pose a threat to public safety and increase the burden on law enforcement.
• Strain on healthcare systems and resources: Substance abuse can put a strain on healthcare systems and resources, as it often requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lost productivity and economic costs: Substance abuse can lead to decreased productivity at work, absenteeism, and even job loss. It also has broader economic costs, such as increased healthcare costs and decreased economic growth.
• Social stigma and discrimination: Substance abuse is often stigmatized, and individuals struggling with addiction may face discrimination and social isolation.
• Difficulty in access to treatment and recovery resources: Many individuals struggling with substance abuse face barriers to accessing effective treatment and recovery resources, such as lack of affordable options, long waitlists.
• Difficulty in effectively addressing and preventing drug abuse through education and public policy:Addressing and preventing substance abuse faces challenges in implementing effective education and public policy initiatives, such as limited funding, lack of political will, and conflicting views on the best approach.

Major challenges in controlling the drug menace

• High demand: The demand for drugs in India is high and is driven by a growing population of young people and an increase in disposable income.
• Lack of effective law enforcement: Despite efforts by the government to curb drug trafficking, the porous borders and widespread corruption in India make it difficult to effectively enforce anti-drug laws.
• Inadequate rehabilitation facilities: There is a shortage of rehabilitation facilities and resources for those struggling with drug addiction, making it difficult for them to access the help they need.
• Stigma and discrimination: Substance abuse and addiction are often associated with social stigma and discrimination, which can prevent people from seeking help and make it difficult for them to receive the care they need.
• Difficulty in prevention and education: Drug abuse prevention and education campaigns are often underfunded and not effectively implemented, making it difficult to reach those who are most at risk.
• Lack of comprehensive approach: The lack of a comprehensive approach to addressing the drug problem in India, including both treatment and prevention, makes it difficult to effectively address the issue.

Government steps to curb Drug abuse in India

• National Drug Demand Reduction Policy: It aims to prevent and reduce drug abuse through multiple strategies including demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction.
• Rehabilitation:The government has set up multiple rehabilitation centers and de-addiction clinics to provide treatment and support to individuals struggling with drug addiction.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act(1985):It is the main legal framework in India to curb drug abuse and trafficking, and imposes stringent penalties on those involved in drug-related crimes.
• Information dissemination:The government has implemented various public awareness and educational campaigns to spread knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse and to prevent drug use, particularly among young people.
• Co-ordination: The government also works with other countries in the region to curb cross-border drug trafficking and to dismantle illegal drug production and distribution networks.
• Support: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs a scheme to provide financial and technical assistance to NGOs and other organizations working on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation.
• Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN): It is the main enforcement agency responsible for implementing the NDPS Act and for conducting raids and arrests in connection with drug-related crimes.

Way forward:

• Improving access to treatment and rehabilitation: Providing access to quality addiction treatment and rehabilitation resources can help individuals overcome their drug dependence.
• Strengthening law enforcement:Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and distribution can reduce the availability of drugs in the country.
• Educating the public: Educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse through campaigns, public speaking, and school programs can raise awareness and discourage drug use.
• Addressing root causes: Addressing the root causes of drug abuse, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues, can help prevent people from turning to drugs in the first place.
• Involving community leaders: Involving community leaders and organizations in the fight against drug abuse can help mobilize local resources and increase public support for drug-control efforts.
• Encouraging alternative activities: Encouraging individuals to participate in alternative activities, such as sports, music, and community service, can provide positive outlets and reduce the risk of drug abuse.
• Implementing effective public policy: Developing and implementing effective public policy that addresses the issue of drug abuse can help prevent drug use and support those who are struggling with addiction.
• Researching new treatments and prevention methods: Investing in research and development to find new treatments and prevention methods can help reduce the harm caused by drug abuse.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• India has been aggressively pushing towards a more sustainable future by investing heavily in renewable energy sources,with solar energy at the forefront of its efforts. The Government of India has set the target to expand India’s renewable energy installed capacity to 500 GW by 2030. India has promised to source nearly half its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and, in the shorter term, source at least 60% of its renewable energy from solar power.
• India is committed to reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels  and transitioning towards a greener future, and the growth of the solar sector plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.
• India is pushing towards renewable energy due to government’s support for the transition. The recognition that solar energy is a free and abundant resource also plays a role. But there are some misconception regarding Solar energy which we need to consider first.

What are the Misconceptions about Solar Energy?

