Current Affairs 01 April 2026

Content

1. Digital Governance in India: Challenges in the Era of 31 GB Data Consumption
2. India’s Macroeconomic Contradiction & Oil–Fiscal Vulnerability
3. India’s Semiconductor Push: Sanand as “Bridge to Silicon Valley”
4. Space Debris & Orbital Governance Crisis: “Failure of Governance, Not Engineering”
5. Maternal Mortality in India: Progress, Gaps, and 2030 Challenge
6. Artemis II Mission: Human Return to Lunar Orbit
7. INS Dunagiri (Project 17A): Boost to Aatmanirbhar Naval Capability

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Digital Governance in India: Challenges in the Era of 31 GB Data Consumption

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Why in News?

• India’s average monthly mobile data consumption reached 31 GB per user in 2025, rising sharply from 27.5 GB in 2024 (Nokia MBiT Report).
• India now has world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base and 5G data consumption, indicating rapid digital expansion.
• Highlights emerging paradox: high data consumption coexists with structural governance, infrastructure, and inclusion challenges.

Relevance

GS II (Polity & Governance)

• Digital India & e-governance reforms
• Service delivery & last-mile governance gaps
• Digital inclusion & accessibility issues
• State capacity & governance efficiency

GS III (Science & Technology + Economy)

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• 5G expansion & telecom infrastructure
• Digital divide & rural connectivity gaps
• Data economy & platform governance

Practice Question

Q1.  India’s rising digital consumption has not translated into equitable digital governance outcomes.Critically examine. (250 words)

Context

• India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly with 5G rollout, AI-driven services, and digital public infrastructure platforms.
• Growth in data consumption is driven by video streaming, AI applications, digital governance services, and cloud-based platforms.
• However, governance systems face challenges in translating digital access into meaningful inclusion and administrative empowerment.

Digital India Programme

• Launched in 2015 to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• Focus areas include:
  • Digital infrastructure as a core utility
  • Governance and services on demand
  • Digital empowerment of citizens

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• India’s DPI stack includes:
  • Aadhaar (identity)
  • UPI (payments)
  • DigiLocker (documents)
• Aims to enable scalable, interoperable, and inclusive governance systems.

Infrastructure Gap: The “31 GB Challenge”

• Rapid increase in data usage to 31 GB/user places heavy pressure on rural telecom infrastructure and middle-mile connectivity systems.
• 5G traffic remains concentrated in metros, with 58% of metro data traffic on 5G, while rural areas depend on congested 4G networks.
• Around 35,000 Gram Panchayats face dark fiber issues, where optical fiber exists but remains non-operational.
• Creates digital inequality where urban users access high-speed AI services, while rural users face latency and connectivity disruptions.

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India’s Macroeconomic Contradiction & Oil–Fiscal Vulnerability

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Why in News?

• Rising global oil prices amid West Asia tensions have exposed India’s structural fiscal vulnerability to external energy shocks.
• Empirical estimates and recent fiscal responses highlight simultaneous pressures on inflation, fiscal deficit, and current account balance.
• Debate intensifies on India’s “growth vs resilience” contradiction, where strong GDP coexists with deep macroeconomic stress.

Relevance

GS III (Economy)

• Fiscal policy & FRBM framework
• Inflation, Current Account Deficit (CAD), and growth linkages
• Energy security & oil import dependence
• External sector vulnerabilities

Practice Question

Q1.  Examine how global oil price shocks affect India’s fiscal stability, inflation, and growth trajectory. (250 words)

Context

• India’s macroeconomy shows divergence between robust headline indicators (growth, forex reserves) and underlying vulnerabilities (oil shocks, consumption stress, fiscal pressures).
• Increasing reliance on transaction-based taxes and infrastructure-led expenditure has made fiscal system more sensitive to external shocks.
• Energy dependence (85–87% crude imports) acts as primary transmission channel of global instability into domestic economy.

Static Background

Fiscal Architecture of India

• Fiscal policy guided by FRBM Act, targeting fiscal deficit consolidation while maintaining growth-supportive expenditure.
• Revenue sources:
  • Direct taxes (income, corporate)
  • Indirect taxes (GST, excise duties)
• Expenditure pattern includes:
  • Capital expenditure (infrastructure)
  • Revenue expenditure (subsidies, welfare schemes)

External Sector Linkages

• Current Account Deficit (CAD) reflects difference between imports and exports of goods and services.
• Oil imports constitute largest share of India’s import bill, making CAD highly sensitive to crude price fluctuations.

