{"id":2395,"date":"2025-10-17T09:26:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T09:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=2395"},"modified":"2025-10-21T09:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:04:11","slug":"current-affairs-17th-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/10\/17\/current-affairs-17th-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 17th October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Russia backs AMCA, offers to make SU-57 jets India<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

GS III: Science and Technology<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Context: Russia<\/strong> has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen defence ties with India, offering support for local production of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets in support of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Background:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Indigenous Indian fifth-generation stealth, multirole fighter for IAF and Navy.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Designed by HAL and DRDO for air superiority, ground-attack, and multirole missions.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Key features: stealth tech, advanced avionics, supercruise, internal weapons bay, composite structure.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Supports roles: air supremacy, electronic warfare, ground-strike, and SEAD missions.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Expected induction by 2035; focuses on \u201cMake in India\u201d and self-reliance.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Joint engine development underway with France for a 120 kN class jet engine.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    SU-57 Fighter Jet<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Russian twin-engine, stealth fifth-gen multirole fighter for air superiority and strike.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Features: stealth shaping, supermaneuverability, supercruise, advanced radar and EW suites.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Developed under the PAK FA program, operational with Russian Air Force; Su-57E export model for partners.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n
    • Carries internal and external weapons\u2014missiles, guided bombs, precision munitions.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Represents Russia\u2019s most advanced combat aircraft, matching Western fifth-gen fighters.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Significance of Russia\u2019s Offer<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Strategic Level<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Strengthens India-Russia defence partnership through joint development and co-production.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Stops gap for fifth-gen fighters until AMCA\u2019s induction, counters China-Pakistan threats.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Diversifies India\u2019s defence procurement sources beyond Western suppliers.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Demonstrates Russia\u2019s commitment to deep, flexible defence ties with India.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong>Technological Level<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Facilitates technology transfers in stealth, avionics, and EW systems for AMCA.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Enables local production of Su-57, boosting Indian aerospace manufacturing skills.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Allows sharing of next-gen tech like radars and precision strike tools.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Helps bridge the gap until AMCA achieves full operational capability.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong>Economic Level<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Involves investments in Indian production lines, creating jobs, and boosting tech industry.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Lowers long-term costs via domestic maintenance and manufacturing.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Supports \u201cMake in India\u201d and defence export ambitions through potential joint products.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Provides cost-effective solutions amid fluctuating global prices.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0<\/strong>Energy & Geopolitical Context<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Announcement comes amid US pressure over India-Russia oil trade, with Russia assuring continued energy cooperation.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Russia highlights flexibility in logistics and payments, ensuring India\u2019s energy security.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Reinforces India\u2019s multi-alignment, balancing ties with Russia and the West.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Maintains Russia\u2019s strategic leverage via defence and energy partnerships.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>Future Cooperation Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Both sides to collaborate in advanced fighter technologies and stealth systems.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • New projects include anti-drone systems and cutting-edge radar solutions.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Focus on precision strike capabilities and next-generation weapons technology.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Emphasizes joint development, co-production, and full technology transfer.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                2. SAIME Model<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                GS paper III-Environment and ecology<\/p>\n

