North Korean Troops in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

GS 2: International Relations: Russia-N. Korea Relations

Why is it in the news?

• The deployment of North Korean troops in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine marks a significant escalation, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin during their first phone call in nearly two years on November 15, as per the BBC.
• South Korea’s intelligence agency earlier suggested that North Korean soldiers might be operating in Russia’s Kursk region, although Moscow has not confirmed this. Reports of North Korean involvement surfaced last month, sparking outrage in the West.
• However, collaboration between Russia and North Korea remains longstanding, rooted in decades of partnership dating back to Soviet support for North Korea.

The Division of Korea and the Rise of North Korea

• Korea’s division began during World War II when Soviet troops invaded Japanese-occupied Korea in 1945. After Japan’s defeat, the Korean Peninsula was split along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union taking control of the north and the United States overseeing the south.
• Originally meant to be temporary, this division deepened with the Cold War, leading to the establishment of two rival states: the Soviet-backed North Korea and the US-supported South Korea.

Kim Il Sung and the Birth of DPRK

• Kim Il Sung, a central figure in North Korean history, founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 1948 and led it until his death in 1994.
• His legacy endures through his successors: his son, Kim Jong Il, and grandson, Kim Jong Un. Upon Kim Jong Il’s leadership, Kim Il Sung was posthumously honoured as North Korea’s “eternal President.”
• Kim Il Sung’s early life unfolded during the Japanese occupation of Korea, with his family actively opposing colonial rule. His childhood involved frequent moves between China and present-day North Korea.
• While studying at Jilin Yuwen High School in Jilin, China, in 1930, he developed an interest in Communism and joined guerilla groups resisting Japanese occupation. Over the next decade, Kim became a member of the Chinese Communist Party, advancing within its ranks and engaging in armed resistance against Japan.

Telangana’s New EV Policy

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Promoting environment sustainability

Why is it in the news?

• The Telangana government unveiled its new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy aiming to promote cleaner air, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency.
• The Telangana Transport Minister emphasized the need to prevent severe pollution levels, like those seen in New Delhi, from affecting Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
• Hyderabad’s air quality on November 18 was recorded at 123 (moderate), significantly better than New Delhi’s 494 (severe), as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

More about the news

• The policy, effective from November 18, offers a 100% exemption from road tax and registration fees for EVs for two years, until December 31, 2026. Unlike the previous policy, which capped exemptions at 5,000 EVs, the new policy removes this limit.
• The tax exemptions cover a wide range of EVs, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial passenger vehicles, auto-rickshaws, electric tractors, and buses.
• With these benefits, two-wheelers can save up to ₹15,000, while four-wheelers can save up to ₹3 lakh. Electric buses operated by companies to transport employees are also eligible for exemptions.
• Further, the Telangana government plans to collaborate with EV manufacturers to expand charging infrastructure in cities, towns, and along state and national highways.
• Additionally, the state is drafting a vehicle scrappage policy targeting vehicles older than 15 years. Nearly 3,000 state-run buses in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area will be gradually replaced with electric buses.
• The policy prioritizes reducing pollution in Hyderabad and surrounding areas to enhance environmental sustainability and public health.

PM Modi’s Visit to Nigeria

GS 2: International Relations: India-Nigeria Relations

Why is it in the news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nigeria, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 17 years. During his meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria.
• At a ceremony in Abuja, PM Modi was honoured with Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, making him the first foreign leader to receive it since 1969.
• Highlighting the “longstanding, historical friendship” between the two nations, he stressed their shared commitment to the Global South and identified mutual challenges like terrorism, separatism, piracy, and drug trafficking.

India-Nigeria Relations: Over Six Decades of Partnership

• India and Nigeria, as two large, democratic, and diverse nations with populations of 1.4 billion and 220 million respectively, share a rich history of bilateral ties. Their relationship was elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” in 2007 during former PM Manmohan Singh’s visit to Abuja.
• The partnership dates back to 1958, when India established its Diplomatic House in Lagos, two years before Nigeria gained independence.
• Indian professionals such as teachers and doctors significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development during its formative years. India also assisted in establishing Nigeria’s National Defence Academy in Kaduna and the Naval War College in Port Harcourt.
• Today, a thriving Indian expatriate community of 60,000, the largest in West Africa, continues to strengthen these ties. Economically, more than 200 Indian companies have invested $27 billion in Nigeria, making India the country’s second-largest employer after its government.

Nigeria: The “Giant of Africa”

• Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy by population and its third-largest manufacturing hub, holds significant influence on the continent. Known as the “Giant of Africa,” it is a founding member of the African Union (AU) and other global bodies, including the UN, Commonwealth, OPEC, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
• Its leadership in Africa extends to the AU’s elevation as a permanent G20 member during the 2023 summit hosted by India. This growing economic and strategic importance places Nigeria at the centre of India’s engagement in Africa.

Countering China’s Expanding Influence

• India’s efforts to deepen ties with Nigeria align with its broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa, countering China’s significant foothold. Africa’s vast natural resources, including minerals essential for electric vehicles and other industries, are key to this engagement.
• China, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has heavily invested in Africa, becoming the continent’s largest trading partner with annual trade exceeding $200 billion.
• Over 10,000 Chinese firms operate across Africa, and investments have grown to $300 billion, with substantial funding for infrastructure projects like roads, ports, and airports.
• India seeks to balance this influence by strengthening its economic and cultural investments, with Nigeria playing a pivotal role. PM Modi’s visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering closer ties, as he concluded, “A friend is someone you share the path with.”

Can Fossil Fuels Be Regulated Like Nuclear Weapons?

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Phasing out fossil fuels

Why is it in the news?

