9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – May 8th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

China Shops – India’s multilateralism comes up against the reality of Beijing-Islamabad, Beijing-Moscow compacts

Source: The post is based on the article “China Shops – India’s multilateralism comes up against the reality of Beijing-Islamabad, Beijing-Moscow compacts” published in The Times of India on 8th May 2023

Syllabus: GS 2 – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Relevance: About China-dominated forums.

News: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting was held recently in Goa. During the meeting, India explained that neither China nor Pakistan should expect normal relations till their hostile approaches are rolled back.

What are the issues with India being a member of China-dominated forums?

The China-Russia strategic compact has forced India to re-evaluate its investment in China-dominated forums such as SCO and BRICS. This is because,

-China is using these forums for its own zero-sum strategic tussle with the US.

-Ultranationalist dispensation in China is politically unable to resolve the border dispute with India.

-China’s pitch for multipolarity is not in consonance with India’s goals.

Read more: What are the issues with India’s participation in multilateral institutions?

What India should do instead of being a member of China-dominated forums?

-India’s multi-alignment strategy so far did not leverage any of the forums to obtain a better deal with the West or Russia. This should be followed in future also.

-Instead of China-dominated organisations, India should focus on platforms like the Quad, BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) and I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US).

Must read: India’s Approach to Multilateralism – Explained, pointwise

A position paper, China’s image, and what it means

Source– The post is based on the article “A position paper, China’s image, and what it means” published in the “The Hindu” on 8th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance– Important geopolitical developments

News– Recently, China released its position Paper on its policy in Afghanistan. Titled, ‘China’s position on the Afghan Issue’

What are some important points regarding China’s position on its policy in Afghanistan?

The paper delineates the core principles of Beijing’s policy choices. These are ‘Three Respects’ and ‘Three Nevers’.

China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and the independent choice, religious sentiments and national customs of the Afghan people.

These principles are put in opposition to the policies followed by the West. As per Beijing, western policies are influenced by geopolitics and their vested interests.

As per China, Afghanistan is currently transitioning from a period of turbulence to relative stability under the Taliban.

West has failed in fulfilling its commitments to the country. Its decision to intervene militarily and enforce its conception of democracy is blamed for the crisis.

It criticises the U.S. for imposing unilateral sanctions and illegally freezing Afghanistan’s foreign reserves. China calls for a reversal of these actions.

Beijing commits to help Afghanistan move towards a more sustainable form of economy.

China urges the international community to view the Afghan issue in a comprehensive, balanced and objective manner.

China advocates using alternative regional groupings which do not include the U.S. and its allies, such as SCO, the Moscow Format Dialogue, the China-­Afghanistan-­Pakistan Trilateral for discussing the Afghan issue.

This will help Beijing in promoting an alternative model as opposed to the battered approach of the West. It will allow it to focus more on its priorities and form a consensus among Afghanistan’s neighbours.

It calls for a bilateral and multilateral approach to respond to the ‘Three Forces’ of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

China urges the Taliban, regional countries and the international community to crack down on terror groups, specifically the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. They should help Afghanistan in augmenting its counterterrorism capabilities.

The question of refugees and narcotics and their cross border trafficking are also highlighted.

What are reasons behind China focussing on Afghanistan?

China has framed its involvement in purely humanitarian terms, good neighbourliness and mutual respect for its neighbours. Thus, Beijing has avoided acknowledging its own interests in the country.

It blames the current turmoil in the world and presence of multiple crises for its proactive approach. As per China, countries are urging China to take charge as the U.S. has abdicated its responsibility.

China wants stability in Afghanistan. It is also important for Beijing to attain its own security and economic interests in the country and to present a counter to U.S. hegemony. For China, the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan can harm Chinese interests.

Afghanistan is also economically very important for China due to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and due to the presence of vast mineral resources.

Since the beginning of 2023, China has taken steps to project its image as a major country playing a crucial role in ensuring global governance and providing a ‘moderate and pluralistic environment’ for dialogue.

The release of the concept paper on the Global security initiative and the peace proposal on Ukraine signal Beijing’s quest to modify its image and solidify its role as a responsible mediator.

Its apparent success in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia to the negotiating table and the visits by leaders from Europe are projected as an indicator of Beijing’s growing influence.

