India's Green Investment Growth

India is projected to significantly increase its investments in green infrastructure and energy projects, with a five-fold growth expected over the next five years, reaching Rs 31 trillion by 2030, according to CRISIL. This growth is driven by government announcements, corporate plans, and on-ground progress.

Green Investment Breakdown

• Renewable Energy (RE): Rs 18.8 lakh crore
• Oil and Gas: Rs 3.3 trillion
• Transport and Automotive: Rs 4.1 trillion

Net-Zero Goals and NDC Commitments

• India requires $10 trillion investments by 2070 to achieve net-zero goals.
• The Updated First Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement includes: 
  • A 45% reduction in the carbon intensity of GDP by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • Increasing the share of cumulative installed power capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based resources to 50%.

Decarbonisation in Road Transport

The road segment is a major contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 90% of CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. CRISIL suggests a multi-faceted approach for decarbonisation, including:

• Creation of green financing pools through government-backed green bonds.
• Establishment of a national decarbonisation fund and public-private partnerships.
• Innovative financing like asset monetisation, which has raised over Rs 1.1 trillion for National Highways Authority of India.
• Funds should focus on sustainable construction materials, IoT-enabled road management, and green logistics hubs, with an emphasis on high-traffic corridors initially.

Renewable Energy in Indian Railways

Increased central budget allocations will lead to rapid growth in the production of renewable energy by Indian Railways, aiding in achieving net-zero carbon emissions and reducing operational costs. This will require:

• Supportive government policies, including subsidies for renewable energy and streamlined approvals.

Emerging Technologies and Financing

• For high-risk projects like green hydrogen, CCUS, and energy storage, government grants and incentives are essential.
• Private sector participation, specialised climate/venture funds, and multilateral involvement will play a crucial role.
• Blended finance and first-loss guarantee structures through multilateral organizations will help scale these technologies.

Water Cycle and Groundwater

Water is continuously moving through processes such as melting, evaporating, condensing, and circulating within the Earth's systems. This dynamic cycle involves water seeping into the soil and accumulating in underground reservoirs, which become essential sources of groundwater.

Advancements in the 20th Century

• Water Well Drilling: Significant advancements in drilling technology allowed for the extraction of larger quantities of groundwater.
• Pumping Technology: Enhanced pumping systems facilitated efficient groundwater extraction.
• Energy Access: Improved access to energy supported the widespread use of these technologies.
• Geological Knowledge: Better understanding of geological formations aided in identifying and accessing groundwater resources.

Importance of Groundwater

• Human Well-being: Groundwater is a critical resource that supports human health and livelihoods.
• Economic Development: It plays a vital role in boosting economic activities, especially in urban areas.

Despite its significance, groundwater is often misunderstood, undervalued, and poorly managed, posing challenges for sustainable usage.

Current Dependence

• Nearly 50 per cent of the world's urban population relies on groundwater, highlighting its critical importance.

Supreme Court Inquiry on Mining Practices

The Supreme Court of India, in 2019, raised concerns regarding the possibility of illegal mining operations continuing without the involvement of officials. This inquiry was a part of their examination following the incident of 15 miners trapped in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills in December 2018.

Report by NGT Monitoring Committee

• The committee highlighted that despite an official ban, the demand for coal in the northeast for cement and thermal power plants supported the illegal rat-hole mining activities.

State Authorities' Involvement

• State authorities have occasionally recognized and celebrated rat-hole miners, as observed in 2023, where miners from Assam were brought in to assist with a rescue operation in Uttarkashi.
• This highlights a contradiction where traditional miners were relied upon after modern technology and professional expertise failed in rescue efforts.

Recurring Pattern of Mining Accidents

• There is a cyclical pattern of accidents, such as the Dima Hasao operation, where attempts to save those trapped often end in either success or failure.
• This pattern leads to temporary awareness that fades until the next mining disaster occurs.

Chinese Aggression on the India-China Border

Recent incidents along the China-India border have highlighted significant vulnerabilities that threaten India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Key Developments

• The Chinese government announced the construction of a dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river (Brahmaputra).
• Creation of two new counties in north-eastern Ladakh by China.Implications
• Potential reduction in water and silt for downstream countries, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity in India and Bangladesh.
• Risk of devastating floods during the monsoon season or geopolitical tensions.

India's Response

• India is investing $1 billion in 12 hydropower stations in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Monitoring the situation and preparing to safeguard national interests.

China's Strategic Moves

• Ongoing strategy of cartographic aggression to assert control over disputed territories.
• Standardization of 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.

International law does not recognize territorial claims based solely on cartographic assertions. Effective administrative control and sovereignty are essential for ownership of contested territories.

Broader Regional Impact

• South Asian countries like Nepal and Bhutan also face Chinese territorial encroachments.
• China's unilateral actions on transboundary rivers threaten water security in the region.

