EU Express concerns over indian entities Breaching G7 Sanctions.

• The G7 and EU imposed sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war that started in 2022. The sanctions are aimed at degrading Moscow''s capacity by restricting access to technologies, industrial inputs, and financial systems.
•  These sanctions include freezing assets, banning certain exports, and prohibiting imports like diamonds, metals, and oil products, targeting Russia''s economic sectors critical to its military operations.
• Since the 2022 war, Russia has increased its engagement with Asian giants like China and India, who in turn have increased imports of Russian energy, like crude oil.
• Since the war, India has increased the import of Russian crude oil, and the trade between the two countries stands at USD 65.4 billion for the financial year 2023-24 with a growth rate of 32.5% year on year.
• Earlier this year, the United States had imposed sanctions on several Indian entities for their alleged support to Russia''s military-industrial base.
• India has underscored that its legal and regulatory frameworks on trade and non-proliferation are robust, and these actions by Indian entities do not violate Indian laws.
• The European Union (EU) has recently engaged with India regarding concerns over certain Indian entities allegedly supplying goods to Russia, which may contravene the sanctions imposed by the Group of Seven (G7) nations.
• This development highlights the complexities of international trade and diplomacy in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• Specifically, due to the attempt of the Russian Federation to control Ukraine, G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, and the United States prepared and performed a number of sanctions against Russia’s economy and military potential. 
• These sanctions affect different industries such as finance, energy and technology with the purpose of limiting Russia’s access to the global economy and stopping its actions.

EU’s Concerns

• The latest communication from the EU to India relates to individual cases when an Indian company is believed to provide materials or products that can be used by the Russian military. 
• The EU had apparently given India specific inputs and substantiation on these transactions. 
• This underscores the position of the EU in applying sanctions and seeing to it that others comply with the same.
• The supplies of interest may encompass peacetime products halfway between civilian and military ones. 
• These supplies have triggered concerns of the EU because they may increase Russia’s war capabilities in the ongoing war. 
• However, the effect and nature of such transactions go beyond simple economic effects; these transactions are liabilities to regional and international peace and stability.

India’s Position

• India''s official stance is that it doesn''t follow G7 and EU sanctions and opposes any unilateral sanctions that haven''t been approved by the UN, but the EU hopes that action can be taken by Delhi on the entities ahead of the India-EU summit next year.
• Delhi shares close and historic ties with Moscow and sees Russia as an important partner in its quest for natural resources and Make in India defence policy.
• India stands as a country that has actually managed to have a balanced foreign policy and playing a balancing role between the western nations and Russia. 
• India is among the countries that have not supported the sanctions against Russia, but it condemned the crisis in Ukraine and criticized the actions of Kiev since February in terms of the violation of the rights of people in the east of the country . 
• For the Indian government, the key concern will be to balance diplomacy with the expectations of the international community.
• The engagement between the EU and India reflects a broader trend of increasing diplomatic dialogue on global security issues. 
• India’s participation in forums such as the Quad (comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and India) indicates its willingness to collaborate on security matters while also navigating its historical ties with Russia

Implications for India-EU Relations

• The sharing of information regarding potential violations of G7 sanctions could have several implications for India-EU relations:
• Increased Scrutiny: Indian entities may be under pressure for questioning by Indian regulatory authorities and counterparts over their relationship with Russia.
• Trade Dynamics: This situation could affect the way that India and the EU conduct trade talks as the implementation of international standards receives attention.
• Geopolitical Alignment: How India reacts to these issues decides its strategic orientation — that is, affinities toward either the USA and its partners, or Russia.

Conclusion

• The EU’s decision to share inputs on Indian entities allegedly violating G7 sanctions marks a significant moment in international relations.
•  As global dynamics continue to evolve amidst ongoing conflicts, India’s response will be crucial in shaping its foreign policy trajectory.
• Balancing economic interests with international obligations will require careful navigation as India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy while engaging constructively with global partners.

GSI gets Cabinet nod for signing pact with Italy''s CNR-IRPI on landslide forecast & early warning

·         The Union Cabinet in its meeting ,approved the proposed MoU between GSI and CNR-IRPI. This partnership aims to enrich the knowledge and acquire skills in landslide forecasting and early warning through collaborative research.

