Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 23 Oct 2023

IMPHAL-Third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B

The delivery of the third Project 15B Indigenous Destroyer Imphal to the Indian Navy is significant as it is a part of India's ongoing efforts to modernize its navy.

  • The Project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers commissioned in the last decade. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.
  • It is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, and is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).
  • The Imphal is the third ship in the series of four Project 15B destroyers being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under the 'Make in India' initiative.
  • The purpose of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles on the Imphal destroyer is to provide the Indian Navy with a highly capable and versatile weapon system.

Read More: Project 17A, Agni 5 Ballistic Missile

Gujarat’s Dhordo - Best Tourism Village

Dhordo has been conferred the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Dhordo received this title at the Best Tourism Village - 2023 award ceremony organized by the UNWTO at Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

  • The village has become a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, and the famous Rann Utsav.
  • The UNWTO awards the title of "Best Tourism Village" to villages that meet certain criteria.
    • The criteria include promoting sustainable tourism, preserving local culture and heritage, providing a safe and welcoming environment for tourists, and offering unique experiences to visitors.
    • Additionally, the village must have a well-developed tourism infrastructure and must be able to demonstrate its commitment to responsible tourism practices.

Read More: World Tourism Day, UN Specialized Agencies

Cyclone Tej Intensifies

Cyclone Tej, initially forming over the Arabian Sea, has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, with projections indicating a northwestward trajectory and an expected landfall near Al Ghaidah (Yemen).

  • The name 'Tej,' which means 'speed' in Hindi, was chosen by India.
  • A yellow alert has been issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD) for eight districts in Kerala, warning of heavy rains.
  • IMD, established in 1875, is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • IMD uses colour- coded weather warning to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause damage, widespread disruption or danger to life.

Read more: Colour-Coded Warnings by the IMD

Collisions Between Chinese and Philippine Vessels

Tensions in the South China Sea escalated as China and Philippines traded accusations following two collisions between Chinese vessels and Philippine boats during a resupply mission near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Read more: South China Sea