BRICS functions as a collaborative force aimed at establishing a multipolar world system. Cooperation in science, technology and innovation has been a key agenda for the grouping and has expanded over the years to include socially relevant areas such as energy, water, health and the environment

2. About BRICS

• The BRICS bloc—consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents a major global coalition, distinguished by its significant share in world GDP, strong scientific and technological capabilities, abundant natural resources, and large population base.
• Over time, it has emerged as an influential platform on the global stage, articulating the perspectives of nations that aim to counterbalance Western dominance. The grouping works collectively toward promoting a multipolar international order.
• While its role in global financial and macroeconomic discussions is well acknowledged, its collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) has received comparatively limited attention.
• In an era where international scientific partnerships are increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalries, techno-nationalism, and strategic restrictions such as sanctions and export controls, BRICS plays an important role in shaping the global STI ecosystem.
• The platform enables member countries to align their approaches, strengthen their collective bargaining power in global economic governance, and shape development financing through mechanisms such as the New Development Bank.
• BRICS nations also hold considerable importance in global trade, energy supply, and the provision of critical natural resources. The introduction of BRICS+ in 2022 marked a shift toward greater inclusivity, aiming to enhance cooperation among countries of the Global South and reduce reliance on external technological systems.
• This initiative reflects a growing effort to build shared capabilities through structured programmes. The grouping has further expanded to include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran

4. Concerns and Consequences

• When compared with countries such as South Korea, the National Innovation Systems (NIS) of BRICS nations reveal a mixed picture of capabilities and gaps.
• In particular, gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) remains relatively low across most members, with China being a notable exception.
• Studies indicate a substantial gap between BRICS countries and South Korea across multiple innovation metrics, with all members except China needing significant progress.
• With the transition to BRICS+, it becomes equally important to evaluate and strengthen the innovation ecosystems of the newly inducted members. Enhancing these systems could become a key priority over the coming decade, with the possibility of extending such improvements across the wider Global South.
• As highlighted by Stanford University scholar Irina Dezhina, the diversity among new members—both in terms of economic advancement and scientific capabilities—poses challenges in aligning priorities.
• This diversity may require BRICS+ to promote targeted bilateral or “paired” collaborations between specific countries.
• Lessons can also be drawn from the European Union (EU), which offers a broad range of STI programmes, whereas BRICS currently provides relatively limited opportunities.
• Moreover, although competition for available funding is high, the overall pool of resources remains constrained.
• Scholars argue that BRICS initiatives must evolve qualitatively to effectively address complex global challenges.
• At present, however, systematic research on STI cooperation within BRICS is limited, and there is no structured mechanism for continuous assessment and evidence-based policy inputs for member states

 NAVIC SATELLITE

1. Context 

2. Key Takeaways

• Each of the seven satellites currently in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) Constellation, operationally named NavIC, weighed much less around 1, 425 kg at liftoff.
• They all rode the lighter Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO's workhorse launch rocket.
• The last IRNSS Satellite, IRNSS-1I, was launched in April 2018 to replace an older, partially defunct satellite in the constellation.
• IRNSS-1I was ISRO's ninth satellite for the NavIC constellation but is considered to be the eighth because the IRNSS-1H launched eight months earlier in August 2017 and originally intended to replace the older satellite was lost after the heat shield of the payload failed to open on time.

Image source: ISRO

3. About the second generation NavIC satellite

• The second-generation satellite christened NVS-01, the first of ISRO's NVS series of payloads is heavier. Other than that:
  Atomic Clock: The satellite will have a Rubidium atomic clock onboard, a significant technology developed by India.
• The Space-qualified Rubidium Atomic clock indigenously developed by Space Application Centre-Ahmedabad is an important technology which only a handful of countries possess.
• L1 signals for better use in wearable devices: The Second-generation satellites will send signals in a third frequency, L1, besides the L5 and S frequency signals that the existing satellites provide, increasing interoperability with other satellite-based navigation systems.
• The L1 frequency is among the most commonly used in the Global Positioning System (GPS) and will increase the use of the regional navigation system in wearable devices and personal trackers that use low-power, single-frequency chips.
• Longer mission life:  The second-generation satellites will also have a longer mission life of more than 12 years. The existing satellites have a mission life of 10 years.

