What’s in Today’s Article?

• Military Space Doctrine India Latest News
• Need For a Space Security Doctrine
• India's Key Developments in Space Security
• Conclusion: Towards a Space-Ready Military
• Military Space Doctrine India FAQs

Military Space Doctrine India Latest News

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan announced that India is in the final stages of formulating a Military Space Doctrine, expected to be released within two to three months. 
• A National Military Space Policy is also under development. This is an important step as the world is on the “cusp of an era” where space is becoming a key domain of warfare, necessitating preparedness through structured doctrines, research, and institutional frameworks.

Need For a Space Security Doctrine

• Rising Global Concerns Over Weaponisation of Outer Space
  • In April 2024, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution (drafted by the US and Japan) to prevent an arms race in outer space.
    • UN has called for a legally binding instrument to prevent arms race in outer space, but Russia and China rejected the 2024 draft resolution.
  • This follows fears of Russia developing nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
  • Military use of space has been ongoing since Sputnik (1957), with increasing threats of space warfare and space-based defence systems.
• Militarization Trends: Space as the Fifth Operational Domain
  • NATO declared space a fifth operational domain in 2019, reflecting its critical role in defence.
  • Countries like the US and Russia have created independent space forces and formulated doctrines to secure space dominance.
  • The failure of global consensus on responsible behaviours (e.g., the 2023 Working Group report) reflects growing mistrust among major powers.
• Geopolitical and Astropolitical Tensions
  • India faces growing geopolitical and astropolitical tensions, especially with China and Pakistan.
  • China's space advancements, including the Space Silk Road and PLA’s restructured security forces (including Aerospace and Cyberspace), pose direct security challenges.
• Other Factors
  • Rising threats such as orbital, kinetic, electronic warfare, and cyber threats necessitate resilient space-based systems.
  • India's expanding space capabilities demand clear institutional frameworks to integrate civil, commercial, and military space activities.
  • Military space operations are critical for - Safeguarding national security; Addressing vulnerabilities of space-based systems; Tackling emerging space-based threats.

India's Key Developments in Space Security

• Adherence to Space Norms
  • India adheres to major international space treaties including:
    • 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST)
    • 1968 Rescue Agreement
    • 1972 Liability Convention
    • 1974 Registration Convention
    • Signatory to the 1979 Moon Agreement
  • India is a member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and follows the 2008 Debris Mitigation Guidelines.
• India's Key Developments in Space Security
  • 2019 ASAT Test (Mission Shakti): India demonstrated its counter-space capabilities, joining the US, Russia, and China.
  • 2010 – Integrated Space Cell: Enhanced coordination between the Department of Space and Armed Forces.
  • 2018 – Defence Space Agency (DSA): Formed to address space-based military threats.
    • DSA is playing a central role in: Drafting the military space doctrine; Building an integrated satellite communication grid; Identifying and countering threats to national security from both state and non-state actors.
  • 2023 – Indian Space Policy (ISP): First formal space policy, although it lightly touches upon “national security”.
  • 52-Satellite Constellation for Defence: The government has approved the launch of a 52-satellite constellation for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
    • 31 satellites to be built by the private sector
    • Execution in partnership with ISRO and private players
    • Aimed at bridging operational gaps and preparing for future threats
  • GSAT-9 (2017): Used space diplomacy through the South Asia Satellite, strengthening regional influence (excluding Pakistan).
  • International Partnerships: India is strengthening space cooperation with QUAD, France, and others.

Conclusion: Towards a Space-Ready Military

India’s ongoing reforms in the space sector and the development of military space doctrines and policies reflect a strategic shift towards embracing space as a crucial frontier for national security. These initiatives aim to build resilience, foster innovation, and integrate military, civil, and private capabilities for a robust space defence architecture.

Military Space Doctrine India FAQs

Q1. Why is India creating a Military Space Doctrine?

Ans. To address rising space-based threats and assert strategic preparedness in the rapidly militarizing space domain.

Q2. What is Mission Shakti?

Ans. India’s 2019 anti-satellite (ASAT) test demonstrating its capability to neutralize satellites, joining global space powers.

Q3. What challenges does India face in space?

Ans. India faces growing astropolitical threats, especially from China’s military space advancements and space-based warfare capabilities.

Q4. What role does the Defence Space Agency play?

Ans. It drafts the doctrine, builds space systems, and coordinates responses to space-based military threats.

Q5. What is the significance of the 52-satellite constellation?

Ans. To boost India's surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capacity in collaboration with private players and ISRO.

Source: TH | NUJS

What’s in Today’s Article?

• SC Judges Asset Declaration Latest News
• Food Delivery vs. Deep Tech: India-China Start-Up Divide
• China's Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence
• India’s Growth in Domestic E-Commerce
• China’s Dominance in Global Consumer Tech
• Manufacturing: China Leads, India Catches Up
• China’s Lead in Deep Tech Start-Ups
• India’s Strength in the SaaS Sector
• Start-Up Leaders React to the Criticism
• SC Judges Asset Declaration FAQs

SC Judges Asset Declaration Latest News

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks comparing the focus of Indian and Chinese start-ups have sparked a vital conversation. 
• While Indian start-ups largely concentrate on areas like online delivery and betting apps, Chinese counterparts are advancing in strategic sectors such as electric mobility and AI. 
• His comments underscore a deeper issue: despite being the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, India’s innovation priorities differ significantly from global leaders.

