Daily Prelims Notes 28 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

28 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Random checks find ‘not of standard quality’ drugs in market
2. Keep the fire of the self-respect movement going
3. ‘Bangladeshi infiltration’ is changing demography of a Jharkhand region: ST panel
4. Naming of Arunachal Peak After Sixth Dalai Lama: China Terms It ‘Illegal and Null’
5. Supreme Court Criticizes Air Quality Management Efforts: A Call for Stronger Measures to Combat Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
6. India’s per capita health expense jumped 82% in the last decade: National Health Accounts Estimates
7. High-level AMR Meeting at UN Headquarters: Global leaders call for unified preparedness, coordinated action to address silent pandemic
8. Wildlife activist alleges irregularities in Kuno’s cheetah project, calls for probe
9. Long-Range Rockets and Futuristic Ammunition on Indian Army’s Radar
10. German Economy Expected to Shrink Further in 2024

1. Random checks find ‘not of standard quality’ drugs in market

Sub: Polity

SEC: National body

Context:

• CDSCO, the country’s top drug regulator has found around 50 medicines, including common ones like paracetamol (used for fever), metformin (first line of treatment for diabetes), and pantoprazole (used for acidity), to be spurious or substandard.
• These findings are from a routine quality testing exercise where samples were tested randomly.

About Routine quality checks:

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) publishes a monthly list of drugs deemed “not of standard quality” (NSQ), highlighting the parameters in which they fall short.
• This is done to inform the public, health departments, industry, and regulators about substandard drugs in the market, while also reminding manufacturers that their products are under constant scrutiny.
• Central and state regulators randomly collect samples from the market for testing to ensure drug quality and safety.

Drugs that fail quality checks (NSQ) fall into three categories:

• Spurious Drugs: Fake products mimicking popular brands, often without the correct active ingredients. For example, telmisartan (used for the treatment of hypertension) and pantoprazole samples falsely carried Glenmark and Sun Pharma branding.
• Poor Quality: Medicines that do not dissolve properly, contain a faulty description, or lack the correct amount of active ingredient, leading to reduced effectiveness. For instance, metformin recently failed a dissolution test, affecting its intended function.
• Adulterated Drugs: Contain contaminants or adulterants that can cause direct harm to the person who consumes them, often leading to product recalls initiated by regulators or companies.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):

• CDSCO is the national regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India.
• CDSCO was established in 1966 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) heads CDSCO.
• It operates under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Major functions of CDSCO:

• Responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and medical devices under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Responsible for the approval of vaccines and managing the regulatory framework for the medical devices sector.
• Approves new drugs and clinical trials.
• Works with state drug regulators and other health authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Controls the quality of imported drugs in the country.

2. Keep the fire of the self-respect movement going

Sub :History

SEC: Modern India 

Context:

• Hundredth year of the Self-Respect Movement.
• Self-Respect Movement was part of broader Dravidian movement against Brahminical hegemony.

Self-Respect Movement:

• A radical social reform movement in South India that aimed to achieve equality for those oppressed by the caste system.
• The movement was founded in 1925 by V. Ramaswamy Naicker, commonly known as Periyar.
• The movement aimed at destroying the contemporary Hindu social order in its totality and creating a new, rational society without caste, religion and God.
• In 1925, Periyar also launched Kudi Arasu, a tamil weekly advocating social reform.
• Periyar organised the first Self-Respect Conference in Chengalpet (Tamil Nadu) on February 17, 1929

Main objectives:

• Breakdown of the Brahminical hegemony
  • E.g.: Self-Respect Marriages: Introduced and popularized marriages that did not require Brahmin priests or traditional rituals.
• Equal rights for the backward classes and women in the society
• Revitalization of the Dravidian languages.
• Abolition of caste names
• Education, employment opportunities and equal property rights for women
• Marital equality
• Supported widow remarriage, divorce rights, property rights, and abortion.
• Promoted contraception for women’s empowerment and body autonomy.
• Encouraged inter-caste marriages as a counter to patriarchal control over partner choices.

