UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 11th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary

Source:Assam Tribune

Why in News?

Recently, a well-decomposed elephant carcass was found in the Khanapara range of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.

About

• Location: Situated in the state of Assam.
• Composition: Encompasses three reserve forests - Khanapara, Amchang, and South Amchang.
• Geography: Extends from the Brahmaputra River in the north to the hilly forests of Meghalaya in the south, creating a continuous forest corridor through Meghalaya's Maradakdola Reserve Forests.

Flora

• Khasi Hill Sal Forests.
• East Himalayan Mixed Deciduous Forest.
• Eastern Alluvial Secondary Semi-evergreen Forests.
• East Himalayan Sal Forests.

Fauna

• Species found include: Flying fox, Slow loris, Assamese macaque, Rhesus macaque, Hoolock gibbon, Porcupine, White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture.
• Tree yellow butterflies (gancana harina), which are indigenous to regions like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and northeastern India, can also be seen in the sanctuary.

GS3/Environment

On Improving Wind Energy Generation

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

Tamil Nadu has been a leader in wind energy generation in India for over three decades, but faced with aging infrastructure, the state government has introduced the "Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects - 2024" to modernize old wind turbines. However, this policy has encountered opposition from wind energy producers, who argue it fails to facilitate growth in the sector. This article examines the current status of wind energy in Tamil Nadu and the challenges that need to be addressed to enhance its capacity.

Current Wind Energy Capacity in India and Tamil Nadu:

• National Potential: The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) estimates that India has a wind power potential of 1,163.86 GW at a height of 150 meters, making it one of the top countries globally in terms of wind energy capacity.
• Installed Capacity: Currently, India utilizes only about 6.5% of its potential wind energy capacity. Tamil Nadu, with an installed capacity of 10,603.5 MW, ranks second in the country and plays a significant role in national wind power production.
• Aging Infrastructure: The state is home to approximately 20,000 wind turbines, with half of them being less than 1 MW in capacity, rendering them less efficient compared to modern alternatives.

Understanding Repowering and Refurbishment of Wind Turbines:

• This process involves replacing outdated turbines, particularly those over 15 years old or with a capacity of less than 2 MW, with new, higher-capacity models to boost energy output.
• For example, a 2 MW turbine occupies 3.5 acres and can generate up to 6.5 million units of energy annually, whereas a contemporary 2.5 MW turbine, which stands at 140 meters tall, requires five acres and can produce around 8 million units per year.
• The repowering process also includes upgrading components such as turbine blades and gearboxes, and raising the height of turbines to improve efficiency without necessitating a complete replacement.
• Moreover, it involves safety and structural enhancements to extend the operational lifespan of older turbines.

Challenges with the New Policy and Industry Opposition:

• Wind energy producers have raised multiple concerns regarding the new policy, leading them to seek legal intervention from the Madras High Court, which has temporarily suspended its implementation.
• Land Requirements for Higher Capacity Turbines: Transitioning to larger turbines, like the 2.5 MW models, necessitates more land, which may not be readily available near current installations.
• Infrastructure Delays: Projects aimed at enhancing transmission infrastructure, such as building new sub-stations, have suffered from delays. For instance, at Aralvaimozhi, plans for new substations have been stalled for six years, hindering the ability to fully harness wind energy in that area.
• Banking Restrictions: The policy treats repowered turbines as new installations, disqualifying them from energy banking. This limitation compromises the financial viability of these projects, as producers are unable to store surplus energy for future use.

Tamil Nadu’s Repowering Potential and the Way Forward:

• Tamil Nadu boasts the highest repowering potential among Indian states, with over 7,000 MW of capacity that could be repowered or refurbished.
• Experts suggest that by upgrading smaller turbines, wind energy contributions during peak seasons could potentially increase by 25%.
• However, industry stakeholders argue that the policy must address practical challenges and financial barriers to make repowering more appealing.
• Field-Level Solutions: Generators are advocating for policies that take into account real-world issues such as land acquisition, infrastructure needs, and community concerns over newer, taller turbines.
• Financial Viability: Investors, particularly from sectors like textiles that depend on renewable energy, are hesitant to invest in wind energy projects unless they are financially sound. The current policy lacks sufficient commercial incentives to encourage such investments.

