Articles on 9 May 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Air Defence Systems Latest News
• Air Defence System Operations
• Methods of Interception in Air Defence Systems
• India's Air Defence Response to Pakistani Attacks
• Use of HAROP Loitering Munition in Operation Sindoor
• Air Defence Systems FAQs

Air Defence Systems Latest News

• India thwarted Pakistani attacks, targeted multiple Pakistani air defence systems, reportedly neutralising one in Lahore. The Indian Army stated that its response matched Pakistan's in domain and intensity. 
• Air defence systems are crucial in modern warfare for protecting against enemy air strikes, and disabling them exposes a nation to aerial attacks, as seen in Pakistan’s inability to inflict damage on India.

Air Defence System Operations

• The main goal of an air defence system is to eliminate aerial threats such as enemy fighter aircraft, drones, and missiles.

Components of an Air Defence System

• An effective system integrates radars, control centres, defensive fighter aircraft, ground-based missile and artillery units, and electronic warfare tools.

Key Operations of Air Defence

• Detection
  • Radars (and sometimes satellites) identify incoming threats by emitting electromagnetic waves, which bounce off objects like aircraft and return to receivers, helping determine their distance, speed, and type.
• Tracking
  • After detection, threats are continuously tracked using radar and other sensors (infrared cameras, laser rangefinders). This process helps manage multiple threats in real-time and avoids friendly fire.
• Interception
  • Based on the threat’s nature (type, range, speed), air defence systems launch appropriate countermeasures to neutralise it.

Role of C3 (Command, Control, Communication)

• For all three operations to function seamlessly, a strong C3 system is essential. 
• It ensures quick and accurate decision-making, coordination, and execution during engagements.

Methods of Interception in Air Defence Systems

• Fighter Aircraft (Interceptors)
  • Purpose: Engage and neutralise enemy aircraft, especially bombers, before they can strike.
  • Features: Equipped with cannons, rockets, visual- and beyond-visual-range missiles, and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
  • Capabilities: Fast scramble, rapid climb, agile combat.
  • Indian Examples: MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29, Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, Dassault Rafale.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
  • Role: Primary weapon in most modern air defence systems, safer and more versatile than aircraft.
  • Types (Unofficial Classification):
    • Heavy Long-Range SAMs: Fixed/semi-mobile; e.g., S-400 (targets hundreds of km away).
    • Medium-Range SAMs: Mobile, quick-launch; e.g., Akash, Barak.
    • Short-Range (MANPADS): Man-portable; effective against drones, helicopters, low-flying jets.
  • Guidance Systems: Radar, infrared, or laser-guided.
  • Deployment: Land-based or ship-launched.
• Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA)
  • Role: Once dominant, now a secondary but still valuable defence against low-altitude threats.
  • Capabilities: Fires over 1,000 rounds per minute; shells explode at preset altitudes, creating shrapnel fields.
  • Use Cases: Last-ditch defence, anti-drone roles, and in environments where SAMs are less practical.
• Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Purpose: Neutralise threats without physical destruction by manipulating the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Methods:
    • Jamming enemy radars and targeting systems.
    • Disrupting guidance of missiles and drones.
  • Platforms: Land-based units and specialised aircraft like the Boeing EA-18G Growler.
  • Effects: Confuses and misguides incoming threats, reducing their effectiveness.

India's Air Defence Response to Pakistani Attacks

• On May 8, Pakistan launched a coordinated attack with drones and missiles targeting 15 Indian military bases and cities.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) swiftly activated its Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and air defence systems, successfully intercepting and neutralizing the threats.

Key Air Defence Systems Deployed

• S-400 Triumf: Deployed on the northern border; three squadrons received from Russia.
• Barak 8 MRSAM: Medium-range system developed jointly with Israel.
• Akash: Indigenous Indian missile system.
• S-125 Pechora: Legacy Russian system still in active use.
• Guns, Radars, and Electronic Warfare Systems: Used to track and destroy UAVs and spoof enemy drones.

Integrated Counter-UAS Grid in Action

• The IAF used jamming and spoofing techniques to mislead and neutralize UAVs.
• The counter-UAS system forms a key part of India’s layered air defence strategy.
• Debris from intercepted drones and missiles is currently being collected.

Use of HAROP Loitering Munition in Operation Sindoor

• On May 8, India thwarted Pakistani retaliation and simultaneously targeted multiple Pakistani air defence systems, including one in Lahore.
• HAROP loitering munitions, made by Israel, were reportedly used in the operation.