With COVID-19 ‘over’, applying the lessons learnt

Source– The post is based on the article “With COVID-19 ‘over’, applying the lessons learnt” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of healthy

Relevance– Issues related to epidemics

News- World Health Organization, on May 5, 2023, declared that COVID­19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.

What are the lessons learnt from the COVID management?

Misinformation– There have been knee­jerk and unscientific responses to spikes in COVID­19 cases. The most recent example is the response in March­-April 2023, when there was a rise in viral flu and SARS­CoV­2 cases.

It led to the closure of schools in some Indian cities and States. In some schools, mask wearing was made a mandatory condition for children to attend classes. This, in some instances, happened without a formal government directive.

It was not supported by scientific evidence. There was misinformation, and social media influencers were shaping the public discourse.

Neglect of local contexts– In outbreaks and epidemics, policy interventions and preventive advice need to factor in the local context. The context determines the epidemiological pattern, spread of disease and proposed interventions.

China faced a wave in December 2022. Switzerland, in April 2023, decided not to continue with any more COVID­19 vaccination. Countries have made decisions based on the local context. However, that does not mean every other country should do exactly the same thing.

Approach of influencers– An extremely worrying trend has been the dogmatic stand adopted by self proclaimed experts and influencers. They selectively and use emerging evidence and published literature to support their stand.

A few influencers have positioned themselves as ‘super reviewers’ of scientific studies. They have used social media platforms to find limitations and criticise even the most robust studies. They often fail to factor in that no scientific study is ideal.

In late April 2023, the not for profit Foundation for People ­Centric Health Systems Analysed the trends and stance of influencers and experts on social media platforms and in newspaper reports on the COVID­19 linked mask enforcement for school children.

Those based out of India were analysed into three sub­groups: trained or practising public health experts and epidemiologists; other medical doctors  and super­specialists; and everyone else.

The fourth group was of those who had had an opinion about India but living abroad, irrespective of their education.

In the subgroup of trained public health experts and epidemiologists, there was near consensus that schools should not be closed, and  there was no role in making mask wearing mandatory for children.

Most clinicians and infectious diseases were a bit more supportive of masking, but very few supported universal masking for any age group.

In the sub­group of super­specialists, there was greater endorsement of mask wearing for children and of school closure.

Experts’ and influencers living outside India were making stronger arguments for school closure and mask wearing for children in India.

COVID foreverers– There exist  groups of ‘COVID­ foreverers. They keep insisting on the enforcement of restrictions such as universal masking.

What is the way forward for a sound approach on epidemic management in the present context?

COVID­19 has ‘officially’ transitioned from a population level challenge to more of an individual health concern. It is time for calm assessment, to shift the gears and also apply the lessons from the last three years.

The government should offer formal training courses on the principles and practice of epidemiology to prepare India for more nuanced responses to outbreaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.

The government needs to integrate the COVID­19 response to general health services. There is no role of universal measures against COVID­19 to be enforced.

India’s response to surges, outbreaks, and epidemics should be guided by a nuanced understanding of epidemiology and not unduly derailed by ‘social media influencers’.

Therefore, in future, schools should not be closed for a COVID­19 uptick. Wearing masks in order to attend school should never again be made mandatory.

It is time to drop the COVID­19 fixation and move on to tackle other more pressing health challenges in the country.

The UN needs structural reform to establish its relevance again

Source: The post is based on the article “The UN needs structural reform to establish its relevance again” published in Live Mint on 8^th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Institutions

Relevance: problems with the United Nations

News: The article discusses the declining role of the United Nations (UN) in international politics.

How has the role of the UN declined?

The UN once played an important role in international diplomacy.

The United Nations Security Council was the big forum of discussion of the happenings around the world. It was so powerful that even the unchallenged superpower of the day still found it necessary to make its case to the Council.

The UN was so important that even the US diplomacy after 9/11 and its decision to invade Iraq and Afghanistan required proper justification in the UN.

However, the UN, in recent times, has become a non-playing character (NPC) in international diplomacy because it has been unable to solve the issues of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan among others.

What measures are being taken to bring reforms in the UN and what are the concerns with those reforms?