·         It is crucial to enhance and scale up India''s Landslide Early Warning Systems (LEWS) to international standards, enabling better prediction and mitigation of landslide-related damages, and to overcome the situation like Wayanad landslide in Kerala

·         GSI has established a state-of-the-art National Landslide Forecasting (NLFC) facility at GSI, Kolkata, to develop and operationalise the regional LEWS in all the landslide-prone states/Union Territories in India within a planned timeline to reduce landslide risks in India.

·         The vision of NLFC is to provide timely information on landslide forecasting to the stakeholders and to the community for preparedness and minimising landslide risks.

·         At present, NLFC is providing live forecast reporting daily in the Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.

·         Along with that, ground testing of the bulletin is in progress in 13 districts..

·         This collaboration will help integrate GSI''s landslide inventory, susceptibility, and forecast maps with PM Gati Shakti, enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability in fragile hilly terrains.

·         The LEWS will act as a critical tool to secure lives and prevent destruction in hill areas, facilitating sustainable development and environmental protection.

·         The government has approved signing of a pact between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection of the National Research Council, Italy for a collaboration on landslide forecasting and early warning.

·         This partnership aims to enhance the knowledge and acquire skills in landslide forecasting and early warning through collaborative research.

Geological Survey of India

·         The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways.

·         Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute. 

·         Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.

·         These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismotectonic study and carrying out fundamental research.

·         GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, coordination and utilisation of spatial databases (including those acquired through remote sensing). 

·         GSI uses the latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data, through cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders in the geo-informatics sector.

·         Headquartered in Kolkata, GSI is an attached office to the ministry of mines and has regional offices in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Shillong. GSI also has unit offices in almost all states of the country.

Historic No-Trust Move Against Rajya Sabha Chair, And The Numbers

·         The motion was submitted under Article 67(B) of the Constitution, which allows for the removal of the Vice President. But since the VEEP - also Mr Dhankhar - is also the ex officio Rajya Sabha Chair, removing one removes the other.

What Does Article 67(B) Say?

·         A Vice-President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Council of States passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People; but no resolution for the purpose of this clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days'' notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution.

·         Parties of the opposition INDIA bloc submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha for moving a no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of being “extremely partisan” in his role as the Chairman of the Upper House.

·         This is the first time that a notice for bringing a motion to remove the Vice President has been moved in the Rajya Sabha. 

·         A 14-day notice has to be given and it should be approved by the Deputy Chairman before the motion is taken up.

·          However, with the Winter Session scheduled to end by December 20, the Opposition’s motion might not meet the 14-day notice requirement. 

·          Despite this, opposition parties are determined to press on, planning to submit a fresh notice in the next session if the current attempt fails

The No-Confidence Motion Numbers

·         Even if the motion is somehow allowed to be voted on, in politics it comes down, always, to the numbers. And does the opposition have the numbers to carry its motion?

·         In a nutshell, 

·         Article 67(B) requires a simple majority of the Rajya Sabha MPs - i.e., half of those voting + 1 - for it to be passed. As of today, that number is 116 votes.

·         The Rajya Sabha, at full strength, has 245 members but 14 seats are vacant.

·         The opposition, for now, has significantly fewer than 116 MPs on its side.

·         While that could increase, the fact is the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is in control. As of September, it has a six-seat majority, not counting fence-sitters like the YSR Congress Party.

Resolution for removal of Vice President

·          According to Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President can only be removed by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, followed by approval from the Lok Sabha. 

·          The motion requires a 14-day notice before it can be brought to the House, and it must be approved by the Deputy Chairman before being discussed.

·          While the Opposition’s motion against the Vice President is unprecedented, there have been similar attempts in the past to remove the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. 

·         In 1954, 1966, and 1987, motions were moved against the Speakers, but all were either rejected or negated.

·          This historical context highlights the rarity of such proceedings and the difficulty in achieving a successful removal motion.

·          If the motion seeking Dhankhar’s removal is moved, these parties need a simple majority to get it passed.

Vice President’s constitutional position

·         The Vice President of India is the second highest constitutional office in the country. 