• Levelized Cost of Solar Power is Coming Down:
  • It is believed that the levelized cost of solar power coming down and some believe that the cost will decrease linearly over time, that the cost is the same for all regions, that the cost only takes into account the cost of solar panels, that it doesn’t include maintenance costs, and that it ignores energy storage costs.
  • In reality, the cost can be affected by various factors such as technology advancements, changes in market conditions, and government policies, and the levelized cost takes into account all components of a solar power system including installation and ongoing maintenance costs, not just the cost of solar panels.
• Financially Viable:
  • Solar energy is made financially viable by misguiding the people by leaving out storage battery cost;handicapping it with subsidies and concessions that are front loaded by the government, and forcing it on the industry and hapless discoms through state policy.

Benefits of Solar Energy:

• Renewable:
  • Solar energy is a renewable source of energy, meaning it can be produced indefinitely without depleting resources.
• Clean:
  • Solar energy is a clean source of energy, producing no harmful emissions or pollution.
• Cost-effective:
  • The cost of solar energy has decreased significantly in recent years, making it increasingly cost-effective as a source of energy.
• Reliable:
  • Solar energy systems are becoming increasingly reliable and durable, requiring little maintenance.
• Versatile:
  • Solar energy can be used for a wide range of applications, including electricity generation, heating, and lighting.
• Decentralized:
  • Solar energy systems can be installed on a small scale, making it possible to generate energy locally, reducing dependence on centralized energy sources.

Challenges with Solar Energy in India:

• High Initial Costs:
  • Despite recent reductions in the cost of solar panel technology, the upfront cost of installation remains high, which can be a barrier to adoption for many households and businesses.
• Limited Access to Finance:
  • Access to finance for renewable energy projects can be limited, particularly for smaller and rural projects, which can make it challenging for individuals and organizations to invest in solar energy.
• Infrastructure and Grid Connectivity:
  • A lack of adequate infrastructure and grid connectivity in some areas of the country can make it difficult to transmit the electricity generated from solar panels to where it is needed.
• Land Availability:
  • Finding suitable land for large-scale solar projects can be a challenge in India,particularly given competing demands for land for other purposes such as agriculture and urban development.
• Maintenance and Operation Issues:
  • Poor maintenance and operation of solar power systems can reduce their efficiency and effectiveness,which can impact the long-term viability of renewable energy projects in India.
  • Cleaning solar panels currently is estimated to use about10 billion gallons of water per year — enough to supply drinking water for up to 2 million people.
    • Attempts at waterless cleaning are labor intensive and tend to cause irreversible scratching of the surfaces, which also reduces efficiency.
    • Now,a team of researchers at MIT has devised a way of automatically cleaning solar panels, or the mirrors of solar thermal plants, in a waterless, no-contact system that could significantly reduce the dust problem.

Way Forward:

• Utilising Large Hydro:
  • With large hydro, India can produce more renewable energy at the least cost and with the least carbon footprint.
    • India has utilised only about 15% of its hydro potential whereas the U.S. and Europe have utilised 90% and 98% of their potential, respectively.
    • The extent of utilisation of hydro potential seems to be an index of civilisational developmentand evolution.
  • Expanding Infrastructure and Investment:
    • India needs to increase investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including transmission and distribution networks, as well as in research and development of new solar technologies.
  • Encouraging Private Sector Participation:
    • The private sector can play a crucial role in developing and deploying solar energy in India, and the government should create favorable policies and incentives to encourage private sector involvement.
  • Improving Energy Storage Solutions:
    • Energy storage systems are essential for ensuring that solar energy can be effectively used, even when the sun is not shining. The Indian government should support the development of advanced energy storage solutions to make solar energy more accessible and reliable.
  • Promoting Rooftop Solar:
    • Rooftop solar systems  can be a cost-effective and convenient way for households and businesses to generate their own energy. The Indian government should encourage the growth of rooftop solar by providing incentives, subsidies and tax credits.
  • Building a Skilled Workforce:
    • The growth of the solar energy sector in India will require a skilled workforce. The government should invest in training and education programs to build a pipeline of skilled workers who can help deploy and maintain solar energy systems.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• As per a new study, researchers are examining the fortress wall of Xi’an, an ancient city in China, by using tiny outer space particles called muons that can penetrate hundreds of metres of stone surfaces.

What are Muons?

