Monthly Current Affairs February 2025- Defence Guru

MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS: FEBRUARY 2025

NATIONAL NEWS

1. Government Proposes Tax Revenue Cuts for States: The Indian government is considering reducing federal tax revenues allocated to states, a proposal to be presented to the Finance Commission, impacting fiscal relations between the central and state governments.
2. CDSCO Enhances Sugam Portal: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has upgraded its Sugam Portal to facilitate online applications for clinical trial site additions and changes in principal investigators for biological products, streamlining regulatory processes.
3. Aadhaar Good Governance Portal Launched: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology introduced the Aadhaar Good Governance portal to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests, enhancing ease of doing business.
4. Maritime Sector Initiatives: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways launched initiatives like the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP) to modernize maritime infrastructure, boost global trade presence, and promote sustainability, aiming for a developed India by 2047 Economic Developments
5. Rupee Decline: The Indian rupee fell for the fifth consecutive month in February, closing at 87.4950 against the US dollar, influenced by foreign portfolio outflows and increased hedging demand. The Reserve Bank of India's interventions helped prevent unilateral movements and speculation against the currency.
6. Pakistan's Inflation Trends: Pakistan's finance ministry projected consumer inflation to remain stable between 2.0% and 3.0% in February, with a slight increase expected in March. This downward trend is attributed to economic stabilization under an IMF program secured last year

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. US Consumer Confidence Drops: The U.S. consumer confidence index experienced its most significant monthly drop in over four years, falling from 105.3 in January to 98.3 in February. Persistent inflation and potential trade wars under President Trump contributed to this decline, affecting stock markets and retail sales.
2. German Business Morale Stagnates: Germany's business climate index remained steady at 85.2 in February, ahead of the federal election. The conservative CDU/CSU opposition, led by Friedrich Merz, pledged to reduce bureaucracy, stimulate investment, and lower energy costs to revitalize the economy

SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Simultaneous Tropical Cyclones: Satellite imagery captured an unusual meteorological event in the South Pacific Ocean, with three tropical cyclones—Rae, Seru, and Alfred—active off Australia's eastern coast, coinciding with the peak of the cyclone season.

DEFENCE NEWS

1. DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) at Chandipur, Odisha, marking a major milestone in India's defence capabilities. 

Key Features: 

• Man-in-Loop Capability: Enables in-flight retargeting for enhanced precision. 
• Guidance System: Uses Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker and two-way data link for real-time image transmission. 
• Launch & Targeting: Fired from a Naval Seaking helicopter, demonstrating sea-skimming attack accuracy. 
• Navigation: Features Fiber Optic Gyroscope INS, Radio Altimeter, and solid propulsion system. 

Developed by DRDO labs with support from MSMEs and start-ups, this marks a step forward in indigenous defence production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful trials, emphasizing the missile’s role in strengthening maritime defence. 🚀🇮🇳

2. Indian Army Boosts CBRN Defence with ACADA Systems 

The Indian Army has procured 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems from L&T Limited for ₹80.43 crore, enhancing CBRN defence. Developed by DRDO, ACADA detects chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) for rapid, high-sensitivity detection. 

Key Features: 

• Continuous air sampling, audio-visual alarms and vehicle-mount capability. 
• Over 80% indigenisation, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat. 
• CBRN training centre in Pune for personnel training. 
• Future upgrades for improved detection and integration. 

This initiative strengthens India’s self-reliance and battlefield readiness. 🚀🇮🇳

3. CISF Training Centre Renamed After Rajaditya Chola 

The CISF Recruits Training Centre in Arakkonam has been renamed in honour of Rajaditya Cholan, a Chola prince who died in the Battle of Thakkolam (949 CE). Son of Parantaka I, he was a fierce warrior and effective administrator, earning the title ‘Yanaimel Thunjiya Devar’ (The King Who Died on an Elephant). 

Legacy & Impact: 

• Led Chola forces against the Rashtrakutas, showcasing valour. 
• Contributed to temple-building and agricultural development. 
• His sacrifice remains a symbol of Tamil heritage, inspiring literature like Ponniyin Selvan. 

This renaming honours his bravery and historical significance. 🚩

4. DRDO Develops Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System for Armed Forces 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have designed an Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) to enhance soldier survivability in freezing temperatures. This Indigenous multi-layered system provides thermal insulation, windproofing, and moisture management, ensuring comfort and mobility in harsh environments like Ladakh and Siachen. 

Key Features: 

• Three-layer system for insulation and flexibility. 
• Lightweight, durable, and breathable design. 
• Moisture-wicking fabric for dryness and comfort. 
• Indigenously developed, reducing reliance on imports. 

This innovation strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence while ensuring optimal protection for soldiers in extreme conditions. 🇮🇳❄️

5. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) System

The Pinaka MBRL system, developed by DRDO, is a highly advanced, all-weather artillery rocket system designed to deliver precision firepower on the battlefield. It plays a vital role in Indian Army’s long-range artillery operations, providing quick and accurate strikes against enemy targets. 

Key Features: 

• Range: Up to 75 km (Pinaka Mk-II). 
• Rapid Firepower: 12 rockets in 44 seconds from a single launcher. 
• High Mobility: Mounted on 8x8 wheeled vehicles for quick deployment. 
• Guided Variant:   Equipped with INS-GPS guidance for enhanced accuracy. 
• Indigenous Production: Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 

With Pinaka, India strengthens its artillery warfare capabilities, ensuring superior firepower in modern combat scenarios.

6. Grave Hawk Hybrid Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System 

The Grave Hawk is an advanced hybrid surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed for multi-layered air defence. Developed to counter enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, it integrates both ballistic and guided missile technologies for superior interception capabilities. 

Key Features: 

• Hybrid Design: Combines the speed of ballistic missiles with the accuracy of guided SAMs. 
• Multi-Range Capability: Effective against threats at short, medium, and long ranges. 
• Advanced Guidance:  Uses Active Radar & Infrared Seeker for precision targeting. 
• High Mobility: Can be deployed on land, naval, and mobile platforms. 
• Indigenous Development: Strengthens India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem. 

The Grave Hawk SAM system enhances India's air defence network, ensuring protection against evolving aerial threats.

7. Dong Feng-26 (DF-26) Missile 

The Dong Feng-26 (DF-26) is a Chinese intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) developed by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Known as the "Guam Killer," it can strike land and naval targets, including U.S. military bases in the Pacific. 

Key Features: 

• Range: 3,000–5,000 km, capable of reaching Guam. 
• Warhead Options: Can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. 
• Anti-Ship Capability: This can target aircraft carriers, making it a strategic carrier-killer. 
• High Mobility: Road-mobile system for rapid deployment and survivability. 
• Precision Strike: Uses terminal guidance and manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles (MaRV) for accuracy. 

The DF-26 is a key asset in China’s strategic deterrence, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities.

8. Pantsir Air Defence Missile-Gun System

The Pantsir-S1 is a Russian short-to-medium-range air defence system designed to intercept aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. It combines surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and rapid-fire cannons for layered protection against aerial threats. 

Key Features:  

• Dual Weapons: Equipped with 12 SAMs and two 30mm auto cannons. 
• Range: Missiles: 20-30 km | Guns: 4 km. 
• Target Engagement: Can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. 
• All-Terrain Mobility: Mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles for deployment flexibility. 
• 360° Coverage: Advanced radar and electro-optical tracking for full-area defence. 

The Pantsir-S1 is a key air defence asset, providing protection for strategic locations and military units against modern aerial threats.

Check now:

Monthly Current Affairs January 2025- Defence Guru

List of Aircrafts Owned by India- Defence Guru