Current Affairs for 12 January 2026

Gadgil Report

Context

• Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune at the age of 83. His contributions to environmental conservation have been profound and long-lasting. Among his achievements, his role as Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) is considered most significant.
• Although the then government did not approve the panel's report, Gadgil continued to advocate throughout his life for protecting the sensitive ecological region of the Western Ghats from uncontrolled development.
• Indeed, despite the passage of time, the warnings and suggestions contained in this report have repeatedly surfaced in public discourse after landslides and other environmental disasters, underscoring its current relevance.

A Framework for Conservation of the Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats extend from Gujarat to Kerala and Tamil Nadu and are considered the "watershed" of peninsular India.
• ​​Several major rivers, such as the Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, Periyar, and Netravati, originate here.
• This region is a globally important biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else.

Objective of the Establishment of the Western Ghats Ecological Expert Panel

• The Western Ghats Ecological Expert Panel (WGEEP) was established in March 2010, taking into account the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats, their complex geomorphological structure, and the threats posed by climate change and uncontrolled development.
• The formation of this panel was inspired by the meeting of the "Save Western Ghats" movement held in the Nilgiris in 2010.

Responsibilities assigned to the panel

• Study the ecology of the Western Ghats and identify sensitive areas
• Recommend ecologically sensitive zones (ESZs)
• Suggest conservation, restoration, and governance measures to ensure sustainable development

Key recommendations of the Gadgil panel

• Entire Western Ghats Sensitive Zone: The Gadgil-led panel recommended declaring the entire 129,037 square kilometer area of ​​the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ), recognizing the region's overall ecological sensitivity.
• Three-tier Sensitivity Division: The Western Ghats were classified into ESZ-1, ESZ-2, and ESZ-3 based on ecological sensitivity, with stricter controls proposed in more sensitive areas.
• Restrictions on development activities: The panel recommended a ban on the establishment of genetically modified crops, new Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and new hill stations in ESZ areas. Additionally, it recommended not granting new mining licenses in ESZ-1 and ESZ-2, phasing out existing mines over five years, and a complete ban on new mining in ESZ-1.
• Control on infrastructure expansion: To limit environmental damage, it recommended approving new railway lines and major road projects in ESZ-1 and ESZ-2 only in urgent situations.
• Establishment of a statutory authority: The report proposed the formation of a 24-member Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) under the Environment Protection Act to plan, manage, and regulate sensitive areas in the six Western Ghats states.
• Structure of the Authority: The proposed body recommended including subject matter experts and resource specialists, as well as representatives from key nodal ministries, to ensure coordinated environmental governance at a multi-state level. Political Opposition to the Gadgil Panel Report
• The Gadgil Panel submitted a draft report in March 2011 and a final report in August 2011. However, this report was not made public but was sent to states for comments.
• Environmental organizations challenged this secrecy through the Right to Information (RTI).
•  Following the intervention of the Chief Information Commissioner and subsequent judicial proceedings, the report was made public in May 2012.
• Gadgil believed that the report promoted inclusive development and recommended that its suggestions be placed before village councils to move beyond a single-minded approach to conservation and development.

State Objections

• The report faced strong opposition in Kerala and Maharashtra.
• Maharashtra objected to the proposed Western Ghats Ecology Authority, calling it a parallel system to existing institutions.
• The Kerala government argued that declaring large areas sensitive would impact agriculture and livelihoods in districts like Idukki and Wayanad.
• Furthermore, the political leadership and the Catholic Church expressed fears of economic losses and displacement of local populations.

The Kasturirangan Panel and the Revised Western Ghats Plan

Following widespread opposition to the Gadgil Report, the Environment Ministry constituted a high-level working group in 2012, headed by space scientist K. Kasturirangan, to re-examine its recommendations.

Highlights of the 2013 Report

• The Kasturirangan Panel proposed declaring approximately 56,825 square kilometers as ecologically sensitive.
• The report supported controls on mining, polluting industries, thermal power plants, and large townships, although its approach was more limited than that of the Gadgil Panel.
• Unlike the earlier report, the panel identified specific villages as sensitive areas and issued state-wise lists, making the proposal more targeted and administratively feasible.

