National
‘Agni Prime’ ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO
⇒ New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 07, 2023.
Key Points:
- During the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated.
- This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
- Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.
First ACTCM Barge, LSAM 15 (YARD 125)
⇒ The first Barge of the series LSAM 15 (Yard 125) has been delivered to Indian Navy on 09 June 2023 at NAD(Karanja), Mumbai.
» Contract for construction of 11 x Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India.
Key Points:
- The Barge has been built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) with a service life of 30 years.
- With all major/auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers, the Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.
- Induction of ACTCM Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Jammu
⇒ Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy and Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha inaugurated Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Jammu on 08 June 2023.
- It is 6th in the country and first in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking during the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the establishment of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Jammu is a celebration of Idea of India and is a festival of India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’.
International
Maiden India-France-UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise
⇒ The first edition of India, France and UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise commenced on 07 June 2023 in the Gulf of Oman.
India, France and UAE trilateral cooperation achieved another milestone in history with successful completion of first ever trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise between three navies from 07 -08 June 2023.
Participation of Ships:
INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf both with integral helicopters, French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in the exercise.
Highlights:
- During the maiden edition of the exercise, a wide spectrum of operations at sea such as surface Warfare involving tactical firing and drills for Missile engagements, close quarter manoeuvres, Advanced Air Defence Exercise with French Rafale and UAE Dash 8 MPA, Helicopter Cross Landing Operations, Drills for Replenishment at sea were undertaken by the participating units.
- The exercise also saw cross embarkation of personnel that facilitated exchange of best practices.
» The maiden exercise has further strengthened the maritime ties between the navies and enhanced interoperability to address traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime environment thus ensuring safety of mercantile trade and freedom of navigation at high seas in the region.
Important Day
World Oceans Day 2023
⇒ World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on 8 June.
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major roles the oceans have in everyday life. The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
Theme:
- The theme for World Oceans Day 2023 was “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”.
- The theme for World Oceans Day 2024 was “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate”.
History:
- The concept of a ‘World Oceans Day’ was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as a way to celebrate our world’s shared ocean and our personal connection to the sea, as well as to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives and the important ways people can help protect it.
- The United Nations General Assembly designated 8 June as World Oceans Day by its resolution 63/111 of 5 December 2008.
- The theme of the first World Oceans Day organized by the United Nations in 2009 was ‘Our Oceans, Our Responsibility’.
Ocean:
According to the UN:
- The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.
- The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind.
- Oceans produce about 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen and are home to earth’s biodiversity. It is the main source of protein for over 1 billion people in the world. By 2030, about 40 million people will earn a living by being employed in ocean-based industries.
- Oceans also absorb nearly 30 percent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, which helps in mitigating global warming.
- However, over the years, oceans had to witness 90 percent depletion of big fish populations and 50 percent destruction of coral reefs due to reckless human activities.