Context

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently announced its ‘Vision for Regional Security’ at  its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What is the Gulf Cooperation Council’s new ‘Vision for Regional Security’?

• Donning a formal character: The unveiling of the vision document constitutes a formal and unambiguous articulation of their regional security vision and a reiteration of their commitment to work together in this regard.
  • Traditionally, the regional security issues were primarily articulated through official communiqués issued after the high-level summit meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• Explicit reference to the Israel–Palestine issue: The Vision Document reiterates the demand of a two-State solution, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the pre-June 1967 borders and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital apart from activating the Arab Peace Initiative.

The Vision Statement for Regional Security

• Principles:

  • The vision statement operates on the principles of shared destiny and indivisible and collective security of the member states.
    • It outlines the principles of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of the States

• Objective: 

  • To preserve regional security and stability, tackle the challenges facing them and settle the disputes through peaceful means. 
  • To build regional and international partnerships to deal with the regional threats.

• Commitments: 

• • Resolution of conflict: The GCC states need joint actions to prioritize dialogue and negotiation to resolve their differences and conflicts  and to avoid the use of force.
  • Terrorism and extremism:  It urges the member states to combat terrorism and extremism by stopping the flow of money to the hands of the terrorists and to combat money laundering.
  • Maritime security:  A call for regional and international coordination to ensure maritime security and ensure safety of trade and energy supply routes. 
    • Gulf Cooperation Council countries are the key suppliers of energy and  any disruption in the sea lines of communication will directly affect their national economies. Example: The Red Sea Crisis.
  • Nuclear non proliferation Regime: The GCC has asked  to make the region a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone (WMDFZ) with  Iran and Israel possessing nuclear programmes.
    • It calls for a Nuclear non proliferation Regime in West Asia, but also supports the right of the States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
  • Cybersecurity: The vision document urges the member states to take effective steps to combat cyber security challenges with growing digitisation. 
  • Shared challenges: Effective collaboration in addressing the new age challenges of  climate change, water and food security, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), energy security, defending economic resources and creating investment opportunities.

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• As summer temperatures rise, the National Centre for Disease Control recommends that states and union territories report heatstroke data to the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP).

Early Warnings On Heat Stroke 

• Precautionary Measures: Early warnings and the avoidance of activities between noon and 3pm. are among the precautionary measures offered to prevent health risks during huge gatherings.
• Guidelines for Election rally organizers: Organizers are instructed to avoid overcrowding, identify vulnerable persons, and establish medical camps with uniformed medical aid teams and clear departure signs.

About Heat Stroke

• About: Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia or heat-related illness, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function.
• Symptoms: The body temperature rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and you develop neurological changes, such as mental confusion or unconsciousness. 

Causes of Heat Stroke

• Exertional heat stroke: It occurs when someone is vigorously active in a hot environment, such as playing sports on a hot summer day or participating in military training activities. It typically strikes young, otherwise healthy people, those least likely to be concerned about the effects of heat on their health. Because of the lack of concern, early symptoms may be dismissed or ignored.
• Non-exertional heat stroke: It  tends to occur in people who have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature, such as older people, very young children or people with chronic illnesses. High heat in the surrounding environment, without vigorous activity, can be enough to cause heat stroke in these people.

Steps to Diagnose, Treat and Prevent Heat Strokes at the Onset of Summer

• Proper Planning: Administrative planning meetings, weekly review and daily tracking of cases and mortality during an epidemic.
• Developing Protocols: Develop and disseminate ‘heatstroke protocol’ to all medical and nursing staff
• Ensuring Cooling Supplies in Hospitals: Ensure cooling supplies and equipment: Ice blocks, refrigerated intravenous (i.v.) fluids, spraying devices (gardening sprays,air coolers, pedestal fans, and sponges).

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• Recently, India-EU Trade and Technology Council has launched an Expression of Interest for Startups in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles.

India, EU Launches Initiative for EV Start-ups

• Collaboration between India- EU: The European Union (EU) and India have issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for startups in Battery Recycling technology for Electric Vehicles (EVs) to foster collaboration between European and Indian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in clean and green technology.
• Aim of the Programme: This programme is part of the India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC), which aims to promote a sustainable agenda and strengthen commercial partnerships.

