04-04-2024 CARE mains practice

Topic- Solar Energy:

Introduction:

Solar energy plays a pivotal role in India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, with a goal of achieving a capacity of 175 GW by the end of 2022, expanding to 500 GW by 2030. This translates to a significant annual addition of solar capacity, aiming for at least 40 GW per year until 2030. Additionally, initiatives like the PM Suryodaya Yojana, which aims to provide rooftop solarization to 1 crore households, underscore the government’s commitment to expanding solar energy adoption across the nation. The increased focus on solar energy also amplifies the demand for essential raw materials, particularly solar modules, necessary for solar energy generation.

Body :

• • Steps Taken to Reduce Import Dependency
  • Current trends highlighting reduced import dependency
  • Government Initiatives promoting Domestic Industries
  • Challenges associated with Domestic Manufacturing of Solar Panel
  • Measures to Address Challenges

Conclusion :                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

India’s policy shift towards domestic manufacturing of solar panels represents a bold and strategic step towards achieving its renewable energy targets while reducing dependency on imports from China. However, realizing the full potential of this endeavour requires addressing various challenges and implementing comprehensive measures to promote investment, innovation, and competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing sector. Through strategic collaborations and development of local capabilities India can become a global centre for clean energy manufacturing, boosting sustainable development and economic growth.

UPSC Syllabus Solar Energy:

 

Why was this question asked?

Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose?  (UPSC GS Main 2020)

Introduction

Solar energy plays a pivotal role in India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, with a goal of achieving a capacity of 175 GW by the end of 2022, expanding to 500 GW by 2030. This translates to a significant annual addition of solar capacity, aiming for at least 40 GW per year until 2030. Additionally, initiatives like the PM Suryodaya Yojana, which aims to provide rooftop solarization to 1 crore households, underscore the government’s commitment to expanding solar energy adoption across the nation. The increased focus on solar energy also amplifies the demand for essential raw materials, particularly solar modules, necessary for solar energy generation.

Body Status : 

Steps Taken to Reduce Import Dependency

• Starting from April’22, India has implemented a strategy to reduce imports and stimulate local manufacturing by imposing a 40 percent customs duty on solar modules and a 25 percent duty on solar cells.
• Furthermore, the government has recently adopted The Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019. This order mandates the inspection of module manufacturers’ facilities by the National Institute of Solar Energy. The institute certifies companies as legitimate manufacturers of solar panels within their premises, distinguishing them from those importing modules.
• This strategic shift, combined with the imposition of tariffs, demonstrates India’s commitment to minimizing import dependency and prioritizing the development of its domestic manufacturing capacity.

 

Current trends highlighting reduced import dependency

• As per the report by global energy think tank Ember, India witnessed a significant decline in its solar module imports from China.
• Specifically, the imports plummeted from 9.8 GW in the first half of 2022 to only 2.3 GW during the corresponding period in 2023.
• This marks a departure from global trends, with India experiencing a notable 76 percent drop in solar module imports from China in the first half of 2023.

Government Initiatives promoting Domestic Industries

• Production linked incentive (PLI) scheme on ‘national programme on high efficiency solar PV modules for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt (GW) scale in High Efficiency Solar PV modules.
• Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) gives special incentive package to promote large scale manufacturing in the Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector including solar photovoltaic.
• Solar Park Scheme aims to set up at least 25 Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. Under the scheme, central financial assistance (CFA) of up to ₹25 lakh per solar park for preparation of detailed project report (DPR). Beside this, CFA of up to ₹20 lakh per MW or 30% of the project cost, is also provided on achieving the milestones prescribed in the scheme.

Challenges associated with Domestic Manufacturing of Solar Panel

• First challenge is to ensure that domestically manufactured solar panels remain cost-competitive compared to imported ones. This involves addressing issues related to economies of scale, technology upgradation, and reducing production costs.
• Secondly, Maintenance of high quality and standards as well as adherence to international standards is crucial for gaining consumer trust and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of solar panels.
• Third, developing a robust manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain is essential to meet the growing demand for solar panels. This includes investing in manufacturing facilities, raw material sourcing, logistics, and distribution networks.
• Fourth, a skilled workforce is pre-requisite for the successful operation of manufacturing facilities and to support innovation and technology development in the sector.
• Lastly, development of stable and supportive policies and regulations are crucial for attracting investment and fostering growth in the domestic solar manufacturing sector. Incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and favorable tariffs will be welcoming to encourage domestic production.

