The Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) Weapon

Source: PIBSubject: Security Context: The DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the coast of Odisha. The Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) Weapon About The Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) Weapon: What it is? TARA is a modular range extension kit …

The National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Source:  ANI Subject:  Government Scheme Context: The Union Minister for Science & Technology, recently announced that the National Quantum Mission (NQM) has achieved a historic 1,000-km secure quantum communication milestone in less than two years. About The National Quantum Mission (NQM): What it is? The National Quantum Mission is a specialized initiative aimed at seeding, …

LCH Prachand

Source:  PIB Subject:  Security Context: President Droupadi Murmu recently undertook a 25-minute historic sortie in the indigenous LCH Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, marking her third major flight in a combat aircraft to witness India’s defense prowess. About LCH Prachand: What it is? Prachand is India’s first indigenously designed and developed dedicated combat helicopter, …

Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

Source:  NIE Subject:   Science and Technology Context: India achieved a key milestone in its human spaceflight programme as DRDO successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan mission. About Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute: What is it? The Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute is a crucial component of the deceleration system of India’s Gaganyaan …

Bring out the key defining features of a deep-tech startup in India. Explain why deep-tech requires differentiated regulatory treatment compared to conventional startups. Analyse how this differentiation can shape India’s innovation-led growth model.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q5. Bring out the key defining features of a deep-tech startup in India. Explain why deep-tech requires differentiated regulatory treatment compared to conventional startups. Analyse how this differentiation can shape India’s innovation-led growth model. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: …

V-BAT Autonomous Drones

Source:  TP Subject:  Security Context: The Indian Army officially selected the US-based firm Shield AI to supply its cutting-edge V-BAT autonomous drones. This emergency procurement deal marks a milestone as India integrates the Hivemind AI software, allowing for sovereign development of autonomous military capabilities. About V-BAT Autonomous Drones: What is it? The V-BAT is a …

“Strategic autonomy in the economy today depends as much on supply-chain integration as on domestic self-reliance”. Discuss.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q4. “Strategic autonomy in the economy today depends as much on supply-chain integration as on domestic self-reliance”. Discuss. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question India’s evolving understanding of strategic autonomy in an era of supply-chain disruptions, …

PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners & LED Lights)

Source:  News on Air Subject:  Government Scheme Context: The Government of India has selected five companies in the fourth round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, involving a committed investment of ₹863 crore. About PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners & LED Lights): What is the PLI Scheme for White Goods? …

Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM)

Source:  BL Subject:  Defence Context: India will publicly debut its Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM) at the 77th Republic Day parade, marking India’s entry into the exclusive hypersonic anti-ship weapons club. About Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM): What it is? LR-AShM is an indigenous hypersonic glide missile designed to engage high-value naval targets, …

Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme

Source:  PIB Subject:  Government Scheme Context: The Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme is in news highlighting its tangible outcomes—56 student-designed chips fabricated, 75+ patents filed, and large-scale chip design training—showcasing India’s growing indigenous semiconductor design capability. About Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme: What it is? The Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme is a national capacity-building …

Government Boosts Fertilizer Security

Context: India has achieved an all-time high fertilizer production of 524.62 lakh tonnes in 2025, meeting nearly 73% of its total fertilizer demand through domestic supply. About Government Boosts Fertilizer Security: What it is? Fertilizer security refers to ensuring the timely, affordable, and uninterrupted availability of fertilizers such as Urea, DAP, NPKs and SSP to …

Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns

Source:  TOI Subject:  Defence Exercise Context: The Indian Army is set to become the first armed force in the world to operationally deploy ramjet-powered artillery shells for its 155 mm guns. About Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns: What it is? Ramjet-powered artillery shells are advanced 155 mm projectiles fitted …

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

Source: PIB Subject: Government Scheme Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 22 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) involving ₹41,863 crore of investment. About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): What it is? ECMS is a flagship incentive scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of electronic components, sub-assemblies, and capital …

Pralay Missile

Source:  TOI Subject:  Defence Context: DRDO has successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the Odisha coast, marking a key milestone in user evaluation trials. About Pralay Missile: What it is? Pralay is an indigenously developed solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile designed for high-precision conventional strikes …

Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120)

Source:  NIE Subject:  Defence Context: DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) at ITR Chandipur. About Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120): What it is? The Pinaka LRGR-120 is an indigenously developed, precision-guided rocket variant of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, designed for long-range, high-accuracy strikes. …

Industrial hemp

Source:  DD News Subject:  Miscellaneous Context: Himachal Pradesh has legalised and initiated regulated cultivation of industrial hemp under the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote a bio-economy–led growth model. About Industrial hemp: What it is? Industrial hemp is a non-intoxicating variety of Cannabis sativa cultivated for fibre, seed, and biomass, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content below …

Flower Lady of Manipur – Chokhone Krichena

Context: Prime Minister of India praised Chokhone Krichena, popularly known as the ‘Flower Lady of Manipur’, in Mann Ki Baat for transforming floriculture into a driver of self-reliance and inclusive growth. About Flower Lady of Manipur – Chokhone Krichena: Who she is? Chokhone Krichena is a woman entrepreneur from Senapati district, Manipur, who has successfully …

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

Source:  PIB Subject:  Miscellaneous Context: The Union Health Minister reviewed the progress of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) and announced that the 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 will be launched in January 2026. About Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC): What it is? The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is an autonomous national body responsible …

Akash-NG Missile System

Source:  TN Subject:  Defence Context: DRDO has successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Next Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, meeting all PSQR requirements. About Akash-NG Missile System: What it is? Akash-NG (Next Generation Akash) is an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to intercept a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, …

India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base

Source:  TH Subject:   Economics & National Security Context: The debate on building a strong defence industrial base has intensified as India targets ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029, alongside rising geopolitical instability and supply-chain risks. About India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base: What it is? A defence industrial …