Context: ISRO chairperson S Somanath has planned to launch Chandrayaan 4 to bring back samples from the Moon in four years.

Chandrayaan 4: A Next Moon Mission

• After Chandrayaan- 3’s success and Aditya-L1 launch, ISRO aims to bring back moon samples with Chandrayaan-4 in approximately four years.
• ISRO chairperson S Somanath shared this vision while discussing the space agency’s Vision 2047.

About Chandrayaan 4 Mission

• It is a lunar sample return mission that will land and thereafter be able to bring back the sample of the lunar surface.
• Rover:  This mission is expected to be more complex than its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 which had a rover of 30 kg and Chandrayaan-4 plans to land a massive 350 kg rover. 
• The rover will have an exploration area of 1 km x 1 km which is significantly larger than Chandrayaan-3’s 500 meters x 500 meters.
• Landing on the Moon: The Chandrayaan 4 mission aims to perform a precise landing on the Moon’s rim (area yet to be explored).

ISRO’s Future Plans for Space: 

• Bhartiya Antariksh Station:
  • India is aiming to launch its first module of Bhartiya Antariksh Station in 2028.
  • A space station will be capable of conducting experiments with the help of robots.
  • The Prime Minister had previously called on the space agency to set up a space station by 2035 and send a man to the Moon by 2040.
• Inflatable Habitat Module:
  • Inflatable Habitat module is aimed at long duration stays by Indian astronauts in low Earth orbit.
• Satellite Refueling Technology: ISRO  is exploring satellite technologies capable of refueling other satellites in space.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGVL):
  • ISRO is working on designing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGVL) that will have a capacity to carry 16 to 25 T to low Earth orbit.
• Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX):
  • Space Docking Experiment is aimed at demonstrating autonomous docking capability.
  • Objective: To advance technology in orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, and other related fields.

• • Function: Two satellites that are connected to each other will be launched which will separate out , travel for a few kilometres, and then come back and connect.
  • Schedule: The launch is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
• Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LuPEX): 
  • ISRO is collaborating with the Japanese space agency( JAXA) on a lunar mission called LuPEX, which aims to explore the moon’s darker side. 
  • Shadowed areas: LUPEX mission will explore permanently shadowed areas of the lunar south pole.
  • Objectives: The collaboration is aimed at obtaining data on quantity and forms of water present on the moon.

Also Read:

• ISRO Conducts Test Flight (TV-D1) For The Gaganyaan
• Navy, ISRO Release Training Plan For Gaganyaan Crew

News source: Indian Express

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Context: U.S. and the European Union have imposed countervailing duties (CVDs) on four Indian products, in counter to India’s Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme. 

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• Affected Product: 
  • U.S Measure: Paper file folders, common alloy aluminum sheet, and forged steel fluid end blocks.
  • EU Measure: Certain graphite electrode systems
• Earlier, in 2020, the US had removed from a list that gave India preferential treatment by imposing relaxed standards during CVD investigations. This made imposing CVD on Indian products easy. 

What is Countervailing Duty?

• Countervailing Duty (CVD): These are tariffs imposed by the country on imported goods to offset subsidies provided by the home country to the producers of these goods.  
• Purpose: Countervailing Duty islevied by the importing country to level the playing field between the producers in the foreign country and the domestic country, taking the subsidies in note provided by the foreign country. 
• WTO Regulations on Countervailing Duties: The WTO only permits countervailing duties to be charged after the importing nation has conducted an in-depth investigation into the subsidized exports.
• Mechanism in India: Countervailing measures in India are administered by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), in the Department of Commerce , Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

What is RoDTEP Scheme?

• It is a duty and tax remission scheme by the Government of India, which is a successor to the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), and is being implemented from 1st Jan 2021. 
• Objective: Its objective is to provide support to the exporters by providing a reimbursement of taxes, duties and levies on the exported product, which are currently not being refunded under any other mechanism, and thus become embedded in the export. 
• Duration: The scheme has been extended till 30th June 2024 to maintain the competitiveness in the export market. 
• WTO Compatibility: The scheme is WTO compatible and is being implemented in an end-to-end IT environment. 
• Financial Allocation:  For the Financial Year 23-24, a budget of Rs 15,070 crores is available to support this scheme. 

Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry  launched a report titled “Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-Term Framework’.

About Report: Logistics Cost in India Assessment and Long-Term Framework

• The report is  prepared by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) with guidance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) experts.
• Through this report, the government desires to:
  • Develop a scientific logistics cost calculation framework that is inclusive and stands the test of statistical and data-based methods.
  • To calculate credible logistics cost components estimates.
  • Data-based planning and policymaking.

Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-Term Framework: Key Findings of Report

• Outlook: It pegs  India’s logistics cost in the range of 7.8- 8.9%.
• It presents a  baseline aggregated logistics cost estimate and a framework for long-term logistics cost calculation. 
• Data source: It uses secondary data from,
  • The Supply Use Tables
  • National Account Statistics of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) 
  • The NCAER’s 2019 study, “Analysis of India’s Logistics Costs”. 
• Recommendation: It recommends a hybrid approach using primary (covering all trade flows, product types, industry trends, Origin-Destination pairs, etc.) and secondary survey data, as well as real-time Big Data to provide an estimate of logistics cost.

News source: business standard

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Context: Recently, the WHO published the report ‘Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023’.

Key Findings of the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023

• Global Trends
  • Global Decline in Road Crash Deaths: The total number of deaths in road crashes across the globe dropped from 1.25 million to 1.19 million between 2010- 2021.
    • This drop in global road fatalities is significant, since:
      • During the same period, the global motor vehicle fleet grew 160%.
      • The global population increased by nearly 14 billion, or roughly 13%.
  • Ten countries succeeded in reducing road traffic deaths by over 50%.
    • Ten countries include Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Denmark, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Russian Federation, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela)  
  • Short of UN Decade of Action Target for 2030: The efforts to improve road safety are making progress but fall short of meeting the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 target to halve deaths by 2030. 
  • 9 in 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • As of 2019, road crashes were the leading cause of deaths globally among children and youth aged five to 29 years.
  • Regional Distribution:

• India Specific
• • Road accident deaths in India have increased by 15%, while other countries have reported a decline in road fatalities .
  • Total number of road traffic fatalities in India went up to 1.54 lakh in 2021 from 1.34 lakh in 2010. 

Key Recommendation the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023

• Better Infrastructure: The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 emphasizes the need for better infrastructure, as nearly 80% of all assessed roads do not meet a minimum 3-star rating for pedestrian safety.

Steps taken by India for Road Safety

• Legislation: The passage of Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, whose spelled out intent and purpose was to decrease road accidents through strict enforcement, high penalties and use of technology to deter traffic violation. 
• Road Design: Road Safety Audit (RSA) of all highway projects has been made mandatory at all stages, Black spots (accident prone spots) on national highways are being identified and rectified. 
• Emergency Care: Cashless Treatment for accident victims during golden hour in MV (Amendment) Act 2019, Provision of ambulance at all toll plazas of national highway. 
• Awareness: Road Safety Campaigns in partnership with NGOs are being organized to improve awareness about safety rules. 

Also Read:

• WHO Report On Tobacco Control
• WHO Report On The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ Program
• Global TB Report 2023 By World Health Organization (WHO)

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the remainder of the session under Rule 256.

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• Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha moved a resolution under Rule 192 to refer the issue to the committee of privileges of the Rajya Sabha.
• In 2021 , 12 Opposition members were suspended from the Rajya Sabha for unprecedented acts of misconduct, unruly violent behavior and intentional attacks on security personnel.

Process of Suspension of MPs

Also Read: An MP Expelled From Lok Sabha In Cash For Query Case

Implications of Suspension of MPs

• Prohibited to attend the meetings: . Suspended MPs  are not allowed to  enter the chamber or attend any meetings of the committees.
• No notices : Suspended MPs are not allowed to give any notices  for discussions etc
• No replies to questions: By convention a suspended loses its right to get replies to his her questions.

Revocation of Suspension of MPs

Lok Sabha: 

• The Speaker has the authority to suspend a Member, but the power to lift this suspension is not within her jurisdiction. 
• The House, if it wishes, decides through a motion to revoke the suspension.

