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.
Check More Current Affairs