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India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy

Last updated on November 19, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy can influence geopolitics. It is internationally recognized that one of India’s significant global contributions has been the exercise of its soft power, drawing on its ancient cultural and civilizational roots. What is soft power? How is it linked with cultural diplomacy? Read here to understand better.

India possesses a significant amount of soft power, which is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force.

India’s soft power is primarily derived from its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, ancient history, and contributions to art, literature, music, cinema, yoga, spirituality, and cuisine.

This soft power has enabled India to engage in cultural diplomacy, which involves the use of cultural assets to build bridges, foster understanding, and enhance its international image and influence.

Also read: Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA)

Table of Contents

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defines soft power as the ability to influence others through appeal and attraction, using non-coercive means. These include cultural heritage evident in arts, dances, literature, cuisine, yoga, traditional medicine, etc.

Cultural bonding can be one of the ways to prevent conflict and promote peace.

The pursuit of cultural diplomacy and soft power in India is underpinned by MEA’s institutional structure, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which was established in 1950 to revive and strengthen India’s cultural relations with the rest of the world.
This reorientation of our foreign policy was indeed timely and intrinsic to a successful foreign policy initiative, not just in our neighborhood but also with our strategic partners and new dialogue partners in Africa and Latin America.

Indian spirituality has had a global presence for centuries.

One of its important manifestations in today’s world is the large number of Yoga centers spread across the world.
In 2014, the UN General Assembly recognized the 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga. It has been commemorated on that day across the world since 21st June 2015.

Cultural diplomacy and soft power are important instruments in regional and international cooperation and are of particular relevance in our region i.e., South Asia.

Culture and cultural diplomacy have emerged as the force to connect, build bilateral relations, and heal the raptures created by history and politics.

Cultural diplomacy

India’s cultural heritage is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world. Its ancient civilizations, historical landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Taj Mahal, symbolize the country’s rich history and allure tourists from around the globe.

Cultural diplomacy is therefore an important dimension of a country’s soft power.
India actively employs cultural diplomacy to strengthen diplomatic relations with other nations.
It hosts cultural festivals, film festivals, and art exhibitions to showcase its cultural diversity and foster people-to-people connections.

Also read: 100 Must Know Acts Enacted by the Indian Parliament (Included in the Book ‘Important Acts that Transformed India’)

Major aspects of India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy

Yoga and Meditation: India’s contribution to yoga and meditation practices has gained global popularity. Yoga is now practiced by millions worldwide, and International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21st, is an example of India’s cultural diplomacy through promoting wellness and mindfulness.

Bollywood and Cinema: Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has a massive international following. Indian films have been successful in reaching audiences in various countries, contributing to cross-cultural exchanges and increasing India’s soft power reach.

Literature and Art: India has a long literary tradition, with works by renowned authors like Rabindranath Tagore and R.K. Narayan gaining international recognition. Indian art forms, such as classical dances, have also captivated global audiences.

Cuisine: Indian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse regional dishes, has become increasingly popular worldwide, with Indian restaurants present in many countries.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): The ICCR, under the Ministry of External Affairs, plays a significant role in promoting India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy. It organizes cultural exchanges, scholarships, and performances by Indian artists abroad.

Education and Language: The popularity of Indian institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) has led to an increase in foreign students seeking education in India. Additionally, the widespread use of English as a global language has further enhanced India’s soft power.

Diaspora Influence: India’s diaspora, spread across the world, acts as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian culture and values in their adopted countries.

Digital Media: India’s growing influence in the digital media space, including social media and entertainment platforms, has enabled the dissemination of its culture and ideas on a global scale.

Limitations to India’s soft power

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defines soft power as the ability to influence others through appeal and attraction, using non-coercive means.

The MEA has noted four limitations that inhibit India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy. These are:

inadequate financing
lack of coordination among various institutions
shortage of skilled manpower,
lack of clarity on the mandate of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

A Standing Committee on External Affairs submitted its report on ‘ India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Prospects and Limitations’ in 2022.

Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

The Committee observed the need for a complete remodeling of the structure, mandate, and functioning of the ICCR to better project Indian culture.
The Committee recommended the constitution of a Coordination Committee under the monitoring of the MEA to ensure better coordination between ministries/departments responsible for India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
There was a recommendation for the formation of a working group between the MEA and the Ministry of Culture to coordinate and plan cultural diplomatic activities.
It recommended collaboration between the Ministry of AYUSH and the MEA to constitute a Yoga Certification Board. The Board would certify Indian yogic practices and therapies.
The Committee recommended formulating a mechanism to proactively interact with the Indian diaspora in the Indian Missions/Post abroad.
It observed the need to increase tourism offices abroad and the adoption of a country-specific approach to tourism promotion.

India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy have contributed to enhancing its global image and attracting international cooperation, investment, and partnerships.

As the world becomes more interconnected, India’s soft power assets continue to play a vital role in shaping its relations with other nations and contributing to the global cultural landscape.

Related article: Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; Global south

-Article by Swathi Satish

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The rise of India as a global soft power

Preethi Amaresh

India is an enlightened nation with a vibrant soft power inheritance. The country is vividly conscious of the weight of its cultural engagement and requires putting in little more effort to present its culture fascinating to the corners of the world.

The following notion of soft power is original and essentially natural which is harmonious with the abundant history of India as both a country of notions and thoughts alongside amicable cultural dissemination. Soft power brought with it an impression of upright hovering sphere and reliability, which motivated the developing nations across the world after seeing India’s position.

India’s soft power has historically been characterised by pluralism

India has an optimistic vision of relatively pluralistic government, non-violent, and liberal with a non-threatening global leadership. Distinguished personages like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, literature, music, dance, software industry, Ayurveda, etc., produce an extraordinary array of soft power assets that portray the attractiveness of India to the foreign populace. The importance of respect, harmony and fraternity are the essences that Indians are recognized for, with Ashoka, Buddha and Gandhi standing as principal representatives. Mythological epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana are compared with the great Greek writings like Odyssey and Iliad. India was appreciated as the ‘Golden Bird’ between 1 and 1000 AD for its GDP, which was also ahead of China back then. This eventually brought migrants, traders and invaders like ‘Alexander the Great’ to India.

Over the centenaries, India has granted shelter, religious and cultural freedom to Jews, Christians, Muslims and several other faiths. India’s history and culture is her legacy to the world that displays the metamorphosis of India’s chronicles, how India harmoniously assimilated different religions yet never lost track to its own culture and history.

Chanakya- neeti came before Machiavelli

India’s global representation is rooted in the idea of ‘unity in diversity’, contemplative of the wide collection of cultures and civilizations that remains to attract many across the world. The soft power rootlets move very deep. Appraisals of India’s soft power draw traditional, religious, ethno-linguistic and constructive relations with other nations. Everything as a component of the Indian culture was fascinating for the outside world. India dedicated itself to gaining internationally through commerce and statecraft, apart from “soft” power. Upanishads delivered the notion of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to the world and to India. Renowned ancient Indian philosopher, Chanakya’s maneuvering to gain over adjacent powers by settlement and non- aggression arrangement and grants also demonstrates the significance of soft power in the ancient Indian statecraft.

India has a vibrant and traditional history that has given rise to several academicians, intellectuals and scholars who have committed to the conception of distinct followings of knowledge, a pearl of wisdom that has travelled and set themselves far exceeding the frontiers of India. The ancient universities of India were the most prominent centers of cultural synergy and soft power, which drew a great number of scholars and learners from different parts of the world. India as a mystic civilization has interested academicians, scholars and people from various fields from parts of the globe to India, which also led to the emergence of various Indologists. Indian society and culture that encompasses Indian cuisines, religions, festivals, spirituality, yoga, movies and music have a more all-embracing impact on the global market, particularly in Asia, West Asia, Europe and Africa.

The British Raj changed India’s economic landscape

India since for eras has undergone numerous conflicts through the ancient Indian kingdoms and rulers including the colonial British rule. And yet, India was exultant and proud of the passive-resistance mode in which the nation had gained freedom. When the British came to India, Britain had 2% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and India had 20%. But in 1947 during Independence, when the British departed India, the GDP was the opposite way round. India was economically a very poor nation quickly after independence, completely swilled of its resources by a long-suffering colonial power of over three centuries. India despite its intrinsic roadblocks of severe hardship and diversity of the numerous cultures was broadly praised for having gained independence from the colonial rule and also for enduring up for the global South.

The soft power of India has risen as the capability to connect, strengthen the connections and to fix the fractures shaped by history and politics. In the 1990s, India supported peaceful advancement and a good friendly policy towards its neighbors and the soft power to cater to India’s foreign policy to support its legitimacy in South Asia.

The soft power of India has scattered in her extensive social and civilization heritage over millennia, manifests that her purposes of secularism, liberalism and inclusiveness of cultures that are more critical in today’s restless society. A concrete experience of south-south collaboration and long-held solidarity with developing nations is an added element of Indian soft power in various sections of the world. The Gandhian concepts of non-violence, Nehru’s Five Postulates of Panchsheel (Peaceful Coexistence) and the globally supported Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the cold war made an important actor in global associations.

India perceived as a promoter of culture, dialogue and synergy

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister was assured that the country was fastened to perform a great and benevolent share in foreign affairs. India has been perceived as a promoter of culture, dialogue and synergy in the continuation of global politics. The religious leader of the Tibetans, his holiness Dalai Lama explained, “India’s great tradition of religions tolerance can be a role model for the entire world”. With the arrival of liberalization and globalization of the economy, the interlacing among the nations across the world has increased. The soft power has now been graced as the essential factor of the overall power of a nation. It can increase the adhesion and the determination of the people in a domain and the capability to shape the foreign relations of a nation. Soft power has also become a piece of crucial equipment in determining India’s foreign policy and strategic decisions.

Incredible India

The Incredible India tourism campaign offered an indispensable role in advancing ‘Brand India’ being a catchphrase to describe the campaign started by India to draw interest and represent India as a productive purpose for investment. India could hold itself amongst the nations with robust potential of soft power. The country’s throbbing democracy, autonomous judiciary, the role of NGOs, including progressive and independent media draw people across the world. India is also exploring global recognition of remarkably innovative projects, which manifest India’s equation with her magnificent civilizational history. India has been one of the most esteemed members of UNESCO and has been a stalwart champion of inter-civilizational and inter-cultural exchange.

Considering that hard power cannot be exercised exceeding a frontier or territory, it is soft power that can boost the image of India and create a niche for the country in the modern global system. The symbols of soft power have also progressed and produced the understanding that India in the modern era is as much more robust than what it was previously several decades ago. The Indian diaspora can perform a significant role in expanding the soft power of the country through the tremendous magnetism that they hold in their living nations. Around 20 million active Indian Diasporas are spread across various countries. By 2024, United Nations (UN) has predicted that India is set to become the world’s most populous country and Indian diaspora will continue to grow which is an important strong suit for creating a positive perception of the nation.

More innovative uses of soft power more recently

Soft power has been expanded in diverse forms by succeeding governments in India. The government of Narendra Modi at present has been creating innovative trends in the realm of Indian diplomacy by blending contemporary elements of soft power. Today, the state has used specific soft power assets of India such as Diaspora, Yoga, Buddhism and economic support for accomplishing diplomatic triumphs and advancing the nation’s national interests.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has determined to promote a “soft power matrix” to measure the effectiveness of the country’s soft power outreach. The goal of the MEA is going to be an indispensable test condition in the aforementioned regard. Initiatives such as ‘Destination India’ and ‘Know India’ have likewise been launched. Cultural centers like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) even organized a national convention ‘Destination India’ initiative for the first time in 2019 which believes that India can move up fast to be a leader of the global knowledge society. ‘Namaste diplomacy’ and ‘Medical diplomacy’ of India today has become the talk post-COVID-19.

India’s supremacy in space statesmanship and technology is an added principally induced soft power means with endless prospects. India’s regional diplomacy has reached outer space with the nation launching its GSAT-9, also known as the South Asia Satellite, that aimed to bestow South Asian countries with space-enabled services.

As an ancient civilization, India has a throbbing democracy, the largest in the world, a secular spirit and a speedily developing marketplace that grew to become the 5th most booming economy in 2019, overtaking the United Kingdom and France. India, to boost its communication, tourism, culture and soft power, on the whole, will have to forge multilateral and bilateral collaborations with different nations by enhancing its foreign policy and diplomacy.

Due to the attractiveness of India’s culture, social values, and foreign policies in addition to the nation’s economic and military might, India will be better placed to join the rank of Asia’s great powers. India, which is expected to become a superpower by 2025, also possesses soft power advantage having a democratic system compared to China’s communist belligerent system. Since the last ten years, India has likewise elevated its indispensable resources in public diplomacy, by applying traditional and innovative channels to create and anchorage its soft power.

India’s soft power limitations

However, India being a country rich in soft power resources lacks an institutional ecosystem to harness soft power and further its national interests in the international sphere. There have been blemishes due to major quandaries such as corruption, poverty, and violence against women, hostility to business, pollution in urban areas, caste-discrimination and gender-inequality that has made India fare poorly in the elements of national attraction.

Also, there are numerous factors at play forcing what feels like an underperformance in the Soft Power 30 index for India such as the western bias that places India at a relative disadvantage as advanced economy nations hold a lead. The index is a composite pattern aggregating data across a different range of soft power metrics to create a separate score for every nation. The reduced performance in various sub-indices of the report hauls down a nation’s overall score. However, it doesn’t mean such a country will not have precise might and valuable instruments in its display of soft power assets.

