09.05.19
INTERNATIONAL
Indian, French navies begin sea phase of ‘Varuna’ exercise
- India-France naval exercise -Varuna currently under way off the Goa coast is the largest ever undertaken by the two navies and represents the climax of the strengthened maritime co-operation between the countries.
- Indian naval ships Chennai, Mumbai, Tarkash, tanker INS Deepak and a submarine took to sea where the two navies will conduct extensive evolutions to further inter-operability and professional skills towards better maritime cooperation
- The first bilateral naval exercise between India and France was held in 1983 and it was named ‘Varuna’ in 2001.
Indian Navy joins exercises in South China Sea
- Navy ships INS Kolkata and Shakti carried out Group Sail with the naval ships of Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. in the South China Sea.
- The ships undertook various exercises en route which included formation manoeuvring, under way replenishment runs, cross-deck flying and exchange of sea riders.
- Air Force looks at buying advanced ‘bunker buster’ version of Spice-2000 bombs
NATIONAL
Air Force looks at buying advanced ‘bunker buster’ version of Spice-2000 bombs
- Indian Air Force is now planning to buy an advanced version of the Spice-2000 bomb, which can completely destroy buildings and bunkers.
- the Spice-2000 bombs were used in the Balakot strikes
- The Spice-2000 bombs have been acquired from Israel which is one of the main weapon and ammunition supplier of the Air Force.
Basava Jayanthi 2019
- Traditionally observed by the Lingayats in the Indian state of Karnataka, Basava Jayanthi marks the birth anniversary of Basavanna – a 12thcentury poet-philosopher who was the founding saint of the Lingayat sect. The day witnesses various celebratory events across states like Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Basava Jayanti is a government holiday in Karnataka.
- On occasion of Jayanthi people offers prayers to Lord Basaveshwar temples and Lingayat committees organise various events for celebration.
- At Kudalasangama, Basava Jayanti is celebrated for six to seven day. It is visited by many followers of Basavanna.
- In Basavanna temples several cultural and spiritual programs were also held.
BRO Celebrates 59th Raising Day on May 7
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the leading road construction agency under the defence ministry, Tuesday celebrated its 59th Raising Day and said it was fully geared up to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
- BRO executes road construction and maintenance works along the northern and western frontiers primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the army and is responsible for over 53,000 km of roads