The Dravidian movement:

• The Dravidian Movement emerged in the early 20th century in Tamil Nadu, India, primarily as a response to the perceived dominance of Aryan culture and Brahminical hegemony.
• The Dravidian movement in British India started with the formation of the Justice Party.
• It sought to promote the rights and identity of the Dravidian people, who are mainly Tamil speakers and belong to the southern part of India.
• Major leaders:
  • Periyar: Founder of the Self-Respect Movement, DravidarKazhagam (DK)
  • C.N. Annadurai: Founder of the Dravida MunnetraKazhagam (DMK)
  • Karunanidhi: Successor to Annadurai, furthered the Dravidian agenda.
• Political parties like the DMK and AIADMK emerged from the movement, focusing on regional identity and welfare policies.
• September is observed as Dravidian Month to honour the significant historical events of the Dravidian Movement.

Justice Party:

• The Justice Party, officially the South Indian Liberal Federation, was a political party in the Madras Presidency of British India.
• Formed government in 1920 by Natesa Mudaliar along with T. M. Nair and P. Theagaraya Chetty championed non-Brahmin politics.
• Nominated the first woman Legislative Council member, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy.
• Issued the Communal Government Order for job reservations.

3. ‘Bangladeshi infiltration’ is changing demography of a Jharkhand region: ST panel

Sub :Polity

SEC: National body

Context:

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) submitted a report to the Union Home Ministry, highlighting concerns about “Bangladeshi infiltration” in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region.

Details of the report:

• The report claims that the region’s demographics have changed significantly due to this infiltration.
• Particularly, regions of BarhaitSanthali North and South, which are predominantly Adivasi villages showed a decline in Adivasi population over the last two decades.
• The report is based on anecdotal evidence collected from conversations with local residents, including neighbours, panchayat members, and villagers.

About Santhals:

• The Santal or Santhal, are a Munda ethnic group native to India.
• Santals are the largest tribe in the Jharkhand and are also found in the states of Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal.
• The Santals speak Santali, the most widely spoken of the Munda languages.
• In 1855, they revolted in the Santal rebellion, better known as the Santhal Hul.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):

• The NCST is a constitutional body established in 2004 by amending Article 338 and introducing Article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Amendment Act, 2003.
• This amendment replaced the previous National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two distinct commissions: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
• It has been established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of the Scheduled Tribes as well as to protect their social, economic, educational, and cultural interests.

Composition of NCST:

• It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members. At least one member should be a woman.
• They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
• Their conditions of service and tenure of office are determined by the President.
• The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, the Vice Chairperson has the rank of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

Tenure:

• The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and other Members of the Commission hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he/she assumes such office.
• They are not be eligible for appointment for more than two terms.

4. Naming of Arunachal Peak After Sixth Dalai Lama: China Terms It ‘Illegal and Null’

Sub: Geo

SEC: Mapping

Why in News:

Recently, a mountaineering team from India named a previously unnamed peak in Arunachal Pradesh after the Sixth Dalai Lama, RigzenTsangyang Gyatso. This move has sparked a response from China, which claims the region as its own territory and considers the naming illegal. The issue is significant due to the long-standing border dispute between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh.

Naming of the Peak in Honour of the Sixth Dalai Lama

A mountaineering team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) successfully scaled an unclimbed mountain peak located in the Gorichen range of Arunachal Pradesh.

The peak, standing at 20,942 feet, was named Tsangyang Gyatso Peak in honour of the Sixth Dalai Lama, RigzenTsangyang Gyatso, who had strong cultural and spiritual ties with the region.

According to the NIMAS spokesperson, the naming was a tribute to the timeless wisdom and contributions of the Sixth Dalai Lama to the Monpa community and the broader region.

China’s Reaction

In response to this development, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval, stating that the naming of the peak in Arunachal Pradesh is “illegal and null and void”.

China claims some 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. It calls the area “Zangnan” in the Chinese language and makes repeated references to “South Tibet”. Chinese maps show Arunachal Pradesh as part of China, and sometimes parenthetically refer to it as “so-called Arunachal Pradesh”.

