Space Exploration in 2024: Key Missions and Scientific Endeavours
Context:
The year 2024 is poised to be a pivotal period in the realm of space exploration, building on the notable accomplishments of 2023, such as NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and India’s Chandrayaan-3 missions.
Upcoming Space Expeditions
Throughout the year, a series of significant missions are scheduled as part of NASA’s Artemis initiative, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, and various international collaborations.
- Europa Clipper Expedition
- Objective: NASA’s Europa Clipper aims to investigate Jupiter’s moon, Europa, renowned for its icy surface and potential subsurface saltwater ocean.
- Significance: The mission seeks to evaluate Europa’s potential habitability for extraterrestrial life by examining its icy shell, geological features, and subsurface ocean.
- Launch Details: The scheduled launch is set for October 10, 2024, using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, with the spacecraft expected to reach Jupiter in 2030.
- Artemis II Mission
- Program Goals: As part of NASA’s Artemis program, designed to bring humans back to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future Mars missions.
- Mission Specifics: Following the uncrewed Artemis I mission, Artemis II is slated to be the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon since 1972, scheduled for November 2024.
- VIPER Lunar Mission
- Mission Overview: The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) aims to explore the Moon’s south pole, focusing on volatiles like water and carbon dioxide.
- Technology and Schedule: Designed to withstand extreme lunar temperatures, VIPER is set to launch in November 2024, with a focus on identifying resources for future human exploration.
- Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1 Missions
- SIMPLEx Program: These missions are part of NASA’s Small, Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx), providing cost-effective rideshare opportunities.
- Objectives: Lunar Trailblazer will map water locations on the Moon, while PRIME-1 will test drilling technology, both scheduled for mid-2024.
- JAXA’s Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) Mission
Mission Focus: JAXA’s MMX mission aims to study Mars’ moons, Phobos and Deimos, to determine their origin.
Science Operations: The spacecraft will embark on a three-year mission, including landing on Phobos and returning a sample to Earth, with a planned launch around September 2024.
- ESA’s Hera Mission
Mission Purpose: Hera, a mission led by the European Space Agency, will study the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system, building on the kinetic impact achieved by NASA’s DART mission in 2022.
Planetary Defense: Hera will assess the effects of DART’s collision and study the physical properties of the asteroids, with a scheduled launch in October 2024.
India’s Steel Sector: Advancements, Challenges, and Global Position in 2024
Context:
The Indian government is placing a strategic emphasis on the steel sector through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme 2.0 and securing the supply of raw materials by 2024.
The Minister of State for Steel highlighted these measures, with a specific focus on encouraging the use of scrap in steel production.
Post-Pandemic Recovery and Advancements
- Resilience: The steel sector has demonstrated robust recovery post the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.
- Production and Consumption: Between April and November 2023, crude steel production increased by 14.5% year-on-year to 94.01 Million Tonnes (MT), and finished steel consumption grew by 14% to 86.97 MT.
Targets and Technological Progress
- Capacity Objective: India’s goal is to achieve an installed steel manufacturing capacity of 300 MT by 2030, currently standing at approximately 161 MT.
- Innovation: Ongoing efforts involve integrating artificial intelligence and novel technologies to boost steel output and decrease carbon emissions.
PLI Scheme and Industry Expansion
- PLI Scheme 1.0: The initial phase aimed to enhance speciality steel production, resulting in an additional capacity of around 25 MT.
Capacity Expansion: Steel industry participants are increasing their capacities, supported by government assistance in project clearances and streamlined business operations.
Issues and Considerations
- Increasing Imports and Costs: Challenges include escalating imports, elevated raw material prices, and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Dependency: India heavily depends on imports for coking coal, a critical raw material for steel production.
Global Steel Industry and India’s Contribution
- India’s Growth: As the world’s second-largest steel producer, India has demonstrated robust growth, making a significant contribution to the global steel industry.
- Comparison with China: Although China remains the largest producer, India has surpassed China in terms of growth rate in recent years.
Demand and Import Dynamics
- Sectoral Demand: The construction sector, propelled by government infrastructure spending and private investment, drives the demand for steel in India.
- Import Controls: The government has implemented measures such as anti-dumping duties to address steel dumping, particularly from China and Vietnam.
Price Trends and Future Perspectives
- Domestic Prices: Indian steel prices have risen due to strong demand, but global uncertainties could impact future price trends.
- Global Market Impact: Domestic pricing trends may be influenced by global economic recovery and price fluctuations in the US and Europe.
Conclusion
- Strategic Emphasis: The Indian government’s initiatives, including the PLI scheme, aim to bolster the global competitiveness and self-reliance of the steel sector.