GS3/Economy

Can India get rich before growing old?

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

Since the liberalization of the Indian economy, there has been considerable optimism about the country's demographic dividend, which refers to the benefits derived from having a large working-age population. However, significant challenges remain, including the risk of falling into the middle-income trap.

Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

• India's large working-age population presents a significant opportunity, provided that this workforce is effectively employed in productive sectors. This necessitates shifting labor from low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity manufacturing and services.

Strengthening the Manufacturing Sector

• The manufacturing sector, particularly labor-intensive industries like textiles, has the potential to generate millions of jobs. Overcoming challenges such as complex regulations, high tariffs, and infrastructure limitations is crucial for boosting manufacturing growth, empowering women, and enhancing economic mobility.

Reforming Infrastructure and Business Environment

• To unlock India's potential for sustained economic growth, it is essential to improve the ease of doing business, simplify trade and labor regulations, and increase investments in infrastructure. These reforms are vital for large-scale job creation and enhancing India’s competitiveness on a global scale.

Challenges arising due to the middle-income trap

• Declining Demographic Dividend:The proportion of working-age individuals in India will decline in the next decade, signaling a potential end to the demographic dividend. With falling fertility rates in various states, India may face an aging population sooner than anticipated.
• Stagnation in Key Sectors:Unlike China, which effectively transitioned its agricultural workforce post-liberalization, India has struggled to reduce its agricultural labor force. This has made it difficult to shift workers to higher-productivity sectors. Although the services sector has seen some growth, manufacturing has stagnated and has not generated sufficient jobs, particularly in labor-intensive industries.
• Limited Economic Mobility:High youth unemployment and limited upward mobility have hindered economic progress. The labor force participation rate (LFPR) remains low, especially among women, and urban job creation has not kept pace with population growth.
• Infrastructure and Regulatory Bottlenecks:The business environment is hampered by complex regulations, high tariffs, cumbersome licensing procedures, and inadequate land access, which stifle manufacturing growth vital for workforce absorption. Slow regulatory reforms have further impeded the manufacturing sector's development.

How the Manufacturing sector can help India grow?

• Job Creation:Manufacturing, particularly in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, can create a vast number of jobs. This is essential for absorbing surplus agricultural labor and providing employment for the youth. For example, the textile and apparel industry employs 45 million people, compared to just 5.5 million in IT-BPM, highlighting its mass employment potential.
• Women’s Empowerment:Manufacturing sectors, especially textiles, employ a significant number of women (60-70% of factory workers), contributing to reducing gender disparities in the workforce. Enhanced job opportunities allow individuals to transition from low-productivity agricultural roles to higher-wage, stable positions in manufacturing and services, crucial for sustained economic growth.
• Global Competitiveness:By reducing barriers to manufacturing—such as streamlining business licensing, lowering tariffs on inputs, improving land access, and simplifying trade regulations—India can enhance its global competitiveness. Expanding market access through free trade agreements and creating a more favorable business environment for manufacturing can unlock this sector's potential.

Steps taken by the government:

• “Make in India” Initiative:Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to establish India as a global manufacturing hub by promoting domestic production, reducing regulatory hurdles, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in critical manufacturing sectors such as electronics, textiles, and automobiles.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India):This initiative aims to reduce import dependence by enhancing local manufacturing, particularly in strategic sectors like defense, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. It includes programs like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which provides incentives for manufacturing and exporting specific products such as electronics, textiles, and solar panels.

Way Forward:

• Enhance Skill Development and Workforce Transition:Investing in targeted skill development programs is essential to prepare the labor force, especially those moving from agriculture, for roles in higher-productivity manufacturing and services sectors.
• Accelerate Regulatory and Infrastructure Reforms:To fully realize the manufacturing sector's potential, India should hasten regulatory reforms, simplify land acquisition processes, and improve infrastructure.