Policy impasse continues to this day

Based on this report, the central government has issued six draft ESA notifications, the most recent in August 2024. Disagreements with the states persist, and the committee headed by former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar, tasked with finalizing the boundaries of the Western Ghats, is still working.

ITSAR for Smartphones: India’s Push for Device-Level Cyber Sovereignty

Why in News ?

The Union Government is considering legally enforcing the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) for smartphones, introducing 83 mandatory security standards covering source code disclosure, software controls, logging requirements, and user-permission restrictions.

The proposal has triggered strong resistance from major global smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi, who argue that several provisions lack global precedent, threaten proprietary technologies, and may undermine innovation and ease of doing business in India.

Background: India’s Expanding Digital Security Concerns

India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market, with nearly 750 million users, making device-level security a matter of national importance.

Contextual Drivers

• Sharp rise in:
  • Online fraud
  • Cybercrime
  • Data breaches and spyware concerns
• Increasing reliance on smartphones for:
  • Digital payments
  • Governance services
  • Critical infrastructure access

The proposed ITSAR framework aligns with the government’s broader emphasis on digital sovereignty, cyber resilience, and national security, similar to earlier interventions such as:

• Mandatory cyber safety applications (later rolled back)
• Stringent security norms for surveillance cameras citing national security risks

What is ITSAR ?

The Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) are a set of security compliance standards framed under the telecom security ecosystem to ensure that devices operating on Indian networks meet robust cybersecurity and data protection benchmarks.

Under the current proposal, ITSAR would be legally enforced for smartphones, making compliance mandatory for manufacturers selling devices in India.

Key Features of the Proposed Smartphone Security Standards

1. Source Code Disclosure

• Manufacturers must submit proprietary source code for inspection by government-designated laboratories.
• Objective:
  • Detect hidden backdoors
  • Identify systemic vulnerabilities

Industry Response:

• The Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) has termed it “not possible”
• No similar requirement exists in:
  • EU
  • North America
  • Australia
  • Africa

2. Background Permission Restrictions

• Apps cannot access:
  • Camera
  • Microphone
  • Location
• while running in the background
• Mandatory continuous status-bar alerts when sensitive permissions are active

Concerns:

• No global testing standards
• Risk of over-regulation affecting app functionality

3. Periodic Permission Review Alerts

• Devices must periodically prompt users to review app permissions
• Industry suggests limiting alerts to high-risk permissions to avoid user fatigue and alert desensitisation

4. One-Year Log Retention Requirement

• Smartphones must store security audit logs (logins, app installations, system events) for 12 months

Industry Concern:

• Consumer devices may lack sufficient storage
• Privacy implications of long-term user activity logs

5. Mandatory Periodic Malware Scanning

• Automatic malware scans to be conducted at regular intervals

Concerns:

• Battery drain
• Slower device performance
• User experience degradation

6. Removal of Pre-Installed Applications

• All non-essential pre-installed apps must be removable by users

Industry View:

• Many apps are deeply integrated into operating systems
• Forced removal may compromise system stability

7. Mandatory Notification of Software Updates

• Manufacturers must inform the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) before releasing major software updates

Industry Objection:

• Impractical during zero-day vulnerabilities
• Delays could expose users to active cyber threats

8. Tamper Detection (Rooting / Jailbreaking)

• Devices must detect tampering and display persistent warnings

Challenge:

• No universally reliable detection mechanism exists across devices

9. Anti-Rollback Protection

• Blocking installation of older software versions, even if manufacturer-signed

Concerns:

• No global standard
• Restricts legitimate use cases such as debugging or enterprise testing

Key Challenges and Way Ahead

Data Security vs Proprietary Rights

• Risk of exposing trade secrets
• Need for risk-based regulation focusing on critical vulnerabilities rather than blanket controls

Lack of Global Precedent

• Potential regulatory overreach
• Align standards with OECD and EU cybersecurity norms

Ease of Doing Business

• High compliance costs may deter investment
• Need for time-bound clearances for security updates

Operational Practicality

• Storage constraints, battery drain, update delays
• Explore independent third-party security audits instead of direct source code disclosure

Innovation and R&D Concerns

• Over-regulation may discourage innovation
• Balance national security with privacy and technological competitiveness

America’s “Flying Pentagon”: Understanding the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch Amid Rising Global Tensions

Why in News ?