China makes periodic efforts to underline this unilateral claim to Indian territory. Giving Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh is part of that effort.

Arunachal Pradesh Relevant Facts

Gorichen Range:It is part of the Eastern Himalayas and is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border.It is situated between the Sela Pass and Tawang and is considered one of the highest mountain ranges in Arunachal Pradesh.The range is part of the broader Himalaya region and includes several prominent peaks.

The highest peak in the range is Gorichen Peak (also called Sa-Nga Phu by the Monpa tribe), which stands at an elevation of approximately 22,500 feet (6,850 meters). It is the tallest peak in Arunachal Pradesh and among the highest in the Eastern Himalayas.

The range is revered by the local Monpa tribe, who consider Gorichen Peak a sacred mountain, believed to protect the region from evils and harm.

The Gorichen Range lies near the McMahon Line, the de facto boundary between India and China, making it strategically important for India’s defense.

Monpa Community: The Monpa community primarily resides in the Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. They are also found in parts of Bhutan and Tibet.

The Monpas practice Tibetan Buddhism, specifically following the Gelugpa sect(the Yellow Hat sect).Their religious and cultural identity is closely tied to the Tawang Monastery, which is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India.

The Monpa people speak the Monpa language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. They have their own script, similar to Tibetan.

The Monpas are skilled in making wood carvings, thangka paintings, and hand-woven carpets.

Important peaks in Arunachal Pradesh:

Dafla Hills: also known as Daphla Hills, are located on the boundary between western Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The hills are home to the autonomous Daphla tribe. They are situated north of Tezpur and North Lakhimpur and are flanked by the Aka Hills (west) and Abor Range (east).

Abor Hills:The Abor Hills are found in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Chinese border.These hills are bounded by the Mishmi and Miri Hills, and are drained by the Dibang River, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

Mishmi Hills:These hills are located in the northeastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, at the meeting point of the Northeastern Himalayas and the Indo-Burma ranges.The hills are divided into floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and the Arunachal Himalayas. They surround the Dibang Valley and feature a mix of snow-capped mountains, lower Himalayan ranges, and the Shivalik ranges.

Miri Hills: Also known as the “Mishing Hills,” these are situated between the Dafla and Abor hills. The hills are inhabited by the Miri tribe, recognized for their unique cultural practices. These hills are located to the east of the Dafla Hills, contributing to the diverse terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

Patkai Range: They form a natural border between India and Myanmar, with Arunachal Pradesh lying on the western edge. They are known for their biodiversity and rugged terrain, which includes dense forests and important rivers like the Lohit.

Mountain Passes: Arunachal Pradesh features several significant mountain passes, including Bomdila, Bum La, and Dihang, crucial for cross-border trade and defense.

Rivers: Important rivers like the Siang (Brahmaputra), Kameng, Subansiri, and Lohit flow through the state, contributing to its rich alluvial soil and river valleys.

About Sixth Dalai Lama – RigzenTsangyang Gyatso (1683–1706)

Born in Tawang, now in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in 1683, Tsangyang Gyatso became the sixth Dalai Lama of Tibet. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 5th Dalai Lama and was enthroned at the age of 14.

Unlike other Dalai Lamas, Tsangyang Gyatso is known for his unconventional approach to spiritual leadership. He was a poet, lover of freedom, and preferred a secular lifestyle, which included writing poetry and enjoying worldly pleasures.

His reign was marked by political turmoil. The 5th Dalai Lama’s death was kept secret for years, creating instability. The 6th Dalai Lama’s refusal to live the typical monastic life led to tensions with the Regent of Tibet and external powers, especially Mongol and Chinese authorities.

In 1705, the Mongol leader Lhabzang Khan, supported by the Qing Dynasty, dethroned him, and he was captured. He died in 1706 under mysterious circumstances while being taken to Beijing. His death led to further political struggles in Tibet.

Despite his short and controversial reign, Tsangyang Gyatso’s poetry and his connection to the Monpa community in Tawang make him a revered figure.

