Pushing boundaries

Space project testament to India’s can-do persona

India did not make it to the moon this time. But there is no doubt that it will. Even without a successful lunar landing, this is an astonishing feat for a country that faces complex and sizeable challenges that some may argue would crush all desire and ability to aspire and excel. That this is not the case is remarkable, but not altogether surprising.

The moon mission reveals both the nation’s determination to be at the forefront of humankind’s journeys into space, and its inherent capabilities in this area that thrive even within the low budget of India’s space programme.

It is also telling of an invaluable can-do spirit that inhabits many across the country. The challenge, however, is to harness this potential and to replicate the country’s achievements in space in other more down-to-earth areas. Is this achievable?

This month’s Cover story looks at a report of the US government, the US Trade Representative’s Special 301 Report for 2019, that delivers a stinging rebuke to India on its record for the protection of intellectual property rights. The report describes India as “one of the world’s most challenging major economies” with respect to protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.