·         He serves for a five-year term, but can continue to be in office, irrespective of the expiry of the term, until the successor assumes office.

·         The Constitution is silent on who performs the duties of the Vice President, when a vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice President of India, before the expiry of his term, or when the Vice President acts as the President of India. 

·          The only provision in the Constitution is with regard to the Vice President’s function as the Chairperson of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), which is performed, during the period of such vacancy, by the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, or any other member of the Rajya Sabha authorised by the President of India.

·         The Vice President may resign his office by submitting his resignation to the President of India. 

·          The resignation becomes effective from the day it is accepted.

·         The functions of Vice-President are two-fold:

·          He acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, his powers and functions are similar to those of the Speaker of Lok Sabha. In this respect, he resembles the American Vice-President who also acts as the Chairman of the Senate – the Upper House of the American legislature.

·          He acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President due to his resignation, removal, death or otherwise. He can act as President only for a maximum period of six months within which a new President has to be elected. 

·         Further, when the sitting President is unable to discharge his functions due to absence, illness or any other cause, the Vice President discharges his functions until the President resumes his office. 

·          While acting as President or discharging the functions of President, the Vice President does not perform the duties of the office of the chairman of Rajya Sabha. During this period, those duties are performed by the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Comparison with the US Vice President

·         Though the office of Indian Vice President is modelled on the lines of American Vice-President there is a big difference. 

·         An American Vice President becomes President in case of a vacancy in President’s office and remains President for the remaining unexpired term of his predecessor. 

·         Indian Vice President, in case of a vacancy in the President’s office,  merely serves as an acting President until the newly elected President assumes charge.

·         Thus, it is clear that the Constitution has not assigned any significant function to the Vice President and this office is mainly created to maintain the political continuity of the Indian state.

Gram Manchitra

·         The ministry of panchayati raj launched the geographic information system (GIS) application “Gram Manchitra” (grammanchitra.gov.in) in October 2019 to encourage spatial planning by Gram Panchayats.

·         In a written reply in Lok Sabha on December 5, the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Kapil Moreshwar Patil explained about new features added to the application.

·          Gram Manchitra provides a single/unified geo-spatial platform to better visualise the various developmental works to be taken up across different sectors and provide a decision support system for Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).

·          The panchayats can utilise this to plan, develop and monitor developmental activities on a real time basis.

What is a geographic information system (GIS)?

·         A geographic information system (GIS) is an online system that analyses and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location.

·          GIS is used to store, visualise, analyse and interpret geographic data. Geographic data (spatial or geospatial) identifies the geographic location of features.

·          These data include anything that can be associated with a location, or more simply anything that can be mapped.

·         For example, roads, country boundaries, and addresses are all types of spatial data.

Highlights of Gram Manchitra:

·         The application is being integrated with spatial and non-spatial data from various ministries, which include:

·         i) District hospitals, sub-district hospitals, Common Services Centres and sub-centres (ministry of health and family welfare).

·         ii) Banking amenities like bank branches, ATM, banking correspondence, etc (ministry of finance).

·         iii) Postal facilities (ministry of communication).

·         iv) Schools (department of school education & literacy).

·         v) Fair price shops (ministry of consumer affairs, food & public distribution).

·         vi) Drinking water sources (ministry of drinking water and sanitation).

·         vii) MGNREGA assets data (ministry of rural development). 

·          This application is also linked with the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) report and Mission Antyodaya.

·         All this information is available in a single window, which will assist the Gram Panchayat user in better visualisation of works during planning. 

·          Real time monitoring of activities or development work implementation status and progress of execution of various schemes can be easily tracked.

·          Analysis tools like proximity analysis, measurement tool, query, elevation profile, panchayat profile, etc have been provisioned in the application to support the users for prioritising the activities as per the available infrastructure.

·          Further, the ministry has launched mActionSoft, a mobile based solution to help in capturing photos with geo-tags (GPS coordinates) for the works which have asset as an output. 

·         Geo-tagging of the assets is done in all three stages — before start of the work, during the work and on completion of work. This would provide a repository of information on all works and assets related to natural resource management, water harvesting, drought proofing, sanitation, agriculture, check dams and irrigation channels, etc. 

