Que. Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.
अपर्याप्त संसाधनों की दुनिया में भूमंडलीकरण एवं नए तकनीक के रिश्ते को भारत के विशेष सन्दर्भ में स्पष्ट कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce how “globalization” and “new technology” interlink in addressing the challenge of “scarce resources,” emphasizing India’s context.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss the multifaceted relationship between globalization and technology in managing limited resources, highlighting India’s experience.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the potential for leveraging “globalization” and “new technologies” to manage scarce resources effectively in India.
Introduction
“Globalization” accelerates the “spread of technology,” helping nations manage “scarce resources” more efficiently. In India, globalization has significantly impacted sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and energy, helping the country mitigate resource constraints.
Role of Globalization in Driving Technological Advancements
(i) Technology Transfer via Global Trade: “Globalization” facilitates “technology transfer,” allowing India to adopt “cutting-edge technologies” from developed countries. For instance, “solar energy” and “precision farming” technologies have been critical in addressing resource shortages in agriculture and energy.
(ii) Increased Access to Innovations: Global integration has allowed India to access innovations in sectors like “biotechnology” and “renewable energy.” The adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops has helped optimize resource use, improving productivity while reducing the strain on “scarce land” and water.
(iii) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Technological Upgradation: “FDI” inflows have introduced advanced technologies in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. FDI-driven industries in India are utilizing “automation” and resource-efficient technologies, which have revolutionized the management of natural resources like water and minerals.
(iv) Collaborative R&D and Innovation Ecosystems: Globalization has encouraged collaboration between “Indian research institutions” and international organizations. This has fostered the development of resource-efficient technologies, such as water purification systems and smart farming tools, enhancing India’s capacity to manage “scarce resources.”
(v) Digital Technology Revolution: “Globalization” has also spurred the adoption of digital technologies in India. “Cloud computing,” “IoT,” and “AI” are optimizing resource allocation in sectors like “energy management” and “transportation,” ensuring more sustainable resource use in urban areas.
Impact of New Technologies on Resource Scarcity in India
(i) Renewable Energy and Sustainability: India has harnessed global technological advancements in “solar and wind energy,” reducing its reliance on “fossil fuels.” Global technology partnerships have made these renewable sources more viable, mitigating the country’s energy resource scarcity.
(ii) Water Management Solutions: Technologies such as “drip irrigation” and “desalination” have been adopted to combat water scarcity. These innovations, facilitated by global exchanges, have proven essential in India’s water-stressed agricultural regions like “Rajasthan” and “Maharashtra.”
(iii) Smart Agriculture Practices: Through globalization, India has adopted “precision agriculture” techniques that optimize the use of inputs such as fertilizers, water, and seeds. Technologies like “drones” and “soil sensors” ensure that scarce resources are used efficiently, improving food security in the face of climatic challenges.
(iv) Waste Management and Recycling Technologies: India has adopted “advanced waste management technologies” from global players, which are crucial for recycling and reducing the burden on natural resources. Cities like “Indore” have become models for sustainable urban waste management using global technologies.
(v) Transportation and Mobility Innovations: With global access to “electric vehicle (EV) technologies” and “public transport innovations,” India is reducing its dependency on oil imports and minimizing environmental degradation. EVs and smart mobility solutions are helping alleviate resource scarcity in the transportation sector.
Challenges of Globalization and New Technology in Resource Management
(i) Unequal Access to Technology: One significant challenge is the “digital divide.” While globalization provides access to cutting-edge technologies, a large portion of India’s population, particularly in rural areas, lacks access to these advancements, exacerbating “resource disparity.”
(ii) Environmental Costs of New Technologies: The adoption of new technologies, particularly those reliant on “non-renewable resources,” can create environmental problems. For example, the rapid growth of “e-waste” is an unintended consequence of increased technological usage, and India is struggling to manage its disposal effectively.
(iii) Dependency on Global Markets for Technology: India’s reliance on “imported technologies” often places it at the mercy of global market fluctuations. This creates a situation where India is vulnerable to “price hikes” or supply chain disruptions, especially in critical sectors like energy and electronics.
(iv) Job Displacement from Automation: “Automation” and other technology-driven processes, though resource-efficient, lead to “job displacement” in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and manufacturing. This social fallout poses challenges to ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
(v) Exploitation of Resources by Multinationals: Multinational corporations (MNCs), driven by globalization, may exploit India’s natural resources without adequately investing in sustainability. This raises concerns over resource depletion, particularly in sectors like “mining” and “agriculture.”
Indian Government’s Response to Globalization and Technological Adoption
(i) Make in India and Technological Sovereignty: The “Make in India” initiative focuses on promoting indigenous technology development, reducing dependency on foreign technology, and ensuring “sustainable resource management.” The government is investing in R&D to foster domestic innovation.
(ii) Green Technology Promotion: India’s focus on “green technologies” is evident in initiatives like the “National Solar Mission.” These programs aim to scale up the adoption of “renewable energy technologies,” making resource use more sustainable and efficient.
(iii) Digital India and Inclusive Technology Adoption: The “Digital India” initiative aims to bridge the “digital divide” by extending internet and technology access to rural areas. This ensures equitable access to technology-driven solutions for resource management, from agriculture to healthcare.
(iv) Skill Development to Mitigate Job Displacement: The government’s “Skill India” initiative helps workers, especially in labor-intensive industries, adapt to technological shifts. Upskilling ensures that the benefits of technology adoption are widespread and that resource-efficient practices are sustained.
(v) Regulations to Ensure Sustainable Technology Use: India has also introduced regulations to ensure that technologies, particularly in sectors like “mining” and “agriculture,” are used sustainably. The focus is on minimizing environmental degradation while maximizing the efficient use of “scarce resources.”
Conclusion
“Globalization” and “new technology” have improved India’s resource management. However, addressing “unequal access” and ensuring “sustainability” are crucial to harnessing their full potential in mitigating resource scarcity effectively.