Mains PYQ:Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

GS2/Governance

What are the costs of population decline?

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have recently expressed their concerns regarding the low fertility rates in their respective states.

Current Demographic Situation in Southern States

• Falling Fertility Rates: Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1. For example, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal reported fertility rates of 1.4 between 2019-21, while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala recorded rates of 1.5.
• Ageing Population: These states are experiencing a significant demographic shift, leading to an increasing proportion of elderly individuals. It is projected that by 2036, the elderly population in Kerala will rise to 22.8%, in Tamil Nadu to 20.8%, and in Andhra Pradesh to 19%.
• End of Demographic Dividend: The old age dependency ratio is on the rise, with figures for 2021 showing Kerala at 26.1, Tamil Nadu at 20.5, and Andhra Pradesh at 18.5. This indicates that the opportunity to benefit from a young workforce is diminishing.

Likely Economic Impact

• Rising Healthcare Costs: An ageing population is expected to lead to increased healthcare expenditures. The southern states, which comprise one-fifth of India's population, accounted for 32% of out-of-pocket cardiovascular healthcare spending in 2017-18.
• Reduced Economic Growth Potential: A shrinking working-age population limits the ability to harness economic advantages from a youthful labor force, potentially affecting productivity and overall economic growth.
• Impact on Women’s Labor Force Participation: Initiatives aimed at boosting fertility rates may inadvertently reduce women's participation in the labor market, further hindering economic development.

Political Implications

• Federal Representation Changes: As the 2026 delimitation approaches, there may be adjustments in parliamentary seats based on population figures. Southern states are likely to lose representation due to slower population growth, with Tamil Nadu expected to lose nine seats, Kerala six, and Andhra Pradesh five. Conversely, northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan may gain seats.
• Resource Allocation: Southern states contribute significantly to tax revenue but may receive a smaller share of resources from the central government, as allocation formulas often prioritize population size.

Solutions Being Considered (Way Forward)

• Pro-natalist Incentives: Some leaders in southern states propose incentivizing families to have more children. However, global experiences suggest that such incentives have had limited success.
• Gender Equity and Family Policies: Implementing policies like paid maternity and paternity leave, accessible childcare, and job protections can support sustainable fertility rates without placing economic burdens on women.
• Increasing Working Age and Migrant Inclusion: Extending working ages and better integrating economic migrants into social security and political representation could alleviate some impacts of an ageing population.
• Balancing Migration Needs: Southern states, which attract numerous economic migrants, face challenges as these individuals are still counted in their home states, affecting political representation and resource allocation in the host states.

Mains PYQ

Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (UPSC IAS/2015)

GS3/Science and Technology

Caterpillar fungus

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Recent studies conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham have revealed that a specific chemical produced by a fungus that grows on caterpillars may have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

What is Caterpillar fungus?

• Cordyceps militaris, commonly referred to as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that primarily targets caterpillars and other insects.
• This fungus is predominantly found in the Himalayan region and various parts of Asia.
• It holds significant value in traditional Asian medicine, known for its various health benefits, which include:
  • Support for the immune system
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Enhancement of energy levels
• In some Asian cultures, it is regarded as a delicacy and has been utilized for its purported wellness benefits for centuries.

How it can slow down growth of cancer cells?

• Researchers at the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy have pinpointed cordycepin, a compound generated by the fungus, as a potentially effective agent in hindering cancer cell proliferation.
• Cordycepin operates by disrupting the signals responsible for overactive cell growth in cancer cells, which helps prevent their rapid multiplication.
• This method may cause less harm to healthy tissues compared to traditional cancer treatment methods, suggesting a promising avenue for targeted cancer therapies.

Other observations and significance of the species

• Apart from its traditional medicinal uses, caterpillar fungus plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by helping regulate insect populations within forest ecosystems.
• Recent advancements in research have facilitated extensive studies on the effects of cordycepin, with future research aimed at exploring derivatives of cordycepin for potentially improved anti-cancer properties.
• This fungus exemplifies how natural compounds can contribute to sustainable medical practices, offering less toxic alternatives for treating diseases, particularly in oncology.

