9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – June 1st, 2023

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GS PAPER - 1

Uncertain showers – on weather forecasting capabilities of India

Source: This post is created based on the article “Uncertain showers”, Business Standard on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – changes to the geophysical phenomenon

Context: Despite the near-certainty of an El Niño this year, the IMD maintains its prediction of a ‘normal’ monsoon.

Why IMD is predicting a normal rainfall?

The IMD’s expectation of a normal monsoon despite El Niño is based on the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon, which involves a temperature swing between the western and eastern Indian Ocean.

The IMD believes the IOD could favour rain development and offset the reduced rains from an El Niño.

However, it’s important to note that IODs are not as strongly linked to plentiful rains as El Niño is to reduced rains.

Why an accurate prediction of rainfall s necessary?

The distribution of rainfall, both spatially and temporally, will be crucial. Significant deficits during July and August, particularly in central India, could impact agricultural output. More accurate assessments can be derived from the IMD’s extended range forecasts that provide a fortnightly prognosis.

Therefore, States and the Centre must redouble efforts to convey accurate, timely information to farmers, using all available information channels, down to the block level.

GS PAPER - 2

A parliamentary democracy or an executive democracy

Source– The post is based on the article “A parliamentary democracy or an executive democracy” published in “The Hindu” on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Parliament and state legislatures

Relevance– Issues related to functioning of Parliament in India

News- The article explains the issue of executive dominance over legislature in case of Parliamentary democracy in India.

What are various safeguards in parliamentary democracies against executive dominance or abuse?

To enact its agenda, the executive must command a majority in Parliament. This opens the space for intra-party dissent. It provides an opportunity for ruling party parliamentarians other than cabinet members to exercise a check over the executive.

The Opposition itself is granted certain rights in Parliament, and certain limited control over parliamentary proceedings.

The interests of Parliament against the executive are meant to be represented by the Speaker. She is a neutral and independent authority.

Certain parliamentary democracies adopt bicameralism. A second “Upper House” acts as a revising chamber. The interests of minorities are represented.

How various safeguards in parliamentary democracies against executive dominance or abuse have been diluted in India?

The possibility of intra-party dissent within Parliament has been curtailed by the “anti-defection law”. The Tenth Schedule penalises disobedience of the party whip with disqualification from the House.

The Tenth Schedule has failed to curb horse-trading and unprincipled floor-crossing. It has strengthened the hand of the party leadership. Intra-party dissent is far more difficult when the price is disqualification from Parliament.

The Indian Constitution did not carve out any specific space for the political Opposition in the House. There is no equivalent of the Prime Minister’s questions, where the Prime Minister must face direct questioning.

The manner of proceedings in Parliament are under the complete control of the executive. There are no real constitutional checks upon how that control is exercised.

Speaker, in our system, is not independent. The Speaker is not required to give up membership of their political party, and not constitutionally obligated to act impartially.

Speakers at central and State levels are acting in a partisan manner to advance the interests of the executive over the interests of the House.

This has affected the quality of the deliberations in the lower house as the Speaker has control over the conduct of the House.

When the ruling party wishes to avoid effective scrutiny in the Rajya Sabha over Bills, the Speaker simply classifies the Bill as a “money bill”. This was seen in the case of the Aadhaar Act.

The role of the Upper House is undercut by the ordinance making power. An ordinance is used as a parallel process of law-making, especially when the executive wants to bypass the Upper House.

How has the constitutional design impacted the working of Parliament?

The only effective check upon the executive is fractured mandate and coalition government. In such a scenario, coalition partners can exercise checks upon the executive in Parliament.

When there is a single, majority ruling party, Parliament has limited powers.

The quality of parliamentary deliberations has declined. The situation resembles presidential systems with strong executives, but without the checks and balances.

Bills are passed with minimal or no deliberation. Parliament sits for fewer days in a year, and parliamentary sessions are often adjourned.

Getting multipolarity wrong

Source– The post is based on the article “Getting multipolarity wrong” published in the “The Indian Express” on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance- Shape and structure of world order

News– In his article C. Raja Mohan ‘India’s multipolar myths’ C. Raja Mohan has dismissed the long held view that the emerging structure of power among nation-states as “multipolar”. It is a myth.

What is criticism against the Raja Mohan viewpoints about multipolarity?

Raja Mohan is wrong to imply that the concept of multipolarity suggests an “even distribution of power between major powers”. The literature on multipolarity does not talk about even distribution of power.