Rajya Sabha:

• The House by motion terminates the suspension.

Parliamentary Etiquette

• Rules: MPs are advised to adhere to certain rules of the parliament
  • Examples : Lok sabha rule book says that MPs should not intervene in the speech of others.
• Decorum of the house: Members should members should not shout slogans, display placards, tear up documents in protest, and play a cassette or a tape recorder in the House

Judiciary Role in Suspension of MPs

•  Article 122 says that parliamentary proceedings cannot be enquired in the court of law.

News Source: Economic Times

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Context: Recently, Maldives outlined that it will not renew the India-Maldives Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India.

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• As per  India-Maldives Hydrographic Survey Agreement terms, one party can decide not to renew the current agreement six months before it expires in June 2024.
• The third Joint Hydrographic survey by the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) was carried out by Indian Naval Ship Investigator (INS Investigator) from January 19 to February 26, 2023.

About India-Maldives Hydrographic Survey Agreement

• The hydrographic survey agreement was signed on June 8, 2019, during PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives.
• Under the agreement, India was allowed to conduct a comprehensive study of the island nation’s territorial waters, which includes reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels.

Rationale behind non-renewal of Agreement

• Threat to national security and integrity:  It could endanger the country’s national security and integrity by allowing a foreign government access to sensitive geographical data.
  • Further, it plans to improve its own Military’s capacity with 100 % Maldivian management to conduct such surveys

For more Information: India-Maldives Relations

News source: Economic Times

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Context: Recently, the Forest and Environment Minister of Karnataka, revealed that 16 rivers in Karnataka are polluted.

Rivers in Karnataka Highly Polluted

• Major rivers in Karnataka, including Arkavati, Lakshmana Tirtha, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Tunga, Kaveri, Kabini, Kagina, Krishna, Shinsha, Bhima and Netravati had found their names on the list of polluted water bodies. 
• The concentration of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in River Arkavati had soared to more than 30 milligrammes per litre, making it the most polluted river in the state.
• Tungabhadra, Bhadra, and Shinsha rivers, grappling with BOD concentrations of 6-10 mg per litre, were also distressingly contaminated. 
• The remaining eight rivers had relatively lower BOD levels in the 3-6 mg per litre range.

River Pollution: Causes

• Sewage and Discharge: 
  • Industrial Discharge: Factories and industrial plants often discharge chemicals and toxic waste directly into rivers.
  • Urban Runoff: Urban areas contribute pollutants such as oils, grease, heavy metals, and other chemicals through stormwater runoff.
  • Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in agriculture can run off into rivers, especially during rainfall. This runoff can increase nutrient levels in the water, leading to eutrophication.
• Deforestation: Removing trees along riverbanks can increase erosion rates, leading to more sediments and pollutants entering rivers.
• Airborne Pollutants: Pollutants from the air can settle in rivers. This includes particulate matter from vehicles, industries, and natural sources like volcanic ash.

Way Forward

• Establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants: The Karnataka government established 24 Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) strategically placed to purify the contaminated water.
• Citizen Participation and Coordinated effort: Need for sustained public awareness, community involvement and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
• Enhancing Underground Drainage Systems: The underground drainage systems require significant enhancements to improve efficiency and effectiveness. 
  • For Example: the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) emphasized enhancement for municipalities and panchayats to actively engage in the establishment of robust underground drainage systems and STPs. 

News Source: Down to Earth

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Context: India’s Candidate Uma Sekhar was elected to the governing council of the Rome-based International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). 

India’s Triumph at UNIDROIT: Ms. Uma Sekhar Elected to Governing Council of UNIDROIT

• Tenure: She is India’s first woman candidate for the governing council of International Institute for the Unification of Private Law for the period 2024-28.
• In the election for the seat at governing council, she won with an impressive 45 out of 59 votes. 
  • Only 21 votes are needed to be declared elected in the council. 

What is UNIDROIT?