To conclude, India should figure out its strengths if it wants to resurrect its national image. Its ancient wisdom and spirituality should encourage other nations to acknowledge that India can have a great leadership role in the world.

India’s ability to tell a “better story” has not been very effective in delivering desired outcomes notably. The nation’s potential of soft power if implemented certainly would enhance India’s more exalted position, in making it well disposed and flourishing in the world. In the mounting multipolar global order, India definitely has the potential and holds immense opportunities to elevate its position further as the ‘rising global soft power’ that can further pave way for the country to become a ‘soft power-superpower’ of the 21st century.

A version of this article first appeared in The Diplomatist here . Read our other blogs on India’s soft power here .

Preethi is a political scientist and an author of the books, "Nihonomics" and "Nanmin". She is pursuing her doctoral degree in International Relations from Geneva School of Diplomacy, Switzerland.

August 6, 2021

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A photo of the frontal view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan – The official residence of the President of India.

Introduction: Is the Rise of India as a Global Power Inevitable?

Since the turn of the century, the chatter about India as an emerging global power has become louder and louder. The drivers of this perception are the steady growth in India’s defense budget; the recognition of the talent of its engineers, doctors, scientists and managers; the success of the Indian diaspora; and India’s rapid GDP growth. The fact that India is a democracy also adds to its international appeal. Western nations saw very early on that India was not only a natural ally of the West because of its democratic ethos but was also a preferred rival to China, where authoritarianism remains entrenched. This geostrategic difference adds to India’s importance. The U.S., India’s biggest trading partner, sees U.S.-India relations as the “most consequential relationship of this century.” [1] And U.S. officials now routinely parrot the refrain that India, the world’s biggest democracy, and the U.S., the world’s oldest democracy, are natural allies and partners in advancing a global order that defends democracy and the rule of law. [2]

Since the George W. Bush administration, the U.S. has been facilitating the rise of India, as it enabled the rise of China in the 1990s. The sanctions imposed on India for testing nuclear weapons were eased and efforts have since been made to groom India as a potential partner in containing the rise of China as a challenger to U.S. hegemony and to the liberal international order. India is eager to gain a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. It feels that this achievement will not only underscore India’s status as a major power but also give it the protection it seeks from international criticism as it pursues its ideological goals in the domestic arena. India has witnessed how the U.S. has used its power at the U.N. not only to advance its own interests but also to safeguard the interests of its allies. From the day it gained independence, India has felt that it was destined to be a great power and will one day achieve its “rightful place” on the global stage. Becoming part of the global governing elite, meaning a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, and having more say in the management of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, would be the pathway to this “rightful place.” This idea was born with the concept of a modern, independent India. In his famous speech “Tryst With Destiny,” delivered on the eve of India’s independence, India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, pledged that he would work “to the end that this ancient land attain her rightful place in the world and make her full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind.” [3]

India’s Hunger for Global Status

The Indian foreign policy elite is desperate for international validation of India as an important nation on the global stage. Often, to satiate that hunger, fake news about international recognition is circulated in Indian media that makes India look more powerful and influential than it is. For example, there were fake reports circulated in mainstream Indian media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The media frenzy around this fake report subsided only after a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a statement denying the nomination. [4] Surveys by inconsequential private consultants that show Modi to be the most popular global leader make headlines and are mentioned frequently by talking heads and government officials, but those same individuals challenge or vehemently reject international indices that show India performing poorly on the happiness index, the hunger index, or human rights and democracy measures. Every critical report about India’s human rights record is labeled as biased and fake, even though those reports are well documented in the U.S. State Department’s 2022 report. The present Indian leadership, politically engaged population, and media, it is safe to say, are seeking international recognition more intensely than their counterparts in any other nation in the world today.

This hunger is driven by frequent developments that indicate India’s rise. The recognition by the IMF that India is the fastest growing major economy in the post-COVID-19 era and the fact that it has now surpassed the United Kingdom as the fifth largest economy in the world are clear indicators that India is gaining in the economic sphere. India has recently become the world’s most populous country, and this too is seen as a marker of India’s achievement. The year 2023 has become a diplomatic bonanza for India. India became the host and president of two important multilateral forums, the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This has kept India in the global diplomatic limelight for most of the year, during which time it has sought to set the global agenda and establish itself as an important global power and the voice of the Global South. Even invitations for state visits for Modi by the U.S. and France reenforce the perception that India is the new “golden boy” of international relations.

Additional markers of India’s global influence include the success of India’s diaspora in business (think tech CEOs) and in politics (think Rishi Sunak and Kamala Harris); the emergence of powerful business houses like the Ambanis, Adanis, and Tatas; and the growing political influence of Indian Americans. The India story can be seen in everything from the emergence of India’s growing middle class as a major market to the recognition of the global importance of India’s IT, and from the diamond and pharmaceutical industries to India’s growing defense imports.

India’s successes have not happened by accident. The country has made major investments in digital access, and today Indians on the internet outnumber Chinese and Americans combined. The Indian government is also investing in national infrastructure, building more roads, airports, metros, and bullet trains, which is contributing to the rapid development and economic growth of the nation. According to UNICEF, in the decade 2010-2020, India lifted 271 million people out of poverty. Additionally, India’s exports have also increased, and the country is likely to see its exports surpass $1 trillion U.S. in the year 2023. India has also benefited from the Russia-Ukraine war and has imported Russian oil at discounted prices; it now exports refined oil to Europe and North America. Both public sector and private sector oil companies have made huge profits from this unexpected opportunity.

Besides all these economic and diplomatic achievements, the key reason all eyes are now on India is the persistent wooing of India by the Biden administration. U.S. officials have not only increased both the frequency and the intensity of their engagement with Indian counterparts, the U.S. has also signed many defense agreements, increased cooperation in the arena of critical emerging technologies and intelligence sharing, and is committed to upgrading India’s defense capabilities. The sale and transfer of F414 jet engines, which will be made in India by Hindustan Aeronautics, is the latest development in the U.S.-India defense partnership. This is a game-changer for India’s air strike capability, as well as its defense industry. Finally, the state dinner President Joe Biden hosted for Modi on June 22, 2023, and Modi’s address to a joint session of Congress have gone a long way toward sending a message to the world – especially to India and China – that U.S.-India relations have now reached unprecedented heights and that India is important to the U.S. Everybody now knows that India is one of the cool kids on the global campus.

The Dark Side of the India Story

But there is another side to the India story – a much darker side. This is a story that is rarely told in mainstream Indian media, but the global media is more committed to telling both sides of the India story. The other side is about two critical issues: one, the rise of Hindu nationalism and its terrible impact on democracy and the rights of religious minorities in India, especially Indian Muslims; and two, the structural flaws in India’s economic growth that are hidden by an unusually high focus on GDP growth alone as a measure of economic development.

In his book “India is Broken,” Princeton professor Ashoka Mody, a former IMF economist, identifies three major flaws in the Indian economy. He argues that the economy is growing but without generating jobs, and hence the unemployment rate in India is very high for a country whose economy is growing at over 6%. The unemployment rate in mid-July 2023 was 8.4%, according to the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy. [5]

Mody also argues that India is suffering from chronic underemployment. Many rural workers’ employment is seasonal, yet those workers are considered employed for purposes of tracking unemployment. Many people with advanced degrees are not working in their fields, but rather working as drivers for home delivery of food and goods, or as drivers for ride-hailing services. Such realities are hiding the extent of India’s unemployment. The most shocking aspect of India’s economy is the decline in women’s labor force participation, which dropped from 30% in 1990 to 19% in 2021 and is around 23% at the moment. [6] Mody also argues that India’s economic growth is insensitive to the damage it is causing the environment, and hence is not as sustainable as the government claims. He also finds the quality of India’s rapidly expanding private education institutions less than desirable. He feels that if India does not improve the quality of its education, it will fall behind other Asian nations that invest more in their human resources. [7]

As for India’s democratic backsliding, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom have systematically documented the many ways in which minorities in India are persecuted. Democracy indices have, especially since 2019 (the beginning of Modi’s second term), downgraded India to the status of a flawed democracy. The Swedish think tank V-Dem labeled India an “electoral autocracy,” and Freedom House has also highlighted the decline of freedom under the rule of Modi. [8] The State Department’s 2022 annual report is damning: It meticulously documents the persecution of religious minorities, especially Muslims, in India under Modi and his Hindu nationalist party (Bharatiya Janta Party). The atrocities documented include mob lynching of Muslims, extrajudicial bulldozing of Muslims’ homes and places of worship, violence against Muslims by mobs as well as police, passage of laws that violate religious freedoms, and frequent calls for genocide of Indian Muslims and hate speech by Hindu priests and Hindu nationalist political leaders. [9]

The two sides of the India story were dramatically on display when Modi visited the U.S. in June 2023. While the White House and the U.S. Congress laid out the red carpet for Modi, and Biden spoke eloquently of India’s democratic DNA, over 75 U.S. senators and representatives wrote a letter to Biden demanding that he raise the issue of India’s terrible human rights records directly with Modi. [10] Many of them also chose to boycott Modi’s address to Congress. While Biden was bending backward not to ruffle India’s feathers, former President Barack Obama said in an interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour that the “protection of the Muslim minority in a majority-Hindu India” was “something worth mentioning” during the state visit. He added, “If you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, then there is a strong possibility India at some point starts pulling apart.” There are some who believe that Obama may have made this comment at Biden’s behest to send the message to India that the U.S. was not overlooking the democratic backsliding of India. [11] These comments sparked backlash from Indian leaders, who attacked Obama for being hypocritical since he had bombed several Muslim countries during his time as president. The most shocking reaction came from a senior leader of Modi’s party, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of the state of Assam, who told a journalist that there were many Hussain Obamas in India and that Assam police would prioritize “taking care of them,” then head to Washington, D.C. Ironically, while India’s prime minister was talking about how there was no room for discrimination in India, his own party member was threatening Muslim minorities with police for no reason. The man has faced no consequences for his blatant bigotry. [12]

Clearly there are two sides to the India story: one about India’s emergence as a major economic and global power, and the other about its steady transformation into an electoral autocracy that treats its religious minorities terribly. In the two months prior to this writing, overlapping with Modi’s visit to the U.S., over 250 churches have been burned down in the state of Manipur, which is also ruled by Modi’s Hindu nationalist party (BJP). The state is experiencing an ethnic and religious civil war in which over 140 people have been killed and thousands displaced and rendered homeless. [13] The European Parliament passed an urgency resolution on the violence in Manipur hours before Modi landed in Paris to be a state guest at France’s Bastille Day celebrations. [14] Unless India seriously addresses its domestic religious polarization and targeting of minorities, it will be hard even for the Biden administration, which is comfortable working with illiberal leaders all over the world, to keep India in the camp of democracies. India is on its way to becoming a more developed, more powerful, and more influential country, but it is also suffering from a serious domestic crisis that could undermine progress. It can and probably will emerge as a major power, but first it must address the communal hatred that unfortunately is becoming more lethal and more widespread around the country.

Brief Summaries of the Book Chapters

For this anthology, titled “Rise of India as a World Power,” the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy has invited an extraordinary group of scholars, experts, and practitioners to contribute their views. The essays, like the diverse contributors, bring a variety of perspectives that paint a multifaceted picture of India’s rise and the challenges it faces. In the first essay, professor Sumit Ganguly , a prominent scholar of Indian foreign policy and South Asian politics, argues that India can emerge as a global power, but it must make significant changes in its posture toward the U.S. and its defense procurement policies, end its geopolitical rivalry with Pakistan, and address the persistent poverty in the nation. While he acknowledges that many authoritarian nations have become great powers, he feels that India’s lurch toward authoritarianism could become a major impediment to its march toward great power status. Ganguly argues that India’s democracy, albeit flawed, has succeeded in managing the country’s vast diversity, but if India retreats from its democratic principles, then it will jeopardize its domestic and social order.

Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad , who has served as India’s ambassador to many Middle Eastern countries, is intimately aware of both the process and content of Indian foreign policy. He argues that Modi has worked hard to improve relations with Middle Eastern countries, and has been successful, but worries that India’s reputation as well as its long-term interests are not being served well by the Hindutva ideology that informs the Modi government. He also points to weaknesses in the Indian economy and predicts that it will not reach the target of $5 trillion U.S. by 2025, as predicted by the Modi government. [15] Ahmad also laments the loss of opportunity. The U.S. has slowly retreated from the Middle East, and India, which has good business relations with the nations in the region, has not enhanced its strategic role. It has allowed China to step into the vacuum created by the U.S. pivot away from the Middle East. He predicts that constrained by Hindutva values, which target Muslims at home, India can only maintain transactional and business relations with the Middle East, and shared strategic goals and actions will be limited.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, argues that while Pakistan is capable of putting hurdles in India’s path, it cannot at the moment prevent India’s rise. A combination of the widening gap between India and Pakistan’s capabilities along with domestic political and economic instability have diminished Pakistan’s ability to curtail the rise of India and its growing international profile. Kugelman also points out that while Pakistan does possess assets that allow it to pose asymmetric threats to India, it has for the moment reduced such activity. Additionally, Pakistan’s fortunes in Afghanistan have not fared well, and hence Pakistan will continue to maintain peace and calm on its eastern border with India while dealing with the challenges it faces from Afghanistan on its western border. Kugelman sees challenges to India’s emergence as a world power coming more from India’s other neighbor, China, a more powerful and more aggressive power.

