Current Affairs for 01 April 2026

INS Malwan (ASW-SWC) Explained: India’s Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft

Why in News?

• The Indian Navy has inducted INS Malwan, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), strengthening India’s coastal defence and underwater surveillance capabilities.
• The vessel has been built indigenously by Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking progress under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• It is the second of eight ASW-SWC vessels being developed for the Indian Navy.

Background and Context

• With increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly from strategic competitors, India faces growing challenges in securing its maritime domain.
• Coastal waters are particularly vulnerable due to :
  • Shallow depths that limit large warship operations
  • High maritime traffic
  • Proximity to key ports and strategic infrastructure
• Traditional large warships are less effective in shallow waters, necessitating specialised vessels like ASW-SWC designed specifically for :
  • Detection and neutralisation of submarines
  • Coastal defence and surveillance

About INS Malwan (ASW-SWC)

• INS Malwan is an indigenously designed and constructed anti-submarine warfare vessel, tailored for operations in shallow coastal waters.
• It is part of a larger programme to enhance India’s littoral warfare capabilities, focusing on near-shore security.
• Key highlights :
• Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited at Kochi
• Second vessel in a series of eight ASW-SWC ships
• Named after Malwan, reflecting India’s maritime heritage
• Carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, which served till 2003

Key Features of INS Malwan

1. Displacement and Design

• The vessel has a displacement of around 1,100 tonnes, making it :
  • Compact yet capable for coastal operations
  • Suitable for manoeuvring in shallow and confined waters
• The design prioritises :
  • High agility
  • Low acoustic signature (important for stealth in ASW operations)

2. Propulsion System

• The ship uses waterjet propulsion, which offers : 
  • Greater manoeuvrability in shallow waters
  • Reduced noise levels, critical for anti-submarine detection
  • Lower risk of damage in debris-prone coastal environments

3. Advanced Armaments

• INS Malwan is equipped with a range of modern weapon systems for anti-submarine operations :
• Torpedoes :
  • Used for precise underwater targeting of enemy submarines
• Anti-Submarine Rockets :
  • Capable of engaging submarines at varying depths and distances
• These systems ensure multi-layered offensive capability in underwater warfare.

4. State-of-the-Art Sensors

• The vessel is fitted with advanced detection and surveillance systems :
• Sonar Systems :
  • Detect and track underwater threats
• Advanced Radars :
  • Provide situational awareness in surface and aerial domains
• These sensors enable :
  • Early threat detection
  • Real-time tracking and response

5. Operational Capabilities

• INS Malwan is designed for multi-role operations, including :
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) :
  • Detection, tracking, and neutralisation of enemy submarines
• Underwater Surveillance :
  • Monitoring of maritime zones for hidden threats
• Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) :
  • Handling non-conventional threats such as smuggling, infiltration, and piracy
• Mine Warfare :
  • Capability to detect and counter naval mines

6. Indigenous Content

• The vessel has over 80% indigenous content, reflecting :
  • Strong domestic shipbuilding capabilities
  • Reduced dependence on foreign technology
• It aligns with :
  • Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative
  • Defence indigenisation goals

Significance of INS Malwan

• Strengthening Coastal Security :
  • Enhances India’s ability to monitor and secure coastal waters
• Countering Submarine Threats :
  • Addresses increasing underwater presence in the Indian Ocean
• Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing :
  • Demonstrates India’s growing capability in warship construction
• Strategic Maritime Advantage :
  • Improves operational readiness in shallow water environments

Core Analysis: Strategic Importance vs Challenges

Strategic Importance

• Enhances India’s layered maritime defence
• Strengthens surveillance in vulnerable coastal zones
• Supports India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR

Challenges

• Rapid technological advancement by adversaries
• Need for integration with broader naval systems
• Maintenance and lifecycle costs of advanced platforms

Way Forward

Short-Term Measures

• Ensure timely induction of remaining ASW-SWC vessels
• Integrate ships with naval surveillance networks

Long-Term Measures

• Invest in advanced sonar and unmanned underwater systems
• Strengthen domestic R&D in naval technologies
• Enhance coordination between Navy and Coast Guard

Policy Focus

• Promote defence indigenisation
• Expand shipbuilding capacity
• Strengthen maritime domain awareness

Practice Questions

Prelims :
Q. What is the primary role of Anti-Submarine Warfare systems ?
(a) Air defence
(b) Surface warfare
(c) Detection and destruction of submarines
(d) Cyber warfare

Mains :
“Discuss the importance of Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities for India’s maritime security.”

