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The South Pacific nation of Nauru recently announced its decision to switch its diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China.

About Nauru Country

• About: Nauru is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of a raised coral island located in southeastern Micronesia, 25 miles (40 km) south of the Equator.

Nauru Country Location

• Phosphate Rock Island: It is one of three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean – the other two being Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia. 
• Capital: Nauru country has no official capital.
• Ethnic Composition: Most of the island’s residents are indigenous Nauruans. There are small numbers of I-Kiribati (Gilbertese), Australians, New Zealanders, Chinese, and Tuvaluans.
  • Nauru country considered one of the most Westernized countries in the South Pacific.
• Religious Affiliation: More than four-fifths of Nauruans are Christians.

News Source: NDTV

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The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken the ‘One Vehicle One FASTag initiative to discourage using single FASTag for multiple vehicles.

About One Vehicle One FASTag: 

• Aims: 
  • To enhance the efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and provide seamless movement at the toll plazas.
  • To discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.

Also Refer: India’s First National Highway Steel Slag Road Section on NH 66

News Source: PIB

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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will be putting in place GPS based toll collection on various routes across India with an aim to cut toll booth congestion.

GPS Tolling Set to Replace FASTag

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) tolling will replace the current FASTag system, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
• The system will be rolled out in phases, starting with voluntary adoption.
• Initial concerns over privacy and regulatory framework are being addressed.

About GPS Based Toll Collection System

• The new system charges based on distance traveled, potentially lowering costs for shorter trips.
• Vehicles need GPS/RFID devices and linked bank accounts.
• Takes into account vehicle size/weight for fairer charges: smaller/lighter vehicles pay less.
• It is expected to impact commercial vehicles first, as they contribute to 80% of toll revenue.

How Does the GPS-toll Collection System Work?

• GPS devices are installed in vehicles and constantly relay location data to the system. This offers highly accurate tracking but requires installation and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras capture license plate images and use optical character recognition (OCR) to identify vehicles. 
  • They offer a cheaper alternative to GPS devices but might face challenges with unclear plates or bad weather conditions.

Benefits of GPS Based Toll Collection

• More equitable: charges based on actual usage, not fixed distance.
• Faster and more efficient: no need to stop at toll plazas.
• Rewards efficient vehicles with lower tolls.
• Reduces wear and tear on roads by charging heavier vehicles more.
• GPS-based toll systems have the potential to be a more efficient and equitable alternative to the current FASTag system. 

Challenges With GPS Based Toll Collection

• Privacy concerns due to GPS tracking.
• Requires technical infrastructure upgrades on highways.
• A regulatory framework for data privacy needs to be established.
• However, addressing privacy concerns and establishing a proper regulatory framework is crucial before nationwide implementation.

Also Refer: NHAI’s One Vehicle One FASTag Initiative

News Source: Times of India

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Thiruvalluvar Day was celebrated on January 16.

Saffron vs. White Robes Stirs Political Debate in Tamil Nadu

• The controversy surrounding Thiruvalluvar’s representation arose due to a post shared by the Tamil Nadu Governor on social media. 
  • In the post, he shared an image of Thiruvalluvar in saffron-colored clothes, describing him as “the revered poet, great philosopher, and brightest saint of Bharatiya Sanatan tradition.”
• The controversy escalated when the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) alleged attempts at “saffronisation” by the governor’s office. 

About Thiruvalluvar

• Thiruvalluvar commonly known as Valluvar was an Indian poet and philosopher.
• Thiruvalluvar stands tall as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
• He is the author of the Tirukkuṟaḷ which is a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters, and love.
  • Tirukkural is an all-inclusive ethical that focuses on the avoidance of killing and the avoidance of falsehood.
  • Its 133 sections of 10 couplets each are divided into three books: aram (virtue), porul (government and society), and kama (love).

Associated Places: Tiruvalluvar

• Tiruvalluvar temple: Tiruvalluvar temple was constructed in the early 16th century at Mylapore, Chennai which is a part of the Ekambareswarar temple complex. 
• Temple memorial: One of Asia’s largest auditoriums is located in Valluvar Kotam, a temple memorial constructed in Chennai in 1976.
• Statue: Kanyakumari also has a 133-foot-tall statue of Thiruvalluvar.

