Current Affairs – May 15, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – HG} Dongria Kondh Tribe *

• Context (SM): NHRC has issued a notice on the deplorable living conditions of Dongria Kondh families.

  

  Credit: IDR

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act. Investigates violations, monitors human rights law enforcement, & advises the govt on related policies. The NHRC focuses on vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, and can take suo-motu action, conduct inquiries, and issue recommendations to authorities.

About the Dongria Kondh Tribe

• Category: Recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Habitat: Indigenous to the Niyamgiri Hills, spanning Kalahandi and Rayagada districts in Odisha.
• The name “Dongria” comes from “dongar“, meaning hill, highlighting their hill-dwelling identity. They also call themselves Jharnia, or “protectors of streams”.
• They believe in animism—revering nature. Hilltops and forests are worshipped as living deities.
• Their ancestral deity is Niyam Raja, the mythical god-king and protector of the hills. Niyamgiri festival, an annual cultural celebration held in April, honours Niyam Raja.
• Deeply symbolic art: Triangular mountain motifs adorn shrines dedicated to forest, village & farm gods.
• They maintain distinctive attire and ornamentation:
  • Women wear multiple earrings and nose rings.
  • Boys often wear two nose rings.
  • Tattoos and unique hairstyles are part of their cultural expression.
• They speak Kuyi and Kuvi languages, linguistically distinct from Odia.
• No centralised religious or political authority exists. Leadership is decentralised:
  • Villages are guided by local elders.
  • Ceremonies are conducted by a bejuni (priestess) and a beju (priest).
• Traditionally, horticulturists, Dongria Kondhs practise:
  • Podu cultivation (shifting agriculture).
  • Collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like fruits, honey, herbs.
• Their survival is intricately linked to the streams and forested slopes of Niyamgiri.

PVTGs in Odisha Odisha has 62 tribal groups, with 13 recognised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGS). PVTGs make up 9% of Odisha’s population (2011 Census), with tribal settlers constituting 22.85%. The 13 PVTGs are: Birhor, Bonda, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Juang, Kharia, Dongria Khond, Kutia Khond, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankidia, Paudi Bhuyan, and Saora.

Also Read > Tribal Communities & Their Contribution to Indian Culture, Habitat Rights of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), Understanding Permanent Settlement for Tribals.

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} Weather Balloons

• Context (IE): The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has slashed its weather balloon launches across the US after a budget cut.

What Are Weather Balloons?

• Weather balloons, also known as sounding balloons, are large, typically made of latex or synthetic rubber, and filled with helium or hydrogen.
• They can reach an altitude of 1,15,000 feet (35 km) in a journey lasting up to two hours. They carry instruments known as radiosondes, which transmit atmospheric data back to ground stations.
  • Radiosonde instruments are smaller than the size of a coffee cup, measure meteorological variables in the atmosphere, and transmit the data back to the ground station.
• French meteorologist Leon Teisserenc de Bort was among the 1^st to use weather balloons. Known to have launched these balloons as early as 1896, he discovered the tropopause and stratosphere.
  • Before Weather balloons, meteorologists used kites and then hot balloons. Scientists would travel to high altitudes in these balloons, carrying instrumentation for measurements and experiments.

Credit: IE

How do they work?

• Weather balloons can ascend to altitudes of 35 km (100,000+ feet), reaching the stratosphere.
• As they rise through the atmosphere, weather balloons collect critical data, including: Temperature, Humidity, Air pressure, Wind speed and direction, etc.
• At high altitudes, the pressure drops, and the balloon expands until it eventually bursts. A small parachute then brings the radiosonde safely back to Earth.

Importance

• Upper Air Observations: Weather agencies worldwide use weather balloons to make upper air observations crucial for forecasts. It provides vital input for weather models and forecasts.
  • Upper air refers to the Earth’s atmosphere above about 5,000 feet, and it is from here that the planet gets its rain and drought, wind and calm, and heat and cold at the surface.
• Monitor Climate Patterns: It helps monitor climate patterns, storms, and jet streams. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also uses weather balloons to measure meteorological variables.
• Other: Research, military applications, and space missions for low-cost, high-altitude experiments.

