TAMIL NADU’S SPACE INDUSTRIAL POLICY
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
On April 17, 2025, Tamil Nadu approved its Space Industrial Policy, aiming to boost investments and job creation in the space sector. This makes Tamil Nadu the third Indian state, after Karnataka and Gujarat, to launch a dedicated space policy.
Background and Context:
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 provided a national framework to support space-related industries.
- Tamil Nadu followed up with its state-level policy to promote growth in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and related sectors.
Why Tamil Nadu Took This Step:
- Central government body IN-SPACe advised the State to design a policy to encourage private participation.
- The State had earlier listed space as a priority sector under its Aerospace and Defence Policy.
- Over 250 vendors in Tamil Nadu already supply components to ISRO.
Strategic Advantage of Tamil Nadu:
- ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) is located in Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli, supporting testing and development of launch engines.
- A new spaceport is under construction at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi.
- The Space Technology Incubation Centre at NIT Tiruchirapalli supports ISRO’s research and projects.
- Several startups are active in launch technology, in-orbit services, and satellite data processing.
Policy Objectives:
- ₹10,000 crore investment goal over five years.
- Aim to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Strengthen sectors like electronics, advanced manufacturing, and precision components.
- Use space tech in agriculture, fisheries, disaster management, health, and urban planning to improve governance.
Incentives and Support Measures:
- Payroll subsidies for firms doing R&D or setting up global capability centers in space.
- Space Bays (special zones) to offer incentive packages for investments under ₹300 crore.
- Industrial housing support: 10% subsidy on building residential units in industrial parks (max ₹10 crore).
- Green initiatives subsidy: 25% support on capital expenses for sustainable projects (max ₹5 crore).
- TIDCO signed MoU with IN-SPACe to assist startups and firms in setting up units.
Conclusion:
Tamil Nadu’s new space policy aims to make the State a strong player in India’s growing private space sector. By supporting innovation, attracting investment, and creating jobs, the policy could help the State become a key hub for space technology.
SHIFT IN FREE SPEECH JURISPRUDENCE AND ARREST OF PROFESSOR ALI KHAN MAHMUDABAD
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested in connection with his social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail but refused to halt the investigation, raising important questions about free speech limits in India.
Background of the Case
- Who is Ali Khan Mahmudabad?
A professor at Ashoka University, who posted on social media criticizing aspects of the India-Pakistan conflict and the handling of domestic issues like mob violence and property demolitions.
What did his posts say?
- He condemned violence on both sides and praised India’s armed forces for showing restraint.
- Highlighted the inclusion of women officers in Indian military briefings as a sign of pluralism but warned this would be meaningless without real changes on the ground.
- Criticized online abuse against Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri for announcing a ceasefire. Denounced the public’s aggressive desire for war.
Charges Against Mahmudabad
- Charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, based on complaints by BJP Yuva Morcha leader Yogesh Jathedi and Haryana Women’s Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia.
- FIRs include:
- Section 152: Acts threatening India’s sovereignty and unity (similar to sedition).
- Section 196(1)(b): Disturbing communal harmony.
- Section 197(1)(c): Statements harmful to national integration.
- Section 299: Hurting religious feelings.
- Section 79: Insulting a woman’s modesty.
- Section 353: Causing public mischief.
Supreme Court’s Response
- Granted interim bail to help with investigation but refused to stop the probe.
- Noted some words in his posts had dual meanings, hence ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the context.
- Senior advocate argued Mahmudabad had no criminal intent and was expressing patriotism.
Freedom of Speech and Its Limits
- Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
- Restrictions are only allowed on eight specific grounds listed in Article 19(2), such as public order and incitement to offense.
- In Shreya Singhal (2015), the Supreme Court ruled vague laws cannot criminalize speech just because it is “offensive” or “disturbing.”
- The Kaushal Kishor (2023) case reaffirmed these grounds as exhaustive, emphasizing protection for even uncomfortable or complex speech.
Concerns About Recent Trends
- Some experts fear the current ruling deviates from earlier Supreme Court principles, potentially criminalizing “unpatriotic” speech.
- The Court in March 2025 emphasized speech must be judged from the perspective of reasonable and strong-minded individuals, not from those who feel threatened by criticism.
- Legal experts warn judges are sometimes influenced by personal biases or public pressure, affecting impartial decisions on free speech cases.
Conclusion
The arrest of Professor Mahmudabad highlights ongoing tensions between protecting free speech and maintaining public order. The Supreme Court’s approach signals a potential shift in how free speech cases may be handled, raising concerns about safeguarding constitutional rights against vague or broad interpretations of sedition and related laws.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR INDIAN AGRICULTURE IN GLOBAL TRADE
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s total exports grew in FY25, but agricultural trade faces mixed trends. A growing dependence on imports (especially edible oils) and inconsistent policies pose challenges to Indian agriculture’s global competitiveness.
India’s Trade in FY25
- Total exports reached $820.93 billion, a 6.5% rise from the previous year.
