Current Affairs 25th March 2017

Current Affairs 25th March 2017 - Important Points

• Navy successfully test-fired Barak missile from - INS Vikramaditya
• International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed on - 25th March 2017

Current Affairs 25th March 2017 - Details

Navy successfully test-fired Barak missile from - INS Vikramaditya

The Indian Navy successfully test-fired the short-range Barak surface-to-air missile from the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The firing was conducted between 21st March and 23rd March 2017 as part of the 'Operational Readiness Inspection' of the Western Fleet by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command.

The missile was fired against a live low flying high speed target during the firing out in the Arabian sea.  The Indian Navy officials confirmed that Barak destroyed the target successfully. Barak Class Missiles are jointly developed by Israel and India.

Important Information

• INS Vikramaditya is acquired from Russia for over Rs 15000 crore rupees.
• During the NDA-I regime the deal for the warship was signed in 2004.
• The aircraft carrier was dedicated to the nation on 16th November 2013 after nearly 10 years.
• The ship was commissioned by the Union Defence Minister AK Antony at Sevmash shipyard of Russia.
• Length of this ship is about 284 meters and its beam is about 60 meters.
• It is capable of sustaining in the sea for about 45 days with total of 22 decks and it carries 1600 persons.
• This ship is named after the legendary emperor Vikramaditya, who ruled India about 2100 years ago.

 International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed on - 25th March 2017

The 2017 International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was observed on 25th March 2017 on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett.

This day aims to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen United Nations’ resolve to protect the UN staff and peacekeepers,  as well as their colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. As on 15th March 2015, 33 UN and associated personnel were detained by State authorities in 15 countries.

More on Alec Collett?

• Alec Collett was a former journalist worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985.  
• His dead body was found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in the year 2009.