About India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)

• First Trade and Technological Council: The India-EU Trade and Technology Council is the EU’s second bilateral forum and India’s first created with any partner. In June 2021, the European Union and the United States began a TTC.
• Aim: To establish a high-level coordination platform for solving critical issues at the convergence of trade, trusted technology, and security.
• Meetings of the Council: Ministerial meetings under the TTC are held annually to ensure regular high-level contact between India and the EU.
  • These meetings are held to foster balanced participation and strengthen bilateral collaboration.
• Working Groups: The TTC is made up of three Working Groups (WGs) that report on roadmaps for future collaboration.
• The Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity: It will collaborate on topics of mutual interest, including digital connectivity, AI, 5G/6G, high performance and quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud systems, cybersecurity, digital skills, and digital platforms.
• The Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies: It will prioritize green technologies, including investment and standards, with a focus on research and innovation.
• WG for Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains: It will aim to strengthen supply chains and improve access to vital components, energy, and raw materials.
  • It will also aim to overcome recognised trade impediments and global trade difficulties by encouraging cooperation in multilateral settings.

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Recently,  the Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department is considering moving about 500 Chital  deer to a Biological Park in Port Blair.

Chital (Spotted Deer) – Background

• Hunting of Chitals by Britishers: The British imported Chital (Spotted deer) to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the early 1900s for hunting.
• Increase in Chital Population: The Chital multiplied in an uncontrolled habitat and, in the lack of strong predators, had become a headache for authorities.
• Reason for relocation: To deal with the invasive species, the government has been looking for options, such as rehabilitating or relocating the chital.
• Authority to Relocate: Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, a Chief Wildlife Warden may sanction relocation for scientific management.
  • The law requires that such translocations cause little pain to animals.

About Chital (Spotted Deer)

• Native Species: The chital, also known as the spotted deer, chital deer, and axis deer, is a deer species indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.
• Origins: Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben
• Biological Features: It is sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females, and antlers are exclusively found on males.
• Population Estimation: According to the IUCN, the Axis deer is found throughout its range, although no overall population estimate is given. 
  • However, the IUCN Red List classifies the Axis deer as Least Concern (LC).

Distribution of Chitals:

• Concentration of Population: The majority of the Axis deer population lives in India’s jungles.
• Major Areas of Distribution: They are mostly distributed in Sri Lanka and India, but they have also been introduced in the United States and Australia.
• Type of Habitation: They reside in deep forests and forested valleys, but they also favor wide grasslands, savannas, and plantations.

Ecological Niche:

• Significance in the Ecosystem: These creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem that surrounds them. Furthermore, as herbivores, they can be considered primary consumers.
• Help in Maintaining Food Chain: On the other hand, they become food for local predators. Because Axis deer eat plants, they keep green plants under control in some forests.
• Impact of Chitals on the Ecosystem: Without deer in the environment, some plants may overpopulate, while the population of certain animal species that rely on deer for food may decline.

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Context

Recently,  the government has imposed import restrictions to increase local sourcing of solar modules to support India’s renewables manufacturing ecosystem. 

Government Imposes Import Restrictions on Solar PV Cells

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) re-implemented the ALMM list to promote domestic manufacturing capabilities and support India’s renewables ecosystem.

What is the ALMM?

• The ALMM list stands for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules.
• The ALMM is a list of solar PV module manufacturers eligible for use in government projects, including those set up for electricity sale to central and state governments.
• It was initially introduced in 2021 but was kept in abeyance for the past financial year.

Reason for Re-implementation of ALMM List 

• Support Domestic Manufacturing: The ALMM list prioritizes domestically manufactured solar equipment for government projects. 
  • This aims to boost India’s renewable energy sector and reduce reliance on imports.
• Improved Production Capacity: The government believes domestic manufacturers have increased production capacity and can now compete with cheaper imports. 
  • This is also a major reason for justifying re-implementation of  the ALMM list.
• Import Substitution: The focus is on import substitution for encouraging domestic manufacturing to meet local demand for solar equipment. However, imports have not been restricted entirely.

Statistics of India’s Solar Cell Imports

• Import Reliance:
  • India heavily relies on imports to meet its demand for solar cells and modules.

• • China and Vietnam are the primary suppliers of these products.
• Import Statistics:
  • Over the past five years, India imported around $11.17 billion worth of these products.
    • This amounts to around 0.4% of India’s total exports during the same period.
• Dominance of China:
  • China supplies 53% of India’s solar cell imports and 63% of solar PV module imports.

Reasons for India to Rely on Solar Cell Imports

• Dominant Manufacturing Capacity of China: 

  • China possesses over 80% of the manufacturing capacity across all stages of solar cell production (polysilicon, wafer, cell, and modules). 
    • In addition to the above, China has a well-established solar cell supply chain, with readily available raw materials, skilled labor, and efficient manufacturing processes. 
      • This allows them to produce and deliver solar cells quickly and reliably.

• Lower Manufacturing Capacity in India: 

• • India’s domestic manufacturing capacity is significantly lower compared to China, and it’s primarily focused on the final stage (modules) rather than the entire production process.

