Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Posted 02 May 2024

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Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System

  • SMART system was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

 

  • About SMART
    • It is a Next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.
      • A torpedo is a type of missile or bomb fired underwater.
    • Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • It is a canister-based missile system and is equipped with parachute-based release system.
    • It consists of advanced sub-systems like two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, etc.
    • It will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo.
  • Tags :
  • SMART System
  • Torpedo

Middle-power

  • Middle powers, lacking a universally agreed-upon definition, typically rank below great powers but exert influence over global politics.
    • Great powers are countries with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
  • Middle powers have extensive diplomatic, economic, multilateral, and military heft.

 

  •  They comprise:
    • Global North countries like Australia, Canada and South Korea.
    • Global South nations like India,  Argentina, Brazil and Indonesia
  • Significance: Strengthen multilateralism; represent the voice of the global south, etc.
  • Tags :
  • Middle-power
  • Global South

Blue Hole

  • Researchers found evidence that Taam Ja' Blue Hole is the deepest in the world.
    • It is located in Mexico's Chetumal Bay, on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula.

 

  • About Blue hole
    • These are water-filled caverns that form below the seafloor. These are often found in coastal areas where the bedrock is prone to erosion.
    • They develop as ocean water seeps through cracks, dissolving minerals as they go, leading to sinkholes. Over time, they can grow quite large.
  • Other Prominent Blue Holes: Dragon Hole in the South China Sea, Great Blue Hole near Belize and the Dahab Blue Hole (Egypt).
  • Tags :
  • Blue Hole

Antarctic Treaty

  • India is set to host the prestigious 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
    • Meeting will be organised by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

 

  • About Antarctic Treaty:
    • Signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961.
    • Total Parties to the Treaty is 56.
    • India signed the treaty and received the consultative party status in 1983.
      • Enacted Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty. 
    • Key provisions: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes, Freedom of scientific investigation, etc.

 

  • Key Protocol and Conventions:  
    • Protocol on Environment Protection (Madrid Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty, 1991 
    • Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, 1980