THE CONTEXT: Recently, states in the southern India has raised concerns that they have been facing a decline in their share out of the resources transferred from the Centre to the States, from Twelfth Finance Commission to Fifteenth Finance Commission.

ISSUES:

• Imbalance in allocations: There is a perceived imbalance in the distribution of the central tax pool which is creating north south divide. It has been claimed that all five South Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana) are receiving much less funds.
• Contributions vs. Returns: Southern states are believed to contribute more to the national tax contribution but receive less in return, raising concerns over fiscal federalism and the principle of equity in the distribution of national resources.
• Fall in shares: There has been a steady fall in the share in the case of the southern states, from 19.785% to 15.800% from Twelfth Finance Commission to the Fifteenth Finance Commission. In a comparison of these two Commissions, the northern and eastern States have also lost. The ‘gainer States’ were the hilly, central, and western States including Maharashtra.
• Criteria of allocation: In India, fiscal transfers like revenue-sharing and grants lies on criteria linked to population & suggested by the Finance Commission. As a consequence, southern states that have managed to control their populations receive comparatively fewer financial resources. The high per capita of southern states also acts as a determining factor for less share of the state from Union tax revenue.

1. The distance criterion

• • The shares of individual states in tax devolution depend on the criteria and the weights used by different Commissions.
  • The distance criterion has been accorded the highest weight amongst these criteria. Its weight was reduced from 50% to 47.5% by the Thirteenth Finance Commission and further reduced to 45% by the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
  • The main reason for the loss of the southern States is the income distance criterion. Distance criterion means that the farther a State is from the highest income State, the higher its share.
  • The main reason for the gain of the hilly States is area/forest criterion. Between these two Finance Commissions, the loss to the southern States due to the distance criterion amounted to 8.055%.

2. On population

• • One other criterion that has caused some controversy is population. Until the Fourteenth Finance Commission, the data for the population in 1971 was used.
  • For the Fifteenth Finance Commission, data for the population in 2011 was used. However, in order not to penalise States that showed better performance in reducing fertility rates, the demographic change criterion was introduced.
  • The joint impact of these two changes has been marginal for all groups of States.

 THE WAY FORWARD:

• Review Allocation Criteria: There is a call for the Sixteenth Finance Commission to reconsider the weightages of the allocation criteria to possibly give more importance to demographic performance and tax efficiency. In finding a solution to this issue there is a need to look at the criteria as which states have been gaining and which are losing their share over time, the criteria of horizontal distribution which has led to some States steadily losing their share; and what can be done to reverse this trend. For example, the income distance criterion and cesses and surcharges are areas that need review.
• Need for Dialogue: There is a need for debate on the redistribution of national resources, moving beyond the positions to uphold the principle of equity.
• Cooperative federalism: There is a need for cooperative federalism, where states work together on projects and initiatives that benefit the entire nation. This can facilitate resource sharing and cooperation among states, regardless of their population.
• Special Grants and Assistance: Special grants and financial assistance programs for states that have successfully controlled their population needs to be implemented. These grants can support development initiatives and compensate for reduced fiscal transfers.
• Sustainable Fiscal Adjustment Plan: There is a need to balance short-term and long-term fiscal objectives by taking into account issues of individual states. It can be done by rationalizing tax structure and administration and diversifying revenue sources.

THE CONCLUSION:

The recent debate over fiscal federalism underscores the need for a cooperative federalism model that respects the contributions and needs of all states. The finance commission must evolve a formula to reward the states that have controlled their population financially. Any step towards fiscal devolution must be based on national consensus and the fears of the southern states must be addressed.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 What are the reasons for introducing the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss its salient features and their effectiveness critically. (2013)

Q.2 How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 There has been a gradual erosion in fiscal allocation by finance commissions to southern states which is creating a north south divide. Critically examine the statement.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/central-transfers-arresting-the-decline-in-shares-of-some-states/article67939930.ece

THE CONTEXT: Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s transition from the Calcutta High Court to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked debate on judges entering politics post-retirement. The transition highlights past instances and the lack of legal restrictions on such moves, alongside ethical considerations and global standards for judicial conduct, including the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

