Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023
The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.
Theme:
The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Participants:
The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.
Organizers:
The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.
Central Idea: Officials recently directed to begin construction of the multipurpose irrigation project at Chheligada, Odisha.
Chheligada Irrigation Project
The project is a multipurpose medium project located near the village of Chheligada in the Gajapati District of Odisha.
The project involves the construction of a 250m long and 30m high dam across the River Badjhore, a tributary of the River Vamsadhara.
It aims to preserve 5201 hectares of water and provide irrigation to 5760 hectares of land in Ganjam and 500 hectares of land in Gajapati districts.
The project will also supply drinking water to Brahampur City.
Furthermore, it includes the development of a mini hydel project at Shiali Loti, Kankata, and Dekili in the Gajapati district, with a capacity to generate 36 MW of electricity.
Salient features of the project
A centrally located Ogee-type gated spillway with a length of 90m.
Construction of a 1.13 km long tunnel connecting the Chheligada reservoir with the Ghodahada river.
Establishment of a canal system to facilitate irrigation in the Gajapati district directly from the dam.
Implementation of a pipeline network for supplying drinking water to Berhampur in the Ganjam district.
The Indian economy is in a state of ambiguity, with different viewpoints and statistics painting a fuzzy picture. While some argue that India is well-positioned to be an economic superpower, the true picture is not that straightforward.
An assessment of the Indian economy based on various factors
Inflation:
According to the MPC meeting minutes, inflation is under control, but households are witnessing an increase in the prices of goods and services.
While the base effect will bring down the inflation numbers, households still complain of having a cumulative inflation of over 18 per cent in the last three years.
Growth:
The growth picture is ambivalent, with the new normal appearing to be 6-7 per cent.
While some argue that India is the fastest-growing economy, this is only true if smaller nations are excluded.
There is not too much optimism about being on track for the 8 per cent-plus growth rate, which we were used to earlier.
Exports: While there has been satisfaction expressed by the new heights achieved in the exports of goods and services, exports of merchandise are not too satisfactory. For example, if refinery products are excluded from the export’s basket, there has been a fall in FY23.
Investment:
The official position is that investment is picking up in the private sector, but data on all funding sources show that there is a slowdown.
Bank credit is buoyant more on the retail end than manufacturing. Debt issuances are dominated by the financial sector with manufacturing lagging.
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) have slowed down mainly due to the higher cost of loans.
Consumption: The consumption picture is also fuzzy, with nominal consumption growing by 16 per cent in FY23, but this is pushed up by inflation, and pent-up demand for both goods and services post the full removal of the lockdown in 2022.
Employment:
The average unemployment rate is around 7.5 per cent, but the concern is more on the labour participation rate, which has been coming down. This indicates a growing population in the working age group that is not interested in working.
Start-ups have not yet been job creators to the degree that was expected, given the push by the government over the years.
Banking sector: The banking sector has emerged stronger with lower NPA levels and improved profitability, which implies that as and when the economy gets into the take-off mode, banks will be well-equipped to provide the funds.
Facts for prelims: Basics
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs):
ECBs are loans obtained by entities in one country from non-resident lenders in another country.
ECBs provide an alternative source of funds for borrowers, enabling access to international capital markets.
They are primarily used by companies, banks, or other entities to finance activities, investments, or expansion plans.
The borrowing and utilization of ECBs are subject to guidelines and regulations set by the borrowing country’s central bank or regulatory authority.
The regulatory framework aims to control external debt, manage foreign exchange exposure, and ensure financial stability.
What are the concerns?
Employment Generation: The decline in the labor force participation rate and layoffs in certain sectors raise significant challenges in terms of job creation and reducing unemployment levels.
Manufacturing Competitiveness: The decline in merchandise exports (excluding refinery products) indicates potential hurdles in enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and expanding exports.
Execution of Investment Intentions: The gap between investment intentions and actual investments is a concern as it indicates potential bottlenecks or challenges in translating investment plans into action.
Consumption Growth and Affordability: Affordability issues due to inflation impacting real consumption growth raise concerns about sustained consumer demand.
