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Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    What is Dark Oxygen?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Dark Oxygen

    Why in the News?

    Deep-sea researchers have initiated a groundbreaking project to explore dark oxygen, a form of oxygen produced in complete darkness on the ocean floor.

    What is Dark Oxygen?

    • Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced at extreme ocean depths without the involvement of photosynthesis.
    • This process occurs in total darkness on the ocean floor, challenging the traditional understanding that sunlight is necessary for oxygen generation.
    • It was first discovered in 2024 by researchers studying deep-sea environments.
    • The strange nodules found at a depth of 13,000 feet act like natural batteries, splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using electrical charges.
    • These nodules function in areas where light does not penetrate, under extreme pressure and low-temperature conditions.
    • Occurrence:
      • Found in specific deep-sea zones, particularly in regions characterized by unique electrochemical activity.
      • Occurs in places previously considered incapable of supporting oxygen production.

    Features and Significance of Dark Oxygen:

    • Unlike traditional oxygen production, dark oxygen does not rely on photosynthesis or sunlight.
    • It is driven by electrochemical reactions occurring naturally in the ocean floor.
    • Strange nodules on the ocean floor possess an electric charge, enabling them to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
    • The process releases hydrogen, which could potentially serve as an energy source for microbial life in these regions.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    1st Battalion of NDRF celebrates 20th Raising Day

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

    Why in the News?

    The 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 20th Raising Day.

    About the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

    Details
    About 
    • Constituted under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for specialized disaster response.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headed by a Director General (DG), typically an IPS officer.
    • Initially established in 2006 with 8 battalions, now expanded to 16 battalions.
    • Operates under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister.
    Powers and Functions
    • Primary Role: Rescue and relief operations during natural and man-made disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, building collapses, and accidents.
    • Strategic Deployment: Resources are pre-positioned during imminent disaster situations to minimize damage.
    • Active in international relief efforts, including the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
    • Provides multi-skilled, highly specialized responses, with capabilities for handling complex disaster scenarios.
    Composition
    • Consists of 16 battalions, each with 1,149 personnel.
    • Personnel are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
    • Members are trained in disaster response, relief, and recovery operations.
    • Focus on proactive availability and pre-positioning during disasters to ensure quick response.

     

    IMPORTANT: National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

    • The NDRF is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    • It supplements State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
    • The July 2015 guidelines states that natural calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and cold wave and frost will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
    • NDRF is managed in the “Public Accounts” under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
    • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Protected areas mentioned

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Launh stations in India

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  In 2024, PM laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first one being the Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

    Who was Satish Dhawan?

    • Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian rocket scientist and is hailed as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.
    • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
    • Oversaw a period of extraordinary growth in India’s space program, including the development of:
      • INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.
      • IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.
      • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which positioned India as a major spacefaring nation.
    • Legacy:
      • Passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor.

    About the New Launchpad 

    • The new launchpad at Sriharikota aims to bolster India’s space capabilities.
    • It will support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft.
    • Significance: This is India’s sole operational spaceport, serving as the hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its inception.

    How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

    • 1960s Search: India’s search for an ideal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, tasked EV Chitnis to identify a site on the east coast.
    • Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, approximately 40,000 acres of land were acquired in Sriharikota.
    • Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:
      • East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward takes advantage of Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra velocity boost of 450 m/s, especially beneficial for geostationary satellites.
      • Proximity to the Equator: Rockets launching near the equator require less energy to reach geostationary orbits, making the location ideal for such missions.
      • Uninhabited Area: The site’s sparse population minimizes risks during rocket launches and component re-entry.
      • Access to the Sea: Proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures that rocket debris falls into the sea, avoiding hazards to land or human settlements.
      • Strategic Accessibility: Adequate access to resources, infrastructure, and government support facilitated the development of a robust launch facility.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who are the Namdharis?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Namdhari Sect

    Why in the News?

    Punjab CM paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. The day commemorates the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs (Kukas) on January 17 and 18, 1872, by British colonial authorities.  

    Who are the ‘Namdharis’?

    • The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
    • The name Kuka derives from their distinctive high-pitched recitation of Gurbani (kook in Punjabi means “cry” or “scream”).
    • Social Reforms:
      • Advocated against alcohol consumption, meat eating, and other social vices.
      • Promoted Swadeshi principles, urging people to boycott foreign goods, British services, and educational institutions.
    • The movement served as a precursor to nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule.

