| Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology |
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Space Debris and Legal Issues
- There is no universally accepted legal definition of space debris in international treaties.
- The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space defines space debris as non-functional man-made objects in orbit or re-entering the atmosphere.
- Legal disputes focus on whether debris qualifies as a “space object” under the 1972 Liability Convention.
- The 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds states responsible for all national space activities, including private entities.
- The 1972 Liability Convention imposes absolute liability on states for damage caused by space objects on Earth.
Challenges in Legal Enforcement
- Despite legal provisions, enforcement is difficult due to diplomatic negotiations and prolonged settlements.
- A past case of a Soviet satellite crash in Canada in 1978 resulted in years of negotiations, securing only half of the cleanup cost.
- Identifying the origin of debris adds complexity, making liability enforcement challenging.
Growing Risks of Uncontrolled Reentries
- Recent incidents include a rocket fragment falling in Poland and a massive rocket stage plunging into the Pacific Ocean.
- Many older rockets lack controlled reentry mechanisms, increasing the risk of debris falling unpredictably.
- The rapid expansion of satellite constellations, with over 100,000 satellites expected by 2030, will worsen the issue.
Need for Stronger Regulations
- Current space regulations lack mandatory oversight for reentries unless damage occurs.
- Global agreements must enforce controlled reentries and impose penalties on non-compliant actors.
- National governments should require companies to adopt debris mitigation strategies.
- Improved tracking systems can enhance monitoring and predict reentries.
- Sustainable space practices, such as reusable rockets and debris-neutral technologies, should be incentivized.
- The 1972 Liability Convention should be updated to include an independent international tribunal with enforcement powers.
Conclusion
- Space debris poses a serious risk, and voluntary guidelines are insufficient.
- Strong global cooperation, enforceable laws, and accountability mechanisms are needed to prevent future incidents.
| Space Debris Mitigation Initiatives by Space Agencies |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges posed by space debris and evaluate the effectiveness of international legal frameworks in addressing liability and mitigation. Suggest measures for enhancing global cooperation in space debris management. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. A brief history of the Russia-Ukraine war
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
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How the War Began: A Brief History
- Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, expecting a quick victory.
- Western nations, including the U.S., initially believed Kyiv would fall quickly and vacated their embassies.
- Ukraine, with U.S.-supplied weapons, resisted, forcing the West to intervene.
- The U.S. imposed strict sanctions on Russia and provided military aid to Ukraine.
- By late 2022, Ukraine regained some territories, such as Kharkiv and Kherson.
- In response, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—and called for partial mobilization.
- Russia shifted economic focus to Asian markets, including China and India, to counter sanctions.
Current Status of the War
- By 2023, Russia gradually took control of Ukrainian territories, including Soledar in January and Bakhmut in May.
- In 2024, Russia advanced further, capturing Avdiivka in February, Krasnohorivka in September, and Vuhledar in October.
- Ukraine’s June 2023 counteroffensive failed, as Russia’s defenses remained strong.
- In August 2024, Ukraine briefly seized 1,000 sq. km in Russia’s Kursk region but failed to stop Russia’s advances in the east.
- By early 2025, Russia captured around 4,168 sq. km in both Ukraine and Russia.
- Ukraine increased drone and missile strikes inside Russia but remained on the defensive.
Trump’s Policy Shift
- During his campaign, Mr. Trump promised to end the war quickly.
- After taking office in January 2025, his administration announced that Ukraine would not be a NATO member.
- The U.S. also ruled out any security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Mr. Trump held direct talks with Mr. Putin, signaling a reset in U.S.-Russia relations.
- The U.S. now views China as the main global threat and seeks to prevent a strong Russia-China alliance.
- Mr. Trump believes Ukraine cannot win the war even with U.S. support and wants Kyiv to accept a peace deal.
Europe’s Response
- European nations are struggling with the sudden U.S. policy change.
- In 2008, the U.S. promised NATO membership to Ukraine, but Germany and France were hesitant.
- After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Europe supported peace talks under the Minsk agreements, but they failed.