Export Diversification: The dependence on a few economies for exports and the potential impact of a global economic slowdown on Indian exports are concerns. Diversifying export destinations and exploring new markets can help reduce vulnerability to global economic fluctuations and strengthen export resilience.
Effective Implementation of Banking Sector Reforms: While improvements have been observed in the banking sector, concerns about funding sources and the need for increased credit flow to the manufacturing sector indicate ongoing challenges.
Way ahead
Focus on inflation control: While the MPC has managed to keep inflation under control from a policy perspective, efforts should continue to address the impact of rising prices on households. Measures to enhance supply chain efficiency, promote competition, and reduce production costs can help alleviate inflationary pressures.
Promote sustainable and inclusive growth: While the current growth rate is positive, efforts should be made to achieve higher and more inclusive growth. This can be done by investing in infrastructure development, skill development programs, and initiatives that support the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
Boost exports: Enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods and services in global markets is crucial for a robust export sector. Continued efforts to improve the ease of doing business, implement the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme effectively, and diversify export destinations can help boost exports.
Facilitate investment: Policy measures should focus on encouraging private sector investment and reducing funding bottlenecks. This can involve improving the ease of doing business, simplifying regulatory processes, and providing incentives for both domestic and foreign investments.
Strengthen consumer demand: Initiatives to support consumer demand can include income support programs, targeted subsidies, and measures to enhance consumer confidence. Reducing the impact of inflation on household budgets and boosting purchasing power can help drive consumption growth.
Address unemployment and labor force participation: Policies aimed at promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and job creation can help address unemployment concerns. Encouraging sectors with higher labor-intensive potential, such as manufacturing and services, and supporting start-ups and MSMEs can be vital in generating employment opportunities.
Continue banking sector reforms: While the banking sector has made progress in reducing NPAs and improving profitability, ongoing reforms should be sustained to strengthen the sector further. Maintaining prudent lending practices, enhancing risk management frameworks, and promoting transparency and governance will be essential.
Foster domestic innovation and technology adoption: Encouraging innovation, research and development, and technology adoption can boost productivity and competitiveness across sectors. This can be achieved through policies that promote collaboration between industry and academia, provide incentives for innovation, and invest in digital infrastructure.
Maintain macroeconomic stability: Ensuring fiscal discipline, sound monetary policy, and a stable regulatory environment will be crucial for sustaining macroeconomic stability. This can help maintain investor confidence and provide a conducive environment for economic growth.
Conclusion
The Indian economy’s broad numbers look statistically realistic, but the triad of employment, consumption, and private investment has to bear fruit. Domestic initiatives have to drive the story forward, as the world economy slows down.
Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.
What is Anganwadi scheme?
The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi
The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.
Why such move?
Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.
Task Force and Recommendations
Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Major target: Improve Child Nutrition
The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.
This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.
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11th May 2023
Constitutional Bodies
Constitutional bodies derive their powers and authorities from the Constitution of India. They are mentioned in the Constitution. Since they get their power from the Indian Constitution, any change in the mechanism of the constitutional bodies would require a constitutional amendment.
