Vikram One Launch Vehicle, Article 142 Powers and Textile Exports
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
These topics are directly aligned with the UPSC syllabus covering GS2 (Constitutional provisions like Article 142 and judicial dynamics) and GS3 (indigenization of technology, private sector in space, and industrial growth/exports).
Summary
The article covers three major UPSC themes: the development of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle by the private space sector, the constitutional significance and application of the Supreme Court's 'complete justice' powers under Article 142, and the economic landscape of India's textiles exports. These topics span technological advancements, judicial functioning, and labour-intensive economic growth.
Key Points
- Vikram-1 highlights the growing participation and capability of the private sector in India's space ecosystem.
- The Supreme Court's invocation of Article 142 underscores its unique constitutional power to ensure 'complete justice' in pending matters, though it sparks debates on judicial overreach.
- Textiles exports are a critical component of India's labour-intensive manufacturing sector, facing global headwinds and requiring policy support for growth.
Important Terms
Article 142
A constitutional provision empowering the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing "complete justice" in any cause or matter pending before it, even overriding statutory law.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2: Indian Constitution and Judiciary. Tests understanding of judicial activism, discretionary powers, and the separation of powers doctrine.
Vikram-1
India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, designed to carry up to 350 kg payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using carbon-composite structures and 3D-printed engines.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology. Relevant for space sector privatization, indigenization of technology, and India’s growing space economy.
Skyroot Aerospace
A Hyderabad-based space-tech startup that became the first Indian private company to launch a sub-orbital rocket (Vikram-S) and is developing the Vikram series for commercial satellite launches.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Economy and Technology. Highlights the role of startups in the NewSpace era and public-private partnerships.
IN-SPACe
An autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space that acts as a single-window regulator and facilitator for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Space Technology and Governance. Critical for understanding the institutional framework governing private space exploration in India.
RoSCTL Scheme
A government incentive scheme that provides a rebate on state and central embedded taxes and levies on the export of garments and made-ups to enhance global competitiveness.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy. Relevant for textiles sector exports, manufacturing growth, and government support for labor-intensive industries.
Ready-Made Garments (RMG)
A term for garments made in standard sizes, which currently constitutes the largest share of India's textile export basket, contributing significantly to industrial production and employment.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Economy. Tests knowledge of India's export composition, manufacturing challenges, and global trade dynamics.
Prelims Trap
The power to do 'complete justice' under Article 142 is available to both the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.
Article 142 is an extraordinary power vested exclusively in the Supreme Court. While High Courts have wide writ jurisdictions under Article 226, they do not possess this specific constitutional mandate.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the constitutional framework of Article 142?
- Complete Justice: Empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing "complete justice" in any pending cause or matter.
- Enforceability: Such decrees are enforceable throughout India in a manner prescribed by Parliament or by an order of the President.
- Key Precedents: Historically invoked to bridge legislative gaps (Vishaka guidelines), oversee the Bhopal Gas Tragedy settlement, and in the Ayodhya verdict.
Why is the textile sector structurally critical to India's economy?
- Labour-intensive: It is India's second-largest employment generator after agriculture, absorbing a massive unskilled and semi-skilled workforce, particularly women.
- Structural Constraints: Suffers from a highly fragmented structure, outdated technology, and severe export competition from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) enjoying duty-free access.
- Policy Push: The government is attempting to scale up manufacturing via PM MITRA mega textile parks and the PLI scheme for Technical Textiles.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Space Privatisation & IN-SPACe
Vikram-1's development connects directly to the 2020 space sector reforms and the role of IN-SPACe as an independent nodal agency authorizing private sector space activities.
Textiles, PLI & FTAs
Reviving textiles requires linking Production-Linked Incentives (PLI for man-made fibres) with upcoming Free Trade Agreements to offset the tariff disadvantages India faces against Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Art 142 vs Separation of Powers
The frequent invocation of Article 142 ties directly into Mains GS-2 debates regarding judicial overreach, judicial activism, and friction within the separation of powers doctrine.
A 2026 Prelims question will likely contrast Vikram-1 (private) with ISRO's SSLV. Expect Art. 142 tied to judicial overreach in Mains GS2.
Linked PYQs · 5
Linked PYQs · 5
- 2023MainsGS3
What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.
- 2016MainsGS3
Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
- 2017MainsGS2
Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
- 2021PrelimsGS1
With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements : 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India. 2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2023MainsGS3
Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.
