25 June 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. J&K DGP Advocates Use of Stringent Enemy Agents Ordinance Against Militant Supporters

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security

Context:

The Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP), RR Swain, recently emphasized the importance of stringent measures against those assisting militants in J&K. He advocated for the use of the Enemy Agents Ordinance, 2005, which is harsher than the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and prescribes life imprisonment or the death penalty for violators.

Analysis of News:

What is the Enemy Agents Ordinance?

• The J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance dates back to 1917, issued by the Dogra Maharaja of J&K. Although called an ordinance, it functions as a law.
• The ordinance mandates severe punishment for anyone identified as an enemy agent or conspiring to aid the enemy.
• The penalties include death, rigorous imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to 10 years, along with a fine.

Post-Partition Incorporation and Amendments:

• After the 1947 Partition, the ordinance was incorporated into the legal framework of the erstwhile state of J&K and subsequently amended.
• The legal landscape of J&K experienced significant changes in 2019 following the repeal of Article 370.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was passed, which retained certain security laws like the Enemy Agents Ordinance and the Public Safety Act while replacing others, including the Ranbir Penal Code with the Indian Penal Code.

Trial Procedures Under the Ordinance:

• Trials under the Enemy Agents Ordinance are conducted by a special judge appointed by the government in consultation with the High Court.
• The ordinance restricts the accused from engaging a lawyer unless permitted by the court. The decision of the special judge is final, with no provision for appeal.
• A review can only be conducted by a judge selected by the government from the High Court, whose decision is also final.
• The ordinance prohibits the disclosure or publication of case details without government authorization, with violators facing imprisonment or fines.

Historical Applications of the Ordinance:

• The Enemy Agents Ordinance has been used to try and sentence numerous individuals in Kashmir.
• One notable case is that of Maqbool Bhat, the founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, who was charged under this ordinance and hanged in Tihar Jail in 1984.

Conclusion:

• The Enemy Agents Ordinance is a stringent legal measure aimed at combating militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
• By imposing severe penalties and restricting legal defenses, it serves as a potent tool for the government to deter and punish those aiding militants.
• However, its rigorous provisions and lack of appeal options raise significant human rights and legal concerns, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in its application.

Practice Question:  Critically evaluate the use of the Enemy Agents Ordinance, 2005. How does this ordinance compare with other security laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)? (250 words/15 m)

2. Government Enables Trading of Surplus Power from Linkage Coal to Meet Summer Demand

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure: Energy

Context

To address peak power demand during an unusually hot summer, the Indian government has allowed trading of surplus electricity generated from “linkage coal” in the country’s power markets. This decision reflects a shift from traditional power purchase agreements (PPAs) to more flexible and dynamic market mechanisms, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reliability in power distribution.

Analysis of News:

PPAs and Power Markets?

Traditional Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

• In India, power generation units have traditionally relied on long-term PPAs, typically spanning 25 years, to sell their electricity. These agreements bind generators to supply power to buyers, usually public utilities, at fixed rates.
• While PPAs offer stability and predictability, they are increasingly seen as inflexible and unable to adapt to dynamic market conditions, often locking in significant generating capacity without the ability to respond to short-term demand fluctuations.

Emergence of Power Markets

• Power markets provide an alternative to PPAs, allowing generators to respond to short-term demand fluctuations and sell surplus power at market-determined prices.
• This flexibility is particularly beneficial for renewable energy generators, who can trade excess power during off-peak hours instead of curtailing generation.
• The market-driven approach facilitates greater reliability and transparency in trading, optimizing output and revenue for generators while helping utilities meet variable power demands more efficiently.

How Power Markets Work:

Bidding and Market Clearing Price

• In power markets, buyers make bids for the purchase of electricity, and sellers make offers.
• The market clearing price, the price at which electricity is traded, is determined by the equilibrium of demand bids and supply offers.
• Power markets are categorized based on electricity delivery timing and contract duration.

Types of Power Markets

• Spot Market: Includes the real-time market (RTM) for near-immediate delivery and the intraday market for same-day trades hours before delivery.
• Contract Markets: Facilitate longer-term trades. The day-ahead market (DAM) deals with closed auctions for 15-minute time blocks for the following day, while the term-ahead market (TAM) handles trades from 3 hours to 11 days in advance.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs):

• The REC mechanism allows utilities to meet renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) by buying RECs, each representing 1 MWh of renewable electricity.
• This system benefits states that lack sufficient renewable capacity, enabling them to purchase RECs for green energy generated elsewhere.
• Utilities that exceed RPO targets can trade extra RECs to help other utilities meet their targets.