Recommended Approaches

• India should take the lead in fostering a collective response to China's actions.
• A unified strategy involving regional forums and enhanced diplomatic coordination is crucial.

A comprehensive strategy involving diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation is essential for safeguarding India's sovereignty and regional security.

Rahul M. Lad, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, JSPM University, Pune

U.S. Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities

The United States recently removed restrictions on three significant Indian nuclear entities as part of enhancing civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations. The entities involved are:

• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
• Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
• Indian Rare Earths (IRE)

Objectives and Impact

• The removal of these restrictions aims to facilitate closer cooperation in securing critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.
• This aligns with the strategic direction of the U.S.-India partnership, as stated by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Matthew Borman.
• The move supports U.S. foreign policy by reducing barriers to advanced energy cooperation, including research and development in science and technology.

Internal Migration in India

Migration plays a significant role in socio-economic development. According to the 2011 Census, 37% of India's population consists of internal migrants, which marks an increase from 31% in 2001. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) also reported an increase in migration from 25% in 1993 to 29% in 2007-08. The Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21 estimates the migration rate at 28.9%.

Rural and Urban Migration Disparities

• Rural Migration Rate: 26.5%
• Urban Migration Rate: 34.9%
• The dominant form of migration is rural-urban, primarily due to better employment opportunities in urban areas and issues like poverty and unemployment in rural areas.

Trends in Internal Migration

There are notable regional differences in migration patterns:

• Intra-district Migration: Most prevalent form.
• Inter-state and Inter-district Migration: Increasing due to poverty and illiteracy in certain regions.
• States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab with higher per capita Net State Domestic Product attract more migrants.
• Economically backward states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha are major sources of migrants.

Regional Stories of Migration

Different regions have unique migration patterns:

• Kerala: Attracts migrants from Northern, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions due to livelihood opportunities.
• Uttarakhand: Has "ghost villages" due to large-scale emigration caused by lack of employment and natural disasters.

The Paradox of Internal Migration

Remittances play a critical role in improving the economic well-being of households in source areas:

• Internal migrants contribute to two-thirds of remittances.
• Age is a crucial determinant, with individuals aged 15-45 years sending 25-60% of total remittances.
• Challenges for migrant-receiving states include pressure on housing, water, and sanitation.

Challenges and Policies for Migrants

Social and economic challenges hinder upward mobility for migrants:

• Migrants face caste and class hierarchies, landlessness, and debt.
• Migrant workers often have little access to social protection and security benefits.
• Policies addressing these challenges include the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008, Maternity Benefits Act 1961 (Amendment 2017), and others.

Effective implementation of these policies can enhance opportunities and protection for informal migrant workers.

Supreme Court Ruling on Restitution of Conjugal Rights and Maintenance

The Supreme Court has ruled that proceedings on the restitution of conjugal rights and maintenance are independent, and a husband must continue to pay maintenance to his wife even if she refuses a decree for restitution of conjugal rights. This ensures a wife is entitled to financial support despite separation due to such decrees.

Law on Restitution of Conjugal Rights

• Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Allows a spouse to petition for restitution if the other withdraws from their society without a reasonable excuse.
• The law aims to maintain the traditional family unit, but it has been contentious, with the Andhra Pradesh High Court questioning its relevance in 1983.
• A constitutional challenge remains pending since 2019, questioning the provision's modern-day validity.

Case Background

• The wife left the matrimonial home in 2015, with the husband filing for restitution in 2018.
• In 2019, the wife sought maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, citing neglect.
• The family court ruled for restitution in 2022, but the wife did not comply, leading to a maintenance order of Rs 10,000 per month.
• This order was quashed by the Jharkhand High Court in 2023, which was later challenged in the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court's Decision

• The SC overturned the HC's decision, emphasizing independent consideration of maintenance and conjugal rights cases.
• Past rulings demonstrate a tendency to favor maintenance, even with non-compliance of restitution decrees.
• Each case must consider individual circumstances to determine the wife's entitlement to maintenance.

Legal Debate on Conjugal Rights

• The 1983 AP High Court ruling viewed Section 9 as coercive, but the SC upheld its social purpose in 1984.
• The provision faces criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes and violating privacy.
• The Centre argues the law is gender-neutral and provides a non-coercive remedy for marital disputes.

Substantive hearings on the constitutionality of Section 9 are pending, highlighting ongoing legal debates and societal implications.

India's Trade Deficit and Export-Import Overview

India's trade deficit for December widened to $21.94 billion, compared to $18.76 billion in the previous year, with merchandise exports contracting for the second consecutive month, showing a 0.99% year-on-year decline to $38.01 billion.

• Gold imports in December were valued at $4.7 billion.
• Merchandise trade deficit showed a reduction compared to November.
• The government's revision of November's gold import values, due to a double counting issue, brought down the trade deficit to $32.8 billion from an earlier $37.8 billion.
• December 2023 saw gold imports worth $3 billion, with overall imports increasing by 5% year-on-year to $59.95 billion.

