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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

India Must Be a Reliable Trade Partner to Compete in the EV Space

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The global electric vehicle (EV) industry is expanding at a rapid pace, driven by advancements in battery technology, sustainability goals, and government incentives. India, with its ambitious vision for an EV revolution, has the potential to become a key player in this dynamic market. However, to establish itself as a trusted and competitive EV manufacturing hub, India must strengthen its supply chain, trade partnerships, and policy frameworks.

India’s Growing EV Market: A Promising Landscape

India is witnessing a surge in EV adoption, fueled by factors such as:

  • The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiative

  • Increasing investment in EV infrastructure

  • A strong push for local battery production to reduce dependency on imports

  • Rising consumer interest in sustainable mobility

Despite these advancements, India's ability to compete on a global scale depends on its reliability as a trade partner and supply chain integrator.

Challenges Hindering India’s EV Trade Competitiveness

1. Dependence on Imports for Critical EV Components

  • India imports a significant portion of its lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, and rare earth metals.

  • A lack of domestic production capacity creates supply chain bottlenecks.

2. Need for Robust Trade Agreements

  • Unlike China and the EU, India lags in strategic trade alliances for securing raw materials.

  • Bilateral trade agreements with lithium-rich nations like Australia and Chile are crucial.

3. Infrastructure and Charging Network Gaps

  • The limited availability of fast-charging stations slows down EV adoption.

  • Investments in smart grids and renewable energy-powered charging stations are needed.

4. Policy Uncertainty and Regulatory Hurdles

  • Frequent changes in EV subsidies and taxation policies create uncertainty for global investors.

  • Streamlined policies and consistent incentives are necessary to attract long-term investments.

Strategies to Strengthen India’s Position in the EV Supply Chain

1. Strengthening Domestic EV Manufacturing

  • PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes should be expanded to cover EV batteries, power electronics, and charging stations.

  • Focus on indigenous research and development for battery technology alternatives like solid-state and sodium-ion batteries.

2. Building Global Trade Partnerships

  • India must negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) with key EV players in Asia, Europe, and North America.

  • Strengthening ties with battery raw material suppliers can ensure a stable and cost-effective supply chain.

3. Investing in Green Infrastructure

  • Development of a nationwide EV charging network integrated with renewable energy sources.

  • Promotion of battery recycling and second-life applications to reduce dependency on imports.

4. Stable Policy Framework and Incentives

  • A long-term, consistent EV policy roadmap to boost investor confidence.

  • Expansion of tax benefits and subsidies for EV manufacturers and consumers.

India’s Path to Becoming a Global EV Leader

For India to emerge as a reliable trade partner in the EV sector, it must address its supply chain vulnerabilities, trade dependencies, and infrastructure gaps. By fostering global collaborations, investing in green technology, and implementing stable policies, India can position itself as a leading EV exporter while achieving its vision for a sustainable mobility revolution.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is a key factor hindering India’s competitiveness in the EV market?

A) Excessive domestic battery production
B) Lack of raw material trade agreements
C) Oversupply of semiconductor chips
D) Decreasing EV demand globally

Answer: B) Lack of raw material trade agreements

2. Why is strengthening trade partnerships important for India’s EV sector?

A) To increase domestic fuel consumption
B) To reduce dependence on critical component imports
C) To limit global competition
D) To discourage foreign investments in EVs

Answer: B) To reduce dependence on critical component imports

3. What role does the PLI scheme play in India’s EV sector?

A) Encourages domestic manufacturing of EV components
B) Reduces EV adoption through high taxation
C) Increases dependence on foreign manufacturers
D) Limits R&D investments in battery technology

Answer: A) Encourages domestic manufacturing of EV components

4. Which policy initiative aims to boost EV adoption in India?

A) FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)
B) Startup India Program
C) Ayushman Bharat Scheme
D) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Answer: A) FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)

5. What is one major challenge in India’s EV infrastructure?

A) Excessive availability of charging stations
B) Limited fast-charging network
C) Oversupply of EVs in the market
D) Low electricity generation capacity

Answer: B) Limited fast-charging network

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