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GS Paper: Indigenization Of Technology

  • UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

    Why in the News?

    DRDO has successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3.

    UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

    About ULPGM-V3:

    • Overview: It is a fire-and-forget air-to-surface missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • Variants: It is an upgraded version of V1 and V2, with improved range, autonomy, and targeting precision.
    • Development: Collaboration by Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics, Newspace Research Technologies, and over 30 Indian MSMEs/startups.

    Key Features:

    • Weight: 12.5 kg
    • Range: 10 km (day), 2.5 km (night)
    • Accuracy: Passive homing infrared with HD dual-channel accuracy (~10 cm)
    • Warhead Options: Anti-armour, penetration-cum-blast, pre-fragmentation
    • Guidance: Fully autonomous with two-way datalink for mid-course updates
    • Environment: Operates in plains and high-altitude regions, day and night
    [UPSC 2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:

    I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None *

     

  • [20th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why India should address its propulsion gap

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Linkage: The question regarding Indo-US and Indo-Russian defense deals is relevant because India’s propulsion gap directly influences its choices and reliance on these foreign defense partners for critical military hardware like engines. Addressing the propulsion gap would reduce this dependency, enabling India to better assert its strategic autonomy and contribute to regional stability (such as in the Indo-Pacific) without being constrained by external supply chain pressures or technology transfer limitations from other nations.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is moving ahead quickly and is seen as a big step forward for the country’s aerospace sector. However, the excitement is being held back by a long-standing reliance on foreign engines. This same problem had earlier affected the HF-24 Marut and is now also troubling the LCA and AMCA fighter jet programs. Even after years of work and investment — including the unsuccessful Kaveri engine project and delays in getting engines from GE — India still depends heavily on other countries for engine technology. This not only affects military preparedness but also raises serious concerns about India’s ability to act independently in defence matters.

    Today’s editorial analyses the development of Indian fighter aircraft engines. This content would help in GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology) in the mains Paper.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, there is growing excitement around India’s AMCA stealth fighter, seen as a major aerospace milestone. However, concerns remain due to a long-standing reliance on imported engines since the HF-24 Marut.

    Why has India failed to develop its own jet engine? 

    • Technological Challenges in Engine Design: Jet engines require high thrust-to-weight ratios, thermal stability, and advanced metallurgy, which India has struggled to achieve. Eg: The Kaveri GTX-35VS engine, under development since 1989 by DRDO-GTRE, failed to meet performance benchmarks in thrust and thermal management even after 3,000 hours of testing.
    • Lack of Core Materials and Manufacturing Capability: India lacks access to critical technologies like single-crystal turbine blades, thermal barrier coatings, and advanced cooling systems, essential for high-performance engines. Eg: Negotiations with GE for F414 engine hit a roadblock because GE refused full transfer of these core technologies despite India’s demand.
    • Fragmented and Short-Term Funding: Defence R&D funding in India is project-specific and often lacks a long-term strategic vision, affecting continuity and innovation in complex projects. Eg: Despite spending over ₹2,032 crore on the Kaveri project over 35 years, no operational engine was produced due to inconsistent support and shifting goals.
    • Over-Reliance on Foreign Engines: Dependence on foreign suppliers has created a complacency in indigenous R&D, slowing domestic capability-building. Eg: India continues to rely on GE F404 and F414 engines for its LCA Tejas variants, instead of pursuing an urgent push for domestic alternatives.
    • Institutional Inertia and Missed International Collaborations: Bureaucratic rigidity and institutional pride have caused India to reject key collaborative opportunities for engine co-development. Eg: A proposed joint project with Safran (France) for developing an engine for AMCA and Tejas MkII was reportedly declined by DRDO.

    What is HF-24 Marut?

    The HF-24 Marut (meaning “Spirit of the Tempest”) was India’s first indigenously designed and built fighter jet, developed in the 1950s and 1960s by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

    What caused the HF-24 Marut’s underperformance?