    About the Kuka Rebellion

    • The Kuka Rebellion was one of the localized uprisings against British rule after the Rebellion of 1857.
    • The Namdharis actively opposed British policies, particularly cow slaughter, which became a focal point of their resistance.
    • Key events leading to the rebellion:
      • In January 1872, Namdharis, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, clashed with British authorities after a cow slaughter incident in Malerkotla.
      • They attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana, loyal to the British, but the rebellion was crushed.
    • British Retaliation:
      • The British responded brutally, executing 49 Namdharis on January 17, 1872, and 17 more on January 18, 1872.
      • The Kukas were placed in front of cannons and blown up in a public spectacle to intimidate others.

    Kuka Martyrs’ Day 

    • It is observed on January 17 and 18 each year to honor the 66 Namdharis who were executed in 1872.
    • Significant Stories of Bravery:
      • Bishan Singh (12 years old): Refused to renounce his sect despite being offered his life and was brutally executed after tugging the beard of a British official.
      • Waryam Singh: Courageously used stones to elevate himself to the cannon’s mouth for execution, showing unwavering dedication.
    • Legacy:
      • After the rebellion, Satguru Ram Singh and other Namdhari leaders were exiled to Rangoon.
      • Namdharis believe Ram Singh is still alive and mourn his absence by wearing white.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the:

    (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

    (b) Home Rule Movement

    (c) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    Lokpal and Lokayukta

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lokpal and Lokayukta; Powers and Functions

    Why in the News?

    12 years after its enactment, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, has seen limited impact, with the Lokpal ordering just 24 investigations and granting 6 prosecution sanctions.

    History of Lokpal:

    • The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-I) recommended establishing an anti-corruption ombudsman for India in 1966.
    • Several Lokpal Bills were introduced between 1971 and 2008, but none were passed.
    • In 2011, activist Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Andolan led to significant public pressure for an anti-corruption framework.
    • This movement resulted in the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which provides for the appointment of:
      • Lokpal at the Centre.
      • Lokayuktas in states to address corruption cases involving public servants.

    About Lokpal and Lokayukta

    Lokpal Lokayukta
    About
    • Envisioned under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, it is India’s first anti-corruption ombudsman at the central level.
    • Covers corruption cases involving public servants, including the Prime Minister (with exceptions), Union Ministers, MPs, and central government officials.
    • Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee (includes PM, LoP, CJI, and an eminent jurist).
    • Established under Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, as the state-level counterpart to the Lokpal.
    • Handles corruption cases involving state public servants, including Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, and state officials.
    • Appointed by the Governor, with the composition and appointment process varying across states.
    Powers and Functions
    • Investigates corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
    • Can confiscate property acquired through corrupt practices.
    • Has jurisdiction over central officials in Groups A, B, C, and D, and institutions receiving significant foreign contributions or government funding.
    • Can refer cases to the CBI or its Inquiry Wing for investigation.
    • Submits annual reports to the President, which are tabled in Parliament.
    • Investigates cases under state laws, particularly involving state public servants.
    • Addresses corruption complaints related to government schemes, contracts, and functioning.
    • Powers vary across states, but typically include authority to recommend investigations, disciplinary action, or prosecution.
    • Submits annual reports to the Governor, which are presented in the State Legislature.
    Structural Mandate
    • Composition: Chairperson (former CJI, SC Judge, or eminent person) and up to 8 members, 50% of whom must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women.
    • Tenure: 5 years or until 70 years of age.
    • Salary: Chairperson’s salary equals CJI, members’ salaries equal SC Judges.
    • Removal by the President upon SC inquiry for misconduct or incapacity.
    • Composition: Varies by state law but generally includes a Chairperson and members with qualifications similar to the Lokpal.
    • Tenure: Defined by state legislation.
    • Salary: Modeled on the Lokpal but subject to state laws.
    • Removal by the Governor, often following a process modelled on the Lokpal Act.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.

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  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: FTI- TTP

    Why in the News?

    The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is set to expand to seven major Indian airports starting January 16, 2025, ensuring seamless and expedited immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

    About the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)

    • Launched under the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, it aims to establish world-class immigration facilities and enhance international mobility.
    • The Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the programme.
    • It was initially introduced on June 22, 2024, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
    • It is targeted at Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders in its first phase and will eventually include foreign travelers.
    • Phase-Wise Implementation:
      • Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
      • Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travelers.
    • The program is free of cost during its initial implementation phase.
    • By 2025, the program will be operational at 21 major airports across India.

    Features of the Program

    • Operates through e-gates or automated border gates for faster processing.
    • Travelers scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication, to complete the process.
    • Enrollment is completed through an online portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in), where applicants upload their details and required documents.
    • Membership is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until the passport’s validity, whichever comes first.
    • Applicants must ensure their passport has a minimum six-month validity at the time of registration.
    • White-listed trusted travelers undergo faster clearance while maintaining security standards.