4. Significance of the atomic clock on board the NVS-01 payload

• Several of the existing satellites stopped providing location data after their onboard atomic clocks failed this was the main reason for the launch of the replacement satellite in 2018.
• Since a satellite-based positioning system determines the location of objects by accurately measuring the time it takes for a signal to travel to and back from it using the atomic clocks on board, the failure of clocks means the satellites are no longer able to provide accurate locations.
• Currently, only four IRNSS satellites can provide location services, according to ISRO officials.
• The other satellites can only be used for messaging services such as providing disaster warnings or potential fishing zone messages for fishermen.

5. The age of the satellites

• This is the second major concern, besides the failing atomic clocks.
• IRNSS-1A was launched into orbit on July 1, 2013, and the 1B and 1C satellites were launched the following year.
• 1A is almost defunct- the failed 1H mission of 2018 was intended to replace this satellite and all the three oldest satellites in the constellation are close to the end of their 10-year mission lives.
• At least three new satellites must be put into orbit to keep the seven-satellite constellation fully functional.

6. NAvIC constellation 

• ISRO has been criticised by experts for not focussing on the development of the user segment until very late in the life of some of the satellites in the constellation.
• No receivers were developed for the NavIC system, even though the satellites were sending signals.
  A 2018 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India said that even though the Cabinet cleared funding of Rs 200 crores to develop user receivers in 2006, work on the project started only in March 2017, by which time seven launches had already taken place.
• The receivers have now been developed and NavIC is in use for projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information systems and fishermen's safety.
• Other upcoming initiatives such as common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, and unmanned aerial vehicles are in the process of adopting the NavIC system.
• Some cell phone chipsets such as the ones built by Qualcomm and Media Tek integrated NavIC receivers in 2019.
• The Ministry of Electronics and IT is in talks with smartphone companies to urge them to make their handsets NavIC compatible.

7. Advantage of having a regional navigation system

• India is the only country that has a regional satellite-based navigation system.
• There are four global satellite-based navigation systems the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), the European Galileo and the Chinese Beidou.
• Japan has a four-satellite system that can augment GPS signals over the country, similar to India's GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation).
• Once fully operational with ground stations outside India for better triangulation of signals NavIC open signals will be accurate up to 5 meters and restricted signals will be even more accurate.
• GPS signals by contrast are accurate up to around 20 meters. Work is underway to set up ground stations in Japan, France and Russia.
• NavIC provides coverage over the Indian landmass and up to a radius of 1, 500 km around it.
• In this region, NavIC signals will likely be available in even hard-to-reach areas.
• Unlike GPS, NavIC uses satellites in high geo-stationery orbit the satellites move at a constant speed relative to Earth, so they are always looking over the same region on Earth.
• NavIC signals come to India at a 90-degree angle, making it easier for them to reach devices located even in congested areas, dense forests or mountains.
• GPS Signals are received over India at an angle.
• With the use of NavIC picking up, the government has been looking at the possibility of increasing the coverage area of the system.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ

 

 

1. Context

 

Widening of the war and restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Republic are the actions of a regime deploying the leverage it has accumulated over decades, not the desperate thrashing of a system on the verge of collapse

 

2. What is the Strait of Hormuz?

 

• The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically significant and narrow maritime passage situated between Iran and Oman, serving as a link between the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has labeled it as the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 20% of global liquid petroleum fuels and a substantial portion of LNG trade pass. In May, more than 45% of India’s crude oil imports were estimated to have transited through this strait. Given that India is the third-largest consumer of crude oil globally and imports over 85% of its oil needs, the strait plays a crucial role in its energy security.

• Data from the commodity analytics firm Kpler indicates that, as of June, India has been importing over 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Russia, which constitutes more than 41% of its total oil imports.

• While oil imports from the U.S. have shown a steady rise, supplies from West Asian nations such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait have remained relatively consistent. Many of these shipments were likely planned prior to the recent escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, and therefore, may not reflect the impact of the current geopolitical developments.

• Over the past two to three years, India has notably adjusted its oil import strategy. Russia has emerged as India’s top crude supplier, overtaking traditional exporters from West Asia. Importantly, Russian oil bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, as it is mainly transported via alternative sea routes like the Suez Canal and Red Sea, and sometimes through the Cape of Good Hope or Pacific Ocean routes.

