The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted the first of six indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, at Goa on 18 June 2026. The vessels are being constructed by Chowgule & Company Private Limited under a Ministry of Defence contract.
Key Highlights
First ACV inducted into ICG service in Goa.
Part of a contract for six indigenous hovercraft.
Contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. on 24 October 2024.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.
Bioeconomy Growth
India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.
Space Sector Achievements
Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.
Weather and Climate Services
Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.
Biotechnology and Healthcare
India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026
About LRLACM
LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.
What is a Cruise Missile?
A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile
Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.
[2023] Consider the following statements 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8-9 billion to USD 40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private participation, and innovation.
Key Highlights
India’s space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade.
The country currently has over 400 space startups, compared to only a handful a few years ago.
More than 125 startups and technology innovators participated in the RISE Conclave 2026.
Factors Driving Growth
Liberalisation and reforms in the space sector.
Increasing private sector participation.
Expansion of the startup ecosystem.
Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.
Focus on innovation-led growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s Space Achievements
Chandrayaan-3 established India among leading space-faring nations.
Gaganyaan is India’s upcoming human space mission.
India has demonstrated cost-effective execution of complex missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Space Technology in Governance
India is increasingly using space applications for development through:
PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.
Urban development programmes.
Drone-enabled monitoring systems.
Project implementation and monitoring.
Improved transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
PSLV Mission Anomaly
The analysis of the recent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) anomaly has been completed.
Causes have been identified.
Corrective measures have been initiated for future missions.
RISE Conclave 2026
Theme: “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Brought together researchers, startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Showcased innovations in Aerospace technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Deep-tech, and Agri-food technologies.
[2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN? I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity. II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management. III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
What is Project Kusha?
An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.
Objectives
Protect military assets and strategic installations.
Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Threats It Is Expected to Counter
Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[A] An Israeli radar system
[B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
[C] An American anti-missile system
[D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have discovered a new mechanism to generate and control spin currents using sound waves, opening avenues for low-power computing, spintronics, and quantum technologies.
Key Highlights
Researchers developed a method to generate magnon-based spin currents using Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs).
The study was published in Physical Review B.
It offers a pathway towards Energy-efficient electronics, Quantum computing, Next-generation communication technologies.
Why is this Important?
Limitations of Conventional Electronics: Traditional electronics use: Movement of electric charge (electrons)
Problems: Heat generation, Energy loss, Reduced efficiency at smaller scales
What is Spintronics?
Spintronics (Spin Electronics) is a technology that uses the Spin of electrons. Along with their charge to process and store information.
Advantages
Lower power consumption.
Faster processing speeds.
Reduced heat generation.
Higher data storage density.
What are Magnons?
Magnons are Quanta of spin waves or collective disturbances in the magnetic ordering of a material.
What are Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs)?
Surface Acoustic Waves are Sound waves that travel along the surface of a material.
Characteristics
Cause tiny mechanical vibrations.
Commonly used in: Mobile communication filters, Sensors, Signal processing devices.
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
Scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics used over 100 years of observations from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to study how convection patterns on the Sun are linked to the 11-year solar activity cycle.
Key Highlights
Study based on: More than 34,000 Ca II K solar images.
Published in: Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Researchers examined:
Lane widths
Intensities
Their relation with sunspot numbers and solar cycles.
Note: The 34,000 Ca II K solar images mean a historic, 100-year-old archive of solar photographs from India’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory that scientists recently digitized and used to solve mysteries about the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle.
What are Supergranulations?
Large-scale convection patterns on the Sun’s surface.
Form network-like structures on the solar surface.
Features
Average lifetime: Around 24 hours.
Average size: About 30,000 km.
Cooler intergranular lane width: Around 6,000 km.
Note: An intergranular lane is the darker, cooler region found between bright granules (bright cellular structures visible on the Sun’s surface) on the Sun’s surface.
Major Findings
Correlation with Solar Cycle
Lane widths and intensities strongly correlate with Sunspot activity.