    • Underpowered Engine: The Marut was equipped with British Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 703 turbojets, which lacked the thrust needed for supersonic performance. Eg: Designer Kurt Tank had envisioned a more powerful engine, but it never materialised, severely restricting the aircraft’s speed and payload capabilities.
    • Failure to Acquire Suitable Alternatives: Despite multiple attempts, India could not procure or co-develop a more suitable engine to enhance the Marut’s performance. Eg: Efforts to source a better engine from Egypt and Germany failed, leaving the Marut stuck with the underpowered Orpheus units.
    • Operational Limitations in Combat: The aircraft performed well in ground-attack roles, such as in the 1971 war, but its overall combat effectivenesswas limited by its propulsion shortfall. Eg: Indian Air Force veterans cited that the engine limitation was the Marut’s Achilles’ heel, preventing it from evolving into a full-spectrum fighter.

    How does engine import dependency impact India’s defence?

    • Delays in Defence Production and Induction: Dependency on foreign engines leads to project delays when there are supply chain issues or export restrictions. Eg: Delivery of 99 General Electric F404 engines for the LCA Mk1A was delayed by 13 months, pushing back aircraft induction timelines.
    • Limited Operational and Strategic Autonomy: India becomes vulnerable to geopolitical pressures and foreign policy decisions of engine-supplying nations. Eg: U.S. reluctance to share core technologies like single-crystal turbine blades restricts India’s ability to upgrade or export its fighter aircraft.
    • Constraints on Defence Exports: Exporting platforms equipped with foreign engines requires third-party approvals, limiting India’s potential in global defence markets. Eg: India’s ability to export Tejas is restricted by U.S. controls on the GE F404 engine, limiting defence diplomacy options.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Strategic Collaborations for Technology Transfer: India has initiated joint ventures and international collaborations to acquire advanced propulsion technology. Eg: During PM Modi’s 2023 U.S. visit, HAL signed a deal with General Electric to co-produce GE F414 enginesin India for the LCA Mk2 and AMCA programs.
    • Revival of Indigenous Engine Projects: The government has revived and restructured efforts to develop indigenous jet engines under DRDO’s GTRE. Eg: The Kaveri engine project was decoupled from the LCA program and is being explored for use in UAVs and future aircraft with potential foreign assistance.
    • Promotion of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: The Defence Ministry has prioritized self-reliance in critical technologies, including aero-engines, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Eg: Several defence PSUs and private players have been incentivized to develop components and sub-systemsfor aerospace platforms under Make in India schemes.

    What must India do to achieve propulsion self-reliance? (Way forward)

    • Establish Strategic Global Partnerships for Technology Transfer: India must engage in joint ventures with trusted international engine manufacturers to acquire critical technologies like single-crystal turbine blades and thermal barrier coatings. Eg: The proposed GE-HAL deal to manufacture the F414 engines in India should ensure full transfer of know-how to avoid long-term dependency.
    • Develop an Integrated Indigenous R&D Ecosystem: India needs to create a cohesive framework connecting DRDO, GTRE, academia, and private industry to focus on advanced propulsion R&D with long-term investment. Eg: Encouraging private sector participation in defence through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)platform can accelerate jet engine innovation.

     

  • What is Project Vishnu? 

    Why in the News?

    India is set to test the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), an advanced hypersonic missile developed by DRDO under the secretive Project Vishnu.

    What is Project Vishnu?

    • Overview: Project Vishnu is a top-secret initiative by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop hypersonic missile technologies.
    • Strategic Purpose: The project aims to enhance India’s strategic deterrence by delivering high-speed missiles capable of both conventional and nuclear roles.
    • Focus: It is specifically designed to counter threats from China and Pakistan, reinforcing regional strike capability.
    • Platform Flexibility: A core feature is multi-platform deployment, allowing the missile to be launched from land, air, and naval systems.
    • Integrated Technologies: It brings together scramjet propulsion, materials science, and precision guidance into a single hypersonic weapons system.
    • Doctrinal Alignment: It reflects India’s shift toward technology-driven warfare and supports its credible minimum deterrence doctrine.

