Indian Express Editorial Analysis

India’s Coal Dependency: Why India Can’t Phase Out Coal Like the UK

UK’s Successful Coal Phase-Out

Coal Decline: The UK recently shut down its last coal-based power plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar.
- Historical Shift: Coal’s share in UK electricity generation fell from 97% in the 1950s to under 2% in recent years.
Factors Behind the Shift:
- Policy and Regulations: Government introduced measures like increased carbon costs, stringent emission norms, and mandatory carbon capture for new coal plants.
- Alternative Fuel and Reduced Demand: UK leveraged affordable gas and saw a 32% drop in per capita electricity consumption from 6 MWHs in 2000 to 4.1 MWHs in 2023.
- Electricity Imports: UK has relied on imports, reducing its dependence on domestic coal.

India’s Energy Landscape and Coal Constraints

Growing Demand: India’s electricity needs are still expanding, necessitating continuous capacity addition.
Lack of Gas Substitute: Unlike the UK, India lacks access to cheap gas as a coal alternative.
Challenges in Other Energy Sectors:
- Hydro: Growth is limited due to environmental, geographical, and political issues.
- Nuclear: Contributes less than 3% to India’s power mix.
- Renewables: Although growing, current renewable capacity falls short of 2030 demand projections.
Policy Focus on Coal:
- India’s policies support coal usage, with delayed coal plant retirements and guidelines easing environmental norms to sustain coal production.
- Coal plants have been directed to import coal and operate at full capacity.

Decarbonisation and Policy Gaps in the UK

Progress and Limitations: While the UK has reduced coal usage, it heavily relies on gas, which still emits significant CO2.
- Insufficient NDCs: UK’s targets fall short of Paris Agreement goals due to the delayed petrol/diesel phase-out, continued North Sea oil/gas extraction, and limited support for industrial electrification.

Surge in Digital Fraud Cases

Scammers Targeting All Demographics:
- Educated individuals, including a retired professor and an industrialist, have been victims, losing amounts up to Rs 7 crore.
- Stats: 7.4 lakh complaints reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal between Jan-April 2024.
Types of Digital Fraud:
- Digital Arrest Scams: Scammers pose as law enforcement officers to extort money.
- Other Scams:
  - Trading scams: Rs 1,420.48 crore in losses.
  - Investment scams: Rs 222.58 crore in losses.
  - Romance/dating scams: Rs 13.23 crore in losses.
- Perpetrator Locations: Scammers traced to countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

Government’s Response to Digital Fraud

PM Modi’s Warning:
- In Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi warned the public about fraudsters impersonating authorities (police, CBI, RBI) to create fear and extort money.
- Emphasized raising public awareness to prevent these scams.
National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NCCC):
- Established to unify cybercrime efforts across agencies.
- Enables faster identification and prosecution of scammers by streamlining investigations.

Tactics Used by Scammers

Sophisticated Techniques:
- Use of fake documents, call centers, and impersonation to build credibility and pressure victims.

Way Forward: Solutions and Preventive Measures

Law Enforcement Action:
- Quick investigation and strict penalties to act as a deterrent for scammers.
Public Awareness:
- Educational campaigns to inform citizens about common fraud tactics and prevention steps.
Cybersecurity and Collaboration:
- Real-time communication and coordination among law enforcement, financial institutions, and telecom providers via NCCC to combat scams effectively.