Aparna Pande is a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, and her work focuses on India’s foreign policy and the politics and geopolitics of South Asia. Pande draws an intriguing portrait of India as an aspiring world power, but a “different kind of world power.” She argues that India is seeking recognition as a global power with a moral identity – Vishwaguru (world teacher). The country does not have hegemonic aspirations in the region or globally. It does not have any territorial aspirations, nor does it seek to upset the existing order. According to Pande, this “Indian exceptionalism” is based on a form of nationalism that takes pride in its civilizational heritage and is neither territorial nor ideological. In her essay, Pande also emphasizes the importance of the emerging and rapidly growing India-U.S. alliance.

Ghazala Wahab , a defense expert who also edits and publishes FORCE , a monthly journal on security issues, has contributed a counterintuitive and persuasive challenge to the narrative that India is a rising military power. She points out that India’s status as having the third largest defense budget in the world and also being the third or fourth largest importer of military equipment is being confused with military power. She argues that while India is indeed spending more than most nations on military power, it is not deterring other nations such as Pakistan and China from pursuing their aggressive cross-border attacks and violations. For Wahab, deterrence is the measure of power. Wahab also dispels the myth of the policy/goal of Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) in the defense sector. She observes that the resources earmarked for research and development are very low, and almost all major weapons manufacturing in India happens through collaboration with foreign firms. Wahab suggests that heralding India as a major military power is premature, and that it will be a while before India actually becomes self-reliant and successfully deters its enemies.

India seeks greater responsibility and recognition on the global stage, and as part of this pursuit it has persevered in pushing for reforms first of the U.N. Security Council and now of the entire system of multilateral governance. Retired Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin , who has served as India’s permanent representative to the U.N., recounts in detail how India has sought reform of the U.N. Security Council to make it more representative and more in alignment with current realities, and to attain a permanent membership. He explains how India’s strategy for reform has evolved and how various international stakeholders have ensured that the process is consistently stymied, and no reforms have taken place. India’s failure to achieve a permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council reveals the nature of global politics: Institutional continuity prevails despite major shifts in economic and military balances of power.

[1] See comments by Rich Verma, the deputy undersecretary of state, as reported by Financial Express, April 27, 2023. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-us-relationship-the-most-consequential-relationship-of-this-century-top-us-diplomat-3064684/ . Similar observations are regularly repeated by senior diplomats.

[2] Pande, A. (2020).  Making India great: The promise of a reluctant global power . HarperCollins; Jaishankar, S. (2020). The India way: Strategies for an uncertain world . New Delhi.

[3] See the full text of Nehru’s speech at: https://thewire.in/history/india-at-75-jawaharlal-nehru-tryst-with-destiny-full-text

[4] See media reports fact-checking this fake news: https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fact-check-did-asle-toje-call-pm-modi-biggest-contender-for-nobel-prize-123031600463_1.html

[5] Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt. Ltd. (n.d.) CMIE statistics. Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://www.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=warticle&dt=20230501182648&msec=936

[6] S, V. (2023, March 19). MPW 2022: India’s female labour force is plunging; can country’s growing economy afford this? Business Today. https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/deep-dive/story/mpw-2022-indias-female-labour-force-is-plunging-can-countrys-growing-economy-afford-this-372141-2023-03-03

[7] Mody, A. (2023).  India Is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today . Stanford University Press. See also the author’s “Khanversation” with Mody about his book on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/7sLBuc90_ec .

[8] Biswas, S. (2021, March 16). ‘ Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56393944

[9] See the State Department’s report on the state of religious freedom in India: https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/india/ . Also see the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s report: https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/India%202023.pdf .

[10] Rai, S. (2023, June 20). Democrats push Biden to make human rights a focus in meeting with Modi. The Hill. https://thehill.com/policy/international/4058441-democrats-human-rights-modi-biden-visit/

[11] HT News Desk. (2023, June 23). Obama’s comments on Modi coincidental? Congress MP says ‘would be surprised if …’. The Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/obamas-comments-on-modi-coincidental-congress-mp-says-would-be-surprised-if-101687486315221.html

[12] The Wire Staff. (2023, June 23). ‘Hussain Obama’: Assam CM Himanta targets, threatens US ex-prez with Islamophobic slur. The Wire. https://thewire.in/communalism/hussain-obama-himanta-biswa-sarma

[13] See report in The Guardian on the state of affairs in Manipur: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/foreigners-on-our-own-land-ethnic-clashes-threaten-to-push-indias-manipur-state-into-civil-war . The Telegraph reports that 253 churches have been burnt in Manipur. See https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/253-churches-burnt-down-during-continuing-unrest-in-manipur-indigenous-tribal-leaders-forum/cid/1944597 .

[14] European Parliament. (2023, July 12). Joint motion for a resolution on India, the situation in Manipur (2023/2781[RSP]). https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2023-0335_EN.html

[15] PIB Delhi. (2022, Nov. 12). No one can stop the Indian economy from holding the 3rd rank in the world by 2027- Amit Shah. Ministry of Home Affairs. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1875480

India as a Great Power?

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman in India

Outlook for India-Middle East Relations: National Aspirations and Interests Will Crash Against Hindutva Ideology

The Pakistan Factor in India’s Rise: Not a Constraint, Still a Challenge

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Narendra Modi Secured a Third Term as India’s Prime Minister—But With Less Power Than Expected

P olitical pundits and exit polls were quick to predict that Narendra Modi was poised to clinch a third term as India’s prime minister in this year’s elections, which began on April 19 and concluded on June 1. The question was: could his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), win enough votes to claim a supermajority?

The answer became clear as the final results trickled in on Tuesday, June 4. With more than 50% of the votes counted , the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (which consists of several rightwing, conservative regional parties) have so far won 290 seats in India’s 543-seat Lok Sabha, or the lower house of parliament—falling short of the 400-seat mark the alliance boasted it would win, and effectively losing the single-party majority Modi has enjoyed since first elected in 2014. The ruling party on its own has claimed 238 seats—also a stark departure from the BJP’s thumping victory in 2019 when it won an unprecedented 303 seats.

In contrast, the opposition INDIA alliance—which is made up of more than 20 opposition parties including the Indian National Congress—won 235 seats, performing better than expected. Final results are expected late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.

Under India’s electoral system, the party or alliance that wins more than 272 seats in the 543-member parliament can form a government. The vote was carried out in seven phases over six weeks and saw over 1 billion Indians heading to the polls—making it the largest democratic election in the world.

73-year-old Modi, a charismatic yet polarizing leader, will preside over a rare, third consecutive term in office. Only one other Indian Prime Minister, Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru, who was India’s first prime minister, has done so before. Speaking at the BJP’s headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday evening, Modi praised India’s election process and celebrated the BJP’s achievements. “No government has come back into power for a third time since 1962,” he said, adding the number of votes for the BJP had doubled in some areas.

But while Modi will likely be able to move forward with his promised Hindu-nationalist agenda and slate of economic reforms, the BJP’s smaller-than-expected majority means that he may face a more powerful opposition than at any point over the past decade—making implementation difficult unless the BJP negotiates with smaller alliances and opposition leaders.

“This election is undoubtedly a rebuke for Modi and the BJP,” says Milan Vaishnav, the Director of the South Asia Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “After ten years in power, it was in many ways a referendum on its track record in office and there are clearly many Indians who are feeling restless and uneasy.”

How did India vote?

To win a landslide victory, the BJP needed to make electoral gains in two crucial areas. It needed to break ground in the southern states, which seemed unlikely given that it has traditionally had less sway among a diverse and more economically developed non-Hindi-speaking electorate. And it needed to grab more votes in strongholds like Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, which is seen as a bellwether for how the rest of the country will vote.

The BJP managed to pull off stunning breakthroughs in the south, winning one seat in the left-leaning state of Kerala, where it has never won before. It retained its stronghold in Karnataka, grabbing 19 seats compared to nine for INDIA. And it tied in Telangana, where the opposition defeated the BJP in state elections held last year, by securing eight seats.

But surprisingly, the BJP performed unevenly across the Hindi belt and suffered perhaps its biggest loss in Uttar Pradesh, where Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya just months ago, fulfilling a three-decade-old BJP promise and cementing his Hindu-nationalist legacy. Early tally suggested the BJP alliance won only 35 out of 80 seats—a stark contrast to the 71 and the 62 seats won during the 2014 and 2019 elections that helped fuel the party’s rise to power in Delhi.

This time, a divisive campaign saw Muslim votes in the state consolidated for the opposition coalition, formed between two major parties, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. “The loss in Uttar Pradesh is particularly significant as this state is the cradle of the Hindu nationalist movement,” says Gilles Vernier, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in Delhi. “These results shatter the myth of [Modi’s] invincibility in national elections, particularly in the Hindi-speaking North.”

The BJP swept through its other stronghold states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In comparison, the opposition alliance made marginal gains in Bihar and Rajasthan, as well as Haryana and Punjab.

“What’s complex about this election is it appears more like a state-by-state contest with no unifying national narrative,” says Vaishnav. “At some point, the popularity of the alternatives and other local factors also become prime factors,” he continues.

What do the results say about the BJP’s electoral mandate?

In this election, Modi campaigned on the slogan of “Modi’s guarantee,” referring to the more than 300 welfare programs that have delivered benefits to Indian citizens across the country, ranging from cooking gas to free housing. While these benefits were viewed as a key concern for voters, research also found limited hard evidence of “ schemes translating into votes .”

Modi and the BJP also boasted of reducing poverty in the world’s fifth-largest economy, with development featuring high on the prime minister’s agenda. While India’s GDP grew at a rate of 7.8% in the last quarter, widening inequality, the rising cost of living, and record-high unemployment nevertheless remained big concerns for voters, as evident in credible pre-poll surveys.

“Narendra Modi’s government has ignored ground-level discontent about economic distress and jobless growth,” says Verniers. “This election might be the moment where economic reality caught up.”

Going into his third term, Modi has touted an ambitious economic reform agenda that he hopes will make India the world’s third-largest economy by 2047. The BJP’s failure to win a majority, however, means that he will now face a challenge in implementing his economic policy unless he forms alliances with smaller parties. The impact was already reverberating in India’s stock market early Tuesday when the Nifty 50 index tumbled as much as 8.5% —the biggest drop in a single day in more than four years—after surging to a record high on Monday, when exit polls indicated a comfortable Modi win.

Modi now faces a more powerful opposition than at any point over the past decade. Throughout the election, the INDIA alliance has accused the government of crippling the opposition by jailing two state leaders and freezing Congress bank accounts.

“For the first time since he became PM in 2014, Narendra Modi will have to share power effectively with coalition partners,” says Verniers. “This is uncharted territory for a leader who has always exercised power alone.”

But the results are undoubtedly a personal setback for the prime minister, whose face has been the central promise of the BJP’s campaign this election—featured on billboards, posters, and campaigns across the country—and who has never had to depend on coalition partners for survival.

“Only time will tell whether he will learn the art of conciliation and power-sharing, or press down the path of autocratization to compensate for the loss of political ground,” Vernier adds.

“This is the most important question India faces at the moment.”

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Essay on Election in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Election in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Election in India

Introduction.

Elections in India symbolize the democratic nature of the country. They provide citizens the right to choose their leaders.

Types of Elections

India has three types of elections: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies.

Significance

Elections ensure people’s participation in governance. They uphold the principle of equality as every vote counts.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Election in India

India, the world’s largest democracy, has a multi-tiered system of government, reflecting its federal structure. The heart of this democratic setup lies in its elections, a robust process that enables citizens to exercise their right to vote and choose their representatives.

Electoral System

India follows a parliamentary system of government, which is federal in structure with unitary features. The President of India is the constitutional head, while real power resides with the Prime Minister. Elections in India occur at national, state, and local levels. The Election Commission of India, an autonomous constitutional authority, is responsible for administering election processes.

Electoral Process

Elections in India follow the first-past-the-post system. In this system, the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, irrespective of whether they secure a majority. This system has been criticized for not accurately reflecting the voters’ will, leading to discussions about potential alternatives like proportional representation.

Challenges and Reforms

Despite the challenges, elections in India symbolize the strength and vitality of its democracy. They represent the voice of over a billion people, making them a significant global event. Continuous efforts are required to improve the electoral process and ensure that it remains free, fair, and inclusive.

500 Words Essay on Election in India

Introduction to indian elections.

Elections in India are a grand affair, often referred to as the “festival of democracy.” They represent the democratic ethos and constitutional principles that the nation is built upon. The Indian election system is a complex process, with multiple layers of representation, from local to national levels.

Structural Framework

India follows a federal structure of governance, though the election process is largely centralized. The Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional authority, is responsible for administering election processes in the country. Elections are conducted at different levels: Panchayat (village level), Municipal (city level), State (provincial level), and Lok Sabha (national level).

Voting System

India follows the ‘First Past The Post’ (FPTP) system. In this system, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner, irrespective of the vote share. While FPTP allows for clear winners, it has been criticized for not truly reflecting the proportional representation of voters’ choices.

Role of Political Parties

Challenges in indian elections, reforms and the way forward.

The ECI has introduced several reforms to address these challenges. The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) have improved the transparency and integrity of the process. The NOTA (None of the Above) option empowers voters to reject all candidates.

However, further reforms are needed. These could include state funding of elections to curb the misuse of money power, stronger laws to prevent criminalization in politics, and perhaps a shift towards a system of proportional representation to better reflect the diversity of voter preferences.

Indian elections, with their scale and complexity, are a testament to the country’s vibrant democracy. Despite the challenges, they offer a platform for the expression of popular will and the peaceful transition of power. They are a reminder of the power of the ballot, and the responsibility that comes with it, in shaping the future of the world’s largest democracy.

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Modi thought he would smash the polls. Now he has to answer to a group of kingmakers.