A paper published by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy says that the UN is attempting to bring changes in its system.

The initiatives that are being adopted to bring changes by the UN contain ideas on conflict prevention, peacekeeping, nuclear risk reduction, arms control, artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems, climate change and gender equity.

However, it is very likely that the UN will fail in these areas even if world leaders approve of the agenda.

This is because none of them addresses the reforms required in its political structure, which is the main reasons for the UN’s growing irrelevance.

The UN political structure reflects the balance of power of the Industrial Age of 1945 while that power has not only massively shifted in the past three decades, but human civilization itself has entered the Information Age.

Power, interest, authority, responsibility and accountability are extremely mismatched, and until this is fixed, the UN cannot reverse its course of increasing ineffectiveness.

Must Read: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Reforms – Explained

What can be the solution for the declining role of the UN?

First, there is a need that India must invest in creating alternative platforms for global governance and the formation of the G20 in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis is a viable option.

India is heading the G20 this year and it is required that India must sustain the momentum even after the presidency is passed on to other countries. 

Second, Some of the UN’s specialized agencies like Unicef and UNHCR do an admirable job under difficult circumstances which cannot be done by others. They need to be strengthened while adopting other necessary reforms in the UN.

Without data, the government’s policy prescriptions are just guesswork

Source– The post is based on the article “Without data, the government’s policy prescriptions are just guesswork” published in “The Indian Express” on 8th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions

What are issues with data collection in India?

India has always conducted a single decennial Census between 1881 and 2011, including in 1941 at the height of World War II.

HCE surveys that provides data on consumption of food and non-food items were carried out every five years or less — in 1972-73, 1977-78, 1983, 1987-88, 1993-94, 1999-2000, 2004-05, 2009-10 and 2011-12.

However, there’s been no Census after 2011. The National Statistical Office did an HCE survey in 2017-18, but its findings were not released.

There are claims and counterclaims about poverty levels without any real data on consumption by different classes of the population.

Even the CMIE’s longitudinal Consumer Pyramids Household Survey only tracks monthly values and not actual quantities consumed of some 153 items.

The attitude of the government agencies responsible for undertaking the Census and HCE surveys is problematic.

What is one major example highlighting the unreasonableness of statistical exercises undertaken in India?

The unreasonableness of the statistical exercise can be highlighted through statistics relating to milk consumption and official production estimates.

As per 2011-12 HCE survey, the monthly per capita consumption of milk was 4.33 litres for rural and 5.42 litres for urban India. These translated into a daily per capita of 149 gm and 186 gm respectively or a simple average of 167.5 gm.

The 167.5 gm average consumption was well below the daily per capita milk production estimate of 289 gm for 2011-12 by the department of animal husbandry and dairying.

The difference can partly be attributed to the HCE survey covering only milk consumed by households. It excludes the milk consumed by businesses such as tea shops and hotels.

But even if such consumption was taken at 50% over and above that by households, it would add up to just over 251 gm.

The gap between the survey-based per capita household consumption and estimated per capita production has increased over times.

The production data on milk shows the country’s milk production has an average annual growth rate of 6.1%. During the same period, however, average liquid milk sales of cooperative dairies have grown by just 3.6 per cent per year.

Production data is not reflected in consumption. There is a mismatch between supply grow and demand growth.

What is the importance of the census?

The Census isn’t a mere population enumeration exercise. It contains information on everything from housing conditions, inter and intra-state migration flows, gender, age, linguistic and religious profiles. It is vital for effective policy formulation and economic analysis.

GS PAPER - 3

De-dollarisation: Will the greenback still be green?

Source: The post is based on the article “Will the greenback still be green?” published in The Hindu on 8th May 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Relevance: About the de-dollarisation debate.

News: As China, India, and Russia trying to trade using partner currencies for payment instead of the U.S. dollar, various media are also speculating that the demise of the dollar as world reserve currency.

What is de-dollarisation, what are the global efforts towards the De-dollarisation of trade, and How is India pursuing the de-dollarisation of trade?

Must read: De-dollarisation of trade: Opportunities and challenges – Explained, pointwise

How dominant is US Dollar in global trade?

China itself has substantial U.S. dollar reserves earned from its trade with the U.S. over the past three decades. China has used these dollar reserves to fund its strategic investments abroad.