Global Tensions and India’s Economy: Oil Shock, Rupee Pressure and Fiscal Stress Explained

Why in News ?

• Rising geopolitical instability in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, is impacting India’s economy through : 
  • Surge in crude oil prices
  • Depreciation of the rupee
  • Pressure on fiscal and external balances
• These developments highlight how global conflicts directly influence domestic macroeconomic stability, especially for import-dependent economies like India.

Background and Context

• India’s economy is deeply integrated with global markets, making it highly sensitive to geopolitical disruptions, particularly in energy-rich regions.
• West Asia is strategically important because :
  • It supplies a major share of India’s crude oil imports
  • It hosts critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz
  • It influences global energy prices and supply chains
• With India importing over 85% of its crude oil requirements, any disruption leads to :
  • Immediate inflationary pressures
  • Exchange rate volatility
  • Fiscal strain

Channels of Transmission of Global Shocks

1. Energy Prices as the Primary Shock Channel

• Crude oil prices act as the most direct and immediate transmission mechanism through which global tensions affect India’s economy.
• Recently, the Indian crude basket surged to around $156 per barrel, reflecting sharp global volatility.
• A sustained increase in oil prices leads to :
  • Higher transportation and logistics costs, increasing the price of goods and services across sectors
  • Increased cost of production for industries, particularly energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing and fertilisers
  • A rise in overall inflation, especially cost-push inflation, which affects both consumers and producers
• Additionally, a $10 increase in crude prices can significantly :
  • Widen the current account deficit (CAD)
  • Increase inflationary pressures, forcing monetary tightening

2. Exchange Rate Pressure and Currency Depreciation

• The Indian rupee has depreciated to around ₹95 per US dollar, reflecting strong external pressures.
• Depreciation occurs due to :
  • Rising oil import bills increasing demand for dollars
  • Capital outflows amid global uncertainty
  • Strengthening of the US dollar globally
• Currency depreciation has multiple consequences :
  • Makes imports more expensive, further fuelling inflation
  • Increases the burden of external debt repayment
  • Weakens investor confidence in the economy
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has intervened by :
  • Using foreign exchange reserves
  • Regulating forex market exposure

3. External Sector Stress

• India’s external sector has come under pressure due to :
  • Decline in foreign exchange reserves (around $709 billion)
  • Increased Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) outflows
• These developments lead to :
  • Reduced buffer against external shocks
  • Increased vulnerability to sudden capital flight
  • Pressure on the balance of payments
• External instability can further :
  • Amplify currency depreciation
  • Increase macroeconomic uncertainty

Fiscal Impact of Oil Price Volatility

• India’s fiscal framework is structurally vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
• Key impacts include :
• Rising Subsidy Burden:
  • Higher crude prices increase government spending on : 
    • LPG subsidies
    • Fertiliser subsidies
• Revenue Losses :
  • To control inflation, governments often reduce : 
    • Excise duties on fuel
  • This leads to significant loss of revenue
• Increased Fiscal Deficit :
  • Higher expenditure combined with lower revenues widens the fiscal deficit
  • If high oil prices persist:
  • Government finances may face dual pressure of rising costs and falling revenues, affecting fiscal sustainability

Changing Nature of Government Revenue

• India’s revenue system has evolved significantly in recent years, with increasing dependence on transaction-based taxation.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections have risen to around ₹22.8 lakh crore, reflecting :
  • Strong consumption and economic activity
• However, this structure creates vulnerabilities :
• Dependence on Consumption :
  • Revenue growth is linked more to spending than income
• Impact of Economic Slowdown :
  • During crises, reduced consumption leads to lower GST collections
• This makes fiscal stability highly sensitive to demand-side shocks.