·         Assets geo-tagged using the m-ActionSoft application is available on Gram Manchitra, enhancing the visualisation of various developmental works in the Gram Panchayats.

·         The assets created under the finance commission funds are geo-tagged with the photographs of assets by panchayats.

·          The GIS data of assets geotagged on the map of Panchayat can be visualised on the Gram Manchitra application.

India makes big breakthrough in treating genetic disorder Hemophilia A

·         India has successfully conducted its first in-human gene therapy for hemophilia A, with patients experiencing no bleeding episodes post-treatment.

·         Haemophilia A is a rare hereditary disorder caused by the absence of clotting Factor VIII, leading to severe and potentially fatal bleeding episodes.

·          India has the world’s second- haemophilia patient pool, estimated at 40,000 to 100,000 individuals. 

·          Traditional treatments require frequent injections of clotting factor, which are costly and inconvenient.

·          Gene therapy offers a one-time solution by introducing a therapeutic gene that enables the body to produce sufficient clotting factor

 A NEW APPROACH WITH GENE THERAPY

·         Gene therapy offers a potential solution by addressing the root cause of Hemophilia. Scientists at CSCR developed a method to restore Factor VIII production using a lentiviral vector, a safe and effective alternative to the commonly used AAV vectors.

·         A lentiviral vector is a tool used in gene therapy to deliver genetic material into cells. It is derived from lentiviruses, which are a type of retrovirus.

·          Lentiviruses, such as HIV, have the natural ability to insert their genetic material into the DNA of host cells.

·         Scientists have modified these viruses to remove harmful parts, making them safe and effective for therapeutic use.

·         In the study, blood stem cells from the patients were modified to include the gene responsible for producing Factor VIII.

·         These modified cells were then transplanted back into the patients, enabling their bodies to produce the clotting protein naturally.

Haemophilia A

·          Haemophilia is usually an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot properly. This can lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery. 

·          The disorder primarily affects males.  Haemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.

·         This change or mutation can prevent the clotting protein from working properly or to be missing altogether.

·          People with haemophilia have low levels of either factor VIII (8) or factor IX (9). The severity of hemophilia that a person has is determined by the amount of factor in the blood. 

·          Haemophilia A is characterised by a deficiency of the blood clotting protein known as Factor VIII that results in abnormal bleeding. 

·          Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease) is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor IX.

·         The frequency and severity of bleeding episodes depends on how much FVIII protein a person produces. 

·         Severe hemophilia A is characterised by especially low levels of FVIII (less than 1 per cent in the blood) and represents about 60 per cent of all cases. 

·          Severe hemophilia A may result in bleeding into vital body organs such as the kidneys and brain, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

·          Treatment for severe hemophilia A usually involves use of FVIII replacement therapy or an antibody-based medication to improve the ability of blood to clot and reduce the likelihood of bleeding.

What is gene therapy?

·          Gene therapy is a medical technique aimed at modifying or manipulating the expression of genes or altering the biological properties of cells to treat or cure diseases. 

·          It offers innovative solutions for conditions like cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases by targeting the underlying genetic causes.

Mechanisms of gene therapy:

·         Gene therapy can work through several approaches:

·          Replacing a faulty gene: Substituting a defective gene with a healthy version to restore normal function.

·          Inactivating malfunctioning genes: Silencing genes that contribute to diseases. Introducing new genes: Adding new or modified genes to help combat specific diseases.

Types of Gene Therapy Products:

·          Plasmid DNA: Genetically engineered circular DNA molecules used to transfer therapeutic genes into cells.

·         Viral Vectors: Modified viruses, stripped of their infectious properties, act as carriers to deliver therapeutic genes to human cells.

·          Bacterial Vectors: Engineered bacteria, rendered harmless, serve as vehicles to introduce therapeutic genes into tissues.

·          Human Gene Editing Technology: Tools like CRISPR can disrupt harmful genes or repair genetic mutations to correct disease-causing errors.

·          Patient-Derived Cellular Gene Therapy Products: Patient cells are extracted, genetically altered (often using viral vectors), and reintroduced to the patient to target diseases.