5. Supreme Court Criticizes Air Quality Management Efforts: A Call for Stronger Measures to Combat Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

Sub: Env

SEC: Pollution

Why in News:

The Supreme Court of India recently reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) over its ineffectiveness in addressing pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), especially as stubble-burning incidents increase with the onset of winter. The court questioned whether the Commission’s actions were translating into tangible reductions in pollution.

Non-Compliance with the CAQM Act

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 was referenced by the court, which stressed that the CAQM had not fully complied with the provisions of the Act.

The Supreme Court questioned the CAQM’s legal enforcement measures, asking for evidence of any specific actions taken under the Act against violators. The Bench urged the Commission to become more proactive and ensure that its directives are followed by stakeholders to reduce pollution.

About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was established by the CAQM Ordinance, 2020 and CAQM, Act 2021.

The Act provides for the constitution of a Commission for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.

Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR where any source of pollution may cause adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.

Apart from consolidating all agencies that monitored, investigated and planned mitigation of air pollution in the region, the commission has replaced the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) which had been running for 22 years.

Powers of the CAQM:

The rulings by the Commission on air pollution will override anything contained in any other law.

The powers of the Commission will also supersede that of any other body in matters of air pollution.

Therefore, in cases where conflict may arise between orders or directions issued by the other State governments, State Pollution Control Boards or even the Central Pollution Control Board, the orders of the Commission will prevail.

The Commission will have the power to take measures, issue directions and entertain complaints “for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of air in the National Capital Region”.

It will also coordinate action taken by states on air pollution and will lay down parameters for air quality and emission or discharge of environmental pollutants.

It will also have powers to restrict industries in any area, carry out random inspections of any premises including factories and be able to close down an industry or cut its power and water supply in case of non-compliance.

It will also be monitoring the measures taken by the States to prevent stubble burning.

WHO Air Quality Guidelines:

What is stubble burning?

A Practice of removing agricultural waste from the field by setting on fire the straw stubble (parali) that is left on the land after harvesting of grains like paddy, wheat etc.

Region: Mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

A Crime: Burning crop residue is a crime under Section 188 of the IPC and under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

6. India’s per capita health expense jumped 82% in the last decade: National Health Accounts Estimates

Sub : Schemes

Sec: health

National Health Accounts Estimates for India 2021-22:

• NHA estimates are released annually by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Estimates provide a systematic description of the financial flows in India’s health system by different sources.
• It is based on the globally accepted framework of ‘A System of Health Accounts (SHA), 2011’ which facilitates inter-country comparisons.
• This report provides a comprehensive overview of India’s health expenditure trends from 2013-14 to 2021-22. 

State-wise data:

• Highest total health expenditure: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal
• Highest out-of-pocket expenditure relative to government expenditure: Uttar Pradesh (64%), Kerala (59%), and West Bengal (58%)

Key findings:

Source: DTE

7. High-level AMR Meeting at UN Headquarters: Global leaders call for unified preparedness, coordinated action to address silent pandemic

Sub : Sci

Sec: health

Context:

• The inaugural session of the highly anticipated high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), commenced on September 26 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
• Focused on global preparedness to address AMR, described as a ‘silent pandemic’

Key Participants:

• H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly
• Representatives from UN, WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP
• Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance
• UN Economic and Social Council
• World Bank
• AMR survivor

Main agenda:

• Urgent need for global action on AMR
• Call for sustainable production and use of antimicrobials
• Emphasis on supporting developing countries, which bear the greatest AMR burden
• Importance of the ‘One Health’ approach (human, animal, environmental health)

Key Concerns:

• Lack of new antibiotics in development
• Limited access to existing antimicrobials
• Only 11% of countries have allocated budgets for AMR action plans

Future Actions:

• WHO to establish an independent panel on AMR evidence by next year
• Update to the global action plan by 2026
• Establishment of an independent science-based panel
• Target of raising $100 million to support Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Quadripartite Principles:

• The Quadripartite aims to achieve together what no one sector can achieve alone.
• It consists of four main agencies: 
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
  • World Health Organization (WHO) and
  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
• At their first annual face-to-face meeting, the heads of the Quadripartite organizations working on One Health issued an unprecedented call for enhanced global action.
• Call to action from the Quadripartite leaders:

