70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce UNFCCC COP29 as a crucial climate summit. Highlight the importance of COP summits in shaping global climate policies. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the UNFCCC, held in Baku, Azerbaijan (2024), convened 200 nations to advance global climate action, focusing on climate finance, carbon markets, and emission reductions, while addressing developing nations' concerns.

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Key objectives of COP29

• New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance: Aims to triple climate finance to USD 300 billion per year by 2035, with a broader target of USD 1.3 trillion annually from public and private sources.
• Operationalizing Carbon Markets: Finalized Article 6.2 (bilateral carbon trading) and Article 6.4 (UN-managed carbon market) under the Paris Agreement.
• Methane Reduction: Over 30 countries pledged to cut methane emissions from organic waste (India did not sign).
• Recognition of Indigenous and Local Communities: Adopted the Baku Workplan to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific climate policies.
• Gender and Climate Action: Extended the Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG) for 10 years to promote gender-responsive policies.
• Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative: Launched to streamline climate finance for farmers in collaboration with FAO.

Significance in Global Climate Negotiations

• Strengthened climate finance commitments, though developing nations demanded higher targets.
• Advanced carbon trading mechanisms to promote low-carbon investments.
• Addressed climate justice concerns, yet faced resistance from developed nations in increasing financial contributions.

India’s Role in Ensuring Equitable Climate Action

• Rejected NCQG, demanding USD 1.3 trillion annually, with USD 600 billion in grants.
• Advocated for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Led Global South climate diplomacy through LMDC and BASIC groups.
• Strengthened initiatives like ISA, LiFE, and the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.

Conclusion

COP29 made incremental progress but exposed deep financial disparities. India played a pivotal role in advocating climate equity, ensuring developed nations fulfill their commitments while balancing sustainable growth.

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(b) How can the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme revolutionize academic and research accessibility in India? Examine its potential benefits and implementation challenges.

Approach In introduction define One Nation One Subscription (ONOS). Highlight India’s need for affordable and inclusive research access. Conclude suitably

Introduction

The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on 25th November 2024, is a landmark initiative aimed at democratizing access to scholarly research journals across India. It provides nationwide digital access to over 13,000 international journals from 30 major publishers, benefiting 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across 6,300+ government institutions.

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Potential Benefits

• Universal Access to Research: ONOS removes financial barriers, democratizing knowledge for students, faculty, and researchers.
• Bridging Research Gaps: Expands access to Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutions, fostering inclusive research growth.
• Cost Optimization: A centralized subscription model reduces costs by eliminating multiple institutional-level subscriptions.
• Boost to Innovation and Global Competitiveness: Enables Indian researchers to engage with global academia, improving research output and citations.
• Support for Open Access (OA) Publishing: ₹150 crore per year allocated for Article Processing Charges (APCs) will help Indian scholars publish in high-impact OA journals.
• Strengthening Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision: Aligns with India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant knowledge superpower by 2047.

Implementation Challenges

• Negotiations with Publishers: Securing affordable licensing agreements may be complex and expensive.
• Digital Infrastructure Gaps: Reliable internet access in rural institutions is necessary for seamless utilization.
• Limited Private Institution Access: ONOS primarily benefits government institutions, excluding private colleges and independent researchers.
• Sustainability Concerns: Ensuring long-term funding beyond 2027 for continued access is crucial.

Conclusion

ONOS is a transformational step towards making India a global research hub, supporting Viksit Bharat@2047. Despite financial and logistical hurdles, its successful implementation will revolutionize India's academic ecosystem, fostering inclusive and world-class research accessibility.