PIB Analysis for UPSC CSE
Topics Covered
- IN LCU L-56
- Microdots
1 . IN LCU L-56
Context : IN LCU L-56 Commissioned into the Indian Navy
About IN LCU L-56
- IN LCU L56, the sixth ship of the Landing Craft Utility(LCU) MK IV class was commissioned into the Indian Navy
- LCU 56 is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles, Troops and Equipment from ship to shore.
- These ships are based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, can be deployed for multirole activities like beaching operations, search and rescue, disaster relief operations, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands.
- LCU is equipped with two Indigenous CRN 91 Guns to provide artillery fire support during landing operations. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
- The LCU Mk-IV Class of ships are fitted with close to 90% indigenous content in line with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative towards achieving self-reliance and indigenisation.
- The Mk-IV LCU Vessels are a further improved version of the Mk-III LCU Vessels presently being used by the Indian Navy. The entire design of LCU Mark-IV ship has been developed in-house by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers as per requirements specified by Indian Navy.
2 . Microdot
Context :The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a draft notification GSR 521(E) dated 24thJuly 2019, amending Central Motor Vehicle Rules,allowing motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies to be affixed with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read physically with a microscope and identified with ultra violet light source.
About Microdot
- Microdot technology involves spraying the body and parts of the vehicle or any other machine with microscopic dots, which give a unique identification.
- Microdots are nano-size (0.5 mm) metal particles that will carry information including the personal identification number (PIN) or the vehicle identification number (VIN) so that these can be traced. Use of this technology will help check theft of vehicles and also use of fake spare parts.
- The technology involves spraying thousands of small dots laser-etched with a PIN or VIN throughout the body, and it’s almost impossible to remove these dots. These can only be detected using ultraviolet light.
- The notification says that the microdots, if affixed,will have to comply with AIS 155 requirements.
- The Microdot manufacturers in India will have to use at least 10 alpha-numeric characters and the adhesive and the coating material to be used would be such that the details etched would remain in a readable condition for at least 15 years after fitment.