Mains level: ISRO; Present Scenario of Satellites in India;
Why in the News?
After the ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) was finalized in June 2024, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated its launch capability exceeded demand threefold, highlighting a need for robust domestic market demand for launch vehicles.
What is the present scenario of Satellites in India?
India operates a diverse fleet of satellites with applications in Communications, Remote Sensing, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Meteorology, Disaster Management, Space-based internet, Scientific missions, and Experimental missions.
India currently has four main launch vehicles: the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3), capable of launching satellites up to four tonnes to geosynchronous orbit.
For satellites weighing more than four tonnes, India relies on foreign launch vehicles, such as Europe’s Ariane V and SpaceX’s Falcon 9, to meet its heavy payload requirements.
India has been actively involved in significant space missions like Chandrayaan 3 (a lunar mission) and Aditya L1 (a mission to study the Sun), showcasing its growing capabilities in space exploration.
Existing Demand-Driven Model in India – Before and After
Before (Supply-Driven Model)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) primarily built and launched satellites based on its assessments and planned missions without waiting for specific customer demands.
After launching satellites, ISRO would then look for customers who needed the services provided by the satellites, which sometimes led to underutilization or delayed utilization of satellite capabilities.
The space sector was heavily government-controlled, with limited involvement and investment from private players
There was less emphasis on educating potential customers about the benefits and applications of space-based services, leading to lower demand from various sectors.
After 2020 (Demand-Driven Model)
The Space sector reforms 2019-2020 encouraged greater private sector participation, fostering innovation, competition, and commercialization in the Indian space industry.
Satellites are now built and launched based on confirmed customer demands, ensuring that each satellite has a predefined purpose and user base before it is sent into space.
The market demand for satellite services is validated and secured before the construction and launch phases, leading to better alignment of resources and higher utilization rates.
Major Three Limitations Associated at Present Time:
Limited Launch Vehicle Capability: Currently, the Indian launch vehicles have restricted payload capacities, necessitating multiple launches for larger missions, increasing costs and complexity.
Demand-Supply Mismatch: Transitioning from a supply-driven to a demand-driven model faces challenges, including the need to educate potential customers and create a robust private sector ecosystem.
Economic and Technological Constraints: High costs of developing and maintaining launch vehicles and satellites, coupled with the early stages of implementing cost-effective reusable technologies, and insufficient infrastructure and investment.
Way forward:
Enhance Launch Vehicle Capacity: Invest in research and development to upgrade existing launch vehicles like GSLV and LVM-3 to increase payload capacity, reducing dependence on foreign launch providers.
Strengthen Market Engagement and Education: Expand outreach programs to educate potential customers across sectors about the benefits and applications of satellite-based services.
Promote Private Sector Participation: Facilitate a conducive regulatory environment to attract private investments and foster innovation in satellite manufacturing and launch services.
Mains PYQ:
Q India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (UPSC IAS/2017)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neighbouring countries; China;
Mains level: Impact of China's Policy on Indian Market;
Why in the news?
China’s Communist Party commenced and formulated a strategy for achieving self-reliant economic growth amidst heightened National security concerns and restrictions on American technology access.
What are the plenums of the Chinese Communist Party?
The Chinese Communist Party holds a major congress twice a decade, where members of the Central Committee are elected. In between the party congresses, the Central Committee holds seven plenums attended by all its current members.
The plenums are numbered from 1st to 7th, with each focusing on different aspects:
1st, 2nd, and 7th plenums typically focus on power transitions between Central Committees.
4th and 6th plenums generally center on party ideology.
3rd plenums have historically focused on long-term economic reforms.
5th plenums are associated with deliberations for the country’s five-year development plans.
What are the major decisions taken at these meetings?
Chinese govt is planning to take measures to restore and expand domestic consumption, focusing on sectors like automobiles, real estate, and services.
Reforms are also planned to transform the mechanisms of economic development by making the domestic market and technological innovation the main drivers of growth and emphasis on advancing the “New Development Pattern“ adopted in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)
Provisions that provided relaxation of restrictions on home purchases and funding curbs on property developers in some cities are incorporated to boost the struggling real estate market.
