GS Analyst: Daily Editorial In Brief

Context:

The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration has drawn consensus on, no to nuclear weapons use or threat, signaling support for a global ‘No-first-use policy’.

The G20 Declaration's Significance

• Recognition of Nuclear Threat: The New Delhi Declaration emphasized the inadmissibility of using or threatening to use nuclear weapons, even in the context of the ongoing Ukraine War.
• Security-Economic Connection: Despite being primarily an economic forum, the declaration highlighted the interconnectedness of security and the economy, underscoring the severe consequences of wars and conflicts onpeople, peace, and prosperity.
• Hypocrisy in Actions: While the G20 declaration sends a hopeful message, the actions of major powers, such as the USA, China, and Russia, contradict their commitments. These nations have used force and violated the sovereignty of other countries.

India's Opportunity for Leadership

• Global Existential Threats: Nuclear weapons, alongside climate change, are identified as primary global existential threats. The endorsement by all G20 nations that nuclear weapon use or threat is inadmissible presents an opportunity for India to take a leadership role.
• Adherence to No First Use (NFU): India and China are unique among nuclear powers for consistently adhering to a No First Use (NFU) policy. This puts them in a position to lead efforts for a ‘Global No First Use Treaty (GNFU)’.
• Holding Nuclear Powers Accountable: India can leverage the support of G20 members to encourage nuclear powers like the USA, UK, and France to commit to NFU policies, ultimately contributing to global peace and security.

Challenges

• Partnering with China: Collaborating with China on the GNFU Treaty may pose challenges due to existing tensions and China's reluctance to engage with India on nuclear issues. However, diplomatic efforts should be made to bridge this gap.
• Drafting the GNFU Treaty: Regardless of China's participation, India can work on drafting a GNFU Treaty that outlines the commitment to never use orthreaten to use nuclear weapons, further solidifying India's commitment to global peace.
• Challenges from Major Powers: The USA's military doctrines and concerns about extended deterrence present obstacles to adopting NFU policies. Overcoming these challenges requires diplomatic efforts to change the mindset of nuclear-armed nations.

Context:

The organizations that help turn scientific knowledge into wealth through technology need significant improvements to boost India's economy.

India's Potential in Science and Technology

• Growing Economy, Lagging Innovation: India, as the world's fifth-largest economy, aims to rise further but faces a lag in innovation, science, and technology compared to its economic size.
• Historical Shortcomings: The underperformance in these fields results from academia and industry not contributing sufficiently to national research and development (R&D) efforts.
• Positive Signs: Correcting past errors, India has seen the "Make in India" campaign gain momentum, increasing global merchandise exports. Additionally, efforts to improve patent infrastructure and bilateral agreements in science and technology reflect strategic priorities.

Building Momentum for "Invent in India"

• National Research Foundation's Role: The newly established National Research Foundation (NRF) is expected to address the need for significant changes in institutions facilitating the conversion of scientific knowledge into wealth.
• Reforms' Urgency: India, with its rich human capital, has underperformed in science and technology.
• Critical Parameters for Overhaul: Three key parameters should guide the overhaul: prioritizing merit and quality in human capital, integrating teaching and research, and implementing a barbell strategy for funding research projects.

Implementing Reforms in Science Culture

• Merit and Quality Emphasis: Reforms must prioritize human capital's merit and quality for staffing and administration in scientific institutions. Retaining top talent and attracting global talent is vital.
• Integrating Teaching and Research: Research labs should collaborate with universities and science parks to bridge the gap between teaching and research, fostering a merit-driven admissions system.
• Cultural Reboot: The culture of science should promote collegiality, controlled risk-taking, and impartial peer review to encourage innovation and quality.

Context:

As per a recentstudy found that during the winters in the capital, the main cause of air pollution is not vehicular smoke, but actually the burning of natural materials like wood and plants.

Air Pollution's Impact on Lives

• Dire Consequences of Air Pollution:The 2023 ‘AQLI report by the University of Chicago’ reveals air pollution in Delhi reduces lifespan by 11.9 years, highlighting health risks.
• A Deteriorating Situation: An earlier report warned of a nine-year life expectancy reduction in northern India due to persistently high pollution levels.
• Lack of Progress: Environmental discussions lack progress, with narrow focuses and dominant voices, impeding effective action on pressing air pollution concerns.

Identifying the True Causes of Air Pollution

• Misplaced Blame: Vehicular emissions wrongly accused as Delhi's main pollution source; rain improvements suggest dust and biomass burning culprits.
• Dust and Biomass Impact: Studies find dust and biomass burning significantly pollutes air, challenging vehicle-centric focus.
• Neglected Debate: Dominance of "vehicles-pollute-Delhi" narrative stifles discussions about alternative pollution causes like dust and biomass burning.

Addressing the Root Causes

• Urbanization's Impact: Rampant urbanization in India marked by encroachment, corruption, and unregulated construction, fuels environmental degradation like waste dumping and water contamination.
• Vehicle Ownership Reality: India's low vehicle ownership (8% of households) contrasts with cleaner Western cities with more cars per household.
• Neglected Priorities: Excessive focus on vehicle emissions sidelines critical issues like illegal urbanization and environmental consequences, leaving people to suffer.

Context:

At COP28, developing countries should consider the target only if the North commits to equitable absolute targets domestically.

Global Renewable Energy (RE) Targets

• COP28's Renewable Energy Target: COP28 aims to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, reflecting in the G-20 declaration, but complexities arise.
• Current Global Renewable Capacity: In 2021, RES had 39% installed capacity but contributed only 28% to total electricity generation, led by hydropower.
• Tripling Capacity Implications: Achieving 9000 GW RES by 2030, largely from solar and wind, raises feasibility and energy demand questions.

Regional Variations and Energy Demand Growth

• Diverse Electricity Demand: Electricity demand varies widely among countries, with developing nations like China and India experiencing rapid growth.
• Impact on Nations: The RE target affects countries differently, with the U.S. and EU needing a smaller share compared to India.
• Challenges in Equal Distribution: Unequal burden distribution can be challenging for developing nations, requiring significant infrastructure development.

Equity and Accountability in Renewable Energy Targets

• Origin of Global RE Target: The origin of COP28's global RE target is uncertain but likely influenced by IRENA's report, reflecting the outlined inequitable scenario.
• Issues with Absolute Projections: Absolute capacity projections disconnected from energy demand growth pose challenges. Relative targets are considered safer. Resource allocation for grids and climate finance remains problematic.
• Lack of Domestic Targets: Leading proponents like the U.S. and EU lack absolute domestic targets, relying on market signals. Developing nations should consider the target only if developed countries commit to equitable domestic targets.