28 Apr 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

April 28th, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
2. Python-5
3. Exercise Varuna 2021

1. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

Context:

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund applications cross the Rs. 8,000 crore mark; sanctions cross Rs. 4000 crore mark.

Get more information on the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund in the link.

2. Python-5

Context:

DRDO conducts maiden trial of Python-5 Air to Air Missile.

About Python-5:

• Python is a family of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
• Now, India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has added the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile in its air-to-air weapons capability.
• Python 5 is the newest member in the range of Python AAMs.
• The successful trials were conducted by the DRDO in Goa.
  • Prior to these trials, extensive missile carriage flight tests were conducted at Bengaluru to assess integration of the missile with aircraft systems on board the Tejas, like avionics, fire-control radar, missile weapon delivery system and the flight control system.
• The missile can engage enemy aircraft from very short ranges and near beyond visual range.
• Python-5 is considered among the most sophisticated guided missiles in the world.

3. Exercise Varuna 2021

Context:

Exercise Varuna 2021 concluded.

About Exercise Varuna:

• Exercise Varuna is an Indo-French naval exercise that is held annually since .
• 2021 was the 19^th edition of the exercise and it was held in the Arabian Sea.
  • From the Indian Navy’s side, INS Kolkata guided missile stealth destroyer, INS Tarkash and INS Talwar guided missile frigates, INS Deepak Fleet Support Ship, with Seaking 42B and Chetak helicopters, a Kalvari-class submarine and P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated.
• The “Varuna” joint exercise is part of the Clemenceau 2021 deployment the French Navy is conducting from February to June 2021 in the eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf and the Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea).
  • Its goal is to contribute to the stabilization of strategic zones and strengthening cooperation with the navies of partner countries, in particular India for the Indian Ocean component.
  • As part of this deployment, the carrier strike group is also taking part in anti-ISIS operations.
• The bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1983 and it was christened ‘Varuna’ in 2001.

Read previous PIB here.

April 28th, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here