- Since the war began, Europe has faced economic challenges, including energy shortages and de-industrialization.
- Germany is in a recession for the third consecutive year, and far-right political groups are rising.
- Now, the U.S. is negotiating with Russia without including Ukraine or Europe.
- European countries have held emergency meetings to support Ukraine but lack independent security guarantees.
Ukraine’s Difficult Position
- Ukraine has lost over 20% of its land to Russia and suffered heavy military losses.
- Millions of Ukrainians have fled, and the economy is in crisis.
- Ukraine depends on foreign aid for weapons, and its army is running low on manpower.
- U.S. officials acknowledge that Ukraine cannot reclaim lost land.
- NATO membership, once promised, is no longer an option.
Conclusion
- Ukraine faces two bad choices: continue fighting and risk losing more territory or accept a U.S.-Russia peace deal on unfavorable terms.
- The conflict highlights how powerful nations use smaller countries in their strategic battles, leaving Ukraine in a vulnerable position.
| Practice Question: Analyze the impact of the U.S.’s changing stance on the Ukraine conflict on global power dynamics. How should India navigate its diplomatic and strategic interests in light of these developments? (150 Words /10 marks) |
3. Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs: A New Trade Challenge for India and Global Markets
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
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Analysis of the news:
Overview of Trump’s Tariff Policy
- The policy aims to counter what Trump calls unfair tariff practices, with India, China, and the EU imposing higher tariffs on U.S. goods.
- This move signals a shift in U.S. trade strategy, challenging existing agreements and WTO norms.
Uncertainty for India’s Trade Relations
- India is negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S., hoping for tariff concessions.
- However, Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and similar actions against Canada and Mexico raise doubts about American adherence to trade deals.
- The disregard for NAFTA, replaced by USMCA, highlights potential risks for India’s trade commitments.
Agriculture: The Most Vulnerable Sector
- India’s high agricultural tariffs (39% simple average, 65% trade-weighted) contrast sharply with the U.S.’s 5% simple average, 4% trade-weighted tariffs.
- This disparity makes India’s farm sector highly susceptible to reciprocal tariffs, especially amid ongoing farmer protests demanding Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees.
Impact on Key Industries: Automobiles and Pharmaceuticals
- High tariff differentials in key industries—automobiles (23.1%) and pharmaceuticals (8%)—could lead to reduced exports and increased costs in the U.S. market.
- Given that pharmaceuticals make up 21.9% of India’s $20 billion exports to the U.S., India may need to diversify export destinations and explore joint ventures or assembly units in the U.S. to mitigate risks.
WTO Challenges and U.S. Trade Policy Shifts
- Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda questions the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) relevance, criticizing Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provisions that allow developing nations, including India, to receive trade benefits.
- The U.S. also criticizes China’s state-led economic model, arguing it contradicts WTO principles, signaling a potential shift away from multilateral trade norms.
Conclusion:
- India faces significant trade challenges due to Trump’s tariff policy, affecting agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
- To mitigate risks, India must diversify trade markets, seek strategic partnerships, and strengthen domestic industries to withstand global tariff pressures while navigating an uncertain WTO framework.
| Practice Question: The U.S.’s policy of reciprocal tariffs challenges existing trade agreements and disproportionately impacts developing nations like India. Analyze the implications of these tariffs on India’s economy, key industries, and global trade relations. Suggest strategies for India to mitigate these challenges while maintaining its trade competitiveness. (250 Words /15 marks) |
4. NITI Aayog announces Frontier Tech Hub and releases a paper on “Quantum Computing: National Security Implications & Strategic Preparedness”
| Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Science and Technology |
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India’s Vision for a Developed Nation by 2047
- India aims to become a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
- Achieving this goal requires rapid and sustained growth along with a major transformation in society and the economy.
- The advancements in Frontier Technologies provide an opportunity to drive this transformation.
Role of Emerging Technologies
- Technologies are evolving at an unprecedented pace, offering solutions to accelerate development.
- India needs to embrace emerging technologies before they become mainstream.
- Strategic investments in research, innovation, and global partnerships are necessary to maintain a leadership position in technology.