The list of constitutional bodies in India along with the article pertaining to it in the Constitution and other details are given below:
Attorney General of India
Attorney General
Article in the Constitution
76
Tenure & Removal
Holds office during the pleasure of the President
Further Appointment
Yes
Powers
Privileges of an MPRight of an audience in all Indian courtsCan attend both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha but cannot vote
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Comptroller & Auditor General of India
Articles
148
Tenure & removal
Holds the office for six years or 65 years (whichever comes earlier)Removal is the same as for a judge of the Supreme Court
Further appointment
No
Powers
Audits accounts concerned with the Contingency Fund, the Consolidated Fund of India and states, and the Public Accounts Fund of the states and centre.Advisory function with respect to accounts to the country’s President
Election Commission
Election Commission of India
Article
324
Composition
CEC/Chief Election Commissioner, Other Election Commissioners
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Conduct of free and fair elections in IndiaPolitical parties’ registrationOverseeing elections
Finance Commission
Finance Commission of India
Article
280
Composition
Chairman, Four members
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Decides the basis for sharing the divisible taxes by the centre and the statesAny matter in the interest of sound finance can be referred to the Presidentevaluates the rise in the Consolidated Fund of a state in order to affix the resources of the state Municipalities and PanchayatsFC has the powers of a civil court
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Articles
338
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
It is a quasi-judicial bodyMonitoring and reporting about the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled CastesIt has a civil court’s powers
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Articles
338-A
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
It is a quasi-judicial bodyMonitoring and reporting about the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled TribesIt has a civil court’s powers
National Commission for Backward Classes
National Commission for Backward Classes
Articles
338-B
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classesIt has a civil court’s powers
Monitoring and reporting the working of constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities
Union Public Service Commission
Union Public Service Commission
Articles
315 – 323
Composition
9 to 11 members
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier) whichever is earlier
Further Appointment
UPSC Chairman is not eligible for a second term. Other members are eligible only for an appointment within SPSC and UPSC
Powers
Recruitment of All India Services, public services of centrally administered territories, Central services, advisory powers
State Public Service Commission
State Public Service Commission
Articles
315 – 323
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 62 years, whichever is earlier
Statutory Bodies in India
Statutory bodies are established by acts that Parliament or State Legislatures.
Statutory bodies have the authority to make laws and make decisions on behalf of the state or country.
A statutory body is a self-governing corporate body. A statutory body is established via an Act of Parliament or an Act of State Legislatures. The Act also specifies the body’s powers, objectives, and functions.
These bodies are known as statutory bodies because they get their power from statutes or laws adopted by Parliament.
Statutory Bodies are divided into two types depending on their tasks and responsibilities. They are classified as:
Regulatory Bodies
Quasi-Judicial Bodies.
Regulatory Bodies – A regulatory body is a government entity responsible for exerting autonomous power over a specific area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory role.
For example, the Biodiversity Authority of India (BAI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and others.
Quasi-Judicial bodies – Non-judicial bodies that can interpret the law are referred to as quasi-judicial bodies. They vary from judicial entities in that their scope is narrower than that of a court.
For example, the National Green Tribunal, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Central Information Commission.
Local Government
About:
Local Self Government is the management of local affairs by such local bodies who have been elected by the local people.
The local self-Government includes both rural and urban government.
It is the third level of the government.
There are 2 types of local government in operation – panchayatas in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.
Rural Local Governments:
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) is a system of rural local self-government in India.
PRI was constitutionalized through the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 to build democracy at the grass roots level and was entrusted with the task of rural development in the country.
This act has added a new Part-IX to the Constitution of India. This part is entitled as ‘The Panchayats’ and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243 O.
In addition, the act has also added a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule contains 29 functional items of the panchayats. It deals with Article 243-G.
In its present form and structure PRI has completed 30 years of existence. However, a lot remains to be done in order to further decentralization and strengthen democracy at the grass root level.
Urban Local Governments:
They were established with the purpose of democratic decentralisation.
There are eight types of urban local governments in India – Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee, Cantonment Board, township, port trust, special purpose agency.
At the Central level the subject of ‘urban local government’ is dealt with by the following three Ministries.
The Ministry of Urban Development was created as a separate ministry in 1985 (now Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
Ministry of Defense in the case of cantonment boards.
Ministry of Home Affairs in the case of Union Territories.
The 74th Amendment Act pertaining to urban local government was passed during the regime of P.V. Narsimha Rao’s government in 1992. It came into force on 1st June, 1993.
Added Part IX -A and consists of provisions from articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
Added 12th Schedule to the Constitution. It contains 18 functional items of Municipalities and deals with Article 243 W.
What are the Salient Features of 73rd Constitutional Amendment?