ISSUES:

• Judicial Independence and Integrity: The importance of judicial independence and integrity emphasizes that judges should perform their duties without fear or favor, as outlined in the Constitution and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
• Political Neutrality of Judges: The issue of judges joining politics after resigning from their judicial positions is a crucial concern. The judges of constitutional courts should be prohibited from taking a political plunge even after resignation to maintain impartiality and uphold the oath they swore.
• Ethical Conduct of Judges: The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct stress the importance of ethical behavior for judges, including independence, impartiality, integrity, decency, and diligence. Judges are expected to maintain dignity inside and outside the courtroom to enhance public confidence in the judiciary.
• Past Precedents and Present Standards: Judges like Chief Justice Koka Subba Rao and Supreme Court judge Baharul Islam resigned to pursue political roles in the past, which is no longer acceptable according to global judicial standards like the Bangalore Declaration. It calls for reevaluating such practices to align with modern expectations of judicial conduct.
• Need for Reform: It’s high time for the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court to investigate such cases more rigorously and establish measures to prevent judicial aberrations. Due to the unlikelihood of parliamentary action on this issue, it suggests that an explicit prohibition on judges entering politics post-resignation should be enforced through judge-made laws.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhancing Judicial Education and Training: The Resource Guide on Strengthening Judicial Integrity and Capacity suggests that continuous education and training are essential for maintaining high standards of judicial conduct and competence. This includes training on ethical issues, human rights, and the application of international legal standards.
• Reform of the Supreme Court Confirmation Process: In the United States, recommendations have been made for reforming the Supreme Court confirmation process to reduce politicization and ensure that nominees are evaluated based on their qualifications, integrity, and commitment to judicial independence. This includes suggestions for more transparent and fair confirmation hearings.
• European Council of Judges (CCJE): The European Council of Judges (CCJE) has established principles and rules governing judges’ conduct, emphasizing the importance of judicial ethics, impartiality, and the fair handling of cases. Article 17 of their guidelines recognizes judges’ rights to a fair process and underscores the necessity for judicial actions to satisfy the requirements of judicial ethics and impartiality, whether at the national or international level.
• Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct: The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct,2002, serve as an international code of judicial conduct, emphasizing fairness, integrity, and impartiality. These principles provide a framework for judges worldwide, advocating for fair-mindedness as a crucial balance in weighing proposals and making judicial decisions. The Bangalore Principles are recognized for setting a global standard for judicial behavior, ensuring that judges remain upright and fair.
• Model Code of Judicial Conduct for Indian Court Judges: Although specifically designed for American Indian court judges, the Model Code of Judicial Conduct sets standards that encourage fairness and due process in court proceedings. This code applies to anyone performing judicial functions within a judicial system, emphasizing the integrity and independence of the judiciary, the avoidance of impropriety, and the diligent and impartial performance of judicial duties. It also advises judges on regulating extrajudicial activities to minimize conflicts with judicial responsibilities and refrain from inappropriate political activity.
• Canons of Judicial Ethics: The Canons of Judicial Ethics, as discussed in the First M.C. Setalvad Memorial Lecture, provide a detailed definition of judicial ethics, emphasizing the necessity for judges to exhibit integrity and upright behavior. These canons serve as an authenticated international code of judicial conduct, guiding judges in maintaining the judiciary’s integrity and preventing the erosion of public trust in the judicial system.
• Handling Complaints Against Judges: The Law Commission has suggested the formation of a committee comprising the Chief Justice of India and two senior-most Judges of the Supreme Court to examine complaints of deviant behavior and misbehavior against judges. This would ensure accountability and uphold the ethical standards expected of the judiciary.