• Origin: Set up in 1926 as an auxiliary organ of the League of Nations.
  • Following the demise of the League,  the Institute was re-established in 1940 on the basis of a multilateral agreement, the UNIDROIT Statute.
• Membership: Membership  of UNIDROIT is restricted to States acceding to the UNIDROIT Statute. 
  • UNIDROIT’s 65 Member States represent a variety of different legal, economic and political systems as well as different cultural backgrounds.
  • India has been a member of UNIDROIT  since 1950.
• UNIDROIT is an independent intergovernmental organization  that deals with international legal issues related to international legal frameworks and modernizing commercial and private laws.
• Funding:  It is financed by annual contributions from its Member States which are fixed by the General Assembly.
• Core Mission: To study needs and methods for modernizing, harmonizing and coordinating international law in the field of private and commercial law and to formulate uniform law instruments, principles and rules to achieve those objectives.
• Governance:
  • Secretariat: It  is the executive organ of UNIDROIT responsible for carrying out its Work Programme from day to day.
  • General Assembly: It is the ultimate decision-making organ of UNIDROIT and  votes on the Institute’s Budget each year.
  • Council: Governing Council consists of 25 positions which are held by distinguished legal experts from different countries for a period of 5 years.

Source: Economic Times

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Context: Procurement of goods and services through the Government e Marketplace (GeM) is expected to reach Rs 3.5 lakh crore by the end of this fiscal year.

More About the news:

• Increase in procurement: This is driven by increased purchasing activities across various Ministries and Departments.
• Procurement by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE):  It contributes to nearly 63% of its total Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). 
  • The purchase by CPSEs on GeM accounted for almost 63% of the entire procurement.
  • In 2023–24, CPSE procurement exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore in just 6.5 months. 

About Government e Marketplace (GeM)

• About: GeM is a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. 
• Aim: Launched in 2016, it aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce
• Mandatory Purchase by Government Entities: The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance.

News Source: Economic times

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Context: According to the World Health Organisation, urgent action is needed to control e-cigarettes to protect children, as well as non-smokers and minimize health harms to the population.

Urgent Action’ Needed to Control E-cigarettes: WHO

• Accessibility of E-Cigarettes: According to WHO, electronic cigarettes have been allowed on the open market and aggressively marketed to young people. 
• Regulation on E-Cigarettes: 34 countries ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (including India), 88 countries have no minimum age at which electronic cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products.
• Usage of electronic cigarettes: Children 13–15-years old are using electronic cigarettes at rates higher than adults in all WHO regions. 

About e-Cigarettes

• Electronic cigarettes: They (electronic nicotine delivery systems -ENDS) come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid.
  • It is also known by other names — vapes, e-hookahs, and e-pipes.
• Electronic cigarettes Aerosol: Electronic cigarettes produce an aerosol that usually contains nicotine flavorings and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. 
• Other Uses: Electronic cigarettes can be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
• Regulation of e-Cigarettes in India: Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. 
  • It was enacted to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes. 

What are the health risks associated with e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and are harmful to health. Whilst long-term health effects are not fully understood, it has been established that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause:

• Cancer and increase the risk of heart and lung disorders. 
  • A 2018 study found the use of electronic cigarettes daily was associated with a 79% increase in heart attack risk after other variables were taken into account.
• Affect brain development and lead to learning disorders for young people. 
• Fetal exposure to electronic cigarettes can adversely affect the development of the fetus in pregnant women. 

News Source: TH

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Context: This article is based on the news “Beyond Jammu and Kashmir: Why many states in India enjoy Special Provisions for Some States” which was published in the Live Mint. Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Article 370 is only a feature of asymmetric federalism, which is not the same as having internal sovereignty.

Fear Among States with Special Provisions for Some States

• Fear among states with Special Provisions for Some States: The Abrogation of Article 370 has triggered discussions about potential amendments to Article 371, causing concerns among states with Special Provisions for Some States about the potential elimination of their distinctive status.
• Temporary Provision: Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Constitution, different from  the special provision like Article 371 with regard to other States.
• Centre’s Assurance: The central government has assured that it has no intention to change any part of the Constitution which gives Special Provisions for Some States to the North East and other regions.
• SC Verdict: The SC upheld the government’s decision to suspend Article 370 and the bench also affirmed Ladakh’s reorganization as a Union Territory. 
• Article 370: Article 370 of the Constitution gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian Union.
  • It restricted the Centre’s legislative powers with respect to the state and gave the state legislature to make its own laws in all matters except for finance, defense, foreign affairs and communications.