Use of Weather Balloons Across the World

• Currently, twice a day, about 900 weather stations around the world launch weather balloons in a coordinated international programme to measure conditions in the upper atmosphere.
  • US: In 1937, the US Weather Bureau established a network of radiosonde stations that has continued to the present day.
  • India: Network with 56 radiosonde stations across the country.
• The launch occurs at 0000 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and 1200 UTC. This corresponds to 5.30 AM and 5.30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
  • The balloons are launched simultaneously so meteorologists can create a comprehensive picture of atmospheric conditions, essential for accurate weather forecasting.

Also Read > Atmosphere: Role, Structure & Composition.

{GS1 – WH – Decolonialism} Afrikaner

• Context (IE): The U.S. welcomed the first group of Afrikaner as “refugees” under a policy citing protection from racial discrimination and violence in South Africa.

• Afrikaners are a white ethnic group in South Africa, often referred to as “Africa’s White Tribe” due to their deep-rooted history on the continent.
  • Formed through ethnogenesis—a blend of Dutch, French Huguenot, and German settler ancestry, and cultural influences from enslaved people brought from Dutch colonies in Asia and Africa.

The Great Trek (1830s–40s) marked a turning point; thousands of Afrikaners (Voortrekkers) migrated inland in response to British policies such as the abolition of slavery and the imposition of English. They established the Boer Republics—Transvaal, Natalia, and Orange Free State—reinforcing a distinct identity rooted in land, faith, and resistance.

• Union and Apartheid: In 1910, the Union of South Africa was formed. In 1948, the Afrikaner-led National Party institutionalised apartheid, enforcing racial segregation until 1994. During this period, Afrikaners dominated political, economic, military, and educational state institutions.
• Post-Apartheid Realities: Although apartheid ended in 1994, Afrikaners still wield substantial influence:
  • Control ~70% of South Africa’s commercial farmland
  • Retain distinct cultural institutions—schools, churches, media
  • Represent ~7% of the population
  • Stark inequality persists: white South Africans hold ~20 times the wealth of Black citizens, with unemployment <10% among whites and >33% among Blacks.

{GS1 – WH – Events} Kurdish Conflict

• Context (IE | IE | RT): The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced its disbandment and an end to its armed insurgency in Turkey after 40 years, marking a significant shift in the Kurdish conflict.

PKK

• Founded in 1978 by Marxist revolutionary Abdullah Ocalan to establish an independent Kurdistan.
• Armed struggle began in 1984 against the Turkish state.
• Goals: From seeking full independence to demanding Kurdish autonomy & cultural rights within Turkey.
• Designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
• Operational base: Northern Iraq; launched attacks into Turkey from these areas.
• Current status: Announced disbandment after its 12^th Congress in northern Iraq. Fighting to stop “immediately” depending on the Turkish government’s response.

Kurds *

• Stateless ethnic group native to a region historically called Kurdistan.
  • Kurdistan overlaps with the Levant Region, which is a historical region covering parts of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Iraq.
• Geographic spread: Largest populations in Turkey (43%), Iran (31%), Iraq (18%), Syria (6%), and smaller pockets in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
  • Kurds form about 20% of Turkey’s 86 million population.
• Concentrated in southeastern Turkey, particularly in Diyarbakir, a historical flashpoint.
  • Kurdish issue was a key factor in Turkey’s EU accession talks; “Road to EU goes through Diyarbakır”.
  • Religious identity: Mostly Sunni Muslims with some Sufi followers.
  • Linguistic identity: Speak Kurdish dialects like Kurmanji (Latin script) and Sorani (Arabic script).
• Turkish government stance: No official census by ethnicity; resisted Kurdish autonomy demands.

Historical Context of the Kurdish Issue

• Post-WWI promises: Articles 62 & 64 of the Treaty of Sevres (1920) promised Kurdish autonomy and possible independence.
• Treaty of Lausanne (1923): Formally recognised modern Turkey without Kurdish provisions, nullifying earlier promises.
• Repeated uprisings: Kurdish rebellions occurred across the region in response to state suppression.

{GS2 – IR – India-Pakistan} India’s Strategic Challenge Beyond Pakistan **

• Context (IE): Amidst heightened tensions and a shift in dynamics with Pakistan, India must broaden its foreign policy lens to navigate a multipolar world order.

