Today's Brief 18/07/2024

1 .The Akash Prime :

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a modern, upgraded variant of the Akash missile system, a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This new version represents a significant leap in capability, primarily because of its indigenous active radio frequency (RF) seeker, which provides enhanced accuracy, particularly during the terminal phase of the missile's flight.

A key feature of the Akash Prime is its ability to operate reliably in high-altitude and low-temperature environments, a crucial upgrade that makes it suitable for deployment in challenging regions like the Ladakh sector.

With a range of 25 to 30 km and a speed of Mach 2.5, it is capable of intercepting and destroying a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles.

The successful tests of the missile by the Indian Army in high-altitude conditions have validated its performance and paved the way for its induction, which will significantly strengthen India's air defense capabilities.

2 .The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a crucial component of global immunization programs, and it is most commonly administered as part of the combined Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of the viruses that cause the diseases, which helps the body build immunity without causing the full-blown illness.

The vaccine is highly effective at preventing these infectious diseases. With two doses, the MMR vaccine provides long-term protection, with around 99% of people becoming immune to measles and rubella.

 This not only protects the vaccinated individual but also contributes to "herd immunity," which is essential for safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

The standard vaccination schedule for children in many countries, including India, involves two doses.

 The first dose is typically given between 9 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is administered at a later stage, usually before school entry. The minimum interval between the two doses is generally 28 days.

Like any medication, the MMR vaccine can have side effects, but they are usually mild and temporary.

 Common side effects can include a sore arm at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or a mild rash that may appear about a week after the vaccination.

More serious side effects, like a severe allergic reaction, are extremely rare.

 Decades of extensive research have consistently shown no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, a claim that has been widely debunked by the scientific and medical community.

3 . Prithvi-II and Agni-I are a cornerstone of India's indigenous missile program. Both were developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and are nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.

They are integral to India's nuclear deterrence and are routinely tested by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

However, they differ in key aspects. The Prithvi-II is a short-range ballistic missile with a range of 250-350 km and uses a liquid-fueled engine. It is known for its high accuracy and serves as a vital component of the Indian Air Force.

In contrast, the Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fueled missile with a longer range of 700-1,200 km.

It was developed to fill the gap between the Prithvi and the more advanced Agni series and is used by the Indian Army.

The solid-fuel propulsion of Agni-I gives it a quicker launch time and greater mobility, as it is road and rail-mobile, making it a highly effective and survivable strategic asset.

4 .The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is a new and significant initiative by the Government of India designed to transform the agricultural sector in select districts. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and recently approved by the Cabinet, this scheme will be implemented over six years with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore.

It is modeled on the successful Aspirational Districts Programme and will focus on 100 districts identified by three key indicators: low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit flow.

The primary objective is to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification and sustainable farming practices, and improve post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation facilities.

This mission-mode program will be executed through the convergence of 36 existing schemes from 11 government departments, along with state-level initiatives and private sector partnerships, to ensure a holistic approach.

By improving the performance of these 100 districts, the government aims to boost overall national indicators, increase domestic production, create local livelihoods, and ultimately contribute to the goal of a self-reliant India.

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