GS1/Indian Society

Key Facts about Toto Tribe

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Totos, an extremely small tribe globally, are striving to maintain their identity while facing significant challenges related to their infrastructure.

About Toto Tribe:

• The Toto tribe is an indigenous group from the Indo-Bhutanese region, primarily residing in the village of Totopara located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.
• Totopara is situated near the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, just south of the border between Bhutan and West Bengal, along the Torsa River.
• Anthropologically, the Totos belong to the Tibetan-Mongoloid ethnic group.
• With a population of slightly over 1,600, they are recognized as one of the most endangered tribes in the world, often referred to as a 'vanishing tribe'.
• The Toto tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

Toto Language:

• The language spoken by the Toto people is a Sino-Tibetan language, which is written using the Bengali script.
• They practice endogamy and are organized into 13 exogamous clans from which they select their marriage partners.
• A distinct aspect of their culture includes the tradition of having only one wife, and they promote an anti-dowry system, which is different from customs observed in nearby tribes.
• Their homes are unique, consisting of elevated bamboo huts topped with thatched roofs.

Beliefs:

• The Toto community identifies as Hindus and has a deep respect for nature, incorporating nature worship into their spiritual practices.

Economy:

• Historically, Totos were primarily gatherers of food and engaged in shifting cultivation methods.
• Many families now earn a significant income by working as porters, transporting oranges from Bhutanese orchards to Totopara.
• Over time, their economy has diversified, and they have increasingly become settled agriculturalists.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Sutlej River

Source: Hindustan Times

Why in News?

Anger mounts in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, against alleged pollution in the river Sutlej, which they blame on factories in the neighbouring Punjab.

About Sutlej River:

• The Sutlej River is the longest among the five tributaries of the Indus River.
• It is also referred to as "Satadree".
• Geographically, the river is situated to the north of the Vindhya Range, east of the Pakistani Central Makran Range, and south of the Hindu Kush region.

Course:

• Origin: The river originates from the north slope of the Himalayas at Lake Rakshastal in southwestern Tibet, at an elevation exceeding 15,000 feet (4,600 metres).
• It is one of just three Trans-Himalayan rivers that flow from the high Tibetan Plateau across the formidable Himalayan ranges, alongside the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers.
• The Sutlej enters India by flowing west and southwest through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 6,608 metres.
• After entering India, the river flows through Punjab near Nangal before merging with the Beas River.
• The confluence of the Sutlej and Beas Rivers forms a stretch that constitutes 105 km of the India-Pakistan border.
• Subsequent to this, the river continues for another 350 km before it joins the Chenab River.
• The collaboration of the Sutlej and Chenab Rivers culminates in the formation of the Panjnad River, which ultimately flows into the Indus River.

Length:

• The Sutlej River stretches for a total length of 1,550 km, with 529 km of this length located in Pakistan.

Hydrology:

• The river's hydrology is influenced by the melting of snow in spring and summer from the Himalayas, as well as by the South Asian monsoon.

Tributaries:

• The Sutlej has numerous tributaries, with the main ones being Baspa, Spiti, Nogli Khad, and Soan River.
• Water from the Sutlej has been allocated to India as per the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
• Several significant hydroelectric projects are established along the Sutlej, including:
  • 1,000 MW Bhakra Dam
  • 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant
  • 1,530 MW Nathpa Jhakri Dam

GS3/Science and Technology

APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Catalytic Polypeptide)

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Since the eradication of smallpox in 1980, research on mpox has shed light on the virus's mutations, particularly through the role of the APOBEC family of immune system proteins.