Core Macroeconomic Contradiction

• India recorded strong GDP growth (~8.1% in Q3 FY26) and high forex reserves (~$709 billion), indicating macroeconomic stability.
• Simultaneously, rupee depreciation (~₹95/$), FPI outflows ($8 billion+), and oil price surge (~$156/bbl) indicate external vulnerabilities.
• Fiscal consolidation target (4.3% by FY27) coexists with rising subsidy burdens and revenue losses due to tax cuts.
• Suggests shift from stable growth model → shock-sensitive growth model dependent on global conditions.

Oil–Fiscal Transmission Mechanism

• India imports 85–87% of crude oil, making economy directly exposed to global price volatility and geopolitical disruptions.
• A $10 per barrel increase typically:
  • Raises CPI inflation by ~0.2 percentage points
  • Widens CAD by $9–10 billion (~0.4% of GDP)
  • Reduces GDP growth by ~0.5 percentage points
• Oil shocks increase subsidy burden (fertiliser, LPG), transport costs, and inflation-linked expenditure simultaneously.

Recent Evidence of Transmission

• Crude prices rose from ~$59/bbl (2019) to over $120/bbl (2022), triggering fiscal and inflationary pressures.
• Government reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel, causing ₹2.2 lakh crore revenue loss between 2021–2022.
• Energy subsidies surged, with fertiliser and LPG support pushing total subsidies to ~₹3.2 lakh crore.
• Current projections suggest oil at $100/bbl could increase government expenditure by ₹3.6 trillion and widen CAD.

Structural Shifts in Fiscal System

Revenue Side Vulnerability

• Increasing reliance on GST and transaction-based taxes (~₹22.8 lakh crore FY25) makes revenue highly sensitive to consumption cycles.
• Oil shocks reduce consumption through inflation, thereby lowering GST buoyancy and tax collections.
• Limited expansion of direct tax base reduces stability and counter-cyclical capacity of fiscal system.

Expenditure Side Rigidity

• Shift towards infrastructure-led growth with capex around ₹17.15 lakh crore (Budget 2026–27).
• Reduced fiscal flexibility for welfare spending during shocks, as seen in constrained allocations to schemes like MGNREGA.
• Creates trade-off between long-term growth investment and short-term consumption stabilisation.

Household Sector Vulnerability

• Private consumption contributes ~61.4% of GDP, making household demand critical for growth sustainability.
• Household liabilities increased from ~36–37% of GDP (2022) to over 41% (2025), indicating rising leverage.
• Consumption increasingly sustained through credit rather than income growth, making households vulnerable to inflation shocks.
• Net financial savings declined to 3–4% of GDP before recovering to ~7.6%, reflecting volatility in financial resilience.

Transmission to Households

• LPG import dependence (>60%) exposes households to supply disruptions and price volatility.
• Rising energy costs increase household expenditure on essentials, reducing discretionary consumption.
• Impact visible in sectors like food delivery and small businesses, where demand contractions affect livelihoods.

Industrial and Structural Concerns

• Growth concentrated in capital-intensive and high-tech sectors (46% of manufacturing value added).
• Labour-intensive sectors remain weak, limiting employment generation and inclusive growth.
• Industrial structure becomes less resilient to demand shocks due to limited diversification and employment absorption capacity.

Implications

• Fiscal system faces double squeeze:
  • Revenue decline due to lower consumption
  • Expenditure increase due to subsidies and inflation
• External shocks simultaneously affect CAD, inflation, fiscal deficit, and growth, reducing macroeconomic stability.
• Household stress can weaken domestic demand, undermining growth sustainability despite high investment levels.
• Narrowing fiscal space reduces government’s ability to respond to future shocks, affecting long-term resilience.

Challenges

• High dependence on imported energy exposes economy to uncontrollable geopolitical and price shocks.
• Limited diversification of tax base increases reliance on volatile transaction-based revenues.
• Weak income growth and rising household debt create fragile consumption patterns.
• Trade-off between fiscal consolidation and welfare spending constrains policy flexibility.
• Structural imbalance between capital-intensive growth and employment generation persists.

Way Forward

• Promote energy diversification through renewables, green hydrogen, and domestic production to reduce oil import dependence.
• Broaden direct tax base and improve compliance to enhance revenue stability and counter-cyclical fiscal capacity.
• Strengthen income-led growth through employment generation and wage growth in labour-intensive sectors.
• Maintain balanced fiscal strategy combining capex with targeted welfare spending for demand stabilisation.
• Build fiscal buffers during stable periods to enhance shock absorption capacity during crises.
• Improve household financial resilience through savings incentives, credit regulation, and social protection mechanisms.

