12 Jan 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Swami Vivekananda
2. New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) Missile
3. ANUBHAV Awards
4. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu

1. Swami Vivekananda

Syllabus: GS-1, Modern History

Prelims: Swami Vivekananda

Context:

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti observed on January 12.

Details:

• January 12 is observed as ‘National Youth Day’ in honour of the birth anniversary of spiritual leader and venerated monk Swami Vivekananda.

Read more on Swami Vivekananda in the link.

2. New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) Missile

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile, DRDO

Context:

DRDO conducts successful flight test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast.

Details:

• DRDO conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
• The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. 
• During the flight test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. 
• It has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system.
• The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats. 
• Akash-NG has a range of around 80 km.

Read more on the AKASH missiles in the link.

3. ANUBHAV Awards

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance

Prelims: ANUBHAV Awards

Context:

The Government has notified the ANUBHAV Awards Scheme 2024.

About ANUBHAV Awards:

• The online platform ‘Anubhav Portal’ was launched in 2015 by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare for sharing experiences of retiring/retired Central Government employees while working with the Government.
• To participate in the awards scheme, retiring Central Government employees/pensioners are required to submit their Anubhav write-ups, 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement. 
• Thereafter, the write-ups will be published after assessment by concerned Ministries/Departments. 
• The published write-ups will be shortlisted for the Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates.

4. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu

Syllabus: GS-3, Infrastructure

Prelims: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu

Context:

PM inaugurates the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu bridge in Navi Mumbai.

About the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu:

• Formerly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (Atal Setu) has been built to improve connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
• The foundation stone was laid in 2016 and it has been constructed at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore.
• It is about 21.8 km long with 6 lanes having about 16.5 km length over the sea and about 5.5 km on the land. It is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in India.
• Atal Setu will also reduce the travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India. It will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port & Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Read previous PIB articles here.