1. The government needs to maintain clarity in the space sector’s regulatory environment.
Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Interventions for development in various sectors
Important for UPSC because it discusses geopolitical strategy, global competition in technology and innovation, and reforms in India’s space sector.
| Context |
| – The article highlights how India has revolutionised the space industry by facilitating foreign collaborations, private investment, and strategic reforms. It examines the nation’s desire to compete on a global scale and overtake China in the quickly changing field of space exploration. |
Evolution of Space Exploration Narratives:
- From a romantic notion to a field with geopolitical, financial, and socioeconomic ramifications, space exploration has changed over time.
- Participation from the private sector is now essential, upending the national agencies’ long-standing hegemony.
India’s Space Sector Reforms (2020-2023):
- India started state-led reforms in 2020 that allowed private businesses to operate in the space industry.
- The establishment of IN-SPACe, the Geospatial Guidelines, and the Indian Space Policy that followed encouraged private sector involvement.
- Broadband services via satellite were made possible by the Telecommunications Act 2023, indicating a comprehensive strategy.
FDI Opening Doors (February 21, 2023):
- 100% FDI is permitted by the Indian government in the production of satellite systems and component parts.
- In satellite manufacturing, operations, and data products, up to 74% FDI is allowed; in launch vehicles, space ports, and related systems, up to 49% FDI is allowed.
Strategic Advantages and Catching up with China:
- India wants to strategically position itself against China in the global space race by using its international connections to attract significant FDI.
- China’s aggressive foreign policies and military modernization initiatives make it difficult for the country’s space programme to draw in outside investment.
Impacts on India’s Space Economy:
- The move improves India’s standing in the international arena and draws capital to support space start-ups.
- Expected results include better investor confidence, balanced upstream and downstream opportunities, enhanced access to talent and capital, and increased local manufacturing.
Sustaining Positive Trends:
- In order to maintain the beneficial developments, the government must uphold a transparent regulatory framework, cut bureaucracy, win over the public, and make it easier for Indian businesses to access overseas markets.
- Sustained endeavours are imperative in cultivating a vibrant and dynamic Indian private space industry.
Conclusion:
- With this calculated action, India will be well-positioned to benefit from the changing dynamics of the international space industry, which will promote economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
| Regulation of Space Sector in India |
| Need for Regulation: – Encourage the private sector to participate: This creates fair competition and motivates financial contributions to space exploration. – Ensure safety and security: controls launch operations, space debris mitigation, possible risks, etc. – Protect national interests: protects private data and technology used in space exploration and applications. Challenges: – Changing space industry: To prevent stifling innovation, regulations must be flexible in response to the rapid advancements in technology. – Maintaining a competitive edge: while enforcing strict safety regulations in order to create a vibrant and competitive space market. – Ensuring compliance: with global regulations and frameworks to facilitate smooth international collaboration. Way Forward: – Phased approach: Gradually implement regulations, beginning with the most important ones and modifying them as the industry expands. – Consultation with stakeholders: Involve the public, business, and academia in the creation of regulations so that decisions are well-informed. – Pay attention to risk-based regulation: Regulations should be tailored to the particular risks connected to various space activities. – Make use of global best practices: Take a cue from well-established spacefaring countries and modify laws for the Indian environment. – By guaranteeing safe, secure, and long-term growth, effective regulation can help India’s space sector realise its enormous potential. |
| PYQ: Talk about India’s accomplishments in space science and technology. How has India’s socioeconomic development benefited from the use of this technology? (12.5 m/200 words) (CSE (M) GS-3, UPSSC 2016) |
| Practice Question: How do India’s recent opening to foreign investment and reforms in the space sector fit with its strategic objectives and standing in the world economy? (10 m / 150 words) |
2. The U.K.-India strategic ties are a beacon in a harsh world.
Topic: GS2– International relations – Bilateral relations
Important for UPSC since it addresses defence alliances, geopolitical dynamics, global maritime challenges, and Indo-UK relations.
| Context |
| – The article focuses on maritime connections, obstacles to international trade, cooperative responses to conflicts like Operation Prosperity Guardian, and continued support for Ukraine in order to highlight the strengthening Indo-UK ties. – The article also emphasises how the two countries’ defence and industrial alliances are being strengthened. |
Indo-UK Maritime Connections:
- Through maritime trade, the UK and India, two outward-looking, mercantile societies, have historical and modern ties.
- Maritime operations, vital to the world’s economic well-being, now include underwater data cables that facilitate capital flows and internet banking.
Global Trade Challenges:
- Global maritime behaviour norms, which are essential to international trade, are coming under more and more attack, ranging from the Black Sea to the South China Sea.
- Amidst growing instability, the article highlights the need to safeguard the global lifelines that transport resources and goods across oceans.
Operation Prosperity Guardian:
- Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched in December 2023 by the US, UK, and allies in response to threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- The operation tackles threats from indiscriminate actions like Houthi attacks in an effort to defend and safeguard commercial shipping.
Indo-UK Defence Partnership:
- The UK applauds the implementation of its tilt policy in 2023, acknowledging the Indo-Asia-Pacific region as the future centre of global economic activity.
- Deepening defence ties between India and the UK result in increased interactions between Indian and British forces, including visits and exercises.
Defence Industrial Partnership:
- The defence industrial partnership between the UK and India is growing, covering topics such as jet engines, sophisticated weaponry, and electric warship propulsion.
- Indian Armed Forces officers are expected to attend British service academies, strengthening 75-year military education ties.
Global Strategy and Coalition Building:
- In addition to highlighting the historical failure of isolationism and coercion, the article emphasises the value of allies, friends, and partners.
- In an increasingly unstable world, support for the rules-based International Order—which is essential for peace and prosperity—becomes even more imperative.
India as a Valued Ally to UK:
- The UK is thankful for India’s friendship and views it as a source of strength and support when faced with obstacles.
- Both countries are dedicated to maintaining common ideals and supporting the international order based on rules for world peace.
Conclusion:
- The essay goes into great detail about the maritime ties between India and the UK, trade challenges around the world, solutions to local conflicts, strengthening defence alliances, and the group’s overall support for an international order based on rules.
- In a world where things are changing quickly, it emphasises the value of strategic alliances and a common commitment to peace and prosperity.
| PYQ: The goal of the recently formed trilateral alliance AUKUS is to thwart China’s aspirations in the Indo-Pacific area. Will it replace the current partnerships in the area? Talk about AUKUS’s influence and strength in the current situation. (15 minutes, 250 words) (UPSC GS-2 2021 CSE (M)) |
| Practice Question: How do growing defence alliances between India and the UK and coordinated responses to international maritime issues support geopolitical security and stability? (15 m/250 words) |
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