- Balancing Growth and Challenges: Despite promising growth, addressing challenges like raw material dependency and import pressures remains pivotal.
Global Influence: India’s significant role in the global steel market underscores its potential to shape industry trends and drive economic growth.
India’s Economic Outlook for 2024: Challenges and Opportunities
Context:
Over the last three years, a series of remarkable events, encompassing a global pandemic, conflicts, and economic turbulence, have significantly impacted both the worldwide and Indian economic landscapes.
The approaching year of 2024 is of paramount importance, featuring elections in 40 nations, including India’s Lok Sabha elections, anticipated to exert influence on economic policies
Indian Economic Landscape: Possibilities Amidst Challenges
The potential impact of pre-election government spending on consumption is a key consideration, as it could temporarily stimulate economic activity, shaping discussions on economic models and potentially revitalizing growth.
Enduring Challenges
Persistent challenges encompass issues such as food inflation, sluggishness in the rural sector, and the strategic utilization of the demographic dividend in the era of technology.
Economic Projections and Government Spending
- According to Goldman Sachs, a surge in growth is expected in early 2024, driven by pre-election spending, with private investment projected to escalate later in the year.
- However, economists caution against a potential slowdown in government capital expenditure as elections approach, potentially affecting rural growth and consumption.
India’s Economic Performance and Key Metrics
- Positive trends in FY24 Q2 GDP data include growth in construction, double-digit expansion in mining and electricity, and a rise in the investment rate to 30%.
- Market confidence, particularly among domestic investors in listed companies and new listings, reflects a robust market, albeit mainly within the formal sector.
Structural Economic Challenges and Employment
- The Indian economy grapples with challenges such as a limited consuming class, a low bank credit-to-GDP ratio, and a shortage of skilled workers.
- The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reported a 9.2% unemployment rate in November 2023, underscoring persistent issues in the job market.
Outlook on Policies and Reforms
- Post-election reforms are anticipated in key areas such as labor, land, agriculture, and a potential shift in electricity policy toward thermal/nuclear energy.
- Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran underscores the importance of private capital formation in fostering economic growth and sustainable consumption.
Global Economic Landscape and India’s Position
- Despite global challenges, India’s economy demonstrates resilience, characterized by strong fundamentals and healthy corporate and bank balance sheets.
- Concerns include volatile food inflation, elevated global sugar prices, and the potential impact of US fiscal policies on emerging markets like India.
- Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) express renewed interest in India, indicating confidence in the nation’s economic stability.
Conclusion
Strategic Economic Management: India faces the challenge of harmonizing immediate economic needs with long-term structural reforms.
Navigating Uncertainties: The country must adeptly navigate shifts in the global economic landscape and domestic policy alterations while preparing for unforeseen events.
Opportunities Ahead: Despite uncertainties, India’s robust economic fundamentals form a foundation for optimism and growth in the approaching year.
India’s fiscal deficit may breach 5.9% of GDP target
Context:
India’s projected fiscal deficit for the current fiscal year may exceed the targeted 5.9% of GDP and reach 6%, despite robust tax collections, according to a report by India Ratings and Research.
Fiscal Concerns:
Possible Breach of Fiscal Target:
India Ratings and Research anticipates a potential breach of the 5.9% GDP fiscal deficit target for the ongoing year, estimating that it could extend to 6%.
This deviation is primarily attributed to the expected overspending in revenue, exceeding approximately ?2 lakh crore, and outweighing buoyant tax collections.
Parliamentary Approval and Spending Commitment:
- The government recently obtained parliamentary approval for the first supplementary demand for grants in 2023-24, leading to an additional cash outlay of ?53,378 crore.
- The total spending commitment, encompassing both revenue and capital expenditure, now amounts to ?45.6 lakh crore.
- Notably, revenue expenditure stands at ?35.6 lakh crore, while capital expenditure is ?10.1 lakh crore.
Likelihood of Second Supplementary Demand:
- India Ratings envisions the necessity for a second supplementary demand for grants, predicting a rise in revenue expenditure to 37.1 lakh crore, surpassing the budgeted amount by over 2 lakh crore.
- This, coupled with a lower-than-expected nominal GDP, is expected to drive the fiscal deficit to 6% of GDP.
Expenditure Drivers:
Increased spending by certain ministries and the replenishment of ?28,000 crore to the Contingency Fund of India, previously drawn as an advance by 30 departments, significantly contribute to the heightened expenditure.
Priority Areas in Supplementary Demands:
The initial supplementary demand targeted critical sectors such as food, fertilizer, LPG subsidy, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Particularly, MGNREGS witnessed spending surpassing the Budget Estimate, prompting an additional allocation of ?14,524 crore.
