PIB Summary- 6th October, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missile System

Context
The Indian defence establishment recently initiated a tender for the procurement of 30 units of the indigenous Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system.

About Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system

• The VSHORAD missile system is intended to provide short-range air defense capabilities to protect ground forces, critical assets, and military installations from low-altitude aerial threats.
• It is primarily designed to engage and neutralize threats such as helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and low-flying aircraft.

Development and Origin:

• The VSHORAD missile system has been developed indigenously by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
• DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), located in Hyderabad, played a significant role in its development, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.

Users:

• The primary user of VSHORAD missiles in India is the Indian Army. It is designed to enhance the Indian Army’s air defense capabilities in a variety of operational scenarios.

Features:

• The VSHORAD missile system incorporates several advanced features and technologies, including:
  • Dual-band Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker: This seeker technology helps in tracking and engaging targets effectively.
  • Miniaturized Reaction Control System: This system aids in controlling the missile’s trajectory, ensuring accurate targeting.
  • Integrated Avionics: Advanced avionics systems enhance the missile’s guidance and control capabilities.
  • Dual-Thrust Solid Motor: The missile is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, which provides the necessary thrust for interception.
  • Portability: Both the missile and its launcher have been designed to be portable, allowing for quick deployment even in challenging terrain.

National Turmeric Board

Context
Recently, the Government of India has established the National Turmeric Board. 

About National Turmeric Board

The establishment of a National Turmeric Board in India is a significant step towards the development and expansion of the turmeric industry in the country. Here are some key points about the National Turmeric Board and its objectives:
Objective

• The primary objective of the National Turmeric Board is to promote the development and growth of the turmeric industry in India.

Composition

• The Board will consist of a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government.
• It will also have members from key government departments, including the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government.
• Additionally, the Board will include rotating senior State Government representatives from three states.

Industry Significance

• India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, accounting for approximately 75% of global turmeric production.
• India holds over 62% share of the turmeric world trade.

Key Producing States

• The largest turmeric-producing states in India include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Strategic Goals

• The National Turmeric Board has set ambitious goals, including the aspiration to increase turmeric exports to USD 1 billion by 2030.
• Achieving this target would not only benefit turmeric growers but also boost the overall Indian spice market.

Benefits

• The establishment of the National Turmeric Board is expected to bring several benefits, including better coordination, research, and promotion of the turmeric industry.
• It can lead to increased productivity, improved quality, and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian turmeric.