• A coalition of governments and civil society organizations is advocating for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT), aiming to phase out fossil fuels globally.
• Modelled after nuclear disarmament treaties, this initiative seeks to address the climate crisis by transitioning to renewable energy and ensuring a just transition for economies and workers reliant on fossil fuels. According to its proponents, the Paris Agreement, while significant, fails to directly address fossil fuel production.

Growing Support for FF-NPT

• Since its conceptualization in 2016 and official launch in 2019, the FF-NPT has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, indigenous communities of the Amazon, and several small island states vulnerable to climate change.
• At COP29 in Baku, it was announced that 10 more nations joined FF-NPT discussions in 2024, though their names were not disclosed.
• Thirteen Small Island Developing States like Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and Fiji, as well as Colombia—a major coal producer—have backed the treaty. Financial institutions are also joining the cause, with 25 sustainable banks endorsing the FF-NPT under the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.

The Rationale for FF-NPT

• The Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, emphasized the alarming rise in fossil fuel emissions, projected to be 8% higher in 2024 than in 2015.
• Current production plans from major fossil fuel-producing nations exceed levels compatible with the 1.5°C global warming limit by 110%. Without intervention, the planet is on track for 3°C of warming, threatening humanity’s future.

Objectives and Pillars of FF-NPT

The treaty’s framework is based on three pillars:

1) Non-proliferation: Halting the expansion of coal, oil, and gas production globally.

2) Fair phase-out: Gradually reducing existing fossil fuel production in an equitable manner, with nations historically responsible for emissions transitioning faster.

3) Just transition: Promoting renewable energy adoption and economic diversification to ensure no community, worker, or country is left behind.

• Despite its ambitious goals, the FF-NPT faces financial challenges, with the need for substantial climate finance to support developing nations in their transition.
• Further, the developing countries require support to phase out fossil fuels and shield themselves from climate change impacts. The treaty seeks to complement the Paris Agreement, particularly through mechanisms like the New Collective Quantified Goal (post-2025 climate finance targets) and Just Transition Work Programs.

India’s Role and Potential Engagement

• India, a major fossil fuel consumer and producer, has not yet been extensively engaged by the FF-NPT. However, the initiative plans to involve large, fossil fuel-dependent nations like India and Indonesia.
• With its high vulnerability to climate change and equity concerns, India could benefit significantly from the treaty. India’s fossil fuel emissions are projected to increase by 4.6% in 2024, according to the Global Carbon Project.
• By adopting the FF-NPT, India could position itself as a leader in equitable climate action while addressing its own energy and environmental challenges.

India’s Challenge in Achieving Net-Zero by 2070

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Net-zero emissions

Why is it in the news?

• India faces a complex challenge in balancing the aspirations of providing a good quality of life to its vast population while working towards its climate goals, particularly achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• While the country has already implemented several climate policies, resource constraints such as land and water availability are critical factors that could limit its path to a sustainable future. Financial constraints also remain a significant hurdle, making it difficult to simultaneously address development needs and climate action.

An Analysis

The Need for Net-Zero

• Climate change is becoming an increasingly evident threat, and scientific consensus indicates that limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is crucial to avoid irreversible consequences.
• With current global emissions around 40 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually, net-zero emissions are essential for staying within the carbon budget and limiting temperature rise.
• Countries around the world have set net-zero targets, but achieving this requires a drastic reduction in emissions.

Equity in Climate Action

• The transition to net-zero must be equitable, with developed countries, which are historically responsible for climate change, leading the way. Developing nations, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts, must balance their development goals with the urgency of climate action.
• However, developed countries have not met their financing commitments for climate action, placing a heavier burden on countries like India.
• India’s per-capita emissions are among the lowest globally, but the richest 10% in India contribute disproportionately to emissions, exacerbating inequality in climate impacts.

India’s Development Constraints

• India’s size and diversity mean its regions are unevenly impacted by pollution and climate change. The country lacks the capacity to support the developed world’s lifestyle standards for its entire population.
• Meeting the demand for food, water, and energy while mitigating climate risks could lead to significant challenges such as groundwater depletion, extreme urban heat, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, India’s rising consumption aspirations could become unsustainable and jeopardize basic needs.

Rising Power Demand and Energy Transition

• India’s power demand could rise nine to ten times by 2070, driven by increasing electrification. Meeting this demand entirely through renewable energy would require substantial increases in solar and wind capacity—far beyond current levels.
• However, pursuing these energy targets could result in land-use conflicts, especially if India must balance energy needs with food security and biodiversity conservation.
• Achieving India’s climate goals will require careful planning to balance energy expansion with sustainable land-use practices.

Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions

• Economic models like the environmental Kuznets curve suggest that economic growth can eventually decouple from carbon emissions. However, even the wealthiest countries have not fully achieved this decoupling.
• This illustrates that India should avoid aspiring to replicate the high-emission lifestyle of developed nations and instead focus on a sustainable development path.
• India must envision a long-term strategy that sets limits on consumption and prioritizes sufficiency rather than excess, while also addressing demand-side measures to maintain a sustainable trajectory.

Demand and Supply-Side Measures

• India can implement various demand-side measures, such as using energy-efficient appliances, improving construction materials to reduce the need for air-conditioning, and promoting non-motorized transport.
• Additionally, supply-side measures, including decentralized energy production through rooftop solar and expanding nuclear power capacity, are crucial.
• Nuclear power can provide a low-carbon baseload energy source, complementing intermittent renewable sources and aiding in the phase-out of fossil fuel dependence.

The Road Ahead for India

• As global climate goals become increasingly urgent, the room for governments to delay or miss their targets is shrinking. While factors beyond India’s control, like political changes in the U.S., may influence the global climate agenda, India must act decisively on its own climate commitments.
• Addressing both its energy needs and climate challenges will require bold action and a strategic approach to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for its population.