Madhav Gadgil among UNEP’s 2024 ‘Champions of the Earth

•  Noted ecologist, academic and writer Madhav Gadgil is among the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s six ‘Champions of the Earth’ for the year 2024, a statement by the UN body declared on December 10, 2024.
• Gadgil has spent decades protecting people and the planet through research and community engagement, the statement noted.
• His work has greatly influenced public opinion and official policies on the protection of natural resources.
• This includes landmark environmental impact assessments of state and national policies to grassroots environmental engagement.
• “He is renowned for his seminal work in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region of India, which is a unique global biodiversity hotspot,
• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) recognised ecologist Madhav Gadgil with the annual Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, for his seminal work in the Western Ghats.
•  The annual Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, recognises trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and the planet.
• Since 2005, the award has recognised 122 laureates for outstanding and inspirational environmental leadership.
•  This year’s other laureates include a minister of Indigenous Peoples, an environmental defender, a sustainable agriculture initiative, an Indigenous rights advocate, and a scientist focused on afforestation.
• They were honoured for their outstanding leadership, brave actions and sustainable solutions to tackle land degradation, drought and desertification. 
• An estimated 3.2 billion people worldwide are impacted by desertification. By 2050, more than three-quarters of the world’s population is expected to be affected by droughts.
• Globally, countries have pledged to restore one billion hectares of land by 2030, while current trends suggest 1.5 billion hectares would need to be restored to meet the 2030 land degradation neutrality goals.

Gadgil honoured for his seminal work in the Western Ghats

• Madhav Gadgil, an Indian ecologist honoured in the Lifetime Achievement category, has spent decades protecting people and the planet through research and community engagement. 
• From landmark environmental impact assessments of state and national policies to grassroots environmental engagement, Gadgil’s work has greatly influenced public opinion and official policies on the protection of natural resources. 
• He is renowned for his seminal work in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region of India, which is a unique global biodiversity hotspot. 
• Gadgil’s wide-ranging contributions throughout the years have earned him some of India’s highest civilian honours — including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards — as well as the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Prize.
• Gadgil chaired the government-constituted Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel to study the impact of population pressure, climate change, and development activities on the ecologically fragile region in India.
• The panel recommended in 2011 that the entire hill range be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and divided into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ 1, 2, and 3) based on their environmental sensitivity.
• It also recommended a ban on mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, hydropower projects, and large-scale wind energy projects in ESZ-1. However, these recommendations faced opposition from state governments, industries, and local communities. UNESCO declared the Western Ghats a World Heritage Site in July 2012 and in 2013, the Centre formed a High-Level Working Group led by rocket scientist K. Kasturirangan to propose measures for the ecological protection and sustainable development of the region.
•  This group identified 37 per cent of the Western Ghats, covering 59,940 square km, as ecologically sensitive. Since March 2014, the Union environment ministry has issued five draft notifications, including one in July 2024, to declare the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, but the final notification is still pending due to objections from the states

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment.
• It unites 193 Member States in an effort to find solutions to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, collectively known as the triple planetary crisis.
•  UNEP was founded in 1972. It was conceived to monitor the state of the environment and coordinate responses to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.
•  UNEP is part of the UN Secretariat and responds to the UN General Assembly.
• Its headquarters is situated in Nairobi, Kenya.
• UNEP’s primary goal is to catalyse action on the environment and promote solutions to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
•  Through scientific studies, policy support, inter-governmental coordination and public advocacy, UNEP helps humanity to foster climate stability, live in harmony with nature and forge a pollution-free future, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
•  In the five decades since its founding, UNEP’s convening power, rigorous scientific research and public advocacy have helped to boldly advance the global environmental agenda.
• In particular, UNEP has led efforts to counter climate change, protect endangered species, end deforestation, repair the hole in the ozone layer and phase out toxic leaded fuels

What are Voronezh airborne early warning radar systems that India is expected to procure from Russia?

• India plans to procure Russia''s Voronezh radar system to enhance missile defense and surveillance.
• The $4 billion deal involves over 50 per cent domestic manufacturing, boosting ''Make in India'' and security capabilities
• India is set to finalize a landmark USD 4 billion defense agreement with Russia, aimed at acquiring an advanced long-range early warning radar system that will elevate the nation’s missile detection and air defense capabilities.

