theIASHub | 12 Jul, 2025 | 44
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Astra Missile : Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully flight-tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
o The missile, equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, was launched from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
o Key Features: Range: Over 100 km; capable of neutralizing targets without direct visual contact.
ü Altitude: Effective engagement up to 20 km.
ü Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 4.5 (4.5 times the speed of sound).
ü Weight & Dimensions: Weighs 154 kg; length 3.6 m; diameter 178 mm.
ü All-Weather Capability: Operational in day/night and adverse weather conditions.
ü Kill Probability: High Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP).
o Propulsion: Based on Solid-Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) engine technology.
o Targeting Modes: Supports both Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On After Launch (LOAL). Enables “fire-and-forget” capability, enhancing pilot safety.
Maratha Military Landscapes : Recently, the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' received the prestigious recognition of being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a significant milestone in honouring India’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
o Represents the military vision, architectural brilliance, and strategic planning of the Maratha Empire.
o Rooted in the military ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1670 CE, and continued until the end of the Peshwa rule in 1818 CE.
o Geographical Spread: The forts are spread across four major geographical zones: Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats
o The nomination comprises forts, including Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
o Aim: Preserve cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
o Categories of WHS: Cultural Heritage – Historical monuments, architectural works, urban landscapes.
ü Natural Heritage – Natural landscapes, ecosystems, biodiversity.
ü Mixed Heritage – Sites with both cultural and natural importance.
India ratified the Convention in 1977 and has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 35 Cultural Sites, 7 Natural Sites and 1 Mixed Site (as of 2025
Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) : Recently, a significant step in rhino conservation and wildlife crime forensics was taken in Assam, where a specialised team began the genetic analysis of rhino horn samples. This initiative is part of the RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Index System) India programme.
o Largest of the three Asian rhino species; among the largest of all rhinos alongside the African white rhino.
o Physical Features: Recognized by a single black horn (8–25 inches long).
ü Possesses a grey-brown hide with deep skin folds, giving an armor-plated appearance.
ü Adult males weigh up to 2,200 kg and measure about 368–380 cm in length and 170–186 cm in height.
ü Typically solitary, except for females with calves. Males have loosely defended territories.
o Habitat: Found in India (Assam) and Nepal, especially in the foothills of the Himalayas.
o Global Rhino Species: Greater One-Horned Rhino – India and Nepal.
ü White Rhino – Native to northern and southern Africa.
ü Black Rhino – Native to eastern and southern Africa.
ü Javan Rhino – Also called Sunda or Lesser One-Horned Rhino.
ü Sumatran Rhino – Smallest and Critically Endangered.
o CITES: Appendix I
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
o A genetic database will be developed to store and reference these profiles.
o This system will support investigations and help in the prosecution of suspects involved in wildlife crimes.
Yamuna River : Recently, the Union Home Minister urged the Delhi government to increase its sewage treatment capacity to 1,500 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2028.
o This move is a key part of the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna River by curbing the flow of untreated sewage and improving the river’s overall water quality.
o Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas, located at an elevation of 4,421 meters.
o The source lies on the southwestern slopes of the Banderpooch peaks in Uttarakhand.
o Flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, enters Delhi, and eventually merges with the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj).
o It is the site of important religious events, including the annual Magh Mela and the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years.
Donkey Route : Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a fresh round of searches in connection with the "U.S. Donkey Route" case.
o The searches were carried out at seven locations — including Mansa in Punjab, and Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana.
o The term originates from a Punjabi idiom, symbolizing a grueling, unstructured journey.
o Indirect Pathways: These routes are non-linear and involve stopovers in multiple countries to bypass immigration checks.
o Treacherous Terrain: The journey often includes risky landscapes, such as dense forests, deserts, or oceans.
o False Promises: Migrants are misled by agents and traffickers promising legal entry and employment abroad.
o High Charges: Agents demand large sums of money, sometimes up to ₹30–60 lakh or more, depending on the route.
o Fake Documentation: Services include forged passports, visas, and false job or college admission letters.
o Risky Smuggling Methods: Includes being hidden in shipping containers, or crossing borders in unsafe boats or trucks.
e-Truck Incentive Scheme: Recently, the Government of India officially launched the country’s first incentive scheme for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, with the aim of transforming the landscape of freight transportation in the country.
o The N2 category includes trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of more than 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes.
o The N3 category comprises trucks with GVW exceeding 12 tonnes and up to 55 tonnes.
o For articulated vehicles, the incentive will be applicable only to the puller tractor of the N3 category.
o It focuses on providing demand-side incentives and charging infrastructure to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
o The scheme is designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve urban air quality, and enhance energy security by minimizing dependence on fossil fuels.
Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary : Recently, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) granted in-principle approval for the diversion of 142 hectares of forest land in Karnataka’s Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, despite existing ecological concerns and the lack of forest clearance.
o Covers an area of approximately 431.23 sq. km, including the Linganamakki reservoir
o Flora and Fauna: It supports diverse plant species such as Dhoopa, Gulmavu, Surahonne, Mavu, and Nandi
ü Lion-Tailed Macaque , tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jackals, sloth bears, deer species (spotted, sambar, barking, mouse), wild pigs, common langurs, bonnet macaques, and the Malabar giant squirrel, making it a crucial zone for wildlife conservation.
o Named for its lion-like tail – long, thin, and tufted.
o Found in the evergreen forests of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
o It is one of the smallest macaque species, distinguished by a grey mane encircling its face.
o Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
ü CITES: Listed in Appendix I,
ü Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
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