1. 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' ceremony in Rajasthan
Tags: State News
According to Jaskaur Meena, MP from Dausa, Rajasthan, people in Dausa, Rajasthan celebrate 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' (Baby Shower) ceremony.
An Overview of the News:
- In this ceremony all the pregnant women of the area come together and they are provided with 'nutritional kits' for the health of their babies.
- According to MP Jaskaur Meena, about 3.5 lakh women have benefited from this scheme during 2022-23 only in Rajasthan.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appreciated the new initiative of celebrating 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a 'baby shower' ceremony in Dausa, Rajasthan.
- This unique initiative of Dausa will give new energy to 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana'. This initiative will ensure the health security of not only the mothers but also the babies.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
- PMMVY was launched on January 1, 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- This scheme, run by the Union Ministry of Child Development, was done for the welfare of pregnant and lactating women across the country.
- Under this, cash benefits are provided to pregnant women directly into their bank accounts to meet increased nutritional requirements and partially compensate for wage loss.
- All pregnant women and lactating mothers who are in regular employment under the Central Government or State Governments or Public Undertakings or who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law.
- Under this, five thousand rupees are given to all the eligible beneficiaries in three installments and the remaining amount of one thousand rupees is given after institutional delivery as per the conditions of maternity benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana.
- Thus on an average a woman is given Rs.6000.
Rajasthan:
- Capital: Jaipur
- Governor: Kalraj Mishra
- Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot
- Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly: 200
- Number of seats in Lok Sabha: 25
- Number of seats in Rajya Sabha: 10
2. ‘Agni Prime’ ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 7, 2023.
An overview of the news
DRDO's successful test flight of 'Agni Prime' missile marks a significant achievement.
This was the first pre-induction night launch by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Range instrumentation such as radar, telemetry and electro optical tracking systems were deployed at various locations including two down-range vessels at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.
About 'Agni Prime' Missile
The missile is a two-stage canisterised missile.
It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles, developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
The missile is equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, enabling it to deliver warheads to separate locations. It has a range of 1,000 - 2,000 km.
The missile has a diameter of 1.2 m and a height of 10.5 m.
It has a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes for carrying warheads.
The missile is capable of performing high maneuvers while homing in on its targets.
After a series of user-associated launches, these missiles will be officially inducted into the armed forces.
3. Indian Navy undertakes first combat firing of Varunastra torpedo
Tags: Defence Science and Technology National News
The Indian Navy and the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) undertook the first ‘combat' test-firing of the Varunastra heavyweight torpedo on 5 June.
An overview of the news
It will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the indigenous Navy and give it a formidable force.
The torpedo was fired from a submarine and successfully hit the target at a distance of 40 km.
The test was conducted in the Arabian Sea in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
About Varunastra torpedo
It has been designed and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory at Visakhapatnam under the Defense Research and Development Organisation.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is responsible for the production of the Varunastra missile system.
This would become the mainstay of anti-submarine torpedoes for all Navy warships.
It will replace the old torpedoes on all naval ships that can fire heavy-weight torpedoes.
Features of the Varunastra
It is seven to eight meters long, weighs 1,500 kg and has a diameter of 533 mm.
When fired it can travel at 40 knots, or 74 kmph.
The operational range is 40 km and it can carry a warhead weighing 250 kg.
Varunastra was inducted by Indian Navy in 2016
It can be fired from all Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavy-weight torpedoes in an intense countermeasures environment.
Benefits of the Varunastra Torpedo
It is a powerful and sophisticated weapon that will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines.
It is the first indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo that is capable of meeting the Navy’s operational requirements.
This will reduce the Navy’s dependence on foreign weapons systems.
It is a cost-effective weapon that will save the Navy money in the long run.
4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin
Tags: International Relations International News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held discussions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in New Delhi on 5th June.
An overview of the news
The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation in various areas, including aligning strategic interests and enhancing security cooperation.
During the talks, Minister Singh emphasized the significance of the India-US partnership in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
He expressed India's commitment to closely collaborate with the United States across different domains, aiming for capacity building and further strengthening strategic partnership.
Both ministers explored opportunities to build resilient supply chains and identified areas for co-development of new technologies and co-production of existing and new systems.
Facilitation to enhance cooperation between the defense start-up ecosystems of the two countries was also discussed.
A roadmap for US-India defense industrial cooperation was agreed upon, which will shape their cooperation in the years to come.
They welcomed the recent dialogues focused on Defense Artificial Intelligence and Defense Space.
Regional security issues were also discussed, reflecting their shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Defense including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane and DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr Sameer V Kamat.
India America relations
Historical Background
The establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the United States dates back to 1947.
Both countries share common values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law.
Strategic Partnership
India and the United States have developed a strong strategic partnership based on shared interests and values.
The partnership has seen significant growth in various areas including defence, trade and technology.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense cooperation between India and the US has expanded significantly in recent years.
Both countries engage in joint military exercises, defense equipment cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Defense ties have been strengthened by the signing of the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Economic and trade relations
Economic relations between India and America have grown steadily.
The US is one of India's largest trading partners and bilateral trade has grown over the years.
Both the countries have signed various agreements to enhance economic cooperation and promote investments.
Technology and Innovation
India and the US cooperate in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Cooperation has been promoted in areas such as space exploration, clean energy and information technology.
The US has supported India's initiatives like Digital India and Skill India.
5. IIT Madras researchers partner for development of materials and micro-device processing techniques
Tags: Science and Technology National News
IIT Madras researchers have partnered withDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists to develop sensor technology for underwater communications, which will be advantageous to defence applications, especially in the Navy.
An overview of the news
'Piezoelectric MEMS technology' is needed to develop high-performance thin films and to convert 'piezo-thin films' into future naval sensors and devices for underwater applications.
