13th JUNE 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
Iron Smelting Furnace Discovered During 11th Phase of Keezhadi Excavations
- The 11th phase of excavations at Keezhadi has been underway since last March. Previous stages of the excavation have yielded iron artifacts and traces of their use; furthermore, evidence suggesting the existence of an iron smelting facility has been found.
- Operations are currently being conducted across an area of approximately one and a half acres, involving nine excavation trenches.
- As part of these efforts, an ancient furnace has now been discovered. This furnace was used to smelt iron ore and shape the metal into desired forms for various applications.
- The current Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, is set to retire upon the completion of his tenure on June 30. Following this, the Central Government has announced that Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth will assume office as the new Chief of the Indian Army starting from the afternoon of June 30. Reports indicate that he will hold this position until August 31, 2028.
- An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Dheeraj Seth began his career in the Indian Army's Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over his 40-year military career, he has gained extensive experience leading key units in various challenging border regions.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an agency of the Union Government, achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing next-generation, multi-layered missile defense capabilities on the 10th and 11th of the month.
- Through these tests, India has demonstrated to the world its capability to intercept and destroy intercontinental ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles.
- Three consecutive missile tests were conducted to counter threats approaching from both within and outside the atmosphere. With this achievement, India has joined the exclusive league of nations possessing a state-of-the-art missile defense architecture a capability held by only a few countries globally.
- These missiles have been developed as a protective shield for the nation's critical military and civil infrastructure under the strategic initiative known as 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra'.