Data & Facts for Answers

• Oil import dependence: 85–87% of total crude requirement.
• $10 increase in crude:
  • Inflation +0.2 percentage points
  • CAD +$9–10 billion
  • GDP growth –0.5 percentage points
• Excise duty cuts led to ₹2.2 lakh crore revenue loss (2021–22).
• Energy subsidies reached ~₹3.2 lakh crore during oil shock period.
• Household liabilities increased to 41% of GDP (2025).

Prelims Pointers

• CAD reflects difference between imports and exports of goods and services.
• GST is indirect tax based on consumption and transactions, sensitive to demand fluctuations.
• FRBM Act governs fiscal deficit targets and macro-fiscal discipline in India.
• Oil price shocks affect inflation, growth, and fiscal balance simultaneously in import-dependent economies.

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India’s Semiconductor Push: Sanand as “Bridge to Silicon Valley”

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Why in News?

• Prime Minister inaugurated ₹3,300 crore Kaynes Semiconductor ATMP facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking major milestone under India Semiconductor Mission.
• Sanand projected as global node connecting India’s manufacturing ecosystem with Silicon Valley supply chains.
• Signals India’s strategic shift from chip consumer → trusted semiconductor supplier amid global supply chain realignments.

Relevance

GS III (Science & Technology + Economy)

• Semiconductor ecosystem & strategic technologies
• Industrial policy & manufacturing (Make in India)
• Global supply chains & China+1 strategy
• Innovation, R&D, and high-tech employment

GS II (International Relations)

• Technology partnerships & trusted supply chains
• Strategic alliances (US-led initiatives like Pax Silica)

Practice Question

Q1.  Evaluate India’s semiconductor mission in enhancing technological self-reliance and economic resilience. (250 words)

Context

• Semiconductor shortages during COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions exposed global supply chain fragility and overdependence on few countries.
• India aims to leverage China+1 strategy and trusted supply chain partnerships to position itself in semiconductor value chain.
• Initiative complements India’s broader goal of high-value manufacturing-led growth to offset macroeconomic vulnerabilities.

Static Background

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• Launched in 2021 with $10 billion incentive package to develop semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.
• Focus areas include:
  • Fabrication units (fabs)
  • Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging (ATMP)
  • Semiconductor design ecosystem

Global Semiconductor Value Chain

• Segmented into:
  • Design (US-dominated)
  • Fabrication (Taiwan, South Korea)
  • ATMP (China, Southeast Asia)
• India currently strong in chip design talent, but weak in manufacturing and fabrication infrastructure.

Key Developments

Sanand Semiconductor Hub

• Emerging as India’s semiconductor manufacturing cluster, building on its industrial base in automobiles and electronics.
• Kaynes Semicon facility focuses on ATMP segment, which is less capital-intensive and entry point for new players.
• Acts as integration point between domestic production and global supply chains, especially with US-based tech ecosystem.

Market Expansion

• India’s semiconductor market currently valued at ₹4.5 lakh crore, projected to reach ₹9 lakh crore (~$100 billion) by 2030.
• Driven by demand from:
  • Electronics manufacturing
  • Automotive sector (EVs, smart systems)
  • AI, IoT, and telecom infrastructure

Pax Silica Initiative

• US-led coalition aimed at securing supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and rare earth elements.
• India’s participation strengthens position within “trusted geographies” network, reducing exposure to geopolitical disruptions.
• Enhances resilience against shocks similar to those affecting energy supply chains.

Significance

• Positions India as reliable alternative in global semiconductor supply chains, reducing dependence on East Asian concentration.
• Supports transition towards high-value manufacturing and export diversification, improving current account stability.
• Generates high-skill employment and technology spillovers, boosting innovation ecosystem.
• Strengthens strategic autonomy in critical technologies like AI, defence electronics, and telecommunications.
• Aligns with vision of “Techade” where technology-driven growth becomes key economic driver.

Link with Macroeconomic Challenges

• Semiconductor push acts as counterbalance to oil-driven macroeconomic vulnerabilities by shifting economy toward knowledge-intensive sectors.
• High-value exports from semiconductor ecosystem can stabilise CAD and reduce dependence on volatile service exports.
• Expands formal, high-income workforce, helping broaden direct tax base and reduce reliance on transaction-based taxes.
• Less sensitive to commodity price shocks, providing structural resilience against global energy volatility.