 Voronezh Series

• Voronezh radars
• The Voronezh radars are capable of detecting a wide range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft.
• Compact in size, and consuming lower energy, these systems can track nearly 500 targets simultaneously, potentially allowing the nation deploying them to maintain a robust defense posture against potential missile attacks.
• There are four different variants in the Voronezh radar series.

They are:

• 1. Voronezh-M (VHF band) radars are optimized for long-range detection of medium and long-range ballistic missiles and can cover vast areas.
• 2. Voronezh-DM (UHF band) provides improved resolution and tracking accuracy for smaller targets, enhancing the effectiveness of the radar against various aerial threats.
• 3. Voronezh-CM (L-band) offers enhanced precision tracking and clutter rejection capabilities.
• 4. Voronezh-VP refers to the planned upgrades that combine VHF and UHF capabilities for comprehensive threat detection.
•  Voronezh radar is the current generation of Russian early-warning radar, providing long distance monitoring of airspace against ballistic missile attack and aircraft monitoring.
• It is a very long-range early warning radar system with a range of well over 8,000 kilometers. It is capable of identifying and tracking threats like ballistic missiles, fighter jets, and ICBMs.
• The first radar, in Lekhtusi near St Petersburg, became operational in 2009. There is a plan to replace older radars with the Voronezh by 2020.

All types are phased array radars

• Voronezh-M (77Ya6-M) works in the meter range of wavelengths (VHF).
• Voronezh-DM (77Ya6-DM) has a range of up to 10,000 km and is capable of simultaneously tracking 500 objects.
• Voronezh-VP (77Ya6-VP) works in the meter range (VHF) and is the only one built has 6 segments instead of the 3 of the Voronezh-M.
• The first radar, a Voronezh-M, was built in Lekhtusi near St Petersburg. It entered testing in 2005 and was declared "combat ready" in 2012.

What is a Radar?

• Radar is a system that uses radio waves to determine the distance (ranging), direction (azimuth and elevation angles), and radial velocity of objects relative to the site.
• It is a radiodetermination method used to detect and track aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, map weather formations, and terrain.
• A radar system consists of a transmitter producing electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwaves domain, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna (often the same antenna is used for transmitting and receiving) and a receiver and processor to determine properties of the objects.
• Radio waves (pulsed or continuous) from the transmitter reflect off the objects and return to the receiver, giving information about the objects'' locations and speeds

What is Ballistic Missile?

• A ballistic missile (BM) is a rocket-propelled weapon designed to deliver warheads to a predetermined target following a ballistic trajectory. Unlike cruise missiles, which are powered throughout their flight, ballistic missiles are powered only during the initial launch phase and then follow an unpowered path influenced primarily by gravity and aerodynamic drag.

Phases of Flight

• Ballistic missiles operate in three distinct phases:
• Boost Phase: This is the powered flight segment that sees the missile’s engines start and push the missile to the sky. This phase is on average several seconds but can last up to several minutes depending on the missile operational design.
• Mid-course Phase: The missile is an arc flyer, which, after the engine is shut down, continues through space. In ballistic missiles it can go to a height of about 4500 kilometers respectively for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
• Terminal Phase: The missile re-enters the atmosphere and comes towards the target and can have velocity up to 7 km per second.

Types of Ballistic Missiles

• Ballistic missiles are classified based on their range:
• Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM): Range less than 300 km.
• Short-range Ballistic Missile (SRBM): Range from 300 to 1,000 km.
• Medium-range Ballistic Missile (MRBM): Range from 1,000 to 3,500 km.
• Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile (IRBM): Range from 3,500 to 5,500 km.
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): Range greater than 5,500 km.

ESA ENVISION MISSION

• The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially adopted the EnVision mission, step in planetary exploration. Scheduled for launch in 2031, EnVision aims to provide vital information about Venus, Earth’s nearest planetary neighbour.
• This mission marks a very important advancement in understanding Venus, which is often regarded as the least understood terrestrial planet in the Solar System.
• EnVision will be the first mission to directly probe beneath Venus’s inhospitable surface using advanced radar technology. The mission was selected in 2021, and since then, it has transitioned from broad science goals to a concrete plan. The mission’s primary focus is to uncover the mysteries of Venus’s environment and geological history.