    About the ET-LDHC Hypersonic Missile:

    • Overview: It is the flagship missile system under Project Vishnu.
    • Speed and Range: It reaches Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) and has a strike range of 1,500 km, making it nearly impossible to intercept with current defence systems.
    • Payload Versatility: It can carry 1,000–2,000 kg of conventional or nuclear warheads, allowing mission-specific configurations.
    • Propulsion: Powered by an indigenously developed scramjet engine, it uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, improving fuel efficiency and endurance.
    • Strike Capabilities: With evasive manoeuvrability and a flat trajectory, the missile is ideal for deep-penetration and precision attacks.
    • Next-Gen Materials: It is built from materials that withstand 2,000°C+ temperatures, ensuring oxidation resistance and structural integrity.
    • Launch Platforms: The missile is compatible with land systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels, offering operational flexibility.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

    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?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

  • Rudrastra UAV passes key army trial. 

    Why in the News?

    India advanced its indigenous defence tech with SDAL’s successful trial of the Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at Pokhran.

    Rudrastra UAV passes key army trial. 

    About Rudrastra:

    • Rudrastra is an indigenously developed Hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV built by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).
    • The UAV is engineered for deep-strike capabilities, capable of carrying out precision missions without endangering human soldiers.
    • It is tailored for anti-personnel roles, with airburst munitions designed to strike targets across hostile borders.
    • Rudrastra blends rotor-based vertical lift with fixed-wing cruise capability, enhancing deployment across diverse terrains.
    • It is considered a “stand-off” weapon, enabling missions deep into enemy territory with autonomous return capability.

    Key Features:

    • Hybrid VTOL Design: Can vertically take off and land like a helicopter and cruise like a fixed-wing aircraft, enhancing flexibility.
    • Extended Range: Demonstrated a total mission range of over 170 km, including loiter time over the target.
    • Real-Time Surveillance: Maintained a stable video link while covering a 50+ km mission radius.
    • Precision Strike Capability: Successfully deployed airburst munitions, effective for area damage and anti-personnel use.
    • Endurance: Achieved a flight endurance of 1.5 hours, ideal for extended ISR or strike operations.
    • Autonomous Navigation: Returned independently to the launch site after completing the mission.
    • Made in India: Fully developed by an Indian defence company, supporting indigenous innovation in combat drones.
    [UPSC 2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:

    I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None*

     

  • Defence production in India receives a fillip

    Why in the News?

    After Operation Sindoor, India’s military strike against Pakistan in May, there has been a lot of talk about strategy — but it has also given a strong boost to India’s defence sector, especially to private companies and small businesses (MSMEs) involved in defence manufacturing.

    What impact did Operation Sindoor have on the performance of defence company stocks?

    • Sharp Rise in Defence Stocks: Defence company stocks surged by nearly 21% in the week when India conducted Operation Sindoor, significantly outperforming the broader market’s 3.1% rise in the Nifty50 index during the same period.
    • Sustained Positive Momentum: In the week following Operation Sindoor, defence stocks continued to rise by 5.4%, whereas the Nifty50 index actually declined by 0.5%, showing sustained investor confidence in the defence sector.
    • Reversal of Previous Underperformance: Before Operation Sindoor, defence stocks were lagging behind the top 50 companies on the National Stock Exchange, but the operation acted as a catalyst that boosted their performance substantially.

    Why is the growth in India’s defence production and exports significant?

    • Enhances Self-Reliance: The growth signals India’s increasing capability to produce defence equipment domestically, reducing dependence on imports. Eg, defence production reached a record ₹1.3 lakh crore in FY24, showing strong progress in indigenous manufacturing.
    • Boosts Economic and Strategic Strength: Rising defence exports, which have doubled since FY20 and crossed ₹20,000 crore in recent years, help strengthen India’s global defence market presence and contribute to economic growth. The government’s export target of ₹30,000 crore for the current fiscal reflects this ambition.
    • Encourages Innovation and Industry Growth: Sustained double-digit growth since FY22 encourages innovation and investment in defence technology, benefiting both public and private sectors.

