Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 08 May 2023
- 4 min read
ALH (Advanced Light Helicopters) DHRUV
The three defense services and the Coast Guard had all grounded their ALH fleets after a Navy ALH-MkIII was ditched at sea on March 8, 2023, followed by a Coast Guard ALH also suffering an incident.
ALH Dhruv is a multi-role, twin-engine, utility, and advanced light helicopter designed and developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The major variants of ALH Dhruv are:
- Mk-I
- MK-II & Mk-III
- MK-III Maritime Role (Navy/ Coast Guard)
- MK-IV Armed version
Dhruv MkIII is fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment, which enable them to undertake the role of maritime reconnaissance in addition to providing long-range Search and Rescue, both by day and night. In addition to special operations capabilities, ALH MK III is also fitted with a heavy machine gun to undertake constabulary missions.
Read more: Dhruv MK III: Advanced Light Helicopter
Foreign Investment in Nuclear Power
A government panel, established by the Niti Aayog, has recommended that India should lift its ban on foreign investment in the nuclear power industry and increase involvement of domestic private companies.
Under India's Atomic Energy Act 1962, the government plays a central role in developing and running nuclear power stations. Domestic private companies are allowed to participate as "junior equity partners" by supplying components and helping build them.
Presently, India does not allow foreign investment in the nuclear power sector and State-run Nuclear Power Corp of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam are the only two nuclear power generators in India.
The panel has recommended changes to the act and to India's foreign investment policies so that both domestic and foreign private companies can complement nuclear power generation by public companies.
The aim is to reduce carbon emissions and nuclear is in focus because it can supply energy 24/7, unlike solar energy. Nuclear energy generation accounts for 3% of the total production while coal accounts for approx. 75%.
India is a signatory to international conventions on nuclear safety and will have to ensure that private companies comply with standards.
Read More: Revisiting the Need of Nuclear Energy
Malcha Mahal
The Delhi Tourism Department has launched its much awaited ‘haunted walks’, for which the Malcha Mahal was chosen as the first destination of the journey.
The Malcha Mahal or Wilahat Mahal is a Tughlaq-era hunting lodge, built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. It is situated 1.5 km from the main road, deep inside a forest in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. It is named after Malcha Marg, which houses the elite of the city, including diplomats, businessmen and authors.
Feroz Shah Tughlaq was a Sultan of Delhi from the Tughlaq dynasty who ruled from 1351 to 1388. He is more famous for commissioning buildings of architectural shapes that were seen as unconventional during his era. He was also considered the father of the irrigation system in India by the British for channelizing rivers to provide water through canals to a large part of the country.
Read More: Malcha Mahal
