US to sell High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare sonobuoys to India

• It will enhance India’s capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations from its MH-60R helicopters.
• The proposed sale will also strengthen the US-India strategic and defence relationship.

Sonobuoys:

• Sonobuoys are small, expendable devices used in underwater acoustics and sonar systems to detect and analyze sound in the ocean, particularly for tracking submarines and other underwater objects.
• It is a core technology for anti-submarine warfare.
• It helps to track potentially hostile submarinesoperating in the open ocean and in coastal areas.
• Information from these systems can help enable precision attacks withair-launched torpedoes.
• They were first used during the Second World War to detect German U-boats.

Types of Sonobuoys:

• Passive Sonobuoys: These devices listen for sounds generated by submarines, such as engine noise or other mechanical sounds. They do not emit sound waves themselves, making them stealthy and harder for submarines to detect.
• Active Sonobuoys: These sonobuoys emit sound pulses (pings) into the water and listen for echoes that bounce off objects like submarines. This type provides more precise location information but can give away the position of the sonobuoy.
• Special Purpose Sonobuoys: These include devices designed for environmental monitoring, such as measuring water temperature, salinity, and depth, which can influence sonar performance.

Components

• A typical sonobuoy consists of a cylindrical or spherical buoyant housing.
• Sensors for detecting acoustic signals.
• A battery or power source.
• A radio transmitter or other communication system to relay data to the host platform (e.g., aircraft or ship).

Benefits

Submarine Detection

• Extends reach and surveillance capabilities.
• Deploys sonobuoys over a wide area for detecting submerged threats.

Extended Range

• Long endurance and high altitude cover large ocean areas efficiently.
• Expands coverage range for monitoring and responding to potential threats.

Real-time Data

• Acoustic signals detected by sonobuoys transmitted in real-time.
• Enables rapid decision-making and response to submarine threats.

Versatility

• Choice of passive and active sonobuoys.
• Passive for discreet listening, active for active searching and locating.

Environmental Data

• Provides valuable environmental information (e.g., water temperature, noise levels).
• Enhances understanding of the underwater environment.

Cost-effective Surveillance

• Drones deploy sonobuoys, reducing the need for expensive manned assets.
• Offers persistent and cost-effective maritime surveillance.

Safety

• Reduces risks associated with manned aircraft deployments.
• Offers safer and more flexible deployment options.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹70,125 Crore for PMGSY-IV Road Scheme

Key Points

• Scheme Overview and Financial Allocation: The fourth phase of PMGSY will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29, with a total outlay of Rs 70,125 crore. Of this, the central government will contribute Rs 49,087.50 crore, while the states will provide Rs 21,037.50 crore.
• Targeted Connectivity: Under PMGSY-IV, 25,000 unconnected habitations will receive all-weather road connectivity.
• The villages targeted include those with a population of 500+ in the plains, 250+ in North-eastern and hill states, and 100+ in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.
• Length of New Roads and Bridges: A total of 62,500 km of all-weather roads will be constructed, and necessary bridges along the road alignments will also be built.
• Socio-Economic Impact: The new roads will act as catalysts for the socio-economic development of rural and remote areas, linking habitations with government educational, health, and market centres.
• Special Focus Areas: The scheme prioritizes special category regions, including Tribal Schedule V areas, Aspirational Districts, and desert regions, ensuring comprehensive rural development across diverse geographies.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

• The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a initiative of the Government of India aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to rural areas.
• Launched in 2000, PMGSY has played a important role in transforming rural infrastructure, promoting economic development, and improving the quality of life in India’s villages.

Objectives

• Rural Connectivity: Ensuring connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 or more in plain areas and 250 or more in hilly areas, thereby reducing isolation and improving accessibility.
• Socio-Economic Development: Facilitating better access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services, thereby promoting socio-economic development in rural areas.
• Poverty Alleviation: Enhancing livelihood opportunities and income generation by connecting villages to agricultural markets, employment hubs, and urban centers.
• Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Empowering marginalized communities, especially women, by facilitating access to resources and opportunities through improved connectivity.

PMGSY - Phase I

• PMGSY - Phase I was launched in December, 2000 as a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme.
• Under the scheme, 1,35,436 habitations were targeted for providing road connectivity and 3.68 lakh km. for upgradation of existing rural roads in order to ensure full farm to market connectivity.

PMGSY - Phase II

• The Government of India subsequently launched PMGSY-II in 2013for upgradation of 50,000 Kms of existing rural road network to improve its overall efficiency.
• While the ongoing PMGSY - I continued, under PMGSY phase II, the roads already built for village connectivity was to be upgradedto enhance rural infrastructure.
• The cost was shared between the centre and the states/UTs.

PMGSY - Phase III

• Phase III was approved by the Cabinet during July 
• It gives priorities to facilities like:
• Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs): GrAMs are retail agricultural markets in close proximity to the farm gate, that promote and service a more efficient transaction of the farmers’ produce.
• Higher Secondary Schools and
•  
• Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Kmroad length in the States. The duration of the scheme is 2019-20 to 2024-25.

Challenges:

• Lack of dedicated 
• Limited involvement of the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Inadequate executionand contracting capacity.
• Less working season anddifficult terrain particularly in Hill States.
• Scarcityof the construction materials.
• Security concernsparticularly in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

Way Forward

• Rural Road Connectivity is a key component of Rural Development as it promotes access to economic and social services.
• Further, it helps in generating increased agricultural incomes and productive employment opportunities in India.
• In this regard, the government can consider engagement with international financial institutions to construct basic rural infrastructure.