 

3. Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important for India?

 

• India’s current oil procurement approach already demonstrates a diversified and risk-mitigated strategy, especially in light of uncertainties in West Asian oil routes, with Russian crude now making up the largest share of India’s import basket.

• After recent U.S. air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament passed a resolution on Sunday advocating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil transportation. The final decision on this move now lies with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

• Although Iran has repeatedly issued threats in the past to shut the strait, it has never acted on them. Even in the present context, industry analysts consider the likelihood of an actual blockade to be low. Nevertheless, the increased risk perception surrounding the potential closure is expected to trigger global alarm, including in India, by raising concerns over the security of oil and gas supplies and potentially driving up global energy prices.

 

4.How does the Israel-Iran conflict pose a threat to global oil and gas flows?

 

 

• The Israel-Iran conflict poses a significant threat to global oil and gas flows due to the geopolitical sensitivity and strategic location of the region. At the heart of this issue lies the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow but crucial maritime passage through which nearly 20% of the world’s petroleum and a substantial share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are transported.
• Iran borders this strait and has, over the years, repeatedly threatened to block it during periods of heightened tension, including in response to military actions or sanctions.
• When hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate—such as through air strikes, proxy conflicts, or cyber warfare—it increases the likelihood of retaliation from Iran that could involve disrupting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Even if Iran does not fully close the strait, the mere threat or perception of such an action is enough to cause volatility in global energy markets. Tanker insurance rates rise, shipping routes are reconsidered, and countries heavily dependent on oil imports, like India, become increasingly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price shocks.
• Furthermore, any military conflict in this region risks damaging key infrastructure such as refineries, pipelines, or export terminals in the broader West Asian region.
• This would constrain oil production and distribution, affecting both the availability and price of crude oil and gas worldwide. Global markets respond quickly to these risks, often resulting in immediate spikes in prices due to concerns over supply security.
• In summary, the Israel-Iran conflict amplifies the risk to global oil and gas flows by potentially destabilizing a region that is central to global energy supply chains. It heightens fears of supply disruptions, increases market speculation, and threatens the economic stability of energy-importing countries, making it a matter of both geopolitical and economic concern

 

For Prelims: Strait of Hormuz,  Persian Gulf, Energy Information Administration (EIA), liquefied natural gas (LNG)   For Mains: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) Malacca Strait (b) Bering Strait (c) Strait of Florida (d) Strait of Gibraltar Answer (b) The International Date Line (IDL) roughly follows the 180° longitude, which lies in the Pacific Ocean, deviating slightly to accommodate international boundaries. The Bering Strait lies between Russia and Alaska, and it is very close to the 180° meridian, making it the closest strait to the International Date Line. Here's why the other options are incorrect: Malacca Strait – Lies between Malaysia and Indonesia, far west of the IDL. Strait of Florida – Lies between the U.S. (Florida) and Cuba, in the Atlantic Ocean. Strait of Gibraltar – Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and Morocco, far from the IDL.

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

REMOVAL OF CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER

 

 

 

1. Context

 

The more serious point about his ‘misconduct’ is his partisanship. All you need to recall is his press conference on ‘vote chori’ where he exhorted the Leader of the Opposition to file an affidavit or offer an apology to the nation.

 

 

2. Process of appointment

 

• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a three-member selection panel, which includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and a Union Cabinet Minister.
• As per the 2023 Act, the appointees must be former secretary-level officers in the Government and should be individuals of proven integrity, with adequate knowledge and experience in managing and conducting elections.
• Their tenure is fixed at six years or until they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CEC is entitled to the same privileges, service conditions, and salary as a judge of the Supreme Court

 

