Current Affairs 13 March 2024 for UPSC And State PSC Exam

Mission Divyastra

News- Recently, India’s Prime Minister announced the successful first flight test of the Agni-5 missile, featuring MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles) technology, dubbed Mission Divyastra. This achievement enhances India’s defense capabilities.

About

Mission Divyastra Overview

• Maiden flight test of the Agni-5 missile, locally developed.
• Features Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

Agni-5 Missile Key Features

• Powered by a three-stage solid-fuel engine.
• Range exceeds 5,000 km.
• Part of the Agni series, with ranges from 700 km (Agni-1) to over 5,000 km (Agni-5).
• Agni P, tested in June 2021, is a canisters missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 km, launchable from road and rail platforms.

MIRV Technology Explained

• Enables targeting multiple destinations hundreds of kilometers apart with a single missile.
• Agni is capable of carrying nuclear warheads with a range of more than 5,000 km.
• MIRVs release multiple warheads at varying speeds and directions, unlike traditional missiles which carry a single warhead.

Significance- Positions India among a select group of countries with MIRV missile capabilities, alongside the US, UK, France, Russia, and China.

Lachit Borphukan

News- Recently, India’s Prime Minister revealed a 125-foot statue made of bronze, honoring Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, located at his burial ground in Jorhat district, eastern Assam.

About:

Lachit Borphukan Overview

• Served as a celebrated army commander of the Ahom kingdom, which existed from 1228 to 1826.
• Most famous for leading his forces to victory in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat.

Battle of Saraighat

• Successfully defeated the Mughal army commanded by Raja Ramsingh-I.
• Prevented the Mughal empire from recapturing Assam after a prolonged effort.

Death and Burial

• Passed away at the age of 49, a year after the Battle of Saraighat, due to illness.
• Buried at the ‘maidam’ (burial grounds for Ahom royals and nobles) located in Hollongapar.

Project Details

• Area spans 16.5 acres.
• Aimed at developing the site into a tourist attraction.

Financial Aspects

• Total project cost: Rs 214 crore.
• Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Sculptor Details

• Veteran sculptor: Ram Vanji Sutar.
• Recognition: Padma Bhushan awardee.
• Previous notable work: Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

Statue Creation and Installation

• Title: The State of Valour, depicting Lachit Borphukan.
• Construction location: Sutar’s studio in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• Transportation: Statue parts were moved from UP to Assam over recent months.
• Assembly: Parts re-assembled at the site in Assam.

INS Tushil

News- Recently, INS Tushil, the newest addition to India’s navy, began its sea trials from the Baltiysk naval base in Russia.

About

INS Tushil Overview

First Krivak-III frigate acquired under Project 11356M.

Project 11356M Details

• Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA): Signed in October 2016 between India and Russia.
• Objective: To purchase/construct four Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates.
• Partnership: Collaboration between Russian and Indian shipyards.
• Delivery: Russia to supply two frigates (INS Tushil and INS Tamala); two others to be built in India.

Talwar-Class Frigates

• Stealth-guided missile frigates.
• Designed to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements across air, surface, and sub-surface warfare.

Features of the Ships

• Incorporate stealth technology for reduced radar and underwater noise.
• Equipped with Indian and Russian weaponry, including:
• Indian-supplied equipment: Surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, surface surveillance radar, communication suites, anti-submarine warfare systems.
• Russian-supplied equipment: Surface-to-air missiles, gun mounts.
• Capable of engaging submarines, warships, and air threats independently or in formations.

Specifications

• Displacement: 3620 tons.
• Length: 124.8 meters.
• Maximum speed: 30 knots.
• Cruising range: 4850 miles.

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