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Cabinet approves ISRO’s 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota

Context: The Union Cabinet approved setting up of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Shriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about India’s Launch Pads. 

ISRO’s Third Launch Pad (TLP)

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  • The new launch pad will be built at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
  • Expenditure involved: Rs. 3985 Crore for the launch pad and the associated facilities.
  • Estimated duration of establishment: 48 months or 4 years.
  • Utility: 
    • TLP is designed to have universal configuration, such that it can support:
      • NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) and scaled up configurations of NGLV. 
      • LVM3 vehicles with semicryogenic stages. 
    • It will also act as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
  • TLP will be co-located with the second launch pad (SLP), maximising the use of existing infrastructure. 

Key components of TLP

  • Jet deflector systems, launch towers, and lightning suppression systems.
  • Propellant storage and servicing facilities for liquid methane and cryogenic fuels.
  • Advanced range systems, instrumentation, and electronic support facilities.

Significance of TLP

  • Launch heavier launch vehicles like NGLV, required for future Indian human spaceflight missions, Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 & an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 etc.
  • Boost Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies. Meet the growing demand for satellite launches and strengthen India’s position in the global space economy.  

India’s Launch Pads

  • Presently, Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads viz. First Launch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP). 
  • First Launch Pad:
    • FLP was realised 30 years ago for PSLV, and continues to provide launch support for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) & Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). 
  • Second Launch Pad: 
    • SLP was established primarily for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) & Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), and also functions as standby for PSLV. 
    • SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3, along with the national missions including the Chandrayaan-3 mission. 
    • SLP is getting ready to launch the human rated LVM3 for the Gaganyaan missions.
  • Third Launch Pad:
    • TLP is needed to launch NGLV, a new generation of heavier launch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads.

Startup Sector in India

Context: India’s startup ecosystem has grown exponentially, emerging as the world’s third-largest hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. From just 400 startups in 2015-16 to over 1,30,000 today, the ecosystem is a testament to India’s entrepreneurial potential and supportive policies.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Startup sector- Present status, Challenges, Issues, Strategies

Present Status of Startup sector in India

  • Global position: India is the world’s third-largest hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Remarkable progress: Today, India has over 1,30,000 recognised startups- up from approximately 400 in 2015-16.
  • Successful funding and ecosystem expansion: 
    • Startup funding has grown 15 times.
    • The number of investors has increased nine-fold.
    • The number of incubators has risen seven-fold.

Scope for further growth of Startup Sector

  • Emerging areas: India stands at the threshold of a technological revolution, presenting immense opportunities in areas such as
    • Artificial intelligence (AI)
    • machine learning (ML)
    • big data
    • electric vehicles (EVs)
    • quantum computing
    • genomics
    • 3D printing
    • Robotics
    • Drones
    • space exploration.

Government Initiatives to promote Startups in India

  • Fostering growth in Emerging areas:
    • National Quantum Mission
    • India AI Mission
    • Semiconductor Mission
  • Promoting Research & Development: 
    • Union Budget 2024-25 allocated a substantial Rs. 1 lakh crore to the Anusandhan National Research Fund for research and development (R&D).
  • Progressive policies:
    • Opening up new sectors to the private players like space, geospatial technology, defence, and drones. Encouraging startups to venture into cutting-edge domains.
  • Facilitating Funding:
    • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): launched in 2016, it has committed Rs 11,688 crore through 151 Alternative Investment Fundas (AIF).
    • This has catalysed a capital pool of Rs 81,000 crore, creating a multiplier effect.
  • Minimal regulatory interference:
    • Startup India prioritised avoiding excessive regulations that could hinder startups.

Challenges and Concerns in Startup sector

  • Funding Issues:
    • Lack of long-term investments: Indian startups, particularly in deep tech sectors, face challenges in accessing long-term capital. 
    • Inadequate domestic funding: Although Indian startups raised over $12 billion in 2024, about 75% of this funding came from international sources.
  • Corporate mismanagement:
    • Recent incidents of corporate mismanagement and governance issues in startups such as Byju’s, Dunzo, and BharatPe have raised concerns.
  • Inadequate Innovations and IP Development:
    • India produces approximately 24,000 PhD graduates annually, yet lags behind in Intellectual Property (IP) earnings. 
    • India paid $14.3 billion in IPR royalties in 2024, while earning only $1.5 billion. This highlights a significant gap in innovation.