Impact on Households and Consumption

• Households act as a critical transmission channel for economic shocks.
• Key features :
• High Contribution to GDP :
  • Private consumption accounts for about 61.4% of GDP
• Rising Household Debt :
  • Household liabilities have crossed 41% of GDP, increasing financial vulnerability
• Impact of Rising Prices :
  • Higher fuel and energy costs increase household expenditure
  • Reduced disposable income leads to lower consumption
• Energy Access Issues :
  • LPG price increases and supply disruptions further burden households
• This leads to :
  • Weak demand
  • Slower economic growth

Industrial and Investment Trends

• India’s industrial sector shows a mixed performance under global stress conditions.
• Manufacturing Sector :
  • Growth remains strong in capital-intensive industries
• Labour-Intensive Sectors :
  • Continue to face demand constraints and structural challenges
• Private Investment :
  • Remains subdued despite government-led capital expenditure
• Project Completion Issues :
  • A low proportion of announced projects are completed, reflecting : 
    • Investor caution
    • Uncertainty in demand conditions
• Impact on MSMEs :
  • Small businesses and informal sectors are more vulnerable due to : 
    • Limited financial buffers
    • Higher sensitivity to demand shocks

Macroeconomic Contradiction: Growth vs Vulnerability

• India’s economy currently exhibits a dual or contradictory trend:

Positive Indicators

• Strong GDP growth (~8.1%)
• High government capital expenditure
• Resilient manufacturing output

Underlying Weaknesses

• Weak income growth
• Rising household debt
• External sector vulnerabilities
• This divergence indicates that :
  • Growth is being driven by public investment, not broad-based demand
  • Household consumption and private investment remain fragile
• Such a growth model may not be sustainable in the long run without addressing structural issues.

 Key Concepts

1. Current Account Deficit (CAD)

• Occurs when imports exceed exports in goods and services

2. Fiscal Deficit

• Difference between government expenditure and revenue

3. Cost-Push Inflation

• Inflation caused by rising input costs (e.g., fuel prices)

4. Foreign Exchange Reserves

• Assets held by RBI to manage currency stability

5. Capital Account Flows

• Movement of investments (FPI, FDI) across borders

Significance

• Energy Security : Highlights India’s dependence on imported oil
• Macroeconomic Stability : Shows vulnerability to global shocks
• Policy Challenge : Balancing inflation control with growth
• Strategic Planning : Need for diversification and resilience

Core Analysis: External Shock vs Domestic Resilience

Strengths

• Strong GDP growth
• High forex reserves
• Active policy intervention by RBI

Vulnerabilities

• High oil import dependence
• Weak consumption demand
• Fiscal and external sector pressures

Way Forward

Short-Term Measures

• Use forex reserves to stabilise currency
• Adjust fuel taxes and subsidies carefully
• Monitor inflation and supply chains

Long-Term Measures

• Diversify energy sources (renewables, alternative fuels)
• Reduce dependence on crude oil imports
• Strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains

Structural Reforms

• Boost employment and income growth
• Broaden tax base beyond consumption
• Enhance resilience to external shocks

Practice Questions

Prelims :
Q. Which of the following can lead to currency depreciation ?

1. Rising oil imports
2. Capital outflows
3. Increase in exports

Select the correct answer :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of the above

Mains :
“Global geopolitical tensions increasingly influence India’s macroeconomic stability.” Discuss.

RBI Extends Export Realisation Timeline: Supporting Exporters Amid Global Disruptions

Why in News ?

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended : 
  • The export realisation and repatriation timeline to 15 months
  • The export credit period to 450 days (till June 30, 2026)
• The move comes in response to global disruptions and West Asia tensions, which have affected shipping routes, payment cycles, and trade flows.
• The decision aims to provide liquidity support and operational flexibility to exporters, ensuring continuity in India’s external trade.