The benefit of dollar premium: Being a supplier of international reserve currency confers a distinct advantage to the U.S. Such as, the US has the ability to borrow at a low interest rate.

This a) relaxes the fiscal constraint substantially, b) boosts the debt ­issuing government’s capacity to borrow more without having to deal with the negative effects of such borrowing on the domestic economy.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the dollar premium

Read here: The de-dollarisation debate

About the present share of Forex reserves in the world

According to reports from the International Monetary Fund, the dollar’s share of foreign exchange reserves has fallen over time from 80% in the 1970s to about 60% in 2022. The euro has made up for about 20% of the remaining 40%.

Other currencies such as the Chinese Yuan, Australian and Canadian dollars, Swedish krona, and South Korean won have claimed their share in the portfolios of various countries’ foreign exchange reserves making up most of the remaining gap of 20%.

Note: China runs a closed capital account. So, it still does not feature as a prominent choice as reserves. Most of the Renminbi reserves that are held outside China are by Russia. 

What are the negative impacts of de-dollarisation?

Read here: The possible implications of de-dollarisation of global trade

Can the Chinese Yuan replace the US Dollar?

Read more: De-dollarisation: the race to attain the status of global reserve currency

Why does India hold US Dollar as Forex reserves and not the Russian Ruble?

This is because a) Even though, India’s biggest supplier of oil is Russia, India’s biggest trading partner is still the U.S., b) Russia’s importance as an oil supplier is a result of the deep discounts offered by its oil suppliers to Indian refiners. Such discounts will not be sustainable in the long run.

This creates doubt on the long-term viability of a common currency or a reciprocal trading arrangement between India and Russia.

Maoism should be seen as a social and economic problem

Source: The post is based on the article “Maoism should be seen as a social and economic problem” published in the Indian Express on 8th May 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Linkages between development and spread of extremism..

Relevance: About India’s anti-Naxal strategy.

News: Recently, the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district claimed the lives of ten police personnel and a civilian driver.

What is Left Wing Extremism?

Read here: Left Wing Extremism in India – Explained, Pointwise

About the Maoist evolution in independent India

The government had twice concluded that the Naxal problem had been sorted out.

The first time was after the arrest of Charu Majumdar in 1972 followed by his death and division in the party. But, the movement revived in 1980 with the formation of the People’s War Group.

The Maoism again disintegrated in the mid-nineties when Kondapalli Seetharamaiah was arrested and operations by the police and central paramilitary led to the arrests and surrender of almost 10,000 party activists.

But, the movement had another resurrection in 2001 when the Naxals formed the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). It aims to “seize political power”. In 2009, the then-Prime Minister described it as “the gravest internal security threat to our country” and took steps to control it. Since then the movement has been on a decline with considerable attrition.

According to the Home Ministry’s data, fatalities inflicted on civilians and security forces by left-wing extremists fell below 100 in 2022, the lowest in four decades.

What are the anti-Naxal strategies followed by governments?

Read here: Left-wing Extremism (LWE) in India and its challenges – Explained, pointwise

What are the flaws in India’s anti-Naxal strategy?

There are few fundamental flaws in India’s anti-Naxal strategy.

Firstly, in most states, there is a tendency to outsource the operations against Naxals to the central armed police forces. The states must use the local police, who know the language and terrain, in anti-Naxal operations to address the issues altogether.

For example, in Punjab, the battle against terrorism has been won because, apart from other factors, the Punjab Police was always at the forefront of operations.

Secondly, according to an expert group of the Planning Commission recommendation in 2008, “the development paradigm pursued since independence has always been ‘imposed’ on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns”.

For example, when the tribals want schools and hospitals, the government focuses on capital-intensive plants or factories, which are inevitably accompanied by deforestation and displacement.

As a result, government plans have “ended up in destroying their social organisation, cultural identity, and resource base and generated multiple conflicts.”

Thirdly, there is no overall strategic plan against the Naxals. States have been carrying out anti-Naxal drives according to their individual understanding.

How India should revamp its anti-Naxal strategy?