• Muons are subatomic particles raining from space. They are created when the particles in Earth’s atmosphere collide with cosmic rays — clusters of high-energy particles that move through space at just below the speed of light.
• According to Scientific American magazine, about 10,000 muons reach every square metre of the Earth’s surface a minute.
• Features:Muons resemble electrons but are 207 times as massive. Therefore, they are sometimes called “fat electrons”.
• Because muons are so heavy, they can travel through hundreds of metres of rock or other matter before getting absorbed or decaying into electrons and neutrinos. In comparison, electrons can penetrate through only a few centimetres.
• Muons are also highly unstable and exist for just 2.2 microseconds.

What is muon tomography or muography?

• Muography is conceptually similar to X-ray but capable of scanning much larger and wider structures, owing to the penetration power of muons.
• As these high-energy particles are naturally produced and ubiquitous, all one needs to do is place a muon detector underneath, within or near the object of interest.
• The detector then tracks the number of muons going through the object from different directions, to form a three-dimensional image.
• The image is then compared with a muon image of the “free sky”. This indicates how many muons have been blocked. The final picture is essentially a shadow of the object in the light of cosmic muons.

Uses of Muon Topography

• Muon tomography was first used in the 1960s, it has only recently gained widespread use among researchers, particularly in archaeology.
• Apart from archaeology, muography has also found use in customs security, internal imaging of volcanoes and others. Around 2015, scientists used the technique to look inside the Fukushima nuclear reactors after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• Joshimath land subsidence has raised concerns over the hydropower projects in Himalayas.

Hydropower:

• It is a renewable source of energy. It is often considered green energy because it generates electricity from the natural flow of water without releasing any emissions. It does not rely on fossil fuels.However, it also brings concerns and threats to the environment, especially in the Himalayan region.

Concerns with the Hydropower projects:

• Most countries in the Himalayan region, including India have built or are planning to build hydropower projects in the Himalaya. The Indian government has identified hydropower as a key renewable energy source.
• However, the construction of the hydropower in Himalayas brings various concerns.

The concerns are –

1. can bring conflicts over water resources in the region,
2. can disrupt the flow of rivers, leading to changes in water temperature and chemistry,
3. dams can also cause erosion, landslides, and sedimentation which can have a negative impact on the local environment,
4. Dams also disrupt the migration patterns of fish and other aquatic species and impact the local wildlife,
5. large-scale dams displace local communities, affecting their livelihoods and cultural heritage and impacting the overall well-being of the local population.

Therefore, it is beneficial to look for alternatives to hydropower projects.

Alternative to hydropower:

• Micro hydro is a small-scale hydroelectric power generation system that generates up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.
• These systems use the energy of falling water to generate electricity. They can be used for various applications such as powering homes, businesses, and small communities.
• They are less expensive to build and maintain than large hydroelectric dams and have a smaller environmental footprint.
• They can belocated even in inaccessible areas where it is difficult to transmit electricity from larger power stations and can provide a reliable source of energy to communities that are not connected to the grid.
• They can be used to minimise the ecosystem’s negative impact and provide sustainable energy solutions. However, even they have some impact on the environment but the impacts are less when compared to large hydropower dams.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• There is controversy over the revised series at 2011-12 prices. There is a widely held view that GDP numbers in the revised series are overestimated.
• The data from the informal sector accounts for a larger share of Indian GDP is available only with a time leg. Consequently, trends from the formal sector are projected into the informal sector while making provisional GDP estimates. These are subsequently revised once data from the informal sector is available.
• The public debates in India revolve around headline figures of CSO. The international practice in analysing growth data is to look at output loss/gain relative to trend growth rate.

What can be analysed from comparison of average growth rate of 2014-22 of India with other Asian economies?

• The fastest growing economy over the past seven years was neither China nor India. It was Bangladesh.
• Global attention is focussed on China deceleration due to Xi Jinping policies. He privileges security over economic growth. However, growth deceleration over this period is more for India as compared to China.
• There is talk of an economic crisis in Pakistan. However, its average growth rate during the past four years was more than India.
• During this period, Bangladesh overtook India in per capita income. India’s neighbours to the east and west had better average economic growth over the last four years.
• Output loss of 18.2% of GDP over the last four years in India is very high. This is a substantial loss. It is significantly higher than China and other South Asian neighbours.

What needs to be done by economic policymakers?

• There is a need for assessment of large output loss.
• Corrections are required in the GDP numbers based on the 2011-12 series.
• There is a need to assess the output loss that cannot be recovered.
• Trends of downward shifts need to be studied. True extent of longterm damage will be known once the data on the informal sector is finalised.
• Steps needed to reverse the growth trend should be finalised.

General Studies Paper 1

Context: 

• 2023 is set to be a landmark year for India’s population trajectory, as the country is predicted to overtake China to become the world’s most populous nation.