Shifts in Indo-Pak Dynamics

• Use of Modern Warfare: Deployment of drones by both sides marks a leap into contemporary military strategy, moving beyond legacy warfare.
• Deeper Strike Doctrine: India’s strikes in Bahawalpur, approximately 400 km inside Pakistani Punjab, mark a strategic shift, unlike prior conflicts, which were limited to border zones.
• Weapon Diversification: India uses Rafales and Israeli weapons, Pakistan deploys Chinese military systems, reflecting new external influences on subcontinental conflicts.
• First US Dual-Side Mediation: Unlike past episodes, the US engaged both India and Pakistan diplomatically, signalling deep concern over nuclear escalation risks.

Rise of Religious Nationalisms

• Hindu Nationalism: India’s ruling dispensation sees Pakistan as a continuation of historical “Muslim dominance”, framing the conflict in civilizational terms.
• Asim Munir’s Islamist Nationalism: Pakistan’s army chief embraces the “Second Medina” idea, asserting an Islamic civilizational identity, intensifying the ideological divide.
• Clash of National Identities: With Hindu and Islamist nationalism at the helm in both countries, the conflict risks deepening ideological polarisation.

Strategic Implications

• Nuclear Deterrence and External Mediation: Classical IR theory holds that nuclear weapons and interventions by dominant external powers are key to preventing war between adversarial states.
• Real-Time Testing of Theory: The current Indo-Pak-US triangle will test these propositions in practice, with millions of lives and regional stability at stake.

Emerging Global Power Geometry

• Multipolarity Over Bipolarity: Global alignments are shifting from fixed alliances to flexible, transactional partnerships shaped by interests rather than ideologies.
• Russia-China “Friends of Steel” Axis: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin deepen political, economic and technological ties while simultaneously engaging with the US, advocating a “post-American” order.
• Turkey as Mediator: Turkish drones appeared in both the India-Pakistan and Russia-Ukraine theatres. Turkey balances its criticism of Russia with peace diplomacy, showing its rising strategic autonomy.
• Europe’s Strategic Anxiety: European powers feel sidelined by US-Russia bilateralism and scramble to reassert influence amid fears of imposed peace deals.
• US-China Trade Ceasefire: Even during South Asian escalations, the US and China negotiated a trade war truce in Geneva, showing the decoupled nature of regional and global tensions.

Trump’s Transactional Diplomacy in Action

• Gulf Outreach and Investment Drive: Trump’s Middle East tour targets over $2 trillion in deals from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar collectively, tightly aligned with his “America First” agenda.
• Blurred Lines of Business and State: Trump’s family ventures (e.g., Eric Trump’s $5.5 billion Qatari golf project) illustrate how personal business and US foreign policy are intertwined.
• Backchannel Talks with Iran: Even while courting Gulf monarchies, Trump holds secret negotiations with Tehran on nuclear issues, enhancing US leverage in the region.
• Cooling US-Israel Ties: Trump’s Middle East itinerary skips Israel, highlighting friction with Netanyahu as Trump seeks regional rebalancing through engagement with Iran.

Way Forward for India: Recalibrating Foreign Policy

• Beyond Pakistan-Centric Outlook: India must respond firmly to Pakistan-backed terror, yet not let this dominate its strategic worldview.
• Understanding Complex Power Plays: Triangular and multipolar interactions demand nuanced diplomacy. Old binaries of “friends vs foes” are inadequate.
• Invest in Diplomatic Capacity: Domain expertise, negotiation skills and institutional strengthening are critical to preserve strategic autonomy in a fluid world order.
• Guard Against Diplomatic Undermining: In the face of global churn, weakening India’s professional diplomatic corps would be self-defeating.

{GS2 – IR – US-China} US-China Trade Talks

• Context (IE): US and China began trade talks, marking a potential resolution that could have far-reaching effects on global trade, with significant consequences for India.

US-China Trade Conflict

• Tariff Impositions: US levied 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, citing a $1.2 trillion trade deficit with China.
  • The US viewed tariffs as a tool to combat unfair trade practices in view of economic protectionism and force China to open its markets.
• China’s Retaliation: China responded with tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as export restrictions on rare earth minerals and investigations into US companies.
• Trade Imbalance: US viewed its significant trade deficit with China as unfair, driven by China’s protective practices and industry subsidies.

