Missile to attack and destroy air targets:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile.
- The missile was tested at the Integrated Test Range in Chandigarh off the Odisha coast.
- The missile was monitored and tested using radar and electro-optical surveillance systems.
- The missile was jointly developed by DRDO and the Israel Aerospace Exploration Agency for military use.
Phase-II of Vibrant Villages Scheme:
- The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Scheme.
- The second phase of the Vibrant Villages Scheme, which is 100 percent centrally funded, has been approved.
- The first phase of the Vibrant Villages Scheme covers the development of villages in the northern border of the country.
- Apart from these villages, the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Scheme will help in the comprehensive development of other villages along the international land borders.
- The scheme will be implemented at a cost of Rs 6,839 crore by selecting strategically important villages in states and union territories including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal.
- The aim of the scheme is to ensure prosperous and secure borders, control cross-border crime, and create a better living environment and adequate livelihood opportunities.
April 5: National Maritime Day.
- National Maritime Day is observed on April 5 every year.
- On April 5, 1919, India’s first steamship (SS Loyalty) sailed from Mumbai to London.
- In memory of this, April 5 has been celebrated as National Maritime Day since 1964.
Important Facts:
- The Taj Mahal is the highest-earning monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- India is set to host the BIMSTEC Athletics Championships this year and the first BIMSTEC Games are set to be held in 2027.
- The number of falcons in Tamil Nadu has increased to 157.
- The unique tribal handicraft of Kerala, Kannadippaya, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) to ensure market protection and a global platform for this traditional product.
- Tamil Nadu has received GI for 6 items including Panruti jackfruit and Panruti cashew nuts.
- Tamil Nadu has received GI for 6 more items. Six items including Panruti jackfruit, Panruti cashew, Puliyankudi lemon, Virudhunagar samba vathal, Ramanathapuram Chithiraikar rice, and Chettikulam small onion have received Geographical Indication (GI) designation. With this, the number of items with GI designation in Tamil Nadu has increased to 68.