Samudra Pradakshina Context: The Raksha Mantri recently flagged in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, the first-ever tri-service all-women sailing expedition to circumnavigate the world, through video conferencing. About Samudra Pradakshina Samudra Pradakshina is the first all-women global circumnavigation sailing expedition involving officers from all three armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The expedition united women officers from the three Services on a single historic mission. It was led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, while Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju served as the Deputy Expedition Leader. The journey began from the Gateway of India, Mumbai, on 11 September 2025. The team sailed on the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. After 314 days at sea, the nine women officers returned to Mumbai on 22 July 2026, completing a journey of around 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. Major Achievements The expedition successfully completed all the internationally accepted conditions for a world circumnavigation by: Crossing all lines of longitude (meridians). Crossing the Equator two times. Crossing the International Date Line. Sailing around the Three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), Cape of Good Hope (Africa) Special Achievement The team safely crossed the Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, one of the world's toughest sea routes. Because of this achievement, the crew became members of the prestigious Cape Horners fraternity, an honour given to sailors who successfully navigate this challenging route. Success Factors The expedition became successful due to: Nearly two years of rigorous training. Careful planning and preparation. Continuous 24×7 support from the shore-based team throughout the mission. Project Kusha Context: DRDO successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenous 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, strengthening India's air defence capability. About Project Kusha Project Kusha, also called the Extended Range Air…