About the Tariff Truce

• Both countries agreed to a 90-day pause in tariff escalation, reducing base tariffs from 125% to 10%.
• Fentanyl Tariff: The US maintained a 20% tariff on Chinese goods related to fentanyl due to concerns over opioid abuse.
• Suspension of Non-Tariff Barriers: China agreed to lift export restrictions and halt investigations on US companies, easing some pressure on businesses.

Implications of the Truce

Positives

• Relief for Consumers: Lower tariffs are expected to ease price pressures, benefiting US consumers and reducing costs for retailers.
• Positive Market Reactions: Following the truce, stock markets and the US dollar rose, reflecting reduced economic uncertainty.
• China’s Resilience: Despite a decline in exports to the US, China’s overall exports grew by 8.1%, and its GDP rose by 5.4%, indicating its resilience, driven by its strong gains in ASEAN and other global markets.

Negatives

• Economic Strain: The initial tariff hikes raised prices on imports, putting a strain on US consumers and businesses, exacerbating the risk of recession and stagflation.
• Uncertain Long-Term Impact: The 90-day truce is not a permanent solution; a deep mistrust between them, combined with strategic & economic tensions, means a comprehensive trade deal is still uncertain.

Impact on India’s Exports

• Increased Demand for Indian Suppliers: The US-China trade war led to US buyers seeking Indian suppliers to fill the gap left by Chinese exports.
• Export Growth for India: Indian exporters saw increased opportunities, especially in sectors previously dominated by China.
• Potential Loss of Gains: A possible US-China deal could reverse these advantages for India, as Chinese exporters regain competitiveness.

Challenges for India

• Challenges in Footwear Industry: India’s footwear sector is focused mainly on leather products, while US market’s demand is primarily for non-leather footwear. China dominates the non-leather segment.
  • India’s Limited Capacity to Meet US Demand in labor-intensive sectors like non-leather footwear, where China’s technical edge is prominent.
• Regional Competition: Countries like Bangladesh, with fewer restrictions on Chinese expertise, could capture some of India’s potential share in such sectors.

Also refer to Reciprocal Tariff Imposed by the USA.  

{GS2 – MoCAFPD – Initiatives} Framework on Repairability Index (RI)

• Context (TH): The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) submitted a report for a “Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector” to the government.

• The committee was mandated to recommend a robust Repairability Index (RI) framework in the Mobile and Electronics Sector.
• Based on the deliberations, the committee has identified smartphones and tablets as a product category for notification in the initial phase of the Repairability Index in the Mobile and Electronics Sector.

About Repairability Index (RI)

• The Repairability Index is a standardised measure to assess how easily a product can be repaired, especially electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and appliances.

• Aim: To create an ecosystem where consumers choose options that align with the ethos of ‘mindful utilization’ of their products over ‘wasteful consumption’.
• Components of Repairability Index:
  1. Tools
  2. Disassembly Depth
  3. Repair Information
  4. Spare Parts Availability
  5. Features
  6. Software Updates

• Scoring:  Five-point numeric scale.
• 11 Priority Parts (Prone to Frequent Failures): Battery, Display assembly, Back cover assembly, Front-facing camera assembly, Rear-facing camera assembly, etc.
• Implementation:
  • The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) are required to self-declare the RI based on a standards scoring criteria provided in the framework, with no additional compliance burden.

• The RI should be displayed at the point of sale/purchase, on e-commerce platforms, and in the form of a QR code on packaged products to enable consumers to make informed choices.

Significance of RI

• Sustainable Products: It helps consumers make informed choices and encourages manufacturers to design more sustainable, repair-friendly products.
• Reduce E-Waste: A higher repairability score means more devices can be repaired instead of thrown away, reducing environmental damage.
• Promotes a Circular Economy: By encouraging repair, reuse, and recycling, the index supports a circular economy model where resources are used more efficiently and sustainably.

Right to Repair

• The “right to repair” refers to a consumer’s right to repair their own products, or to use third-party repair services, without being restricted by the manufacturer.
• It aims to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to repair their devices instead of replacing them, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Right to Repair India Portal Launched by the DoCA, Right to Repair India Portal serves as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on repair and maintenance of products to consumers. Portal Covers 4 Sectors: Farming Equipments; Mobile and Electronics; Consumer Durables; Automobile Equipments.

