Air to Air Missile ASTRA test fired successfully
Indigenously
developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra, was on
25th December, 2015 testfired successfuylly by the Indian Air force off
the coast of Odisha near the integrated test range (ITR), Balasore.
After carrying out some more trials the missile is expected to induct
into the air force in 2016. Astra is India’s first beyond visual range
air to air missile (BVRAAM), target at ranges of 37 Kms or beyond. It
has operational range of 60 Kms. It has been designed and developed by
DRDO. The 3.8 metre long missile is the smallest of the DRDO developed
missiles and can be launched from different altitudes.
PM visit to Pakistan
On
25 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Pakistan. He spent
two and half hours in Lahore to meet Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz
Sharif. The two leaders decided to take forward the dialogue process and
it was agreed that two foreign secretaries will meet in Islamabad in
the month of January. Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan to meet
Nawaz Sharif and wish him on his birthday.
Veteren Actress Sadhana passed away
Veteran
actress Sadhana (74) passed away on 25 December in Mumbai. Sadhana was
one of the top most charming leading ladies of the 1960s and 70s. She
was paired opposite all big heroes of her time including Joy Mukherjee,
Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, Manoj Kumar and Dev Anand. She mesmorised
audience with her beauty and performances in timeless hits like Hum
Dono, Love in Simla and Waqt.