Hybrid EVs: A Viable Path to Net-Zero Mobility

Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial in the global transition toward net-zero emissions, which is a crucial part of mitigating climate change.

Hybrid EVs have a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the transition in emerging economies, taking into account obstacles relating to power generation, grid capacity, and fast-charging infrastructure.

Understanding Net-Zero for Vehicles

·       Achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero carbon emissions in the transportation industry is referred to as “net-zero for vehicles”.

·       This objective entails minimizing the entire carbon footprint of vehicles in order to counteract the emissions they emit with comparable carbon removal or offsetting actions.

Types of Electric Vehicles

·       Electric Vehicle (EV): Any vehicle using an electric drivetrain powered by a portable electrical energy source.

·       Hybrid EV: Combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electrical generator to produce electricity. It utilizes a small battery (1-5kWh) as an energy buffer but cannot be charged from the grid.

·       Full EV: Also known as a battery EV or plug-in EV, it lacks an ICE, resulting in no tailpipe emissions. It has a larger battery (20-120 kWh) charged solely from the grid.

·       Plug-in Hybrid EV: A hybrid EV with a larger battery (5-15 kWh) that can be charged from the grid, operating in full electric mode as long as there is energy in the battery.

·       Fuel-Cell EV: Utilizes a fuel cell and a small battery buffer to produce electricity for the drivetrain.

Fuel Economy and Emissions of Hybrid and Fully Electric EVs

·       Hybrid EVs: With the combination of an ICE, generator, and battery, hybrid EVs exhibit 1.5-2x higher fuel economy than conventional ICE vehicles in city driving and 1-1.5x higher in highway driving.

·       Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Combine the advantages of hybrid and full EVs, covering 80-90% of short commutes in fully electric mode with 3-4x higher fuel economy than conventional vehicles.

·       Life-Cycle Emissions: A comprehensive index considering well-to-wheel emissions, vehicle, and battery production, maintenance, and end-of-life recycling. Full EVs result in 19-34% lower emissions for sedans and 38-49% for SUVs compared to conventional vehicles, even with fossil-fuel-dominated energy mix in India.

Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Mobility

·       Fast-Charging Infrastructure: Successful transition requires fast-charging infrastructure along highways to alleviate range anxiety and encourage full EV adoption.

·       Grid Access and Reliability: Many regions lack access to a reliable grid, posing challenges for slow and fast-charging capabilities.

·       Vehicle Costs: Mass-market EV prices are much lower in economically developing countries, hindering widespread adoption due to high battery costs.

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Decarbonizing the Interim

·       Hybrid EVs present an opportunity to lower emissions until full EVs become viable options in the long term.

·       Plug-in hybrids, with their all-electric range, offer many benefits, reducing fuel costs, emissions, and oil imports.

·       Regenerative braking and engine start-stop mechanisms improve fuel economy in hybrid EVs.

·       Hybrid cars’ purchase price is only slightly higher than conventional vehicles, irrespective of the vehicle range.

In order to help economically developing nations transition to a net-zero future, hybrid electric vehicles work as a bridge. The adoption of hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs can dramatically lower pollution and fuel costs in the interim, even though complete EVs are the ultimate goal. It will be possible to achieve net-zero mobility powered by renewable energy sources with a smooth transition if infrastructural issues are addressed and grid dependability is improved.

Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme launched

The Vivad se Vishwas II plan, a one-time settlement program, was introduced by the Centre to successfully address open contractual disputes with suppliers or vendors to the government and its undertakings.

About:

·       The program was revealed in the Union Budget for 2023–2024.

·       It intends to resolve legal challenges to arbitral rulings in contractual disputes involving the government and government-sponsored enterprises.

·       The Vivad Se Vishwas I program was unveiled as part of the Union Budget 2020 to minimize continuing direct taxation legal issues.

·       The resolution of around 150,000 cases resulted in the recovery of nearly 54% of the sum being litigated.

·       Beginning in March 2020 and ending on March 31, 2021, was the scheme.

Key details about the Scheme

·       Deadline and Guidelines: The scheme sets an October 31 deadline for firms to submit their claims for consideration. The Department of Expenditure had earlier issued guidelines for its operation in late May.