The Maoist problem is multi-dimensional; it has social and economic aspects. The security forces can take care of the law and order aspect of the problem. Unless the problem is tackled in its entirety, it is unlikely to go away.

-Security forces’ territorial domination should be followed by the administrative apparatus establishing its network in the affected areas.

-The government should make conscious efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people.

–Pursue dialogue: If the government can have peace talks with the Nagas and several other insurgent outfits in the Northeast, then the government should follow similar approach with Maoist leadership.

Improve technology to detect IEDs – on Left Wing Extremism

Source– The post is based on the article “Improve technology to detect IEDs” published in “The Indian Express” on 8th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security

Relevance– Issues related to Maoism

News– Ten jawans and a civilian driver, who were returning in a van following an anti­Maoist operation, were killed in a blast caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Chhat-

tisgarh’s Dantewada on April 26.

What IED use by Maoists is a challenge for security forces?

IEDs are among the most potent tools deployed by the Maoists. Even a small formation of the Maoists can cause huge damage to the security forces by using an IED.

The technical equipment used by the security forces to detect IEDs has its limitations. If the quantity of metal in the IED is low or the IED is planted deep under the road, mine detectors may fail to find it.

Hundreds of IEDs are detected and diffused every year. But, the search party could always miss a few due to technical reasons.

Ground Penetrating radar, which can detect recent disturbances in the soil subsurface, has also not proved successful.

What are issues with the use of IED by Maoists?

The Maoists deliberately and grossly violate international humanitarian laws. The use of landmines is banned internationally as they are non­discriminatory, lack precision and cause unnecessary or excessive suffering.

It is well known that in addition to the security forces, many civilians, including children, and animals have also been victims of IED attacks.

What are the changed tactics used by Maoists regarding use of IED?

The latest reports indicate that the current focus of the Maoists is to intensify the use of booby traps, and remote IEDs. The technical department of the Maoists seems to have gradually developed technology to remotely blast the IEDs.

There is disrespect of the Maoists even for slain jawans. In January 2013, during the autopsy of a jawan, an IED was found implanted as a booby trap inside the abdomen.

India is a signatory to the Geneva and Hague Conventions which regulate the means employed during warfare, so that casualties are checked.

What is the way forward to manage the threats of use of IEDs by Maoists?

The use of technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles and drones may be useful to check suspicious movement. But, the security forces need to improve their tactics too.

The use of vehicles should be permitted only after securing the road from ambushes and IEDs.

A visual search must be carried out cautiously or up to about 100­-150 metres on both sides of the road, to check the presence of suspicious elements or wire ends. Every effort needs to be made to detect, diffuse or avoid these brutal devices.

India must raise the issue of the use of IEDs by the Maoists at appropriate international platforms so that the Maoists are forced to respect international humanitarian laws and stop using these devices.

Central government and industry must join hands to improve technology to detect IEDs. The details printed on boxes containing detonators are not sufficient to trace the source of the detonators and punish the guilty.

The Central government must amend rules and make the manufacturers accountable for unique identifi­cation of detonators.

Open banking is helping revolutionize access to credit

Source: The post is based on the article “Open banking is helping revolutionize access to credit” published in Live Mint on 8^th May 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Industrial Policy, Money & Banking

Relevance: measures adopted by the government to address the credit issues of MSMEs

News: The article discusses issues with MSMEs in accessing credit from banks and measures adopted by the government to address those.

What are concerns with MSMEs in getting access to credit?

Read Here: What is MSMEs & issue of MSMEs? and MSMEs: Significance, Challenges and Solutions

How has the government tried to solve the credit problems for MSMEs?

India has expanded the credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) along with smartphone-driven participation in the digital economy has revolutionized digital payments in India.

Moreover, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) has recently announced to offer pre-sanctioned credit on UPI. This could help underserved segments to access credit.

Further, the government has also democratized access to data by taking efforts to boost the adoption of the Account Aggregator network to make financial transactions including lending faster and cheaper.

The government has also added the goods and services tax network (GSTN) as a financial information provider to the Account Aggregator network. It helps banks and other regulated lenders extend credit to small businesses.

These developments have helped all credit seekers and enhanced competitiveness among regulated lenders.

How the development to democratize the data is helping credit seekers and regulators?