Background and Context

• India’s export sector is closely linked to global supply chains, geopolitical stability, and financial flows, making it vulnerable to external shocks.
• Recent disruptions due to tensions involving Iran and surrounding regions have :
  • Increased shipping risks and insurance costs
  • Caused delays in cargo movement
  • Disrupted payment cycles
• Strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz play a critical role in global trade, and any instability in these regions directly impacts India’s exports.
• In such a scenario, rigid export timelines can strain exporters’ liquidity, necessitating policy flexibility.

Understanding Export Realisation and Export Credit

Export Realisation

• Export realisation refers to the receipt of payment in foreign exchange for goods and services exported from India.
• It is governed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, which mandates that :
  • Export proceeds must be realised and repatriated within a specified timeframe
• Timely realisation is critical because it :
  • Ensures steady foreign exchange inflows
  • Supports balance of payments stability
  • Maintains confidence in the external sector

Export Credit

• Export credit is a vital component of trade finance, helping exporters manage working capital requirements.
• It includes :
• Pre-shipment Credit :
  • Provided before export to finance procurement of raw materials, production, and packaging
• Post-shipment Credit :
  • Provided after goods are shipped, covering the period until payment is received
• These mechanisms ensure that exporters have continuous liquidity despite delayed payments.

Role of RBI in Export Regulation

• The RBI plays a central role in managing India’s external sector stability through multiple regulatory and monetary tools.
• Key functions include :
• Setting Export Timelines :
  • Determines the permissible period for realisation and repatriation
• Regulating Export Credit :
  • Defines credit duration, interest norms, and eligibility
• Forex Market Intervention :
  • Manages currency volatility through regulatory and market operations
• Balancing Growth and Stability :
  • Ensures export promotion without compromising macroeconomic stability

Need for Relaxation in Export Timelines

• Global disruptions have significantly impacted the efficiency and predictability of international trade.
• Key challenges include :
• Logistical Delays :
  • Shipping routes have become longer and more uncertain
• Rising Costs :
  • Freight charges and insurance premiums have increased sharply
• Extended Payment Cycles :
  • Importers are delaying payments due to global uncertainty
• In this environment, strict timelines can :
  • Force exporters into financial stress
  • Disrupt working capital cycles
  • Reduce export competitiveness
• Therefore, extending timelines provides critical breathing space for exporters.

Key Measures Announced by RBI

• The RBI has introduced several relief measures to address current challenges:

1. Extension of Export Realisation Timeline

• The permissible period for realisation and repatriation has been extended :
  • From 9 months to 15 months
• This allows exporters :
  • More time to receive payments
  • Greater flexibility in managing delayed transactions

2. Extension of Export Credit Period

• The enhanced export credit period of 450 days has been extended :
  • Now applicable for disbursals till June 30, 2026
• This ensures :
  • Continued access to affordable working capital
  • Reduced financial stress during delayed payments

3. Forex Market Stabilisation Measures

• RBI has also directed banks to :
  • Limit their net open forex exposure to $100 million per day
• This aims to :
  • Reduce currency volatility
  • Stabilise the rupee amid global uncertainty

Performance of India’s Exports

• Despite global challenges, India’s exports have shown resilience:
• Total exports (goods + services) :
  • Estimated at $76.13 billion in February 2026
  • Growth of 11.05% year-on-year
• This indicates :
  • Strong demand for Indian exports
  • Ability to withstand global disruptions

Implications for India’s Economy

Positive Impacts

• Liquidity Support :
  • Exporters gain more time to realise payments, reducing working capital stress
• Trade Continuity :
  • Ensures uninterrupted export activity despite logistical challenges
• Cost Management :
  • Allows exporters to absorb higher freight and insurance costs
• External Sector Stability :
  • Sustains export momentum, supporting long-term forex inflows

Potential Concerns

• Delayed Forex Inflows :
  • Longer timelines may temporarily reduce foreign exchange inflows
• Balance of Payments Pressure :
  • Prolonged delays could affect external account stability
• Moral Hazard Risk :
  • Extended timelines may reduce urgency in payment recovery

