Current Affairs 26 May 2025

Content:

1. Why has Tamil Nadu adopted a space sector policy?
2. India views China as ‘primary adversary’ and Pakistan more as ‘ancillary’ security problem, says U.S. report
3. Need to go full throttle on indigenous defence systems: ex-DRDO chief
4. Meghalaya’s new cave-dwelling fish adapts to streams overground: study
5. The maths of how India’s coastline lengthened without gaining land

Why has Tamil Nadu adopted a space sector policy?

Context :

• To follow the national Indian Space Policy 2023 and join states like Karnataka and Gujarat in fostering a regional space ecosystem.
• Encouraged by IN-SPACe (a central government body) to frame a state-specific strategy for space sector growth.
• Builds on Tamil Nadu’s existing Aerospace & Defence (A&D) Policy where space was already identified as a priority.
• Leverages Tamil Nadu’s strong base of over 250 ISRO-linked vendors and advanced capabilities in electronics and precision manufacturing.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Space)

How is Tamil Nadu strategically placed for the space sector?

• ISRO Presence:
  • ISRO Propulsion Complex (IRPC) at Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli for cryogenic and earth storable engine testing and R&D.
  • Construction of India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi.
• Startup Ecosystem:
  • Emerging space-tech startups focusing on launch vehicles, reusable systems, in-space manufacturing, and data fusion.
• Academic Infrastructure:
  • Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at NIT Trichy supports ISRO’s developmental projects in the southern region.

What are the policy’s key objectives and features?

• Investment Goal: Attract ₹10,000 crore investments in 5 years.
• Employment Generation: Targeting 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• Sectoral Integration:
  • Utilise space tech in governance (e.g., agriculture, disaster management, health, fisheries, urban administration).
• Industrial Infrastructure:
  • Creation of Space Bays with incentives for investments below ₹300 crore.
  • Space Industrial Parks eligible for 10% housing development incentive (₹10 crore cap).
• R&D Support:
  • Payroll subsidies for companies engaged in space R&D or establishing global capability centres.
• Green Incentives:
  • 25% capital subsidy for sustainable/green initiatives (up to ₹5 crore).

Will it generate employment and growth?

• Yes, with a clear aim to:
  • Generate nearly 10,000 jobs.
  • Boost startup participation in high-tech manufacturing and design.
  • Anchor Tamil Nadu as a key player in India’s commercial space economy.

Conclusion:

• The policy is strategic, investment-driven, and future-facing, aligning with national priorities while leveraging state strengths.
• It enhances Tamil Nadu’s positioning in India’s evolving space ecosystem and fosters innovation, job creation, and technology integration across sectors.

India views China as ‘primary adversary’ and Pakistan more as ‘ancillary’ security problem, says U.S. report

Context : India’s Threat Perception

• China as Primary Adversary:
  • India sees China as its foremost security threat, due to unresolved border disputes and strategic competition.
  • The disengagement in Depsang and Demchok (Oct 2024) reduced tactical tensions but did not resolve the core issue of border demarcation.

Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security, Defence)

• Pakistan as Ancillary Threat:
  • India views Pakistan as a secondary, manageable threat, despite ongoing cross-border attacks (e.g., Pahalgam terror attack in April 2024).
  • India continues retaliatory actions such as Operation Sindoor to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

 Strategic Defence Priorities under PM Modi

• Focus on:
  • Countering China regionally and globally.
  • Demonstrating global leadership.
  • Modernising military power and promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

• Key Initiatives:
  • Strengtheningbilateral defence ties in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Increasing multilateral participation: QUAD, BRICS, SCO, ASEAN.
  • Expanding trilateral engagements in the Indo-Pacific.