    How have private companies and MSMEs contributed to India’s defence sector in recent years?

    • Growing Share in Defence Production: Private defence companies increased their share of total defence production from about 20% in FY17 to nearly 24% in FY25, showing their expanding role in the sector. Eg, companies like Paras Defence and Space Technologies have become prominent players.
    • Leading Role in Defence Exports: Private firms now account for the majority share of defence exports due to export authorisations, helping India expand its footprint in the global defence market. Eg, several private companies contribute to exports of small arms and protective gear.
    • MSMEs as Key Component Suppliers: MSMEs supply crucial components to the defence industry, with government procurement from MSMEs doubling the target to ₹13,000 crore in FY25. Eg, MSMEs provided goods worth around ₹3,000 crore between FY18 and FY20, with larger orders thereafter.

    When did defence production begin steady growth?

    • Defence production contracted by 2.5% in FY20 (pre-pandemic).
    • Since FY22, defence production has been seeing consistent double-digit growth.
    • The growth momentum continues with production touching nearly ₹90,000 crore by December 2024 against a target of ₹1.6 lakh crore for FY25.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Promoting Domestic Manufacturing: The government has set ambitious targets to boost indigenous defence production, encouraging self-reliance. Eg, defence production crossed ₹1.3 lakh crore in FY24 and is targeted at ₹1.6 lakh crore in FY25.
    • Supporting MSMEs through Procurement: Mandatory public procurement targets have been set to ensure MSMEs receive steady orders and support. Eg, goods worth ₹13,000 crore were procured from MSMEs in FY25, more than double the target.
    • Encouraging Private Sector Participation: Policies have facilitated the growing involvement of private companies in defence production and exports. Eg, private companies increased their production share from 20% in FY17 to nearly 24% in FY25, and dominate defence exports.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Technology Upgradation and Innovation: Invest more in R&D and foster collaboration between public and private sectors to develop cutting-edge defence technologies, ensuring global competitiveness and self-reliance.
    • Strengthen MSME Integration and Export Support: Expand financial and policy support to MSMEs for scaling up production capacity and quality, and create dedicated export facilitation mechanisms to boost India’s defence exports further.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Defence manufacturing in India is still in a nascent stage. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

    Linkage: Recent data from the article clearly demonstrates a significant “fillip” in India’s defence production, directly linked with the “nascent stage” described in the 2014 PYQ. This 2014 question is highly relevant as it highlights a past perception that “defence manufacturing in India is still in a nascent stage. In this articel, the discussions on the efficacy and confidence in India’s home-grown defence capabilities have increased. Following “Operation Sindoor,” defence stocks of 18 companies on the Nifty Defence Index rose by almost 21% in a week in May, significantly outperforming the Nifty50 index.

  • AMCA Project

    Why in the News?

    The defence minister has cleared the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, where Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must now compete with private companies for the production contract under a new industry partnership model.

    amca

    About the AMCA Project:

    • Overview: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter being developed by ADA under DRDO.
    • Approval: The project received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval in March 2024, with a budget of ₹15,000 crore.
    • Timeline: The first prototype is expected by 2028–29, production by 2032–33, and induction by 2034.
    • Key Features:
      • Stealth design, internal weapons bay, and diverterless supersonic intake.
      • Payload: 1,500 kg internal and 5,500 kg external.
      • Fuel: Internal capacity of 6,500 kg.
    • Development Phases:
      1. AMCA Mk1 will use the GE F-414 engine.
      2. AMCA Mk2 will have a co-developed engine with France’s Safran.
    • Strategic Importance: AMCA will help India counter threats from regional powers like China, which already deploy J-20 and J-35 fighters.

    What are 5th Generation Fighter Aircrafts?