Latitude Dependence
Strongest correlations observed around ±11° to ±22° latitudes.
Peak lane-width correlation 18°N and 20°S.
Peak intensity correlation 13°N and 14°S.
Time Lag
Lane width correlations peak:
During solar maximum.
Intensity correlations peak:
1.25 to 1.5 years after solar maximum.
Lag varies with latitude:
Near zero around ±20°.
Increases toward equator.
Significance of Study
Helps understand:
Solar dynamics
Magnetic flux transport
Solar irradiance variations.
Important for:
Future solar cycle prediction.
Understanding UV radiation changes from the Sun.
Confirms:
Supergranular properties are influenced by solar magnetic activity.
About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Located in: Kodaikanal.
Known for: One of the world’s longest continuous solar observation datasets.
Operated by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
About Solar Cycle
The Sun undergoes an approximately: 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.
Characterized by variation in:
Sunspots
Solar flares
Solar radiation.
Solar maximum: Period of highest solar activity.
Solar minimum: Period of lowest solar activity.
[2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?: 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3. Power grids could be damaged. 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below;
Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences and collaborating institutions discovered how a catalyst changes its structure during water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The study was published in Materials Horizons.
Key Highlights
Researchers studied:
Molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C), an earth-abundant catalyst used in hydrogen production.
Molybdenum Carbide is a compound made of molybdenum and carbon that acts as an efficient catalyst in hydrogen production and other industrial chemical reactions
Key Features
Considered an earth-abundant catalyst because molybdenum is more available and cheaper than precious metals like platinum.
Exhibits platinum-like catalytic properties in some reactions.
Has high thermal stability and good electrical conductivity.
Role in Hydrogen Production
Mo₂C is widely studied for: Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in water splitting.
Electrochemical production of green hydrogen.
Improving efficiency while reducing dependence on expensive noble-metal catalysts.
About Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)
HER is the electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is produced from water during electrolysis.
It occurs at the cathode. (The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs and hydrogen gas is produced.)
Note: Anode: The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs. In water electrolysis, oxygen is produced at the anode through the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER).
Efficient catalysts are required to reduce energy consumption and improve hydrogen production efficiency.
About Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources through electrolysis of water.
It is considered a clean fuel because it emits no carbon dioxide during use.
[2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?
Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute developed a biodegradable nanomedicine platform capable of silencing cancer driving genes in breast cancer cells, offering a promising precision oncology therapy.
Key Highlights
Research published in: Advanced Healthcare Materials.
Developed under: Department of Science and Technology.
Uses: Targeted gene silencing strategy.
Aim: Effective tumour inhibition with minimal toxicity.
What is Nanomedicine?
Nanomedicine refers to the use of nanoscale materials and technology for:
Side effects associated with conventional therapies.
Key Technology Used
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Biodegradable nanoparticles with:
High drug loading capacity.
Tunable surface chemistry.
Used to deliver: Small interfering RNA (siRNA).
What is siRNA?
Small interfering RNA (siRNA): Molecules that silence specific genes by preventing protein production.
Used in:
Gene therapy
Cancer treatment research.
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology 2.Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education launched applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract global Indian talent into India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Key Highlights
The scheme aims to connect:
Indian origin researchers and professionals working abroad with:
India’s higher education and research institutions.
Focus areas include:
Research
Innovation
Technology development.
Objectives of PMRC Scheme
Strengthen: India’s research ecosystem.
Promote: International academic collaboration.
Enhance: Innovation in strategic sectors.
Support: Mission oriented research in national priority areas.
Thematic Areas Covered
The scheme focuses on 13 national priority sectors including:
Artificial Intelligence
Quantum Computing
Semiconductors
Cybersecurity
Biotechnology
Healthcare and MedTech
Space and Defence
Advanced Materials
Blue Economy
Atomic Energy
Climate Change and Sustainability.
[2018] Consider the following statements : Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