News Source: The Hindu

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India becomes the 2nd largest destination for foreign capital of around $15 billion. The Report is being released by Elara Capital.

India Second Largest Recipient of Foreign Flows in 2023 After US: Key Findings

• Global Recipients of Foreign Flows: The USA, India, Japan and Hong Kong were the largest recipients of global flows in 2023. 
  • China came in at the fifth spot, followed by Brazil and Mexico.

• Mid-Cap Funds in India: Till September 2023, inflows into  mid-cap funds accounted  for almost 40 per cent of the total India funds.  
  • A mid-cap fund is a pooled investment, such as a mutual fund, that focuses on companies with a market capitalization in the middle range of listed stocks.
• Global Sectors Trends: IT sector  followed by Consumer Staples and Industrials have seen the largest inflows whereas,  Energy and Utilities saw net outflows. 
• India’s allocation in  Global emerging market (GEM) Funds: It has reached back to the previous high of 16.9% seen in October 2022. 

Also Read: India Tops Global Remittance Flows At $125 Billion In 2023

News Source: Business Standard

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The Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti to counter terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Operation Sarvashakti

• Genesis: Pakistani proxy terrorist groups have tried to revive terrorism in the area South of Pir Panjal ranges, especially the Rajouri-Poonch Sector.  
• Strategic Coordination: The Indian Army has started in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and the intelligence agencies.
• Geographics Focus Both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges and Rajouri-Poonch Sector. 
• Other Examples: The operations are expected to be on the lines of Operation Sarpvinash, which was launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists from the same areas in the South of Pir Panjal range.

Also Refer: Why Terrorist Activity Shifted From Kashmir to Poonch-Rajouri

Militancy in J&K

• Background: Since 1947, Pakistan has tried to destabilise the Jammu and Kashmir area to gain leverage over the area, leading to accession. 
  • This has led to 3 wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971 which was a form of direct confrontation. 
• Low Intensity War: On realizing that direct confrontation is not effective, Pakistan resorted to the tactics of low intensity war and started the separatist and militant insurgency in Kashmir in the late 1980s in the name of religious Jihad.
• Growth of Insurgency: The existence of dis-satisfied group of Kashmiris named Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) was used by Pakistan as a growing bed for insurgency. 
• Organisations: Since then with the help of Pakistani Intelligence Agency ISI several organizations like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed Harkart-ul-Jehad-e-islami (Huji), etc have come up. 
• Impact: Pakistan’s direct or indirect involvement in the funding and training of terrorist organizations in the Jammu and Kashmir region became a major external security threat for India.

Methodology of Proxy War in J&K

• Propaganda: Various malicious campaigns to brainwash the people of the valley and create trust deficit towards India.
• Border Infiltration: Infiltration of terrorists from across the border and affect the ongoing developmental works in the valley.
• Dark Web: Use of information technology in training and recruitment of terrorists.
• Global Stage: Internationalise the issue of Kashmir at forums like the UN and create an image of India as biased towards a particular religion.
• Use of locals: The locals have become the eyes and ears of terrorist groups. They provide sensitive information about military installations; base stations and they even provide shelter to these groups.

Source: LiveMint

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started revising the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL).

Key Suggestions for Changes in National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)

• Suggestions for Changes in NEDL: The Council has invited relevant stakeholders to offer suggestions on adding or deleting diagnostic tests to the current list by the end of February. 
• Criteria for Inclusion in National Essential Diagnostics List: 
• • Disease Burden: The test should focus on conditions with a high disease burden.
  • Public Health Impact: Emphasize tests with a clear impact on disease diagnosis and management for public health relevance.
• Alignment with IPHS 2022: Any proposed addition should align with the availability of equipment, infrastructure and manpower, as per the Indian Public Health Standards, 2022.

About National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)

• Background: In 2018, the World Health Organisation had recommended the development and implementation of an NEDL to facilitate the availability of in-vitro diagnostics across the various tiers of the healthcare pyramid, in facilities with or without an onsite laboratory. 
  • India is the first country to release the NEDL in 2019. The list enumerates the minimum number of tests that should be available at various levels of healthcare facilities, 
  • These levels include village-level facilities, sub-health centres, health and wellness centres, and primary health centres.
• About: It lists the fundamental and essential diagnostic tests that should be accessible at different levels of healthcare facilities across the country. 
• Definition of Essential Diagnostic Tests: ICMR defines essential diagnostic tests as those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population and are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and accuracy, and comparative cost-effectiveness.

