19 December 2022

MAINS QUESTIONS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS

 Q1. Discuss the advantages of 5G technology, as well as its potential and challenges for large-scale deployment in India. (250 words)

 Paper & Topic: GS III – Science and Technology related topics

Model Answer:

Introduction:

• The fifth generation of mobile networks is known as 5G. It’s a unified platform with far more capacity, lower latency, faster data delivery rates, and better spectrum utilisation than earlier mobile services. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project is in charge of defining and driving 5G usage standards (3GPP).

Body:

The following are some of the advantages of 5G technology:

A World That Is More Connected:

• 5G will provide users with the capacity and bandwidth they require to accommodate technologies like the Internet of Things.
• As a result, we will be able to better incorporate Artificial Intelligence into our daily lives. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality services are also supported.

Bringing Internet Access to Everyone:

• The speed of 5G will have an impact on a wide range of sectors and regions.
• Rural businesses, such as farming and agriculture, require high-speed internet connection to evolve.
• 5G networks have the potential to unlock such creativity, but how it is implemented is critical.

In Densely Populated Areas, Better Coverage:

• High-speed internet will make small cell deployments more effective, allowing lightweight, easy-to-install network base stations to boost capacity and coverage in densely populated locations.
• Despite their lower range, they will be able to relieve overburdened networks in cities and other densely populated areas.

Networking as a Service (Networking as a Service):

• Multiple virtual networks can be established on top of a common physical infrastructure using network slicing, allowing different types of applications and services to run on the same infrastructure.
• This allows telecoms firms to deliver networking on-demand in the same way that we presently access other services on-demand, resulting in a user experience that is virtually identical to that of a physically isolated network.

RAN (radio access networks):

• This is resulting in the emergence of a new ecosystem of players led by smaller and more inventive enterprises, which may pave the way for unknown companies from countries like India to emerge as global mobile infrastructure technology providers.

It has the following possible benefits:

• The manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital transformation.
• Manufacturers are becoming more efficient as part of Industry 4.0 by incorporating automation and data interchange into their existing production processes to enable more integrated workflows and smarter manufacturing.
• Industrial IoT technologies are revolutionising many production processes by streamlining and simplifying them.

Applications for mixed reality (MR) include:

• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) apps are included in the MR Apps.
• Interesting uses are expected to be explored in industrial and medical environments, in addition to the consumer market (think Pokémon Go).
• Low-latency 5G services can be used for remote medical procedures, engineering, public safety, and field-service applications, among other things.

Entertainment and sports:

• VR and AR combined with ultra-high-fidelity provided by 5G could revolutionise how spectators interact at these events.
• Motorsports, in particular, is well suited to virtual reality: viewers may be provided information such as lap times or technical data about vehicles while they compete on the track in a sport like Formula 1.

Wireless access that is fixed:

• Fixed wireless connection could be utilised to deliver high-bandwidth digital services to rural areas that are currently underserved.
• Mobile operators will be able to compete with wireline, satellite, and cable firms by providing new revenue sources and a faster return on investment.

Self-driving cars:

• The concept that much, if not all, of the car is controlled by technology rather than the driver.
• To do this, 5G will be necessary since it will provide the connectivity and speed required to transfer massive volumes of data to one another as well as other objects at the same time.
• 5G must be able to give a completely smooth mobile experience in order for automobiles to stay connected at all times.

Challenges:

• India will require a significant expenditure of Rs 5 lakh crore ($70 billion) to provide 5G to the country.
• Spectrum is expensive: Indian spectrum prices are among the highest in the world, and the assigned quantity falls far short of international best practises, with 40% of the spectrum remaining unsold.
• Lack of a standard legislative framework has hampered telecom service providers’ ability to roll out Optical Fiber Cables (OFC) and telecom towers due to delays caused by complex procedures across states, non-uniformity of levies, and administrative approvals.
• Municipal Regulatory Issues: Many local rules and regulations prevent the speedy and cost-effective deployment of small cells in city centres, where 5G is likely to be most in demand at first.
• Debt situation in the industry: Telecommunications service providers (TSPs) have a total debt of Rs 4.2 lakh crore, according to ICRA.
• India lacks a strong backhaul to migrate to 5G due to low optical fibre penetration. A network that connects cell sites to a central exchange is known as backhaul. Currently, 80 percent of cell sites are connected by microwave backhaul, with just 20% of sites connected via fibre.
• High Equipment Importation: Imports account for 90% of India’s telecom equipment market.
• However, due to a dearth of domestic manufacturing and research and development, Indian telecom operators have little choice but to purchase and deploy 5G technologies from international suppliers.
• Security: According to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Cyber Security Index, only around half of all countries have a cybersecurity plan or are in the process of developing one. India was ranked 23rd on the index, which was topped by Singapore with 0.925.
• Increased digital divide: Due to commercial feasibility, initial rollout of 5G networks in dense urban areas may leave rural areas behind, thus increasing the digital divide.
• Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: Concerns have been raised concerning the effects of these frequencies on human and animal health.