Strategies needed to tap into potential of Startups

  • Collaboration: 
    • Coordinating and collaborating among policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions.
    • Collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that educational programmes align with market needs.
  • Funding: 
    • Creating a specialised fund of funds for deep tech startups that require long-term investments.
    • Increasing domestic capital sources: Large domestic institutions like insurance companies and pension funds can allocate a portion of their surpluses to support startups. 
  • Management:
    • Startups must adopt self-regulation frameworks that emphasise accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct. This involves strong mentorship, professional boards, and sound financial management. 
  • Skilling, Reskilling and Upskilling:
    • Leverage India’s premier educational institutions (IITs, IIMs, and IIIT) to address skill shortages in product development, data science, and AI-ML. 
    • Programmes for internships, apprenticeships, and recruitment can attract talent to startups and bridge existing skill gaps.
  • Balancing risks with regulation:
    • Regulatory framework must balance innovation with oversight, enabling startups to thrive while mitigating risks associated with unregulated growth. 
  • Boosting innovations:
    • Creating a vibrant ideas ecosystem that rewards and protects intellectual property.
  • Supporting new regional hubs:
    • Nearly 50% of India’s startups originate from Tier II and Tier III cities. Emerging hubs like Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad offer immense potential. 
    • Supporting these regional hubs with infrastructure, educational opportunities, and inclusivity (increasing women’s representation in leadership roles).

As India works towards its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, startups will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning the country as a leader in innovation. 

Status of External Trade in FY 2025

Context: India’s goods exports dipped in December 2024, while imports showed growth. However, the trade deficit narrowed to a three-month low.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Basic idea of the key trends in External Trade. 

Present Status of External Trade

  • Exports of Goods: Goods exports contracted 1% year-on-year in December 2024, totaling slightly over $38 billion.
  • Import of Goods: Imports grew 4.9% to almost $60 billion.
  • Merchandise Trade Deficit narrowed to a three-month low of $21.9 billion.
    • This reflects significant improvement from November’s record gap of $31.8 billion.
  • Gold Imports: grew by $4.7 billion in December.
    • This is the corrected data by the government after rectifying an error of “double counting”.
  • Petroleum imports rose 2.2% to $15.3 billion in December.
  • Petroleum product exports declined sharply by 28.6%, standing at $4.9 billion.
  • Trade deficit:
    • On a year-on-year basis, December’s trade deficit was 17% higher, compared to December 2023. 
    • Total deficit through the year increased by 11.1%, reaching $210.8 billion.
image 130

Analysis of External Trade Data

  • Reasons for export blip: Volatility of gold and petrol prices shooting up are the main factors behind fall of exports.
  • Consistency of the export sector: Shipment values have grown in every quarter through the 1st nine months of this financial year (FY 2024-25).
    • This highlights the resilience of the export sector during a challenging global economic environment. 

A tariff war by the incoming U.S. administration could throw up new opportunities for India. A focused export strategy for key markets like the U.S., the continuation of measures like the Interest Equalisation Scheme, and a resolution of GST-related export challenges are necessary to ensure sustained growth.

ISRO achieves Space Docking: SpaDeX Mission

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated space docking, utilising the indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX);  Space Docking; Bharatiya Docking System

ISRO SpaDeX Docking Mission

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  • What is Space docking?
    • Docking is a process by which two fast-moving spacecraft are brought to the same orbit, brought closer to each other manually or autonomously, and finally joined together.
    • This capability is necessary for:
      • carrying out missions that require heavy spacecraft that a single launch vehicle may not be capable of lifting off with.
      • setting up a space station for which separate modules are joined in space.
      • carrying crew and supplies to the space station. 
  • SpaDeX Mission: 
    • PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30, 2024. 
    • The PSLV rocket carried two satellites named Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02), each weighing 220 kg. 
  • Successful space docking by ISRO: 
    • The two small satellites were brought within a distance of 3 metres from each other in orbit, their extended ring was joined with each other, retracted, and locked in space.
    • ISRO also demonstrated giving commands to the two satellites as one composite object.
  • Significance:
    • The successful docking makes India the fourth country in the world — after the United States, Russia, and China — to have this capability.
    • This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan.

Also Read: PSLV-C60: SpaDeX & POEM 

When was the first docking in space achieved? 