Key Concepts

1. Balance of Payments (BoP)

• Record of all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world

2. Current Account

• Includes trade in goods, services, remittances, and income flows

3. Exchange Rate

• Value of one currency relative to another (e.g., ₹ per US dollar)

4. Net Open Position (NOP)

• Difference between a bank’s foreign currency assets and liabilities

5. Trade Deficit

• Occurs when imports exceed exports

Significance

• Export Competitiveness :
  • Enhances flexibility for exporters in uncertain times
• Macroeconomic Stability :
  • Supports external sector during global volatility
• Policy Responsiveness :
  • Demonstrates RBI’s proactive approach to emerging risks
• Confidence Building :
  • Reassures exporters and investors

Core Analysis: Relief vs Risks

Advantages

• Provides immediate liquidity support
• Helps sustain export growth
• Reduces financial stress on exporters

Risks

• Temporary decline in forex inflows
• Increased exposure to external vulnerabilities
• Dependence on global recovery

Way Forward

Short-Term Measures

• Continue flexible policy support for exporters
• Monitor forex inflows and currency stability
• Improve trade logistics and shipping resilience

Long-Term Measures

• Diversify export markets
• Strengthen domestic supply chains
• Enhance trade financing mechanisms

Policy Focus

• Balance export promotion with macroeconomic stability
• Reduce dependence on volatile trade routes
• Build resilience against geopolitical shocks

Practice Questions

Prelims :
Q. What does export realisation refer to ?
(a) Exporting goods
(b) Receiving payment for exports in foreign exchange
(c) Importing goods
(d) Currency depreciation

Mains :
“Discuss the role of the Reserve Bank of India in managing India’s external sector during global disruptions.”

Iran War and Food Inflation in India: Why Risks Are Limited Now but Rising Ahead

Why in News ?

• The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia involving Iran have raised concerns about food inflation in India, particularly through disruptions in fertiliser and agrochemical supply chains.
• While India currently remains insulated due to strong foodgrain stocks and a promising rabi harvest, emerging risks for the upcoming kharif season indicate potential inflationary pressures in the near future.
• The situation highlights the interlinkages between geopolitics, agriculture, and inflation, especially for an import-dependent economy like India.

Background and Context

• Food inflation in India is influenced not only by domestic agricultural output but also by global supply chains, input costs, and geopolitical disruptions.
• The West Asia region plays a critical role in :
  • Supply of fertilisers and raw materials such as ammonia, sulphur, and LNG
  • Petrochemical inputs used in agrochemicals
  • Energy markets, which indirectly impact transportation and production costs
• Past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated that strong buffer stocks and good harvests can shield India from immediate inflation shocks, even during global disruptions.
• The current scenario presents a two-phase risk :
  • Short-term stability due to strong domestic buffers
  • Medium-term vulnerability due to rising input costs and supply disruptions

Current Food Security Position: Strong Buffers

• India’s food security situation remains comfortable due to substantial buffer stocks held by the government.
• As of March 1 :
  • Wheat stocks stood at 23.6 million tonnes
  • Rice stocks stood at 36.5 million tonnes
• These levels are significantly higher than in previous years, ensuring :
  • Adequate supply for the Public Distribution System (PDS)
  • Ability to stabilise prices through market interventions
• Such buffer stocks act as a shock absorber, preventing sudden spikes in food prices despite external disruptions.

Strong Rabi Crop Prospects

• The outlook for the rabi season further strengthens India’s food security position.
• Favourable Monsoon and Acreage Expansion :
  • Good rainfall in 2025 encouraged farmers to increase sowing under key crops such as wheat, mustard, chana, and maize.
• Favourable Weather Conditions :
  • Cooler temperatures due to western disturbances supported better grain filling, especially for wheat, leading to higher productivity.
• This combination of higher acreage and improved yields is expected to ensure :
  • Sufficient domestic supply
  • Stable food prices in the short term

Crop-Wise Performance Analysis

• Wheat :
  • Harvesting has begun in central India and is expected to expand to northern regions, indicating a normal to above-normal production outlook.
• Mustard :
  • Harvest largely completed with minimal weather damage, ensuring stable edible oil supply.
• Potato and Maize :
  • Potato output is estimated to be 8–10% higher, while maize yields in Bihar are expected to remain robust, supporting both food and feed demand.
• Seed Spices :
  • Crops like jeera and isabgol may witness lower output due to weather anomalies, indicating localized supply concerns.
• Overall, the diversified crop performance suggests broad-based agricultural stability, reducing immediate inflation risks.