THE CONCLUSION:

The episode with Justice Gangopadhyay underscores the need for the Indian judiciary and legislative bodies to reconsider and potentially reform the rules governing post-retirement activities of judges. Implementing reforms such as a mandatory cooling-off period and enhancing existing judicial conduct codes could help maintain the judiciary’s integrity, impartiality, and independence, aligning India’s practices with global standards.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1) In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social, and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (2016)

Q.2) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (2019)

Q.3) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules, and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (2023)

Q.4) Integrity is a value that empowers the human being’. Justify with a suitable illustration. (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss the need for a legal or ethical framework to regulate the post-retirement activities of judges to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/time-to-prohibit-judges-from-joining-politics/article67939108.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: On the verge of the fourth anniversary of the border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the strategically significant Sela Tunnel during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

EXPLANATION:

• This infrastructure marks a critical milestone in India’s efforts to bolster connectivity and troop movement in the challenging terrain.

Strategic Importance of Sela Tunnel

• Enhancing All-Weather Connectivity:
  • Situated at an altitude of 13,800 ft, the Sela Tunnel stands as India’s highest mountain tunnel road.
  • It plays a pivotal role in providing the Indian Army with a reliable all-weather link to the disputed boundary in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly crucial during harsh winter conditions.
  • The tunnel’s inauguration aligns with India’s commitment to fortify its border infrastructure for strategic advantage.

Operational Significance for Indian Army

• Facilitating Rapid Mobilization:
  • The Sela Tunnel offers the Indian Army a swift and dependable means for mobilizing resources, formations, and logistics during winter emergencies.
  • Its accessibility, even in snowy conditions, bypasses the challenging Sela pass, proving operationally significant for troop movement in an area where India faced challenges during the 1962 war with China.
• Addressing Diplomatic Challenges:
  • Given China’s persistent claims of sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, the strategic infrastructure counters potential diplomatic tussles.
  • The Line of Actual Control (LAC) incursions, a common occurrence, makes the Sela Tunnel a valuable asset in securing India’s territorial integrity.

Benefits for Civilian Population

• Reducing Travel Time:
  • Apart from its military importance, the Sela Tunnel serves as a game-changer for civilians by providing all-weather connectivity to Tawang and surrounding areas.
  • The tunnel substantially reduces travel time between Tawang and Tezpur by an hour, enhancing convenience for the local population.
• Safer Alternative for Travellers:
  • For civilians, the tunnel offers a safer alternative to the treacherous snow-covered Sela top, making travel more secure and efficient.
  • The project, valued at Rs 825 crore, adopts advanced Austrian tunneling methods and prioritizes safety features, ensuring a reliable transportation route.

Technical Details and Construction

• Border Roads Organisation’s Efforts:
  • Constructed under Project Vartak by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Sela Tunnel incorporates two tubes, including an escape tunnel, and features a nearly 9 km approach road.
  • The Austrian tunnelling method employed ensures robust construction, meeting top safety standards.
  • The tunnel opens on the valley side at a lower altitude towards the Tawang river, offering strategic advantages.

Broader Infrastructure Development in Himalayas and Ladakh

• Comprehensive Approach:
  • The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel is part of India’s comprehensive approach to fortify border infrastructure in the western Himalayas and Ladakh.
  • Multiple projects, including an approach road to the Siachen Glacier and an air force station at Nyoma, contribute to bolstering strategic capabilities.

SOURCE: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/arunachal-pradesh/explained-the-strategic-importance-of-the-sela-tunnel-in-arunachal-pradesh-2928727

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Voyager 1, farthest spacecraft from Earth, sending ‘incoherent’ data back to NASA.

EXPLANATION:

Voyager 1’s Historic Journey:

• Launched in 1977, Voyager 1, alongside its twin Voyager 2, embarked on a mission to study Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons.
• Both spacecraft have surpassed their original mission lifespan by over 35 years, marking an unparalleled achievement in space exploration.

Current Challenge: Incoherent Data Transmission

• Concerns Raised by NASA:
  • Despite its remarkable longevity, Voyager 1 is currently causing concerns at NASA due to its incoherent communication since November.
  • The project manager for the Voyager interstellar mission at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlights the severity of the situation, describing it as the “most serious issue” faced since 2010.