Power Exchanges in India:

Establishment and Growth

• Power markets are hosted on power exchanges, which facilitate competitive pricing, improved resource allocation, and greater market liquidity.
• India’s power exchanges began operations in 2008, following the framework established by the Electricity Act of 2003.
• The spot market, introduced in 2020, further enhanced the flexibility and responsiveness of the power trading system.

Major Power Exchanges

• India has three major power exchanges regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Indian Energy Exchange Ltd (IEX), Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL), and Hindustan Power Exchange Ltd (HPX).
• IEX dominates with over 90% market share, trading about 110 billion units (BU) of electricity in FY2023-24, representing nearly 7% of India’s total power demand.

Road Ahead for Exchanges:

Market Coupling

• Indian regulators are exploring market coupling and capacity markets as the next evolutionary steps for the country’s power markets.
• Market coupling matches bids from all power exchanges to discover a uniform market clearing price, providing a reliable reference price for policymakers.
• This could lead to more efficient price discovery, reduced price disparities across regions, and increased market stability.

Capacity Markets

• Capacity markets would allow generators to be paid for their available capacity, not just for the electricity they produce.
• This mechanism aims to ensure long-term grid reliability by incentivizing investment in generation capacity, particularly for peaking power plants that may not run frequently but are crucial during high-demand periods.
• Only a few countries, including the United Kingdom, parts of Australia, and South Korea, have developed capacity markets.

Conclusion:

• The introduction of advanced market structures like market coupling and capacity markets would align India’s power markets more closely with mature international markets, potentially attracting more investment and fostering greater competition in the sector.
• As India continues to adapt to dynamic energy demands and integrates renewable energy sources, these market mechanisms will play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in the power sector.

PYQ: Consider the following statements: (2019) 1) Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. 2) Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis. 3) Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a)

Practice Question:  Critically analyze the Indian government’s decision to allow trading of surplus electricity generated from “linkage coal” in the country’s power markets, highlighting its implications for the power sector’s efficiency and adaptability to dynamic demand conditions. (250 words/15 m)

3. India, Pak. delegations reach J&K to inspect power projects under Indus Water Treaty

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context

Delegations from India and Pakistan visited Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir to inspect hydroelectric projects under the Indus Water Treaty. This marks Pakistan’s first delegation visit to the region in over five years, focusing on compliance and dispute settlement mechanisms outlined in the treaty mediated by the World Bank.

Analysis of the news:

• Delegations from India and Pakistan visited Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir to inspect power projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
• The visit involved nearly 40 people, including neutral experts, arriving in Jammu and then flying to Kishtwar.
• This marks Pakistan’s first delegation visit to Jammu and Kashmir in over five years under the IWT’s dispute settlement mechanism.
• The IWT, signed in 1960 with mediation by the World Bank, regulates water use from cross-border rivers.
• The Pakistani delegation inspected the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric projects, starting at an Army camp and then visiting the NHPC headquarters.
• They proceeded to inspect the 85-MW Ratle hydroelectric project at Drabshalla and plan visits to other power projects in Kishtwar, including the 1,000-MW Pakal Dul project on the Marusudar tributary of the Chenab River.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

Signing and Parties: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in September 1960 between India and Pakistan with the mediation of the World Bank. Water Allocation: It allocates the six rivers of the Indus River System between the two countries. Pakistan receives unrestricted use of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India has unrestricted use of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. Permanent Indus Commission: Both countries are mandated to establish a Permanent Indus Commission, comprising commissioners from each side, to facilitate cooperation and resolve disputes. It meets regularly as per treaty obligations. Rights and Uses: India can use certain waters of the western rivers for specified non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic purposes. India is also allowed to build run-of-the-river hydropower projects on these rivers. Dispute Resolution: The treaty outlines a mechanism for resolving disputes through negotiation, a Permanent Indus Commission, and escalation to neutral experts or arbitration under World Bank auspices if needed. Current Challenges: Issues such as climate change, population growth, and infrastructure development have posed challenges to the treaty’s effective implementation, leading to occasional tensions between the two countries. The Indus Waters Treaty remains a significant example of international water-sharing agreements and has largely maintained peace and stability in the region despite political tensions between India and Pakistan.

