News In Shorts: 30 March 2026

2K22 Tunguska Air Defence System

Context: India has approved the purchase of 2K22 Tunguska from Russia to strengthen its multi-layered air defence against drones, aircraft, and low-flying threats.

About the 2K22 Tunguska Air Defence System

• The 2K22 Tunguska is a Soviet-origin, self-propelled, short-range air defence system designed to protect ground forces from low-flying aerial threats.
• NATO Designation: It is known by NATO as SA-19 “Grison”.
• Hybrid Weapon: It combines surface-to-air missiles and twin 30 mm autocannons on a single platform for layered engagement.
• Target Capability: The system can neutralise helicopters, drones, low-flying aircraft, and cruise missiles, making it effective against modern threats.
• Missile Range: Its missile system (9M311 series) can engage targets at 8–10 km range and up to 3,500 m altitude with high precision.
• Firepower: The twin autocannons fire at 3,900–5,000 rounds per minute, enabling rapid close-range defence.
• Radar & Technology: It features 360° acquisition radar, tracking radar, and digital fire control systems for accurate targeting.
• Electronic Warfare Capability: The system can function even under radar jamming using optical tracking systems.
• Mobility: Mounted on a tracked armoured chassis, it can move alongside mechanised forces across varied terrains.
• Strategic Role: It is a key component of a multi-layered air defence network, especially effective against drones and precision-guided weapons.

Zoji La Pass

Context: A deadly avalanche at Zoji La caused several fatalities and serious injuries.

About Zoji La Pass

• Zoji La is a high-altitude mountain pass (~3,580 m) in the Western Himalayas, linking the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.
• Location: It lies between Ganderbal (J&K) and Kargil (Ladakh), connecting Sonmarg to Dras–Suru valleys and further to Leh.
• Strategic Importance: It is a crucial link on National Highway-1, connecting Srinagar to Leh and ensuring military and civilian access to Ladakh.
• Military Significance: Serves as a key supply route for Indian forces deployed near Siachen Glacier and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Weather Conditions: The pass remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, affecting connectivity.
• Infrastructure Development: The Zoji La Tunnel project aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

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Shigellosis

Context: An outbreak of shigellosis has been reported in Kerala, including deaths and multiple infections, raising public health concerns.

About Shigellosis

• Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Shigella, leading to acute diarrhoea, especially in children under five.
• Transmission: It spreads through the faecal-oral route, including contaminated food and water.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include diarrhoea (often bloody), stomach cramps, fever, vomiting, and a persistent urge to pass stool.
• Risk Factors: High risk among young children, immunocompromised individuals, travellers, and people in crowded or poor sanitation conditions.
• Treatment: Most cases are self-limiting, requiring hydration and rest, while severe cases may need antibiotics and medical care.
• Global Burden: Causes around 188 million cases annually worldwide, with significant mortality among children under five.
• AMR Concern: Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) makes infections harder to treat, highlighting the need for better sanitation and new treatments.

Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) Satellite

Context: NASA has developed a new ocean floor map using satellite-based gravity data from Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite.

About the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) Satellite

• SWOT is a joint Earth observation mission by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) of France.
• It was launched in December 2022 to map global surface water.
• Objective: It aims to measure the height and distribution of water across oceans, rivers, and lakes to understand Earth’s water cycle.
• Technology: The satellite uses the advanced Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to detect centimetre-level variations in water surface height.
• Coverage: SWOT can scan nearly 90% of Earth’s surface every 21 days, providing high-resolution, wide-swath data.
• Ocean Applications: It helps study ocean currents, eddies, sea level rise, and indirectly maps seafloor features using gravity-induced surface variations.
• Inland Water Monitoring: The mission enables detailed observation of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, including smaller water bodies not captured earlier.
• Significance: SWOT enhances understanding of climate change, hydrology, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

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Helium Shortage & Tech Supply Chains

Context: A global helium shortage triggered by the Middle East conflict is beginning to disrupt technology supply chains, particularly semiconductor production.

Importance of Helium in Tech Industry

• Helium is a critical input in chip manufacturing, used for cooling, leak detection, and precision processes.
• Supply Constraints: Helium supply is geographically concentrated, with Qatar contributing a major share of global production.
• Producers: Helium production is highly concentrated in a few countries, as it is mainly extracted as a byproduct of natural gas processing.
• • The USA and Qatar are the largest producers of helium.
• Market Impact: Prices of helium have surged significantly due to supply disruptions and logistical challenges.
• Impact on Semiconductor Industry: Chipmakers are facing production slowdowns and may need to prioritise critical manufacturing.
• Supply Chain Effects: The shortage is expected to create ripple effects across industries such as electronics, automobiles, and smartphones.
• Alternatives: Companies are exploring alternative helium sources, including increased reliance on the United States.

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About Helium

• Helium is a colourless, odourless, inert noble gas with atomic number 2.
• Position in Periodic Table: It belongs to the noble gases group (Group 18) and is chemically non-reactive due to a complete outer electron shell.
• Occurrence: Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe but is rare on Earth and mainly obtained from natural gas deposits.
• Physical Properties: It has an extremely low boiling point (-269°C), making it useful for ultra-cold applications.
• Key Uses: Helium is widely used in cryogenics, semiconductor manufacturing, MRI machines, leak detection, and space.

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