Focus on advancing science and technology sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy and Electric Vehicles under the “New Quality productive Forces” initiative
What are the expected implications shortly for regional trade and politics?
Trade and Economic Relations: Policies discussed at plenums can impact China’s trade strategies on economic reforms, market regulations, and industrial policies could influence trade volumes, tariffs, and investment flows.
Changes in China’s economic policies could include shifts in investment patterns, and infrastructure projects linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Security Dynamics: Discussions on National security policies and Military strategies can impact regional security dynamics, especially India’s Arunachal Pradesh region influencing alliances, defense postures, and regional stability.
Conclusion: The Indian Government needs to watch its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy very effectively keeping its stance assertive rather than passive this time.
Mains PYQ:
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is a Money Bill?
Mains level: Present challenges to Money Bill
Why in the News?
CJI D.Y. Chandrachud has accepted the plea to list petitions challenging the passage of contentious legislation in Parliament as Money Bills.
This has given rise to the expectation that the matter could be heard and decided before Chandrachud demits office in November this year.
Presently, the three key issues are referred to the 7-judge bench in the Supreme Court:
Amendments made post-2015, like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) through Money Bills, giving the Enforcement Directorate wide powers, were valid or not.
Whether the passage of the Finance Act of 2017 as a Money Bill to alter appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals was valid or not
In the Aadhaar case, the Supreme Court had in 2018 upheld the Aadhaar Act as a valid Money Bill.
However, in 2021, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (who was then a part of the bench) had dissented, saying the larger questions on Money Bills should be decided first before reviewing the Aadhaar judgment.
Now, the current Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has agreed to list the petitions challenging the use of the Money Bill route by the Centre to pass contentious amendments, indicating he will constitute a 7-judge Constitution Bench to hear this matter.
What is a Money Bill?
A Money Bill is a specific type of financial legislation that exclusively deals with matters related to taxes, government revenues, or expenditures.
It is defined under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution.
Every Money Bill is a Finance Bill but every Financial Bill is not a Money Bill: A Financial Bill can cover a broader range of financial issues, whereas a Money Bill is specifically limited to the matters mentioned in Article 110 of the Constitution. Therefore, while every Money Bill is a Financial Bill, not every Financial Bill is a Money Bill.
Key provisions of the Money Bill:
Article 110(1)(a): Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration, or regulation of any tax
Article 110(1)(b): The regulation of borrowing by the government or giving of any guarantee by the government or the amendment of the law for any financial obligations undertaken by the government
Article 110(1)(c): Custody of the Consolidated Fund or the Contingency Fund of India, the payment of money into or the withdrawal of money from any such Fund.
Article 110(1)(d): Appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India
Article 110(1)(e): Declaration of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or the increase of the amount of any such expenditure
Article 110(1)(f): Receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India or the custody or issue of such money or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a State
Article 110(1)(g): Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified in sub-clauses (a) to (f).
What are the present challenges associated with the Parliament?
Circumvention of the Rajya Sabha: The government is accused of misusing the Money Bill provision to evade scrutiny of the Bill by the Rajya Sabha where it was numerically weaker as compared to the Lok Sabha where it enjoyed pre-eminence.
Contentious Amendments passed as the Money Bill: Aadhaar Act, 2016; amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act, 2010; Finance Act, 2017 which brought about changes in the mode of appointment of judicial tribunals; electoral bonds scheme brought through Finance Act, 2017.
For example, the Finance Act of 2017, passed as a Money Bill, altered the appointment processes for judicial tribunals, which was seen as an attempt to extend executive control over these institutions.
The Supreme Court has been involved in multiple such cases questioning the classification of certain bills as Money Bills. For instance, the Rojer Mathew case and the Aadhaar case (K. Puttaswamy case)
Finality of the Speaker’s Decision: The Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to certify a bill as a Money Bill has been contested. The judiciary has debated whether this decision is final or subject to judicial review.
Way forward:
Need for strengthening Judicial Oversight: Establish clear guidelines and criteria for the classification of bills as Money Bills, ensuring they strictly adhere to the provisions outlined in Article 110 of the Constitution.