  • United States: In 1966, NASA’s Gemini VIII became the first spacecraft to dock with the target vehicle Agena. Gemini VIII was a crewed mission orbiting the Earth, commanded by Neil Armstrong, who in 1969 became the first human to set foot on the Moon.
  • USSR: Soviet Union in 1967 demonstrated the first uncrewed, automated docking of the Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 spacecraft.
  • China: China demonstrated its docking capability in 2011, when the unmanned Shenzhou 8 spacecraft docked with the Tiangong 1 space laboratory.

What happened during the docking experiment?

  • ISRO carried out a series of manoeuvres to progressively bring “Chaser” satellite close to “Target” satellite.
    • The satellites were allowed to drift close, and then their positions were held at around 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, before finally being joined together, at an orbit 475 kilometers (Low Earth Orbit) above the Earth.
    • The space agency has demonstrated giving command to the satellites as a single composite object. 
  • ISRO will also demonstrate undocking, during which the satellites will separate and drift away to carry out their respective experiments over the two years of the mission’s life.
  • The mission utilised the Bharatiya Docking System (BDS) indigenously devised by ISRO. This enabled the two Indian satellites to move precisely at the speed of 10 millimeters per second in docking, ensuring that they docked safely without risking a collision. 

Bharatiya Docking System

  • Spacecrafts that go to the International Space Station follow the International Docking System Standard (IDSS), which was first baselined in 2010.
  • Bharatiya Docking System (BDS) being used by India is androgynous — meaning the systems on both the Chaser and Target satellites are identical. 
  • Advancements in BDS: 
    • BDS is similar to the IDSS used by other agencies, but uses two motors as compared to the 24 used in IDSS.
    • BDS used several new sensors such as Laser Range Finder, Rendezvous Sensor, and Proximity and Docking Sensor to take precise measurements while bringing the two satellites closer and joining them. 
    • It also used a new processor based on satellite navigation systems to determine the relative position and velocity of the spacecraft. 
    • This is a precursor to a completely autonomous system for future missions that would be able to achieve docking without satellite-based navigation data.

Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermions

Context: Recently, the researchers at Columbia University and Pennsylvania State University have reported finding a strange particle called a semi-Dirac fermion.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Standard Model of Particle Physics; Basic understanding of the terms- Fermions, Bosons, Quasi-particles and semi-Dirac fermion. 

What is the Standard Model of Particle Physics?

  • The Standard Model of Particle Physics is scientists' current best theory to describe the most basic building blocks of the universe. It attempts to explain how the basic building blocks of matter (fundamental particles) interact, governed by fundamental forces.
  • The Model describes the behaviour of:
    • Fundamental particles- Fermions (six types of quarks and six types of leptons)
    • Three fundamental forces (Strong force, Electromagnetic force & Weak force) and their four associated particles (Bosons)
    • Higgs boson (particles associated with the Higgs field. Any particle that interacts with Higgs Bosons gets mass, and particles that do not interact remain massless).
  • As per the Model:
    • All the known matter is made up of fundamental particles called quarks and leptons. 
    • These particles interact with each other in accordance with rules known as the fundamental forces. 
  • Limitations: Currently, the Model is incomplete and does not explain:
    • Fourth fundamental force- Gravitational force (Graviton is the force-carrying particle for gravity which has not been discovered yet)
    • Existence of dark matter and dark energy. 
standard model of elementary particles

Fermions and Bosons

  • Fermions (Quarks + Leptons) are the fundamental particles which have half-integer spin. Fermions are the fundamental building blocks of matter. E.g., Electron, Proton.
  • Boson is a name given to particles that carry fundamental forces. Each fundamental force has its own corresponding force carrier (boson). E.g., Photon
    • Strong force is carried by gluons.
    • Electromagnetic force is carried by photons.
    • W and Z bosons are responsible for the Weak force.
    • Graviton is a suggested force carrier for Gravitational force (Graviton is still not discovered)

Quest for New Particles

  • Physicists explore ‘new physics’ in terms of whether it agrees or disagrees with the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics.  
  • They use particle collider experiments (particularly CERN’s Large Hadron Collider) to find new fundamental particles to verify the predictions/ or challenge the Standard Model and find the missing answers. 
  • The CERN supercollider smashes billions of protons head on with energy equivalent to the Big Bang (dawn of the universe).

