CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which operates the Agni-5, carried out the successful test of the missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The nuclear capable missile which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO).

Detailed explanation-2: -1) Astra is India’s first beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that is capable of engaging its target at ranges of 37 km or beyond. It has operational range of 60km. 2) It is an all-weather missile has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization.

Detailed explanation-3: -NGARM developmental trials will resume from 2020 after a gap of two years. The DRDO Anti-Radiation Missile or NGARM now officially named Rudram-1 was successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Balasore on 9 October 2020.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Agni-V project is aimed at boosting India’s nuclear deterrence against China which is known to have missiles like Dongfeng-41 having ranges between 12, 000-15, 000 km. Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia including the northernmost part of China as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range.