Food Delivery vs. Deep Tech: India-China Start-Up Divide

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal contrasts Indian and Chinese start-up ecosystems.
• Indian start-ups are largely focused on food delivery, instant groceries, influencer culture, and fantasy sports.
• Goyal questioned whether these ventures truly represent India's future potential.

The Chinese Model: Deep Tech and Global Innovation

• Chinese start-ups are focusing on advanced sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), battery tech, semiconductors, AI, robotics, and logistics.
• The minister highlighted this contrast to underscore India's missed opportunities in critical technologies.

Call for IP-Led Growth in India

• There is a need for India to develop its own intellectual property (IP).
• India lacks significant IP in frontier sectors, especially when compared to China.
• Government initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme for semiconductors aim to address this gap.

India’s Technological Lag in Electric Mobility

• China leads in EV and battery technology, outpacing even Western companies.
  • India remains heavily dependent on Chinese innovations in this domain.

China's Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence

• While American firms like OpenAI and Anthropic lead globally, China has made headlines with Deepseek.
• Deepseek demonstrated that powerful AI models can be developed at much lower costs.
• India has yet to produce a globally competitive AI model, though proposals are under government evaluation.

India’s Growth in Domestic E-Commerce

• India has built major consumer-facing platforms like Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, and Myntra.
• These firms leveraged increased internet access and urban discretionary spending.
• Many of them are publicly listed and dominate the Indian market.

Limited Global Reach of Indian Start-Ups

• Indian start-ups primarily serve the domestic market, which limits scalability.
• Around 90% of India’s population lacks spending power, posing growth challenges.
• Global expansion is difficult due to strong existing competitors in international markets.

China’s Dominance in Global Consumer Tech

• Chinese companies like TikTok (Bytedance), Shein, and Alibaba have succeeded globally.
• They cater to international audiences and have built strong global brands.

Manufacturing: China Leads, India Catches Up

• China remains the global hub for tech manufacturing.
• India has made progress in smartphone assembly but still relies heavily on Chinese components.
• Efforts are ongoing to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities.

China’s Lead in Deep Tech Start-Ups

• China has over 6,000 deep tech companies.
  • Deep tech involves the application of advanced scientific or engineering breakthroughs.
  • Focus areas include AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, robotics, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced materials.
  • These start-ups aim to solve complex, high-impact global problems.
• Over 100 Chinese deep tech companies have successfully gone public.

India's Struggles in the Deep Tech Space

• Indian deep tech start-ups face a severe funding crunch.
• Investors often see them as high-risk ventures and hesitate to support them.
• This limits their growth and ability to compete globally.

India’s Strength in the SaaS Sector

• India has made a mark globally in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) space.
• Key players include Zoho, Freshworks, TCS, and Infosys.
• However, growth has been largely driven by cost advantages rather than groundbreaking innovation.
• Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are emerging, but innovation is often limited to specific client needs.

UPI: A Recognised Innovation in Digital Payments

• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has set a global standard in digital transactions.
• Initially driven by the government, it was later opened to private firms like PhonePe and Paytm.
• Despite its success, UPI remains free to use, making monetisation a challenge for service providers.

Start-Up Leaders React to the Criticism

• Experts highlight that Zepto has created 1.5 lakh jobs, paid ₹1,000+ crore in taxes annually, and brought in $1 billion+ in FDI — calling it an "Indian innovation miracle."
• They argued that India must aim for consistent high growth before criticising its entrepreneurs. China, too, started with consumer services before transitioning to deep tech.
• They also highlighted the presence of promising Indian deep-tech start-ups but stressed the lack of capital and an enabling ecosystem as major hurdles to their growth.

SC Judges Asset Declaration FAQs

Q1. What is the 1997 Judicial Ethics Code?

Ans. A framework guiding judges’ conduct, promoting integrity, transparency, and detachment from political and personal interests.

Q2. Why are SC judges declaring assets now?

Ans. To promote transparency after allegations against a High Court judge sparked public demand for accountability.

Q3. What does the in-house procedure involve?

Ans. It addresses judicial misconduct through internal mechanisms without resorting to full impeachment proceedings.

Q4. What happened in the Yashwant Varma case?

Ans. An in-house inquiry was initiated after large cash was found, invoking judicial ethics codes.

Q5. What did the 2018 SC ruling say on asset disclosures?

Ans. Judges’ asset details are not personal under RTI, allowing voluntary public declarations for transparency.