Narendra Modi continues to be prime minister, but how he won was a major blow to the leader.
His ruling party expected to smash the polls but couldn't secure a majority without the help of allies.
With his allies now kingmakers, Modi must now balance his governing with securing their loyalty.

Narendra Modi has been prime minister of India for 10 years.

On Tuesday, he extended his tenure by another potential five years when his ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, secured a majority in the lower house of parliament with its allies.

That's the key to everything being said about the world's biggest election — without his allies, Modi would have lost control of parliament and, by extension, India.

It's why the election results have been a shocking blow to Modi and the BJP despite them winning.

Anyone seeking a majority in India's parliament — the prerequisite for naming a prime minister — needed to win 272 out of 543 seats. And this time, the BJP won only 240, relying on smaller parties under a coalition called the National Democratic Alliance to carry it past the finish line.

For a BJP that previously enjoyed a majority on its own with 303 seats in 2019, that's a stark shift in its grip on power. Its alliance only managed to secure 293 seats, just 21 more than needed for a majority.

The result was especially humbling for Modi because the NDA was projected to slam-dunk the election with a whopping 400 seats. The incumbent seemed so confident that he declared victory three days before the result announcements, saying his voters turned out in "record numbers."

Now, though, his allies hold the enviable position of being the difference-maker in deciding who leads India. Should they all ditch Modi for his rivals in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, they could oust him from leadership.

Two of the biggest players in that gaggle of kingmakers, the Telugu Desam Party and the Janata Dal (United), hold a combined 28 seats and are led by politicians known for switching loyalties, per Bloomberg.

Modi now must ensure his coalition holds so he can remain in office, and is set to enter talks with allied leaders to secure their support.

His weakened hold on India's parliament was big news to observers concerned about the rise of his ideology, Hindutva , which promotes building a Hindu nation and has been criticized as right-wing and anti-Muslim extremism.

So why did the stock market tumble?

Tuesday's result surprised a world expecting Modi to trounce his opponents and widen his lead in parliament.

India's stock market posted its worst day in four years after the announcement, dropping by as much as 8.5% on Tuesday before ending the day at 5.9%.

Watch: India hunts for answers after deadly train crash

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Modi claims victory in India’s election but drop in support forces him to rely on coalition partners

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance in India’s general election, claiming a mandate to move forward with his agenda, even though his party lost seats to a stronger than expected opposition, which pushed back against his mixed economic record and polarising politics. Official results from India’s Election Commission on Wednesday showed the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats needed to secure a majority but far fewer than had been expected. (AP video shot by Shonal Ganguly and Piyush Nagpal)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition won a majority in parliament in the country’s staggered election, according to official results released early Wednesday by India’s Election Commission. (AP Video: Piyush Nagpal and Rishi Lekhi)

India began counting more than 640 million votes Tuesday in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a third term after a decade in power. (AP/Shonal Ganguly)

Supporters of Congress Party dance as they celebrate their party’s lead during the counting of votes in India’s national election in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

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A supporter of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) dances as he celebrates with others their party’s lead during the counting of votes in India’s national election in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Election officials carry sealed electronic voting machines at a counting center in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India on Tuesday started counting votes from its staggered, six-week election that was seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade in power and was expected to give him a third term in office. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi, center, leaves the party headquarters with his sister and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after addressing a press conference in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters shout slogans as they celebrate their party’s lead during the counting of votes outside the party office in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Samajwadi Party supporters dance as they celebrate their party’s lead during the counting of votes in India’s national election in Lucknow, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters dance inside the party office after hearing of a candidate’s victory during the counting in India’s national election, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party showed a comfortable lead Tuesday, according to early figures reported by India’s Election Commission, but was facing a stronger challenge from the opposition than had been expected. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

A band plays music as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters dance inside the party office after hearing of a candidate’s victory during the counting in India’s national election, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. xPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party showed a comfortable lead Tuesday, according to early figures reported by India’s Election Commission, but was facing a stronger challenge from the opposition than had been expected. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters dance at the party office during the counting in India’s national election, in Guwahati, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party showed a comfortable lead Tuesday, according to early figures reported by India’s Election Commission, but was facing a stronger challenge from the opposition than had been expected. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Trinamool Congress Party supporters watch news on television at a roadside stall filled with portraits of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee during the counting of votes in India’s national election in Kolkata, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party showed a comfortable lead Tuesday, according to early figures reported by India’s Election Commission, but was facing a stronger challenge from the opposition than had been expected. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Faces of Trinamool Congress Party supporters smeared with green colour celebrate the election results in Kolkata, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party showed a comfortable lead Tuesday, according to early figures reported by India’s Election Commission, but was facing a stronger challenge from the opposition than had been expected. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

A worker carries a banner of Bharatiya Janta party featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be put up outside party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India began counting more than 640 million votes Tuesday in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a third term after a decade in power. (AP Photo/Dinesh Joshi)

A Congress party supporter waves an Indian flag as others follow proceedings of vote counting on a giant screen at their party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India was counting more than 640 million votes cast over the past six weeks in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to give Prime Minister Narendra Modi a third five-year term when the final result is declared later Tuesday. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Congress party supporters cheer as they follow proceedings of vote counting at their party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India began counting more than 640 million votes Tuesday in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a third term after a decade in power. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party supporters celebrate as they follow proceedings of the vote counting at their party headquarters in Chennai, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India began counting more than 640 million votes Tuesday in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a third term after a decade in power. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A Bharatiya Janta Party supporter prepares to offer prayers to the cut-out of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside their party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. India began counting more than 640 million votes Tuesday in the world’s largest democratic exercise, which was widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a third term after a decade in power. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Highlights from India’s election results: Catch up on AP’s coverage as results were tallied .

NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance in India’s general election, claiming a mandate to move forward with his agenda, even though his party lost seats to a stronger than expected opposition, which pushed back against his mixed economic record and polarizing politics.

“Today’s victory is the victory of the world’s largest democracy,” Modi told the crowd at his party’s headquarters Tuesday, saying Indian voters had “shown immense faith” both in his party and his National Democratic Alliance coalition.

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Official results from India’s Election Commission on Wednesday showed the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats needed to secure a majority but far fewer than had been expected.

For the first time since his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power in 2014, it did not secure a majority on its own, winning 240 seats — far fewer than the record 303 it won in the 2019 election.

That means Modi will need the support of other parties in his coalition — a stunning blow for the 73-year-old, who had hoped for a landslide victory. During campaigning, Modi said his party would likely win 370 seats and his allies another 30 seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is garlanded by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Rajnath Singh, left, party President JP Nadda, right, and Amit Shah, at the party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

He now depends on the support of key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party in southern Andhra Pradesh state with 16 seats and Janata Dal (United), which won 12 seats in eastern Bihar state, as well as smaller groups.

“Indian voters can’t be taken for granted,” said the Times of India newspaper in an editorial. “Voters have clearly indicated that jobs and economic aspirations matter. The economic message from the results is that jobs matter.”

The Congress party won 99 seats, improving its tally from 52 in the 2019 elections. Among its key allies, Samajwadi Party won 37 seats in northern Uttar Pradesh state in a major upset for the BJP; All India Trinamool Congress bagged 29 seats in West Bengal state; and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam 22 seats in southern Tamil Nadu state.

The opposition INDIA coalition won a total of 232 seats.

The BJP may now be “heavily dependent on the goodwill of its allies, which makes them critical players who we can expect will extract their pound of flesh, both in terms of policymaking as well as government formation,” said Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“At the very least, the result pricks the bubble Prime Minister Modi’s authority. He made this election about himself,” said Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a political commentator. “Today, he is just another politician, cut to size by the people,” he said in an article in The Indian Express daily.

Congress party supporters cheer as they follow proceedings of vote counting at their party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

More than 640 million votes were cast in the marathon election held over a span of six weeks in the world’s largest democratic exercise .

In the face of the surprising drop in the BJP’s support, challengers claimed they had also won a victory of sorts, with the main opposition Congress party saying the election had been a “moral and political loss” for Modi.

“This is public’s victory and a win for democracy,” Congress party President Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters.

Despite the setback, Modi pledged to make good on his election promise to turn India’s economy into the world’s third biggest, from its current fifth place, and not shirk with pushing forward with his agenda.

He said he would advance India’s defense production, boost jobs for youth, raise exports and help farmers, among other things.

“This country will see a new chapter of big decisions. This is Modi’s guarantee,” he said, speaking in the third person.

Many of the Hindu nationalist policies he’s instituted over the last 10 years will also remain locked in place.

Modi’s win was only the second time an Indian leader has retained power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister. Before Modi came to power, India had coalition governments for 30 years.

Congratulations for Modi from leaders of regional countries including neighboring Nepal and Bhutan flowed in, while the White House commended India for its “vibrant democratic process.”

In his 10 years in power, Modi has transformed India’s political landscape, bringing Hindu nationalism , once a fringe ideology in India , into the mainstream while leaving the country deeply divided.

His supporters see him as a self-made, strong leader who has improved India’s standing in the world. His critics and opponents say his Hindu-first politics have bred intolerance while the economy, one of the world’s fastest-growing, has become more unequal.

For Payal, a resident of the northern city of Lucknow who uses only one name, the election was about the economy and India’s vast number of people living in poverty.

“People are suffering, there are no jobs, people are in such a state that their kids are compelled to make and sell tea on the roadside,” Payal said. “This is a big deal for us. If we don’t wake up now, when will we?”

Rahul Gandhi, the main face of the opposition Congress party, said he saw the election numbers as a message from the people.

“The poorest of this country have defended the constitution of India,” he told a news conference.

Modi’s popularity has outstripped that of his party’s during his first two terms in office, and he turned the parliamentary election into one that more resembled a presidential-style campaign , with the BJP relying on the leader’s brand.

“Modi was not just the prime campaigner, but the sole campaigner of this election,” said Yamini Aiyar, a public policy scholar.

Under Modi’s government, critics say India’s democracy has come under increasing strain with strong-arm tactics used to subdue political opponents, squeeze independent media and quash dissent. The government has rejected such accusations and says democracy is flourishing.

Economic discontent has also simmered under Modi. While stock markets have reached record-highs, youth unemployment has soared, with only a small portion of Indians benefitting from the boom.

As polls opened in mid-April, a confident BJP initially focused its campaign on “Modi’s guarantees,” highlighting the economic and welfare achievements that his party says have reduced poverty. With Modi at the helm, “India will become a developed nation by 2047,” he repeated in rally after rally.

But the campaign turned increasingly shrill, as Modi ramped up polarizing rhetoric that targeted Muslims, who make up 14% of the population , a tactic seen to energize his core Hindu majority voters.

The opposition INDIA alliance attacked Modi over his Hindu nationalist politics, and campaigned on issues of joblessness, inflation and inequality.

“These issues have resonated and made a dent,” added Aiyar, the public policy scholar.

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Essay On Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian armed forces. It is responsible for protecting India's territorial boundaries and keeping its citizens safe. The army is the only reason why we sleep peacefully at night while the soldiers fight terrorists. Our army is the largest army in the world in terms of numbers. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘Indian Army’.

100 Words Essay On Indian Army

200 words essay on indian army, 500 words essay on indian army.

The Indian Army was formed in 1895 by The East India Company. It was earlier called the British India Army, and after independence, on January 26’ 19501950, it was renamed as the Indian Army. The Supreme Commander of the Indian Army is the President of India, and a four-star general is appointed as the Chief of the Army Staff. President Draupadi Murmu is the current Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and General Manoj Pande is the current Chief of Army Staff. With 1,237,117 soldiers and 960,000 reserve troops, it is the largest standing army in the world in terms of numerical superiority.

Formed in 1895 by The East India Company as the British India Army, later re-named Indian Army on January 26’ 1950, Indian Army is the land-based wing of the Indian armed forces. January 15 is celebrated as Army day in India every year.

President Draupadi Murmu, the President of India, is the current Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and General Manoj Pande is the current Chief of Army Staff. Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa was the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. It is the largest standing army in the world in terms of numerical superiority, with 1,237,117 soldiers and 960,000 reserve troops. The headquarters of the Indian Army is in New Delhi. The Indian Army conducts drills and operations throughout the year, and some of its operations are also conducted in partnership with other nations. The Kargil war, the Indo-Sino war of 1962, and the 1967 Sino-Indian conflict were conflicts where the prowess of the Indian Army was seen in repelling the attacks and safeguarding our borders. This helped to establish India as a dominant force in Southeast Asia, courtesy of the Indian Armed Forces. The Army, along with the Navy and the Airforce, have relentlessly helped maintain peace and prosperity in India, which has contributed to India being a great economic and military power.

The East India Company formed a military department to protect its territories in 1776. Initially, it was composed of British officers commanding soldiers recruited locally in India. The Indian Army, as it is known today, came into existence on 26 January 1950. Here are a few points to note about the Indian Army.

Enrolment in the Indian Army is voluntary, and unlike other countries, it has never been imposed forcefully.

Due to its large size, the Indian army is divided into various regiments like the Sikh regiment, the Maratha regiment, and the Gurkha regiment. This was done to manage and deploy the army easily in terms of conflict. Its motto is “Service Before Self”. There are six operational commands and one training command.

Its headquarters are in New Delhi. Currently Smt. Draupadi Murmu is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and General Manoj Pande is the current Chief of Army Staff. We celebrate Army day on January 15 every year.

The Indian army also conducts peace-keeping operations for the United Nations and other countries abroad. We have the largest standing army in the world in terms of numerical superiority.