Also Refer: New Class Of Antibiotic Against A Drug-Resistant Bacterium

News Source: The Hindu

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National Startup Awards 2022: Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka have emerged as the best-performing states in developing startup ecosystems, as per the States’ Startup Ranking 2022.

About National Startup Awards 2022

• Objective:  To recognize and reward outstanding Startups with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact.
• Release of Ranking: The ranking for the states and union territories has been released by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) under the commerce ministry. 
• Participating States: Total 33 states and UTs 
• Category: five categories — best performers, top performers, leaders, aspiring leaders and emerging startup ecosystems. 
• Best Performing States: Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have ranked as best performing states in the startup ranking for 2022 based on their initiatives taken to develop the startup ecosystem for promoting budding entrepreneurs. 
• Top Performers: Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Telangana are categorized as top performers. 
• Leaders: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, and Tripura are categorised as ‘leader’.
• Aspiring leaders: Bihar, Haryana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Nagaland.
• Emerging startup ecosystems: Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh, among others.

Also Refer: Startup Ecosystem In India

News Source: Live Mint

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A joint study by the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur) has discovered evidence of cultural continuity in Vadnagar indicating the likelihood of the concept of a “Dark Age” being a myth.

Vadnagar is the Oldest Living City of India: Joint Study

• Multi-institution Efforts: The study was led by scientists from IIT Kharagpur, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Deccan College.

Vadnagar Excavation: Key Highlights of the Study

• Evidence of Human Settlement: The evidence of a human settlement has been found that is as old as 800 BCE contemporary to late-Vedic/pre-Buddhist Mahajanapadas or oligarchic republics.
• Climate Change Behind Rise and Fall of Kingdoms: According to the study, the rise and fall of different kingdoms during the 3,000-year period and recurrent invasions of India by central Asian warriors were driven by severe change in climate like rainfall or droughts. 

• Diverse Landscape of Vadnagar: Vadnagar was a multicultural and multireligious (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Islamic) settlement. Excavation revealed the presence of seven cultural stages (periods) i.e Mauryan, Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian or Shaka-Kshatrapas, Hindu-Solankis, Sultanate-Mughal (Islamic) to Gaekwad-British colonial rule and the city endures even today. 
• Buddhist Monastery: One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries has been discovered during the excavation. 
• Discovery of  Archaeological Artefacts at Vadnagar: 
• • Characteristic archaeological artefacts, potteries, copper, gold, silver and iron objects and intricately designed bangles have been found. 
  • Coin moulds of the Greek king Appollodatus during the Indo-Greek rule at Vadnagar were found.
  • Archaeological records are rare, the earliest one being the rock-inscription of Emperor Ashoka during the Mauryan period (320-185 BCE) at Sudarsana Lake, Girnar hill, Gujarat. 
• Significance: 
  • This evidence makes Vadnagar the oldest living city within a single fortification unearthed so far in India.
  • Some of the recent unpublished radiocarbon dates suggest that the settlement could be as old as 1400 BCE contemporary to the late phase of the post-urban Harappan period. 
  • If this is true, then it suggests a cultural continuity in India for the last 5500 years and the so-called Dark Age may be a myth.

News Source:  The Hindu

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The Delhi High Court in a recent judgment specified that the right to reside in India under Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution of India cannot be claimed by foreigners. 

• The judgment came on a writ petition of habeas corpus moved by a suspected Bangladeshi national claiming his detention as illegal and without authority.

Foreigners Can’t Claim Right To Reside And Settle In India; Observation By the Delhi HC: 

• Hans Muller of Nurenburg Vs. Superintendent, Presidency Jail, Calcutta of 1955:  The Supreme Court in this case observed that the power of the Indian government to expel foreigners is absolute and unlimited and there is no provision in the Constitution fettering such discretion.
• Article 21: The rights of foreigners are limited to the one declared under Article 21 of the Constitution of India i.e. Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty.