Amid heightened global geopolitical tensions and growing fears of escalation between major powers, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, popularly known as the United States military’s “Doomsday Plane,” made a rare and unexpected appearance over Los Angeles, triggering public anxiety and widespread speculation.

The aircraft’s movement is closely monitored worldwide due to its association with nuclear war preparedness and continuity of government operations during extreme national emergencies.

Background: Continuity of Government in the Nuclear Age

The concept of an airborne command centre emerged during the Cold War, when the threat of nuclear conflict raised concerns over the survivability of ground-based leadership and communication infrastructure.

Key drivers behind such platforms include:

• Vulnerability of fixed command centres to:
  • Nuclear strikes
  • Cyber warfare
  • Ballistic missile attacks
• Need for uninterrupted command and control during existential crises
• Assurance of retaliatory capability under all circumstances

The Boeing E-4B is a critical pillar of the US doctrine of deterrence, ensuring that no adversary can incapacitate American leadership through a decapitating strike.

What is the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch ?

The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch is the United States’ National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) — a highly secure, airborne military command post designed to serve as the nerve centre of government during catastrophic scenarios.

It enables the US President, Secretary of Defense, and senior military leadership to:

• Maintain control over armed forces
• Issue nuclear launch orders if required
• Coordinate national response during:
  • Nuclear war
  • Large-scale terror attacks
  • Destruction of ground-based command centres

The aircraft is an integral component of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) architecture, ensuring command authority under all conditions.

Key Features and Capabilities of the E-4B Nightwatch

1. Platform and Structural Design

• Built on a heavily modified Boeing 747-200
• Reinforced airframe to support advanced electronic systems
• Designed to operate even when civilian aviation infrastructure is disrupted

2. Nuclear and EMP Hardening

• Hardened against:
  • Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) effects from nuclear detonations
  • Nuclear radiation
  • Thermal shock waves
• Shielded wiring and systems prevent electronic failure during nuclear events

3. Advanced Secure Communications

• Equipped with multiple redundant communication systems
• Enables contact with:
  • Nuclear submarines
  • Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos
  • Strategic bombers
• Can transmit Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) worldwide

4. Flying Command and Control Centre

• Functions as a mobile Pentagon
• Contains:
  • Conference rooms
  • Situation briefing centres
  • Secure planning and intelligence spaces
• Allows real-time strategic decision-making during crises

5. Extended Endurance Through Aerial Refuelling

• Capable of continuous flight for days
• In-flight refuelling enables:
  • Independence from ground bases
  • Sustained airborne operations during prolonged emergencies

Strategic Significance of the E-4B Nightwatch

• Reinforces credible nuclear deterrence
• Ensures continuity of government
• Demonstrates military preparedness during crises
• Acts as a psychological deterrent against adversaries
• Symbolises state resilience even under “doomsday” scenarios

Global Context and Comparisons

Other major powers maintain similar capabilities:

• Russia: Ilyushin Il-80 “Maxdome”
• China: Believed to be developing airborne command platforms
• India: Relies on hardened ground-based command and NC3 redundancy rather than airborne NAOC

This highlights the centrality of command survivability in modern strategic doctrines.

Challenges and Way Ahead

Operational Challenges

• High maintenance and operational costs
• Ageing airframe (747-200 platform)

Technological Transition

• Need to integrate cyber-resilient and AI-enabled command systems
• Upgrades to counter emerging threats like space-based warfare

Future Outlook

• US exploring replacement under the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) programme
• Focus on stealth, automation, and enhanced survivability

Exercise Sanjha Shakti: Advancing Civil–Military Synergy for Internal Security and Disaster Response

Why in News ?

The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise “Sanjha Shakti”, a joint Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise, at the Dighi Hills (Diggi) Range, Khadki Military Station, under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command.