Multipolarity suggests that no single nation-state or two nation-states have the capacity to exert their power globally. Hence, they must work along with other powers.

Raja Mohan is also wrong to presume that nations that advocate multipolarity have political resentment against US power or collective West.  This has certainly not been the case with Indian articulation, even during the Cold War era.

India’s refusal to join any military alliance was not based on anti-westernism or anti-communism. It was based on an Indian view that was against such a division of the world.

Even American scholars have not always viewed the concept of multipolarity as “anti-American”. Samuel Huntington has characterised the post-Cold War distribution of power in the 1990s as “uni-multipolar”, rather than “unipolar”.

Huntington proposed that global politics has now moved from a unipolar moment at the end of the Cold War into more uni-multipolar decades. It will culminate into a multipolar twenty-first century.

As per Raja Mohan, the world is once again “bipolar” — US and EU vs China and Russia. It underplays the space available for the articulation of national interests of “middle powers”. Many nations in Europe, Latin America and Asia assert their own national interests.

How has India taken an independent stance in foreign policy choices?

Attempts to push India into a lonely corner, forcing it to make choices and enter into alliances have failed in the past. Then, it was a weaker and less developed nation.

A stronger and more self-confident India cannot be expected to fall in line. India’s relations with the US, China, Russia or any other nation, would be defined by her interests and values.

The new Parliament House: More than a building

Source: The post is based on the article “The new Parliament House: More than a building” published in The Indian Express on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.

Relevance: Deteriorating role of the Parliament

News: The article explains the deteriorating role of Parliament and its increasing irrelevance.

How has the function of the Parliament deteriorated?

Reduction in the Number of Sittings: As per the PRS data, there has been a reduction in the average of annual sitting days of the Parliament.

For instance, the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019) had a scheduled sitting of just 337 days over a five-year period and lost 16 percent of that time due to adjournments.

Lack of Debates and Discussion: Mostly the proceedings in the Parliament have been stalled due to the ruckus created by the opposition. There is hardly any discussions or debate done on any important bill or a current issue of national importance.

Therefore, it is the duty of the Speaker to permit the Opposition to raise and discuss matters of national importance, even if they are not liked by the ruling majority.

Increasing Role of Executives: Instead of drafting and debating bills in the Parliament by the legislatures, the nation is now governed more by rules, notifications, circulars and guidelines, drafted by the executives.

Misuse of the Majority: The ruling party has misused its majority and downgraded the role of Parliament.

Article 110 requires that money bills must contain only provisions that relate to fiscal and tax issues. A money bill needs approval only in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha has a limited, recommendatory role.

However, since the ruling party has the majority in the Lok Sabha, they label any bill as a money bill and get it approved in the Lok Sabha.

For instance, in the Aadhaar Act, amendments to several tribunals through the Finance Act, 2017 were certified as money bills and enacted without the approval of the Rajya Sabha.

Degrading Role of Parliamentary Committees: The practice of referring bills to parliamentary committees has dropped sharply in the recent past — from a high of 60 percent to just 23 percent in the current Lok Sabha.

Finance Bills: Finance Bills these days are introduced on the Budget Day itself, which is an unhealthy practice. These bills are then passed without any debate or discussions.

For instance, in 2023, an entire chapter relating to GST tribunals was added and approved on the last date without any debate or discussion. Many of these provisions are violative of decisions of the Supreme Court.

Other Issues: The mandatory requirement under Article 93 of having a Deputy Speaker has not been fulfilled in the present Lok Sabha while the entry of journalists into Parliament has also been curtailed.

Must Read: Performance review: How Parliament has functioned till now

What can be the course of action?

Every member of the Parliament takes an oath under the Third Schedule of the Constitution, which requires them to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.

Therefore, the greatness of Parliament is determined by the manner in which their occupants discharge their constitutional obligations.

Further, the constitutional role of our Parliament is to deliberate and enact laws that shape India. Therefore, the new Parliament will not serve the purpose unless the functioning of the Parliament is improved.

 

Is India missing the graphene bus?

Source– The post is based on the article “Is India missing the graphene bus?” published in “The Hindu” on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Science and Technology. GS3- Economy

Relevance- Issues related to soft power

News– Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing and graphene will disrupt the existing human-machine interface in the next couple of decades.

Why is graphene an important material?

Graphene is the world’s thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material of both electricity and heat. It conducts electricity better than copper. It is 200 times stronger than steel but six times lighter.