Drills And Operations

The Indian Army conducts drills and operations throughout the year, and some of its operations are also conducted in partnership with other nations. The most prominent drill of the Indian Army was Operation Brasstacks, conducted from November 1986 to January 1987 near the Pakistan border.

Indo- Pakistan War (1947) | The first major operation conducted by the Indian Army was the Indo- Pakistan war of 1947 which erupted due to tensions between India and Pakistan over the accession of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then Indian Army has been instrumental in neutralising terror groups and maintaining peace with the country.

India at the time of partition had more than 500 princely states, and of these princely states, Hyderabad and Jammu- Kashmir was reluctant to join India. The Maharaja of Jammu Kashmir finally acceded to the Union of India, and the Indian Army was called in for assistance against the Pakistani army intrusion in Jammu and Kashmir.

Accession Of Hyderabad | The Nizam of Hyderabad wanted to remain independent and was against joining the Union of India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel negotiated the accession of Hyderabad to India after an invasion by the Indian Army named Operation Polo.

Other Significant Battles | The Kargil war, the Indo-Sino war of 1962, and the 1967 Sino-Indian conflict were some conflicts that established India as a dominant force in Southeast Asia, courtesy of the Indian Armed Forces.

Operations On Foreign Soil

There have been instances where the Indian Army has operated on foreign soil to maintain peace within neighbouring countries and nations. The 1971 Bangladesh war of liberation for the independence of east Pakistan from Pakistan was supported by the Indian Government. This war involved the Indian Army providing support to a Bengali freedom fighter group known as the Mukti Bahini, eventually leading to the liberation of Bangladesh. The Indian Army also supported the Maldives government during a coup against the incumbent government.

Fight Against Terrorism

The Indian Army has been capable of avoiding and responding to terror attacks. This was seen during the terror attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. The terrorists were neutralised with great efficiency, and hostages were rescued within a short period by the army. Surgical strikes were also conducted against terror camps by the army as part of its operations against terror groups and to achieve regional stability. Our soldiers fight at the borders so that citizens have a safe and stable life. The Indian army ensures the safety of India and its citizens through its operations and networking.

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Essay on Power Of Youth | Power Of Youth Essay for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Power Of Youth: India, now aged 68 is one of the largest reservoir of youth population. ‘Youth’ refers to the age group of 16-30. This age group in India constitutes more than 40% of India’s population which is indeed a large force. Leadership of Adolf Hitler proved the importance of youth in nation building. The youth plays a significant role in today’s time. Today, the entire world is eyeing India as source of technical manpower. They are looking at our youth as a source of talents at low costs for their future super profits. Indian youth has the power to transform our country from developing nation to a developed nation.

You can read more Essay Writing about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Power Of Youth for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Power Of Youth’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Power Of Youth of 400-500 words. This long essay about Power Of Youth is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Power Of Youth of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Power Of Youth 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Power Of Youth of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

On one side our history is full of examples of young people whose mere mention fills every Indian with pride; such as Prithviraj Chauhan, Swami Vivekananda, the great sacrifices of Chandra Shekhar Azad, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey. We owe our present to the youth of the previous generations who forsook their lives for the freedom of India. On the other side, today’s shining stars such as Mary Kom, Abhinav Bindra, Vijendra Singh are amongst some to bring India back the glory in the Olympic Games. Sachin Tendulkar, Kalpana Chawla, Subir Chowdhary, Satya Nadella, all have shown their charisma to the world.

Narendra Modi once said, “It is important how we view the youth of our nation. To simply consider them new age voter is a big mistake, they are the new age power!” The advantage with India’s big population is that it has huge number of youth population. By 2020, the working age population in India is expected to grow by more than 47 million people, the number far ahead to that of China or US. If we can harness 4his powerhouse of the nation in the right direction, then the country can reach untold heights. The creative potential of the younger Indians coupled with their zeal, enthusiasm, energy and versatility in the field of information technology, management and science have already proved wondrous to the world.

Sadly, our youth is losing touch with a sense of right and wrong or good or bad. This is because, as a nation, we have failed in our duty to capture their energy and mould it in the right direction.

Due to increasing unemployment, we have been unable to keep them busy in constructive work. Some of them are ignorant or are aspiring for their personal goals.The result is that nothing inspires our youth except short cuts to make money. Our politicians too have failed to harness the power of youth in a productive way. Youth is the best medicine to cure the social diseases, like corruption, casteism, regionalism etc. It would be a great national wastage of human resources if these strong hands are not allocated some suitable jobs. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, our former president once exclaimed: “youth without relevant skills and knowledge can actually derail the economy and create more trouble for the country”.

Therefore, its high time that the policy planners of the country make plans to nurture the youth and their aspirations. In times of acute modernisation and innovation quest of knowledge of each youth will prove to be an asset. Education should prepare our youth for life. Youth of India must be able to come up with new ideas of entrepreneurship which is very vital for the country’s growth. Development of India should be their utmost priority.

Short Essay on Power Of Youth 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Power Of Youth is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

The example of Tata Tea’s Jago Re’ advertisements showcasing a young student’s fight against corruption, made him a ‘youth icon’ of the country where he makes the fellow youth aware of the reasons of corruption. In the same way films like Rang de Basanti revolutionised the thinking of youth of our country. The power, youth can wield was recently on display during the general elections when they played a crucial role in boosting the UPA’s campaign alongside Rahul Gandhi. During the riots against Mandal Commission in India, it was thousands of college students who agitated on the streets of the cities.

Youth has underplayed itself in the field of politics. They should become aspiring entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators rather than mere workers. They can play a vital role in elimination of terrorism. Indian youth has never lagged behind when called upon to meet a challenge. Being given a little dose of incentive, encouragement and support, they can make the great responsibility of fulfilling the targets. For this, certain steps need to be taken which should be more than tools and programmes, it requires role models who inspire. In the absence of any real model, youth feel lost and confused.

Read More: National Education Policy 2020 Essay

Power Of Youth Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

Transiting – the action of passing through, change, conversion
Charisma – appeal, charm
Versatility – able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions, flexibility
Agitated – excited, feeling or appearing nervous
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Indian Culture and Tradition Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on indian culture and tradition.

India has a rich culture and that has become our identity. Be it in religion, art, intellectual achievements, or performing arts, it has made us a colorful, rich, and diverse nation. The Indian culture and tradition essay is a guideline to the vibrant cultures and traditions followed in India.

India was home to many invasions and thus it only added to the present variety. Today, India stands as a powerful and multi-cultured society as it has absorbed many cultures and moved on. People here have followed various religion , traditions, and customs.

Although people are turning modern today, hold on to the moral values and celebrates the festivals according to customs. So, we are still living and learning epic lessons from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Also, people still throng Gurudwaras, temples, churches, and mosques.

The culture in India is everything from people’s living, rituals, values, beliefs, habits, care, knowledge, etc. Also, India is considered as the oldest civilization where people still follows their old habits of care and humanity.

Additionally, culture is a way through which we behave with others, how softly we react to different things, our understanding of ethics, values, and beliefs.

People from the old generation pass their beliefs and cultures to the upcoming generation. Thus, every child that behaves well with others has already learned about their culture from grandparents and parents.

Also, here we can see culture in everything like fashion , music , dance , social norms, foods, etc. Thus, India is one big melting pot for having behaviors and beliefs which gave birth to different cultures.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Indian Culture and Religion

There are many religions that have found their origin in age-old methods that are five thousand years old. Also, it is considered because Hinduism was originated from Vedas.

Thus, all the Hindu scriptures that are considered holy have been scripted in the Sanskrit language. Also, it is believed that Jainism has ancient origin and existence in the Indus valley. Buddhism is the other religion that was originated in the country through the teachings of Gautam Buddha.

There are many different eras that have come and gone but no era was very powerful to change the influence of the real culture. So, the culture of younger generations is still connected to the older generations. Also, our ethnic culture always teaches us to respect elders, behave well, care for helpless people, and help needy and poor people.

Additionally, there is a great culture in our country that we should always welcome guest like gods. That is why we have a famous saying like ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. So, the basic roots in our culture are spiritual practices and humanity.

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Essay on Article 370 of Indian Constitution

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution provided special rights to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It gave most of the power to the government of this state. Centre was left with limited power over J&K.

Article 370 has recently been scrapped making it a historic event which is expected to change the face of the state for good. This move has received mixed reactions from political parties and general public though it has largely been appreciated.

Long and Short Essay on Article 370 of Indian Constitution in English

Here are long and short essay on Article 370 of the Indian Constitution of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams. These Article 370 essay are written in simple English language to easily convey the information, yet it does so effectively. These Article 370 essays will let you have a deeper understanding of article 370, its removal and repercussions.

After going through the following essays you will know about Article 370 and its provisions; history of Article 370; advantages and disadvantages of Article 370; how was it revoked; what will be the consequences of scrapping Article 370; what bills were passed for its revokal, etc.

Short Essay on Article 370 – (200 Words)

Article 370 that came into effect in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1949 was supposed to be a temporary provision; however, it continued for decades even though many political leaders and other prominent people in the county demanded its revocation from time to time.

The article exempted J&K from the Indian Constitution. The state attained the right to make its own laws related to any matter except foreign affairs, communications and defence.

The state government thus went on to draft a separate constitution. It also came up with a separate flag. The Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Indian Constitution were not applicable in J&K. It had its own set of rights and duties.

The condition of the state hasn’t been very good ever since the enforcement of Article 370. Life of people in the Kashmir region has especially been miserable. The place is prone to terrorist attacks.

Article 370 has been seen as a hindrance in the development of the state. It is also known to be a cause of growing corruption and terrorism in the state.

As per the constitutional order passed by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on 5 th August 2019, Article 370 stands ineffective. The decision has been taken to improve the condition of J&K and its citizens.

Essay on Article 370: Enforcement – (300 Words)

Introduction

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was drafted in Part XXI of the Constitution: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions. However, soon after it came to be known as a permanent feature of the Indian Constitution. It has remained in effect in J&K for decades.

The Origin of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution

Article 370 was drafted by Sheikh Abdullah in the year 1947. Abdullah had been appointed as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir by Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir.

Abdullah wanted complete autonomy for J&K and demanded that Article 370 must not remain a temporary provision. However, the Centre deemed this demand unreasonable and did not approve of it.

Special Status Given to Jammu and Kashmir

As Article 370 came into being, the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir gained special power wherein it got the right to recommend the articles of the constitution that should be enforced on the state. It even got the power to annul Article 370 altogether.

Article 35 A and Article 370 together stated that a different set of laws apply for the residents of the state of J&K. The Indian Parliament could only exercise laws related to finance, defence, communications and foreign affairs in the state.

It required the approval of state government for applying all the other laws. The residents of J&K enjoyed completely different laws when it came to ownership of property, laws related to citizenship and fundamental rights.

As per the laws enforced by the state, the Indian citizens from other parts of the country were denied the right to purchase property in Jammu and Kashmir.

The residents of J&K fear that the scrapping of Article 370 may hamper their local business and thus be a threat to their livelihood. Adapting to the changes that are likely to follow this big decision also seems to be a cause of concern for the residents of J&K. Their concerns are genuine. We hope the condition of the place improves henceforth.

Essay on Article 370: Advantages and Disadvantages – (400 words)

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special power to the state of Jammu and Kashmir was annulled on 5 th August 2019. The decision taken by the Centre has been appreciated by several political parties, leaders, celebrities and majority of general public. However, many others have criticized it outright. Article 370 had few advantages and several disadvantages.

Advantages of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution

Here is a look at the advantages of Article 370:

1) Article 370 is advantageous for the citizens of J&K. The state gives priority to the interest of its local citizens. There is less competition in the state and greater opportunities for its citizens.

2) J&K boasts of its local handicraft items. The government of this state has kept its culture and local businesses alive. It has always encouraged local businesses over foreign brands.

This is the reason why several local brands are running in the state. This means more work, greater growth opportunities and good income for the locals.

Disadvantages of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution

Here is a look at the disadvantages of Article 370:

1) The state of J&K hasn’t developed as much as the other parts of the country. This is particularly true when we look at the medical facilities here. The condition of the hospitals and healthcare centres in the state are not that good.

2) The law and order in J&K is weak because the centre is not allowed to intervene. This has given rise to terrorism in the state. Terrorism is a major concern here and nothing much is being done to fight it.

3) Corruption in the state is high due to its alienation from the centre. There is no check on the government of J&K. It makes its own laws and works as per its convenience.

4) Article 370 prevented the implementation of Right to Education in the state. This is why students were forced to move to other states.

5) Outsiders cannot establish business in J&K. Professionals and industrialists are not allowed to settle here. This is a major hindrance in the growth and development of the state.

6) This provision is anti- women in nature. It has led to extreme gender bias in the state.

The disadvantages of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution clearly outweigh its advantages. The atmosphere of tension in the state is a clear evidence of the same. Scrapping of Article 370 seems like a ray of hope for the state that has been gripped by terrorism since long. We hope it sees better times ahead.

Long Essay on Article 370 – (500 words)

Article 370 is a temporary provision in the Constitution of India. It provides special autonomous status to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The provisions of the Indian Constitution that are applicable to other states of India are not applicable to J&K.

The article was adopted in November 1956 and was enforced in the state in January 1957 by Sheikh Abdullah.