 Defence Modernisation Efforts

• Nuclear Capability:
  • Continued testing of Agni-I Prime MRBM and Agni-V MIRV systems.
  • Commissioning of second nuclear-powered submarine, enhancing India’s nuclear triad and strategic deterrence.
• Indigenisation Drive:
  • Push for ‘Made in India’ in defence to:
    • Boost domestic manufacturing.
    • Reduce foreign dependency.
    • Address supply chain vulnerabilities.

 India-Russia Defence Relations

• Despite reduced procurement, India:
  • Continues reliance on Russian spare parts for legacy equipment.
  • Maintains ties for strategic autonomy, balancing growing Russia-China closeness.

 Pakistan’s Military Strategy

• Pakistan is:
  • Modernising its military, including battlefield nuclear weapons, to counter India’s conventional superiority.
  • Likely to continue importing dual-use/WMD-related materials from global networks.
• Views India as an “existential threat”, shaping its nuclear doctrine and security outlook.

Geopolitical Implications

• India is repositioning itself as a maritime and regional power through partnerships and military diplomacy.
• The China-Pakistan nexus remains a dual-front challenge for India.
• India’s balanced approach to Russia, even amid global tensions, reflects a multipolar foreign policy orientation.

 Conclusion

• The U.S. DIA report confirms India’s shift towards strategic assertiveness, with China at the centre of its defence calculus.
• India’s integrated approach—combining military modernisation, regional engagement, and strategic autonomy—reflects a long-term vision to secure its interests in a competitive multipolar world.

Need to go full throttle on indigenous defence systems: ex-DRDO chief

Context : Key Achievements Highlighted in Operation Sindoor

• Dominance of Indigenous Systems:
  • Majority of deployed systems during Operation Sindoor were indigenously developed.
  • This has boosted confidence of armed forces in Indian-made systems.

• Air Defence Performance:
  • Multi-layered defence structure worked seamlessly, combining:
    • S-400 (long-range)
    • Akash & Spyder (medium-range SAMs)
    • Various air defence guns
  • Notably, most enemy attacks were neutralised mid-air.

• Akash Missile System:
  • Developed under IGMDP, led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
  • Proven highly effective; armed forces reportedly satisfied with its performance.

Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security, Defence)

 Implications for Defence Industry

• Morale Boost:
  • Scientists and DRDO personnel are highly motivated post successful deployment.
  • Seen as a validation of years of indigenous R&D.
• Production Readiness:
  • Industry must be prepared to scale production for bulk orders.
  • Greater synergy expected between R&D and manufacturing arms.
• Export Potential:
  • Global recognition of India’s defence capability likely to enhance defence exports.
  • Opportunity to project India as a reliable defence supplier.

Strategic Lessons and Forward Path

• Fast-paced Technological Development:
  • Warning: Long development cycles risk obsolescence.
  • Emphasis on agile innovation and faster induction cycles.
• Focus Areas for the Future:
  • Invest in niche, long-range, and cost-effective strike systems.
  • Develop counter-niche technologies to detect, deter, and destroy enemy threats early.
• Emphasis on Dual Approach:
  • Combine hard-kill (kinetic) and soft-kill (non–kinetic) mechanisms.
  • Enhance early warning and integrated battle management systems.

Broader National Security Outlook

• Operation Sindoor as a Milestone:
  • Proved India’s combat readiness and deterrent capability.
  • Encouraged institutional confidence in domestic innovation and DRDO-led projects.
• Call to Action:
  • Need to go “full throttle” on indigenisation.
  • Ensure that defence R&D remains ahead of technological curve, adaptable, and export-competitive.

 Conclusion

• India stands at a strategic inflection point where battlefield validation of indigenous systems can translate into:
  • Operational self-reliance,
  • Industrial transformation,
  • And global defence market presence.
• The challenge now is to accelerate development, reduce dependency, and sustain innovation momentum.