The exercise aimed at strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies to effectively respond to complex security challenges, disasters, and public safety emergencies.

Background: Civil–Military Cooperation in India

India’s internal security and disaster response framework relies heavily on close coordination between civil administration and the armed forces.

Constitutional and Administrative Context

• Armed forces are frequently deployed in:
  • Disaster relief operations
  • Internal security support
  • Aid to civil authorities
• Increasing urbanisation, climate-induced disasters, and asymmetric threats have necessitated:
  • Faster response times
  • Seamless interoperability
  • Joint training between civil and military institutions

Exercises like Sanjha Shakti are designed to operationalise this coordination in real-world scenarios.

What is Exercise Sanjha Shakti ?

Exercise Sanjha Shakti is a joint Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise conducted to enhance inter-agency coordination, preparedness, and operational synergy.

Organising Authority

• Conducted by the Indian Army
• Under the Southern Command
• Supervised by the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area

Location and Participating Agencies

Location

• Dighi Hills (Diggi) Range
• Khadki Military Station, Maharashtra

Participating Agencies

• Indian Army
• Maharashtra Police
• Force One (Maharashtra’s elite counter-terrorism unit)
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Other key civil administration stakeholders

Objectives of Exercise Sanjha Shakti

• Strengthening civil–military coordination
• Enhancing interoperability and communication
• Improving decision-making under crisis conditions
• Testing rapid response mechanisms during emergencies
• Validating joint response to security and disaster-related scenarios

Key Focus Areas of the Exercise

1. Interoperability and Communication

• Integration of military and civilian command structures
• Testing communication protocols during high-pressure situations

2. Decision-Making Processes

• Joint planning and execution
• Real-time coordination among multiple agencies

3. Rapid Response and Crisis Management

• Simulation of emergency scenarios
• Swift mobilisation of resources and personnel

4. Disaster Response and Public Safety

• Handling scenarios involving:
  • Natural disasters
  • Urban emergencies
  • Security threats impacting civilians

Operational Significance of the Drill

The exercise was conducted through realistic, mission-oriented scenarios, enabling participants to:

• Identify gaps in coordination
• Validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Improve response time and situational awareness
• Ensure seamless cooperation between civil and military stakeholders

Why Military–Civil Fusion Matters

Internal Security Perspective

• Complex threats increasingly blur the line between:
  • Internal security
  • Disaster management
  • Law and order
• Joint preparedness reduces confusion during crises

Disaster Management Perspective

• Armed forces provide:
  • Logistics
  • Engineering support
  • Rapid mobilisation
• Civil authorities provide:
  • Local intelligence
  • Administrative control
  • Community outreach

Effective fusion ensures complementarity rather than overlap.

Strategic Relevance of Exercise Sanjha Shakti

• Enhances preparedness in densely populated regions
• Builds trust and institutional familiarity among agencies
• Strengthens India’s overall resilience architecture
• Aligns with India’s broader emphasis on whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to security

Way Forward

• Regular joint exercises across regions
• Institutionalisation of best practices and SOPs
• Greater use of technology for joint command and control
• Expansion of Military–Civil Fusion frameworks to include health and disaster response agencies

Rethinking Consent Laws: Balancing Adolescent Autonomy with Child Protection in India

Why in News ?

The Supreme Court of India has recently flagged the misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, particularly in cases involving consensual adolescent relationships, thereby reopening the debate on India’s age of consent.

The observations come amid rising concerns that a law designed to protect children from sexual abuse is increasingly being applied to criminalise voluntary relationships between adolescents, especially those aged 16–18 years.

Background: Understanding the Age of Consent Debate

The age of consent refers to the legally prescribed age at which an individual is considered capable of giving valid consent for sexual activity.

India’s current framework prioritises absolute child protection, adopting a strict age threshold to prevent exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. However, evolving social realities, early adolescence, and increased reporting under POCSO have intensified calls for a nuanced review.

