Why in the News?
- Taragiri, the fourth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) indigenous stealth frigate, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.
About Taragiri (Yard 12653)
- Third P17A ship built by MDL.
- Named after the erstwhile INS Taragiri (Leander-class), which served 1980–2013.
- Represents major strides in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with 75% indigenous content.
- Over 200 MSMEs involved; employment generated:
- ~4,000 direct, 10,000+ indirect.
Project 17A (P-17A)Â
- Follow-on of P17 Shivalik-class frigates.
- Total ships: 7
- Aim: Advanced stealth, multi-mission, blue-water capability.
| With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)
1. It is surface-to-surface missile.Â
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.Â
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500km away.Â
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Â
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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 Why in the News?
- Key tests for Samudrayaan, India’s first manned deep-ocean submersible, have been delayed due to the late procurement of syntactic foam cladding from France. The crucial 500-metre test dive is now expected by mid-2025 (around April).
What is syntactic foam?Â
- A special composite material made of hollow micro-balloons embedded in resin. Provides high buoyancy & resistance to extreme pressure → essential for deep-sea vehicles.
About Samudrayaan
- Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
- Aim: Conduct manned exploration of deep-sea resources and collect soil & rock samples from the ocean floor.
Features of the Manned Submersible (MATSYA-6000)
- Capacity: 3 persons
- Maximum Depth: 6,000 metres
- Hull Material: Titanium sphere (final version)
- Buoyancy: Achieved using syntactic foam
- Purpose:
- Deep-sea mineral exploration
- Study of polymetallic nodules
- Geological and biological sample collection
Depth Significance
- Only a few countries (USA, Russia, China, Japan, France) have undertaken comparable manned dives.
| The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of (2015)
(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian DefenceÂ
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean RimÂ
(c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antartic regionÂ
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region |
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Why in the News?
A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025.
About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)
General Features
- Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow.
- Distinctive markings:
- Males: black head + reddish breast band
- Females: reddish flank streaks
Breeding Range
- Breeds across the northern Palearctic region.
- Prefers wet coniferous woodlands.
Migration Pattern
- Winters in SE Asia & East Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern China).
- Shows altitudinal migration.
- Extremely rare visitor to India; usually recorded only in:
- Northeast India
- Himalayan belt (Ladakh, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh)
Status in India
-
- Very few sightings historically: Ladakh (2023, 2024), Arunachal Pradesh (2025), Kashmir (2022) and Jammu & Kashmir’s Kangan (2022 — fifth record for India).
- First Ever Record for Delhi NCR
-
- Sighted at Najafgarh Jheel, confirming its first occurrence within a 100 sq km NCR radius.
IUCN Status
- 2025 IUCN Red List:
- Status changed from Vulnerable → Near Threatened
- Reason: Decline has slowed down over the last decade.
|
| Consider the following: (2014)
1. BatsÂ
2. BearsÂ
3. RodentsÂ
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?Â
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above |
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 Why in the News?
India on 28 November 2025 signed a ₹7,995-crore follow-on support package with the United States for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The deal comes amid recent tensions after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
Key Highlights of the Deal
- Signed under: U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
- Documents signed: Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs).
- Duration: 5 years.
- Purpose: Long-term sustainment support for MH-60R helicopters.
What the Sustainment Package Includes
- Provisioning of spares, support equipment, training, technical support.
- Repair and replenishment of components.
- Setting up of intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.
- Improved operational availability and maintainability of the fleet.
About MH-60R Seahawk
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
- Type: Maritime variant of the Black Hawk helicopter.
- Features:
- All-weather capability
- Advanced avionics and sensors
- Multi-mission: ASW, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, search & rescue, logistics.
|
| Consider the following statements: (2009)
1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier.Â
2. INS Viraat is a submarine.Â
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?Â
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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