·       Eligibility: The scheme applies to domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organization working under its control.

·       Cut-off Dates: To be considered for settlement, an arbitral award must have been secured by the aggrieved party by January 31, 2023, while the cut-off date for court orders is set at April 30.

·       Graded Settlement Terms: The scheme offers graded settlement terms based on the pendency level of the disputes. For cases involving court awards, the settlement amount offered to the contractor can be up to 85% of the net amount awarded or upheld by the court. For arbitral awards, the threshold is “up to” 65% of the net amount.

·       Processing and Registration: Eligible claims shall be processed only through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which has developed a dedicated web-page for implementing this scheme. For Ministry of Railways’ contractors, claims can be registered on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System.

National Youth Policy

·       The highest youth population in the world is found in India, where 66 percent of the population is under 35. The National Youth Policy (NYP), which recognizes young people as an important national demographic, attempts to offer a comprehensive framework and vision for their development and empowerment.

Central idea

·       India’s future growth trajectory rests on how it nurtures and invests in its youth as other nations struggle with ageing populations. In order to address this, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Indian Government created the NYP 2021, which outlines a 10-year plan for youth development by 2030.

Historical evolution of the National Youth Policy

·       NYP 1988: The first NYP was drafted in 1988, aimed at addressing youth development issues, but specific details were not provided.

·       NYP 2003: The NYP was updated in 2003, emphasizing patriotism, morality-oriented values, and gender justice. However, it lacked specific action plans.

·       NYP 2014: The policy was revised in 2014 with a more focused approach, defining the youth age group as 15-29. It identified objectives and priority action areas but faced criticism for lack of detailed plans.

·       NYP 2021: The most recent version, drafted in 2021, takes a holistic approach and aligns with the UN SDGs. It covers diverse aspects, but challenges in implementation were noted.

Significance of the NYP

·       Youth Empowerment: The NYP recognizes the youth as a critical demographic and aims to empower them to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future. By focusing on their development, the policy harnesses the potential of the youth as a dynamic and vibrant force.

·       Vision for Future Growth: Each iteration of the NYP builds upon the previous one, adapting to changing times and needs. The policy’s forward-looking approach helps India prepare its youth for the future, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

·       Alignment with Global Goals: The NYP 2021 aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting India’s commitment to international development agendas.

·       Holistic Development: The NYP 2021 takes a holistic approach, covering various aspects of youth development, such as education, health, skill development, and social welfare. This comprehensive approach ensures that the youth receive well-rounded support and opportunities

·       Fostering Inclusivity: The policy recognizes the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by the youth, including socially and economically disadvantaged sections. By focusing on inclusivity, the NYP strives to provide equal opportunities for all young individuals.

·       Policy Evolution: With each iteration, the NYP evolves to address emerging issues and incorporate feedback from previous policies. This continuous improvement ensures that the government’s youth-related initiatives remain relevant and effective.

·       Social Cohesion: By promoting values of unity, integrity, and respect for diverse faiths and cultures, the NYP fosters social cohesion among the youth. This contributes to a harmonious and cohesive society

Challenges to NYP 2021

·       Reintegration of NEET Youth: The policy rightly focuses on reintegrating NEET youth (not in education, employment, or training). However, it lacks specific timelines or schemes to generate equal job opportunities, especially considering India’s high unemployment rate.

·       Disparity in Access to Opportunities: The assumption of equal access to education, skilling, and employment for all youth overlooks the significant diversity within India’s young population. Many socially and economically disadvantaged youth face enormous challenges in accessing sustainable livelihoods.

·       Structural Barriers in Education: While the policy addresses symptoms like dropouts, it fails to address inherent structural barriers within the education system, such as economic migration, discrimination, and early marriages.

·       Complex Implementation: The policy assumes an ideal scenario with seamless coordination between various ministries, government departments, and non-state stakeholders. However, implementing such a wide-ranging policy will require overcoming significant challenges.

Way Forward

·       Clear Implementation Roadmap: Develop a detailed and transparent implementation plan with specific timelines and responsibilities assigned to various stakeholders. This plan should address the key objectives and action areas of NYP 2021, ensuring effective execution.