Simpler customer consent mechanism: The process of obtaining customer consent to access both banking and GST data on the Account Aggregator network is now simpler and secure. Consent is required just once and lenders can also seek consent for data-sharing in the future.

Moreover, MSMEs no longer need to rely on multiple data aggregators to share their GSTN data with financial institutions through API services for a fee.

Boost for risk-based pricing and cash flow-based lending: Lenders now can get insight into the actual cash flows of a business through their bank statements along with regular GST data feeds on an MSME’s month-over-month sales, gross profits, regional revenue distribution, and sales turnover.

These insights can enable risk-based pricing and cash flow-based lending, benefiting both the lender and MSME.

Creating a level-playing field: The Account Aggregator framework will offer a level playing field for NBFCs because banks have had an edge over NBFCs in terms of access to key customer data because of current accounts.

Further, GST data may provide NBFCs and other lenders with insightful information that they can utilize to create more competitive and contextualised solutions for MSMEs.

Value-added services: Financial institutions, by actively monitoring GSTN data feeds and cash flow dashboards, would be able to provide value-added services like GST compliance, tax planning, and consultancy to help MSMEs optimize their GST-related spending.

The data can also be used for fraud detection and prevention, and help lenders cross-sell better to MSMEs.

What can be the way ahead?

Banks and NBFCs need to reorient and enhance their data capabilities by linking existing data sources such as bank statements and income tax returns with new sources such as GST and e-invoice data.

This will improve the efficiency and efficacy of their credit evaluation mechanisms.

[Yojana May 2023 Summary] Innovation in Space Tech – Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

Since its inception, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has played a vital role in driving innovation in space technology across various domains. From its beginnings in Thumba to becoming a global player, ISRO’s 53+ year journey has seen remarkable advancements. Especially in areas such as space transportation, infrastructure, science, applications, human exploration, robotics, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.  

How has Innovation in Space Tech Shaped the Evolution of India’s Space Transportation System?

From Sounding Rockets to SSLV: India’s journey in space transportation began with the development of solid-propulsion-based Sounding Rockets in the 1970s, followed by the first generation Satellite Launch Vehicles (SLV) and Augmented SLV (ASLV). The integration of solid and liquid propulsion technologies paved the way for the second-generation workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).  

Cryogenic Engine and GSLV Launch Vehicles: The indigenous development of a cryogenic propulsive engine marked a significant leap in technology, leading to the creation of third-generation GSLV launch vehicles capable of placing a 2000 kg payload in Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Launch Vehicle MK3 (LVM3) and Heavy Payloads: LVM3 was powered by the world’s 3rd largest solid boosters and high-capacity engines. This advanced LVM3 was developed to launch high throughput communication satellites, with the capability of putting a 4000 kg payload in GTO.  

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Quick Turnaround: The latest addition to ISRO’s rocket family is the SSLV, a three-stage launch vehicle designed for quick turnaround and the ability to launch a 500 kg satellite into a 500 km planar orbit.  

How has Innovation in Space Tech Contributed to the growth of India’s space infrastructure?

The Birth of India’s Space Infrastructure: In the early 1970s, ISRO laid the foundation for designing, building, and operating spacecraft. This led to the launch of India’s first satellite, ‘Aryabhata’, on 19 April 1975, and subsequent experimental missions like Bhaskara and APPLE.

Advancements in Key Spacecraft Technologies: ISRO’s self-reliance in spacecraft technology was bolstered by the indigenous development of advanced propulsion, power systems, thermal systems, deployable structures, space bus systems, communication systems, and more.  

Evolution of Remote Sensing and Communication Capabilities: India’s remote sensing capabilities have grown from a coarse 1 km resolution to a fine 28 cm resolution, with day & night and all-weather functionality. Communication transponders have also expanded from a single unit to 317 numbers.  

Expanding Space Infrastructure Portfolio: Today, India’s space infrastructure includes 25 Earth observation satellites, 22 communication satellites, 7 navigation satellites, 2 space science satellites, and various experimental, small, and student satellites.  

Read more: [Yojana January Summary] India as a Space Power – Explained, pointwise

How has innovation in space tech-enabled India’s Space Science and Interplanetary Missions?