{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional} New UPSC Chairman

• Context (LM): Former defence secretary Ajay Kumar is the newly appointed chairman of the UPSC.

• He is credited with creating the Chief of Defence Staff, AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Agniveer scheme, and the corporatisation of Ordnance Factories.
• He made landmark contributions to India’s electronics and mobile manufacturing industry, as he framed the National Electronics Policy 2012.

About UPSC

• An independent constitutional Body under Part XIV (Article 315-323) of the Indian Constitution.
• Role: It conducts merit-based examinations for the direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and the Central Civil Services (Group A and B).

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Context (TH): World Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Awareness Day was observed to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with CFS.

About CFS

• Also called as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex, long-term illness classified as a neurological disorder by the WHO.
• Symptoms include severe fatigue after activity, cognitive issues (“brain fog”), dizziness, pain, unrefreshing sleep, headaches, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli.
• Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) is the most common symptom.

PEM, or Post-Exertional Malaise, is a worsening of symptoms such as extreme fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties that occurs after even minor physical or mental exertion in people with CFS.

• Causes & Triggers: The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but multiple factors may contribute:
  • Genetics: May run in families, suggesting a hereditary risk.
  • Infections: Often follows viral or bacterial infections like Epstein-Barr virus, COVID-19, and others.
  • Physical or Emotional Trauma: Can be triggered by injury, surgery, or major stress.
  • Energy Metabolism Issues: Some patients struggle to convert fats and sugars into usable energy.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Disruptions affecting energy regulation & bodily functions.
• Primarily seen in adults aged 30–60, it is more common in women and has also been reported in post-COVID patients. It can affect those with no underlying physical illness.
• No specific test and No cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
• Common strategies include:
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps improve coping and functioning.
  • Graded Exercise Therapy (GET): Used cautiously and involves gradually increasing physical activity levels to improve stamina and reduce symptoms.
  • Lifestyle changes: Include energy management through pacing activities, stress reduction techniques, and proper sleep.
  • Nutritional and psychological support: Providing tailored dietary guidance and mental health care.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Why Indian Farmers Prefer Rice and Wheat Cultivation

• Context (IE): Despite growing calls for crop diversification, Indian farmers prefer rice and wheat.

Status and Trends in Cultivation

• Wheat Status (2024–25): Estimated production is 122.724 million tonnes over 330.8 lakh hectares, led by Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.
• Rice Status (2024–25): Annual output exceeds 120 million tonnes (Kharif + Rabi), with key contributors being West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Rising Acreages: Significant rise in rice and wheat cultivation areas in states like Punjab, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh between 2015 and 2025.

Factors Driving Preference for Rice and Wheat

• Assured Procurement through MSP: Government’s near-guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice and wheat offers stable income and market security to farmers.
• Policy Support and Institutional Backing: Programs like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensure consistent demand through PDS, reinforcing reliance on rice and wheat.
• Green Revolution Impact: Introduction of semi-dwarf wheat varieties like Kalyan Sona and Sonalika in the 1960s significantly increased yields and reduced lodging risks.
• High-Yield Varieties: Wheat variety HD-3385 (2023) yields 6-7.3 tonnes/hectare and rice variety Kamala delivers up to 9 tonnes/hectare with early maturity.
• Disease and Stress Resistance: New wheat and rice varieties are resistant to major diseases and abiotic stresses like drought, heat, salinity and alkalinity.
• Improved Crop Flexibility: Wheat’s flexible sowing window and rice’s shorter duration (130 days) reduce climate-related risks and improve water efficiency.
• Enhanced Nutrient Use Efficiency: GE rice varieties like Kamala improve nutrient uptake, reducing the need for fertilisers.
• Steady Yield Improvements: Public breeding has consistently improved both average and potential yields in rice and wheat, unlike pulses or oilseeds.
• Reliable Irrigation Access: Both crops are widely grown under irrigated conditions, reducing risk from rainfall variability.
• Stagnant and Unreliable Yields:
  • Pulses and oilseeds have shown stagnant or marginal yield improvements.
  • Soyabean & chana have registered flat or fluctuating yield, lacking consistent productivity gains.
• Limited Innovation in Non-Cereal Crops:
  • Cotton, pulses and oilseeds have seen minimal breeding advances since Bt cotton (2002–06), with no major breakthroughs or approved GM varieties since.
  • Lack of new GM approvals (e.g. mustard, brinjal) limits innovation.

