Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 16 September 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the first phase of developmental field firing trials of the Indian Light Tank Zorawar.
In a post on X, PRO, Defence, Guwahati said, "DRDO successfully conducted developmental field trials of Indian Light Tank, Zorawar. The collaboration with Indian industry aids in the growth of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem."
The first phase of developmental field firing trials of Indian light tank 'Zorawar' was conducted by DRDO on Friday.
"Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on September 13, 2024, successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light Tank, Zorawar, a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas," as per a press release from the Ministry of Defence.
During the field trials conducted in the desert terrain, the Light Tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. In the initial phase, the tank's firing performance was rigorously evaluated and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets, the Defence Ministry stated.
Zorawar has been successfully developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L & T).
"Numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributed to the development of various sub-systems, showcasing the strength of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities within the country," Ministry of Defence stated in the release.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Indian Army, and all associated industry partners for the successful trials of the Indian Light Tank. He described the achievement as a significant milestone towards India's goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies, as per the Ministry of Defence.
Learning from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, DRDO and L & T have integrated USV and loitering munition in the Zoravar tank.
Initially, 59 tanks will be given to the army. Weighing 25 tonnes, this tank can move at high speed in mountain valleys and two tanks can be transported at a time by the Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft.
[Excerpt from Business Standard "DRDO Conducts Successful Trials of Indian Light Tank Zorawar" Dated 16/09/24]

Q1: What is the primary design purpose of the Zorawar light tank?
(a) For use in urban warfare
(b) For deployment in naval operations
(c) To operate in high-altitude and difficult terrains
(d) To serve as a primary battle tank in conventional warfare

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Q2: Which organizations were involved in the development of the Zorawar light tank?
(a) DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
(b) CVRDE and Larsen & Toubro Limited
(c) Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
(d) DRDO and Tata Motors

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Q3: Why did the Indian Army request 350 light tanks in 2021?
(a) To improve artillery capabilities
(b) To enhance mobility and flexibility in high-altitude regions
(c) To replace old tanks in the inventory
(d) To increase naval defense capabilities

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Q4: How did the Zorawar light tank perform in preliminary trials?
(a) It failed to meet accuracy standards
(b) It showed effective performance in tough conditions
(c) It had issues with mobility in desert conditions
(d) It was unable to perform firing tests

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Q5: Who is the Zorawar light tank named after?
(a) A famous Indian scientist
(b) A renowned Indian freedom fighter
(c) Zorawar Singh, a famous Dogra general
(d) A celebrated Indian writer

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