About

• APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like) is a group of proteins that regulate the genetic material of both viruses and cells.
• These proteins are integral to the human immune system, serving a vital function in defending against viral infections by editing RNA and DNA.
• The APOBEC family comprises several enzymes, with APOBEC1 and members of the APOBEC3 family being the most prominent.
• Currently, 11 members of the APOBEC family have been identified, mainly categorized as APOBEC1, APOBEC2, and APOBEC3, with APOBEC3 being extensively studied due to its antiviral characteristics.
• These proteins contain a Zinc Finger Domain, crucial for their enzymatic functions and their ability to bind to DNA or RNA.
• APOBEC proteins are present in various tissues and cells, with a significant concentration in immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.

Role in Immune Defense

• APOBEC proteins play a critical role in the innate immune response by editing viral genomes, which helps inhibit virus replication and diminishes the ability of viruses to establish infections.
• These proteins act as cytosine deaminases, modifying cytosine bases in nucleic acids to uracil, which results in mutations that can obstruct successful viral replication.
• APOBEC proteins target the genomes of various viruses, including:
  • Retroviruses (such as HIV)
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Poxviruses

Functions of APOBEC Proteins:

• DNA Editing: APOBEC proteins can deaminate bases in single-stranded DNA, converting them into uracil. This process introduces errors into the viral genome, inhibiting replication.
• mRNA Editing: Certain APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC1, are involved in editing mRNA. For instance, it modifies the mRNA of apolipoprotein B, essential for lipid metabolism.
• Antiviral Activity: APOBEC3 proteins, particularly APOBEC3G, hinder the replication of HIV and other retroviruses by editing viral DNA during reverse transcription, which is crucial for controlling infections caused by these viruses.
• Cytosine Deamination in Viral RNA: APOBEC proteins induce mutations in viral RNA, which reduces the virus's ability to replicate and spread efficiently. This action helps curtail viral evolution and adaptation.
• Inhibition of Viral Resistance: By causing mutations in viral genomes, APOBEC proteins thwart viruses from easily developing resistance against the immune system's defenses.
• Interaction with Other Immune Mechanisms: APOBEC proteins collaborate with other immune responses, such as interferons, to amplify antiviral responses and limit infections.

PYQ:

[2016] In the context of developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to:

(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Verdict on Property Rights and State Acquisition of Private Property

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India’s (SC) judgement in the Property Owners Association & Ors v State of Maharashtra case, marked a shift in how it views state’s acquisition of private property.

Background of the Property Owners Association & Ors v State of Maharashtra Case:

This case focused on a law from Maharashtra that permitted the acquisition of certain privately owned dilapidated buildings in Mumbai. The law claimed to be enacted under Article 39(b) of the Constitution of India. The Bombay High Court supported this law in 1991, asserting it was protected under Article 31C, which was originally introduced in 1971 to advance socialist objectives under the Indira Gandhi government.

Understanding Articles 39(b) & 31C:

• Article 39(b): It mandates that the state must ensure that “ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good.”
• Article 31C: This article has two parts:
  • First part: Exempts laws that promote Article 39(b) or (c) from being challenged on the grounds of inconsistency with Articles 14, 19, or 31.
  • Second part: Protects these laws from judicial review, provided they claim to uphold Article 39(b) or (c). However, this provision was annulled in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
• The scope of Article 31C was later broadened by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, but parts of it were invalidated by the Minerva Mills case (1980).

The Property Owners Association & Ors v State of Maharashtra Case:

• About the judgement:
• The case was presided over by a 9-judge bench of the SC, chaired by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). It addressed two main questions:
  • The current status of Article 31C of the Constitution of India and whether it still stands despite prior amendments being struck down.
  • The scope of Article 39(b) and its implications regarding the state's authority to acquire private property as “material resources of the community.”
• Status of Article 31C:
  • This case challenged the Bombay HC's interpretation, arguing that the Minerva Mills ruling effectively invalidated Article 31C.
  • The court clarified that Minerva Mills only eliminated the expanded scope but maintained the original version from Kesavananda Bharati, thereby keeping Article 31C operative in its original form.
  • All justices on the bench concurred that this interpretation aligns with constitutional principles.
• Interpretation of Article 39(b):
  • The court assessed whether Article 39(b) permits the acquisition of all private property as community resources.
  • Referencing Justice Krishna Iyer’s previous opinions, the court clarified that not all private property is classified as “material resources of the community.”
  • The court established four criteria to ascertain if private property could be regarded as a community resource:
    • Nature of the resource: Its inherent characteristics.
    • Community impact: The effect of the resource on societal well-being.
    • Resource scarcity: The availability of the resource.
    • Concentration consequences: The risks associated with resource concentration among private owners.