PYQ: Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016)

Practice Question:  Examine the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan in maintaining water cooperation and managing disputes. Discuss its provisions, mechanisms for dispute resolution, and challenges in its implementation. (250 Words /15 marks)

4. The NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure, GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

The controversy surrounds NITI Aayog’s ₹72,000 crore development plan for Great Nicobar Island, criticised for ecological impact and alleged violations of tribal rights. Political parties, environmentalists, and tribal councils oppose the project, demanding suspension and thorough review due to its potential environmental and social repercussions.

Analysis of the news:

• Location and Community Overview:
  • Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, part of India.
  • It is home to two main tribal communities: the Shompen and the Nicobarese (comprising Great Nicobarese and Little Nicobarese).
  • The Shompen, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, are predominantly hunter-gatherers living in isolated forested areas.
  • Nicobarese communities engage in farming and fishing, with distinct dialects and cultural practices.
• NITI Aayog’s Mega Project:
  • Announced in March 2021, the ₹72,000 crore project aims to develop Great Nicobar Island.
  • Includes plans for an international transshipment terminal, airport, power plant, and township.
  • Proposed projects are to be executed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
• Ecological and Tribal Opposition:
  • Criticised for potential ecological damage, requiring diversion of 130 sq km of forest land and felling around 10 lakh trees.
  • Denotified wildlife sanctuaries (Galathea Bay and Megapode) for project implementation, impacting endangered species like the giant leatherback turtle and Nicobar megapode.
  • Tribal opposition due to potential violations of rights and inadequate consultation processes.
  • The Tribal Council withdrew its no-objection certificate citing lack of transparency and consent issues regarding tribal reserve lands.
• Legal and Environmental Concerns:
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and marine habitats are threatened, as highlighted by conservationists and environmentalists.
  • Land classification discrepancies, including areas claimed as “uninhabited” being ancestral lands of the Great Nicobarese.
  • Shompen communities face health risks from potential disease transmission due to their isolation and lack of immunity to outside pathogens.
  • Concerns raised by local panchayats and researchers regarding social impacts, earthquake risks, and seismic activity in the region..

Complex socio-political, environmental, and cultural issues exist around the NITI Aayog’s proposed development project on Great Nicobar Island, highlighting significant opposition and concerns from multiple stakeholders.

Practice Question:  Discuss the ecological and socio-cultural concerns associated with NITI Aayog’s proposed development project on Great Nicobar Island. What are the key issues raised by stakeholders, and how should such projects balance development with environmental and tribal rights considerations? (250 Words /15 marks)

5. How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies

Context

The study discussed in the article explores the impact of political representation on forest conservation in India’s Scheduled Areas, focusing on the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA). It highlights how empowering marginalized communities with decision-making roles influences conservation outcomes amidst conflicts over resource extraction and development priorities.

Analysis of the news:

• Background and Context:
  • India’s conservation policies often clash with local community needs for resource extraction and economic development.
  • Centralised power dynamics historically favoured big capital over local community interests, leading to deforestation in pursuit of mining, power projects, and commercial timber.
• Policy Approach:
  • The study in the article argues for a policy approach reconciling conservation and economic interests through mandated political representation for marginalised communities.
  • Specifically, it explores the effectiveness of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in empowering Scheduled Tribes (ST) with political representation.
• Methodology:
  • Utilising remote-sensing data from satellites (LANDSAT, Sentinel, DMSP), the study employs a “difference-in-differences” framework.
  • This approach compares forestation outcomes between villages with mandated ST representation under PESA, those without such representation, and regions adopting PESA at different times.
• Findings:
  • Mandated ST representation under PESA led to a significant increase in tree canopy by 3% annually and reduced deforestation rates.
  • Areas with higher initial forest cover benefited more from PESA, highlighting its conservation impact.
• Economic Incentives and Conservation:
  • ST communities, reliant on non-timber forest produce, demonstrated economic incentives for forest stewardship under PESA.
  • Their opposition to commercial timber and mining activities contributed to better forest conservation outcomes.
• Comparison with FRA:
  • The study contrasts PESA with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, noting that while FRA aimed to secure ST land rights, it did not significantly enhance conservation beyond PESA’s effects.
• Democratic Decentralisation vs. Administrative Decentralisation:
  • It emphasises the importance of democratic decentralisation, where local councils have autonomy and decision-making powers over resource management.
  • Unlike administrative decentralisation, which focuses on efficient execution, democratic decentralisation ensures local accountability and meaningful decision-making.
• Conclusion and Implications:
  • The study advocates for consolidating power under a single democratic institution to balance development and conservation goals effectively.
  • It underscores the potential of mandated political representation and democratic decentralisation in achieving sustainable conservation and improving the welfare of forest-dwelling ST communities.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Implement policies that empower marginalised communities through political representation, ensuring their voices in decision-making processes.
  • Strengthen democratic decentralisation to enable local councils to manage resources autonomously, promoting sustainable development and conservation.