Special Provisions in Jammu and Kashmir as per Article 370

Some special provisions were made in Jammu and Kashmir as Article 370 came into force in the state. These include:

J&K acquired different national flag.
Insulting the national flag and national symbols is considered a crime in India. It is a punishable offence. But this rule did not apply in J&K.
The highest court orders in India did not apply in J&K.
Jammu and Kashmir citizens enjoyed dual citizenship.
Women in Kashmir had to abide by the Sharia law.
The tenure of the Assembly of J&K was 6 years unlike other Indian states in which the Assembly tenure is 5 years.
RTI, RTE and CAG were not applicable in Kashmir.
The J&K citizenship of a woman who married a person from another Indian state ended. On the other hand, if a woman from the state married someone from Pakistan, he acquired J&K citizenship.
If a Pakistani married a Kashmiri girl, he acquired Indian citizenship.
Article 370 did not allow people from other states to purchase property in J&K.
The minority group in Kashmir that consists of Hindus and Sikhs did not get 16% reservation.

Changes after the Revocation of Article 370

Now that Article 370 has been revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will no longer enjoy the autonomous status. All the special powers that came with this article have been annulled. Here are some of the other changes that are being brought about:

All the residents of J&K shall be entitled to single citizenship only.
Article 360 that is enforced during financial emergency is now applicable in J&K.
People from other states shall be able to purchase property in J&K.
Duration of Legislative Assembly has been changed to 5 years.
RTI will be applicable in J&K.
Minorities will be eligible for 16% reservation.
Children will benefit from the Right to Education.
Directive Principle of State Policy shall be applicable.
J&K will not have a separate flag.

The Atmosphere in J&K as Article 370 Revoked

J&K’s prominent leaders, Omar Abdullah, Sajjad Lone and Mehbooba Mufti were under house arrest as the bill for abolition of Article 370 was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

Internet and mobile services in Kashmir’s Srinagar district were suspended and a ban imposed on all public gatherings.

With so many changes underway after the revocation of Article 370, it seems like J&K will finally experience peace and prosperity. This is just the first step towards the betterment of the state.

There are miles to go! Whether the decision taken by Centre is right or wrong is still being debated. We hope it proves to be beneficial for the state as well as the country as a whole.

Long Essay on Article 370: Revocation – (600 words)

Article 370 was enforced by Sheikh Abdullah on 26 th January 1957. The article gave special power to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This was a temporary provision.

However, it remained in force for decades. Even though many political leaders and other prominent people in the country suggested its revocation from time to time, it remained intact; however, it has finally been annulled.

Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind issued constitutional order to revoke Article 370 and apply all the rules and provisions of the Indian constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. This historic move was made on 5 th August 2019.

Bill to Revoke Provisions of Article 370

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, moved a resolution in Rajya Sabha to introduce a bill scrapping all the provisions of Article 370. This was approved by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Shah also introduced bills seeking bifurcation of the State into Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory with an Assembly and Ladakh as a Union Territory without a legislature.

The opposition benches protested against this resolution; however, the decision has been made. Revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution had been a major part of BJP’s agenda. Shah’s announcement was thus received with elation by the BJP leaders.

Mixed Reactions on Revocation of Article 370

While many political parties opposed the decision to scrap Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, several others extended their support to the BJP government.

Parties that Supported the Decision

Among those that showed support to this decision were the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Shiv Sena, AIADMK, Shiromani Akali Dal, YSR Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Biju Janata Dal, BPF and AGP. All these parties backed the Centre’s decision.

Many of them mentioned that they awaited this move since long and welcome the decision wholeheartedly. They now look forward to peace and development in J&K. The decision of scrapping Article 370 has been termed as bold and courageous.

BSP member, Satish Chandra Misra was among the first ones in the Rajya Sabha to support this move. Mayawati also extended support to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.

AIADMK mentioned that their leader, Jayalalithaa had always wanted this. Shiv Sena members expressed their joy and support by celebrating outside their party head office.

BJD members said that with this decision, Jammu and Kashmir has become an integral part of the country and they are glad about it.

Parties that Opposed the Decision

The parties those opposed the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370 include Congress, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janta Dal, Left, National Conference, DMK and People’s Democratic Party. All these parties condemned and criticised the resolution.

Congress members mentioned that this was a “catastrophic step” and it should be seen as a “black day” in the constitutional history of our country. It further said that this decision is a publicity stunt by BJP to fetch more votes. Likewise, Left mentioned that it is an attack on the Indian Constitution.

Members of People’s Democratic Party expressed their anger over the decision by shouting slogans and tearing copies of Indian Constitution. National Conference called the decision shocking and unilateral. Trinamool Congress also expressed its objection against the Centre’s decision.

DMK went on to say that this was simply the murder of democracy. It said that BJP is forcing its agenda and that it has no respect for the sentiments of the Jammu and Kashmir residents.

Revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is indeed a big decision. A major change in J&K is likely underway now. We hope things change for good for this beautiful state which has long struggled for peace and justice. The Centre must make special efforts to resurrect J&K and make it a better and safer place to live.

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Essay on energy scenario in india: top 6 essays | energy management.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Energy Scenario in India’ for class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Energy Scenario in India’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Energy Scenario in India

Essay Contents:

Essay on State-Wise Electricity Consumption and Conservation Potential in Indian Economy

Essay # 1. Introduction to Energy Scenario in India:

India has made rapid strides towards economic self-reliance over the last few years. Impressive progress has been made in the fields of industry, agriculture, communication, transport and other sectors necessitating growing consumption of energy for developmental and economic activities.

If India is to achieve the targeted growth in GDP, it would need commensurate input of energy, mainly commercial energy in the form of coal, oil, gas and electricity.

However, India’s fossil fuel reserves are limited. The known reserves of oil and natural gas may last hardly for 18 and 26 years respectively at the current reserves to production ratio. India has huge proven coal reserves (84 billion tones), which may last for about 200 years but the increasing ash content in Indian coal as well as associated greenhouse gas emissions are the major concern. Energy being an important element of the infrastructure sector has to be ensured its availability on sustainable basis.

On the other hand, the demand for energy is growing manifold and the energy sources are becoming scarce and costlier. Among the various strategies to be evolved for meeting energy demand, efficient use of energy and its conservation emerges out to be the least cost option in any given strategies, apart from being environmentally benign. The steps to create sustainable energy system begin with the wise use of resources: energy efficiency is the mantra that leads to sustainable energy management.

Energy Demand and Supply:

On the energy demand and supply side, India is facing severe shortages, 70% of the total petroleum product demand is being met by imports, imposing a heavy burden on foreign exchange. Country is also facing peak power and average energy shortages of 12% and 7% respectively. The per capita energy consumption in India is too low as compared to developed countries, which is just 4% of USA and 20% of the world average.

Essay # 2. Energy Summary of India:

Overall Production and Consumption:

India is both a major energy producer and consumer. India currently ranks as the world’s eleventh greatest energy producer, accounting for about 2.4% of the world’s total annual energy production and as the world’s sixth greatest energy consumer, accounting for about 3.3% of the world’s total annual energy consumption. Despite its large annual energy production, India is a net energy importer, mostly due to the large imbalance between oil production and consumption.

i. Petroleum:

India’s proved oil reserves are currently estimated (as of January 2005) at about 5 billion barrels or about 4.5% of the world total. Most of these reserves lie offshore near Mumbai and onshore in Assam state.

However, exploration is still happening and India’s off-shore and on-shore basins may contain as much as 11 billion barrels. India presently ranks as the 25th greatest producer of crude oil, accounting for about 1% of the world’s annual crude oil production.

About 30% of India’s energy needs are met by oil and more than 60% of that oil is imported. A strong growth in oil demand has resulted in India’s annual petroleum consumption increasing by more than 75% from what it was a decade ago and petroleum consumption is projected to climb to about 3 million barrels per day by 2010. India is currently the world’s sixth greatest oil consumer, accounting for about 2.9% of world’s total annual petroleum consumption.

ii. Natural Gas:

India’s natural gas reserves are currently estimated (as of January 2005) at about 29-32 trillion cubic feet (tcf), or about 0.5% of the world total. Most of these reserves lie offshore northwest of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea and onshore in Gujarat state.

India dos not yet rank in the top 20 of the world’s greatest natural gas consumers, but that will soon change. Natural gas has experienced the fastest rate of increase of any fuel in India’s primary energy supply; demand is growing at about 4.8% per year and is forecast to rise to 1.2 tcf per year by 2010 and 1.6 tcf per year by 2015.

India’s has huge proven coal reserves, estimated (as of January 2005) at more than 90 billion tons or about 10% of the world’s total. Most of these reserves are relatively high ash bituminous coal and are located in Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh states. At the current level of production and consumption, India’s coal reserves would last more than two hundred years.

India is currently the third-largest coal-producing country in the world (behind China and the United States) and accounts for about 8.5% of the world’s annual coal production. India is also currently the third-largest coal consuming country (behind the China and the United States) and accounts for nearly 9% of the world’s total annual coal consumption. More than half of India’s energy needs are met by coal and about 70% of India’s electricity generation is now fuelled by coal.

The annual demand for coal has been steadily increasing over the past decade and is now nearly 50% greater than it was a decade ago. Even though India is able to satisfy most of its country’s coal demand through domestic production, less than 5% of its reserves is coking coal used by the steel industry. As a result, India’s steel industry imports coking coal, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, to meet about 25% of its annual needs.

iv. Electricity:

India is presently the sixth-greatest electricity generating country and accounts for about 4% of the world’s total annual electricity generation. India is also currently ranked sixth in annual electricity consumption, accounting for about 3.5% of the world’s total annual electricity consumption.

Overall, India’s need for power is growing at a prodigious rate; annual electricity generation and consumption in India have increased by about 64% in the past decade and its projected rate of increase (estimated at as much as 8-10% annually, through the year 2020) for electricity consumption is one of the highest in the world.

India is currently ranked fifth in the world in terms of total installed electricity generating capacity and accounts for about 3.5% of the world total. Hydroelectric capacity represents about one-fourth of India’s total installed capacity and overall, India is currently ranked sixth-largest in the world in that category (accounting for about 3.7% of the world’s installed hydroelectric generating capacity). There is a large amount of hydroelectric capacity in construction and planning stages across the country.

National Energy Plan for any country is framed to manage and regulate the use of energy efficiently to meet the county’s energy demand and harnessing the available energy resources and as per the prevalent energy scenario across the globe and at the same time meeting the national & international regulations on energy use keeping in view the impact on environmental during exploration and used of energy.

Essay # 3. Energy Policy of India:

National Energy Plan of any country elaborates the various policies adopted by the government related to the use and exploration of energy resources keeping in view the county’s interest. The energy policy of India is largely defined by the country’s burgeoning energy deficit and increased focus on developing alternative sources of energy, particularly nuclear, solar and wind energy.

About 70% of India’s energy generation capacity is from fossil fuels, with coal accounting for 40% of India’s total energy consumption followed by crude oil and natural gas at 24% and 6% respectively. India is largely dependent on fossil fuel imports to meet its energy demands — by 2030, India’s dependence on energy imports is expected to exceed 53% of the country’s total energy consumption.

In 2009-10, the country imported 159.26 million tonnes of crude oil which amounts to 80% of its domestic crude oil consumption and 31% of the country’s total imports are oil imports. The growth of electricity generation in India has been hindered by domestic coal shortages and as a consequence, India’s coal imports for electricity generation increased by 18% in 2010.

India has the world’s fifth largest wind power industry, with an installed capacity of 11800 MW. India has the world’s 3rd largest coal reserves. Due to rapid economic expansion, India has one of the world’s fastest growing energy markets and is expected to be the second-largest contributor to the increase in global energy demand by 2035, accounting for 18% of the rise in global energy consumption.

Given India’s growing energy demands and limited domestic fossil fuel reserves, the country has ambitious plans to expand its renewable and nuclear power industries. India has the world’s fifth largest wind power market and plans to add about 20GW of solar power capacity by 2022.

India also envisages increasing the contribution of nuclear power to overall electricity generation capacity from 4.2% to 9% within 25 years. The country has five nuclear reactors under construction (third highest in the world) and plans to construct 18 additional nuclear reactors (second highest in the world) by 2025.

Major Thrust Areas of India’s Energy Policy:

The India’s Energy Policy has thrust on the following areas:

1. Energy Conservation:

Energy conservation has emerged as a major policy objective, and the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 was passed by the Indian Parliament in September 2001, 35.5% of the population still lives without access to electricity.

This Act requires large energy consumers to adhere to energy consumption norms; new buildings to follow the Energy Conservation Building Code; and appliances to meet energy performance standards and to display energy consumption labels. The Act also created the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to implement the provisions of the Act.

2. Rural Electrification:

(i) The key development objectives of the power sector is supply of electricity to all areas including rural areas as mandated in Section 6 of the Electricity Act. Both the central Government and state governments would jointly endeavour to achieve this objective at the earliest. Consumers, particularly those who are ready to pay a tariff which reflects efficient costs have the right to get uninterrupted twenty four hours supply of quality power.

About 56% of rural households have not yet been electrified even though many of these households are willing to pay for electricity. Determined efforts should be made to ensure that the task of rural electrification for securing electricity access to all households and also ensuring that electricity reaches poor and marginal sections of the society at reasonable rates is completed within the next five years. India is using Renewable Sources of Energy like Hydel Energy, Wind Energy, and Solar Energy to electrify villages.

(ii) Reliable rural electrification system will aim at creating the following:

(a) Rural Electrification Distribution Backbone (REDB) with at least one 33/11 kv (or 66/11 kv) substation in every Block and more if required as per load, networked and connected appropriately to the state transmission system.

(b) Emanating from REDB would be supply feeders and one distribution transformer at least in every village settlement.