Export Growth and Challenges

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism about export growth, suggesting that exports could exceed $800 billion, with current figures nearing $200 billion per quarter.

• India's goods and services exports for October-December totaled $208 billion.
• Key sectors like petroleum, gems and jewellery, and chemicals saw a contraction in December.
• Pertinent challenges included commodity and metal price volatility, trade disruptions, and geopolitical tensions affecting logistics.

Specific Export Sector Insights

• Petroleum product exports fell by 28.62% in December, with a 20.84% decline year-on-year for the fiscal year-to-date.
• Electronics goods exports reached a 24-month high of $3.5 billion in December.
• Readymade garments exports grew by 12.8%, reaching $1.46 billion.

International Trade Agreements

India is actively engaging in discussions to strengthen international trade agreements.

• Talks with the UK on a proposed foreign trade agreement are scheduled for early February.
• Negotiations to review the free trade agreement with ASEAN commence on February 10 in Indonesia.
• The next round of FTA talks with the EU is scheduled for March 10-14 in Brussels.
• India and the Eurasian Economic Union, comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, are finalizing terms for a free trade agreement.

Faceless Appeal Scheme (FAS)

In 2020, the Government of India introduced the Faceless Appeal Scheme (FAS) to automate tax administration at the I-T commissioners (appeal) level. 

Challenges and Issues

• Huge Pendency: As of April 1, 2024, there were 5.5 lakh pending appeals, with over 3 lakh filed more than two years ago.
• Repeat Notices: Taxpayers face repeated requests for written support, yet no notice for a hearing is issued. Virtual hearing requests are often ignored.
• Blockage of Working Capital:
  • Taxpayers must deposit 20% of disputed tax demands when filing appeals.
  • Delays in resolving appeals financially strain taxpayers, affecting operations, particularly for MSMEs.
• Multiple Appeals: Delays cause tax officers to make similar assessments in subsequent years, escalating disputes and increasing pendency.

Steps Taken

• New Authority: The Finance Act 2023 introduced the joint commissioner of I-T (appeals) (JCIT(A)) to alleviate NFAC/CIT(A) burdens. However, progress has been minimal.

Recommendations

• A specific, mandatory time limit for appeal disposal is suggested, similar to the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) mechanism's nine-month timeframe.
• A proposed amendment could set a 15-month limit for NFAC/CIT(A) to resolve appeals.

Redefining Job Definitions in India

India needs to redefine the concept of a 'job' to include self-employed individuals and women engaged in household chores, as stated by Labour and Employment ministry. This change aims to enhance the female labour force participation rate in the country.

Key Points and Proposals

• Synergy in Thoughts and Actions: Mandaviya emphasized the need for the government and industry to work in concert to meet future workforce requirements.
• Taskforce for Workforce Analysis: A proposal to establish a taskforce to analyze sector-specific skilled worker requirements in India.
• Industry as a Skill Training Establishment: Suggestion to grant industries the status of an establishment to provide skill training tailored to their needs, thus creating demand-driven trained manpower.
• Impact of High Growth Rate: India's growth rate of 7-8% is expected to increase purchasing power, thereby boosting consumption, manufacturing, and demand for skilled workers.
• Mindset and Skill Enhancement: There is a need to change the youth's mindset and align skill enhancement programs with industry requirements.

Employment-linked Incentive Scheme

• The scheme, announced in the budget for 2024-25, involves cluster-wise mapping of manpower needs.
• Hub and Spoke Model: Skills training will be delivered through this model, with courses tailored to specific requirements in each cluster.

Mission Mausam Explained

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, will complete 150 years of service. To commemorate this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mission Mausam on January 14.

Objective of Mission Mausam

• Upgrade capabilities in forecasting, modelling, and dissemination.
• Enhance disaster management capabilities through advanced meteorology.
• Budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years of implementation.

Impact Areas

• Improves weather surveillance and forecasting.
• Directly benefits sectors such as agriculture, aviation, defence, disaster management, tourism, and health.

Mission Mausam aims to offer comprehensive coverage of all weather and forecasting services in India.

Achievements and Comparisons

• Relates to Mission Monsoon (2012) for monsoon prediction improvements.
• Current IMD accuracy: 
  • Heatwaves: 97.99% accuracy for forecasts up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Heavy rainfall: Approximately 80% accuracy.

Additional Functions of Mission Mausam

• Manage weather events such as enhancing or suppressing rainfall, hail, fog, and later lightning strikes.
• Strengthen research in cloud physics with a focus on weather modification.
• Establishing a first-of-its-kind cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

The cloud chamber will allow studies on seed particles forming cloud droplets or ice particles under controlled conditions, with convection properties essential for studying Indian monsoon clouds.

Oversight and Implementation

Mission Mausam will be overseen by three institutions funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
• National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, Noida