Continue Reading: Supreme Court Upheld Abrogation Of Article 370, here. 

Background of Article 371 (Special Provisions for Some States)

• Federal Structure: Constitutionally, India’s governance structure is quasi-federal with a unitary tilt. 
  • While states have autonomy, the Constitution tilts towards the Centre in certain areas. 
• Seventh Schedule of the Constitution: It contains the Union, State and Concurrent lists that prescribe subjects the Centre and states are empowered to legislate upon. 
  • For those in the concurrent list, the Union law would prevail in case of a conflict between the law made by Parliament and the state legislature.
• Inequality Between States: India’s plurality necessitates an arrangement for differentiated equality for states depending on various factors, ranging from fiscal, political and administrative.
• Provisions for SPS: Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the constitution contain Special Provisions for Some States for states (SPS). 
  • Originally, the Constitution did not make any Special Provisions for Some States for these states and the various subsequent amendments have incorporated them. 
• Temporary Provisions: All these exceptions are under a Section of the Constitution titled “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions for Some States,” which indicates that these provisions would be operable till the crisis (either secessionist sentiments or war) ceases. 
  • However, none of the provisions contain an explicit expiry date.

Why special provisions are given for some states?

• Rectify Historical Exploitation: Special Provisions for Some States are a feature of asymmetric federalism which aim to correct the historical injustices faced by some states and ensure equitable development. 
  • For example, Special Provisions for Some States were instituted under Article 371G for Mizoram which faced historical disadvantages particularly concerning its tribal communities. 
• Reducing Socio-Economic Disparities: There are significant variations in the levels of development, infrastructure, and access to resources among states. Special Provisions for Some States help reduce these socio-economic disparities and promote balanced regional growth. 
• Tribal Populations: Many states have a substantial tribal population facing distinct challenges. Special Provisions for Some States protect their rights, preserve their cultures, and promote their overall development.
  • For example, Article 371A (pertaining to Nagaland) provide specific constitutional safeguards that prevent the enforcement of laws that interfere with tribal customary practices, land ownership, and transfers unless approved by the respective State Legislative Assemblies.
• Geographical Challenges: Some states face unique geographical challenges such as difficult terrain, remoteness, or vulnerability to natural disasters. Special Provisions for Some States are designed to address these challenges and support development in such regions.

Special Provisions for Some States in India: Challenges

• Administrative Complexity: Implementing and managing Special Provisions for Some States can be administratively challenging. Coordinating between the central and state governments to ensure effective implementation requires careful planning and execution. There are concessions made to states for reasons other than political necessities. 
  • For example, Article 239AA prescribes for a unique arrangement for the administration of the national capital. It is not a state under the First Schedule to the Constitution, yet has the powers to legislate upon subjects in the state and concurrent lists in the Seventh Schedule.
• May Promote Regionalism: Special statuses sow seeds of regionalism and separatism which impacts national integration. 
  • For example, Mizoram, under Article 371G, has specific protections affecting land ownership and transfer, contributing to a unique regional sentiment.
• Dependency Syndrome: Over reliance on Special Provisions for Some States can create a dependency syndrome, where states become accustomed to receiving special treatment. 
  • This may hinder the development of self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship within those states.
• Financial Burden: Fulfilling the financial requirements of Special Provisions for Some States can strain the resources of both the central and state governments. It may lead to budgetary challenges and, in some cases, limit the allocation of funds for other essential services.

Way Forward

• Promote Economic Self-Sufficiency: There is a need to shift the focus from dependency on Special Provisions for Some States to promoting economic self-sufficiency. 
  • For this, the center needs to encourage states to develop industries, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities, reducing reliance on financial aid.
• Promote Social Harmony and Inclusivity: Emphasize the promotion of social harmony and inclusivity to prevent the rise in the feeling of regionalism and separatism.   
  • For example, fostering a sense of national identity alongside regional identities.
• Ensure Targeted Interventions: Tailor Special Provisions for Some States to address specific needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. 
  • Target interventions based on the unique challenges faced by each state or region, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.
• Adaptive Policies: Recognize that socio-economic conditions change over time and develop policies that adapt to evolving circumstances, ensuring that Special Provisions for Some States remain relevant and effective in addressing contemporary challenges.