Fundamental Rights to Foreigners in Indian Constitution

Also Refer: Fundamental Rights(Article 12-35) Of Indian Constitution

Legal Rights of foreigners:

• The Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939 and the Foreigners Act of 1946 control foreigners’ admission, stay, and exit from India. These laws provide the central government powers to uphold fundamental rights for foreigners.
  • Section 3 of the Foreigners Act of 1946: It contains government regulations ranging from imposing movement restrictions to prohibiting association with persons of a prescribed or specified description to requiring foreigners to reside in a specific location.
    • It also  include provisions for house arrest, imprisonment, solitary confinement, and summary expulsion from India
  • The Passport Act of 1920 and the Foreigners Act of 1946: It allow for the expulsion or deportation of a person from India

News Source: The Indian Express

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala following a report by the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) over a reduction of green cover in the Cauvery basin.

NGT Expresses Concerns Over Cauvery Basin Deforestation

• Concerns over Decrease in Forest Cover: The NGT has expressed concerns about the extensive agricultural and horticultural activities in 73.5% of the Cauvery basin. 
  • Only 18% of the area remains as forested areas and dense forests are confined to a mere 13% of the region.
• Need for Urgent Action: The NGT has emphasized the need for urgent action to address the environmental challenges in the Cauvery Valley and protect its ecosystems.
  • The states in question have been urged to respond to the NGT promptly, and the case is scheduled to be heard at the Chennai bench of the Tribunal, which holds jurisdiction over the matter.

Cauvery Basin Lost Nearly 12850 Sq. Km of Green Cover

• Decline in Green Cover: The Cauvery Basin has witnessed a reduction of 12,850 square kilometers (sq km) of green cover from 1965 to 2016. 
  • Karnataka has lost around 57 percent of the green cover, equivalent to 9,664 sq km, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a loss of 29 percent (2,905 sq km) and Kerala has lost 27 percent (279 sq km) of its green cover during the same period.
• Decrease in Forest Cover in Natural Reserves: The expansion of agricultural activities and mining and development projects has exacerbated the pressures on the natural reserves.
  • Bandipur National Park: The forest area in the park has decreased by 15.19% over the past 50 years, mainly due to development activities and forest fires. 
  • Nagarhole National Park: It has witnessed an 11% reduction in forest cover due to human intervention and heightened horticulture activities.
  • Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary: It has experienced a reduction in forest cover, prompting concerns regarding forest encroachment.
  • Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary: It faces a threat to its forested areas due to population growth and encroachment, resulting in an 18.43 per cent reduction in greenery between 1973 and 2016. 
  • Bannerghatta National Park: It has seen a significant decline in dense forest cover, to 28 per cent in 2016 from 50.40 percent in 1973. 

About Cauvery Basin

• Basin States: The basin spreads over the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry which is nearly 2.7% of the country’s total geographical area. 
• Area: It extends over an area of 85,626.23 sq. km with a maximum length and width of 560 km and 245 km, respectively. 

Cauvery Basin Map

• Geographical Boundaries: It is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west, by the Eastern Ghats on the east & the south and by the ridges separating it from Krishna basin and Pennar basin on the north. 
• Source: Cauvery River which is the main river in this basin rises at Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range in the Western Ghats in Karnataka at an elevation of about 1341 m and flows for about 800 km before its outfall into the Bay of Bengal. 
  • Tributaries of  Cauvery River: The important tributaries joining the Cauvery are Harangi, Hemavathi, Kabini, Suvarnavathi and Bhavani.  

Reasons Behind Cauvery Basin’s Green Cover Lost

• Root Cause: According to the ecologists, large dams disrupt water flow and sediment transport.
• Deforestation in the Western Ghats: According to a study by IIT-Bombay, deforestation in the Western Ghats(WG) is depleting water resources in water scarce regions, such as Tamil Nadu. 
  • The WG, acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot, has witnessed a 35% decline of green cover since 1920 due to expansion of plantations, agriculture, and the demand for hydropower dams.
• Disruption in Rainfall Patterns:  According to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in 2018, this ecological deterioration has disrupted the fundamental patterns of rainfall and decreased the strength of monsoons, leaving behind dry and arid lands.
  • Western Ghats are responsible for 25% to 40% of Tamil Nadu’s monsoon precipitation between June and September which sustains vital Kharif crops.
• Rise in Temperatures: The disappearance of trees led to a 0.25-degree Celsius rise in surface temperature across Tamil Nadu. 
  • Deforestation exposes bare land, allowing more sunlight to heat the earth, triggering increased evaporation and impeding moisture accumulation.