Historical Significance of Voyager 1

• Scientific Contributions:
  • Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have significantly contributed to our understanding of the outer planets, uncovering details about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
  • Voyager 2 remains the only spacecraft to have explored Uranus and Neptune, expanding humanity’s knowledge of the solar system.
• Iconic “Pale Blue Dot” Image:
  • Beyond scientific discoveries, Voyager 1 captured the iconic “Pale Blue Dot” image of Earth.
  • This profound image emphasizes the minuscule scale of humanity within the vastness of the cosmos.

The Voyager Mission’s Journey

• Exceeding Mission Lifespan:
  • Originally planned for a four-year mission, the Voyagers have continued their exploration for over four decades, making them the most distant human-made objects in space.
  • Their longevity reflects the robustness of their design and the success of the mission.
• Interstellar Milestone:
  • Voyager 1 achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first spacecraft to cross into interstellar space, venturing beyond the influence of the Sun’s gravitational pull.

Current Technical Challenges and NASA’s Response

• Communication Breakdown:
  • The current technical challenge revolves around Voyager 1’s breakdown in coherent communication.
  • The spacecraft has essentially “stopped talking” to mission controllers on Earth, posing a significant hurdle for ongoing operations and data retrieval.
• Ongoing Investigations:
  • NASA is actively working to address the communication issue, with experts striving to understand and resolve what Dodd identifies as a critical problem.
  • The agency’s efforts reflect the dedication to preserving the legacy of the Voyager mission and maximizing the scientific potential of the spacecraft.

Some other missions of NASA:

• Parker Solar Probe:
  • It is a NASA spacecraft designed to study the Sun and its atmosphere.
  • It was launched on August 12, 2018, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, and is currently orbiting the Sun in a highly elliptical orbit that takes it closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft.
  • The mission objectives of the Parker Solar Probe are to study the structure and dynamics of the Sun’s corona, the Sun’s magnetic field, and the solar wind.
  • To achieve this, the probe will make a total of 24 close approaches to the Sun over the course of its mission, getting as close as 3.83 million miles from the Sun’s surface, which is about 7 times closer than any previous spacecraft.
• Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR):
  • The Deep Space Climate Observatory, or DSCOVR, is a spacecraft which orbits between Earth and the sun, observing and providing advanced warning of particles and magnetic fields emitted by the sun (known as the solar wind) which can affect power grids, communications systems, and satellites close to Earth.
  • From its post at the Lagrange point 1 (or L1), approximately one million miles from Earth, DSCOVR also observes our planet and provides measurements of the radiation reflected and emitted by Earth and images of the sunlit side of Earth for science applications.
  • The DSCOVR mission is a partnership between NOAA, NASA and the U.S. Air Force and is operated by NOAA.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/ray-ban-meta-glasses-can-recognise-landmarks-9209016/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The raising of Sweden’s national flag at NATO headquarters marks a pivotal moment, coming two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

EXPLANATION:

• The invasion, widely condemned globally, prompted Sweden, once neutral, to seek refuge under NATO’s security umbrella.
• Sweden’s accession as the 32nd NATO member is emblematic of geopolitical shifts in the aftermath of Russia’s actions.
• The strategic move adds another layer to NATO’s presence around the Baltic Sea, enhancing the alliance’s collective security guarantee.

Motivations Behind Sweden’s NATO Membership

• Impact of Russian Invasion on Public Opinion:
  • The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a paradigm shift in public opinion in Sweden.
  • The subsequent application for NATO membership reflected the conviction that full-fledged NATO participation was the most reasonable choice for ensuring national security.
• Nordic Solidarity and Historical Moves:
  • Finland’s prior decision to join NATO in April 2023, breaking from years of military nonalignment, complemented Sweden’s move.
  • The collective defense pact strengthens Nordic solidarity, responding to shared concerns about regional security.