Fertiliser Availability: Comfortable but Temporary

• India currently has adequate fertiliser stocks, which are sufficient to meet immediate agricultural needs.
• Available stocks include :
  • Urea: 6.1 million tonnes
  • DAP: 2.4 million tonnes
  • Complex fertilisers: 5.7 million tonnes
  • SSP: 2.5 million tonnes
• These reserves provide short-term security, particularly for the ongoing agricultural cycle.
• However, this comfort is time-bound, as replenishment depends heavily on imports.

Emerging Risks for Kharif Season

• The real challenge lies in the upcoming kharif season, where input availability becomes critical.
• Supply Chain Disruptions :
  • The Iran conflict has disrupted imports from the Gulf region, a major supplier of fertiliser inputs.
• Rising Global Prices :
  • Ammonia prices have surged to $725–750 per tonne
  • Sulphur prices have crossed $700 per tonne
  • DAP prices have reached around $825 per tonne
• These rising costs may :
  • Increase input costs for farmers
  • Translate into higher food prices over time

Supply-Demand Pressures in Fertiliser Sector

• India has a large annual fertiliser demand, making it vulnerable to global disruptions :
  • Urea : ~40 million tonnes
  • DAP : ~10 million tonnes
  • Complex fertilisers : ~14 million tonnes
• Current stock levels may only support initial phases of kharif cultivation, necessitating timely imports.
• Policy responses being considered include :
  • Recalibration of fertiliser subsidies to absorb price shocks
  • Encouraging use of complex fertilisers and SSP, which are more nutrient-efficient

Agrochemical Supply Risks

• Beyond fertilisers, the crisis also affects crop protection chemicals, which are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity.
• These include :
  • Insecticides
  • Fungicides
  • Herbicides
• Supply disruptions can :
  • Increase pest and disease risks
  • Reduce crop yields

Dependence on Petrochemical Inputs

• A critical vulnerability lies in India’s dependence on petrochemical supply chains linked to West Asia.
• Around 55% of global naphtha supply originates from or passes through this region.
• Naphtha is a key raw material for :
  • Ethylene
  • Propylene
  • Benzene
• These chemicals are essential for producing agrochemical inputs, making the sector highly sensitive to geopolitical disruptions.

Rising Input and Packaging Costs

• Supply disruptions have already led to increased prices of intermediate chemicals, such as :
  • Isopropylamine (used in herbicides like glyphosate)
• Additionally, packaging costs have risen by 30–40%, affecting :
  • HDPE bottles
  • PET containers
  • Labels and cartons
• This adds to the overall cost of agricultural inputs, indirectly influencing food prices.

Uncertain Impact on Food Inflation

• While immediate food inflation risks remain low due to strong buffers, the medium-term outlook is uncertain.
• The final impact will depend on :
  • Duration of geopolitical disruptions
  • Extent of cost pass-through to farmers
  • Government policy interventions
• If input costs continue to rise, they may eventually translate into higher food prices, especially during the next agricultural cycle.

 Key Concepts

1. Food Inflation

• Refers to the rise in prices of food items, a major component of CPI in India.
• Highly sensitive to supply shocks and agricultural output.