    • Definition: Fifth-generation fighters are the most advanced combat aircraft in service today.
    • Examples: Include the F-22 and F-35 (USA), Su-57 (Russia), and J-20 (China).
    • Core Features:
      • Stealth technology to avoid radar detection.
      • Beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities.
      • AI-based systems and automated battle management.
    • Roles: These jets can perform air combat, surveillance, and ground attacks with precision and multi-role capability.

    What does “Generation” mean in Fighter Aircrafts?

    • Classification: Fighter jets are grouped by technological advances that can’t be added through upgrades.
    • Evolution:
      • 1st–3rd Gen: Basic jets with limited speed and weaponry.
      • 4th Gen: Improved radar, manoeuvrability, and precision weapons (e.g., Rafale, Su-30MKI).
      • 5th Gen: Introduces stealth, super-cruise, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare.
    • Comparative Use: While not a perfect measure, “generation” helps compare air force capabilities across countries.

     

    [UPSC 2025] With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs:

    Aircraft type: Description

    I. Dornier-228: Maritime patrol aircraft

    II. IL-76: Supersonic combat aircraft

    III. C-17 Globemaster III: Military transport aircraft

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025.  The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69).

    About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:

    • Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide equity funding to MSMEs with growth potential.
    • Total Corpus: It targets ₹50,000 crore, with ₹10,000 crore from the Government of India and ₹40,000 crore to be raised from private investors.
    • Structure and Management: The fund is a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with SEBI.  The fund uses a two-tier structure:
      1. A Mother Fund managed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL).
      2. 60 empanelled Daughter Funds that make direct investments in MSMEs.
    • Progress: As of March 2025, the SRI Fund has invested ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs.
    • Package Alignment: It is a component of the ₹20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.

    Key Features Impact:

    • Funding Type: Offers equity or quasi-equity support to reduce MSMEs’ reliance on debt and strengthen long-term growth.
    • Sectoral Focus: Prioritises manufacturing, services, and high-growth MSMEs, especially those engaged in innovation, R&D, and exports.
    • Addressing Credit Gap: Helps bridge India’s ₹30 lakh crore MSME credit gap by complementing credit guarantee schemes with equity-based support.
    • Revised Eligibility: With the turnover limit raised to ₹500 crore, more companies now qualify for SRI and related MSME support.
    [UPSC 2017] The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to:

    Options: (a) Developing solar power production in our country* (b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country. (c) Exporting our food products to other countries. (d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country.

     

  • BrahMos: the ‘Fire and Forget’ Stealthy Cruise Missile 

    brahmos

    Why in the News?

    The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has garnered global attention as it was reportedly used for the first time in a combat scenario during Operation Sindoor.

    About the BrahMos Missile:

    • BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace.
    • The name is derived from the Brahmaputra River (India) and the Moskva River (Russia).
    • It is one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles, reaching speeds up to Mach 3.
    • It was first successfully tested on June 12, 2001, from Chandipur, Odisha.
    • It is a ‘fire and forget’ missile, requiring no further guidance after launch.
    • It can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms.
    • It has been inducted into the Indian Navy (2005), Army (2007), and Air Force (2017).
    • Key Features:
      • Classified as a stand-off weapon, it can be launched from a safe distance, avoiding enemy defences.
      • The original range was 290 km, now extended to 350–400 km, with future variants targeting 800 km and hypersonic speeds (Mach 5).
      • It offers high accuracy, extended seeker range, and 9 times more kinetic energy than subsonic missiles.
      • It operates in all weather conditions, day or night, and strikes both land and sea targets with precision.

    Anatomy of the BrahMos Missile:

    • BrahMos is a two-stage missile with advanced propulsion and stealth capabilities.
    • The first stage is a solid-propellant booster that accelerates the missile to supersonic speed.
    • The second stage uses a liquid-fuelled ramjet engine to sustain high-speed cruise up to Mach 3.
    • The ramjet is an air-breathing engine that combines liquid fuel with incoming air for efficient thrust.
    • It features stealth technologies, such as low radar cross-section and special materials.
    • The missile can cruise at up to 15 km altitude and descend to 10 metres in the terminal phase for pinpoint accuracy.
    • It supports multiple launch platforms, including mobile launchers, naval ships, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, and submarines.