Challenges

• Semiconductor fabrication requires extremely high capital investment, advanced technology, and stable supply of water and power.
• India currently lacks ecosystem depth in upstream segments like wafer fabrication and advanced node manufacturing.
• Dependence on imports for critical inputs such as semiconductor-grade silicon and rare earth materials persists.
• Skill gaps in specialised semiconductor manufacturing and research areas may constrain scaling.
• Global competition intense, with countries offering aggressive subsidies and incentives to attract semiconductor investments.
• Geopolitical risks could affect supply chain integration despite participation in alliances like Pax Silica.

Way Forward

• Focus on gradual value chain integration, starting from ATMP and moving towards advanced fabrication capabilities.
• Strengthen ecosystem through R&D investments, semiconductor design hubs, and academic-industry collaboration.
• Ensure policy stability and competitive incentives to attract global semiconductor firms and investments.
• Develop supporting infrastructure including reliable power, water, logistics, and semiconductor-grade industrial clusters.
• Build strategic partnerships for technology transfer and supply chain resilience within trusted global alliances.
• Promote skill development through specialised training programmes in semiconductor engineering and manufacturing.

Data & Facts for Answers

• Kaynes Semiconductor facility: ₹3,300 crore investment in Sanand.
• India semiconductor market:
  • Current: ₹4.5 lakh crore
  • Target: ₹9 lakh crore by 2030
• India among largest adopters of AI and digital technologies, supporting semiconductor demand growth.

Prelims Pointers

• India Semiconductor Mission launched in 2021 to develop semiconductor ecosystem.
• ATMP refers to Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging segment of semiconductor value chain.
• Pax Silica is a US-led initiative focusing on secure supply chains for semiconductors and critical technologies.
• Semiconductor industry critical for electronics, AI, telecom, defence, and automotive sectors.

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Space Debris & Orbital Governance Crisis: “Failure of Governance, Not Engineering”

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Why in News?

• Rapid expansion of private satellite constellations and declining launch costs have intensified orbital congestion and space debris risks.
• Lack of enforceable global mechanisms to verify compliance with debris mitigation norms has exposed serious governance gaps in space sustainability.
• Renewed debate on need for binding international regulations as existing frameworks remain outdated and voluntary.

Relevance

GS III (Science & Technology + Security)

• Space technology & satellite ecosystem
• Space debris & Kessler Syndrome
• Global commons governance
• Space situational awareness

GS II (International Relations)

• Outer Space Treaty & global governance gaps
• Need for international regulatory frameworks

Practice Question

Q1.  Space debris is increasingly becoming a governance challenge rather than a technological one.
Discuss. (250 words)

Context

• Earth’s orbital space is increasingly crowded due to commercial satellite launches, mega-constellations, and dual-use strategic assets.
• Shift from state-dominated space activities to multi-actor ecosystem involving private companies and emerging space nations.
• Governance frameworks have failed to keep pace with technological acceleration and commercialisation of space.

Static Background

Outer Space Treaty (1967)

• Article VI: States responsible for national activities, including private actors in space.
• Article VII: Liability for damage caused by space objects.
• Designed for state-centric era, lacking provisions for cumulative harm, congestion, and sustainability obligations.

Liability Convention (1972)

• Provides compensation framework for damage caused by space objects.
• Focuses on post-damage liability rather than preventive governance mechanisms.

Space Debris & Kessler Syndrome

• Even small debris (<1 cm) travelling at ~7–8 km/s can destroy satellites due to high kinetic energy.
• Collisions generate cascading debris (Kessler Syndrome), potentially making orbits unusable for generations.

Core Governance Gap

Pre-Launch Promises vs Post-Launch Reality

• Regulators rely on self-declared compliance by satellite operators before launch, without mechanisms for post-launch verification.
• No global system exists to confirm:
  • Satellite de-orbiting
  • Passivation
  • Collision avoidance compliance
• Creates accountability vacuum where responsibility remains unclear after deployment.

Information Asymmetry

• Space situational data (orbital positions, collision risks) is:
  • Unevenly distributed across countries
  • Often restricted due to national security or commercial interests
• Prevents creation of global space traffic management system, increasing collision risks.

Regulatory Arbitrage

• Different countries impose varying licensing standards for satellite operations.
• Operators register in lenient jurisdictions (“flags of convenience”) to avoid strict debris mitigation norms.
• Leads to uneven compliance and race to the bottom in regulatory standards.