(d) Wherever above is not feasible (it is neither cost effective nor the optimal solution to provide grid connectivity) decentralized distributed generation facilities together with local distribution network would be provided so that every household gets access to electricity.

This would be done either through conventional or non-conventional methods of electricity generation whichever is more suitable and economical. Non-conventional sources of energy could be utilized even where grid connectivity exists provided it is found to be cost effective.

(e) Development of infrastructure would also cater for requirement of agriculture & other economic activities including irrigation pump sets, small and medium industries, khadi and village industries, cold chain and social services like health and education.

(iii) Particular attention would be given in household electrification to dalit bastis, tribal areas and other weaker sections.

(iv) Rural Electrification Corporation of India, a Government of India enterprise will be the nodal agency at Central Government level to implement the programme for giving access to electricity to all the households in next five years. Its role is being suitably enlarged to ensure timely implementation of rural electrification projects.

(v) Targeted expansion in access to electricity for rural households in the desired timeframe can be achieved if the distribution licensees recover at least the cost of electricity and related O&M expenses from consumers, except for lifeline support to households below the poverty line who would need to be adequately subsidized. Subsidies should be properly targeted at the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient manner.

Government recognizes the need for providing necessary capital subsidy and soft long-term debt finances for investment in rural electrification as this would reduce the cost of supply in rural areas. Adequate funds would need to be made available for the same through the Plan process. Also commensurate organizational support would need to be created for timely implementation. The Central Government would assist the State Governments in achieving this.

(vi) Necessary institutional framework would need to be put in place not only to ensure creation of rural electrification infrastructure but also to operate and maintain supply system for securing reliable power supply to consumers. Responsibility of operation & maintenance and cost recovery could be discharged by utilities through appropriate arrangements with Panchayats, local authorities, NGOs and other franchisees etc.

(vii) The gigantic task of rural electrification requires appropriate cooperation among various agencies of the State Governments, Central Government and participation of the community. Education and awareness programmes would be essential for creating demand for electricity and for achieving the objective of effective community participation.

The electricity industry was restructured by the Electricity Act 2003, which unbundled the vertically integrated electricity supply utilities in each state of India into a transmission utility, and a number of generating and distribution utilities. Electricity Regulatory Commissions in each state set tariffs for electricity sales.

The Act also enables open access on the transmission system, allowing any consumer (with a load of greater than 1 MW) to buy electricity from any generator. Significantly, it also requires each Regulatory Commission to specify the minimum percentage of electricity that each distribution Utility must source from renewable energy sources.

The introduction of Availability based tariff has brought about stability to a great extent in the Indian transmission grids.

3. Bio-Fuels:

In India, about 6,00,000 km 2 of waste land that is available and over 3,00,000 km 2 is suitable for Jatropha cultivation. Once this plant is grown, it has a useful lifespan of several decades. During its life Jatropha requires very little water when compared to other cash crops. It is estimated that renewable and carbon neutral biomass resources of India can replace present consumption of all fossil fuels if used productively.

4. Wind Power Showcase:

Another major thrust area is in the wind energy harnessing. India is proving incentives to the foreign companies to invest in wind energy sector. Gujrat and Tamil Nadu are the leading states in wind energy harnessing.

The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) acquired shares in oil fields in countries like Sudan, Syria, Iran, and Nigeria – investments that have led to diplomatic tensions with the United States. Because of political instability in the Middle East and increasing domestic demand for energy, India is keen on decreasing its dependency on OPEC to meet its oil demand, and increasing its energy security.

Several Indian oil companies, primarily led by ONGC and Reliance Industries, have started a massive hunt for oil in several regions in India including Rajasthan, Krishna-Godavari and north-eastern Himalayas. The proposed Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline is a part of India’s plan to meet its increasing energy demand.

6. Nuclear Power:

India boasts a quickly advancing and active nuclear power program. It is expected to have 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2020, though they currently stand as the 9th in the world in terms of nuclear capacity.

India has been using imported enriched uranium and is under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, but it has developed various aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle to support its reactors. Development of select technologies has been strongly affected by limited imports.

Use of heavy water reactors has been particularly attractive for the nation because it allows Uranium to be burnt with little to no enrichment capabilities. India has also done a great amount of work in the development of a Thorium centered fuel cycle. While Uranium deposits in the nation are extremely limited, there are much greater reserves of Thorium and it could provide hundreds of times the energy with the same mass of fuel.

The fact that Thorium can theoretically be utilized in heavy water reactors has tied the development of the two. A prototype reactor that would burn Uranium-Plutonium fuel while irradiating a Thorium blanket is under construction at the Madras/Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station. Uranium used for the weapons program has been separate from the power program, using Uranium from scant indigenous reserves.

7. Hydrogen Energy:

Hydrogen Energy program started in India after joining the IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen Economy) in the year 2003. There are nineteen other countries including Australia, USA, UK, Japan are members. This globe partnership helps India to set up commercial use of Hydrogen gas as an energy source. This will implemented through Public Private Partnership.

8. Solar Energy:

India’s theoretical solar potential is about 5000 T kWh per year (i.e. ~ 600 TW), far more than its current total consumption. Currently solar power is prohibitive due to high initial costs of deployment. However India’s long-term solar potential could be unparalleled in the world because it has the ideal combination of both high solar insolation and a big potential consumer base density. With a major section of its citizens still surviving off-grid, India’s grid system is considerably under-developed.

Availability of cheap solar can bring electricity to people, and bypass the need of installation of expensive grid lines. Also a major factor influencing a region’s energy intensity is the cost of energy consumed for temperature control.

Since cooling load requirements are roughly in phase with the sun’s intensity, cooling from intense solar radiation could make perfect energy-economic sense in the subcontinent, whenever the required technology becomes competitively cheaper.

9. Electricity Trading with Neighbour Countries:

Despite low electricity per capita consumption in India, the country is going to achieve surplus electricity generation during the 12fth plan (2012 to 2017) period provided its coal production and transport infrastructure is developed adequately.

Surplus electricity can be exported to the neighbour countries in return for natural gas supplies from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan are producing substantial natural gas and using for electricity generation purpose. India can supply its surplus electricity to Pakistan and Bangladesh in return for the natural gas imports by gas pipe lines.

Similarly India can develop on BOOT basis hydro power projects in Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan. India can also enter into long term power purchase agreements with China for developing the hydro power potential in Brahmaputra river basin of Tibet region. India can also supply its surplus electricity to Sri Lanka by undersea cable link. There is ample trading synergy for India with its neighbour countries in securing its energy requirements.

Essay # 4. Energy Conservation in India:

The strategy developed to make power available to all by 2012 includes promotion of energy efficiency and its conservation in the country, which is found to be the least cost option to augment the gap between demand and supply.

Nearly 25,000 MW of capacity creation through energy efficiency in the electricity sector alone has been estimated in India. Energy conservation potential for the economy as a whole has been assessed as 23% with maximum potential in industrial and agricultural sectors.

Energy Conservation Act:

Considering the vast potential of energy savings and benefits of energy efficiency, the Government of India enacted the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central and State level to embark upon energy efficiency drive in the country.

Indian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (IIPEC) under IIPEC the task groups for textile, cement, pulp and paper, fertilizer, chlor-alkali and aluminium have been formed. Each task force is being headed by stakeholders and BEE is actively involved in organizing the programs. The members from the industry participate in this project for sharing best practices, declaring their voluntary targets and benchmarking, etc.

The salient features of Energy Conservation Act 2001 are:

EC Act 2001 empowers the Union Government and in some instances the State Government to:

i. Notify energy-intensive industries, establishments and commercial buildings as designated consumers.

ii. Prescribe energy consumption norms and standards for designated consumers.

iii. Direct designate consumers to appoint certified energy managers for efficient use of energy.

iv. State Government to amend the energy conservation building codes to suit regional and local climatic conditions.

v. Direct owners of commercial building to comply with the energy conservation building codes.

vi. Direct mandatory display of labels on notified equipment and appliances.

vii. Specify energy consumptions standards for notified equipment and appliances.

viii. Prohibit manufacture, sale, purchase and import of notified equipment and appliances not confirming to standards.

ix. Under the provision of this Act the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established with effect from 1.03.2002.

x. The mission of the BEE is to institutionalize energy efficiency services, promote energy efficiency delivery mechanisms and provide leadership for improvement of energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

Importance of Energy Conservation:

In a scenario where India tries to accelerate its development process and cope with increasing energy demands, conservation and energy efficiency measures are to play a central role in our energy policy. A national movement for energy conservation can significantly reduce the need for fresh investment in energy supply systems in coming years. It is imperative that all-out efforts are made to realize this potential.

Energy conservation is an objective to which all the citizen in the country can contribute. Whether at household of a factory, a small shop or a large commercial building, a farmer or a office worker, every user and producer of energy can and must make this effort for his own benefit, as well as that of the nation.

Potential for Energy Conservation:

i. India’s energy intensity per unit of GDP is higher compared to Japan, US and Asia by 3.7, 1.55 and 1.47 times respectively. This indicates inefficient use of energy but also substantial scope for energy saving.

ii. One unit of energy saved at the consumer end avoids nearly 2.5 to 3 times of capacity augmentation due to PLF, auxiliary consumption and T and D losses.

iii. The conservative estimate of potential of energy saving in India is creating nearly 25,000 MW of new capacity.

The main reasons for higher specific energy consumption in Indian industries are obsolete technology, lower capacity utilization and poor operating and maintenance practices. EC has received increased attention in India since the mid-seventies but its impact is felt at a low face due to inhibiting attitudes, insufficient technical know-how, market distortions, high cost of efficient end use devices, capital shortage, etc. There is a need to design interventions in terms of policies and institutions which address these issues and create incentives for energy conservation.

Now that the EC Act, 2001 has given new impetus to the energy conservation issues and the ESCOs and the financial institutions are in place to implement the EC projects through performance guarantee contract mechanisms, energy conservation projects are bound to be successful in the future.

Essay # 5. Progress made in Energy Conservation in India:

The progress made by India in energy conservation can be seen in the following three areas:

(A) Policy and Institutional.

(B) End Users.

(A) Policy and Institutional:

Recognizing the fact that efficient use of energy and its conservation is the least-cost option to mitigate the gap between demand and supply. Government of India has enacted the Energy Conservation Act – 2001 and established bureau of energy efficiency.

The mission of BEE is to develop policy and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the EC Act with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.

The EC Act provides for institutionalizing and strengthening delivery mechanism for energy efficiency services in the country and provides the much-needed coordination between the various entities.

In terms of time frame, energy policy of India has the following objectives to achieve:

Energy Policy of India-Short Term:

i. Maximize returns from the existing assets.

ii. Reduce losses in transportation and in end use.

iii. Initiate action to reduce energy intensity of different consuming sectors and promote conservation through organizational and fiscal measures.

iv. Initiate steps to meet the basic energy need of rural and urban households so as to reduce the existing inequities.

v. Maximize satisfaction of demand for energy from indigenous resources.

Energy Policy of India-Medium Term:

i. Progressive steps to substitute petroleum products by coal, natural gas and electricity.

ii. Action for accelerated development of all renewable energy resources especially hydro potential.

iii. Promote programs to achieve self-reliance in energy sector.

iv. Create appropriate organizational changes in consistent with the overall energy strategy.

Energy Policy of India-Long Term:

i. Promote an energy supply system, largely based on renewable sources of energy.

ii. Promote technologies of production, transportation and use of energy that are environmentally begin and cost effective.

Under the energy policy of India, the important features of energy conservation Act 2001 include:

(a) Standards and Labelling:

Evolve minimum energy consumption standards for notified equipment and appliances. Prohibit manufacture, sale and import of equipment and appliances not confirming to standards. Introduce mandatory labelling to enable consumers to make informed choice.

This program will initially focus on energy policy issues of energy efficiency improvement in unorganized sectors such as domestic and agriculture sectors through improvement of designed energy efficiencies of energy consuming appliances and providing this information on comparative basis in the form of energy labels.

(b) Designated Consumers:

Schedule to EC Act provides list of 15 energy intensive industries and other establishments to be notified as designated consumers (DC). DCs to appoint or designate energy managers. Get energy audits conducted by accredited energy auditors and implement techno-economic viable recommendations. Comply with norms of specific energy consumption fixed and submit report on steps taken.

This program will initially focus on energy policy issues of energy efficiency improvement in organized sectors such as energy intensive industries and commercial sector through establishment of energy management system, capacity building of energy professionals, implementation of energy audits, establishments of specific energy consumption norms and support to consumers on providing information on authentic energy data.

The new buildings are required to be designed and built with energy efficiency consideration right from the initial stages itself. The development of energy conservation building codes is necessary for this purpose. The codes would be applicable to commercial buildings constructed after the relevant rules are notified under the Energy Conservation Act.

The bureau would constitute committee of experts for preparation of energy conservation building codes for different climatic zones. Central Government to prepare guidelines on ECBC. To be modified by states to suit local climatic conditions. To be applicable to new buildings having connected load of 500 kW or more.

Promotional Provisions to Support EC Act:

Various promotional provisions in support of the EC Act have been initiated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which are briefly explained below:

1. Indian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (IIPEC):

This voluntary program of sharing of best practices, undertaking and specific energy consumption targets has full acceptance in the 8 sectors of industry including aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, fertilizer, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, refinery and textile sector. Best practices have been recorded and published through CDs and also incorporated in BEE’s website which is being updated periodically for use of designated consumers.

2. Voluntary EC Policy Declaration by Indian Industry:

Industries have been approached to declare their top management commitments on energy conservation. 44 industrial units under the national campaign on energy conservation 2005 declared their energy management policies and have committed to reduce their specific energy consumption levels.

