PIB Summary- 15th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

DRDO & Indian Army conduct successful trials of indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System

Context

DRDO’s Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) successfully completes trials, demonstrating superior performance and it’s readiness for Indian Army induction.

Additional information on this news:

• The Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system, developed by DRDO, underwent extensive field evaluations with various flight configurations.
• Successful missile firing trials were conducted to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements of the Indian Army.
• Warhead Flight Trials on April 13, 2024, at Pokhran Field Firing Range demonstrated remarkable performance.
• Penetration trials confirmed the capability of the Tandem Warhead System to defeat modern armored Main Battle Tanks.
• The system boasts day/night and top attack capabilities, along with a dual-mode seeker for enhanced effectiveness in tank warfare.
• Technology development and successful demonstrations have been completed, paving the way for Final User Evaluation Trials.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the achievement as a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced defense technologies.

What is Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system?

• The Man-Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system is a sophisticated weapon developed for infantry use.
• It is designed to destroy enemy tanks and armoured vehicles from a relatively short range.
• MPATGMs are lightweight and portable, allowing infantry units to carry and operate them effectively.
• They are equipped with advanced guidance systems and powerful warheads to ensure accuracy and effectiveness against armoured targets.
• The system enhances the infantry’s anti-tank capabilities, providing them with a potent weapon against armoured threats on the battlefield.

Advantages:

• Precision Targeting: MPATGMs offer precise targeting capabilities, enabling infantry units to accurately engage enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.
• Portability: Being man-portable, these missiles can be easily carried and deployed by infantry soldiers, providing flexibility in various combat scenarios.
• Versatility: MPATGM systems can engage both stationary and moving targets, making them suitable for a wide range of combat situations.
• Enhanced Lethality: With advanced warheads and guidance systems, MPATGMs deliver high lethality against armoured threats, increasing the effectiveness of infantry units.
• Increased Standoff Range: These missiles allow infantry soldiers to engage enemy tanks from a safe distance, reducing the risk to themselves and enhancing battlefield survivability.
• Tactical Advantage: MPATGMs provide infantry units with a significant tactical advantage by allowing them to neutralise enemy armour swiftly and effectively.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional anti-tank weapons, MPATGM systems offer a cost-effective solution for infantry units to counter armoured threats.
• Integration with Infantry Tactics: The portability and versatility of MPATGMs enable seamless integration with infantry tactics, enhancing overall combat effectiveness.
• Deterrence: The presence of MPATGMs acts as a deterrent against enemy armour, discouraging potential threats and contributing to overall battlefield dominance.
• Operational Readiness: With their lightweight design and ease of operation, MPATGM systems ensure high operational readiness, allowing infantry units to respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation celebrates 134th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti at Parliament House Lawns in New Delhi

Context

The celebration of the 134th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti at the Parliament House Lawn honors Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to social reform and Indian Constitution drafting.

Additional information on this news:

• The 134th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation near the Parliament House Lawn.
• Floral tributes were paid by dignitaries including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of India.
• The event was open to the public to pay homage to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue.
• Ambedkar Jayanti commemorates his 134th Birth Anniversary, acknowledging his roles as a social reformer, jurist, economist, and politician.
• Ambedkar played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution and advocated for marginalised communities.
• Ambedkar Foundation was established in 1992 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to promote Dr. Ambedkar’s ideologies.
• The Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) museum preserves and showcases his life, work, and contributions through exhibits and collections.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as a social reformer, jurist, economist, and politician:

Social Reformer:

• Championed the cause of social equality and fought against caste discrimination.
• Advocated for the rights of Dalits and marginalised communities.
• Led campaigns for the abolition of untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
• Emphasised education as a tool for social empowerment and upliftment.
• Founded the Independent Labour Party to address the concerns of workers and peasants.

Jurist:

• Drafted the Constitution of India, playing a pivotal role in shaping its legal framework.
• Advocated for fundamental rights, equality before law, and social justice.
• Established the concept of affirmative action to ensure representation for marginalised groups.
• He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
• Contributed significantly to the inclusion of provisions related to civil liberties, federalism, and parliamentary democracy.

Economist:

• Ambedkar had a doctorate degree in economics each from America’s Columbia University and the London School of Economics.
• Stressed the importance of economic equality and equitable distribution of resources.
• Advocated for land reforms to address agrarian inequalities and poverty.
• Proposed policies for industrialization and economic development, emphasising state intervention.
• Highlighted the need for social security measures and welfare programs for vulnerable sections.
• Emphasised the role of education and entrepreneurship in economic empowerment.

Politician:

• Founded the Independent Labour Party and the Scheduled Castes Federation.
• Served as the first Law Minister of independent India in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
• Played a key role in the formation and functioning of the Republican Party of India.
• Advocated for minority rights and representation in the political sphere.
• Instrumental in the enactment of laws such as the Hindu Code Bill, aimed at social reform and gender equality.