1. Stepping Stone: On Shubhanshu Shukla, NASA-Axiom-ISRO Tie-up
- Syllabus Relevance:
- GS3: Science & Technology (Space Technology): Developments in space; applications of space technology; indigenous space programme; international space collaborations.
- GS2: International Relations (Science Diplomacy): Bilateral and multilateral agreements involving India; effect of policies of developed countries on India’s interests.
- Core Argument: The editorial praises the strategic significance of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in a NASA-Axiom mission to the ISS, viewing it as a critical preparatory step for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. However, it strongly criticizes ISRO’s lack of transparency and proactive communication regarding this high-profile and costly endeavor.
- Key Points for UPSC:
- Gaganyaan Mission Context: India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission, aiming to send astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2025. This NASA-Axiom mission provides crucial hands-on experience for Gaganyaan astronauts.
- Strategic Collaboration:
- Knowledge Transfer: Exposure to ISS operations, emergency protocols, spacecraft systems (docking, re-entry), and life in microgravity, which is invaluable for a nascent human spaceflight program.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The editorial points out that training with NASA-Axiom (₹500+ crore investment) is more economical and efficient than developing independent, specialized training facilities from scratch.
- Science Diplomacy & Soft Power: Such collaborations enhance India’s credibility in the global space arena and contribute to its soft power projection.
- Critique of ISRO’s Communication:
- “Piecemeal Communication”: The editorial highlights a perceived lack of transparency and proactive information dissemination from ISRO regarding the mission details, including astronaut selection, training specifics, and mission objectives.
- Need for Public Engagement: It argues that public access and engagement (e.g., with astronauts) are vital for building excitement, inspiring future generations in STEM fields, and justifying large public investments in space.
- Contrast with NASA/SpaceX: Implicitly, the editorial contrasts ISRO’s communication style with that of NASA or private space companies like SpaceX, which often engage in extensive public outreach.
- Future Implications: The success of this mission is crucial for the Gaganyaan timeline and for establishing India as a key player in human space exploration. It also sets a precedent for future international collaborations.
- UPSC Linkage: Highly relevant for questions on India’s space program, human spaceflight missions, international collaborations in science and technology, space diplomacy, and the importance of science communication in public policy.
2. India Warns Against ‘Double Standards’ Over Russian Oil
- Syllabus Relevance:
- GS2: International Relations (India’s Foreign Policy, Bilateral & Multilateral Groupings, Effect of Policies of Developed Countries); Impact of global events on India’s interests.
- GS3: Indian Economy (Energy Security, International Trade, Impact of Sanctions).
- Core Argument: The editorial highlights India’s strong and consistent stance against “double standards” from the U.S. and its allies regarding India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. India prioritizes its energy security and sovereign right to trade based on national interests.
- Key Points for UPSC:
- Context: Escalating Western pressure on countries like India, China, and Brazil to reduce trade with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict. This includes discussions on secondary sanctions (targeting third parties dealing with sanctioned entities).
- India’s Stance:
- National Interest Paramount: India’s MEA consistently reiterates that securing the energy needs of its vast population and growing economy is an “overriding priority.” India purchases discounted Russian oil based on “market availability and prevailing global circumstances.”
- Opposition to Unilateral Sanctions: India consistently opposes unilateral sanctions not sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), viewing them as an infringement on national sovereignty.
- “Strategic Autonomy”: India’s foreign policy doctrine emphasizes maintaining independent relations with all major powers (West and Russia) based on its own interests, without being forced to choose sides.
- “Double Standards” Argument:
- European Hypocrisy: India implicitly points to the historical and, in some cases, ongoing reliance of several European nations (including NATO members) on Russian oil and gas, even while they pressure others. This highlights the perceived hypocrisy.
- Refined Russian Oil: The fact that India refines Russian crude and exports petroleum products to Europe means Europe is indirectly consuming Russian oil, further illustrating the complexity.
- Implications:
- Geopolitical Balancing Act: India is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing relations with the US and Europe (strategic partners) and Russia (traditional defense partner and affordable energy supplier).
- Energy Diversification: The pressure reinforces India’s push for diversifying its energy sources (e.g., exploring new producers like Guyana, increasing domestic output) to enhance resilience.
- Challenges to Multilateralism: Unilateral sanctions undermine multilateral frameworks and international cooperation based on rules.
- UPSC Linkage: Highly relevant for questions on India’s foreign policy evolution, energy security challenges, the impact of geopolitical conflicts on international trade, strategic autonomy, and the effectiveness/ethics of unilateral sanctions.