    Key Weapons and Systems used by India in Operation SINDOOR:

    Type Name Features & Role in Operation SINDOOR
    Air-Launched Missile SCALP (Storm Shadow) Long-range missile launched from Rafale jets; used for deep strikes on terror camps with minimal collateral damage.
    Precision-Guided Bomb HAMMER Modular weapon with 15–70 km range; delivered from aircraft to hit mid-range targets with high accuracy.
    Surface-to-Air Missile Akash Indigenous system that can engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously; intercepted enemy drones and missiles.
    Air Defence System SAMAR Rapid-response missile system for low-flying threats like UAVs and drones; bolstered India’s layered air defence.
    Anti-Drone System D-4 (Detect, Deter, Destroy) Uses radar, jammers, and laser weapons to disable or destroy hostile drones and UCAVs.
    Loitering Munition SkyStriker Kamikaze drone that hovers over targets before striking; used for precision attacks on enemy assets.
    Satellite Systems Cartosat, RISAT, EOS Series Provided real-time surveillance and intelligence for target tracking and mission planning.
    Navigation System NavIC India’s satellite-based navigation system; enabled sub-metre precision for missile and drone targeting.
    Anti-Aircraft Gun Upgraded L-70 (Bofors) Equipped with radar and auto-tracking; used to shoot down low-flying drones in conflict zones.

     

    [UPSC 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 flight.

    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?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • DRDO tests Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

    Why in the News?

    The DRDO has successfully tested the Vertically- Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the Indian Navy.

    About VLSRSAM

    • The VLSRSAM is a ship-borne surface-to-air missile designed to counter various aerial threats, particularly at short ranges.
    • The missile is intended for neutralizing airborne threats at close ranges, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other incoming missiles, which are critical for naval defence operations.
    • The VLSRSAM weighs around 170 kg and is powered by a solid propellant.
    • The missile can reach a maximum speed of Mach 4.5.
    • The missile can reach altitudes of 16 km and has a range sufficient to engage high-speed targets.
    • Guidance System:
      • Mid-course phase: The missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system, ensuring stable flight towards the target.
      • Terminal phase: It switches to active radar homing for precise target acquisition and guidance, ensuring that it can engage targets with high accuracy even at low altitudes.

    Strategic Significance

    • With advanced guidance systems, the VLSRSAM demonstrates agility and precision in targeting, ensuring it is highly effective even against fast-moving, low-flying aerial threats.
    • The missile has been tested for reliability and accuracy, successfully engaging targets at close range and low altitudes.
    • It is seen as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing its air defence capabilities, particularly in protecting high-value assets in the maritime domain.
    [UPSC 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

     

  • ‘AI Kosha’ Platform

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has launched AI Kosha, a platform dedicated to non-personal datasets, marking a major step in India’s AI research and development efforts.

    What is AI Kosha?

    • AI Kosha is a government-backed platform for non-personal datasets to support Artificial Intelligence (AI) R&D in India.
    • It serves as a centralized repository of structured datasets aimed at training AI models, particularly for Indian languages.
    • The platform is a key part of the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, one of the seven pillars of the ₹10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI access and innovation.
    • At launch, it hosts 316 datasets, with a significant portion focused on language translation tools for Indian languages.
    • The government has commissioned 14,000 GPUs for AI research, up from 10,000 earlier this year.
    • More computing power will be added quarterly to support advanced AI research and training.

    Key Features of AI Kosha:

    • AI Kosha aims to support India’s first foundational AI model, similar to China’s DeepSeek.
    • Works alongside the Open Governance Data Platform (data.gov.in), which already hosts 12,000 datasets from various government agencies.
    • Focuses on Indian languages, ensuring regional language AI development.
    • Includes health records, satellite imagery, Census 2011 data, meteorological and pollution data.
    • Supports AI development with access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
    • Equipped with secure API access, data encryption, and real-time filtering for data protection.