Requires the Reinforcement of Legislative Procedures: Enhance the role of the Rajya Sabha in the legislative process by ensuring that all significant amendments, especially those affecting governance structures or individual rights, undergo thorough scrutiny in both houses of Parliament.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (UPSC IAS/2017)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Federal issues and Internal security;
Mains level: Naxalism in India;
Why in the News?
The Maharashtra state government has introduced a comprehensive new legislation – Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPC) Bill, 2024, to address the growing incidence of Naxalism in urban areas.
The Maharashtra government claims that Naxalism is no longer limited to remote rural areas, but has now spread its influence to urban centers through “frontal organizations”.
The government argues that existing laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act are not sufficient to effectively control these urban Naxal organizations.
Key provisions drafted under the MPSC Bill, 2024:
Declaration of Unlawful Organizations
The bill empowers the state government to declare any organization as “unlawful” under Section 3.
An advisory board of three qualified individuals (current/former/qualified High Court judges) will review such decisions as per Section 4.
Definition of Unlawful Activities
The bill defines “unlawful activities” in broad terms, including “activities threatening public order, peace, and tranquility” (Section 2(f)(i)), “interference with law administration and public servants” (Section 2(f)(ii)), and “encouraging disobedience to law and institutions” (Section 2(f)(iv)).
Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offences
All offences under this law will be cognizable and non-bailable, and will be investigated by a police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector as per Section 9.
Punishments
Members of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh (Section 10)
Non-members Contributing or Aiding Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to Rs 2 lakh (Section 11)
Management or Promotion of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh (Section 12)
Committing, Abetting, or Planning Unlawful Activities: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh (Section 13)
Seizure and Forfeiture
The District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police can notify and take possession of any place used for unlawful organization activities (Section 14). The government can also forfeit money and assets intended for unlawful organizations (Section 15).
Legal Review
An advisory board must review the declaration of unlawful organizations within six weeks and submit a report within three months (Section 4). The High Court can review government actions through revision petitions (Section 7).
Why it is being seen as a threat to civil liberty:
Vague Definitions of Unlawful Activities: The bill defines “unlawful activities” in broad and vague terms, including “activities threatening public order, peace, and tranquility” and “encouraging disobedience to law and institutions” in Section 2(f)(i) and (iv).
Excessive Powers Granted to the State: The bill allows the state government to unilaterally declare an organization as “unlawful” without adequate judicial oversight in Section 3. It also empowers District Magistrates and Police Commissioners to grant permission for prosecution, bypassing the courts in Section 9.
Threat to Civil Liberties and Press Freedom: The bill’s broad provisions in Sections 2(f) and 8 could be used to criminalize activities such as reporting on administrative failures or the plight of citizens, as seen in other states with similar laws. This poses a threat to press freedom and the right to freedom of expression.
Lack of Transparency and Public Consultation: The bill was tabled hastily, with the draft not made available for public scrutiny and objections, as noted by civil society members.
Potential for Misuse and Abuse: Given the vague definitions in Section 2(f) and excessive powers granted to the state in Sections 3, 8 and 9, the bill has a high potential for misuse and abuse against political opponents, activists, and journalists, turning Maharashtra into a “police state”.
Way forward:
Consultative Process: The Maharashtra government should engage in a consultative process with legal experts, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to refine the bill’s provisions, ensuring they align with constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
Safeguarding Rights: Introduce safeguards such as judicial oversight in the process of declaring organizations unlawful, ensuring that fundamental rights like freedom of expression and assembly are protected while addressing legitimate security concerns effectively.
Mains PYQ:
Q Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CDSCO; Tirzepatide and its working.
Why in the News?
India’s apex drug regulator Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gave preliminary approval to the drug Tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide is known to have assisted in weight control treatment among diabetic patients.
About Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):
CDSCO is India’s national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
It serves a similar function to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US or the European Medicines Agency of the European Union.
The Indian government has announced its plan to bring allmedical devices, including implants and contraceptives under a review of the CDSCO.
Within the CDSCO, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) regulates pharmaceutical and medical devices and is positioned within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The DCGI is advised by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC).