Legal Framework Governing the Age of Consent in India

Statutory Position

• The age of consent in India is 18 years
• Under the POCSO Act, 2012, anyone below 18 is legally classified as a “child”
• Any sexual activity involving a minor is treated as statutory rape, irrespective of consent

Alignment with Criminal Law

• The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 aligned Section 375 of the IPC with POCSO
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 has retained this position, reaffirming that consent of a person below 18 is legally irrelevant

Historical Evolution

• IPC, 1860: 10 years
• 1891 amendment: 12 years
• Gradual increases to 14 and 16 years
• Raised to 18 years in 2012 with POCSO

Distinction from Marriage Laws

• Age of consent is distinct from the minimum age of marriage:
  • 18 years for women
  • 21 years for men (Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006)

Arguments Supporting a Review of the Age of Consent

Criminalisation of Consensual Adolescent Relationships

• A significant proportion of POCSO cases involve adolescents aged 16–18 years
• In many cases:
  • Relationships are voluntary
  • The “victim” refuses to testify against the accused
  • Prosecution is mandatory under the law

Empirical Evidence

• NFHS-4 (2015–16):
  • 39% of girls reported sexual debut before 18
• Civil society studies show:
  • Nearly one-fourth of POCSO cases arise from consensual relationships

Adolescent Autonomy and Reality

• Critics argue that the law:
  • Ignores adolescent sexuality
  • Fails to distinguish abuse from peer relationships
• The original intent of POCSO was protection from exploitation, not criminalisation of teenage romance

International Practices

• Several countries fix the age of consent at 16 years
• Many adopt “close-in-age” or “Romeo–Juliet” exemptions to prevent misuse while retaining protection

Concerns Against Lowering the Age of Consent

Need for a Bright-Line Rule

• The current age threshold provides:
  • Legal certainty
  • Uniform protection
• Dilution may introduce ambiguity and loopholes

Risk of Exploitation

• Child sexual abuse often involves:
  • Family members
  • Neighbours
  • Teachers or caregivers
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (2007):
  • Over 50% of abusers were known to the child

Masking Coercion as Consent

• Power asymmetries can make “consent” illusory
• Lowering the age may:
  • Enable grooming
  • Undermine prosecution of exploitative relationships

Parliamentary and Expert Caution

• Parliamentary committees and the Law Commission of India (283rd Report, 2023) have:
  • Rejected lowering the age of consent
  • Warned against weakening POCSO’s protective framework

Judicial Responses and Emerging Nuances

• High Courts have increasingly acknowledged:
  • Harsh consequences of prosecuting consensual adolescent relationships
• However, courts consistently reiterate:
  • Consent of a minor has no legal validity under POCSO
• The Supreme Court has:
  • Reaffirmed the statutory position
  • Occasionally exercised extraordinary powers to mitigate injustice in individual cases

Judicial observations reflect growing discomfort with outcomes, but without altering the legislative framework.

Way Forward

The debate highlights the need for a calibrated and balanced approach, rather than a binary choice between protection and autonomy.

Possible Reforms

• Introduction of limited close-in-age exemptions for adolescents aged 16–18
• Strong judicial oversight to detect coercion, grooming, or abuse

Beyond Legal Change

• Comprehensive sex education
• Accessible adolescent health services
• Gender-sensitive policing and counselling mechanisms
• Strengthening family and community support systems

Such measures can reduce misuse of the law while ensuring that genuine cases of abuse remain effectively addressed.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)

Why in News ?

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) has projected that India will grow by 7.4% in the current financial year, driven primarily by strong domestic consumption and sustained public investment. The projection was made in a recently released UN DESA report assessing global and regional economic prospects amid persistent geopolitical uncertainties and uneven global recovery.

Background: UN Assessments and India’s Growth Trajectory

International multilateral institutions regularly assess India’s economic performance due to its role as:

• One of the fastest-growing major economies
• A key driver of global demand and growth

India’s recent growth momentum has been supported by:

• Increased capital expenditure by the government
• Resilient private consumption
• Macroeconomic stability despite global headwinds

UN DESA’s projections add to global assessments by bodies such as the IMF and World Bank, reinforcing India’s position as a relative bright spot in the world economy.

About the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is the UN’s principal body responsible for advancing the development pillar of the United Nations.

