What happened?

On July 14, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft, consisting of an indigenous propulsion module (PM) and lander module (LM), separated from the launch vehicle, LVM-3, around 16 minutes after the lift-off and entered the Earth’s orbit. Praises poured in across party lines as the country celebrated the launch of its third lunar mission.

Why does it matter?

Chanrayaan-3 is India’s second attempt at a soft landing on the moon after the previous effort with the Chandrayaan-2 failed in 2019. If it succeeds, India will become the fourth country to land on the moon (after the US, Soviet Union, and China) and the first to land on its south pole.

However, there are still questions about whether India should spend so much time and money on space exploration when it faces immediate challenges such as poverty, improving healthcare and education, etc.

What are the arguments from both sides?

Side 1: India should NOT focus on space

• Space missions are expensive: Space exploration diverts resources from more urgent needs. According to the Indian government, the budget for space exploration over the last two years has been over Rs 25,000 crore. This amount could have been used to improve the living conditions of millions of Indians living below the poverty line, estimated at 21% of the population.

• Space missions can fail, causing more stress: Space missions are risky and uncertain, as demonstrated by the failure of India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission to land on the moon in 2019. Therefore, spending so much money on space missions is wasteful and irresponsible, especially when there are more pressing issues, such as improving infrastructure or providing quality healthcare and education to all of Indians.

• Display of power: The founder of ISRO, Vikram Sarabhai, envisioned that India’s space program would be guided by applying advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. However, some critics argue that India’s current space program has deviated from this vision and has become more driven by prestige and competition with other countries, such as China and the United States. For example, India’s decision to conduct an anti-satellite (ASAT) test in 2019 was seen as a demonstration of its space power and a response to China’s similar test in 2007.

Side 2: India MUST focus on space

• Generates revenue: After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted ISRO’s momentum, it returned with a renewed spirit. It successfully launched more than 20 satellites in the past three years. In the past five years, it has earned nearly ₹1,100 crore by launching foreign satellites. For context, in its lifetime, ISRO has earned ~ ₹1,830 crore by launching foreign satellites.

• Entry of private players: In 2021, India opened the space sector to private companies. As a result, the Indian space ecosystem is witnessing the emergence of startups like Dhruva Space, Digantara, Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot etc. Further, the Union government announced the Indian Space Policy in April this year to ease clearance for space activities by private companies. This means that the government’s spending on space exploration will reduce significantly while the sector will witness innovation and growth.

• Social and security benefits: India’s satellites have played a crucial role in transforming the lives of ordinary Indians through contributions in areas such as adult literacy and distance learning programs, prediction of weather patterns and natural disasters. Moreover, India’s space program contributes to our national security and strategic interests. India’s satellites provide vital information and intelligence for our defence and foreign policy. If India is serious about space, there’s no way we can afford to underestimate its importance.

What’s next?

Chandryaan-3’s spacecraft is expected to make a soft landing on the moon on August 23 or 24. If there’s a delay, it will be rescheduled to September. Though ISRO hasn’t announced precise dates, Aditya L1 is expected to launch soon. Gaganyaan will be launched at the end of 2023 or early 2024. NISAR is expected to be launched in early 2024.

Hollywood at a standstill

Why are screenwriters and actors protesting?

What happened?

On July 13, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), a trade union representing ~160,000 actors and other media professionals, went on strike, demanding improved wages in the age of streaming services. This move came two months after the screenwriters of Hollywood went on strike, disrupting the industry’s workflow. Renowned actors such as George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Mark Ruffalo have also extended their support to the strike.

Why does it matter?

This is the first major strike by the screenwriters since 2007-2008, which stopped work for 100 days and resulted in the loss of billions of dollars. Moreover, Hollywood hasn’t witnessed a simultaneous strike from screenwriters and actors since 1960. Without writers and actors, the production of several big-budget movies has been halted. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon would no longer be able to produce shows in Hollywood until the strikes resolve.

Why are they protesting?

• Lay-offs: During the pandemic, streaming services saw a boom in consumption and subscribers. The increased demand for content was met by hiring more screenwriters. However, as the pandemic eased and life returned to normal, streaming giants saw their profits dip. This resulted in the services cancelling several films and show projects, wiping out job opportunities for writers and actors.

• Prevalence of streaming: Streaming has changed how films and shows are presented to audiences. Shows have become shorter, reducing the period a screenwriter can remain employed for a project. It has changed the revenue patterns as well. Previously, screenwriters and actors used to earn residual wages, i.e. payment received in the form of royalty for re-runs of shows and films. Streaming has disrupted this framework as the content on the platform is permanent and can be accessed anytime. Moreover, the streaming giants are reluctant to reveal viewership data, making it even more difficult to determine residual wages. Therefore, the writers and actors are demanding the creation of a new framework that helps them receive appropriate residual wages.