Mandate and Responsibilities:
Drug Approval: CDSCO is responsible for the approval of new drugs and clinical trials.
Standards Enforcement: Ensures standards of drugs and medical devices through various acts such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Import and Export: Regulates the import and export of drugs and medical devices in India.
Licensing Authority: Issues licenses for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India.
Surveillance: Conducts drug quality surveillance and monitors adverse drug reactions.
Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss
In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug called Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient, semaglutide, was later noted for causing weight loss, which led to its off-label use for treating obesity.
This usage became popular on social media, influencing further developments.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is the main component of Eli Lilly’s drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
It’s important to note here that Mounjaro is the brand name for diabetes, while Zepbound is for weight loss.
How does it work?
There is a dual action involving two hormones:
(1) Regulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1):
GLP-1 is a hormone that regulates appetite and calorie intake through effects on the brain and digestive tract.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide function as polypeptides that enhance the body’s levels of GLP-1.
The higher levels of GLP-1 trigger satiety, the feeling of fullness, reducing the desire to eat.
Unlike semaglutide, tripeptide also increases levels of GIP, the other hormone involved.
Promising Global Trials
Global clinical trials for tirzepatide(Zepbound) have shown significant results, with the highest dosage leading to an average weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks.
The approval in India is due on further post-marketing surveillance (Phase IV trials) to monitor the drug’s side effects and its effectiveness across India’s diverse population.
Long-term side effects:
Cardiovascular risks like increased heart rate and potential blood pressure elevation.
Gastrointestinal effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Endocrine concerns involve thyroid C-cell tumours in MEN syndrome patients.
Other issues include kidney problems, eye complications, mental health impacts, and long-term risks like pancreatic enzyme elevation and gallbladder problems.
Why under-consideration in India?
India has the world’s second-highest number of people with type 2 diabetesand high obesity rates.
A study in Lancet in 2023 estimated that 101 million people in India — 11.4 per cent of the country’s population — are living with diabetes.
As per the World Obesity Federation Atlas, around 11 per cent of Indian adults will be obese by 2034.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IGST; MRO industry of India.
Why in the News?
The government has implemented a uniform Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate of 5% on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts.
Background:
Prior to the implementation of GST in 2017, the taxation of aircraft and aircraft parts was complex, with different central and state taxes being levied.
Under the pre-GST regime, aircraft parts attracted a range of taxes, including excise duty, VAT, and additional customs duties, leading to a cascading effect and higher costs for the aviation industry.
IGST Harmonization for MRO Boost:
This move is aimed at boosting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities in India.
Previously, GST rates on aircraft components varied between 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, causing several issues.
MRO Industry in India
The Indian MRO industry is projected to become a $4 billion industry by 2030.
Currently, India represents only 1% of the global MRO market, which is worth US$45 billion.
The industry is divided into airframe maintenance, engine maintenance (50-55% of work value), components maintenance, and line maintenance (weekly checks).
Commercial airlines spend 13-15% of their revenues on maintenance, primarily outsourcing heavy maintenance.
What is Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)?
The IGST is a component of the GST system in India.
It is levied by the central government on:
Inter-state /UT supply of goods and services;
Imports of goods and services;
Supply of goods and services to/by SEZ units;
Deemed exports (certain transactions where goods supplied do not leave the country but are treated as exports under GST law).
IGST is calculated by adding the applicable Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) rates.
One thing to remember in IGST is that the importing state gets the accrued benefit of taxes.
Rationale for the Uniform 5% IGST Rate
Simplification of Tax Structure: A uniform 5% IGST rate on aircraft and engine parts simplifies tax compliance and eliminates classification complexities.
Cost Efficiency: A lower IGST rate reduces overall tax burden on aviation industry, enhancing affordability of aircraft acquisition and maintenance.
Global Alignment: Aligns India’s tax policy with global standards, fostering competitiveness and attractiveness for international aviation investments.
Promotion of Aviation Services: Encourages aircraft leasing and MRO activities, supporting India’s aspiration to become a hub for these services.
PYQ:
[2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?
It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ICAR; One scientist, One product’ Scheme.
Why in the News?
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ program. This initiative aims to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.