Background:

• According to the UN World Population Prospects 2022, India is projected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country.
• India’s population stands at 412 billion in 2022 and is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050.
• India is expected to reach 1,428.6 million in 2023. On the other hand, China’s population fell to 1,411.8 million in 2022 (from 1,412.6 million in 2021).

Implications for India:

Positive

• India will continue to have one of the world’s youngest populations until 2030.
• Currently, in a demographic window of opportunity – a “youth bulge,” that will last until 2025 (median age in India – 28.7 years, 38.4 – in China, 48.6 – in Japan).
• Thus, prospects to reap the demographic dividend share of the working-age population will peak at 57% towards the mid-2030s.
• More working-age population → more tax revenues → savings potential will increase → high growth rate.
• A relatively lower number of those needing care such as the elderly and young children.

Negative

• Lack of policies for education, skilling and health in place.
• Vast underemployment among educated youths.
• In the absence of meaningful opportunities for the youth, the demographic dividend → demographic nightmare.
• Uneven population growth. For example, some Southern states have populations that age faster than some northern States 

Way ahead:

• India must shift its lens from ‘population control’ to population development
• For this, India must frame policies and strategies to effectively unleash the full potential of its young people.

Conclusion: 

• India is not fully utilizing its  demographic dividend which refers to the economic advantage of having a large working-age population. To fully reap the benefits, India must create high-quality jobs and equip its young, skilled workforce to fill them.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• India’s significant border challenge is that it has contested borders with Pakistan and China and both of them have a strategic nexus directed against India.

India’s borders

• About:
  • India’s borders are unique due to the variety of terrains through which these borders pass, namely deserts, mountains, glaciers and forests.
  • It is obvious that managing such large borders in diverse terrain conditions poses myriad challenges.
• India shares borders with the countries as below:-
  • Bangladesh:
    • 70 kms running along West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
  • Pakistan: 
    • 3323 kms running along Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • China: 
    • 3488 kms running along Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • Nepal:
    • 1751 kms running along Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim.
  • Bhutan:
    • 699 kms running along Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Myanmar: 
    • 1643 kms running along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
  • Afghanistan: 
    • 106 kms running along Union Territory of Ladakh

India’s Border disputes

• With China: 
  • It is along the LAC with China that India faces the toughest border challenge.
    • India has disputed borders with China in Ladakh, Middle Sector, and in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Despite many levels of talks,very little progress has been made to resolve the dispute.
  • China is using the dispute against India, whom it sees as its competitor in Asia, to moderate its strategic behaviour and advance its national goals and aspirations.
• With Pakistan:
  • On the borders:
    • Barely two months after Independence, Pakistani fighters invaded Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the first of four wars the two countries have since fought.
    • The Kashmir region is often dubbed as one of the most militarised places in the world.
    • POK is Pakistan Occupied Kashmir which refers to the region in Kashmir which is under control of Pakistan.
  • Issue of Drugs:
    • Drugs smuggling from Pakistanis another major challenge for our paramilitary forces and state police.
    • Punjab, a strategic border state, has been the target of drug smuggling for many years now.
  • Terrorism:
    • Terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan’s control remains a core concern in bilateral relations.
  • China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):
    • The CPEC is a collection of infrastructure projects that have been under construction throughout Pakistan beginning 2013.
      • The CPEC is part of China’s larger Belt and Road Initiative.
    • India has protested the project from its inception since it passes through large chunks of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
  • Along Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar:
    • India’s border management with our other neighbours—Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar—poses different kinds of challenges.
    • Here, the principal objective is to secure our borders against elements hostile to the country and putting in place systems that are able to interdict such elements while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce, tourism and other such activities.