It is almost perfectly transparent as it absorbs only 2% of light. It is impermeable to gases. It has the potential to revolutionise electricity, conductivity, energy generation, batteries, sensors and more.

Graphene composites are used in aerospace, automotive, sports equipment and construction.

It is used for high-performance batteries and supercapacitors, touchscreens, and conductive inks. Graphene-based sensors are used for environmental monitoring, healthcare and wearable devices.

Graphene oxide membranes are used for water purification and desalination. Graphene-based masks were made during COVID.

Graphene is important for defence and aerospace. Its exceptional strength makes it promising material for armour and ballistic protection.

Graphene has the potential to absorb and dissipate electromagnetic waves. So, it is valuable for developing stealth coatings and materials that reduce radar signatures and electromagnetic interference.

Graphene is highly sensitive to environmental changes. It can be used in sensing chemical and biological agents, explosives, radiation, and other hazardous substances.

What is the status of the graphene industry?

The global graphene market size was valued at $175.9 million in 2022. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46.6% between 2023 and 2030. Over 300 companies are now producing graphene or its derivatives.

Among the leading countries in graphene research are China, the U.S., the U.K., Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Singapore.

Till 2012, graphene-related patent filing was dominated by the U.S. After 2017, China surged ahead. In 2018, China filed 218 patents while the other leading countries together filed 79. India had eight filings.

China and Brazil are global leaders in the commercial production of graphene. India produces about one-twentieth compared to China and one-third compared to Brazil.

What is the progress of India in the case of graphene?

The Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc Bangalore along with KAS Tech produced a graphene-based system several years ago.

Some start-ups and foreign subsidiaries have started graphene or graphene derivatives in India. Tata Steel has succeeded in growing graphene. It has also mixed graphene with used plastic products to recycle them as new.

The IIT Roorkee-incubated Log 9 has patented a technology for graphene-based ultracapacitors, and the IIT Kanpur-incubated RF Nanocomposites has developed EMI shielding and stealth technology using graphene-based nanotubes.

The India Innovation Centre for Graphene has been set up in Kerala. It is being implemented by the Digital University Kerala in partnership with Tata Steel and C-MET, Thrissur.

What is the way forward to improve the performance of the graphene industry in India?

Governments will have to play a crucial role. China declared graphene a priority in its 13th Plan. India needs a national graphene mission. A nodal Ministry needs to be entrusted with this responsibility.

India needs to be a leader in graphene because we may experience the ‘winner takes the most’ situation here. its production may get concentrated in a few locations in the world, as in the case of semiconductors.

GS PAPER - 3

Biodiversity is us and we are biodiversity

Source– The post is based on the article “Biodiversity is us and we are biodiversity” Published in the “The Hindu” on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Environment

Relevance- Issues related to biodiversity

News– The International Biodiversity Day was observed on May 22.

What is the importance of biodiversity?

Biodiversity is everywhere. It is inside our bodies, in villages, towns, and cities, and in well-organised ecological communities and ecosystems.

Biodiversity conservation can help to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Biodiversity helps in mitigation of climate change.

It also fulfils our basic needs for food, shelter, medicines, mental health, recreation, and spiritual enrichment.

There will be a need to rely more on solutions that draw upon biodiversity or nature to face the continuing decline in the quality of our environment. These are called nature-based solutions.

Biodiversity will restore our degraded lands and polluted rivers and oceans. It will sustain our agriculture in the face of climate change. Biodiversity forms the basis of a new sustainable green economy.

What is the way forward to preserve biodiversity?

Civil society must play a critical role in sustaining our biodiversity.

There is a need to change the way we manage our biodiversity. Currently, the main custodian of the natural world is the Indian Forest Service. But the term “Forest” to describe natural heritage is flawed.

India’s biodiversity is not only on land but also in water bodies, rivers, deltas, and oceans. Our ecosystems exist in the form of grasslands, savannas, alpine pastures, deserts, and other types of ecological communities.

In the 21st century, the basic terms “forests” and “wildlife” have limited meaning or usefulness.

There is a need for multifunctional landscapes, where aspirations, beliefs, traditional knowledge, and direct participation of local communities are central to the conserving and sustaining life on earth.

In 2006, India enacted the Forest Rights Act. It called for an increase in the stake of indigenous groups in ownership as well as management of biodiversity. However, the Act largely remains on paper.