• Cost Competitiveness: 

  • China’s large-scale production ( 80% manufacturing capacity ) , lower cost, and supportive government role in prioritizing solar PV as a strategic sector make it able to provide solar cells at competitive prices.  
    • In China, electricity accounts for more than 40% of production costs for polysilicon and almost 20% for ingots and wafers.

• Limited Domestic Alternatives: 

  • Until recently, India lacked strong domestic alternatives to Chinese imports. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to change this, but it will take time for domestic manufacturers to ramp up production and compete effectively.

India’s Policies to Reduce Reliance on China for Solar Cell Imports

India has taken three significant steps to address its over-dependence on solar imports over the past five years.

• ALMM order: The process began with the introduction of the ALMM order in January 2019.
  • The issue gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic due to severe global supply chain disruptions.
• PLI scheme: In response, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the ₹19,500 crore PLI scheme in the Union Budget of 2022-23.
  • Objective: To enhance domestic manufacturing across the entire solar supply chain, from polysilicon to solar modules.
• Implementation of high import duties: Government imposed duties to encourage domestic production. 
  • 40% customs duty on solar PV modules
  • 25% customs duty on solar PV cells (These duties were later reduced)
    • These duties were later reduced as solar capacity additions slowed down.
      • As per Reuters, It occurred because Some developers charged low tariffs to secure power purchase contracts, which increased cost pressure on projects with a capacity of about 30 GW. 

Objectives of India’s Policies to Reduce Solar Cells Imports

• Promote domestic manufacturing of solar equipment in India.
• Reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China.
• Make solar power generation more cost-competitive in the long run.

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Context

A new study revealed the presence of forever chemical ‘organic fluorine’ in bandages from some reputable brands including Band-Aid and CVS Health.

Bandages Causing Cancer? – Study Finds High Levels of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Band-Aids

• Indicator: Organic fluorine is a strong indicator that bandages might also consist of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. 
• Bandages may have widespread  usage of fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) –  PFAS
• Sample: Around 26 bandages were tested and detectable levels of organic fluorine ranging from 11 parts per million to 328 ppm were found 
  • Mamavation’s testing keeps finding additional sources of exposure, such as items we eat, wear, or put on our bodies. 
• Study: The report is being prepared by Mamavation in partnership with EHN.org. 
• Bandages from 3M and Tru Colour, were free of organic fluorine and other harmful compounds.

Forever Chemicals: Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

• These are a class of synthetic man-made chemicals also called “forever chemicals” because the bonds in their chemical compounds are so strong they don’t degrade down for hundreds to thousands of years. 
  • PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Example: Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
  • PFAS are a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals, according to a chemicals database (CompTox) maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• They are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
• Found in: Fluoropolymer coatings can be in a variety of products and industries including,

• • Other Industries:  Clothing (active and sports wear), intimate hygiene products ( tampons, diapers, condoms, sanitary pads), papermaking, printing inks, sealants.  Recent studies have found PFAS in personal hygiene and care products such as cosmetics, dental floss, toilet paper and make up.
  • Health risk: They pose a negative health effect such as decreased immune system performance and vaccine response, infant and child learning and developmental issues, certain cancers, decreased fertility, endocrine disruption etc.
    • PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS are transferred to foetus through cord blood and to infant through breast milk

• Concerns: 

  • Widespread occurrence: PFAS  contaminated water or food is the most likely source of exposure, by using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. 
    • Studies find PFAS in the blood and urine of people with 97% of Americans having traces of PFAS in their blood.
  • Persistent: They  remain in the environment for an unknown amount of time as they do not break down in the environment easily.
  • Bioaccumulation:  Over time, people may take in more of the chemicals than they excrete, a process that leads to bioaccumulation in bodies. Also it  can move through soils and build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife.
  • Contaminate  drinking water sources: A study by the Environmental Protection Agency  found that about 31 percent of groundwater samples tested around the world  had PFAS levels considered harmful to human health.
  • Expensive detection:  Insitu methods of detection of PFAS  are still in the early stages of development. Current chemical and biological remediation technologies are expensive/not effective.

• What Can Be Done to Remove these Chemicals?