Compulsory Provisions:
Organisation of Gram Sabhas;
Creation of a three-tier Panchayati Raj Structure at the Zila, Block and Village levels;
Almost all posts, at all levels to be filled by direct elections;
Minimum age for contesting elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions be twenty one years;
The post of Chairman at the Zila and Block levels should be filled by indirect election;
There should be reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats, in proportion to their population, and for women in Panchayats up to one-third seats;
State Election Commission to be set up in each State to conduct elections to Panchayati Raj institutions;
The tenure of Panchayati Raj institutions is five years, if dissolved earlier, fresh elections to be held within six months;
A State Finance Commission is set up in each State every five years.
Voluntary:
Giving voting rights to members of the Central and State legislatures in these bodies;
Providing reservation for backward classes; and
The Panchayati Raj institutions should be given financial powers in relation to taxes, levy fees etc. and efforts shall be made to make Panchayats autonomous bodies.
What are the Salient Features of 74th Amendment Act?
Compulsory:
Constitution of nagar panchayats, municipal councils and municipal corporations in small, big and very big urban areas respectively;
Reservation of seats in urban local bodies for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes roughly in proportion to their population;
Reservation of seats for women up to one-third seats;
The State Election Commission, constituted in order to conduct elections in the Panchayati raj bodies (see 73rd Amendment) will also conduct elections to the urban local self- governing bodies;
The State Finance Commission, constituted to deal with financial affairs of the panchayati raj bodies also looks into the financial affairs of the local urban selfgoverning bodies;
Tenure of urban local self-governing bodies is fixed at five years and in case of earlier dissolution fresh elections are held within six months;
Voluntary:
Giving voting rights to members of the Union and State Legislatures in these bodies;
Providing reservation for backward classes;
Giving financial powers in relation to taxes, duties, tolls and fees, etc;
Making the municipal bodies autonomous and devolution of powers to these bodies to perform some or all of the functions enumerated in the Twelfth Schedule added to the Constitution through this Act and/or to prepare plans for economic development.
On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests that brought about significant changes in the country’s self-esteem and status in the world. The country’s military nuclear policy had been shrouded in ambiguity and opacity for two decades since its first test in 1974. However, with the 1998 tests, India emerged as a nuclear weapons state, which was received with mixed reactions from the international community, resulting in sanctions and isolation. Nonetheless, the tests marked a significant moment for India’s self-confidence and awareness of its potential.
India’s nuclear tests
Smiling Buddha (Pokhran-I): India’s first nuclear test was conducted on May 18, 1974, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The test was code-named “Smiling Buddha” and was a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
Pokhran-II: India’s second series of nuclear tests were conducted on May 11 and 13, 1998, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The tests included three underground nuclear tests on May 11 and two on May 13. These tests were conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and were code-named Operation Shakti.
Nuclear tests dispelled myths that had dominated international opinion
India’s Isolation: The myth that India would be isolated and its economy would collapse under the weight of sanctions and international opprobrium was dispelled. Instead, the US took the first steps to mainstream India, treating it as an exceptional case, which culminated in the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2005.
India’s Inability to Manage nuclear weapons: The ethnocentric myth perpetuated by non-proliferation absolutists of the West that India and South Asia could not be trusted to manage nuclear weapons was also dispelled.
Facts for prelims
Treaty/Agreement
Objective
India’s Status
NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty)
To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology
Non-signatory
CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty)
To ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes
Signatory
FMCT (Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty)
To prohibit the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices
Supporter
NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
A group of countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports
Not a member but has applied for membership
New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)
To limit the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems
Not a signatory
MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)
To limit the spread of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction
Member since 2016
Advantages of the nuclear tests: From India’s point of view
Deterrence: The nuclear tests provided India with a credible nuclear deterrence capability, which could potentially deter other nuclear-armed adversaries and prevent them from using nuclear weapons against India.
National pride and self-confidence: The successful nuclear tests were seen as a major achievement and a source of national pride for many Indians. They helped boost India’s self-confidence and reaffirmed its status as a major global power.
Recognition: India’s successful nuclear tests brought it international recognition and established it as a nuclear-armed state. This recognition was particularly important for India’s security and diplomatic interests.