Monitoring and Enforcement Vacuum

• No “orbital policing authority” to monitor compliance with debris mitigation commitments.
• Difficulty in tracking small debris makes enforcement technically challenging.
• Liability often determined only after damage occurs, and even then with limited attribution certainty.

Technical Challenges

• Majority of dangerous debris remains untrackable due to size and velocity limitations of current tracking systems.
• Identification of debris source often possible only after collision, complicating accountability mechanisms.
• Increasing satellite density raises probability of collision cascades and long-term orbital instability.

Legal and Ethical Limitations

• Existing treaties do not address:
  • Cumulative environmental harm in orbit
  • Long-term sustainability and stewardship obligations
• No defined threshold for:
  • Acceptable congestion
  • Duty of care in space operations
• Voluntary guidelines dominate, leading to weak compliance and lack of sanctions.

Implications

• Risk of Kessler Syndrome could render critical orbits (LEO) unusable, affecting communication, navigation, and defence systems.
• Increasing collisions threaten global digital infrastructure dependent on satellites.
• Creates “Tragedy of Commons” situation where individual actors maximise usage while collective sustainability deteriorates.
• Weak governance undermines equitable access for future generations and emerging space nations.

Role of Environmental Governance Principles

• Precautionary Principle: Lack of certainty should not delay preventive action against orbital debris risks.
• Intergenerational Equity: Current exploitation should not compromise future access to orbital resources.
• Proportionality: Balance between commercial utilisation and sustainability obligations must be ensured.

India’s Strategic Opportunity

• India is developing national space legislation and expanding commercial participation through IN-SPACe and private sector reforms.
• Opportunity to embed:
  • Mandatory debris mitigation standards
  • Verifiable end-of-life disposal requirements
  • Data-sharing obligations for space situational awareness
• Can position itself as leader in ethical and sustainable space governance frameworks.

Way Forward

• Establish global Space Traffic Management (STM) system for real-time tracking and collision avoidance coordination.
• Standardise international licensing norms with uniform debris mitigation thresholds and compliance verification mechanisms.
• Mandate data-sharing protocols to reduce information asymmetry and improve situational awareness.
• Develop enforceable legal frameworks incorporating duty-of-care standards and penalties for non-compliance.
• Promote active debris removal technologies and incentivise sustainable satellite design practices.
• Integrate space governance with international environmental law principles to ensure long-term sustainability.

Data & Facts for Answers

• Orbital velocity: ~7–8 km/s, making even millimetre-sized debris highly destructive.
• Thousands of new fragments generated per collision, increasing exponential risk.
• Growing number of private satellite constellations significantly increasing orbital congestion.

Prelims Pointers

• Outer Space Treaty (1967) governs international space law and assigns responsibility to states for space activities.
• Liability Convention (1972) deals with compensation for damage caused by space objects.
• Kessler Syndrome refers to cascading collisions of space debris leading to unusable orbits.
• Space situational awareness involves tracking objects in orbit to prevent collisions.

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Maternal Mortality in India: Progress, Gaps, and 2030 Challenge

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Why in News?

• A 2026 study (Lancet) highlights India’s difficulty in achieving SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 by 2030.
• Despite major long-term decline, progress has slowed in recent years, raising concerns about last-mile health delivery.
• India still contributes ~10% of global maternal deaths, reflecting scale and structural challenges.

Relevance

GS II (Social Justice + Governance)

• Public health systems & service delivery
• Women’s health & gender equity
• Regional disparities in development
• SDG implementation

GS III (Economy – Human Capital)

• Human development indicators
• Health outcomes & productivity linkages

Practice Question

Q1.  Despite significant progress, India faces challenges in achieving SDG targets on maternal mortality.Analyse the reasons and suggest measures. (250 words)

Context

• India reduced maternal deaths from 1.19 lakh (1990) to 24,700 (2023), demonstrating substantial public health progress.
• MMR declined from 508 (1990) to 116 (2023), but pace of decline is insufficient to meet SDG targets.
• Challenge now lies in addressing regional disparities and preventable causes of maternal deaths.