  • Filtering PFAS using activated Carbon: This technique is expensive and only filters out the contaminated water but the real challenge is the disposal of PFAS-loaded activated carbons. 
  •  Incineration: Most PFAS will break down completely at incineration temperatures around 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,730 degrees Fahrenheit), but it’s energy intensive and suitable incinerators are scarce.
  • Upcoming developments:
    • Development of a supercritical water oxidation to destroy PFAS: High temperatures and pressures change the state of water, accelerating chemistry in a way that can destroy hazardous substances. 
    • Plasma reactors: It uses water, electricity and argon gas to break down PFAS. They’re fast, but also not easy to scale up.
    • Inhibitors: Scientists at the Michigan State University are working on materials which,  added to soil would prevent  plants from taking up PFAS, but it would leave PFAS in the soil.
    • Using  sodium hydroxideA paper published in the journal Science, shows how one class of PFAS can be broken down into mostly harmless components using sodium hydroxide, or lye, an inexpensive compound used in soap.

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Context

India is deploying atomic clocks across the country to synchronize all digital devices based on Indian Standard Time,enhancing uniformity and national security.

India Joins Elite Group with ISRO Rubidium Atomic Clock IRNSS

• India’s ISRO will join an elite club of space agencies of The US, the UK, Japan, and Korea, which uses the Rubidium Atomic Clock in their own GPS Satellites.
• This clock was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to be used with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), or NavIC, which was built after the American government refused GPS access to India during the Kargil War.
• Installation of Atomic Clock across the country is Exercised by: National Physical Laboratory (NPL) under Ministry of Science & Technology & Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• It will ensure ‘One Nation One Time’ by June 2024.

Atomic Clock 

• An atomic clock is a type of clock that uses the vibrations of atoms to measure time.
  • It combines a quartz crystal oscillator with an atom, usually caesium or hydrogen & rubidium ,to measure time precisely. 
  • It measures time by tracking the resonant frequency (consistent frequency to maintain accurate time) of atoms used in the clock.
• Invented by Louise Essen in 1955.
• It is the most precise clock made that is true to a billionth of a second. 
• It is more stable than conventional quartz clocks. 

Working of Atomic Clock 

• To measure time using cesium atoms, an atomic clock uses a device called ‘microwave cavity’ The microwave cavity is a chamber that is filled with cesium vapor and a microwave signal is then sent to the cavity which causes the cesium atom to vibrate. 
• As the cesium atom vibrates it emits radiation at a very specific frequency. This frequency is then detected by a detector which compares it to a standard frequency; the difference between the two frequencies is used to adjust the clock time keeping.

Application of Atomic Clock: 

GPS systems, telecommunications networks, and scientific research etc

Reasons for India’s Development of Atomic Clocks

• Background for Initiative: The initiative commenced following the denial of Global Positioning System (GPS) information during the Kargil War. 
  • Independent timekeeping capabilities are deemed crucial for defense, cybersecurity, and online transactions. 
• Technological Independence: India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign atomic clocks.The development of indigenous atomic clocks grants India complete control over its navigation systems. 
  • This control is essential for national security and to ensure technological autonomy.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Efforts are in progress to link atomic clocks via optical cables to fortify security against potential disruptions in emergencies or wartime scenarios. 
  • This initiative supplements satellite-based time dissemination. 

Why Do We Use Atomic clocks to Navigate in Space?

• To Determine Spacecraft Distance: Navigators determine a  spacecraft’s distance from Earth by transmitting a signal to it, which is then returned to Earth. The time taken for this round trip reveals the spacecraft’s distance, as the signal travels at the speed of light.
• To Calculate Trajectory: Navigators employ multiple signal transmissions and measurements over time to calculate a spacecraft’s trajectory. 
  • This process enables them to determine the spacecraft’s current location and predict its future path.
• Precision Time Resolution: Navigators require clocks with extremely high precision time resolution to determine spacecraft positions within a meter. 
  • These clocks can measure time in billionths of a second, ensuring accurate calculations.over extended periods such as days and weeks.

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Context

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is set to host its first clean economy investor forum in Singapore on June 5-6.

Opportunities For the Indian industry

• Climate Tech Track:  Under this track, IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is holding an open call that aims to recognise the top climate tech companies and start-ups among the member countries and present them to global investors. 
  • Climate tech entrepreneurs and companies in India may apply under this track.
• Infrastructure Track: Under this track, India will showcase selected investible sustainable infrastructure projects at the 2024 Forum. 
  • The sectors of focus are energy transition, transport and logistics, waste management/waste to energy.
  • Indian investors who aim to invest in the IPEF partner countries, in either or both the tracks mentioned above are also encouraged to participate in the Forum.

About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

• Genesis: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched in May 2022.
• Partner Countries: It currently includes 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.
• Objective: To collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region. 
• Pillars: The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.

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Context

India has recently secured rights to operate the Sittwe port in Myanmar after Chabahar Port in Iran.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has given the green light to the proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to manage all operations at the port situated on the Kaladan River.