                Context: The<\/strong> SAIME model was awarded FAO’s Global Technical Recognition during the organization\u2019s 80th Anniversary at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, on October 15, 2025.\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) in West Bengal\u2019s Sundarbans, it showcases a successful blend of environmental and livelihood goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>What is the SAIME Model?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • SAIME is an ecosystem-based, climate-adaptive, and conservation-linked livelihood initiative integrating 5%\u201330% mangrove cover into aquaculture ponds, primarily shrimp farming.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n
                  • It is a multi-stakeholder partnership involving local communities, NGOs, and international partners to restore mangroves alongside productive, chemical-free shrimp aquaculture.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong>Concept: Integrating Mangrove with Aquaculture<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Traditional Problems<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \n
                      • Conventional shrimp farming often involves clearing vast tracts of mangrove forests, leading to habitat loss, coastal erosion, reduced biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to storms.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Dependency on commercial feed and chemicals raises production costs and creates pollution.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                          \n
                        1. SAIME Innovation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \n
                          • Mangrove seedlings are planted within aquaculture ponds and embankments, stabilizing soil, promoting biodiversity, and providing natural feed (leaf litter) for shrimp.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Farmers use mangrove litter as fodder, minimizing input costs and avoiding chemical feed and antibiotics, thus enabling more resilient, cost-effective, and ecologically harmonious farming.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            \u00a0<\/strong>Environmental & Ecological Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                            Benefit<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Coastal resilience<\/td>\nMangroves buffer against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal erosion\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Carbon sequestration<\/td>\nMangroves trap carbon, mitigating climate change\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Biodiversity conservation<\/td>\nEnhanced mangrove cover supports diverse fauna, birds, and aquatic species\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Habitat restoration<\/td>\nRestored mangrove ecosystems replenish degraded coasts and embankments\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Water quality improvement<\/td>\nMangroves filter pollutants and stabilize soil, improving pond health\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                            Economic & Social Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                            Benefit<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Reduced input costs<\/td>\nMangrove litter serves as natural feed, minimizing need for commercial feeds\u200b\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Higher profitability<\/td>\nFarmers\u2019 annual net profit increased over 100% due to lower production costs\u200b\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Sustainable livelihoods<\/td>\nSupports local income and community empowerment, especially among marginal farmers\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Community ownership<\/td>\nParticipatory model strengthens social cohesion and joint resource management\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Skill development<\/td>\nTraining in sustainable aquaculture and nursery management boosts local expertise\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                            Why Did the FAO Recognise It?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • The model sets a replicable benchmark for integrating nature-based solutions with food production, supporting \u201cbetter environment, better nutrition, and better life\u201d goals central to FAO\u2019s mission.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n
                            • Its innovation lies in balancing climate adaptation, biodiversity restoration, and economic sustainability, addressing urgent food-security and climate-crisis challenges.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0<\/strong>Global Relevance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • The approach offers scalable lessons for coastal regions worldwide facing similar threats of habitat loss, climate change, and the need for sustainable aquaculture.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong>Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                Challenge<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Scaling the model<\/td>\nWider adoption requires more technical training, policy support, and investment\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Climate change impacts<\/td>\nRising sea levels, shifting salinity, and increasing cyclones challenge farm stability\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Socio-economic barriers<\/td>\nMarginal farmers need financial and institutional support to transition away from intensive monocultures\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Conservation vs. production<\/td>\nBalancing ecosystem health with commercial output remains complex\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                 <\/p>\n

                                3. GOVT. seeks to boost defence exports to <\/u><\/strong>\u20b9<\/u><\/strong>50,000 crore by 2029<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                GS paper III -SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY<\/p>\n

                                Context: <\/strong>The Indian government aims to boost annual defence exports to \u20b950,000 crore by 2029 and expand the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem to \u20b93 lakh crore, as announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong>Key Data Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                Indicator<\/strong><\/td>\nPast (Approx.)<\/strong><\/td>\nPresent<\/strong><\/td>\nTarget (2029)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Annual defence production<\/td>\n\u20b946,000 crore<\/td>\n\u20b91.5 lakh crore<\/td>\n\u20b93 lakh crore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Defence exports<\/td>\n(NA, low)<\/td>\n\u20b933,000 crore<\/td>\n\u20b950,000 crore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
                                  \n
                                • Private sector\u2019s contribution to defence exports stands at \u20b933,000 crore currently.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Context: Why It Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  Strategic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Reduces India\u2019s reliance on foreign arms, fostering national security and self-sufficiency.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Supports indigenous military modernization, making India a global defence hub.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Economic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Defence manufacturing expansion creates jobs and drives industrial growth.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                    • Higher exports improve the balance of payments and attract investment.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Geopolitical Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • India\u2019s emergence as an arms exporter strengthens diplomatic leverage and strategic alliances.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                      • Reduces vulnerability to international embargoes or disruptions in supply chains.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Government Initiatives Driving Defence Self-Reliance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Policy reforms: Introduction of laws and policies promoting defence production post-independence.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Institutional support: Empowering defence-related institutions and promoting R&D through DRDO and private partnerships.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Security support: Fostering an environment for private sector investment and innovation in defence.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Role of Private Sector<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Private companies are central in boosting production and exports, with an active role in indigenous equipment design and manufacture.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                          • Collaboration with public institutions ensures timely deliveries and cutting-edge innovations.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Operation Sindoor \u2013 Symbol of Self-Reliance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Operation Sindoor showcased India\u2019s self-reliance, using indigenously developed and produced equipment in active missions.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                            • Recognized as an example of \u201cMade-in-India\u201d military capability and operational success.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Historical Context: Lack of Political Will After Independence<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Post-independence, India lacked the political will and legal frameworks for robust arms production and youth engagement in defence manufacturing.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                              • The renewed push in recent years has reversed this trend, catalyzing reforms and self-reliance.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Pune\u2019s Role in the Defence Ecosystem<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Pune, hosting multiple defence establishments and Southern Command headquarters, is a major centre for defence R&D, manufacturing, and skill development.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                • Its ecosystem acts as a hub for innovation, tradition, and advanced defence contributions.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                  4. DRDO to extend Astra Mark 2 missile’s range beyond 200km<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                  GS paper III -SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  Context: <\/strong>The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing an extended-range variant of the Astra Mark 2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile.<\/p>\n