3. Process of removal

• Article 324(5) of the Constitution provides that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
• This safeguard is reiterated in Section 11(2) of the 2023 Act. The provision also specifies that an Election Commissioner or Regional Commissioner may be removed only if the CEC recommends it.
• This high threshold was intentionally designed to insulate the Election Commission of India (ECI) from political influence.
• Under Article 124(4) of the Constitution, which outlines the removal procedure for Supreme Court judges, removal is permitted solely on grounds of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
• Misbehaviour generally refers to corrupt acts, abuse of power, or conduct inconsistent with the role of the CEC, while incapacity denotes the inability to carry out official duties.
• The process begins with a notice of motion in either House of Parliament, explicitly alleging misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Once admitted, a committee of enquiry investigates the charges. For the motion to succeed, it must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament.
• If the motion passes, the President formally removes the CEC. In this matter, the President has no discretionary power, acting strictly in accordance with Parliament’s decision

 

4.Constitution and Election Commission of India

 

The Constitution includes a series of articles (Articles 324–329) that grant powers to the Election Commission and outline its possible roles and responsibilities.

• Article 324: Grants the authority for overseeing, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

• Article 325: Prohibits exclusion from electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, sex, or any of these factors.

• Article 326: Establishes adult suffrage as the foundation for elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies.

• Article 327: Allows Parliament to pass laws, in accordance with the Constitution, regarding all matters related to elections to Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

• Article 328: Empowers state legislatures to enact laws concerning all matters related to elections to the state's legislative bodies.

• Article 329: Prevents courts from interfering in electoral matters

5. ECI Responsibilities and Functions

 

The responsibilities and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) can be categorized into advisory, quasi-judicial, and administrative roles.

• Advisory: The Constitution grants the ECI the authority to advise on the post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The ECI is also consulted in cases where individuals are found guilty of corrupt practices during elections, as brought before the Supreme Court and High Courts, to decide if they should be disqualified from contesting future elections and for how long. In such matters, the President or, where applicable, the Governor, is required to follow the ECI's advice.
• Quasi-Judicial: The ECI has the power to disqualify a candidate who fails to submit their election expense accounts within the legally required timeframe and format. It also has the authority to remove or reduce other legal disqualifications. Additionally, the ECI resolves disputes related to the recognition of political parties and the allocation of election symbols. The commission sets a model code of conduct and ensures compliance by all candidates and political parties during elections.
• Administrative: The ECI's administrative duties include delimiting electoral constituencies and managing the registration of eligible voters, as well as regularly updating electoral rolls. The commission is responsible for announcing election schedules and dates, reviewing nomination documents, recognizing political parties, and assigning them election symbols. The ECI can also nullify voting in cases of violence, booth capturing, tampering, or other irregularities. It oversees the financial expenditure of political parties on candidates' campaigns impartially.

The ECI also designates specific roles to register political parties for elections and grants them the status of national or state parties based on their performance in the polls. These roles include the person in charge of elections, the District Election Officer, and the Election Registration and Returning Officer

 

6.Composition of Election Commission of India

• Since its inception in 1950, the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) was the sole member of the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, after the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1989, a large influx of new voters was added. To manage this increased workload, two additional commissioners were appointed, expanding the ECI to include three commissioners.
• In January 1990, some changes were made to the structure of the ECI, but it was soon reverted to its original form. Following discussions and debates in the political sphere, the President ultimately reconstituted the commission in 1993, adding two more commissioners, establishing the current structure of the ECI.
• The Chief Election Commissioner and the other election commissioners are appointed by the President, who also determines their terms of office and service conditions. All commissioners, including the CEC, receive the same salary, benefits, and powers as judges of the Supreme Court.
• If there is a disagreement among the three members, decisions are made by a majority vote. Commissioners serve a term of up to six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first. They hold a status equivalent to that of Supreme Court justices in India.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed from office through the same process used to remove a Supreme Court judge. This involves the President dismissing the CEC based on a resolution supported by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament, on grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.
• In conclusion, as outlined by the Constitution, the ECI is responsible for supervising, directing, and conducting elections for the offices of President, Vice President, state legislatures, and Parliament.
• For elections to state-level urban bodies like municipalities and panchayats, a separate State Election Commission exists. The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic process by ensuring free and fair elections for key political positions in the country

 

For Prelims: Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, State Election Commission, Article 324, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). For Mains: 1. Discuss the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India. How does the Election Commission ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in the Country? (250 words).

 

Previous year Question 1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 3 only Answer: D   2. Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021) 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. 2. In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. 3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 D. 2 and 3 Answer: B

Source: Indianexpress

 

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

 

 

1. Context

 

On February 27, India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) brought out a new series of data for the country’s economic output. Any country’s economic output is most broadly mapped by a measure called the Gross Domestic Product or GDP.

