9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 2 April 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 3

India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047

Source: The post India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047 has been created, based on the article “India can lead the charge in creating a global and seamless energy network” published in “Indian Express” on 2 April 2025. India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructures- Energy

Context: As India approaches 2047, its 100th year of independence, it aspires to become a global superpower. One key obstacle is its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The article argues that India must secure its energy future and also become a global exporter of clean electricity.

For detailed information on Self-reliance in Energy Sector read this article here

Importance of Energy Independence for India’s Future

1. Economic Drain: India spends over $130 billion every year on oil and gas imports. This weakens the rupee and fuels inflation.
2. Strategic Imperative: Reducing reliance on foreign energy is crucial for long-term stability and economic growth.
3. Global Electrification Trend: The world is moving towards clean electricity. India can shift from being an energy importer to an energy exporter.
4. Technological Advancements: HVDC transmission and related technologies now make global electricity trade possible.
5. Financial Benefit: By 2047, India could become a $100 billion clean electricity exporter, improving its economic and global standing.

India Benefits from the Changing Global Energy System

1. Shift to Renewables: The global transition to solar and wind power opens new opportunities for India.
2. Technological Advances: Innovations like HVDC transmission, battery storage, and submarine cables now support international electricity trade.
3. India’s Strategic Initiatives: Projects like One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) and $100 billion in planned grid investments aim to connect India with regions like Saudi Arabia and Japan.
4. Economic Opportunity: Cutting energy imports and exporting clean electricity could reverse India’s energy trade deficit.
5. Cost Competitiveness: India’s solar power may drop to 1.5 cents per unit, making it highly competitive globally.

India’s Capability to Export Clean Electricity

1. Robust Infrastructure: India has a strong national grid already linked with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
2. Tech Readiness: Advanced HVDC lines and deep-sea cables allow long-distance power transfer.
3. Geographical Advantage: India’s location between the Middle East and Southeast Asia gives access to key energy markets.
4. Strategic Vision: Government-led efforts like OSOWOG show a long-term commitment to renewable energy leadership.
5. Economic Potential: Investment in solar and wind energy aims to further lower costs and increase global competitiveness.

Challenges in Clean Energy Transition

1. Storage Bottleneck: Storage is essential to use surplus renewable power when demand is high.
2. Global Requirement: Bloomberg estimates 4,000 GW of storage is needed globally by 2050, requiring $177 billion annually.
3. India’s Task: India must deploy 50 GWh of battery and pumped hydro storage every year for the next decade.
4. Cost Advantage: Battery prices have dropped by 30%, and India can use its hydropower for pumped storage.

Way Forward

1. Build Domestic Capacity: Manufacture HVDC tech, submarine cables, storage systems, and cable-laying vessels.
2. Expand Global Links: Award 10 GW of HVDC corridor projects every 3 years to build connectivity.
3. Integrate Neighbours: Provide General Network Access (GNA) to nearby countries, like Indian states today.
4. Connect Global Grids: Link with Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and by 2035, Russia and the US.
5. Enable Trade: Create a global electricity trading system like UPI, with India at the center.
6. Ultimate Goal: Transition from a $130 billion importer to a $100 billion exporter of clean power by 2047.

Conclusion

India has the technology, vision, and natural resources to lead the global energy transition. With bold and timely action, it can become energy dominant by 2047, powering not just its own growth but also the world.

Question for practice:

Examine how India can transition from an energy importer to a global exporter of clean electricity by 2047.

India should consider granting dual citizenship to diaspora

Source: The post India should consider granting dual citizenship to diaspora has been created, based on the article “Dual citizenship is an idea whose time has come” published in “Indian Express” on 2 April 2025. India should consider granting dual citizenship to diaspora.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Indian diaspora.

Context: In the last 50 years, global migration has surged, and India has played a central role. As the world’s top recipient of remittances and the country with the largest diaspora, India must reassess its relationship with its overseas citizens. The upcoming 25th anniversary of the High-Level Committee’s report has renewed discussions on granting dual citizenshipto Indians abroad.

For detailed information on Arguments related to Dual Citizenship read this article here

Importance of Indian Diaspora for the Indian Economy

1. The Indian diaspora is vital for the economy, mainly through the flow of remittances.
2. India receives around $130 billion annually in remittances, far more than the $42 billion from foreign direct investment (FDI).
3. These funds help cover India’s trade and current account deficits and strengthen foreign exchange reserves.
4. The source of remittances has shifted from the Gulf to advanced economies, showing a change in the diaspora’s economic profile.
5. This financial contribution is substantial and greater than other inflows, proving the economic value of Indians abroad.