Diverging Opinions in the Property Owners Association & Ors v State of Maharashtra Case:

• Majority opinion: Emphasized the transition from a solely public-investment economy to one that includes both public and private investments, implying that not all private property qualifies as community resources.
• Justice Nagarathna’s concurrence: Advocated for a broader interpretation, suggesting that evolving socio-economic policies should not change the intent of Article 39(b).
• Justice Dhulia’s dissent: Argued for the inclusion of all private resources as community resources to tackle persistent wealth inequality.

Conclusion:

The SC’s ruling in this case has redefined the interpretation of Article 39(b) while preserving the original version of Article 31C. This decision illustrates the judiciary's approach to balancing state welfare objectives with private property rights, adapting to the changing socio-economic landscape in India.

GS3/Environment

Hokersar Wetland

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recent years have seen a significant decline in water levels at the Hokersar wetland in the Kashmir Valley, primarily due to insufficient rainfall, adversely affecting the migratory bird populations that visit the area.

About Hokersar Wetland:

• Known as the ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir’, Hokersar (or Hokera) is a Ramsar site located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• This natural perennial wetland is adjacent to the Jhelum basin.
• It receives water from the Doodhganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum.
• Situated in the northwest Himalayan biogeographic province, it lies at the foot of the snow-covered Pir Panchal range.

Fauna:

• Hokersar is the last remaining site with reedbeds unique to Kashmir.
• It supports a diverse population of 68 species of waterfowl, including:
  • Large Egret
  • Great Crested Grebe
  • Little Cormorant
  • Common Shelduck
  • Tufted Duck
  • Endangered White-eyed Pochard
• This wetland serves as a crucial source of food and acts as a spawning ground and nursery for fish, in addition to providing feeding and breeding habitats for various water birds.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• The Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971, aims to protect the ecological integrity of wetlands of international importance.
• Named after Ramsar, the Iranian city where the treaty was established, sites designated for conservation under this convention are referred to as ‘Ramsar sites’.

GS3/Defence & Security

What is Arrow-3 Missile Defence System?

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

Israel's Defence Ministry has initiated collaborative efforts with the German Federal Ministry of Defence to prepare for the first deployment of the Arrow-3 missile interception system in Germany by the year 2025.

About Arrow-3 Missile Defence System:

• It is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense system designed for engaging long-range threats.
• The Arrow-3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS), recognized globally as the first operational and standalone Anti Tactical Ballistic Missiles (ATBM) defense system.
• This system was developed collaboratively by Israel Aerospace Industries and the Missile Defence Agency in the United States.
• Initially put into operation in 2017, Arrow-3 serves as the uppermost layer of Israel's advanced air-defense network, which also integrates systems like Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome.
• It is specifically engineered to intercept ballistic missiles while they are still outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Features:

• The system employs two-stage solid-fueled interceptors capable of engaging both short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
• Arrow-3 includes essential components such as a launcher, radar, and a sophisticated battle management system.
• It is categorized as hypersonic, traveling at speeds five times greater than sound.
• The system boasts a range of 2,400 km and is capable of intercepting threats at altitudes of up to 100 km.
• Arrow-3 is equipped with early warning and fire control radar, offering extended-range acquisition, and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously.

How does it work?

• The Arrow-3 utilizes hit-to-kill technology to neutralize incoming missiles effectively.
• Once launched vertically, the missile alters its trajectory towards the predicted interception point.
• A high-resolution electro-optical sensor identifies the target, enabling the kill vehicle to accurately strike and obliterate the warhead.