Piezo thin film is an important component of piezo MEMS devices and is considered for acoustics and vibration-sensing applications.
The installation of state-of-the-art Piezo MEMS technology enables India to advance defense efficiency and allows the nation to execute strategic operations of critical applications.
The large area piezo thin film and MEMS process technology will support the ongoing/future technologies for DRDO's next generation sonar program for the Indian Navy.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is working on several cutting-edge military technology areas, including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications
DRDO's first project for the Indian military was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
Since inception, DRDO has made several breakthroughs in developing key systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems and missile systems
It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
It was set up in 1958.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairman - Samir V Kamat
6. DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar arrested in Pune on charges of espionage
Tags: Person in news
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad recently arrested a scientist of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on charges of espionage.
An Overview of the News
- The scientist named Pradeep Kurulkar was arrested in Pune on 3 May and brought to the ATS office in Pune on 5 May for further investigation.
- The Maharashtra ATS has accused Kurulkar of passing sensitive information to foreign intelligence agencies, which could compromise national security.
- According to the ATS, the scientist was in touch with Pakistan's intelligence agency operatives through various means including WhatsApp messages, voice calls and video calls.
- As per reports, Kurulkar was working at DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, which develops and designs armaments for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Despite being in a responsible position, the scientist allegedly misused his position to compromise sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India's security if it fell into wrong hands.
- The Maharashtra ATS registered a case against the scientist under Section 1923 of the Official Secrets Act 1923 and other relevant sections.
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
- It is working on several cutting edge military technology areas including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications.
- DRDO's first project for the Indian Army was a surface-to-air missile (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
- Establishment - 1958
- Headquarters - New Delhi
- Chairman - Sameer V Kamath
7. DRDO and Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal on April 21.
An overview of the news
The objective of the test was to target and destroy the effect of an enemy ballistic missile threat.
The test could place the Indian Navy in an elite club of nations with BMD capabilities.
Earlier, DRDO had successfully demonstrated the capability of the surface-based BMD system and thus achieved the capability to neutralize incoming ballistic missile threats from the enemy.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is working on several cutting-edge military technology areas, including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications
DRDO's first project for the Indian military was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
Since inception, DRDO has made several breakthroughs in developing key systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems and missile systems
It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
It was set up in 1958.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairman - Samir V Kamat
8. Ministry of Defence inks Rs 3,700 crore contracts with BEL
Tags: Defence National News
To enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defense Ministry on March 23 signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore.
An overview of the news
The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radar (MPR) 'Arudhra' to the IAF.
The second contract, at a total cost of about Rs 950 crore, pertains to 'Radar Warning Receivers' (RWR).
Both the projects are under the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured-IDMM category.
The radar has been designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
The RWR has been designed to also enhance the capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
About Arudhra Radar
This 4D radar is capable of automatic detection and tracking of slow moving aerial targets ranging from fighter jets.
The system has an instrumented range of 400 km.
It is capable of detecting RCS targets with a range of 300 km with altitudes ranging from 100 m to 30 km.
The radar operates in either Staring or Rotation mode.
9. The developed drug gets DCGI approval
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Recently, DGCI developed an important drug, developed by DRDO technology that has been approved for radiological and nuclear emergencies.
An Overview of the News
The drug is called 'Prussian Blue' insoluble formulation and has been developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
It has got approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
The drug has been developed by the industry based on technology from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, a laboratory of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
This drug will be available under the trade names Pru-DecorpTM and PruDecorp-MG.
The formulation is used for the purification of Cesium and Thallium and its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).
It is one of the important medicines listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for radiological and nuclear emergencies.
About Drug Controller General of India (DCGI):
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is the head of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India.
DCGI is also the Central Licensing Authority for Medical Devices under the Medical Devices Rules 2017.
CDSCO is the Central Drug Regulatory Authority in India, overseen by the Drugs Controller General of India.
CDSCO works under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is part of the Government of India.
The headquarters of CDSCO is located in New Delhi, and it also has six regional offices across the country.
CDSCO's mandate is to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of medical products manufactured, imported and distributed in India by promoting transparency, accountability and uniformity in its services.
About Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India responsible for the research, development, and manufacture of advanced technology systems in the fields of defense, aerospace, and security.
It was established in 1958 with the aim of designing and developing indigenous defense technologies to strengthen India's defense capabilities.
It operates under the Ministry of Defense and consists of more than 50 laboratories, centers, and establishments spread across the country.
Its primary mission is to provide technological solutions for the country's defense and security requirements, which includes developing new technologies, systems, and platforms for the Indian Armed Forces.
10. DRDO successfully flight tests indigenous power take off shaft on LCA Tejas in Bengaluru
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
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A successful flight-test of power take off (PTO) shaft was conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru on 14 March.
An overview of the news
First successful flight test of PTO shaft on LCA Tejas Limited Series Production (LSP)-3 aircraft.
The PTO shaft has been indigenously designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The PTO is an important device that transmits power from the aircraft engine to the gearbox.
With this successful test, DRDO has achieved a major technological achievement with the realization of complex high-speed rotor technology that only a few countries have achieved.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme
It was started by the center in 1984.
It replaced the Mig 21 fighter planes.
It was Designed by Aeronautical Development Agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development.
It was Manufactured by State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
It features as the lightest, smallest and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
About Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
It is a single-engine multirole light combat aircraft.
It was designed and developed by India’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).
It replaced the ageing Mig 21 fighter planes.
It is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
It is designed to be air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision guided and weapon-carrying.
Variants of Tejas
LCA Tejas Navy MK2
LCA Tejas Mk-1A
LCA Navy