Large Hadron Collider (LHC):

  • LHC is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. 
  • Built by: The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). 
  • It lies in a tunnel 27 kilometres in circumference and as deep as 175 metres beneath the France-Switzerland border near Geneva.
  • Inside the LHC, two high-energy particle beams of protons are directed at each other at nearly the speed of light and made to collide in the 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets.
  • These collisions generate new particles and using detectors scientists study their properties and interactions to understand fundamental laws of the universe.
  • Note: Hadrons are subatomic particles composed of two or three fundamental particles known as quarks, which are held together by strong Nuclear force. E.g., Proton, Neutron.

Read More: https://compass.rauias.com/current-affairs/large-hadron-collider/

Semi-Dirac Fermion

  • Semi-Dirac fermion is a quasi-particle (a collection of particles), first theorised 16 years ago, recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called zirconium silicon sulphide (ZrSiS).
  • Properties: 
    • Semi-Dirac fermion has mass when it is moving in one particular direction, but is massless when moving in another direction. 
  • Experimental Set-up:
    •  ZrSiS was cooled to near absolute zero and was subjected to a magnetic field 2.7 lakh times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field.
    • Infrared light was directed at the crystal to reveal its quantum behaviour. The experiment confirmed the presence of semi-Dirac fermions.
  • Significance of finding Semi-Dirac Fermion: Understanding behaviour of semi-Dirac Fermion may lead to advances in a range of emerging technologies, like quantum computing, high-end electronics, batteries and sensors. 

New US AI Export Law

Context: The United States has passed a new AI Export law to govern exports of advanced artificial technology (AI), including chips and models.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Detailed questions on impacts of US export law on India 

Major Highlights of the Law

  • Aim of law: The U.S. aims to maintain its competitive edge in emerging technologies and prevent adversaries from leveraging advanced AI capabilities for military or malign purposes.
  • Three tier classification: The US law divides nations into three ties structure based on trust and strategic importance of the nations
    • Tier-1 nations: Includes 18 closest allies of the USA, allowing unrestricted access to these nations. It includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, etc.,
    • Tier-2 nations: These nations face controlled exports with some restrictions. These nations have concerns like Intellectual property rights violation and possible misuse of technology. India is part of this list. 
    • Tier-3 nations: Encompasses adversarial nations such as China and Russia, facing the most stringent restrictions. It includes Russia, China and North Korea.
  • Special provision: The law includes a special provision called General Validated End User which includes two nations i.e., India and China.
    • India: It allows India for both military and civilian use of equipment. But, it restricts nuclear use.
    • China: Allows only Civilian use, but restricts both military and nuclear usage. 
image 127

Impact of law on India

  • Access to advanced AI Chips: India’s placement in Tier Two means it does not have unrestricted access to high-performance AI chips, essential for training large language models.
  • Delay in acquisition: The licenses are required for export of technology that will lead to increased cost of acquisition and slowing down AI research development in India.
  • Impact on strategic sectors like defence, healthcare and agriculture, where AI can play a critical role as they might face setbacks in deploying high-end AI solutions.
  • Necessity for indigenous development: The restrictions highlight the need for India to invest in developing its own AI technologies and infrastructure to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and enhance self-reliance. 
  • Risk of dependence on other nations: Restrictions on India will force companies to depend on alternative suppliers like China, that can lead to risk of hardware espionage.

Suggestive Measures for India

  • Pushing chip development: India should leverage domestic development of indigenous chips and semiconductor development to reduce dependency on the USA for imports.
  • Diversification of imports: India should seek collaboration with Australia and the European Union to diversify collaboration in advanced AI technologies.

Conclusion: The US law may slow-down the AI development and limit access to essential tools hindering India’s immediate progress in the global AI race. But, it also presents an opportunity for India to invest in self-reliance, infrastructure, and research making India a possible leader in AI technology.

Why is India warming slower?

Context: According to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the temperature rise over the Indian subcontinent is lower as compared to the global average. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key trends related to climate change (global as well as India-specific). 

Key trends regarding Global Temperature Rise

  • The annual mean temperature of the world is known to have increased by 1.1 degree Celsius, from the average of the 1850-1900 period.
    • Over land, the annual mean temperatures have risen by as much as 1.59 degree Celsius since preindustrial times. 
    • Oceans have warmed by about 0.88 degree Celsius.
image 126

Warming trends over Indian Subcontinent

  • As per the assessment of climate change over the Indian subcontinent, published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2020 - Annual mean temperatures had risen by 0.7 degree Celsius from 1900.
    • This is significantly lower than the 1.59 degree Celsius rise for land temperatures across the world. 

