PRELIMS

BARAK MAGEN SYSTEM

What is it: Barak Magen is a naval air defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

• Variant: It is the naval version of the Barak MX air defense family.
• Components:
  • Advanced radar system
  • Vertical missile launchers
• Three types of interceptors:
  • MRAD: Medium/Short Range
  • LRAD: Long Range
  • ER: Extended Range
  • Purpose: Provides protection against UAVs, cruise missiles, shore-to-sea weapons, and some ballistic missiles.
• Significance: Supplements other Israeli systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and upcoming Iron Beam (laser system).

50 YEARS OF CROCODILE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

• Launched: 1975, with FAO support
• Objective: Recover critically endangered crocodilian populations through habitat protection and captive breeding.
• Focus in Odisha:
  • Saltwater crocodiles – Bhitarkanik
  • Gharials – Satkosia
  • Muggars – Similipal

(Odisha is the only state to host all three species in the wild)

Crocodile Species in India

Conservation Milestones:

• Saltwater crocodiles: ~2,500 in the wild.
• Muggars: ~8,000–10,000 population.
• Gharials: India holds ~80% of global population (~3,000 individuals).

FASTag —BASED ANNUAL PASS

• Announced By: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• Launch Date: August 15, 2025
• Cost: ₹3,000
• Validity: 1 year or 200 toll plaza trips (whichever is earlier)
• Objective: Ensure hassle-free highway travel for private car owners.

About FASTag

• Managed by: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) & National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Tech: Uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) on windshields.
• Function: Auto-deducts toll at plazas to reduce congestion.

SAHITYA AKADEMI — YUVA & BAL PURASKAR

About Sahitya Akademi

• Established: March 12, 1954
• Legal Status: Autonomous body registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Function: India’s National Academy of Letters—promotes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.
• Awards:
  • Yuva Puraskar: Recognizes young authors under 35.
  • Bal Puraskar: For children’s literature.
  • Prize: ₹50,000 + engraved copper plaque.