 

2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

 

Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. It is often used as a measure of a country's economic health

GDP provides insight into the overall economic health of a nation and is often used for comparing the economic output of different countries.

There are three primary ways to calculate GDP:

1. Production Approach (GDP by Production): This approach calculates GDP by adding up the value-added at each stage of production. It involves summing up the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy.

2. Income Approach (GDP by Income): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the incomes earned in an economy, including wages, rents, interests, and profits. The idea is that all the income generated in an economy must ultimately be spent on purchasing goods and services.

3. Expenditure Approach (GDP by Expenditure): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made on final goods and services. It includes consumption by households, investments by businesses, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).

3. Measuring GDP

GDP can be measured in three different ways:

1. Nominal GDP: This is the raw GDP figure without adjusting for inflation. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced at current prices.

2. Real GDP: Real GDP adjusts the nominal GDP for inflation, allowing for a more accurate comparison of economic performance over time. It represents the value of goods and services produced using constant prices from a specific base year.

3. GDP per capita: This is the GDP divided by the population of a country. It provides a per-person measure of economic output and can be useful for comparing the relative economic well-being of different countries.

The GDP growth rate is the percentage change in the GDP from one year to the next. A positive GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is growing, while a negative GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is shrinking

The GDP is a useful measure of economic health, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account the distribution of income in an economy. It also does not take into account the quality of goods and services produced.

Despite its limitations, the GDP is a widely used measure of economic health. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to track the performance of an economy and to make decisions about economic policy

4. Gross Value Added (GVA)

 

Gross Value Added (GVA) is a closely related concept to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is used to measure the economic value generated by various economic activities within a country. GVA represents the value of goods and services produced in an economy minus the value of inputs (such as raw materials and intermediate goods) used in production. It's a way to measure the contribution of each individual sector or industry to the overall economy.

GVA can be calculated using the production approach, similar to one of the methods used to calculate GDP. The formula for calculating GVA is as follows:

GVA = Output Value - Intermediate Consumption

Where:

• Output Value: The total value of goods and services produced by an industry or sector.
• Intermediate Consumption: The value of inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, energy, and other intermediate goods.

5. GDP vs GNP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are both important economic indicators used to measure the size and health of an economy, but they focus on slightly different aspects of economic activity and include different factors. Here are the key differences between GDP and GNP:

1. Definition and Scope:

   • GDP: GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, regardless of whether the production is done by domestic or foreign entities. It only considers economic activities that take place within the country.
   • GNP: GNP measures the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents, whether they are located within the country's borders or abroad. It takes into account the production of residents, both domestically and internationally.

2. Foreign Income and Payments:

   • GDP: GDP does not consider the income earned by residents of a country from their economic activities abroad, nor does it account for payments made to foreigners working within the country.
   • GNP: GNP includes the income earned by a country's residents from their investments and activities abroad, minus the income earned by foreign residents from their investments within the country.

3. Net Factor Income from Abroad:

   • GDP: GDP does not account for net factor income from abroad, which is the difference between income earned by domestic residents abroad and income earned by foreign residents domestically.
   • GNP: GNP includes net factor income from abroad as part of its calculation.

4. Foreign Direct Investment:

   • GDP: GDP does not directly consider foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into or out of a country.
   • GNP: GNP considers the impact of FDI on the income of a country's residents, both from investments made within the country and from investments made by residents abroad.

5. Measurement Approach:

   • GDP: GDP can be calculated using three different approaches: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
   • GNP: GNP is primarily calculated using the income approach, as it focuses on the income earned by residents from their economic activities.

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: GDP, GVA, FDI, GNP For Mains: 1.Discuss the recent trends and challenges in India's GDP growth 2.Examine the role of the service sector in India's GDP growth 3.Compare and contrast the growth trajectories of India's GDP and GNP

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (b) 2.A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. Slowing economic growth rate 2. Less equitable distribution of national income Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (a) Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (UPSC CSE GS3, 2020) Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (UPSC CSE GS3, 2021)

 

Source: indianexpress

 

 

CRBON CAPTURE AND UTILISATION (CCU)

 

 

 

1. Context

 

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to a set of technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources or directly from the air and convert them into useful products. This process removes carbon from the atmosphere and puts it into the economy as inputs for fuels, chemicals, building materials, or polymers. Unlike carbon capture and storage, where captured COâ‚‚ is permanently stored underground rather than reused, CCU uses up the captured carbon.