Reasons for lower warming over India

  • Location of India:
    • India is located in the tropical area, quite close to the equator. 
    • The increase in temperatures is known to be more prominent in the higher altitudes, near the polar regions, than near the equator, because:
      • heat transfers take place from the tropics to the poles 
      • melting of ice has led to reduced albedo and increased absorption of solar radiation
      • release of greenhouse gasses from the melted ice further increasing the temperatures. 
  • Higher Aerosol concentration: 
    • Aerosol concentration over the Indian region is quite high, due to natural (tropical location, arid climate, greater amount of dust) as well as man-made reasons (heavy pollution). 
    • Aerosols have a cooling effect because they scatter sunlight back into space, such that lesser heat is absorbed by the land. 
    • Aerosols also affect cloud formation. Clouds, in turn, have an impact on how much sunlight is reflected or absorbed.

Conclusion: Incidentally, while the maximum temperatures over India have shown a significant increase since 1900, the rise in minimum temperatures has not been much. Expanding the weather observation network and strengthening of computing and analysis capabilities is a pre-requisite. 

Does Blood Money have a legal standing?

Context: Nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala was sentenced to death by a Yemen court for murdering her business partner. Debates are ongoing around her acquittal and repatriation through ‘blood money.’

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basic understanding of the terms ‘Blood Money’, ‘Plea Bargaining’. 

About ‘Blood Money’?

  • Known as ‘diya’ in Islamic Sharia law, it involves monetary compensation paid by the perpetrator to the victim’s family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or when the victim’s family forgoes retaliation (qisas).
  • Its objective is to alleviate the suffering of the victim’s family, not to price human life.
  • Even after reconciliation via ‘blood money,’ the state/community may impose additional penalties.

Contemporary Applications

  • Saudi Arabia: Compensation for road accident victims or workplace deaths is determined by Sharia courts or committees.
  • Iran: Gender and religion influence compensation; recent efforts toward equalisation have remained incomplete.
  • Pakistan: Incorporated ‘diya’ and ‘qisas’ into mainstream law through the 1991 Criminal Laws Amendment.
  • Yemen: Present, but judicial oversight ensures fairness in compensation agreements.

India’s Position on ‘Blood Money’

  • No Blood Money: Indian legal and penal system does not recognise or have provisions for ‘blood money.’
  • Plea Bargaining, as an alternative: 
    • The Indian legal system does provide provisions for Plea Bargaining, introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005.
    • Plea bargaining allows the accused to plead guilty for concessions offered on a charge or a sentence.
      • Charge concession: The defendant may plead guilty for one of the several charges or a less severe charge in return for dismissal of other charges.
      • Sentence concession: The accused may plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence than what is prescribed for the concerned offence.
    • Limitations: Applicable for offences with imprisonment under seven years, provision is also not available for heinous crimes and offences against women or children.
    • Victim Compensation: Section 265E of CrPC allows victims to receive compensation during the process of plea bargaining.

Indian cases of Pardons via Blood Money abroad

  • Recent examples:
    • 2019: Arjunan Athimuthu’s death sentence in Kuwait commuted to life imprisonment after ₹30 lakh payment.
    • 2006: Abdul Rahim’s death sentence in Saudi Arabia was pardoned after ₹34 crore was paid but remains in prison.
    • 2017: Ten Indians in the UAE pardoned after paying 200,000 dirhams.
    • 2009: Seventeen Indians pardoned in the UAE after paying ₹4 crore equivalent in dirhams.
  • Nimisha Priya: Iran assured India of reviewing her case, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Three Indian Nuclear Entities removed from the US Entity List

Context: The United States has announced the removal of three Indian entities from its restrictive Entity List, in a move to remove hurdles for civil nuclear partnership between Indian and American firms.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement 2008; US Entity List. 

Major Highlights:

  • US Entity List: The US Entity List is a list of foreign individuals, businesses, and organisations that are subject to export restrictions and licensing requirements for certain goods and technologies.
    • Being placed on the Entity List does not outrightly prohibit transactions but imposes stringent licensing requirements.
    • Inclusion on this list indicates that the US government has reasonable grounds to believe these entities may engage in activities contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests. 
  • The three entities removed from the US entity list are: 
    • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
    • Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
    • Indian Rare Earths (IRE)
  • Significance: The removal of Indian entities is an attempt to facilitate implementation of the landmark India-U.S. Civil Nuclear agreement 2008. 