Implications of Sweden’s NATO Membership

• Complete Baltic Sea Security Ring:
  • With Sweden joining NATO, a strategic ring of alliance territory encircles the Baltic Sea.
  • This geographical consolidation strengthens NATO’s position and aligns with its commitment to collective defense under Article 5.
• Steadfast Defender 24 Exercises:
  • The flag-raising ceremony coincided with NATO’s Steadfast Defender 24 exercises, involving 20,000 troops from 13 countries in the high north of Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
  • The scale of these exercises, NATO’s largest in decades, showcases the alliance’s readiness and determination to defend its entire territory.

Sweden’s Contributions and Expectations

• Military Capabilities and Financial Commitments:
  • Sweden, with well-trained and equipped armed forces, has consistently met NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP.
  • The country’s commitment to sharing burdens, responsibilities, and risks aligns with NATO’s principles.
• Collaboration with NATO Amidst Russian Threat:
  • Sweden’s close collaboration with NATO during military exercises, particularly in response to Russia’s invasion, positions it as a valuable ally.
  • The expectation is that Sweden’s integration will enhance NATO’s capabilities in the region.

NATO:

• NATO was created by 12 countries from Europe and North America on 4 April 1949.
• Since then, 20 more countries have joined NATO through 10 rounds of enlargement (in 1952, 1955, 1982, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, 2023 and 2024).
• NATO’s main headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, while NATO’s military headquarters are in Mons, Belgium.
• Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty sets out how countries can join the Alliance. It states that membership is open to any “European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area”.
• Any decision to invite a country to join the Alliance is taken by the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s principal political decision-making body, on the basis of consensus among all Allies.
• NATO Member countries are:
  • Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/swedens-flag-raised-at-nato-headquarters-cementing-its-place-as-the-32nd-alliance-member/article67939059.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Despite being enacted in December 2019, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) faced a delay in implementation due to the non-notification of rules.

EXPLANATION:

• The long-awaited move to notify the rules has finally materialized, bringing the CAA closer to realization.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the notification of the rules just days before the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.
• This timing suggests a calculated approach by the government, potentially intending to address key electoral considerations related to the CAA.
• The CAA, which aimed to expedite the process of granting Indian citizenship to specific religious communities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims, was passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2019 and later by the Rajya Sabha.
• The President’s assent was obtained on December 12, 2019, triggering widespread protests across the nation.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, includes rules that were recently notified by the Indian government.

• Here are the key points regarding the rules of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act:
  • The law aims to provide citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Parsis who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
  • Eligible immigrants must have resided in India for at least one year in the last 14 years to qualify for Indian citizenship. This marks a reduction from the previous requirement of 11 years for citizenship by naturalization.
  • The law exempts tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution from its provisions.
  • The rules also outline the application process for citizenship by registration or naturalization, including documentation requirements and language proficiency declarations.
  • The Act has faced criticism and protests in various parts of the country since its passage in December 2019 due to concerns about exclusion and discrimination.
• These rules signify a significant development in India’s citizenship framework and aim to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries based on religious grounds.
• According to earlier reports, the entire process of implementing the CAA is expected to be conducted online.
• Applicants will have the convenience of applying from their mobile phones. The system is designed to process applications without requiring additional documents, and those who applied after 2014 will have their requests adjusted in line with the new rules.

Citizenship:

• Citizenship in India is governed by Articles 5 – 11 (Part II) of the Constitution.
• The Citizenship Act, 1955 is the legislation dealing with citizenship.
• This has been amended by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 1986, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 1992, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2003, and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005, Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
• Nationality in India mostly follows the jus sanguinis (citizenship by right of blood) and not jus soli (citizenship by right of birth within the territory).
• As per the Citizenship Act, 1955, Citizenship of India can be acquired in the following ways:
  • Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution
  • Citizenship by birth
  • Citizenship by descent
  • Citizenship by registration
  • Citizenship by naturalization
  • By incorporation of territory (by the Government of India)

SOURCE: HTTPS://INDIANEXPRESS.COM/ARTICLE/INDIA/CENTRE-CITIZENSHIP-AMENDMENT-ACT-RULES-NOTIFICATION-9208093/LITE/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: India recently achieved a significant milestone in its strategic capabilities with the successful test launch of the Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

EXPLANATION:

• This accomplishment, conducted under Mission Divyastra, propels India into an elite group of nations possessing MIRV capabilities.
• The Agni-5 missile, developed indigenously, marks a pivotal moment in India’s defense capabilities.
• The inclusion of MIRV technology enhances the country’s strategic deterrence by allowing a single missile to deploy multiple nuclear warheads independently, a capability possessed by major global players like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China.