Static Background

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

• Defined as number of maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births due to pregnancy-related causes within one year of pregnancy termination.
• Indicator of:
  • Health system effectiveness
  • Women’s health status
  • Socio-economic development

SDG Target (Goal 3.1)

• Reduce global MMR to less than 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030.
• Focus on:
  • Universal access to maternal healthcare
  • Skilled birth attendance
  • Emergency obstetric care

Key Trends & Data

• MMR declined from 508 (1990) → 116 (2023), reflecting long-term improvement in maternal healthcare access.
• India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023, down significantly from earlier decades.
• SRS data shows further improvement to 88 (2021–23), indicating possible data variation across sources.
• Global context:
  • Total maternal deaths: 2.4 lakh globally (2023)
  • India accounts for ~10% share
• Around 100 out of 204 countries already achieved SDG target, while India remains in 100–140 MMR category.

Regional Disparities

• Southern states and some advanced regions are close to or have achieved SDG targets due to better health infrastructure.
• High-burden states such as:
  • Assam (MMR ~110)
  • Uttar Pradesh (MMR ~141)
    continue to pull down national averages.
• Reflects inter-state inequality in healthcare access, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions.

Causes of Maternal Mortality

• Nearly 40% of deaths due to preventable causes:
  • Haemorrhage (excessive bleeding)
  • Hypertensive disorders (eclampsia)
• Other contributing factors:
  • Sepsis and infections
  • COVID-19 related complications (2020–21 period)
  • Delayed access to emergency care
• Indicates gap not in knowledge, but in timely and effective implementation of care.

Key Challenges

Slowing Momentum

• Initial gains achieved through institutional deliveries and schemes like JSY, but further reductions require systemic strengthening.
• Marginal improvements now require addressing complex structural and behavioural barriers.

Weak Primary Healthcare Systems

• Inadequate availability of:
  • Skilled birth attendants
  • Emergency obstetric care in rural and tribal areas
• “Last-mile delivery gap” similar to other governance sectors affects maternal outcomes.

Data Discrepancies

• Variation between Lancet (116) and SRS (88) creates uncertainty in assessment and policy targeting.
• Differences arise due to:
  • Methodology
  • Sample size
  • Inclusion criteria
• Weakens evidence-based policymaking.

Socio-economic Determinants

• High fertility rates, malnutrition, early marriage, and low female literacy increase maternal risk.
• Household vulnerability and lack of financial access delay healthcare utilisation.

Regional Inequality

• Concentration of high MMR in few states suggests uneven policy implementation and governance capacity.
• National averages mask sub-national disparities and pockets of high vulnerability.

Implications

• Failure to meet SDG targets affects India’s global health commitments and human development rankings.
• High maternal mortality undermines women’s health, productivity, and intergenerational outcomes.
• Reflects broader governance challenge where access does not translate into effective service delivery.

Integrated Approach (Virtuous Cycle)

• Reducing child mortality leads to lower fertility rates, reducing lifetime maternal risk exposure.
• Lower fertility enables better healthcare access per pregnancy and improved maternal outcomes.
• Strengthened primary healthcare creates multiplier effect across health indicators.

Way Forward

• Strengthen primary healthcare systems with focus on:
  • Skilled birth attendance
  • Emergency obstetric care
  • Referral transport systems
• Target high-burden states through region-specific interventions and resource prioritisation.
• Improve data systems by harmonising SRS, NFHS, and global estimates for accurate monitoring.
• Address socio-economic determinants through:
  • Female education
  • Nutrition programmes
  • Delay in age of marriage
• Enhance community awareness and institutional delivery through ASHA and frontline health workers.
• Integrate maternal health with broader reproductive and child health programmes for holistic outcomes.

Data & Facts for Answers

• MMR: 508 (1990) → 116 (2023)
• Maternal deaths: 1.19 lakh (1990) → 24,700 (2023)
• India’s share: ~10% of global maternal deaths
• Preventable causes account for ~40% of deaths
• SDG target: <70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030

Prelims Pointers

• MMR measures maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births.
• SDG Goal 3.1 focuses on reducing maternal mortality globally.
• Sample Registration System (SRS) provides official estimates of mortality indicators in India.
• Major causes: haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections.

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Artemis II Mission: Human Return to Lunar Orbit

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Why in News?

• NASA is launching Artemis II, first crewed lunar mission since Apollo era (1972), marking return of humans to Moon’s vicinity.
• Mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day flyby, testing systems before planned lunar landing mission (Artemis III).
• Represents major milestone in global space race, deep-space exploration, and human spaceflight capability revival.