- Merchandise exports were valued at $437.42 billion (53% share).
- Service exports totaled $383.51 billion (47%), driven by IT and finance sectors.
- Imports stood at $915.19 billion, growing faster than exports.
- The trade deficit widened to $94.26 billion, up from $78.39 billion in FY24.
- The trade-to-GDP ratio rose to 41.4%, showing stronger global integration.
Agricultural Trade Trends
- Agri-exports increased modestly to $52 billion in FY25 from $48.9 billion.
- Despite this, growth remains slow, far from the $100-billion target by 2030.
- Agri-trade surplus fell to $13.8 billion from $27.7 billion in FY14.
- Growth has slowed over the past decade to just 2.3% per year.
Policy Uncertainty and Export Curbs
- Frequent bans on rice, wheat, sugar, onions disrupt export momentum.
- Restrictions driven by inflation control often harm global trade reputation.
- Example: Rice export controls in 2022-23 reduced volumes but raised global prices.
Concerns in Rice Trade
- India exported 20.2 million metric tonnes of rice in FY25, worth $12.5 billion.
- Exporting rice uses large amounts of water—roughly 40 billion cubic meters.
- Production depends on subsidised inputs like water, power, and fertilisers.
- Suggestion: A moderate export tax (10-15%) can help manage prices and revenue.
High Dependence on Edible Oil Imports
- India imported 16.4 MMT of edible oil worth $17.3 billion in FY25.
- Palm oil, soybean, and sunflower are major imported oils.
- This makes up over 55% of India’s oil consumption—unsustainable in the long run.
Need for Domestic Solutions
- Promote oil palm cultivation — high yield but takes 4–6 years to mature.
- Small farmers need financial support during non-productive years.
- Encourage better processing techniques to raise oil recovery.
- Suggested model: Corporate leasing + FPO collaboration, with government oversight.
Way Forward
- India needs stable trade policies, avoiding frequent bans.
- Focus on sustainable productivity: better seeds, irrigation, R&D, precision farming.
- Long-term investments and consistent strategies can boost exports, farmer income, and sustainability.
Conclusion:
India’s agricultural sector can benefit from trade if it adopts a stable policy approach and invests in sustainable productivity. This will strengthen export performance and reduce import dependence.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS (FTAS) AND INDIA’S FARM TRADE
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
India’s farm trade surplus is under pressure as agricultural imports are rising faster than exports. Ongoing FTA talks with the US, EU, and UK may increase this pressure by reducing import duties and allowing greater market access for foreign agricultural goods.
India’s Agricultural Trade Trends
- Agricultural exports rose to $51.9 billion in 2024–25, a 6.4% increase from the previous year.
- However, agri-imports grew by 17.2%, reaching an all-time high of $38.5 billion.
- This reduced India’s agri-trade surplus from $27.7 billion (2013–14) to $13.4 billion (2024–25).
Export Highlights
- Marine products, mainly shrimp, saw a dip due to high tariffs in the US.
- Rice exports (basmati and non-basmati) hit a record $12.5 billion, going mostly to West Asia and Africa.
- Coffee and tobacco exports rose due to crop failures in Brazil and other nations.
- Spice exports like chilli and cumin surged, while imports of cardamom and pepper also increased.
- Wheat, sugar, and cotton exports declined due to domestic shortages and export restrictions.
Rising Import Concerns
- Edible oil and pulses continue to dominate agri-imports due to low domestic yields and lack of MSP support.
- Cotton and rubber imports are increasing as domestic production falls.
- Fruits, wines, and nuts imports may rise further due to FTAs.
Possible Impact of FTAs
- FTAs may push India to cut tariffs, allowing more foreign farm products.
- The US is likely to demand access for GM crops like maize, soybean, and cotton.
- These changes could further reduce India’s farm trade surplus and hurt local farmers.
Conclusion:
While FTAs can expand global trade ties, India must carefully manage tariff cuts and import flows to protect its farmers and maintain a healthy agri-trade balance.
ORANS IN RAJASTHAN
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Rajasthan has started identifying and declaring the sacred community-protected lands called Orans as forests. This step follows the Supreme Court’s December 2024 order to recognise such lands under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
What are Orans?
- Orans are sacred forest patches in Rajasthan, protected by local rural communities.
- These lands are traditionally dedicated to local deities and used for religious and cultural practices.
- They are usually community-managed and form part of the socio-cultural fabric of villages.
Ecological and Livelihood Importance
- Orans are rich in biodiversity and serve as grazing grounds for livestock.
- They support natural water bodies like ponds (talab), streams, and wells, essential for both animals and humans.
- These areas help with groundwater recharge and provide forest products for daily needs.
- They also support the rural livestock-based economy by offering grazing lands.
Habitat for Endangered Species
- Orans serve as one of the last safe habitats for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
- The GIB is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and is Rajasthan’s State Bird.
