S-400 Air Defence System Context: India has received the fourth squadron of the Russian made S-400 air defence system, strengthening the country's long-range air defence network. The delivery is part of a agreement $5.43 billion signed between India and Russia in 2018 for the acquisition of five S-400 regimental systems. About S-400 Air Defence System It is a highly mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Developed by a Russian government-owned enterprise. The system is capable of defending against a wide variety of aerial threats such as drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, rockets, and fighter aircraft. Key Features: Comprises a command and control unit, advanced tracking and targeting systems, missile launchers, and supporting vehicles. Range:Can engage aerial targets up to 400 km, with surveillance capabilities extending to about 600 km. Can track and engage up to 80 targets simultaneously. Altitude coverage: Up to 30 km. Current Facts The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), located in Jammu, is gearing up to host the 4th Lavender Festival under the theme "Lavender Goes Global." Udham Singh Convicted (1940) On June 4, 1940, the revolutionary freedom fighter Udham Singh was formally convicted in a London court for the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer on March 13, 1940, at Caxton Hall in London, England. Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab responsible for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. GeM Portal Launched: In 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Aim: It is a dedicated digital e-commerce portal for mandatory procurement and sale of goods and services by Central and State Government Organisations/Departments/PSUs. Objective: GeM seeks to establish a transparent, efficient, and inclusive procurement ecosystem, replacing the traditional Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D). Other Features Automated rule-based enforcement of MSE provisions. Advanced analytics for decision support, fraud, and anomaly detection. Faceless, transparent…