Conclusion:

By adopting a holistic and adaptive approach, India can ensure that Special Provisions for Some States contribute to the broader goals of national unity, economic development, and social harmony. 

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Context: This article is based on the news “The CoP-28 deal left a major question out: Who will pay and for what?” which was published in the Live Mint. The UN Climate Summit 2023 or 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded recently.

UN Climate Summit 2023

• UN Climate Summit 2023 or COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting, which took place from November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Learn more about COP28 Climate Summit In Dubai here.

UN Climate Summit 2023: Key Outcomes

• Global Stocktake (GST): The UN Climate summit 2023 or COP28 concluded with an agreement known as the GST advocating for a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
  • Pathway Towards Climate Actions: The GST is considered the key outcome of COP28 as countries can use it to develop stronger climate action plans by 2025.
• Declaration on Fossil Fuels: The draft of the GST directly mentions fossil fuels. 
  • It adopted the declaration on “transitioning away from fossil fuel” and the need to replace fossil fuels with clean energy.
  • This is the first time there has been a clear reference to the future of all fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) in a COP text. 
• Global Methane Pledge: The agreement talks about “accelerating and substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including in particular methane emissions by 2030”.
• Global Goal on Adaptation: The work programme resulted in the identification of some common adaptation goals, important for the entire world.
• Tripling of Renewable Energy: It calls upon countries to contribute to tripling global installed capacity of renewable energy, and doubling of annual improvements in energy efficiency.
• UAE Consensus:  It encourages nations to expedite the reduction of unabated coal power usage.
  • A compromise was reached after India and China strongly opposed coal targeting exclusively.
• Phasing Out Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies: It includes a commitment to “phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions.

• Achieve Net Zero by 2050: It targets global net zero by 2050 by tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
• Reduction of Emissions from Road Transport:  It is to be done through the development of infrastructure and rapid deployment of zero- and low-emission vehicles
  • The draft favored the growth of brown fuels, offering oil-rich nations a business window and providing developing nations some flexibility in their green transition.
• Pledges to Decarbonise the Global Economy: Pledges worth $85 million were made outside the main COP text to accelerate private and public sector action to decarbonize the global economy.

Challenges Remaining Unaddressed at UN Climate Summit 2023

• Transition Limited to Fossil Fuels: The use of “transition away” is limited to fossil fuels in the energy sector, whereas the large petrochemical companies focus on the liquids-to-chemicals pipeline. 
  • Ex-Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, which produced 11.5 million barrels of crude oil daily in 2022, expects that by 2030, 4 million barrels a day will be set aside for chemical production.
• Lack of Commitment to Phase Out all Fossil Fuels: It doesn’t address the demands of small island states, to “phase out” or “phase down” all fossil fuels.
  • The agreement merely urges governments to phase down coal and reduce the use and production of fossil fuels against a total phase-out of all fossil fuels.