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH)
- The NITI Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH) is established as a Frontier Tech Action Tank to drive technological transformation.
- It focuses on:
- Enhancing India’s readiness for innovation and economic growth.
- Promoting a human-centric approach to technology for the benefit of society and the environment.
- The Hub collaborates with industry, academia, and the government to analyze technology trends and provide actionable insights.
Key Insights from the Strategic Paper on Quantum Computing
- Rapid Advancements: Quantum computing is evolving quickly, with major implications for national security and technological progress.
- Security Challenges: Traditional encryption methods may become vulnerable, necessitating quantum-safe cryptography for data protection.
- Economic Potential: Quantum computing can transform sectors like finance, healthcare, and artificial intelligence by enhancing computational capabilities.
- Need for Early Adoption: India must invest in research, talent development, and infrastructure to stay ahead in the quantum race.
- Policy Framework: A national strategy is essential to guide development, innovation, and collaboration in quantum technologies.
| Practice Question: How can Quantum Computing impact India’s national security and economic development? Suggest policy measures to enhance India’s preparedness in this emerging technology. (150 Words /10 marks) |
5. Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative Launched; One Model Gram Panchayat to be developed in each District
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives |
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Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative
- Objective: Establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district to promote women’s participation and welfare at the grassroots level.
- Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard: A digital platform to track progress, analyze data, and enhance women’s leadership in rural governance.
- Virtual Training Programs: Specialized leadership and governance training for women sarpanchs to ensure effective implementation of schemes.
- Health Initiatives: Integration of government programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana, Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, and Village Health Committees to improve maternal and child health.
- Women’s Leadership: Selection of 770 Model Gram Panchayats for targeted development, with a focus on policy-making and implementation of central schemes.
- UNFPA Collaboration: Learning from successful models in Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan to strengthen local governance.
- Mahila Gram Sabha (March 8, 2025): A nationwide event to reinforce gender equality and sustainable
Prelims Facts
1. ‘Endogamy key cause of population-specific diseases’
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Impact of Endogamy on Population-Specific Genetic Diseases in India
- Genetic Variants: Endogamy leads to a higher prevalence of disease-causing genetic variants, some of which are unique to specific communities.
- Hereditary Diseases: Many population-specific hereditary diseases in India are linked to novel genetic mutations due to inbreeding.
- Case Study – Ankylosing Spondylitis: The study found a high incidence of ankylosing spondylitis in the Reddy community, linked to a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.
- Drug Response Variability: Genetic variations influence how different populations respond to common drugs.
- Need for Genetic Screening: Findings highlight the importance of genetic screening, counseling, and personalized medicine to improve health outcomes.
- Research by CSIR-CCMB: The study by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) emphasizes the impact of endogamy on genetic diseases and drug metabolism.
2. Ukraine’s Starlink Dependency at Risk: Eutelsat Emerges as a Key Alternative
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Analysis of the news:
Starlink’s Crucial Role in Ukraine
- Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s communication infrastructure has been severely damaged, making Starlink’s satellite internet indispensable for both civilians and military operations.
- It enables battlefield communication, mitigates signal jamming, and previously assisted in guiding attack drones before SpaceX restricted its use.
- Initially funded by SpaceX, the service is now financed by the U.S. government and Poland.
Eutelsat: A Potential Alternative?
- Eutelsat, a Franco-British company, became Starlink’s only major competitor after merging with OneWeb in 2023.
- While Starlink operates over 7,000 satellites, Eutelsat has only 630 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites but compensates with 35 geostationary satellites.
- Starlink offers faster speeds (200 Mbps vs. 150 Mbps) and is more affordable ($589 one-time fee vs. OneWeb’s $10,000 setup).
- However, Eutelsat remains a viable option for government and military use.
Other Satellite Alternatives
- Luxembourg-based SES provides satellite services to NATO through its 03b mPOWER constellation in medium-earth orbit (MEO).
- However, SES prioritizes corporate and military clients, lacking a direct-to-consumer option, making it a less flexible alternative for Ukraine’s widespread connectivity needs.
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