• Favorable Economics: With stable yield and pricing, rice and wheat outperform other crops, which are more vulnerable to price and climatic volatility.
• Shrinking Cultivation Areas: Punjab’s cotton fell from 3.4 to 1 lakh hectares; MP’s chana dropped from 30.2 to 20.1 lakh hectares; soyabean declined from a 2020-21 peak of 66.7 to 57.8 lakh hectares.

Challenges in Rice and Wheat Cultivation

• Climate Variability: Temperature spikes during March can reduce grain formation and yields.
• Water Depletion: High irrigation demand, especially in Punjab and Haryana, is depleting groundwater.
• Surplus Management: Household cereal consumption stagnant at 150 million tonnes; rising production raises surplus concerns.
• Dependency on Exports: Export growth is essential to absorb production & avoid domestic oversupply.

The Case for Alternative Grains

• Climate-Resilient: Millets, maize, sorghum use less water, resist temperature & salinity stress better.
• Less Carbon Footprint: Rice emits methane; alternative grains offer more sustainable cultivation options.
• Economic Diversification Potential: Incentivizing farmers to reallocate rice area towards alternative grains can reduce climate-induced losses & enhance income stability by aligning with price signals.
• Improved Soil Health & Fertiliser Use: Pulses and oilseeds improve soil fertility & reduce input needs.
• Market Infrastructure: Strengthening value chains and price support for coarse cereals and pulses can encourage diversification.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – PA} Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary

• Context (ETV): The Bear attack took place in the Kawardha range of the Bhoramdev wildlife sanctuary.

About the Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary

• Established in 2001, located in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, in a ~164 sq km area.
• Terrain: Located in the Maikal Hills, part of the eastern Satpura range.
• Forests: Tropical dry deciduous forests with Sal, Teak, Tendu, Mahua, and rich medicinal herbs used by local tribes. Biodiversity hotspot with dense forests and diverse flora and fauna
• Wildlife includes:
  • Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Boar
  • Birds: Indian Pitta, Hornbill, Peafowl
  • Reptiles: Python, Monitor Lizard
• Inhabited by Baiga and Gond tribes.
• Forests are crucial for their livelihoods, food, medicine, and cultural traditions
• Nearby Bhoramdeo Temple (11^th century Shiva temple), also known as “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Akashteer Air Defence System *

• Context (LM): In the recent clash with Pakistan, Akashteer neutralised multiple waves of Pakistani aerial attacks on Indian military installations, airbases and civilian areas.

• Akashteer is an indigenous artificial intelligence-powered air defence system designed and manufactured jointly by the DRDO, ISRO, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• As part of India’s broader C4ISR framework (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance), Akashteer integrates seamlessly with systems like ISRO satellites and the NAVIC to maintain continuous situational awareness.

Credit: Aaj Tak

Key Features

• Network-Centric Operations: Akashteer is a network-centric system, which means it connects various radars, weapon systems, and control centres into a unified platform for seamless coordination.
• Real-Time Threat Monitoring: This enables the real-time detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
• Multi-Layered Communication: The system uses a combination of optical fibre, radio, and satellite communication to ensure uninterrupted operations even in challenging environments.
• Mobile and Automated: Akashteer is designed to be mobile and can be deployed quickly in forward battle areas. It is also highly automated, reducing human error and improving response time.
• Integration Capabilities: It can be integrated with current and future Indian Army air defence weapons, creating a coordinated and layered defence mechanism.
• Neutralise Attacks Without Being Detected: Akashteer can intercept and neutralize enemy UAVS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) without detection by relying on passive sensors instead of active radar.
  • An advanced fusion of drone tracking, satellite surveillance, and AI-driven decision-making powers this stealth capability.

Significance

• With Akashteer, India becomes the 1^st non-Western nation to successfully integrate autonomous drone swarms, indigenous satellite surveillance, and AI-powered battlefield coordination into a unified, real-time combat platform.
• Its advanced integration drastically reduces the risk of friendly fire, allows for the swift targeting of enemy threats, and ensures the safety of friendly aircraft operating in contested airspace.