CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• In an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, a new tiger has been spotted in the prestigious Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.
• About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:
• Location:
  • Nestled in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is situated in the state of Maharashtra. It represents the northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats, covering an expansive area of nearly 741.22 sq. km. The reserve encompasses the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary to the north and the Chandoli National Park to the south. In 2007, STR was formed by merging these two protected areas into one unified reserve.
• Geography:
  • At the heart of the reserve lies the "Shivsagar" reservoir, created by the Koyna River, and the "Vasant Sagar" reservoir, formed by the Warana River, which add to the ecological richness of the area.
• History:
  • The region is steeped in history, with ties to the Maratha Empire. Numerous forts built or captured by the legendary Maratha Emperor Shivaji Maharaj are scattered across this landscape. The famous temple from which Shivaji is said to have received the sacred Bhavani Sword also lies within this area, surrounded by the remnants of ancient structures and ruins.
• Habitat:
  • The terrain of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is characterized by rugged, undulating landscapes, with steep escarpments along the western boundary. A striking feature of the area is the presence of barren rocky plateaus, known locally as "Sadas," which are marked by sparse vegetation and steep cliffs. The reserve also has dense thorny bushes, scattered boulders, and patches of forest. This area is one of the few places where climax and near-climax vegetation thrives, with minimal human disturbance expected in the future.
• Flora:
  • The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora, with forests that include moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous vegetation types. Among the trees found here are medicinal species, fruit-bearing plants, and valuable hardwoods. Common plant species in the reserve include Anjani (Memecylon umbellatum), Jambhul (Syzygium cumini), and Pisa (Actinodaphne angustifolia).
• Fauna:
  • The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. The main carnivores in the region include the majestic tiger, leopard, and smaller cat species, as well as the wolf, jackal, and wild dog. Large herbivores such as Barking Deer, Sambar, and Indian Bison roam the forests, while other species like the Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer, Giant Indian Squirrel, and Macaque also inhabit the reserve.
  • This new tiger sighting marks a significant step in conservation efforts and highlights the continued importance of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in preserving Maharashtra’s rich wildlife heritage.

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• Nearly 40 years after NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft made its historic flyby of Uranus, new discoveries have emerged, shedding light on the mysteries of the ice giant's unusual magnetic field.
• About Voyager 2 Spacecraft:
• Launch & Mission:
  • Launched on August 20, 1977, NASA's Voyager 2 was an unmanned space probe sent to explore the outer planets of our solar system. Just weeks after its twin, Voyager 1, the spacecraft's primary mission was to study Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, along with their moons. After completing this primary objective, Voyager 2 was tasked with continuing its journey into interstellar space.
• Significance:
  • Voyager 2 holds the distinction of being the only spacecraft to have visited both Uranus and Neptune, making it an invaluable asset for planetary science.
• Golden Record:
  • Like its twin, Voyager 2 carries a Golden Record — a phonograph disc containing sounds and images of Earth, intended as a message to any potential extraterrestrial civilizations the spacecraft may encounter in the distant future.
• Notable Achievements:
• Firsts:
  • Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have studied all four of the solar system's gas giants at close range. It is the first human-made object to have flown past Uranus and Neptune.
• Discoveries at Uranus:
  • During its flyby of Uranus in 1986, Voyager 2 uncovered 10 new moons and two new rings around the planet, adding to our knowledge of this mysterious ice giant.
• Discoveries at Neptune:
  • In 1989, during its encounter with Neptune, the spacecraft made remarkable discoveries, including five moons, four rings, and the famous Great Dark Spot, a storm system on Neptune’s atmosphere.
• Ongoing Journey:
  • After completing its primary mission, Voyager 2 continued its journey into interstellar space, sending back valuable data on the interstellar medium and the heliosphere. On December 10, 2018, Voyager 2 became the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space, following in the footsteps of Voyager 1. Together, the two spacecraft are the only human-made objects to have ventured beyond the influence of our Sun into the vast space between the stars.
• Current Status:
  • As of today, Voyager 2 remains the second most distant human-made object from Earth, after Voyager 1, continuing to transmit data from the farthest reaches of space.

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• The decision on what to do with Taiwan’s decommissioned HAWK anti-aircraft missiles now rests with the United States, according to the island's Defense Minister.
• About HAWK Missile:
  • The HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) MIM-23 is a low-to-medium altitude, all-weather ground-to-air missile system. Developed by Raytheon, an American defense company, it was initially designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft but was later adapted to counter incoming missiles as well.
• History and Upgrades:
  • The HAWK missile entered service in 1960, and since then, it has undergone extensive upgrades, ensuring its operational relevance for several decades. While it was replaced by the MIM-104 Patriot in U.S. Army service by 1994, it continued to serve in other roles and countries. The system was officially phased out of U.S. service in 2002, with the US Marine Corps replacing it with the man-portable FIM-92 Stinger, a short-range, infrared-guided missile.
• Global Use:
  • Despite its retirement in the U.S., the HAWK missile system has been widely exported and continues to be in use by numerous countries around the world, including NATO allies and nations in Asia and the Middle East. Its continued use underscores its robustness and adaptability.
• Guidance and Capabilities:
  • The HAWK employs a Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) guidance system, and it is launched from the M192 towed triple-missile launcher. The missile is powered by a dual-thrust motor, with distinct boost and sustain phases for propulsion. It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously and is effective in a range of weather conditions. However, compared to modern defense systems like the Patriot missile, the HAWK is now considered somewhat outdated.
• This missile's long service history and continued deployment in various nations reflect its enduring value, even as newer technologies gradually replace it in advanced military arsenals.