Meghalaya’s new cave-dwelling fish adapts to streams overground: study

Context : Scientific Discovery

• Species Name: Schistura densiclava
• Type: Troglophile loach – a cave-dwelling fish that also thrives in surface (epigean) streams.
• Discovery Site: Krem Mawjymbuin cave, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
• Research Team: Led by Kangkan Sarma, Gauhati University; published in Journal of Fish Biology.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Habitat Characteristics

• Found ~60 metres inside the cave:
  • Temperature: ~18°C
  • Oxygen levels: Low
  • Water flow: Cool, fast-flowing stream
• Cave also noted for religious significance due to a Shivalinga-like formation.

Unique Adaptations

• Retains pigmentation and eyesight, unlike most cave fishes (which are typically eyeless and pigmentless).
• Adapted to subterranean life, but capable of surviving in aboveground streams as well.
• Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family (loaches, bottom-dwelling fish with barbels).

Morphological Features

• Color: Pale yellow-green body
• Markings: 14–20 greyish to faint black vertical bars
• Distinctive Stripe: Thick stripe near the dorsal fin – inspiration for the name densiclava (Latin: “thick stripe”).

Sexual Dimorphism

• Males:
  • Slimmer build
  • Irregular body patterns
  • Puffier cheeks
• Females:
  • Sturdier structure
  • Consistent body markings

Ecological Significance

• Genetic testing confirms it as a new-to-science species.
• Shows endemic distribution – limited to this specific cave system.
• Highlights the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya’s cave ecosystems.

Conservation Implications

• Restricted habitat implies vulnerability to disturbances, both natural and anthropogenic.
• Need for protection of cave ecosystems, especially amid religious tourism and developmental pressures.

Key Takeaways

• Another testament to Meghalaya’s unique subterranean biodiversity.
• Underlines the importance of documenting and conserving lesser-known habitats.
• Schistura densiclava serves as a symbol of ecological uniqueness and scientific curiosity.

The maths of how India’s coastline lengthened without gaining land

 Key Announcement

• In Dec 2024, India’s coastline length was officially revised from 7,516.6 km to 11,098.8 km by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• No new land or islands were added — the change is due to improved measurement techniques.

Relevance : GS 3(Defence )

 Why the Coastline Got Longer

• No physical expansion: India’s territory remains unchanged since Goa joined in 1961 (Sikkim in 1975 is landlocked).
• Root cause: The Coastline Paradox — the length of a coastline varies depending on the measurement scale.
• Older measurement (1970s): Maps at 1:4,500,000 resolution — missed fine features like creeks, estuaries.
• New measurement: High-resolution maps at 1:250,000 using:
  • Electronic navigation charts
  • GIS, LIDAR-GPS, satellite altimetry, drone imaging

 Geometry Behind the Paradox

• Straight lines have fixed length; jagged curves (like coastlines) vary with measurement scale.
• Fractal-like properties: As measuring units get smaller, more detail (and thus more length) is captured.
• Mandelbrot’s insight (1967): Britain’s coastline varied significantly when using different “ruler sizes.”
  • Example: A 200-km ruler smooths features, while a 1-km ruler captures every bend and estuary.
  • In theory, a ruler the size of a water molecule would yield an infinite coastline.

 New Methodology in India

• Survey of India and National Hydrographic Office (NHO) used high-water lines as base.
• River mouths and creeks were closed off at fixed thresholds inland.
• Low-tide exposed islands were also included in the revised measurement.
• Coastline will now be reviewed every 10 years (starting 2024–25).

 Implications of the Longer Coastline

• Maritime security: More coast to monitor and protect.
• Disaster preparedness: Better planning for cyclones, tsunamis, and sea-level rise.
• Fishing & economic rights: Longer coast extends Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
• Climate models and zoning regulations can be better refined.
• Education impact: School textbooks and atlases will need updating.

Conclusion

• The revised coastline doesn’t reflect a physical change but a scientific evolution.
• It showcases how better tools and finer scales reveal deeper truths in geography.
• India’s 11,099-km coastline is a testament to technological and methodological progress in geospatial science.