 

 

2. What is Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

 

• Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is an approach to climate mitigation that focuses on treating carbon dioxide not merely as a waste product, but as a resource.
• In the context of rising global temperatures and increasing industrial emissions, CCU represents an attempt to balance economic development with environmental responsibility.
• When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas are burned in power plants or used in industries like cement and steel manufacturing, large quantities of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) are released into the atmosphere.
• This COâ‚‚ traps heat and contributes to global warming. Carbon Capture and Utilisation seeks to intervene in this process. Instead of allowing the carbon dioxide to escape into the air, it is captured at the source of emission through specialized technologies.
• These technologies separate COâ‚‚ from other gases produced during combustion or industrial processes.
• Once captured, the carbon dioxide is compressed and transported to facilities where it can be put to productive use. This is the key difference between CCU and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
• While CCS focuses on storing the captured carbon dioxide deep underground in geological formations to prevent its release, CCU aims to convert the captured COâ‚‚ into valuable products.
• The utilisation aspect of CCU can take many forms. Carbon dioxide can be used to manufacture chemicals such as methanol and urea, which are widely used in fertilisers and industry.
• It can also be converted into synthetic fuels, building materials like carbon-infused concrete, and even used in the production of carbonated beverages. In some cases, COâ‚‚ is injected into oil fields to enhance oil recovery.
• By turning emissions into economically useful goods, CCU attempts to create a circular carbon economy, where carbon is reused instead of continuously extracted and emitted.
• The importance of CCU becomes particularly relevant for countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy and industrial growth.
• For example, India, which has significant coal-based power generation, is exploring CCU as part of its broader climate strategy, with policy discussions supported by institutions such as NITI Aayog. For developing economies, CCU offers a transitional pathway: it allows industries to continue operating while reducing their carbon footprint.
• However, CCU is not without challenges. Capturing carbon dioxide requires substantial energy and investment. In some cases, the process itself can be energy-intensive, which may reduce the overall environmental benefit unless powered by renewable energy.
• Moreover, the long-term climate impact depends on how permanently the carbon is locked into products. If COâ‚‚ is used to produce fuels that are later burned, it eventually returns to the atmosphere.

 

3. Why does India need CCU?

 

• India needs Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) because of the unique structure of its economy, energy system, and development priorities.
• Unlike many developed countries that have already industrialised and are now transitioning away from fossil fuels, India is still in a growth phase where energy demand, infrastructure expansion, and industrial production are rapidly increasing.
• This creates a complex challenge: how to grow economically while reducing carbon emissions.
• One of the primary reasons India needs CCU is its continued dependence on coal. A large portion of India’s electricity generation comes from coal-based thermal power plants.
• While renewable energy capacity is expanding significantly, coal remains critical for ensuring energy security and meeting base-load power requirements. Completely phasing out coal in the short term is neither economically nor socially feasible.
• CCU provides a transitional solution by capturing carbon emissions from these plants and converting them into useful products, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint without abruptly disrupting energy supply.
• Another important factor is the nature of India’s industrial emissions. Sectors such as cement, steel, fertilisers, and petrochemicals are considered “hard-to-abate” sectors because their production processes inherently generate carbon dioxide.
• For example, cement manufacturing releases COâ‚‚ not only from fuel combustion but also from chemical reactions in limestone processing.
• In such sectors, switching to renewable energy alone cannot eliminate emissions. CCU offers a technological pathway to manage these unavoidable emissions.
• India’s climate commitments also make CCU strategically important. Under the Paris Agreement, India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Achieving this target while maintaining high economic growth will require a combination of renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency improvements, green hydrogen, and carbon management technologies like CCU.
• Institutions such as NITI Aayog have recognised CCU as part of India’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.
• Economic considerations further strengthen the case for CCU. By converting captured carbon into products such as methanol, synthetic fuels, construction materials, and chemicals, India can create new industries and green jobs.
• This supports the vision of a circular carbon economy, where waste emissions become raw materials for other sectors. For a country aiming to boost manufacturing under initiatives like Make in India, CCU can align environmental sustainability with industrial competitiveness