About Sittwe Port Agreement

• Port Name: Sittwe
• Location: Myanmar
• Operator: India Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
• Project Context: The Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project.
• Objective:  To connect Kolkata, an eastern Indian seaport, with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar via sea routes.
  • Additionally, it seeks to establish a connection from Sittwe Port to Paletwa in Myanmar using the Kaladan river waterway.
  • Furthermore, it aims to link Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
• The project’s primary goal is to provide an alternative shipping route for goods to the northeastern states.

Impact of approval of Sittwe Port Agreement on Indian Economy

• Reduced transportation costs and distance: Sittwe port would provide an alternative route for shipping goods to India’s northeastern states which will help significantly in reducing the distance and cost compared to the current route via Kolkata.
• Enhanced connectivity: The Kaladan multi-modal project, of which Sittwe port is a part, creates a new route connecting eastern India to Myanmar and India’s northeast. This improves overall trade connectivity.
• Reduced dependence on Siliguri Corridor: Sittwe port would  lessen reliance on the Siliguri Corridor, famously known as the “chicken’s neck,” which is a narrow strip of land between Bhutan and Bangladesh.
• Strategic significance: This initiative will Strengthen India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region, countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) influence in Myanmar.
• • It will help in  improving  maritime security and anti-piracy efforts.
• Boost to North-East India: Sittwe port will Provide a swifter and cheaper route for transporting essential goods and finished products to and from India’s northeastern states. 
  • This can increase economic activity and trade in the region due to  access to new markets. 

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Context

Recently, ‘India Out Campaign’, an anti-India campaign gained traction in Bangladesh advocating the boycott of Indian products.

What is Behind the ‘India Out Campaign’ in Bangladesh?

• “India Out Campaign” Ploy to Gain Power: Opposition parties alliance (BNP Alliance ) want to create a negative narrative against India to regain power. Their strategy involves diminishing India’s influence in Bangladesh to undermine the Hasina government.
  • This campaign is on the lines of a similar campaign carried out in Maldives by the then-Opposition (and present incumbent) Progressive Party of Maldives.

Factors that Gained Tractions for India Out Campaign in Bangladesh

• Negative Image and Publicity of India’s CAA laws: Negative image of India among Bangladeshis due to India’s CAA laws and sentiments against Bangladeshi migrants in Assam. 
• Bilateral Disagreements: Economic factors, such as the one-sided trade between India and Bangladesh, causing a trade deficit for Bangladesh, and the ongoing Teesta River issue. 
• Chinese Influence: China’s alleged conspiracy behind the campaign to reduce India’s dominance in Bangladesh and increase its own influence in South Asia. 

India’s Role in Bangladesh Affairs

• Recognizing Bangladesh’s Independence: 

• • India was the first country to accept Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. 
    • In the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, India countered Pakistan, China, America, and Europe to free Bangladesh from Pakistan’s oppressed regime.

• India’s Support for Bangladesh’s Sovereignty:  

  • Bangladesh still depends on India for its sovereignty. 
    • India protected Bangladesh’s sovereignty by being the first to congratulate Sheikh Hasina’s government, providing legitimacy to the election. 
    • Apprehension of Bangladesh from Western Nations: Bangladesh’s government feared that Western countries would reject the results. However later in Western countries were forced to accept the election results due to India’s support. 

Perspective of the ‘India Out Campaign” on the India Bangladesh Relations 

• Concerns: 

  • Security Concerns: India cannot overlook the campaign due to Bangladesh’s critical role in its security strategy. 
  • Land Border Connectivity: India relies on the Chicken’s Neck corridor for connectivity to its northeastern region, necessitating strong ties with Bangladesh. 
  • North-Eastern Security Implications: The unrest in Manipur is partially attributed to support extended to Kuki militants from Bangladesh. 
  • Challenge in Countering China: India is grappling with challenges countering China’s significant financial and strategic influence in South Asia. Preventing Bangladesh from becoming another Maldives is imperative for India.

• India’s Stand on the India Out Campaign:

• • Baseless Accusations: Accusations of political interference against India lack merit, especially considering that other countries such as China and Russia also endorsed the election results.
  • Rejection of Claims: The Indian foreign minister dismissed the campaign, asserting that India has no reason to be apprehensive about China’s expanding influence. 
  • Foreign-Driven Propaganda: The “India Out campaign’ was predominantly instigated by foreign entities and predominantly manifested online, lacking substantial participation from Bangladeshis. 