Legal and Conservation Concerns
- Until 2023, Rajasthan’s Forest policy classified Orans as community lands, offering limited legal protection.
- This left them vulnerable to land encroachment and misuse.
- On 18 December 2024, the Supreme Court declared Orans as forests under the Forest Conservation Act, ensuring better conservation and legal safeguards.
Way Forward
- The state must now map, classify, and notify all Oran lands as forests.
- Local communities should be involved in future conservation efforts for sustainable protection.
Conclusion:
Orans represent a blend of traditional belief and ecological sustainability. Their legal recognition as forests will strengthen grassroots conservation and help protect rare species like the Great Indian Bustard.
TIANWEN-2 MISSION – CHINA’S ASTEROID SAMPLING PROJECT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
China is preparing to launch the Tianwen-2 mission to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid Kamo‘oalewa. This mission aims to advance China’s deep space exploration goals.
Tianwen-2 Mission
- Launch Vehicle: Long March 3B rocket.
- Launch Location: Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, Sichuan Province, China.
- Space Agency: China National Space Administration (CNSA).
- Mission Goal:
- First, visit asteroid Kamo‘oalewa to study and collect surface samples.
- Then, continue to the asteroid belt to study a small comet named 311P/PANSTARRS.
About Asteroid Kamo‘oalewa
- Discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
- It is a quasi-satellite of Earth – it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth due to gravitational pull.
- Appears to move around Earth because of its orbital path.
- Has remained in this orbit for about 100 years and is expected to stay for another 300 years.
Sampling Technique of Tianwen-2
- Will use a “touch-and-go” method where the spacecraft briefly touches the surface to collect material.
- This technique was used earlier by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and Japan’s Hayabusa2 missions.
- A backup “anchor-and-attach” method may be used if needed — using robotic arms to drill and gather deeper samples.
The Tianwen Series
- Named after the Chinese poem Tianwen (meaning “Heavenly Questions”).
- Tianwen-1 (2020): First Chinese Mars mission — included orbiter, lander, and rover.
- Tianwen-3 (planned for 2028): Will attempt to bring back samples from Mars.
Conclusion:
The Tianwen-2 mission marks another step in China’s expanding role in space science, especially in asteroid and interplanetary exploration.
NITI AAYOG & 10TH GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog was recently held in New Delhi. It was chaired by the Prime Minister and focused on the theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047”.
What is NITI Aayog?
- Full Form: National Institution for Transforming India.
- Established: January 2015, by a Cabinet resolution.
- Replaced: The Planning Commission.
- Nature: It is an executive body — not statutory or constitutional.
Main Mandates
- Promote cooperative and competitive federalism by involving States/UTs in policymaking.
- Coordinate and monitor Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level.
Structure and Composition
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India.
- Members:
Chief Ministers of all States and UTs with legislatures.
- Lieutenant Governors of other UTs.
- Up to four Union Ministers nominated by the PM.
- A Vice-Chairperson (appointed by the PM).
- Full-time members and domain experts as special invitees.
- Regional Councils: Formed for limited periods to address region-specific concerns.
CEO of NITI Aayog
- Appointed by the Prime Minister.
- Holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Objectives
- Draft inclusive development plans focusing on the poor and marginalized.
- Ensure national security priorities are reflected in economic strategies.
- Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-driven development.
- Resolve inter-departmental and cross-sector coordination issues.
Conclusion:
NITI Aayog plays a vital role in shaping India’s development roadmap through coordination, innovation, and partnership with States, helping the country aim for “Viksit Bharat @2047”.
DEBT RECOVERY TRIBUNALS (DRTS) AND DEBT RECOVERY APPELLATE TRIBUNALS (DRATS)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, recently organized a meeting in New Delhi with Chairpersons of Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) and Presiding Officers of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) to discuss debt recovery mechanisms.
What are Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs)?
- Established under the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993.
- Quasi-judicial bodies that handle disputes related to loan recovery involving banks and financial institutions.
- They primarily deal with cases where the loan amount involved is above ₹20 lakh and mostly secured debts.
- Also hear cases filed under the SARFAESI Act, 2002, related to securitisation and asset reconstruction.
Structure of DRTs
- Headed by a Presiding Officer, who is a judicial officer qualified to be a District Judge.
- May have administrative and technical members appointed by the Central Government.
- Currently, there are 39 DRTs across India, each with defined territorial jurisdiction.
Powers of DRTs (Section 22(2) of Recovery of Debts Act)
- Summon and examine witnesses.
- Order production of documents.
- Accept evidence on affidavits.
- Review or dismiss applications.
- Conduct hearings without the presence of one party (ex parte).
- Issue commissions to investigate documents or examine witnesses.
Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs)
- Serve as appellate bodies to hear appeals against DRT decisions.
- Ensure judicial review and uniformity in debt recovery rulings.
- Currently, there are 5 DRATs in India, each led by a chairperson.
The post Daily Current Affairs 26-May-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.