This research provides critical insights into aligning conservation efforts with economic development goals, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations like forest-dwelling ST communities in India.

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA):

Enactment and Purpose: The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) extends Part IX of the Constitution, which pertains to municipalities and cooperative societies, to Scheduled Areas as defined in Article 244(1) of the Constitution. Scheduled Areas Definition: These areas are governed by the Fifth Schedule, covering specific provisions for Scheduled Tribes in states excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Implementation States: Ten states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, have notified Fifth Schedule areas encompassing various districts. Objectives: PESA aims to facilitate self-governance through Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) within Scheduled Areas, empowering tribal communities to manage their local affairs and natural resources autonomously. Empowerment of Gram Sabhas: Gram Sabhas under PESA have significant authority over approving development plans, managing local resources (water, forest, land), regulating minor forest produce, and overseeing social sectors. Significance: It preserves cultural identity, resolves conflicts internally, monitors intoxicant usage, and safeguards traditional rights over natural resources. Issues: Challenges include partial implementation across states, bureaucratic hurdles, and discrepancies in the execution of Gram Sabha decisions versus actual practices in development schemes. Recommendations: Experts call for enhanced political will, legal clarity, and improved administrative procedures to ensure PESA’s effective implementation in empowering Scheduled Area communities.

PYQ: Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of mandated political representation in forest conservation, using the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA). Evaluate its effectiveness in balancing environmental conservation with the economic interests of marginalised communities in India. (250 Words /15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Kerala House passes motion to rename the State ‘Keralam’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Context

The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to amend the Constitution, renaming the State to ‘Keralam’ under Article 3.

Analysis of the news:

• The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution proposed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to amend the Constitution and change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’.
• The move aims to reflect the state’s Malayalam linguistic heritage. A similar attempt last year faced procedural obstacles from the Centre.
• The resolution seeks to invoke Article 3 of the Constitution for this change in the First Schedule.

Etymology

• The etymology of the name Kerala/Keralam has been subject to various theories.
• The earliest mention of the word is found in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II, dated to 257 BCE.
• The edict mentions “Ketalaputra” or “Keralaputra,” which translates to “son of Kerala” in Sanskrit and refers to the Chera dynasty, one of the three main kingdoms of southern India at that time.

Statehood:

• The movement for a unified Malayalam-speaking state gained momentum in the 1920s. It aimed to integrate the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency. Following Independence, on July 1, 1949, the states of Travancore and Cochin were integrated to form Travancore-Cochin.
• Kerala as a state was formed based on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission, which proposed the creation of states on a linguistic basis.
• The Commission, led by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended incorporating the Malabar district and the Kasargod taluk into the new state while excluding the four southern taluks of Travancore (now part of Tamil Nadu).
• The state of Kerala officially came into existence on November 1, 1956.

Analysis of the news:

• Renaming Process: Renaming a state in India involves a detailed procedure under Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution.
• Initiation of Bill: The process begins with a bill recommended by the President, which is introduced in Parliament.
• State Assembly Consultation: Before introduction, the bill is sent to the respective state assembly for their views within a specified time, although these views are non-binding.
• Parliamentary Deliberation: Following the state assembly’s response, the bill proceeds to Parliament for deliberation.
• Passage and Approval: The bill requires a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament to become law.
• Presidential Approval: Once passed by Parliament, the bill is sent to the President for approval.
• Implementation: Upon Presidential approval, the bill becomes law, officially renaming the state as per the legislation enacted.

2. Srinagar Recognized as ‘World Craft City’ by World Craft Council, Joins UNESCO Creative City Network

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 11)

Context:

Srinagar has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC). This recognition follows three years after its designation as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts. The recognition is a testament to the city’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, and vibrant culture.