Institutional Foundations

• Rooted in the United Nations Charter
• Guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Headquartered at UN Headquarters, New York (USA)

UN DESA works to integrate the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

Mandate and Core Areas of Work

UN DESA’s work addresses cross-cutting development challenges affecting livelihoods worldwide, with a focus on the most vulnerable.

Key Thematic Areas

• Poverty reduction
• Inclusive economic growth
• Governance and public institutions
• Development finance
• Environmental sustainability

Three Pillars of UN DESA’s Work Programme

1. Norm-Setting
   • Supporting global frameworks and standards
2. Analysis
   • Producing global economic and social assessments
3. Capacity-Building
   • Assisting countries in policy formulation and implementation

What Does UN DESA Do ?

UN DESA performs multiple critical functions within the UN system:

• Facilitates negotiations among Member States in intergovernmental bodies
• Provides substantive support to development-related deliberations in:
  • UN General Assembly
  • Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Advises governments on translating global commitments into national development programmes
• Collaborates with regional and country-level partners
• Compiles and analyses economic, social, and environmental data used by Member States for policymaking

Key Reports Published by UN DESA

UN DESA is a leading source of authoritative global development assessments, including:

• World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report
• World Social Report
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report

These reports are widely used by governments, researchers, and international institutions.

India’s Growth Outlook: Key Drivers Highlighted by UN DESA

Consumption-Led Growth

• Robust domestic demand
• Improved rural and urban consumption patterns

Public Investment Push

• Continued government capital expenditure
• Infrastructure-led growth strategy

Broader Implications

• Supports employment generation
• Strengthens medium-term growth potential
• Enhances India’s role as a global growth engine

Significance of UN DESA’s Assessment for India

• Reinforces investor confidence
• Validates India’s macroeconomic policy framework
• Strengthens India’s standing in global economic governance discussions
• Provides an international benchmark for domestic policy planning

Challenges and Caveats

While the outlook remains positive, risks persist:

• Global geopolitical tensions
• Volatility in energy and commodity prices
• Climate-related disruptions
• Need to sustain private investment momentum

Addressing these challenges will be crucial to maintaining long-term growth.

Way Forward

• Sustaining public investment without fiscal stress
• Boosting private sector participation
• Advancing structural reforms
• Aligning growth with sustainable development goals

India’s growth trajectory must balance economic expansion with inclusivity and sustainability, consistent with the UN DESA framework.

What is M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) ?

M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is an IT-based advanced monitoring system used in India for the protection, surveillance, and scientific management of tigers and other wildlife. Recently, forest personnel have been using the M-STrIPES application during tiger and wildlife census operations in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Background of M-STrIPES

• M-STrIPES is a software-based monitoring system.
• It was launched in 2010.
• Developed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
• The system strengthens patrolling, protection, and conservation in tiger reserves.

Key Objectives of M-STrIPES

• Effective monitoring of tigers and other wildlife
• Control over illegal activities in protected areas
• Data-driven decision-making for wildlife conservation
• Enhancing efficiency and transparency in reserve management

Components of the M-STrIPES System

M-STrIPES consists of two major components:

1. Central Desktop Software

• Centralized data collection and analysis
• Use of GIS and statistical tools
• Online analytical tools and engines

2. Android-Based Mobile Application

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Field-based observations and reporting
• Data recording during patrols

Technologies Used

M-STrIPES is based on the following modern technologies:

• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
• Remote Sensing
• GIS (Geographical Information System)

Working Mechanism of M-STrIPES

• Each forest guard conducts regular patrols within their beat area.
• During patrols, the guard:
  • Records routes and footprints using GPS.
  • Documents sightings of wildlife, signs of poaching, and illegal activities.
• All information is stored in a digital database.
• GIS and statistical analysis are used to generate insights.
• This supports better planning and resource management for tiger reserve authorities.