• Impact Of Boycotting India: 

  • Political Sovereignty: Bangladesh still depends on India for its sovereignty.
  • Economic Impact:
    • The textile sector, which contributes 9% to its GDP and employs 70% of Bangladeshi women, depends on Indian cotton exports and garment imports. 
    • Loss of Tariff Concessions: Bangladesh will graduate from the least developed country list by 2026, losing tariff concessions, making it difficult to reduce trade with India. 
    • High Inflation in Bangladesh: India exports essential goods to Bangladesh, and stopping exports could cause 35% inflation in Bangladesh. 
    • Energy Demand by Procurement of Electricity :  Bangladesh is importing nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India, ensuring its energy security.
  • Trade Impact : 
    • Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second-biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. 
    • India is also Bangladesh’s largest export destination in Asia. Bilateral trade grew from USD 9.69 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 16.15 billion in FY 2021-22. 
    • Therefore Boycotting Indian Products will further deteriorate External Trade Balance.
  • Food Security: Bangladesh is heavily relied on India on main basic Agri commodities like Wheat, Rice, Onion, Garlic & Ginger etc
  • Connectivity Link: Rail-Road line & Waterways etc is in developmental stage with the proactive support from India,ensuring seamless connectivity in the South asian region. 
    • For Ex: Multimodal road-rail link between Agartala in India’s Tripura to Akhaura in Bangladesh, New bridge across the Feni river to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers from Tripura to Bangladesh.

China’s Role and India’s Presence on the the Region & its Implications

• Chinese Campaign Against India: The campaign is seen as part of China’s efforts to reduce India’s influence in South Asia and increase its own. 
  • Inroads by China: China has already made inroads in Sri Lanka and Maldives, putting pressure on India. 
• Benefits of India’s presence:  American report suggests that South Asian countries benefit from India’s presence, as evident in Sri Lanka, where India provided the most help during the China-induced crisis . 
  • South Asian countries can effectively handle China only if India’s presence remains strong in their countries. 

Way Forward

• Secure Bi-partisan Support: 
  • Pursue proactive diplomatic initiatives with Bangladesh to address concerns voiced by both opposition parties and the public. 
  • India should persist in extending support for Bangladesh’s development and sovereignty, all while maintaining awareness of its internal political dynamics. 
  • Prioritize the preservation of the long-term viability of the India-Bangladesh alliance. 
• Confidence and Collaboration building Measures: Fostering confidence and collaboration should be prioritized through diplomatic initiatives and direct engagement with the people.
• Trade and Bilateral Relations: Efforts must be undertaken to strike a balance in trade relations and resolve lingering disputes such as the Teesta River issue. 

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Context

According to a recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), the global space economy will reach a value of $1.8 trillion by 2035, nearly identical to the scale of the world semiconductor industry.

• The report titled ‘Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth’, is authored by the WEF and consulting firm McKinsey & Co.

Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth’ By WEF and McKinsey & Co.

• Ubiquity of Space Technologies: It concludes that the industry of space and access to it will become one of the biggest parts of the global economy, owing to the use of space- and satellite-enabled technologies widely. 
  • This primarily includes navigation and communication, which already has become widespread in nearly every industry. 
  • Further, Earth observation satellites and the data coming from them are expected to aid many industries.
• Emergence of Additional Industries and Companies: These have emerged due to satellite technologies, including telecommunications and ride-hailing applications, both of which rely on satellite technology.
• Impact on Other Industries: More than 60 percent of the increase in the space economy would come from other industries relying on space economy, such as food and beverage, state-sponsored defence and weaponry, consumer goods and lifestyle, and more.
• Mitigation of Global Challenges: Beyond revenue generation, technologies enabled by the space industry will play a crucial role in mitigating global challenges in a warming world.
  • Ex- Disaster warning systems, climate monitoring, Earth observation for resource tackling, and more.

What is the Space Economy?

• The Space Economy is defined by the OECD as the full range of activities and the use of resources that create value and benefits for human beings in the course of exploring, researching, understanding, managing, and utilizing space.
  • The term ‘space economy’ covers the goods and services produced in space for use in space.

Current Trends in the Space Economy

• Economic Growth in Space Sector:  The Space Report 2022 estimates that the space economy was worth $469 billion in 2021 – a 9% increase from a year earlier. 
• • Global space market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040.
• Rise in State-Backed Investment:  According to the Space Foundation report, there has been an increase in state-backed investment in space projects around the world. 
  • There was a 19% jump in overall government spending on military and civilian space programmes in 2021. 