India’s strategy to tackle its border disputes & way ahead

• Construction activities:
  • As part of the strategy to secure the borders as also to create infrastructure in the border areas of the country, several initiatives have been undertaken by the Border Management Division.
    • These include: 
      • Construction of fence, floodlighting, roads, Border Out Posts (BOPs), Company Operating Bases (COBs)and
      • Deployment of technological solutions along the India-Pakistan, India-Bangladesh, India-China, India-Nepal, India-Bhutan and India-Myanmar borders.
    • Other:
      • Projects like Trans-Arunachal Highway will help in mounting an effective and speedy response against an aggression by the China.
      • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO)completed more than 100 projects in border areas, the majority of which were close to the border with China.
      • India is speeding up work on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha axis which is going to help troops move to Ladakh from other parts of the country.
        • However, this will take time; until then we have to be prepared to deal with its aggression along LAC in an ‘Armed Coexistence’ scenario.
      • Deployment of troops & surveillance: 
        • The Indian Army and the BSF are deployed in multiple layers to form an anti-infiltration grid.
        • The border fence and deployment of other surveillance devices has helped in reducing infiltrations.
        • The surgical strikes launched by our armed forces in the wake of terrorist attacks supported by Pakistan’s ISI have succeeded in sending the message of firm resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism and proxy wars.
      • Drugs Challenge:
        • Drones have proved to be an effective tool in smuggling drugs across the border.
          • It will take more than mere vigilance on the border to deal with this menace.
          • Improving our intelligence network within the state to nab the drug dealers on our side of the border must be the main priority of our security forces.
        • Along Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar borders:
          • Our borders with these countries are guarded primarily by paramilitary forces, and they have to deal with smuggling and trafficking of humans, drugs, arms, illegal migration and movement of suspected insurgents.
          • Porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar and open borders with Nepal pose challenges in dealing with these nefarious activities.

• Need of trilateral dialogue:
  • India, Pakistan and China should begin a trilateral dialogue for dispute-resolution, cooperation and common development.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• The Myanmar army seized power on February 1, 2021. The reason behind the coup was the fear that the party which won the election would rewrite the 2008 Constitution and move the powers of the military out of it. Therefore, the Myanmar military overthrew the elected government and returned Myanmar from democratic state to military dictatorship. However, the army led government/junta regime has failed to bring the country under its control. Pro-democracy civilian resistance groups (People’s Defence Forces or PDFs) are fighting the junta and they have been joined by ethnic armed organisations (EAOs). Furthermore, a National Unity Government comprising many of the elected parliamentarians has been lobbying foreign governments for diplomatic recognition. The situation in Myanmar has turned violent.

Impact on foreign policy of India:

• India has pursued a “dual-track policy”for over three decades with Myanmar, i.e., doing business with the junta and as well as sympathizing with the pro-democracy forces.
• In the mid-1990s, Myanmar military helped India in securing the borders of its Northeastern states from Northeastern insurgencies. From that time, India has had a good relation with Myanmar military rulers.
• Furthermore, India’s engagement with the junta was also seen as retaining its influence in Myanmar in the backdrop of rising threat from China.
• Now, with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, India is held between supporting pro-democratic groups and military rulers. It has its own national interest involved in it, i.e., border security management and restricting China in Myanmar.

Other associated concerns with India:

• Obstacle in cross boundary transport:PDFs control large parts of the area in the Sagaing region through which the trilateral highway passes. There have been occasions when Indian officers had to intervene with the local PDF leaders to allow project vehicles to pass.
• Obstacle in developmental project: Sittwe port in Myanmar has been developed by India as part of the Kaladan project. The port was developed with the objective of India-Myanmar maritime trade and to provide alternate access to India’s landlocked north-east states. It was said that it was ready for inauguration.  However, now it seems way far.
• Security concerns with the North-eastern states of India:The Myanmar coup has led the people to move out of the country. Mizoram is hosting thousands of refugees from the adjoining Chin state in Myanmar.
• Moreover, the Myanmar Air Force has bombed the area on the border with Mizoram. Its effect was also seen in the state which triggered panic in the area.
• Further, as per UN Office for Drugs and Crime, there has been a 33 percent spike in poppy cultivation in Myanmar. The sharpest increase has been noticed in Chin state, in an area that borders northern Mizoram and southern Manipur.
• Threat to national security:The Myanmar junta has recruited Indian insurgent groups (IIGs) in regions adjoining Manipur and Nagaland to fight against the local PDFs and other groups. The group has been renamed as junta.
• The People’s Liberation Army, one of the groups of IIGs, has been held responsible by India for the deadly attack on an Assam Rifles convoy.
• Rohingya crisis: The Myanmar military has not been able to resolve the Rohingya crisis, which has also been the cause of regional destabiliser.
• Concerns with India’s image: India describes itself as the “mother of democracy”. Its presidency of the G20 is an opportunity to project the voice of the global south. Therefore, India would be in a dilemma in supporting the type of government in Myanmar and representing its stand on it globally.

Way ahead for India:

• Despite these concerns, India has options like it can –
• a)open channels to the democratic forces and to some ethnic groups;
• b)can work more actively with ASEAN;
• c)could open an army-to-army channel with the junta;
• d)increase people to people channels;
• e)offer scholarships to Myanmar students like it did for Afghan students.