 

 

4. Where does India Stand today ?

 

• India has started promoting Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) by extending research support through the Department of Science and Technology, which has developed a dedicated roadmap to guide research and development in this field.
• Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released a draft 2030 roadmap for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), outlining potential projects where these technologies can be implemented.
• In the private sector, Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group, is collaborating with IIT Bombay on an Indo-Swedish pilot initiative aimed at converting captured carbon dioxide into fuels and other value-added materials.
• Similarly, JK Cement is engaged in developing a CCU demonstration facility focused on capturing COâ‚‚ for use in products such as lightweight concrete blocks and olefins.
• Expanding beyond the cement industry, Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) is spearheading India’s first pilot-scale Bio-CCU platform, which transforms carbon dioxide derived from biogas streams into bio-alcohols and specialised chemical products

 

 

5. Global Scenario

 

• The European Union’s Bioeconomy Strategy and its Circular Economy Action Plan clearly endorse CCU as an approach to transform carbon dioxide into raw materials for fuels, chemicals, and other industrial products, aligning the technology with broader sustainability and circular economy objectives.
• In the industrial sector, ArcelorMittal and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have partnered with the climate technology firm D-CRBN to test an innovative process at ArcelorMittal’s facility in Ghent, Belgium.
• This initiative focuses on converting captured COâ‚‚ into carbon monoxide, which can then be reused in steelmaking and chemical manufacturing.
• In the United States, the expansion of CCU technologies is supported through a mix of fiscal incentives, including tax credits and government funding, especially for projects producing fuels and chemicals derived from carbon dioxide.
• Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, the Al Reyadah project and proposed COâ‚‚-to-chemicals clusters are integrating CCU solutions with green hydrogen to advance low-carbon industrial development

 

 

6. Way Forward

 

The primary challenge in expanding CCU in India relates to economic viability. The processes involved in capturing, refining, and converting carbon dioxide demand significant energy and financial investment. In the absence of supportive policy measures or incentives, products manufactured using captured COâ‚‚ may find it difficult to compete with conventional, fossil-fuel-based alternatives that are currently more affordable.

Another major concern is the state of infrastructure. Effective deployment of CCU depends on the presence of well-developed industrial clusters, efficient systems for transporting captured COâ‚‚, and seamless integration with downstream manufacturing units. However, such integrated ecosystems are not uniformly available across India’s industrial landscape.

In addition, the lack of well-defined regulatory standards, certification mechanisms, and stable market signals generates uncertainty for investors. This uncertainty can dampen private sector participation and restrict market demand for products derived from captured carbon.

That said, India has made encouraging progress by formulating strategic roadmaps for the advancement of CCU technologies. The successful and timely implementation of these plans will be crucial in ensuring that CCU contributes meaningfully to the country’s broader climate and industrial objectives

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: Carbon Capturing, COP21, Paris Agreement, carbon cycle For Mains:  1. What is Carbon farming? discuss the effective techniques within carbon farming for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and explain the challenges that exist in implementing them, particularly in developing countries like India. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements (UPSC 2020) 1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body. 3. They can be used in biochemical sensors. 4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above are correct?   A. 1 and 2 only       B.  2, 3 and 4 only        C. 1, 3 and 4 only          D. 1, 2, 3 and 4   2. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2019) A. Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species. B. Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories. C. A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory. D. Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes   3. Consider the following statements (upsc 2016) 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome 2. Sustainable Development goals has to be achieved by the year 2030 Which of the statements given above is/ are correct A. 1 Only            B. 2 Only                   C. Both 1 and 2                 D. Neither 1 Nor 2   4. LPG stands for (MPSC 2017) A. Liquidity, Profitability and Growth B. Liberalisation, Privatisation and Growth C. Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation D.None of the above   5. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched (RRC Group D 2018)  A. July 2017       B. January 2018      C. May 2014      D.  May 2016   6. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³. 2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. 3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 3 and 4         B. 1 and 4 only      C.  2, 3 and 4         D. 1 and 2 only   Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C, 5-D, 6-B

 

Source: The Hindu