Current Affairs Note | ENTRANCE INDIA

Date – 01/03/2018

India successfully tests 3rd-gen anti-tank missile NAG in desert conditions

– Indigenously developed Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag was successfully test-fired in desert conditions against two tank targets at different ranges and timings. With this, the developmental trials of Nag missile have been completed and it is now ready for induction.

– ATMG Nag is one of five missile systems developed indigenously by DRDO under integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). The other four missiles are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi. It is manufactured by India’s sole missile producer, state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited.

– The Nag missile is third generation ATMG which works on “fire and forget” principle. It has operational range of 500m to 4km (Land version) and 7-10km (when air-launched).

– It is equipped with highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker along with integrated avionics. This technology is possessed by very few nations.

– It also possesses advanced passive homing guidance system. It has been designed mainly to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets. It can be launched from land and air-based platforms.

09/08/2017

Steps for Revival of Salt Farming Industry

In order to educate Salt manufacturers, to improve quality of salt, to meet global standards and to compete in the international market, the Government has established Model Salt Farms at Nawa in Rajasthan, Ganjam in Odisha and Markanam in Tamil Nadu. Whereas the Model Salt Farms at Nawa and Ganjam have been established in collaboration with the State Government concerned and Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar; the Model Salt Farm at Markanam has been established in collaboration with CSMCRI, Bhavnagar. Further, training is also being imparted to salt workers for skill upgradation. 28 such training programmes have been organized in the last 3 years thereby benefitting 780 salt workers and 40 master trainers.

The Government is providing financial assistance to salt workers for labour welfare and development works, as stipulated under code of principles framed for the purpose. An expenditure of Rs. 98.89 lakhs has been incurred through Salt Commissioner’s Organisation (SCO) on Labour Welfare and Development Works during the last 3 years. The expenditure made in the State of Gujarat is Rs. 30.46 lakhs for the said purpose during the said period.

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today