1. Prioritize One Health in international politics and promote intersectoral health governance.
2. Strengthen national One Health policies, strategies, and plans in line with the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA).
3. Accelerate implementation of One Health plans, including national governance and multisectoral coordination.
4. Build intersectoral One Health workforces through joint education in human, animal, and environmental health.
5. Focus on preventing pandemics and health threats at their source, particularly zoonotic spillovers.
6. Encourage One Health scientific knowledge exchange, research, and technology sharing.
7. Increase investment and financing for One Health strategies at all levels.

Source: DTE

8. Wildlife activist alleges irregularities in Kuno’s cheetah project, calls for probe

Sub :Env

Sec: Protected Area

Context:

• There are significant concerns about the management of the Cheetah Project at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Details:

• Main Concerns:
  • Violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • Gross negligence by KNP authorities
• Excessive tranquilization:
  • Cheetahs allegedly tranquilized 110 times without required approvalfrom the chief wildlife warden (CWLW) which is a violation of Schedule 1 of Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) is the statutory authority, under the Wildlife Protection Act, who heads the Wildlife Wing of the department and exercises complete administrative control over Protected Areas (PAs) within a state.
  • No records maintained for these actions
• Death of Cheetah Pawan allegedly due to illegal tranquilization
• Violation of NTCA procedures:
  • Failure to conduct videography during post-mortems of deceased cheetahs
• Poor health monitoring
• Unauthorized sampling:
  • Numerous samples taken without proper approval
  • Findings not shared with NTCA or CWLW

About Project Cheetah:

• Initiated in 2022
• 20 adult cheetahs introduced from Namibia and South Africa
• 17 cubs born in India, with 12 surviving
• Currently, 12 adult cheetahs remain alive (4 from Namibia, 8 from South Africa)
• Key objectives include:
  • Cheetah Conservation: Restoring cheetah populations and habitats.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Cheetahs are seen as a flagship species for savanna ecosystems in India, which are in need of restoration.
  • Long-Term Commitments: The project requires a long-term (25+ years) commitment from India’s Ministry of Environment, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
  • Global Partnership: India aims to collaborate with Iran and other international bodies to conserve the Asiatic cheetah as well.

Kuno National Park:

• It was established, in 1981, as a wildlife sanctuary in the Sheopur and Morena districts.
• It was also known as Kuno-Palpur and Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.
• In 2018, it was given the status of a National Park.
• It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• The protected area is largely a dry deciduous forest.

9. Long-Range Rockets and Futuristic Ammunition on Indian Army’s Radar

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Army is focusing on expanding its artillery capabilities, emphasizing long-range rockets and futuristic ammunition. This shift comes in the wake of lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war and the ongoing Gaza offensive. The Army is looking to indigenize and diversify its vendor base for critical ammunition, such as 155mm artillery shells, while also pursuing cutting-edge military technologies.

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch System

The Pinaka MBRL is an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launching system designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a vital component of India’s artillery system and has been successfully deployed in various military operations, including the Kargil War, where it played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy positions in high-altitude regions.

Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) are long-range, indirect-fire weapon platforms designed to launch multiple rockets in quick succession. These systems are used to saturate an area with explosive projectiles, making them effective against fortified enemy positions, troop concentrations, and critical infrastructure. MRLS are highly valued for their mobility, high rate of fire, and ability to deliver precise strikes over long distances.

Modular Components:

Launcher Vehicle: The system features a multi-tube launcher vehicle that can fire multiple rockets simultaneously.

Replenishment Vehicles: These include a loader vehicle and a replenishment vehicle to ensure a quick reload and high firing efficiency.

Command Post Vehicle: A dedicated vehicle for operational control and coordination during engagements.

High Firing Capability: Each launcher vehicle is equipped with two pods, each containing six rockets. It can cover a target area of 700 × 500 square metres in under 48 seconds.

Range: The range of the Pinaka system has been significantly extended, with its rockets capable of striking targets at distances of 60 to 75 kilometers.