Mission Divyastra

• The test launch was conducted under the banner of Mission Divyastra, aptly named the “divine weapon.”
• This mission underscores the technological prowess and scientific achievement of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Mission Divyastra refers to the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• This achievement marks a significant step forward in India’s strategic punitive capability, as a single missile can now deploy multiple warheads at different locations or at the same location with a time gap.
• The Agni-5 missile, which can carry nuclear warheads and hit targets over 5,000 km away, is aimed at bolstering deterrence against countries like China.
• The MIRV technology is complex, requiring a delicate combination of large missiles, small warheads, accurate guidance, and a complex mechanism for releasing warheads sequentially during flight.
• India’s successful development of MIRV technology positions the country among a select group of nations with this capability.

Understanding MIRV Technology

• Origin and Evolution
  • MIRV technology originated in the early 1960s, primarily to enable a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads.
  • The United States pioneered MIRVs, deploying them on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in 1970 and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) in 1971.
• Purpose and Advantages
  • MIRVs offer a distinct advantage over traditional missiles by allowing independent targeting of multiple locations within a single launch.
  • This capability significantly enhances the difficulty of defending against MIRV-equipped missiles, making them a formidable component of a nation’s strategic arsenal.

Agni-5 Features and Capabilities

• Indigenous Avionics Systems
  • The Agni-5 missile system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems, showcasing India’s self-reliance in developing advanced technologies crucial for national security.
• High-Accuracy Sensor Packages
  • The inclusion of high-accuracy sensor packages ensures that the re-entry vehicles reach their designated target points with precision.
  • This accuracy is vital for the effective deployment of multiple warheads in strategic locations.

Global Landscape of MIRV Technology

• Nations Possessing MIRV Capabilities
  • The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and now India is among the nations possessing MIRV technology.
  • This underscores the strategic importance of MIRVs in the global security landscape.
• Pakistan’s Pursuit of MIRV Capabilities
  • Pakistan, while not mentioned in the recent test, has also been on the path to developing MIRV capabilities.
  • In January 2017, Pakistan reportedly tested a MIRVed missile named Ababeel, signaling its aspirations to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

Challenges and Complexities

• Miniaturization of Warheads
  • Deploying MIRV technology poses challenges, including the miniaturization of warheads.
  • The ability to fit multiple warheads on a single missile while maintaining effectiveness is a technical challenge that nations must overcome.
• Advanced Guidance Systems
  • The development of advanced guidance systems is crucial for ensuring the reliable and precise targeting of multiple locations independently.
  • This aspect adds complexity to the deployment of MIRV technology.
• Reliability of Re-entry Vehicles
  • Ensuring the reliability of individual re-entry vehicles is a critical aspect of MIRV technology.
  • Each warhead must function as intended to maximize the strategic impact of the missile.
• Agni-5 Ballistic Missile:
• Agni-5 is an ingeniously built advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• It is a fire-and-forget missile, which cannot be stopped without an interceptor missile.
• The missile has the capability of hitting targets beyond the range of 5000 km and is crucial for India’s self-defense systems.

Agni Missiles:

• The Agni missile class is the backbone of India’s nuclear launch capability, as are Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and fighter aircraft.
• Agni-1 to 5 missiles are designed & developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Other Ranges of Agni Missiles:
  • Agni I: Range of 700-800 km.
  • Agni II: Range more than 2000 km.
  • Agni III: Range of more than 2,500 Km
  • Agni IV: Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road mobile launcher.
  • Agni-V: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-mirv-technology-used-in-agni-5-missile-test-launch-101710181722577.html