DRDO & Indian Navy successfully flight tests Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM)

• The test was conducted jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. 

Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile

• It is a quick reaction surface-to-air-missile indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.
• The missile has an operational range of 50 to km distance and features mid-course inertial guidance through fiber optic gyroscope and active radar homing in terminal phase
• The launch of the system was conducted to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components, including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle and weapon control system.
• The successful testing of these systems is crucial for future launches of the missile from Indian Naval ships.

Features of VL-SRSAM

• The missile has been designed to strike at the high-speed airborne targets at the range of 40 to 50 kmand at an altitude of around 15 km.
• Its design is based on Astra missile which is a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missile.
• Two key features of the VL-SRSAM are cruciform wingsand thrust vectoring.
• The cruciform wingsare four small wings arranged like a cross on four sides and give the projective a stable aerodynamic posture.
• The thrust vectoringis an ability to change the direction of the thrust from its engine control the angular velocity and the attitude of the missile.
• VL-SRSAM is a canisterised system, which means it is stored and operated from specially designed compartments.
• In the canister, the inside environment is controlled, thus making its transport and storage easier and improving the shelf life of weapons

20th Maritime State Development Council Meeting to Drive Strategic Maritime Development and Sustainability

Key Highlights

Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Vision:

• Investment: ₹24,000 crore projects under Sagarmala to advance India''s maritime sector.
• Targets: Aim to reach 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030.
• Visions: Aligning with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 for future growth.

Main Discussion Points:

• Sagarmala Programme Review: Progress assessment and future plans for port-led development.
• National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): Focus on preserving and showcasing maritime history.
• Inland Waterways: Proposals for enhancing cargo and passenger transport.
• Connectivity: Improvement of road and rail links to ports.

Innovative State-led Initiatives:

• Kerala: Monetizing dredging activities.
• Gujarat: Urban development projects linked to port activity.
• Andhra Pradesh: Comprehensive maritime growth master plan.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reducing pollution at Goa Port by managing dirty cargo handling.

Maritime State Development Council (MSDC):

 Establishment and Purpose:

• Formation: The MSDC was established in 1997.
• Objective: The Council serves as an apex advisory body for the development of India''s maritime sector. Its main aim is to promote integrated and coordinated growth of Major and Non-Major ports across the country.

Functions and Responsibilities:

• Policy Formulation: Advises on policies related to the development and management of ports.
• Coordination: Facilitates coordination between the Central Government and State Governments for port development.
• Review and Assessment: Monitors and reviews the progress of various maritime initiatives, including port development projects.
• Strategic Planning: Develops and oversees strategic plans to enhance port infrastructure, connectivity, and efficiency.
• Implementation Oversight: Ensures the effective implementation of maritime development projects and programs.

Key Initiatives:

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on port-led development, improving port infrastructure, and enhancing connectivity between ports and hinterlands.
• National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): Aims to preserve and showcase India’s maritime history and heritage.
• Maritime India Vision 2030: A strategic framework outlining the vision for the maritime sector''s growth and development over the next decade.
• Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Sets long-term goals for the maritime sector as part of India’s broader developmental vision.

Panic in the time of cholera: issues critical to managing a resurgence

Cholera and Climate Change: A Growing Global Health Crisis

• Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, remains a major global health threat, especially in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in cholera cases in recent years, with mortality rates increasing.
• While technological advancements like AI-assisted vaccine platforms show promise, basic issues such as water safety, hygiene, and sanitation remain critically neglected, leading to a deepening crisis.

Impact of Climate Change on Cholera Spread

• Rising global temperatures have created conditions favorable for the bacterium to thrive, especially in warmer surface waters.
• Floods and droughts, both exacerbated by climate change, further aid in spreading the disease. Floodwaters can cause latrines to overflow into water sources, while droughts force people to rely on shrinking, contaminated water supplies.
• This linkage between climate change and cholera outbreaks cannot be ignored, as both amplify the severity and spread of the disease.

Alarming Statistics: Cholera Cases and Deaths Rising

• According to the WHO and UNICEF, a staggering 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation.
• This lack of basic infrastructure is directly linked to the spread of cholera.
• In 2023, cholera killed over 4,000 people globally, with the number of cases rising by 13% compared to the previous year.
• As of July 2024, more than 5,000 cholera cases have been reported in the South-East Asia region alone, with India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal heavily impacted.

Vaccine Shortages and Challenges in Cholera Control

• Between 2021 and 2023, the demand for cholera vaccines exceeded supply, with only 36 million doses produced last year — half the amount requested by 14 affected countries.
• In response, the WHO''s International Coordinating Group has had to adopt a single-dose vaccination approach instead of the standard two-dose regimen to stretch limited supplies.
• This highlights the critical need for increased vaccine production, particularly as only one manufacturer currently produces cholera vaccines.

The Role of Sanitation, Clean Water, and Hygiene

• While vaccination is a crucial tool in combating cholera, long-term solutions lie in improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
• WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that safe water and improved sanitation remain the only sustainable solutions to ending cholera outbreaks.
• Without addressing these foundational issues, vaccination efforts alone will not be enough to prevent future outbreaks.

Global Efforts to Combat Cholera

• The WHO''s Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) has developed a "Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera by 2030," which emphasizes multi-sectoral interventions.
• This includes identifying transmission hotspots, improving sanitation, promoting hygiene education, and facilitating oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaigns in high-risk areas.
• In May 2024, seven countries and ten health partners, including UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), committed to accelerating these efforts and increasing investment in WASH infrastructure.