• Threat of AI: Generative AI poses a big threat to the livelihood of background performers. Recently, a proposal by studio executives suggested that actors’ movements and images be scanned and used to generate new digital performances with the help of AI. They could be used across multiple projects, with the actors only receiving a one-time payment. Screenwriters suffer existential threats from AI as well. The studios could employ AI to generate story ideas and write rudimentary scripts, which could then be revised by screenwriters, to cut the cost of production. This will lessen a writer’s input and, ultimately, their wages.

Will the strike affect India?

The strike in Hollywood has drawn people’s attention to the unfair treatment of screenwriters and unestablished actors. This can have a ripple effect in India. It could encourage Indian screenwriters and actors to follow suit and demand fair contracts. Recently, the Screenwriters Association (SWA), a trade union of Indian screenwriters, raised its voice regarding the matter. It has also highlighted the issue of the producers stealing ideas from the screenwriters or not crediting them for their scripts. The union has been asking producers to agree on a standard contract to ensure some basic protections for the writers.

What’s next?

The strike will affect upcoming film festivals like the Toronto and Venice Film Festivals as the actors are no longer allowed to promote the films. The production of fan favourite Marvel’s Daredevil and the much anticipated 3rd and 4th seasons of Euphoria and Emily in Paris, respectively, have been delayed indefinitely. Millions of viewers worldwide wouldn’t be able to watch new shows and films from Hollywood until the issue is resolved.

Second Opposition meet ends

Is the united opposition capable of beating BJP’s juggernaut?

What happened?

On July 17-18, 26 opposition parties held a meeting in Bengaluru in a bid to strategise a united front against the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The parties came up with a new name for their alliance. It’ll be known as 'I.N.D.I.A' (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).

On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) held a meeting in Delhi on July 18 with 38 parties in attendance.

Why does it matter?

A strong opposition is crucial for the functioning of a democracy. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 303 seats, enjoying a comfortable majority. On the other hand, the biggest opposition party, Congress, could only secure 52 seats. Eyeing the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the opposition parties have decided to form a united front against the BJP. Their first meeting in Patna last month laid the foundation for future conversation. The Bengaluru meeting showed the parties’ resolution in sustaining and furthering unity.

What are the arguments from both sides?

Side 1: The Opposition is capable of defeating BJP

• Resolution: The Opposition has deemed the BJP’s rule tyrannical and accused it of manufacturing violence and hatred against minorities. It has resolved to combat inflation and rising unemployment and stop the crimes against women, Dalits, and Adivasis. These promises will appeal to people unimpressed with the BJP government’s performance in the past two terms.

• Forgetting differences: Despite their differences, opposition parties are determined to stay united and confront the BJP directly. During the first meeting, AAP and Congress clashed over supporting an Ordinance from the Centre that limits the power of the AAP-led Delhi government. AAP threatened to skip the next opposition meeting due to Congress' refusal to oppose the Ordinance. However, before the Bengaluru meeting, Congress agreed to support AAP's fight against the Ordinance.

• Sprit of the past: This large-scale unity of the Opposition gives a whiff of the JP movement from the times of Emergency that successfully toppled Indira Gandhi’s government in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections. The mass movement was headed by socialist Jayprakash Narayan, who, with the help of the opposition parties of the time, rebuilt the nation’s politics from the grassroots level.

Side 2: The Opposition is NOT capable of defeating BJP

• Leadership question: Despite holding two meetings, the opposition parties haven’t yet announced the face of the United Front (now called I.N.D.I.A). On the other hand, PM Modi enjoys a high level of personal popularity. Reportedly, he is the most popular political leader in the world. The Opposition lacks a powerful and charismatic leader. It’ll never be able to dismantle the cult around PM Modi’s personality.

• Personal vendetta: The BJP has criticised the opposition leaders for pursuing dynastic politics and the welfare of their own families. PM Modi even took a jab at it while addressing the NDA meeting by calling it ‘an alliance of corruption’. Moreover, the recent split of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra has raised doubts regarding the lack of trust between senior leaders in the parties.

• BJP’s preparation: In response to the Opposition’s meeting, the BJP-led NDA held a meeting in Delhi on July 18. 38 parties attended the meeting. Moreover, BJP has been eyeing macro moves such as September’s G20 summit and the inauguration of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple in January 2024 to win and retain the public’s favour.

What’s next?

The Opposition Alliance will form an eleven-member Coordination committee during its next meeting in Mumbai. The dates for the meeting haven’t been announced yet. Observes argue that the BJP will try to court the Telugu Desam Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal to join the NDA.

NOTEWORTHY 📑

• How the government's heavy taxation on film tickets forced Bollywood to go on a strike.

• Here’s why TikTok lives are weird.

• The curious case of gender fluidity in the Manipuri culture.

• Take a look at the centuries-old tradition of making distortion-free mirrors.

• Radha Gobinda Chandra: A man whose love for the skies revolutionised Bengal’s stargazing history.

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