Drivers of Space Economy

• Decrease in Launch Cost: Rapid and large drop in launch costs of satellites and rockets, which has fallen 10-fold over the past 20 years. 
• Price of Data and Connectivity: It is also expected to drop by at least 10 percent as demand increases by 60 percent by 2035.
• Commercial Innovations: Example, improvement in resolution of Earth-observation technology, which in turn drives down the price to access the said technologies.
• Diversification of Technologies: There is a rapid diversification of space-based technologies and activities such as space tourism.
• Cultural Awareness:  Cultural awareness and general enthusiasm for space in recent days is also a major driver of interest in space for future generations.
• Catalysts of Expansion: 
  • Various industries are both drivers and beneficiaries of growth and diversification by improving three key aspects of space technology: 
    • Harmonisation
    • Increasing ease of usability and accessibility, and 
    • Education and awareness of growing technology.
• New Space Entrepreneurship has emerged in India with many start-ups which seek value in exploring end-to-end services in the Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer segments using New Space. 

Space Economy in India

• Share in Global Space Economy: At current, the space sector in India accounts for around two percent of the global space economy.
  • India’s space economy has the potential to reach $44 billion by 2033 with about 8 per cent of the global share.
•  Size of the Indian Space Economy: It is estimated around 8.4 Billion USD. Of this, the downstream services market, primarily of communication and data applications, accounts for close to 80% of the total space economy, wherein the private sector is a major contributor. 
  • The upstream market i.e. satellite and launch operations, is primarily contributed by the Government, with the private sector in a vendor oriented role towards manufacturing and delivering subsystems/components.
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): As per the various market surveys, the space economy has grown with an average CAGR of 8%.
• Rise in Number of Space Start-Ups: As per DPIIT Start-Up India Portal, the number of Space Start-Ups have increased from just 1 in 2014 to 189 in 2023.
  • The investment in Indian Space Start-Ups has increased to $ 124.7 Million in 2023.
• Increasing Role of Private Sector: Private companies are exploring satellite-based communication solutions, Satellite integration and testing facilities.
  • The local manufacturing of the satellite subsystems and Ground systems are being taken up by the private sector.
  • Ex- SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and Arianespace offer launch services and space tourism.
• Rise in Satellite Launches: There is an increase in the number of launches accomplished by the ISRO.Out of the 424 foreign satellites launched by Isro since 1990s, 389 (more than 90%) were launched in the last nine years.
  • India earned $174 million from launching of foreign satellites.

Steps Taken to Boost Space Economy in India

• Indian Space Policy, 2023:  It enables end-to-end participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in all domains of space activities.
  • FDI Norm under Automatic Route: The policy allows up to 100 percent investment under automatic route for the manufacturing of components, systems and subsystems for satellites, ground segments and user segments.
    • For manufacturing and operating an entire satellite, up to 74 percent investment will be allowed under the automatic route. 
  • FDI Norm under Government Approval Route: Anything beyond the limit will have to go through a government approval process. 
    • Under the current policy, any foreign investment in manufacturing and operating satellites is allowed only with government approval.
• ASAT Capability: On 27 March 2019, India tested an anti-satellite weapon during an operation code named ‘Mission Shakti’. 
  • The test put India on an equal footing to US, Russia and China, the countries with such capability in the world till date. 
• IndSpaceX: First table-top space warfare exercise – IndSpaceX, demonstrated integrated satellite communications and reconnaissance for enhanced intelligence and firepower.
• Defense Space Agency (DSA):  In 2019, India established the DSA and the Defense Space Research Organisation (DSRO).
  • The DSRO, resembling a U.S. fighter command, coordinates space assets across military branches. 
  • The DSA, a research organisation, integrates civilian space technology for military applications. 
• Chandrayaan-3: launch the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft to achieve a soft landing of a robotic lander on the moon’s surface.
• Aditya L1 mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Aditya L-1, its first space-based mission to study the Sun.
• Bharatiya Antariksha Station:  India plans to set up Bhartiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian space station) by 2035 and take the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

Opportunities Offered by the Space Economy

• Advancing Scientific Knowledge: 

  • A space station enables India to conduct cutting-edge research in various fields—such as astronomy, biology, physics, medicine and engineering. 
    • It will provide a unique platform for studying the effects of microgravity and the space environment on various phenomena and processes. 
    • A space station will also facilitate the development and testing of new technologies and applications for space exploration and utilization.

• Enhancing the Nation’s Prestige: 

  • It will showcase India’s achievements and capabilities in space and demonstrate its commitment and leadership in advancing humanity’s frontiers. 
    • It will inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. A space station will also foster a sense of national identity and pride among Indians.

• Promoting Global Cooperation & Peace: 

  • It will offer opportunities for collaboration and exchange with other countries and organizations in space.
    • This will thereby foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among the participants and contribute to the peaceful use of outer space. 
    • This will also support the global goals of sustainable development and social welfare.