About the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
It is headquartered in New Delhi.
ICAR was formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
It was established in 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 on the basis of the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
Functions of ICAR:
Its primary mandate is to coordinate agricultural education and research in India and provide leadership in agriculture and allied sectors.
It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.
Structure and Organization:
ICAR operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
It consists of a network of research institutes, national bureaus, project directorates, and agricultural universities across the country.
The council is governed by a Governing Body and an Executive Committee, which oversee its functioning and activities.
ICAR confers prestigious awards, such as: the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, the Borlaug Award, and the Hari Om Ashram Trust Award, to recognize excellence in agricultural research and education.
Significant feats achieved by ICAR:
Bio-fortified Coverage: In 2023-24, approximately 16 million hectares are cultivated with bio-fortified crop varieties.
Crops Mentioned: This includes wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard.
Climate Resilience: The deployment of climate-resilient technologies has boosted production, even in abnormal years.
Variety Release: From 2014-15 to 2023-24, ICAR has released 2,593 high-yielding varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient and 150 bio-fortified varieties.
What is the “One Scientist One Product” Scheme?
The “One Scientist One Product” initiative is a strategic research plan launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
It aims to enhance agricultural productivity by assigning specific research targets to individual scientists within the organization in the next 5 years.
Key Objectives of the Scheme:
Target-Oriented Research: Each scientist is given a specific target to develop a product. For example- seed variety, technology, research paper, or a conceptual model.
Avoiding Duplication: The initiative ensures that efforts are not duplicated by carefully mapping and assigning unique research targets to each scientist.
Regular Monitoring: Progress will be monitored every three months at the official level and twice a year by the researchers themselves.
Implementation Details:
All 5,521 scientists of ICAR have been registered under this scheme.
At the beginning of each year, scientists must identify and inform about the product they aim to develop.
While the focus is on individual contributions, there will be instances where a product will be developed by a group of scientists.
Long-Term Goals:
Product Development: The initiative is part of a broader plan to release 100 new seed varieties across various crops within the government’s 100-day plan.
Climate-Resilient Crops: A significant target is to increase the area under climate-resilient paddy seeds to 25% of the total kharif acreage, up from the current 15%.
Announcement of New Crop Varieties
Event Details: ICAR will announce the release of 323 new crop varieties during a function in Delhi. The new releases include cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane.
Variety Breakdown: Among these, there are 289 climate-resilient varieties and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
Upcoming Initiatives: ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of a national 100-day action plan.
Progress in Bio-fortification and Climate Resilience
ICAR reports significant progress in the adoption of bio-fortified crop varieties, with a total area of 16 million hectares under these varieties.
The organization emphasizes the success of its climate-resilient technologies, noting enhanced production even during years with abnormal weather conditions.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA)
Why in the News?
A new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) was appointed on July 1, 2024, marking the first time this position has been filled. The ANSA will assist the National Security Advisor (NSA) in managing the country’s national security affairs.
Recent Controversies about the NSA’s Role
Recent controversies involving R&AW and the Agniveer initiative have brought the NSA’s role back into focus.
Questions remain about the ideal background for the NSA and the prioritization of experience in internal versus external security.
National Security Advisor (NSA):
The NSA is the senior official on the National Security Council of India.
The post was created on 19 November 1998 by the Government of Atal BihariVajpayee.
He/ She is also the chief adviser to the Prime Minister of India on national security policy and international affairs.
Ajit Doval is the current NSA, and has the same rank as a Union Cabinet Minister.
The NSA receives all intelligence (RAW, IB, NTRO, MI, DIA, NIA) reports and co-ordinates them to present before the Prime Minister.
The NSA serves at the discretion of the Prime Minister of India.
About the National Security Council of India:
NSC is an executive government agency tasked with advising the Prime Minister’s Office on matters of national security and strategic interest.
The 3 tier structure of the NSC comprises:
Strategic Policy Group (SPG),
National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and
National Security Council Secretariat.
All aspects of national security are deliberated upon by the National Security Council (NSC), the apex body.
Members: Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Finance and Deputy Chairman of the NITI Aayog.
The NSA is its Secretary.