3. Small Group Activities on Energy Conservation:

BEE supports designated consumers in improving their energy efficiency through launch of voluntary programs. BEE launched small group activity focused on energy conservation in 4 industrial units in textile and cement sector. Feedback received from the units indicates that about 5% savings through housekeeping and no cost measures are possible through this concept.

4. National Energy Conservation Awards:

Industrial units have been motivated through national energy conservation award scheme. Electricity savings achieved by the participating industrial units. Response from the first time introduced schemes for government buildings and commercial buildings (private sector) was also encouraging.

Mandatory Provisions of the EC Act:

1. Strengthening Energy Management and Energy Auditing Capabilities of Energy Professionals:

To strengthen the energy management and energy auditing capabilities in the country, first and second national certification examination for energy managers and energy auditors has been successfully conducted in 2004 and 2005 all over the country. Certified energy managers will be required to be appointed or designated by designated consumers whereas certified energy auditors will be considered for accreditation.

2. Accreditation of Energy Auditors:

Many energy auditing agencies have been cleared for accreditation on the bases of their energy auditing capabilities and institutional set up. These auditors have carried out over 2000 energy audit studies during 2003-05.

3. Fixation of Norms for Different Industrial Sector:

To start with cement and pulp and paper sectors have been selected for fixation of specific energy consumption norms.

4. Manuals and Codes for Standardizing the Process of Energy Auditing:

Draft code on 7 technologies (equipment) lighting systems; dryers; cogeneration plants, electric motors, electric transformers, fluid piping systems (network), insulation and air conditioners/ chillers (HVAC) are prepared. The energy performance codes would provide a definite method of field testing of utility equipment in the designated consumer premises. The energy performance codes would improve credibility of energy audits and provide industry and energy managers as to what to expect from the energy audit.

5. Notification of Designated Agencies:

States governments and union territories have notified state level designated agencies for the prose of implementing EC Act within the state.

6. Standards and Labelling:

The preparatory work relating to standard and labelling program of electrical appliances including household refrigerators, window air conditioners, distribution transformers, fluorescent tube lights and ballasts has been initiated.

7. Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC):

ECBC structure and analysis methodology has been prepared. Data collection and stringency analysis has also been completed and the first draft of ECBC for stakeholder review is ready.

(B) End Users:

1. Energy Efficiency in Indian Industry:

Industry is the major energy consumer utilizing about 50% of the total commercial energy use in India. The six key industries namely aluminium, cement, fertilizers, pulp and paper, petrochemicals and steel – consumes about 65% of the total energy use in India. The energy intensity in some of these industries is reported to be higher than the industries in developed countries.

One of the main reasons for higher energy use is the presence of obsolete and energy inefficient processes in some of these sectors. To promote adoption of energy efficient processes, they are identified as designated consumers under schedule to the energy conservation Act.

By complying with various provisions of EC Act, as applicable to designated consumers namely meeting specific energy consumption norms, conduct of regular energy audits and implementation of techno economic viable recommendations and establishment of energy management system through appointment of certified energy manager is expected to boost adoption of energy efficient processes and technologies.

2. Energy Efficiency in Government Buildings:

Bureau of energy efficiency has undertaken energy audit studies in 8 government buildings to set up an example for private buildings to pursue similar efforts. The buildings included. Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry blocks in South Block, Rail Bhawan, Sanchar Bhawan, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Transport Bhawan, R and R Hospital, Terminal I, Terminal II and Cargo Sections of Delhi Airport and AIIMS. Energy savings potential between 23 to 46% has been identified in the above buildings. Energy audit study has been implemented in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Implementation work in Prime Minister Office, Sharam Shakti Bhawan and Transport.

The new generation industrial plants installed in India have excellent energy efficiency norms comparable with the best and most energy efficient plants in the world. This shows the deep penetration of advanced energy efficient technologies in many of the Indian industrial plants. For example, in Indian cement plants, the technology penetration is very high and the energy efficiency norms are comparable to the best energy efficient plants in the world.

Further, some of the Indian steel plants are already undergoing a process of modernization and are adopting more energy efficient practices. Technology updating is also positive in the Indian Power and Pulp and paper sector. These has been commendable progress in energy efficient technologies employed in thermal and electric utilities.

Use of fluidized bed boilers and furnaces, variable frequency drives, energy efficient pumps, fans, compressors and cooling towers are widely employed in Indian industries. Energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts are penetrating domestic, commercial and industrial sector at a very faster rate. Standard and labeling program of EC Act will further boost manufacturing and adoption of energy efficient technologies.

The increasing preference for commercial energy has led to a sharp increase in the demand for electricity and fossil fuels. Use of fossil fuels has resulted in emission of huge quantity of carbon dioxide causing serious environmental damages. There is still a considerable potential for reducing energy consumption by adopting energy efficiency measures at various sectors of our country.

Energy efficiency will not only reduce the need to create new capacity requiring high investment, but also result in substantial environmental benefits. With the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, a legal framework is now available for promoting energy efficiently in all sectors of the economy. Efficient use of energy and its conservation will succeed as a program if opinion leaders and captains of industry take the lead in supporting the conservation program.

Essay # 6. State-Wise Electricity Consumption and Conservation Potential in Indian Economy:

There are several estimates of energy efficiency and conservation potential in the Indian economy. Most of them have based their assessment at the macro level taking note of some demonstration projects that were implemented in various sectors.

Prominent amongst them are the Integrated Energy Policy (2006) that provides an estimate of energy saving potential in the Indian economic activity of 15-20%, the ADB study (2004) of demand side management potential in industry, buildings, municipalities and the very recent national mission for enhanced energy efficiency that seeks to unlock a market potential of Rs. 74,000 crores and an avoided capacity addition of 19,000 MW.

In this background, it is necessary to assess detailed potential in each sector and in each state, given that the implementation of the energy conservation Act, 2001 is with the state governments through their notified state designated agencies (SDAs).

BEE, with the approval of ministry of power, has initiated a scheme for capacity building of SDAs during the current plan period. A19 point state level energy conservation action plan (ECAP) has been evolved for 32 states/UTs and is under implementation.

As a part of the program, it was considered necessary to carry out a detailed assessment state-wise in some key sectors of the economy. National productivity council (NPC), an autonomous organization under the ministry of commerce, government of India, was tasked to undertake this work in all 35 states/UTs.

The study focused only on estimation of the total electricity consumption and saving potential in the following sectors of each state/UT:

i. Agricultural pumping.

ii. Municipal water and sewage pumping, street lighting.

iii. Commercial buildings like hotel/resorts, hospital, shopping mall/ multiplex, office building, public park/monument having connected load of more than 500 kW.

iv. Representative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which have high saving potential.

NPC constituted dedicated teams for all states in order to conduct this study. Data collection questionnaires for each of the four sectors were prepared and sent to the different organizations. Support of SDAs and local distribution companies were also taken for gathering details of the entities in each sector and ascertaining their energy consumption.

The data collected was analyzed and validated by data collected from distribution companies to make them robust, complete and uniform. In addition, energy audit results of audits conducted by individual entities or other organizations engaged in this purpose to ascertain a reasonable energy saving potential in each sector in the state.

The methodology employed by NPC for this purpose is as under:

(a) Data Collection:

Directly from the organizations in the state engaged in each sector by way of questionnaires designed for this purpose.

(b) Data Collation and Validation:

By verification of data from third party sources like DISCOM, industry associations at the state level.

On a sample basis by field visits to facilities.

(d) Assessment of Potential:

By conduct of sample audit studies in certain facilities and by survey of similar audits conducted by the entities at the state level in the recent past.

In addition to the above, the study also looks at the large industries and the household sector. For this purpose the consumption reported in the report of central electricity authority titled All India Electricity Statistics 2009: General Review 2009, was adopted for the two sectors. The energy saving potential was assessed based on the experience gained in implementing programs in industry and household sector by BEE and NPC.

In this connection, the following methodology was adopted:

(a) Industry Sector:

The national energy conservation awards provided the basis of assessment of electrical savings in large industries. The evaluation of awards conducted by BEE and NPC over the last 17 years has indicated an average electrical savings of around 7-10%. In estimating the potential for saving, the study has adopted the lower of the range, i.e. 7%.

(b) Domestic Sector:

The potential for savings has been estimated on the basis of several studies carried out by various organizations. The assessment is based on the potential in both urban and rural households and also the different income strata.

For the urban households, the studies indicate a conservative potential of 15-20% while in the rural household it is assessed at 40-50%. The difference is essentially due to the fact that in rural/semi-urban segments, the main load is lighting where the efficiency gains are potentially much higher than others. In light of this, the study has used 20% as the potential in the domestic sector.

India has a long history of promoting energy efficiency through various national level institutions, which include BEE, PCRA, IREDA, NPC, NCB, TERI, CII and FICCI. After the enactment of Energy Conservation Act-2001, these institutions have become more active. Though each institutions has a different role and approach, they all are working for a common cause of energy conservation.

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Short Essay on Power of Media [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

In today’s lesson, you will learn how you can write short essays on ‘Power of Media.’ There will be three different sets of short essays on the same topic covering different word limits.

Feature image of Short Essay on Power of Media

Short Essay on Power of Media in 100 Words

The term ‘’media’’ is derived from the word ‘’medium’’, which refers to the way through which information is transferred from one person to another. Media as the collection of several types of equipment enable the spreading of news and messages far and wide.

Several modes of communication like television, telephone, radio, internet, newspaper, advertisements, allow us to impart knowledge about important issues in our life. Media is extremely powerful in its speed of spreading accurate information. At any specific time, we observe how media personals work at several places and give us the news most required. Any scandal, rumour, facts, everything is noted by the media and explained to us in due course.

Short Essay on Power of Media in 200 Words

Media is the way of mass communication and entertainment. It is the process through which the masses of people are communicated and united under one single piece of information. Media or the several forms of information medium fall under the group of information technology.

All of them act together to deliver error-free news and information so that democracy is not disturbed by fake information. Media includes newspapers, magazines, telephone, television, internet, advertisement, emails, messages, cinemas, and others. Media acts through both audio and visual effects to create the maximum effect.

The biggest power of media lies in its potential to persuade people to take necessary action. When we hear a newsreader dictating the news, then the listeners are swayed by the intonation of the reader. The person speaks in order to claim the truthfulness of the piece of information. In the exact same manner, a newspaper is organized to direct the opinions of the readers in a certain course.

Advertisements are the most powerful ways of media. We are highly influenced by it and inspired to take ready actions that are necessary. At present, the internet is the media that share all news with the greatest speed.

Short Essay on Power of Media in 400 Words

The influence of media in our lives is of immense importance. It not only imparts us news and pieces of information but is the biggest source of entertainment. Cinema and music as parts of media give us pure joy and happiness, which also enables us to entertain ourselves. Yet the majority of the media is concentrated on gathering correct information and delivering it to the country.

Media includes newspapers, radio, T.V., telephone, internet, advertisements, placards and posters, and others. All these are our constant companions that allow us to form our opinions on different issues regarding life, society, and country.

Media is powerful in its mode of persuasion. The biggest capacity of any media equipment is that it can easily manipulate the opinion of people and allow them to form a specific sort of perspective. The best weapon in this regard is the newspaper. The way a newspaper is arranged and the headlines are prepared, makes this persuasion quite easy. The visual and literal aspects of a newspaper are the sole power of media. The same goes for the advertisements as well.

The visual and written content of advertisements equally influences us to buy a product or service. For the newsreaders, their intonation is the power. The way they narrate a news story enables listeners to realize the significance of the news. The diction of a newsreader is important in this regard that helps to grab the attention of the people. Media is the potential way to unite the country under one principle and equal opinion. The issue lies with the efficiency of the journalist.

He risks every danger so as to collect authentic news for the benefit of mankind. The efficiency of the strength of media lies at every stratum of collecting the information and converting it into the news. Be it the print media or the audio method, all require this adept nature to strongly create a safe environment for news channels.

Media is both effective and effective. In this regard, the nature of the internet can be considered. Even in the most difficult circumstances internet becomes the den of evil and fake news. It creates unnecessary commotion among innocent folks and is equally responsible for disrupting the peace and stability of the nation.

The capacity to create public opinion is used for dangerous purposes and the power of media is wasted for the benefit of evil people. It is thus the knowledge of the people to not accept all news blindly. Media is effective in spreading the news within the shortest period. However, careful utilization of this power is expected.

Hopefully, after going through this session, you have a holistic idea about writing short essays on the topic ‘Power of Media.’ I have written these essays in very simple words for a better understanding of all kinds of students. Kindly comment down your doubts, if you still have any.

Keep browsing our website to read more such short essays on various important topics. And don’t forget to join us on Telegram to get all the latest updates. Thank you.

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India and the indian ocean: an essay on the influence of sea power on indian history.

Author: Panikkar, K. M.

Keywords: India Sea-power Indian Ocean

Issue Date: 1951

Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London

Source: Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi

Type: E-Book

Received From: Archaeological Survey of India

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	Panikkar, K. M.
	2019-07-30T16:19:06Z
	2019-07-30T16:19:06Z
	1951
	Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi
	99p.
	application/pdf
	English
	George Allen & Unwin, London
	India Sea-power Indian Ocean
	E-Book
	1945
	2745
	text

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India and the Indian Ocean: An Essay on the Influence of Sea Power on Indian History. Author: Panikkar, K. M. Keywords: India Sea-power Indian Ocean. Issue Date: 1951 Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London Source: Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi Type: E-Book Received From: Archaeological Survey of India