Global Examples of MRLS:

HIMARS (USA): The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, used by the US military, has gained prominence due to its use in various global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

BM-21 Grad (Russia): A widely used Soviet-origin system, the BM-21 Grad has been adopted by many countries and has a reputation for being a highly effective battlefield support weapon.

Smerch (Russia): Another Russian-origin system, Smerch, has a longer range compared to Grad and is capable of delivering heavier rockets, making it a potent long-range artillery system.

Lessons from Global Conflicts

Ukraine War: The Ukraine war has underscored the importance of long-range artillery. The conflict, now in its third year, has demonstrated the critical role of artillery in warfare, with reports suggesting Russia fires up to 15,000 155mm shells daily, while Ukraine fires around 4,000.

Implication for Indian Army: Drawing from these global lessons, the Indian Army is focusing on expanding the range and precision of its artillery systems, particularly the Pinaka.

Procurement of Advanced Weaponry

Pralay Tactical Missiles: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles.

A quasi-ballistic missile has a low trajectory, and while it is largely ballistic, it can manoeuvre in flight. The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometres and has been developed according to specifications given by eventual user, the Army. The missile was tested from the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha and met all its objectives.

Nirbhay Sub-Sonic Cruise Missiles: These missiles have a range of 1,000 km. Trials for Pralay are nearly complete, while the Nirbhay trials are ongoing, with an indigenous engine tested in April 2024.

India’s first indigenously developed cruise missile, designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab based in Bengaluru. It is engineered for deep penetration and precision strikes on high-value targets.

Area Denial Munition (ADM):The ADM system, designed for anti-tank and anti-personnel purposes, is under development.

155mm Ammunition: The Indian Army is standardizing its artillery to 155mm caliber, ensuring consistency across its artillery systems. Depending on the gun and charge used, can range from 15 to 40 km and beyond for extended-range variants. It is used across a variety of platforms including the indigenous Dhanush, ATAGS, and imported systems like the M777 howitzers.

10. German Economy Expected to Shrink Further in 2024

Sub : Eco

Sec: National Income

• Economic Contraction Forecast:
  • Germany’s economy is projected to shrink by 0.1% in 2024, according to a joint statement by five leading economic institutes: DIW, Ifo, IfW Kiel, IWH, and RWI. This follows a contraction of 0.3% in 2023.
  • The institutes had previously estimated 0.1% GDP growth for 2024, but the downgrade indicates ongoing economic challenges.
• Stagnation and Slow Recovery:
  • The German economy has been stagnating for over two years, and while a slow recovery is expected in 2025, the country is unlikely to reach its pre-coronavirus growth levels in the near future.
  • For 2025, the institutes forecast 8% growth, down from an earlier estimate of 1.4%, and 1.3% growth for 2026.
• Key Challenges:
  • Germany, traditionally a European economic powerhouse, is grappling with multiple issues:
  • High inflation (although slowing in 2024).
  • An ongoing industrial slowdown.
  • Weak export demand, particularly from China, a key trading partner.
  • The German economy was the only major advanced economy to shrink in 2023.
• Continued Struggles:
  • Despite hopes for a recovery in 2024, economic performance in Q2 of 2024 disappointed, with a 0.1% contraction.
  • According to Geraldine Dany-Knedlik, head of forecasting at DIW, the factors weighing on Germany’s economy will only gradually dissipate.

Germany’s prolonged stagnation and slow recovery are expected to have broader implications for the European Union and its overall economic outlook.

Joint Economic Forecast

The Joint Economic Forecast by leading German research institutions like DIW Berlin, ifo Institute, IfW Kiel, IWH, and RWI provides biannual updates on Germany’s economic outlook. These reports analyze the country’s GDP growth, inflation, labor market trends, and external trade factors. The goal is to offer a comprehensive analysis that guides economic policymakers and stakeholders in decision-making.

The Joint Economic Forecast highlights potential risks and economic opportunities, influencing the fiscal policies of the government while being used by businesses for strategic planning.