Relevance

GS III (Science & Technology)

• Space exploration & human spaceflight
• Deep space missions & technological advancements
• Comparative space strategies (NASA vs ISRO)

GS II (International Relations)

• Global space race & strategic competition
• International collaboration in space missions

Practice Question

Q1.  Discuss the significance of Artemis II mission in shaping the future of human space exploration. (250 words)

Context

• Artemis programme aims to establish sustained human presence on Moon and enable future Mars missions.
• Artemis II follows Artemis I (2022 uncrewed mission), which validated Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft.
• Mission signifies shift from exploration-only approach → long-term space habitation strategy.

Static Background

Artemis Programme

• NASA-led initiative with international collaboration (ESA, JAXA, CSA).
• Objectives:
  • Return humans to Moon
  • Establish Lunar Gateway space station
  • Enable future Mars exploration

Apollo Missions (1969–1972)

• Last human Moon mission: Apollo 17 (1972).
• Used Saturn V rockets, still considered most powerful rockets ever built.
• Focused on short-term exploration, not long-term sustainability.

Mission Profile of Artemis II

Nature of Mission

• Crewed lunar flyby mission without landing, designed to test life-support, navigation, and safety systems.
• Serves as precursor to Artemis III, which aims for human lunar landing (expected ~2028).

Trajectory & Path

• Spacecraft will orbit Earth twice before entering Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) trajectory toward Moon.
• Takes 3–4 days to reach Moon’s vicinity, similar to Apollo missions due to high-energy trajectory.
• Orion spacecraft will travel around Moon and return to Earth, completing mission in about 10 days.

Distance & Exploration Milestone

• Orion will travel ~6,500 km beyond far side of Moon, the farthest distance humans have ever reached in space.
• Apollo missions reached only ~110 km above lunar surface on far side during orbit.
• Expands human operational envelope in deep space exploration.

Technology & Systems

Space Launch System (SLS)

• Most powerful operational rocket currently available to NASA.
• Designed for:
  • Heavy payloads
  • Deep space missions
• Enables faster trajectory compared to fuel-efficient but slower missions.

Orion Spacecraft

• Crew capsule designed for deep-space missions beyond low Earth orbit.
• Equipped with:
  • Advanced life-support systems
  • Radiation protection
  • High-speed re-entry capability
• First time used for crewed mission after successful uncrewed Artemis I validation.

Trajectory Choice: Faster vs Fuel-Efficient

• Artemis II uses shorter, high-energy trajectory, reaching Moon in 3–4 days.
• Requires powerful rockets like SLS, increasing fuel consumption but reducing travel time.
• In contrast, missions like Chandrayaan-3 use longer, fuel-efficient orbits, taking weeks to reach Moon.
• Reflects trade-off between cost efficiency and mission urgency/complexity.

Significance

• Marks return of human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit after five decades.
• Demonstrates technological advancement in deep-space navigation, life-support systems, and crew safety.
• Strengthens US leadership in global space race amid competition from China and emerging space powers.
• Provides foundation for:
  • Lunar base development
  • Resource utilisation (helium-3, water ice)
• Enables future interplanetary missions, especially Mars exploration.

Challenges

• High cost of Artemis programme raises concerns about sustainability of long-term human space missions.
• Technical risks associated with deep-space radiation, life-support reliability, and re-entry safety.
• Dependence on international collaboration may create geopolitical and coordination challenges.
• Space debris and orbital congestion add risks to mission safety during launch and return phases.

Implications for India

• Highlights need for India to strengthen Gaganyaan programme and future deep-space ambitions.
• Opportunity to expand collaboration in Artemis Accords and lunar exploration initiatives.
• Reinforces importance of developing heavy-lift launch vehicles and human-rated spacecraft systems.
• Opens avenues for India in space economy, technology partnerships, and lunar resource exploration.

Data & Facts for Answers

• Mission duration: ~10 days
• Travel time to Moon: 3–4 days
• Distance beyond Moon: ~6,500 km (farthest human travel)
• Artemis I duration: ~25 days (uncrewed)
• Last human Moon mission: 1972 (Apollo 17)

Prelims Pointers

• Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed lunar mission after Apollo era.
• SLS is NASA’s heavy-lift rocket for deep space missions.
• Orion spacecraft designed for human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit.
• Chandrayaan missions use fuel-efficient trajectories, unlike high-energy Artemis missions.

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INS Dunagiri (Project 17A): Boost to Aatmanirbhar Naval Capability

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Why in News?