Measures to Address Challenges

• Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing by offer financial incentives, subsidies, and tax benefits to domestic manufacturers to make their products more competitive in the market.
• Investment in research and development to improve the efficiency and quality of domestically manufactured solar panels.
• Implementation of training programs and vocational courses to develop a skilled workforce for the solar manufacturing industry.
• Investment in infrastructure development, including manufacturing facilities, technology parks, and supportive infrastructure like power and transportation networks.
• Reduction in bureaucratic hurdles by simplifying regulatory processes associated with the industry.
• Collaborate with international partners for technology transfer, joint ventures, and knowledge sharing to accelerate the growth of the domestic solar manufacturing industry.

Conclusion

India’s policy shift towards domestic manufacturing of solar panels represents a bold and strategic step towards achieving its renewable energy targets while reducing dependency on imports from China. However, realizing the full potential of this endeavour requires addressing various challenges and implementing comprehensive measures to promote investment, innovation, and competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing sector. Through strategic collaborations and development of local capabilities India can become a global centre for clean energy manufacturing, boosting sustainable development and economic growth

Topic- International Relations:

Introduction

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. Since then, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has been characterized by ongoing aggression. In a recent escalation, Hamas gunmen initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza, marking the deadliest in Israel’s history.

Body

• • • • Israel’s military action
      • Impact of Israel’s military campaign on Palestine
      • Diminishing Western support for Israel
      • Contentions in the present scenario

Conclusion

In the near term, achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and in the longer term, reviving talks for a two-state solution are important steps towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully. These actions could help reduce violence, build trust between the parties, and create a conducive environment for negotiations aimed at a lasting and just solution

 

UPSC Syllabus International Relations:

 

Why was this question asked?

Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss (UPSC 2018)

Introduction:

The object of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is to curb the laundering of black money and to save the economy from being destabilised. There was widespread realisation that the black money generated through the flourishing drug trade and integrated into the legitimate economy was likely to destabilise the world economy and endanger the integrity and sovereignty of nations. However, the present judicial approach to the issue of bail in PMLA cases appears to be very technical as per some experts.

Body Status

Israel’s military actions

• Engaged in near-daily battles with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, to Israel’s north.
• Struck Iranian-linked targets in neighboring Syria as well.
• Carried out widespread aerial bombings and launched ground operations along the Gaza-Israel border, targeting Hamas militants.
• Operational goal of defeating Hamas and eliminating all senior officials involved in attack on Israel.

Impact of Israel’s military campaign on Palestine

• The war has displaced some 85% of Gaza’s population, forcing tens of thousands of people into overcrowded shelters.
• The World Health Organization has warned of disease spread in addition to mounting civilian casualties.
• According to the UN, Child malnutrition rates in northern Gaza are particularly extreme.
• More than 120 journalists and media workers have also been killed, as well as over 150 UN employees, the highest number of aid workers killed in any conflict in UN history.
• The military action caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Gaza, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and roads.
• Access to essential goods and services, including food, water, and medical supplies, for the civilian population in Gaza has decreased significantly.
• More than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Diminishing Western support for Israel

• Countries like Norway have strongly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling them disproportionate and a violation of international law.
• The U.S. under President Biden and several other countries has expressed support for a ceasefire.
• Polls have shown net negative views of Israel, in countries such as France, Canada, and the U.K.
• There have been widespread public demonstrations in Western countries in support of Palestine, with people taking to the streets to protest against Israel’s actions and show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Contentions in the present scenario

• More than 120 men, women, and children abducted by Hamas are civilians
• They included elderly people and those with disabilities and medical conditions.
• Hamas has demanded withdrawal of Israel out of the Gaza Strip, lifting the blockade and prisoner exchange.

Conclusion

In the near term, achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and in the longer term, reviving talks for a two-state solution are important steps towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully. These actions could help reduce violence, build trust between the parties, and create a conducive environment for negotiations aimed at a lasting and just solution.