    Significance  

    • Reduces immigration clearance time, providing a hassle-free travel experience for international travelers.
    • Biometric authentication ensures identity verification, reducing risks of fraudulent entries.
    • Travelers can bypass regular queues, making the process more convenient and seamless.
    • Comparable to the Global Entry Program in the United States, it aligns India’s immigration services with international standards.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3
    (d) 2 and 3

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    What is Central Suspect Registry?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Central Suspects Registry

    Why in the News?

    In just three months since its launch, the Central Suspect Registry (CSR) has successfully declined over 6 lakh fraudulent transactions, saving ₹1,800 crore, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

    About the Central Suspect Registry (CSR)

    • The CSR aims to strengthen fraud risk management by maintaining a comprehensive registry of cybercrime suspects.
    • It contains data on 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and other cybercrimes.
    • The registry was created by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • The registry is accessible to states, Union Territories, central investigation agencies, intelligence agencies, and financial institutions.
    • Developed with inputs from banks and financial institutions, the CSR serves as a central database consolidating cybercrime-related data.

    Significance of the CSR:

    • Integration with NCRP: Uses data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to identify potential cybercriminals.
    • Fraud Detection and Prevention: Helps financial institutions and law enforcement agencies identify and block fraudulent activities.
    • Support from Financial Entities: The RBI has directed all banks to integrate the registry into their systems for fraud prevention.
    • Impact:
      • Over 6.10 lakh fraudulent transactions blocked, saving ₹1,800 crore as of December 1, 2024.
      • 8.67 lakh mule accounts frozen by banks and financial intermediaries.
      • 7 lakh SIM cards and 1.4 lakh mobile devices blocked.
      • Financial fraud transactions amounting to ₹3,850 crore saved since 2021 through the Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System.
      • 1,03,151 suspicious online content items blocked under the powers conferred by the Information Technology Act, 2000.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?

    1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
    2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
    3. Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
    4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hydroclimate Whiplash

    Why in the News?

    Since earlier this month Los Angeles has been gripped by devastating wildfires fueled by a rare and alarming meteorological phenomenon known as hydroclimate whiplash.

    What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    • Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme shifts between periods of intensely wet weather and dangerously dry conditions.
    • Characteristics:
      • Alternates between heavy rainfall and severe drought.
      • Typically results in amplified weather extremes, such as floods followed by wildfires.
    • Global Trend:
      • Hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31% to 66% worldwide since the mid-20th century, largely due to climate change.
      • Projections indicate a 113% rise in such events during sub-seasonal periods with a 3°C increase in global temperatures.

    Causes of Hydroclimate Whiplash

    • Rising global temperatures intensify hydrological extremes, causing prolonged periods of rainfall and drought.
    • Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfalls during wet periods and exacerbating droughts during dry phases.
    • Shifts in El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles influence precipitation and temperature extremes.
    • Changes in ocean currents and wind patterns disrupt normal weather cycles, contributing to hydroclimate variability.
    • Unusual delays in wet or dry seasons can magnify hydroclimate swings, as seen in regions like California.

    How did this phenomenon cause wildfire in LA?

    • The usual wet season, which begins in October, failed during 2024-25, exacerbating dry conditions and increasing fire hazards.
    • As dry air moves from high-pressure regions over southwestern deserts to low-pressure zones off the California coast, it warms and dries further, creating ideal wildfire conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino?

    1. La Nina is characterised by an usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

    2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Indian Army Updates

    India successfully tests Indian Army’s first ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone micro missiles

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 'Bhargavastra' Micro Missiles

    Why in the News?

    India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology by successfully testing its first domestically developed Bhargavastra micro-missile system, designed to counter swarm drone threats.

    'Bhargavastra'

    What is Bhargavastra?

    • Bhargavastra is India’s first micro-missile-based counter-drone system, developed to address the increasing threat posed by swarm drones.
    • It is capable of detecting and neutralizing small aerial vehicles at ranges exceeding 6 km.
    • Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd, the system is designed for the Indian Army, with interest also expressed by the Indian Air Force.
    • The system is tailored to provide a cost-effective solution for countering drone threats while preserving advanced air defense systems for larger challenges.

    Features of the Bhargavastra Missile System

    • Detection Range: Can detect small aerial vehicles at distances greater than 6 km.
    • Neutralization Capability: Employs guided micro munitions to engage and destroy drone targets.
    • Simultaneous Launches: Capable of launching over 64 micro missiles simultaneously, enabling effective countermeasures against swarm formations.
    • Mobile Platform: Mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.
    • Versatile Design: Engineered to operate across varied terrains, meeting the specific requirements of the Indian military.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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