It is time to move beyond the Acts to fundamentally alter the management of biodiversity.

Biodiversity must be mainstreamed into our daily actions, in every development programme, in every government department, in every public and private institution.

It is time to decentralise the management of biodiversity by bringing together multiple stakeholders, especially local communities, through gram sabhas and biodiversity management committees.

What are some facts about the proposed National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing?

The mainstreaming of biodiversity is the goal of the proposed Mission. India’s Biodiversity Collaborative based in Bengaluru, conceptualised the idea.

The Mission will enable our country to meet critical challenges in climate change, natural and regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem and public health using biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The ultimate goal is to enhance and conserve biodiversity to foster human well-being, and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. It will support an era of a new green economy.

People will be at the centre of the Mission. The goal of the Mission is to engage all citizens in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Mission will integrate biodiversity in every development-oriented programme of the public and private sectors

India sourcing: From hurdle to ambition

Source: This post is created based on the article “India sourcing: From hurdle to ambition”, Business Standard on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Changes to industrial policies

Context: global brands are now finding it lucrative to produce in India. The article focusses on the factors that are contributing to this success.

Over the last decade, brands like Walmart, Amazon, Apple, and Ikea have increased sourcing of goods from India and have even set ambitious export targets.

What are the contributing factors?

In the past, industries were finding it challenging to comply with strict sourcing rules that mandated 30% sourcing of Indian products for any company with more than 51% FDI, from 1st day. The rules have been updated, now companies need to comply with this norm within five years of setting up a single-brand retail business, instead of from day one of the earlier rules.

The ‘Make in India’ campaign, along with the production-linked incentive scheme, has strengthened the sourcing movement.

The conditions for FDI in single-brand retail were changed to include manufacturing as part of the 30 per cent mandatory sourcing.

What are the examples of success of government effort?

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon expressed the company’s goal to meet $10 billion worth of exports annually from India by 2027, up from about $3 billion currently.

Amazon is also increasing its sourcing from India through a scheme called Amazon Global Selling in India.

What are the remaining challenges in attracting companies to India?

India must address the challenges associated with supply chain logistics and wide infrastructure gaps.

BIN: Build, Inaugurate, Neglect

Source: This post is created based on the article “BIN: Build, Inaugurate, Neglect”, published in The Times of India on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure

Context: The article critically analyze the politics behind creating ‘edifice complexes’.

The term edifice complex was coined initially to describe the tendency of politicians to build physical structures for electoral gains. However, it is not always bad.

It can bring huge benefits to people as well.

What are the criticisms associated with building edifice complexes?

The edifice complex diverts attention away from priorities that contribute to a nation’s long-term growth and prosperity.

Investments in education and health are avoided due to long gestation projects, which is not feasible for one electoral cycle.

Politicians often prioritize new structures as they offer higher political payoffs than maintaining existing ones. It results in wastage of resources.

Why edifice complexes are not always bad?

The structures such as Nagarjuna Sagar dam are beneficial for the people in the long run. It provided livelihood to millions of farmers.

New ‘Ambedkar Bhavan’ in Hyderabad ss an example that invokes a collective sense of pride and unity.

Mapping the climate transition by identifying policy interventions

Source: The post is based on the article “Mapping the climate transition by identifying policy interventions” published in Mint on 1st June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment, Growth & Development

Relevance: measures needed by India to align its growth rate with its net zero emission goals

News: In the Report on Currency and Finance, the RBI has highlighted various concerns associated with achieving desired growth rate while controlling the emission targets.

As per the report, if India wants to become a developed country by 2047-48, its GDP growth rate should be 9.6% per annum up to 2047-48.

Click Here to Read More About the Report

What are the commitments made by the countries towards achieving net zero target?

Click Here to Read

How can India align its growth with its net zero emission target?

As per the RBI report, India can – a) increase the level of energy efficiency i.e., reduce the energy used per unit of GDP and b) increase the greenness of energy i.e., reduce emissions per unit of energy.

At present, India’s energy efficiency has been improving at 2.3% per annum over the last 10 years. However, it needs to be accelerated to 5%.

Similarly, the share of green energy in primary energy has to be increased to 70% – 82% of the total by 2070.

How can India achieve these targets?

Prioritizing Areas: As per the RBI report, India needs to intervene in some major areas which needs to be implemented over the next 10 years.

Shifting power generation away from coal-based thermal power towards solar, wind and other green sources is the one of the priority areas because this will lead to almost half of the reduction in emissions.