                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>What is Astra Mark 2?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Indigenous BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air-to-air missile, boosting the Indian Air Force\u2019s interception range.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n
                                                  • Builds on Astra Mark 1 legacy and supports India\u2019s self-reliance mission in advanced missile tech.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Core Features and Innovations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Dual-Pulse Propulsion:\u00a0Uses dual-pulse solid rocket motor for longer, sustained thrust compared to Mk-1.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                    • Operational Range & Speed:\u00a0Can engage targets at 150\u2013200+ km, achieving up to Mach 4.5.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                    • Advanced Guidance:\u00a0Fitted with indigenous RF seeker and robust ECCM for precision even in contested zones.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                    • Operational Flexibility:\u00a0Effective day\/night, in adverse weather, with off-boresight and data-link targeting.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                    • Stealth Launch:\u00a0Smokeless propellant reduces missile visibility on launch.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Integration and Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Designed for Su-30 MKI, LCA Tejas, with plans for Rafale, AMCA, TEDBF jets.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                      • Developed with contributions from over 50 industry partners, including HAL and BDL.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Recent Developments<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Range pushed beyond initial 160 km; upcoming version enters the 200+ km class.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                        • India plans acquisition of 700+ Astra Mk-2 units for fighter fleet standardization.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Matches capability with PL-15 (China) and AIM-120D AMRAAM (US), improving deterrence.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                          • Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in missile autonomy, forms basis for Astra Mark 3 with advanced ramjet propulsion.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Astra Mark 2 is setting a new benchmark in indigenous air-to-air missile technology, securing India\u2019s skies with advanced homegrown systems.<\/p>\n

                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                            5. States must set up special prisons for fugitives<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                            GS Paper II (Polity & Governance), GS Paper III (Internal Security & challenges).<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            Context: <\/strong>Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged states to set up special prisons for fugitives and outlined a comprehensive strategy for effective extradition and bringing back criminals hiding abroad.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Why the Issue?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Fugitives evade extradition claiming Indian prisons do not meet global standards, hampering India’s ability to prosecute offenders.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                            • Their continued presence abroad threatens India\u2019s sovereignty, economy, law and order, and national security.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Key Provisions by Amit Shah<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              1. a) Special Prisons for Fugitives<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                  \n
                                                                • States must create prisons meeting international standards to counter foreign legal objections and facilitate extradition.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                    \n
                                                                  1. b) Coordination between Passport and Law Enforcement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                      \n
                                                                    • Mechanisms to flag or cancel passports of fugitives upon issuing Red Corner Notices, curtailing their mobility abroad.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      1. c) Conversion of Notices<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Existing Blue Corner Notices should be converted into Red Corner Notices for stronger international law enforcement action.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                            \n
                                                                          1. d) Creation of Multi Agency Task Force<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                              \n
                                                                            • Establishment of a dedicated special task force (under MAC) to oversee tracking and implementation of fugitive retrieval across agencies.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                                \n
                                                                              1. e) Zero Tolerance Policy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                                                  \n
                                                                                • Adopting a stringent, \u201czero-tolerance\u201d approach to expedite bringing fugitives and economic offenders who harm India’s interests back to justice.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Key Conference Themes<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  • Discussion on cybertechnology, financial crimes, tracing the flow of funds, simplifying extradition, creating fugitive databases, and international cooperation.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Significance of These Measures<\/strong><\/p>\n