Important Fact: In India, the smallest administrative unit of forest management is the “Beat”, generally managed by a Forest Guard.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Geographical Location

• Located in the Anamalai Hills
• Situated in the southern Western Ghats, south of the Palakkad Gap
• Adjacent protected areas:
  • East – Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
  • South-West – Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Nearby – Eravikulam National Park

Indigenous Tribal Communities

The reserve is inhabited by six indigenous communities:

• Kadar,Mudugar,Malasar,Malai Malasar,Eravallar and Pulayar

Flora (Vegetation)

The reserve supports diverse forest types:

• Tropical evergreen forests,Semi-evergreen forests,Moist deciduous forests,Dry deciduous forests,Dry thorn forests, Shola forests

Other distinctive habitats include:

• Montane grasslands
• Savannas
• Marshy grasslands

The region is rich in wild relatives of agricultural crops, such as:

• Mango, jackfruit, wild banana
• Ginger, turmeric
• Black pepper, cardamom

Fauna (Wildlife)

Major wildlife species found in Anamalai Tiger Reserve include:

• Tiger,Asian Elephant,Leopard,Sambar,Spotted Deer (Chital),Barking Deer,Jackal,Jungle Cat

Scramjet Engine:- India’s Hypersonic Missile Programme

• Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone under India’s hypersonic missile programme.
• DRDO successfully conducted a ground test of a full-scale, actively cooled, long-duration scramjet engine.
• This achievement significantly strengthens India’s position in advanced hypersonic technologies and paves the way for the development of future Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs).

What is a Scramjet Engine ?

A Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) is an air-breathing engine designed to operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above).
It is fundamentally different from conventional jet engines because it does not use rotating compressors or turbines.

Key Features

• The scramjet uses the vehicle’s extremely high speed to compress incoming air naturally.
• Supersonic combustion takes place inside the engine, meaning the airflow remains faster than the speed of sound even in the combustion chamber.
• This feature makes scramjets ideally suited for hypersonic cruise missiles.
• Typically, liquid hydrogen is used as fuel, while oxygen is drawn directly from the atmosphere, eliminating the need to carry an oxidiser.
• Scramjets offer much higher fuel efficiency compared to turbojet and ramjet engines at hypersonic speeds.

India has become the fourth country in the world to successfully demonstrate scramjet engine flight testing, highlighting its growing technological capability.

Working Principle of a Scramjet Engine

A scramjet engine operates in a sequential manner:

1. Air Intake

• A scramjet functions only when the vehicle is already flying at supersonic speed (around Mach 3 or higher).

2. Compression

• Due to the vehicle’s very high speed, incoming air is automatically compressed, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors.

3. Combustion

• Hydrogen fuel is injected into the compressed air.
• Combustion occurs while the airflow remains supersonic, which is the defining characteristic of a scramjet engine.

4. Thrust Generation

• The high-temperature, high-pressure gases produced by combustion are expelled rapidly through the exhaust.
• According to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, this generates extremely high forward thrust.
• Since a scramjet cannot produce thrust at zero speed, a rocket booster is required to accelerate the vehicle to the necessary initial speed.

What are Hypersonic Missiles ?

• The term hypersonic refers to objects that travel at Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or higher.
• Due to their extreme speed, reduced reaction time, and high manoeuvrability, hypersonic missiles are considered game-changers in modern warfare.

Types of Hypersonic Weapons

1. Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)

• Launched using a rocket, similar to ballistic missiles.
• After re-entering the atmosphere, they glide at hypersonic speeds towards the target.

2. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs)

• Powered by scramjet engines throughout their flight.
• They can fly at low altitudes and change direction, making interception extremely difficult.

Subsonic, Supersonic and Hypersonic Speeds

• Subsonic: Below the speed of sound (Mach < 1) — Passenger aircraft
• Supersonic: Faster than sound but below Mach 5 (Mach 1–5) — Fighter jets, BrahMos missile
• Hypersonic: Mach 5 or higher (Mach ≥ 5) — Hypersonic missiles

Importance of Scramjet Technology for India

• Strategic Advantage: Hypersonic weapons enhance India’s deterrence and national security capabilities.
• Indigenous Capability: This achievement strengthens the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence technology.
• Future Platforms: Scramjet technology can also be applied to future space launch systems and advanced military aircraft.
• Global Power Balance: It places India alongside the United States, Russia, and China in this cutting-edge technological domain.