The Hindu Gist - 2nd November, 2026
1 . Slow Recovery: ISRO Needs More Human and Material Resources to Fulfil Its Mandate
The successful GSLV-F18 launch and the healthy status of the NVS-03 satellite indicate a recovery for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after two PSLV launch failures. However, procurement bottlenecks, dependence on imported components, inadequate budgetary allocation and shortages of specialised human resources continue to constrain its expanding mandate.
Operational Recovery and Indigenous Technological Capabilities
- Launch performance: The GSLV-F18 mission was only the second successful full launch of 2026, highlighting the consequences of two PSLV launch failures and the need to strengthen launch reliability.
- Restoration of NavIC: The successful launch of NVS-03 and the initiation of its orbit-raising operations marked an important step towards restoring NavIC’s operational capacity. The satellite is expected to strengthen the constellation after completion of orbital manoeuvres, in-orbit testing and commissioning. Its deployment is significant for improving the continuity and reliability of India’s indigenous regional navigation services.
- Indigenous atomic clock: Second-generation NVS satellites carry indigenously developed atomic-clock technology, in line with recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology. This reduces dependence on imported clocks used in earlier IRNSS satellites.
- Quantum timekeeping: Indigenous atomic-clock development strengthens India’s capabilities in precision timekeeping and reduces technological dependence on imported components, which are essential for reliable satellite navigation.
- Procurement bottlenecks: ISRO faces difficulties in obtaining specialised components and ensuring vendor readiness within the required timelines. These supply-chain constraints affect production schedules and the timely execution of missions.
- Indigenous manufacturing: The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme and the modernisation programme of the Semiconductor Laboratory, Mohali, can help address these shortages. However, developing specialised components and conducting qualification tests require dedicated funding and a sustained five-to-seven-year programme.
Financial, Institutional and Human Resource Constraints
- Budgetary requirements: The government must allocate ₹17,000 crore in the 2027–28 Union Budget for the Department of Space, against ₹13,705.6 crore allocated in 2026–27. The increased requirement reflects ISRO’s expanding operational and technological responsibilities.
- Space Applications Centre: ISRO’s request for proposals in 2025 also specified a lead time of nearly two years between the commencement of a contract and the first two flight models. This highlights the long procurement and development cycles involved in specialised space components.
- Expanding institutional mandate: ISRO’s responsibilities extend beyond launch vehicles and satellites to include replacing ageing satellites, recruitment, navigation services and establishing a dedicated operator for NavIC. A dedicated operator is necessary to fulfil NavIC’s expanding operational mandate.
- Human resource constraints: India’s participation in its entire space programme is becoming difficult because of inadequate specialised personnel. Future ambitions involving human spaceflight, a space station and reusable launch-vehicle capabilities require a stronger scientific and technical workforce.
- National space law: A comprehensive national space law is needed to address private participation in space activities, establish clear institutional responsibilities and support the expanding space ecosystem.
- Way forward: ISRO requires timely budgetary allocation, assured procurement of specialised components, indigenous manufacturing, sustained recruitment and institutional capacity-building. Without adequate workforce and financial resources, India’s expanding space ambitions risk being constrained by inadequate execution capacity.
2. Dwindling Support: India and the World Must Stand Up Against the Bullying of Cuba by the U.S.
The annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for an end to the U.S. unilateral economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba has witnessed declining support. The changing voting pattern reflects growing diplomatic pressure, geopolitical alignments and the use of economic coercion by powerful countries to influence the foreign-policy choices of smaller nations.
Declining International Support and Geopolitical Pressures
- UNGA resolution: Since 1992, the UNGA has repeatedly called for ending the U.S. economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Support has declined sharply in recent years. In 2024, 187 countries voted in favour, compared with 165 in 2025. On 28 October 2026, the resolution received only 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions, marking its weakest support in two decades.
- Changing voting pattern: The declining number of votes in favour and increasing abstentions indicate the growing influence of geopolitical pressure. Countries appear increasingly reluctant to oppose U.S. positions despite their earlier support for the resolution.
- Latin American divisions: Countries that have moved closer to the U.S. have altered their voting positions. Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela in January 2026 and the abduction of President Maduro for trial in the U.S., countries such as Costa Rica, Argentina and Colombia abstained, while Guatemala and El Salvador switched their votes.
- External pressure and geopolitical alignments: Diplomatic positions have also been influenced by Cuba’s relations with Russia. Ukraine and Poland referred to these ties while explaining their votes, while Germany abstained.
- Implications: The trend demonstrates how powerful countries can use economic and diplomatic pressure to influence smaller nations, weakening collective opposition to unilateral coercive measures.
India’s Position and the Need for Collective Opposition
- India’s consistent stand: India maintained its support for Cuba despite the changing voting pattern. It opposed the embargo and called for dialogue and diplomacy in its statement, reaffirming its position against unilateral coercive measures.
- BRICS position: The New Delhi BRICS Summit Declaration expressed deep concern over the tightening of the unilateral blockade on Cuba and its worrying humanitarian impact on the Cuban people.
- Humanitarian dimension: The continuation of the embargo raises concerns about its impact on Cuba’s population and the economic and humanitarian consequences of unilateral restrictions.
- Role of the Global South: India and other developing countries must uphold multilateralism, oppose economic coercion and defend the sovereignty of smaller nations.
- Way forward: The international community must resist the use of economic pressure to compel changes in the foreign-policy choices of sovereign States. India should continue advocating dialogue, diplomacy and collective opposition to unilateral measures, particularly in defence of smaller countries and the Global South.
The Indian Express Gist - 2nd November, 2026
No Important Articles today or has already been covered.
