A missile defence system is a military setup designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming missiles before they reach their intended targets. Its main purpose is to protect civilian populations, military installations, and critical infrastructure. These systems rely on a coordinated network of satellites, radars, command centres, and interceptor missiles, which work together in real time to neutralise threats. Modern missile defence systems are layered, meaning they provide multiple opportunities to intercept a missile at different phases of its flight, such as the boost, midcourse, or terminal phases.
How an Interceptor Works
An interceptor is a defensive missile launched to destroy incoming threats. The interception process involves several steps:
Detection: Satellites detect the missile launch, and radars track its speed, direction, altitude, and projected impact point.
Decision: Data from tracking systems is analysed at a command centre to decide whether an interceptor should be launched.
Launch and Guidance: The interceptor missile is fired and guided mid-flight using radar updates to align with the incoming missile.
Destruction: The interceptor destroys the target either through a high-speed collision (hit-to-kill) or by detonating near it using a proximity fuse.
Assessment: Radar systems confirm whether the target is destroyed, and additional interceptors may be deployed if necessary.
India’s Missile Defence Architecture
India has developed a multi-layered missile defence system under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to counter various missile threats.
A. Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): Designed for exo-atmospheric interception, it can destroy incoming missiles at altitudes ranging from 50 km to 180 km.
Advanced Air Defence (AAD): Designed for endo-atmospheric interception, it neutralises threats within the Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes up to 30 km.
B. Layered Air Defence Shield
India’s layered air defence includes:
Long-Range Defence: The S-400 Triumf, a Russian system, enhances India’s long-range air defence capability.
Medium-Range Defence (70–100 km): The Barak-8 missile system, co-developed with Israel, provides 360-degree protection for both land and naval assets.
Short-Range Defence (25–50 km): The indigenous Akash system and Israel’s SPYDER system protect strategic points and mobile army units.
C. Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Announced as a vision for 2035, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to develop a comprehensive, AI-enabled national missile shield, integrating multiple layers of defence for strategic resilience.
Key Missile Defence Systems Worldwide
Other countries have also developed advanced missile defence systems:
Russia: S-400 Triumph, S-300VM, S-350 Vityaz, S-500 Prometheus.
United States: THAAD, Patriot PAC-3 MSE, Golden Dome (in development).
Israel: Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Iron Beam.
China: HQ-9, HQ-22, HQ-16.
European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI): Skyranger, IRIS-T SLM.
These systems show that layered missile defence is a global standard for protecting strategic assets.
Challenges of Missile Defence Systems
Despite their advantages, missile defence systems face several challenges:
High Cost: Each interceptor missile can cost millions of dollars, creating a cost imbalance against cheaper offensive missiles.
Saturation Attacks: Large waves of missiles or drones can overwhelm the defence system.
Hypersonic Threats: Fast and highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles are difficult to intercept, reducing the probability of success.
Way Ahead for India
Missile defence systems have become a critical component of national security. Although no system can provide complete protection, a layered interception capability significantly enhances resilience. For India, the future strategy involves:
Developing indigenous missile defence systems to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Integrating advanced sensors and AI-enabled targeting systems for faster detection and interception.
Strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity to ensure long-term strategic security.
Maintaining a multi-layered defence to provide multiple interception opportunities against a variety of threats.
Rice fortification is the deliberate addition of essential vitamins and minerals to rice after harvesting, aimed at improving its nutritional quality. This process addresses hidden hunger, which is caused by micronutrient deficiencies, without changing the rice’s taste, appearance, or cooking properties.
Polished white rice, the most commonly consumed form in India, loses 75–90% of its natural vitamins (such as thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E) during milling. Fortification not only restores these lost nutrients but also adds other essential nutrients that rice naturally lacks.
Key Micronutrients in Fortified Rice
Iron:
Essential for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in the blood.
Deficiency leads to iron-deficiency anemia, especially affecting women, children, and pregnant women.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):
Required for DNA synthesis and maintenance of the myelin sheath around nerves.
Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues like numbness and memory problems.
Naturally found in animal products, so vegetarians are particularly at risk.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9):
Important for cell growth and prevention of neural tube defects in fetuses.
Deficiency also contributes to megaloblastic anemia.
Found naturally in green leafy vegetables.
Other nutrients sometimes added include Vitamin A, Zinc, and other B-complex vitamins.
Policy and Implementation in India
The rice fortification initiative was announced by the Prime Minister on the 75th Independence Day to tackle malnutrition.
The first phase began in October 2021, supplying fortified rice through:
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
Regulatory Standards: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates blending rice with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
Production involves blending regular rice with Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK).
Recent Developments Regarding Rice Fortification
A. Temporary Discontinuation
The Union Government has decided to temporarily stop rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and related schemes.
The decision was based on a study by IIT Kharagpur that assessed the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) across different agro-climatic zones.
B. Key Findings of IIT Kharagpur Study
Nutrient Degradation: Factors like moisture, storage temperature, humidity, and packaging cause a decline in micronutrient levels over time.
Extended Storage Cycle: Rice in the central pool is often stored for 2–3 years, increasing nutrient loss risk. Annual allocations of 37.2 million tonnes under PMGKAY and total projected availability of 67.4 million tonnes exacerbate the problem.
C. Impact on Welfare and Industry
The government clarified that foodgrain entitlements will not be reduced, and schemes like PDS, ICDS, and PM Poshan will continue to operate.
The decision has caused distress in the milling industry, leading to losses on raw materials such as folic acid, broken rice, and premixes. Stakeholders suggested the policy should have been aligned with the next crop season (2026–27).
Rationale for Rice Fortification
Polished rice lacks essential vitamins lost during milling.
Fortification ensures micronutrient intake, combating hidden hunger without altering taste or cooking properties.
It is particularly important for women, children, and vegetarians, who are more vulnerable to iron, B12, and folic acid deficiencies.
Recently, a pair of rare Dusky Eagle Owls was sighted in the Phato tourism zone of the Terai West forest division, adjacent to the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. This is significant because such sightings had not been reported in this area for 15 years, indicating the presence of a stable or recovering population in the region.
About the Dusky Eagle Owl
The Dusky Eagle Owl (Bubo coromandus) belongs to the family Strigidae and is a large, nocturnal bird of prey. It is known for its striking appearance and powerful hunting skills.
Appearance
The owl has a greyish-brown body with prominent ear tufts.
Its underparts are greyish-white with dark brown streaks, while its wings are dark brown with some whitish streaks.
Females are generally larger than males, measuring about 48–53 cm in length.
Habitat
The Dusky Eagle Owl primarily inhabits thick riverside forests and old-growth trees.
It is nocturnal but can be active during cloudy days.
It preys on small mammals and birds, relying on its strong flight and powerful feet for hunting.
Nesting
This owl often uses old stick nests built by other birds, including kites, vultures, and eagles, to lay its eggs.
Distribution
The species is found across Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of China.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Dusky Eagle Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, but sightings like this indicate the importance of habitat protection for long-term population stability.
Significance of the Sighting
The sighting after 15 years highlights the ecological importance of the Terai West forest division and the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
It also underscores the role of protected areas and tourism zones in conserving rare and elusive species.
Monitoring such species can help assess forest health and biodiversity in the region.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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