Erra Matti Dibbalu

Erra Matti Dibbalu is dissected and stabilized coastal red sediment mounds, located between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Formation:

• Formed around 12,000 years ago due to sea-land interaction.
• Comprises a mixture of sand (40-50%), silt and clay (another 50%) with oxidation imparting the unique red colour.

Significance:

• They are geologically important as they represent the geological history of the late Quaternary period and carry the imprints of the fall of sea level and its subsequent rise, the impact of climate, monsoon and geological processes on the sediments.
• They are anthropologically and archeologically important as they possibly contain mesolithic and neolithic cultural materials as well.

Recognition:

• It was recognised as a national geo-heritage site in 2014 and as a protected site by the Andhra Pradesh Government in 2016.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance
• Other Similar Place: The only other place in the country to have a similar stretch of red sand dunes is Tamil Nadu, which has the Teri dune complex.

 There are 32 Geo-Heritage sites in India. They are lised below:

Missile Park 'Agneeprastha' to be set up at INS Kalinga

• Foundation Stone for a Missile Park "AGNEEPRASTHA" was laid at INS Kalinga .
• The Park also commemorates the award of the prestigious Unit Citation to INS Kalinga for the year 2018-19.
• ‘AGNEEPRASTHA’ aims to capture glimpses of Missile History of INS Kalinga since 1981 till date. 
• The Missile Park has been set up with a replica of missiles and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) that showcase the evolution of missiles handled by the unit. 
• The exhibits have been created from scrap / obsolete inventory which have been reconditioned in-house.
• The main attraction is P-70 'Ametist', an underwater launched anti-ship missile from the arsenal of the old 'Chakra' (Charlie-1 submarine) which was in service with IN during 1988-91.
• ‘AGNEEPRASTHA’ will also provide a one-stop arena for motivation and stimulation of inquisitive minds regarding the missiles and related technologies, from school children to Naval personnel and their families. 
• It is also intended to encourage a feeling of ownership and pride in the role of the Unit, and highlight the necessity of contribution of all personnel irrespective of rank/trade towards the overarching objective of ordnance availability, reliability and delivery on target, each and every time.

INS KALINGA

• INS Kalinga is an Indian Navy establishment reporting to the Eastern Naval Command.
• It is responsible for preparing, storing and delivering advanced missiles to ships of the Eastern Fleet.
• INS Kalinga was commissioned on 21 November 1985.
• INS Kalinga is located on the Visakhapatnam - Bheemunipatnam beach road about 40 kilometers north east of the Visakhapatnam Naval Base.

United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

• Major Suman Gawain, an Indian Army officer who served as a women peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2019 is being awarded the prestigious “United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” on 29 May 2020.
• She will receive the award from the UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres during an online ceremony being organised at the UN Headquarters, New York on the occasion of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. 
• Major Suman will be receiving this award along with a Brazilian Naval Officer Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo.
• Major Suman served as a Military observer in UNMISS from November 2018 to December 2019.
• While at the mission, she was the principal focal point of contact for gender issues for Military Observers in the mission.
• The officer encouraged participation in joint military patrols to maintain gender balance, irrespective of the hardships under extreme field conditions.

GENDER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

• The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles within the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
• 2016 marks the first year the award will be given out.
• The selection process for a recipient began in 2015 when the Office of Military Affairs, which sits within the Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in the United Nations, requested Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all DPKO peacekeeping missions to nominate a military peacekeeper whom they felt had best integrated a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities.

Port Antsiranana, Madagascar

• As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 27 May 2020. INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID-related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar.
• ‘Mission Sagar’ builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties.
• The deployment also resonates with the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR.