1.Agni Missile
About Agni Prime Missile
Agni-P is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system, according to DRDO. It has a range of 1,000-2,000km and was tested for the first time in June 2021. It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.
In June 2023, the first pre-induction night launch was conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Agni series of missiles constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons delivery which also includes the Prithvi short range ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. India has completed its nuclear triad and operationalised its second strike capability with nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant undertaking deterrence patrols.
- Agni-Prime is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system, according to DRDO.
- It has a range of 1,000-2,000km and was tested for the first time in June 2021.
- It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.
Agni Prime is the latest missile while other missiles are Agni 1-5.
Agni was conceived under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of DRDO.
Agni misslies are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
They are fuelled by Solid propellant and mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability.
They have medium- to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles.
2.Naming of Undersea Feature
News
Three Indian Ocean structures named Ashoka, Chandragupta and Kalpataru as proposed by India
Names of Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupta Ridge and Kalpataru Ridge in the Indian Ocean have been approved by IHO and UNESCO’s IOC.
- These structures are located along Southwest Indian Ridge.
- They were discovered by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.
Naming of Undersea Feature
- Outside Territorial Sea:
- Individuals and agencies can propose names for unnamed features, following IHO’s 2013 guidelines ‘‘Standardization of Undersea Feature Name”.
- Before naming of a feature, its character, extent, and position must be identified.
- Proposals are reviewed by IHO Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN).
- Within Territorial Sea: National authorities naming features in their territorial sea should adhere to the same 2013 IHO guidelines.
About IHO and IOC
- International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
- Established in 1921.
- An intergovernmental body (India a member).
- Enjoys observer status at the UN.
- Recognized as competent international authority regarding hydrography and nautical charting.
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
- Established in 1961.
- Promotes international cooperation in marine sciences.
- GEBCO: General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) is an IHO & IOC UNESCO joint project to collect bathymetric data and map the oceans
- GEBCO -SCUFN maintains and makes available a digital gazetteer of the names, generic feature types, etc.
3.Californium
Context: Recently Bihar police, seized a metallic lump they suspected was Californium, a highly radioactive and expensive material.It was later found to be fake.
About Californium:
The element with atomic number 98 is a silvery-white, synthetic, and highly radioactive substance.
Named after the University of California, this element is a strong neutron emitter and is extremely expensive.
Its applications include use in portable metal detectors, identification of gold and silver ores, and assisting in starting nuclear reactors.
However, it poses significant health threats due to its radioactivity, which can damage genetic material and is hazardous to health.
4.Vietnam (Capital: Hanoi)
Recently, 4th India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held at Hanoi, Vietnam.
Political Features
- It occupies the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia.
- Land boundaries: China (North), Cambodia and Laos (West).
- Maritime boundaries: South China Sea to the east and south, the Gulf of Thailand (Gulf of Siam) to the southwest.
Geographical Features
Highest Peak: Fansipan
Major Rivers: Mekong, Red, Ma, etc.
Many rare and unusual animals live in Vietnam, including giant catfish, Indochinese tigers, Saola antelopes, Sumatran rhinos, etc.
Climate: Tropical characterized by high temperature and humidity all year round.
5.ERI SILK
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation successfully obtained Oeko-Tex Certification for its Eri Silk.
- Oeko-Tex certification is standard that ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances and produced in environment friendly conditions.
About Eri Silk
- Renowned as world’s only vegan silk as moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead moth naturally exits the cocoon.
- It is produced by silkworm Philosamia ricini which is multivoltine and reared indoors 5-6 times a year.
Note: India produces all the five types of silk: Mulberry, Eri, Tropical & Temperate Tasar, and Muga.