 Objectives:

• One of the central questions EnVision seeks to answer is why Venus, despite its similar size and composition to Earth, has developed such a drastically different environment. Scientists aim to determine if Venus ever sustained life and what factors contributed to its toxic atmosphere.
•  The mission will explore the impact of volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and asteroid collisions on the planet’s surface.
• EnVision will be equipped with a suite of sophisticated instruments. A sounder will reveal underground layering and gather data on the planet’s core, mantle, and crust. Three spectrometers will analyse the composition of Venus’s surface and atmosphere, searching for trace gases that may indicate active volcanism.
•  Additionally, a NASA-provided radar will map the surface and conduct radio science experiments to study Venus’s internal structure.
• EnVision will collaborate with NASA’s upcoming missions, DAVINCI+ and VERITAS. This synergy will enable a comprehensive study of Venus, combining insights from different perspectives. The collaboration aims to provide a holistic understanding of Venus’s surface, interior, and atmosphere.
• EnVision is the second European mission to Venus, following the Venus Express, which operated from 2005 to 2014. The Venus Express made discoveries, including the identification of possible volcanic hotspots. EnVision aims to build on this foundation and offer new vital information about the planet’s geological activity.

Significance:

• The EnVision mission represents a landmark effort in planetary science. By studying Venus as a system, scientists hope to understand the intricate interactions between its surface, atmosphere, and internal structure.
• This mission could reshape our understanding of not only Venus but also the processes that govern rocky planets in general
• The findings from EnVision may have broader implications for understanding exoplanets and their potential for supporting life. gained from Venus could inform our understanding of planetary evolution and the conditions necessary for life beyond Earth

Researchers discover five new species of the Darwin wasp

•  Recent research has revealed five new species of Darwin wasps from India and Thailand. Conducted by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), this study marks milestone as it documents the Microleptinae subfamily for the first time in India.
• The findings shed light on the biodiversity of the region and highlight the importance of taxonomic research.
• Darwin wasps belong to the subfamily Microleptinae within the family Ichneumonidae. This family comprises 42 subfamilies, with Microleptinae being one of the smallest.
• The subfamily contains a single genus, Microleptes, which includes 14 known species globally. These wasps are notable for their parasitic behaviour, where larvae consume their hosts from within.

New Species Identified

• The research team identified four new species from India – Microleptes chiani, M. gowrishankari, M. sandeshkaduri, and M. tehriensis. Additionally, one species, M. depressus, was discovered in Thailand.
• The presence of the Chinese species Microleptes xinbinensis was also recorded in India, with its previously unknown female described.
• Each new species reflects contributions to biodiversity conservation. Microleptes chiani, found in Tamil Nadu, honours Tamilazhagan, an associate at ATREE. Microleptes gowrishankari, from Karnataka, is named after Dr. P. Gowri Shankar, known for his work on the King Cobra.
• Microleptes sandeshkaduri, from Arunachal Pradesh, pays tribute to Sandesh Kadur for his biodiversity documentation efforts. Microleptes tehriensis is named after its collection site in Uttarakhand.
• The discovery emphasises the rich biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. It marks the necessity for extensive taxonomic studies to understand ecological roles and promote biodiversity conservation.
• The findings suggest a broader distribution of the Microleptinae subfamily across India, indicating potential for further discoveries
• The study underlines the critical role of taxonomic research in conservation efforts. About species diversity helps in formulating effective conservation strategies.
• Continued research is essential for preserving ecological balance and maintaining biodiversity in the region.
• The findings call for more comprehensive taxonomic studies across various regions in India.
•  There is a need to explore lesser-known habitats to uncover more species. Such efforts will contribute to a deeper understanding of ecological dynamics and enhance conservation initiatives.