2. Buffer Stock

• Foodgrain reserves maintained by the government (through FCI) to : 
  • Ensure food security
  • Stabilise prices

3. Rabi and Kharif Crops

• Rabi : Sown in winter, harvested in spring (e.g., wheat)
• Kharif : Sown in monsoon, harvested in autumn (e.g., rice)

4. Fertiliser Types

• Urea : Nitrogen-based
• DAP : Phosphorus-rich
• Complex fertilisers : Balanced nutrients

5. Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Government mechanism to distribute food grains at subsidised rates

Significance

• Food Security : Highlights importance of buffer stocks and domestic production
• Economic Stability : Food inflation directly impacts CPI and monetary policy
• Geopolitical Sensitivity : Shows India’s vulnerability to external shocks
• Agricultural Policy : Emphasises need for input diversification and self-reliance

Core Analysis: Stability vs Emerging Risks

Current Stability

• Strong foodgrain stocks
• Good rabi harvest prospects
• Adequate fertiliser availability

Emerging Risks

• Rising global fertiliser prices
• Supply chain disruptions from West Asia
• Increasing agrochemical and packaging costs

Way Forward

Short-Term Measures

• Ensure timely fertiliser imports
• Adjust subsidy framework to shield farmers
• Monitor food prices and intervene if necessary

Long-Term Measures

• Promote domestic fertiliser production
• Encourage balanced nutrient use
• Diversify import sources

Policy Focus

• Strengthen agricultural resilience
• Reduce dependence on volatile regions
• Integrate food security with external sector policy

Practice Questions

Prelims :
Q. Which of the following factors can directly lead to food inflation ?

1. Increase in fertiliser prices
2. Decline in agricultural output
3. Rise in crude oil prices

Select the correct answer :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Mains :
“Food inflation in India is increasingly influenced by global factors rather than domestic production alone.” Discuss.

Artemis II Mission Explained: How NASA Plans to Take Astronauts Around the Moon and Back

Why in News ?

• The NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first human mission beyond low Earth orbit since 1972.
• Unlike earlier missions, Artemis II will be a lunar flyby mission (no landing), acting as a crucial step toward a planned human Moon landing later in the decade.
• The mission signals the beginning of a new era of sustained lunar exploration, involving multiple countries and private players.

Background and Context

• The last human mission to the Moon occurred during the Apollo 17, concluding the Apollo programme that focused on short-duration lunar landings.
• The new Artemis programme represents a paradigm shift in space exploration, moving from symbolic visits to :
  • Long-term human presence
  • Sustainable lunar infrastructure
  • Preparation for future Mars missions
• The initiative reflects a broader transformation in global space dynamics :
  • From Cold War-era competition to multi-country collaboration and commercial participation
  • Increasing involvement of emerging space powers such as India and China

What is Artemis II Mission ?

• Artemis II is the first crewed mission under the Artemis programme, following the successful uncrewed Artemis I.
• It aims to :
  • Test life-support and safety systems in deep space
  • Demonstrate crewed navigation beyond Earth orbit
  • Validate technologies required for future Moon landings
• The mission is essentially a high-risk, high-value test flight, ensuring that all systems are reliable before humans attempt to land on the Moon again.

Mission Profile and Flight Path

• The Artemis II mission follows a carefully designed trajectory to maximise both safety and scientific validation :
• Initial Phase :
  • The spacecraft will orbit Earth twice to check system performance and trajectory accuracy before heading toward deep space.
• Trans-Lunar Injection :
  • After Earth orbits, the spacecraft will be propelled toward the Moon using a powerful rocket burn.
• Lunar Flyby :
  • The spacecraft will travel around the Moon, reaching up to 6,500 km beyond its far side, marking the farthest distance humans have ever travelled in space.
• Return Journey :
  • After completing the flyby, the spacecraft will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and safely land.
• This trajectory ensures :
  • Testing of navigation systems
  • Validation of communication over long distances
  • Assessment of human endurance in deep space

Technology Behind Artemis II

1. Space Launch System (SLS)

• The mission will use the Space Launch System, currently the most powerful operational rocket.
• Key features :
  • Designed for deep space missions beyond Earth orbit
  • Provides the high thrust required for fast lunar travel
  • Enables heavier payload capacity compared to earlier systems

2. Orion Spacecraft

• Astronauts will travel in the Orion spacecraft, designed for :
  • Long-duration human spaceflight
  • Advanced life-support systems
  • High-speed re-entry from deep space
• The Orion capsule was successfully tested during Artemis I, validating :
  • Heat shield performance
  • Navigation systems
  • Communication capabilities