US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement

  • The US-India Nuclear Deal or the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement is a bilateral agreement signed between the US & India in 2008. It is popularly known as the 123 Agreement.
  • Aim: To pave the way for allowing the US to share civilian nuclear technology with India.
  • Benefits:
    • Ends India’s nuclear isolation and technology denial regimes against India. 
    • Enables India to have civil nuclear cooperation as an equal partner with the US and the rest of the world. 
    • Allows US companies to supply nuclear fuel and dual-use nuclear technology (including materials and equipment that could be used to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium) for India’s civilian nuclear energy program.
    • Enables India to meet the twin challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability. 
  • India agrees to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog group, access to its civilian nuclear program. 

Key Facts

  • India is not a signatory to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which it views as discriminatory.
  • India has not signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
  • India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the main reason being its refusal to sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Read More: US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation 

INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer Commissioned

Context: Recently, three naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vaghsheer, Project 75.  

About INS Nilgiri

About INS Nilgiri
  • INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class.
    • The Nilgiri-class stealth frigate is built under the codename Project 17A.
    •  It is a follow-on vessel of Shivalik class or Project 17 frigates currently in service.
  • INS Nilgiri is the first of seven frigates in Project 17A being built indigenously by:
    • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
    • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). 
  • The multi-mission frigates are capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats. 
  • The ships are fitted with:
    • supersonic surface-to-surface missile system
    • Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) system
    • 76 millimetre upgraded gun
    • combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
  • Significance: With their versatile weapons and capabilities, these ships can play a crucial role in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Note: Other six ships of this class — Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri — are at various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.

About INS Surat

  • INS Surat is the fourth and final stealth guided missile destroyer under Project 15B.
    • INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal have been commissioned over the past three years.
  • Key Features: 
    • INS Surat is a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and overall length of 164 metres.
    • INS Surat:
      • is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
      • is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set comprising four gas turbines, it has achieved speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) during sea trials.
      • has modern sensors and communication facilities making them a key asset in network-centric warfare.
      • is Indian Navy’s first Al (artificial intelligence) enabled warship, which will utilise indigenously developed Al solutions to enhance its operational efficiency manifold.
  • Indigeneously built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
  • Significance: The warships have high speed and manoeuvrability, greater strike capability, and longer endurance, making them key assets in naval operations (mainly offensive).
  • Note:
    • Project 15A: The guided missile destroyers of the Kolkata class built under the project codenamed 15A — INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai — have been commissioned into the Navy.
    • Project 15B: To build an advanced variant of the Kolkata class, a contract for the construction of four more guided missile destroyers under the project codenamed 15B was signed in 2011.

About INS Vaghsheer

  • The sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project or Kalvari class submarine built under Project 75. 
    • Vaghsheer is named after a type of sandfish found in the Indian Ocean.
  • Design is based on the Scorpene class submarines developed by the French defence major Naval Group, and the Spanish state-owned entity Navantia.
  • Key Features:
    • The submarines have Diesel Electric transmission systems.
    • One of the world’s most silent and versatile diesel-electric class of submarines. 
    • They are attack submarines or the ‘hunter-killer’ type which are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels.
      • armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems.
      • allows for future upgrades such as integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
    • Have the capability of operating in a wide range of Naval combat including:
      • anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare
      • intelligence gathering and surveillance
      • underwater mining operations and naval mine laying.

Project 75

  • Under Project 75, six Scorpene-class submarines (Kalvari class) are being constructed indigenously (at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Mumbai) with Transfer of Technology from France. 
  • The project was initiated in 1997, and five submarines are currently commissioned. Submarines under Project 75 (Kalvari-class): 
    • INS Kalvari: Inducted in 2017 
    • INS Kandheri: Inducted in 2019 
    • INS Karanj: Inducted in 2021 
    • INS Vela: Inducted 2021 
    • INS Vagir: Inducted 2023
    • INS Vagsheer: Commissioned in Jan 2025. 
  • Budget size: Rs 23,000 crore. 

Conclusion: Addition of these three vessels was a step towards achieving the force level required for the Navy to be a formidable deterrent against any regional threats, and to bolster India’s strategic maritime influence in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. 

National Turmeric Board

Context: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has established the National Turmeric Board of India at Nizamabad, Telangana.

Relevance of the Topic Prelims: Key facts about the National Turmeric Board. 