SC criticises misuse of anti-dowry legislation for ‘personal vendetta

• The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised the growing misuse of Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), commonly known as the anti-dowry law, noting that it is increasingly being exploited to settle “personal vendettas” or exert undue pressure on husbands and their families
• The bench highlighted the misuse of the provision, lamenting that exaggerated and unsubstantiated allegations often feature in complaints, leading to the unnecessary inclusion of distant relatives.
• It clarified that charges under Section 498A should only be brought against individuals with specific allegations of involvement.
•  The court also advised caution in cases where the law is used as retaliation in “counterblast” by women, stressing that such tendencies defeat the purpose of the legislation.
• The recent case of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru techie who tragically took his own life, has reignited discussions around Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.
• This law aims to protect women from cruelty by their husbands and in-laws. However, the Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding its misuse.
• The apex court has brought into light a growing trend of this provision being exploited, often leading to false accusations against husbands and their families.
• Section 498A was introduced to safeguard women from domestic violence. It penalises husbands and their relatives for subjecting a woman to cruelty. The law defines cruelty as any act that could drive a woman to suicide or cause harm to her mental or physical health. It also covers harassment aimed at coercing a woman or her relatives for property or valuables.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• The Supreme Court has pointed out a disturbing trend where Section 498A is used as a tool for personal vendetta. It noted that vague allegations often lead to the wrongful implication of family members.
• The court stressed the need for careful scrutiny of such cases to prevent misuse. It remarked that the law should not encourage baseless accusations during marital disputes.
• In 2023, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita replaced the Indian Penal Code, but Section 498A remains largely unchanged. The Supreme Court has previously indicated that this provision is among the most abused laws in India. Various High Courts have echoed similar concerns, suggesting that the law is often wielded vindictively rather than for genuine protection.
• The misuse of Section 498A can have severe consequences for families. Accusations can lead to social stigma, financial loss, and emotional distress. Legal experts have called for a reassessment of the law to ensure it serves its intended purpose without being exploited. There is a growing consensus that reforms are necessary to balance the protection of women with the rights of men and their families.
• The legal community is increasingly vocal about the need to address the misuse of Section 498A.
• Advocates argue for reforms that would prevent false allegations from tarnishing reputations and disrupting lives.
•  The issue has sparked national conversations about domestic violence laws and their implementation.

Broader Context

• The case of Atul Subhash has brought into light the ongoing debate about the efficacy of laws designed to protect women. It raises questions about the balance between safeguarding rights and preventing abuse of those rights.
• The Supreme Court’s remarks reflect a critical examination of how legal provisions can sometimes be manipulated, leading to unintended consequences.

SAMPARK 4.0

• The fourth edition of ‘SAMPARK’ is set to launch on 16 December 2024. This initiative is part of the Indian Navy‘s commitment to providing quality healthcare to Naval Veterans, Veer Naris, and their families.
•  The programme aims to enhance communication and support among the veteran community, particularly in remote areas of Maharashtra.
• SAMPARK 4.0 is a strategic outreach initiative by the Indian Navy’s ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme). It focuses on improving healthcare access for veterans and their families.
• This edition will cover multiple locations in Maharashtra, including Thane, Nasik, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur,.
• The primary objectives of SAMPARK 4.0 are to establish direct communication between veterans and ECHS(Navy) officials.
• The initiative aims to encourage camaraderie among veterans. It also seeks to enhance awareness of healthcare services and entitlements available to them
• A dedicated team consisting of one officer and five sailors will undertake a ten-day journey across Maharashtra. They will conduct interactive sessions at various ECHS Polyclinics. These sessions will provide veterans with essential information about healthcare services and procedures.
• SAMPARK 4.0 encourages veterans to voice their concerns and grievances regarding healthcare services. ECHS(Navy) officials will be present to address these issues directly. The initiative aims to ensure that every veteran feels supported and cared for.
• The outreach will include educational components about healthcare entitlements. Veterans and their families will learn how to navigate the healthcare system more effectively. This knowledge empowers them to access their benefits confidently
• The initiative is expected to build trust within the veteran community. By providing direct access to ECHS(Navy) officials, veterans will feel more connected and informed. This outreach is a vital step in ensuring that no veteran is left without necessary medical car
• SAMPARK plays important role in the Indian Navy’s broader vision of veteran welfare. It marks the importance of communication and support in enhancing the quality of life for veterans and their families.
• This initiative reflects the Navy’s commitment to their well-being.