Analysis of News:

Other Recognized Indian Cities

• Before Srinagar, Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore were the other Indian cities recognized as World Craft Cities.
• Each of these cities has its unique crafts and cultural traditions that have earned them this prestigious status.
• The recognition by the WCC not only enhances the global reputation of these cities but also provides an impetus for the promotion and preservation of their indigenous crafts.

Diverse Crafts in Srinagar:

• Srinagar is home to at least ten different forms of craftsmanship that continue to thrive in the city and its surrounding areas.
• These crafts include papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, carpets, Sozni embroidery, and the famous Pashmina and Kani shawls.
• Each of these crafts represents a rich tradition of artistry and skill that has been passed down through generations.
• The recognition as a World Craft City is expected to provide a platform for these crafts to gain greater visibility and appreciation on the global stage.

About World Crafts Council International

It is a Kuwait-based organisation working on the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across the globe. It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York on June 12, 1964. Since its inception, the World Crafts Council AISBL has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.  Objective: The main objective of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life. Aim: The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice. It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research study, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.

3. POCSO cases cannot be quashed citing settlement, says Kerala HC

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Context

The Kerala High Court ruled that sexual assault cases involving minors, under the POCSO Act, and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cannot be dismissed solely on the basis of settlement. This decision came as Justice A. Badharudeen rejected a petition to quash a sexual assault case against a dance teacher, emphasizing that grave crimes affect societal fabric and settlements could unduly benefit habitual offenders.

More About POCSO Act:

Introduction and Enactment:

• The POCSO Act came into effect on 14th November 2012.
• It was enacted following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.

Purpose:

• Aims to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
• Ensures specific definitions and adequate punishments for such offences.

Definition of a Child:

• Defines a child as any person below 18 years of age.

Gender-Neutral:

• Recognizes both girls and boys as potential victims of sexual abuse, ensuring non-discriminatory protection.
• The Act was amended in 2019 to include more stringent punishments, including the death penalty for severe offences.

Ease of Reporting:

• Encourages reporting of child sexual exploitation by individuals and institutions.
• Non-reporting is considered an offence.

Explicit Definitions:

• Clearly defines offences like ‘sexual assault’ and penalizes storage of child pornography.

POCSO Rules 2020:

• Interim Compensation: Allows for interim compensation for relief or rehabilitation needs.
• Immediate Relief: CWC can recommend immediate payment for essentials; payments must be made within a week.
• Support Person: Assigns a support person to assist the child during the investigation and trial, ensuring their well-being and keeping them informed.

4. India, Philippines rediscovering each other, BrahMos a game changer: envoy

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

The Philippines’ induction of BrahMos cruise missiles, sourced from India, marks a significant milestone, enhancing its defence capabilities and signifying the deepening bilateral ties. Philippine envoy Josel F. Ignacio highlighted this as a pivotal moment in defence cooperation, reflecting India’s growing defence export capabilities. The $375-million deal, initiated in January 2022, underscores India’s role in modernising the Philippines’ armed forces, facilitated by defence cooperation agreements.

BrahMos Missile:

• Origins: The BrahMos missile is an Indo-Russian joint venture named after the rivers Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia.
• Range and Speed: It has a range of 290 km and is the fastest cruise missile in the world, achieving speeds of Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound.
• Design: It is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant engine in the first stage and a liquid ramjet in the second stage.
• Capabilities:
  • Multi-platform: Can be launched from land, air, and sea.
  • Multi-capability: It boasts pinpoint accuracy and operates efficiently in both day and night under all weather conditions.
  • Operational Principle: It follows the “Fire and Forget” principle, meaning it does not require further guidance after launch.

Recent developments include the successful test-firing of an anti-ship BrahMos missile by the Indian Navy and Andaman and Nicobar Command in April 2022, and an extended-range sea-to-sea variant from INS Visakhapatnam in January 2022.

Value addition/Mains Fodder points:

1. 113 Countries Have Never Had Female Heads Of State Or Govt: UN Women Global Data

Topic: Role of women and women’s organization (GSI)/ Vulnerable sections            (GS II)

Source: AIR

• According to UN Women’s Global Data on Women Political Leaders 2024, women are still largely excluded from positions of power and diplomacy. Currently, only 26 countries are led by women.

Important Quotes for UPSC Mains:

1. “There is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing.”

                                                                       -Swami Vivekananda