CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Farmers in Idukki, Kerala, are currently facing challenges due to an infestation of spotted locusts.
• About the Spotted Locust:
  • The spotted locust is a vibrant grasshopper from the Pyrgomorphidae family, commonly found across South and Southeast Asia.
  • Scientific Name: Aularches miliaris
  • Habitat: These insects inhabit bushes and grasses within agricultural and forested regions.
• Features:
  • Coloration: The head and thorax exhibit a striking dark blue with yellow bands beneath the eyes and mouth, while the abdomen is red adorned with black bands.
  • Legs: The legs are dark blue with a distinct yellow serrated pattern on the femur.
  • Wings: Their wings are green-brown, dotted with numerous yellow spots.
  • Defense Mechanism: Their bright colors serve as a warning to potential predators, and when threatened, they can eject a toxic foam as a defense.
  • Vocalization: This species is capable of producing a sharp rasping sound.
  • Movement: Spotted locusts move slowly, making them easy to capture. They tend to jump short distances rather than fly.
  • Diet: They are herbivorous (specifically folivorous), primarily feeding on the leaves of their host plants.

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• American engine manufacturer General Electric has recently announced that its LM2500 marine engines have been selected to power the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV).
• About the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV):
  • The NGMVs are advanced warships designed to be heavily armed, featuring stealth capabilities, high speed, and strong offensive power, specifically tailored for the Indian Navy.
  • Six of these vessels are being constructed by the government-owned Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a total cost of ₹9,805 crore. The first deliveries are expected to start in March 2027.
  • The primary mission of these ships is to provide offensive capabilities against enemy warships, merchant vessels, and land targets. They are equipped for Maritime Strike Operations and Anti-Surface Warfare Operations, making them effective tools for denying enemy access, particularly at strategic choke points.
  • In defensive scenarios, these vessels will also serve in Local Naval Defence operations and safeguard Offshore Development Areas.
• Features:
  • The heart of the NGMV propulsion system is the LM2500 marine gas turbine, produced by General Electric. This engine is designed to deliver exceptional power while adhering to stealth requirements.
  • With a maximum speed of 35 knots (64 km/h), these vessels will be armed with a variety of anti-surface weaponry.
  • CSL plans to enhance the vessels with loitering munitions, unmanned vehicles, and other guided weapons to boost their offensive capabilities.
  • The primary weapon for the NGMVs is expected to be the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, known for its ability to strike targets at considerable distances.

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• The Russian envoy to India has recently advocated for an alternative to the SWIFT system, which facilitates global payments and from which Russia was excluded following the onset of the war in Ukraine.
• About the SWIFT System:
  • SWIFT, or the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, is a member-owned cooperative that enables secure financial transactions among its members.
  • Establishment: Founded in 1973 by 239 banks across 15 countries, SWIFT has become the leading network for international payments.
  • It serves as a secure communication channel for banks, primarily to provide instructions for transferring funds between accounts.
  • SWIFT is recognized as the most efficient and widely used method for international payments and settlements. Each financial institution is assigned a unique code, known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), consisting of either eight or 11 characters. This standardization of communication protocols allows for reliable cross-border transactions, minimizing risks and inefficiencies in international banking.
  • While SWIFT is integral to the global financial infrastructure, it is important to note that it is not a financial institution itself. SWIFT does not hold or transfer funds; instead, it facilitates secure communication between member banks, transmitting crucial details like the recipient's account information and the transfer amount.
  • Headquartered in La Hulpe, Belgium, the SWIFT system is overseen by the central banks of the G10 countries, the European Central Bank, and the National Bank of Belgium, with around 3,500 member organizations represented among its shareholders.
  • A board of 25 directors, elected by SWIFT shareholders, governs the organization and manages the system.
  • Exclusion from SWIFT serves as a significant economic sanction, hindering a country’s ability to conduct international financial transactions, particularly for those actions deemed unacceptable by the global community.

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• Russia is currently testing the combat readiness of a unit armed with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in a region northwest of Moscow.
• About the Yars Missile:
  • The Yars RS-24 (NATO designation SS-29) is a Russian-developed mobile nuclear ICBM that can be transported on truck carriers or stationed in silos. Production of the Yars began in 2004, and it is believed to have entered operational service in February 2010.
• Features:
  • Dimensions: The missile measures approximately 22.5 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter.
  • Design: It is a three-stage, solid-propellant missile capable of carrying Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
  • Weight: The total launch weight of the RS-24 is estimated at 49,000 kg.
  • Range: The missile boasts a minimum range of 2,000 km and a maximum range of 10,500 km.
  • Guidance System: It employs an advanced guidance system that combines inertial navigation with GLONASS satellite technology.
  • Warhead Capacity: The Yars can carry up to 10 MIRVs, with each warhead capable of thermonuclear yield of around 300 kilotons.
  • Flight Capability: The missile is designed for maneuverability during flight and can deploy both active and passive decoys, enhancing its effectiveness against contemporary missile defense systems.