Also Refer: Protected Areas, Biosphere Reserve, National Park

News Source: DTE

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Recently, the maiden bilateral maritime exercise named “Ayutthaya” was conducted between the Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).  

About 36th Edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) 

• Indo-Thai CORPAT: The 36th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted along with the maiden bilateral exercise. 
• SAGAR and Engagement in IOR: As part of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) towards enhancing regional maritime security. 
• Significance of Exercise: This is a testimony to the growing bilateral relations between the two maritime neighbors and has enabled the enhancement of interoperability between the two navies.
• Other military exercise between India – Thailand: Joint Military Exercise Maitree 

About Exercise Ayutthaya

• Name: Exercise Ayutthaya translates to ‘The Invincible One’ or ‘Undefeatable’ and symbolizes the significance of ‘Ayodhya’ in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, which holds historical legacies and has rich cultural ties. 
• Ships Participated: The Indian Navy was represented by Indigenously built Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56. The RTN side was represented by His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan. 
• Exercise Conducted: Participating units from both navies conducted surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions and tactical maneuvers.

Historic City of Ayutthaya

• Ayutthaya: is the former capital of the Tai state of Ayutthaya (Siam). Its remains are characterized by the prang (towers) and gigantic monasteries. 
• Location: Central Thailand, north of Bangkok. 
• UNESCO’s World Heritage Site: The site consists of immense temples and other important historical and architectural structures. 
  • It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1991.

News Source: PIB

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Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to succeed the incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps of previous centuries as the world’s light source of choice.

Invention of Blue LEDs Wins Physics Nobel

• In October 2014, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences celebrated the advancements in lighting technology by awarding the Nobel Prize in Physics for developing light-emitting diodes (LEDs). 

Also Refer: Nobel Prize Winners 2023 List, Name And Fields

About Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs):

• Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Are semiconductor devices that can emit light when an electric current passes through it.
• Diode: It is an electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction. 
• Semiconductors: They are materials which have a conductivity between conductors (generally metals) and nonconductors or insulators (such as most ceramics).

Working of LEDs

• Basis: It is based on the electroluminescence effect in which the energy released corresponds to visible light frequencies.
  • Electroluminescence refers to the generation of light resulting from the interaction between an electric field and a solid material.
• Follows Haitz’s Law: It asserts that the expense per unit of light emitted by an LED will decrease by 10 times, and the light output will increase by 20 times for a specific light frequency over each decade.
• Blue Light: An LED has four important parts: die, substrate, phosphor, and lens. The “die” is a special part made of gallium nitride (GaN), and it gives off blue light when electricity is sent through it.

Significance of LEDs

• Higher Efficiency: LEDs are more efficient, durable, and have better contrast than incandescent and fluorescent lights which contributes to cost savings. 
• LEDs emit light in a specific direction, unlike incandescent and CFL, which emit light and heat in all directions.
• Higher Durability: LED’s are more durable with higher light contrast (up to 300 lumens amount of visible light emitted per second) which further reduces material waste. 

News Source: The Hindu

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This article is based on the news “Defence upgrade roadmap: Apex body led by Prime Minister, MoD sci-tech unit” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently, the Vijay Raghavan panel has reportedly suggested that a Defence Technology Council (DTC) chaired by the Prime Minister should determine the country’s defence technology roadmap.

Vijay Raghavan Panel and its Key Recommendations

• Vijay Raghavan Panel: The 9-member panel was set up by the government to review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Reset Focus: According to the sources, the committee has observed that the DRDO should focus on its original Research and Development (R&D) goal for defense. 
• Refrain Engagements in Other Tasks: DRDO currently remains engaged in all aspects of its projects, from research to development to production.
  • DRDO should refrain from involving itself in productization, production cycles, and product management, which are more suitable for the private sector. 
• Establishment of Defence Technology Council (DTC): To determine the country’s defence technology roadmap and decide on major projects and their execution.
• Creation of Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation: The panel has also suggested the creation of a separate department under the Defence Ministry namely the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation. 

About DRDO

• DRDO: It is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). 
• Vision: To empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies. 
• Mission: 
  • To achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems. 
  • Equipping armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services. 

