Javelin Missiles

Context: India has submitted a letter of request to the United States for the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) within the country.

About Javelin Missile

The Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget, infrared-guided missile system.

• It can be carried and launched by a single individual, providing a lightweight and highly effective solution for anti-tank warfare.

Development

• The Javelin missile system is developed through a joint venture between two major defense contractors: Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Key Features

• Fire-and-forget technology: Its fire-and-forget capability provides superior survivability by enabling the operator to immediately relocate after firing.
• Versatile Targeting: The missile can target a wide range of targets, including armored vehicles, bunkers, and caves.
• Medium-Range Capability: It is designed for medium-range engagements, providing flexibility in battlefield operations.
• Man-portable: The Javelin system is portable and can be easily carried by a single soldier.

‘Non-Veg’ Milk

Context: Amid trade negotiations, India has raised strong objections to importing ‘non-veg milk’ from the US, citing cultural and economic concerns.

What is ‘Non-Veg’ Milk?

‘Non-veg’ milk refers to milk derived from cows that have been fed animal-based products, such as meat, blood meal, or bone meal.

Why is India Opposed to It?

• Religious and Cultural Sensitivities: A significant portion of India’s population, consider milk sacred and avoid products linked to animal slaughter.
  • Hindus use milk and ghee in religious rituals every day.
• Legal Certification Requirements: India’s Department of Animal Husbandry mandates certification ensuring that source animals were never fed meat- or blood-based feeds (excepting Milk and Milk Products).
• Societal Impact: With over 38% vegetarians in India, there is widespread consumer resistance to animal-product-fed dairy entering the food chain.

Economic Implications for India

• Threat to Domestic Dairy Sector: The Indian dairy sector provides employment to about 8 crore individuals directly, creating one employment opportunity for every Rs 1 lakh contribution to GVA.
• Potential Financial Losses: According to SBI, Indian farmers may lose ₹1.8 lakh crore annually if US dairy imports lower domestic milk prices by even 15%.
• Support for Rural Economy: Dairy contributes around 3% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA), making it vital for rural livelihoods and national economic stability.

US Perspective: The US has criticized India’s insistence on certification as an “unnecessary trade barrier” at the WTO, arguing that its cattle feed practices are compliant with safety norms.

ADEETIE Scheme

Context: Recently, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal launched the ₹1000 crore ADEETIE scheme to boost industrial energy efficiency in India’s MSME sector.

About Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE) Scheme

• Aim: To support MSMEs in adopting clean, energy-efficient technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance productivity.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Power, Government of India, and is being implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• Technical Handholding and Support: ADEETIE provides end-to-end technical assistance in 
  • Investment Grade Energy Audits (IGEA)
  • Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)
  • Technology identification
  • Monitoring & Verification (M&V) of implemented projects.
• Target Industry: The scheme targets 14 energy-intensive sectors such as Brass, Bricks, Ceramics, Chemicals, Forging, Glass, Leather, Steel Re-rolling, Textiles, and more.
• Financial Structure and Outlay: The scheme has a total budgetary outlay of ₹1000 crore, with ₹875 crore earmarked for interest subvention, ₹50 crore for energy audits, and ₹75 crore for implementation support.
  • It offers 5% interest subvention for Micro and Small Enterprises and 3% for Medium Enterprises on loans used to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
• Phased Implementation Approach: ADEETIE will roll out in two phases—beginning with 60 industrial clusters, followed by 100 additional clusters, over a three-year period (FY 2025–26 to FY 2027–28).
• Impact Target : The scheme is projected to mobilize ₹9000 crore in investments, including ₹6750 crore from MSME lending, significantly contributing to India’s climate commitments and energy efficiency goals.

‘PAN PAN PAN’

Context: Recently, an IndiGo Delhi-Goa flight made an emergency landing in Mumbai after the pilot issued a ‘PAN PAN PAN’ alert due to an engine issue.

What is ‘PAN PAN PAN’?

• ‘PAN PAN PAN’ is an international standard radio emergency signal used by pilots and mariners to indicate a situation that requires urgent attention but is not immediately life-threatening.
• The term “PAN” comes from the French word panne, meaning a breakdown or mechanical failure. 
• It ranks below a “Mayday” call in severity.
• Communication Protocol: The word “PAN” is repeated three times  “PAN PAN PAN” to ensure clarity and eliminate any chance of miscommunication over radio channels

Scenarios for Using PAN Alerts

• Partial Engine Failure, Medical Emergencies, Mechanical Anomalies,  Low Fuel or Navigation Issues

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