Negotiating power: With its new nuclear status, India gained greater negotiating power in international forums and in its bilateral relationships with other countries.
Technological advancement: The development and testing of nuclear weapons required advanced scientific and technological capabilities, and the successful tests demonstrated India’s progress in these areas.
International Consequences: series of events
The United States imposed sanctions against India under the Glenn Amendment.
Pakistan conducted a series of nuclear tests in response.
Many other countries, including China, castigated India for what they saw as an outrageous contempt for the common will of the international community.
Conclusion
India’s nuclear tests on May 11 and 13, 1998, marked a significant moment in the country’s history, boosting its self-confidence and changing its status in the world. Despite facing international criticism and sanctions, India’s nuclear program has helped to create a credible nuclear deterrent, making it a vital player in the international system.
Central Idea:China has objected to India’s proposal to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior terrorist from Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) on the UN Security Council’s 1267 List.
China’s objection to the proposal
China is a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.
It has put a hold on proposals to blacklist other Pakistan-based terrorists in the past, including Hafiz Talah Saeed, Shahid Mahmood, and Sajid Mir.
The UNSC 1267 list
The UNSC resolution 1267 was adopted unanimously on 15 October 1999.
It came to force in 1999, and strengthened after the September 2001 attacks.
It is now known as the Da’esh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
What is UNSC 1267 committee?
It comprises all permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC stamp.
It is one of the most important and active UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.
How is the listing done?
(1) Submission of Proposal
Any member state can submit a proposal for listing an individual, group, or entity.
The proposal must include acts or activities indicating the proposed individual/group/entity had participated in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities linked to the said organizations.
(2) Actual decision
Decisions on listing and de-listing are adopted by consensus.
The proposal is sent to all the members, and if no member objects within five working days, the proposal is adopted.
An “objection” means rejection for the proposal.
(3) Putting and resolving ‘Technical Holds’
Any member of the Committee may also put a “technical hold” on the proposal and ask for more information from the proposing member state.
During this time, other members may also place their own holds.
The matter remains on the “pending” list of the Committee.
Pending issues must be resolved in six months, but the member state that has placed the hold may ask for an additional three months.
At the end of this period, if an objection is not placed, the matter is considered approved.
Here is a timeline of how China disrupts the global efforts against terrorism:
2009: After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India moved an independent terror designation proposal against Masood Azhar but China blocked the move.
2016: After seven years, India proposes listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and is supported by the US, the UK and France. China blocks the move again.
2017: The trio moves a third proposal only to be blocked by China again.
2019: After the attacks on the CRPF personnel in J-K’s Pulwama, India calls 25 envoys of different countries to highlight the role Islamabad plays in funding, promoting and strengthening global terrorism. India moves the fourth proposal demanding Masood Azhar’s listing. China lifted its technical hold.
June 2022: China blocked a proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a ‘Global Terrorist’
August 2022: China blocks India-US joint proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) deputy chief Abdul Rauf Azhar as UNSC designated terrorist.
Conclusion
China’s actions expose its double speak and double standards when it comes to the international community’s shared battle against terrorism.
This clearly depicts its care for its vassal state Pakistan.
Back2Basics: United Nations Security Council
Description
Purpose
International peace and security
Powers
Establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. Its resolutions are binding.
Membership
15 members. 5 permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States. The remaining 10 are non-permanent members elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms.
Veto Power
P5 members have veto power, which means they can veto any substantive resolution, including those on new member states or candidates for Secretary-General.
India’s new space policy released in 2023 is a promising move towards a flourishing commercial presence in space. However, the policy needs to be accompanied by clear rules and regulations and suitable legislation to create a conducive environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
The Indian Space Policy 2023
The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a short 11-page document that includes a vision to enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space.
It recognizes the private sector as a critical stakeholder in the entire value chain of the space economy.
It makes five key points and outlines the roles of various entities, including the Department of Space, ISRO, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The policy lays out a strategy and spells out the roles of the entities mentioned above.
What is mean by The Second Space Age and its features?
