NEWS 13-03-2019. News for 15-Mar(FRIDAY) Week 2 · 1. The indigenously developed Pinaka Guided Weapons System was successfully test fired at Pokhran. The successful trial gives a boost to the artillery capability of the Indian Army. The Pinaka Mark II has an increased range of 70-80km as opposed to the earlier 30-40km. · 2. India and Russia have signed an agreement for the leasing of Chakra III, an Akula Class nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years. The Chakra III will be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025. The addition of a nuclear-powered submarine is an attempt to bolster the naval prowess of the country as a counter to attempts being made by China to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean region. · 3. The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change has amended the Hazardous & Other Wastes Rules, 2016 to completely ban the import of solid plastic waste. The ban is in line with the principles of sustainable development and aims at discouraging the use of single-use plastics and in its place encourages the recycling of plastic waste to reduce the ecological burden overall. < < Back