• Space Mining: 

  • Asteroids are rich in precious resources crucial for industries. They offer an alternative with abundant reserves, avoiding environmental concerns tied to wildlife harm during extraction. 
    • Space mining is  driven by demand for critical metals essential in electronics, solar panels, wind power, and electric car components.  

Challenges in the Development of Space Economy

• Space Debris: 

  • According to NASA, there are more than 100 million pieces of space debris at a size of one millimetre or larger orbiting the Earth.
    • This debris can include non-functional spacecraft, abandoned equipment, and mission-related debris travelling at speeds up to 17,500 miles per hour (28,160 kilometres per hour).
    • Even a tiny piece of debris can damage a satellite or spacecraft.

• Lack of Regulatory Ecosystem for Startups: 

  • The space start-ups in India are yet to take off in the absence of regulatory clarity. 
    • Hence, they need an enabling ecosystem, a culture of accelerators, incubators, venture capitalists, and mentors that exist in cities like Bengaluru which is where most New Space start-ups have flourished. 
    • India has to transform these start-ups into full-fledged industries to accelerate India’s dominance in space. 

• Cyber Attacks: 

  • The draft National Cyber Security Strategy lacks a focus on space security, despite concerns raised by the Data Security Council of India about potential attacks on critical infrastructure, including space agencies. 

• Minimal Share in Global Economy: 

  • India’s share is estimated at just 2% of the global market.
    • Over a third of transponders used for Indian services are leased from foreign satellites and this proportion will rise as the demand grows.
      • Thus,  India needs to collaborate with partners to increase its share in the global space market.

• Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP): 

  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have consistently reported UAP sightings. India is lagging significantly behind other nations in addressing the UAP issue. 
    • UAPs denote flying objects linked to non-human (alien) intelligences. 

• Human Spaceflight Expertise: 

  • India lacks experience in human spaceflight, which is essential for building and operating a space station. 

• Hazards to Astronaut Health: 

  • The space environment can be lethal without the correct protection equipment and precautions. 
    • The greatest threats are a lack of oxygen and pressure in closed environments; expansion of the cerebral ventricles, altered gravity fields; radiation and the psychological effects of isolation and confinement.

Way Forward to Indian Space Economy

• Integrating space into the National Cyber Security Strategy: There is a need to integrate critical cybersecurity safeguards into India’s national space policy, aligning it with the National Cyber Security Strategy and National Security Strategy. 
  • India needs to implement a Purple Revolution, incorporating cybersecurity red and blue teaming exercises under the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs to enhance offensive and defensive capabilities.
  • ISRO defends against more than 100 cyberattacks each day.
  • India needs to emulate the US and prepare satellite hacking sandboxes that can be experimented with to find system vulnerabilities.
• Increasing Indian Space Budget: The space budget allocation must be increased from 0.04 percent to at least 0.5 percent of GDP to boost research centres and space standards.
• Indian Space Resilience Agency: India must enhance space supply-chain resilience and security within QUAD’s space cooperation, establishing a central Indian space resilience agency for joint monitoring and incident response exercises.
• Permanent Body for UAP: India must establish a permanent body for UAP research under the Defence Ministry like the US and UK or under ISRO, on the French model.
  • India must introduce protocols for military and civilian reports while synchronizing the land, sea and space surveillance capabilities.
  • Given India’s ancient civilization, and the long history of UAP sightings, there is a possibility of UAP-related artifacts lying within its soil and waters. 
• Incentivising Startups: India must strategically incentivise startups for innovative space logistics solutions, aligning with the success of its satellite launch program. 
  • Like the US and Luxembourg, an easy regulatory and tax regime will greatly incentivise the growth of the space industry.
• Protection from Space Debris: Presently, India relies on data compiled by NASA to ascertain threats to its orbital assets. Thus, protection from space debris needs to track potentially threatening debris and change the course of the functional hardware. 
• • Future solutions can include more accurate tracking of debris and measures to lower their orbit for eventual burn out in the atmosphere.
  • Closer association with Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and developing satellite bodies which can withstand minor impacts are some of the other steps which can be taken.
• Advancing Space Capabilities: This can be done by developing sophisticated space-based weaponry including hard kill guided missile systems, jamming devices, directed energy weapons, and electromagnetic pulse systems for space-to-space operations. 
  • Both soft and hard kill systems, such as jammers and directed energy weapons, are crucial components for Outer Space Warfare. 
• Creation of Space Force:  India may create a Space Force, mirroring the U.S., to strengthen satellite network defence and take assertive actions against adversary networks in the evolving space security landscape.
• Training Astronauts for Space Flights Program: India will have to train a team of astronauts and ensure their safety and well-being in space. 
  • India will also have to develop reliable launch vehicles and spacecraft that can transport crew and cargo to and from the space station.

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