Globalization and New Technology in a World of Scarce Resources: Indian Context
Introduction
- Globalization has accelerated technological advancements, but resource scarcity (energy, water, minerals) demands sustainable and efficient solutions.
- India, as a rapidly developing nation, faces challenges of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and equitable access while leveraging technology for growth.
1. Role of New Technology in Resource Optimization
A. Energy Sector
- Renewable Energy:
- Solar Mission (100 GW by 2022) under the National Solar Mission.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA) promoting global cooperation.
- Example: Ladakh’s solar farms to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Smart Grids:
- Digital monitoring for efficient energy use (e.g., UDAY scheme for DISCOM reforms).
B. Water Management
- Drip Irrigation & Micro-Irrigation:
- PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for water conservation.
- Desalination Plants:
- Chennai’s desalination unit providing drinking water.
- IoT-based Smart Water Management:
- AI-driven leak detection systems in Bengaluru.
C. Agriculture & Food Security
- Precision Farming (AI & IoT-based):
- Sensors to optimize water & fertilizer use (Digital Green, BharatAgri).
- Bio-Engineering (GM Crops):
- BT Cotton improves yield with reduced pesticide use.
2. Impact of Globalization on Technology Transfer in India
A. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) & Innovation
- Make in India Initiative:
- Tesla’s potential EV factory in India for sustainable mobility.
- Pharmaceuticals:
- India as the world’s pharmacy, with vaccine technology partnerships (e.g., Covaxin, Serum Institute).
B. Digital Revolution & IT Growth
- 5G Rollout & Digital India:
- Rural connectivity enhancing e-governance & fintech penetration.
- AI & Robotics in Manufacturing:
- TATA, Reliance investing in automation to reduce waste.
C. Sustainable Urbanization
- Smart Cities Mission:
- Integrating AI for waste & water management in cities like Indore.
Challenges & Way Forward
✅ Challenges:
- Technological divide (rural-urban gap).
- E-waste generation and unsustainable tech consumption.
- Foreign dependence for critical minerals (Lithium, Rare Earth Elements).
✅ Solutions:
- Indigenous R&D in clean tech (National Green Hydrogen Mission).
- Public-private partnerships to bridge the digital divide.
- Circular economy approach for resource conservation.
Conclusion
- Globalization fosters tech-driven solutions, but sustainability must guide their use.
- India’s success lies in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation through smart policies and green technology adoption.