Changes in the National Security Architecture
Previous Structure
New Structure
Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA)
The position was consistently vacant
New ANSA appointed for the first time
NSA’s Role
NSA had a more operational role
NSA’s role is now more advisory, focusing on strategic policy and advisory outfits
Reporting Structure
CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries reported to NSA and their respective ministers
CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries continue to report to NSA and their ministers; however, ANSA now acts as a gatekeeper
Size of NSA’s Organization
Smaller organization with no ANSA
Larger organization with an ANSA and three deputy NSAs
Daily Security Briefings
Directly by NSA
Unclear if briefings will be by NSA, ANSA, or both
Communication Chain
Direct communication between mid-level unit heads and NSA
ANSA acts as an intermediary between mid-level unit heads and NSA, adding a bureaucratic layer
Ministerial Reporting
NSA interacted with Union ministers and Prime Minister
Ministerial bosses also interact directly with respective secretaries, causing potential turf issues
Speculations and Future Roles
Speculations about the continuity and succession of the current NSA
Ongoing speculations about the future role and potential succession by the newly appointed ANSA
Internal Security Management
NSA handled internal security along with other duties
ANSA now specifically responsible for internal security management and threat analysis
Overall Security Strategy
NSA managed both strategic advisory and operational aspects
Separation of strategic advisory role (NSA) and operational internal security role (ANSA)
Issues with the re-structuring:
Bureaucratic Layering: The introduction of the ANSA adds an additional bureaucratic layer, potentially slowing down decision-making.
Turf Issues: Potential conflicts between the NSA and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, especially regarding convening meetings.
Lack of clarity in Roles: Uncertainty about whether the NSA or ANSA will conduct daily security briefings, leading to possible communication confusion.
Ministerial Reporting Dynamics: Challenges for ministers in managing secretaries’ dual reporting lines to both the NSA and their respective ministers.
Operational Efficiency: The NSA’s shift to a more advisory role might affect the operational efficiency in handling immediate security threats.
Future of the NSA
There is speculation about the future of the incumbent NSA, Ajit Doval, and whether his elevation is a precursor to retirement.
Questions arise about whether ANSA Rajinder Khanna will succeed Doval or if an outsider will be appointed.
PYQ:
[2021] Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EEG and its working
Why in the News?
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalography (EEG) by German physiologist Hans Berger.
Historical Development of EEG
The development of EEG started with Richard Caton in 1875, who first noticed electrical signals in the brains of animals.
His work was expanded by Adolf Beck and later by Vladimir Pravdich-Neminsky, who recorded the first EEG of a dog.
Hans Berger was the first to record these signals from a human brain in 1924.
What is EEG?
EEG stands for electroencephalography. “Electro” means electricity, “encephalo” refers to the brain, and “graphy” means recording.
It tracks the electrical activity in the brain that happens when neurons, the brain’s cells, move tiny charged particles.
This helps doctors tell if the brain is working normally or not.
Doctors use EEG to diagnoseepilepsy, check how deep a person is under anesthesia, study sleep patterns, and even confirm if a person has passed away.
Understanding Volume Conduction
Volume conduction explains how the brain’s electrical signals move through different layers like skin and bone to reach the electrodes on the scalp.
The signals that electrodes pick up need to be cleaned up from any distortions caused by these layers or other noises before doctors can read them accurately.
How does an EEG Test Works?
Neurons interact with their surroundings and sometimes push ions around.
This movement creates waves of electrical activity.
Electrodes on the head detect these waves and measure how strong they are, which is then recorded as an EEG.
Setting up an EEG involves putting gel on the head and placing electrodes accurately, which can be affected by things like having thick hair.
What EEG Can and Can’t Show?
Strengths: EEG is very good at catching fast changes in the brain’s electrical activity, which is helpful for immediate observations.
Limitations: It mainly detects signals from the surface of the brain and is better at picking up signals from certain types of cell parts than others.
Pinpointing exactly where the brain an activity started can be difficult.
Cost and Accessibility
EEG is simple and affordable compared to other methods like MRI.
It’s portable, doesn’t use large equipment, and is safe.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields.
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other.
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