·       Reintegrating NEET Youth: Focus on generating equal job opportunities for NEET youth by collaborating with the private sector and creating employment avenues through government programs.

·       Inclusivity and Access: Design targeted interventions to address the challenges faced by socially and economically disadvantaged youth. Ensure equitable access to education, skilling, and employment opportunities, empowering all sections of the youth population.

·       Tackling Structural Barriers: Implement measures to address underlying issues in the education system that contribute to dropouts. Invest in infrastructure and resources to provide quality education and support students from vulnerable backgrounds.

·       Digital Connectivity and Education: Bridge the digital divide by improving internet access and technology infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas. Leverage technology for innovative educational delivery to reach youth unable to attend traditional schooling.

·       Strengthen Coordination: Establish robust coordination mechanisms among various ministries, government departments, and non-state stakeholders. Collaborate with NGOs, youth organizations, and the private sector to enhance the impact of NYP 2021.

·       Financial Allocation: Ensure adequate and sustainable funding for youth-centric programs and initiatives. Explore innovative financing models and partnerships to secure necessary resources for effective implementation.

A positive vision for empowering India’s youth and accelerating the country’s development in the twenty-first century is offered by NYP 2021. The policy’s potential impact on India’s Amrit Peedhi (youth) during the Amrit Kaal (critical era) could be hampered by ignoring the current difficulties. India must emphasize the efficient implementation of NYP 2021 and invest in the all-around development of its youth population if it wants to guarantee a bright future for the country.

Tree Felling Estimates for GNI Project

The ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, proposed by the Union government, is facing environmental scrutiny as the number of trees expected to be felled has been revised to 9.64 lakh, higher than the previously estimated 8.5 lakh

What is GNI Project?

·       The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog.

·       The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –

1.     Transhipment port

2.     Dual-use military-civil international airport

3.     Power plant and

4.     A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest

Features of the Project

·       Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment.

·       Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.

·       Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.

Significance of the Project

The GNI Project holds both economic and strategic significance:

·       Economic Significance: It positions Great Nicobar as a transhipment hub in the East, strategically located along the East-West international shipping corridor. This can potentially boost revenue and make India a significant player in cargo transhipment.

·       Strategic Significance: The development of Great Nicobar has been deemed crucial for national security and consolidating India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region. The project serves as an oceanic outpost and addresses concerns over increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.

Challenges and Concerns

·       Biodiversity Threat: The project’s development, township construction, and influx of people may lead to habitat destruction and degradation, posing a threat to numerous species on the island.

·       Indigenous Tribes Displacement: The project could displace two isolated and indigenous tribes, the Shompen and the Nicobaris, jeopardizing their way of life and cultural heritage.

·       Deforestation Impact: Cutting down an estimated 9.64 lakh trees in prehistoric rainforests could significantly impact the island’s ecology and biodiversity.

·       Inadequate Environmental Assessments: Concerns have been raised about the haste in obtaining clearances and the adequacy of environmental and social impact assessments.

·       Fragile Topography: The region’s tectonic volatility and disaster vulnerability add to the challenges, particularly considering the 2004 Tsunami’s impact on tribal communities.

Major Concerns

·       Tree Felling Estimate: Minister of State (Environment) Ashwini Kumar Choubey revealed that approximately 9.64 lakh trees may need to be cut down for the development in the Great Nicobar Project. However, there is a possibility that the actual number of trees felled could be lower.

·       Environmental Consequences: The forest earmarked for development on the Great Nicobar Island is an evergreen tropical forest with high biological diversity, housing nearly 650 species of flora and 330 species of fauna.

·       Compensatory Afforestation: To offset the tree felling, the government plans to carry out compensatory afforestation in Haryana. The state has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 square km for this purpose.

·       Tribal concerns: The island administration did not grant forest land ownership to local tribespeople as required under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017, raising concerns about consent and rights recognition.

·       Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance: The approval process for the project faced delays, and claims over forest land under the FRA were not processed adequately.

·       Environmental issues with the Great Nicobar Project, including as substantial tree cutting, probable habitat destruction, and difficulties involving indigenous tribes, necessitate a careful reevaluation of the project’s impact and strategy.

It’s important to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, placing a focus on sustainable practices and protecting the island’s unique biodiversity and cultural legacy.