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Another MIG 21 Squadron Will Be Phased Out

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Another MIG 21 Squadron Will Be Phased Out

Q: Q4. LCA Mk-1As is developed by?

Answer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Utkarsh Classes

Updated: 31 Oct 2023

3 Min Read

Another MIG 21 Squadron Will Be Phased Out

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retired one of its three remaining squadrons of the aging MiG-21 fighters. The No. 4 Squadron based at Uttarlai in Rajasthan has phased out the latest MiG-21 Bisons.

These aircraft will gradually be replaced by the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A aircraft. The IAF had already phased out the Bisons of the Srinagar-based No. 51 Squadron a year ago.

About MiG-21 Bisons

The No. 4 Squadron has operated the MiG-21 since 1966, but it is now being re-equipped with the Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft.
After this, only three squadrons of the MIG 21 Bison planes will remain in service and will be phased out by 2025, with one squadron being retired each year. The two remaining squadrons, based at Bikaner and Suratgarh in Rajasthan, will also be phased out by 2025. A squadron typically consists of 16 to 18 fighter planes.
The MiG-21 Bison aircraft were spotted for the last time in the skies of Uttarlai in Barmer district of Rajasthan, marking an end of an era.
The air force received its first single-engine MiG-21 in 1963 and inducted 874 Soviet-origin supersonic fighters to bolster its combat potential.

Problem with MiG-21

Over 400 MiG-21s have crashed, resulting in the deaths of almost 200 pilots in the past 60 years.
These planes have crashed more often than any other fighter planes because they formed the bulk of the fighter fleet in the IAF's inventory for a long time, and the air force had to keep its MiG-21 fleet flying longer than it would have liked due to delays in the induction of new aircraft.
The Soviet Union designed the MiG series of fighter jets, which India inducted in 1963, for a total of 874 planes.
However, more than 400 MiG-21s have been involved in accidents that have claimed the lives of around 200 pilots during the last six decades.
One of the main reasons for the high rates of crashes is the largest number of planes in the IAF. The IAF has been forced to fly the Mig-21 despite the fact that it has outlived its age.

LCA Mk-1As Will Replace the MiG-21

The LCA Mk-1As, which will replace the MiG-21s, will be inducted by the IAF next year onwards. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has the capacity to build 16 LCA Mk-1As every year in Bengaluru, and a new production line in Nashik will help the firm ramp up production to a total of 24 jets.
The first Mk-1A will be delivered to the IAF in February 2024, and the last of the 83 on order by 2027-28. In early October, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, announced plans to order 97 more LCA Mk-1As.
Now, the government plans to replace the MiG-21 plane with various versions of the indigenously developed Tejas fighter aircraft.

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Utkarsh Classes’ National Current Affairs provides the most relevant and updated coverage of important national news for all government competitive exams, including RPSC RAS, SSC, RRB ALP, RRB Group D, NTPC, Defence, Teaching, Banking, and other State and Central-level exams. Aspirants can enhance their understanding of central government policies, national welfare schemes, political developments, and social issues that shape India today.

Here, you’ll get the most accurate updates on current affairs topics, including Economy, Polity, Science & Technology, Environment, Awards & Honours, Appointments, and major national events, all in one place.

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National current affairs play a big role in preparing for government exams for several reasons:

Direct Link with the Exam Syllabus: Almost all government exams, like RAS, UPSC, SSC, Railway, Defence, and Teaching (like PTET, REET, Grade 1, etc) include national current affairs and static GK questions based on the current affairs as an essential part of the syllabus. Understanding recent events in India helps candidates manage both static and dynamic sections effectively.
Improves understanding and thinking ability: For aspirants preparing for administrative services (Like RPSC RAS, UP PCS, UPSC IAS, etc.), it’s important to understand how national policies, laws, and reforms influence governance and public welfare. Analysing these national developments enhances problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
Helps in Interview and Mains Answer Writing: During interviews for various government exams (like BPSC, UPSC, RPSC RAS), candidates are often asked questions based on the National current affairs and their implications on society, economy, and governance. A good command of current events enables you to express well-informed opinions in interviews as well as descriptive papers.
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Environment and Sustainability: Get updates on climate policies, biodiversity efforts, renewable energy projects, and India’s national commitments under environmental conventions.
Awards, Appointments, and Important Days: Revise national-level awards (Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna), key appointments, and major national important days that are frequently covered in current affairs for competitive exams.

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Preparing for national current affairs becomes easy if you follow this planned approach:

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FAQs

Why are National Current Affairs important for government exams?

National current affairs are important for government exams because they cover important recent National news, policies, and developments frequently asked in exams. Staying updated with them strengthens your general awareness, helps you think better, and supports you in both objective and descriptive parts of the competitive exams.

How many months of National Current Affairs should I study for exams?

You should prepare at least 6 to 12 months of National Current Affairs for all competitive exams.

What type of National Current Affairs questions are asked in exams?

Most exams include questions on National Current Affairs, such as government schemes, new appointments, national awards, events, health and schemes, and economic policies.

Are Utkarsh’s National Current Affairs PDFs useful for all exams?

Yes, Utkarsh’s National Current Affairs PDFs are useful for all exams that include India GK or General Awareness subjects.

How does Utkarsh Classes help in preparing for National Current Affairs?

Utkarsh Classes provides daily current affairs news and free downloadable PDFs of National Current Affairs to make your preparation and revision easier.