9th October 2025

Explanation: The Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the U.S. Navy for precision land-attack missions. It can be launched from ships or submarines. First used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, it has since been deployed in several conflicts. 

Features 

• Guidance: It uses GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain contour mapping for high accuracy, with a margin of error of about 10 meters. 

• Stealth: It flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection, and its turbofan engine emits little heat, making infrared detection difficult. 

• Range and Payload: The missile has a range of 1,550 to 2,500 km and carries a 1,000-pound conventional warhead or cluster munitions. 

• Cost: Each missile costs approximately $2 million 

Explanation: Mig La Pass, located on the Changthang Plateau in Ladakh, stands at an altitude of 19,400 feet, making it the world's highest motorable road. It is a strategic all-weather road connecting Likaru–Mig La–Fukche, which forms a vital corridor from Hanle to Fukche near the Indo-China border. The road is built to withstand harsh winters, shifting glaciers, and the challenges of high-altitude environments.

Explanation: The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, launched in 1969. Its primary goal is to develop the personality and character of student youth through voluntary community service. Inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the motto of the NSS is "NOT ME, BUT YOU," which translates to स्वयं से पहले आप in Hindi. With around 40 lakh volunteers, the NSS works on various issues of social relevance, including literacy, health, environmental conservation, and women's empowerment. The government recognizes outstanding contributions to the NSS with annual awards. 

Explanation: Project Himank was established on December 4, 1985, to develop road communication in the Ladakh region. The project is vital for maintaining access to strategic areas near the Line of Actual Control with China. It played a significant role during Operation Vijay by keeping the Leh-Manali and Zojila axes open. Its responsibilities include road restoration, clearing landslides and avalanches, bridge construction, snow clearance, and opening airfields. 

Explanation: The Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is a direct tax on the purchase and sale of securities on recognized stock exchanges in India, introduced in 2004. It is administered by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). 

Objective and Rationale
Before 2004, taxing profits from stock trading as capital gains was prone to evasion. STT was created as a transparent, upfront tax collected at the point of transaction to ensure compliance and curb tax evasion. This has improved tax collection from the capital market. 

Structure and Applicability
STT applies to transactions involving: 

• Equity shares of listed companies 

• Derivatives (futures and options) 

• Equity-oriented mutual funds and ETFs 

The tax is automatically deducted by the stock exchange and deposited with the government.