About National Turmeric Board

  • The National Turmeric Board is a dedicated body that will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
  • Nature: It is not a statutory body.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 
  • Functions: The board will perform following functions;
    • Trade policy: It will work on policy formulation to increase turmeric yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets. The board has been constituted to boost turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030. 
    • R&D and value addition: It will promote research and development of new turmeric products, and will look into value addition of turmeric related products for marketing abroad. 
    • Ensure quality and safety standards: It will ensure quality and safety standards of turmeric production and exports. It will put efforts to enhance the capacity of farmers and food producer agencies for the same. 
    • Awareness generation: It will work on awareness generation about the medicinal and essential properties of turmeric.

About Turmeric

  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant from the Ginger family grown in temperature conditions of 20-30 degrees Celsius and high rainfall conditions.
  • India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric with 75% of global production.
  • It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and finds its mention in Ayurveda as Haridra.
  • More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. 
  • The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
  • The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia.

India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Issue

Context: Bangladesh has lodged opposition to India’s efforts to fence the India-Bangladesh border.

Relevance of the TopicMains: India and its neighbours- India-Bangladesh relations and issues.

Major Highlights:

  • India and Bangladesh share a 4096 kms long complex border (India's longest terrestrial border) with various terrains like marshy land of Sunderbans.  
  • India has been working on fencing the border for several years to address security concerns, but this initiative has faced opposition from Bangladesh, citing legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic challenges.

What are the Issues?

  • Border dispute: India and Bangladesh border is a densely populated area and lacks clear demarcation of border in riverine or marshy areas.
  • Security concerns: India has initiated fencing of the border as the porous border facilitates illegal migration, smuggling of goods, trafficking of women and children and drug trade.
  • Humanitarian and social impact: The regime change in Bangladesh is leading to hardships of people. This is leading to a threat of mass migration to India.

Arguments presented by Bangladesh

Bangladesh presented following arguments to restrain Indian efforts of fencing;

  • Violation of Agreements: Bangladesh claims that India’s fencing efforts violate the Indra-Mujib Accord of 1974, according to which there should be no fencing within 150 yards of the border.
  • Encroachment concerns: Bangladesh has raised concerns that fencing in some areas, particularly near riverine borders, results in the occupation of disputed land or encroachment into Bangladeshi territory.
  • Humanitarian issues: Fencing near residential and agriculture areas will restrain free movement, hampering livelihood of locals.

Indian response to Bangladesh’s arguments

  • Security justification: India has emphasised the need of fencing to prevent;
    • Illegal infiltration
    • Threats of cross-border terrorism 
    • Organised crimes like goods smuggling and human trafficking.
  • Commitment and cooperation: India has reiterated commitment to peace in the region, as India is fencing on the Indian side.
  • Diplomatic measures: India has proposed a joint survey, consultation and high level discussion to address concerns related to fencing alignment and humanitarian issues.
image 124

Way Forward

  • Enhancing dialogue: Border forces of both nations should engage in high level i.e. Director General level border talks. 
  • Joint Border management: India and Bangladesh should establish joint patrols and surveillance mechanisms to reduce reliance on fencing alone.
  • Alternate measures: Both nations can establish economic corridors and integrated check posts to facilitate legal migration to sustain livelihood of locals.

Other issues between India and Bangladesh

Apart from border dispute there are various other issues between India and Bangladesh

  • Illegal migration: Cross border migration has been a contentious issue, with India raising concerns about influx of illegal migrants into states like Assam and West Bengal.
  • Organised crimes: India-Bangladesh face issues like goods smuggling and Human trafficking. Also, cattle smuggling and urea smuggling are persistent. 
  • Water sharing dispute: India and Bangladesh have various river water sharing issues like Teesta river and Brahmaputra water sharing issue.
  • Energy cooperation challenges: Bangladesh is facing challenges with the Adani powers on energy sharing agreement due to delay in payments.
  • Minority issues: There have been persistent issues of attack on minorities in Bangladesh. India has lodged multiple concerns about protection of minorities in Bangladesh. E.g., Attack on ISKCON in Bangladesh.

Read More:  India - Bangladesh border

Conclusion: Despite ongoing issues such as border disputes, water sharing, and trade imbalances, India and Bangladesh continue to prioritise cooperation. Diplomatic efforts, joint initiatives, and dialogue mechanisms remain essential in resolving conflicts and enhancing bilateral relations, fostering stability and growth in the region for both nations.

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