India’s Policy Response So Far

1. In 2005, India launched the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme, based on the 2001 High-Level Committee’s recommendation.
2. The committee had found that dual citizenship was legally and constitutionally feasible, and could strengthen the diaspora’s connection with India.
3. However, OCI does not provide full rights — it excludes voting, public office, and ownership of agricultural land.
4. It can also be revoked, which makes it feel like a privilege rather than a right.
5. As a result, many Indians abroad see OCI as “second-class” citizenship.

Reasons for the Demand for True Dual Citizenship

1. Global migration has tripled in the last five decades. India has the largest diaspora — over 3.5 crore Indians live abroad.
2. Their $130 billion annual remittances play a major role in supporting India’s economy.
3. Many migrants are forced to renounce Indian citizenship due to legal and practical needs in their host countries. Dual citizenship would offer them legal stability and emotional assurance.
4. The OCI scheme does not meet these needs, as it lacks political rights and can be withdrawn arbitrarily.
5. Many countries offer dual citizenship with restrictions, balancing national security with diaspora inclusion.

Benefits of Granting Dual Citizenship

1. Stronger Economic Ties: Dual citizenship would encourage remittances and maintain a positive economic linkwith India.
2. Legal Security: Indians abroad would enjoy greater protection for their property and personal rights.
3. Emotional Connection: It would reduce the emotional difficulty of giving up Indian citizenship and strengthen loyalty to India.
4. Skill and Knowledge Transfer: Dual citizens could bring their expertise and experience to benefit India’s growth.
5. Identity Recognition: It would acknowledge the dual identities of global Indians, helping them feel respected and connected.

Question for practice:

Discuss the importance of granting dual citizenship to the Indian diaspora in the context of their economic and emotional contributions to India.

Disinformation poses serious short-term threat to India

Source: The post Disinformation poses serious short-term threat to India has been created, based on the article “Tackling the disinformation threat in India” published in “The Hindu” on 2 April 2025. Disinformation poses serious short-term threat to India.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Security

Context: The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 identifies disinformation as the top short-term global threat. Rapidly growing AI-generated content, algorithmic bias, and deepening social divides make it difficult to separate truth from falsehood. The article focuses on India’s vulnerability, given its large online population and complex sociopolitical landscape, and suggests measures to address the issue.

For detailed information on Controlling Fake News in India and associated challenges read this article here

Reasons for Considering Disinformation as the Biggest Global Risk in the Short Term

1. Global Impact: Disinformation now affects politics, economies, and international relations, making it the leading short-term risk according to the WEF.
2. Technological Acceleration: The rise of AI-generated content and algorithm-driven feeds increases the spread and believability of false information.
3. Social Divisions: It exploits existing social and political divides, helping misinformation travel faster on social networks.
4. Political Manipulation: In India, political disinformation is the most common type, making up 46% of all misinformation. It influences voters and distorts public opinion.
5. Economic Disruption: Misinformation leads to consumer boycotts, economic tensions, and can harm global trade and diplomatic ties.

Why India is Especially Vulnerable

1. India is set to cross 900 million internet users, widening the reach of false information. Its cultural, linguistic, and political diversity creates fertile ground for narrative manipulation.
2. Falling trust in mainstream media pushes citizens towards social media, where misinformation is unchecked. People often trust unverified information if it comes from friends or family.
3. According to a study by the Indian School of Business and CyberPeace Foundation:

• 46% of disinformation is political
• 33.6% is about general issues
• 16.8% is religious

4. Indian politicians and parties have shared deepfakes and unverified content.
5. Since the 2017 Doklam standoff, China has targeted India with disinformation, prompting bans on over 300 Chinese apps including TikTok. Chinese platforms like Weibo are used to spread distorted narratives about India.
6. If companies like Meta end fact-checking partnerships, disinformation could worsen, as seen in the U.S.

Actions Taken or Recommended

1. India launched Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective and the Deepfake Analysis Unit during the 2024 elections.
2. The ban on Chinese apps reduced external interference.
3. The RBI’s Financial Literacy Campaign, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, aims to raise awareness and build critical thinking.
4. The same study confirms 46% of disinformation is political, showing the targeted nature of these campaigns.

Way Forward

1. Increase funding for cybersecurity research.
2. Ensure transparent content policies and disclosure of online ad funding.
3. Expand public awareness, using trusted campaigns like RBI’s initiative.
4. Enact strong laws to protect journalists and support independent research.
5. Work with other countries to develop cross-border coalitions to fight disinformation and protect democratic values and social harmony.