Phasing down coal-based power plants:  As per the RBI report, the govt. should ensure that no new coal-based thermal power plants will be set up after a certain period.

Phasing down coal-based power plants may also lead to phasing out coal mines, which can have implications on employment and state finances. India needs to prepare itself for such challenges.

Investments: Raising the share of green energy to 70% or 82% of total energy by 2070 will involve massive investments in building electricity generation, storage and transmission capacity and also in developing infrastructure for green hydrogen.

Since a large part of investments will be taken by the private sector, there is a need for a policy environment that will encourage such investment.

Carbon tax or cap-and-trade system: The RBI report highlights the issue of imposing such a system. The Electricity Amendment Act makes provision for introducing a cap-and-trade system. However, whether an explicit carbon tax would be better needs to be carefully examined.

Moreover, either option would raise the cost of coal to users and this would be reflected in the price of coal-based electricity.

Such mechanisms might enhance the competitiveness of green electricity without implementing mandatory renewable purchase obligations on discoms.

However, despite such concerns, a big advantage of carbon taxation is that it raises revenue. 

Since both the central and state governments do not have enough fiscal space for the transitions, carbon taxation will provide required resources.

What can be the way ahead?

Improvements in energy efficiency are critical to reduce emissions. Therefore, there is a need to switch to more energy-efficient systems and implement more energy-efficient building designs.

Vande Bharat trains: Potential and Challenges – Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

The Vande Bharat trains have emerged as a potential game-changer in the Indian railway system, offering high-speed and comfortable travel experiences. With their modern design, indigenous manufacturing, and emphasis on the Make in India initiative, these trains showcase India’s technological advancements. They have achieved notable milestones, such as being the fastest train in the country and reducing travel time between cities. However, the expansion of Vande Bharat trains faces challenges, including joint venture issues, sanctions impacting spare parts availability, and production delays. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlock the full potential of Vande Bharat trains in transforming India’s rail network.  

What are the Vande Bharat trains?

Vande Bharat trains specifications
Source: News18
Read here: Explained: Fast-tracking Vande Bharat

What is the need for Vande Bharat trains?

Insufficient capacity: The Indian railways face the challenge of inadequate infrastructure to meet the growing demands of passenger and freight transportation. This results in congestion, delays, and suboptimal utilization of resources.  

Aging infrastructure: Many rail tracks, bridges, and stations are in need of repair and modernization due to age and lack of maintenance. This affects the safety, speed, and efficiency of train operations.  

Accidents and derailments: Safety remains a significant issue for Indian railways, with occasional accidents and derailments. Factors such as outdated signaling systems, inadequate maintenance, and human errors contribute to these incidents.  

Outdated technology: The use of outdated signalling systems, manual ticketing processes, and limited adoption of modern technologies hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of railway operations.  

Limited automation: The Indian railways are yet to fully embrace automation in various processes, such as ticketing, maintenance, and scheduling, which could improve operational efficiency.  

Cleanliness and hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in trains and stations remains a concern, impacting the overall customer experience.  

Read more: 102 Vande Bharat trains to be operational by 2024

What are some achievements of Vande Bharat trains?

Semi-high speed travel: Vande Bharat trains are India’s first semi-high speed trains, designed to operate at speeds up to 160 kmph. The aerodynamic design helps the train reach 0-100 kmph in just 52 seconds, whereas other trains in the world takes upto 60 seconds. This allows for faster travel times and improved connectivity between cities.  

Indigenous manufacturing: The Vande Bharat trains are manufactured in India, showcasing the country’s capabilities in indigenous manufacturing. The trains are produced at Indian factories like the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, promoting the “Make in India” initiative and supporting the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.  

Technological advancements: Vande Bharat trains incorporate advanced technologies and modern features to enhance passenger comfort and safety. These include features like automatic doors, regenerative braking, and state-of-the-art passenger amenities.  

National and international recognition: These trains have showcased India’s capabilities in manufacturing and implementing cutting-edge railway technology, reinforcing the country’s position as a global player in the industry. 

What are the potential benefits of Vande Bharat trains?

Boost to tourism and local economy: The introduction of Vande Bharat trains has the potential to stimulate tourism and boost local economies along their routes. For example, increased connectivity through Vande Bharat trains has led to improved accessibility to tourist destinations like Shirdi, promoting tourism and benefiting local businesses.  