HAROP: A Modern Loitering Munition

• Definition: Loiters near the target area before crashing into it with an explosive payload.
• Nickname: Known as “suicide drones” or “kamikaze drones.”

Capabilities:

• Equipped with nose-mounted cameras for target selection.
• Some variants are recoverable if not used.
• Capable of both autonomous and operator-assisted precision strikes.
• Also used for target surveillance.

Israeli Origin and Battlefield Capabilities

• Developer: Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI).
• Features:
  • Combines features of UAV and missile.
  • Effective against high-value targets like tanks, command posts, and air defence systems.
  • Endurance of up to 9 hours with 360° attack capability.
  • Immune to GNSS jamming, enhancing operability in hostile environments.
  • Launched from land or naval platforms, suitable for diverse terrains.

Air Defence Systems FAQs

Q1. What is the function of air defence systems?

Ans. Air defence systems detect, track, and intercept aerial threats like drones, aircraft, and missiles using radar and missiles.

Q2. How did India respond to Pakistan’s May 8 attack?

Ans. India deployed systems like S-400, Akash, and Barak, neutralizing threats using missiles, radars, and electronic warfare tools.

Q3. What is the HAROP loitering munition?

Ans. HAROP is an Israeli “kamikaze drone” that loiters and crashes into targets with high precision and explosive payload.

Q4. Which interception methods are used in air defence?

Ans. India uses fighter jets, SAMs, AAA guns, and electronic warfare for interception and neutralizing enemy aerial threats.

Q5. What is the role of electronic warfare in air defence?

Ans. Electronic warfare jams or misguides enemy radars, drones, and missiles without physical destruction, disrupting enemy attacks effectively.

Source: IE | IE | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Maternal Mortality Ratio Latest News
• Introduction
• Understanding the Maternal Mortality Ratio
• Current Trends and Regional Disparities
• Major Causes of Maternal Death
• Government Initiatives Driving Improvement
• Challenges That Still Need Attention
• India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio FAQs

Maternal Mortality Ratio Latest News

• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India declined to 93 per lakh live births in 2019-21 from 97 in 2018-20, and 103 in 2017-2019, according to the latest data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Introduction

• India has made notable progress in improving maternal health, as reflected in the latest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) statistics. 
• According to data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, the MMR has declined to 93 per 1 lakh live births during 2019-21, down from 97 in 2018-20 and 103 in 2017-19. 
• This sustained reduction highlights the combined efforts of government policies, healthcare infrastructure improvements, and increased awareness of maternal health services.

Understanding the Maternal Mortality Ratio

• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is a critical indicator of the reproductive health of women in a country. 
• It is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specific time period. 
• Maternal death is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management.
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. India’s declining trend is a positive step toward achieving this target.

Current Trends and Regional Disparities

• Despite the overall decline in India’s MMR, certain states continue to report alarmingly high maternal death rates. The highest MMR figures were recorded in:
  • Madhya Pradesh: 175
  • Assam: 167
  • Uttar Pradesh: 151
  • Odisha: 135
  • Chhattisgarh: 132
  • West Bengal: 109
  • Haryana: 106
• The data also reveal that the highest number of maternal deaths occur in the 20-29 years age group, followed by the 30-34 years age group. 
• These statistics underline the importance of focusing on women’s health during their peak reproductive years.

Major Causes of Maternal Death

• According to the WHO, more than 700 women globally die every day due to preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. In 2023 alone, maternal deaths occurred almost every two minutes worldwide. Key factors contributing to maternal deaths in India include:
  • Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Unsafe abortions
  • Lack of timely medical intervention
  • Inadequate access to skilled healthcare professionals
• Low- and lower-middle-income countries, including parts of India, account for over 90% of maternal deaths globally.

Government Initiatives Driving Improvement

• India’s progress in reducing MMR can be attributed to various flagship programs and healthcare initiatives, including:
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Providing quality antenatal care to pregnant women on a fixed day every month.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Promoting institutional deliveries to ensure safe childbirth.
  • Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres: Providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health services.
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focused on improving nutritional outcomes for pregnant women and children.
• These schemes have enhanced institutional deliveries, expanded access to skilled birth attendants, and improved antenatal and postnatal care.