Source: IE | IE | HT

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Delimitation Latest News
• Introduction
• Understanding the Legal and Demographic Framework
• Disparities in Population Growth and Representation
• The Argument for Equity-Based Allocation
• Way Ahead
• Conclusion
• Lok Sabha Seat Readjustment FAQs

Delimitation Latest News

• The issue of readjustment of Lok Sabha seats in the context of the new Census is being hotly debated in the country.

Introduction

• India’s political landscape is looking at a significant transformation with the upcoming readjustment of Lok Sabha seats, set to occur after the 2026 Census. 
• This realignment, mandated under Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution, has sparked debates about equity, federal balance, and demographic justice. 
• Contrary to popular usage, the debate isn’t about delimitation (changing constituency boundaries), but rather about seat allocation, determining how many seats each state should have based on population.
• At the heart of the debate lies a critical question: Should states that failed to control population growth be rewarded with more seats in Parliament, thereby gaining disproportionate influence?

Understanding the Legal and Demographic Framework

• The last readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha was carried out based on the 1971 Census. 
• Despite India’s population rising from 54.79 crore in 1971 to an estimated 141 crore in 2025, the number of Lok Sabha seats has remained frozen at 543. 
• This freeze was introduced to give high-growth states time to stabilize population numbers and avoid penalizing those who implemented effective population control.
• As per Article 82, after each decennial Census, the allocation of Lok Sabha seats should reflect population changes. 
• With the 2026 deadline approaching, this constitutional provision is back in the spotlight.

Disparities in Population Growth and Representation

• Northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen disproportionate population growth due to weaker implementation of family planning.
  • Uttar Pradesh: From 8.38 crore in 1971 to 24.1 crore in 2025
  • Bihar: From 4.21 crore in 1971 to 13.1 crore in 2025
• In contrast, southern states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have successfully stabilized their populations.
  • Kerala: From 2.14 crore in 1971 to 3.6 crore in 2025 (only 68% growth)
• This divergence has created fears in the South that readjustment based solely on population would drastically reduce their political influence. 
• For example, if the standard 10 lakh people per constituency formula is used, Uttar Pradesh could jump from 80 to 240 seats, while Kerala would gain just 16 additional seats, despite decades of effective governance.

The Argument for Equity-Based Allocation

• The concept of India as a "Union of States," enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution, implies a federal structure rooted in equity. 
• If representation is decided purely on the basis of population, without factoring in developmental performance or governance quality, states that controlled population growth will be effectively penalized.
• A possible solution is to use the state with the lowest population growth (Kerala, at 68%) as the baseline for increasing seats across all states.
• Under this approach:
  • Uttar Pradesh would get 134 seats
  • Kerala would get 34 (from 20)
  • Tamil Nadu around 66 (from 39)
• This method balances the need for democratic representation with fairness and encourages responsible governance.

The Broader Implications of Seat Allocation

• Raising the total Lok Sabha strength to 800 or more, as is possible with the new Parliament’s chamber capacity, may superficially solve the problem but will still create a massive north-south divide in political power if done solely based on raw population numbers.
• Key concerns include:
  • Rewarding poor governance and high fertility rates with political influence
  • Marginalizing states that have demonstrated governance maturity
  • Undermining the federal structure and principle of cooperative federalism
• Political tensions are already brewing. Tamil Nadu’s CM M.K. Stalin has taken the lead in voicing southern concerns.
• A recent Chennai conclave of southern and Punjab-based leaders reflects growing anxiety over losing political relevance due to population-based reallocation.

Way Ahead

• A rational, equitable approach is essential. Here’s what can be considered:
  • Adopt a fixed growth-based seat allocation multiplier, such as 68%, across all states
  • Delink representation from mere numbers, and include performance indicators like human development, gender ratio, education levels, etc.
  • Convene an inter-state commission to create consensus on a balanced model
  • Promote a long-term framework where demography is aligned with development and governance performance

Conclusion

• India’s upcoming Lok Sabha seat readjustment exercise must reflect not just demographic shifts but also fairness and federal harmony. 
• A mechanical approach based solely on population threatens to fracture the spirit of cooperative federalism and penalize progressive states. 
• A more sensitive, equity-driven formula, like using Kerala’s growth rate as the national standard, can offer a balanced way forward. 
• In a Union of States, every voice deserves fair and proportionate representation, not one dictated by fertility rates but by a shared commitment to progress.

Lok Sabha Seat Readjustment FAQs

Q1. Why is the Lok Sabha seat readjustment happening now?

Ans. It is mandated under Article 82 of the Constitution after every Census, with the next due after 2026.

Q2. What is the major concern regarding this seat allocation exercise?

Ans. Southern states fear loss of political influence due to lower population growth compared to northern states.

Q3. How does the current freeze on seats relate to population control efforts?

Ans. The freeze till 2026 was meant to incentivize population control and prevent penalizing progressive states.

Q4. What is the proposed equitable formula for seat redistribution?

Ans. A 68% seat increase across all states, based on Kerala’s population growth since 1971, has been suggested.

Q5. How could unequal seat allocation affect India’s democracy?

Ans. It could lead to political imbalance, undermine federal principles, and reward states with poor governance records.

Source :TH