Weekly Current Affairs Test : 15th to 21st March 2025

The Astra missile is designed primarily as a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), which means its main function is to engage aerial targets at distances exceeding 100 kilometers. This capability allows for high precision in combat scenarios, significantly enhancing the operational effectiveness of the aircraft on which it is deployed.

The Astra missile has been successfully integrated with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which showcases India's progress in developing and implementing indigenous defense technologies. This integration represents a critical step in boosting the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, particularly in terms of air superiority.

The Astra missile is specifically designed to engage targets beyond visual range, which significantly enhances combat effectiveness by allowing aircraft to strike threats from a safe distance. This capability is crucial for modern air combat, where staying out of the enemy's effective range can be a decisive tactical advantage. Interestingly, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles like Astra enable engagements at distances greater than 20 nautical miles, changing the dynamics of aerial warfare.

The Astra missile's development was a collaborative effort involving the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This partnership showcases India's commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities through cooperative initiatives among various defense organizations. Collaboration is vital in complex projects like missile development, as it combines expertise and resources from multiple fields.

The dedicated application for the PMIS was specifically designed to simplify the registration process and enhance participation among potential interns. By leveraging mobile technology, it addresses the challenge of limited access to computers, making it easier for applicants to engage with the internship opportunities. This initiative directly aims to improve employment opportunities for youth by streamlining their access to the program.

Under the PM Internship Scheme, interns are eligible for a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 along with a one-time grant of ₹6,000 to cover incidental expenses. This financial support is intended to alleviate the costs associated with internships and encourage more young people to participate in the program. Such stipends can significantly enhance the internship experience, allowing interns to focus on gaining skills and knowledge.

Melioidosis is primarily caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei . This bacterium is found in contaminated soil and water, and infection can occur through direct contact with these sources. Understanding the causative agent is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent.

The incidence of melioidosis tends to peak during and after the monsoon season. This correlation is attributed to increased rainfall, which enhances the survival and spread of Burkholderia pseudomallei , the bacterium responsible for the disease. Public health officials often monitor weather patterns to predict and manage outbreaks more effectively.

The primary purpose of the 14th ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism is to enhance security collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. This meeting aims to address pressing security challenges through dialogue and cooperation among member states, focusing specifically on counter-terrorism strategies. It is vital for fostering a collaborative framework to tackle evolving security threats in the region. Notably, this meeting marks India’s first co-chairing role in this group, reflecting its growing influence in regional security matters.

The dialogue partners in the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism include Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, the USA, and Russia, in addition to the 10 ASEAN member states. This diverse representation allows for a comprehensive approach to security challenges, enhancing the effectiveness of collaborative counter-terrorism efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. Such partnerships are crucial for addressing multifaceted security issues that transcend national borders.

The primary goal of the Heat Action Plans (HAPs) is to address the risks associated with extreme heat. These plans include strategic frameworks that enable cities and states to prepare for, respond to, and recover from heat-related challenges effectively. The focus is on protecting public health and infrastructure from the adverse effects of rising temperatures and heatwaves. Interestingly, while India is focusing on these plans, it is noted that globally, over 70% of the workforce faces risks from extreme heat, leading to significant health and economic impacts.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) aims to implement an additional 300 Heat Action Plans across various cities in India. This initiative is crucial as it comes at a time when extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, with temperatures rising earlier than usual in the year. The NDMA's efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance resilience and preparedness against climate-related challenges. An interesting fact is that the economic ramifications of heat stress in India are considerable, affecting primarily the informal sector, which constitutes about 85% of the workforce.

The primary purpose of the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance is to share intelligence among its member nations—United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—to enhance collective security. This alliance facilitates cooperation in monitoring global threats and responding to security challenges, which has evolved from its original focus during wartime to addressing contemporary issues such as cybersecurity and counterterrorism. An interesting fact is that the alliance is one of the most comprehensive intelligence-sharing arrangements in the world, allowing members to pool resources and insights effectively.

The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance comprises five countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance was formed to facilitate extensive collaboration in intelligence gathering and sharing, particularly during and after World War II. An intriguing aspect of this alliance is its longevity and adaptability, as it has evolved to address new security concerns, including cyber threats and international terrorism, while maintaining a strong foundation of mutual trust established over decades.

The primary responsibility of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is to oversee mining activities on the international seabed, which is beyond national jurisdictions. Established in 1994, the ISA aims to ensure that these activities benefit all of humanity while protecting marine environments. This includes developing a mining code that safeguards marine ecosystems from the potential harmful impacts of deep-sea mining.

Deep-sea mining primarily targets minerals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for various technologies, including electronics and renewable energy systems. However, the extraction process raises significant environmental concerns, as it can disrupt marine ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting the need for careful regulation and sustainable practices.

On November 5, 2024, the euro was valued at 1.0933 US dollars. This initial rate reflects the economic conditions at that time, prior to significant fluctuations caused by political events. Understanding exchange rates is crucial, as they can impact international trade, investments, and economic policies globally.

The euro's decline to 1.0277 US dollars by January 20, 2025, was primarily influenced by the election of Donald Trump. Political events, such as changes in leadership, can significantly affect currency values due to shifts in investor confidence and anticipated economic policies. This illustrates how closely tied currency values are to political landscapes.

India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in the Future of Free Speech survey, indicating a concerning state of free speech protections in the country. This position highlights the challenges faced, particularly regarding the limitations on criticism of government policies, which is notably high among Indian respondents. The survey underscores the discrepancy between public support for free speech and the actual protections available.

The survey reveals that 37% of Indian respondents feel that the government should limit criticism of its policies, which is the highest among the surveyed nations. This statistic reflects a significant concern regarding the public's perception of free speech and the delicate balance between governance and civil liberties in India.

The support program offers selected startups grants of up to 5 lakh INR. This financial support is crucial for startups, as it helps them cover initial expenses, invest in product development, and improve their operational capabilities. Additionally, financial backing can increase investor confidence, making it easier for startups to secure further investment down the line. An interesting fact is that many successful startups attribute their initial growth to similar grant programs that provided them with necessary capital at a critical stage.

A total of 36 startups can participate across two cohorts, with each cohort allowing a maximum of 18 startups. This structured approach ensures that each startup receives adequate attention and resources throughout the six-month program. Cohorts are commonly used in incubator programs to facilitate group learning and collaboration, as they create an environment where startups can share experiences and insights, which can lead to innovative solutions and partnerships.

The Calcutta High Court ruled the OBC list illegal in May 2024, citing that the inclusion of communities was based on improper religious criteria. This ruling reflects ongoing debates about the criteria used for defining backward classes in India, emphasizing the need for a clear and fair basis that does not rely solely on religion. An interesting fact is that this decision has significant implications for the political landscape in West Bengal, as it challenges how different communities are classified and the benefits they receive.

The Supreme Court has mandated that a new survey must be conducted within three months to reassess the OBC list. This directive is crucial as it aims to ensure that the classification of backward classes is based on fair and updated criteria, rather than outdated or improper classifications. This requirement highlights the court's role in maintaining justice in the socioeconomic fabric of society and ensuring that benefits are allocated appropriately.

The Astra missile was successfully test launched off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. This location is known for its defense testing facilities and has been utilized for various missile tests by the Indian defense forces. The successful launch not only demonstrates the missile's capabilities but also highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance India's indigenous defense systems.