Environmental sustainability: Vande Bharat trains contribute to environmental sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient technologies and reducing carbon emissions. These trains help in achieving a greener and more sustainable transportation system.  

Employment generation: The manufacturing, operation, and maintenance of Vande Bharat trains generate employment opportunities. This includes skilled labor in manufacturing units, onboard train staff, and station personnel, contributing to job creation and economic growth.  

Cultural exploration: Vande Bharat trains facilitate travel and exploration, allowing passengers to experience the diverse cultural heritage of India. By connecting various cities and regions, these trains enable tourists to explore different traditions and contribute to cultural exchange.  

Energy efficiency: Vande Bharat trains are designed to be energy efficient, contributing to environmental conservation and sustainability. The trains utilize regenerative braking, which helps in the efficient use of energy and reduces carbon emissions.  

Improved passenger experience: The trains offer a comfortable and modern travel experience for passengers, with features such as ergonomic seating, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS-based passenger information systems, and modular toilets 

Must read: Locally made green trains to be rolled out

What are the challenges in Vande Bharat train expansions?  

Sanctions and international relations: The ongoing sanctions imposed on Russia following the Russia-Ukraine war have posed challenges for the Vande Bharat trains. These sanctions have affected the supply of spare parts from Western European and American manufacturers, hindering the smooth operation and maintenance of the trains.  

Majority shareholding dispute: There is a disagreement between the Russian transportation giant Transmashholding (TNH) and the Indian public sector undertaking Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) regarding the majority shareholding issue for the joint venture (JV) to manufacture Vande Bharat Express train sets. This dispute has led to delays and uncertainty in the expansion plans.  

Production delays and capacity shortfall: The Kapurthala Rail Coach Factory, responsible for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains, has faced challenges in meeting production targets. Shortages of raw materials, supply chain disruptions, and delays in the approval of designs has resulted in the factory’s failure to deliver the targeted number of trains, leading to delays in expansions.  

Operational and maintenance costs: Operating and maintaining Vande Bharat trains involve significant costs, including training staff, ensuring spare parts availability, and implementing regular maintenance schedules. Managing these costs while ensuring efficient operations and high-quality services poses a challenge in the expansion process.  

Passenger demand and occupancy: While Vande Bharat trains have been popular among passengers, managing the demand and ensuring optimal occupancy rates can be challenging. Balancing the number of trains and frequencies with passenger demand requires careful planning and analysis.  

Weather and operational challenges: Operating Vande Bharat trains in challenging weather conditions, such as during the monsoon season or on steep gradients, can pose operational challenges. Special considerations and precautions need to be taken to ensure the trains’ safe and reliable operations under such conditions.  

Read more: Explained: Fast-tracking Vande Bharat

What should be done?

Resolution of shareholding dispute: The Indian government and the involved parties, Transmashholding (TNH) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), should work towards resolving the majority shareholding dispute in the joint venture. Finding a mutually acceptable solution will help establish clarity and facilitate smoother progress in the manufacturing and expansion of Vande Bharat trains.  

Mitigating the impact of sanctions: Efforts should be made to mitigate the impact of sanctions imposed on Russia by diversifying the supply chain for spare parts. Exploring alternative suppliers from countries unaffected by the sanctions can ensure consistent availability of necessary components for the Vande Bharat trains.  

Strengthening manufacturing capabilities: The Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and other relevant manufacturing units should focus on enhancing their production capacities and streamlining their processes. This includes addressing issues related to raw material availability, supply chain management, and timely approvals of designs to meet the production targets and support the expansion plans.  

Continuous training and skill development: Training programs should be conducted for staff involved in operating, maintaining, and servicing Vande Bharat trains. Continuous skill development and knowledge enhancement will ensure that the workforce is equipped to handle advanced technology and provide efficient services.  

Effective demand management: A comprehensive analysis of passenger demand patterns should be conducted to optimize train frequencies, routes, and capacity.  

Weather-resilient designs: Considering the challenges posed by weather conditions, incorporating weather-resilient designs and features in Vande Bharat trains will enhance their operational reliability. This includes addressing concerns related to waterlogging, ensuring safety during monsoons, and facilitating smooth operations on steep gradients. 

Read more: Not by ‘Vande Bharat’ alone

SourcesThe Hindu, Business Standard, Hindustan Times (Article 1 and Article 2), Livemint and The Wire.

Syllabus: GS – 3: Economic development: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

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