Travel Time: Speed vs Efficiency

• Artemis II will reach the Moon in 3–4 days, similar to Apollo missions.
• This contrasts with missions like Chandrayaan-3, which used :
  • Slower, fuel-efficient trajectories
  • Gravity-assisted orbits to reduce energy consumption
• The difference highlights a key trade-off in space missions :
  • Fast trajectories: Require powerful rockets but reduce travel time
  • Efficient trajectories: Save fuel but increase mission duration

NASA’s Long-Term Plan: Permanent Moon Presence

• Artemis II is part of a broader roadmap to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.
• Key elements of the plan include :
  • Regular lunar missions every six months
  • Development of a lunar base camp for long-duration stays
  • Use of the Moon as a staging ground for Mars exploration
• This marks a shift from :
  • Exploration → Habitation
  • Short missions → Continuous presence

Role of Artemis Programme

• The Artemis programme is structured as a step-by-step progression toward long-term lunar exploration :
• Artemis I (2022) :
  • Uncrewed test mission to validate systems
• Artemis II :
  • First crewed lunar flyby mission
• Future Missions :
  • Planned human Moon landing (around 2028)
  • Expansion toward permanent lunar infrastructure
• This phased approach reduces risks and ensures technological reliability.

India’s Role in the New Lunar Race

• India has emerged as a significant player in the evolving global space ecosystem, led by ISRO.
• Strategic Alignment :
  • India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, supporting: 
  • Peaceful use of space
  • Sustainable exploration
    • International collaboration
• Technological Collaboration :
  • Joint missions like NISAR demonstrate growing cooperation between India and the US.
• Future Ambitions :
  • India aims for a human Moon landing by 2040, positioning itself as a major space power.

Global Lunar Competition

• The new space race includes multiple countries :
• China :
  • Plans human Moon landing by 2030
• Japan & Europe :
  • Active participants in collaborative missions
• Private Sector :
  • Increasing role in launch systems, habitats, and logistics
• This reflects a shift from US–USSR rivalry → multi-polar space competition and cooperation.

Key Concepts

1. Escape Velocity

• Minimum speed required to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull (~11.2 km/s).

2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) vs Deep Space

• LEO : Up to ~2,000 km above Earth (used for satellites, ISS)
• Deep Space : Beyond Earth orbit (Moon, Mars missions)

3. Lunar Orbit vs Flyby

• Orbit : Spacecraft stays around the Moon
• Flyby : Spacecraft passes around the Moon and returns

4. Trans-Lunar Injection

• Rocket maneuver that sends a spacecraft from Earth orbit toward the Moon

5. Heat Shield Technology

• Protects spacecraft during high-speed re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere

Significance of Artemis II Mission

• Technological Advancement : Tests next-generation deep space systems
• Human Spaceflight : Marks return of humans to lunar vicinity after 50+ years
• Strategic Importance : Strengthens US leadership in space exploration
• Scientific Exploration : Enables future research on Moon and beyond
• International Cooperation : Opens opportunities for global partnerships

Core Analysis: Opportunities vs Challenges

Opportunities

• Establishing a long-term human presence beyond Earth
• Advancing space technology and innovation
• Enhancing international collaboration

Challenges

• High mission costs and technical risks
• Human safety in deep space environment
• Sustainability of long-term lunar missions

Way Forward

Short-Term Focus

• Successful execution of Artemis II
• Validation of life-support and navigation systems

Long-Term Vision

• Establishment of lunar base infrastructure
• Integration of international and private partners
• Preparation for human missions to Mars

Policy Dimension

• Promote global cooperation in space exploration
• Ensure peaceful and sustainable use of outer space
• Encourage participation of emerging space nations

Practice Questions

Prelims :
Q. What is the purpose of Trans-Lunar Injection ?
(a) To place a satellite in Earth orbit
(b) To send a spacecraft toward the Moon
(c) To land on the Moon
(d) To return from space

Mains :
“Discuss the significance of the Artemis programme in shaping the future of global space exploration.”