Next Steps:

• India’s spectrum allocation for public wireless services should be greatly increased. Furthermore, the cost of spectrum in terms of per capita GDP is high and should be reduced.
• Create a Fifth Generation (5G) Program Office and an Oversight Committee inside the Department of Telecommunications.
• To enable 5G infrastructure, new civil infrastructure such as motorways, roads, canals, and utility (gas, electricity, water) lines should be required to offer Common Telecom Infrastructure resources such as ducting and power junction boxes.
• Security audits, which are required before equipment can be imported and deployed in Indian networks, should be made easier.
• Favorable Tax Policy: Reducing taxation and regulatory fees on revenues could help the tax framework evolve further.
• Policymakers may explore encouraging 5G pilots and test beds to test 5G technology and use cases, as well as to encourage market engagement.
• Support investment in fifth-generation (5G) networks: The Indian government and authorities should assure the industry’s long-term viability and capacity to fund the massive investment required for 5G network deployments.
• To build a balanced spectrum ecosystem that fosters investment, makes efficient use of spectrum, and promotes competition, policymakers may explore using licenced, unlicensed, and shared spectrum.
• Where market failure has occurred, governments may explore establishing PPPs, investment funds, and grant programmes to encourage investment in fibre networks and passive assets.

Conclusion:

• According to the World Economic Forum, there will be 9.1 billion mobile subscriptions by 2023.
• 5G will be the driving force behind Digital India, a watershed moment in the country’s digital development.
• India is on the verge of adopting 5G wireless technology, the next generation of wireless technology.
• It allows businesses to reach out to global markets, while consumers benefit from the economies of scale.
• It can aid in better service delivery, faster access to services, and greater digital service penetration.

Q2. India’s air pollution, energy security, and climate change can all be addressed through widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EV). Talk about it (250 words)

 Paper & Topic: GS III – Science and Technology related topics

Model Answer:

Introduction:

• An electric vehicle is propelled by one or more electric motors or traction motors.
• To convert fuel to energy, an electric vehicle can be powered by a self-contained battery, solar panels, or an electric generator.
• India is one of only a few countries to back the global EV30@30 initiative, which aims for at least 30% new electric vehicle sales by 2030.

Body:

In India, electric vehicles have a lot of potential:

• India has promised to reducing its GHG emissions intensity by 33 percent to 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, in order to combat climate change and air pollution.
• According to a research by the NITI Aayog, electric vehicles will help to reduce carbon emissions by 1 gigatonne (GT) by 2030.
• Unlike conventional automobiles, electric vehicles do not emit pollutants that contribute to climate change and smog.
• All-electric vehicles emit no direct emissions, which aids in the improvement of air quality in cities.
• According to a recent WHO survey, India has 14 of the world’s top 20 most polluted cities. EVs will aid in the solution to this problem by lowering local pollutant concentrations in cities.
• Better electricity generating technology reduce costs. As a result, clean, low-carbon, and low-cost grids are now a possibility.
• India imports almost 80% of its transportation fuel, ensuring energy security.
• Electric mobility can help to balance energy demand, storage, and environmental sustainability.
• Electric vehicles, by relying on a diverse range of primary energy sources for power generation, could help diversify the energy required to move people and commodities, considerably boosting energy security.
• Battery Technology on the Cutting Edge: Advances in battery technology have resulted in higher energy densities, faster charging, and less battery degradation due to charging.
• Manufacturing capacity for electric vehicles (EVs) will promote global scale and competitiveness.
• Employment: The promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) will help the sun-rise sector boost its workforce.

India’s Electric Vehicle Industry Faces Challenges:

• In India, the electric car industry is far behind, accounting for less than 1% of total vehicle sales.
• Lack of a consistent policy for electric vehicle production: Major hurdles include an uncertain policy environment and a lack of supporting infrastructure.
• Technology challenges: India has a technological gap in the production of electronics that are the backbone of the electric vehicle sector, including as batteries, semiconductors, and controllers.
• Lack of accompanying infrastructure support: Other challenges impeding the expansion of the EV business include a lack of clarity about AC versus DC charging stations, grid reliability, and range anxiety (fear that the battery will run out of power soon).
• Lack of ingredients for domestic production: India relies on the import of lithium-ion batteries from nations such as Japan and China. Inputs for electric vehicles are produced locally at a rate of roughly 35% of total input output.
• Lack of experienced workers: EVs have higher maintenance costs and require higher degrees of expertise. In India, there are no designated training programmes for this type of skill development.
• The electric vehicle (EV) market in India currently has one of the world’s lowest penetration rates.
• The upfront costs are considerable, and the return is unpredictable.
• The cost of electric cars (EVs) and the distance they can go on a single charge.
• Due to the rupee’s rapid fall in recent months, the Indian EV industry has been severely harmed.
• The framework for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (Fame) has been updated several times.
• When the government is trying to promote electric vehicles, there is a high rate of GST on them.
• There has been a lack of focus on developing charging infrastructure.

Next Steps/Conclusion:

• In order for EVs to make a meaningful contribution, we must invest equally in the development of a comprehensive ecosystem.
• Because batteries account for 50% of EV expenses, the focus must move from subsidising automobiles to subsidising batteries.
• Because two-wheelers account for 76 percent of all vehicles in the country and consume the majority of the fuel, there is a growing focus on incentivizing electric two-wheelers.
• For encouraging investment, a large network of charging stations is on the horizon.
• Workplaces in tech parks, public bus depots, and multiplexes are also possible locations for charging stations. Some malls in Bangalore feature charging stations in their parking lots.
• As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility obligations, businesses could invest in charging stations.
• addressing technical issues like as AC vs. DC charging stations, peak demand management, grid stability, and so on
• There is a need for private investment in battery manufacturing plants and the development of low-cost production techniques.
• India is heavily reliant on thermal energy, which accounts for roughly 65 percent of its present capacity. The contribution of renewables should grow in tandem with the deployment of electric vehicles.
• There is a need for an electric vehicle policy roadmap so that investments may be planned.
• Lithium fields in Bolivia, Australia, and Chile may become as valuable as oil fields in the future, since India requires raw materials to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles.
• Waiving road tax and registration fees, as well as providing GST refunds and free parking spaces for electric vehicles.