Journey to the Moon and Beyond: ISRO successfully reached the Moon and Mars, opening a new era of planetary exploration. Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar orbiter mission, achieved the scientific breakthrough of discovering water on the Moon.  

Exploring Mars with Mangalyaan: India’s first interplanetary mission, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first nation globally to do so on its maiden attempt. MOM explored Mars’ surface, mineralogy, and atmosphere with five onboard scientific instruments.  

Developing Key Technologies for Interplanetary Missions: During MOM, ISRO developed crucial technologies for designing, planning, management, and operations of interplanetary missions, such as orbit raising maneuvers, trans-Mars injection, trajectory correction maneuvers, and Mars orbit insertion.  

AstroSat’s Multi-Wavelength Space Astronomy: AstroSat, a multi-wavelength space astronomy mission, served astronomers from nearly 50 countries and made breakthrough discoveries, such as detecting UV emissions from star formation in a galaxy 9.4 billion years away.  

Read more: Indian Space Association (ISpA) – Explained, pointwise

How has Innovation in Space Tech Revolutionized Space Applications for India?

Meeting Diverse Earth Observation Needs: ISRO’s Earth Observation (EO) applications have been institutionalized across various sectors, including national security, agriculture, disaster management, and resource mapping, contributing to India’s major flagship programs.  

Advancements in Ground Infrastructure and Imaging Technologies: Significant development in ground technologies, such as multiobject tracking radar, polarimetric Doppler weather radar, and advanced ground stations, has facilitated uninterrupted satellite services usage.  

Innovative Imaging Technologies for Earth Observation: Technological advancements in imaging, such as push-broom, stereo imaging, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), have allowed ISRO to accomplish 47 missions with varying spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions.

Read more: India and Outer Space: Issues & Challenges – Explained, pointwise

How has Innovation in Space Tech contributed to Human Space Exploration in India?

Gaganyaan – India’s Maiden Human Spaceflight Mission: ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission is a complex project that aims to send astronauts to space and safely return them to Earth, involving the development of numerous technology elements.  

Key Technology Developments: These include human-rated launch vehicles, crew escape systems, habitable orbital modules, life support systems, and crew management activities for onboard safety.  

Successful Tests and Progress: ISRO has conducted successful tests such as the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE), pad abort test, and Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) for the Gaganyaan mission, which is now at an advanced stage of realization.  

What are the Latest Innovations in Space Tech and their applications in India?

Reusable Launch Vehicles and Air Breathing Propulsion: ISRO is developing reusable launch vehicles, air-breathing two-stage to-orbit vehicles, and scramjet engines for cost-effective future space transportation systems.

Recently, ISRO made a significant development in RV technologies with an RV landing experiment (RLV-LEX) demonstrating the autonomous landing of a winged vehicle on a runway. Its Current focus is on the development of critical technologies towards the realization of a vehicle-integrated scramjet engine called the Hypersonic Air Breathing Vehicle with Airframe integrated system (HAVA).  

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM): ISRO has innovatively repurposed the spent 4th stage of PSLV for carrying out scientific experiments under the name POEM. It provides a microgravity platform for conducting various scientific experiments in space. The opportunities are open for academic institutions and industries to utilize this unique and cost-effective platform for conducting their experiments in a space environment.  

Space Robotics and 3D Printing: ISRO has pursued research and development in space robotics, including Vyommitra (a humanoid robot), landers and rovers for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and on-orbit satellite refuelling. Additionally, they are exploring 3D printing in space.  

Quantum Communication: ISRO has demonstrated free-space quantum communication over a distance of 300 m, developing key technologies such as entangled-photon sources and polarization compensation techniques.  

Space Data Economy and Smart Cities: Space data, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, contribute to smart city applications, smart manufacturing, and supply chain management.  

Societal Applications and Spin-offs: Technological advancements in the space sector have led to societal applications, such as ventricular assist devices, microprocessor-controlled limbs, and medical ventilators.  

Growing Private Sector Participation: Space sector reforms encourage the involvement of nongovernmental entities, fostering a thriving space ecosystem and driving scientific and technological progress. 

Read more: Space Industry in India: Potential and Challenges – Explained, Pointwise

Source: Yojana

Syllabus: GS 3: Science and Technology – indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

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