• Specific reference to “Transition fuels” for the Energy Transition: Natural gas has been categorized as a ‘transitional fuel,’ a designation criticized by the Global South.
  • Natural gas emits around 70 percent of the carbon that refined petroleum does and 50 percent of what anthracite coal does.
• No Landmark Outcome on Climate Finance: No commitments were made to fund the transition to renewables for lower-income countries.
  • A meager share of funds promised by developed countries in previous COPs were transferred to developing countries.
  • A commitment to mobilize $100 billion a year between 2020 and 2025 was made in 2009.
• Voluntary Nature of L&D Fund: As per the draft, the contribution to the loss and damage fund (L&D Fund) is voluntary.
  • The beneficiaries and benefactors have also not been identified for LDF with the largest polluter-so-far, the US, committing only $17.5 million.
• Exclusive Focus on Phasing Down Unabated Coal: It heightens the risk of exacerbating the North-South global divide,
• Removal of Equity and Human Rights Principles: Rights of Vulnerable communities in developing countries have not been considered through a  just low-carbon transition. 
• Uniform Deadline for Net Zero: A global net zero by 2050 should not imply a net zero for all countries at that time.
  • Developed countries need to reach net zero much earlier (2035-2040) to provide some carbon space for developing countries.
  • Carbon space refers to the atmosphere’s capacity to hold carbon that will not result in temperatures increasing by 1.5 to 2 degrees C by the end of the century. 
• No Consensus on Global Carbon Market: Countries failed to adopt rules to set up a global carbon market GCM) at the UN Climate Summit 2023 or COP28;
  • GCM will allow the trading of carbon credits generated by reducing or removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. 
  • Carbon removal projects can be nature-based, which uses forests, mangroves, and agricultural soil to capture and store carbon, or technology-based solutions such as deploying big machines to such carbon dioxide.
• Bilateral Measures to Reduce GHG: Countries also failed to adopt rules under Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement, which covers bilateral actions between countries to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Though rules under Article 6.2 have not been approved yet, countries such as Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, and others, have already started inking deals.
• Increasing LNG Investments: Despite the International Energy Agency’s warning of a peak in fossil fuel demand, countries are increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
  • These investments pose the risk of carbon lock-in until mid-century and beyond.
• Excessive focus on CCUS: The draft supports GHG removal technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
  • A study by Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and Environment warned that a high CCUS pathway to decarbonization to mitigate half of today’s emissions in the oil and gas industry will cost an additional $30 trillion by 2050, compared to a low CCUS pathway.
  • In addition to being expensive, CCUS has not been promising in lowering emissions. 
  • According to a 2019 study, a CCUS retrofit on a Texas coal plant only decreased carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 10.8% over a 20-year period. 

Challenges for India

• Methane Emission Reduction: The draft calls for substantially reducing global methane emissions by 2030.
  • This is particularly challenging in countries with large agricultural sectors like India, where addressing methane emissions is complex due to the impact on farmers’ livelihoods.
  • It reflects a broader dilemma for the Global South between immediate economic concerns and long-term environmental goals. 
• Economy-wide Emissions Reduction Targets:  As per the agreement, even developing nations should be encouraged to set “ambitious, economy-wide emissions reduction targets” covering all sectors and gases in the next round of targets next year.
  • This marks a departure from the previous focus solely on carbon dioxide and the energy sector.
• Net Zero: The decision will prove challenging for India to comply with its developmental needs.

Way Forward

• New Climate Finance Goal: At COP29, governments must establish a new climate finance goal, considering the rights of the Global South based on the principles of Equity and Justice. 
  • Climate action must be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) considering different national circumstances.
• Focus on Nuclear Energy: Inclusion of nuclear power development as part of the carbon mitigation strategy with as much emphasis as it has placed on renewable energy. . 
  • Despite advancements in power storage technologies, there are concerns about the viability of predominantly relying on renewable energy for power supply.
  • Such a renewables plus nuclear strategy will require a very different mix of public and private investment than the present emphasis on renewables. 
• Making Historical Polluters Accountable:  They must fulfill their historic responsibility of reducing emissions earlier than developing nations and provide the developing countries with the necessary technologies for energy transition.
• India can take the lead in protecting the rights of the Global South just like it led the negotiations against unilateral trade measure CBAM by the EU.
  • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Union(EU) is a discriminatory, unilateral strategy that taxes the entry of steel and other comparable products rather than preventing it. 
• Reduction in Agriculture Emission: Replacing half the animal products we eat with plant-based alternatives may reduce agricultural and land-use greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31 per cent by 2050, and halt the degradation of forest and natural land. 
• Promoting alternative proteins (plant-based food and cultivated meats) improving food security and cutting agrifood emissions.
  • A more sustainable agricultural model can be achieved by encouraging farmers to shift from methane-intensive crops to traditional varieties.
• Addressing Fossil Fuel Emissions from Other Sectors: Fossil fuel emissions from other polluting industries like plastics, fertilizers,etc need to be addressed.

Conclusion:

UN Climate Summit 2023 or COP28 achieved some climate breakthroughs, yet gaps in funding and a lack of full commitment to phasing out fossil fuels underscore the ongoing need for global unity and equitable solutions in the fight against climate change.

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