GS – 2
Defense
MK 54 Torpedoes, AGM-84L Harpoon missiles US has cleared for sale to India:
- India plans to use the equipment requested in both the deals on the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I maritime aircraft.
The P-8I aircraft
- Boeing’s P-8s are designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
- The P-8s India version is called the P-8I, and helps the Indian Navy carry out important maritime operations.
- The aircraft can surpass 25,000 flight hours, and gives the Navy a significant edge in the strategically important Indian Ocean.
- India currently has eight of these aircraft and is scheduled to receive four more by 2022. One of these is expected to be delivered this year.
- In June 2019, the Ministry of Defence placed an order for ten more of these aircraft.
- The aircraft has a length of 40 meters and can fly at a speed of 789 km/hour.
- They are stationed at INS Rajali and a secondary station is being set up at INS Kochi.
What is the MK 54 lightweight torpedo?
- Previously, the MK 54 lightweight torpedo was known as the Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo (LHT). It weighs around 608 pounds, while its warhead weighs around 96.8 pounds and is highly explosive. These torpedoes are used by US surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and are their primary anti-submarine warfare weapon.
- the primary use of this equipment is for offensive purposes when deployed by anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters, and for defensive purposes when deployed by ships and against fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and slow-moving, quiet, diesel-electric submarines.
What are AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles?
- The Harpoon missile system will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces. India will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.”
- According to Boeing, the Harpoon was initially developed for the US Navy in 1983 and was later adapted for use on the B-52H bombers. The Harpoon was first deployed in 1977 and is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system.
- This missile is being used by Armed forces in over 30 countries across the world and Boeing has delivered over 7,000 Harpoon missiles to date.
- Further, the Harpoon missile uses GPS-aided inertial navigation to hit the designated target. Its warhead weighs over 500 pounds and is capable of delivering lethal firepower against targets, including land-based targets, coastal defence sites, surface-to-air missile sites, exposed aircraft and industrial or port facilities.
National
COVID – 19 training program:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a training program on COVID-19 from 17 April 2020 for healthcare professionals from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.
- This program is carried out by the central government’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
- The training program is in line with PM Modi’s vision on #PrepareNotPanic for #SAARCfightsCoronoa, @MEAIndia announces e-@ITECnetwork training programs on #COVID19 for healthcare professionals for @SAARCsec countries starting 17 April 2020.
- India proposed setting up of a common electronic platform for all SAARC nations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- All the SAARC countries will share expertise and best practices to jointly combat the spread of coronavirus.
ITEC programme
- Established in 15th September 1964.
- The ITEC program was aimed to establish relations of mutual concern and inter-dependence based on commonly held ideals and aspirations and on solid economic foundations. The program is fully funded by GoI.
Section 51: Disaster Management Act:
- A per Lock down 2.0, The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines such as wearing masks in public places mandatory.
- Spitting has been made punishable under Section 51 of Disaster Management Act. Refusal to abide by the order shall lead to imprisonment till one year.
Section 51: Under the section, a person denying to obey orders passed under the act is punishable.
Why Disaster Management Act?
- In Bihar, Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Assam and Nagaland have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products.
- With COVID-19 made a “notified disaster”, order passed under the Disaster management act applies to whole of India.
Health and welfare
India joined hands with World Health Organization:
- India joined hands with World Health Organization to implement National Polio Surveillance Network to contain COVID-19. Along with COVID-19, the team will also work on elimination of tuberculosis and othe diseases.
- With National Polio Surveillance Project, India eliminated polio in 2014. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with World Health Organization is to now use the project to control the spread of COVID-19.
About National Polio Surveillance Project
- The Project was launched in 1997.
- The project aimed to cover 100% of immunization in the country. The project worked with the help of UNICEF, Rotary international and launched large scale immunization programme.
- In 2009, India accounted to 50% of world polio cases.
- The disease was controlled through intensive awareness campaigns.
- The false beliefs among citizens that polio vaccine causes impotency in children were removed through this campaign.
G20 Finance Ministerial Meeting:
- Indian Finance minister attended G20 Finance Minister Meet.
- The Minister shared the policy measures being implemented by the Government of India and RBI.
What is the Action plan?
- To deliver comprehensive IMF support package
- To implement support of multilateral development banks
- To address debt vulnerabilities in low-income countries
- To enhance coordination among international organizations
- To optimize use of resources
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