Significant Achievements of DRDO: Historical, and Recent

• Historical Achievements of DRDO

• • Project Devil: To develop short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in the 1970s. 
  • Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP): IGMDP between the early 1980s and 2007 for the development of a comprehensive range of missiles, including the Agni missile, Prithvi ballistic missile, Akash missile, Trishul missile and Nag Missile. 
  • Miscellaneous: DRDO has achieved successes in developing other major systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, etc.

• Rapid Progress of DRDO

  • In March 2023, the Standing Committee on Defence (SCoD) observed that DRDO had made rapid progress with the infusion of private sector involvement in its research-related activities. 
  • The committee also appreciated the large number of progressive steps taken by DRDO like:
    • Setting up of world-class test facilities. 
    • Signing MoUs with leading industry chambers. 
    • Transferring technology and patents to the private Industry free of cost. 
    • Raising the funding under the Defence Technology Development Fund (TDF) from ₹ 10 crore to ₹ 50 crore per project.

Also Refer: List Of Indian Missiles: Complete List, Types And Range

• Recent Achievements of DRDO:

• • Weapon Locating Radar: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) reconnaissance Vehicle and a set of NBC Drugs had been successfully tested after extensive evaluation by competent evaluation teams/bodies.
  • Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) accreditation of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) for assessment of personnel radiation exposures.
  • Radiation Countermeasures & Biodosimetry Research (Rakshak Project).
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehical (Sanjay NETRA).
  • Mobile Whole Body Counter (DivyaDrishti).

Major Challenges Faced By DRDO

• Delayed Projects: The government’s decision to review the functioning of DRDO comes against the backdrop of several of its projects suffering from huge delays.
  • The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence expressed concern in its report presented in December 2023 that out of 55 mission mode projects, 23 could not be completed in time. 
  • In December 2022, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report had flagged that  67% of the 178 projects scrutinized by it had failed to adhere to their initially proposed timelines. 
• Declining Research Budget: In the past, several DRDO projects were affected by cost overruns, and certain projects were also closed. Further, DRDO’s share of total defence expenditure has also continuously decreased. 
  • According to Defence Ministry data, the R&D expenditure of the organization has more than doubled since 2010-11, from ₹10,149 crores to the current ₹23,264 crore. However, as a percentage of the total defence expenditure, the spending on R&D has come down from 6.59% to the current 5.38%. 
• High Dependence on External Military Platforms: India is still dependent on foreign countries for military platforms, and given the current rate of indigenization, India may achieve 80%-90% of indigenization in the next 10 years. 
  • The continued dependence on imported weapon systems may further discourage the Make in India initiative. 
  • As per SIPRI Report, India remained the world’s largest arms importer for the five-year period between 2018-22.
• Working as a Government PSU: The DRDO’s operational model resembles a government Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), which often regards the entire defence process – spanning research, development, and production – as its exclusive jurisdiction.
• Substandard Production: DRDO products frequently do not meet anticipated quality standards, resulting in dismissals by the armed forces. 
  • Armed forces have rejected 70 per cent of the products in the last 15 years because the products did not meet their standard.

Way Forward 

• Implement Recommendations of the Vijay Raghavan Panel: The government should actively consider implementing those recommendations by resetting the focus of DRDO on R&D and formally establishing the DTC, etc. 
• Address Projects Delayed: Closely monitor and address the issues leading to delays in DRDO projects by streamlining bureaucratic processes, improving project management, and setting realistic timelines. 
  • The Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation can be important in ensuring timely project delivery. 
• Enhance Indigenization Efforts: Encourage indigenous production and innovation to achieve a higher level of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 
  • Standing committee on defence has recommended prioritisation on self-reliance.
• Performance Monitoring and Accountability: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to ensure accountability in project execution. Regular reviews by the DTC and relevant parliamentary committees can help track progress and proactively address challenges.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Foster collaboration between DRDO, the Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation, and private companies to leverage diverse expertise and resources. 
  • The Standing Committee recommended that DRDO tie up with a consortium of industries to create widespread infrastructure to ensure that systems created by DRDO become future-ready. 
• Educational and Skill Development Initiatives: The Committee on Defence recommended that DRDO explore collaborating with universities and institutions for its officers to undergo training.