Challenges That Still Need Attention

• While the declining MMR trend is promising, several challenges remain:
  • High MMR persists in economically weaker states due to poor healthcare infrastructure.
  • Rural and remote areas still lack adequate access to emergency obstetric care.
  • Awareness about government schemes and maternal health services remains low among marginalized communities.
  • Addressing these issues is essential to sustain the momentum and achieve the SDG targets by 2030.

India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio FAQs

Q1. What is the current MMR in India?

Ans. The latest MMR in India stands at 93 per 1 lakh live births for the period 2019-21.

Q2. Which states have the highest MMR in India?

Ans. Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh report the highest MMR figures.

Q3. What age group records the highest maternal mortality?

Ans. The highest maternal mortality is observed in the 20-29 years age group.

Q4. What is India’s target for MMR under the Sustainable Development Goals?

Ans. India aims to reduce the MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Q5. Which government schemes have helped reduce maternal mortality?

Ans. Schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana, PMSMA, and Ayushman Bharat have played a crucial role.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Climate Finance Taxonomy Latest News
• India’s Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy Framework
• India’s Climate Adaptation and Energy Investment Targets
• Climate Finance Taxonomy FAQs

Climate Finance Taxonomy Latest News

• The Finance Ministry has released a draft document titled ‘Framework of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy’ aimed at guiding investments towards clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. 
• The taxonomy is intended to provide clear definitions and criteria for identifying environmentally sustainable projects.

India’s Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy Framework

• The Finance Ministry has released a draft ‘Framework of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy’ to guide investments into clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. 
• It aims to:
  • Classify economic activities as sustainable or transitional.
  • Encourage climate-friendly technologies.
  • Prevent greenwashing.
    • Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of making unverified or exaggerated claims about environmental or climate-friendly actions.
    • It misrepresents actual progress on climate change, encouraging irresponsible actions while falsely rewarding entities for their "environmental efforts."
  • Align with India’s twin goals: Net Zero by 2070 and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Principles of the Climate Finance Taxonomy

Purpose and Global Relevance

• It acts as a tool for investors and banks to identify credible green investments.
• Supports India’s stance in global climate negotiations by setting a national standard for defining ‘climate finance.’
• Responds to international disputes where developed countries often overstate contributions to developing nations.

Categories of Climate Activities

• Climate Supportive: Activities that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve climate resilience.
• Climate Transition: Activities that help reduce emissions intensity in hard-to-abate sectors like iron, steel, and cement.

Key Sectors Covered

• Power generation
• Buildings and infrastructure
• Mobility/transport
• Agriculture and food systems
• Water security and resource management

India’s Climate Adaptation and Energy Investment Targets

• Massive Scale-Up in Power Generation Capacity
  • Target Capacity: Increase installed power capacity from 470.4 GW (Feb 2025) to 777.14 GW by 2029–2049.
  • Technology Focus: Prioritize investment in Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants.
    • AUSC plants offer 46% efficiency, compared to:
      • Subcritical: ~38%
      • Supercritical: ~41–42%
• Goal: Achieve higher efficiency and lower emissions in thermal energy generation.
• Climate Adaptation Investment Requirement
  • Total Investment Needed: Based on India’s Initial Adaptation Communication to the UN (December 2023), India needs ₹56.68 trillion (≈ USD 648.5 billion) by 2030 (based on 2023–24 prices).
  • Sectors Covered:
    • Agriculture
    • Forestry
    • Fisheries
    • Infrastructure
    • Water resources
    • Ecosystems
• Purpose: Fund adaptation actions to minimize adverse impacts of climate change.

Climate Finance Taxonomy FAQs

Q1. What is India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy?

Ans. It’s a framework to classify and guide investments into environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient economic activities.

Q2. Why was the climate taxonomy released?

Ans. To attract green investments, prevent greenwashing, and align with India’s Net Zero and Viksit Bharat goals.

Q3. What sectors are covered under the taxonomy?

Ans. Power, buildings, transport, agriculture, food systems, water security, and infrastructure are included in the climate investment focus.

Q4. How much adaptation investment does India require by 2030?

Ans. India needs ₹56.68 trillion for adaptation in agriculture, ecosystems, water, fisheries, and infrastructure by 2030.

Q5. What technologies are prioritized for clean energy?

Ans. Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants are preferred for higher efficiency and reduced emissions.

Source: TH | PIB | DEA