Economic Implications:
- The fiscal landscape grapples with the dual impact of higher-than-anticipated expenditure and potential revenue shortfalls, presenting challenges in adhering to the targeted fiscal deficit.
- The key drivers of increased spending include allocations by select ministries and the reimbursement of the Contingency Fund, reflecting evolving economic priorities.
- The supplementary demands for critical sectors highlight the government’s response to urgent needs, but careful scrutiny of fiscal implications is crucial, especially given the evolving economic landscape.
A nuanced understanding of fiscal dynamics is imperative for policymakers to balance the imperatives of economic growth, prudent financial management, and fiscal discipline in the upcoming months.
Alarming Rise in Tiger Deaths: India Loses Record 204 Tigers in 2023
Context:
Recent data indicates a concerning increase in tiger deaths in India during the year 2023, with a total of 204 tigers lost, marking a distressing trend.
The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) compiled this meticulous information, highlighting the urgent need for intensified conservation efforts and a reassessment of strategies to safeguard these majestic creatures.
State-wise Breakdown:
- The state of Maharashtra recorded the highest number of tiger deaths at 52, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 45 casualties.
- Other states, including Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, also reported tiger fatalities, though in comparatively lower numbers.
Causes of Tiger Deaths:
- Various factors contributed to the distressing tiger deaths, with ‘Natural & other causes’ accounting for the highest toll, claiming 79 tigers.
- Poaching emerged as a serious concern, leading to the demise of 55 individuals, while 46 tigers succumbed to infighting.
- Rescue/treatment efforts resulted in the loss of 14 tigers, and seven fell victim to linear infrastructure, roadkill, or train/road accidents.
- Tragically, two tigers were killed by other species, and one lost its life due to human-wildlife conflict, involving the forest department/police or villagers.
Conservation Context:
- This surge in tiger deaths contrasts sharply with the positive trajectory seen in India’s tiger conservation efforts.
- The fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (2022) reported a significant increase in the tiger population, rising by 200 from 2018 to 2022.
- The 2023 report revealed that India’s tiger population reached 3,167 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018.
- During the release of the report in Karnataka’s Mysuru, the Prime Minister commemorated 50 years of ‘Project Tiger,’ emphasizing the importance of tiger conservation.
- Additionally, he launched the International Big Cats Alliance, reaffirming India’s commitment to global big cat conservation.
Way Forward:
While the overall rise in India’s tiger population is a positive development, the alarming increase in tiger deaths necessitates immediate attention.
Concerted efforts are required to address the root causes, enhance anti-poaching measures, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
The nation is at a critical juncture in preserving its rich biodiversity, and proactive measures are imperative to secure the future of these iconic and endangered species.
Veer Bal Diwas
Context:
The Prime Minister expressed admiration for the bravery and selflessness of the Sahibzade, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Background:
January 9, 2022, marked the declaration of a significant day, commemorating the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
Veer Bal Divas: A Day of Remembrance:
Veer Bal Divas was instituted to pay tribute to the young Sahibzade who sacrificed their lives at the tender ages of 6 and 9.
Guru Gobind Singh’s Legacy:
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs and the founder of the Khalsa, holds a crucial position in Sikh history.
The Legend of the Sahibzades:
- In Punjabi, “Sahibzada” translates to “son,” denoting the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
- The week from December 21 to 27 is observed to honor the sacrifices of the Sahibzades for Sikhism and Hinduism.
Martyrdom for Faith:
Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, the Sahibzades, laid down their lives defending their faith against forced conversion.
Backstory of Their Martyrdom:
- After establishing the Khalsa Panth, Guru Gobind Singh left Anandpur Sahib in December 1704 amidst Aurangzeb’s invasion.
- Subedar Wazir Khan of Sirhind captured the younger Sahibzades, subjecting them to pressure for religious conversion, ultimately leading to their tragic martyrdom.
- The elder Sahibzades, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, met their fate in the battle of Chamkaur in 1705.
Implications and Historical Impact:
- Upon learning of their martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh wrote the ‘Zafarnama’ to Aurangzeb, expressing the Khalsa’s readiness to challenge his empire.
- Baba Banda Singh Bahadur sought revenge, punishing Wazir Khan and establishing Sikh dominance, paving the way for the Sikh empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Significance in Indian History:
The martyrdom of the Sahibzades stands as a pivotal event in Indian history, remembered with both reverence and sorrow.
Legacy in Sikh Tradition:
The names of the Sahibzades are revered in the Sikh Ardas, symbolizing their enduring legacy in Sikh faith and history.
