Elon Musk’s Starlink: Bringing Satellite Internet to India
Why in News?
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed distribution agreements with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring satellite internet to India. This marks a shift in the telecom industry’s stance, as it had previously opposed Starlink’s entry without an auction for satellite airwaves.
Key Points
What is Starlink?
- Starlink is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation with over 7,000 satellites.
- It provides internet access through ground terminals and is available in around 40 countries.
- Offers speeds of ~100 Mbps, but with higher latency than wired broadband.
- Works with ground stations that connect to the internet and beam signals to satellites.
- Useful in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
How Much Does Starlink Cost?
- Users must purchase a terminal (router) and pay a monthly access fee.
- U.S. pricing: Residential kit – $149, Roaming kit – $349.
- Indian pricing could range between ₹17,000 – ₹40,000 (excluding shipping & taxes).
- Monthly plans in the U.S. range from $120 – $165; Bhutan’s pricing suggests Indian rates may be ₹4,200 – ₹8,400 per month.
- Higher-priced plans like “mobile priority” could cost around ₹21,000 per month.
Regulatory Challenges in India
- SpaceX needs a GMPCS authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- The government has scrutinized Starlink due to security concerns and ownership disclosure issues.
- Approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs is pending.
- Ground stations in India must comply with local law enforcement requirements.
- Spectrum allocation is unresolved, with telcos previously demanding an auction.
- Legal uncertainties remain due to the 2012 Supreme Court judgment on natural resource allocation.
ICC’s Dependence on Political Interests for Justice
Why in News?
The arrest of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant marks a rare success in holding political figures accountable. However, this was possible due to the cooperation of the Philippine government, highlighting the ICC’s dependence on national interests for enforcement.
Key Points
Duterte’s Arrest and ICC’s Investigation
- ICC issued a warrant against Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity (murder) related to his ‘war on drugs’ campaign.
- The arrest was facilitated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government, possibly due to internal political conflicts.
- The ICC is investigating Duterte’s actions between 2011-2019, when the Philippines was a member.
- The Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed when a country was a state-party.
Structural Weaknesses of the ICC
- Established by the Rome Statute, the ICC lacks enforcement power and relies on national governments for execution of warrants.
- Many ICC warrants remain unexecuted due to lack of cooperation from states.
- The ICC is often criticized for disproportionately targeting African leaders while failing to act against powerful figures like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Challenges from Major Powers
- Some state-parties refuse to arrest individuals with ICC warrants.
- Leaders avoid travel to ICC-member states to escape arrest.
- The U.S. openly opposes the ICC and threatens punitive actions if it moves against its nationals or allies.
Significance and Future of ICC
- The ICC continues to exist because it tries individuals, not states.
- It has expanded jurisdiction, exemplified by its ruling that allows investigations in Palestine, even against nationals of non-member states.
- Despite challenges, the ICC remains a key institution for international justice, though its effectiveness depends on political cooperation.
Air Pollution and Climate Change to Lower India’s Solar Power Generation: Study
Why in News:
A study by IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters (November 2024), highlights that air pollution and climate change will significantly reduce India’s solar power generation capacity.
Key Points:
1. India’s Solar Power Ambitions
- India is the fifth-largest solar power producer in the world.
- Targets 50% electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
- Plans to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with one-fifth from solar power.
2. Impact of Climate Change on Solar Power
- Solar cells require bright sunlight, lower temperatures, and airflow for cooling.
- Study found that solar radiation is the main factor affecting solar-cell efficiency, followed by temperature.
- Rising ambient temperatures will lower solar cell efficiency further.
3. Air Pollution and Solar Panel Performance
- Air pollution blocks solar radiation, reducing energy generation.
- Pollutants such as aerosols and particulate matter scatter or absorb sunlight.
- Cloud cover and pollution contribute to ‘global dimming’, reducing available solar energy.
4. Findings of the Study
- Data from 1985 to 2014 used to predict changes from 2041-2050.
- Two scenarios studied:
- Moderate climate change efforts, weak air pollution control → Higher efficiency loss.
- Weak climate action, strong air pollution control → Lower efficiency loss.
- Solar panel efficiency expected to decline by 2.3% by mid-century.
- Loss amounts to at least 840 GWh of electricity annually.
5. Future Solar Potential and Mitigation Strategies
- Northeast India and Kerala may see an increase in solar potential due to reduced cloud cover.
- The study suggests improving air quality and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
- Policy implementation is key: Need for public participation, electric vehicle adoption, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Conclusion
While India has ambitious solar energy goals, climate change and air pollution pose serious challenges. Addressing these issues through better policies, emission cuts, and efficient solar deployment strategies will be crucial to achieving a sustainable energy future.