The Second Space Age refers to a period in the space industry following the early 1990s when private sector involvement in space technology began to increase.
The Second Space Age is characterized by the following features:
Increased private sector involvement: The Second Space Age has seen private sector companies take a more prominent role in the space industry. This shift has led to innovation and growth, with private companies investing in space tourism, satellite-based services, and other commercial applications of space technology.
Commercial applications of space technology: The Second Space Age is marked by a shift towards commercial applications of space technology. Private sector companies are investing in satellite-based services such as broadband, OTT, and 5G, which promise a double-digit annual growth rate.
Increased global competition: The Second Space Age has led to increased global competition in the space industry. Countries such as China, India, and private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are competing for a share of the space industry’s market.
Increased collaboration: The Second Space Age has seen increased collaboration between government agencies and private sector companies. This collaboration has led to the development of new technologies and innovative solutions to problems faced in space exploration.
Facts for prelims
IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe stands for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre.
It is a new regulatory body that was set up by the Indian government in 2020 to promote and regulate the activities of non-government entities (NGEs) in the Indian space sector.
The primary objective of IN-SPACe is to create an enabling environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
IN-SPACe will be responsible for granting licenses and permits to private companies for carrying out space-related activities, including the establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets, and related services such as communication, remote sensing, and navigation.
New Space India Limited (NSIL)
NSIL is a public sector company under the Department of Space, Government of India.
It was established in March 2019 as the commercial arm of ISRO to enable commercial exploitation of ISRO’s research and development activities, products, and services.
NSIL’s primary objective is to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed by ISRO to industries for commercial exploitation.
It aims to promote the development of the Indian space industry and create a level playing field for the private sector in the space domain.
NSIL also aims to launch new satellites and provide space-based services such as satellite-based communication, navigation, and remote sensing.
NSIL is also responsible for organizing and coordinating the participation of Indian industries in international exhibitions, symposiums, and workshops related to the space sector.
Gaps in Indian Space Policy 2023
Lack of legislative framework: The policy provides a broad framework for promoting private sector participation in the Indian space industry but lacks a legislative framework to support it. A regulatory body like IN-SPACe needs legislative authority to be effective.
Lack of clear rules and regulations: The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations, and an appellate framework for dispute settlement.
Ambiguity in IN-SPACe’s position: IN-SPACe currently functions under the purview of the Department of Space, and its position is ambiguous. The Secretary (Space) is also the Chairman of ISRO, the government entity to be regulated by IN-SPACe. This ambiguity could create conflicts of interest and undermine IN-SPACe’s effectiveness.
Lack of timelines: The policy sets out an ambitious role for IN-SPACe but provides no timeline for the necessary steps ahead. There is no indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices, nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework.
Way ahead: Steps to implement the policy effectively
Enactment of a new Space Activities Bill: The draft Space Activities Bill, which lapsed in 2019 with the outgoing Lok Sabha, needs to be reintroduced and enacted. The Bill will provide a comprehensive legislative framework to support the Indian Space Policy 2023 and regulate space activities carried out by government and non-government entities.
Establishment of a clear regulatory framework: IN-SPACe needs to create a clear regulatory framework that sets out the rules and regulations for private sector participation in the Indian space industry. This will ensure a level playing field and promote the growth and development of the industry.
Timely implementation of the policy: The Indian government needs to work closely with ISRO and other stakeholders to ensure the timely implementation of the policy. This will require setting clear timelines for the necessary steps ahead and ensuring their effective implementation.
Promotion of private sector participation: The Indian government needs to promote private sector participation in the Indian space industry by providing incentives, facilitating technology transfer, and creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
Collaboration with international partners: The Indian government needs to collaborate with international partners to share knowledge, expertise, and resources in the space domain. This will help in promoting innovation and growth in the Indian space industry and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Conclusion
The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a promising move towards creating a conducive environment for private sector participation in India’s space industry. However, it needs legislative support to create a stable and predictable regulatory framework and ensure a level playing field for the private sector. A vision that needs legislative support to launch India into the Second Space Age.