• Indian Navy received INS Dunagiri, fifth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigate, built indigenously at GRSE, Kolkata.
• Marks major milestone in self-reliance in warship design, construction, and advanced naval combat capability.
• Demonstrates progress in indigenisation (75%) and reduced shipbuilding timelines, strengthening defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Relevance

GS III (Security + Economy)

• Defence modernisation & maritime security
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing
• Blue economy & Indian Ocean Region (IOR) security
• Military technology & indigenisation

Practice Question

Q1.  Examine the role of indigenous warship development in enhancing India’s maritime security and strategic autonomy. (250 words)

Context

• India is strengthening naval capabilities amid rising strategic competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and need to secure sea lanes.
• Shift towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence aims to reduce import dependence and build domestic industrial capacity.
• Project 17A represents next-generation upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) stealth frigates.

Static Background

Project 17A (Nilgiri Class)

• Follow-on project to Project 17 (Shivalik class) with improved:
  • Stealth features
  • Automation
  • Weapon systems
• Total 7 ships being constructed at:
  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

• Focus on:
  • Indigenous design and manufacturing
  • MSME participation
  • Import substitution
• Supported by policies like:
  • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)
  • Positive Indigenisation Lists

Key Features of INS Dunagiri

Advanced Stealth & Design

• Incorporates low radar cross-section design and stealth technologies, making detection difficult in modern naval warfare.
• Represents generational improvement in survivability, signature reduction, and combat readiness.

Integrated Construction Methodology

• Built using modular construction techniques, reducing build time to 80 months compared to 93 months for lead ship.
• Enhances efficiency, scalability, and industrial capability in warship manufacturing.

Propulsion System (CODOG)

• Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion system allows:
  • Fuel-efficient cruising on diesel
  • High-speed combat manoeuvres using gas turbine
• Provides operational flexibility across mission profiles.

Weapons & Combat Systems

• Equipped with advanced multi-layered combat capabilities:
  • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for surface strike
  • MRSAM air defence system with MFSTAR radar for aerial threats
  • 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount and close-in weapon systems
  • Anti-submarine warfare capability using torpedoes and rockets
• Capable of addressing surface, air, and sub-surface threats simultaneously.

Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)

• Automates control and monitoring of onboard systems, enhancing:
  • Operational efficiency
  • Crew safety
  • Damage control capability

Significance

• Strengthens India’s ability to operate as a blue-water navy with multi-mission combat platforms.
• Enhances maritime security in IOR, including protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
• Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, improving strategic autonomy in defence sector.
• Supports high-technology manufacturing ecosystem, aligning with Make in India and defence indigenisation goals.
• Demonstrates India’s capability in complex systems engineering and advanced naval architecture.

Economic & Industrial Impact

• High indigenisation level (75%) ensures domestic value addition and reduced import bill.
• Involvement of 200+ MSMEs strengthens defence supply chain and industrial ecosystem.
• Generates employment:
  • ~4,000 direct jobs
  • ~10,000 indirect jobs
• Builds long-term capabilities in precision engineering, electronics, and defence manufacturing.

Strategic Relevance

• Enhances India’s deterrence capability amid:
  • Increasing Chinese naval presence in IOR
  • Growing maritime security challenges
• Supports India’s role in Indo-Pacific security architecture and QUAD cooperation.
• Critical for safeguarding energy imports and trade routes, especially during geopolitical instability in West Asia.

Challenges

• High capital costs and long gestation periods of warship projects may strain defence budgets.
• Dependence on some imported subsystems persists despite high indigenisation levels.
• Need for continuous technological upgrades to match rapid advancements in naval warfare systems.
• Skilled manpower and R&D ecosystem need further strengthening for next-generation platforms.

Way Forward

• Increase indigenisation beyond 75% through domestic development of critical subsystems and electronics.
• Strengthen public-private partnerships and encourage private sector participation in shipbuilding and defence production.
• Invest in R&D for:
  • Next-generation propulsion
  • AI-enabled naval systems
  • Autonomous maritime platforms
• Enhance export potential of indigenous warships to position India as global defence manufacturing hub.
• Integrate naval modernisation with broader maritime strategy under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Data & Facts for Answers

• INS Dunagiri: 5th Project 17A frigate, delivered March 2026.
• Build time reduced to 80 months from 93 months for first ship.
• Indigenisation level: ~75%.
• MSME participation: 200+ units.
• Employment: 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.

Prelims Pointers

• Project 17A refers to Nilgiri-class stealth frigates of Indian Navy.
• CODOG propulsion combines diesel engine and gas turbine for operational flexibility.
• BrahMos is supersonic cruise missile used for surface strike capability.
• MFSTAR radar used for multi-function surveillance and threat detection.

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