Question for practice:

Examine why disinformation is considered the biggest short-term global risk and how India is particularly vulnerable to it.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Naini Lake

News: Naini Lake has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, the lowest in five years.

About Naini Lake

• Location: It is a natural, kidney-shaped lake located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
• The lake was discovered by English businessman P. Barron in the mid-19th century.
• The lake is situated in Kumaon region, surrounded by seven hills including : Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) to the southwest, Snow View Hill to the north, and Naina Hill to the northwest.
• Environmental Threats: The lake faces several environmental challenges, including landslides, siltation, and contamination from toxic metals like lead, nickel, and chromium. These pose significant risks to its ecosystem.
• Significance: The lake supplies approximately 76% of Nainital’s drinking water demand and also supports boating, tourism, and recreational activities.

Nagarahole National Park

News: The issue of land grants within the core area of Nagarahole National Park and Tiger Reserve has sparked concern among environmentalists and forest officials. Nagarahole National Park.

About Nagarahole National Park

• It is located in Karnataka. It derives its name from the Nagarahole River, which means ‘Serpent River’.
• It connects to the Western Ghats through Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. It extends towards the Eastern Ghats through Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
• It shares its borders with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to the south and Bandipur Tiger Reserve to the southeast.
• The Kabini Reservoir, located in the western part of the park, and the Taraka Reservoir, situated in the southeastern region, are the two major water bodies within the park.
• The park is known for its high-density tiger population, ranking third in the country after Corbett and Kaziranga Tiger Reserves (As per All India Tiger Estimation -2022).
• Flora: It consists mainly of moist deciduous forests with predominating trees of teak and rosewood.
• Fauna: The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, Asiatic wild dogs, and sloth bears, Asiatic elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, muntjac, four-horned antelope, wild pig, and mouse deer and the South-western langur.

NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

News: Finance Minister launched the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal today in New Delhi. NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal.

About NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal

• Developed by: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
• It is a comprehensive repository of data on social, economic and fiscal parameters, research reports, papers, and expert commentary on State Finances for a period of about 30 years (i.e 1990-91 to 2022-23). 
• Components: The forum consists of four primary components: 
  • State reports, which offer in-depth analysis of various fiscal and economic indicators at the state level; 
  • Data repository, a consolidated database of social, economic, and financial parameters providing historical trends and patterns; 
  • State fiscal and economic dashboard, a visual and analytical representation of state finances to allow easy comparisons and insights; 
  • Research and commentaries, featuring expert insights, academic research, and policy discussions focused on state-level economic and fiscal issues.
• Significance: 
  • The portal will help States to make more meaningful interventions, raising revenues, managing debts and learning from peer experiences.
  • The portal will not only provide information for public knowledge but will also create awareness and fiscal learning across States.
  • It will bridge the data gap in public finance, allowing states to benchmark their fiscal performance against national figures and peer states. 
  • Being user-friendly and accessible platform, it will facilitate evidence-based discussions among policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Arctic Council

News– The tensions have risen in the Arctic region, following the comments made by the US President about annexing Greenland and Canada (including their dispute on the status of the Northwest Passage) added with impacts of climate change and resource competition in the region. Arctic Council.

About Arctic Council

• • It is an intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic Indigenous Peoples and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. 
  • Established in: It was formally established in 1996 (Ottawa Declaration).
  • Member countries: 8 (Denmark (), Canada, Norway, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland). Their national jurisdictions and international law govern the lands surrounding the Arctic Ocean and its waters.
  • Six Permanent Participants: It is a unique feature of the Arctic Council. Six organizations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples have status as Permanent Participants. This category was created to provide a means for active participation of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples within the Council.
  • Observers: It is open to non-Arctic states, along with inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary, global, regional and non-governmental organizations. India holds observer status in the Arctic Council since 2013. 
  • Secretariat: in Tromsø, Norway
  • Decision making: All Arctic Council decisions and statements require consensus of the eight Arctic States.

About Northwest Passage (NWP)

• It is a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Archipelago of Canada.
• Significance: When traveling from London to Tokyo, the Northwest Passage is 7,000 kilometres shorter than the current shipping route through the Panama Canal (about 23,000 kilometres). The route through the passage is just 16,000 kilometres.

About Northeast Passage (NEP)

• The eastern route along the Arctic coasts of Norway and Siberia is accordingly called the Northeast Passage (NEP).
• Significance: This route could reduce the maritime distance between East Asia and Europe by approximately 8,000 km compared to the traditional route through the Suez Canal.