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This article is based on the news “Taiwan in the balance” which was published in the Business Standard. The recent elections in Taiwan, amid heightened tensions with China over the One China Policy, have drawn attention worldwide and in India too. 

Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense

• The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured a historic third consecutive term in legislative elections in Taiwan despite warnings and aggression from China.
• Taiwan’s legislative assembly is in an unprecedented situation as there is no clear majority for the first time in two decades, adding complexity to policymaking and relations with China.

Taiwan Map

Various Facets of India Taiwan Relations

• Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade between India and Taiwan has witnessed a rise, from US $1.19 billion in 2001 to US $8.45 billion in 2022.
  • For Example, 106 Taiwanese companies have invested USD 1.5 billion across various sectors in India, including IT, medical devices, and automobile components.
• Science & Technology Cooperation: An MOU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was signed in 2007, resulting in 115 projects, joint proposals, and 25 agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management seminars.
• Education Collaboration: An MOU with the Association of Indian Universities facilitates mutual recognition of academic degrees, fostering research collaboration.
  • At present, 26 Taiwan Education Centers (TEC) are established in different Indian universities, where instructors from Taiwan impart Mandarin language instruction. 
• Cultural Exchanges: Cultural exchanges between Taiwan and India have grown significantly recently.
  • For Example: Taiwan films are now a regular feature at major Indian film festivals each year. The India-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Forum was established in 2016 as a formal platform for fostering friendship.

• Diplomatic Engagement: India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. However,  Taiwan has identified India as a top priority under its New Southbound Policy, focussing on trade, commerce, economic cooperation, talent exchange, resource sharing and regional connectivity.   
• Strategic Partners: Both India and Taiwan perceive China as a threat, and seek to boost and strengthen their strategic partnership and cooperation

Challenges in the India Taiwan Relations

Recognition of ‘One-China’ Policy:  India’s endorsement of ‘One-China’ policy left little room for practical engagement with Taiwan. Most countries that adopted the ‘One-China’ policy maintained commercial and low-key political contacts with Taiwan. 

• China’s Displeasure: India’s engagement with Taiwan encounters a significant hurdle in China’s strong opposition to establishing formal diplomatic relations. 
• Transactional Nature of India Taiwan Relations:  The India Taiwan relationship has hitherto been largely transactional. 
  • For example: In seeking Mandarin expertise and intelligence, India engages Taiwan, while Taiwan aims to leverage India’s vast market and enhance its diplomatic standing. 
  • Such direct quid pro quo approaches are seldom successful in international politics.
• Barriers to Economic Collaboration: Economic collaboration and investment opportunities have been constrained by inadequate comprehension of local markets, corruption issues, tax regulations, and linguistic and cultural barriers.

Way Forward to the India Taiwan Relations

India’s stance towards Taiwan is at a crossroads, with internal and external factors pushing for a more proactive engagement. 

• Tapping Act East Policy: India’s existing Act East policy serves as a foundation for increased engagement between the states of north-eastern India and Southeast Asia, providing an established platform for Taiwan to position itself as integral to India’s future economic growth.
• Boosting Economic Cooperation: India should designate Taiwan as a consultative partner in its Make in India initiative. Simultaneously, Taiwan should also proactively contribute to its South Asian Silicon Valley development project under the Digital India initiative.
• Pursue a more Consistent and Pragmatic Approach:  India needs to balance China’s growing influence in the region. Building a closer relationship with Taiwan could be a strategic hedge against China’s dominance.
  • However India should not indulge in tit-for-tat games and instead focus on building a substantial interdependent relationship with Taiwan.
• Strengthen Trade and Technology Cooperation: An India-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement and technology transfer in semiconductors and green energy would benefit mutually.
  • Taiwan produces nearly 70% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of the most advanced chips required for almost all electronic equipment such as smartphones, car components, data centers, fighter jets, and AI technologies.
• Promote People-to-People Exchanges: India should institutionalize ties with the Indian diaspora in Taiwan and encourage skilled Indian workers to fill job vacancies in Taiwan.

Conclusion

India and Taiwan must carry a consistent and pragmatic approach, away  from China’s shadow. The relationship between the two democracies can open up new avenues for collaboration, particularly in trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges

Also Refer: Strait of Malacca Dilemma: Analyzing India’s Options in the Middle USA-China Taiwan Tensions

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